Houston Car Accident Lawyer
Helping You Recover After a Crash Changes Your Life
Settlements
Accidents Are Temporary. Justice Isn’t
You survived the accident — but now you’re dealing with pain, repairs, missed work, and nonstop insurance calls.
Most people don’t look for a car accident lawyer immediately. They reach out days or weeks later, when injuries don’t heal, bills pile up, or the insurance company starts rushing decisions. If you’re here now, it’s because you want answers, fairness, and protection — not regrets later. That’s where having the right Houston car accident lawyer matters.
Message From Attorney Michael Bates
“I understand that being hurt in an accident or facing criminal charges can turn your life upside down. I know the stress, the uncertainty, and the fear of what comes next.
My job is to listen, guide, and fight for you. I treat every case as if it were my own — making sure your rights are protected, your voice is heard, and your case is handled with the seriousness it deserves. You didn’t ask for this situation, but together, we can take control and work toward the best possible outcome for you and your family.”
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle
Our Houston car accident lawyers represent drivers and passengers injured in a wide range of crashes caused by another driver’s negligence. We handle cases that include:
T-Bone / Side-Impact Collisions
These accidents often happen when someone ignores a stop sign or traffic signal, putting passengers at high risk of serious injury.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
When the at-fault driver leaves the scene, pursuing compensation can be complex, but our team works aggressively to trace the driver.
Drowsy Driving Crashes
Fatigue-related accidents slow reaction times and cause serious collisions, often on highways or during late-night travel.
Intersection Accidents
These occur when drivers run red lights or fail to yield, commonly on Houston roads like Richmond Avenue or FM 1960.
Rollover Accidents
High-speed turns, vehicle defects, or side-impact collisions can cause rollovers, often results in life-altering injuries like spinal or head trauma.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Texting, phone use, or other distractions can lead to serious crashes in just seconds — and we make sure victims are protected.
Speeding Accidents
Excessive speed reduces reaction time and amplifies injury severity, especially on major Houston highways.
Rear-End Collisions
Even low-speed collisions on I-45 or US-290 can cause serious injuries when drivers tailgate or fail to brake in time.
Head-On Crashes
One of the deadliest accident types, usually caused by wrong-way drivers, fatigue, or intoxication, often resulting in catastrophic injuries.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Highway pile-ups, especially on I-10 or Beltway 8, involve several vehicles and create complex liability issues that require expert legal handling.
Sideswipe Collisions
Often occurring during lane changes in heavy traffic, these crashes can seem minor but frequently lead to significant injuries or costly repairs.
Parking Lot Accidents
Low-speed collisions in parking lots still cause serious injuries and often involve disputed fault and surveillance evidence.
Construction Zone Accidents
Work zone crashes occur due to sudden lane shifts, poor signage, or reckless drivers speeding through active construction areas.
Electric Vehicle (E-Car) Accidents
Crashes involving electric vehicles often raise unique issues like battery fires, silent acceleration, and complex repair costs, increasing injury severity and claim value.
What To Do After a Car Accident
The steps you take after a crash can protect both your health and your claim:
Get Medical Care First
Even injuries that seem minor can worsen later.
Document the Scene
Photos, vehicle damage, road conditions, and witness details matter.
Report the Accident
A police report often becomes key evidence.
Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Alone
What you say can be used to reduce your claim.
Contact a Houston Car Accident Lawyer Early
Evidence fades, and timing matters.
It only takes 1 minute to see if you have a case — we’ll handle the rest.
When To Call a Lawyer After a Car Accident
Most people contact a lawyer when something feels off — when pain doesn’t improve, work becomes difficult, or the insurance offer doesn’t match reality. At the Law Office of Michael Bates, we step in to protect your rights and ensure your claim reflects the full impact of the accident — not just the first ER visit.
What Is Car Accident Law?
In Houston, car accident claims follow Texas’s fault-based system, meaning the at-fault driver is responsible for injuries, vehicle damage, and related losses. Texas law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, and leaving the scene of a crash—regardless of severity—can result in serious civil and criminal penalties.
Texas also applies a modified comparative fault rule: your compensation may be reduced if you share blame, and recovery is barred if you are more than 50% at fault. Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003, most car accident lawsuits must be filed within two years of the crash. A Houston car accident lawyer can protect your rights, meet critical deadlines, and pursue maximum compensation.
How a Houston Car Accident Lawyer Helps You
A car accident attorney takes the pressure off you and puts it where it belongs — on the insurance company. Your lawyer gathers evidence, calculates real damages, handles all communications, and pushes for full compensation. If negotiations fail, your case is prepared for court — not rushed into a bad settlement.
Common Fault Scenarios in Car Accident Cases
Understanding how fault is determined can make or break your claim:
Clear Negligence by Another Party
When a crash is caused by speeding, distraction, or reckless driving, fault is often clear. Texas negligence law allows injured victims to recover damages when duty, breach, causation, and harm are proven. However, claims must be filed within two years under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003. Acting quickly preserves evidence and strengthens your position.
Shared Fault Accidents
Insurance companies often try to shift blame to reduce payouts. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, allowing recovery if you are less than 51% at fault, though compensation is reduced proportionally. These cases still must meet the two-year filing deadline under § 16.003. Challenging unfair fault assessments early can protect your claim.
Multiple Liable Parties
Some auto accident cases involve more than just the at-fault driver. Employers, vehicle owners, or manufacturers may share responsibility for the crash. Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.013 allows liability to be allocated among multiple responsible parties, which can increase available compensation.
Damages You May Recover After a Car Accident
If you were injured, a Houston car accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for:
Medical Expenses
Covers ER visits, hospital care, surgery, therapy, medication, and future treatment tied to your injuries.
Lost Wages
Replaces income lost while recovering, including missed workdays, reduced hours, bonuses, or future earning losses.
Pain and Suffering
Compensates for physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and reduced enjoyment of daily life after a crash.
Loss of Earning Capacity
Provides compensation when injuries permanently limit the ability to work, advance careers, or earn income again.
Is It Illegal To Not Wear a Seatbelt
Not wearing a seatbelt is illegal in Houston under Texas law. Texas Transportation Code § 545.413 requires drivers and front-seat passengers to wear seatbelts at all times, and it also mandates proper restraints for children. Police may stop and ticket a driver solely for a seatbelt violation. Beyond fines, failing to wear a seatbelt can affect injury claims, as insurers may argue injuries were worsened due to noncompliance, potentially reducing compensation.
Why Choose Our Law Office
Local Knowledge
Our lawyers in Houston are familiar with local courts, judges, and procedures, giving your case a strategic advantage.
Client-First Representation
You work directly with your attorney—not passed off to case managers.
Proven Results
Millions recovered for clients by our team of attorneys.
No Fee Unless We Win
We only get paid when you do.
The Personal Injury Process
Free Consultation
We listen to your story and review the facts of your case.
Investigation
Gathering evidence, witness statements, accident reports, and expert testimony.
Negotiation
Aggressively pursuing full compensation from insurance companies.
Litigation
Taking your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
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You’re Not Alone After an Accident
Reach us at [Your Phone Number] or submit the form for a free consultation. We’ll listen, support you, and fight to ensure your recovery and future are protected.
It only takes 1 minute to see if you have a case — we’ll handle the rest.
- Frequently asked question
Answers to your asked queries
Do I have a valid car accident case?
If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries or losses, you likely have a case. A free consultation can confirm liability, damages, and your legal options.
How much is my car accident case worth?
Case value depends on injury severity, medical care, lost income, and future impact. Property damage alone does not reflect the full compensation you may recover.
How long will my case take?
Some cases settle in a matter of months, while others may take a year or more if litigation is required. We keep you informed every step of the way.
Will I have to go to court?
Many car accident cases settle without a trial. However, we prepare every case as if courtroom litigation is necessary.
What does it cost to hire a car accident attorney?
There are no upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs to get started. You only pay if compensation is successfully recovered for you.