Car Accident Lawyers in Woodway, Texas: Protecting Your Rights After a Crash

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Woodway, Texas, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Texans suffer injuries in motor vehicle crashes—many right here in McLennan County. At Attorney911, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a car accident can take on you and your family. With over 25 years of experience fighting for accident victims across Texas, our Woodway car accident lawyers are here to help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

The Reality of Car Accidents in Woodway and Central Texas

Texas sees a car accident every 57 seconds, with one person injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds. In 2024 alone, over 251,977 people were injured in Texas motor vehicle crashes. Here in Woodway and the greater Waco area, we see accidents on major roadways like I-35, Highway 6, and Loop 340, as well as on local streets throughout McLennan County.

Ralph Manginello, our founding attorney with more than 25 years of experience, has seen firsthand how these accidents can change lives in an instant. Whether it’s a rear-end collision on I-35 near the Woodway exit or a T-bone accident at a busy intersection in Waco, we know how to build strong cases for our clients.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Woodway

Car accidents in our area often result from:

Distracted driving (texting, phone use, eating)
Speeding and reckless driving
Failure to yield right of way
Running red lights or stop signs
Drunk or drugged driving
Fatigued driving
Poor weather conditions
Vehicle defects or maintenance issues

No matter how your accident happened, our Woodway car accident attorneys can help determine who was at fault and pursue compensation from all responsible parties.

Common Injuries from Car Accidents

Car crashes can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-altering:

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

Many of these injuries may not show symptoms immediately. That’s why it’s crucial to seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some serious injuries may take days or weeks to become apparent.

Why Insurance Companies Are Not on Your Side

After an accident, insurance companies may seem helpful, but their goal is to pay you as little as possible. They use sophisticated tactics to minimize your claim, including:

Offering quick, lowball settlements before you know the full extent of your injuries
Requesting recorded statements to use against you
Delaying your claim to pressure you into accepting less
Using surveillance to catch you doing normal activities
Blaming you for the accident to reduce their payment

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, knows these tactics firsthand. He spent years working for insurance companies, learning how they value claims and build cases against accident victims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

“Lupe Peña worked for a number of years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims.” – Attorney911

Proving Liability in Your Woodway Car Accident Case

To recover compensation, we must prove that the other driver was negligent. This requires showing:

The other driver owed you a duty of care
They breached that duty through negligent actions
Their negligence caused your accident
You suffered damages as a result

Our Woodway car accident lawyers gather evidence to build a strong case, including:

Police accident reports
Witness statements
Photographs and videos of the scene
Medical records documenting your injuries
Vehicle damage assessments
Expert testimony (accident reconstruction, medical experts)
Black box data from vehicles
Surveillance footage from nearby businesses

What You Can Recover After a Car Accident

Texas law allows accident victims to recover compensation for:

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas):

Past and future medical expenses
Lost wages and earning capacity
Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
Out-of-pocket expenses (transportation, home modifications)

Non-Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas):

Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Physical impairment
Disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of consortium (for spouses)

Punitive Damages (Capped):

Available in cases of gross negligence or intentional harm
Common in drunk driving cases
Capped at $200,000 or 2x economic damages + 1x non-economic (max $750K)

Case Results: Millions Recovered for Car Accident Victims

At Attorney911, we have a proven track record of success in car accident cases:

“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.” – Attorney911

“Our personal injury attorneys have helped numerous injured individuals recover millions of dollars in compensation for car accident injuries.” – Attorney911

What to Do After a Car Accident in Woodway

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours):

Call 911 and report the accident
Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine
Document everything: take photos of damage, injuries, and the scene
Exchange information with the other driver
Get contact information from witnesses
Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company
Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

Next Steps (Days 1-7):

Follow up with medical treatment
Keep all receipts and documentation
Do NOT post about the accident on social media
Preserve all evidence (don’t repair your vehicle yet)
Contact our Woodway car accident lawyers for a free consultation

Evidence Preservation (Critical):

Surveillance footage is typically deleted in 7-30 days
Witness memories fade quickly
Vehicle damage can be lost if the car is repaired
Medical records must be properly documented

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Woodway Car Accident Case?

1. Insurance Defense Insider Advantage

Lupe Peña’s years working for insurance companies give us unique insight into how they evaluate claims. He knows their tactics because he used them—and now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

“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

2. Multi-Million Dollar Results

We don’t just claim to get results—we prove it with documented case outcomes:

Multi-million dollar settlement for brain injury with vision loss
Millions recovered for amputation case after car accident complications
Substantial recoveries in trucking wrongful death cases
Significant settlements in maritime and offshore injury cases

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court experience is crucial for complex cases, including those involving:

Commercial vehicle accidents
Product liability claims (defective vehicles or parts)
Cases against large corporations
Federal regulatory violations (FMCSA, OSHA)

4. Personal Attention from Experienced Attorneys

At Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña—not just case managers or paralegals. Our clients appreciate the personal touch:

“Melanie was excellent. She kept me informed and when she said she would call me back, she did. I got to speak with Ralph Manginello once and knew quickly the way his firm was ran.” – Brian Butchee

“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

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

5. Contingency Fee – No Risk to You

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

Free consultation
No upfront costs
We advance all case expenses
You pay nothing unless we win your case
Our fee is a percentage of your recovery

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

Spanish Language Services Available

At Attorney911, we’re proud to serve Woodway’s diverse community. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our team includes bilingual staff members like Zulema to ensure clear communication throughout your case.

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

“Melani, thank you for your excellent work.” – Miguel J. mayo bermudez

Frequently Asked Questions About Woodway Car Accidents

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Woodway?

If you’ve been in an accident in Woodway or anywhere in McLennan County:

Call 911 and report the accident
Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine
Document everything with photos and notes
Exchange information with the other driver
Get contact information from witnesses
Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company
Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

Should I call the police even for a minor accident?

Yes. Always call the police after an accident in Texas. A police report is critical evidence for your case. Under Texas law, you must report accidents that result in 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 at first
Herniated discs may not cause pain for weeks
Adrenaline at the scene can mask pain

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

What information should I collect at the scene?

Collect as much information as possible:

Other driver: name, phone, address, driver’s license number, insurance information
Vehicle: make, model, color, license plate number
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 or apologize
Do NOT give your opinion on what happened
Stick to facts only

How do I obtain a copy of the accident report?

In Woodway and McLennan 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 on what to say.

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—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 I have a pre-existing condition?

You can still recover compensation if the accident aggravated or worsened your pre-existing condition. This is called the “eggshell plaintiff” rule—defendants take victims 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 lawyer 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 and 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, and 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. Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver is unidentified. Surveillance footage is critical—most is deleted within 7-30 days. We send preservation letters immediately to secure evidence.

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.

What if the accident happened in a parking lot?

Parking lot accidents are fully compensable. Insurance companies often argue that parking lot accidents are always 50/50 fault—but this is not true. We prove fault through surveillance video, witness statements, damage analysis, and traffic patterns.

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, and the driver’s insurance covers passengers. No comparative fault issues apply to passengers.

What if the other driver died in the accident?

You can still pursue a claim against the deceased driver’s estate and insurance. The death doesn’t eliminate liability. The insurance policy still applies, and the estate may have assets.

How much is my case worth?

The value depends on:

Severity of your injuries
Medical costs (past and future)
Lost wages and earning capacity
Permanent impairment
Pain and suffering
Clear liability
Insurance available

Cases range from $15,000 for minor soft tissue injuries to millions for catastrophic injuries.

What types of damages can I recover?

You can 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 damages (except in medical malpractice cases).

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. We hire medical experts to prove the difference between your condition before and after the accident.

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 for your specific situation.

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

Do I need a car accident lawyer?

While you’re not required to hire an attorney, insurance companies take advantage of unrepresented victims. Studies show that accident victims with attorneys recover significantly more compensation than those without.

How much do car accident lawyers cost?

Attorney911 works on a contingency fee basis: 33.33% before trial, 40% if trial is required. You pay nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

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

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.” – Dame Haskett

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.” – Chad Harris

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.” – Greg Garcia

What common mistakes can hurt my case?

Avoid these mistakes:

Giving a recorded statement without an attorney
Accepting a quick settlement
Delaying medical treatment
Gaps in treatment
Posting about the accident on social media
Signing releases or authorizations
Not documenting everything

Should I post about my accident on social media?

No. Make all profiles private. Don’t post about the accident, injuries, or activities. Insurance companies monitor everything.

Why shouldn’t I sign anything without a lawyer?

Releases are permanent. Medical authorizations give unlimited access to your records. 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 that you didn’t realize the severity of your injuries. Delayed symptoms are common. We can still help.

Woodway Car Accident Resources

Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers:

Ascension Providence (Waco) – Level II Trauma Center
Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center (Waco)
McLennan County Medical Education & Research Foundation (Waco)

Local Courts:

McLennan County Justice of the Peace Courts
McLennan County District Courts
Waco Municipal Court

Local Law Enforcement:

Woodway Department of Public Safety
McLennan County Sheriff’s Office
Waco Police Department
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)

Dangerous Roads and Intersections in the Woodway Area

While Woodway is generally a safe community, we see accidents on:

I-35 (especially near the Woodway exits)
Highway 6 (Loop 340)
Highway 84 (Waco Drive)
Woodway Drive
Estates Drive
Lake Shore Drive

Common accident locations include:

I-35 and Highway 6 interchange
Highway 6 and Lake Shore Drive
Woodway Drive and Estates Drive
Highway 84 and Valley Mills Drive

Contact Woodway Car Accident Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Woodway, Waco, or anywhere in McLennan County, don’t wait to get the help you need. Evidence disappears daily, and the insurance companies are already building their case against you.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free, no-obligation consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

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

Our Woodway car accident lawyers are ready to fight for you. With offices serving all of Texas, we’re here to help accident victims across the state. Se habla español—Lupe Peña and our team are ready to assist Spanish-speaking clients.

Don’t let the insurance companies take advantage of you. Call Attorney911 today and let us put our 25+ years of experience to work for you.