Bastrop County Car Accident Lawyer | Attorney911 Fights for You
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Bastrop County, Texas, you’re not alone. Every 57 seconds, a motor vehicle crash occurs somewhere in Texas. In 2024 alone, over 251,000 people were injured on Texas roads – and many of those accidents happened right here in Bastrop County. At Attorney911, we understand the physical pain, emotional stress, and financial uncertainty you’re facing. That’s why we’re here to fight for you.
With more than 25 years of experience handling car accident cases across Texas, Ralph Manginello and our team at The Manginello Law Firm have recovered millions for accident victims just like you. We know Bastrop County’s roads, courts, and insurance adjusters. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you’re calling a legal emergency line that actually answers – not a call center or case manager assembly line.
The Reality of Car Accidents in Bastrop County
Bastrop County’s mix of rural roads, growing suburbs, and major highways like SH-71 and US-290 creates unique accident risks. Whether you were rear-ended on Main Street in Bastrop, sideswiped on Highway 71, or involved in a multi-vehicle pileup on the 130 toll road, car accidents can change your life in an instant.
In 2024, Texas saw:
- 1 crash every 57 seconds
- 1 person injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds
- 4,150 fatalities on Texas roads
Many of these accidents involve:
- Distracted driving (380 deaths in Texas)
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Running red lights
- Drunk driving
- Following too closely
At Attorney911, we’ve seen how these accidents affect real people in Bastrop County. As client Chavodrian Miles shared: “Leonor got me into the doctor the same day…it only took 6 months amazing.” That’s the level of care and efficiency we bring to every case.
Common Car Accident Injuries We Handle
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-altering:
Soft Tissue Injuries:
- Whiplash and neck strain
- Back sprains and strains
- Shoulder injuries
Spinal Injuries:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Spinal cord damage
- Fractured vertebrae
Head and Brain Injuries:
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Skull fractures
Bone Fractures:
- Broken arms, legs, wrists
- Rib fractures
- Pelvic fractures
Internal Injuries:
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Punctured lungs
Psychological Injuries:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and depression
- Driving phobia
One of our recent cases involved a client whose leg was injured in a car accident. During treatment, staff infections developed, leading to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions – proving that even “minor” accidents can have life-changing consequences.
Why You Need a Bastrop County Car Accident Lawyer
After a car accident in Bastrop County, you might think you can handle the insurance claim yourself. But insurance companies have one goal: to pay you as little as possible. They use sophisticated tactics to minimize your claim, and without legal representation, you’re at a serious disadvantage.
Here’s what insurance companies don’t want you to know:
- They’re already building a case against you – while you’re recovering, they’re gathering evidence to deny or minimize your claim.
- Their “friendly” adjuster is not your friend – adjusters are trained to seem helpful while gathering information to use against you.
- Their first offer is always a lowball – they hope you’ll accept a quick settlement before you realize the full extent of your injuries.
- They use software called Colossus – this program calculates the minimum they can pay you, not what your case is actually worth.
At Attorney911, we have a unique advantage: our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney. Lupe spent years working for insurance companies, learning their tactics from the inside. Now, he uses that knowledge to fight for accident victims like you.
As Lupe explains: “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.”
What to Do After a Car Accident in Bastrop County
If you’ve been in a car accident in Bastrop County, follow these steps to protect your rights:
- Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.
- Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries.
- Document everything – Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signals.
- Exchange information – Get the other driver’s name, phone number, address, insurance information, and license plate number.
- Get witness information – Collect names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
- Don’t give a recorded statement – Insurance adjusters may call you immediately. Politely decline and call Attorney911 first.
- Call Attorney911 – 1-888-ATTY-911 – for immediate legal guidance.
As client MONGO SLADE shared: “I was rear-ended and the team got right to work…I also got a very nice settlement.” That’s the kind of result we fight for every day.
How We Prove Liability in Bastrop County Car Accident Cases
To win your case, we must prove the other driver was negligent. This means showing:
- Duty of Care – All drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles safely.
- Breach of Duty – The other driver violated that duty through actions like speeding, texting, or running a red light.
- Causation – The breach of duty directly caused your injuries.
- Damages – You suffered actual harm (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering).
We gather evidence to prove these elements, including:
- Police accident reports
- Witness statements
- Surveillance footage from nearby businesses
- Medical records
- Vehicle black box data
- Cell phone records
- Accident reconstruction expert testimony
In Bastrop County, we work with local law enforcement agencies and accident reconstruction specialists to build the strongest possible case for our clients.
What You Can Recover in a Bastrop County Car Accident Case
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas):
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas):
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Physical impairment
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Punitive Damages (Capped in Texas):
- Available in cases of gross negligence or malice
- Common in drunk driving cases
The value of your case depends on factors like:
- Severity of your injuries
- Cost of medical treatment
- Length of recovery
- Impact on your daily life and ability to work
- Degree of the other driver’s fault
For example, a herniated disc case might settle for:
- $70,000-$171,000 with conservative treatment
- $346,000-$1,205,000 if surgery is required
At Attorney911, we’ve recovered millions for our clients, including multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries.
The Insurance Company Playbook – And How We Beat It
Insurance companies use sophisticated tactics to minimize your claim. Here are six of their most common strategies – and how we counter them:
1. The Quick Cash Trap
What they do: Offer you a quick settlement within days or weeks of your accident – often $2,000-$5,000.
Why it’s a trap: You don’t know the full extent of your injuries yet. Once you sign a release, you can’t get more money even if you need surgery later.
How we counter: We never settle before you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). We know their first offer is always a lowball.
2. The Recorded Statement Trap
What they do: Call you immediately after the accident, while you’re still in shock or on pain medication. They act friendly and say they just need “your side of the story.”
What they’re really doing: Asking leading questions to get you to say things that hurt your case.
How we counter: We never let our clients give recorded statements without us. Lupe knows their questions because he used to ask them himself.
3. The IME Doctor Scheme
What they do: Send you to an “Independent Medical Exam” (IME) with a doctor they hire. The exam lasts 10-15 minutes, and the doctor almost always finds you’re not as injured as you claim.
What they’re really doing: Using doctors who consistently give insurance-favorable reports to minimize your injuries.
How we counter: Lupe knows which IME doctors they use – he hired them when he worked for insurance companies. We prepare you extensively for the exam and challenge biased reports.
4. The Surveillance Game
What they do: Hire private investigators to follow you and video your daily activities. They look for any activity that contradicts your injury claims.
What they’re really doing: Taking innocent activity out of context. One frame of you bending over becomes “proof” you’re not disabled.
How we counter: We warn our clients about surveillance and advise them to assume they’re being watched. Lupe has reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos – he knows their tactics.
5. The Delay and Deny Strategy
What they do: Drag out your claim for months or years, claiming they’re “still investigating.”
Why it works: As your bills mount and you get desperate, you’re more likely to accept a lowball offer.
How we counter: We file lawsuits to force deadlines. We know their delay tactics because Lupe used them for years.
6. The Comparative Fault Blame Game
What they do: Try to blame you for the accident, even if it was clearly the other driver’s fault.
Why it matters: Texas uses the 51% bar rule. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you get nothing. If you’re 50% or less at fault, your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault.
How we counter: We conduct thorough investigations to prove the other driver’s fault. Lupe knows their comparative fault arguments because he made them for years.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Bastrop County Car Accident Case
When you’re injured in a car accident in Bastrop County, you need a law firm that:
- Has decades of experience handling car accident cases
- Knows Bastrop County’s courts, judges, and insurance adjusters
- Has a former insurance defense attorney on staff
- Has recovered millions for accident victims
- Provides personal attention, not assembly-line service
At Attorney911, we offer:
Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge
Lupe Peña spent years working for insurance companies, learning their tactics from the inside. Now, he uses that knowledge to fight for accident victims like you. As he explains: “I know how they value claims because I used to calculate them myself.”
Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve recovered millions for our clients, including:
- Multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss
- Multi-million dollar settlement for a client whose leg injury led to partial amputation
- Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases
Federal Court Experience
Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This means we can handle complex cases that other firms can’t.
Personal Attention
At Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph or Lupe, not a case manager assembly line. As client Chad Harris shared: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”
No Fee Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. As client Glenda Walker said: “They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
Bastrop County Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Bastrop County?
If you’ve been in an accident in Bastrop County:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine
- Document everything: photos of damage, injuries, scene
- Exchange information with the other driver
- Get witness names and phone numbers
- Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company
- Call Attorney911: 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
- 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 Bastrop 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.
How much time do I have to file (statute of limitations)?
In Texas: 2 years from the date of the accident for personal injury, 2 years from the 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 you’re 51% or more at fault, you get nothing.
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.
How much do car accident lawyers cost?
Attorney911 works on contingency: 33.33% before trial, 40% if trial. You pay nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win. Watch our video: “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc
What does “no fee unless we win” mean?
You pay zero unless we recover money for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. We advance all case costs.
How often will I get updates?
Attorney911 provides regular updates. As client Dame Haskett said: “Consistent communication and not one time did i call and not get a clear answer.”
Who will actually handle my case?
At Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, not just paralegals. As Chad Harris said: “You are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”
What if I already hired another attorney?
You can switch. As client Greg Garcia said: “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.”
What common mistakes can hurt my case?
- Giving a recorded statement without an attorney
- Accepting a quick settlement
- Delaying medical treatment
- Gaps in treatment
- Posting on social media
- Signing releases or authorizations
- Not documenting everything
Watch our video: “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Should I post about my accident on social media?
NO. Make all profiles private. Don’t post about the accident, injuries, or activities. Insurance monitors everything.
Why shouldn’t I sign anything without a lawyer?
Releases are PERMANENT. Medical authorizations give unlimited access. Settlement offers are binding. Once signed, you can’t undo it.
What if I didn’t see a doctor right away?
See one NOW. Explain you didn’t realize the severity of your injuries. Delayed symptoms are common. We can still help.
What if I have a pre-existing condition?
You can still recover. If the accident aggravated your pre-existing condition, you’re entitled to compensation for the aggravation. “Eggshell plaintiff” rule: Defendant takes victim as they find them.
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.
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, and clear liability.
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 the 2-year statute of limitations). Sovereign immunity protects government entities. Damage caps may apply. These cases are complex – you need an experienced attorney.
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 – gas stations, businesses, Ring doorbells, traffic cameras. Most footage is deleted within 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, and 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.
Bastrop County Car Accident Resources
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Bastrop County, here are some local resources that may help:
Hospitals and Medical Centers:
- Ascension Seton Smithville (Smithville)
- St. David’s Emergency Center (Bastrop)
- Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas (Austin) – Level I Trauma Center
- St. David’s South Austin Medical Center (Austin)
Law Enforcement Agencies:
- Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office
- Bastrop Police Department
- Smithville Police Department
- Texas Department of Public Safety
Courts Serving Bastrop County:
- Bastrop County District Courts
- Bastrop County Courts at Law
- Western District of Texas, Austin Division (Federal Court)
Texas Department of Transportation:
- Bastrop County Crash Reporting
- Texas Crash Records Information System (CRIS)
Why Bastrop County Residents Choose Attorney911
Bastrop County is growing rapidly, with new residents moving to cities like Bastrop, Elgin, and Smithville every day. But with growth comes increased traffic and accident risks. Whether you’re commuting to Austin on Highway 71, driving through downtown Bastrop, or traveling on the 130 toll road, car accidents can happen anywhere.
At Attorney911, we understand Bastrop County’s unique challenges:
- The mix of rural roads and growing suburban areas
- The increasing traffic on major highways
- The need for experienced legal representation that understands local courts
We’ve helped hundreds of Bastrop County residents recover compensation after car accidents. As client Kiimarii Yup shared: “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.”
Contact Attorney911 Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Bastrop County, don’t wait. Evidence disappears daily, and the insurance company is already building a case against you. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
We have offices serving Austin and the surrounding areas, including Bastrop County. Our team is ready to fight for you. Remember:
- Free consultation – no obligation
- No fee unless we win
- We advance all case costs
- Hablamos Español
- 1-888-ATTY-911 – our legal emergency line
As client Glenda Walker said: “They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
Don’t face this alone. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re here to help.