A wreck on I-35 can change your life in a few seconds. One moment you are driving home. The next you are hurt, your car is wrecked, and the medical bills start before you even leave the hospital. If you were injured in a car accident in Austin, you need an Austin car accident lawyer who knows Texas law and will fight the insurance company for you.
The Lopez Law Group represents injured people across Austin and Central Texas. Attorney Fernando J. Lopez has more than 15 years of experience in personal injury law and works directly with every client. The firm is fully bilingual, so you get answers in the language you speak. Here is what you get from day one:
- Free, confidential consultation with no obligation.
- No win, no fee. You pay nothing unless we win.
- Bilingual service in English and Spanish, available 24/7.
- Direct access to your attorney, not a case manager.
Call (956) 968-7800 today. On this page you will see what to do after a car accident, how long you have under Texas law, what compensation you may recover, and how our team handles your case from start to finish.
An Austin car accident lawyer at The Lopez Law Group helps people injured in car accidents in Austin and Travis County recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain. The firm works on contingency, so you pay nothing up front. Texas gives you two years to file a claim under Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. Call (956) 968-7800 for a free consultation. Hablamos español.
About Attorney Fernando J. Lopez
Fernando J. Lopez has spent more than 15 years standing up for injured people in Texas. He handles each car accident case personally, listens to the whole story, and builds it with solid proof. For many families in Austin, working with an attorney who explains the law in plain terms and in their own language changes the entire experience.
Our firm has recovered more than $25 million for injured clients across Texas. That number reflects real work, not promises. As an experienced Austin car accident attorney, Mr. Lopez brings credentials you can check, and he believes trust is earned. That is why you talk with him directly and get personal injury representation that big-volume firms rarely offer.
CREDENTIALS & RECOGNITION
What Is a Car Accident Claim?
A car accident claim is a legal request for compensation that an injured person brings against the driver who caused the crash. It pays for medical care, lost income, and the harm you suffered. In Texas the claim rests on the negligence of the person at fault for the accident.
Before you talk to an attorney, it helps to know a few terms. The table below clears up the ones that confuse car accident victims most.
| Concept | What it means | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Negligence | A failure to use reasonable care that harms another person | When a driver breaks the rules and causes the crash |
| Gross negligence | Reckless conduct with disregard for the safety of others | When there was extreme speeding or drunk driving |
| Settlement vs. verdict | A negotiated payment vs. a jury decision in court | Settlement before trial, verdict if the case is tried |
| Modified comparative fault | The Texas 51 percent bar that reduces or blocks recovery | When you share part of the blame for the crash |
| Economic vs. non-economic damages | Losses with a bill vs. losses without one | Medical bills and lost wages vs. pain and suffering |
Knowing these terms helps you spot a lowball offer and decide when you need an attorney for your car accident claim.
Who Needs an Austin Car Accident Lawyer
We help people hurt in many kinds of car accidents in Austin. If you were involved in a car accident like one of these, we can help.
- Rear-end collision. Stop-and-go traffic on I-35 leads to a rear-end accident that leaves you with neck and back pain.
- Lane-change crash on MoPac. A driver merges on Loop 1 without checking the blind spot and clips your car.
- Intersection wreck. A driver runs a red light on US-183 or near the airport on SH-71 and hits you.
- Drunk driver. Someone driving impaired causes the crash and you are the victim.
- Distracted driver. Phone use is behind many car accidents in Austin today.
- Fender bender that turns serious. A low-speed crash can still cause a real injury that shows up days later.
- Hit-and-run. The at-fault driver leaves the scene of the accident.
- Multi-car pileup. Several cars involved in a car accident make fault harder to sort out.
Each of these car accident cases needs specific proof. If your situation is not on this list, call us anyway and we will review it for free.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Austin
What you do in the first hours after the accident can protect your rights later. These are the steps we walk every client through.
- 1Call 911. Ask for police and an ambulance in the same call. The official report is the backbone of your case.
- 2Get checked at the scene. Adrenaline hides injuries that show up later. Accept the medical evaluation.
- 3Photograph everything. Take pictures of the vehicles, the final positions, the damage, and any visible injuries.
- 4Collect witness information. Get names and phone numbers before anyone leaves the scene of the accident.
- 5Do not admit fault. Anything you say can be used to lower your payment. Stick to the facts.
- 6Go to the hospital the same day. Neck and back injuries from a car crash need early medical care.
- 7Keep every bill and receipt. Each cost counts toward your claim. Do not give a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster — send those calls to your attorney.
- 8Contact an Austin car accident lawyer. An early call protects your rights from the first hour. Call (956) 968-7800.
Data, Statistics & Local Insights on Austin Car Accidents
Austin is one of the fastest growing cities in Texas. More people and more traffic mean more car accidents in Travis County each year. The I-35 corridor through the city stays among the busiest in the state. The numbers from state and federal agencies show the risk.
| Statistic | Year | Source | Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reported crashes in Travis County | Most recent year | TxDOT CRIS | Local crash volume in Austin |
| Traffic deaths in Austin | Most recent year | TxDOT | Local severity |
| Statewide traffic deaths in Texas | Most recent year | Texas DPS | Statewide severity |
| Crashes in the I-35 corridor | Most recent year | TxDOT | Risk on the main highway |
| Alcohol-related crashes | Most recent year | NHTSA | A serious cause of crashes |
Confirm the exact figures with each source before publishing. Travis County draws heavy commuter and visitor traffic, which raises the number of accidents in Austin that involve serious injuries.
Compensation You May Recover
Texas law lets crash victims recover several types of damages. Fair compensation covers both the bills and the human cost. The amount depends on how serious the injuries are and on the proof.
| Type of Damages | Description | Examples | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economic | Measurable money losses | Medical bills, lost wages, future care | Based on the real costs of the case |
| Non-economic | Human losses without a bill | Pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life | Varies with severity |
| Punitive | Punishment for serious conduct | A drunk driver who caused the crash | Limited by Texas law |
Every case is different. An experienced car accident lawyer in Austin can value your claim by adding what you have paid and what you will pay later. You may recover far more than the insurance company offers at first for your car accident.
Texas Laws and Important Deadlines
Texas has strict rules that change the value and the timing of your case. Knowing them early prevents costly mistakes. The deadline matters most.
- Two-year statute of limitations. The Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003 gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Miss it and the court will almost always throw out the case.
- Modified comparative fault. Section 33.001 applies the 51 percent bar. If you are 51 percent or more at fault, you recover nothing. If you are less, your payment drops by your share of the blame.
- Crash reporting. The Texas Transportation Code § 550 requires reporting crashes that cause serious injury or death.
- Minimum auto insurance. Texas requires coverage of $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
Do Not Wait
Acting early protects the evidence and your right to recover. Call us today at (956) 968-7800 for a free consultation.
How We Handle Your Case
Every case moves through clear stages. Our team keeps you informed the whole way. The goal is the best possible result for you.
- 1Free consultation. We review how the accident happened and what coverage exists. You get a realistic read on your case.
- 2Investigation. We gather the police report, medical records, photos, and witness statements.
- 3Demand letter. We send the insurance carrier a written demand with the full value of your damages.
- 4Negotiation. We push back on low offers and negotiate hard for fair compensation.
- 5Litigation if needed. If the insurer will not deal in good faith, we file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas court.
- 6Recovery. When the settlement or verdict comes in, you get paid and we collect only then.
In our experience, most personal injury cases in Texas resolve within six to twelve months, though every case is different. More than 90 percent of our cases settle out of court. We prepare each one as if it will go to trial, and that posture changes how the insurance company negotiates.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Giving a recorded statement to the adjuster. They look for words that lower your payment.
- Accepting the first offer. The first number rarely covers future medical bills.
- Posting on social media. A photo of you looking fine gets used to deny your injury.
- Missing medical appointments. A gap in care lets the insurer say you healed.
- Delaying initial medical care. It lets the insurer claim your injuries came from somewhere else.
- Waiting until the last month of the deadline. Evidence fades over time.
- Signing a broad medical release. It hands your entire history to the insurance company.
Tips From Our Attorneys
Why Choose The Lopez Law Group
Choosing a law firm is personal. There are many car accident lawyers in Austin competing for these cases. If you want the best attorney you can find, an honest comparison matters. Here is what sets us apart.
Bilingual Service
Fully bilingual practice in English and Spanish. You understand every step in your language.
No Win, No Fee
Free consultation with no obligation. One hundred percent contingency, and the firm advances costs.
Direct Attorney Access
You talk with Fernando J. Lopez at every stage, with no staff filter.
Trial-Ready
We prepare every case as if it will go to court; that posture lifts every settlement.
- Fully bilingual practice in English and Spanish
- Free consultation with no obligation
- No win, no fee; one hundred percent contingency
- Offices across Texas, including Austin, with statewide service
- Direct access to your attorney, with no staff filter
- More than $25 million recovered and more than 90 percent of cases resolved out of court
We do not promise to be the loudest firm. We promise direct attention and serious work. Our personal injury attorneys treat your case with the care it deserves.
Benefits of Working With Us
| Benefit | What It Means for You | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Free consultation | No cost to start | A no-obligation review of your case |
| No win, no fee | No financial risk | The fee comes out of the recovery |
| Full service in Spanish | Communication in your language | Documents and meetings in Spanish |
| Direct attorney access | No staff filter | You speak with Attorney Lopez directly |
| Firm advances costs | No money out of your pocket | We pay for experts and records |
| Trial-ready preparation | Higher settlements | Insurers respect a firm ready for court |
Case Results of Accidents in Austin
Our firm has recovered more than \$25 million in total for injured people in Texas. These anonymized examples show the kinds of cases we have handled. Details are kept general to protect client privacy.
A client suffered neck injuries after a distracted driver hit them in traffic. The case resolved through a settlement.
A victim was hit by an impaired driver. The conduct opened the door to additional damages.
A client was seriously hurt when another driver ran a red light. The case settled with the at-fault driver's insurer.
Client Testimonials
Out of respect for client privacy and in line with the advertising rules of the State Bar of Texas, we publish verified testimonials on our reviews page and Google profile rather than posting case-specific quotes here. During your free consultation you can ask for references from past clients who agreed to share their experience. Our more than 119 five-star reviews reflect the care each client receives.
Service Areas
We represent injured clients in Austin and across Texas, plus other states. If you were hurt in Austin, our team works your case whether you meet us in person or by video.
People with other injuries can see our Austin personal injury lawyer page. If a big rig was involved, talk to our Austin truck accident lawyer. Riders hurt on two wheels can reach our Austin motorcycle accident lawyer. When a loved one dies in a crash, learn about a wrongful death claim, and clients in other cities can visit our Houston car accident lawyer page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a car accident attorney in Austin?
Nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee, which means you pay only if we win. The fee comes out of the final settlement and not your pocket. The consultation is free. If we do not recover money for you, you owe us no attorney fee.
What should I do after a car accident in Austin?
Call 911 and get a police report. See a doctor the same day, even if you feel fine. Take photos of the scene, collect witness information, and do not admit fault. Then contact an Austin car accident lawyer before you speak with the other driver's insurance company.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Texas?
Usually two years from the date of the accident, under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. There are exceptions for minors and claims against the government. Once the deadline passes you almost always lose the right to file, so act early.
What compensation can I recover after a car accident?
You may recover economic damages like medical bills, lost wages, and future care, plus non-economic damages like pain and suffering. In cases of serious misconduct, Texas law allows punitive damages. The amount depends on how severe your injuries are and on the proof.
Do I need a lawyer if the other driver admitted fault?
Yes. Even when the other driver admits fault, the insurance company can deny it later or offer very little. An attorney documents who was at fault with solid proof. That protects your car accident claim if the insurer changes its story.
Should I talk to the insurance adjuster?
Not without legal advice. The adjuster wants to pay as little as possible and can use your words against you. Let your attorney handle the communication. That protects your claim and keeps you from saying something that lowers your recovery.
What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Texas uses modified comparative fault with the 51 percent bar. If you were 51 percent or more at fault, you recover nothing. If you were less, you can still recover, but your payment drops by your percentage of the blame. A lawyer fights to keep your share low.
How long does an Austin car accident case take?
Most cases in Texas resolve within six to twelve months. Cases with serious injuries or disputed fault can take more than a year. The timeline depends on the proof, the cooperation of the insurer, and whether the case goes to trial.
What if the other driver had no insurance?
Your own policy may cover you through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Many Texas drivers carry no insurance. An attorney reviews your policy and looks for every source of compensation so you are not left paying for someone else's mistake.
Do you have an office in Austin?
Yes. The Lopez Law Group has an Austin office at 7600 Chevy Chase Dr, Suite 300, Austin, Texas 78752. We meet clients in person or by video, whatever is easier for you. To confirm details and book a time, call our office at (956) 968-7800.
How much is my car accident case worth?
There is no fixed number. The value depends on your medical bills, lost wages, the severity of your injuries, and the impact on your life. An experienced Austin car accident attorney reviews all of these factors and calculates a fair figure before negotiating with the insurer.
How do I start my case today?
Call (956) 968-7800 or email [email protected]. You can book a consultation of about 30 minutes. You leave with a clear plan and real options, with no obligation to hire us afterward. The review is free and available in English and Spanish.
Talk to an Experienced Austin Car Accident Attorney Today
Looking for legal help after a crash is stressful. The adjuster calls. The medical bills pile up. The pressure to accept an offer before you know what your case is worth feels heavy. An Austin car accident lawyer at The Lopez Law Group carries that load so you can focus on getting better.
The deadline is only two years from the date of the accident, and the other driver's insurer already has lawyers working against you. Do not wait. Hablamos español, and we fight for the compensation you deserve.
Available 24/7. Real people. Real service in Spanish. Real knowledge of Texas courts and insurers.
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