Car Accident Lawyer in Elgin, Texas | Attorney911 Fights for You
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Elgin, Texas, you’re not alone. Texas sees a motor vehicle crash every 57 seconds, resulting in 251,977 injuries in 2024 alone. In Elgin and Bastrop County, drivers face unique risks on roads like US-290, SH-95, and the increasingly congested FM 1100. When the unthinkable happens, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a legal emergency response team with 25+ years of experience fighting for accident victims.
At Attorney911, Ralph Manginello leads our team with the expertise and determination you need after a serious collision. Whether you were rear-ended on Main Street, sideswiped on a rural road, or involved in a multi-vehicle pileup near the intersection of SH-95 and FM 1704, we know how to build a strong case and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our firm has recovered millions for clients who suffered life-changing injuries, including a recent case where our client’s leg injury led to complications requiring partial amputation—this case settled in the millions.
The Reality of Car Accidents in Elgin, Texas
Elgin sits at the crossroads of major Texas highways, making our roads particularly dangerous. US-290 carries heavy commuter traffic between Austin and Houston, while SH-95 and FM 1100 see a mix of local drivers, truck traffic, and agricultural vehicles. The Texas Department of Transportation reports that Bastrop County saw hundreds of serious injury crashes in 2024, with many occurring at high-risk intersections and during rush hours.
At Attorney911, we’ve handled countless cases involving:
- Rear-end collisions on congested Elgin roads
- Intersection accidents at busy crossings
- Highway collisions on US-290 and SH-95
- Single-vehicle crashes caused by road defects
- Accidents involving distracted or impaired drivers
Every day you wait, critical evidence disappears. Surveillance footage from local businesses is typically deleted within 7-30 days. Witness memories fade quickly. Insurance companies begin building their defense against your claim from the moment the accident happens. That’s why you need to call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Common Injuries from Car Accidents
Car accidents in Elgin can cause a wide range of injuries, from seemingly minor to catastrophic:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: Often dismissed as “minor” but can cause chronic pain and disability
- Herniated discs: May require surgery and months of physical therapy
- Broken bones: Arms, legs, ribs, and facial fractures are common
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Can cause permanent cognitive impairment
- Spinal cord injuries: May result in partial or complete paralysis
- Internal organ damage: Often requires emergency surgery
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Affects 32-45% of accident victims
As client Chavodrian Miles shared: “Leonor got me into the doctor the same day…it only took 6 months amazing.” We make sure you get the medical care you need while we build your case.
Why Insurance Companies Are Already Working Against You
The moment your accident happens, the other driver’s insurance company springs into action—not to help you, but to protect their bottom line. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for insurance companies, so he knows exactly how they operate. Here’s what they’re doing right now:
- Quick Contact: They’ll call you within hours, acting friendly and concerned. Their goal? To get you to say something that hurts your case.
- Recorded Statements: They’ll pressure you to give a recorded statement. Everything you say will be used against you.
- Lowball Offers: They’ll offer quick cash—far less than your case is worth—hoping you’re desperate.
- Surveillance: They may hire investigators to follow you and take photos or videos to claim you’re not really injured.
- Delay Tactics: They’ll drag out your claim, hoping you’ll get frustrated and accept less.
Lupe knows all these tactics because he used them himself when he worked for the insurance industry. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you. As he 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.”
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Elgin Car Accident Case
When you’re hurt in a car accident in Elgin, you need a law firm with:
- Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge: Lupe Peña worked for years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how insurance companies value claims and build cases against victims. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.
- Multi-Million Dollar Results: Our firm has recovered millions for car accident victims, including cases involving amputations, brain injuries, and wrongful death.
- Federal Court Experience: Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court admission means we can handle complex cases that other firms can’t.
- BP Explosion Litigation Experience: We were one of the few firms in Texas involved in BP explosion litigation—a billion-dollar case against a multinational corporation. This shows we can take on the biggest challenges.
- Personal Attention: You’ll work directly with Ralph or Lupe, not a case manager assembly line. As client Chad Harris said: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”
What to Do After a Car Accident in Elgin
First 48 Hours (Critical Evidence Window)
Hour 1-6:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek medical attention immediately—adrenaline masks injuries
- Document everything: take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and the scene
- Exchange information with the other driver (name, phone, insurance, license plate)
- Get names and phone numbers of witnesses
- Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company
- Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance
Hour 6-24:
- Preserve all digital evidence (texts, photos, videos)
- Secure damaged clothing and personal items
- Keep receipts for all accident-related expenses
- Do NOT repair your vehicle yet—preserve the damage
- Request copies of all medical records
- Do NOT sign anything from insurance companies
- Make all social media profiles private immediately
Hour 24-48:
- Consult with an experienced car accident attorney
- Refer all insurance calls to your attorney
- Do NOT accept any settlement offers
- Upload all evidence to secure cloud storage
- Create a written timeline of events while your memory is fresh
Week One Priorities
- Continue documenting all injuries and symptoms
- Follow all doctor’s recommendations—insurance watches for treatment gaps
- Attorney911 will:
- Obtain the police report
- Send preservation letters to all parties
- Secure surveillance footage before it’s deleted
- Begin accident reconstruction analysis
- Handle all insurance communication
How We Prove Liability in Your Elgin Car Accident Case
To win your case, we must prove the other driver was negligent. This requires establishing four key elements:
- Duty of Care: All drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles safely
- Breach of Duty: The at-fault driver violated this duty through negligent actions
- Causation: The breach directly caused your injuries
- Damages: You suffered actual harm (physical, financial, emotional)
Our investigation includes:
- Physical Evidence: Vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions
- Documentary Evidence: Police reports, medical records, traffic camera footage
- Electronic Evidence: Black box data, cell phone records, GPS data
- Testimonial Evidence: Witness statements, expert testimony
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Texas law allows you to recover both economic and non-economic damages:
Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas)
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Property damage (vehicle repair/replacement)
- Out-of-pocket expenses (transportation, home modifications)
Non-Economic Damages (No Cap Except Medical Malpractice)
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Physical impairment
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Punitive Damages (Capped)
- Available in cases of gross negligence or malice (e.g., drunk driving)
- Capped at greater of $200,000 or 2x economic + 1x non-economic (max $750K non-economic)
Settlement Ranges for Common Injuries
| Injury Type | Medical Costs | Lost Wages | Pain & Suffering | Settlement Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soft Tissue (Whiplash) | $6,000-$16,000 | $2,000-$10,000 | $8,000-$35,000 | $15,000-$60,000 |
| Broken Bone (Simple) | $10,000-$20,000 | $5,000-$15,000 | $20,000-$60,000 | $35,000-$95,000 |
| Broken Bone (Surgery) | $47,000-$98,000 | $10,000-$30,000 | $75,000-$200,000 | $132,000-$328,000 |
| Herniated Disc (Conservative) | $22,000-$46,000 | $8,000-$25,000 | $40,000-$100,000 | $70,000-$171,000 |
| Herniated Disc (Surgery) | $96,000-$205,000 | $20,000-$50,000 | $150,000-$450,000 | $346,000-$1,205,000 |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | $198,000-$638,000 | $50,000-$200,000 | $500,000-$3,000,000+ | $1,548,000-$9,838,000 |
| Spinal Cord Injury | $500,000-$1,500,000+ | $500,000-$3,000,000+ | $1,500,000-$10,000,000+ | $4,770,000-$25,880,000 |
| Amputation | $170,000-$480,000 | $50,000-$400,000 | $500,000-$2,000,000 | $1,945,000-$8,630,000 |
| Wrongful Death | $50,000-$500,000 | $1,000,000-$4,000,000 | $500,000-$3,000,000 | $1,910,000-$9,520,000 |
These ranges are based on actual cases and jury verdicts. Your case value depends on specific factors including:
- Severity of injuries
- Length of recovery
- Impact on daily life
- Clear liability
- Insurance policy limits
- Quality of evidence
How Insurance Companies Undervalue Your Claim
Insurance companies use sophisticated software called Colossus to calculate claim values. Lupe Peña used this software when he worked for the insurance industry, and he knows exactly how to beat it.
Colossus uses algorithms that:
- Assign low injury codes to minimize your claim
- Penalize certain types of treatment (like chiropractic care)
- Reduce values for pre-existing conditions
- Apply jurisdiction factors to lower settlements
Lupe knows how to present your medical records to maximize your Colossus valuation. He understands which medical terms trigger higher payouts and how to document your case to justify the maximum multiplier.
Real Results for Car Accident Victims
At Attorney911, we’ve helped countless clients recover the compensation they deserve:
“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.”
“Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at logging company.”
“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.”
As client MONGO SLADE shared: “I was rear-ended and the team got right to work…I also got a very nice settlement.” And Kiimarii Yup said: “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.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Elgin Car Accidents
Immediate After Accident
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Elgin, Texas?
If you’ve been in an accident in Elgin:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek medical attention even if you feel fine
- Document everything with photos
- Exchange information with the other driver
- Get witness names and phone numbers
- Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company
- Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
Should I call the police even for a minor accident?
Yes. Always call police. In Texas, you must report accidents with injuries, deaths, or property damage over $1,000. The police report is critical evidence.
Should I seek medical attention if I don’t feel hurt?
Absolutely. Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms immediately:
- Traumatic brain injuries can take days to manifest
- Internal bleeding may not be obvious
- Herniated discs may not cause pain for weeks
- Adrenaline masks pain at the scene
Insurance companies use delays in treatment against you. Get checked immediately.
What information should I collect at the scene?
- Other driver: name, phone, address, driver’s license, insurance
- Vehicle: make, model, color, license plate
- Witnesses: names and phone numbers
- Photos: all vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, traffic signals
- Police: officer name, badge number, report number
Should I talk to the other driver or admit fault?
- Exchange information only
- Do NOT discuss fault
- Do NOT apologize or say “I’m sorry” (can be used as admission)
- Do NOT give your opinion on what happened
- Stick to facts only
How do I obtain a copy of the accident report?
In Elgin, you can obtain the police report from the Elgin Police Department or through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS).
Dealing with Insurance
Should I give a recorded statement to insurance?
To the other driver’s insurance: NO. Not without an attorney.
To your own insurance: You have a duty to cooperate, but call Attorney911 first. We can advise you.
What if the other driver’s insurance contacts me?
Say: “I need to speak with my attorney first.” Give only basic information (name, date of accident). Do NOT give a recorded statement. Do NOT discuss injuries or fault.
Do I have to accept the insurance company’s estimate?
No. Their estimate is just an offer. It’s usually far below actual value. Attorney911 fights for what your case is really worth.
Should I accept a quick settlement offer?
NEVER accept a settlement before knowing the full extent of your injuries. Once you sign a release, you cannot get more money even if you need surgery later.
What if the other driver is uninsured/underinsured?
Your own UM/UIM coverage can compensate you. Watch our video: “Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8
Why does insurance want me to sign a medical authorization?
They want unlimited access to your ENTIRE medical history to find pre-existing conditions to use against you. Never sign without attorney review.
Legal Process
Do I have a personal injury case?
You may have a case if:
- Someone else was at fault (even partially)
- You suffered injuries or damages
- There is insurance to recover from
Watch our video: “Do I Have a Good Case?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-PMMP5Jims
When should I hire a car accident lawyer?
Immediately. Evidence disappears daily. Insurance companies start building their defense against you from day one. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.
How much time do I have to file (statute of limitations)?
In Texas: 2 years from the date of accident for personal injury, 2 years from date of death for wrongful death. Miss it = case barred forever.
What is comparative negligence and how does it affect me?
Texas uses the 51% bar rule. If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover (reduced by your fault %). If 51%+ at fault, you get nothing.
Watch our video: “What Is Comparative Negligence?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agzHKY_v9l4
What happens if I was partially at fault?
You can still recover if you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle before trial. But Attorney911 prepares every case AS IF it’s going to trial. That’s what gives us leverage.
Watch our video: “Will Your Case Go to Trial?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ed5AnmCMcc
How long will my case take to settle?
Depends on injury severity. We don’t settle until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). Could be 6 months for minor injuries, 18-24 months for serious injuries.
What is the legal process step-by-step?
- 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
What is my case worth?
Depends on: injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, permanent impairment, pain and suffering, insurance available. Cases range from $15,000 (soft tissue) to millions (catastrophic injury).
What types of damages can I recover?
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Physical impairment
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
Can I get compensation for pain and suffering?
Yes. Pain and suffering is a significant component of personal injury cases in Texas. There is NO CAP on pain and suffering (except medical malpractice).
What if I have a pre-existing condition?
You can still recover if the accident aggravated or worsened your pre-existing condition. This is called the “eggshell plaintiff” rule.
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.
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
How much do car accident lawyers cost?
Attorney911 works on contingency: 33.33% before trial, 40% if trial. You pay nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win.
Watch our video: “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc
What does “no fee unless we win” mean?
You pay zero unless we recover money for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. We advance all case costs.
How often will I get updates?
Attorney911 provides regular updates. As client Dame Haskett said: “Consistent communication and not one time did i call and not get a clear answer.”
Who will actually handle my case?
At Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, not just paralegals. As Chad Harris said: “You are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”
What if I already hired another attorney?
You can switch. As client Greg Garcia said: “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.”
Mistakes to Avoid
What common mistakes can hurt my case?
- Giving recorded statement without attorney
- Accepting quick settlement
- Delaying medical treatment
- Gaps in treatment
- Posting on social media
- Signing releases or authorizations
- Not documenting everything
Watch our video: “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Should I post about my accident on social media?
NO. Make all profiles private. Don’t post about accident, injuries, or activities. Insurance monitors everything.
Why shouldn’t I sign anything without a lawyer?
Releases are PERMANENT. Medical authorizations give unlimited access. Settlement offers are binding. Once signed, you can’t undo it.
What if I didn’t see a doctor right away?
See one NOW. Explain you didn’t realize severity of injuries. Delayed symptoms are common. We can still help.
Additional Questions
What if I have a pre-existing condition?
You can still recover. If the accident AGGRAVATED your pre-existing condition, you’re entitled to compensation for the aggravation. “Eggshell plaintiff” rule: Defendant takes victim as they find them. Example: You had mild occasional back pain. Accident caused herniated disc requiring surgery. You recover for the NEW injury, not just the pre-existing pain. We hire medical experts to prove the difference. Lupe knows how insurance attacks pre-existing conditions—he used this defense for years.
Can I switch attorneys if I’m unhappy with my current lawyer?
YES. You can fire your attorney at any time. If your attorney isn’t communicating, isn’t fighting for you, or is pushing you to settle cheap, you have the right to switch. Attorney911 has taken over many cases from other attorneys. 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.
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. Texas allows inter-policy stacking (combining multiple UM policies). Lupe’s insurance knowledge is critical for maximizing UM/UIM recovery.
How do you calculate pain and suffering?
Most commonly using the multiplier method: Medical expenses × multiplier (1.5 to 5) = pain & suffering. The multiplier depends on: injury severity, permanency, impact on life, clear liability. Example: $100,000 medical × 4 multiplier = $400,000 pain and suffering. Lupe calculated these for years—he knows how to justify higher multipliers. See Section G for detailed breakdown.
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.
What if the other driver fled the scene (hit and run)?
File a police report immediately (hit and run is a criminal offense). Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage applies. Surveillance footage is CRITICAL—gas stations, businesses, Ring doorbells, traffic cameras. Most footage is deleted within 7-30 days. We send preservation letters immediately. Texas allows UM stacking. We’ve recovered substantial settlements in hit and run cases through UM claims.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why Elgin Residents Trust Attorney911
Elgin is more than just a small town—it’s a growing community with its own unique challenges. Our roads see a mix of local traffic, commuters heading to Austin, and truck traffic serving the region’s agricultural and manufacturing industries. When accidents happen here, you need a law firm that understands Elgin and Bastrop County.
At Attorney911, we offer:
- Local Knowledge: We know Elgin’s roads, courts, and insurance adjusters
- Personal Attention: You’ll work directly with Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña
- Insurance Insider Advantage: Lupe’s defense background gives us unique leverage
- Proven Results: We’ve recovered millions for accident victims
- No Risk: Free consultation, no fee unless we win
As client Glenda Walker said: “They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
Don’t Wait—Call Attorney911 Now
Every day you wait, evidence disappears. Surveillance footage from local businesses is typically deleted within 7-30 days. Witness memories fade quickly. The 2-year statute of limitations is ticking.
Insurance companies are already building their case against you while you recover. They’re trained to seem friendly while gathering evidence to deny your claim. Don’t face them alone.
Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case. With offices serving Elgin and all of Bastrop County, we’re ready to fight for you.
Remember: The insurance company has lawyers. Shouldn’t you?
