What if the driver who hit me in Houston has no insurance?
You may still recover through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage or personal injury protection (PIP). Texas insurers must offer…
Texas Injury Answers
Straight answers about Texas injury claims
Accidents Suck. Call Jimmy.
Real questions people ask after a crash or a work injury, answered by the lawyer who would handle your case. Free to read, free to ask.
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Do I have to give the insurance company a recorded statement?
Not before talking to a lawyer. Recorded statements are used to shrink your claim. Let us handle every call with the insurance company. Once you hire…
The adjuster is already calling me. What do I say?
Nothing — send them to me. Recorded statements are used to shrink your claim. Once you hire Suerken Law, every call goes through your lawyer.
Should I see a doctor after a crash if I feel fine?
Yes, right away. Whiplash, concussions, and soft-tissue injuries often surface days later — and the medical record is the backbone of your claim.
What should I do right after a car accident in Texas?
Get medical care first, even if you feel fine — some injuries take days to appear. Don't admit fault or give recorded statements to any insurer…
What should I do after a car accident in Houston?
Get medical care first, even if you feel okay. Don't give recorded statements to any insurance company. Photograph the scene, vehicles, and injuries, get…
How long do I have to file an injury claim in Texas?
Most Texas personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident. Claims involving government entities can require notice within months…
What is my car accident case worth in Texas?
It depends on your damages: medical bills, lost wages, future treatment, and pain and suffering. We build the complete picture before negotiating so the…
What if the accident was partly my fault?
Texas uses proportionate responsibility: you can still recover as long as you are not more than 50% at fault, with your compensation reduced by your…
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
At Suerken Law, nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee: the consultation is free, and you pay no attorney's fee unless we win money for you.
Will I actually talk to Jimmy, or a case manager?
You talk to Jimmy. Suerken Law is built deliberately so your case sits on your lawyer's desk — not passed down a hallway to someone you've never met.
Why is a truck accident case different from a car accident?
Commercial trucks are governed by federal safety regulations — hours-of-service limits, maintenance and inspection requirements, driver qualification…
Who can be held responsible for a truck accident besides the driver?
Potentially several parties: the driver, the trucking company that employed and supervised them, the owner of the trailer, and companies responsible for…
The trucking company's insurance already contacted me. What should I do?
Stop talking to them. Their rapid-response team exists to limit what the company pays you. From now on, they deal with your lawyer.
How quickly does evidence disappear in a truck accident case?
Fast. Electronic logging data, dashcam footage, and driver logs can be overwritten or lost within days to weeks. One of our first moves is a preservation…
I got hurt at work but my employer has no workers' comp. Do I have a case?
Possibly a strong one. Texas is the only state that doesn't require most private employers to carry workers' compensation. Employers who opt out —…
Someone other than my employer caused my work injury. Can I sue them?
Often yes. If a third party contributed to your injury — a subcontractor on the job site, a negligent driver while you were working, a defective machine's…
Can I be fired for filing a work injury claim in Texas?
Texas law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers for filing a workers' compensation claim in good faith. If you're punished for asserting…
I'm undocumented. Can I still recover for a work injury?
Yes. Your right to pursue compensation for an injury in Texas does not depend on your immigration status. We handle these cases with the discretion they…
My employer wants me to use their 'injury benefit plan.' Should I sign?
Read nothing, sign nothing, first. Company injury-benefit plans are written to protect the company. Have a lawyer read yours before you accept anything or…
Does Suerken Law take personal injury cases in El Paso?
Yes. Jimmy Suerken was born and raised in El Paso and represents injury victims across the Borderland — from the Westside to the Lower Valley, Socorro to…
How do consultations work if the firm's office is in Houston?
Your free consultation happens by phone or video at a time that works for you — most El Paso clients handle their entire case that way, with documents…
I live in Juárez and was hurt in an accident in El Paso. Do I have rights?
Yes. If you were injured in Texas, you have the right to pursue compensation under Texas law — that right does not depend on where you live or your…
¿Puedo llevar todo mi caso en español?
Sí, completamente. Jimmy Suerken es un abogado mexicano-americano nacido y criado en El Paso, totalmente bilingüe. Desde la primera llamada hasta el…
¿Cuánto cuesta contratar a un abogado de lesiones?
En Suerken Law, nada por adelantado. Trabajamos con honorarios de contingencia: la consulta es gratis y usted no paga honorarios de abogado a menos que…
Soy indocumentado y me lesioné en el trabajo. ¿Tengo derechos?
Sí. Su derecho a buscar compensación por una lesión en Texas no depende de su estatus migratorio. Manejamos estos casos con la discreción que necesitan…
The adjuster offered me a quick check. Should I take it?
Be very careful — early offers are almost always low. Insurance companies offer fast money before you know the full extent of your injuries, because once…
The insurance company sent me a medical authorization to sign. Should I?
Not without a lawyer reviewing it first. A broad medical release lets the insurer dig through your entire medical history — including records that have…
The insurer says my injuries are from a pre-existing condition. Is my case dead?
No. Under Texas law, a negligent driver takes you as they find you — this is the 'eggshell plaintiff' rule. If the crash worsened a prior…
The insurance company denied my claim. What now?
A denial is not the end — it's often a negotiating position. Insurers deny claims over disputed fault, alleged gaps in treatment, or policy…
How do I know if the insurance offer is fair?
You usually can't tell on your own — and that's by design. A fair value depends on your total medical bills, future care, lost income, and…
Should I use my own insurance if the crash wasn't my fault?
Often yes, and it usually won't count against you. Your PIP and health coverage can pay medical bills right away while the at-fault insurer drags its…
How do I get my crash report in Houston?
Houston Police Department crash reports are sold through LexisNexis BuyCrash or at HPD headquarters; most other Texas crash reports (form CR-3) are sold…
The police report says I was at fault. Can I still recover?
Possibly — a police report is not the final word on fault. The officer usually didn't witness the crash and formed an opinion from the aftermath…
I was the victim of a hit-and-run in El Paso. What are my options?
You may still have a path to recovery even if the other driver is never found. Your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is designed for exactly this…
How long does a personal injury case take in Texas?
It depends on your medical treatment and whether the insurer negotiates in good faith. Many cases resolve within several months once you finish treating…
Will I have to go to court for my injury case?
Most personal injury cases settle without a trial. Filing a lawsuit is sometimes necessary to pressure an insurer that won't pay fairly, but even…
I was a passenger in a crash. Can I file a claim?
Yes — as a passenger, you're almost never at fault, which often makes your claim more straightforward. You can pursue compensation from whichever…
What kinds of compensation can I recover in a Texas injury case?
Texas law allows recovery for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical bills, future medical care, lost wages, and lost…
Do I really need a lawyer, or can I handle the claim myself?
If you were hurt, even in what seems like a small accident, talk to a lawyer before you settle or sign anything. Injuries that feel minor often turn out…
I can't afford my medical bills after the crash. What can I do?
You have options, and you shouldn't skip treatment because of cost. Depending on your situation, your PIP coverage, health insurance, or a medical…
Will hiring a lawyer make my case take longer or turn hostile?
Usually the opposite — a lawyer often speeds things up and takes the stress off you. Attorneys know how to assemble a claim the insurer can't easily…
I was hit by an 18-wheeler on I-10. What should I do first?
Get medical care immediately, then get a lawyer involved fast — truck cases are time-sensitive. Commercial trucking companies often send investigators to…
I think the truck driver was fatigued. Can that be proven?
Often, yes — through the driver's logs and electronic data. Federal hours-of-service rules limit how long commercial drivers can operate without…
Can I sue my employer for a work injury in Texas?
It depends on whether your employer carries workers' compensation. If they do (a 'subscriber'), you generally can't sue them directly…
Can I handle my entire injury case in Spanish?
Yes, completely. Jimmy Suerken is a bilingual Mexican-American attorney, and your whole case — from the first call to the final settlement — can be…
I was rear-ended in Texas. Who pays for my injuries?
Usually the driver who hit you from behind, through their insurance. Texas requires drivers to keep enough distance to stop safely, so a rear-end crash is…
I was T-boned at an intersection. How is fault decided?
By who had the right of way. A driver facing a red light must stop and stay stopped, and a driver turning left must yield to oncoming traffic. When both…
I was hit by a drunk driver in Texas. What are my rights?
You have a civil claim that does not depend on the criminal case. You do not need a conviction, and you do not have to wait for the DWI case to end. A…
The 18-wheeler jackknifed. Who is responsible?
Usually the driver and the trucking company, and sometimes others. A semi rarely jackknifes at a safe speed with working brakes and a secured load. Common…
What is a preservation letter in a truck accident case?
Formal notice to the trucking company that it must not destroy the evidence. It lists the truck itself, the engine data, the driver's electronic…
I was in a head-on collision in Texas. What happens now?
Get full medical care first; fault is usually clear. A head-on crash almost always means one driver crossed into the wrong lane, drifted on a curve…
My car went under an 18-wheeler's trailer. Who is responsible?
Often the trucking company, and sometimes the trailer maker. Most trailers must carry a rear underride guard, most large trailers must have reflective…
The truck's tire blew out or its brakes failed. Who is responsible?
Usually the trucking company, and possibly its repair shop or the parts maker. Federal rules require drivers to make sure the tires and brakes are in good…
An 18-wheeler merged into me or swung wide on a turn. Who is at fault?
Usually the truck driver. Texas allows a lane change only when it can be made safely, and truck drivers are trained on their blind spots and required to…
I was hit by a company vehicle or delivery van. Can I claim against the company?
Usually, if the driver was working at the time. Texas holds employers responsible for employees acting within the course and scope of the job, and company…
I was hurt in an Uber or Lyft crash. Whose insurance pays?
It depends on what the driver's app showed at that moment. During a ride, Texas requires $1,000,000 in coverage. With the app on but no ride, the…
The driver who hit me was texting. How do I prove it?
With the phone records, matched to the second of the crash. Texting while driving has been illegal statewide in Texas since 2017. Carrier records show…
I was in a multi-car pileup on the freeway. Who pays?
Each driver who caused it pays their share. Texas divides fault by percentage, and a driver more than 50% at fault can owe the whole amount. In a pileup…
I was hit on my motorcycle in Texas. Will they blame me?
They will try, but the evidence usually says otherwise. When a motorcycle and a car collide, the most common serious crash is a car turning left in front…
I was hit by a car while walking. What are my rights?
Drivers must yield to you in a crosswalk when you have the right of way, and use care everywhere else. Even outside a crosswalk, a driver who was…
I was hit by a car while riding my bike. What now?
You have the same rights on the road as a driver. In Houston, drivers must leave at least three feet when passing a cyclist (six feet for trucks), and…
I hit my head in a crash. Can a concussion be part of my claim?
Yes. A concussion is a brain injury, and it can be a major part of a claim. Symptoms like headaches, memory problems, fog and mood changes often appear…
The crash left me with a herniated disc. What should I know?
Expect the insurer to blame "degeneration." Texas law still lets you recover for making an old condition worse. The question is what changed…
I broke a bone in the crash and need surgery. What can I recover?
Medical care past and future, lost income and earning capacity, pain, and physical impairment. Insurers value a broken leg, arm, wrist or hip as if the…
I was burned in a crash or at work. What are my rights?
You may have claims against several parties, and disfigurement is its own part of the claim. Whether the burn came from a vehicle fire, a truck or tanker…
I lost a limb or suffered a life-changing injury. How is that valued?
Over a lifetime, with evidence, not a guess. After an amputation, a spinal cord injury or another catastrophic injury, a life care plan lists every future…
I was hurt near Cincinnati Street or UTEP in El Paso. What should I know?
Crashes around the Cincinnati Street entertainment district often involve drunk drivers, pedestrians and rideshare pickups, and each one changes who pays…
I'm undocumented. Can I still get compensation after a car accident in Texas?
Yes. Your right to compensation after a crash in Texas does not depend on your immigration status. The driver who caused it, and their insurance, owe you…
Will filing an injury claim get me deported?
An injury claim is a civil case for money, not an immigration case. Your consultation is confidential, insurers and civil courts do not decide anyone's…
I don't have a driver's license or insurance. Can I still make a claim after a crash?
Yes, if the other driver caused the crash. Texas decides injury claims by who caused the crash, not by who had a license or insurance, and Texas has no…
Can the insurance company ask about my immigration status?
They may ask, but you don't have to answer, and once you have a lawyer the questions come to us. If a lawsuit is filed, your lawyer can object and ask the…
I'm on DACA or TPS, or I'm out of status. Does that affect my injury claim?
No. DACA, TPS, an expired visa, a pending asylum case or no status at all does not change your right to compensation for an injury someone else caused in…
Can I get paid a settlement without a Social Security number?
Yes. You don't need a Social Security number to make an injury claim or to receive your settlement. The insurance company pays your lawyer's trust…
I was paid in cash. Can I still recover lost wages?
Yes. Being paid in cash doesn't erase what you earned. Texas courts have allowed undocumented workers to recover lost wages, and we prove income with what…
A family member was killed in Texas and our family is undocumented or lives abroad. Can we still file?
Yes. Under Texas law, a wrongful death claim belongs to the spouse, children and parents of the person who died, and the law does not require them to have…
Which consulates in Houston can help after an accident?
Houston has consulates for Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, the Dominican Republic and other countries. A consulate can…
I'm a contract worker hurt at a plant or refinery. Can I sue the plant owner?
Often, yes. Texas Chapter 95 protects plant owners from many contractor claims, but an owner can be liable when it controlled how the work was done and…
I was hurt in a refinery or chemical plant explosion. Who is responsible?
Usually more than one company. The plant owner, other contractors on the site, maintenance firms and equipment manufacturers can all share responsibility…
I fell from a scaffold, ladder or roof at work. What are my rights?
You may have more than one claim. OSHA requires fall protection in construction starting at six feet, and a general contractor, property owner, scaffold…
I was hurt in a warehouse or by a forklift. What are my options?
It depends on who is responsible and whether your employer carries workers' compensation. A forklift driver from another company, a defective machine, the…
A family member died at work in Texas. Can we sue the employer?
Sometimes. If the employer carries workers' compensation, the family receives death benefits and can sue for punitive damages when the employer's gross…
I was exposed to a chemical release at work, like H2S or benzene. What are my rights?
You may have a workers' comp claim and a claim against the companies responsible for the release. Some chemical injuries show up right away and others…
A trench or excavation collapsed on me at work. Who is responsible?
Usually the companies that controlled the excavation. OSHA requires a protective system such as shoring, a trench box or sloping for trenches five feet or…
I was hurt by a crane or a falling load on a job site. Who is responsible?
Often several companies: the crane owner or rental company, the operator's employer, the rigging crew and the general contractor that controlled the lift…
I was electrocuted or shocked at work. What are my rights?
You may have a workers' comp claim and a claim against other companies responsible, such as a contractor that failed to de-energize equipment, a utility…
I got heat stroke at work. Does Texas protect workers from heat?
Texas has no state law requiring water or rest breaks, and a federal OSHA heat rule has been proposed but not finalized. Heat illness can still be a…
I was hurt on an oil field or drilling rig in Texas. Who is responsible?
Often more than one company. An oil and gas site usually has an operator, a drilling contractor and several service companies, and each can be responsible…
I was hurt working on a boat or vessel. Am I a Jones Act seaman?
You may be, if your job contributes to a vessel's work and you have a substantial connection to a vessel or fleet in navigation, usually spending at least…
What is maintenance and cure, and what if my employer stops paying?
Maintenance is a daily allowance for food and lodging, and cure is medical care, owed to an injured or sick seaman regardless of fault until maximum…
I was hurt on an offshore platform. What law applies?
It depends on where the platform is and what kind it is. Fixed platforms on the federal Outer Continental Shelf are governed by the Outer Continental…
I was hurt on the docks or the Houston Ship Channel. Does the Longshore Act cover me?
Often, yes. The federal Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act covers many longshore workers, ship repairers, shipbuilders and others hurt on…
No answers in that category yet.
Practice Areas
If someone else's negligence put you here, we take it from here
Car Accidents
Rear-endings, intersection crashes, uninsured drivers, hit-and-runs — in Houston, El Paso, and everywhere in between.
Learn more →
Truck & 18-Wheeler Crashes
Federal regulations, black-box data, driver logs, multiple insurers. We move fast to preserve evidence before it disappears.
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Work Accidents
Hurt on the job for a non-subscriber employer, or injured by a third party at a job site? Texas gives you real options.
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Wrongful Death
When the worst happens, we pursue accountability for surviving families with the care and seriousness it deserves.
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¿Lastimado en un accidente? Hablemos — en español.
La consulta es gratis y confidencial. No paga nada a menos que ganemos su caso. Jimmy se comunicará con usted en breve. ¿Sin papeles? Usted tiene derechos.
Accidents Suck.
Call Jimmy.
Every day you wait, evidence disappears and the insurer gets ahead. One free call. Straight answers about your case — in English or Spanish. If you need a fighter, you'll have one, from the first call to the last check.