What to Do After a Car Accident in Houston

When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Houston

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When a serious car crash disrupts your life, you deserve trustworthy legal support. Houston car accident attorney Stephen Goldenzweig at Car Accident Lawyer | Goldenzweig Law Group is committed to advocating for victims who need help with medical bills, lost wages, and countless other challenges caused by a collision. With years of experience and a compassionate approach, our legal team offers the guidance you need to move forward.


Who Can Help Me with My Houston Car Accident Claim?

Meet Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig

Stephen Goldenzweig is the founding attorney of Goldenzweig Law Group. He has built his reputation on representing injured clients with skill and empathy, focusing heavily on car accident cases. Formerly an insurance-defense attorney, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation for individuals harmed by negligent drivers.

Recognized as a Texas Rising Star from 2020 through 2024, Houston car accident lawyer Stephen Goldenzweig understands the tactics insurers use to downplay claims. He is bilingual (English/Spanish) and works out of the Bellaire office near the 610 Loop, fully attuned to Houston’s traffic challenges and cultural diversity.

Why Our Bellaire Car Accident Attorneys Stand Out

Our dedicated team serves all of Harris County and beyond, including Bellaire, West University Place, Downtown Houston, the Heights, Memorial City, and the Galleria area. We handle all phases of a collision claim: gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and, when necessary, taking cases to trial. We do it all so you can focus on healing.

Free Consultations and Contingency Fees

We believe everyone should have access to high-quality legal representation. That is why we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. In other words, you pay nothing up front—and no fee at all unless we win compensation on your behalf.


What Does Texas Law Require for a Houston Car Accident Claim?

Fault-Based Claims in Texas

Texas is a fault state for car accidents. This means you must show that another party was negligent or reckless to pursue a financial recovery. Evidence—such as police reports, photographs, and witness statements—can prove how someone breached their duty of care (for example, by texting while driving) and how that caused your injuries.

Modified Comparative Negligence

The state follows a modified comparative negligence rule, allowing you to receive compensation if you are 50% or less at fault. If a court finds you 20% responsible, your potential damages drop by 20%. But if you are 51% or more to blame, you cannot recover anything.

Act Quickly: Statute of Limitations

You typically have 2 years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. If that deadline lands on a weekend or holiday, it moves to the next business day. A knowledgeable Houston car accident attorney can track these dates, prepare your case, and ensure you do not lose your right to recover damages due to missed deadlines.


What Types of Houston Car Accident Cases Can Goldenzweig Law Group Handle?

The Houston car accident attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group manage common collisions and more unusual or complex crash scenarios. From simple rear-end fender-benders to multi-vehicle pileups, we have the experience to guide your claim to the best possible outcome.

Common Car Accident Cases

Rear-end Collisions

Rear-end accidents are frequent in heavily congested areas, particularly on the 610 Loop or I‑45 at rush hour. Even low-speed impacts can cause issues like whiplash or concussion. Our team gathers evidence and medical records to document the full extent of your injuries.

T-bone (Side-Impact) Collisions

These crashes often occur when a driver ignores a red light or stop sign on roads like Westheimer or Bellaire Boulevard. Because the sides of a vehicle offer less protection, T-bone collisions can result in severe injuries to passengers sitting on the struck side.

Head-on Collisions

Head-on crashes typically happen on two-lane roads or highway entry ramps. They tend to have catastrophic effects due to the combined speeds of both cars. Catastrophic injuries or fatalities can result, so establishing fault is critical in seeking the financial recovery you need.

Drunk Driving Accidents

Impaired drivers pose a tremendous risk to everyone on Houston roads. Our lawyers will investigate the driver’s conduct and explore whether a bar or restaurant violated “dram shop” laws by over-serving alcohol. We hold negligent parties accountable for these devastating crashes.

Distracted Driving Accidents

Texting, phone use, or multitasking behind the wheel frequently causes collisions. By examining phone records, dashcam footage, or other evidence, we work to show that the at-fault driver was not paying proper attention to the road.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Accidents

In some cases, an at-fault driver may carry no insurance or cannot be identified (hit-and-run). We help clients file UM/UIM claims with their own insurance carriers to recoup losses when another driver’s coverage is unavailable.

Commercial Truck Accidents

Crashes involving big rigs or commercial vans on highways like I‑69, I‑10, or Beltway 8 can be especially severe. With significant insurance policies and multiple responsible parties involved (drivers, trucking companies, maintenance contractors), these claims require thorough investigation and negotiation. Our team is well-prepared to handle these complex cases.

Uncommon or Complex Accidents

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) Accidents

Rideshare collisions involve different insurance tiers depending on whether the driver had a passenger, was on the app, or was off-duty. Our Bellaire car accident attorneys know how to identify the proper coverage and pursue fair compensation on behalf of injured passengers, pedestrians, or other motorists.

Tire Blowout/Vehicle Malfunction Cases

When a tire or critical vehicle component fails, accidents can happen in an instant. We investigate possible negligence in manufacturing or maintenance, which may extend liability to carmakers or service providers.

Construction-Zone Accidents

Houston consistently has roadwork on major routes, including expansions and repairs on I‑10 or I‑610. If dangerous construction conditions or negligent contractors caused your crash, we can seek accountability from all liable parties.

Multi-Vehicle Pileups

Dense traffic and sudden weather changes often lead to chain-reaction collisions on highways like I‑45 or Beltway 8. Sorting out fault among multiple drivers and insurance companies can be complex. We protect our clients’ interests so that no one unfairly shifts blame onto them.

Autonomous and Semi-Autonomous Vehicle Accidents

As new driver-assistance technologies become standard, self-driving software sometimes malfunctions. Our attorneys stay updated on evolving regulations and legal precedents for these high-tech situations, helping victims recover even when advanced vehicle systems are partly at fault.


What Steps Should I Take After a Car Accident in Houston?

Immediate Actions at the Crash Scene

First, make sure everyone is safe. If possible, call 911 right away to get police and medical support on the scene. The police report they create is often a core piece of evidence for your claim. If you can, take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions. Gather witness contact information and exchange details with the other driver(s), but do not admit fault or apologize.

Contact Insurance and Seek Legal Help

You do have to inform your insurance company about the crash promptly, yet it is smart to speak with a Houston car accident lawyer before giving a recorded statement. Early legal guidance ensures crucial evidence is collected and you don’t inadvertently say something insurers can twist to reduce or deny your claim.


Why Should I Hire a Houston Car Accident Lawyer After My Collision?

Better Compensation Outcomes

Insurance companies have teams of professionals dedicated to limiting payouts. Houston car accident attorney Stephen Goldenzweig fights these tactics by compiling thorough evidence—accident reconstruction, medical documentation, and expert testimonies—to prove what your injuries are truly worth. Statistics show that claimants with legal representation typically receive higher settlements.

Handling Insurance Negotiations

We manage all conversations with adjusters, so you do not have to worry about high-pressure tactics or misleading questions. We know how to counter lowball offers and identify every possible source of compensation, including multiple at-fault parties or commercial policies.

No Fee Unless We Win

Our contingency fee arrangement eliminates any financial risk to you. If we don’t recover money on your behalf, you owe us nothing. This approach makes it possible for all accident victims—even those with limited funds—to hire skilled legal counsel.


Do I Need a Lawyer if My Accident Was Minor or I Wasn’t Seriously Injured?

Even minor crashes can have hidden consequences, such as whiplash or other soft-tissue damage that appears days later. Insurance companies often rush to settle these “small” claims for less than they’re worth. Speaking with a lawyer helps ensure you don’t accidentally sign away your rights or accept too little for long-term needs. Stephen Goldenzweig can evaluate the details of your collision and determine if hiring counsel is in your best interest.


Can I Still Recover Damages if I Was Partially at Fault for the Crash?

Yes. Under Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule, you remain eligible for compensation as long as you are not more than 50% responsible. If you were 30% at fault, you could receive 70% of your total damages. Establishing and minimizing your fault percentage can significantly affect your recovery. Having an experienced Houston car accident attorney stand up for you is especially critical in these scenarios.


How Soon Should I Contact a Lawyer After My Houston Car Accident?

The best approach is to contact a lawyer immediately. Important evidence—like video footage, debris in the road, or skid marks—can disappear quickly. Witness memories also fade over time. Plus, you generally have only 2 years to file a lawsuit under Texas law. Reaching out to the Houston car accident attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group right away gives you the strongest footing from the start.


How Can I Contact Goldenzweig Law Group for Help with My Car Accident Case?

We offer free consultations to victims of car accidents in Houston and surrounding areas. Call us at (713) 609-1930 or visit our office at 6575 W Loop S Suite 420, Bellaire, TX 77401. We understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a collision can be. Our team stands ready 24/7 to hear your story and take immediate steps toward your recovery.

Geographical Note: Our attorneys serve clients injured on major Houston highways (I-610, I-10, Beltway 8, I-45, and US-59/I-69) as well as neighborhoods like Bellaire, West University Place, Downtown, Memorial City, and more.

Content prepared for Houston car accident attorney Stephen Goldenzweig of Car Accident Lawyer | Goldenzweig Law Group.