The Gutierrez Law Firm represents car accident victims in Houston. While these accidents happen all over the city, they’re more common where there are more people–particularly along Interstate 45. Worse, accidents on I-45 happen at higher speeds, meaning greater impacts and injuries. If you or someone you care about has been hurt in one of these accidents, contact us today to set up a free consultation to talk about your options.

Do You Need a Lawyer?

You obviously never want to be in a car accident in Houston, regardless of where you are. That said, given the amount of people and drivers, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll eventually be in one. This is especially true if your daily route takes you along I-45.

Hopefully, your car accident is only minor and won’t require a lawyer. But if it’s more serious–as is common in I-45 accidents–you probably need a lawyer. With our expertise and resources, we can help you in the following ways:

• We collect and review evidence such as medical records and accident reports.
• We negotiate with the other party’s insurance company to secure a fair settlement for you.
• If necessary, we file a lawsuit against the responsible party and represent you in court.
• If a settlement isn’t possible, we proceed to trial with your case.

With extensive experience in car accident claims, our team is committed to assisting drivers and passengers in Houston. Our goal is to streamline the process for you. We operate on a contingency-fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs for our services.

What Do You Need to Do Following an I-45 Car Accident?

With your potential legal options, it becomes important to know how to approach your car accident from the perspective of a potential claim. This means taking certain steps right after the accident along I-45:

• Check for injuries and call 911 – Your health is most important. First, assess yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt or if you’re unsure, call emergency services immediately. Let the EMTs examine you when they arrive.
  
  
• Move to safety – If you can, move vehicles out of traffic to prevent further accidents.
  
  
• Call the police – Contact the Houston Police Department (HPD), Texas Highway Patrol (THP), or Harris County Sheriff’s Office, especially if there are injuries or significant damage.
  
  
• Report the accident to Houston TranStar – Report the accident to Houston TranStar. This is a collaborative effort between several local agencies to manage traffic flow along I-45. Call them so they can respond and coordinate emergency responses and update traffic information to prevent more accidents. They can also help you move to a safe spot along the side of the interstate.
  
  
• Exchange information – Share names, phone numbers, and insurance details with other involved drivers.
  
  
• Document the scene – Take photos of the vehicles, damage, and relevant signs or signals nearby.
  
  
• Get further medical attention – Even if you feel okay, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away. This also creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident.
  
  
• Tell your car insurance company – Report the accident to your insurance provider to start the claims process and address immediate needs.
  
  
• Preserve evidence – Keep documents like medical bills and repair estimates. Avoid repairing or replacing damaged items until they can be documented.

Experiencing a car accident on I-45 can be frightening and make these steps challenging, especially if you’re seriously injured. That’s where our team can help out. We make sure you have the necessary support for a strong claim, and can also move the legal process along for you.

Who’s Responsible When There’s a Car Accident On I-45?

You might not think about it, but they’re actually several different types of car accidents on I-45. The circumstances around these accidents are very important, because they go a long way in helping you figure out who’s responsible, and also tells you who’s “liable” for covering your injuries and other damages.

Usually, accidents are the result of:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Driving under the influence
• Vehicle or parts failures
• Poor road maintenance
• Lack of signage
  

All of these are generally considered to be “negligent,” and establishes liability on the part of:

• Other drivers
• Vehicle owners (if not the driver)
• Car or parts manufacturers (if a defect caused the accident)
• Government agencies (if poor road conditions contributed)
• Employers (if the driver was working)
• Mechanics or repair shops (if faulty repairs were involved) 

Establishing liability is a huge benchmark for your claim, because it effectively sets the course for how it plays out and who you’ll be filing against. Even more important though, is that it gives you the person or company that’s going to have to pay for your damages.

What Are Your Damages in an I-45 Car Accident?

After any car accident on I-45 (or anywhere else in Houston), your primary legal option is to file an injury claim to recover financial support for your “damages.” “Damages” is actually the legal term that refers to losses resulting from your injuries and related harm. You typically have two main options to file your claim:

• Filing an insurance claim.
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit.

Both processes involve similar steps: an investigation, exchange of evidence to determine liability, negotiation, and potentially, an insurance settlement or jury verdict. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, your damages might include:

• Medical expenses – This covers current and future costs for hospital stays, doctor visits, medications, and therapy needed for treatment.
  
  

• Lost wages – These can cover any income lost due to your injuries, including future earnings you might miss.
  
  

• Property damage – This provides you with repair or replacement costs of damage to your vehicle or personal property.
  
  

• Pain and suffering – This covers any costs relating to the physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress like anxiety and depression, affecting your quality of life.
  
  

• Loss of enjoyment of life or companionship – This covers any changes in personal relationships or limitations in enjoying daily activities.
  
  
• Wrongful death expenses – If your accident is fatal, your surviving family can file a wrongful death claim to recover things like your funeral or burial expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.

After a car accident, you could be able to file a claim for damages, but recovering them isn’t automatic. You need a strong case to secure what you’re owed. These accidents are challenging and often impact more than just you. Acting quickly and working with our experienced Houston car accident lawyers is crucial to protect your legal options.

Contact The Gutierrez Firm After a Car Accident on I-45 in Houston

A car accident along Interstate 45 in Houston can be life-altering, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At The Gutierrez Law Firm, our Houston car accident lawyers will support you through the claims process, making sure you have a strong claim and the resources needed for recovery. Don’t wait–contact us today for a free consultation if you’ve been hurt in an I-45 car accident in the Houston area.