Articles
Information you can use from Houston attorneys you can trust
Finding accurate information about complicated legal matters can often be challenging. Even knowing what sources to trust can be a confusing process. That’s why our experienced lawyers at Smith & Hassler regularly write in-depth articles about important legal topics.
Below, you can find the links to our articles about a wide range of issues. Each article contains a wealth of information about specific legal matters. Even so, it’s important to remember that the details for each case often vary from one matter to another. That’s why it’s important to consult an attorney if you believe you have a potential legal case. Simply contact us and schedule a free case evaluation at our Houston office.
Do Texas Car Insurance Rates Go Up After an Accident That Wasn’t My Fault?
Insurance rates can rise for the victims of car accidents where they are not at fault - even if they don't file a claim. An experienced car accident attorney can deal with the insurance company on your behalf.
Liability in Accidents with Emergency Vehicles in Texas
If you're hit by an ambulance, police car, or fire truck, do you have a case? It depends on the situation. Our Houston car accident lawyers explain.
Should You Go to the ER or Urgent Care After a Car Accident?
Car accidents can cause serious injuries with delayed symptoms, making early detection and treatment essential. Our attorneys explain the importance of seeking prompt medical care and the differences between emergency rooms and urgent care facilities.
Livestock Accidents in Texas, Who Is Liable?
Who pays for medical bills and lost wages when a cow and car collide in Texas? Open-range laws can complicate liability. We break down how an attorney can help guide you through the legal system and explain your potential options for pursuing compensation.
Common Causes of Lower Back Pain After a Car Accident
Lower back pain is a common symptom after people have been involved in a car crash, and could be a sign of an injury that can have a significant impact on your life. We discuss the potential causes of lower back pain, types of treatment, and how an experienced attorney can help you recover the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries.
What Does Numbness or Tingling Mean After a Car Accident?
Numbness or tingling after a car accident can be easy to overlook. But these symptoms could be signs of a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention. We discuss the possible injuries that could result in numbness and tingling, how those injuries are diagnosed, and what to do if you’ve been injured in a car accident.
What Are the Signs of a Wrist Fracture After a Car Accident?
Wrist fractures can have significant effects on your quality of life and ability to work after a car wreck. They are also often mistaken for less serious injuries like sprains and strains. Know the warning signs – and what to do if you have a broken wrist.
What To Do If The Insurance Company Asks You To Give A Recorded Statement
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you may be contacted by an insurance adjuster and asked to give a recorded statement. What should you do? Our attorneys discuss how to handle this request to make sure your rights are protected.
Determining Fault in Texas Multi-Car Pileups
Pileups are far too common on the congested highways of the Houston area, and they can cause devastating injuries – and complex legal cases. Our attorneys explain how we can get to the bottom of a multi-vehicle crash.
What Stomach Pain After a Car Accident Might Mean
Car accidents can cause internal bleeding and other abdominal injuries. Our attorneys explain the implications of stomach pain after a car wreck – and why you need to see a doctor.
The Role of Witnesses in Houston Car Accident Cases
Getting witness testimony is an often-critical part of building your case for maximum compensation. Our attorneys describe the types of witnesses in a car accident case and how to go about collecting their statements.
The Dangers of Airbag Injuries: Understanding the Risks
Understand the dangers of airbag injuries in car accidents. Learn about improper airbag deployment, common airbag injuries, chest pain, and more.
Understanding How Inexperienced Truckers Cause Truck Accidents
With the national truck driver shortage, many trucking companies are hiring inexperienced drivers – and they put themselves and everyone else on the road at risk. Our attorneys break down how inexperienced truckers cause serious accidents.
What Happens if You’re Injured As a Passenger in Texas
Being injured as a passenger can lead to a fraught and difficult case, especially if the at-fault driver is a friend or family member. We take a look at how an experienced attorney can walk you through the process.
Establishing Fault and Collecting Damages After a T-Bone Accident
T-bone wrecks can cause severe injuries because the side of a car provides little protection compared to the front and rear. They can also lead to difficult and contentious legal cases. We take a look at the factors that can come into play in side-impact collision cases.
Common Rear-End Accident Injuries
Rear-end accidents may be very common, but that doesn’t mean they’re minor. Even a low-impact rear-end crash can cause significant injuries. Our attorneys explain what you need to know.
What to Know About Seat Belt Injuries in Car Accidents
Seat belts save lives, but they don’t prevent all injuries; in fact, they can actually cause certain types of injuries. We take a look at seat belt syndrome and how it can affect the value of your car accident claim.
How to Get Surveillance Camera Footage of a Car Accident
Camera footage can be critical evidence in a car accident claim, but it’s also often lost shortly after the wreck. We explain how to act quickly to secure video footage and why you need an attorney to conduct an investigation.
7 Types of Broken Glass Car Accident Injuries
If you suffered an injury from broken glass in a car accident, the best way to determine whether a settlement offer is reasonable and fight for the money you deserve is to speak with an experienced attorney. Our car accident lawyers explain why.
Fatal Car Accident Investigations
If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal car wreck, you deserve answers – and justice. Our attorneys explain how fatal accidents are investigated and how our law firm can advocate for your family.
Plastic Surgery After a Car Accident
It’s not just cosmetic; plastic surgery can be a critical part of being made whole again after a car crash. We explain the need for plastic surgery after many car accidents and how to get those medical bills paid.
Broken bones (fractures) are among the most common injuries sustained in car wrecks, and they can have a dramatic effect on your life. Our attorneys break down the most common types of fractures in car accidents and what you can do to get fair compensation.
Car Accident Medical Treatment – Options for Injury Victims
How do you get your medical bills paid after a car accident? Our attorneys break down how you can get compensated for your medical expenses – and how we can help.
After a car accident, leg pain may be a sign of a serious injury. We discuss common injuries associated with leg pain after a crash and explain how our legal team can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Dram Shop Claims in Texas Drunk Driving Accidents
Can you sue a bar or restaurant that served alcohol to a drunk driver? It depends on the circumstances. Our attorneys explain injury claims under the Texas Dram Shop Act.
Sciatica is a painful car accident injury that can negatively affect your mobility. Our legal team breaks down how an attorney can help you recover the financial compensation you’re entitled to if you developed sciatica after a car accident that wasn’t your fault.
What To Do After Being Hit By a Car in Houston
Many people aren’t sure what to do next after they’ve been hit by a car and left with serious injuries. Our attorneys discuss steps you can take that help protect your health and your right to recover financial compensation.
The majority of fatal accidents in Texas happen on state, federal, and interstate highways. Learn the Texas laws that apply to highway accidents and what your legal options may be if you are injured or lost a loved one on the highway.
Getting An Accident Report Changed
A police accident report can be a powerful piece of evidence in support of your claim, but only if the information in it is accurate. Our attorneys reveal some of the most common errors made on police reports and how a lawyer can take steps to help you set the record straight.
In-Vehicle Technology and Distracted Driving Car Accidents
Vehicle manufacturers are increasingly pushing in-vehicle "infotainment” systems as an alternative to using cellphones while driving. But distracted driving is never safe, and some aspects of these systems may actually make driving more dangerous. We break down the dangers and legal implications of infotainment systems.
Understanding Shoulder Injuries in Car Accidents
The shoulder can be injured in many types of accidents, including car accidents. If you hurt your shoulder in a crash that was not your fault, it’s important to know your legal rights and options. Our attorneys explain the most common shoulder injuries in car accidents and how victims can recover compensation for their losses.
The Deadliest Types of Car Accidents
Every car crash has the potential to cause life-threatening or even fatal injuries. We’ve broken down the types of car accidents that cause the most fatalities in Texas and nationwide – and the legal implications of each one.
The Dangers of Eye and Vision Injuries in Car Accidents
Eye injuries sustained in car accidents can be painful and lead to long-term consequences. The cost of an eye injury can be significant, which is why crash victims should seek out legal help to learn their legal options. Our attorneys break down the most common eye injuries sustained and what to do if you’ve been injured.
Your Legal Rights if You’re in a Car Accident While Pregnant
The trauma of a car wreck can have serious consequences for both pregnant women and unborn babies. Texas law provides recourse in these situations, but filing a claim can be complex and difficult. Our attorneys explain how the law applies to car accidents during pregnancy.
Your Legal Rights if You’re in a Bicycle Accident in Texas
Despite the City of Houston’s best efforts to make our roads more bicycle-friendly, far too many cyclists are severely injured or killed in bicycle accidents caused by reckless drivers. Our attorneys explain the law and break down what legal rights injured cyclists have in Texas.
Texting and Driving Accidents in Texas
Even though it’s been against the law in Texas since 2017, texting and driving is still a problem in Houston and throughout the state. Our car accident lawyers discuss the dangers of distracted driving and explain why texting is one of the deadliest forms of distraction.
What Should I Do if I’m Hit by a Drunk Driver in Houston?
Drunk driving accidents often occur in Houston and throughout Texas. In fact, more people have been injured or died in drunk driving car accidents in Texas in the past decade than in any other state in the country. Our attorneys explain what to do if you get hit by a drunk driver in Houston.
What Are the Deadliest Highways in Texas?
Highway accidents account for some of the most serious motor vehicle crashes in Houston and other parts of Texas, including many fatal car accidents. We explain which Texas highways are the most dangerous and why crashes happen so frequently.
What Happens if a Car Accident Worsens a Pre-Existing Condition
The insurance companies may have you believe a “pre-existing condition” makes your claim worth less, but that’s incorrect. Sometimes, it’s even worth more. We explain the “eggshell skull rule” and how it affects car accident lawsuits in Texas.
Hit by an Uninsured Driver? You Have Legal Options.
Texas requires motorists to have insurance, but some break the law – and if you’re hurt in an accident caused by one of them, you’re looking at a difficult and uncertain future. We explain what you can do in this situation.
What to Do After a Speeding Car Accident in Texas
Speeding is among the leading causes of car crashes in Texas and nationwide, and careless drivers can inflict incredible harm. Our attorneys discuss the legal implications of an accident caused by a speeding driver.
Can I Sue for Pain and Suffering in Texas?
The cost of a car accident or other incident caused by negligence goes well beyond medical bills and lost wages. Texas gives you the right to sue for pain and suffering, but getting full value for those losses can be difficult. Our attorneys explain how pain and suffering claims work.
Facial Injuries in Texas Car Accidents
Some of the most common injuries sustained in car crashes are injuries to the face: broken noses, lacerations, burns, and other trauma. A facial injury can leave scars that permanently affect your life. We discuss your legal rights and options.
The Importance of Timing in Truck Accident Claims
As soon as possible after a truck accident, you need an attorney to intervene to preserve critical evidence in support of your claim. Our attorneys break down the importance of timing in a truck accident investigation and lawsuit.
Factors in Texas Wrong-Way Car Accidents
Every driver’s nightmare is to be hit by a car going the wrong way. We discuss what causes wrong-way crashes and what you need to know about your legal rights if you’re involved in one.
Top 10 Myths about Texas Car Accidents
When you’re in a car accident, identifying good and bad information about what to do next can be tough. Our attorneys break down 10 common myths about car accident claims in Texas – and how we can help you find your path forward.
Modified Comparative Negligence in Texas Personal Injury Cases
Personal injury claims can get complicated when multiple parties are involved, or when the injured person is partially at fault. We explain how the “modified” comparative negligence rule works in Texas and how that might affect your case.
Traits of the Best Personal Injury Lawyers
When you’re hurt in an accident, you need to hire a lawyer. More to the point, you need to hire the right lawyer. How do you recognize an attorney who knows how to fight for the full compensation you deserve? We’ve broken down the most important traits of top personal injury attorneys.
Delayed Symptoms and Car Accidents
Just because you walk away from an accident feeling fine doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Some injuries take time to make themselves known. Our attorneys take a close look at the medical and legal implications of injuries with delayed-onset symptoms.
Can I Ask For More Money For My Car Accident?
After an accident caused by another driver, the at-fault driver’s insurance company might make a settlement offer to resolve your injury claim. But what if the offer doesn’t cover all your anticipated expenses. Can you ask for more money? What options are available to you? Our experienced attorneys explain how the process works and what you should be compensated for after your car accident.
I Was a Passenger in an Uber Accident. What Should I Do?
Millions of people each day use Uber across the country and in large cities like Houston. Unfortunately, accidents involving Uber vehicles often occur. So what should Uber passengers do if they get hurt in a car accident? What legal options are available to them? How much is their injury claim worth? Our experienced attorneys answer these questions and many more, providing useful information to people injured in Uber accidents.
How Do I Know if I Have a Concussion After a Car Accident?
Head injuries often occur in car accidents. One of the most common injuries people sustain in a crash is a concussion. But how do you know if you have one? What are the symptoms and warning signs of a concussion? And how do you know if you have a mild or severe concussion? Learn more about what to look for and what to do if you suspect you have a head injury after your accident.
What is a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Not exactly sure what a personal injury attorney does? Learn more about how a lawyer can help you after an accident caused by someone else. This informative article written by our Houston attorneys explains exactly what a personal injury lawyer does, from fighting for the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your accident-related expenses to representing you in court, if necessary. Take an active role after your accident. You have rights, and your lawyer can stand up for them.
How to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Texas
Filing a personal injury lawsuit in Texas can be a complicated process. Our experienced attorneys explain how the legal system works, step by step. From who can file a lawsuit to where you actually need to file, there are a lot of steps that need to be taken into consideration when taking legal action after a serious accident in Texas. Learn more about your legal rights in the Lone Star State.
Americans Drove Far Less In 2020… So Why Were Road Deaths Up?
With fewer vehicles on the road in 2020 due to lockdowns, stay-at-home orders, closures, and social distancing, you’d think there would be fewer fatal car accidents. According to data from the National Safety Council, that wasn’t the case. Our lawyers dig deeper into the issue and discuss why road deaths actually increased in 2020.
What You Need to Know About Texas Hit-and-Run Crashes
Hit-and-run accidents happen often in Houston, and in many cases, crash victims aren’t prepared for the aftermath. Don’t pay for your unexpected medical expenses out of your own pocket. Our attorneys reveal how to protect yourself against the insurance company.
Texas Ranks in the Top 10 States With the Worst Drivers… Again
Texas has consistently ranked within the top 10 states with the worst drivers for the ninth year in 2020. According to an analysis by Car Insurance Comparison, drunk drivers account for the majority of catastrophic and fatal crashes in the Lone Star State.
What To Ask For In A Car Accident Settlement
After a car crash, many injury victims are eligible to receive financial compensation in the form of a settlement. What expenses are covered? What is the average settlement claim? Who decides the value of each claim? This article answers all those questions and many more.
What Should I Do If I’m Injured In An Accident With A Delivery Truck
Collisions caused by delivery truck drivers (UPS, FedEx, etc.) have become increasingly common in recent years. What should you do if a delivery truck driver causes your crash? What are your options? What are your rights? Learn more about these complicated legal cases.
Common Bad Driving Habits That Cause Houston Car Accidents
Attorney Michael Smith wrote this article about the common causes of motor vehicle collisions in Houston. Based on the latest statistics and studies, this informative article examines the real reasons why car crashes happen each day in Houston.
A Look at Houston’s Worst (And Most Dangerous) Commutes
Houston has some of the worst commutes in the country. Why is that? What makes commuting to work here so dangerous? What are the risks drivers face each day while driving to work? This article examines these hazards and the best ways to avoid a crash.
Houston Attorneys Discuss Lack Of Commercial Truck Law Enforcement
Commercial trucks often cause serious collisions on Texas’ highways and roads. Unfortunately, not enough law enforcement officials are enforcing existing state and federal laws designed to prevent truck accidents. Learn more about this complex issue and how to stay safe on the road.
The Best Ideas to Avoid Pedestrian Accidents in the Houston Area
Pedestrian accidents have become increasingly common in Houston. What are the reasons why? What are common causes of these crashes? Our attorneys take an in-depth look at this serious issue and provide steps pedestrians can take to stay safe.
U.S. Study: Texas Ranked 3rd in Fatal Pedestrian Accidents
The number of traffic fatalities involving pedestrians in Texas has reached record levels. Just how bad are pedestrian accidents in the Lone Star State? Why are so many of these collisions happening? What is Texas doing to protect pedestrians? Learn more.