Car Accident Lawyer in City of Brazos Country: Legal Emergency Lawyers™ Fight for You

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in City of Brazos Country, you’re not alone. With one crash occurring every 57 seconds in Texas and 251,977 people injured in motor vehicle accidents statewide last year, our roads have become danger zones. In City of Brazos Country and surrounding Austin County communities, drivers face unique risks from rural highways to local intersections. When the unthinkable happens, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a legal emergency response team.

At Attorney911, we understand the chaos that follows a serious car accident. The pain, the confusion, the mounting medical bills, and the fear of dealing with insurance companies who prioritize profits over people. That’s why we’ve built a firm that combines decades of legal expertise with genuine compassion for accident victims. With 25+ years of experience handling car accident cases across Texas, including City of Brazos Country and the greater Austin County area, Ralph Manginello leads a team that includes a former insurance defense attorney – giving us insider knowledge that other firms simply don’t have.

The Reality of Car Accidents in City of Brazos Country

Car accidents are a daily reality in City of Brazos Country and throughout Texas. The statistics paint a sobering picture:

• 1 crash every 57 seconds in Texas
• 1 person injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds
• 4,150 fatalities in Texas last year
• 251,977 people injured in motor vehicle crashes statewide

In City of Brazos Country, these numbers translate to real lives disrupted. Whether you were rear-ended on a local road, involved in a head-on collision on a rural highway, or struck by a distracted driver at a busy intersection, the aftermath can be overwhelming. The physical pain is often just the beginning – medical bills pile up, insurance companies start calling, and you’re left wondering how to put your life back together.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Our Community

Car accidents in City of Brazos Country happen for many reasons, but some causes are more prevalent than others:

• Distracted driving – Texting, talking on the phone, or using navigation systems while driving accounts for hundreds of deaths each year in Texas
• Speeding – Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases collision severity
• Failure to yield – Common at intersections and when merging
• Running red lights – A leading cause of T-bone collisions
• Following too closely – Tailgating leads to rear-end collisions
• DUI/DWI – Alcohol-impaired driving remains a persistent problem
• Fatigued driving – Especially common on rural highways
• Poor weather conditions – Rain, fog, and occasional ice create hazardous driving conditions
• Vehicle defects – Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, and other mechanical failures

Common Injuries from Car Accidents

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from relatively minor to catastrophic:

Soft tissue injuries:

• Whiplash and neck strain
• Back sprains and strains
• Shoulder injuries

Bone fractures:

• Broken arms, legs, ribs
• Pelvic fractures
• Facial fractures

Spinal injuries:

• Herniated discs
• Spinal cord injuries
• Nerve damage

Head injuries:

• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Skull fractures

Internal injuries:

• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Chest injuries

Psychological injuries:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety and depression
• Driving phobias

Permanent impairments:

• Paralysis
• Amputations
• Chronic pain conditions

One of our clients suffered a leg injury in a car accident that later developed complications. As client Chavodrian Miles shared about his experience: “Leonor got me into the doctor the same day…it only took 6 months amazing.” Unfortunately, staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation in our documented case, which settled in the millions. This case illustrates how injuries can worsen over time and why it’s crucial to have experienced legal representation from the beginning.

Why Insurance Companies Are Your Enemy

After a car accident, you might expect the at-fault driver’s insurance company to help you. Unfortunately, the reality is quite different. Insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to protect their profits – not your well-being.

Here’s what they won’t tell you:

1. They start building a case against you immediately – While you’re recovering from injuries, they’re gathering evidence to minimize or deny your claim.

2. Their “helpful” adjuster is trained to seem friendly while gathering information to use against you – Anything you say can and will be used to reduce your compensation.

3. They use sophisticated software called Colossus to calculate the minimum they can pay you – This program is designed to undervalue serious injuries.

4. They hire doctors to examine you and minimize your injuries – These “independent medical examiners” (IMEs) are anything but independent – they’re paid by the insurance company to find reasons to deny your claim.

5. They delay and deny claims hoping you’ll give up or accept less – The longer they can delay, the more financial pressure they create, making you more likely to accept a lowball offer.

Our firm has a unique advantage in this battle: Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, worked for years at a national defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies operate because he used to work for them. 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.”

The Texas Legal Landscape for Car Accident Victims

Texas has specific laws that affect car accident claims:

• At-fault state: Texas is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for the damages.
• 2-year statute of limitations: You have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to compensation forever.
• 51% comparative fault rule: If you’re found to be 51% or more at fault for the accident, you cannot recover any compensation. If you’re 50% or less at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
• Minimum insurance requirements: Texas requires drivers to carry at least $30,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage coverage.

This legal framework is designed to protect accident victims, but insurance companies often manipulate these rules to their advantage. For example, they might try to assign you more than 50% of the fault to avoid paying anything. With Lupe’s insider knowledge of how insurance companies assign fault, we can counter these tactics effectively.

How Attorney911 Fights for Maximum Compensation

At Attorney911, we take a comprehensive approach to building your car accident case:

1. Immediate investigation: We start gathering evidence right away, before it disappears. This includes:

   • Accident scene photos
   • Witness statements
   • Police reports
   • Surveillance footage from nearby businesses
   • Vehicle damage documentation

2. Medical documentation: We work with your healthcare providers to ensure your injuries are properly documented. This includes:

   • Medical records
   • Treatment plans
   • Prognosis reports
   • Expert medical opinions

3. Insurance strategy: Using Lupe’s insider knowledge, we:

   • Handle all communication with insurance companies
   • Counter their tactics to minimize your claim
   • Negotiate aggressively for fair compensation
   • Prepare your case for trial if necessary

4. Damages calculation: We work with medical and financial experts to calculate the full extent of your damages, including:

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

5. Trial preparation: While most cases settle, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach gives us leverage in negotiations and ensures we’re ready if the case does go to court.

What Our Clients Say About Us

Don’t just take our word for it – hear what our clients have to say about their experience with Attorney911:

“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

“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.” – Glenda Walker

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

These testimonials reflect our commitment to providing personalized attention and fighting for the best possible outcome for each client.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Time is critical after a car accident. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner we can start preserving it, the stronger your case will be. Here’s what you should do in the first 48 hours:

Within the first hour:

• Ensure your safety and seek medical attention if needed
• Call 911 to report the accident
• Document the scene with photos and videos
• Exchange information with the other driver
• Get contact information from any witnesses
• Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

Within 24 hours:

• Seek medical attention even if you feel fine (some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately)
• Preserve all evidence (photos, videos, witness information)
• Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company
• Do NOT sign anything without consulting an attorney
• Contact Attorney911 to begin the evidence preservation process

Within 48 hours:

• Follow up with medical treatment
• Document all expenses related to the accident
• Attorney911 will send preservation letters to all relevant parties
• We’ll begin gathering additional evidence, including surveillance footage

Evidence that disappears quickly:

• Surveillance footage from nearby businesses (typically deleted within 7-30 days)
• Witness memories (fade quickly)
• Vehicle damage (repaired or disposed of)
• Skid marks and road conditions (cleaned or repaired)
• Electronic data from vehicles (can be overwritten)

Types of Compensation Available

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in City of Brazos Country, you may be entitled to various types of compensation:

1. Economic damages (quantifiable financial losses):

   • Medical expenses (past and future)
   • Lost wages
   • Loss of earning capacity
   • Property damage
   • Out-of-pocket expenses

2. Non-economic damages (intangible losses):

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

3. Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct):

   • Available in cases involving drunk driving, extreme recklessness, or intentional harm
   • Designed to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior

Settlement Ranges for Car Accident Cases

The value of your car accident case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the available insurance coverage. Here are some general settlement ranges based on injury type:

Soft tissue injuries (whiplash, sprains, strains):

• Medical treatment: $6,000-$16,000
• Lost wages: $2,000-$10,000
• Pain and suffering: $8,000-$35,000
• Settlement range: $15,000-$60,000

Broken bones (simple fractures):

• Medical treatment: $10,000-$20,000
• Lost wages: $5,000-$15,000
• Pain and suffering: $20,000-$60,000
• Settlement range: $35,000-$95,000

Broken bones requiring surgery:

• Medical treatment: $47,000-$98,000
• Lost wages: $10,000-$30,000
• Pain and suffering: $75,000-$200,000
• Settlement range: $132,000-$328,000

Herniated disc (conservative treatment):

• Medical treatment: $22,000-$46,000
• Lost wages: $8,000-$25,000
• Pain and suffering: $40,000-$100,000
• Settlement range: $70,000-$171,000

Herniated disc requiring surgery:

• Medical treatment: $96,000-$205,000
• Future medical: $30,000-$100,000
• Lost wages: $20,000-$50,000
• Lost earning capacity: $50,000-$400,000
• Pain and suffering: $150,000-$450,000
• Settlement range: $346,000-$1,205,000

Traumatic brain injury (TBI):

• Medical treatment: $198,000-$638,000
• Future medical: $300,000-$3,000,000+
• Lost wages: $50,000-$200,000
• Lost earning capacity: $500,000-$3,000,000+
• Pain and suffering: $500,000-$3,000,000+
• Settlement range: $1,548,000-$9,838,000

Spinal cord injury/paralysis:

• Lifetime care costs: $2,500,000-$13,000,000+
• Lost earning capacity: $1,000,000-$5,000,000+
• Pain and suffering: $1,000,000-$5,000,000+
• Settlement range: $4,500,000-$23,000,000+

Wrongful death:

• Funeral expenses: $10,000-$20,000
• Medical expenses before death: $50,000-$500,000
• Lost financial support: $1,000,000-$4,000,000
• Loss of companionship: $500,000-$3,000,000
• Mental anguish: $250,000-$1,500,000
• Settlement range: $1,810,000-$9,020,000

These ranges are general guidelines and can vary significantly based on the specific circumstances of your case. At Attorney911, we have experience securing multi-million dollar settlements for our clients, including cases involving brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your City of Brazos Country Car Accident Case?

When you’re facing the aftermath of a serious car accident, you need a law firm that combines legal expertise with genuine compassion. Here’s what sets Attorney911 apart:

1. Insurance defense insider knowledge: Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, worked for years at a national defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate claims because he used to calculate them himself. This insider knowledge gives us a significant advantage in negotiations and litigation.

2. Proven track record of multi-million dollar results: We have recovered millions of dollars 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 car accident victim whose leg injury led to a partial amputation due to complications
   • Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

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

4. BP explosion litigation involvement: Our firm was one of the few in Texas involved in the BP explosion litigation. This experience demonstrates our capability to handle complex, high-stakes cases against major corporations.

5. Personal attention from experienced attorneys: Unlike high-volume firms where you’re just a case number, at Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña. As client Chad Harris said: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”

6. Comprehensive approach to case building: We leave no stone unturned in building your case. From accident reconstruction to medical expert testimony, we gather all the evidence needed to maximize your compensation.

7. Contingency fee structure: We don’t get paid unless we win your case. This means you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal battle, with no upfront costs or financial risk to you.

8. Bilingual services: Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our staff includes bilingual team members. We can communicate with you in your preferred language and ensure that language barriers don’t prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve.

9. Local knowledge: We understand the unique challenges faced by car accident victims in City of Brazos Country and throughout Austin County. We know the local courts, judges, and insurance adjusters, giving us an advantage in your case.

10. Commitment to client education: We believe that an informed client is an empowered client. We take the time to explain the legal process, answer your questions, and ensure you understand your rights and options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in City of Brazos Country

1. What should I do immediately after a car accident in City of Brazos Country?

If you’ve been in a car accident in City of Brazos Country:

• Ensure your safety and move to a secure location if possible
• Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed
• Seek medical attention even if you feel fine (adrenaline can mask injuries)
• Document everything with photos and videos of the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries
• Exchange information with the other driver (name, phone, address, insurance details)
• Get contact information from any witnesses
• Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company
• Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

2. Should I call the police even for a minor accident?

Yes, you should always call the police after a car accident, even if it seems minor. In Texas, you’re required to report accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. The police report is a crucial piece of evidence for your claim, documenting important details about the accident.

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 at first
• Herniated discs may not cause pain for weeks
• Adrenaline can mask pain at the scene

Insurance companies use delays in treatment against you. Getting checked immediately creates a medical record that links your injuries to the accident.

4. 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

5. Should I talk to the other driver or admit fault?

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

6. How do I obtain a copy of the accident report?

In City of Brazos Country, you can obtain the police report from the responding law enforcement agency or through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS).

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 on what to say and what not to say.

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 the actual value of your claim. 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. Early offers are almost always lowball offers designed to take advantage of your financial desperation.

11. What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?

Your own UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) coverage can compensate you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance. Texas allows inter-policy stacking, which means you may be able to combine coverage from multiple policies. Watch our video on UM/UIM claims 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 a medical authorization without having an attorney review it first.

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 coverage available 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, and insurance companies start building their defense against you from day one. The sooner you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, the better we can protect your rights and preserve crucial evidence.

15. How much time do I have to file a lawsuit (statute of limitations)?

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, you have 2 years from the date of death. Miss this deadline, and your case will be barred forever.

16. What is comparative negligence, and how does it affect me?

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

• If you’re found to be 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault)
• If you’re found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages

For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault for an accident with $100,000 in damages, your recovery would be reduced by 20% to $80,000.

17. Will my case go to trial?

Most car accident cases settle before trial. However, Attorney911 prepares every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach gives us leverage in negotiations and ensures we’re ready if the case does go to court. Watch our video “Will Your Case Go to Trial?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ed5AnmCMcc.

18. How long will my case take to settle?

The timeline depends on the severity of your injuries and the complexity of your case. We don’t settle cases until you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) – the point where your medical condition has stabilized, and we can accurately assess the full extent of your damages. This could take anywhere from 6 months for minor injuries to 18-24 months for serious injuries.

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

1. Investigation and evidence gathering
2. Medical treatment to MMI
3. Demand letter to insurance company
4. Negotiation with insurance company
5. Lawsuit filed if necessary
6. Discovery process (exchange of information)
7. Mediation (attempt to settle)
8. Trial if settlement not reached

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

20. What is my case worth?

The value of your case depends on several factors, including:

• Severity of your injuries
• Cost of medical treatment (past and future)
• Amount of lost wages and lost earning capacity
• Impact on your daily life and activities
• Degree of pain and suffering
• Available insurance coverage
• Strength of evidence proving liability

21. What types of damages can I recover?

You may be entitled to recover:

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

22. 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 for most car accident cases (except medical malpractice cases).

23. 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 known as the “eggshell plaintiff” rule – the at-fault party takes the victim as they find them. We work with medical experts to document how the accident affected your pre-existing condition.

24. Will I have to pay taxes on my settlement?

Generally, compensation for physical injuries is not taxable. However, punitive damages and compensation for lost wages may be taxable. Consult with a tax professional for specific advice about your situation.

25. How is the value of my claim determined?

The value of your claim is determined based on several factors:

• Cost of medical treatment (past and future)
• Amount of lost wages and lost earning capacity
• Severity and permanence of your injuries
• Impact on your daily life and activities
• Degree of pain and suffering
• Available insurance coverage
• Strength of evidence proving liability
• Precedent from similar cases in your jurisdiction

26. How much do car accident lawyers cost?

Attorney911 works on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• You pay nothing upfront
• We advance all case costs
• Our fee is a percentage of the recovery (typically 33.33% before trial, 40% if the case goes to trial)
• You pay nothing if we don’t win your case

Watch our video “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

27. What does “no fee unless we win” mean?

It means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing – no fees, no costs. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you.

28. How often will I get updates on my case?

Attorney911 provides regular updates on your case. As client Dame Haskett said: “Consistent communication and not one time did i call and not get a clear answer.” We believe in keeping our clients informed every step of the way.

29. Who will actually handle my case?

At Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, not just paralegals or case managers. As client Chad Harris said: “You are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”

30. What if I already hired another attorney?

You have the right to switch attorneys at any time. Attorney911 has taken over many cases from other attorneys. 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.”

31. What if the accident happened in a parking lot?

Parking lot accidents are fully compensable. Insurance companies often try to 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. Texas comparative negligence rules apply to parking lot accidents just like any other accident.

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

If you were a passenger in the at-fault vehicle, you can still pursue a claim against the driver’s insurance. You’re considered an innocent victim, and the driver’s insurance should cover your injuries. We handle the difficult conversations with the driver so you don’t have to.

33. What if the other driver died in the accident?

You can still pursue a claim against the deceased driver’s estate and their insurance company. The death of the at-fault driver doesn’t eliminate their liability. The insurance policy still applies, and the estate may have assets that can be used to compensate you.

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

Yes. Your immigration status does not affect your right to compensation for injuries. You’re entitled to full recovery regardless of your immigration status. Your case is confidential, and we’ve successfully represented clients of all immigration statuses. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our staff includes bilingual team members.

35. What if I didn’t see a doctor right away?

It’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible after an accident. However, if you didn’t seek medical attention immediately, it’s not too late. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or herniated discs, may not show symptoms right away. Explain to the doctor that you didn’t realize the severity of your injuries at first. We can still help you pursue a claim.

36. What common mistakes can hurt my case?

Common mistakes that can hurt your case include:

• Giving a recorded statement to insurance without an attorney
• Accepting a quick settlement before knowing the full extent of your injuries
• Delaying medical treatment
• Gaps in medical treatment
• Posting about the accident on social media
• Signing releases or medical authorizations without attorney review
• Not documenting everything related to the accident and your injuries

Watch our video “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.

37. Should I post about my accident on social media?

No. Make all your social media profiles private immediately. Don’t post about the accident, your injuries, or your activities. Insurance companies monitor social media for any information they can use to minimize or deny your claim. Even innocent posts can be taken out of context.

38. Why shouldn’t I sign anything without a lawyer?

Releases and medical authorizations are legally binding documents. Once you sign them:

• You can’t undo it
• You may be giving up important rights
• You may be giving insurance companies unlimited access to your medical history
• You may be accepting a settlement that’s far below the true value of your case

39. What if I have a pre-existing condition?

Having a pre-existing condition doesn’t prevent you from recovering compensation for your injuries. If the accident aggravated or worsened your pre-existing condition, you’re entitled to compensation for that aggravation. This is known as the “eggshell plaintiff” rule – the at-fault party takes the victim as they find them.

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

Yes. You have the right to fire your attorney at any time and hire a new one. If your current attorney isn’t communicating with you, isn’t fighting for your best interests, or is pushing you to accept a low settlement, you have the right to switch to a firm that will give your case the attention it deserves.

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

If you’re making a claim against your own insurance for uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, your insurance company will treat your claim just like the at-fault driver’s insurance would. They’ll still try to minimize your claim and pay as little as possible. You need an attorney to represent you in these claims.

42. How do you calculate pain and suffering?

Pain and suffering is typically calculated using a multiplier method. The formula is:
Pain and suffering = Medical expenses × Multiplier (1.5 to 5)

The multiplier depends on several factors:

• Severity of injuries
• Permanence of injuries
• Impact on daily life
• Degree of pain
• Clear liability (other driver 100% at fault)

For example, if your medical expenses are $50,000 and the multiplier is 3, your pain and suffering would be valued at $150,000.

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

Claims against government entities have special rules. You must file a notice of claim within 6 months of the accident (much shorter than the 2-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims). Government entities have sovereign immunity, which limits their liability. These cases are complex, and you need an experienced attorney to handle them.

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

If the other driver fled the scene, you should:

• File a police report immediately
• Seek medical attention
• Document the scene and your injuries
• Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911

Your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage can apply in hit and run cases. We can help you navigate the UM claim process and work to identify the at-fault driver. Surveillance footage is critical in hit and run cases – most footage is deleted within 7-30 days, so it’s important to act quickly.

45. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

If you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation as long as you were 50% or less at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, your recovery would be reduced by 20% to $80,000.

City of Brazos Country Car Accident Resources

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in City of Brazos Country, here are some local resources that may be helpful:

Hospitals and Medical Centers:

• Local medical facilities in Austin County
• Nearby trauma centers for serious injuries

Law Enforcement:

• City of Brazos Country Police Department
• Austin County Sheriff’s Office
• Texas Department of Public Safety

Legal Resources:

• Austin County District Courts
• Texas Department of Transportation – Crash Records

Support Groups:

• Local support groups for accident victims and their families

Don’t Wait – Call Attorney911 Now

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in City of Brazos Country, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and insurance companies are already building their case against you. Don’t face this battle alone – let the experienced car accident lawyers at Attorney911 fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Our team is standing by to help you navigate this difficult time and secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Remember, the insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. Shouldn’t you have a team of experienced attorneys fighting for your rights? Call Attorney911 today – your legal emergency line for car accident victims in City of Brazos Country and throughout Texas.