When a serious car accident case in Houston goes to trial, the outcome is ultimately placed in the hands of a jury. Behind the scenes, the at-fault parties and their insurers and teams of lawyers will stop at nothing to avoid responsibility and pay injured victims as little as possible. A jury, however, has the power to cut through those tactics, hear the truth, and deliver justice. Jurors evaluate the evidence, assess credibility, apply Texas law, decide who is legally at fault — and how much financial compensation should be awarded after a life-altering crash.
But securing maximum compensation requires more than a jury— it demands the best trial attorneys in Texas: a team of Undefeated Houston car accident lawyers who have never lost a case in the courtroom and repeatedly secure record-breaking verdicts and settlements.
At Zehl & Associates, we have seen how far corporations will go to shift blame and protect their profits at the expense of injured victims. With Billions recovered and thousands of crash victims successfully represented across Texas and the United States, our firm has the resources, experience, and focus to take on the largest companies in the world and not just win, but set records. We prepare every case for trial because we know firsthand that ensuring jurors fully understand what really happened — and how the crash could and should have been prevented — is often the only way to force full accountability and secure our clients’ futures.
Read on to learn about the vital role jurors play in the trial process and how our experienced trial attorneys can make all the difference when justice is on the line.
How Jurors Are Selected in Houston
In Houston, car accident trials are typically held in Harris County civil courts. Jurors are selected from the local community through a process called voir dire. During this stage, attorneys for both sides question potential jurors to identify biases, conflicts of interest, or preconceived opinions that could affect their ability to be fair and impartial.
For example, a potential juror who works for an insurance company or has strong opinions about personal injury lawsuits may be excused. The goal is to assemble a jury that can objectively evaluate the facts and apply Texas law as instructed by the judge.
The Jury’s Job: Fact-Finding and Decision-Making
The jury’s primary responsibility is to act as the finder of fact. Unlike the judge, who oversees the trial and rules on legal issues, the jury decides what actually happened and how the law applies to those facts.
In a Houston car accident trial, jurors are typically asked to determine:
- Whether the defendant was negligent
- Whether that negligence caused the accident
- Whether the plaintiff was also partially at fault
- The amount of damages owed, if any
Jurors base their decisions solely on the evidence presented during the trial, including witness testimony, documents, photographs, videos, accident reports, and expert opinions.
Evaluating Evidence and Witness Credibility
One of the most important roles of the jury is evaluating credibility. Jurors must decide which witnesses are believable and how much weight to give their testimony.
In car accident cases, jurors often hear from:
- The drivers involved in the crash
- Eyewitnesses
- Police officers who investigated the accident
- Medical providers
- Accident reconstruction experts
Jurors may consider factors such as consistency, demeanor, experience, and whether testimony aligns with physical evidence.
Applying Texas Comparative Fault Rules
Texas follows a modified comparative fault system. This means jurors may assign percentages of fault to each party involved in the accident. A plaintiff can recover damages only if they are found to be 50% or less at fault.
The jury’s fault allocation directly affects the final compensation award. For example, if a plaintiff is found 20% at fault, their damages are reduced by 20%.
Determining Damages
If the jury finds that the defendant is liable, they must then determine the appropriate amount of damages.
In car accident cases, damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Physical impairment
- Mental anguish
Jurors are instructed to award damages that fairly compensate the injured person based on the evidence presented, not sympathy or speculation.
Jury Instructions and Deliberations
Before deliberations begin, the judge provides detailed jury instructions explaining the applicable Texas law and outlining the specific questions jurors must answer. These instructions are critical, as jurors must follow them closely when reaching a verdict.
During deliberations, jurors discuss the evidence privately and work toward a unanimous or majority decision, depending on the court’s requirements. This process can take hours or days, depending on the complexity of the case.
Contact an Undefeated Houston Car Accident Lawyer at Zehl & Associates for a Free Consultation
A jury’s verdict can significantly impact the outcome of a Houston car accident trial, determining fault, compensation, and accountability. Because jurors come from the local community, their decisions reflect real-world judgment based on the evidence presented.
That’s why strong preparation and experienced trial advocacy matter. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact an Undefeated Houston car accident lawyer at Zehl & Associates for a free consultation. With Billions recovered for clients, the firm is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas. We are located in Houston and Midland and throughout the state of Texas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
Open 24 hours
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000
Open 24 hours