Were you injured in a crash on Interstate 35 (I-35) in Austin, Texas? An Austin I-35 accident lawyer at McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers can investigate the collision, deal with insurance companies, and help you pursue compensation. Contact the firm at (512) 474-0222 to schedule a free consultation.
I-35 is a major route for local, regional, and national traffic. The Texas Department of Transportation describes I-35 through Central Texas as one of the state’s most congested highways and the backbone of the area’s transportation network. Heavy traffic, construction, and frequent merging can increase the risk of serious collisions.
How McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Crash in Austin, TX
The Austin car accident attorneys at McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers can protect your rights while you focus on your health. The firm has over 40 years of experience and has recovered over $500 million for past clients.
Our legal team in Austin, TX, can:
- Investigate the accident scene
- Obtain police reports and traffic camera information
- Interview witnesses
- Review vehicle and cellphone records
- Identify every liable party
- Document your injuries and financial losses
- Handle communications with insurance companies
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- Prepare your case for trial when necessary
TxDOT collects crash reports from law enforcement agencies for accidents on public roads and the state highway system. These reports, along with photographs, witness statements, medical records, and vehicle data, may help establish how an I-35 collision occurred.
Contact the firm today to discuss your accident during a free consultation.
Why Do Accidents Happen on I-35 in Austin?
I-35 carries commuters, commercial trucks, tourists, and other drivers through the center of Austin. Traffic can slow or stop without warning, especially during peak travel hours or near work zones.
Common causes of I-35 accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to yield while merging
- Impaired driving
- Driver fatigue
- Aggressive driving
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Failure to adjust to traffic or weather conditions
Construction can also change traffic patterns and create narrow lanes, reduced shoulders, detours, and sudden slowdowns. TxDOT’s I-35 Capital Express Central project is currently under construction and is intended to improve safety, operations, congestion management, and travel reliability along the corridor.
Drivers must remain alert and follow posted speed limits and work-zone signs. A motorist who fails to use reasonable care may be responsible for the harm caused by a crash.
Who May Be Liable for an Austin I-35 Crash?
The driver who caused the collision may be liable for the accident victim’s losses. However, some crashes involve more than one responsible person or business.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- A distracted or speeding driver
- A commercial truck driver
- A trucking or delivery company
- A vehicle owner
- An employer whose worker caused the crash
- A maintenance provider
- A manufacturer of a defective vehicle or part
- Another party whose conduct contributed to the collision
A multi-vehicle accident may require a detailed investigation. Drivers and insurance companies may offer conflicting accounts or blame one another.
An Austin personal injury attorney can review physical evidence, witness statements, electronic records, and professional analysis to determine how the crash happened. Identifying all responsible parties may reveal several insurance policies or sources of compensation.
What Compensation Can I Seek After an I-35 Accident?
A person injured because of another party’s negligence may seek compensation for accident-related losses. The amount available depends on the injuries, available insurance, evidence, and other facts.
Potential damages include:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital bills
- Surgery and rehabilitation
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earnings
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
A crash victim should keep medical bills, wage records, repair estimates, receipts, and other documents showing how the accident caused financial harm. Medical records can also help connect the injuries to the collision.
Families who lose loved ones in fatal I-35 crashes may have the right to pursue wrongful death damages. The losses available depend on the circumstances and the individuals bringing the claim.
What Should I Do After an I-35 Crash?
The steps you take after an accident can affect your health and legal claim.
When possible:
- Move to a safe location.
- Call 911.
- Seek medical treatment.
- Exchange contact and insurance information.
- Photograph the vehicles and road conditions.
- Collect witness information.
- Save damaged personal property.
- Notify your insurance company.
- Avoid discussing fault at the scene.
- Speak with an Austin car accident lawyer before accepting a settlement.
Do not assume that an early settlement offer will cover your future needs. Some injuries require ongoing treatment or prevent a person from returning to work. Signing a release may end the claim before the full impact of the accident is known.
Contact an Austin I-35 Accident Attorney at McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
An I-35 collision can leave you facing painful injuries, medical bills, lost income, and pressure from insurance companies. McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers can investigate your case, calculate your losses, and pursue compensation from those responsible.
Contact the firm today to schedule a free consultation with an Austin I-35 accident attorney. You can learn about your legal options and the next steps in your case.
