About Daragh John
Daragh John Carter is a dedicated personal injury attorney based in Houston, Texas, where he practices at Smith & Hassler. Licensed to practice law in Texas since November 4, 2005, Carter has built a robust career focused on advocating for clients facing personal injury and insurance bad faith issues. His legal journey began with a strong academic foundation; he graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston Law Center in 2005, ranking 20th in a class of over 380 students. This impressive achievement laid the groundwork for his future success in the legal field. Before joining Smith & Hassler in 2006, Carter developed his skills as a litigation associate at Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. in Houston.
During his time there, he gained inexperience in complex litigation, which has greatly informed his current practice. At Smith & Hassler, Carter specializes in personal injury law, focusing on a variety of cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, premises liability, and wrongful death claims. His commitment to his clients is evident through his track record—he has tried numerous cases to jury verdict, achieving several excess verdicts that exceeded the defendants' insurance policy limits. Carter's expertise is further underscored by his board certification in Personal Injury Trial Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This distinction is held by only about 10% of Texas attorneys, highlighting his proficiency and dedication to the field. In addition to his legal practice, he contributes to the education of future lawyers as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston Law Center, where he teaches trial advocacy skills.
His involvement with the Houston Trial Lawyers Association also supports his the legal community. Recognition of Carter's work is evident; he has been named a Super Lawyer in Personal Injury by Texas Super Lawyers from 2017 to 2025. This accolade is awarded to attorneys who have demonstrated excellence in their practice and have received high peer recognition. Fluent in Spanish, Carter is able to serve clients in the Houston area, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder access to legal representation. Outside of his professional commitments, Carter enjoys spending time at his in-laws' cattle ranch near Breckenridge, Texas. He is also an avid car enthusiast, owning a 1966 Chevrolet Caprice Coupe that was purchased new by his wife's great-grandfather.
His focus on cars is evident as he frequently attends Coffee & Cars events in Houston. Carter's office is conveniently located at 1225 North Loop West, Suite 525, Houston, TX 77008. He offers free consultations and operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients only pay if they receive a recovery. For more information or to schedule a consultation, interested parties can visit Smith & Hassler's website or contact their office directly.
