Carabin Shaw is one of the leading personal injury law firms in Austin and Texas. They have extensive experience in car accident cases, focusing on securing compensation for clients that reflects the full extent of their medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Specialization: Personal injury, truck accidents, car accidents, wrongful death, 18-wheeler accidents.
Why choose them? Carabin Shaw Law Firm offers a complimentary initial consultation, and their team is recognized for aggressively advocating for their clients’ rights.

Austin Car Accident Lawyers – What to Do After a Crash

A car accident in Austin can turn an ordinary day into a nightmare in seconds. Between the pain of your injuries, the stress of dealing with a damaged vehicle, and the uncertainty about how you are going to pay your medical bills, the aftermath of a crash can feel overwhelming. The steps you take immediately after a wreck have a direct impact on your ability to recover fair compensation. Austin car accident lawyers at Carabin Shaw have helped thousands of crash victims across Central Texas protect their rights and fight for the money they need to rebuild their lives.

Austin’s rapid growth has brought an explosion of traffic that the city’s infrastructure was never designed to handle. I-35 through downtown, MoPac Expressway, Highway 183, and Loop 360 are packed with vehicles at nearly all hours of the day, and the resulting congestion leads to accidents that range from fender benders to fatal collisions. Experienced car accident attorneys in Austin at Carabin Shaw understand the unique driving conditions that make Austin roads so dangerous and bring the legal firepower needed to take on insurance companies that try to shortchange injured victims.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in an Austin car wreck, taking action quickly is essential. Car accident lawyers at Carabin Shaw offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case and explain your legal options so you can make informed decisions from the start.

Check for Injuries and Call 911 Immediately

Your first priority after any car accident is the safety and health of everyone involved. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries and call 911 right away. Even if injuries seem minor at the scene, requesting an ambulance ensures that trained medical professionals can evaluate everyone involved. Many serious car accident injuries — including whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding — do not show symptoms immediately. Having paramedics on scene creates an official medical record connecting your condition to the crash.

Calling 911 also brings law enforcement to the scene. A police report is one of the most important pieces of evidence in any car accident claim. The responding officer will document the crash, interview drivers and witnesses, note any traffic violations, and record observations about the cause of the wreck. Request a copy of the report or obtain the report number before you leave the scene.

Document Everything at the Accident Scene

If your physical condition allows it, use your phone to take photographs and video of the accident scene from every angle. Capture the damage to all vehicles involved, skid marks, debris, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. These images become critical pieces of evidence as your case develops. Exchange information with the other driver — name, phone number, insurance company and policy number, license plate, and driver’s license number. If witnesses stopped, get their contact information as well.

Write down your own account of what happened while the details are fresh in your mind. Memory fades quickly, and having a contemporaneous written account can help your lawyers and strengthen your testimony if the case goes to trial. Note the time, weather conditions, visibility, and anything unusual you observed about the other driver’s behavior.

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 do not appear for hours or even days. Herniated discs, soft tissue damage, and mild traumatic brain injuries are notorious for delayed onset. A prompt medical evaluation creates the documentation needed to connect your injuries to the accident, which is essential for your legal claim. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan completely — gaps in treatment give insurance companies ammunition to argue your injuries are not serious.

Do Not Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company

After an Austin car accident, the at-fault driver’s insurer will contact you quickly. The adjuster will sound concerned and friendly, but their job is to minimize what their company pays. They may request a recorded statement, ask leading questions to get you to downplay your injuries, or push a fast settlement offer before you understand the full extent of your damages. Politely decline to give a statement and direct them to your lawyers. Anything you say can and will be used against you later.

Stay Off Social Media

Insurance companies routinely monitor claimants’ social media accounts. A photo of you smiling at a birthday party or mentioning that you went for a walk can be twisted into evidence that your injuries are not as serious as claimed. The safest approach is to avoid posting anything related to your accident, your health, or your daily activities while your case is pending. Ask friends and family not to tag you in posts as well.

Contact Austin Car Accident Lawyers Right Away

The sooner you get experienced legal representation, the better positioned you are to protect your rights and maximize your recovery. Early legal involvement means evidence is preserved, witnesses are interviewed while memories are fresh, and the insurance company knows you have professional representation from day one. Carabin Shaw’s Austin car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless they win your case. Contact them today for a free consultation and let their team start fighting for you.