Personal Injury

Downtown Austin is a vibrant hub of activity, from the tech offices of Congress Avenue to the nightlife of Sixth Street and the scenic trails of Lady Bird Lake. In recent years, the city’s landscape has been transformed by the “last-mile” transportation revolution: electric scooters. While Bird, Lime, and Spin offer a convenient way to navigate Austin’s notorious traffic, they have also introduced a new layer of danger to our streets. If you’ve spent any time downtown, you’ve likely witnessed a “near miss” involving a scooter. Unfortunately, many people aren’t so lucky. When a scooter collision occurs, the legal aftermath…

After a car accident in Austin, your primary focus is understandably on recovery. You seek medical treatment, hire a personal injury lawyer, and eventually reach a settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. You see a settlement figure—perhaps $50,000 or $100,000—and assume that money is yours to cover your lost wages and pain and suffering. Then comes the “hidden cost” that many victims never see coming: the medical lien. Medical liens can quietly consume a significant portion—sometimes all—of a personal injury settlement. While your doctors and the hospitals provided the care you needed, the way they secure payment can feel…

If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident in Austin, the moments following the collision are often a blur of adrenaline, confusion, and physical pain. Once the dust settles and you begin the process of filing an insurance claim or seeking legal counsel, one document will sit at the center of your case: the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (Form CR-3). In the legal world, the police report is often treated as the “official” story of what happened. Insurance adjusters rely on it heavily to determine liability, and while it isn’t always admissible in court as absolute fact, it…

For anyone living in Central Texas, the “I-35 vs. MoPac” debate is a daily reality. Whether you are commuting from Round Rock or heading south toward Buda, these two arteries define the Austin driving experience. But beyond the frustration of gridlock and “stop-and-go” traffic lies a more serious question: Which highway is actually more dangerous? While MoPac (Loop 1) is often seen as the scenic, slightly more predictable route, and I-35 is notorious for its heavy-duty chaos, the data tells a complex story. At Joe Lopez Law, we represent victims of highway accidents every day. Understanding the unique risks of…

When you are involved in a serious car crash, your first thought is usually about the immediate pain. But for victims of spinal injuries, the physical trauma is often followed by a second, equally devastating shock: the financial ruin that comes with long-term recovery. At Joe Lopez Law, we have represented enough Austin families to know that a spinal injury is never “just a backache.” Whether it is a herniated disc requiring fusion or catastrophic spinal cord damage, these injuries alter the trajectory of your life—and your bank account. Understanding the true value of your claim is the only way…

In the bustling streets of Austin, hit-and-run accidents remain a persistent and frustrating problem for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. When someone causes a collision and flees the scene, victims are often left with injuries, vehicle damage, medical bills, and uncertainty about how to recover compensation. These incidents not only violate Texas law but also complicate the path to justice and financial recovery. According to data from the Austin Police Department (APD) and Vision Zero initiatives, Austin has seen fluctuating but concerning fatality numbers in recent years. In 2025, the city recorded approximately 99 traffic fatalities by year’s end, a slight…

In today’s digital age, social media is an integral part of daily life for many Austin residents. From sharing family moments on Facebook to posting workout selfies on Instagram, these platforms help us stay connected. However, if you’ve been involved in a car accident or personal injury claim in Austin, what seems like an innocent post could jeopardize your entire case. Insurance companies actively scour social media to find evidence that undermines your claims, often twisting harmless content to reduce or deny settlements. This practice has become increasingly common in Texas personal injury cases, where “social media car accident claim”…

Searching for an Austin personal injury attorney can feel overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with medical bills, insurance adjusters, and uncertainty about your future. Texas personal injury law is complex, and the steps you take after an accident can directly affect your ability to recover compensation. Below are seven important things every injured person should know before choosing an Austin personal injury attorney. Understanding these points can help you protect your rights and make informed decisions about your case. 1. Experience With Austin-Specific Injury Cases Matters Not all personal injury cases are the same, and local experience matters more…

Car and truck accidents in Austin can leave lasting scars—not just physical, but emotional and psychological. Many survivors struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) long after the crash scene is cleared. Studies show that up to 39% of motor vehicle accident survivors develop PTSD, according to research from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). For those involved in severe crashes, the risk is even higher, with symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and intense anxiety disrupting daily life. The good news? Texas law recognizes PTSD as a compensable injury in personal injury claims. If another driver’s negligence caused your accident, you…

Austin’s booming e-commerce scene has transformed our streets, with delivery vans from companies like Amazon and UPS becoming a constant presence. As online shopping surges, so does the number of commercial vehicles zipping through neighborhoods and highways. The Texas Tribune reports that more than 39,000 commercial motor vehicle crashes occurred statewide in 2024, according to the Texas Department of Transportation, including 546 fatal crashes. This represents a sharp increase tied to economic and population growth, bringing more delivery trucks onto Texas roads. In Austin specifically, the growth of online shopping has led to delivery vehicles operating on tight schedules, heightening the…