Reputable Car Accident Lawyer In The Austin Area
Last updated on July 25, 2024
Jump to: Frequently Asked Questions · Dos And Don’ts After An Accident
Austin and the surrounding metro area are prime territories for serious car accidents. From highways like I-20 and I-35 to intersections like Trinity and East 7th street, even cautious motorists can find themselves in the emergency room due to the carelessness of another driver.
After a car, truck or other motor vehicle accident, reach out to Breeland Injury Law, PLLC. Founding trial attorney Matt Breeland has an excellent reputation for delivering high settlements and awards for his clients who have survived motor vehicle accidents. As a civil litigator, he has helped clients with a wide variety of injuries such as:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord damage
- Disfigurement
- Complete or partial paralysis
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
He will not hesitate to take on complex cases involving commercial trucks or uninsured/underinsured motorists. If you lost a loved one in a fatal accident, he will help you hold the negligent driver accountable and recover compensation for damages such as funeral costs. His commitment to recover maximum compensation is matched by his commitment to provide compassionate counsel at all times.
He Has Handled Both Sides Of Accident Claims
Before he felt a calling to represent injury survivors, Matt worked as a defense attorney for insurance companies. This experience taught him how insurance companies undermine policyholders by offering too-low settlements and denying valid injury claims. He knows their strategies, so he constructs your case to anticipate their defense and proactively outthink them. His knowledge has paid off – in both 2019 and 2023, he obtained one of the top 50 motor vehicle accident jury verdicts in Texas. He uses his experience to answer important questions like:
Should You Accept The First Settlement Offer You Get?
More often than not, the first settlement check an insurance company produces is not the best value you can collect for your injuries. Your personal injury lawyer can review any offer you receive, negotiate for better compensation, and advise you on when you should accept an offer or take your claim in front of a jury.
Can You Collect Compensation From An Uninsured Driver?
While you may not be able to pursue compensation from an uninsured driver’s insurance company, there are other ways to collect a settlement. You may be able to collect from your own insurance if you have uninsured motorist coverage, and you may also be able to file a claim against the liable party directly.
Are Accident Injuries Always Apparent?
Even when someone is able to walk away from an accident, they may still be suffering serious injuries. Traumatic brain injuries, soft tissue injuries, and internal organ damage can all take time to become visibly apparent and may be life-threatening by that time. Make sure you always see a doctor after an accident to verify how you have been injured in an accident.
Can You Sue For Losing A Loved One In An Accident?
Not everyone can file a wrongful death claim, even if they lost someone dear to them in an accident. In Texas, only the parents, spouse or children can file a claim. This law does mean that a partner like a roommate, domestic partner, or a spouse that was married in a way the courts do not recognize cannot file these claims.
Do’s and Don’ts After A Car Accident From A Personal Injury Attorney
The sudden and jarring nature of car accidents can make it hard to focus on what to do in the immediate aftermath, which is why Matt has created this list of do’s and don’ts for victims of car crashes.
An important note: Your health and physical well-being are priority number 1 after a car crash. If you need immediate emergency medical attention, following the remaining do’s and don’ts may have to wait until you are in stable condition. However, in that scenario, the police are much more likely to arrive at the scene and gather much of the information you’ll need when EMS is involved.
- DO stay in your car and call 911 for 2 purposes: 1. To request medical attention, and/or 2. Request that the police come to the scene and make a report.
- DO exchange information with the other driver(s) involved. Do not be shy about this. Ask to see and take photographs of the other driver’s proof of insurance and driver’s license. Also, take a photo of the other driver’s license plate number.
- DO take photographs of all visible property damage resulting from the crash.
- DO contact your insurance company to initiate a claim.
- DO gather the identity and contact information of any witnesses. Politely ask to take a photograph of their driver’s license as well. Even if police arrive at the scene, you should not rely on the officer(s) to collect this very critical information.
- DO NOT agree to give a recorded statement to ANY insurance company, including your own. You do not have to, and the statement can only be used against you.
- DO NOT say “I’m ok” to anyone. During the immediate at-the-scene aftermath of a car crash, the drivers involved are often confused and experiencing a fight-or-flight adrenaline response. You cannot predict whether you’ll wake up in pain the following morning, which is a common occurrence, or what a doctor may later tell you about potential injuries that are not yet symptomatic at the scene of the crash.
- DO NOT engage in any argument with the other driver(s) about who is at fault. Just be polite and communicate with them as reasonably necessary to exchange the information you need.
The do’s and don’ts listed above are not legal advice.
Request A Free Consultation About Your Auto Accident
Don’t handle a vehicle accident claim without the help of a lawyer. Matt will make sure that you complete each step in the process correctly, that the insurance company does not take advantage of you and that you always know what to expect. He offers free initial consultations; schedule yours by calling 888-531-0494 toll-free or by using his online contact form.