If you were just hurt in a crash on I-35, MoPac, US-183, or another busy Austin corridor, you’re likely dealing with a whirlwind of concerns. Medical bills are piling up. You may have missed work. Insurance adjusters are calling, asking for statements and signatures. It’s overwhelming, and it’s exactly why we’re here.
The Pabst Law Firm is a family-run Austin car accident law firm that handles serious injury and wrongful death cases throughout Travis County and Central Texas. Our team understands the unique challenges Austin drivers face on congested highways and fast-growing suburban roads. When someone else’s negligence puts you in this position, you deserve dedicated advocates fighting for fair compensation.
Here’s what you should know about working with our law firm:
- Free consultation: The Pabst Law Firm offers a no-obligation case review. Call our Austin office at (512) 642-2676 to speak directly with an attorney, not intake staff.
- No win, no fee: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your injuries.
- Local Austin focus: Our legal team concentrates on auto accident cases in Travis County, Williamson County, and surrounding Central Texas communities.
- Serious injury cases: We represent car accident victims pursuing claims for traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other catastrophic injuries.
Texas law generally gives accident victims two years from the crash date to file a personal injury lawsuit. That deadline matters. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies use delays against you. Acting quickly protects your rights and your potential recovery.
Why Choose Our Austin Car Accident Lawyers?
Not every personal injury law firm focuses heavily on motor vehicle collisions. Some handle a wide range of cases, including slip and falls, medical malpractice, and product liability, and treat auto accidents as just one item on a long menu. Our approach is different.
We concentrate on car, truck, motorcycle accidents, and rideshare crashes in Austin and the surrounding region. This focus means we understand the specific challenges of proving fault on local roads, dealing with Texas auto insurance requirements, and navigating Travis County courts.
Here’s what our firm brings to your case:
- Family-run and relationship-driven: Frank and Nicky Pabst lead every case personally. You will have direct access to the attorneys making decisions on your file, not layers of case managers.
- Coverage strategists: We evaluate every layer of insurance, from third-party liability and UM/UIM to PIP and lost wages, so you do not leave money on the table.
- Bilingual representation: We serve Austin’s diverse communities with English and Spanish-speaking staff, ensuring clear communication for clients in East Austin, North Austin, Pflugerville, Kyle, and throughout the region.
- Personalized service: You’ll have direct access to your attorney, not just paralegals or intake staff. We provide regular case updates and help coordinate medical treatment with Austin providers and specialists.
- Focused practice: Because vehicle collision cases are what we do, we stay current on evolving issues like rideshare liability, commercial fleet accidents, and the tech corridor traffic that has transformed Austin’s roads.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Austin
The minutes and days after a car crash on roads like I-35, SH-71, or South Lamar can heavily influence your injury claim. What you do, or don’t do, at the scene and in the following weeks can affect your ability to recover compensation.
If a car wreck occurs and you’re physically able, take these steps in order:
First, ensure safety and call 911. Move yourself and your vehicle out of traffic if it’s safe to do so. When injuries or major damage occur, request an Austin Police Department officer to respond and document the scene. This creates an official record of the crash that becomes critical evidence later.
Second, collect evidence at the scene. Photograph vehicle damage, skid marks, nearby traffic signs, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. If witnesses stopped, get their names and phone numbers. This information may prove invaluable when the at fault driver’s insurance company disputes what happened.
Third, obtain the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This official document is typically available online through the Texas Department of Transportation or the Austin Police Department within 7-10 days of the crash. The report includes the officer’s observations, diagrams, and preliminary fault assessments.
Fourth, seek medical attention immediately, even if your pain seems minor. Many car accident injuries like whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue damage don’t produce severe symptoms right away. Visit Dell Seton Medical Center, St. David’s, or a local urgent care within 24-48 hours of the crash. This creates medical records linking your injuries directly to the accident.
Fifth, do not give recorded statements or sign medical releases for the at-fault driver’s own insurance company before speaking with an Austin car accident attorney. Insurance adjusters often use these early statements to find reasons to deny or reduce your claim.
Quick reference checklist for Austin crash victims:
- Call 911 and request police if injuries or significant damage occurred
- Move to safety, turn on hazard lights
- Document everything: photos, witness info, other driver’s insurance details
- Seek same-day or next-day medical care
- Request the CR-3 report within 7-10 days
- Contact an Austin car accident lawyer before talking to the other driver’s insurer
Understanding Texas Car Accident Law and Fault
Texas operates under a “fault” (tort) system for auto accidents. This means the driver who caused the crash, or their insurance company, is generally responsible for paying damages to injured parties. This differs from “no-fault” states where your own insurance pays regardless of who caused the collision.
Understanding how Texas law assigns fault is essential for any car accident claim. Here’s what you need to know:
Modified comparative negligence (the 51% bar)
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. An injured person can recover compensation as long as they are less than 51% at fault for the crash. Their damages are reduced by their percentage of fault.
Here’s a concrete example: Suppose you’re involved in a rear-end collision on I-35. A jury determines that total damages are $500,000, but you were 20% at fault because you were traveling slightly over the speed limit. Under Texas law, you could still recover $400,000 (the full amount minus your 20% share of fault).
How insurers use fault arguments against you
Insurance companies routinely try to shift blame onto Austin drivers to reduce payouts. Common tactics include accusing you of speeding on Loop 1, texting in stop-and-go traffic, failing to use a turn signal, or contributing to the crash through distracted driving. An experienced car accident attorney knows how to counter these arguments with evidence.
The two-year statute of limitations
Most Texas personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the crash date. Miss this deadline, and you typically lose your right to sue. There are narrow exceptions:
- Claims involving minors may be tolled until the child turns 18
- Crashes involving government vehicles require a six-month notice under the Texas Tort Claims Act
- Wrongful death claims run two years from the date of death
Even though you have two years, practical steps, such as gathering evidence, getting medical records, and building your case, should start immediately.
Common Causes and Types of Car Accidents in Austin
Austin’s rapid population growth and heavy traffic have contributed to thousands of collisions each year. In 2024, the city recorded over 10,000 reported car accidents within city limits, according to Texas Department of Transportation data. Travis County saw hundreds of serious injuries, and 103 people died in traffic crashes, a record high.
Understanding what causes crashes and how they happen helps establish liability and strengthens your personal injury claims.
Leading causes of Austin car accidents:
Cause / Percentage of Crashes
- Speeding: 25.7%
- Distracted driving: 12.9%
- Running traffic signals: 10.4%
- Drunk driving (fatal crashes): 28%
Other frequent causes include unsafe lane changes during rush hour, failing to yield at intersections, and driving in hazardous weather conditions. Austin’s nightlife districts contribute to weekend drunk driver incidents, while the tech corridor’s delivery vans and rideshare vehicles create additional hazards in downtown and suburban areas.
Common collision types our firm handles:
- Rear-end crashes on I-35: The constant congestion on Interstate 35 leads to frequent rear-end collisions, often causing whiplash and spinal injuries.
- Side-impact collisions at intersections: Busy intersections like Cesar Chavez and Congress Avenue see numerous T-bone crashes when drivers run red lights or fail to yield.
- Head-on collisions on rural roads: Highways outside Austin city limits, including stretches toward Dripping Springs and Bastrop, see devastating head-on crashes.
- Multi-vehicle pileups in bad weather: Heavy rain reduces visibility and increases stopping distances, leading to chain-reaction crashes on MoPac and US-183.
- Rideshare and commercial vehicle accidents: Cases involving Uber, Lyft, delivery vans, and company fleet vehicles require navigating multiple insurance policies and corporate liability.
Identifying both the cause (speeding, phone use, intoxication) and the collision type impacts liability arguments and the potential value of your car accident lawsuit. A drunk driver crash typically supports stronger claims, and potentially punitive damages, compared to a simple failure-to-yield case.
Injuries and Compensation After an Austin Car Accident
Car accident injuries can range from soft-tissue strains that heal within weeks to life altering injuries that require years of treatment and permanent lifestyle changes. Documenting all physical, emotional, and financial effects is essential to pursuing full and fair compensation.
Common injuries from Austin vehicle crashes:
- Whiplash and neck strains
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Bone fractures (arms, legs, ribs, pelvis)
- Torn ligaments and tendons
- Facial lacerations and dental injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Post traumatic stress disorder and anxiety
- Emotional trauma and depression
Many of these injuries don’t fully manifest until days or weeks after the crash. A concussion might seem like a headache at first. A herniated disc may not cause severe pain until swelling develops. This is why immediate medical attention and follow-up care are critical, not just for your health, but for your car accident injury claim.
Categories of damages under Texas law:
- Economic damages: Medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, vehicle repair/replacement
- Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, physical impairment
- Punitive damages: Rare; awarded for gross negligence like repeat DUI offenses
There is no “average” Austin car accident settlement. The value of your claim depends on several factors:
- Severity and permanence of injuries
- Length of recovery and ongoing medical care needs
- Impact on your ability to work
- Clarity of fault (who caused the crash)
- Available insurance coverage, including UM/UIM and PIP policies
- Quality of evidence supporting your claim
Don’t accept early, low settlement offers. Insurance companies often push fast settlements before you understand the full extent of your injuries. This is especially dangerous with brain injury cases, spinal issues, and other conditions that may worsen over time. Once you accept a settlement, you typically cannot go back and ask for more, even if your medical expenses far exceed the initial offer.
A personal injury lawyer can help you calculate the true value of your claim, including future medical care, lost earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering.
How Our Austin Car Accident Lawyers Build Your Case
Building a strong car accident claim requires more than filling out paperwork. It demands thorough investigation, strategic evidence gathering, and preparation for every possible outcome, including trial. Here’s how our Austin personal injury attorneys approach your case from day one.
Step 1: Free case evaluation
Every case begins with a free consultation. We listen to what happened, review any police reports and photos you’ve gathered, and explain your options under Texas law. This initial review helps us assess the strength of your claim and identify the path forward.
Step 2: Comprehensive investigation
Our legal team conducts an independent investigation that goes beyond the official crash report. This includes:
- Obtaining the CR-3 report from the Austin Police Department
- Interviewing witnesses and gathering statements
- Securing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras
- Photographing the crash scene, roadway conditions, and signage
- Downloading vehicle event data (black box information) when applicable
- Reviewing the at-fault driver’s driving history and any prior incidents
Step 3: Medical documentation and coordination
We work with your medical providers to ensure your medical records accurately reflect the nature and extent of your injuries. For serious accident cases, we engage professionals such as:
- Accident reconstructionists who can demonstrate how the crash occurred
- Life-care planners who project future medical needs and costs
- Economists who calculate lost earning capacity over your lifetime
- Medical professionals who can testify about your prognosis
Step 4: Handling insurance negotiations
We take over all communications with insurance companies, both yours and the at-fault driver’s. This protects you from saying something that could be used against your claim. We counter lowball offers with evidence-backed demands and negotiate aggressively for fair compensation.
Step 5: Trial preparation
We prepare every serious case as if it will go before a jury in Travis County or surrounding courts. Most auto accident claim situations settle without filing a lawsuit, but insurers know which firms will actually take cases to trial, and they adjust their offers accordingly. Being prepared for the courtroom gives us leverage at the negotiating table.
Frequently Asked Questions About Austin Car Accident Claims
This section answers common questions Austin drivers ask after a crash. If you don’t see your question here, contact our office for a free case evaluation.
(512) 641-2676