AUSTIN CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS

Among the many things Austin is known for, congested traffic is among them. With a high volume of vehicles on the road, car accidents are not uncommon. According to the city’s Vision Zero data, there have been 8,336 crashes this year alone. Of those, there were 204 serious injuries and 77 fatalities. While crashes and injuries have gone down from previous years, these numbers still represent a serious problem in Austin. The number of fatalities has increased, which speaks to the increased severity of vehicle accidents. 

Many of these accidents are clustered along hotspots around the city. This could be due to traffic volume, reduced visibility, and more. Some common areas for accidents around Austin include I-35, US Highway 290, William Cannon Dr., Airport Blvd, Ed Bluestein Blvd, and more. Austin auto accident law firms are familiar with these areas and use their local knowledge of these roads and their unique factors when resolving your case and demonstrating the other party’s actions.

Car accidents can be devastating and leave you saddled with medical debt and vehicle repairs. Not to mention that your injuries may keep you from working for a period of time. You have the right to seek accident compensation from the driver who hurt you to offset your losses. You should not have to pay for your unexpected expenses yourself. Some common types of losses you may be able to recover in a settlement include: 

• Medical expenses, treatment, rehabilitation, and equipment
• Vehicle damage repair or replacement costs
• Lost wages
• End-of-life, funeral, and burial expenses
• Emotional and mental distress
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Diminished enjoyment and quality of life

Auto accident attorneys are experienced at communicating your needs to the insurance company and making sure that your settlement covers all of the losses you have sustained. They will handle all the negotiations so you can keep your focus on healing from your injuries. If the insurance company does not want to pay you fairly, auto accident lawyers are prepared to represent you in court to ensure you are compensated fairly.

Car crashes can leave you blindsided, in pain, and unsure about what to do. However, there are some steps you can take right after an accident that will reduce your stress later during the claim process. Recommended steps for what to do after a car accident include:  

• Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries.
• Dial 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.
• Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver(s) involved.
• Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
• Collect contact information from any witnesses to the accident.
• Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible.
• Even if you feel fine, seek medical evaluation to identify any hidden injuries.
• Keep records of medical bills, repair estimates, and any other relevant documentation related to the accident.
• Consult a trusted auto accident attorney for guidance on your legal rights and options.

Accidents are scary, and it can be even scarier thinking about what happens if you partially contributed to the accident. If you played a minor role, you can receive compensation to help you pay for your medical expenses and other losses. According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault you were assigned for the accident. For example, if you were 10% at fault for the accident, you would only receive 90% of your maximum settlement. This applies to any driver who is less than 50% at fault for the accident. Those who are over this amount are barred from compensation completely, despite injuries and losses. Auto accident law firms can help optimize your case to reduce your potential liability.