Drunk Driving Accident FAQs | Car Accident Attorneys Austin & San Antonio

Drunk Driving Accident FAQs

Being injured by a drunk driver — or losing a family member to one — raises legal questions that most people have never had to consider before. Texas law treats drunk driving accidents differently from ordinary car accident claims in several important ways, and understanding those differences can significantly affect the compensation available to injured victims and their families. The questions below address what our Car Accident Attorneys Austin hear most often from clients dealing with the aftermath of a drunk driving crash.

Common Questions About Drunk Driving Accident Claims in Texas

If my loved one was killed by a drunk driver, can the driver go to jail and can I also sue for damages?

Yes to both. Under Texas law, a drunk driver who kills someone can face criminal prosecution and potential imprisonment through the criminal court system — and a separate civil lawsuit can be filed simultaneously to recover damages for the family’s losses. The two proceedings are independent of each other. A criminal conviction strengthens the civil case significantly, but a civil lawsuit can succeed even if the criminal case is plea-bargained or results in a lesser charge. The family of a person killed by a drunk driver can pursue wrongful death damages for financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and emotional trauma — all independently of whatever criminal sentence the driver receives.

What kinds of damages can I recover if I am injured by a drunk driver?

Texas law allows injured victims of drunk driving accidents to pursue a full range of economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover all measurable financial losses — past and future medical expenses, lost wages during recovery, reduced earning capacity if the […]

Drunk Driving Accident FAQs | Car Accident Attorneys Austin & San Antonio2026-04-12T17:05:39+00:00

Travis County Car Accident Trends 2020 to 2024

Travis County Car Accident Trends 2020 to 2024: What Changed and Why It Matters

Austin drivers in Travis County have lived through a wild swing in car accident patterns since 2020. Crashes dropped sharply during the pandemic, then bounced back — while fatal and serious wrecks have become a stubborn, deadly problem that has not gone away. Understanding these Travis County car accident trends helps injured victims and their families see how the roads have changed and what that means for their cases today.

Regional data from the CAPCOG Moving Central Texas transportation portal shows that urban counties like Travis average roughly 46,000 to 47,000 crashes per year across all severities, including both city and suburban roads. Car accident volumes fell sharply in 2020, then rebounded post-pandemic, with Travis County seeing noticeably fewer wrecks during lockdowns and early remote-work periods followed by a steady climb as commuting and nightlife returned.

But while total car accident counts dipped and then recovered, outcomes got worse. Average fatalities per county in the Central Texas region increased from about 27.6 before 2020 to 33.2 after 2020. Serious injuries per county also climbed from 136.0 to 153.4 on average. Travis County stands out as one of the highest crash-volume urban counties in the region, carrying a persistent burden of fatal and serious car accidents even as total numbers fluctuate from year to year.

Travis County 2024 Crash Snapshot

Within this regional picture, TxDOT’s 2024 county crash table (PDF) shows Travis County recorded 15,872 total crashes. Those crashes included 139 fatal crashes and 155 fatalities, 511 suspected serious injury crashes with 610 people seriously injured, 3,391 suspected minor injury crashes with 4,719 minor injuries, 2,943 possible […]

Travis County Car Accident Trends 2020 to 20242026-03-04T23:44:40+00:00

San Antonio Broken Bone Lawyers | Car Accident Fracture Claims

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

 

Broken Bones and Fracture Injuries: Orthopedic Treatment and Recovery Costs

Every year, approximately 6.8 million Americans seek medical attention for bone fractures, with car accidents representing one of the leading causes of these devastating injuries. In San Antonio, where over 39,000 vehicle collisions occur annually on highways like Interstate 35 and Loop 1604, broken bones from traumatic impacts create immediate medical emergencies and long-term financial disasters.
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The Mechanics of Bone Destruction

Human bones possess remarkable strength, comparable to steel in their ability to withstand pressure. However, the extreme forces generated during San Antonio car accidents often exceed these structural limits, causing catastrophic failures that shatter lives alongside skeletal systems.

High-impact collisions at San Antonio intersections like Highway 151 and Loop 410 generate forces exceeding 15-20 times normal gravitational pressure. These impacts compress, twist, and stretch bones beyond their capacity to recover, resulting in fractures ranging from simple cracks to complex destruction requiring extensive reconstruction.

Frontal impacts typically cause dashboard injuries to the femurs, patellae, and tibial shafts. Side-impact T-bone accidents create lateral compression forces that frequently fracture ribs, pelvises, and shoulder complexes. Rollover accidents produce multiple-impact scenarios where occupants may be thrown against various surfaces, commonly causing skull […]

San Antonio Broken Bone Lawyers | Car Accident Fracture Claims2026-03-11T16:28:16+00:00

CS-SA-GMB – Profile

CS-SA-GMB – Profile

As you know Carabin Shaw is a prominent San Antonio Law Firm representing injury victims of all kinds of accidents in Texas!
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Call Shaw if you or a family member were injured in an accident

CS-SA-GMB – Profile2024-09-06T19:24:23+00:00

How to Handle a Car Accident Involving a Rideshare Vehicle

This Blog was brought to you by The Carabin Shaw Law Firm – Call Shaw! – Personal Injury Lawyer

How to Handle a Car Accident Involving a Rideshare Vehicle

If you find yourself in a car accident involving a rideshare vehicle, your immediate response can significantly influence the outcome of the situation. You’ll need to assess injuries, exchange information with the rideshare driver, and document everything thoroughly. It’s crucial to report the incident to both the rideshare company and your insurance provider without delay. However, understanding the complexities of liability and potential compensation might not be as straightforward as it seems. So, how do you ensure you’re adequately protected and informed in this unexpected scenario? More about our Car Accident Lawyer here

Assessing the Situation

When you’re involved in a rideshare accident, the first step is to quickly assess the situation to ensure everyone’s safety and identify any immediate needs. Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone appears hurt, call emergency services right away. Don’t forget to stay calm; panicking won’t help anyone.

Next, ensure that the vehicles are safely positioned. If possible, move them to the side of the road to prevent further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers, and use flares if you have them. It’s essential that you create a safe environment for everyone involved. Got Injured In An Accident – CALL SHAW

Once safety is established, you can start gathering information about the accident. Pay attention to the responses of others involved; their demeanor might reveal important details about the incident. If you’re in a rideshare vehicle, remember to look out for passengers as well.

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How to Handle a Car Accident Involving a Rideshare Vehicle2024-08-21T19:55:51+00:00

Understanding Your Rights After a Car Accident

This Blog was brought to you by The Carabin Shaw Law Firm – Call Shaw! – Personal Injury Lawyer

Understanding Your Rights After a Car Accident

After a car accident, it’s essential you understand your rights to navigate the aftermath effectively. You may not realize the steps you need to take immediately, from seeking medical attention to documenting the scene. Familiarizing yourself with your insurance coverage can make a significant difference in managing your claim. Moreover, knowing your rights regarding compensation and legal representation can empower you during this challenging time. But what happens if you encounter obstacles with your insurer or face unexpected liabilities? Exploring these scenarios can help clarify your path forward.

Immediate Steps to Take

After a car accident, your first step is to ensure everyone’s safety by moving to a secure location if possible. Check on all passengers and drivers involved, and if anyone’s injured, call for help immediately. If the vehicles are causing a hazard, try to move them to the side of the road, if it’s safe to do so. More about our Car Accident Lawyer here
Next, you should contact the police. They’ll document the incident, which can be crucial for insurance claims and legal matters later. When the police arrive, provide them with accurate information about the accident but avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be interpreted as liability. Got Injured In An Accident – CALL SHAW
While waiting for help, gather information from all parties involved. Exchange names, contact details, insurance information, and license plate numbers. Taking photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any relevant road conditions can […]

Understanding Your Rights After a Car Accident2024-08-21T12:59:05+00:00
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