1. Loewy Law Firm
Focus Area: Selective case approach with dedicated resources for each client
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, workplace injuries, wrongful death, premises liability, catastrophic injuries
Background: Led by Adam Loewy, the firm brings 15 years of experience representing injury victims in Austin and Travis County. Adam Loewy has earned recognition from the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys and holds membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. The firm maintains a 10.0/Superb rating on Avvo.com. The Loewy family has donated over $4 million to Austin-area charities, including the Loewy Family Playground in Northwest Hills.
Location: Austin, TX
Contact: (512) 280-0800 | https://personalinjurylawyersaustintx.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation. Contingency fee basis with no fees until recovery.
2. FVF Law Firm (Injury & Wrongful Death Lawyers)
Focus Area: Values-driven representation with client education emphasis
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, pedestrian accidents, premises liability, product liability
Background: FVF Law operates as a values-driven personal injury firm focused on educating clients about their legal rights and options. The firm emphasizes a client-first approach with direct attorney involvement throughout the case. The attorneys have substantial experience handling complex insurance negotiations and courtroom litigation in Travis County and throughout Central Texas.
Location: 3101 Bee Caves Rd #301, Austin, TX 78746
Contact: (512) 982-9328 or (512) 910-7536 | https://www.fvflawfirm.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available 24/7. Contingency fee arrangement.
3. Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC
Focus Area: Aggressive representation for accident victims
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, dog bites, premises liability, wrongful death
Background: Ted R. Lorenz founded this firm in 2001, and the attorneys have since dedicated over two decades to personal injury representation in the Austin area. The firm focuses exclusively on personal injury law, providing specialized knowledge in this practice area. They maintain 24/7 availability for client needs and offer home or hospital visits for injured clients who cannot travel.
Location: Austin, TX
Contact: (512) 477-7333 | https://www.lorenzandlorenz.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available around the clock.
4. McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers
Focus Area: Substantial recoveries for Central Texas injury victims
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bus accidents, rideshare accidents (Uber/Lyft), pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, drunk driving accidents
Background: McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers has served Austin and Travis County for 15 years, recovering over $200 million in settlements during that time. The firm has secured multiple multi-million dollar results, including a $5.5 million recovery for head and leg injuries and a $2.5 million recovery for neck, back, and head injuries. The firm maintains close relationships with organizations supporting foster children in Central Texas.
Location: Austin, TX
Contact: Available on website | https://www.mcminnlaw.com/
Consultation: Free case consultation with no obligations.
5. The Zimmerman Law Firm, P.C.
Focus Area: Family-owned firm serving Austin since 1962
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, slip and fall, dog bites, workplace injuries, nursing home abuse, wrongful death
Background: The Zimmerman Law Firm has provided personal injury representation in Austin and surrounding communities for nearly 60 years. As a family-owned practice, the firm treats clients as friends and neighbors. The attorneys have experience navigating the specific requirements of Travis County courts and understand how local factors can affect case outcomes. The firm positions itself as an advocate for individuals facing large corporations.
Location: Austin, TX
Contact: Available on website | https://www.thezlawfirm.com/austin-personal-injury-lawyer/
Consultation: Free consultation. No fee recovery unless compensation is obtained.
Personal Injury Laws in Texas
Statute of Limitations
Texas provides a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003. The clock begins on the date of injury. Wrongful death claims also carry a two-year deadline, running from the date of death rather than the date of the initial injury. Medical malpractice claims follow the same two-year rule but include a 10-year statute of repose as an outer limit. Claims against government entities require notice within six months of the injury.
Modified Comparative Negligence (51% Bar Rule)
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001. An injured party can recover damages as long as their share of fault does not exceed 50%. If found to be 51% or more responsible for the accident, the injured party is completely barred from recovery. When fault is shared below this threshold, the compensation is reduced proportionally to the injured party’s percentage of responsibility.
Damage Caps
Texas does not cap economic damages in personal injury cases. However, medical malpractice claims are subject to caps on non-economic damages: $250,000 per defendant for physicians and $250,000 per institution, with a maximum of $500,000 per case. Punitive damages are capped at the greater of $200,000 or two times economic damages plus an amount equal to non-economic damages, up to $750,000. Claims against government entities under the Texas Tort Claims Act face caps of $250,000 per person and $500,000 per incident.
Auto Insurance Requirements
Texas operates as an at-fault state for automobile insurance purposes. The state requires minimum liability coverage of 30/60/25: $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury to all persons, and $25,000 per accident for property damage. The at-fault driver is responsible for covering damages caused in an accident. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is available but optional; insurers must offer at least $2,500 in PIP coverage, though drivers can decline in writing.
At-Fault Insurance System
Unlike no-fault states, Texas places financial responsibility on the driver who causes an accident. Insurance companies investigate accidents to determine fault, reviewing police reports, witness statements, and available evidence. The at-fault driver’s liability insurance covers the injured party’s medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage up to policy limits. If damages exceed these limits, the at-fault driver may be held personally liable for the difference, potentially facing lawsuits that put personal assets at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Texas determine who is at fault in a car accident?
Insurance companies and courts in Texas examine multiple sources of evidence to assign fault: police reports, witness testimony, traffic camera footage, vehicle damage patterns, and expert accident reconstruction when necessary. Texas follows a comparative fault system, meaning multiple parties can share responsibility. The percentage of fault assigned to each party determines how compensation is calculated. Disputes over fault determination may require litigation to resolve.
What if the at-fault driver in my Austin accident has insufficient insurance?
When the at-fault driver’s insurance limits fall short of covering your damages, several options exist. You may file a claim against your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage if you carry it. Alternatively, you can pursue the at-fault driver personally through a lawsuit to recover the difference, though collecting may prove difficult if they lack assets. An attorney can identify all potential sources of recovery, including additional liable parties such as employers or vehicle owners.
How long do I have to report my accident to my insurance company in Texas?
While the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit is two years, insurance policies typically require much faster reporting. Many policies require notification within 30 days or as soon as practicable after an accident. Delaying notification can provide grounds for your insurer to deny coverage. Prompt reporting also helps preserve evidence and strengthens your position during negotiations.
Can I recover compensation if I was not wearing my seatbelt during an Austin car accident?
Texas law prohibits evidence of seatbelt non-use from being admitted to reduce a personal injury recovery. This means the defendant cannot argue that your damages should be reduced because you were not wearing a seatbelt. However, this protection applies only to personal injury claims; it does not prevent such evidence in other types of proceedings.
What makes Travis County different for personal injury cases compared to other Texas counties?
Travis County, which encompasses Austin, has historically been perceived as more favorable to plaintiffs in personal injury cases compared to more conservative rural counties. Jury pools drawn from the Austin metropolitan area tend to include diverse demographics and urban perspectives. However, every case depends on its specific facts, and experienced local counsel understands how to present cases effectively to Travis County juries.