Getting into an Uber or Lyft in Austin feels routine, until it isn’t. In 2023, rideshare trips (Uber and Lyft) accounted for nearly 30% of inbound traffic to downtown Austin during peak hours, according to City of Austin mobility data. That’s thousands of trips every day on 6th Street, Rainey, South Congress, and along I-35. More rides mean more crashes, and when one happens, the insurance picture gets complicated fast. Both Uber and Lyft carry $1 million commercial liability policies in Texas, but that coverage only kicks in under certain conditions. If the at-fault driver was logged off, on a…

If you drive I-35 through Austin regularly, you already know how dangerous it can be. It’s one of the busiest interstate corridors in the country and consistently ranks among the deadliest roadways in Texas, according to TxDOT. Between heavy commuter traffic, weekend tourism, and the constant flow of commercial trucks hauling freight through Central Texas, I-35 creates a perfect storm of congestion, speed variation, and limited escape routes. When an 18-wheeler loses control in this environment, crashes tend to be catastrophic. Victims are often left struggling with overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and long-term injuries. But the real challenge comes…

Texas ranks high in uninsured drivers, with about one in seven lacking coverage, according to the Insurance Information Institute. In Austin, where busy roads like I-35 and Mopac see thousands of crashes annually, being hit by an uninsured motorist can lead to overwhelming medical bills, repair costs, and lost income. That’s where uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage becomes a lifeline, protecting you when the at-fault driver can’t. At Joe Lopez Law, we’ve helped countless Austin families recover after such incidents, drawing on over 20 years of experience to ensure victims get the compensation they deserve. This guide covers the essentials of…

Short answer: most Austin car accident claims resolve in about 3–18 months. Straightforward cases with clear liability, short treatment, and adequate insurance can land near the low end. Claims with disputed fault, extended medical care, or multiple defendants trend longer. Every case moves at its own pace because settlement depends on factors like how quickly evidence is gathered, how long medical treatment lasts, insurance evaluation cycles, and—if suit is filed—local court schedules. Below is a realistic, step-by-step timeline of what to expect in a Texas car accident case, common bottlenecks that slow things down, and specific actions that help you…

When people search for the average car accident settlement in Texas, they’re often looking for a ballpark figure to understand what their case might be worth. The truth is that no two settlements are the same. Factors like injury severity, fault, and insurance coverage all impact the final payout. However, national and state averages can provide helpful context. Across the United States, the typical National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data shows that settlements for minor crashes average between $15,000 and $30,000. In Texas, settlements tend to be slightly higher due to the state’s large population and high rate of…

Car accidents in Texas can upend your life, leaving you with injuries, financial strain, and uncertainty about what’s next. A car crash settlement can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional toll of the accident. With over 500,000 crashes annually in Texas (per Texas Department of Transportation data), understanding the settlement process is crucial for victims seeking justice. Texas operates under an at-fault system, meaning the party responsible for the crash is liable for damages. Navigating this process can be complex, but with the right approach, you can secure the compensation you deserve. At Joe…

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…