Getting hurt in an accident changes everything overnight. Your car is wrecked. You cannot work. The medical bills are already arriving and the insurance adjuster is calling your phone. You need an Austin personal injury lawyer who will fight for you and not stop until you have the compensation you deserve. The Lopez Law Group has recovered over $25 million for injured clients across Texas. We serve clients throughout Austin and Central Texas, available 24 hours a day.
THIS PAGE COVERS:
- What personal injury law means for accident victims in Austin
- Who needs a personal injury attorney and the most common injury cases we handle
- Texas deadlines you cannot miss
- How The Lopez Law Group handles your case from the first call to final recovery
An Austin personal injury lawyer helps accident victims recover financial compensation after an injury caused by someone else's negligence. The Lopez Law Group is a personal injury law firm Austin residents and families in Austin and Central Texas can call 24/7. We handle car accidents, truck accidents, workplace injuries, wrongful death, and more on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win. Call (956) 968-7800 for a free consultation.
Attorney Fernando J. Lopez
Fernando J. Lopez is the founder of The Lopez Law Group and one of the most recognized personal injury attorneys in Texas. He brings over 15 years of experience representing accident victims across the state, from Travis County courts to venues in Harris County, Hidalgo County, and beyond. The Lopez Law Group has recovered more than $25 million for injured clients and families in Austin and across Texas.
Attorney Lopez is recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and has been named among the 10 Best Personal Injury Attorneys in Southern Texas by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys. He holds a Distinguished Counsel membership and has earned a Google 5-Star rating from over 122 verified clients.
"I will do everything in my power to get you the best settlement possible. Every client gets my full attention." — Fernando J. Lopez
What Is Personal Injury Law?
Personal injury law gives you the legal right to seek financial compensation when someone else's careless or wrongful act causes you to get hurt. In Texas, a personal injury case arises from car accidents, truck accidents, slip and fall accidents, workplace injuries, dog bites, traumatic brain injuries, wrongful death, and other situations where one party failed to act with reasonable care toward another.
Plain-English definition: Personal injury law is the area of Texas civil law that lets an injured person recover money damages from the party responsible for causing the injury. The injured person must show that the other party had a legal duty, breached that duty, and caused measurable harm as a result.
| Concept | What It Means | How It Applies in Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Negligence | Failure to act with reasonable care | Duty, breach, causation, and damages must all be proven |
| Gross Negligence | Conscious disregard for the safety of others | Can support punitive damages under CPRC §41.008 |
| Strict Liability | Liable regardless of intent or caution | Applies in certain dog bite and product liability cases |
| Comparative Fault | Shared responsibility between parties | Texas uses the 51% bar rule under CPRC §33.001 |
| Settlement | Agreement on compensation before trial | Most personal injury cases in Texas settle out of court |
| Verdict | Final decision by a judge or jury after trial | Used when a fair settlement cannot be reached |
Knowing which legal theory applies to your case matters. Our personal injury law firm Austin clients rely on has the depth to evaluate every angle of your claim.
Who Needs a Personal Injury Attorney in Austin
Not every accident requires legal representation. But if your injuries are serious, if liability is disputed, or if the insurance carrier is offering you less than your case is worth, working with an experienced Austin personal injury attorney can make a real difference in your outcome.
- Car accident on I-35 or MoPac (Loop 1): Austin has some of the highest crash rates in Texas. Rear-end collisions, distracted driving crashes, and high-speed highway accidents are everyday occurrences.
- Truck accident on US-290 or SH-130: Commercial 18-wheeler crashes in the Austin area involve federal FMCSA regulations and multiple potentially liable parties.
- Slip and fall accident at a South Congress or downtown Austin business: Property owners in the city of Austin have a legal duty to keep their premises safe.
- Construction site injury in the Austin metro: With Austin's growth comes a dangerous construction boom. Scaffolding collapses, falling objects, and equipment failures are among the most serious workplace injuries our team handles.
- Rideshare accident with Uber or Lyft in downtown Austin: These cases involve layered insurance policies with specific coverage triggers depending on whether the driver was logged in or carrying a passenger.
- Motorcycle accident on US-183 or Ben White Blvd: Insurance companies often try to blame riders for their own injuries. We push back and document the full picture.
- Dog bite at a Travis County park or neighborhood: Texas law holds dog owners responsible when their animal injures another person, especially if the owner knew the dog had shown dangerous tendencies.
- Austin wrongful death from a drunk driving crash on I-35: If you lost a family member in a fatal accident, Texas law allows qualifying survivors to file a wrongful death claim.
What to Do After an Injury in Austin
What you do in the hours and days after an accident can directly affect how much your claim is worth. These are the steps Attorney Fernando J. Lopez recommends to every client injured in Austin:
- 1Call 911 and get a police report. Request a crash report from Austin PD or the Travis County Sheriff. Get the report number before you leave the scene.
- 2Seek medical care right away. Some injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, whiplash, and internal damage, do not show symptoms immediately. Gaps in treatment give insurance adjusters a reason to minimize your injuries.
- 3Document the scene. Take photos of all vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic controls, and any visible injuries. Collect the name and contact information of every witness.
- 4Do not give a recorded statement. The other driver's insurance company may call you within hours. You are not required to give a recorded statement. Politely decline and call a personal injury attorney first.
- 5Open a claim but do not accept the first offer. First offers are almost always below the true value of your claim. Have your injury attorney review any offer before you respond.
- 6Track every loss and expense. Keep all medical bills, prescription receipts, and out-of-pocket costs connected to your injury. Document every day you missed work.
- 7Preserve digital evidence. Check whether a Ring doorbell camera, traffic camera, or dashcam captured the accident. Save any relevant text messages, emails, and photos.
- 8Call an Austin personal injury lawyer before the deadline. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003, you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. Do not wait.
Austin and Travis County Injury Statistics
Austin is one of the most dangerous cities in Texas for traffic crashes and serious injuries. The numbers tell the story clearly.
| Statistic | Year | Source | Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travis County recorded 17,942 total traffic crashes | 2023 | TxDOT CRIS | High crash volume drives personal injury case volume in Austin |
| 96 traffic fatalities occurred in Travis County | 2023 | TxDOT CRIS | Supports wrongful death case volume for families in Austin |
| Texas reported 15,299 serious injury crashes statewide | 2023 | TxDOT CRIS | Statewide context for injury severity across Texas personal injury cases |
| 4,764 workplace fatalities reported nationally | 2022 | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Supports workplace injury and wrongful death claims in the Austin construction boom |
| Falls are the leading cause of nonfatal workplace injuries | 2022 | CDC / National Safety Council | Supports slip and fall accident and premises liability claims in Austin |
| Texas ranks among top 5 states for large-truck crash fatalities | 2022 | NHTSA | Supports truck accident claims on Austin-area highways like I-35 and US-290 |
According to TxDOT in 2023, a person was injured in a Texas traffic crash every two minutes and twenty-four seconds. Travis County alone recorded nearly 18,000 crashes that year. If you were hurt in one of those accidents, you have legal rights and our Austin injury attorneys are ready to help you act on them.
Compensation You May Recover After an Accident in Austin
Texas personal injury law allows accident victims in Austin to seek several categories of compensation depending on the facts of their case.
| Type of Damages | Description | Examples | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical bills (economic) | Past and future treatment costs | ER visits, surgery, physical therapy, prescriptions, brain injury rehabilitation | Varies by injury severity |
| Lost wages (economic) | Income lost during recovery | Missed workdays, reduced hours, lost earning capacity | Based on documented income records |
| Pain and suffering (non-economic) | Physical pain and emotional harm | Chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, loss of enjoyment of daily life | Negotiated based on injury impact |
| Property damage (economic) | Cost to repair or replace your vehicle | Repair bills, rental car reimbursement, total loss valuation | Based on repair or replacement estimates |
| Wrongful death damages | Losses suffered by surviving family members | Funeral costs, lost financial support, loss of companionship | Calculated under Texas wrongful death statutes |
| Punitive damages | Financial punishment for gross negligence | DUI accidents, intentional harm, reckless commercial driver conduct | Capped under CPRC §41.008 |
Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to pay you as little as possible. Our experienced Austin personal injury lawyers build the strongest possible case for every dollar you may be owed.
Texas Laws and Deadlines for Austin Injury Victims
- Statute of limitations: 2 years. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003, most personal injury cases have a two-year deadline. For wrongful death cases, the two-year window begins on the date of death.
- Modified comparative fault. Texas follows proportionate responsibility under CPRC §33.001. If you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover compensation, reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Punitive damages capped under CPRC §41.008.
- Crash reports required when accidents result in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000.
- Government entity claims against the city of Austin or TxDOT may require notice as early as six months after the accident.
Texas Personal Injury Law Is Not Simple
A personal injury attorney Austin residents trust can help you avoid the mistakes that cost people their cases. Call (956) 968-7800.
How The Lopez Law Group Handles Your Case
At The Lopez Law Group, every personal injury case in Austin follows a clear process from the first call to final recovery. Here is exactly how we work:
- 1Free case evaluation. Call (956) 968-7800 or use our contact form. We review your situation at no charge and give you an honest picture of what your claim may be worth.
- 2Investigation and evidence gathering. Our team collects the police report, medical records, photos, witness statements, and any available surveillance or dashcam footage. For truck accident cases, we move immediately to preserve black box data and driver logs.
- 3Accident reconstruction when needed. For complex cases involving commercial vehicles or disputed liability, we work with accident reconstruction experts who can establish exactly what happened.
- 4Medical coordination. If you need help finding qualified medical providers who can document your injuries properly, we can connect you with the right specialists in the Austin area.
- 5Demand letter and negotiation. We prepare a full demand package and negotiate directly with insurance companies. We do not settle until we are satisfied the offer reflects the real value of your claim.
- 6Litigation when necessary. If the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, we file a personal injury lawsuit in Travis County court. Fernando J. Lopez takes cases all the way to verdict when that is what it takes.
Many injury cases in Austin settle before trial. But every client at The Lopez Law Group deserves a lawyer who is fully prepared to walk into a courtroom if that is what it takes to get you what you are owed.
Common Mistakes That Hurt Austin Personal Injury Cases
- Giving a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster. You are not required to do this. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that lead you to say something that reduces your payout.
- Posting on social media after your accident. A single photo of you at a family event can be used to argue your injuries are not as serious as you claim.
- Missing medical appointments. Insurance carriers track your treatment schedule. Gaps in care give them grounds to argue your injuries were not that bad.
- Accepting the first settlement offer. Once you sign a release, you cannot go back for more. First offers almost never reflect the true value of your claim.
- Waiting too long to call a lawyer. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget what they saw. Surveillance footage gets erased.
- Not documenting your losses. Without medical bills, wage records, and a written account of how the accident affected your life, your claim becomes hard to prove.
- Assuming the insurance company will treat you fairly. Companies have teams of lawyers whose job is to minimize payouts. Our job is to make sure that does not happen.
- Downplaying symptoms to your doctor. Your medical records are evidence. If you say you feel fine but you are still in pain at home, that inconsistency will be used against you.
What Austin Injury Attorneys at Lopez Law Group Recommend
Why Choose The Lopez Law Group as Your Austin Personal Injury Law Firm
There are many personal injury law firm Austin options to choose from. Here is what separates The Lopez Law Group from other accident lawyers in the city:
Bilingual Service
Austin is home to a large and growing Spanish-speaking community. Every member of our team serves clients in both English and Spanish.
No Win No Fee
You pay no attorney fees at all unless we recover compensation for you. No upfront costs. No surprise charges.
Direct Access to Fernando Lopez
Many large firms sign up clients and hand them to associates. Mr. Lopez handles your case from start to finish.
Austin Office
Our office at 7600 Chevy Chase Dr, Suite 300, Austin, TX 78752 puts us in your city and close to Travis County courts.
Benefits of Working With The Lopez Law Group
| Benefit | What It Means for You | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Contingency fee basis | You pay nothing unless we win your case | No upfront costs even if your case takes a year to resolve |
| Free consultation | Get honest legal advice at no charge | Call today to understand your rights as an Austin injury victim |
| Bilingual team | Full service in English and Spanish | No language barrier during the most stressful time of your life |
| Direct attorney access | Fernando J. Lopez personally handles your file | You are never passed to a case manager |
| Austin office | Local presence near Travis County courts | Your attorney knows the local judges and procedures |
| Trial-ready preparation | Every case built for court from day one | Insurance companies take settlement demands seriously |
| 24/7 availability | We answer calls any time, day or night | You can reach us the night your accident occurred |
| $25M+ recovered | Proven financial results for Texas injury victims | Real compensation for families in Austin and across Texas |
Case Results
| Case Type | Injuries | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Car accident, Austin area | Cervical herniated disc, soft tissue damage | Settlement covering full medical bills and lost wages |
| 18-wheeler accident, Central Texas highway | Multiple fractures and traumatic injuries | Seven-figure recovery for client and family |
| Construction site injury, Austin metro | Spinal injury, permanent partial disability | Full recovery of medical costs and future lost earning capacity |
| Wrongful death, vehicle collision, Travis County | Family lost primary income earner | Settlement covering funeral costs, lost support, and grief damages |
| Slip and fall accident, Austin commercial property | Knee surgery required | Pre-litigation settlement for full medical costs and pain and suffering |
What Clients Say
"Mr. Lopez was a real good lawyer who helped us out a lot in our car accident. Really recommend him. Thanks as well to his staff Stephanie and Gerardo, always real nice."
— Melissa H., Weslaco, TX"Excellent service from start to finish. Very professional, responsive, and knowledgeable throughout the entire process. Everything was handled efficiently and with great attention to detail. I am very happy with the outcome and highly recommend their services."
— Rodrigo L., Texas"My son hired Lopez Law Group. Marcus and the Lopez team went above and beyond to take care of my son. I highly recommend Lopez Law Group."
— Joe D., Texas"The Lopez Law Group was professional, attentive, and truly helpful throughout the entire process. I really appreciated their support and would definitely recommend them to anyone needing legal help."
— Stephenie H., Texas"Communicated effectively every step of the way."
— Eric G., TexasWhere We Serve Injury Victims in Austin and Beyond
The Lopez Law Group serves accident victims across Texas and beyond. Our Austin injury attorneys handle cases throughout Travis County and these locations:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an Austin personal injury lawyer do?
An Austin personal injury lawyer investigates your accident, gathers evidence, negotiates with insurance companies, and files a lawsuit when necessary to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The Lopez Law Group offers free consultations for all personal injury cases in Austin and Travis County.
How much does a personal injury attorney in Austin cost?
Most experienced injury attorneys in Austin work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless your lawyer wins your case. There are no upfront costs and no hourly charges at The Lopez Law Group.
How long does a personal injury case take in Texas?
Most injury cases in Austin and across Texas resolve in 6 to 12 months. Cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or litigation can take 18 months to 3 years.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Austin TX?
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003, you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. Courts almost never grant exceptions.
What is a contingency fee?
A contingency fee means your attorney gets paid only if your case is won. The fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict agreed upon before your case begins. You owe nothing unless we recover money for you.
How much is my Austin personal injury claim worth?
The value of your claim depends on your medical bills, your lost wages, the severity of your injuries, and how the accident has affected your daily life. Many clients are surprised to learn how much more their case is worth compared to the insurance company's first offer.
Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer?
No. First offers from insurance carriers are almost always below the actual value of your claim. Once you sign a release, you cannot ask for more. Have an experienced attorney review any offer first.
What if I was partly at fault for my accident in Austin?
Texas uses modified comparative fault under CPRC §33.001. If you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover compensation, reduced by your share of fault. You lose the right to recover only if found 51% or more responsible.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor accident in Austin?
If you suffered any injury at all, even one that seems minor, it is worth talking to an attorney before you settle anything. Injuries that feel manageable right after an accident sometimes become serious long-term conditions.
Can I file a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident in Austin?
Yes. If another driver's negligence caused the accident and your injuries, you can file a personal injury lawsuit in Travis County District Court. Filing protects your rights and often brings insurance companies to the table with a real offer.
What damages can I recover in a Texas personal injury case?
You may recover medical bills, future medical costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. Punitive damages may be available under CPRC §41.008 in cases of gross negligence.
Is there a free consultation with an Austin injury attorney?
Yes. The Lopez Law Group offers a free case evaluation for all personal injury cases in Austin and Travis County. Call our Austin office at (956) 968-7800 any time, day or night.
Does The Lopez Law Group have an office in Austin?
Yes. The Lopez Law Group maintains a physical Austin office at 7600 Chevy Chase Dr, Suite 300, Austin, TX 78752. Our team handles personal injury cases throughout Travis County and the surrounding Central Texas area.
Call an Austin Personal Injury Lawyer Today
You did not ask to get hurt. But now that you are injured in Austin, you deserve a personal injury law firm that will fight for every dollar the law allows and not stop until the insurance company pays you fairly.
The Lopez Law Group is the personal injury law firm Austin families and individuals call when the stakes are real. Fernando J. Lopez handles your case personally. You pay nothing unless we win.
Available 24/7. Real people. Hablamos español. Austin office staffed and ready.
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