Rear‑end collisions happen every day on Houston roads. Stop‑and‑go traffic on I‑610, Westheimer Road, and the Southwest Freeway means one careless moment can change everything. Even a low‑speed “fender‑bender” can leave you with painful whiplash, mounting medical bills, and weeks away from work.

At Goldenzweig Law Group, Houston rear‑end collision lawyer Stephen Goldenzweig understands how suddenly life can turn upside down. Our team listens, explains your rights in plain language, and pursues the compensation you need to move forward. The consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.

What Should I Do After a Rear‑End Car Accident in Houston?

Taking the right steps after a rear‑end crash protects your health and your claim.

  1. Call 911 and request medical aid. A police report and EMT assessment create immediate documentation.
  2. Exchange information. Collect driver’s license, insurance, and witness contacts.
  3. Document the scene. Photograph vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and the other plate.
  4. Avoid admitting fault. Simple apologies can be misused by insurers.
  5. Notify your own insurer—briefly. Decline recorded statements to the other driver’s company until you have counsel.
  6. Seek a same‑day medical exam. Whiplash, concussions, and soft‑tissue injuries often appear hours later.
  7. Call a lawyer before negotiations begin. Rear‑end accident attorney Stephen Goldenzweig can speak for you while you focus on recovery.

Following these steps preserves crucial evidence, locks in timelines, and stops the insurer from controlling the narrative.

Why Do So Many Rear‑End Collisions Happen in Houston?

Houston traffic presents unique conditions that make rear‑end crashes likely.

  • Distracted driving. Phones, in‑car screens, and navigation apps steal attention for the split second that causes impact.
  • Tailgating in congestion. Tight spacing on the 610 Loop or US‑59 leaves no room to brake safely.
  • Rush‑hour stop‑and‑go. Frequent red lights on Richmond Avenue and Westheimer create surprise stops.
  • Speeding and aggressive lane changes. Drivers weaving through the Katy Freeway can misjudge closing distances.
  • Drowsy or impaired driving. Late‑night commutes and weekend outings contribute to fatigue‑ and alcohol‑related rear‑endings.

Most of these causes trace back to preventable negligence—never to the driver who was hit. If someone struck you from behind, you deserve accountability.

Is the Rear Driver Always at Fault in a Rear‑End Collision in Texas?

Texas law usually places fault on the driver who hits you from behind.
 Safe‑following‑distance rules presume the trailing driver must keep control. Exceptions are rare but can include brake‑checking, broken brake lights, or sudden unsafe lane merges. Even then, Houston rear‑end accident attorney Stephen Goldenzweig investigates dash‑cam footage, crash data, and witness statements to show the trailing driver’s majority share of blame. Under Texas’s 51 percent comparative‑fault rule, as long as you are less than 51 percent responsible, you can still recover damages. In most rear‑end crashes we handle, our clients carry zero fault.

What Injuries Can You Get from a Rear‑End Accident?

Rear‑end collisions can cause injuries that are often underestimated.

  • Whiplash and neck strains. A rapid head snap stretches muscles and ligaments, causing stiffness and headaches.
  • Back and spinal damage. Herniated discs or lumbar strains may lead to chronic pain or nerve issues.
  • Concussions and other TBIs. A jolt alone can shift the brain inside the skull, triggering dizziness or memory problems.
  • Facial and chest trauma. Airbag deployment and seat‑belt forces bruise ribs and skin.
  • Fractures. Wrists, arms, and ribs break when occupants brace instinctively.
  • Knee impacts. Dashboards can crush knees, tearing ligaments.
  • Psychological harm. Anxiety, sleep loss, or PTSD often follows a violent impact.

Never assume soreness will fade. Early diagnosis links the injury directly to the crash and strengthens your claim.

What Compensation Can I Recover for a Rear‑End Collision in Houston?

Texas law allows you to pursue full compensation from the at‑fault driver.

  • Medical expenses. ER bills, surgery, therapy, prescriptions, and future care.
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity. Paychecks you missed and income you may never regain.
  • Property damage. Complete repair or replacement of your vehicle and personal items.
  • Pain and suffering. Physical discomfort and emotional distress that disrupt daily life.
  • Permanent impairment or scarring. Compensation for life‑long limitations or visible injuries.
  • Loss of consortium. Serious cases that harm marital relationships allow spouse claims.
  • Out‑of‑pocket costs. Travel for treatment, medical devices, childcare, or household help.

There is no fixed “average settlement.” Rear‑end car accident lawyer Stephen Goldenzweig calculates every dollar, working with doctors and economic experts to demand the maximum value your case deserves.

How Long Do I Have to File a Rear‑End Accident Lawsuit in Texas?

You have a limited time to file a lawsuit after a rear‑end crash.

Texas gives injured people two years from the collision date to bring a personal‑injury action. Government vehicles or agencies may require notice within mere months. Waiting risks lost evidence—traffic‑cam video overwrites and witnesses forget details. Contact our Houston car accident attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group quickly so filings, evidence preservation, and negotiations stay on schedule.

Do I Really Need a Lawyer for a Rear‑End Accident Claim?

Hiring a lawyer levels the playing field against the insurance company.

  • Adjusters downplay injuries. They may label whiplash “minor” or blame pain on age.
  • Valuing claims is complex. Future surgeries, lost careers, and emotional trauma require expert calculation.
  • Comparative‑fault tactics. Insurers may say you “stopped suddenly” to shave percentages off your award.
  • Procedural pitfalls. Missed deadlines or improper forms can sink an otherwise valid claim.
  • Contingency fee means no risk. You pay nothing upfront and nothing at all unless we win.

Statistics show represented claimants recover more—even after attorney fees—than those who go it alone.

How Can a Houston Rear‑End Collision Lawyer Help Me?

Our Houston rear‑end collision attorneys handle every detail of your case.

  • Comprehensive investigation. We secure police reports, event‑data‑recorder downloads, surveillance footage, and phone records proving distraction.
  • Evidence of damages. We gather medical records, confer with specialists, and document wage loss and future costs.
  • Relentless negotiation. We field all adjuster calls, present iron‑clad demand packages, and reject lowball offers.
  • Accurate case valuation. Rear‑end accident attorney Stephen Goldenzweig consults life‑care planners and vocational experts to quantify future needs.
  • Trial readiness. When insurers refuse fairness, Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig takes cases to Harris County juries—pressure that often triggers higher settlements.
  • Client support. Regular updates, prompt call‑backs, and empathy define our service. You heal while we fight.

Why Choose Goldenzweig Law Group After a Rear‑End Accident?

Experience and compassion set Stephen Goldenzweig apart from other Houston attorneys.

  • Local insight. As a Bellaire resident, rear‑end accident lawyer Stephen Goldenzweig knows Houston highways, judges, and juries.
  • Personal attention. Every client speaks directly with Attorney Goldenzweig, not an intake assistant.
  • Client satisfaction. “Amazing consultation and a very good explanation about my case. I highly recommend this law firm. Thank you so much for your guys help and I’m sure will always be in touch with you for future cases. Highly recommended, thank you.” –  Jordan
  • No fee unless we win. Our contingency model removes financial barriers to quality representation.

Call 713-561-5003 now for a free consultation. Prefer email or video chat? We accommodate your schedule and can visit your home or hospital if needed. The sooner you involve the rear‑end collision legal team at Goldenzweig Law Group, the sooner you can focus on recovery while we pursue justice.