Austin Car Accident Lawyer

You rely on your car to get around, and you trust that you’ll make it to your destination safely. But what happens when the carelessness of another person behind the wheel leaves you injured?

A car accident has the potential to leave you not only with damages to yourself and your vehicle but also with significant emotional trauma. Fortunately, an Austin car accident lawyer could help you win fair compensation for your ordeal. Similarly, if drunk driving was involved, an Austin DWI lawyer can review your case. 

Common Varieties of Austin Car Accidents

When driving, an accident can happen anywhere, anytime. And with Austin’s highways becoming more congested by the day, the potential for an accident to occur only increases. 

Texas has the highest average highway driving speeds in the country, and the high-speed stretch of the toll road between Austin and San Antonio allegedly boasts the highest posted speed limit in the country, clocking in at eighty-five miles per hour. 

Although a car accident can stem from a variety of different events, some of the most frequent contributing factors include: 

 

  • Distracted driving – As smartphone and vehicle compatibility grows, people are using apps more than ever while driving. The risks of texting and driving are well documented, but selecting a song to stream or typing your destination into a directions app while driving is just as dangerous. 
  • Driving while intoxicated – Licensed drivers are required to follow the legal guidelines for the consumption of alcohol before getting behind the wheel. When a drunk driver is the cause of your injuries, however, you can also hold them responsible through a civil lawsuit. An Austin DWI lawyer can help you in the fight for compensation. 
  • Excessive speed – Driving in excess of the speed limit—or just driving dangerously—can lead to accidents. When speed is a factor, you might be able to use this to prove that the at-fault driver acted negligently. 
  • Inexperience – There’s a reason why car insurance rates are higher for teenagers and young people than for the general population—inexperienced drivers, in general, are more likely to be involved in an accident. 

 

When it comes to winning a settlement for your injuries, you must prove that the at-fault party’s carelessness behind the wheel led to your damages. Your first step, once you’re safe to do so, will be filing a crash report and gathering other information related to the crash. Some accidents might cause injuries requiring immediate medical attention. 

If you’re hurt, you should see your doctor right away. This will allow you to document the extent of your injuries—information that will be of use later when you calculate the value of your personal injury claim. If you’re unsure where to start, a car accident lawyer in Austin can help.

Considerations for Car Accidents Injuries

Depending on the type of accident you were involved in—rear-end, T-bone, or side-swipe—your injuries can range from the relatively minor, all the way to the catastrophic or fatal. Some injuries related to car accidents that have popped up in civil lawsuits include:

 

  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Back injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Fractured or broken bones
  • Cuts, lacerations, or bruising

 

Unfortunately, some accidents can cause life-changing, permanently debilitating injuries, or even death. And although it’s understood that a settlement will never be able to completely restore you or your loved ones to full health, it can help with your short- or long-term financial stability, and even provide a sense of justice.

Punitive damages can even be awarded in some cases in which the at-fault driver demonstrated gross negligence behind the wheel. Working with your doctor and an Austin accident lawyer can help you understand your options.

Recovering Damages from an Insurance Company in Texas

Although many believe that their car accident claims will inevitably end up in court, this is not the case. In reality, most personal injury claims are settled without ever seeing the inside of a courtroom. 

When you sue another driver for their negligence, your potential settlement will be paid by their insurance company (assuming they have insurance.) Insurance adjusters will typically do all these can to avoid paying you the true value of your claim. 

Given that negotiating is a part of securing a maximum settlement, most Austin car accident victims retain the services of an experienced car accident lawyer. A lawyer should know how to handle the negotiation process, and hiring one is a good way to demonstrate to the insurance company that you intend to fight for compensation. 

The Impact of Texas’ Shared Fault Laws on Your Austin Car Accident Claim

Texas’ status as a fault state means a plaintiff can sue the at-fault party’s insurance provider for damages after a car accident. When the other driver is entirely at fault for your accident, the process is straightforward: you will receive the full amount of your damages. 

Things can get complicated when more than one party is responsible for the accident, however. Texas adheres to something known as modified comparative negligence, which essentially means that the value of your damages can be reduced by the percentage of the accident for which you are responsible. 

For example, a judge in Austin could decide that your decision to break sharply at an intersection means you are 20 percent responsible for the accident, and your damages will be devalued accordingly. So if the true value of your car accident settlement is $100,000, you would walk away with $80,000 in this scenario. 

Because the interpretation of the facts of your case can potentially decrease the value of your settlement, many car accident victims choose to partner with an experienced car accident lawyer in Austin to ensure they’re getting a fair shot at the settlement they deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions for Austin Car Accident Victims

Every claim is different. That being said, there are frequent questions we often hear from potential clients. For more individualized help, reach out to our firm. 

Is there a time limit for bringing my car accident claim in Austin, Texas? 

A state’s statute of limitations places a strict deadline on your right to take legal action for your damages sustained in a car accident. Generally speaking, Austin car accident victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim.

How much can I possibly earn back in damages?

There are no limits to the amount of damages car accident victims can be awarded in a lawsuit. If punitive damages are also involved for grossly negligent behavior, however, these can be capped at a maximum of $750,000. 

What if multiple drivers are involved?

When multiple drivers are involved, car accident lawsuits can become more complicated. An experienced car accident lawyer in Austin can ensure that all involved parties are served a lawsuit by investigating the facts of your case. 

Contact an Austin Car Accident Attorney Today

When it comes to receiving fair compensation for your car accident injuries, there’s no reason to let an insurance company lowball the real value of your settlement. The legal team at Gibbs & Crivelli, Slingshot Law have the experience and drive to pursue aggressive compensation for their clients in Austin, and could turn the table in your case too. 

Ready to contact an experienced Austin car accident lawyer from our team? Call 800-488-7840 to ask about a hassle-free, no-obligation consultation.