When someone’s life is turned upside down by an accident, the physical injuries are only part of the story. The sleepless nights, anxiety, chronic pain, and emotional trauma that follow can be just as debilitating. Those losses fall under the legal concept of pain and suffering, a category of non-economic damages recognized (though not rigidly quantified) in Texas. To give realistic expectations, it helps to see actual settlement numbers—especially ones secured by a firm like Joe Lopez Law in Texas. While many smaller claims fall into the $10,000 to $100,000 range, Joe Lopez Law’s successes include multi-million dollar results when…

Understanding Contingency Fees in Texas Personal Injury Cases Working under a contingency fee agreement can sound too good to be true: a lawyer agrees to represent you at no upfront cost, only collecting a fee if you win the case. While this core definition is true, the financial reality of an Austin personal injury settlement is more complex. In Texas, contingency fees are a vital tool that grant access to justice for individuals who cannot afford hourly legal rates. However, understanding how the final payment is calculated—including legal fees, case costs, and medical liens—is critical to knowing what you actually…

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Texas, one of your first concerns might be how long that incident will stay on your record—and how it could affect your insurance rates, driving privileges, and legal standing. The answer depends on which “record” we’re talking about. In Texas, an accident can show up on multiple records, including your driving record, insurance history, and police or court records. Each has its own timeline. Here’s what you need to know. Texas Driving Record: 3 to 5 Years In Texas, most car accidents will stay on your driving record for three years…

Being involved in a truck (or 18-wheeler) accident is stressful enough without having to guess how long you’ll wait for a settlement. Every case is different, but in Austin, Texas, there are some common milestones and influencing factors that tend to shape the timeline. Below is a breakdown of how long things often take, what can speed things up or slow them down, and what you should expect. 1. Key Phases of a Settlement Timeline Immediate Response & Medical Treatment: Right after the crash, the first few days to weeks are about seeking medical care, documenting injuries, and preserving evidence…

The Eagle Ford Shale region in South Texas has become a major hub for oil and gas production—and with that growth comes a surge in heavy truck traffic. Unfortunately, this boom has also led to an alarming increase in serious truck accidents. Whether you’re a resident, a worker commuting to the oilfields, or a traveler passing through, understanding the unique risks and legal issues in this area can help you stay safe and protect your rights. The Scale of the Problem Recent TxDOT figures show that among major oil and gas producing regions, the Eagle Ford Shale saw more than…

I’ll be honest: if you’re dealing with a truck accident in Austin, the insurance company’s priority isn’t your recovery—it’s protecting their bottom line. They run well-worn playbooks to minimize payouts, and if you don’t know how to counter, they’ll steamroll you. Step 1: Quick Reports, Quicker Investigations As soon as a claim is filed, adjusters jump into action—reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and pulling data from the truck’s event recorder. While you’re focusing on recovery, they’re already laying groundwork to limit what they’ll pay. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) oversees how insurers must handle claims and enforces rules meant…

Truck accidents in Austin can lead to life-altering consequences, from severe injuries to mounting financial burdens. In Texas, truck accident victims may pursue damages through personal injury claims, often against negligent drivers, trucking companies, or other liable parties. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, commercial vehicle crashes resulted in 614 fatalities in 2023, highlighting the severity of these incidents. Compensation aims to cover both tangible losses and intangible harms, ensuring victims can rebuild their lives. If you have been involved in a collision with a commercial vehicle, understanding the types of compensation available is crucial for your recovery. At Joe…

If you’re reading this, you or someone you care about was likely in a collision with a commercial truck. I’m Joe Lopez, and I’ll be blunt: the injuries from an 80,000-pound vehicle don’t look anything like a typical fender-bender. They’re severe, often permanent, and they rarely resolve “on their own.” Here’s what I see most often—and why you shouldn’t downplay any of it. Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) Head trauma is common in truck crashes. The force can cause concussions, skull fractures, and more serious traumatic brain injuries that alter cognition, memory, balance, mood, and sleep. Symptoms are easy…

Truck accidents can be some of the most devastating crashes on Austin’s roads. Between I-35 traffic jams, busy local delivery routes, and heavy commercial transport through Central Texas, collisions involving big rigs, box trucks, and 18-wheelers are unfortunately all too common. According to NHTSA’s large truck crash statistics, accidents involving large trucks account for a significant percentage of roadway fatalities nationwide. One of the most important questions after a truck accident is: Who is legally responsible? The answer isn’t always straightforward. Multiple parties may share liability, and determining fault often requires a detailed investigation. Why Liability Matters in a Truck…

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Austin, one of your first concerns may be whether you can afford legal representation. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, large truck crashes resulted in over 5,000 fatalities in recent years, making quality legal representation crucial.” The good news is that truck accident lawyers in Austin typically work on a contingency fee basis, making quality legal representation accessible regardless of your financial situation. The Contingency Fee Model Most Austin truck accident attorneys handle cases on a contingency fee basis, a practice regulated by the Texas State Bar Association to…