Austin Car Accident Lawyers
Helping Victims of Traffic Collisions in Williamson County & Beyond
Being injured in a car accident can be a deeply traumatic experience, both physically and emotionally. Beyond the immediate pain and suffering, there are often significant financial burdens, including medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs—but Smith & Vinson Law Firm can help.
Our team of skilled Austin car accident attorneys can guide you through every step of the process, from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court if necessary. We understand the challenges that arise from being injured in a car accident. With our extensive legal experience and dedication to our clients' well-being, we are committed to helping you pursue the compensation you deserve. We can fight tirelessly on your behalf to not only protect your rights but also work to help you receive fair and just compensation for your injuries and losses. With our car accident attorneys in Austin by your side, you can focus on your recovery with the confidence that your case is in capable hands.
For more information or to request a consultation, call (512) 359-3743 now.
Common Car Accident Injuries
In 2023, car accidents in Austin killed 36 motorists and seriously injured 284 others. Many of the most serious collisions occur on or near I-35 and state highways that snake through the city, but anyone can be involved in a serious car accident on any roadway.
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from bruises and broken bones to severe, life-altering injuries. The force of a collision can cause the body to sustain injuries in various ways, depending on factors such as speed, vehicle size, and the use of safety features, like seatbelts and airbags. Some injuries may be immediately apparent, while others might manifest days or even weeks after the accident.
Common car accident injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Soft tissue injuries (such as strains, sprains, and contusions)
- Internal injuries (including organ damage and internal bleeding)
- Psychological trauma (such as post-traumatic stress disorder)
These injuries can not only cause physical pain and discomfort but also lead to emotional distress and financial hardship. Seeking immediate medical attention following a car accident is crucial, even if injuries seem minor at first.
What To Do After a Car Accident
In the aftermath of a car accident, it's crucial to remain calm and focus on taking certain steps to ensure your safety, as well as protect your rights. Knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath can make a significant difference in the outcome of the situation.
These are some essential steps to take after a car accident:
- Check for injuries: Assess yourself and others involved in the accident for any injuries. If anyone is injured, call emergency services immediately.
- Move to safety: If possible, move vehicles to a safe location to prevent further accidents or hazards. Turn on hazard lights and use warning triangles or flares if available.
- Call the police: Even in minor accidents, it's important to report the incident to law enforcement. They can document the scene, gather information, and create an official report.
- Exchange information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident. Be sure to collect names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance policy details.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. This documentation can be valuable for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you don't feel seriously injured, it's important to seek medical treatment right away. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but could worsen over time.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate information and cooperate fully with their investigation but avoid discussing the accident with insurance adjusters.
- Contact a lawyer: Schedule a consultation with a personal injury lawyer who handles car accident claims. Our experienced Austin car accident lawyers can help you assess your potential for recovering damages.
By following these steps, you can protect your well-being and lay the groundwork for a smoother resolution. A qualified attorney can provide guidance and support in navigating any legal issues that may arise.
Why It's Important to Seek Medical Treatment After a Crash
Going to the hospital immediately after an accident can make it easier to prove that the accident was what caused your injuries. In most cases, the doctor who treats you will create a written record of the type of injuries you suffered, their severity, when they occurred, and their likely cause. This information can be used to gain leverage during settlement talks or at trial.
It may also make it easier to determine how much you may be entitled to in a settlement or judgment if you seek prompt medical attention. Typically, you will receive 100% of the amount that you spent on medical bills related to treating your injuries. This figure will typically be included on the invoice provided to you by your treatment provider, and an attorney will likely enter this information into evidence at some point during a case.
Finally, and most importantly, the sooner you seek treatment, the easier it may be to limit the severity of your injuries. In many cases, obtaining care in a timely manner for a serious injury—such as a cracked skull, broken bone, or organ damage—can increase the chances of making a full recovery.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Austin, TX?
Generally speaking, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit against the party or parties who may be liable for your damages. An attorney will typically take this step on the day that they are hired. It's important to note that your case can still be settled outside of court. However, taking this step may increase the chances that the defendants in your case negotiate in good faith to resolve the matter before a judge needs to get involved.
When to Hire a Lawyer for Your Austin Car Accident Case
Working with an attorney is one of the best things you can do when it comes to navigating the aftermath of a car crash. At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, our lawyers can help you take immediate action and seek a positive outcome for your case from the moment you call. In many cases, we file a lawsuit the day that we are hired to represent you. Under Texas law, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a car accident lawsuit (with some exceptions), so we act quickly to ensure your rights are protected.
As your legal team, we work to obtain cellphone records, toxicology reports, and other evidence that can be used to bolster your case. Furthermore, we can take depositions from anyone who witnessed the accident, such as another driver, a passenger in your vehicle, or a passenger in the car that collided with yours. We can also work with your medical, auto, and other insurance providers to ensure that you don't have to pay any bills related to the accident until after your case has been resolved.
Additionally, our team is here to coach you through the process of making a statement to your insurance company. We can help minimize the odds that you say something that might be used against you at some point during the legal process. For example, your statement may be amended if it provides too much detail or implies that you were at all responsible for the accident.
What You Should Know About Making Statements to Your Insurance Company
In most states, including Texas, you are required to provide your auto insurance provider with a version of how your car accident occurred. However, you're allowed to have your attorney review your written statement before you submit it.
If your insurance provider wants a recorded statement, your lawyer can sit in the room while it is taped. That way, they can stop the recording if you say anything that might undermine or contradict your position. Your lawyer can also clarify any comments that are made before they can be used against you during settlement talks.
At Smith & Vinson Law Firm we know how to work with insurance adjusters and how to hold liable parties accountable for the pain, suffering, and financial losses they cause through negligent and wrongful acts. Trust our Austin motor vehicle accident attorneys to fight for you and your future.
