Motor Vehicle Accidents in Bell County, Texas: Your Guide to Legal Recovery

If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Bell County, Texas, you’re not alone. With a crash occurring every 57 seconds across Texas and over 250,000 people injured annually, our roads present constant danger. At Attorney911, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take on Bell County families. Our team, led by Ralph Manginello with over 25 years of experience, has helped countless victims navigate the complex legal landscape to secure the compensation they deserve.

Why Bell County Accidents Require Local Legal Expertise

Bell County’s unique mix of urban centers, military installations, and rural highways creates distinct accident patterns. From collisions on I-35 near Temple to distracted driving incidents in Killeen, our firm has handled cases across the county. We know the local courts, understand the insurance adjusters who handle Bell County claims, and have relationships with medical providers throughout the region.

The Attorney911 Difference: Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge

What truly sets our firm apart is Lupe Peña, our associate attorney who spent years working for insurance defense firms. He knows exactly how insurance companies value claims because he calculated them himself. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for victims. As Lupe explains:

“I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as a defense attorney. Here’s the truth: Insurance companies take innocent activity out of context. They freeze one frame of you moving ‘normally’ and ignore the 10 minutes of you struggling before and after. They’re not documenting your life – they’re building ammunition against you.”

This unique perspective allows us to anticipate and counter insurance company tactics before they’re deployed against our clients.

Common Motor Vehicle Accidents in Bell County

Car Accidents: The Most Frequent but Often Underestimated

With over 250,000 injuries annually in Texas, car accidents are the most common type of motor vehicle collision. In Bell County, we frequently see:

Rear-end collisions on I-35 during rush hour
Intersection accidents at busy crossings like Loop 363 and Central Avenue
Distracted driving incidents involving cell phone use
Single-vehicle accidents on rural roads

Common injuries we see from car accidents:

Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
Herniated discs requiring surgery
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Broken bones and fractures
Internal organ damage

Case result: 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.

Client testimonial: “Leonor got me into the doctor the same day…it only took 6 months amazing.” – Chavodrian Miles

Trucking Accidents: Catastrophic Consequences

Bell County’s location along I-35 makes it a major trucking corridor. With commercial vehicles weighing up to 80,000 pounds, accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities. In 2024 alone, Texas saw 39,393 commercial vehicle crashes, resulting in 608 deaths and 1,601 serious injuries.

Why trucking cases are complex:

Multiple liable parties (driver, trucking company, cargo loader, manufacturer)
Federal regulations (FMCSA) that govern trucking operations
Higher insurance limits ($750,000 to $5 million policies)
Electronic logging device (ELD) data that can prove driver fatigue

Federal regulations we enforce:

11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
30-minute break required after 8 hours of driving
60/70-hour weekly driving limits
Mandatory drug and alcohol testing

Case result: 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.

Drunk Driving Accidents: Preventable Tragedies

In Texas, alcohol-impaired driving accounts for 25.37% of all traffic fatalities. In Bell County, we’ve seen far too many families devastated by drunk drivers, particularly around Fort Hood and local entertainment districts.

Texas dram shop law (TABC § 2.02):
Establishments can be held liable if they serve alcohol to someone who is obviously intoxicated. Signs of obvious intoxication include:

Slurred speech
Bloodshot or glassy eyes
Unsteady gait or stumbling
Impaired coordination
Strong odor of alcohol

Potentially liable parties:

Bars and nightclubs
Restaurants serving alcohol
Liquor stores
Event organizers
Social hosts (in limited circumstances)

Punitive damages: Drunk driving cases often qualify for punitive damages, which punish the defendant and deter similar conduct.

Our advantage: Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) gives us unique insight into both the criminal and civil aspects of drunk driving cases.

Motorcycle Accidents: Fighting Bias Against Riders

With 585 motorcyclist fatalities in Texas in 2024, these accidents often result in severe injuries. Insurance companies frequently try to blame riders, but Texas law protects motorcyclists who are 50% or less at fault.

Texas helmet law:

Required for all riders under 21
Riders 21+ may ride without a helmet if they’ve completed a safety course or have $10,000 in medical insurance

Why insurance companies target motorcyclists:

They often try to assign maximum fault to reduce their payment
Even small fault percentages can cost you thousands
10% fault on a $100,000 case = $10,000 less for you

Lupe’s advantage: He knows the comparative fault arguments insurance companies use because he made them for years. Now he defeats them.

Pedestrian Accidents: Protecting the Most Vulnerable

Pedestrians account for just 1% of crashes but 19% of all roadway deaths. In Bell County, we’ve seen tragic pedestrian accidents near schools, shopping centers, and military housing areas.

Critical legal point: Pedestrians always have the right-of-way at intersections, even at unmarked crosswalks. Many drivers don’t know this, but Texas law is clear.

Common injuries in pedestrian accidents:

Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Broken pelvis and legs
Internal organ damage
Fatalities

Rideshare Accidents: Navigating Complex Insurance Coverage

With the growth of Uber and Lyft in Bell County, rideshare accidents have become increasingly common. These cases involve complex insurance coverage that changes based on the driver’s status:

Phase	Driver Status	Coverage Available
0	App off, personal use	Personal insurance only ($30K/$60K/$25K minimum)
1	App on, waiting for ride	$50K/$100K/$25K contingent coverage
2	Ride accepted, en route to pickup	$1,000,000 commercial coverage
3	Passenger in vehicle	$1,000,000 commercial coverage

Who gets hurt in rideshare accidents:

21% riders
21% drivers
58% third parties (other drivers, pedestrians)

Our advantage: Lupe’s insurance defense background helps us navigate the complex coverage maze and identify all available insurance policies.

The 48-Hour Protocol: What to Do Immediately After an Accident

Every day you wait, evidence disappears. Here’s exactly what to do in the critical hours after an accident:

Hour 1-6: Immediate Crisis Response

✅ Safety first: If you can move safely, get to a secure location away from traffic
✅ Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance
✅ Medical attention: Get checked even if you feel fine – adrenaline masks injuries
✅ Document everything:

Take photos of all vehicle damage (every angle)
Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, traffic signals
Take photos of visible injuries
Screenshot any messages visible on your phone
✅ Exchange information:
Other driver’s name, phone, address
Insurance company and policy number
Driver’s license number
License plate number
Vehicle make, model, color
✅ Witnesses: Get names and phone numbers of any witnesses
✅ Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance before speaking to any insurance company

Hour 6-24: Evidence Preservation

✅ Digital preservation:

Preserve all texts, calls, photos, videos related to the accident
Do not delete anything from your phone
Screenshot everything relevant
Email copies to yourself for backup
✅ Physical evidence:
Secure damaged clothing, glasses, personal items
Keep receipts for any expenses (towing, rental car, medications)
Do not repair your vehicle yet – preserve the damage
✅ Medical records:
Request copies of all ER/hospital records
Keep all discharge paperwork
Follow up with your primary care physician within 24-48 hours
✅ Insurance communications:
Note any calls from insurance companies
Do not give recorded statements yet
Do not sign anything
Do not accept any settlement offers
Say: “I need to speak with my attorney first”
✅ Social media:
Make all profiles private immediately
Do not post about the accident
Do not post photos of injuries or activities
Tell friends/family not to tag you in posts

Hour 24-48: Strategic Decisions

✅ Legal consultation: Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
✅ Insurance response: If insurance contacts you, refer them to your attorney
✅ Settlement offers: Do not accept or sign anything without lawyer review
✅ Evidence backup: Upload all screenshots and photos to cloud storage

Week One Priorities

✅ Medical follow-up: Continue documenting all injuries
✅ Investigation begins: We obtain police reports, send preservation letters, secure surveillance footage
✅ Communication: We handle all insurance communication while you focus on recovery

Texas Motor Vehicle Law Framework

Statute of Limitations: The Absolute Deadline

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is absolute – miss it and your case is barred forever.

Exceptions:

Discovery rule: May extend deadline if injury wasn’t immediately discoverable
Defendant absence: Tolled if defendant leaves Texas
Mental incapacity: Tolled during incapacity

Comparative Negligence: The 51% Bar Rule

Texas uses modified comparative negligence:

If you’re 50% or less at fault: You can recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault)
If you’re 51% or more at fault: You recover nothing

Examples:

Your Fault %	Case Value	Your Recovery
0%	$100,000	$100,000
10%	$100,000	$90,000
25%	$250,000	$187,500
40%	$500,000	$300,000
50%	$500,000	$250,000
51%	$500,000	$0

Why this matters: Insurance companies always try to assign maximum fault to you. Even small percentages can cost you thousands.

Texas Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements

Texas requires minimum coverage of:

$30,000 bodily injury per person
$60,000 bodily injury per accident
$25,000 property damage

Uninsured motorist statistics:

15.4% of Texas drivers are uninsured
UM/UIM coverage is critical for protection

Proving Liability: Building Your Case

To win your case, we must prove four elements of negligence:

Duty of care: All drivers have a legal duty to operate vehicles safely
Breach of duty: The at-fault driver violated this duty (speeding, running red light, etc.)
Causation: The breach directly caused your injuries
Damages: You suffered actual harm (physical, financial, emotional)

Evidence We Collect to Prove Your Case

Physical evidence:

Vehicle damage photographs
Skid marks and road damage
Damaged personal property
Weather and road condition documentation

Documentary evidence:

Police accident report
911 call recordings
Traffic camera footage
Surveillance footage from nearby businesses
Medical records and bills
Employment records for lost wages
Cell phone records

Electronic evidence:

ELD data from commercial trucks
Vehicle black box/EDR data
GPS/telematics data
Dashcam footage
Social media monitoring (of the at-fault party)

Testimonial evidence:

Witness statements
Expert witness testimony
Medical expert opinions
Accident reconstruction analysis

Damages and Compensation: What You Can Recover

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas)

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages and earning capacity
Property damage
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 for gross negligence, fraud, or malice. Capped at the greater of:

$200,000, OR
2x economic damages + 1x non-economic damages (max $750,000 for non-economic portion)

Settlement Ranges by Injury Type

Soft tissue injuries (whiplash, sprains):

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

Broken bone (single, simple fracture):

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

Herniated disc (requiring surgery):

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

Traumatic brain injury (moderate to severe):

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

Attorney911 case result: Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at logging company.

Wrongful death (working age adult):

Funeral expenses: $10,000-$20,000
Medical expenses before death: $50,000-$500,000
Lost financial support: $1,000,000-$4,000,000
Loss of companionship: $500,000-$3,000,000
Mental anguish: $250,000-$1,500,000
Settlement range: $1,910,000-$9,520,000

Attorney911 case result: 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.

Insurance Company Tactics: What They Don’t Want You to Know

Insurance companies have one goal: pay you as little as possible. Here are the tactics they use and how we counter them:

Tactic #1: Quick Contact and Recorded Statement

What they do: Contact you within hours, often while you’re still in the hospital or on pain medication. They act friendly and helpful, saying things like:

“We just want to help you”
“We need your side of the story”
“This is routine”

What they’re really doing: Building their defense against you with leading questions designed to minimize your injuries and maximize your fault.

How we counter: We become your voice. All calls go through us. We prepare you properly if a statement is absolutely necessary.

Tactic #2: Quick Settlement Offer

What they do: Offer quick money ($2,000-$15,000) within days or weeks, creating artificial urgency:

“This offer expires in 48 hours”
“Take it or leave it”
“This is our final offer” (it’s not)

The trap: You don’t know the extent of your injuries yet. If you accept $3,500 today and later need $100,000 surgery, you’re out of luck.

How we counter: We never settle before you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). We know these offers are always lowball.

Tactic #3: “Independent” Medical Exam (IME)

What they call it: “Independent Medical Examination”

What it really is: An insurance-hired doctor who will minimize your injuries.

How they choose IME doctors: Based on who gives insurance-favorable reports, not who’s most qualified.

What happens at IME: A 10-15 minute exam where they look for any reason to say you’re not injured.

Common IME findings:

“Patient has pre-existing degenerative changes”
“Injuries consistent with minor trauma”
“Patient can return to full duty work”
“Treatment has been excessive”

How we counter:

We prepare you extensively before the exam
We send complete medical records to the IME doctor first
We challenge biased reports with our own medical experts
Lupe knows these specific doctors and their biases

Tactic #4: Delay and Financial Pressure

What they do: Drag out your case for months or years, hoping you’ll get desperate:

“Still investigating your claim”
“Waiting for medical records”
“Reviewing your file”
Ignore calls and emails

Why delay works: While they’re earning interest on your settlement money, you’re facing:

Mounting bills
Zero income
Creditors threatening
Financial desperation

How we counter:

We file lawsuits to force deadlines
We set depositions to make them produce witnesses
We prepare for trial to show we’re serious

Tactic #5: Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring

What they do:

Hire private investigators to video you
Monitor all your social media profiles
Use facial recognition to find tagged photos
Archive your entire social media history

Examples of out-of-context surveillance:

Example	What They Claim	Reality
Old gym photo	Presented as recent	Actually 3 years old
Restaurant check-in	“Partying and having fun”	Just having dinner
Friend’s comment	“Had fun yesterday!”	Client was resting at home
Walking dog	“Not disabled”	Doctor recommended short walks
Smiling in photo	“Not in pain”	Everyone smiles for photos

7 rules for clients:

Make all profiles private immediately
Don’t post about accident, injuries, or activities
Don’t check in anywhere
Tell friends/family not to tag you
Don’t accept friend requests from strangers
Best: Stay off social media entirely
Assume everything is being monitored

Tactic #6: Comparative Fault Arguments

What they do: Try to assign you maximum fault to reduce their payment:

“You were speeding” (without evidence)
“You weren’t paying attention”
“You could have avoided this”
“You contributed to this accident”

Why they do this: Even small fault percentages cost you thousands:

10% fault on $100,000 case = $10,000 less for you
25% fault on $250,000 case = $62,500 less for you
40% fault on $500,000 case = $200,000 less for you

How we counter:

Aggressive liability investigation
Accident reconstruction
Witness statements
Police report analysis
Lupe knows their arguments because he made them for years

Colossus: How Insurance Companies Really Value Your Claim

Lupe spent years working with Colossus, the software insurance companies use to calculate claim values. Here’s how it works and how we beat it:

Data entry: Adjuster inputs injury codes, treatment, costs, jurisdiction
Coding: Injuries coded using standardized medical terms
Calculation: Software applies algorithms to determine “value”
Range output: System provides recommended settlement range

How insurance manipulates Colossus:

Use low injury codes (“soft tissue strain” instead of “disc herniation”)
Flag excessive treatment to reduce value
Penalize conservative treatment (chiropractic valued less than MD)
Reduce value for pre-existing conditions
Apply jurisdiction factors (low-verdict counties get lower values)

Why Lupe’s experience matters:

Knows how to code injuries properly for maximum value
Knows which medical terms trigger higher valuations
Knows when Colossus output is artificially low
Knows how to present records to beat the algorithm

Medical Knowledge: Understanding Your Injuries

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Immediate symptoms:

Loss of consciousness
Confusion and disorientation
Vomiting and nausea
Seizures
Severe headache

Delayed symptoms (critical):

Worsening headaches
Repeated vomiting
Personality changes
Sleep disturbances
Sensitivity to light and noise

Severity classifications:

Classification	Characteristics
Mild TBI/Concussion	Brief LOC, GCS 13-15, may seem “fine” initially
Moderate TBI	LOC minutes to hours, GCS 9-12, lasting impairment
Severe TBI	Extended unconsciousness, GCS 3-8, permanent disability

Long-term complications:

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
Post-Concussive Syndrome (10-15% of patients)
Increased dementia risk (doubled for moderate TBI)
Personality and mood disorders
Seizure disorders

Spinal Cord Injury

Injury levels and impact:

C1-C4 (High Cervical): Quadriplegia, possible ventilator dependence
C5-C8 (Low Cervical): Quadriplegia with some arm/hand function
T1-T12 (Thoracic): Paraplegia, wheelchair dependent
L1-L5 (Lumbar): Varying degrees of leg weakness/paralysis

ASIA Impairment Scale:

Grade	Classification	Prognosis
A	Complete	No motor or sensory function below injury
B	Sensory Incomplete	Sensory but no motor function
C	Motor Incomplete	Motor function but most muscles <3/5 strength
D	Motor Incomplete	Motor function with most muscles ≥3/5 strength
E	Normal	Full motor and sensory function

Herniated Disc

Treatment timeline:

Acute phase (weeks 1-6): Severe pain, medications, rest
Conservative treatment (weeks 6-12): Physical therapy, chiropractic
Interventional (if conservative fails): Epidural steroid injections
Surgery (if injections fail): Microdiscectomy or fusion

Permanent restrictions impact:

Can’t return to physical labor jobs
Lost earning capacity claims
Ongoing pain management needs

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Bell County Case

1. Insurance Defense Insider Advantage

“Lupe Peña worked for a number of years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims.”

This means:

We know their tactics because Lupe used them
We anticipate their strategies before they deploy them
We know how they value claims internally
We know which IME doctors they favor
We know how to beat their algorithms
We speak their language

No other firm in Bell County has this advantage.

2. Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our results speak for themselves:

Multi-million dollar settlement for brain injury with vision loss
Car accident case with amputation settled in the millions
Trucking wrongful death cases with millions recovered
Maritime back injury with significant cash settlement

Client testimonial: “I was rear-ended and the team got right to work…I also got a very nice settlement.” – MONGO SLADE

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This matters because:

Complex cases often end up in federal court
FMCSA trucking regulations are federal
Diversity jurisdiction applies for out-of-state defendants
Federal court requires different skills than state court

BP explosion litigation: Our firm is one of the few firms in Texas to be involved in BP explosion litigation.

4. Personal Attention

What our clients say:

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

“I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.” – Ambur Hamilton

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer.” – Dame Haskett

5. Contingency Fee – No Risk to You

Free consultation
No upfront costs
No hourly billing
We advance all case costs
You pay nothing unless we recover for you

Frequently Asked Questions About Motor Vehicle Accidents in Bell County

Immediate After Accident

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Bell County?
If you’ve been in an accident in Bell County:

Call 911 and report the accident
Seek medical attention even if you feel fine (adrenaline masks injuries)
Document everything: photos of damage, injuries, scene
Exchange information with other driver
Get witness names and phone numbers
Do NOT give recorded statement to any insurance company
Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911

Should I call the police even for a minor accident?
Yes. Always call police. The police report is critical evidence. In Texas, you must report accidents with injuries, deaths, or property damage over $1,000.

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 Bell County, you can obtain the police report from the responding agency 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 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 settlement before knowing full extent of 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: 1-888-ATTY-911

How much time do I have to file (statute of limitations)?
In Texas: 2 years from 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.

Bell County-Specific Resources

Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers

Scott & White Medical Center – Temple (Level II Trauma Center)
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Round Rock (Level III Trauma Center)
Seton Medical Center Harker Heights
Metroplex Hospital (Killeen)

Local Courts

Bell County Justice of the Peace Courts (for minor claims)
Bell County District Courts (for serious injury cases)
U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas (Waco Division)

Dangerous Intersections in Bell County

I-35 and Loop 363 (Temple)
Central Avenue and Adams Avenue (Killeen)
Clear Creek Road and Stan Schlueter Loop (Killeen)
Business 190 and FM 439 (Belton)

Major Employers in Bell County

Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood)
Baylor Scott & White Health
Temple Independent School District
Central Texas College
Seton Medical Center

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Bell County, don’t face this alone. Evidence disappears daily, and insurance companies are already building their case against you.

Call our legal emergency line now:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

Free consultation – no obligation
We don’t get paid unless we win your case
Hablamos Español – Lupe Peña and our team are ready to help Spanish-speaking clients

Principal Office:
The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Attorney911
Serving Bell County and all of Texas

Don’t wait – every day counts when it comes to preserving evidence and protecting your rights. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for your free consultation.