Houston Injury Lawyer Near Me | Texas Personal Injury Guide

Estimated read time: 12 min read

Introduction: Why Understanding Texas Personal Injury Law Matters in Houston

Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States and, according to recent TxDOT crash statistics, one of the most accident-prone metropolitan areas in Texas. From busy sections of I-45 and Beltway 8 to sprawling commercial premises and petrochemical worksites, accidents can—and do—happen every day. When you or a loved one is hurt, understanding your rights under Texas personal injury law is the first step toward financial and physical recovery. This guide is written specifically for injured Houston residents seeking answers to questions like:

• “Is there an injury lawyer near me who understands local courts?”

• “How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Texas?”

• “Will comparative fault reduce my compensation if I was partially to blame?”

• “What damages can I claim for pain, medical bills, or lost wages?”

Below, we cover the following topics in detail:

• Texas statutes, deadlines, and fault rules

• Common accident scenarios—auto, slip and fall, workplace, defective products, wrongful death

• Steps to take after an injury

• When to hire a Houston accident attorney

• Local resources and next steps

Bottom line: Armed with the right information, you can preserve evidence, avoid costly procedural errors, and position your claim for maximum compensation. If questions remain, Louis Law Group is ready to help. Call 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation today.

Understanding Texas Personal Injury Law

1. Statute of Limitations—Generally Two Years

Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of injury or death. Missing this deadline almost always means losing the right to sue.

• Exceptions: Minors, persons of unsound mind, and certain toxic-exposure cases may toll (pause) the clock.

• Government entities: If a city, county, or state agency is involved, you typically must provide written notice of your claim within six months under the Texas Tort Claims Act—sometimes less under Houston city charter rules.

2. Negligence and the Four Elements of Proof

To win a Texas personal injury case, you must establish:

• Duty: The defendant owed you a legal duty (e.g., drivers must obey traffic laws, property owners must fix hazards).

• Breach: The duty was breached through action or inaction.

• Causation: The breach directly caused your injuries (both cause-in-fact and proximate cause).

• Damages: You suffered compensable losses—medical bills, lost earnings, pain, or loss of consortium.

3. Modified Comparative Fault—The 51% Bar Rule

Texas follows a modified comparative fault system under CPRC Chapter 33. If you are 51% or more responsible for an accident, you recover nothing. If you are 50% or less at fault, your damages are reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, a $100,000 verdict becomes $70,000 if you were 30% at fault.

4. Damages Caps and Limitations

• Non-Economic Damages in Medical Malpractice: Capped at $250,000 per claimant against a physician or health-care provider, and $250,000 per facility (maximum $500,000) under CPRC § 74.301.

• Punitive (Exemplary) Damages: Limited to the greater of (a) $200,000, or (b) two times economic damages plus an amount equal to non-economic damages up to $750,000 (§ 41.008).

• Sovereign Immunity Caps: Claims against government units are limited to $250,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury (§ 101.023).

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Texas

1. Motor Vehicle Accidents

Roadway crashes remain the leading cause of personal injury claims in Houston. To prove negligence, lawyers often rely on police crash reports, traffic-camera footage, black-box data, cell-phone records, and expert accident reconstruction.

• DUI/DWI Liability: Texas Penal Code § 49.04 makes intoxicated driving a criminal offense, and a conviction can strengthen civil liability claims.

• Commercial Truck Collisions: Federal hours-of-service rules and Texas Transportation Code provisions may impose heightened duties on trucking companies.

2. Slip, Trip, and Fall (Premises Liability)

Texas property owners owe invitees a duty to inspect and remedy unreasonably dangerous conditions. Under CMH Homes, Inc. v. Daenen, 15 S.W.3d 97 (Tex. 2000), plaintiffs must show the owner knew or should have known of the hazard and failed to act.

3. Workplace Injuries

Texas is unique in allowing private employers to opt out of workers’ compensation. If your employer is a non-subscriber, you may sue directly for negligence. If covered by workers’ comp, you generally cannot sue the employer but may pursue third-party claims (e.g., against equipment manufacturers).

4. Defective Products

Strict liability applies if a product is defectively designed, manufactured, or lacks adequate warnings. Key authority: General Motors Corp. v. Sanchez, 997 S.W.2d 584 (Tex. 1999).

5. Wrongful Death & Survival Actions

Texas wrongful death claims are governed by CPRC §§ 71.001-71.012. Eligible beneficiaries include spouses, children, and parents, who may recover pecuniary losses, mental anguish, loss of companionship, and sometimes exemplary damages. A separate survival action allows the decedent’s estate to recover damages the deceased could have claimed if alive.

Texas Legal Protections & Recent Court Rulings

1. Transportation Network Company (TNC) Insurance Requirements

Since 2017, rideshare drivers must carry liability coverage of at least $1 million while engaged in rides, offering additional protection for injured passengers.

2. “Open and Obvious” Doctrine Clarified

In Austin v. Kroger Texas, L.P., 465 S.W.3d 193 (Tex. 2015), the Supreme Court held that invitees may be barred if they fully appreciated an open and obvious hazard, but a property owner can still be liable if a safer alternative was feasible.

3. Admissibility of Medical Bills After Haygood Haygood v. De Escabedo, 356 S.W.3d 390 (Tex. 2011) restricts recovery of medical expenses to amounts actually paid or incurred, affecting lien negotiations and settlement value.

Steps to Take After an Injury in Houston

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

• Call 911 for life-threatening conditions.

• Visit a hospital or urgent care even if pain seems minor; adrenaline can mask injuries.

• Follow all treatment plans—gaps can undermine your claim.

2. Document the Scene

• Take photographs or video of hazards, vehicle positions, weather conditions, and visible injuries.

• Collect names and contact info of witnesses.

• Request a copy of any incident or police report.

3. Preserve Physical and Digital Evidence

• Keep torn clothing, damaged products, or vehicle parts.

• Back up dash-cam and surveillance footage promptly.

• Maintain a pain journal noting daily limitations, medications, and emotional distress.

4. Notify the Responsible Party or Insurer

Texas does not require you to give a recorded statement immediately. Politely decline until you have spoken with counsel. Early misstatements can be used to reduce or deny your claim.

5. Track All Expenses and Losses

• Medical bills, pharmacy receipts, mileage to appointments

• Pay stubs or tax returns showing lost income

• Home-care or child-care costs necessitated by your injuries

When to Seek Legal Help in Texas

While minor fender-benders may be handled through direct insurance negotiation, most cases benefit from experienced representation if:

• You sustained fractures, head trauma, spinal injury, or required surgery.

• Liability is disputed or multiple parties are involved.

• An insurance adjuster pressures you to settle quickly.

• A government entity, rideshare company, or non-subscriber employer is at fault.

Louis Law Group focuses on protecting injured Houstonians. Our attorneys:

• Conduct independent investigations and preserve critical evidence.

• Retain respected medical and engineering experts.

• Negotiate aggressively with insurers using accurate valuation models.

• File lawsuits in Harris County or federal court when necessary.

• Operate on a contingency-fee basis—no fee unless we win.

Still wondering, “Is there an injury lawyer near me who will fight for fair compensation?” Yes. Call 833-657-4812 now for a free consultation.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Texas Department of Insurance – File complaints, verify insurance carriers, and review consumer guides. Harris County District Clerk – Search court records and locate civil filing instructions. Houston Volunteer Lawyers – Pro bono assistance for qualifying residents.

• Houston Police Department Records – Request crash reports in person at 1200 Travis St. or online via the TxDOT Crash Report Purchasing System.

• Texas Bar Lawyer Referral Information Service – Confirm attorney licensure and disciplinary history.

What Comes Next?

• Call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation.

• Gather medical and expense documentation before your appointment.

• Follow medical advice and keep all treatment appointments.

• Do not post accident details on social media—defense counsel will look.

Legal Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change, and each case is unique. Consult a qualified personal injury lawyer Texas licensed by the State Bar before acting on any information herein.

Take Action Now

If you or a loved one suffered an injury in Houston, don’t let insurers dictate your future. Call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 or complete our online form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We are ready to help you pursue the full compensation Texas law allows.