Austin Car Accident Attorneys

Austin Car Accident Attorney

Helping Car Wreck Victims Throughout Travis County

If you were injured or your loved one was killed in a car accident, we can help. Our team can help you clearly understand your options and work to protect your right to financial compensation for:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Other damages

The Austin car accident lawyers at Briggle & Polan, PLLC have extensive experience helping victims of severe car crashes. In fact, we have secured millions of dollars on behalf our clients.


Injured in a car crash? Call Briggle & Polan today at (512) 400-3278 or contact us online for a free consultation with our car accident attorneys in Austin. We're available 24/7.


On This Page:

Why You Need An Austin Car Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one was the victim of a car accident in Austin, TX, contact our legal team at Briggle & Polan, PLLC for help. We can help you pursue the full compensation you may be entitled to for your injuries.

We will handle everything for you so you can focus on your healing. Justice matters. It is important that negligent drivers and others be held accountable for the pain they’ve caused. A car accident lawyer in Austin can help you hold those parties liable. And the money you’ll receive can go a long way toward giving you and your family the best possible life in the face of your losses.

Your initial consultation is free, and our attorneys offer devoted assistance to help you through each step of the process. You won’t have to worry about the costs associated with your case, but keep in mind that you have a limited amount of time to take action. Call our car accident lawyers today for help.

We believe that equal justice is everyone’s right, regardless of financial status. You won’t pay us anything unless you win money. That’s right; no win, no fee—ever. You have nothing to lose, but potentially a lot to gain.

Recovering Compensation for Your Injuries

Texas is a liability state, and in order to recover money for your damages, you need to prove:

  • That the other party caused the accident
  • That you have suffered real, demonstrable damages

This is best accomplished with the help of an experienced car crash lawyer in Austin. When your life has been damaged by someone else’s wrongdoing, you may feel powerless, angry, and frustrated. It is entirely possible that you will never have the same quality of life you had before, but you are entitled to fair compensation.

You can trust Briggle & Polan to help you pursue justice. We understand that expenses associated with a car accident can be quite hefty, and when the accident was not your fault, these additional expenses can be very frustrating. Make sure you have all the resources on your side to pursue the justice you deserve.

How Much Is My Austin Car Accident Case Worth?

After an accident, your first few questions may be "How much will this cost me?" and "How much can I recover?" Although you can never entirely be sure how much your case will settle for when all is said and done, you can determine what an average settlement will be for your case.

The value of a car accident claim depends on countless factors, including:

  • Severity of the injuries suffered
  • Physical damage done to the vehicle
  • Cost of medical bills for victims
  • Lost wages for victims

A primary method that insurance adjusters use to value a claim is the “multiplier” method. This method is to multiply the claimant’s actual damages by a certain number that is derived from complex software programs. In small fender benders, the number might be 1 or 2, but more serious accidents will be multiplied by 3 or 4, for instance. Another consideration that must be made is the type of medical treatment received.

Recovering Compensation if You Are Partially At Fault

Texas law uses modified comparative negligence, which means that your recovery will be reduced by any amount that can be attributed to your own negligence. For example, if the accident was 90 percent the fault of the other driver, and 10 percent your fault, then a recovery of $10,000 would be reduced by $1,000.

Remember: All other parties will try to place you at fault for the collision. This can affect your case and impact the compensation you receive. This is why it's important to work with an Austin car wreck attorney.

Compensation for Emotional Distress & Suffering

In addition to the physical injuries you suffered from a car accident, you may also have suffered emotional trauma. Did you know that, in most cases, you can and should receive compensation for this distress? This type of stress and emotional pain is notorious for wreaking havoc on the body. In fact, there are a multitude of illnesses that can arise as the result of a stressful life experience, such as autoimmune diseases.

The term “pain and suffering” refers to the physical and emotional damage that can result from an injury. When this injury is from involvement in a traumatic experience, such as an auto accident, you may be entitled to compensation. This can be accomplished by working with a car accident attorney in Austin, TX who can help you make a claim with your insurance company and/or file a lawsuit against the other driver.

Determining Who Is Liable for Your Accident

Just like other personal injury cases, proving liability is a primary factor in winning a car accident case. Another driver is not always the responsible party for an accident, although that is typically the case. Third-party defendants may also play a role in lieu of or in addition to the driver of the at-fault vehicle.

Other parties that may be liable include:

  • The driver’s employer if a vehicle has not been well-maintained
  • The manufacturer of defective vehicle parts
  • A construction company responsible for roadside hazards

With the help of an experienced Austin car accident attorney, your case will be in excellent hands as we effectively handle the nuances of your case. Our team can thoroughly examine the evidence and perform an investigation that, hopefully, leads to the maximum amount of compensation available.

What To Do After A Car Accident

The most important thing for you to do when you’ve been injured in a car wreck is to get medical attention immediately. Get checked out, even if you don’t feel that bad. Adrenaline masks pain. You may feel a lot worse tomorrow. Don’t take chances; have a doctor look you over as soon as possible.

In the immediate aftermath of a collision, you should also:

  • Write down the other driver's name, license plate number, and insurance information.
  • Write down the names and contact information of any witnesses.
  • Take photos of the accident scene and the vehicles involved, including points of impact.
  • Call law enforcement and make a report.
  • Do not discuss the accident or your injuries with anyone at the scene.
  • Do not discuss the accident with the insurance adjuster or give a recorded statement.
  • Do not sign anything unless your attorney is directed to do so later on.

Remember: The insurance adjuster is looking for ways to protect the company’s bottom line—not to help you. Stick to your guns and refer the adjuster to your lawyer so you can protect your claim.

Write Everything Down in a Journal

Another way to ensure your Austin auto accident lawyer is able to do the best possible job is to keep a diary or log after your accident. Start with the date of the accident and go forward. For each day, write down anything that involves the accident, or anything that you think would be helpful to reference later on.

This includes all medical treatment, all days when you cannot work (with documentation of the lost wages), all trips and mileage related to the accident, and any cost associated with your injuries. An example would be a trip you canceled due to your inability to travel and the non-refundable costs you incurred.

One last item is pain. It is important to document your pain each and every day in your notebook. You will not remember how much it hurt, or the numbers of days you are in pain. This is just important to document as your trips to the doctor.

The Most Common Types of Car Accidents

You may be the most careful driver in the world and still be seriously injured in an accident. You can control the way you drive, but there’s nothing you can do to prevent the dangerous behavior of others.

Some of the most common types of accidents include:

Pedestrian vs. Car Accidents

Perhaps you were not driving but were hit by a car as a pedestrian. Drivers owe a duty of care to others they share the road with. Pedestrians are, of course, extremely vulnerable when hit by vehicles weighing several thousand pounds; as a result, pedestrian accidents are often fatal or catastrophic.

Running red lights, failing to yield the right-of-way, and running off the road onto a sidewalk or shoulder are negligent acts by a driver that can easily injure or kill a pedestrian. If you’ve been injured, waste no time in contacting a lawyer at Briggle & Polan. You need an assertive legal advocate to fight for your rights.

Bicycle vs. Auto Accidents

As with pedestrians, bicyclists are highly vulnerable in accidents with cars. Many drivers seem to feel that cyclists have no right to be on the road. Not true. You have every legal right to be there, and impatient or aggressive drivers can be made to pay for their wrongdoing if they knock you down.

But, it’s never easy. They will attempt to blame you for being in their way. Your lawyer can protect your rights against insurance company tactics in the event of a bicycle accident.

Scooter vs. Auto Accidents

As electric scooters increase in popularity, states are having difficulty keeping up with safety measures for their riders. There is currently a lack of regulations and unsafe riding habits plaguing Austin, TX. There have been several crashes involving scooters since these transportation devices arrived in the city in 2018, including one critical incident in October 2019.

The process will be similar to any auto accident if you or a loved one is involved in a scooter accident. Make sure that you focus first and foremost on getting medical attention. From there, you should contact the police and get information about all parties involved. Since this is a newer process, obtaining as much evidence and details as possible is essential to assist in the investigation process.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Texas

In almost every case, car accidents do not just occur without some degree of human error.

Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Texas include:

  • Speeding - Speeding means exceeding the speed limit indicated on a particular section of the road. In addition to this, driving at high speeds when the condition of the road is not friendly due to snow, rain, fog, or low visibility can be dangerous. This is the major cause of car accidents.
  • Fatigued Driving - Driving while fatigued can be extremely risky. Fatigue can be caused by many reasons, including sleep deficiency, medication, or overworking. Fatigue is like alcohol, making you have impaired judgment and slowing down your reaction time.
  • Inexperienced Driving - Due to immaturity and less experience behind the wheel, teens have caused the most significant number of accidents in Austin. Teens are more likely to get distracted while driving. Parents should take a step and advise their children on road safety.

Regardless of what caused your wreck, you should contact our car accident lawyers in Austin immediately. We will fight to ensure your voice is heard, and that you are compensated fairly for your injuries.

Accidents Caused by Hazardous Road Conditions

Potholes, cracks, ruts, and other pavement defects; lack of a level shoulder; debris and construction materials left on the road; missing or confusing signs or pavement markings; blown-out tire treads (“road alligators”), and poorly designed highways are some dangerous conditions that can cause car wrecks.

The negligent party may be a civil engineering firm that designed the road, a construction company under contract to build or repair the road, a government department responsible for maintaining the road, or a truck that has dropped cargo or littered the highway with blown-out tire treads.

These cases can be tough. Government immunity, compliance with engineering standards, and identification of the actual cause can complicate matters and make establishing liability challenges.

Fortunately, at Briggle & Polan, we have the connections and resources to call upon appropriate experts to assist in building a powerful case and to testify on your behalf in depositions or at trial.

Where Do Most Car Accidents Occur in Austin, TX?

With the increase of visitors and residents in Austin, it is no surprise that car accidents are common in the area. In fact, “transportation” was listed as the “worst thing about Austin” in a recent poll by Austin Monitor.

Below is a list of some of the most dangerous intersections in Austin:

  • West Slaughter Lane and Manchaca Road (South Austin)

  • Lamar Boulevard and Rundberg Lane (North Austin)

  • Lamar Boulevard and Parmer Lane (North Austin)

  • U.S. 183 Service Road and Cameron Road (Northeast Austin)

  • I-35 Southbound Service Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (near Downtown)

Although the city continues to make strides to address these hazardous areas and problematic intersections, it is important to remain aware. Even if you are on high alert, other drivers may not be. That makes knowing about skillful car accident lawyers in Austin a smart move. If you were injured in one of these dangerous intersections, we can help.

What Are Common Car Accident Injuries?

At Briggle & Polan, we help clients with all types of debilitating injuries, such as:

  • TBI (traumatic brain injury)
  • Spinal cord injuries causing complete or partial paralysis
  • Severe burns
  • Nerve damage
  • Crush injuries
  • Damage to vital organs and internal bleeding
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Herniated discs
  • Damaged muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints
  • Bone fractures
  • Facial injuries and disfigurement
  • Blindness and deafness
  • Dismemberment
  • Lacerations, abrasions, and scarring
  • Chronic regional pain syndrome
  • Depression, anxiety, and PTSD

Wrongful Death Claims for Fatal Car Accidents

More than 30,000 families are left without their loved ones across the country each year due to motor vehicle accidents. Speeding and drunk driving are two common causes of these fatal car accidents.

If you have lost a loved one in a car accident, your mind is likely not on legal matters as you deal with the sorrow you are facing; let Briggle & Polan handle this for you. Our Austin fatal car accident attorneys can provide you with the legal assistance you deserve as you file a wrongful death claim.

Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Texas

A statute of limitations rule applies to almost any type of lawsuit or legal issue. Basically, a statute of limitation is a rule that means you must seek legal redress within a certain time frame or you lose your right to file; it doesn’t matter how clear cut your case is or how much proof you have to back it up.

The same applies to auto accidents in the state of Texas. Under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, you have only two years to file a personal injury claim. Once this time period has passed, your case can no longer be heard. This is the main reason why car accidents require immediate attention.

The clock begins ticking immediately after the accident happens. If you are in the state of Texas and need an auto accident attorney, you should find one as soon as possible to protect your rights.


If you are ready to discuss your case with an Austin car wreck lawyer, call Briggle & Polan today at (512) 400-3278 or contact us online for a free consultation. We take calls 24/7.


Can I Afford to Hire a Lawyer?

Insurance Company Tactics

Frequently Asked Car Accident Questions

Car accidents remain as one of the leading causes of death and catastrophic injuries across the nation. Yet most drivers do not know much about what happens after an average car accident, or even if they should file a claim to pursue compensation. To give you some useful information that you will hopefully never need, our legal team from Briggle & Polan has compiled some frequently asked questions about car accidents that might have crossed your mind before.

If you have more questions or need our help with a claim, please do not hesitate to call us or contact us online.

What Information Should I Collect from Witnesses?

Immediately after a car accident is the best time to get evidence to prove liability for the crash. Unfortunately, it can also be the most difficult time to collect evidence if you were seriously injured and need to focus on your health. If you can, though, asking eyewitnesses for statements as well as their contact information in case you need to speak to them again is a good start. You should also ask any police, firefighters, and EMTs that show up for copies of any official reports they create.

How Should I Pay for Medical Care After a Car Accident?

If your own car insurance policy includes medical payments coverage – sometimes written as Personal Injury Protection (“PIP”) or “Med Pay” – then your insurance company may pay your medical providers and may reimburse you for other costs related to your care, like copays. You might be covered through your health insurance, like a policy provided through your employer. Otherwise, you will need to pay out of your own pocket for your medical care and seek reimbursement through damages or compensation won in a claim. Keep in mind that if an insurance company pays for your medical care and you receive a settlement or verdict later, they might have a claim to reimbursement.

Do I Talk to My Own Insurance Company?

You will eventually need to tell your own car insurance company about your accident. It can even be better to speak to them sooner if it means the details of the crash are clearer in your mind. However, you should not speak to your insurance company if you are unsure of what to say. First, talk to a car accident attorney and see if they can speak on your behalf.

Do I Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?

No. There are very few circumstances in which you should speak to the other driver’s insurance company. For example, if you and the liable driver both have the same insurance provider, then you basically cannot avoid talking to that company. Otherwise, you should always leave any interactions with the other insurance company up to your lawyer. If you have retained a car accident attorney and you get a call from the other insurance company, then you should say nothing other than how they can contact your attorney and that they must go through them to speak to you.

What Do I Do If the Other Driver Had No Insurance?

When an uninsured driver hits you, it is possible to receive damages through your own uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) insurance policy. Assuming that the other driver cannot pay for your damages, your policy may provide for medical treatment and vehicle repair costs up to the policy’s cap. If you do not own UM/UIM insurance coverage, then you should call your insurance provider today and ask how much it would be to add it. With more than 10% of all drivers having no or minimal insurance, the benefits of UM/UIM coverage are clear.

How is the Value of My Car Determined?

You know how much you would ask for if you had sold your car just before your accident. But what will an insurance company think would be a fair price for your vehicle? After a crash, insurance adjusters usually turn to sources like Kelley Blue Book to get a “fair” price for your vehicle based on its age and condition. The value is then multiplied based on the extent of the damage. The value of a completely totaled vehicle is multiplied by 1, meaning the value does not change. The value of a damaged but functional vehicle, though, will be multiplied by a smaller number — usually 0.75, 0.5, or 0.25 — to shrink the damages you are offered.

How Long Does it Take to Get Insurance Money?

The length of time from when you file a car accident claim to when you get money back from the insurance company will depend on numerous factors. These factors can include:
  • Insurance adjusters often want to cover themselves before issuing a settlement check. This will include wanting a release signed even before issuing and mailing the payment.

  • Many car accident checks are issued by out-of-state banks, meaning it can take awhile for the check to clear. This can take anywhere between 7 to 10 days in some cases!

  • Insurance companies will often avoid paying medical providers directly

The process of filing a car accident claim and going through the insurance company investigation is not something you do on a daily basis. For that reason, it is a process you will want to enlist the services of a professional attorney for.

Why is Apologizing After a Crash a Bad Idea?

Your good manners might instinctively drive you to apologize after a car crash, even if you know you were not the one who caused it. Try to resist those good manners. An apology — even a simple “I’m sorry” — can be contorted by an insurance company into an admission of guilt. They might try to use this simple sentiment later to increase your liability, which reduces the damages you can collect.
Additional Resources

Contact Briggle & Polan, PLLC today to schedule a FREE consultation with our Austin car accident lawyer!


Hear From Our Clients

  • If you are looking for excellent and honest attorneys, call them.

    “If you are looking for excellent and honest attorneys, call them. You will not be disappointed.”

    - Paige
  • It feels good to have a team on your side that knows what they’re doing and is willing to help you against big faceless insurance companies that don’t want to pay up what they owe.

    “I found myself in a bad situation dealing with insurance adjusters that had no intention of seeing me compensated for damages their client inflicted. Parker and Hayden were positive, energetic, and ...”

    - Matt
  • I very much appreciate all their hard work and will be happy to refer to them should the need come up for friends.

    “This is the one company that would take on my case after being rejected by two other law firms. After pursuing the insurance company, they were able to get the full amount.”

    - Sandi
  • They got me the help I? needed within a few days of hiring them.

    “My settlement was awesome and I got everything I needed to get back on my feet”

    - Karina
  • These guys really helped me when no one else would.

    “They really fought for me and their paralegals were the best. They were constantly in communication with me and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a lawyer.”

    - Lauren
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We've Recovered Millions

  • $1.8 Million Delivery Truck Accident

    Our client was t-boned by a large package delivery truck that was traveling in excess of 70 mph. He sustained a severe neck injury that required spinal surgery. *Net to client was $759,182.96.

  • $350 Thousand Company Truck Collision

    Our client was struck by a company truck that ran a red light at a busy intersection. *Net to client was $166,651.36.

  • $400 Thousand Company Truck Wreck

    Our client was traveling down a residential street when a company truck backed out of a driveway into the side of her vehicle. *Net to client was $110,000.

  • $100 Thousand DWI Wreck Resolved

    Our client was struck by a drunk driver in Round Rock, Texas. *Net to client was $51,113.04.

  • $115 Thousand Distracted Driver Caused Collision

    A distracted driver failed to yield the right of way to our client, causing a collision. *Net to client was $25,035.44.

  • $132 Thousand Distracted Driver

    Our client was the passenger in a vehicle struck by a distracted motorist who failed to yield the right of way at an intersection. *Net to client was $33,250.59.

  • $112.5 Thousand Truck Crash Into Building

    A company driver lost control of his vehicle and smashed into a convenience store, injuring our client in the process. *Net to client was $30,259.56.

  • $82 Thousand T-Bone Collision

    Our client had to be airlifted to the hospital as a result of a t-bone collision. *Net proceeds to client were $23,914.57.

  • $85 Thousand T-Bone Collision Resolved

    Our client was t-boned by a distracted driver who ran a stop sign and required surgery for injuries sustained. *Attorney fees and expenses totaled $30,267.51.

  • $225 Thousand Collision With A Distracted Driver Operating An 18-Wheeler

    Our client severely injured her back in the wreck and the driver did not have the required commercial driver's license needed to operate the truck. *Net proceeds to client were $89,737.54.

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