Award-winning Houston personal injury attorney

HUNDREDS OF
MILLIONS WON!

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RESULTS

$25,500,000

Industrial Accident Burn case

Houston Personal Injury Attorney

For more than thirty-five years, Houston personal injury attorney Peter Smith has fought tirelessly to protect the rights of injured clients. His approach is both aggressive and supportive—focused on building strategic strategies and consistently delivering results.

In the early years of his career, Mr. Smith worked on the defense side, representing major insurance companies and defendants. That experience gave him invaluable insight into how insurers think, operate, and attempt to limit payouts. With this inside knowledge on our side, he is able to create powerful, strategic opportunities for substantial financial recovery for our clients.

We’re ready to put that experience and advantage to work for you.

Peter Smith Personal Injury Law Firm Practice Areas

Our Houston, Texas personal injury law firm understands how overwhelming and life-changing an accident can be—no matter where it happens.

The reality is that negligence can occur almost anywhere. When someone’s careless actions or failure to act causes you harm, our Houston personal injury attorney is here to help you hold the responsible person or party fully accountable.

Have you or your family been burdened by an accident, PERSONAL INJURY OR WRONGFUL DEATH? If so, let me help. I will fight hard for you, and try to get the maximum cash and benefits you deserve.

CALL NOW

713-225-5050

Cases We Handle

Practice Areas

If you or a loved one has been harmed in a car or truck accident, suffered a personal injury, or experienced a wrongful death in the family, it’s essential to work with an attorney you can trust to pursue the best possible outcome.

Award-Winning Houston Personal Injury Attorney

Peter Smith

Attorney

Throughout his career, Peter Smith has been recognized for his excellence by clients, colleagues, and industry publications. He holds prestigious peer-review ratings, including Super Lawyer, AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell for over two decades, and a 10/10 rating on Avvo, reflecting his professional conduct and experience.

He has also been honored as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers, included in the Top 25 for Personal Injury and Motor Vehicle Accident Cases, and recognized by Lawyers of Distinction, the 10 Best in Client Satisfaction, and Three Best Rated. He is Google Screened and holds a Distinguished Justice Advocates certificate, awarded to the top 1% of attorneys nationwide.While awards and accolades are welcome acknowledgments of his skill, the true focus of his practice has always been on securing the best outcomes for his clients.

With more than 35 years of experience leading a successful legal practice, Peter Smith has built a solid reputation in the legal community. While awards acknowledge his skill, his true focus has always been on securing the best results for his clients.

Why choose us

6 reasons people choose our law firm

Achieved Landmark Victories
100% Free Consultation. You Pay Nothing Unless We Win. Get the Legal Support You Deserve
An Award-Winning Houston Injury Attorney Who’s Ready to Stand Up for You Today
No Matter How Tough the Case, We Fight Relentlessly for Every Personal Injury Victim
37+ Years of Proven Experience. Standing Up for Houston Injury Victims Since 1988
Fully Bilingual Support

Contact Our Houston Personal Injury Attorney Peter Smith To Get The Legal Representation You Deserve

Call Now

713-225-5050

Personal Injury Accident

How Does Personal Injury Affect Houston Residents?

Personal injury attorney Peter Smith understands that every injury is unique. Your financial recovery and needs are different from anyone else’s, and he works closely with you to outline the details of your case and pursue the best possible outcome.

If you are injured in an accident in Houston, you may need time off work to recover, which can create serious financial challenges if you are not paid during this period.

Peter Smith can help you seek the full financial compensation you deserve, which may include:

› Current and future medical expenses
› Physical therapy and rehabilitation
› Lost wages
› Reduced earning capacity
› Changes to your quality of life

With years of experience as a Houston personal injury lawyer, Peter Smith is committed to building a strong, comprehensive case that aims to achieve the best possible financial results for his clients.

Verdicts & Settlements

record of success

Argento, has won Millions of dollars in on behalf of his clients throughout his career.

$25,500,000

INDUSTRIAL
ACCIDENT BURN CASE

Settlement (Client: $15,000,000; Atty: $10,200,000; Exp: $300,000

$16,500,000

PERSONAL INJURY CASE

Settlement (Client: $9,400,000; Atty: $6,600,000; Exp: $500,000

$25,500,000

INDUSTRIAL
ACCIDENT BURN CASE

Settlement (Client: $15,000,000; Atty: $10,200,000; Exp: $300,000

$25,500,000

INDUSTRIAL
ACCIDENT BURN CASE

Settlement (Client: $15,000,000; Atty: $10,200,000; Exp: $300,000

$25,500,000

INDUSTRIAL
ACCIDENT BURN CASE

Settlement (Client: $15,000,000; Atty: $10,200,000; Exp: $300,000

$25,500,000

INDUSTRIAL
ACCIDENT BURN CASE

Settlement (Client: $15,000,000; Atty: $10,200,000; Exp: $300,000

How Do I Know If I Have a Houston Personal Injury Case?

Determining whether you have a valid personal injury claim involves more than just being injured in an accident. A successful claim in Texas must show that someone else’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing directly led to your injuries and losses. To establish this, you’ll typically need evidence proving the responsible party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused injuries resulting in measurable damages.
Whether you live in Houston—including its Midtown, Mid West, Greater Uptown, and Greater Third Ward neighborhoods—or surrounding areas like CypressMontroseRiver Oaks,  MontroseRiver Oaks, or anywhere in Texas, and believe these elements apply to your situation, contact our skilled Houston personal injury attorney who can carefully assess your case specifics and guide you on the next steps.

How Fault Is Determined in Personal Injury Claims & Essential Steps to Follow

Determining fault in a personal injury claim relies heavily on gathering and presenting clear evidence to demonstrate the other party’s responsibility for your injuries. Crucial evidence often includes police reports documenting the details and causes of the accident, eyewitness statements providing unbiased accounts of the event, medical records linking your injuries to the incident, and photographs or videos capturing the scene, damages, and hazardous conditions. Additionally, expert testimony—from accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, or engineers—can strengthen your case by clearly establishing how and why the accident occurred.

What to Do After an Accident in Houston?

Immediately following an accident in Houston, your priority should be ensuring safety and getting medical help for yourself or anyone injured. Once everyone’s safety is assured, promptly call 911 so police can officially document the incident—crucial for proving your claim later.

It is essential to gather evidence immediately, including photographs or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and surrounding areas. Obtain names and contact details from witnesses, and avoid discussing fault or admitting responsibility at the scene.

Finally, even if you don’t initially feel injured, promptly get a thorough medical evaluation to document injuries that may not be immediately obvious, and contact an experienced Houston personal injury attorney to guide you forward.

Compensation Available in Texas Personal Injury Cases

In Texas, personal injury victims can potentially recover multiple compensation forms to cover economic and non-economic losses.

  • Economic damages typically include medical expenses, lost wages, future earning potential, rehabilitation costs, and property damage.
  • Non-economic damages, often called “pain and suffering,” compensates victims for physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and other intangible harms.
  • In certain circumstances, punitive (exemplary) damagesmay also be awarded to punish incredibly reckless or malicious behavior.

Understanding which categories of damages apply and how to accurately quantify them is key to achieving a fair outcome in your Texas personal injury claim.

How Can Peter Smith Help You with Your Personal Injury Case in Houston?

Navigating the aftermath of an injury can be daunting, especially when dealing with complex legal matters and aggressive insurance companies. Peter Smith brings decades of proven experience as a personal injury attorney in Houston, ensuring clients have a powerful advocate who fully understands Texas law and local court procedures.

By carefully investigating your case, gathering evidence, and working with medical and accident reconstruction experts, our Houston personal injury law firm develops a strategic approach tailored to securing maximum compensation. Whether negotiating assertively with insurance companies or presenting a compelling case in court, his top priority remains ensuring your voice is heard clearly and your rights protected throughout the entire legal process.

Whether you live in Houston—including its Midtown, Mid West, Greater Uptown, and Greater Third Ward neighborhoods—or surrounding areas like Cypress, Montrose, River Oaks,  Montrose, River Oaks, or anywhere in Texas, and believe these elements apply to your situation, contact our skilled Houston personal injury attorney today to learn more about your legal rights and options to pursue a claim.

Understanding Texas Personal Injury Laws: What You Need to Know

Most people never expect they’ll need to understand Texas personal injury laws—until an accident happens, and suddenly, knowing your rights becomes crucial. Unfortunately, by then, it’s often overwhelming to make sense of complex statutes and regulations on your own.

That’s why Houston personal injury attorney Peter Smith is here: to translate these critical legal principles into a clear, understandable language for you. We believe every client deserves clarity about their case and the confidence from knowing exactly how we’re fighting for their rights.

Here’s what you need to know about Texas personal injury laws to help you navigate your situation.

1. Statute of Limitations (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §16.003)

Personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of injury. Failure to file within this period generally bars the claim.

2. Modified Comparative Fault (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §33.001)

  • Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule known as the 51% Bar Rule.
  • An injured party cannot recover damages if they’re found to be more than 50% responsible for the accident.
  • If a plaintiff is partially responsible (50% or less), their compensation is reduced proportionally by their percentage of fault.

3. Damage Caps

  • Medical Malpractice ( Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §74.301): Non-economic damages are capped at $250,000 per defendant, up to $750,000 if multiple providers are involved.
  • Punitive Damages ( Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §41.008): Punitive damages are capped at twice the economic damages, plus the amount equal to non-economic damages (up to $750,000), or $200,000, whichever is greater.

4. Texas Auto Insurance Laws

  • Texas operates on a fault-based auto insurance system, meaning the at-fault driver’s insurance pays for injuries and damages.
  • Minimum liability coverage required by law (30/60/25 rule):
  • $30,000 per person for bodily injury.
  • $60,000 per accident for bodily injury.
  • $25,000 per accident for property damage.

5. Texas Premises Liability Law

  • Property owners owe varying degrees of care depending on the visitor’s status:
  • Invitees:Highest duty of care; owners must regularly inspect and fix hazards.
  • Licensees:Must be warned of known dangers.
  • Trespassers:Limited duty, but still cannot intentionally cause harm.
    • Exceptions exist under the Attractive Nuisance Doctrine for child trespassers.

6. Texas Workers’ Compensation Laws

  • Texas is unique as it does not require all employers to carry workers’ compensation coverage (called a non-subscriber state).
  • Employers who do not subscribe lose many legal defenses in injury lawsuits filed by injured employees.

7. Governmental Immunity and the Texas Tort Claims Act (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §101.001 et seq.)

  • Limits liability of government entities (cities, counties, state agencies) to specific situations, including vehicle accidents involving government employees, premises defects on public property.
  • Caps recovery from government entities:
  • $250,000 per person, $500,000 per incident for bodily injury/death.
  • $100,000 for property damage claims.

8. Texas Dog Bite Liability (“One Bite Rule”)

Texas follows a “one-bite” rule, meaning owners are typically liable if the dog has previously bitten or demonstrated aggression. Once this is established, the owner may be held strictly liable.

9. Local Regulations in Texas Cities

The City of Houston—including its Midtown, Mid West, Greater Uptown, and Greater Third Ward neighborhoods—and surrounding areas like Cypress, Montrose, River Oaks,  Montrose, River Oaks, and other larger cities like Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio have local ordinances related to property maintenance, sidewalk repairs, building safety codes, and construction safety that can be highly relevant to personal injury claims involving premises liability, construction accidents, and municipal liability.

10. Dram Shop Law (Tex. Alcoholic Beverage Code Ann. §2.02)

Bars, restaurants, and liquor establishments can be held responsible if they sell or serve alcohol to an intoxicated person who subsequently injures someone else.

Contact Our Houston Personal Injury Attorney Peter Smith To Get The Legal Representation You Deserve

If you have been the victim of an accident in Houston through no fault of your own, whether it is an automotive, workplace, or another type of accident, and if you expect just compensation, then you must have adequate representation.

The quality of Houston truck, motorcycle, or car accident law firm varies greatly, and when your well-being rests upon receiving compensation for an injury, you do not want to take chances. You want the best! Peter Smith is among the best attorneys in both Houston and all of Texas, and he has the credentials to prove it.

Contact our Houston personal injury lawyer, Peter Smith, today and let him help you too!

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Personal Injury Law

frequently asked questions

To determine whether you have a valid personal injury case in Houston, you must prove that another person or party acted negligently or intentionally, and that their actions directly caused your injuries. This typically involves showing that:

  • The at-fault party owed you a duty of care.
  • That duty was breached through negligent or reckless behavior.
  • The breach caused your injuries, leading to financial or personal harm.

An experienced Houston personal injury attorney can evaluate the specifics of your case, gather supporting evidence, and explain your legal options. Even if you’re unsure whether your injury qualifies, it’s worth scheduling a free consultation to explore your rights and understand the potential for a successful claim.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how much your Houston personal injury case is worth. Several critical factors influence the final value of a settlement or court award:

  • The severity of your injuries
  • The total cost of medical care
  • Loss of income and future earning potential
  • Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
  • Long-term or permanent disability

An experienced lawyer will conduct a comprehensive review of your case to determine the full financial, physical, and emotional impact of your injury. The goal is to maximize your compensation through skilled negotiation or litigation, ensuring you receive what you’re truly owed.

Negligence is the legal foundation of most personal injury claims. In Texas, negligence occurs when someone fails to act with the level of care a reasonable person would exercise in the same situation, harming another person.

Examples include:

  • A distracted driver running a red light and causing an accident
  • A property owner failing to clean up a spill, leading to a slip and fall
  • A dog owner not securing their aggressive pet, resulting in a bite

To succeed in your case, your attorney must prove that the defendant’s actions directly caused your injuries. Strong evidence, such as medical records, eyewitness statements, and expert testimony, is key to building a compelling negligence claim.

While in-person meetings can offer a more personal and detailed case review, they are not required. Most attorneys in Houston, including Charles J. Argento & Associates, offer free consultations via:

  • Phone
  • Zoom or video chat
  • Email and online forms

These flexible options make it easy to discuss your case, regardless of your schedule or ability to travel. You’ll get a clear understanding of your rights, what steps to take next, and whether pursuing a claim is in your best interest—all without any upfront commitment.

Schedule your free consultation today to discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Hiring a personal injury attorney doesn’t have to be a financial burden. Many lawyers take cases on a contingency fee basis, which means:

  • No upfront costs.
  • You owe no fees unless your attorney wins your case.
  • Legal fees are deducted from your final settlement or award.

This model ensures that injury victims, regardless of their financial situation, have access to experienced legal representation without the stress of upfront legal bills.

Victims of personal injury accidents in Houston may be entitled to recover a wide range of damages, depending on the impact of the accident. These typically fall into two main categories:

Economic Damages:

  • Medical Expenses: Current and future medical bills, including surgery, rehabilitation, and therapy.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for the income lost while recovering from the injury.
  • Property Damage: Damage to your vehicle or personal property in accidents.

Non-Economic Damages:

  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain caused by the injury.
  • Emotional Distress: Mental suffering such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
  • Loss of Quality of Life: If your injury affects your ability to enjoy life as you did before the accident.

Punitive Damages:

In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct.

At Charles J. Argento & Associates, we work tirelessly to help our clients recover both visible and hidden costs related to their injury.

In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date the injury occurred. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this period, you may lose your right to seek compensation permanently.

Some exceptions may apply, such as cases involving minors or when injuries are discovered later. That’s why it’s essential to consult with a Houston personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Prompt legal action helps preserve evidence and ensures your case meets all necessary deadlines.

Many personal injury cases in Houston are resolved through out-of-court settlements with insurance companies. However, if the at-fault party refuses to offer fair compensation, your case may proceed to trial.

A dedicated legal team will prepare your case thoroughly, treating it as if it will go to court from the start. This strategy strengthens your position during negotiations and ensures you’re ready to present a compelling case to a judge or jury if necessary. Whether through settlement or trial, the goal is to fight for the best possible outcome on your behalf.

While it may be tempting to handle your personal injury claim on your own, doing so often leads to lower settlements, missed deadlines, and legal errors that can jeopardize your case. Insurance companies are skilled at minimizing payouts and may pressure you into accepting less than you deserve.
A qualified Houston personal injury lawyer:

  • Knows how to deal with insurers
  • Understands Texas injury laws and courtroom procedures
  • Can gather evidence, negotiate settlements, and represent you at trial if needed

Hiring a lawyer can dramatically improve your chances of securing the full compensation you’re entitled to.

Yes. Studies consistently show that injury victims represented by attorneys recover significantly more compensation than those who go it alone. Insurance companies often offer low initial settlements, especially to unrepresented claimants.

With a seasoned firm like Charles J. Argento & Associates, you benefit from decades of experience, negotiation skills, and a commitment to securing the highest possible settlement. We don’t settle for less than you deserve, and we won’t hesitate to take your case to court if necessary.

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