# Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC **Business Type:** legal **Description:** Texas personal injury law firm providing expert legal representation for vehicle accidents, wrongful death, and traumatic brain injuries with a commitment to excellence and personalized service. ## About About Our Law Firm **Mission:** To provide expert personal injury legal representation with the personalized attention of a small firm and the results of a big firm, championing our clients' rights with expertise, empathy, and unwavering commitment to justice. At Ely, Valentine, & Reed PLLC, our experienced legal team combines expertise with a personalized approach to champion your rights in personal injury law. Based in Cedar Park, Texas, we serve clients throughout Texas, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Idaho, and the District of Columbia. We don't just handle cases; we understand and tackle the unique challenges our clients face. Our team brings both legal skill and a compassionate approach, ensuring you receive exceptional representation and a supportive partner in your journey to justice. It doesn't cost anything to talk to us, but it could cost you everything if you don't. ## Contact Information **Phone:** (512) 562-7000 **Email:** info@evrfirm.com **Website:** https://evrfirm.com/ ## Locations & Service Areas ### Cedar Park **Address:** 700 Market St Suite 202, Cedar Park, TX 78613 **Description:** ## Personal Injury Lawyers in Cedar Park, Leander, and Liberty Hill Our Cedar Park office at 700 Market Street serves families across the Northwest Austin area. We focus on helping people in Cedar Park, Leander, and Liberty Hill after serious accidents. Our team knows these communities well and understands what local families need. ## Easy to Reach from Cedar Park, Leander, and Liberty Hill We chose our Market Street location because it's easy to reach from all three cities. You can get to our office quickly from anywhere in Cedar Park, Leander, or Liberty Hill. We're close to major roads like US 183, FM 1431, and Toll 45. This makes it simple for families to visit us when they need legal help. ## Local Lawyers Who Know Your Community Cedar Park, Leander, and Liberty Hill have grown fast in recent years. More people means more traffic on local roads. This brings more car accidents and injuries to our area. Our lawyers live and work in these communities. We understand the challenges that come with rapid growth and busy roads. ## Types of Cases We Handle for Local Families We help Cedar Park, Leander, and Liberty Hill families with many types of injury cases: - Car accidents on busy local roads like US 183 and FM 1431 - Truck crashes on Highway 45 and other major routes - Motorcycle accidents on scenic Hill Country roads - Work injuries at local businesses and job sites - Wrongful death cases throughout Williamson County - Bicycle accidents in our bike-friendly neighborhoods ## Serving Surrounding Communities from One Office Our Cedar Park location lets us serve all three cities easily. Whether you live in downtown Cedar Park, growing Leander, or historic Liberty Hill, we're here to help. We know the roads, the schools, and the businesses in each area. This local knowledge helps us build stronger cases for our clients. ## Personal Care for Every Client Every family in Cedar Park, Leander, and Liberty Hill deserves personal attention. We treat each case with care, no matter how big or small. Our team takes time to understand your situation. We explain the legal process in simple terms. You'll always know what's happening with your case. ## Operating Hours **Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday:** 8:00AM - 5:00PM **Saturday, Sunday:** Closed ## Services ### Car Accidents The Texas car accident attorneys at Ely, Valentine, & Reed 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 attorneys 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. ​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. ## **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. Contact us for a free consultation. ### Bicycle Accidents A serious bicycle accident can result in disabling injuries that affect every aspect of the victim’s life. Getting out of the hospital is often just the first step in the long road to recovery. The cost of lost wages, emergency care, surgeries, and other medical treatment can add up to a small fortune. But if your wreck was caused by another driver’s negligence, you should not have to pay for these losses out of your own pocket. The Cedar Park, Austin, Dallas, Texas, bicycle accident attorneys at Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC will evaluate your case for free to determine if you have grounds for a claim. We know what’s at stake for you and your family. Our compassionate lawyers will guide you through every stage of the claims process and will make sure the insurance company doesn’t bully you into accepting an unfair settlement. ## **Types of Texas Bicycle Accident Cases We Handle** Our attorneys handle all types of personal injury and wrongful death claims arising from bicycle accidents including: - Bicycle accidents involving distracted or drunk drivers; - Accidents resulting from defective bicycle or auto parts; - Bicycle accidents resulting from poorly maintained roads; - Bicycle accidents at intersections; - Rideshare accidents involving bicyclists; - Failure to yield bicycle accidents; and - Accidents involving multiple bicyclists. ## **Why You Should Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Right Away** It can seem impossible to focus on legal concerns in the aftermath of a serious bicycle wreck. But putting off your consultation with an accident attorney could prove costly. Insurance adjusters often use devious strategies to get claimants to admit fault, and one misguided statement could be all it takes to derail your claim. A Texas bicycle accident attorney from Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC will handle all correspondence with the insurance adjuster. Having a seasoned litigator by your side from the start will tell the insurance company that you would be willing to take your case to trial if necessary. This often translates into a better settlement offer. For your injury claim to be successful, it must be shown that the liable party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty of care, and this resulted in your injury or loss. Proving duty of care is fairly straightforward when the defendant is a negligent driver since all motorists in Texas have a duty to operate their vehicles in such a way that does not put other people at risk. However, proving a breach of duty, or “negligence,” and tying that negligence to your injury can be more complicated. If you wait too long to consult an attorney, valuable evidence may be erased, destroyed, altered, or otherwise become unavailable. Our bicycle accident lawyers will get to work right away to gather the evidence needed to prove negligence and liability, which may include: - Video footage of your accident from surveillance cameras or dashcams; - Photos of the accident scene; - The police report; - Witness testimony; - Relevant insurance policies; - Testimony from accident reconstruction experts; and - Illustrations and timelines. There is other evidence we may use depending on the cause of your bicycle crash. For example, we may rely on toxicology reports to prove that the at-fault driver was impaired. You may even have a claim against the party who supplied the alcohol or drugs to the driver who caused your wreck. Our personal injury lawyers know what it takes to strengthen your claim and give your case the best chance of success. ## **Proving Damages After a Bicycle Accident in Texas** Even when liability seems obvious, recovering a fair payout might involve a complex legal battle. You should expect the insurance company or defendant to do everything in their power to reduce their liability and limit the amount of compensation they have to pay. Our bicycle accident lawyers will make sure your claim includes all potential damages to which you may be entitled, which may include: - Medical bills (past and future); - Lost wages; - Property damage; - Loss of earning capacity; - Emotional distress; - Pain and suffering; - Disfigurement and disability; - Loss of consortium; - Loss of enjoyment; and - Exemplary damages also called “punitive damages.” 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. ### Traumatic Brain Injuries ## Brain Injuries Are Serious Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) hurt more than just the victim: - Memory problems that don't go away - Trouble thinking clearly - Changes in personality - Need for daily help with basic tasks - Families struggle to provide care These injuries need treatment for years or even for life. The costs add up fast. ## Planning for Your Future Brain injury cases are different from other injuries. We look at: **Medical needs you'll have:** - Doctor visits for years to come - Special therapy to help your brain - Medicine you'll need long-term - Equipment to help you at home **Money you'll lose:** - Jobs you can't do anymore - Lower pay if you can work - Career goals you can't reach **Care you'll need:** - Help with daily activities - Someone to watch you at home - Changes to your house for safety We work with brain doctors and life care experts. They help us show exactly what you'll need. ## We Fight for Full Payment Brain injuries cost more than any other injury. We make sure you get money for: - All your medical bills (now and future) - Lost wages and future earnings - Full-time care when you need it - Special equipment and home changes - Pain and suffering you endure - Help for your family too ## Common Causes of Brain Injuries We handle brain injury cases from: - Car crashes and truck accidents - Falls from heights - Sports injuries - Workplace accidents - Medical mistakes - Defective products ## Why Choose Our Brain Injury Lawyers? **We understand brain injuries.** These cases are complex. Not every lawyer knows how to handle them. **We work with medical experts.** Brain doctors help us prove your case and plan your future care. **We don't get paid unless you win.** You focus on healing. We focus on your case. **We care about your family.** Brain injuries affect everyone who loves you. We fight for all of you. If you or someone you love suffered a brain injury, call us today. We offer free consultations and will explain your rights in simple terms. Time matters in brain injury cases - don't wait. ### Wrongful Death The death of a family member is one of life’s most painful experiences. If you have experienced a death in your family our thoughts and prayers go out to you. At Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC, we understand how emotionally devastating a loved one’s death is for the survivors, and our Central Texas attorneys, can help you through this difficult time by taking care of the necessary legal actions following your family member’s death. If your family member’s death was caused by a wrongful act of someone or entity in Texas, you may be entitled to receive damages from the responsible parties. Texas wrongful death law allows certain surviving family members to recover damages to help lessen the burden caused by a wrongful death. While no amount of money can compensate for the loss of your loved one, it may relieve the financial burden your family member’s death has caused. The wrongful death attorneys at Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC, will evaluate your death case and make every effort to get you the compensation which you may be entitled. ## Compassionate Legal Support Losing a loved one due to someone else's negligence is devastating. We handle all legal aspects of your case with sensitivity while fighting aggressively for justice. ## Types of Wrongful Death Cases - Vehicle accidents resulting in fatality - Medical malpractice leading to death - Workplace accidents with fatal outcomes - Product defects causing death - Premises liability incidents ## Financial Security for Families Wrongful death claims can provide compensation for lost income, medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of companionship to help secure your family's future. ### Truck and 18-Wheeler Accidents Very few forces can match the devastating impact of an accident with a semi-truck. Victims who are lucky enough to survive often suffer brain trauma, broken bones, soft tissue damage, and other life-changing injuries. If you were hurt in a big rig crash that you did not cause, the Texas truck accident attorneys at Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC can help you pursue the maximum compensation for lost income, medical bills, and other damages you have incurred. We will treat you as if you are our only client. Our truck accident lawyers will meticulously investigate your case, interview witnesses, and aggressively represent your interests during settlement negotiations. ## **Types of Texas Truck Accident Claims Our Truck Accident Lawyers Handle:** Commercial truckers are some of the most experienced drivers on the road, but they’re certainly not immune to collisions. There are countless factors that contribute to 18-wheeler wrecks, but the vast majority stem from driver errors. Our personal injury attorneys handle all types of truck accident claims in Texas including: - Truck Accidents Due to Spilled Cargo - Overloaded Truck Accidents - Truck Rollover Accidents - Truck Accidents Involving Wide Turns - Truck Accidents Due to Tire Blowouts - Truck Accidents Due to Fatigue - Truck Accidents Due to Brake Failure - Blind Spot Truck Accidents - Truck Accidents Due to Inadequate Driver Training - Truck Accidents Resulting in Wrongful Death ## **What Sets the Lawyers at Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC Apart from Other Truck Accident Attorneys in Texas?** Truck accident claims can be incredibly complex for a variety of reasons. After most collisions involving regular vehicles, a negligent driver is usually liable for the damages. But in truck accident claims, it is often the case that a party other than the truck driver can be held liable. Depending on the facts surrounding your collision, you may have grounds for a claim against: - The truck driver; - The company that employs the truck driver; - The owner of the truck; - A mechanic who worked on the truck; - The company that manufactured the truck or its parts; - The company that loaded the truck; or - Officials at a weigh station. To give your claim the best chance of success, the Texas truck accident attorneys at Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC will perform a thorough investigation into your collision to identify all potentially liable parties. We will gather all available evidence to prove negligence and liability, which may include: - Weigh station receipts - Receipts for gas and food - Toll booth receipts - The truck driver’s cell phone records - Bills of lading - Black box data - Dashcam footage - Surveillance footage - Expert witness testimony - Eyewitness testimony - The accident report - Photos and videos of the crash scene Expert witness testimony often plays a critical role in truck accident cases. The attorneys at Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC can arrange testimony from accident reconstruction experts, engineers, medical experts, and financial experts. Insurance companies throughout Texas know that our attorneys provide comprehensive and aggressive legal representation. We are not afraid to take your case to trial, and our willingness to go the extra mile for each of our clients often results in fair settlements offer early in the proceedings. Do I Have Grounds for a Truck Accident Claim?\ If you intend to bring a claim against the truck driver or another party that contributed to your accident, you will need evidence to prove that the defendant breached a duty of care owed to you, and this breach of duty resulted in your injury or loss. Breaching a duty of care is also called “negligence.” ## **See How Our Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help You Today** At Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC, we know how challenging it can be to cope with the physical and psychological impact of a serious injury. Although no amount of compensation can undo the trauma you and your family have experienced, you may be able to avoid debt and regain your financial footing by filing a personal injury claim. During your free initial consultation, our lawyers will assess your case and help you determine the most strategic way to proceed. We are passionate about helping victims of personal injury and wrongful death pursue justice and compensation from those who have harmed them. Call us today or use our contact form to set up a free consultation. ### Motorcycle Accidents 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. ### Boat Accidents Boating accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that require emergency care. Although there are countless factors that lead to boat crashes, the majority are due to negligent and reckless behaviors such as drunk boating, speeding, and inattention. The Texas boat accident attorneys at Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC help victims of boating injuries fight for the compensation they need to afford medical treatment, lost wages, and other damages. ## **Types of Cases Our Boat Accident Attorneys Handle:** Boating is a year-round activity in Texas, which is why our state has some of the highest boating accident rates in the country. Hundreds of people are injured and dozens die in boating accidents each year. Victims and their families are often left wondering how they will afford the medical expenses and loss of income. *Our attorneys handle a variety of boating accident cases including:* - **Alcohol-Related Boating Accidents:** Drunk driving is a leading cause of boating wrecks in the United States-and Texas is certainly no exception. Our attorneys will evaluate toxicology and crash reports and talk to witnesses to determine if alcohol impairment may have played a role in your crash. If so, we can help you pursue punitive damages in addition to compensation for your economic and non-economic losses. - **Boating Accidents Due to Speeding:** Driving a boat at an excessive speed not only makes the vessel more difficult to control, but it also increases the likelihood of an injury or death occurring in the event of a crash. Our attorneys will investigate your case and may bring in accident reconstruction experts to prove that speeding contributed to your wreck. - **Boating Accidents Due to Equipment Defects:** A negligently designed or manufactured part could result in an equipment malfunction. If a defective part contributed to your crash, our boating accident lawyers can review schematics and blueprints, speak with boating parts specialists, and identify all potentially liable parties. - **Ejection Injuries:** Being ejected from a boat at a high speed can result in debilitating injuries such as broken bones, a dislocated shoulder, soft tissue damage, and brain trauma. - **Injuries Caused by Propellers:** Coming into contact with a propeller can cause deep lacerations and even amputations. Most of these injuries are caused by negligent boat operation. **Other Types of Boating Accidents:** Even if the at-fault party was not breaking a law, you may still have grounds for a claim. Our boating accident attorneys handle personal injury and wrongful death cases involving inexperienced boaters, poor weather conditions, and other types of hazards. We handle cases involving all types of watercraft including cabin cruisers, yachts, tenders, personal watercraft (wave runners and jet skis), inflatable boats, sailboats, kayaks, canoes, and airboats. ## **How Soon After My Boating Accident Should I Call an Injury Attorney?** If you were injured in a boat crash, you should consult a boating accident lawyer as soon as possible. Valuable evidence that can be used to prove liability and damages may become unavailable within days of your crash. Our lawyers will perform an immediate investigation into the cause of your accident. We will identify all potentially liable parties, handle correspondence with the defendant and insurance company, calculate your damages, and help you avoid critical mistakes. There are also strict deadlines for filing personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. If the deadline passes, your case will almost certainly be dismissed. It is important to contact a boat accident lawyer as soon as possible. ### Burn Injuries Burn injuries can destroy your life in seconds. We help burn victims fight for the money they need to heal and rebuild. ## Burns Are More Than Skin Deep Serious burns affect your whole life: - Painful skin grafts and surgeries - Months or years of healing - Scars that never go away - Fear and sadness that's hard to shake - High medical bills that pile up fast Some burns hurt so badly that simple things like getting dressed become impossible. ## How People Get Burned We handle burn injury cases from many causes: **Fires and Explosions:** - House fires and apartment fires - Gas explosions in homes - Car fires and explosions - Propane and natural gas accidents **Workplace Burns:** - Chemical spills and splashes - Hot metal and welding burns - Steam and hot liquid accidents - Electrical burns from faulty wiring **Defective Products:** - Space heaters that catch fire - Water heaters that explode - Electrical devices that shock - Cars that burst into flames **Other Accidents:** - Scalding from too-hot water - Restaurant kitchen accidents - Hotel and building fires - Medical device burns ## What You Deserve Burn injuries cost more than most people think. We fight to get you money for: **Medical costs:** - Emergency room visits - Surgery and skin grafts - Physical therapy for months - Medicine for pain and healing - Future surgeries you'll need **Money you lose:** - Time off work while you heal - Jobs you can't do anymore - Lower pay if scars affect your work **Pain you suffer:** - Physical pain from burns - Emotional pain from scars - Fear of fire or similar accidents - Depression from changed appearance **Help for your family:** - Care you need at home - Changes to your house - Counseling for trauma ## Degrees of Burns We Handle **First-degree burns** - Red, painful skin that heals in days **Second-degree burns** - Blisters and deeper damage that takes weeks to heal **Third-degree burns** - Destroy all skin layers and need surgery **Fourth-degree burns** - Damage muscle and bone and can be deadly Even "minor" burns can leave scars and cause lasting problems. ## Why Our Burn Injury Lawyers Are Different **We know burn injuries.** These cases need special medical knowledge that most lawyers don't have. **We work with burn doctors.** Experts help us prove how bad your burns are and what care you'll need. **We understand scars matter.** Burns change how you look and feel. We make sure you get paid for that. **We don't get paid unless you win.** Focus on healing. We'll handle the legal fight. If you or someone you love suffered burn injuries, call us now. We offer free consultations and are available 24/7. Burn injury cases have strict time limits - don't wait to get help. ### Gas Explosions When a gas explosion hurts you or your family, we fight for you. Our lawyers know how to handle these tough cases. We will work hard to get you the money you deserve. ## We Handle Complex Cases Gas explosions are hard to understand. Many things can cause them: - Gas companies that don't do their job - Broken equipment that should have been fixed - Buildings that don't follow safety rules Our team knows how to find out what went wrong. We work with experts who understand gas systems. ## We Fight for Full Payment Gas explosions cause serious harm: - Homes and buildings get destroyed - People get badly burned - Some people die from their injuries We make sure you get paid for all your losses. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and pain you suffer. ## We Hold Companies Responsible When companies cut corners on safety, people get hurt. We go after: - Gas utility companies - Contractors who do bad work - Equipment makers who sell dangerous products These companies must pay when their mistakes cause explosions. We make sure they do. ### Dog Bites ## **The Growing Concern of Dog Attacks in Texas** Texas, including Austin, Dallas, and Houston, has become a dog-friendly area where off-leash dogs are common. Dogs are able to roam freely off-leash while they are in designated dog parks. Unfortunately, dogs are everywhere and may become vicious and attack whether they are on or off a leash. With the rise of dog and pet friendly areas, there has been an increase in the number of people that have experienced the painful injury of a dog bite. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are over 4.7 million dog bite attacks that occur across the United States every year. ## **Alarming Statistics** - The second highest reason for emergency room visits is for an animal attack or a dog bite - About 800,000 people in the United States need emergency medical treatment from a dog bite annually - Dozens of people in the United States are killed by dog bites every year - Children are the most vulnerable due to their strength and size and become the most common dog bite victims ## **What Should You Do After a Dog or Animal Attack?** If you or a loved one is injured by a dog or another animal, here's what you need to do immediately: 1. **Get immediate medical attention** - Even minor-looking bites can become infected 2. **Get the dog/pet owner's information** - This is crucial for insurance claims 3. **Find witnesses in the area that saw the event** - Their testimony can be vital 4. **Take immediate photographs of your injuries** - Document everything 5. **Contact experienced legal representation** - Protect your rights from the start ## **Are Pet Owners Responsible for the Attack?** Dog owners and pet owners are responsible for maintaining and controlling their pets. However, it is not uncommon for pet owners to refuse to deal with a victim that has been bit by the owner's dog. Most people do not like admitting that their dog/pet is violent or that their animal may have injured another person. **Important to know:** The owner and the homeowner's insurance company could be responsible for the attack and the resulting injuries. ## **Legal Protection You Deserve** Dog and other animal bites can cause deep emotional and physical scars. When you or a loved one gets injured by a dog or another animal, you need to know your rights. At Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC, we make sure that you get compensated for your injuries and are protected from any costs that you had to incur as a result of the animal attack. Don't let pet owners or insurance companies minimize your injuries or your rights. Contact our experienced Texas personal injury attorneys for a free consultation. ### Rideshare Accidents Got hurt in an Uber or Lyft? We help passengers and drivers get the money they deserve. These cases can be tricky, but we know how to handle them. ## Insurance Gets Complicated When rideshare accidents happen, many insurance companies get involved: - The driver's personal car insurance - The rideshare company's insurance (Uber or Lyft) - Sometimes no insurance covers you at all We figure out which insurance company should pay. We know how to deal with all of them. ## Who Is Responsible? Finding out who caused your rideshare accident takes work. We look at: - Was the driver using the app when the crash happened? - Did the driver have a passenger in the car? - Was the driver waiting for a ride request? The answers to these questions change everything. We know how to get the facts. ## We Help Everyone **If you were a passenger:** - You got hurt through no fault of your own - You deserve full payment for your injuries - We fight the insurance companies for you **If you were a driver:** - Your insurance might not cover you - Rideshare companies don't always help - We make sure you get fair treatment ## Why Rideshare Cases Are Different Rideshare accidents are not like regular car crashes. The rules are harder to understand. Insurance companies try to avoid paying. That's why you need lawyers who know these cases. ## We Get Results **No fees unless we win.** You don't pay us anything upfront. **We know rideshare law.** These cases have special rules that regular lawyers don't understand. **We fight hard.** Insurance companies know we will take cases to court if needed. If you got hurt in an Uber or Lyft, call us today. We offer free consultations and will explain your rights in plain English. ### Pedestrian Accidents ## How Our Central Texas Law Firm Can Help You After A Pedestrian Accident \ At Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC, we have a long and proud history of standing up for Hill Country residents when they need it most. Over the years, our Cedar Park personal injury attorneys have helped numerous clients recover compensation after being involved in a personal injury case. ## Accurately Assess Your Damages When pedestrian, bicycle, motorcycle, and car accidents occur in Austin, Texas, it is not at all unusual for the victims to underestimate the amount of medical care they will require - and demand too little compensation from the at-fault party. As a result, they often have to pay for some of their expenses out of their own pocket. To try to prevent this nightmare scenario from happening to you and your family, the lawyers at Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC will review the details of your injury and assess your damages. Our skilled legal team has been working in the industry for many years, so you can be confident that our assessment is accurate. ## Search for Evidence to Help Your Case If you wish to emerge from your pedestrian accident lawsuit with the compensation you deserve, you will need to prove that: - The other party owed you a duty of care - The other party’s negligence breached that duty of care - The other party’s breach of duty caused you to suffer an injury - Your injury is as debilitating as you claim To prove these four points, you will most likely need to present the court with a plethora of relevant evidence, like: - Medical records - Police accident reports - Traffic camera footage - Witness testimony Having spent many years in the legal field, our attorneys know who to speak with to find these evidentiary materials. When you hire us, we will be more than happy to assist you with your search. ## Team ### Shanna Valentine **Title:** Attorney Shanna graduated from the St. Thomas University School of Law in Miami, Florida, and received her undergraduate degree from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, where she majored in criminal justice and minored in political science. Shanna gained valuable trial and appellate litigation experience as a certified legal intern for the Miami-Dade Public Defender's office where she won every case she was assigned. ### Mike Ely **Title:** Attorney Attorney Michael Ely has a strong and extensive practice built on years of representing personal injury and wrongful death cases, as well as aviation and insurance defense claims. After graduating from Harding University in 1999, and the George Washington University Law School in 2002, Mr. Ely embarked on an exceptional legal career that has earned him the highest rating by the reputable attorney ranking system Martindale Hubbard. Licensed to practice in a number of jurisdictions, he has provided the highest quality legal services to clients in Texas, Florida, Maryland, DC, and more, in cases spanning aviation crashes, gas explosions, false imprisonment, product liability, and vehicular accidents, among others. ### Nick Reed **Title:** Attorney A native from Austin, attorney Nick Reed graduated from the University of Texas at Austin before attending St. Thomas University School of Law in Miami where he graduated with a dual MBA and JD degree with honors. Mr. Reed has vast experience representing victims in personal injury cases, business disputes, property damage claims, aviation accidents, and real estates suits, as well as other areas of law. To aviation cases he brings a unique and important perspective as a licensed commercial pilot with over 1,000 flying hours, inclusive of international jet experience. ## Payment Information **Accepted Payment Methods:** Contingency fee - we only get paid if you win **Payment Notes:** At Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC. we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay unless we win your case. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to all potential clients to discuss your legal options and case evaluation. This no-risk approach allows you to focus on recovery while we handle the legal battle for compensation. DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is not legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your specific situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Do not send any confidential information through this website.