Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Smithville, Bastrop County, Texas
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Smithville, Texas, you’re not alone. With one motor vehicle crash occurring every 57 seconds in Texas and over 251,977 people injured annually, Smithville and Bastrop County residents face real risks on our roads. At Attorney911, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take on victims and their families. Our team, led by Ralph Manginello with over 25 years of experience, is here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Smithville Accidents Demand Experienced Legal Representation
Smithville’s location along major highways and rural roads creates unique accident risks. Whether you were injured on Highway 71, FM 2104, or local streets, our firm knows how to navigate Bastrop County’s legal landscape. We’ve helped countless clients from Smithville, Bastrop, and surrounding communities recover millions in compensation after serious accidents.
Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Smithville
Car Accidents
With nearly 252,000 people injured in Texas car crashes annually, accidents are all too common in Smithville. Rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, and distracted driving incidents frequently occur on our local roads. Our client Chavodrian Miles experienced this firsthand when he was rear-ended – Leonor got him into treatment the same day and resolved his case in just six months.
Trucking Accidents
Smithville’s proximity to major highways means we see many trucking accidents. With 39,393 commercial vehicle crashes in Texas last year, these accidents often result in catastrophic injuries. Our firm has recovered millions for trucking wrongful death cases, and we’re one of the few firms in Texas with experience in complex litigation like the BP explosion case.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Alcohol-impaired driving causes 1,053 deaths in Texas annually. In Smithville and Bastrop County, we see far too many drunk driving accidents. Our firm has unique expertise in these cases – we can pursue both the drunk driver and the establishment that served them under Texas dram shop laws.
Motorcycle Accidents
Texas sees 585 motorcyclist fatalities each year, with many occurring in rural areas like Bastrop County. Insurance companies often try to blame riders, but we know how to counter these tactics. With 37% of fatality victims not wearing helmets, these cases require specialized knowledge.
Pedestrian Accidents
Smithville’s growing community means more pedestrians on our streets. Texas sees 6,095 pedestrian crashes annually, with 768 fatalities. Pedestrians always have the right-of-way at intersections, even unmarked ones, and we fight to protect their rights.
What to Do After an Accident in Smithville
Immediate Steps (First 48 Hours)
- Safety First: Move to a secure location if possible
- Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance
- Document Everything: Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and the scene
- Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s name, insurance, and contact details
- Witnesses: Collect names and phone numbers of any witnesses
- Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 – before speaking to any insurance company
Critical Evidence Preservation
Evidence disappears quickly after an accident:
- Surveillance footage: Typically deleted within 7-30 days
- Witness memories: Fade rapidly
- Electronic data: ELD/black box data can be overwritten
- Physical evidence: Skid marks fade, vehicles are repaired
Our team sends preservation letters immediately to secure this critical evidence before it’s lost forever.
Texas Motor Vehicle Laws You Need to Know
Statute of Limitations
You have 2 years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. This deadline is absolute – miss it and your case is barred forever.
Comparative Negligence (51% Rule)
Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system:
- If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages (reduced by your fault percentage)
- If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing
- Insurance companies always try to maximize your fault percentage
Minimum Insurance Requirements
Texas requires minimum coverage of:
- $30,000 per person for bodily injury
- $60,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
However, many drivers carry only the minimum or no insurance at all, making UM/UIM coverage crucial.
How Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Your Claim
As former insurance defense attorney Lupe Peña knows all too well, insurance companies use sophisticated tactics to reduce payouts:
The Quick Cash Trap
Within days of your accident, they’ll offer a quick settlement – often just a few thousand dollars. These offers are always lowball and designed to close your case before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
Recorded Statements
Adjusters will call and ask for a “quick statement” about what happened. Everything you say will be used against you. We know their questions because Lupe used to ask them.
Independent Medical Exams (IMEs)
They’ll send you to a doctor they hire who will almost always find you less injured than you are. Lupe knows these doctors – he hired them when he worked for the insurance companies.
Surveillance
Insurance companies hire private investigators to follow you and record your activities. They’ll take innocent moments out of context to claim you’re not really injured.
Delay Tactics
They’ll drag out your case, hoping you’ll get desperate and accept a low offer. We don’t let that happen.
Comparative Fault Arguments
They’ll try to blame you for the accident to reduce their payment. Lupe knows these arguments because he made them for years – now he defeats them.
What You Can Recover in a Smithville Accident Case
Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas)
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-Economic Damages (No Cap Except Medical Malpractice)
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Physical impairment
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive Damages (Capped)
Available in cases of gross negligence, like drunk driving. Capped at the greater of $200,000 or 2x economic damages + 1x non-economic damages (capped at $750,000).
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Smithville Accident Case
Insurance Defense Insider Advantage
Lupe Peña worked for years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how insurance companies value claims. He knows their tactics because he used them – now he uses that knowledge to fight for victims. This insider advantage is unique to Attorney911.
Multi-Million Dollar Results
Our firm has recovered millions for clients:
- Multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered brain injury with vision loss
- Millions for a client whose leg injury led to partial amputation after a car accident
- Millions in trucking-related wrongful death cases
- Significant settlement for a maritime back injury case
Federal Court Experience
Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court admission allows us to handle complex cases that other firms can’t, including trucking accidents governed by federal regulations.
Personal Attention
Unlike high-volume firms, you work directly with Ralph and Lupe, not case managers. As client Chad Harris said: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”
Bilingual Services
We offer full Spanish language services. As client Celia Dominguez said: “Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.”
No Fee Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. Free consultation available to discuss your case.
Smithville Client Testimonials
“Leonor 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
“Special thank you to my attorney, Mr. Pena, for your kindness and patience with my repeated questions.” – Chelsea Martinez
“I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.” – Ambur Hamilton
“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
“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
Frequently Asked Questions About Smithville Accident Cases
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Smithville?
Call 911, seek medical attention, document everything, exchange information with the other driver, and call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 before speaking to any insurance company.
Should I give a recorded statement to insurance?
No. Never give a recorded statement without consulting an attorney first. Insurance companies use these statements against you.
How much is my case worth?
Case value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and other factors. Cases range from $15,000 for minor injuries to millions for catastrophic injuries.
What if the other driver is uninsured?
Your own UM/UIM coverage can compensate you. We can help navigate this complex process.
How long will my case take?
It depends on injury severity. We don’t settle until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, which could be 6-24 months.
Can I switch attorneys if I’m unhappy with my current lawyer?
Yes. We’ve 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.”
What if I have a pre-existing condition?
You can still recover if the accident aggravated your pre-existing condition. We hire medical experts to prove the difference.
Do I have to pay taxes on my settlement?
Generally, compensation for physical injuries is not taxable. Punitive damages are taxable.
What 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.
Should I post about my accident on social media?
No. Make all profiles private and don’t post about your accident, injuries, or activities. Insurance companies monitor everything.
Smithville-Specific Resources
Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers
- Ascension Seton Smithville
- St. David’s Medical Center (Austin)
- Dell Seton Medical Center (Austin Level I Trauma Center)
Local Courts
- Bastrop County Justice of the Peace Courts
- Bastrop County District Courts
- Western District of Texas (Austin Division)
Dangerous Intersections in Smithville
While Smithville is generally safe, we see accidents at:
- Highway 71 and FM 2104
- Highway 71 and Loop 230
- Main Street and Loop 230
- FM 2571 and FM 153
Contact Attorney911 Today
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Smithville or Bastrop County, don’t wait. Evidence disappears daily, and insurance companies are already building their case against you.
Call our legal emergency line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Or visit our website: https://attorney911.com
Free consultation. No fee unless we win.
We serve Smithville, Bastrop, Elgin, Giddings, La Grange, and all of Bastrop County. With offices in Austin and Houston, we’re never far from helping Texas accident victims.
Remember: Every day you wait, evidence disappears. Call Attorney911 now.
