Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me: Houston, Texas Guide

Introduction: Why Houston Injury Victims Need a Texas-Specific Guide

Houston is the most populous city in Texas and a major hub for energy, shipping, health care, and interstate trucking. The city’s extensive highway network—Interstates 45, 10, and 69, plus the Sam Houston and Westpark tollways—creates heavy traffic and, unfortunately, thousands of motor-vehicle crashes every year. Add to that Houston’s busy petrochemical plants, the nation’s largest medical center, extreme weather events such as hurricanes and flooding, and countless construction projects, and personal injuries become a daily reality for many residents. If you were harmed because someone else breached a duty of care, Texas law gives you the right to seek compensation. This guide explains how “personal injury lawyer Houston Texas” representation works, what deadlines apply, and the exact legal steps you must follow—all grounded in the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code and other authoritative sources.

Understanding Your Personal Injury Rights in Texas

The Basic Right to Sue for Negligence

Texas recognizes a common-law cause of action for negligence. An injured party (the plaintiff) must prove:

• Duty – The defendant owed a legal duty to the plaintiff.

• Breach – The defendant breached that duty by act or omission.

• Causation – The breach was a proximate cause of injury.

• Damages – The plaintiff suffered legally cognizable harm.

These elements stem from decades of Texas Supreme Court precedent, including Lee Lewis Constr., Inc. v. Harrison, 70 S.W.3d 778 (Tex. 2001). When fault is proven, a Houston jury may award damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and more.

Statute of Limitations

The clock starts fast. Under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §16.003(a), you generally have two years from the date of injury to file suit. Missing that deadline almost always destroys your claim, with limited exceptions for minors and legally incapacitated persons.

Comparative Fault—Texas Proportionate Responsibility

Texas follows a modified comparative-fault rule codified in Chapter 33 of the Civil Practice & Remedies Code. If you are:

• 0–50 percent at fault – Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault.

• More than 50 percent at fault – You recover nothing.

Insurance adjusters often exploit this rule to minimize payouts. A seasoned Houston accident attorney can gather evidence to keep your fault percentage low.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Houston

Motor-Vehicle Collisions

Houston’s crash statistics, published by the [Texas Department of Transportation](https://www.txdot.gov), consistently rank among the highest in the state. Rear-end impacts on I-45 and heavy 18-wheeler traffic near the Port of Houston frequently cause catastrophic injuries.

Workplace & Industrial Accidents

Explosions or chemical exposure in the city’s refineries can trigger claims under Texas common law or, when applicable, non-subscriber workplace suits if the employer opted out of the workers’ compensation system.

Premises Liability

Slip-and-fall injuries in the Galleria Mall or inadequate security incidents near entertainment venues fall under Chapter 75 and Chapter 95 duties owed by property owners.

Medical Malpractice

The Texas Medical Center attracts patients worldwide. Suits against physicians must follow *Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §74.351*, including serving an expert report within 120 days.

Product Liability

Defective auto parts, unsafe children’s toys, or recalled prescription drugs may trigger strict liability under Chapter 82.

Texas Legal Protections & Injury Laws You Must Know

Damage Caps

Except in medical-malpractice cases (§74.301: $250,000 per physician, $500,000 per facility), Texas does not cap economic or non-economic damages in standard negligence suits. Punitive (exemplary) damages are capped under §41.008 at the greater of:

• Two times economic damages + up to $750,000 non-economic, or

• $200,000.

Mandatory Auto Liability Insurance

Texas motorists must carry at least 30/60/25 coverage per the Texas Department of Insurance. Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is optional but highly recommended, and insurers must offer it in writing (Tex. Ins. Code §1952.101).

Attorney Licensing & Contingent Fees

Only lawyers licensed by the State Bar of Texas may give legal advice. Contingency-fee agreements must be in writing under Texas Disciplinary Rule 1.04(d). Typical fees range from 33⅓ % to 40 % but can vary.

Pre-Suit Notice Requirements

Certain claims require advance notice—e.g., medical malpractice (60 days, §74.051) and claims against a governmental unit under the Texas Tort Claims Act (within six months, §101.101). The City of Houston charter further requires written notice to the City Secretary within 90 days for municipal liability.

Steps to Take After a Personal Injury in Texas

Get Immediate Medical Care

Treat at an accredited facility such as Memorial Hermann, Houston Methodist, or Ben Taub Hospital. Medical records will become vital evidence.

Preserve Evidence

- Photograph the scene (road debris, skid marks, hazard warnings).

- Collect names and numbers of witnesses.

- Secure damaged property (vehicles, tools) for inspection.

Report the Incident

File Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3) if police did not respond. For workplace events, notify OSHA or local safety officers.

Avoid Recorded Statements

Insurance adjusters for the at-fault party may request a recorded statement. Politely decline until you consult counsel.

Consult a Houston Accident Attorney

Early legal guidance helps secure black-box truck data, surveillance videos, and confirm the two-year *§16.003* deadline.

When to Seek Legal Help in Texas

Indicators You Need Counsel

• Severe injuries (fractures, spinal cord, TBI) or death.

• Disputed liability or multiple vehicles/defendants.

• Commercial defendants—trucking companies, refinery operators.

• Governmental units (Metro bus, City of Houston vehicle).

• Insurance delay tactics or lowball offers.

What a Personal Injury Lawyer Does

A qualified Houston attorney will:

• Obtain crash reconstructions and expert testimony.

• Calculate damages (future medicals, lost earning capacity).

File a petition in Harris County District Court following the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.

• Negotiate liens from health insurers under Chapter 140.

• Take the case to trial if fair settlement is not reached.

Local Resources & Next Steps for Houston Claimants

Key Agencies and Contacts

• Harris County District Clerk – File civil petitions and monitor docket.

• Houston Police Department Accident Division – Obtain crash reports.

• Texas Medical Center – Access specialists for independent medical exams.

• Texas Department of Transportation Houston District – Request traffic-camera footage when available.

Support Organizations

• Houston Area Women’s Center – Counseling for assault victims.

• Texas Department of Insurance Consumer Help Line – 800-252-3439 for insurance complaints.

• Lone Star Legal Aid – Income-qualified free legal services if you cannot afford counsel.

Your Action Plan

• Calendar the two-year §16.003 deadline.

• Gather all medical bills and wage records.

• Speak with a personal injury lawyer Houston Texas promptly.

• Follow your doctor’s treatment plan to avoid mitigation defenses.

• Track mileage, prescriptions, and out-of-pocket expenses.

Legal Disclaimer

This guide provides general information based on Texas law and authoritative sources. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always consult a licensed Texas attorney about your specific situation.

If you were injured due to someone else's negligence, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation and legal consultation.