Your Houston crash questions, answered straight.

Nothing to call and nothing up front. The firm works on a contingency fee: a percentage of what is recovered for you, agreed in writing first. If there is no recovery, you owe no attorney's fees and no case expenses. Allen explains the written agreement before you sign.

Whatever you have: the crash report number or a photo of the report, the other driver's insurance information, photos from the scene, and the name of any doctor you have seen. If you have none of it yet, call anyway. Allen will tell you what to get and where.

Yes. A spouse, parent or adult child can call Allen, get the facts to him and help protect the evidence while you are in the hospital or recovering. Being a relative doesn't by itself give someone authority over the claim: if the injured person can't make decisions, a guardian or other court-approved representative may need to act for them.

Generally, a lawsuit must be filed within two years of the crash; different rules can apply to children. Claims against a government need written notice much sooner; for the City of Houston, a sworn, notarized written claim within 90 days. Evidence disappears long before the deadline, so the practical answer is: call this week.

Generally, a lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of death. If the person died long after the crash, a claim that had already run out during their lifetime isn't revived. Claims involving a government vehicle or road can require written notice much sooner. Evidence from the crash fades long before the deadline, so it helps to talk with a lawyer early even if the family isn't ready to decide anything.

You can still recover as long as you were not more than 50 percent responsible. Texas reduces your compensation by your share of fault, so an adjuster who pins 30 percent on you is cutting your recovery by 30 percent. That is the main reason not to give a recorded statement without a lawyer.

You can still recover as long as you were not more than 50 percent responsible, and your compensation is reduced by your share. Witnesses, cameras and the damage to both vehicles often show what happened, which is why preserving them early matters.

No. The civil claim is separate from any criminal case. It can go forward whether or not charges are filed, and evidence from the criminal investigation can help it.

Not before you talk to a lawyer. Adjusters are trained to get recorded statements and quick, low settlements in the first days after a crash. Once you sign a release, the claim is over even if injuries show up later.

Not before a lawyer reviews it. Early offers come before anyone knows the full cost of your injuries, and once you sign a release the claim is over for good, even if you need more treatment later.

Your own uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may pay; Texas policies include it unless you rejected it in writing. If the driver left the scene and can't be identified, their vehicle must have actually hit you or your property, such as your car or bike. Personal injury protection on your policy can cover early medical bills and lost income regardless of fault, up to its limit. Allen reviews your policy on the first call.

Most cases settle some months after medical treatment ends, because a claim cannot be valued until the injury is understood. Serious injuries or a fight over fault can take a year or more, especially if a lawsuit is filed. Allen gives you an honest range at the first meeting and updates it as your treatment progresses.

Most cases settle without a trial. Allen prepares every case as if it will be tried, because insurers take attorneys who are ready to file more seriously. If a fair offer never comes, he files suit and tells you what to expect at each step.

It depends on your injuries, your medical care, the income you lost, how fault is shared and how much insurance is available. Every case is different, and no lawyer can honestly promise a number at the start. What Allen can do is find every source of insurance and document every loss.

Generally not on medical care, lost earnings, pain or mental anguish in a crash case against a private driver or company; claims against a government have their own limits. Exemplary (punitive) damages are capped in most cases, and past medical bills are limited to reasonable amounts actually paid or still owed.