Car Accidents

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…

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…

A car accident in Austin can throw you off balance, especially with the city’s hectic roads like I-35 or Mopac amplifying the stress. Knowing what to steer clear of can safeguard your health, wallet, and legal rights. Drawing from an understanding of Austin drivers’ challenges, here are five critical mistakes to avoid post-accident, paired with practical tips to help you handle the fallout with confidence. 1. Skipping a Police Report One major error is not calling the police to document the incident. In Austin, where traffic disputes can heat up fast, an official police report is vital for insurance claims…

Published: April 02, 2025 | By Joe Lopez, Austin Car Accident Attorney If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Austin, Texas, one of the first questions you might ask is, “How long do I have to file a claim?” Time is critical after a crash, and missing a deadline could mean losing your right to compensation. As an experienced Austin car accident attorney, I’ve helped countless clients navigate Texas laws to secure the justice they deserve. In this guide, I’ll break down the statute of limitations for car accident claims in Austin, exceptions you should know, and why…

Time Saved Means Lives Lost When It Comes to Drowsy Driving With nearly 328,000 drowsy driving related car accidents each year, the facts speak for themselves. When you look at the loss of life and the nearly 109,000 injuries that come from these accidents, the cost of drowsy driving is too high. Making the change to save lives means knowing what happens to the brain when fatigued, taking action when driving, and committing to better sleep. A Slow Brain Means Poor Driving The body is hardwired to get what it needs whether that means food, water, or rest. Sleep deprivation…

Victims of bicycle-car collisions are more susceptible to catastrophic injuries Being the victim of a collision between a bicycle and car can be a harrowing experience. Whether you’re on a steel or aluminum bicycle, or (especially) an ultra-light carbon bike, does not matter. The car always wins in a collision between and bicycle and a car or truck. For this reason alone, it’s important to always be particularly alert when riding on an open roadway. Whether you are (1) clipped while riding on the shoulder, (2) t-boned while crossing an intersection with the right-of-way, or (3) hit head on by…

Should I get an attorney after my car accident? In some cases, an attorney is absolutely necessary. In other cases, your claim may be resolved quicker and with fewer steps by not getting an attorney involved. Many attorneys—including the Joe Lopez Law PC, where I practice personal injury litigation in Austin, TX—do offer free consultations to evaluate the prospects of your case with you. This blog post serves to give a general understanding of how to evaluate your options. I only feel like I sustained minor injuries along with the damage to my vehicle. Should I get an attorney? Whether…