Serving Clients Throughout Texas Austin Car Accident Lawyer
Maximize Your Compensation After a Car Crash in Texas
Our experienced attorneys are well aware of the issues that are of most concern to our car accident clients. We are ready to listen to your story and provide you with both answers to your questions and sound legal guidance on pursuing the compensation you deserve.
In short, the advice and counsel of a knowledgeable professional experienced with the legal process surrounding car accidents in Texas is incredibly valuable. Learn what to expect. Contact our attorney today at (512) 732-2727 to determine whether you have a case and how you should proceed.
Why Hire Our Car Accident Lawyers
In-Depth Knowledge. Top Notch Service. Proven Experience.
If you have been injured in a car accident, you are likely overwhelmed. The combination of the trauma of the impact combined with the pain of your injuries and your concerns regarding how to move forward are simply more than you can handle. You need help, and the law firm of Evans/Reilley is uniquely qualified to assist you.
You want to work with a firm that has your best interests at heart and will be successful in managing your case. From Austin to the Rio Grande, the law firm of Evans/Reilley is well regarded for doing just that. The combination of our in-depth knowledge of the law, hands-on approach to client service and proven experience makes us the idea choice.
Knowledge: Led by Attorney Chip Evans, a board-certified trial attorney with over two decades of experience, our personal injury attorneys know the law in Austin, TX. We understand the ins and outs of car accident cases and are well-positioned to help you get the settlement you need and deserve.
Approach: We understand and appreciate the significant strain our clients are under. The impact a car accident has is considerable, it can affect your physical and emotional health, your ability to earn a living and even how you live your life. We are well-known for the compassionate manner in which we communicate with our car accident clients and our aggressive approach to negotiations and litigation.
Experience: While our proven track record speaks for itself, nothing is more meaningful to us than a client’s positive review. It proves that we do things right. We always put our client’s experiences and feelings at the forefront of our approach. We deal with people who have cases — not cases that involve people. This perspective matters and drives our philosophy each and every day.
What Our Car Accident Client Has to Say
Client Review
If you’ve been wronged in an accident in Austin, look no further than hiring Chip Evans and his amazing staff. After my car accident, I had no idea where I could turn or who I could trust. He has great reviews on AVVO, I reached out, and within 24 hours, his office was in contact with me to set up a consultation – other law firms took much longer to get in touch with me. Chip and his staff were extremely personable and answered every question I had; I felt very comfortable calling and asking questions as they came up – no one pushed me aside or made me feel like I was being ridiculous. Being seen as a human being in this situation is important because when you come in during the lowest point of your life, a nice group of people that truly know what they’re doing is essential for moving forward. I never felt like I had to worry about anything. As another reviewer mentioned, he went to great lengths to get all of my medical bills together AND had them taken care of – this alone was worth hiring him. Long story short, it was finished in an awesome time frame, and I can move on with my life. A better job couldn’t have been done by anyone else.”
I hope I never have to have a lawyer again, but if I do, it’ll be Mr. Evans. Thanks, y’all! – Abby R.
Our Car Accident Client Shares Her Experience
Below, we have shared the words of one of our clients. Her experience with our firm is typical; we provide high-quality, responsive and caring service to all of our clients.
If you’ve been wronged in an accident in Austin, look no further than hiring Chip Evans and his amazing staff. After my car accident, I had no idea where I could turn or who I could trust. He has great reviews on AVVO, I reached out, and within 24 hours, his office was in contact with me to set up a consultation – other law firms took much longer to get in touch with me.
Chip and his staff were extremely personable and answered every question I had; I felt very comfortable calling and asking questions as they came up – no one pushed me aside or made me feel like I was being ridiculous. Being seen as a human being in this situation is important because when you come in during the lowest point of your life, a nice group of people that truly know what they’re doing is essential for moving forward. I never felt like I had to worry about anything.
As another reviewer mentioned, he went to great lengths to get all of my medical bills together AND had them taken care of – this alone was worth hiring him. Long story short, it was finished in an awesome time frame, and I can move on with my life. A better job couldn’t have been done by anyone else.
I hope I never have to have a lawyer again, but if I do, it’ll be Mr. Evans. Thanks, y’all! – Abby R.
We are grateful for the opportunity to help Abby get the settlement she deserved and appreciate the fact that she took the time to share her experience with others.
The Value of Our Experienced Car Accident Attorney
Chip Evans Is a Car Accident Lawyer with a Proven Record of Success
A partner at Evans/Reilley, Chip is board-certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He has over 20 years of professional experience representing plaintiffs. Years ago he recognized that insurance companies and corporations had the means to hire the best legal help; their resources are much greater than those of the average person. This inspired him to dedicate himself to providing high-quality legal services to “regular people.”
A member of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, the Capital Area Trial Lawyers Association, and the Austin Bar Association, Chip is licensed in all the Texas State Courts and the Western District of Texas Federal Court. He is also a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the American Board of Trial Advocates.
Chip understands the stress associated with being a victim of an automobile accident. He is committed to helping his clients manage the process efficiently and effectively so they receive the settlement they need and deserve. In short, when you work with Chip you can rest assured that he will handle every aspect of your case, from investigation to negotiation, to litigation if necessary.
Understanding Car Accident Cases
The Damages You May Recover
Car accidents fall under the broader description of personal injury cases. And, in Texas, you can recover damages.
In situations like this, the term “damages” refers to the amount of compensation the court determines the plaintiff is entitled to receive. There are two primary categories of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages are more easily calculable, as they tend to be losses that already have a dollar figure attached.
Examples of economic damages include:
- Ambulance fees
- Hospital bills and expenses
- Therapy costs
- Medical accessories, like crutches
- In-home services
- Future projected medical expenses
- Lost earnings due to being unable to work
- Medication
- Compensation for lost earning potential, in the case of permanent disability
- Cost of vehicle repairs
- Repair or replacement costs for personal items damaged in the accident, such as phones, computers, etc.
Non-economic damages are less quantifiable, but very real. These losses a person may suffer due to a car accident include:
- Emotional distress
- Disability or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Diminished quality of life.
Our car accident lawyers in Austin know how to fight aggressively on your behalf. We negotiate with insurers, and, when needed, we put our strong litigation skills to work for you.
Medical Costs Associated with Car Accidents Can Be Considerable
As you may be aware, the cost of medical care, in general, is astounding. In the case of a car accident, medical costs can skyrocket. Some of the fees for medical treatment following a car accident may include emergency transport, hospital and surgical bills, physician bills, physical therapy, medication, rehabilitation, and counseling.
Those unreimbursed expenses can be considerable, in many cases life-changing. It is easy to see how they can quickly add up and result in financial hardship. A visit to our law office can help you understand your rights and options when it comes to filing a lawsuit. Be sure to bring all of your medical records to your initial free consultation with our attorney to promote a robust, comprehensive discussion about your potential case.
Settlement Details
How much can I expect to receive? This common question does not have a simple answer. As you might expect, every car accident is unique. Accordingly, each settlement offer or lawsuit will be focused on and beyond that specific event. Our knowledgeable lawyer can review the facts of your case and help you to understand what might be reasonable, depending upon your injuries and life following the accident.
In Texas, those who own and drive automobiles are required, by Texas insurance law, to carry 30/60/25 coverage. This means that drivers must be insured for a minimum of $30,000 per injured person – up to $60,000 per accident – and $25,000 of property damage per accident. Unfortunately, in a serious crash, that coverage may simply be inadequate.
For instance, if you were in a “fender bender” and suffered only minor bruising, you might be entitled to a small settlement. On the other hand, if you or another family member suffered major injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury, your car accident lawsuit could rise into the range of five, six, or seven figures.
Our goal is to get a settlement that fully compensates you for your damages, including pain and suffering.
Helping You Move Forward
What Our Car Accident Attorney Can Do For You
At the Evans/Reilley Law Firm, our attorneys are well-versed in all aspects of personal injury cases, including car accidents.
This discussion can provide you with information that will guide your decisions regarding how to proceed.
Remember that personal injury lawsuits are meant to assist you and your family financially. Why struggle to pay your bills after a devastating car accident injury? You may be entitled to a lump-sum settlement that can help offset your considerable expenses.
The Value Our Car Accident Attorneys Bring to Your Case
Our car accidents attorneys are committed to two things: getting you the best possible settlement — one that compensates you for all of your losses — and managing the entire legal process on your behalf. We understand the physical and emotional toll a car accident has on both the individual who was injured and their entire family. Injuries are painful, recovery time consuming and the financial burden excessive.
The laws that govern car accident personal injury cases are complex, and the paperwork and steps associated with investigating the accident, filing a lawsuit, negotiating with insurance companies and litigating (if necessary) are time consuming. When you engage us, we take care of everything. You can focus all of your energy on your recovery.
Contact us today at (512) 732-2727 to share your experience and find out exactly how our car accident lawyer can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents
Our Knowledgeable Car Accident Attorney Provides Answers
In addition to injuries and damages, the most common things that result from automobile accidents are lots and lots of questions. Undoubtedly, it makes sense — car accident victims have experienced an agonizing event. Many have physical injuries, some incredibly serious. Others struggle emotionally. And almost everyone has major concerns about what to do and when and how to do it.
Below, our attorney has answered some of the most commonly asked questions. While each and every case is unique, the general information provided here can be useful in most cases.
While it is not required by law, engaging the services of our experienced and reputable car accident attorney is wise, for a number of reasons. First, you are likely shaken; accidents are frightening. And you may even be injured. You are not in the best frame of mind to be dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and complicated legal processes. Our qualified car accident attorney will manage this process for you, providing you the time you need to recover. Additionally, the experience and knowledge our attorney brings to your case may result in a more favorable settlement. When you are represented by our experienced attorney, you begin negotiations on more equal ground.
In general, we recommend that you refer all insurance company telephone calls to us, your car accident attorney. While many people believe that insurance companies look out for their clients and their best interests, the opposite is in fact true. These businesses are always focused on their bottom line. They have teams of adjusters and high-priced lawyers working behind the scenes on their behalf. They want you to settle for as little as possible. Let us negotiate for you and leverage our experience for your benefit.
The short answer is “maybe.” Most car accident cases are settled out of court, during the negotiation phase, so court appearances are not necessary. Of course, sometimes negotiations break down, and the insurance company and you, the accident victim, are just not able to come to an agreement. If this happens, the next step is for your attorney to help you file a lawsuit. In cases like this, you may find yourself in court, along with your attorney who will guide you through the process. Representation at this point is necessary and valuable.
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, under which car accident cases fall, is two years from the date of the injury. These deadlines matter. Lawsuits filed after this date are not valid. You will be unable to recover any costs. Our car accident attorney will help ensure that you comply with all deadlines.
Sometimes accidents are the fault of multiple people. In Texas, civil courts determine proportional responsibility. If you were responsible for less than 51% of the accident, you will be able to recover a portion of your damages. Your car accident lawyer can explain how this is determined and how it will affect you personally.
In Texas, all drivers must be offered $2,500 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) car insurance, but you can purchase higher amounts. This is the first place to submit your medical bills. When this coverage runs out, you would turn to your health insurance. As your car accident attorney, we will work to ensure that both your health insurance provider and you are reimbursed for accident-related medical costs.
If you have additional questions regarding your car accident, contact Evans/Reilley at (512) 732-2727. Share with us the specifics of your accident and we can provide more tailored responses. We are ready to help you.
A Broad Overview of Car Accidents
What You Should Do After a Car Accident
Your actions immediately following a car accident are critical. First and foremost,
you mustn’t delay in getting help. Waiting will only slow down the process and can result in serious complications. Consider these action steps:
- Act Immediately: At the scene, do everything within your power to remain calm. Always call 911 and check to see if you or your passengers have been hurt. If you are not seriously injured, you may be questioned by the police. Answer everything as clearly and honestly as possible. If you are injured in a car accident in Austin, you may be taken to the nearest medical center for immediate treatment. Identify what happened to cause the accident, witnesses to the scene, and those who may be at fault.
- Keep Records: If you are able, document the scene. You’ll need as much information as possible to submit to the insurance company. In your head, piece together what happened — who was coming from where, and how the crash occurred. Take photos of the area and all involved vehicles from different angles, being sure to capture all of the damage. Don’t forget to take a picture of the other vehicle’s license plate and any road signs or roadwork. Write down the names and contact information of the other driver and any passengers. If there were witnesses who were not directly involved in the crash, record their information (name and telephone numbers) as well. Ask responding police officers for their names and badge numbers.
- Keep a Log: Following any treatment or care, document changes in your mental or physical state. For instance, if you discover bruising across your ribs or feel anxious about driving, note your issues. Talk to your family physician or mental health provider as needed. Don’t assume that you can’t have problems weeks later. Sometimes, symptoms arise days or weeks after an accident. Remember to write down everything! Without documentation, you might have difficulty connecting your health issues with the car crash.
- Inform Your Human Resources Department: If you need to take time off of work, be sure to consult with your human resources representative. In cases of short- and long-term leave or leave without pay, you may be entitled to recoup your lost wages if you pursue a legal case against the at-fault driver.
When you are ready, contact our firm about filing a claim or lawsuit. Your car accident lawyer will help you understand your rights, as well as provide guidance regarding your options.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, you’re likely facing serious financial and medical concerns. If you think you have a case, get in touch with an attorney at the Evans/Reilley Law Firm to schedule a consultation today.
Car Accident Claims Are Complex
Our Austin Car Accident Lawyer Explains What to Expect
If you are the victim of a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you might want to file a claim. According to Texas law, you may be entitled to compensation for your expenses and your experience.
Are you concerned about pursuing a car accident lawsuit? If so, you are not alone. Many share this worry and ultimately decide that it’s just “not worth it.” While this is understandable, it can also be shortsighted. If you do nothing, you may be giving up money that could help pay for vehicle repairs, lost wages, and medical bills. Even a minor car accident can set the stage for months of costly physical therapy and other health problems. It is always beneficial to at least speak with a legal professional.
Why Working With Our Car Accident Lawyer Is the Right Choice
We Know How to Prove Negligence
In personal injury cases, including those related to car accidents, negligence plays an important role. To better explain, negligence is a legal term that describes action or inaction that is likely to cause harm.
To win a car accident case, your attorney must be able to prove negligence. This means that your car accident attorney must prove that the defendant did not act with reasonable care and thus caused your accident and resulting injury and damages. This proof must include three things:
- Duty: The defendant must have had a responsibility to act in a specific way to prevent accident or injury. In the case of automobile accidents, all drivers have to obey local traffic laws, operate their vehicles responsibly, and pay attention to their surroundings when driving.
- Breach of Duty: This occurs when an individual either acts or fails to act as a reasonable person would in a similar and specific situation. Should your car be hit by another car because that driver was making an illegal turn, he or she would have breached their duty by not following the traffic laws.
- Causation: Your car accident attorney must be able to prove that the breach of duty by the defendant directly caused the damages for which you are suing. For example, if your car is hit by a driver who has made an illegal turn, it makes sense that the damage was caused by the impact. And, if that driver had not turned, there would not have been a collision.
Finally, you must also be able to prove actual damages. This is why it is important to document your car accident and visit your physician.
In some instances, those experiencing a personal injury in a crash may be partially at fault. That’s known as contributory negligence. Texas state law applies the standard of modified comparative negligence (TX C.P.R. §33.001) when determining whether a driver is entitled to damages. If found to be less than 51 percent responsible for a crash, the driver may collect damages from the other party, based on their proportion of the blame.
Contact our Austin car accident attorney at (512) 732-2727 for information that can help you understand your options.
The Value of a Proven Track Record
When you engage our car accident attorney to represent you, you can rest assured that you are working with a professional with a history of success. At Evans/Reilley, we are proud of the services we have provided to our clients, as well as the success we have obtained. We successfully represented:
- A pregnant Fort Worth woman and her 4-year-old daughter who were injured when a negligent driver struck their car head-on.
- Three family members who were severely injured when a drunk driver crashed into their car in Austin.
- A husband and wife who sustained major injuries in a Williamson County crash.
In each of these and all of our other cases, we provided compassionate, responsible and quality service. While we handle every aspect of your case, we proactively communicate with you so you always know its status. And, we welcome questions from you at any time. In car accident cases, no question is a dumb question. Ask them all.
Car Accident Information
Our Car Accident Attorney Shares Common Causes of Austin Automobile Accidents
Automobile accidents in and around Austin can occur anywhere: on major highways, rural roads, residential streets and even parking lots. Their causes are considerable and include, but are not limited to drifting, excessive speed, inattentive driving and driving under the influence. These actions result in head-on collisions, T-bone crashes and even single car and truck accidents.
Emergency management personnel and police are trained to determine who is at fault in each incident. Sometimes this will be obvious. At other times, it will take some investigation on their part.
Car Accident Injuries Can Be Life Changing
Car accidents can cause a host of injuries, some more serious than others. Among the most common are bruises and contusions, broken bones, whiplash, TBIs and concussions, broken backs and even internal bleeding.
Almost all injuries require some type of medical treatment, and even the most minor can result in significant medical bills. It is important to understand that even if your injuries are very subtle, you should always document all medical changes. Keeping a record can be incredibly valuable should you decide to pursue a settlement for your bills, damages, and pain and suffering.
Our car accident lawyer is ready to represent you. He will review your case, help determine the types of damages to which you are entitled and manage the entire legal process for you.
Attorney Chip Evans
Chip Evans is a partner at Evans & Herlihy. Chip brings to the firm more than 20 years of experience as a trial lawyer representing Plaintiffs. It is the desire to help individuals, not corporations, that attracts Chip to this side of the docket. [ Attorney Bio ]
Contact Us Today and Get the Help You Deserve
Evans/Reilley Car Accidents Attorneys are Ready to Work for You
If you or someone you love has been in a car accident due to the negligence of another person or organization, reach out to us today. Our car accident attorneys appreciate the stress you are experiencing and can leverage their knowledge and experience for you. They will listen carefully to your story, coordinate any necessary investigations, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and, if necessary, represent you in any legal proceedings.
Managing life after an auto accident is, at best, challenging. When you work with our seasoned professionals you can rest assured that we will handle every aspect of your case, ensuring that filings are completed in a timely fashion and negotiations are done with your best interests at heart. Life is unpredictable, and accidents happen. How you respond to them can affect you forever.
Taking advantage of the knowledge and experience of reputable professionals is one of the most important decisions you can make for your, and your family’s, future.
We are ready to go to work for you. Our car accident attorneys know car accident law in Texas and have a proven history of success. Call us at (512) 732-2727 today to schedule a complimentary appointment.
