Shaw Cowart is a trusted personal injury law firm serving Austin and Central Texas. Their legal team has extensive experience handling car accident cases, fighting to secure compensation that reflects the full extent of their clients’ medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Specialization: Personal injury lawyers, car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, 18-wheeler accidents.
Why choose them? Shaw Cowart offers a complimentary initial consultation, and their attorneys are recognized for aggressively advocating for their clients’ rights throughout the Austin area.
Austin Car Accident Lawyers – Steps to Protect Your Rights After a Crash
A car accident in Austin can upend your life without warning. One moment you are driving to work, picking up your kids, or running errands, and the next you are dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and a growing pile of bills. The decisions you make in the hours and days following a wreck directly impact your ability to recover fair compensation. Austin car accident lawyers at Shaw Cowart have helped thousands of crash victims across Central Texas navigate the aftermath of a collision and fight for the money they need to put their lives back together.
Austin’s explosive population growth has turned its roads into some of the most dangerous in the state. I-35 through downtown, MoPac Expressway, Highway 183, and Loop 360 carry staggering volumes of traffic, and the ongoing I-35 expansion project has added construction zones, lane shifts, and detours that make every commute a gamble. Experienced car accident attorneys in Austin at Shaw Cowart understand the specific challenges Austin drivers face and bring the legal strength needed to take on insurance companies that would rather deny your claim than pay what it is worth.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an Austin car wreck, taking action quickly is essential. Car accident lawyers at Shaw Cowart offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case and explain your legal options from the start.
Call 911 and Check for Injuries
Your first priority after any car accident is safety. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries and call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, requesting an ambulance ensures trained medical professionals assess the situation. Many serious car accident injuries — whiplash, concussions, internal bleeding — do not produce obvious symptoms right away. Having paramedics respond creates a medical record that links your condition directly to the crash.
Calling 911 also brings law enforcement to the scene. A police report is one of the most valuable pieces of evidence in any car accident claim. The responding officer documents the scene, interviews drivers and witnesses, notes traffic violations, and records observations about fault. Request the report number before you leave the scene.
Document the Scene Thoroughly
If you are physically able, use your phone to photograph and video everything at the accident scene. Capture images of all vehicles from multiple angles, road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, debris, and your visible injuries. Exchange information with the other driver — name, phone number, insurance company, policy number, license plate, and driver’s license number. Collect contact information from any witnesses. These details become critical evidence as your case progresses.
See a Doctor Within 24 to 48 Hours
Even if you feel fine after the crash, see a doctor promptly. Many car accident injuries have delayed symptoms that may not appear for hours or days. Herniated discs, soft tissue damage, and mild traumatic brain injuries are known for this. A prompt medical evaluation creates documentation connecting your injuries to the accident, which is essential for your claim. Follow your treatment plan completely — gaps in medical care give insurance companies ammunition to argue your injuries are not serious.
Do Not Speak with the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
The at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster will contact you quickly after the crash. They will sound friendly and concerned, but their goal is to minimize your claim. They may ask for a recorded statement, push leading questions designed to downplay your injuries, or offer a fast settlement before you understand the full extent of your damages. Politely decline and direct them to your lawyers. Everything you say can be used against you later.
Stay Off Social Media
Insurance companies monitor claimants’ social media accounts looking for posts that contradict injury claims. A photo of you at a family event or a comment about feeling better can be twisted into evidence that your injuries are exaggerated. Avoid posting anything about the accident, your injuries, or your daily activities while your case is pending. Ask friends and family not to tag you in posts.
Contact Austin Car Accident Lawyers Immediately
The sooner you have experienced legal representation, the better positioned you are to protect your rights. Early involvement means evidence is preserved, witnesses are interviewed while memories are fresh, and the insurance company is on notice that you have professional representation. Shaw Cowart’s Austin car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless they recover compensation for you. Contact Shaw Cowart today for a free consultation.