Highways across Houston are often packed with fast-moving traffic, especially during peak commute hours and during poor weather conditions. When a crash occurs under these circumstances, it frequently leads to chain-reaction collisions involving three or more vehicles. These multi-vehicle pileups can cause extensive damage, serious injuries, and tragically, loss of life. For victims seeking compensation, these cases are often complex and rarely straightforward.
Multi-car crashes usually result in delayed settlements and prolonged legal battles due to the complex nature of proving fault and the numerous parties involved.
How Pileups Happen on Houston Roads
Houston’s dense traffic, sprawling highways, and unpredictable weather make the city particularly vulnerable to pileup accidents. Heavy rain, fog, or sudden traffic stops can trigger a series of rear-end collisions in a matter of seconds.
In many cases, a single driver’s careless or distracted behavior may initiate the crash. Still, other drivers may also share responsibility for failing to maintain a safe following distance or reacting poorly under pressure.
These conditions create a high risk of impact for any driver caught in the middle, and determining exactly who caused what part of the damage is rarely easy.
Why Proving Fault in Multi-Car Accidents Is So Complicated
In a typical two-car crash, fault is often more apparent. In pileups, however, every driver may have a different version of what happened, and multiple collisions may occur within seconds of one another. Investigators must piece together a timeline based on vehicle positions, physical damage, witness statements, and available surveillance or dash cam footage.
Insurance companies often argue over how much each driver contributed to the chain of events. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that a driver who is more than 50 percent at fault cannot recover damages. This rule adds another layer of complexity to multi-vehicle cases, where multiple drivers may be partially responsible.
Because fault may be shared among several parties, each insurer will try to minimize its own policyholder’s liability and shift blame onto someone else. This can lead to lengthy delays in resolving claims, leaving injured victims in a stressful financial and medical limbo.
What Victims Can Do to Protect Their Rights
If you are involved in a multi-vehicle crash in Houston, the steps you take immediately after the collision can significantly impact your case. Try to gather as much evidence as possible, including photos, videos, contact information for witnesses, and your recollection of the event. Seek medical treatment right away, even if your injuries seem minor, and avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters until you have spoken with an attorney.
At Hollingsworth Law Firm, we understand the unique challenges of pileup cases and possess the necessary resources to investigate and effectively advocate thoroughly. If you have been injured in a multi-car crash, contact our Harris Countypersonal injury attorneys today at 713-637-4560 or online for a free consultation. We are ready to stand up for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
About The Author
Steve Hollingsworth
Steve Hollingsworth is a seasoned trial attorney with extensive experience across Texas. After beginning his career as a felony prosecutor, Steve went on to represent major insurance companies before focusing on helping individuals injured in car, motorcycle, trucking accidents, and premises liability cases. Founder of his own firm, Steve is committed to providing personalized, client-focused legal representation to ensure justice for those he serves.
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Our client was struck by a commercial vehicle, causing severe damages to him and his car.
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Refinery worker received 3rd degree burns over approximately 30% of her body due to a flash fire at an oil refinery.
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Testimonials
Awesome Attorney
I was a client of Steve Hollingsworth. I was totally satisfied with his representation of me. He was very helpful in answering all my questions and always kept me updated on the status of my case. I am very happy with the settlement of the case and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for legal advice.
Rossana Former Client
Houston’s Best Consultation!
Steve was just great! Very easy to work with, communicates really well and most importantly sets realistic expectations. He is very straightforward and promptly responds to all your questions. I would definitely recommend Steve and would not hesitate to hire him in the future.
Anonymous Former Client
Very Accommodating and Caring
Steve and his assistant Kristina takes care of all my requests right away. Steve personally calls on issues and keeps me updated on the developments of the case. Got me a great settlement! Would highly recommend!
Mila G. Former Client
Rear End Case
Mr. Hollingsworth was an excellent lawyer in my case. He kept me up to date and informed through the whole process. He was always honest and fought hard in my case. He comes highly recommend.
Anonymous Former Client
Awesome!!!!!
I have no complaints; Steve did a very good job on explaining the details on everything that I was going through with my case. Steve got my case settled in no time, I will sure spread the word about Steve he is a very great lawyer.
Sara Former Client
Review
I liked how Steve explained everything, so I knew what I was getting in to. Steve got me what I deserved in no time. I would recommend him to anyone.
Andrew Former Client
Steven and I attended law school together and I have known him since 2000. He was stellar in representing a close friend with a personal injury matter. I have been very impressed with his communication, dedication and thoroughness in representation.
Pamela V. Attorney from Cypress, TX
Steve is the real deal! He is an extremely invaluable resource on all things Litigation for me as a younger attorney. He is not only great a securing the bigger verdicts, but actually cares about the clients and still sticks by his tried and true method of meeting, in person, with his clients to go over facts .
overall, a solid attorney, with a wealth of knowledge!
Crystal H. Attorney from Houston, TX
Steve and I were colleagues, where we worked on complex personal injury and wrongful death cases. What I observed in the years we worked together is that Steve is not only extremely skillful in his profession, but he is a tireless student of the law, constantly working to perfect the art of practicing law.
He genuinely cares about his clients and their cases and it shows. He has excellent work ethic. He is not only a terrific lawyer but also a great person. As a fellow member of the State Bar of Texas, I would recommend Steve to anyone needing a zealous advocate in a personal injury case.
Vivian E. Attorney from San Antonio, TX
After working with Steve for a couple of years, I found Steve to be an outstanding, aggressive and highly skilled lawyer in the courtroom. His confidence and knowledge of the courtroom and what it takes to succeed there, I believe will ensure his long term prosperity.
Robin T. Attorney from College Station, TX
I had the pleasure of working on a trial with Steven last August. His background as an ADA is clearly evident in the courtroom. Steven’s presentation of the evidence throughout trial is that of a seasoned attorney who has spent many hours in front of a jury.
His opening/closings were excellent, as well as his strategic litigating throughout the trial. Steven is a consummate professional and a pleasure to work with, and watch in the courtroom.
James H. From Miami, FL
When I met Steve, I was a legal assistant at a Plaintiff’s firm and he was working as an attorney for AIG. We connected there and then. Steve is a likable guy and an outstanding trial lawyer. He is charismatic and jurors like him.
He is a Plaintiff’s lawyer now and he has the right skill set to represent injured individuals: he is compassionate, honest, and sincere and will go the extra mile for his clients. I’ve known Steve for almost 8 years now and I’m excited to see his career evolve.
Alice L. Attorney in Houston, TX
Professional and Thorough
I used Steve Hollingsworth for a personal injury case following a car accident. He was very easy to work with and managed my expectations regarding costs, time commitment/duration, filing suit etc. Steve kept me informed during the process and always made sure I understand what everything meant.
My case took about 18 months to resolve, ending in mediation after filing suit and he pushed hard to make sure my best interest was represented and to ensure that I had the best possible (and fair) outcome.
I hope I never have a personal injury claim again but if I do, I would absolutely consult with Steve. He exceeded my expectations and made the process as painless as possible. I would high recommend him.
Jessie Former Client
About Hollingsworth Law Firm
Our aggressive personal injury trial attorneys at the Hollingsworth Law Firm are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. If you are the victim of an automobile accident, airplane accident, workplace injury or other catastrophic injury, you need legal advice from a personal injury attorney with proven results you can trust. Our dedicated legal team is proud to represent clients across the state of Texas. WE WILL START FIGHTING FOR YOUR RIGHTS TODAY!
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