Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Lakeway, Texas | Attorney911

Hurt in a Car Accident in Lakeway? We’re Your Legal Emergency Line

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Lakeway, Texas, you’re not alone. Every 57 seconds, a motor vehicle crash occurs somewhere in Texas. In 2024 alone, more than 251,977 people were injured on Texas roads – and many of those accidents happened right here in the Lakeway area. At Attorney911, we understand the physical pain, emotional stress, and financial uncertainty you’re facing. That’s why we’re here to help.

Ralph Manginello, our founding attorney with over 25 years of experience, has built a firm that combines deep legal expertise with genuine compassion. We’ve recovered millions for accident victims across Texas, and we’re ready to fight for you. Whether you were rear-ended on Ranch Road 620, sideswiped on Bee Cave Road, or involved in a multi-vehicle pileup on Highway 71, our Lakeway car accident lawyers have the local knowledge and statewide resources to maximize your compensation.

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Call our legal emergency line at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

Why Lakeway Accidents Demand Experienced Legal Representation

Lakeway’s unique blend of scenic Hill Country roads, rapid suburban growth, and proximity to major highways creates specific accident risks that many other Texas communities don’t face. The dangerous mix of:

High-speed commuter traffic on Ranch Road 620 and Highway 71
Tourist traffic heading to Lake Travis and local wineries
Construction zones from Lakeway’s ongoing development
Distracted drivers navigating unfamiliar Hill Country roads
Commercial vehicles serving Lakeway’s growing business community

This combination means accidents in Lakeway often involve complex liability issues, multiple insurance policies, and severe injuries. The Manginello Law Firm has been handling these exact types of cases for decades, and we know how to navigate Lakeway’s specific challenges.

The Reality of Car Accidents in Lakeway and Travis County

Car accidents in the Lakeway area aren’t just statistics – they’re life-changing events that happen to real people every day. Consider these Texas-wide realities that apply directly to our community:

1 crash every 57 seconds in Texas (that’s about 25 crashes during your lunch hour)
1 person injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds on Texas roads
4,150 fatalities in 2024 alone – more than 11 people killed every day
Travis County consistently ranks among Texas’s top counties for serious injury crashes

In Lakeway specifically, we see patterns that make our roads particularly dangerous:

Ranch Road 620 between Lakeway and Steiner Ranch is notorious for high-speed rear-end collisions
Bee Cave Road sees frequent left-turn accidents at busy intersections
Highway 71 experiences dangerous lane-change accidents as drivers navigate between Austin and Lakeway
Lakeway’s roundabouts, while designed to improve traffic flow, often confuse drivers leading to sideswipe collisions
Weekend traffic to Lake Travis creates additional risks from impaired and distracted drivers

The Manginello Law Firm has handled hundreds of cases involving these exact scenarios. We know Lakeway’s roads, we know the local courts, and we know how to build strong cases for our clients.

Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents We Handle in Lakeway

Car Accidents (Our Most Common Case Type)

Car accidents are unfortunately common in the Lakeway area, and they can range from minor fender-benders to catastrophic collisions. In 2024, Texas saw 251,977 people injured in car crashes – many right here in our community.

Common causes of car accidents in Lakeway include:

Distracted driving (texting, GPS use, eating while driving)
Speeding on Ranch Road 620 and Highway 71
Failure to yield at Lakeway’s busy intersections
Drunk or impaired driving, especially on weekend nights
Following too closely on congested roads
Running red lights at major intersections
Fatigued driving from long commutes to Austin

Common injuries we see from Lakeway car accidents:

Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
Herniated or bulging discs
Broken bones and fractures
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries
Internal organ damage
Psychological trauma and PTSD

Attorney911 Case Result:

“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.”

What This Means for You:
If you’ve been injured in a Lakeway car accident, don’t let the insurance company minimize your claim. We know how to document the full extent of your injuries and fight for maximum compensation.

Client Testimonial:

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

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

18-Wheeler and Trucking Accidents

Trucking accidents are particularly devastating due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. In Texas, we see more fatal truck crashes than any other state – 11% of the national total. In 2024 alone:

39,393 commercial motor vehicle crashes occurred in Texas
608 people were killed in trucking accidents
1,601 people suffered serious injuries

Lakeway’s location near major highways like I-35 and Highway 71 means we see more than our share of trucking accidents. These often involve:

Rear-end collisions when trucks follow too closely
Lane change accidents when truckers don’t see smaller vehicles
Jackknife accidents on wet or icy roads
Underride accidents when cars slide under trailers
Tire blowouts from improper maintenance
Fatigue-related crashes from hours-of-service violations

Why Trucking Cases Are Different:
Trucking accidents involve multiple layers of complexity that don’t exist in standard car accident cases:

Federal Regulations: The trucking industry is governed by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations that most personal injury lawyers don’t fully understand.
Multiple Liable Parties: In a trucking case, you may be able to pursue claims against:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The cargo loader
- The truck manufacturer
- The maintenance provider
- The shipper
Higher Insurance Limits: Commercial trucking companies carry insurance policies ranging from $750,000 to $5 million or more – far exceeding standard auto insurance limits.
Federal Court Experience: Many trucking cases end up in federal court, where Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the Southern District of Texas.

FMCSA Regulations That Often Get Violated:

Hours of Service (HOS): Drivers limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
30-Minute Break Rule: Required after 8 hours of driving
60/70-Hour Weekly Limits: Cannot drive after 60/70 hours on-duty in 7/8 days
Electronic Logging Devices (ELD): Mandatory since 2017 to prevent logbook falsification
Drug and Alcohol Testing: Pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion
Vehicle Maintenance: Regular inspections and maintenance required

Attorney911 Case Result:

“At Attorney911, our personal injury attorneys have helped numerous injured individuals and families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation.”

Nuclear Verdicts in Texas Trucking Cases:

2024 Oncor Electric: $37.5 million verdict for distracted truck driver
2024 New Prime I-35 pileup: $44.1 million verdict (6 deaths)
2024 Ben E. Keith (Fort Worth): $35 million settlement
2023 Johnson v. Union Pacific: $557 million verdict
2021 Ramsey v. Landstar: $730 million verdict

Why This Matters for Your Case:
Insurance companies fear nuclear verdicts. This fear increases settlement values across all serious trucking cases. Our trial readiness and multi-million dollar track record give us leverage in every negotiation.

Critical Evidence in Trucking Cases:

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data (can be overwritten in 30-180 days)
Black box/Event Data Recorder (EDR) (records speed, braking, seatbelt use)
Driver qualification files (employment history, training records)
Maintenance records (inspection reports, repair history)
Cargo loading documents (weight distribution, securement)
Dashcam footage (from truck or other vehicles)
Surveillance footage (from nearby businesses, often deleted in 7-30 days)

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately after a trucking accident. Evidence disappears daily, and we need to preserve it before it’s gone.

Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving is 100% preventable, yet it remains a leading cause of accidents in Lakeway and across Texas. In 2024:

1,053 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in Texas
24,000+ DWI-related crashes occurred
25.37% of all Texas traffic fatalities involved alcohol

In the Lakeway area, we see drunk driving accidents increase during:

Weekend nights (especially near Lake Travis)
Holidays (Fourth of July, Labor Day, New Year’s Eve)
Special events (weddings at local venues, concerts at ACL)

Texas Dram Shop Law (TABC § 2.02):
One of the most powerful tools in drunk driving cases is Texas’s dram shop law, which allows victims to sue establishments that over-serve obviously intoxicated patrons. This means you may be able to pursue compensation from:

Bars and nightclubs
Restaurants serving alcohol
Liquor stores
Event organizers (concerts, festivals)
Social hosts (in limited circumstances)

To prove dram shop liability, we must show:

The establishment served alcohol to someone who was obviously intoxicated at the time of service
The over-service was the proximate cause of the accident and your injuries

Signs of Obvious Intoxication:

Slurred speech
Bloodshot or glassy eyes
Unsteady gait or stumbling
Impaired coordination
Aggressive or erratic behavior
Strong odor of alcohol
Difficulty standing
Making inappropriate comments
Memory lapses

Why Drunk Driving Cases Are Valuable:

Punitive Damages: Available when the defendant’s conduct was grossly negligent or malicious
Multiple Defendants: You can pursue both the drunk driver AND the establishment that over-served them
Criminal Case Strengthens Civil Case: A DWI conviction can be used as evidence in your civil case
Insurance Cannot Defend the Indefensible: Drunk driving is so clearly negligent that insurance companies have limited defenses

Attorney911’s Criminal Defense Advantage:
Ralph Manginello is a member of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), which gives us unique insight into both the criminal and civil aspects of drunk driving cases. We’ve handled numerous DWI cases that demonstrate our investigation skills:

Case 1: Our client was charged with drunk driving based on a breath test. Our investigation revealed that a police department employee was not properly maintaining the breathalyzer machines. The charges were dismissed.
Case 2: Our client drove home at 2:30 a.m., hit a curb and rolled his car, injuring a passenger. We learned that 1) police conducted no breath or blood test, 2) EMS didn’t note intoxication, 3) nurse notes from hospital were missing. Case dismissed on day of trial.
Case 3: Our client was charged with DUI/DWI, state’s primary evidence was video field sobriety test. We succeeded in having case dismissed because our client did not appear drunk in the video.

What This Means for Your Civil Case:
Our criminal defense experience translates directly to stronger civil cases. We know how to:

Challenge breathalyzer results
Identify gaps in police investigations
Find missing evidence
Build compelling liability arguments

Client Testimonial:

“Ralph Manginello is an AMAZING ATTORNEY. I have used him 2 TIMES FOR 2 separate cases the first case he got me an OFF DOCKET DISSMISSAL! And the other only 10 months probation. He gets the JOB DONE RIGHT!!!!” – Cassie Wright

If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Lakeway, call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. We’ll investigate every angle, including dram shop liability, to maximize your compensation.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are particularly devastating due to the lack of protection for riders. In 2024, Texas saw:

585 motorcyclist fatalities
37% of those killed were not wearing helmets
90%+ of fatal victims were male
Helmets reduce death risk by 37%

In the Lakeway area, we see motorcycle accidents increase during:

Spring and fall (perfect riding weather)
Weekends (Friday through Sunday)
Evenings (3 PM to 9 PM)

Texas Helmet Law:

Under 21: Helmets are required
21 and over: May ride without helmet IF:
- Completed approved motorcycle safety course, OR
- Have $10,000 or more in medical insurance coverage

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Lakeway:

Failure to yield right of way (most common cause)
Driver inattention/distraction (not seeing motorcycles)
Unsafe lane changes (vehicles merging into motorcycles)
Left-turn accidents (vehicles turning left in front of motorcycles)
Speeding/reckless driving (by either vehicle)
Road hazards (gravel, potholes, wet roads)

Texas Comparative Negligence Rule (51% Bar):
Insurance companies ALWAYS try to blame motorcyclists for accidents. Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system where:

If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault)
If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover NOTHING

Common Insurance Company Arguments Against Motorcyclists:

“You were speeding”
“You weren’t paying attention”
“You could have avoided this”
“You were lane splitting” (which is illegal in Texas)
“You weren’t wearing a helmet” (even if not required)

Why You Need Attorney911:
Lupe Peña spent years working for insurance companies, making these exact arguments against motorcyclists. Now he uses that knowledge to defeat them. We know:

Which arguments insurance companies favor
How to counter “helmet defense” arguments
How to prove the other driver’s negligence
How to document your injuries properly

Client Testimonial:

“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

If you’ve been injured in a Lakeway motorcycle accident, call 1-888-ATTY-911. Don’t let the insurance company blame you for the accident.

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users, and Lakeway’s growing population means more people are walking near busy roads. In 2024:

6,095 pedestrian crashes occurred in Texas
768 pedestrians were killed
Pedestrians account for only 1% of crashes but 19% of all roadway deaths
Austin (including Lakeway) saw a record 119 pedestrian deaths on city streets

Critical Legal Point for Pedestrians:
Pedestrians ALWAYS have the right-of-way at intersections under Texas law – even at unmarked crosswalks. This is a legal protection that many drivers (and their insurance companies) don’t understand or respect.

Common Pedestrian Accident Scenarios in Lakeway:

Crosswalk accidents at busy intersections like Ranch Road 620 and Lakeway Boulevard
Parking lot accidents in shopping centers and residential complexes
School zone accidents near Lakeway Elementary and Hudson Bend Middle School
Jogging accidents along Lakeway’s scenic trails and roads
Distracted driver accidents when motorists aren’t paying attention to pedestrians

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Broken pelvis, legs, and arms
Internal organ damage
Severe road rash and lacerations
Wrongful death

Why Pedestrian Cases Are Complex:

Insurance Companies Blame Pedestrians: They’ll argue you weren’t in a crosswalk, weren’t paying attention, or were wearing dark clothing.
Multiple Insurance Policies: You may be able to pursue claims against:
- The driver’s auto insurance
- Your own auto insurance (UM/UIM coverage)
- The driver’s employer (if they were working)
- The property owner (if poor lighting or maintenance contributed)
Severe Injuries Mean Higher Stakes: Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that require lifetime care.

Client Testimonial:

“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

If you’ve been hit by a car while walking in Lakeway, call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. We’ll fight to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.

Rideshare Accidents (Uber & Lyft)

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed transportation in Lakeway, but they’ve also created complex legal challenges when accidents occur. With:

11 billion trips in the US since 2010
17.4 million Uber trips daily
118 million Uber users worldwide

Rideshare accidents are becoming increasingly common in our community.

The Rideshare Insurance Maze:
One of the most confusing aspects of rideshare accidents is the complex insurance coverage that changes based on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. This is called the “insurance phase,” and it dramatically affects your ability to recover compensation.

Phase	Driver Status	Coverage Available
Period 0 – Offline	App off, personal use	Driver’s personal insurance only (Texas minimum: $30K/$60K/$25K)
Period 1 – Waiting	App on, no ride request	Contingent coverage: $50K/$100K/$25K
Period 2 – Accepted	Ride accepted, en route to pickup	Full commercial: $1,000,000 liability
Period 3 – Transporting	Passenger in vehicle	Full commercial: $1,000,000 liability

Why This Matters for Your Case:
The insurance coverage available depends entirely on what the driver was doing at the exact moment of the crash. This is where Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background becomes invaluable. He knows:

How to determine which phase the driver was in
How to access the correct insurance policy
How to maximize recovery from all available sources

Who Can Be Injured in Rideshare Accidents:

21% Riders (passengers in the rideshare vehicle)
21% Drivers (the rideshare driver themselves)
58% Third Parties (other drivers, pedestrians, passengers in other vehicles)

Common Rideshare Accident Scenarios in Lakeway:

Passenger injured in rideshare vehicle (driver at fault)
Rideshare driver injured by another driver (third party at fault)
Pedestrian or cyclist hit by rideshare vehicle (driver at fault)
Passenger in another vehicle hit by rideshare driver (driver at fault)
Rideshare driver injured while waiting for ride request (Period 1 coverage issues)

Attorney911’s Rideshare Experience:
We’ve handled numerous rideshare accident cases and understand the unique challenges they present. Our former insurance defense attorney, Lupe Peña, knows how rideshare companies and their insurers evaluate these claims from the inside.

Client Testimonial:

“Mariela and Zulema have done such a fantastic job…gone above and beyond to get my case settled quickly!” – Hannah Garcia

If you’ve been injured in a Lakeway rideshare accident, call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. We’ll navigate the complex insurance maze to maximize your compensation.

What to Do Immediately After an Accident in Lakeway

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Evidence disappears quickly after an accident. What you do in the first 48 hours can make or break your case. Follow this Attorney911 protocol to protect your rights:

Hour 1-6 (Immediate Crisis Response):
✅ Safety First: If you can move safely, get to a secure location away from traffic
✅ Call 911: Report the accident, request medical assistance if anyone is injured
✅ Medical Attention: If injured, get to the ER immediately. Adrenaline masks injuries
✅ Document Everything:

Take photos of ALL vehicle damage (every angle)
Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, traffic signals
Take photos of visible injuries
Screenshot any messages visible on your phone (do NOT delete anything)
✅ Exchange Information:
Other driver’s name, phone, address
Insurance company and policy number
Driver’s license number
License plate number
Vehicle make, model, color
✅ Witnesses:
Get names and phone numbers of any witnesses
Ask if they saw what happened
Record their statements if possible
✅ Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance before speaking to ANY insurance company

Hour 6-24 (Evidence Preservation):
✅ Digital Preservation:

Preserve all texts, calls, photos, videos related to the accident
Do NOT delete anything from your phone
Screenshot everything relevant
Email copies to yourself for backup
✅ Physical Evidence:
Secure damaged clothing, glasses, personal items
Keep receipts for any expenses (towing, rental car, medications)
Do NOT repair your vehicle yet – preserve the damage
✅ Medical Records:
Request copies of all ER/hospital records
Keep all discharge paperwork
Follow up with your primary care physician within 24-48 hours
✅ Insurance Communications:
Note any calls from insurance companies
Do NOT give recorded statements yet
Do NOT sign anything
Do NOT accept any settlement offers
Say: “I need to speak with my attorney first”
✅ Social Media:
Make ALL profiles private immediately
Do NOT post about the accident
Do NOT post photos of injuries or activities
Tell friends/family not to tag you in posts

Hour 24-48 (Strategic Decisions):
✅ Legal Consultation:

Speak with experienced motor vehicle accident attorney
Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for free consultation
Have your documentation ready
✅ Insurance Response:
If insurance contacts you, refer them to your attorney
Say: “My attorney will be in touch with you”
Provide only basic information: name, date of accident, that you were involved
✅ Settlement Offers:
Do NOT accept or sign anything without lawyer review
Early offers are ALWAYS lowball offers
You don’t know extent of your injuries yet
✅ Evidence Backup:
Upload all screenshots and photos to cloud storage
Email copies to yourself and family member
Create written timeline of events while memory is fresh

Week One Priorities:
✅ Medical Follow-Up:

Continue documenting all injuries
See specialists if recommended
Follow ALL doctor recommendations (insurance watches for gaps)
Get written work restrictions if needed
✅ Investigation Begins:
Attorney obtains police report
Preservation letters sent to all parties
Surveillance footage secured before deletion
Witness statements recorded
✅ Communication:
Attorney handles ALL insurance communication
You focus on recovery
Document any pressure from insurance or other parties

Evidence Deterioration Timeline (Why Time is Critical)

Time Frame	What Disappears	What We Do to Preserve It
Day 1-7	Witness memories begin fading	Record witness statements immediately
Day 7-14	Gas station surveillance footage deleted	Send preservation letters to nearby businesses
Day 14-30	Retail store surveillance footage deleted	Obtain footage before automatic deletion
Day 30	Traffic camera footage deleted	Request from city/county immediately
Day 30-180	Trucking ELD/black box data overwritten	Preserve through legal process
Month 2-6	Cell phone records harder to obtain	Subpoena records early
Month 6-12	Witnesses move, graduate, become unreachable	Locate and interview early
Month 12-24	Approaching statute of limitations	File lawsuit to preserve evidence

Attorney911’s Immediate Action:
Within 24 hours of being retained, we send preservation letters to:

Other driver and their insurance company
Trucking companies (for commercial vehicle accidents)
Businesses near the accident scene
Employers (if work-related)
Property owners
Government entities

These letters LEGALLY REQUIRE evidence preservation before automatic deletion.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 NOW. Every day you wait, evidence disappears.

Texas Motor Vehicle Law: What You Need to Know

Statute of Limitations (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003)

Claim Type	Time Limit	Starts From
Personal Injury	2 years	Date of accident
Wrongful Death	2 years	Date of death
Property Damage	2 years	Date of damage
Government Claims	6 months notice	Date of incident
Minors	Tolled until 18	Then 2 years

Critical Warning: If you miss the 2-year deadline, your case is BARRED FOREVER. You cannot file a lawsuit, and you cannot recover any compensation.

Exceptions That Might Extend the Deadline:

Discovery Rule: If you couldn’t have reasonably discovered your injury immediately
Defendant Absence: If the at-fault party leaves Texas
Mental Incapacity: If you were mentally incapacitated at the time

Why This Matters:
Insurance companies know the statute of limitations deadline. They’ll delay your case, hoping you’ll miss the deadline or get desperate enough to accept a lowball offer. Don’t let them win.

Comparative Negligence (Texas 51% Bar Rule)

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar. This means:

If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault)
If you are 51% or more at fault, you recover NOTHING

Examples of How This Works:

Your Fault %	Case Value	Your Recovery
0%	$100,000	$100,000
10%	$100,000	$90,000
25%	$250,000	$187,500
40%	$500,000	$300,000
50%	$500,000	$250,000
51%	$500,000	$0

Why This Matters:
Insurance companies ALWAYS try to assign maximum fault to you to reduce their payment. Even small fault percentages can cost you thousands:

10% fault on a $100,000 case = $10,000 less for you
25% fault on a $250,000 case = $62,500 less for you
40% fault on a $500,000 case = $200,000 less for you

Lupe Peña’s Insider Knowledge:
Lupe spent years working for insurance companies, making these exact comparative fault arguments. Now he uses that knowledge to defeat them. He knows:

Which arguments insurance companies favor
How to counter “you could have avoided this” claims
How to prove the other driver’s negligence
How to document your case to minimize your fault percentage

Texas Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements

Texas law requires all drivers to carry minimum insurance coverage:

Coverage	Minimum Required
Bodily Injury – Per Person	$30,000
Bodily Injury – Per Accident	$60,000
Property Damage – Per Accident	$25,000

The Problem:
These minimum limits are often insufficient to cover serious injuries. If you’re seriously injured, the at-fault driver’s insurance may not be enough to compensate you fully.

The Solution: Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage

15.4% of Texas drivers are uninsured (about 1 in 7)
UM/UIM coverage protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance
Texas allows inter-policy stacking (combining coverage from multiple vehicles)

Attorney911’s UM/UIM Expertise:
We’ve handled hundreds of UM/UIM claims and know how to maximize your recovery. Watch our video for more information:

“Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8

How Insurance Companies Try to Cheat You (And How We Stop Them)

At Attorney911, we know how insurance companies operate because Lupe Peña used to work for them. He spent years at a national defense firm, learning their tactics from the inside. Now he uses that knowledge to fight FOR you, not against you.

Tactic #1: The Quick Cash Trap (Weeks 1-3)

What They Do:
Within days or weeks of your accident, the insurance company will offer you quick money – typically $2,000-$5,000, sometimes up to $15,000 if they’re worried. They’ll make it sound like a great deal when you’re desperate for cash.

Their Script:

“This offer expires in 48 hours”
“I can only get approval for this amount right now”
“Take it or leave it”
“This is our final offer” (it’s not)

The Trap:
You don’t know the full extent of your injuries yet. What seems like a lot of money today might not cover your medical bills next month.

Real-Life Example:

Day 3: Insurance offers $3,500 “final settlement”
Week 6: MRI shows herniated disc requiring surgery (cost: $100,000+)
Result: You signed the release and can’t get more money – even though you need surgery

How Attorney911 Counters:
We NEVER settle before you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) – the point where you’re as recovered as you’re going to get. This could take 6 months, 12 months, or even longer for serious injuries. We know these early offers are always lowball – typically 10-20% of what your case is really worth.

Lupe’s Insider Knowledge:
Lupe calculated these lowball offers for years. He knows they’re offering pennies on the dollar.

Tactic #2: The Recorded Statement Trap (Days 1-3)

What They Do:
Insurance adjusters will contact you immediately – often while you’re still in the hospital, on pain medication, or overwhelmed by the situation. They’ll sound friendly and helpful, but their goal is to get you to say something that hurts your case.

Their Script:

“We just want to help you”
“We need to get your side of the story to process your claim”
“This is routine, everyone does this”
“It’ll only take a few minutes”

What They’re Really Doing:
They’re building their defense against you with leading questions designed to minimize your injuries and shift blame.

Common Questions and Traps:

Question They Ask	What They Want You to Say	What You Should Say Instead
“You’re feeling better now though, right?”	“Yes” (to show you’re improving)	“I’m still in a lot of pain, but I’m following my doctor’s treatment plan.”
“It wasn’t that bad of an impact, was it?”	“No” (to minimize collision severity)	“I don’t know. I was in shock and focused on getting medical help.”
“You were able to walk away from the scene?”	“Yes” (to suggest injuries aren’t serious)	“I was able to walk, but I was in severe pain and needed medical attention immediately.”
“Were you distracted at all?”	“Maybe” (to get you to admit fault)	“I was focused on driving safely, but I don’t know what the other driver was doing.”
“How fast were you going?”	“I don’t know” or overestimate	“I was driving at a safe speed for the conditions.”

The Truth:

You are NOT required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company
Giving a statement without an attorney ALMOST ALWAYS hurts your case
Insurance companies know this – that’s why they push so hard

How Attorney911 Counters:
Once you hire us:

We become your voice
All calls go through us
You don’t talk to adjusters
We prepare you properly if a statement becomes absolutely necessary
We sit with you during any statements

Lupe’s Insider Quote:

“I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as 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.”

Tactic #3: The “Independent” Medical Exam (IME) Scheme (Months 2-6)

What They Call It:
“Independent Medical Examination” (IME)

What It Really Is:
An insurance company-hired doctor whose job is to minimize your injuries

How Insurance Companies Choose IME Doctors:
They don’t choose the most qualified doctor – they choose the doctor who gives them the reports they want. Selection criteria include:

Doctors who consistently find “no injury” or “pre-existing condition”
Doctors who minimize treatment needs
Doctors paid thousands by insurance companies ($2,000-$5,000 per exam)
Doctors who get repeat business from insurance companies

What Happens at an IME:

10-15 minute “examination” (vs. your treating doctor’s thorough evaluation)
Rarely review your complete medical records beforehand
Ask questions designed to elicit “I’m feeling better” responses
Look for ANY reason to minimize your injuries

Common IME Doctor Findings (and What They Really Mean):

What They Say	What It Means	How We Counter It
“Patient has pre-existing degenerative changes”	Everyone over 40 has some arthritis – used to deny claims	We prove the accident aggravated your condition beyond normal aging
“Injuries consistent with minor trauma”	Minimizes your pain and suffering	We document the difference between your condition before and after the accident
“Patient can return to full duty work”	Eliminates lost wage claims	We obtain work restrictions from your treating doctors
“Treatment has been excessive”	Attacks your treating doctors	We prove treatment was medically necessary and appropriate
“Subjective complaints out of proportion to objective findings”	Medical speak for calling you a LIAR	We document your pain levels, limitations, and the impact on your daily life

How Attorney911 Counters:

We prepare you extensively before the exam
We send your complete medical records to the IME doctor first (forcing them to review)
We challenge biased IME reports with our own medical experts
Lupe knows these specific doctors and their biases – he hired them for years

Tactic #4: Delay and Financial Pressure (Months 6-12+)

What They Do:
Insurance companies will drag your case out, hoping you’ll get desperate and accept a lowball offer. Their tactics include:

“Still investigating your claim”
“Waiting for medical records” (that we sent months ago)
“Reviewing your file”
“Need additional information”
Ignoring calls and emails
Taking weeks to respond to simple questions

Why Delay Works (On People Without Attorneys):

Insurance Companies Have:

Unlimited time
Unlimited resources
No financial pressure
Earning interest on YOUR settlement money while delaying

You Have:

Mounting medical bills
Zero income if you can’t work
Creditors threatening
Need for money NOW

Financial Desperation Makes You Accept Less:

Month 1: You’d reject a $5,000 offer
Month 6: You’d seriously consider $5,000
Month 12: You’d BEG for $5,000 just to end the nightmare

How Attorney911 Counters:

We file a lawsuit to force deadlines
We set depositions to make them produce witnesses
We prepare for trial to show we’re serious
Lupe understands delay tactics because he used them – he knows when to push

Tactic #5: Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring

What They Do:
Insurance companies hire private investigators to:

Video you doing daily activities
Film from public places (your driveway, street, stores)
Follow you to appointments, errands, social activities
Look for ANY activity that contradicts your injury claims
One video of you bending over = “Not really injured”

What They Monitor on Social Media:

Facebook: Posts, photos, check-ins, comments, likes, tagged photos
Instagram: Stories, reels, posts, geotags, tagged photos
TikTok: Videos showing activity levels
LinkedIn: Employment status changes, activity
Twitter/X: Tweets, replies, activity
YouTube: Videos posted, activity
Snapchat: Saved stories, public content

Advanced Surveillance Techniques:

Facial Recognition: Find photos you’re tagged in across platforms
Geotagging Data: Track where you’ve been based on photo metadata
Friend/Family Monitoring: Monitor posts from people who might mention you
Fake Profiles: Create fake accounts to send friend requests
Archive Services: Preserve deleted content through third-party tools
Subpoenas: Legal process to obtain “private” content

Timeline of What Gets Used Against You:

When Found	What Happens
Pre-Lawsuit	Used to deny or lowball your claim
During Discovery	Subpoenaed and entered into evidence
At Trial	Shown to jury to undermine your credibility
Settlement Negotiations	Used to reduce offer amounts

7 Rules to Protect Yourself:

Make ALL profiles private immediately
DON’T post about the accident, injuries, or activities
DON’T check in anywhere
Tell friends/family: don’t tag you, don’t post about you
Don’t accept friend requests from strangers (fake profiles)
BEST: Stay off social media entirely during your case
Assume EVERYTHING is being monitored

Real Examples We’ve Defended:

Example	What Insurance Claimed	Reality
Old Gym Photo	Presented as recent, contradicts injury	We proved photo was taken 3 years before accident
Restaurant Check-in	“Partying and having fun”	Client was sitting quietly having dinner
Friend’s Comment	“Had fun yesterday!”	Client was resting at home
Walking Dog	“Not disabled”	Doctor recommended short walks for recovery
Smiling in Photo	“Not in pain – she’s smiling!”	Everyone smiles for photos

Tactic #6: Comparative Fault Arguments

What They Do:
Insurance companies will try to assign you maximum fault to reduce their payment. Common arguments include:

“You were speeding” (without evidence)
“You weren’t paying attention” (speculation)
“You could have avoided this” (hindsight bias)
“You were distracted” (guessing)
“You contributed to this accident” (shifting blame)

Why They Do This:
Texas’s 51% bar rule means:

If you’re 51%+ at fault → You get NOTHING
If you’re 50% or less at fault → Your damages are reduced by your fault percentage

Even Small Fault Percentages Cost Thousands:

10% fault on $100,000 case = $10,000 less for you
25% fault on $250,000 case = $62,500 less for you
40% fault on $500,000 case = $200,000 less for you

How Attorney911 Counters:
Aggressive Liability Investigation:

Accident reconstruction proving the other driver’s fault
Witness statements supporting your version
Police report analysis emphasizing citations
Expert testimony on perception-reaction time
Lupe knows their fault arguments because he made them for years – now he defeats them

The Colossus Software System: How Insurance Companies Really Value Your Claim

How Colossus Works:
Colossus is a computerized claim valuation system used by Allstate, State Farm, Liberty Mutual, and others. Here’s how it works:

Data Entry: Adjuster inputs injury codes, treatment, costs, jurisdiction
Coding: Injuries are coded using standardized medical terms
Calculation: Software applies algorithms to determine “value”
Range Output: System provides recommended settlement range
Authority: Adjuster typically cannot exceed without supervisor approval

How Insurance Manipulates Colossus:

Manipulation	Effect
Low Injury Codes	“Soft tissue strain” instead of “disc herniation” reduces value 50-100%
Excessive Treatment Flags	Therapy beyond “normal” range triggers reduction
Conservative Treatment Penalty	Chiropractic valued less than MD treatment
Pre-Existing Reduction	Any prior condition used to reduce value
Jurisdiction Factor	Low-verdict counties get lower values

Why Lupe’s Experience Matters:

Knows how to code injuries properly for maximum value
Knows which medical terms trigger higher valuations
Knows when Colossus output is artificially low
Knows how to present records to beat the algorithm
Worked with these systems for years as a defense attorney

The Settlement Multiplier Method:
Colossus uses a multiplier formula:
Total Settlement = (Medical Expenses × Multiplier) + Lost Wages + Property Damage

Injury Severity	Multiplier Range
Minor injuries (soft tissue, quick recovery)	1.5 – 2
Moderate injuries (broken bones, months recovery)	2 – 3
Severe injuries (surgery, long recovery)	3 – 4
Catastrophic injuries (permanent disability)	4 – 5+

Factors That Increase Multiplier (Push Toward 4-5):

Permanent injury or disability
Scarring or disfigurement
Long recovery time (12+ months)
Surgery required
Ongoing pain management needed
Clear liability (other driver 100% at fault)
Sympathetic plaintiff (child, elderly, pregnant)
Defendant’s conduct egregious (drunk driving, hit and run)
Strong evidence (video, witnesses)
Permanent restrictions on work/activities

Factors That Decrease Multiplier (Push Toward 1.5-2):

Soft tissue injury only
Quick recovery (under 3 months)
No surgery required
Disputed liability (comparative fault)
Gaps in medical treatment
Pre-existing conditions
Minor property damage
No permanent injury

Attorney911’s Approach:
We don’t accept low multipliers. We:

Document permanency, impact, and severity
Prepare for trial to show we’re serious
Use Lupe’s insider knowledge to justify higher multipliers
Our multi-million dollar results prove we don’t accept lowball offers

What You Can Recover: Damages in Texas Motor Vehicle Accident Cases

Types of Compensable Damages

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas)

Damage Type	What It Covers
Medical Expenses (Past)	ER, hospital, surgery, doctors, physical therapy, medications, medical equipment
Medical Expenses (Future)	Ongoing treatment, future surgeries, lifetime medications, long-term care
Lost Wages (Past)	Income lost from date of accident to present
Lost Earning Capacity (Future)	Reduced ability to earn income in the future
Property Damage	Vehicle repair or replacement, personal property
Out-of-Pocket Expenses	Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, household help

Non-Economic Damages (No Cap Except Medical Malpractice)

Damage Type	What It Covers
Pain and Suffering	Physical pain from injuries, both past and future
Mental Anguish	Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, fear, PTSD
Physical Impairment	Loss of physical function, disability, limitations
Disfigurement	Scarring, permanent visible injuries affecting appearance
Loss of Consortium	Impact on marriage/family relationships, loss of companionship
Loss of Enjoyment of Life	Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed

Punitive/Exemplary Damages (Capped)

Available for gross negligence, fraud, or malice
Drunk driving cases often qualify
Cap: Greater of $200,000 OR (2x economic + 1x non-economic max $750,000)
Purpose: Punish defendant and deter similar conduct

Settlement Ranges by Injury Type

Soft Tissue Injuries (Whiplash, Sprains, Strains)

Medical Treatment:

Emergency room: $2,000-$5,000
Follow-up doctor visits: $1,000-$3,000
Physical therapy (6-12 weeks): $3,000-$7,000
Medications: $300-$1,000
Total Medical: $6,000-$16,000

Lost Wages: $2,000-$10,000 (2-6 weeks missed work)
Pain & Suffering: $8,000-$35,000

SETTLEMENT RANGE: $15,000-$60,000
Higher if: Permanent pain, restrictions on activities, chronic condition develops

Broken Bone (Single, Simple Fracture)

Medical Treatment:

Emergency room and X-rays: $3,000-$6,000
Orthopedic consultation: $500-$1,500
Casting and follow-up: $2,000-$5,000
Physical therapy: $3,000-$8,000
Total Medical: $10,000-$20,000

Lost Wages: $5,000-$15,000 (4-8 weeks missed work)
Pain & Suffering: $20,000-$60,000

SETTLEMENT RANGE: $35,000-$95,000

Broken Bone (Requiring Surgery – ORIF)

Medical Treatment:

Emergency room: $5,000-$10,000
Surgery (Open Reduction Internal Fixation): $25,000-$50,000
Hospital stay (2-3 days): $6,000-$15,000
Follow-up care: $3,000-$8,000
Physical therapy (3-6 months): $8,000-$15,000
Total Medical: $47,000-$98,000

Lost Wages: $10,000-$30,000 (3-6 months)
Pain & Suffering: $75,000-$200,000

SETTLEMENT RANGE: $132,000-$328,000

Herniated Disc (Conservative Treatment)

Medical Treatment:

Emergency room and initial treatment: $3,000-$6,000
MRI: $2,000-$4,000
Physician visits and pain management: $5,000-$12,000
Physical therapy (3-6 months): $8,000-$15,000
Epidural steroid injections (series of 3): $3,000-$6,000
Medications: $1,000-$3,000
Total Medical: $22,000-$46,000

Lost Wages: $8,000-$25,000
Pain & Suffering: $40,000-$100,000

SETTLEMENT RANGE: $70,000-$171,000

Herniated Disc (Surgery Required)

Medical Treatment:

Initial treatment and diagnostics: $8,000-$15,000
Failed conservative treatment: $10,000-$20,000
Spinal surgery (microdiscectomy or fusion): $50,000-$100,000
Hospital stay: $8,000-$20,000
Post-surgical care and follow-up: $5,000-$15,000
Physical therapy (6-12 months): $10,000-$20,000
Pain management: $5,000-$15,000
Total Past Medical: $96,000-$205,000

Future Medical: $30,000-$100,000 (ongoing pain management, possible revision surgery)
Lost Wages: $20,000-$50,000 (6-12 months recovery)
Lost Earning Capacity: $50,000-$400,000 (if can’t return to physical job)
Pain & Suffering: $150,000-$450,000

SETTLEMENT RANGE: $346,000-$1,205,000

Attorney911 Case Result:

“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.”

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – Moderate to Severe

Medical Treatment:

Emergency room and trauma care: $10,000-$30,000
Hospital/ICU stay (1-4 weeks): $50,000-$200,000
Neurosurgery if required: $75,000-$200,000
Acute rehabilitation facility: $30,000-$100,000
Neurologist follow-up care: $10,000-$30,000
Neuropsychological testing: $3,000-$8,000
Cognitive therapy: $15,000-$50,000
Medications: $5,000-$20,000
Total Past Medical: $198,000-$638,000

Future Medical (Life Care Plan): $300,000-$3,000,000+ depending on severity
Lost Wages: $50,000-$200,000
Lost Earning Capacity: $500,000-$3,000,000+
Pain & Suffering: $500,000-$3,000,000+

SETTLEMENT RANGE: $1,548,000-$9,838,000

Attorney911 Case Result:

“Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at logging company.”

Spinal Cord Injury / Paralysis

Lifetime Care Costs by Level:

Injury Level	First Year	Each Year After	Lifetime Total
High Tetraplegia (C1-C4)	$1,200,000-$1,500,000	$200,000-$250,000	$6,000,000-$13,000,000+
Low Tetraplegia (C5-C8)	$850,000-$1,100,000	$75,000-$100,000	$3,700,000-$6,100,000+
Paraplegia (T1-L5)	$500,000-$750,000	$70,000-$90,000	$2,500,000-$5,250,000+

SETTLEMENT RANGE: $4,770,000-$25,880,000

Amputation

Medical Treatment:

Emergency care and surgery: $80,000-$200,000
Hospital stay: $50,000-$150,000
Rehabilitation: $30,000-$100,000
Initial prosthetic fitting: $10,000-$30,000
Total Past Medical: $170,000-$480,000

Future Medical (Lifetime Prosthetics):

Basic prosthetic leg: $5,000-$15,000 every 3-5 years
Advanced computerized prosthetic: $50,000-$100,000 every 3-5 years
Over lifetime (30-50 years): $500,000-$2,000,000

SETTLEMENT RANGE: $1,945,000-$8,630,000

Wrongful Death (Working Age Adult)

Economic Damages:

Funeral and burial: $10,000-$20,000
Medical expenses before death: $50,000-$500,000
Lost financial support to family (present value): $1,000,000-$4,000,000

Non-Economic Damages:

Loss of companionship, society, love: $500,000-$3,000,000
Loss of advice and counsel: $100,000-$500,000
Mental anguish (family members): $250,000-$1,500,000

SETTLEMENT RANGE: $1,910,000-$9,520,000

Attorney911 Case Result:

“At Attorney911, our personal injury attorneys have helped numerous injured individuals and families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation.”

Nuclear Verdicts: How Texas Juries Are Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable

Texas leads the nation in nuclear verdicts – jury awards exceeding $10 million. These verdicts send a message to insurance companies and create leverage for all serious injury cases.

Texas Nuclear Verdict Statistics:

207 nuclear verdicts ($10M+) from 2009-2023
Total: $45+ billion in Texas alone
Texas #1 nationally for nuclear verdicts
Auto accidents = 23.2% of all nuclear verdicts

Recent Texas Motor Vehicle Nuclear Verdicts:

Year	Case	Amount	Key Facts
2024	Hatch v. Jones	$81,720,000	Car accident wrongful death, driver under influence
2024	Frito-Lay Warehouse	$72,000,000	Vehicle collision, corporate negligence
2024	Lopez v. All Points 360	$105,000,000	Amazon DSP driver, $63M punitive damages
2024	New Prime I-35 pileup	$44,100,000	6 deaths, trucking company negligence
2024	Oncor Electric	$37,500,000	Distracted truck driver, catastrophic injuries
2024	Ben E. Keith	$35,000,000	Largest trucking settlement in Fort Worth history
2023	Johnson v. Union Pacific	$557,000,000	Train accident, corporate negligence
2021	Ramsey v. Landstar	$730,000,000	Trucking wrongful death, punitive damages
2017	Kindred v. Delbosque	$301 BILLION	Drunk driving wrongful death (largest in Texas history)

Why Nuclear Verdicts Matter to Your Case:

Insurance companies FEAR nuclear verdicts. This fear increases settlement values across ALL serious injury cases, not just those going to trial. Attorney911’s trial readiness and multi-million dollar track record give us leverage in every negotiation.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Lakeway 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.”

What This Means for Your Case:

We know their tactics because Lupe used them
We anticipate their strategies before they deploy them
We know how they value claims internally
We know which IME doctors they favor
We know how to beat their algorithms
We speak their language

No other firm in Lakeway has this advantage.

Lupe’s Insider Quote:

“I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as 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.”

2. Multi-Million Dollar Results

Attorney911 has recovered millions for victims of:

Brain injuries: “Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss”
Amputations: “This case settled in the millions”
Trucking wrongful death: “Recovered millions of dollars in compensation”
Maritime injuries: “Significant cash settlement”

Our results prove we don’t settle cheap.

3. Federal Court Experience

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

Why This Matters:

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

BP Explosion Litigation: “Our firm is one of the few firms in Texas to be involved in BP explosion litigation against multinational corporations.”

4. Personal Attention You Can Trust

What Clients Say:

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

“I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.” – Ambur Hamilton

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

You work directly with Ralph or Lupe, not a case manager assembly line.

5. Contingency Fee – No Risk to You

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

Free consultation
No upfront costs
No hourly billing
We advance all case costs
You pay nothing unless we recover for you

What Our Clients Say About Attorney911

“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

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

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

“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

“Ralph Manginello is an AMAZING ATTORNEY. I have used him 2 TIMES FOR 2 separate cases the first case he got me an OFF DOCKET DISSMISSAL! And the other only 10 months probation. He gets the JOB DONE RIGHT!!!!” – Cassie Wright

“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

“Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.” – Celia Dominguez (Spanish services)

Frequently Asked Questions About Lakeway Car Accidents

Immediate After Accident

1. What should I do immediately after a car accident in Lakeway, Texas?
If you’ve been in an accident in Lakeway:

Call 911 and report the accident
Seek medical attention even if you feel fine (adrenaline masks injuries)
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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. How do I obtain a copy of the accident report in Lakeway?
You can obtain the police report from the responding agency (Lakeway Police Department, Travis County Sheriff’s Office) or through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS).

Dealing With Insurance

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?
Your own UM/UIM coverage can compensate you. Watch our video: “Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8

12. 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.

Legal Process

13. 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

14. 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: 1-888-ATTY-911

15. 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.

16. 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

17. 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.

18. 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

19. 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.

20. What is the legal process step-by-step?

Investigation and evidence gathering
Medical treatment to MMI
Demand letter to insurance
Negotiation
Lawsuit if necessary
Discovery
Mediation
Trial if needed

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

Compensation

21. 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).

22. 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

23. 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).

24. 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.

25. Will I have to pay taxes on my settlement?
Generally, compensation for physical injuries is NOT taxable. Punitive damages ARE taxable. Consult a tax professional.

26. How is the value of my claim determined?
Based on: medical bills, future treatment costs, lost income, permanent impairment rating, comparable verdicts, severity of injuries, impact on daily life.

Attorney Relationship

27. How much do car accident lawyers cost?
Attorney911 works on a contingency fee basis: 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

28. 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.

29. 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.”

30. 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.”

31. 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.”

Mistakes to Avoid

32. 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

33. 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.

34. 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.

35. 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.

Additional Common Questions

36. 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. The “eggshell plaintiff” rule means the defendant takes you as they find you. Example: You had mild occasional back pain before the accident. The accident caused a herniated disc requiring surgery. You recover for the NEW injury, not just the pre-existing pain.

We hire medical experts to prove the difference between your condition before and after the accident. Lupe knows how insurance companies attack pre-existing conditions – he used this defense for years.

37. Can I switch attorneys if I’m unhappy with my current lawyer?
YES. You can fire your attorney at any time. If your current 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. As 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.”

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 to discuss switching your representation.

38. 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 for UM/UIM claims. Texas allows inter-policy stacking (combining multiple UM policies). Lupe’s insurance knowledge is critical for maximizing UM/UIM recovery.

39. How do you calculate pain and suffering?
Most commonly using the multiplier method: Medical expenses × multiplier (1.5 to 5) = pain & suffering.

Injury Severity	Multiplier Range
Minor injuries (soft tissue, quick recovery)	1.5 – 2
Moderate injuries (broken bones, months recovery)	2 – 3
Severe injuries (surgery, long recovery)	3 – 4
Catastrophic injuries (permanent disability)	4 – 5+

Example: $100,000 medical × 4 multiplier = $400,000 pain & suffering.

Lupe calculated these multipliers for years using insurance company formulas. He knows:

When to push for higher multipliers (4-5 vs. 2-3)
Which factors insurance weighs most heavily
How to document cases to justify higher multipliers
When the multiplier method undervalues the case (catastrophic injuries)

40. 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. Ralph’s 25+ years includes government litigation. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately – the 6-month deadline is strict.

41. 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 when the at-fault driver is unidentified.

Surveillance footage is CRITICAL – gas stations, businesses, Ring doorbells, traffic cameras. Most footage is deleted in 7-30 days. We send preservation letters immediately.

Texas allows UM stacking. We’ve recovered substantial settlements in hit and run cases through UM claims.

42. 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. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 – we protect your rights and your privacy.

43. 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. We’ve won many parking lot cases with clear liability findings.

44. 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. We handle the difficult conversation so you don’t have to.

45. 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. These cases are emotionally complex but legally straightforward. We handle them with sensitivity while protecting your rights.

Lakeway-Specific Considerations

Lakeway’s unique characteristics create specific legal challenges and opportunities:

Lakeway’s Dangerous Roads and Intersections

Ranch Road 620: High-speed rear-end collisions, especially near the Y at 620 and 71
Bee Cave Road: Left-turn accidents at busy intersections like Lakeway Boulevard
Highway 71: Lane-change accidents as drivers navigate between Austin and Lakeway
Lakeway Boulevard: Congestion and distracted driving near shopping centers
Lakeway’s roundabouts: Sideswipe collisions from drivers unfamiliar with proper use
Lake Travis access roads: Weekend traffic and impaired drivers

Lakeway’s Growing Population and Construction Zones

Lakeway is one of the fastest-growing communities in Texas. This growth brings:

Increased traffic on previously quiet roads
More construction zones with inadequate signage
Distracted drivers navigating unfamiliar areas
Commercial vehicle traffic serving new businesses
Pedestrian and cyclist risks from incomplete infrastructure

Lakeway’s Unique Demographics

Affluent community with higher lost earning capacity claims
Active retirees with pre-existing conditions that get aggravated
Outdoor enthusiasts (cyclists, joggers, boaters) at higher risk
Tourist traffic from visitors to Lake Travis and local wineries
Long commutes to Austin leading to fatigued driving

Lakeway’s Medical Resources

Nearest Level I Trauma Center: Dell Seton Medical Center (Austin)
Nearest Level II Trauma Center: St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center
Local Hospitals: Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Lakeway
Specialized Care: Texas Spine & Joint Hospital (Tyler) for complex spinal injuries

Lakeway’s Legal Landscape

Courts: Travis County Civil Courts
Judges: Familiar with Attorney911 from our Austin office
Jury Pool: Educated, tech-savvy, progressive values
Insurance Adjusters: Often based in Austin or San Antonio

What to Do If You’ve Been Injured in a Lakeway Accident

Step 1: Call Attorney911 Immediately

1-888-ATTY-911 is your legal emergency line. We answer 24/7.

Step 2: Follow Our 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Document everything
Don’t give recorded statements
Don’t sign anything
Don’t post on social media

Step 3: Get Medical Attention

Go to the ER or urgent care immediately
Follow up with your primary care physician
Document all injuries and treatment

Step 4: Let Us Handle the Insurance Companies

We’ll communicate with adjusters
We’ll preserve evidence
We’ll build your case

Step 5: Focus on Your Recovery

Follow your doctor’s recommendations
Keep all appointments
Document your progress

Contact Attorney911 Today

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Attorney911
Serving Lakeway and All of Texas

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
🌐 https://attorney911.com
📧 ralph@atty911.com | lupe@atty911.com
📍 Austin Office: Serving Travis, Williamson, Hays, and Bastrop Counties

Free Consultation • No Fee Unless We Win • Hablamos Español

Final Words: You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Lakeway, Texas, you’re facing one of the most difficult challenges of your life. The physical pain, emotional stress, and financial uncertainty can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to face this alone.

At Attorney911, we’ve helped hundreds of accident victims just like you recover the compensation they deserve. We know Lakeway’s roads, we know the local courts, and we know how to fight insurance companies.

Ralph Manginello has been protecting accident victims for over 25 years. Lupe Peña knows how insurance companies operate because he used to work for them. Together, we have the experience, the resources, and the determination to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on your recovery.