Car Accident Lawyers in Bandera County, Texas: Legal Emergency Response for Crash Victims

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Bandera County, Texas, you’re not alone. With over 251,977 people injured in Texas motor vehicle crashes in 2024 alone – that’s one injury every 2 minutes and 5 seconds – car accidents are a constant threat on our roads. Ralph Manginello and the legal team at Attorney911 understand the overwhelming fear and confusion you’re experiencing right now. As a former insurance defense attorney, Lupe Peña knows exactly how insurance companies will try to minimize your claim. That’s why we’re here to fight for you.

Bandera County’s scenic Hill Country roads and rural highways present unique driving challenges. From the winding curves of Highway 16 to the heavy traffic on Highway 173, our county sees its share of serious collisions. Whether you were rear-ended on FM 337, sideswiped on Highway 46, or involved in a head-on collision near Medina Lake, our experienced car accident attorneys know how to build a strong case for maximum compensation.

The Harsh Reality of Car Accidents in Bandera County

Texas sees a reportable crash every 57 seconds, and Bandera County is no exception. In 2024, Texas recorded:

• 4,150 traffic fatalities
• 14,905 serious injury crashes
• 18,218 seriously injured victims

These aren’t just numbers – they represent real people whose lives were changed in an instant. If you’re reading this after a Bandera County car accident, you’re likely facing:

• Mounting medical bills
• Lost wages from missed work
• Physical pain and emotional trauma
• Insurance adjusters pressuring you to settle quickly
• Uncertainty about your legal rights

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for car accident victims in Texas since 1998. With over 25 years of experience and federal court admission in the Southern District of Texas, he’s handled cases from simple rear-end collisions to complex multi-vehicle pileups. Our firm’s involvement in the BP explosion litigation demonstrates our capability to take on billion-dollar corporations – and win.

Common Injuries from Bandera County Car Accidents

Car accidents in Bandera County can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-altering:

Soft Tissue Injuries

• Whiplash (neck strain)
• Back strains and sprains
• Shoulder injuries
• Knee injuries

Spinal Injuries

• Herniated discs
• Bulging discs
• Spinal cord injuries (partial or complete paralysis)
• Fractured vertebrae

Head and Brain Injuries

• Concussions (mild traumatic brain injury)
• Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Skull fractures
• Facial fractures and lacerations

Bone Fractures

• Broken arms, legs, wrists, ankles
• Rib fractures
• Pelvic fractures
• Hip fractures

Internal Injuries

• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage (liver, spleen, kidneys)
• Punctured lungs
• Abdominal injuries

Psychological Injuries

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety and depression
• Driving phobia
• Sleep disturbances

Catastrophic Injuries

• Amputations
• Severe burns
• Permanent disability
• Wrongful death

One of our clients suffered a leg injury in a car accident on Highway 16. During treatment, staff infections developed, leading to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions – not the $50,000 the insurance company initially offered. We documented the lifetime prosthetic costs, lost earning capacity, and profound impact on our client’s daily life.

Why Insurance Companies Will Try to Undervalue Your Claim

Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies value claims because he calculated them himself. Here’s what they don’t want you to know:

The Colossus Software System

Most major insurance companies use a computerized claim valuation system called Colossus. Adjusters input your injury codes, treatment types, and medical costs, and the software outputs a recommended settlement range. The problem? Colossus is programmed to undervalue serious injuries.

Lupe knows how to beat the Colossus system:

• Proper injury coding (not letting them code a herniated disc as “soft tissue strain”)
• Documenting the full impact of your injuries
• Presenting medical records in a way that triggers higher valuations
• Knowing when the Colossus output is artificially low

The 6 Insurance Tactics You’ll Face

1. The Quick Cash Trap

   • They’ll offer you $2,000-$5,000 within days of your accident
   • They’ll say “this offer expires in 48 hours”
   • They hope you’re desperate for money and will accept before knowing the full extent of your injuries

2. The Recorded Statement Trap

   • They’ll call you while you’re still in the hospital or on pain medication
   • They’ll say “we just need your side of the story”
   • They’ll ask leading questions designed to minimize your injuries

3. The IME Doctor Scheme

   • They’ll send you to a doctor they hire (called an “independent medical exam” or IME)
   • This doctor will spend 10-15 minutes with you
   • They’ll almost always find your injuries are “not that serious” or “pre-existing”

4. The Surveillance Game

   • They’ll hire private investigators to follow you
   • They’ll monitor your social media for any activity
   • They’ll take one photo of you bending over and claim you’re “not really injured”

5. The Delay, Deny, Defend Strategy

   • They’ll say “we’re still investigating”
   • They’ll ignore your calls for weeks
   • They hope you’ll get desperate and accept a low offer

6. The Pre-Existing Condition Blame

   • They’ll dig through your entire medical history
   • They’ll find that old back pain from 2010
   • They’ll claim your current injuries aren’t from the accident

“I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as a defense attorney. Here’s the truth: Insurance companies take innocent activity out of context. They freeze ONE frame of you moving ‘normally’ and ignore the 10 minutes of you struggling before and after. They’re not documenting your life – they’re building ammunition against you.” – Lupe Peña, Former Insurance Defense Attorney

What to Do After a Car Accident in Bandera County

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone is injured
2. Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, many injuries don’t show symptoms immediately
3. Document Everything – Take photos of:
   • All vehicle damage (every angle)
   • The accident scene and road conditions
   • Your visible injuries
   • Traffic signals and signs
   • Skid marks and debris
4. Exchange Information – Get:
   • Other driver’s name, phone, address
   • Insurance company and policy number
   • Driver’s license number
   • License plate number
   • Vehicle make, model, color
5. Get Witness Information – Names and phone numbers of any witnesses
6. Call Attorney911 – 1-888-ATTY-911 before speaking to ANY insurance company

Critical Next Steps (Days 2-7)

1. Follow Up with Medical Treatment – Continue all recommended treatment
2. Preserve Evidence – Don’t delete anything from your phone (texts, photos, videos)
3. Don’t Give Recorded Statements – Refer all insurance calls to your attorney
4. Don’t Sign Anything – No releases, no authorizations, no settlement offers
5. Social Media Blackout – Make all profiles private and don’t post about the accident

Long-Term Strategy (Weeks 1-4)

1. Reach Maximum Medical Improvement – Don’t settle until you know the full extent of your injuries
2. Document Everything – Keep a pain journal, save all medical bills and receipts
3. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders – Gaps in treatment can hurt your case
4. Let Your Attorney Handle Insurance – We’ll deal with the adjusters so you can focus on recovery

How Attorney911 Fights for Maximum Compensation

Our Investigation Process

Within 24 hours of being retained, we send preservation letters to:

• The other driver’s insurance company
• Any businesses near the accident scene (for surveillance footage)
• The trucking company (if a commercial vehicle was involved)
• Your employer (for wage verification)
• Government entities (for traffic camera footage)

We also:

• Obtain the police report
• Interview witnesses before memories fade
• Secure surveillance footage before it’s deleted (typically 7-30 days)
• Download black box/EDR data from vehicles
• Hire accident reconstruction experts when needed

Proving Liability in Your Case

To win your case, we must prove four elements of negligence:

1. Duty of Care – The other driver had a legal duty to operate their vehicle safely
2. Breach of Duty – They violated that duty through their actions (speeding, texting, running a red light, etc.)
3. Causation – Their breach directly caused your injuries
4. Damages – You suffered actual harm (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering)

In Bandera County, common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted driving (texting, phone use)
• Speeding (especially on rural highways)
• Failure to yield right-of-way
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Following too closely
• Drunk or drugged driving
• Fatigued driving
• Poor road conditions
• Vehicle defects

Calculating Your Damages

We fight for full compensation for all your losses, including:

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas):

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket expenses (transportation, home modifications, etc.)

Non-Economic Damages (No Cap Except Medical Malpractice):

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Physical impairment
• Disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium (impact on your marriage)

Punitive Damages (Capped):

• Available in cases of gross negligence or malice
• Common in drunk driving cases
• Capped at the greater of $200,000 or 2x economic + 1x non-economic (max $750,000 non-economic)

Settlement Ranges by Injury Type

Injury Type	Medical Costs	Lost Wages	Pain & Suffering	Total Settlement Range
Soft Tissue (Whiplash, Sprains)	$6,000-$16,000	$2,000-$10,000	$8,000-$35,000	$15,000-$60,000
Broken Bone (Simple Fracture)	$10,000-$20,000	$5,000-$15,000	$20,000-$60,000	$35,000-$95,000
Broken Bone (Surgery Required)	$47,000-$98,000	$10,000-$30,000	$75,000-$200,000	$132,000-$328,000
Herniated Disc (Conservative)	$22,000-$46,000	$8,000-$25,000	$40,000-$100,000	$70,000-$171,000
Herniated Disc (Surgery Required)	$96,000-$205,000	$20,000-$50,000	$150,000-$450,000	$346,000-$1,205,000
Traumatic Brain Injury	$198,000-$638,000	$50,000-$200,000	$500,000-$3,000,000	$1,548,000-$9,838,000
Spinal Cord Injury	$500,000-$1,500,000+	$50,000-$200,000	$2,000,000-$10,000,000	$4,770,000-$25,880,000
Amputation	$170,000-$480,000	$20,000-$50,000	$500,000-$2,000,000	$1,945,000-$8,630,000
Wrongful Death	$10,000-$500,000	$1,000,000-$4,000,000	$500,000-$3,000,000	$1,910,000-$9,520,000

“In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions – not the $50,000 the insurance company initially offered.” – Attorney911 Case Result

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Bandera County Car Accident Case

1. Insurance Defense Insider Advantage

“Lupe Peña worked for a number of years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims.”

This is Attorney911’s most powerful advantage. Lupe knows:

• How insurance companies calculate claim values
• Which IME doctors they favor (he hired them)
• How they set reserve amounts
• Their delay and deny tactics
• How to beat their Colossus software system

No other law firm in Bandera County has this insider knowledge.

2. Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our results speak for themselves:

• Multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss
• Car accident amputation case settled in the millions
• Recovered millions in trucking wrongful death cases
• Significant cash settlement for a maritime back injury case

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This matters because:

• Complex cases often end up in federal court
• FMCSA trucking regulations are federal
• Diversity jurisdiction applies to out-of-state defendants
• Federal court requires different skills than state court

4. BP Explosion Litigation Experience

“Our firm is one of the few firms in Texas to be involved in BP explosion litigation.”

This demonstrates our capability to take on billion-dollar corporations in complex litigation. If we can handle BP, we can handle your case.

5. Personal Attention from Partners

At Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña – not a case manager assembly line. As client Chad Harris said:

“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”

6. Contingency Fee – No Risk to You

• Free consultation
• No upfront costs
• No hourly billing
• We advance all case costs
• You pay nothing unless we win your case

Client Testimonials: Real Stories from Real Clients

“Leonor got me into the doctor the same day…it only took 6 months amazing.” – Chavodrian Miles

“I was rear-ended and the team got right to work…I also got a very nice settlement.” – MONGO SLADE

“I lost everything… my car was at a total loss and because of Attorney Manginello and my case worker Leonor… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.” – Kiimarii Yup

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer…Ralph reached out personally.” – Dame Haskett

“When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me…She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.” – Stephanie Hernandez

“One of Houston’s Great Men Trae Tha Truth has recommended this law firm. So if he is vouching for them then I know they do good work.” – Jacqueline Johnson

Bandera County Car Accident FAQs

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Bandera County?

1. Call 911 and report the accident
2. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine
3. Document everything with photos
4. Exchange information with the other driver
5. Get witness names and phone numbers
6. Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company
7. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911

Should I call the police even for a minor accident?

Yes. Always call police. The police report is critical evidence. In Texas, you must report accidents with injuries, deaths, or property damage over $1,000.

Should I seek medical attention if I don’t feel hurt?

Absolutely. Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms immediately:

• Traumatic brain injuries can take days to manifest
• Internal bleeding may not be obvious
• Herniated discs may not cause pain for weeks
• Adrenaline masks pain at the scene

Insurance companies use delays in treatment against you. Get checked immediately.

What information should I collect at the scene?

• Other driver: name, phone, address, driver’s license, insurance information
• Vehicle: make, model, color, license plate
• Witnesses: names and phone numbers
• Photos: all vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, traffic signals
• Police: officer name, badge number, report number

Should I talk to the other driver or admit fault?

• Exchange information only
• Do NOT discuss fault
• Do NOT apologize or say “I’m sorry” (can be used as admission)
• Do NOT give your opinion on what happened
• Stick to facts only

How do I obtain a copy of the accident report?

In Bandera County, you can obtain the police report from the responding agency or through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS).

Should I give a recorded statement to insurance?

To the other driver’s insurance: NO. Not without an attorney.
To your own insurance: You have a duty to cooperate, but call Attorney911 first. We can advise you.

What if the other driver’s insurance contacts me?

Say: “I need to speak with my attorney first.” Give only basic information (name, date of accident). Do NOT give a recorded statement. Do NOT discuss injuries or fault.

Do I have to accept the insurance company’s estimate?

No. Their estimate is just an offer. It’s usually far below actual value. Attorney911 fights for what your case is really worth.

Should I accept a quick settlement offer?

NEVER accept a settlement before knowing the full extent of your injuries. Once you sign a release, you cannot get more money even if you need surgery later.

What if the other driver is uninsured/underinsured?

Your own UM/UIM coverage can compensate you. Watch our video: “Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8

Why does insurance want me to sign a medical authorization?

They want unlimited access to your ENTIRE medical history to find pre-existing conditions to use against you. Never sign without attorney review.

Do I have a personal injury case?

You may have a case if:

• Someone else was at fault (even partially)
• You suffered injuries or damages
• There is insurance to recover from

Watch our video: “Do I Have a Good Case?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-PMMP5Jims

When should I hire a car accident lawyer?

Immediately. Evidence disappears daily. Insurance companies start building their defense against you from day one. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.

How much time do I have to file (statute of limitations)?

In Texas: 2 years from the date of accident for personal injury, 2 years from date of death for wrongful death. Miss it = case barred forever.

What is comparative negligence and how does it affect me?

Texas uses the 51% bar rule. If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover (reduced by your fault %). If 51%+ at fault, you get nothing.

Watch our video: “What Is Comparative Negligence?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agzHKY_v9l4

What happens if I was partially at fault?

You can still recover if you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial. But Attorney911 prepares every case AS IF it’s going to trial. That’s what gives us leverage.

Watch our video: “Will Your Case Go to Trial?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ed5AnmCMcc

How long will my case take to settle?

Depends on injury severity. We don’t settle until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). Could be 6 months for minor injuries, 18-24 months for serious injuries.

What is the legal process step-by-step?

1. Investigation and evidence gathering
2. Medical treatment to MMI
3. Demand letter to insurance
4. Negotiation
5. Lawsuit if necessary
6. Discovery
7. Mediation
8. Trial if needed

Watch our video: “What Is the Process for a Personal Injury Claim?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwzYymneDVs

What is my case worth?

Depends on: injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, permanent impairment, pain and suffering, insurance available. Cases range from $15,000 (soft tissue) to millions (catastrophic injury).

What types of damages can I recover?

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Physical impairment
• Disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage

Can I get compensation for pain and suffering?

Yes. Pain and suffering is a significant component of personal injury cases in Texas. There is NO CAP on pain and suffering (except medical malpractice).

What if I have a pre-existing condition?

You can still recover if the accident aggravated or worsened your pre-existing condition. This is called the “eggshell plaintiff” rule.

Can I switch attorneys if I’m unhappy with my current lawyer?

YES. You can fire your attorney at any time. If your attorney isn’t communicating, isn’t fighting for you, or is pushing you to settle cheap, you have the right to switch. Attorney911 has taken over many cases from other attorneys.

“In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.” – Greg Garcia

What if the insurance company is my own insurance (UM/UIM claim)?

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist claims are against YOUR insurance when the other driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance. Your insurance company will fight your claim just like the other driver’s insurance would. You need attorney representation.

How do you calculate pain and suffering?

Most commonly using the multiplier method: Medical expenses × multiplier (1.5 to 5) = pain & suffering. The multiplier depends on:

• Injury severity
• Permanency
• Impact on life
• Clear liability

Lupe calculated these for years – he knows how to justify higher multipliers.

What if I was hit by a government vehicle (city bus, police car, etc.)?

Government claims have special rules. You must file notice within 6 months (much shorter than 2-year statute of limitations). Sovereign immunity protects government entities. Damage caps may apply. These cases are complex – you need experienced attorneys. Ralph’s 25+ years includes government litigation.

What if the other driver fled the scene (hit and run)?

File a police report immediately (hit and run is a criminal offense). Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage applies. Surveillance footage is CRITICAL – most footage is deleted 7-30 days. We send preservation letters immediately.

What if I’m an undocumented immigrant – can I still file a claim?

YES. Immigration status does NOT affect your right to compensation for injuries. You’re entitled to full recovery regardless of immigration status. Your case is confidential. We’ve successfully represented clients of all immigration statuses. Lupe is fluent in Spanish.

What if the accident happened in a parking lot?

Parking lot accidents are fully compensable. Insurance companies love to argue “parking lot accidents are always 50/50 fault” (LIE). We prove fault through: surveillance video, witness statements, damage analysis, traffic patterns. Texas comparative negligence rules apply.

What if I was a passenger in the at-fault vehicle?

You can sue the driver even if you were riding with them (friend, family member, Uber driver). You’re an innocent victim. The driver’s insurance covers passengers. No comparative fault issues (you weren’t driving). These cases often settle quickly because liability is clear.

What if the other driver died in the accident?

You can still pursue a claim against the deceased driver’s estate and insurance. Death doesn’t eliminate liability. The insurance policy still applies. The estate may have assets. Wrongful death laws protect both sides.

Bandera County Car Accident Resources

Local Hospitals and Medical Centers

• Peterson Regional Medical Center (Kerrville) – Primary trauma center for Bandera County
• Bandera Regional Medical Center – Local emergency care
• Hill Country Memorial Hospital (Fredericksburg) – Regional medical center
• University Hospital (San Antonio) – Level I trauma center (45 minutes from Bandera)

Local Law Enforcement Agencies

• Bandera County Sheriff’s Office – Handles accidents on county roads
• Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) – Investigates accidents on state highways
• Bandera Police Department – Investigates accidents within city limits

Local Courts

• Bandera County Justice of the Peace Courts – Handles minor accident claims
• 216th District Court – Handles civil cases including personal injury lawsuits
• Bandera County Court at Law – Handles county-level civil cases

Dangerous Intersections and Roads in Bandera County

• Highway 16 & Highway 173 – High collision area
• Highway 46 & Highway 16 – Dangerous merge point
• FM 337 & Highway 16 – Rural highway with high speed limits
• Highway 173 near Medina Lake – Winding roads with limited visibility
• Downtown Bandera – Congested area with pedestrian traffic

Call Attorney911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Every day you wait, evidence disappears:

• Surveillance footage deleted in 7-30 days
• Witness memories fade
• 2-year statute of limitations clock is ticking
• Insurance companies are building their case against you

Attorney911 offers:

• Free consultation
• No upfront costs
• No fee unless we win
• Spanish services available (Hablamos Español)
• Personal attention from partners (not case managers)

“When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me…She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.” – Stephanie Hernandez

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to help you through this difficult time.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC | Attorney911
Principal Office: Houston, Texas
Serving Bandera County and all of Texas
1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
https://attorney911.com

We don’t get paid unless we win your case.