Car Accidents

5 Short Family Road Trips From Austin to Help Fight Gas Prices

When the travel itch hits, you don’t always need to save up for an international getaway. Traveling long distances is particularly costly with the recent spikes in gas prices, and many people are considering canceling vacation plans. 

There is plenty to do and see – just a short drive from Austin’s city limits. Consider these weekend and day-trip getaway destination options for your next adventure. Here are five gas-friendly family road trips from Austin that will make you want to pack up your bags and hit the road.

 

Dripping Spring

Distance from Austin: 35-45 minute drive 

Home to some of the state’s most famous breweries and distilleries, Dripping Springs is a popular day trip option for couples looking to explore new outdoor experiences or indulge in delicious food at The Salt Lick. If you’re looking for something to do with the whole family, take a drive to one of the most picturesque locations in Texas. Hamilton Pool Preserve features a 50-foot waterfall and plenty of lush plants, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery. Reservations are required to visit the pool, and you must take a ¼ mile hike to the waterfall through canyons and a series of rocks, so be sure to bring good shoes and ample drinking water.

 

Georgetown 

Distance from Austin: 30-40 minutes 

Georgetown is home to several delicious restaurants, wineries, and the renowned Williamson County Courthouse Historic District. There are also several getaway options for exploring the outdoors, including Blue Hole Park, which features a public lagoon, swimming areas, and a waterfall. Visiting the Inner Space Cavern is another fun option for the entire family. You can choose to take an underground tour of the cave that includes gravel always through lighted passageways. This charming city is also famous for hosting several cultural events, including the Red Poppy Festival each April and First Fridays in Downtown. The community can enjoy art shows and unique shopping experiences.

 

Pedernales Falls State Park 

Distance from Austin: 1 hour 

This gorgeous state park is located approximately an hour outside Austin in Hill Country. Visitors looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city can swim, fish, bike horseback ride, or hike on trails ranging in difficulty from family-friendly to steep and strenuous for more experienced hikers. If hanging out by the water is your goal during the hotter summer months, swimming opportunities are located less than a quarter-mile from a designated and easily accessible parking spot. To enter the park, you will need to make reservations both for regular day use and camping. A number of primitive and electric hookup campsites are available throughout the park for overnight camping. Additionally, the park is dog-friendly, and there is plenty of access to hot showers and clean bathrooms.

 

San Antonio

Distance from Austin: 1 hour 15-25 minutes 

It will take a little over an hour to get to San Antonio, but the drive down is well worth it. With a few towns in-between, you’ll hardly notice you’ve even left Austin. The city is bustling with life and great for everything from walking through the largest Mexican market in the U.S in Market Square or exploring charming local shops in the Pearl District. The city’s most famous attractions are the Alamo which is fortified by historic missions, including the San Fernando Cathedral, and the River Walk, which features a variety of amazing restaurants. Known for its great mix of history and culture, spending a weekend exploring all San Antonio has to offer will surely be an unforgettable experience.

 

Houston

Distance from Austin: 2 hours 30-45 minutes 

Many of the best attractions the state has to offer are in Houston. With a huge amount of fun activities going on almost every weekend, Houston is the perfect road trip to take from Austin. You can easily fill up your itinerary with memorable activities. If you’re traveling with kids, you may want to visit the Children’s Museum of Houston, the Downtown Aquarium, or the Houston Zoo. Houston is also famous for its Space Center, the official visitor center of Nasa, which features exciting exhibits on space exploration and replica spacecraft. Looking for something more outdoorsy? Check out Discovery Green, Memorial Park, or Buffalo Bayou Park, where you can picnic with the family.

 

What to do After a Car Accident in Austin?

 

If you were involved in a car crash in Texas, it is important to stay calm and take the following steps to ensure your rights are protected. Here are the steps you should take in the aftermath of a car accident.

1. Never leave the scene of the crash; fleeing the accident site can bring about serious criminal charges. Instead, call 911 and wait for an investigating officer to arrive.
2. Be sure to stay out of harm’s way in order to prevent additional collisions. If it is safe to do so, assess the damage and exchange information with all parties involved, including names, contact information, insurance information, and license plate numbers.
3. Do not argue with anyone about who was at fault, admit fault, or sign anything. If there were any witnesses, you should gather contact information from them. Witness testimony can serve as a critical piece of evidence in your case.
4. Take photos and videos of the crash scene, including damage to your vehicle and all other vehicles involved in the accident. You should also take pictures of nearby street signs and roadways. Photograph any visible injuries as soon as possible.
5. Write down details of the accident, including what the weather was like and whether there were any road hazards present. Preserving this type of evidence can make a tremendous difference in the outcome of your case.
6. Seek a medical evaluation as soon as possible, even if you don’t have any visible injuries or are experiencing any pain. Symptoms of some types of injuries like whiplash or a concussion may be delayed.
7. Contact your insurance company and notify them of the accident without going into too much detail. When speaking with an adjuster, stick to the basic facts. If an adjuster from the other driver’s insurance company calls and requests a recorded statement, you do not have to speak with them and should politely decline.
8. Get in touch with an experienced car accident attorney. Our car accident attorneys understand that a car accident can cause someone’s life to change in the blink of an eye, which is why we’re here to help victims of motor vehicle crashes recover the compensation they need to make a full and speedy recovery.

Road trips are supposed to be a fun experience for the entire family. Unfortunately, anything can happen when you get behind the wheel. Dealing with a car accident when you’re heading towards your vacation destination can be a traumatic experience. You should consider contacting an experienced car accident lawyer in the aftermath of a motor vehicle crash. Don’t get stuck with the hassle of seeking compensation for property damage, injuries, and other losses. When you suffer an injury after a car accident, you may be faced with several questions. Consider taking the following steps if you were involved in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence or reckless behavior.

Car accidents involving injuries are devastating and difficult to deal with, and they can also become expensive. Don’t pay for someone else’s mistakes – if a negligent driver injured you, consider how our legal team can maximize the value of your claim.

An Austin car accident lawyer at Terry & Kelly Injury Lawyers has extensive experience in gathering evidence to support car accident claims. Let us deal with tricky insurance adjusters who are only in the business of making a profit so you can focus on recovering. Contact our office to set up an initial consultation with one of our lawyers, who will provide you with a complimentary case evaluation and determine the potential value of your claim.