Austin Car Accident Attorney

Car Accidents In Austin, TX

Car accidents are often quick and unsuspected. In many instances, these car accidents can happen quicker than drivers are able to see it coming. Some accidents are minor and only create minor bumps and bruises, but many car accidents can be very serious and alter the lives of those involved forever. Unfortunately, some car or truck accidents aren’t accidents at all; they are crashes that are caused by another motorist driving recklessly and demonstrating negligence on the roads. Types of negligent driving can include texting while driving, speeding, drunk driving, and many more. It’s crucial to understand that being involved in a car accident that is not your fault can often declare another driver at fault. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, we recommend that you speak with our Austin car accident attorney right away to discuss your case and determine if you have a right to claim damages from the injuries you sustained.

Understanding A Car Accident Personal Injury Case

Contrary to popular belief, not all car accident cases will go to trial. In fact, a skilled Austin car accident lawyer can often negotiate with the opposing party to secure a fair settlement that pays you for the injuries caused. However, no matter how far litigation for a personal injury case goes, certain elements will be present in every car accident case that includes liability, negligence, and comparative fault.

Liability

As with other personal injury cases, liability plays a huge role in pursuing a successful car accident claim. That’s why our personal injury lawyers will advise all motorists to avoid accepting any amount of fault for an accident because of this key element. Without much thought, car accidents may seem to involve only the negligence of the drivers involved in the crash. However, there are certain scenarios that may introduce the role of third-party defendants. These third-party defendants could include:

• • A driver’s employer
  • A vehicle parts manufacturer
  • Construction companies
  • And more

There are many outcomes that can play a role in these types of accidents, that is why working with an Austin car accident attorney will present you with the opportunity to fully recover compensation from any damages caused to you. Determining liability is critical for these personal injury claims and will set the stage for the rest of an accident case.

Negligence

Negligence is often a factor in many car accident cases and is the key element for proving fault in most personal injury cases. You and your attorney must prove that:

• • The at-fault party had a duty to use reasonable caution on the road
  • The at-fault party failed to meet that duty
  • The careless activity of the at-fault party contributed to an injurious car accident
  • You suffered an injury as a direct result of negligent behavior from the at-fault party

Comparative Fault

The Texas courts use a modified comparative fault rule to determine the level of fault in a car accident. Anyone who suffers an injury due to another motorist’s negligent actions can make a claim; however, the amount of fault given to each driver may reduce the total damages awarded. It’s likely that this rule could come into play during your personal injury case, even if you negotiate and settle out of court. An Austin auto accident lawyer will be able to help you understand your options and the best path forward to receive maximum compensation.

Common Causes of Car Accidents In Austin, TX

There are many ways that car accidents can occur in Travis County. But, the vast majority of auto accidents are caused by the negligence of another. Although some driving mistakes can be minor, they can still result in severe accidents that alter the lives of others. Below are some of the more common causes of car accidents in Austin:

• • Distracted driving
  • Impaired driving
  • Speeding
  • Reckless driving
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Tailgating
  • Improper turns
  • Roadway defects
  • Vehicle malfunction

Common Car Accident Injuries

Thousands of motorists are injured each year in the Austin area as a result of car accidents. In fact, a new case study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that for every one person that loses their life in a vehicle accident, eight others are hospitalized, and 100 more are treated and released from an emergency department. Some of the most common injuries from car accidents include the following:

• • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Concussions
  • Back injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Broken and dislocated bones
  • Severe lacerations
  • Spinal cord injuries with possible paralysis
  • Internal bleeding
  • Crush injuries or amputations

The Austin car accident attorneys at ATX Legal routinely work with clients who have endured severe physical and emotional trauma stemming from their car accident. It’s not uncommon for car accident victims to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the incident and the injuries that follow.

Austin Car Accident Statistics

Travis County is a very popular and congested area. In fact, a recent study by Safe Roads USA revealed that Travis County has the sixth most car accidents in the state of Texas. Not to mention, the city of Austin is experiencing a large population boom as the popularity of the city rises. In fact, this area has seen a 34.1% population growth between 2007 and 2017. Due to this boom in population, Austin has 14 of the busiest roads in Texas and the congestion continues to build year over year.

As a result, car accidents in Travis County are becoming more and more common. However, there have been some noteworthy steps taken to reduce accidents in Travis county. For example, the city has identified the most dangerous intersections and implemented changes to promote safety. Some of those changes have included improving existing crosswalks, implementing right turn lanes, and installing more warning flashers and traffic signals. These initiatives alone have accounted for an over 50% reduction in crashes in some areas of Austin, TX. Other improvements to road safety have included significant declines in crashes in the following dangerous intersections:

• • I-35 and MLK Boulevard – crashes dropped by 61% in 2019
  • U.S. 183 and Cameron Road – there were 57% fewer crashes in 2019
  • Lamar Boulevard and Parmer Lane – crashes are down 43%
  • Lamar Boulevard between Rutland Drive and Rundberg Lane – wrecks dropped by 22%

Despite these improvements to local roadways, Austin is still very dangerous for motorists that can cause serious injuries or even wrongful death. Unfortunately, even the best defensive drivers cannot always prevent others who are driving negligently from causing an accident. That’s why it is recommended to speak with an experienced Austin car accident attorney as soon as possible to begin building your personal injury claim.

Speak With An Experienced Austin Car Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident caused by the reckless or negligent acts of another motorist, you have the legal right to seek restitution. The Austin car accident lawyers at ATX Legal have years of experience representing injured victims in Travis County. Don’t be a victim twice, reach out to us today for a free case evaluation.