After a car crash in Austin, life can feel overwhelming. Between medical appointments, insurance calls, and financial concerns, it’s easy to feel lost, especially when you’re injured. This is where an Austin car wreck attorney can step in to guide you through the legal process and help you seek fair compensation for your losses.
At Slingshot Law, we understand that most people have never needed a personal injury lawyer before. If you’re wondering what to expect when working with an attorney after a wreck, this guide walks you through every step, from the first call to the final settlement.
Step 1: Your Free Initial Consultation
Most personal injury law firms, including Slingshot Law, offer a free initial consultation. This is your opportunity to tell your story, ask questions, and understand your legal rights.
You don’t need to bring a stack of documents, but it helps if you have:
- A copy of the police report
- Photos from the scene
- Medical records or bills
- Insurance information
An Austin car wreck attorney will review the facts and let you know whether you have a valid claim. If they take your case, it’s usually on a contingency fee basis — meaning you don’t pay unless you win.
Step 2: Investigating the Crash
Once you’ve hired a lawyer, they’ll begin a detailed investigation of the accident. This includes:
- Reviewing police and crash reports
- Gathering medical records
- Analyzing photographs or video footage
- Interviewing witnesses
- Working with accident reconstruction experts if needed
This investigation helps establish who was at fault and how the accident has impacted your life. Fault matters in Texas because it’s a modified comparative negligence state — if you’re more than 50% responsible, you may not recover damages. Your attorney’s goal is to prove liability and protect your right to recover.
Step 3: Handling the Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating. Adjusters may seem polite, but their goal is to minimize payouts. One of the most important benefits of hiring an Austin car wreck attorney is that they handle all communication with the insurance companies, so you don’t have to.
Your lawyer will:
- Submit demand letters
- Negotiate settlement offers
- Push back against delays or bad faith tactics
This is crucial to ensure you aren’t pressured into accepting a lowball offer that doesn’t cover your medical bills, lost wages, and long-term needs.
Step 4: Calculating Your Damages
How much is your case worth? That depends on your injuries, the facts of the crash, and how your life has been affected. Your attorney will work with medical providers, economists, and other experts to calculate the value of both your economic and non-economic damages.
This may include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Understanding the full value of your claim helps your attorney fight for a settlement that actually reflects what you’ve endured.
Step 5: Negotiation or Lawsuit
Most car accident claims are settled out of court. Your attorney will work to negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company. But if a settlement isn’t possible, your lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit and take the case to trial.
Even after filing a lawsuit, cases often resolve before reaching a courtroom. But your attorney’s willingness to litigate puts pressure on the insurance company to take your case seriously.
Step 6: Support Every Step of the Way
Working with an Austin car wreck attorney isn’t just about legal paperwork — it’s about having someone in your corner when you need it most. Your lawyer can:
- Refer you to medical providers
- Help manage liens or medical bills
- Keep you informed about the progress of your case
- Provide honest advice about what to expect
At Slingshot Law, our focus is on helping injured people move forward. We simplify the process so you can focus on recovery while we focus on results. Contact us today and let us help you take the next steps!