Austin Car Accident Lawyer

Has a car accident caused you great pain, expenses, injuries, and frustration? We know how hard it can be. Between ballooning medical bills, lost wages from missed work, property and vehicle damage, and the physical and emotional trauma, dealing with a motor vehicle crash can feel like a full-time job and more. That’s why we remove the doubt from the equation and provide a free case review when it’s needed most.

Serving the People of Austin

A motor vehicle accident can happen anywhere, anytime. Whether you’re in Austin, Texas, or from the surrounding areas outside the city, we’re on standby to help you get the compensation you deserve for the damage and injuries you’ve suffered:

• Medical bills
• Lost income and wages
• Pain and suffering
• Other car accident-related losses

At Slingshot Law, we’re real-life trial lawyers and legal consultants with determination—we know how to handle your case, no matter which direction the process may take us. We believe your serious injuries, property damage, and suffering deserve serious compensation, meaning that when you work with our lawyers, you can expect to get justice for your cause and respect for your rights.

Do I Have a Valid Austin Car Accident Case?

Car accident injury claims range from the most minor and straightforward cases to serious, complex claims. If you’re unsure whether you have a case that will result in compensation, contacting an experienced Austin lawyer can help.

There are some factors that our lawyers review to help determine whether you have a case and what your next steps may be. Typically, if you’re injured because another party was careless, you may have a claim, but that’s not always easy to determine. Talk to a lawyer about the injuries you sustained and the details of your accident if you’re uncertain.

Common Causes of Austin Car Accidents

There are many causes of vehicle accidents throughout Texas. With a high population and multiple intersections, accidents happen every day and leave many Austin residents seriously injured. Here are some of the more common causes that contribute to car accidents throughout Texas.

Reckless Driving or Speeding

Reckless driving accounts for a large portion of serious accidents that occur in Austin. Speeding is one of the more common type of reckless driving. There are other forms of reckless driving actions such as unsafely changing lanes, running red lights and stop signs, making illegal turns, and tailgating.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is on the rise in many cities throughout Texas. It accounts for thousands of accidents on the roadways. Distractions can range from smartphone usage, eating and drinking to adjusting the radio or speaking with others in the vehicle.

Texting while driving is the leading cause of distracted driving accidents. It is illegal in most states, including Texas. Drivers found to be texting while driving can be held responsible for any damages sustained due to distracted driving, while also having to pay a fine or face a license suspension.

Driving While Intoxicated or Under the Influence

Driving intoxicated or while under the influence of various substances is responsible for many accidents and fatalities throughout Texas. Driving while under the influence increases the chances of an accident happening.

Drunk driving is also illegal and comes with serious consequences if someone is found guilty of doing so. If a driver is found to have been drinking or under the influence while an accident occurred, you may be able to receive punitive damages and use evidence from the criminal trial for your claim.

Other causes can include:

• Failure to yield or stop
• Improperly maneuvering the roadways
• Malfunctioning or defective equipment
• Driving in poor road conditions

There are many reasons why car accidents happen. Generally, they are a direct result of a driver’s negligence. Negligence has four elements: duty, breach, injury, and causation. When someone breaches their duty of care which causes an injury, it is labeled negligence.

As Austin continues to grow, the number of accidents increases each year. Many of the accidents that happen can be avoided but they can cause damage physically, emotionally, and financially in your life.

Types of Car Accidents in Austin

The most common underlying cause for a traffic crash is a driver losing control. The type of accident that happens depends on where you are and the type of control lost.

It may be essential that you understand and learn about every type of car accident so you’re able to heed caution while on the roadways. Safety should always come first while operating a motor vehicle.

Head-On Collisions

These collisions are one of the most dangerous types of collisions to be in. They occur when two vehicles are driving in opposite directions and they crash into each other head-on. These accidents happen most often at high speeds, which increases the likelihood of serious injuries or even death.

There are some common causes of head-on collisions that include:

• Drunk Driving – The driver’s ability to properly and responsibly control a vehicle is diminished when they’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When they swerve into another lane or drive the wrong way on a street, this can cause an accident.
• Driving the Wrong Way – This happens when a driver is going against the legal flow of traffic. This may happen when a driver is intoxicated, did not see signs, or is confused while driving.
• Passing Other Drivers – Passing drivers swerving from lane to lane in front of you can become dangerous. When a passing driver doesn’t see the oncoming traffic or underestimates the time it would take to do the change, head-on collisions can occur.

Rollovers

When a vehicle rolls over and lands on its side or the roof, this is a rollover collision. Any vehicle has the potential to be in a rollover collision, but SUVs and trucks are heavier and more likely to flip on their sides or roofs.

These are extremely dangerous accidents to be in. The driver and passengers have an increased chance of being ejected from their seats. Some causes of rollover accidents include:

• Falling down a hill or embankment
• Turning too quickly
• Being hit during a side impact collision

Improperly loading cargo, oversteering during poor weather conditions, and poor driving practices can all lead to a rollover accident. Many rollover accidents occur on curved roads or in rural areas.

T-Bone or Side Impact

These accidents happen when the front of one car collides with the side of another. When one of the drivers fails to stop at a traffic light or yield to the traffic with the right-of-way, this can cause this type of collision to happen.

Those involved in a side-impact collision usually sustain serious injuries or even death. These accidents are often caused by the at-fault driver’s failure to slow, stop, or yield to the other vehicles with the right of way.

Sideswipe Accidents

Collisions that happen on the sides of two vehicles that are traveling in the same direction are sideswipe accidents. Many of these accidents result due to lane-changing errors. Most often, they happen on highways.

When drivers don’t check their blind spots while merging this can cause these accidents to happen. Going high speeds and weaving in and out of lanes or not signaling while lane changing can cause sideswipe accidents. Drivers who are drunk, distracted, tired, or aggressive can cause these accidents.

Single-Vehicle Accident

Single-vehicle accidents only involve one single vehicle. When the vehicle collides with an object or off the road this is considered a single-vehicle accident. Accidents where a pedestrian is hit are not often referred to as single-vehicle accidents.

There are common causes of these accidents which include excessive speeds where the driver loses control, inclement weather, animals or hazards in the roadway, or driving under the influence. Almost anything can cause a driver to lose control while on the road.

Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Multi-vehicle collisions are accidents involving two or more cars. When an accident between two cars is in the path of others, this can cause more vehicles to pile up in the accident. It causes a chain reaction between vehicles.

These accidents can become deadly when cars become pinned between the other cars involved. These accidents often happen in high-speed areas such as highways. When drivers do not have enough time to react, they end up being involved in these accidents.

Collisions While Backing Up

Accidents happen while backing up, especially if you’re unfamiliar with doing so. To avoid backing up accidents, practice is great but you also want to make sure you’re aware of traffic and items in your backup path.

If you’re in a high-traffic area or another area where backing up may be difficult, it’s important to park in a way that is less dangerous. Having a backup camera can reduce accidents. Back out slowly, be cautious, and remember to use your mirrors. These accidents typically cause minor injuries and damages, but can still be upsetting.

Rear-End Collisions

These accidents occur when a vehicle collides with the back of another vehicle. The common cause for these accidents is when a vehicle is trailing too close to the other. Keeping a safe following distance is essential for giving yourself enough time to stop.

The law states that you should follow other vehicles at a reasonable distance. It is unlawful to follow a vehicle within 300 feet. Not giving plenty of room to stop can put the following vehicle at-fault during a claim, even if the other driver abruptly stopped.

If vehicles are following you too close while driving, pull over to the side and allow them to pass. This way, everyone is safe while on the roads, and rear-end collisions are less likely to happen.

Parked Vehicle Accidents

Parked vehicle accidents happen when a moving vehicle hits a parked one. Whether you’re leaving the parking lot and accidentally hit one, or if you leave your parked car in the road and someone else does, this counts as a parked vehicle accident.

To prevent these accidents from happening, you may want to park away from ongoing traffic, maximize the space between you and other vehicles, or park in a garage and not on the roads. These tips can help you keep your vehicles safe, and reduce the chances of you hitting others.

These accidents can happen to anyone, at any time. They can cause minor to major injuries to those involved depending on the circumstances of the accident. If you were injured, even minorly, it is important to reach out to an experienced law office regarding compensation you may be entitled to.

Injuries Sustained From Austin Car Accidents

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you want to be aware of the common injuries that can happen. By recognizing them and getting the necessary treatments, you will better understand what type of case you may have.

Some injuries might be noticeable immediately following the crash, while others might take days or even weeks to show signs and symptoms. Obtaining an early diagnosis and treatment can mean the difference between making a full recovery and complications that may be long-term.

Head Injuries

There are a number of head injuries that are commonly seen in Austin car accidents. Concussions happen when the brain is forcefully moved inside the skull. Losing consciousness is not uncommon with these injuries.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be life-threatening if left untreated. This is caused by a sudden blow to the head. It can mean long-term memory issues, seizures, pain, swelling, and much more. This injury should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

Injuries to the Spine

The spine is a sensitive area and when hit, jolted, or moved in the wrong way, serious injuries can occur. Extreme pain, weakness, tingling, loss of bowel or bladder function, or the ability to walk can all be signs of a spinal injury.

Some of the more common injuries to the spin include disc injuries, paralysis, spinal cord damage, spinal fractures, and whiplash. These injuries may be apparent immediately following the accident, and should be diagnosed and treated immediately to reduce long-term issues from happening.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Skin injuries are common and they can lead to scarring and disfigurement in some. Road rash and abrasions, bruising, lacerations, puncture wounds, and other injuries in the skin can happen.

These injuries can take months to heal for some Austin accident victims, and this leads to depression and anxiety. Medical bills may end up piling up over time. These are all things that you’d want to receive compensation for.

Injuries to the Joints

Injuries to the joints are commonly found when accidents happen due to the strong force that happens. Knee, shoulder, wrist, and hip injuries are usually the joints affected. These areas are all left open and at risk for injury, especially in head-on collisions.

Internal Injuries

Organ damage and internal bleeding are found in accidents where the impact was strong. These injuries should be found as soon as possible as they can lead to death in some cases. They may not be noticeable on the outside right away.

Bruising, pain in the area, and fainting are all common symptoms found with internal injuries. Surgery may be required as soon as the injuries are diagnosed.

Fractured Bones

Broken and fractured bones can be painful and depending on where the break is, usually noticeable. However, there are some fractures that can go unnoticed, so it is important to have a scan done to find any issues.

Fractures and breaks can lead to other serious injuries, or long-term therapy if they do not heal correctly. Seeking medical attention right after the accident, especially with a serious impact, is important to find problem areas that may need to be addressed.

Amputations

While these are scary and are not as common as some of the other injuries, they do happen. When a limb is amputated, it may be during an accident or by a doctor who is unable to save a badly damaged limb. In both cases, it can lead to long-term physical and emotional stress for the Austin driver.

Wrongful Death

No one wants to lose a loved one in a vehicle accident, especially one caused by the negligence of another. When this happens, you may be able to seek compensation for your loss.

In addition to these physical injuries, those involved in Austin car accidents may also suffer from emotional damages. These can be everything from mental distress, PTSD, heightened anxiety and depression, nightmares, irritability, memory loss, or other cognitive issues.

Even if you feel that the injuries you sustained are not very serious, you want to still seek medical attention. Some injuries may not be noticeable for weeks after the Austin car accident and a medical professional may be able to diagnose and treat them sooner.

This medical attention is important to your car accident injury claim. Give all of your documentation for the treatment and diagnosis of injuries to your Austin car accident attorney.

Intersections With Common Accidents Found in Austin

Many of these accidents occur in Austin at some of the most dangerous intersections in the city. The Austin High-Injury Network works with the city of Austin to identify these areas and educate drivers on the dangers associated with them.

Austin developed plans to help improve these roadways to make the roads safer, but some are still especially dangerous. Remember, be alert and cautious while driving in them, and other roadways throughout the city. Below are some of the more dangerous intersections in Austin:

• North Lamar Blvd. and US183, Braker Lane
• Parmer Lane and Metric Blvd.
• Slaughter Lane and IH-35
• South First Street and Stassney Lane
• Airport Blvd. and Manor Road
• Riverside Drive and Lakeshore Blvd.
• South Congress Ave. and Ben White Blvd.
• Burnet Road and US 183,
• East Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Airport Blvd.
• Cameron Road and E. St. Johns Ave.

Exercise caution, be alert, and take your time while driving in these high-traffic, high-injury accident areas. With new traffic signals and signs added to the intersections, the area may see fewer accidents.

What To Do After Being in an Austin Car Accident

Being in a car accident can change your life. This is an overwhelming time and right after being in the accident, you may not be thinking about what to do next. You want to take the necessary steps to protect your rights, but also to collect enough evidence in the event of a claim.

First, check for injuries on yourself, others in your vehicle, and anyone else involved in the accident.

Once everyone is as safe as possible, call the authorities. You want police to make a report on the accident and do their own observations, and you also want to have an ambulance sent out to look over any injuries that happened. You will want to request a crash report that the officer took at the scene a few days after. Provide this to your law office as evidence.

Take photos and videos of the scene of the accident. You want to have as much of the accident, injuries, and damages documented. Gather the information from the others involved in the accident, but also of any witnesses. You want to collect contact information, insurance information, and vehicle description information.

You may need to notify the insurance company about your accident, but keep in mind that anything you sat can be used again you. Your car accident lawyer in Austin can also help you discuss your case with the insurance company.

Make sure to keep any documents related to the accident, including treatment for injuries. You want to have as much evidence of the money you’re spending, lost, and need coverage for.

Keep in mind that this paperwork needs to be filed within the two-year mark. Work with our experienced law office to ensure that this is done correctly and on time. You don’t want to miss any important deadlines while trying to get the compensation you deserve.

Steps to File Austin Car Accident Claims

Your Car Accident Compensation Lifeline

Have car accident injuries and damages knocked you off course? We’re here to answer your questions, communicate thoroughly, and guide you each step of the way through the car accident claims process.

Steps to Filing a Lawsuit and Getting Compensated

You Contact an Attorney from Our Law Firm

After a car accident, you’re bound to feel beset by questions: How much is my claim worth? How do I prove negligence? Do I need to go to court? We know how painful and discouraging this process can seem—which is why our lawyers strive to give you information and honest answers from the first day you call.

We Review Your Vehicle Accident Claim

Car accidents can seem complicated from the outside—but we have the experience you need to determine fault and get fully compensated. We find out which driver or party caused your accident, and we make sure to identify any possible pathway to proving liability and getting compensation for the damage and injuries caused by other drivers.

You Receive Your Compensation

Our lawyers will handle all of the negotiation and paperwork involved from start to finish. We know how to negotiate with the insurance companies, and we are prepared to take your case to trial if need be. With our Texas law office, you’re in good hands when it comes to getting compensated for medical bills, property damage, and more.

Our car accident lawyers know all the ins and outs of Texas personal injury and car accident cases, having worked claims for accident victims from all over Texas. When you involve our law firm, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll be safely guided through the litigation process to a successful conclusion and compensation for all the damage you’ve claimed.

Have you or a loved one been hurt in a motor vehicle accident? You need a Texas attorney who can represent you and get the full amount of compensation you deserve in response to the collision.

Understanding Compensation for an Austin Car Accident

Compensation for an Austin auto wreck claim should cover the total costs of your damages, but it can be difficult to give an exact amount you’ll receive. There are many factors that go into determining the amount. These calculations should include the immediate losses you’ve suffered, but they should also cover the future damages you’ve suffered because of the crash.

Injuries from these accidents lead to piles of medical bills, lost wages, and damaged vehicles. If you were injured, you may be entitled to receive compensation for the expenses that occurred because of the accident. Some of the things you may be reimbursed for include:

• Any medical bills and expenses for hospitalizations, medication, therapy, and other expenses for medical-related help received
• Lost wages
• Emotional distress and pain and suffering
• If you’re on short or long-term disability, your future wages

The damages you’re able to obtain in your personal injury case are divided into two categories: compensatory and punitive. The compensatory damages come in two parts: economic and non-economic.

Economic Damages

These damages are meant to compensate victims for the monetary expenses they’ve had due to the accident. The most common damages include, but are not limited to:

• Past, present, and future medical bills
• Lost wages for the past, present, and future
• Any household expenses
• Loss of irreplaceable items
• Costs of travel due to the accident
• Replacement or repair of any damaged property

Non-Economic Damages

These damages are meant to compensate the damages that have no monetary value. This is usually emotional harm that was done due to the accident. Some of the most common types of noneconomic damages include, but are not limited to:

• Lower quality of life due to the accident
• Disfigurement
• Pain and suffering from the past, present, and future
• Physical impairment
• Loss of companionship
• Mental anguish

Punitive Damages

These damages are meant to punish the in-fault party for their negligent behavior. They should serve as a deterrent for the future. Your attorney must prove that the behavior of the at-fault party was despicable to receive punitive damages.

Punitive damages are rarely awarded because they put a high standard on what counts. When they are awarded, such as in drunk driving cases, they are usually very costly.

Speak with an experienced Austin attorney during a free consultation regarding the compensation you may be entitled to depending on the severity of your accident. They’ll be able to provide a better understanding of what to expect since every case is different.

What If I’m Partly at Fault for My Car Accident?

Additionally, Texas is a modified comparative negligence state. This may limit the amount you receive in compensation depending on who is found to be more at fault for the accident.

The court assigns a percentage of fault to every party involved in the accident. The amount of compensation you receive may be reduced by the percentage you’re found to be at fault. If the amount you’re found to be at fault is 51 percent or more, you will not be able to collect any compensation.

Working with an experienced law office can help you determine if you have a case, and if you do, the fair amount of compensation you should request.

What Happens if the At-Fault Motorist Doesn’t Have Insurance?

The driver found to be at fault during an accident usually has insurance coverage that pays for any medical care, damage to your property, and wage losses. According to Texas law, motorists are required to have at least $30,000 of coverage and $25,000 for property damage.

This has to be $30,000 per injured person. If two people are injured in an accident, the coverage must provide up to $60,000 for the injuries. Even though coverage is required, some drivers still choose to drive without this coverage.

When another driver is negligent and causes harm without the right insurance coverage, that leaves you struggling to get compensated for your suffering. Luckily, there are steps you can take to get compensated fairly from an uninsured or underinsured driver.

The first thing you’d do is to make a claim on your own underinsured or uninsured coverage to cover the injuries and damages sustained. Speaking with an auto accident lawyer can help you not only file with your insurance but also go through the next process of filing a claim against the negligent driver.

Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Austin

Underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage is a policy on your insurance plan that pays for any property damage and injuries caused by an underinsured or uninsured negligent driver. When this driver does not have sufficient insurance coverage, this coverage will bridge the gap.

The minimum policy limits for this type of coverage need to be the same as your auto liability insurance. Additionally, Texas law reduces the amount you’re able to recover from a driver when they are underinsured.

Unfortunately, if you do not recover funds from the underinsured motorist, your specific coverage will not pay for all of the injuries and damages. You will use the coverage amount the at-fault driver has to cover some of these costs.

Speaking with a car accident lawyer in Austin that understands insurance coverage and claims can help you determine the best route to take for compensation.

Do I Have Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

You most likely already have this insurance coverage on your plan, as insurance companies automatically add them. You should check your insurance policy to make sure.

Auto insurance carriers are required by law to include this coverage on your policy unless you reject this coverage and submit this request in writing. If you’ve rejected coverage in the past in writing, you will not regain it again when the policy renews unless you request it back in writing.

Is it Worth It to Contact an Austin Car Accident Attorney?

Many Austin car accident victims worry that they can’t afford a car accident lawyer, or that their lawyer can’t help them get a worthwhile settlement. The truth is that contacting a lawyer as soon as possible helps you prepare for court and get the answers you need following an accident.

Our lawyers can help your case in many ways. Having the right legal representation for your personal injury case helps you develop a strategy. This strategy should be planned as soon as possible after the accident.

Your lawyer can also help you learn more about your rights and the options available. Lawyers that are experienced in personal injury claims have the education and knowledge of Texas law. Your lawyer can also help you understand what rights you have under Texas law. Not only that, but they can help guide you through the next steps you should take.

Meeting with a car accident attorney is an educational resource. You’re able to identify alternative payment options that help you afford your damages and medical costs. They can even negotiate with your medical providers to obtain a more affordable bill amount.

They communicate with the insurers so you don’t have to. They will negotiate with the insurance companies and anyone else who was involved. These parties use tactics to reduce the amount they are liable for paying. A lawyer understands and realizes this, and they let them know what coverage and payment you’re entitled to and won’t take less than you deserve.

They know what documents are necessary to strengthen your case. They will then work to receive these documents. Whether it is police records, medical documents, or other information; they work for you to get you what you’re rightfully deserved. Some losses are hard to prove, and an experienced lawyer knows what’s necessary to show proof of these losses.

Your lawyer will also manage the legal details and filing of the case. You likely have a long recovery ahead of you and you don’t want to focus on the legal aspects. They navigate these details so you don’t have to worry about doing that on top of getting better.

If you were unsure of whether a law office would be ideal to meet with about your potential claim, there is no wrong you can do with a free consultation. Speak with an attorney about the specifics and see what your next steps may be.

Injured in a Car Accident? We’re Here for You

You never imagine needing an attorney for legal representation until it happens to you. After an accident, you may feel uprooted, confused, and justifiably upset. But by making the call to an experienced car accident attorney with Gibbs & Crivelli, Slingshot Law, today, you’re taking the first step to a brighter future.

Here’s why our clients prefer working with our lawyers:

Our Lawyers Put People Above Profits

Not every law firm in Texas is built the same. Some competitors can leave you saddled with unexpected fees or unclear contractual language that actually leaves you owing money at the end. At Slingshot Law, our lawyers never take a fee that’s greater than a client’s disbursement on a car accident settlement.

Speak to an Attorney Whenever You Need To

Our legal assistants are highly qualified and empathetic people—but sometimes you need to speak to an attorney. Call us, get set up with an attorney, and receive access to them whenever you need them. We’ll even give you your attorney’s cell phone number for seamless contact when you need to touch base. Don’t be left out of the conversation.

Our Lawyers Make the Difference for Our Clients

We have the influence and experience to take on the insurance company—and even fight them in the courtroom if need be. We offer the dedicated attention of real trial attorneys. We’ve recovered tens of millions in compensation for our clients for the injuries, medical bills, and property damage that resulted from their wrecks—will you be next?

Get Help from a Car Accident Lawyer in Austin Now

Frustrated and overwhelmed after you’ve suffered injuries and property damage in a car accident? Experienced the wrongful death of a loved one? We’ll be your personal injury settlement process guides. Contact Gibbs & Crivelli, Slingshot Law, today to get started with a personalized plan and pathway to recovery.

Ready for your free, no-obligation consultation with an Austin car accident lawyer? Call us at 800-488-7840 or fill out our contact form on this website to learn more about how you can get compensated for what you’ve suffered through.