Houston Car Accident Lawyer
Joe is one of the few Texas lawyers that is double board certified.
“No Legal Fees Until Joe Wins Your Case”
Content Reviewed by: Joe Stephens
Table of Contents
- Why Choose The Stephens Law Firm for Your Houston Car Accident Case?
- Case Results
- What Joe Stephen’s Clients Say
- Types of Car Accidents Joe Stephens Handles in Houston
- What Types of Compensation Are Available for Car Accident Cases in Houston, TX?
- How Much Is My Car Accident Claim in Houston Worth?
- What Are Houston’s Car Accident Laws?
- How Our Houston Car Accident Attorney Can Help You Seek Compensation After a Car Accident
- What Are the Common Causes of Car Accidents in Houston?
- Common Houston Car Accident FAQs
- What to Do After a Car Accident in Houston, TX?
- Joe Has Written Several Books on Texas Accidents & Injuries
- Contact The Stephens Law Firm Today for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Houston, you need a Houston car accident lawyer who knows how to win tough cases and fight for every dollar you deserve. Joe Stephens, founder of The Stephens Law Firm, is a personal injury lawyer double board-certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and he has been protecting the rights of injured Texans for over 40 years.
Unlike larger firms, where cases are passed between attorneys, Joe personally handles every case from start to finish. Insurance companies know his name because they know he’s prepared to take cases to trial if that’s what it takes to get justice for his clients.
With complimentary consultations and no legal fees unless Joe wins your case, you can focus on healing while Joe handles the legal battle. Get your free case evaluation today by calling 281-201-0035.
Why Choose The Stephens Law Firm for Your Houston Car Accident Case?
- Over 40 Years of Legal Experience
Since 1985, Joe Stephens has represented injured Texans with skill, compassion, and determination, earning a statewide reputation for delivering life-changing personal injury and wrongful death case results. - Recognized by Houston Courts and Insurance Companies
Known across Houston courtrooms as an aggressive but fair negotiator, insurance companies know Joe Stephens is unafraid to take a case to trial, if needed. - Personalized, One-on-One Representation
When you choose The Stephens Law Firm, you work directly with Joe, not a team of associates and managers. Every client receives individual attention and a customized legal strategy tailored to their unique case. - Free Consultation and No Legal Fees Unless You Win
Joe and The Stephens Law Firm believe everyone deserves access to justice, which is why consultations are always free, and you owe nothing until he wins your case. From multimillion-dollar verdicts to life-changing sett
Won Best Attorney in Texas from 2012-2021, and 2023-2025 from Texas Monthly Magazine
Selected by Thomson Reuters’s Super Lawyers from 2008-2025
Joe Stephens has been a member of the Texas Trial Lawyers association since 1985
Selected as a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum from 2008 – 2025
Joe Stephens is double board certified in Texas
Joe Stephens has over 35 years of legal experience
Recognized as a Top 100 High Stakes Litigator from 2022-2025
Ranked Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys for 2023-2024
Joe Stephens has consistently maintained a 10.0 Avvo Rating
American Association of Attorney Advocates Top Law Firms 2024 Member
Joe Stephens has a 10.0 Justia Lawyer rating
Case Results
These and other notable case results emphasize Joe’s long history of securing substantial verdicts and justice for Texans injured in serious car accidents.
- $7.11 Million jury verdict in Texas for a client injured in a two-car accident with a Yellow Cab. The jury found the cab driver was negligent and acting as an employee of Yellow Cab, despite the defense’s argument that he was an independent contractor.
- $3.75 Million jury verdict for the parents of a man who was killed when his wife ran him over with her car during a confrontation over an affair. The jury found the wife 80 percent responsible for the death. The damages covered loss of companionship, mental anguish, and financial loss.
- $1.275 Million jury verdict for a client who was injured by a driver who ran a stop sign and struck her SUV. The client’s injuries included herniated discs and a fractured tibia.
- $765,000 jury verdict for a client who was injured in a sideswipe accident. The client suffered from herniated discs in her neck and shoulder tendinosis.
What Joe Stephens' Clients Say
Here is what some of our clients had to say about their representation by our firm:
“I can’t recommend Stephens Law Firm highly enough. Following my car accident, I was concerned about getting help since it occurred in my company car. However, Joe and his team were incredibly thorough and supportive throughout the process. They fought tirelessly to ensure I received every dollar I deserved.” – Elise E.
“Mr. Stephens and his law firm did an amazing job at assisting me through my case. They were fast and professional and always kept me informed throughout the whole process. I highly recommend them to anyone needing representation.” – Erika C.
“Mr. Stephens is the best attorney in Houston! His team is excellent at communicating with their clients, and I highly recommend them to anyone with a personal injury legal issue!” – Matt F.
Types of Car Accidents Joe Stephens Handles in Houston
Houston has some of the most dangerous roads in Texas. In 2024, Houston hit a record-breaking number of 301 crash fatalities. The Texas Department of Transportation reports that Harris County has the highest number of crashes in the state. Many of these wrecks were caused by negligence, speeding, and driving while impaired or distracted.
Joe Stephens has spent his career representing victims of every kind of car accident in Houston, including:
- Rear-End Collisions: Often caused by distracted drivers or tailgating
- Head-On Collisions: Among the deadliest crashes, usually from reckless passing or impaired driving
- T-Bone Accidents: Common at intersections when someone runs a red light or stop sign
- Distracted Driving Accident: Texting, eating, or using a phone behind the wheel
- Drunk Driving Accidents: Alcohol slows reaction times and impairs judgment
- Hit-and-Run Collisions: Drivers illegally fleeing the scene
- Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Complex cases requiring experience to untangle liability
- Uninsured or Underinsured Driver Accidents: With roughly 20 percent of drivers in Texas being uninsured, Joe helps clients explore all available compensation
- Road Rage Car Accident: Aggressive driving that escalates into serious, preventable crashes
- Defective Auto Parts Accidents: Faulty brakes, tires, airbags, or other vehicle components leading to crashes and injuries
Regardless of how your accident occurred, Joe Stephens has the courtroom experience and proven results to fight for full compensation.
What Types of Compensation Are Available for Car Accident Cases in Houston, TX?
You can seek compensation for any economic and non-economic damages resulting from an accident. Economic damages are losses with a clear dollar value, such as the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Travel to and from appointments
- Home modifications to accommodate your injury
Non-economic damages compensate for how your injury has affected your quality of life. Examples of non-economic damages for a car accident injury include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and disfigurement. They may also include loss of consortium, which is compensation for the damage to your relationships with loved ones because of your injury. While these damages don’t come with receipts or bills, they can be proven through medical documentation, mental health evaluations, testimony from friends and family, and your own account of how the injury has impacted your life. Juries weigh the unique facts of each case, the severity of harm, and the overall impact on your well-being before deciding an amount to award.
Some cases also qualify for punitive damages. These do not compensate you for any specific losses but instead punish the defendant for particularly reckless or malicious behavior. Punitive damages are rare in car accident cases, but they’re sometimes available in cases involving drunk driving, distracted driving, hit-and-run accidents, or intentional harm.
If you lost a loved one in a car accident, you may be eligible for wrongful death compensation. This may include funeral expenses, lost income, loss of companionship, and any medical expenses related to the victim’s injury before their death.
How Much Is My Car Accident Claim in Houston Worth?
The value of a car accident claim in Houston varies from case to case. There’s no set formula or guaranteed payout because every injury, recovery process, and financial impact is unique. Several key factors influence the total value of your case, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, permanent disability or disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
At The Stephens Law Firm, our past successful settlements provide a helpful guide to what you can expect based on the type of injury you have. While settlement ranges vary depending on the specifics of your case, including the severity of your injury and the details of your insurance policy, we can offer a clearer estimate for your situation. To find out how much your car accident claim in Houston is truly worth, contact us today for a personalized evaluation.
*Note: All settlement results may vary. These ranges depend on your specific case and injuries.
| Injury Type | Typical Settlement Range |
| Minor soft-tissue injuries | $5,000 – $35,000 |
| Moderate neck/back injuries (no surgery) | $25,000 – $100,000 |
| Herniated disc requiring injections | $75,000 – $250,000 |
| Herniated disc requiring surgery (ACDF, lumbar discectomy) | $150,000 – $600,000 |
| Multi-level spinal surgery | $350,000 – $1,500,000+ |
| Traumatic brain injury (mild–moderate) | $250,000 – $2,000,000+ |
| Catastrophic injury (paralysis, severe TBI, amputation) | $1,500,000 – $10,000,000+ |
| Wrongful death | $750,000 – $10,000,000+ |
What Are Houston’s Car Accident Laws?
Texas follows a fault-based car accident system, meaning the driver who caused the crash is responsible for paying for the resulting damages. Texas also follows a modified comparative negligence system. If you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault, you can no longer recover compensation. If you are 50 percent or less at fault, your award amount will be reduced by your share of responsibility.
With Texas’s statute of limitations on personal injury claims only being two years, it’s important to get in touch with a knowledgeable Houston car accident attorney who is up-to-date with current Texas law to ensure you don’t miss important deadlines and risk having your case dismissed.
How Our Houston Car Accident Attorney Can Help You Seek Compensation After a Car Accident
Attorney Joe Stephens will handle every step of the legal process while you focus on your recovery, starting with a thorough investigation of the accident. Joe will determine who’s liable for your injuries, gather strong evidence, and assess your damages to determine your claim’s value.
Next, he’ll prepare a demand letter to submit to the insurance company. This letter will explain why the other party is at fault and outline your damages.
Joe will handle all negotiations and fight for the best possible settlement. He knows the insurance adjusters’ tactics and isn’t afraid to push back against lowball offers. He’ll handle any requests from the insurance company during this process, such as providing supporting documentation. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair and full settlement, Joe will be ready to take your case to trial.
Clear communication is a hallmark of Joe’s representation. He’ll inform you of any offers or counteroffers from the insurance company and advise you of the best course of action. This approach keeps you involved in your case while allowing you to step back and focus on healing.
Accidents happen—but that doesn’t mean you have to face the aftermath alone. Attorney Joe Stephens will walk you through your options and handle the hard stuff so you can focus on getting better.
What Are the Common Causes of Car Accidents in Houston?
Car accidents in Houston often happen because of preventable driver errors or unsafe road conditions. According to 2023 Texas car accident statistics, there were 4,291 fatalities and 250,335 injuries reported across the state.
The most common causes of Houston car accidents include:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Unsafe lane changes
- Weather conditions
Common Houston Car Accident FAQs
How Is Fault Determined in a Car Accident Case in Texas?
- Police reports: These documents contain initial findings about the crash, including issued citations and statements from involved parties.
- Witness testimony: Statements from bystanders or passengers can confirm details and clarify conflicting narratives.
- Accident reconstruction experts: Specialists use physical evidence and accident analysis to recreate the sequence of events and determine impact points and vehicle speeds.
- Medical records and expert opinions: Doctors and medical experts document your injuries and testify about how they were caused, verifying the link between the accident and your injuries.
What To Do If You’re Partly at Fault in a Houston Car Accident?
If you’re partly at fault in a Houston car accident, you may still recover compensation under Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule as long as you’re 50 percent or less responsible.
What Information Should I Gather at the Scene of the Car Accident?
Wait for the police to arrive and report the accident. Gather contact details and insurance information from anyone involved in the accident. Ask them and any witnesses what happened. Take photos of the accident scene and damage to all vehicles.
How Long Does It Typically Take To Resolve a Car Accident Case?
There is no standard time frame for resolving a car accident case. The timeline depends on factors such as case complexity and injury severity. Whether the case settles or goes to trial is also a contributing factor, as cases requiring court involvement take longer to resolve.
What If My Injuries Don’t Appear Until Days After the Accident?
Some injuries are not apparent immediately after an accident. Delayed symptoms are common with certain car accident injuries, such as whiplash and concussions. Get medical attention immediately after a car accident, even if you don’t feel injured. The sooner you document your injuries, the stronger your claim will be.
Should I Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
It’s best to avoid speaking directly with the other driver’s insurance company. Their goal is to minimize or deny your claim, and anything you say could be used against you. Joe Stephens can handle all communication with insurers to protect your rights and avoid costly mistakes.
What if the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
If you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may still have options. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage on your policy could help cover your losses. Joe Stephens can review your insurance and look for other ways to recover compensation.
Can I Still Recover Damages if I Was Partially at Fault?
Under Texas’s modified comparative fault rule, recovery is barred only when your share of fault is greater than 50 percent. Otherwise, your damages are reduced by your share of fault.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover?
After a car accident in Houston, you may be able to recover:
- Medical expenses and hospital bills
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence
Do I Have a Deadline to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
In Texas, you usually have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long could prevent you from recovering any compensation.
What Are the Odds of Winning a Car Accident Lawsuit?
The odds depend on the strength of your evidence, the severity of your injuries, and how clearly fault can be proven. With over 40 years of experience and a strong record of significant verdicts and settlements, Joe Stephens knows how to build persuasive cases that maximize your chances of success.
How Is “Pain and Suffering” or “Emotional Distress” Quantified and Proven in a Car Accident Claim?
These losses are proven through medical documentation, mental health evaluations, testimony from friends and loved ones, and your own account of how the injury has affected your life.
What Is the Process for Appealing an Insurance Company’s Lowball Offer or Denial?
If an insurer offers less than your claim is worth or denies it, Joe can gather additional evidence, negotiate directly with the adjuster, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to fight for fair payment in court.
What Is the Difference Between Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all, while underinsured coverage helps when the other driver’s policy limits aren’t enough to cover your damages. Both types can protect you financially after a serious crash caused by another driver’s negligence.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Houston, TX?
The moments after a car crash can be overwhelming. Taking the right steps can help protect your health and your ability to recover compensation.
- Check for injuries and call 911 immediately to report the accident.
- Move to a safe location away from traffic, if it’s safe to do so.
- Exchange insurance and contact information with all drivers involved.
- Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries.
- Talk to witnesses and collect their names and contact information.
- Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be misunderstood.
- Seek medical care right away.
- Contact Joe Stephens, a Houston car accident lawyer, before talking to insurance companies.
- Save all records and documents related to the accident and your medical treatment.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, call Joe Stephens today at (281) 201-0335 for a free case evaluation.
Joe Has Written Several Books on Texas Accidents and Injuries
Joe is an accomplished author of several books that each detail different aspects of the typical Texas personal injury lawsuit: “A Survivor’s Legal Guide,” “The Texas Accident Bible,” and “Hiring the Right Injury Lawyer.” A founding principle of The Stephens Law Firm is that anyone dealing with a personal injury or wrongful death case deserves access to high-quality legal advice. With this in mind, Joe sought to write the best Houston car accident injury book you can read and offer it for free. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Texas, these books are a great resource.
Contact The Stephens Law Firm Today for a Free Consultation
After a car accident, you have enough on your plate. Let The Stephens Law Firm handle the legal details. You can count on Joe Stephens’s experience, dedication, and personalized approach during this difficult time.
Call 281-201-0035 or contact us online for a free case evaluation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay us nothing until we win.