Ely Valentine & Reed

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Auto Accident Attorneys

It’s never easy to cope with the physical and emotional impact of a serious car wreck. Making matters worse, car accident victims often face overwhelming debt due to steep medical bills and lost income. The Texas car accident attorneys at Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC can alleviate the stress by answering your claims-related questions and helping you and your family fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our car accident lawyers have a reputation for aggressive settlement negotiations and tough litigation. We are passionate about helping our clients recover the maximum compensation from those who have harmed them.

Types of Texas Car Accident Cases We Handle
The best car accident attorneys in Texas tend to be those who have successfully handled a variety of claims. Each case is unique, and it takes experience and finely tuned legal strategies to overcome the hurdles standing between accident victims and a fair settlement.

The personal injury lawyers at Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC are seasoned litigators who assist clients in the following types of auto accident cases:

  • Drunk Driving Accidents
  • Distracted Driving Accidents
  • Truck Accidents
  • Pedestrian Accidents
  • Motorcycle Accidents
  • Bicycle Accidents
  • Rideshare Accidents
  • Single-Vehicle Accidents
  • Car Accidents Resulting in Catastrophic Injuries
  • Car Accidents Resulting in Wrongful Death
  • Hit and Run Accidents
  • Failure to Yield Accidents
  • Accidents Caused by Mechanical Malfunctions
  • Accidents Caused by Road Hazards
  • Tire Blowout Accidents

Do I Have Grounds for a Car Accident Claim?
If you intend to file a claim, it must be proven that the other driver owed you a duty of care and breached that duty of care. All motorists on Texas roads have a duty to drive safely and avoid reckless behaviors that would put other people in danger. They breach this duty of care when they:

  • Drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
  • Drive while distracted;
  • Make illegal turns;
  • Fail to keep their vehicles safe;
  • Break the speed limit; or
  • Engage in other illegal or reckless behaviors.

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If your accident was caused by a negligent driver, you have the right to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages you have incurred as a result. Unfortunately, even if it seems obvious that another person is liable for your damages, you still might run into a dispute at some point during the claims process. This is where the Texas car accident attorneys at Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC can help.

We know the strategies used by insurance companies and defendants in car accident cases to reduce their liability. Insurance adjusters might try to manipulate you into making a recorded statement that can be used against you. They might offer a low settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries. They might even review your social media profiles for images that can be used to dispute the severity of your injuries.

No matter what the insurance adjuster tells you, the insurance company is likely not on your side when you file a claim against them. You should never speak to the insurance adjuster—and you certainly should not accept a settlement offer—without consulting an experienced car accident attorney.

The team at Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC is here to answer your questions and guide you through the claims process. We will handle correspondence with the insurance company so they cannot take advantage of you. We will perform a thorough investigation into your case, gather evidence before it becomes unavailable, speak with eyewitnesses, and aggressively represent your interests during settlement negotiations.

How Much Is My Car Accident Claim Worth?
No attorney in Texas can guarantee a specific outcome for your case. It is important to know that there are numerous factors that will influence whether your claim is successful and the amount of compensation you ultimately recover. Those factors include:

  • The cost of the medical bills you have incurred;
  • The cost of any future medical treatment you will need;
  • The amount of income you lost due to your injuries;
  • Whether your injuries have affected your future earning capacity;
  • Whether you required home modifications to accommodate your injury;
  • The cost of fixing your vehicle;
  • Whether your injury caused scarring, disability, or the loss of a bodily function.

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Award-Winning Car Accident Lawyers
At Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe us nothing unless we win your case. Many Texas auto accident cases are settled without going to court. But when choosing a personal injury attorney for your accident, it is important to know what kind of trial experience your lawyer can offer if your case does require litigation. Our experienced trial attorneys will work diligently to get you the compensation you deserve.

Time is of the essence in any car accident claim. If you were hurt or lost a family member in a car accident in Texas, turn to Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC for reliable legal guidance. Call (512) 562-7000 or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation.

Construction Accidents

Due to the nature of the trade, the construction industry is one of the few work places where employees are exposed to dangerous and hazardous conditions on a daily basis. Despite having safety regulations, protective gear and equipment, thousands of workers are involved in construction accidents, and as a result, suffer severe injuries and death.

Injury and wrongful death is often the result of construction site accidents in Texas
In the U.S., statistics show that 1 out of 10 construction workers is injured each year, and over 1,200 suffer a wrongful death. Falls from scaffolds is the leading cause of traumatic injuries and deaths in construction sites.

Accidents in Texas May Result in this type of Injury
Common injuries from a construction accident may include, but not limited to:

  • Head injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Burns
  • Severe Gashes
  • Broken bones & fractures
  • Dislocations
  • Loss of limb
  • Amputations
  • Loss of sight
  • Hearing loss

At Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC we focus in representing clients who have been seriously injured by the negligent, careless, or reckless conduct of others. Our Texas personal injury attorneys are skilled litigators and have successfully represented numerous clients with construction accidents and liability claims.

Our attorneys will help you compile medical documents, income tax returns, paystubs, invoices and receipts related to your accident, and other evidence to prove the value of your damages. We can also arrange testimony from financial and medical experts.

Discuss Your Case with a Construction Accident Lawyer in Texas Today!​

If you or someone you love was seriously hurt in a construction crash, turn to Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC for comprehensive and compassionate legal guidance. Call (512) 562-7000 or use our contact form to schedule a free initial consultation.

Texas Bus Accident Attorneys

If you were seriously injured in a bus accident, you probably have a lot of questions. Can I sue the bus company? Will my case go to trial? What damages can I claim? The Texas bus accident attorneys at Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC are here to answer your questions and help you determine the most strategic way to proceed with your case.

We are well-versed in the laws that govern bus accident claims in Texas. With many years of experience in legal practice, our attorneys have the skills and resources to help you and your family fight for the maximum compensation.

We Handle All Types of Bus Accident Cases in Texas.

Each bus accident case is unique. There are countless factors that contribute to these collisions, and victims can suffer a variety of severe injuries including brain trauma, broken bones, soft tissue injuries, internal organ damage, and many others. The bus accident lawyers at Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC handle all types of bus accident cases including:

  • Bus accidents involving public buses;
  • Bus accidents involving school buses;
  • Airport shuttle accidents;
  • Tour bus accidents;
  • Bus accidents involving drowsy and distracted drivers;
  • Bus accidents caused by mechanical failures;
  • Bus accidents involving pedestrians;
  • Bus accidents due to poor road conditions; and
  • Bus accidents involving wrongful death.

Who Can I Sue After a Bus Accident in Texas?

Determining liability is often more complicated after bus accidents than after collisions involving regular vehicles. Besides the driver, there are many other parties who may be liable for your damages, and it is possible that multiple parties share a percentage of fault.

The Texas bus accident lawyers at Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC will review the evidence to determine which parties may be liable for your damages. Those parties might include:

  • A Bus Company: If the bus company failed to ensure its vehicle was safe—for example, by replacing bald tires and maintaining the brakes—and this caused your accident, you can bring a claim against the bus company for your damages. Bus companies also have a duty to train and supervise their drivers. They may be held liable if an accident is caused by an employee’s negligence.
  • Operators of a Tour Bus: Tour bus operators can be held liable for damages if a person is injured while riding a bus as part of a tour package.
  • The Bus Maintenance Company: If your collision was caused by a mechanical failure, the company responsible for maintaining the bus might be liable for your damages if it was hired by the bus company as an independent contractor.
  • A Government Entity: If your accident involved a government-owned bus or if a government employee was at fault, you can bring a claim against the government entity. A government entity also may be liable for your damages if the accident was caused by poor road conditions.
  • Bus Drivers: If a bus driver broke a traffic law and this caused your accident, you may have grounds for a claim against the bus driver; however, in most cases, the companies that employ bus drivers are held liable for their employees’ negligence.
  • Auto Part Manufacturers: If an auto part defect caused your crash, you may have grounds for a claim against the manufacturer, designer, or distributor of the part.
  • Other Drivers: If another driver caused your accident, you can bring a claim against that driver for your damages.
  • School Boards: If a school bus driver is employed by the school board and causes an accident, victims can bring a claim against the school board.

We Will Make Sure the Insurance Company Treats You Fairly

The Texas bus accident attorneys at Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC have seen firsthand just how devious insurance companies can be when it comes time to file a claim. They employ all sorts of tactics to reduce their liability and find reasons to undervalue and deny claims. Our lawyers will help you stay one step ahead of the insurance company and avoid critical mistakes that would derail your case.

DO NOT SPEAK TO THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER until you have consulted an attorney from Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC. You might be coerced into making a recorded statement that can be used against you. It is also advisable that you stay off social media until your case has been resolved.

During your free initial consultation, our attorneys will explain the steps you should take (and the mistakes you must avoid) to give your claim the best chance of success.

Discuss Your Case with a Texas Bus Accident Attorney Today

The bus accident lawyers at Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC are here to help you and your family pursue justice and the maximum compensation. To learn more about our law firm or to schedule a free consultation, call us today at (512) 562-7000 or fill out our contact form to reach us online.

Texas Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents often result in life-changing injuries that cost a veritable fortune to treat. Some victims are sidelined from work for months while they recover, and the loss of income puts their financial security in jeopardy. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle wreck, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages arising from the accident.

The Texas motorcycle accident lawyers at Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC will assess your case for free to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Our attorneys know how important this case is to you and your family. We will compassionately represent your interests and aggressively fight for the compensation you deserve.

Importance of Hiring a Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorney Right Away

As if the pain was not enough, there’s a lot to do after a motorcycle crash to give your claim the best chance of resulting in a fair settlement. Many of these tasks need to be completed as soon as possible—while valuable evidence is still available.

You will need strong evidence to prove liability and damages, but much of this evidence might be erased or altered to cover up evidence of negligence. For example, if you were hit by a semi-truck, the truck driver or trucking company might destroy black box data or alter the hours of service log book. If a dashcam or surveillance camera recorded your crash, its footage might be erased before you have a chance to obtain a copy. The less evidence you have to support your claim, the more challenging it will be to recover fair compensation.

The motorcycle accident attorneys at Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC will guide you through every stage of the claims process from start to finish. We will help you avoid crucial mistakes early in the proceedings that would jeopardize your claim. We will explain the importance of avoiding social media websites, following your doctor’s treatment instructions, tracking your damages, and taking other steps to give your claim the best chance of success.

Proving Negligence & Liability After a Motorcycle Accident in Texas

With many decades of experience in legal practice, the Texas motorcycle accident attorneys at Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC can determine what evidence will be needed to support your claim. We will get to work immediately and conduct a thorough investigation so we have the strongest case possible case before entering settlement negotiations.

Damages in Texas Motorcycle Accident Cases

Medical bills lost income, and vehicle repairs can add up quickly after a motorcycle wreck. These are called “economic damages,” which are objectively verifiable losses. Economic damages also include loss of earning capacity, home modifications, and other calculable losses you incurred due to your injuries.

You may also be entitled to non-economic damages, which are intangible losses such as emotional distress, loss of society and companionship, loss of consortium, injury to reputation, humiliation, and pain and suffering.

If the driver who caused your accident was fleeing from police, driving while intoxicated, or otherwise acting with fraud, malice, or oppression, exemplary damages (or “punitive damages”) might also be recoverable.

Contact Our Texas Motorcycle Accident Law Firm Today!

The attorneys at Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC understand how challenging it can be to move on with life after a serious motorcycle crash. We are here to provide you and your family with compassionate and aggressive legal representation through every stage of the claims process. Call us today at (512) 562-7000 or fill out our contact form to arrange a free consultation.

Texas Rain & Car Accidents

Rain has been the cause of thousands of car accidents year in and year out.  Our Austin, Dallas, Cedar Park Texas Attorneys know that some of the most heavily populated areas in Texas — Austin, Central Texas, & surrounding areas — have rain periodically during the year, and some people forget how to drive in it.  Therefore, drivers need to understand exactly how rain can cause an automobile accident.

A Lot of Drivers Don’t Know How to Drive in the Rain
In bad weather conditions, there are two types of drivers who can significantly increase the risk to others: excessively timid drivers and reckless drivers.
Excessively timid drivers tend to overestimate the danger of weather conditions and drive at unreasonably low speeds. When the weather limits the number of available traffic lanes, such as can happen following heavy rain, this type of driver can cause traffic to back up, increasing the risk of a rear-end accident.

Reckless drivers often ignore the consequences of bad weather and may even think it is a good thing that the weather has forced a lot of other drivers off of the road. Reckless drivers may well drive at full highway speed or greater, even when visibility is low or the roads are drenched. Even with four wheel drive (4WD), cars can still skid. When they lose control on a slippery road, their high speed makes it much more likely for a car accident to occur.

Rain Makes the Road Slippery
Rain can make it more difficult to stay on a roadway, to stop, or to avoid colliding with other vehicles.  This is especially true when it first starts raining because roads are their most slippery at the beginning of a rainstorm.  When the road first gets wet, oil rises to the surface and creates a greasy surface.  If you can’t stop your car in time, that’s when accidents happen.

Rain Decreases Visibility
During rain storms, it can be difficult for drivers to see to see other cars.  When rain is combined with dirty water kicked up from the road by other drivers, windshields can quickly become dirty.  That is why it is always important to make sure that your car has functional windshield wipers.

Car Accident Prevention Tips For the Rain

1.  Drive slower.
This is an obvious but important tip, as it allows for better reaction times.  Rainwater causes grease and oil built up on the road to surface and tires traction suffers as a result.  If you drive slower, your tire traction will improve and you will also have more time to brake.

2.  Keep your eyes on the car ahead of you.
In the rain, it’s often hard to see very far ahead of you.  On a clear sunny day, you can see the traffic situation a couple hundred feet down the road and react accordingly.  On a rainy day, it helps to watch for the reaction of the driver ahead of you.  When he brakes, you brake.  Still keep a safe following distance from the car in front because you’ll need to brake more slowly on a slippery road to avoid skidding.  So stay as far from the car in front of you as possible while also remaining close enough to keep it in clear sight.

3.  Do not brake suddenly.
Sudden braking may cause a skid.  Since the roads are slippery, stopping the wheels too quickly may cause them to lose all traction with the road, and an imminent car accident becomes a distinct possibility.  In the case that skidding occurs, however, remain calm and do not make sudden turns because doing so may make the skidding even more dangerous.  Just try to remain calm and steer straight until you feel the car regain traction.

4.  Correctly defog your windows.
The windows on your car might fog, further limiting you visibility.  You try to defog with the heater, but that will only further fog up your windows.  To defog, keep your air conditioning blowing at both your windshield and your back window.  If your car has a defog function, just press the button, and defogging should start automatically.

5.  Avoid standing or flood water.
Most roads are built with the middle of the road higher than the sides, so try to stay near the middle of the road where it would be less likely to have a buildup of rainwater.  No automobiles can drive through the ocean floor and have firm tire grip in deep water like the sport utility vehicles presented in commercials, so stay away from pools of water.  If you do expect to go through standing water, lightly tap the brake pedal beforehand to dry the tire off a little.

Ideally, all rainy car accidents could be prevented if people stopped driving when it rains, but that is an unrealistic assumption.  Everyone has things they must attend to, so just keep these tips in mind when driving in the rain.  You can always pull over to the side and wait it out if you really think it’s raining too hard to drive.  Nothing can make up for the loss of loved one in a fatal car accident, so always yield to safety.

Call Us Now to Maximize Your Auto Accident Settlement
If you’ve been injured in a car accident during the rain that you didn’t cause then call us now at (512) 562-7000 for a FREE consultation with an experienced automobile accident attorney as to how we may help you.

Our Austin, Dallas, Cedar Park law firm looks forward to providing good advice so that you can make smart decisions about your case.