Black Car Accident Lawyer Niles Sneed | Texas
Every year, millions of Americans are injured in car and trucking accidents. While some of these motor vehicle collisions are unavoidable, the vast majority of automobiles wrecks caused by a driver's careless or reckless actions behind the wheel. In fact, car crashes are the leading cause of death for people aged 1-54 in the United States.
Car accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence in Texas. Even the safest drivers can be involved in an accident caused by a negligent driver. If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident due to the unsafe actions of another person, it is important to take control of the situation and seek out the compensation you deserve.
The personal injury lawyers of Sneed & Mitchell LLP are the best black car accident lawyers in Texas. Our law firm is also minority owned and managed by African American founder Niles Sneed. We have decades of combined experience helping injured victims and their families in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and Fort Worth, and throughout the State of Texas. You can trust our attorneys to handle your case while you focus on healing. Contact us today for a free consultation. We will fight for you and help to lift the burden of this difficult time.
The Best Car Accident Attorney in Texas
Prior clients and fellow attorneys consider Niles Sneed and team attorneys the best black personal injury lawyers in Texas. Sneed & Mitchell LLP is dedicated to providing strong advocacy to personal injury since opening our doors has secured millions for clients, every year.
People choose Sneed & Mitchell LLP for the following reasons:
We focus our resources of your claim by never handling more than 15 at once
We have a 99.9% overall success rate
We win Top Lawyer distinctions every year
Our attorneys are awarded by the National Bar Association annually
We have four law offices around Texas for your convenience
You don't owe of any attorneys fees unless we win your lawsuit
Attorney Niles Sneed handles every case aggressively and provides each client with care, compassion, and understanding. He is not only a distinguished African American professional, but is noted as one of the best personal injury specialists in Texas, of any race.
Navigate this page
What is a car accident lawyer?
A car accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney who provides legal services victims of motor vehicle accidents who claim to have suffered injuries, either physically or psychologically, due to the negligent or reckless acts of another driver. Car accident lawyers primarily practice in the area of law known as tort law and handles wrecks involving drivers, children, pedestrians, passengers, motorcyclists, bus accidents, trucks, and even a commercial vehicle such as 18 wheelers. Legal counselors handling collisions handle all aspects of the case, from investigating the accident to negotiating a settlement with the insurance company. In many cases, car accident lawyers will also take the case to trial. If you have been involved in a car accident, it is important to speak with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Why should I hire attorney Niles Sneed?
Studies have proved that car accident victims secure higher settlements and compensation when represented by a lawyer than when they attempt to resolve their bodily injury claims with an automobile insurance company without a legal professional. The reality is that a Houston car accident lawyer benefits a case by providing numerous services that strengthen a person's right to recovering the maximum settlement amount after a traffic accident. Some of these services include:
Investigating the accident and gathering evidence to support your claim, including photos, witness statements, and police reports
Reviewing your medical records and determining the full extent of your injuries
Calculating the value of your economic damages, such as lost wages and medical bills
Assessing the value of your non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress
Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf to try to reach a fair settlement agreement
Filing a lawsuit and taking your case to trial if necessary
An experienced Houston car accident lawyer will fight for your rights every step of the way and help you recover the compensation you need and deserve. Is you're still asking yourself, "What does a car accident attorney do?", then contact us today for a free consultation!
What will a car crash attorney do for my motor vehicle accident claim?
Hiring a car crash attorney is one of the smartest things you can do after a motor vehicle accident.
Here's what a car crash attorney can do for your claim:
First, a car crash attorney will investigate the accident to determine who was at fault. The attorney will gather evidence, including witness statements and police reports. The attorney may also hire an accident reconstruction expert to review the evidence and provide an opinion about how the accident happened.
Second, a car crash attorney will deal with the insurance companies on your behalf. The insurance companies will have their own attorneys and adjusters working on the case, and they will be looking out for their own interests, not yours. Having an experienced attorney on your side level the playing field and give you a better chance of getting the full value of your claim.
Third, a car crash attorney will negotiate with the insurance companies to try to reach a settlement that is fair to you. If the insurance companies are unwilling to provide fair compensation, then the attorney will take your case to trial.
Finally, a car crash attorney will handle all of the paperwork involved in your case so that you can focus on your recovery.
Hiring a car crash attorney is one of the best decisions you can make after an accident. An experienced attorney will fight for your rights and work to get you the full value of your claim.
What damages can I recover
What types of compensation can I recover after a car crash?
If you've been in an accident in Texas, you may be wondering how much you can recover in a lawsuit. The compensation obtainable in a car accident lawsuit in Texas depends on the case's unique facts and legal issues, including the availability of insurance coverage. However, the damages typically sought in a car accident lawsuit are:
Medical expenses (including future expenses)
These can include ambulance fees, hospital stays, x-rays, MRIs, surgeries, and physical therapy. If you are not covered by health insurance, or if your policy has a high deductible, these costs can quickly add up. Even if you have insurance, you may still be responsible for co-pays and deductibles. If another driver was at fault for the accident, their insurance should cover your medical expenses.
Lost wages (including future lost wages)
There are many types of lost wages that a person can incur after being involved in an auto accident. The most obvious is the loss of earnings from missed work days. However, there can also be a loss of earning capacity if the accident results in a permanent disability. In addition, there may be a loss of benefits such as health insurance or pension contributions. Finally, there can also be indirect costs such as the cost of child care or transportation to and from medical appointments.
Pain and suffering
Pain and suffering damages are awarded to a plaintiff in a personal injury lawsuit to compensate for the physical and emotional anguish caused by an injury. These damages can be hard to quantify, but they may include things like physical pain, mental suffering, lost companionship, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Property damage
After an auto accident, you may be dealing with significant property damage. This can include repairs to your vehicle, as well as damage to any other property that was involved in the accident, such a laptop, cellular phone, tools, or even a fence or parked car.
Punitive damages
Punitive damages are intended to deter the defendant from repeating their actions, and they are usually only awarded in cases where the defendant's actions were particularly egregious. Generally, punitive damages are used to penalize the wrongdoing and future bad conduct of commercial companies. This damage is only available through a jury trial and are included in the verdict.
Wrongful Death
In vehicle collisions that result in a loss of life, the victim's family can potentially obtain funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support, loss of consortium and emotional anguish. A Loss of Life lawsuit is sometimes also possible and allows a decedent's beneficiaries to recovery monetary sums for the pain and suffering a deceased experienced prior to his or her death. For additional information regarding wrongful death cases and settlement expectations you can read our blog page covering this topic.
Common injuries caused by a traffic collision
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, vehicle collisions are one of the leading causes of injury in the United States. While some accidents are minor and result in nothing more than a few scrapes and bruises, others can be much more serious, physical complications.
Some of the most common car accident injuries include:
Among the most serious injuries that can result from a road traffic accident are those that require amputation. Amputations can occur when a limb is completely severed by the impact of the collision, or when it becomes trapped and crushed beneath the vehicle.
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of crush injuries. A crush injury occurs when a part of the body is compressed or squeezed, often as a result of being caught between two heavy objects. Crush injuries can be extremely debilitating, and often require extensive medical treatment.
Every year, thousands of people suffer eye and vision loss in road accidents. These injuries can be caused by a number of factors, including flying debris, broken glass, and airbags.
Common head injuries include concussions, skull fractures, and brain bleeds. While some head injuries are minor and will heal on their own, others can be life-threatening. In severe cases, head injuries can lead to impairments in cognitive functioning, memory loss, and even coma or death.
A sternum fracture is a break in the breastbone, the large bone that runs down the center of your chest. While this type of injury can occur due to trauma from a fall or other type of accident, it is most commonly caused by a direct blow to the chest, such as in a car crash. When the force of impact is strong enough, it can cause the sternum to crack or break.
Suffering and pain after a crash can be overwhelming. People may suffer physical pain from their injuries, emotional anguish from the trauma of the accident, and financial hardship from missed work and mounting medical bills.
Every year, thousands of people suffer paralysis in automobile wrecks. While the exact causes vary, most accidents result in some type of spinal cord injury. This can damage the nerves that control movement, causing paralysis.
In a high-speed collision, the force of the impact can cause flesh to be torn or crushed. This can result in deep lacerations and extensive scarring. In addition, since the skin is the body's largest organ, it is particularly vulnerable to chemical burns from leaking fluids and exposure to hot metal and glass.
The most common type of injury is a dislocation, which occurs when the bones of the shoulder or arm are forced out of their normal position inside the cabin. This can occur as a result of a direct blow, such as being hit by a car, or from the force of the impact itself.
The most common cause of spinal cord injuries is trucking accidents, followed by motorcycle collisions and pedestrian accidents. In the majority of cases, the victim's spine is compressed or fractured due to the force of the impact.
Whiplash is a common injury suffered by people involved in crashes. It occurs when the head and neck are suddenly and forcefully jerked forward and backward, causing the ligaments and muscles to stretch beyond their normal range of motion.
A automobile wreck can be a devastating experience, leaving you feeling shaken up and frightened. Even if the repairs are minor, the psychological impact of an accident can be significant. It's not unusual for motorists to develop post-traumatic stress disorder If you were seriously injured in the accident. You may also experience flashbacks, nightmares, and difficulty sleeping. If you're having trouble coping with the aftermath of an accident, it's important to seek professional help. An attorney that specializes in auto wrecks can also aid you in seeking the assistance of a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The common causes of automobile wrecks
Car accidents are caused by a variety of factors, but negligence is the most common. This can take many forms, such as texting and driving or simply not paying attention to the road. Distracted driving is a major problem, and it's only getting worse as our lives become more and more intertwined with technology. It's estimated that distractions play a role in nearly half of all car accidents. Of course, there are other causes as well, such as drunk driving or speeding. But even if you're following all the rules of the road, you're still at risk if the drivers around you are not. So be vigilant and always stay alert when behind the wheel. It could mean the difference between life and death.
In both passenger-car accidents and collisions involving semi-truck and 18 wheelers there a potential that a defective product contributed in causing the wreck. Once a product - such as a tire, seatbelt, seat - is proven to be unreasonable dangerous than the manufacturer or distributor is held strictly liable under the law.
What to do after being involved in a car crash in Texas
After any car crash, it's important to take certain steps to protect your interests. If you're able to do so, you should take photos of the scene of the accident, as well as any damage to your vehicle or the other vehicles involved. You should also get the contact information for any witnesses. Once you've done that, you should call the police and file a report. Even if the accident seems minor, a police report can be helpful if there are any later disputes about what happened. If you or anyone else involved in the accident appears to be injured, you should also call for medical help.
Finally, once all of that is taken care of, you may want to consider contacting a personal injury attorney. You should speak with an attorney before opening claims with an automobile insurance company. Whether you're dealing with Geico, USAA, Progressive, Root or any other insurance company, do not provide them a recorded statement without the presence of an attorney. Attorney Niles Sneed can help you understand your legal rights and options, and can fight for compensation if you've been wrongfully injured.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney?
Injury and accident attorneys typically work on contingency fees because it completely aligns their incentives with yours. A contingency fee is a type of payment arrangement where the lawyer only gets paid if they win your case. So, if you don't get compensated for your injuries, then neither does the attorney.
How long will my car accident lawsuit last?
Car accident lawsuits generally last three to six months. However, the complete answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the accident, the amount of damage to the vehicles involved, and the insurance companies involved. In some cases, a car accident lawsuit can be resolved fairly quickly, especially if there is no dispute over who was at fault. However, if the accident was more severe or if there are disagreements about liability, the process can take much longer.
The quality of evidence your attorney obtains during the investigation into who is responsible for the collision also impacts the amount of time it takes to resolve your case. Settlement negotiations can also be prolonged when there are issues, such as gaps in your medical treatment, or evidence of comparative fault (proportionate responsibility) amongst the drivers. When cases don't settle and require the case to heard in a courtroom, the trail may last several days to several weeks.
it is also important to work with your attorney, who is tasked to make sure you obtain the quality of medical care you need in order to get better. Whether your ailments require chiropractic care, or more in-depth care such as that of an orthopedic, neurologist, or surgeon, attending the scheduled visits aids your attorney is resolving the case sooner, rather than later.
The important of hiring a black attorney
One of the most important aspects of a functioning democracy is representation. However, one of the fields were minority representation is most lacking is in the field of law, and even more in personal injury and civil litigation. When minorities are not adequately represented, their needs and interests are often ignored. This lead to the pain and suffering of people of color being underappreciated, and people left feeling like their lives are of less value to those around them.
Representation isn’t just a matter of fairness; it’s also essential for democracy to function effectively. Increasing minority representation in law is therefore essential to ensuring that everyone has access to justice. Having a black attorney ensure that your grievances are not only heard, but appreciated. Your attorney has a shared experience and perceptive and understands the ways your life can be impacted after a serious car accident.
How to locate a black personal injury attorney in Houston, Dallas, Austin, or Statewide
If you've been injured in an accident, you may be wondering how to locate a black personal injury attorney. The first step is to contact your local bar association. Bar associations maintain lists of attorneys who specialize in various areas of law, including personal injury and subsections of minority law groups. You can also search online directory listings or directories of lawyers in your area. Once you've compiled a list of potential attorneys, you'll need to narrow down your choices by considering factors such as experience, achievements, and fees. Once you've selected a few attorneys to interview, be sure to ask about their experience handling cases like yours and whether they think you have a strong case. You should also ask about their fees and whether they offer a free consultation. Choosing the right personal injury attorney can make a big difference in the outcome of your case, so it's important to take your time and choose carefully.
African American auto accident lawyer Niles Sneed
African American car accident lawyer Niles Sneed is a Texas personal injury attorney who is passionate about helping clients get the compensation they deserve. Niles was born and raised in Houston, Texas. Niles' parents are hardworking small business owners and he is proud to be the first generation attorney, championing for the rights of injury victims across our State. After earning his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of law founded Sneed & Mitchell LLP with his wife, Brit Mitchell. As a civil litigation attorney, Niles has represented clients in a wide range of personal injury cases, ranging from accidents involving children to wrongful death claim against national 18 wheeler fleet operators. Niles is passionate about fighting for the rights of his community and has become the go-to African American attorney for injury victims here in Harris County. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, Niles can help, and will.