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Collingsworth County Car & Truck Accident Lawyers | 18-Wheelers, Commercial Trucks, Rideshare Crashes | Former Insurance Defense — We Know Their Playbook | $2.5M Recoveries | Attorney911 — The Firm Insurers Fear | US-83, US-287, All County Roads | Se Habla Español | Call 1-888-ATTY-911

Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Wellington, Collingsworth County, Texas

If You’ve Been Injured in a Car Accident in Wellington, We’re Here to Help

Every 57 seconds, another motor vehicle crash occurs on Texas roads. In Wellington and across Collingsworth County, these accidents disrupt lives in an instant—leaving victims with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about what comes next. At Attorney911, we understand the fear and confusion you’re experiencing. With over 25 years of experience fighting for accident victims across Texas, our team is ready to stand by your side and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Wellington sits along Highway 83, a vital route connecting communities across the Texas Panhandle. While this highway serves as an important economic lifeline, it also presents serious risks. The mix of local traffic, agricultural vehicles, and through-traffic creates dangerous conditions, especially during harvest seasons when farm equipment shares the road with passenger vehicles. Whether you were injured in a collision on Highway 83, on Main Street in Wellington, or anywhere else in Collingsworth County, our team knows how to build a strong case for your recovery.

Why Wellington Accident Victims Choose Attorney911

When you’re hurt in a car accident, you need more than just a lawyer—you need an advocate who understands both the legal system and the insurance industry’s tactics. Our firm offers Wellington residents:

  • Insider Knowledge of Insurance Tactics: Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for insurance defense firms. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate claims and try to minimize payouts. Now, he uses that knowledge to fight for victims like you.

  • Proven Results: We’ve recovered millions for accident victims across Texas, including multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries. Our track record shows we don’t back down from tough cases.

  • Personal Attention: Unlike large firms where you’re just a case number, at Attorney911, you’ll work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña. As client Chad Harris shared, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”

  • Local Understanding: We know Collingsworth County courts, judges, and the unique challenges Wellington residents face after an accident.

  • No Fee Unless We Win: You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid when we recover compensation for you.

Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Wellington

Car Accidents

With 251,977 people injured in Texas motor vehicle crashes in 2024 alone, car accidents remain the most common type of collision. In Wellington and rural Collingsworth County, these accidents often occur due to:

  • Distracted driving (texting, phone use)
  • Speeding on rural roads
  • Failure to yield at intersections
  • Impaired driving (alcohol or drugs)
  • Poor road conditions (especially during winter)
  • Vehicle malfunctions

Common injuries in car accidents include:

  • Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
  • Herniated discs
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Internal organ damage

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 Chavodrian Miles shared: “Leonor got me into the doctor the same day…it only took 6 months amazing.” Another client, MONGO SLADE, said: “I was rear-ended and the team got right to work…I also got a very nice settlement.”

Trucking and Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Collingsworth County’s economy relies on agriculture and transportation, which means large trucks are a common sight on local roads. These massive vehicles—weighing up to 80,000 pounds—can cause catastrophic damage in a collision. In 2024, Texas saw 39,393 commercial motor vehicle crashes, resulting in 608 fatalities and 1,601 serious injuries.

Trucking accidents in Wellington often involve:

  • Semi-trucks hauling agricultural products
  • Delivery vehicles (Amazon, UPS, FedEx)
  • Tanker trucks transporting fuel or chemicals
  • Farm equipment sharing the road

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations govern truck drivers and companies, including:

  • Hours of Service (HOS) rules limiting driving time
  • Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) tracking driver hours
  • Drug and alcohol testing requirements
  • Vehicle maintenance standards

When these regulations are violated, the results can be devastating. Multiple parties may be liable in a trucking accident, including the driver, trucking company, cargo loader, and vehicle manufacturer. This means more insurance coverage is typically available to compensate victims.

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.

Ralph Manginello’s admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, allows us to handle complex trucking cases that may end up in federal court. Our involvement in BP explosion litigation demonstrates our ability to take on billion-dollar corporations and win.

Drunk Driving Accidents

With 1,053 alcohol-impaired driving deaths in Texas in 2024 (25.37% of all traffic fatalities), drunk driving remains a serious problem. In rural areas like Collingsworth County, impaired drivers may travel long distances on dark, unfamiliar roads, increasing the risk of deadly crashes.

Texas has strong laws to hold drunk drivers accountable:

  • Criminal penalties for DWI (including jail time)
  • Civil liability for injuries caused
  • Dram Shop liability (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02) allowing lawsuits against bars or restaurants that over-serve patrons

Signs that a bar or restaurant may be liable under dram shop laws include:

  • Serving a patron who was obviously intoxicated
  • Over-service that was the proximate cause of the accident
  • Slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, unsteady gait, or aggressive behavior in the patron

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. We’ve successfully handled DWI defense cases, including:

  • A case where improper maintenance of breathalyzer machines led to dismissal
  • A case where missing EMS notes and lack of testing resulted in dismissal
  • A case where video evidence showed the client was not drunk

These experiences make us particularly effective in drunk driving accident cases.

Motorcycle Accidents

Texas saw 585 motorcyclist fatalities in 2024, with 37% of those killed not wearing helmets. While Wellington’s rural roads may seem ideal for motorcycle riding, they also present unique dangers:

  • Poor road surfaces and debris
  • Limited visibility at night
  • Drivers not expecting to see motorcycles
  • High speeds on open roads

Texas helmet law requires riders under 21 to wear helmets. Riders 21 and older may ride without helmets if they’ve completed a safety course or have $10,000 in medical insurance.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents in Collingsworth County include:

  • Drivers failing to yield right of way
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Left-turn accidents
  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding

Insurance companies often try to blame motorcyclists for accidents. Texas’ 51% comparative fault rule means you can’t recover anything if you’re found 51% or more at fault. Lupe Peña’s experience making these arguments for insurance companies now helps us defeat them.

Pedestrian Accidents

With 6,095 pedestrian crashes in Texas in 2024 resulting in 768 deaths, pedestrians are among our most vulnerable road users. In Wellington, pedestrians may be at risk when:

  • Walking along Highway 83
  • Crossing streets in town
  • Walking to or from school or work
  • Walking in parking lots

Texas law gives pedestrians the right-of-way at all intersections, even unmarked ones. This means drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing the street between two intersections, not just at crosswalks.

Common pedestrian injuries include:

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

Other Common Accident Types in Collingsworth County

Hit and Run Accidents: Every 43 seconds, someone in the U.S. is involved in a hit-and-run accident. In Texas, hit and run is a serious crime with penalties ranging from a Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months in jail) to a 2nd degree felony (2-20 years in prison) for fatal accidents. Your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can compensate you when the at-fault driver flees.

Weather-Related Accidents: Collingsworth County’s location in the Texas Panhandle means residents face unique weather challenges, including:

  • Ice and snow in winter
  • High winds year-round
  • Dust storms reducing visibility
  • Sudden thunderstorms

Texas drivers often aren’t prepared for these conditions, leading to weather-related crashes.

Construction Zone Accidents: Nearly 28,000 crashes occurred in Texas work zones in 2024, resulting in 215 deaths—a 12% increase over the previous year. These accidents often involve:

  • Speeding through construction zones
  • Failure to merge properly
  • Distracted driving
  • Improper signage

Wrongful Death: When an accident results in a fatality, surviving family members may pursue both a wrongful death claim and a survival action. Wrongful death claims compensate the family for their loss, while survival actions recover damages the deceased would have been entitled to.

What to Do After an Accident in Wellington

The 48-Hour Protocol: Protecting Your Case

Evidence disappears quickly after an accident. Here’s what to do in the critical first 48 hours:

Hour 1-6 (Immediate Crisis):

  • Call 911 and report the accident
  • Seek medical attention even if you feel fine (adrenaline masks injuries)
  • Document everything with photos: vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, traffic signals
  • Exchange information with the other driver: name, phone, address, insurance, driver’s license, license plate
  • Get names and phone numbers of witnesses
  • Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company
  • Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911

Hour 6-24 (Evidence Preservation):

  • Preserve all digital evidence: texts, calls, photos, videos
  • Don’t delete anything from your phone
  • Secure damaged clothing, glasses, or personal items
  • Keep receipts for any accident-related expenses
  • Don’t repair your vehicle yet (preserve the damage)
  • Request copies of all medical records
  • Note any calls from insurance companies, but don’t give statements
  • Make all social media profiles private immediately

Hour 24-48 (Strategic Decisions):

  • Consult with an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney
  • If insurance contacts you, refer them to your attorney
  • Don’t accept or sign anything without lawyer review
  • Backup all evidence to cloud storage
  • Create a written timeline of events while your memory is fresh

Evidence Deterioration Timeline

Timeframe What Disappears Why It Matters
1-7 days Witness memories peak, then fade Details become uncertain or forgotten
7-30 days Surveillance footage deleted Gas stations: 7-14 days, retail stores: 30 days
30-180 days Trucking ELD data overwritten Electronic logging device data can be lost
1-2 years Witnesses become unreachable Move, change jobs, memory degrades
2 years Statute of limitations deadline Case barred forever if not filed

“Every day you wait, evidence disappears. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is typically deleted within 7-30 days. We immediately send preservation letters to secure this critical evidence.” – Lupe Peña

Texas Motor Vehicle Law: What Wellington Residents Need to Know

Statute of Limitations

Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003 gives you 2 years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the 2-year clock starts from the date of death. Missing this deadline means your case is barred forever—you cannot recover any compensation.

Exceptions to the 2-year rule are rare and include:

  • Discovery rule (if injury wasn’t immediately discoverable)
  • Defendant’s absence from Texas
  • Mental incapacity

Comparative Negligence: The 51% Bar Rule

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. This means:

  • 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

Insurance companies always try to assign maximum fault to you to reduce their payout. Even small percentages of fault can cost you thousands:

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

Lupe Peña’s experience making these arguments for insurance companies now helps us counter them effectively.

Texas Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements

Texas requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage:

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

However, 15.4% of Texas drivers are uninsured. Your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can protect you in these situations.

Dram Shop Liability

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02 allows lawsuits against bars, restaurants, or liquor stores that serve alcohol to obviously intoxicated persons who then cause accidents. Signs of obvious intoxication include:

  • Slurred speech
  • Bloodshot or glassy eyes
  • Unsteady gait or stumbling
  • Impaired coordination
  • Aggressive or erratic behavior

How Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Your Claim

Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible. Here are the tactics they use—and how Attorney911 counters them:

Tactic #1: The Quick Cash Trap

What They Do: Within days of your accident, the insurance company offers you a quick settlement—typically $2,000-$5,000. They create artificial urgency, saying the offer expires in 48 hours.

The Trap: You don’t know the full extent of your injuries yet. If you accept $5,000 today and later need $100,000 surgery, you’re on your own.

How We Counter: We never settle before you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)—the point where you’ve recovered as much as medically possible. Lupe Peña knows these offers are always lowball because he calculated them for insurance companies.

Tactic #2: The Recorded Statement Trap

What They Do: The insurance adjuster calls and says, “We just need your side of the story to process your claim.” They record your statement and use it against you.

The Trap: They ask leading questions designed to get you to minimize your injuries or admit fault:

  • “You’re feeling better now, right?”
  • “It wasn’t that bad of an impact, was it?”
  • “You were able to walk away from the scene?”

How We Counter: We handle all communication with insurance companies. You don’t give statements without us. Lupe knows these questions because he used to ask them.

Tactic #3: The IME Scheme

What They Do: The insurance company schedules you for an “Independent Medical Examination” (IME) with a doctor they choose.

The Reality: These doctors are hired to minimize your injuries. They:

  • Spend only 10-15 minutes with you
  • Rarely review your complete medical records
  • Look for any reason to say you’re not injured
  • Often claim injuries are “pre-existing”

How We Counter: Lupe knows which IME doctors insurance companies favor—because he hired them. We prepare you extensively for these exams and challenge biased reports with our own medical experts.

“I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as 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.” – Lupe Peña

Tactic #4: Surveillance

What They Do: Insurance companies hire private investigators to follow you and video your daily activities.

What They Look For:

  • You bending over to pick something up
  • You carrying groceries
  • You walking your dog
  • You smiling in a family photo

How They Use It: They take one frame out of context to claim you’re not really injured.

How We Counter: We advise all clients to:

  • Make all social media profiles private immediately
  • Don’t post about your accident or injuries
  • Tell friends and family not to tag you in posts
  • Assume everything is being monitored

Tactic #5: Delay and Financial Pressure

What They Do: Insurance companies drag out your case, hoping you’ll get desperate and accept a low offer.

Why It Works:

  • They have unlimited time and resources
  • You have mounting bills and no income
  • Financial desperation makes you vulnerable

How We Counter: We file lawsuits to force deadlines. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which gives us leverage in negotiations.

Tactic #6: Comparative Fault Arguments

What They Do: Insurance companies try to blame you for the accident to reduce their payout.

Common Arguments:

  • “You were speeding” (without evidence)
  • “You weren’t paying attention”
  • “You could have avoided this”
  • “You were distracted”

How We Counter: We conduct thorough investigations to prove the other driver’s fault. Lupe knows these arguments because he made them for years—now he defeats them.

Types of Compensation Available

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas)

Damage Type What It Covers
Medical Expenses (Past) ER visits, hospital stays, surgery, doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, medical equipment
Medical Expenses (Future) Ongoing treatment, future surgeries, lifetime medications, long-term care
Lost Wages (Past) Income lost from date of accident to present
Lost Earning Capacity (Future) Reduced ability to earn income in the future
Property Damage Vehicle repair or replacement, personal property damage
Out-of-Pocket Expenses Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, household help

Non-Economic Damages (No Cap Except Medical Malpractice)

Damage Type What It Covers
Pain and Suffering Physical pain from injuries, both past and future
Mental Anguish Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, fear, PTSD
Physical Impairment Loss of physical function, disability, limitations
Disfigurement Scarring, permanent visible injuries affecting appearance
Loss of Consortium Impact on marriage/family relationships, loss of companionship
Loss of Enjoyment of Life Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed

Punitive Damages (Capped)

Available in cases of gross negligence, fraud, or malice. Common in drunk driving cases. Capped at the greater of:

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

How Attorney911 Maximizes Your Recovery

1. Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge

Lupe Peña worked for years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims. He knows:

  • How they calculate settlement offers
  • Which medical codes trigger higher valuations
  • How to present your case to beat their algorithms
  • When their offers are artificially low

This insider knowledge is our most powerful advantage.

2. Aggressive Case Preparation

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This means:

  • Thorough investigation
  • Expert witness testimony
  • Accident reconstruction
  • Medical expert opinions

Insurance companies know we’re not bluffing, which gives us leverage in negotiations.

3. Federal Court Experience

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

  • Complex trucking cases involving FMCSA regulations
  • Cases against out-of-state defendants
  • High-value catastrophic injury cases

Our involvement in BP explosion litigation demonstrates our ability to handle complex cases against billion-dollar corporations.

4. Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our track record speaks for itself:

  • Multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss
  • Millions recovered in trucking wrongful death cases
  • Significant settlement for a maritime client with a back injury
  • Millions for a car accident client whose leg injury led to amputation

5. Personal Attention

At Attorney911, you’re not just a case number. You’ll work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña. As client Dame Haskett said: “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer…Ralph reached out personally.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Wellington Car Accidents

Immediate After Accident

1. What should I do immediately after a car accident in Wellington?

If you’ve been in an accident in Wellington or anywhere in Collingsworth County:

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

2. Should I call the police even for a minor accident?

Yes. Always call police. In Texas, you must report accidents with injuries, deaths, or property damage over $1,000.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. How do I obtain a copy of the accident report?

In Wellington, you can obtain the police report from the Wellington Police Department or through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS).

Dealing with Insurance

7. 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.

8. What if the other driver’s insurance contacts me?

Say: “I need to speak with my attorney first.” Give only basic information (name, date of accident). Do NOT give a recorded statement or discuss injuries or fault.

9. 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.

10. Should I accept a quick settlement offer?

NEVER accept a settlement before knowing the full extent of your injuries. Once you sign a release, you cannot get more money even if you need surgery later.

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. How much time do I have to file (statute of limitations)?

In Texas: 2 years from the date of accident for personal injury, 2 years from date of death for wrongful death. Miss it = case barred forever.

16. 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

17. 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.

18. 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

19. 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.

20. What is the legal process step-by-step?

  1. Investigation and evidence gathering
  2. Medical treatment to MMI
  3. Demand letter to insurance
  4. Negotiation
  5. Lawsuit if necessary
  6. Discovery
  7. Mediation
  8. Trial if needed

Watch our video: “What Is the Process for a Personal Injury Claim?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwzYymneDVs

Compensation

21. 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).

22. 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

23. 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).

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. 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

27. 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

28. 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.

29. 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.”

30. 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.”

31. 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

32. What common mistakes can hurt my case?

  • Giving a recorded statement without an attorney
  • Accepting a 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

33. Should I post about my accident on social media?

NO. Make all profiles private. Don’t post about the accident, injuries, or activities. Insurance monitors everything.

34. 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.

35. What if I didn’t see a doctor right away?

See one NOW. Explain you didn’t realize the severity of your injuries. Delayed symptoms are common. We can still help.

Additional Questions

36. What if I have a pre-existing condition?

You can still recover. If the accident AGGRAVATED your pre-existing condition, you’re entitled to compensation for the aggravation. The “eggshell plaintiff” rule means the defendant takes you as they find you.

37. Can I switch attorneys if I’m unhappy with my current lawyer?

YES. You can fire your attorney at any time. If your attorney isn’t communicating, isn’t fighting for you, or is pushing you to settle cheap, you have the right to switch. Attorney911 has taken over many cases from other attorneys.

38. What if the insurance company is my own insurance (UM/UIM claim)?

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist claims are against YOUR insurance when the other driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance. Your insurance company will fight your claim just like the other driver’s insurance would. You need attorney representation.

39. How do you calculate pain and suffering?

Most commonly using the multiplier method: Medical expenses × multiplier (1.5 to 5) = pain & suffering. The multiplier depends on injury severity, permanency, impact on life, and clear liability.

40. What if I was hit by a government vehicle (city bus, police car, etc.)?

Government claims have special rules. You must file notice within 6 months (much shorter than the 2-year statute of limitations). Sovereign immunity protects government entities, and damage caps may apply. These cases are complex—you need an experienced attorney.

41. What if the other driver fled the scene (hit and run)?

File a police report immediately (hit and run is a criminal offense). Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage applies. Surveillance footage is CRITICAL—most is deleted within 7-30 days. We send preservation letters immediately to businesses near the scene.

42. What if I’m an undocumented immigrant—can I still file a claim?

YES. Immigration status does NOT affect your right to compensation for injuries. You’re entitled to full recovery regardless of immigration status. Your case is confidential. We’ve successfully represented clients of all immigration statuses.

43. What if the accident happened in a parking lot?

Parking lot accidents are fully compensable. Insurance companies often try to argue that parking lot accidents are always 50/50 fault, but this is not true. We prove fault through surveillance video, witness statements, damage analysis, and traffic patterns.

44. What if I was a passenger in the at-fault vehicle?

You can sue the driver even if you were riding with them (friend, family member, Uber driver). You’re an innocent victim. The driver’s insurance covers passengers. No comparative fault issues apply to you.

45. What if the other driver died in the accident?

You can still pursue a claim against the deceased driver’s estate and insurance. The death doesn’t eliminate liability. The insurance policy still applies, and the estate may have assets.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Wellington Car Accident 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 insider knowledge is Attorney911’s most powerful advantage. Lupe knows:

  • How insurance companies calculate settlement offers
  • Which medical codes trigger higher valuations
  • How to present your case to beat their algorithms
  • When their offers are artificially low
  • Which IME doctors they favor (he hired them)
  • How they deploy delay tactics (he used them)

2. Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our track record speaks for itself:

  • Multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss
  • Millions recovered in trucking wrongful death cases
  • Significant settlement for a maritime client with a back injury
  • Millions for a car accident client whose leg injury led to amputation

As client Glenda Walker said: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

3. Federal Court Experience

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

  • Complex trucking cases involving FMCSA regulations
  • Cases against out-of-state defendants
  • High-value catastrophic injury cases

Our involvement in BP explosion litigation demonstrates our ability to handle complex cases against billion-dollar corporations.

4. Personal Attention

Unlike large firms where you’re just a case number, at Attorney911, you’ll work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña. As client Chad Harris shared: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”

5. Contingency Fee – No Risk to You

“We don’t get paid unless we win your case.”

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

6. Local Understanding

We know Collingsworth County courts, judges, and the unique challenges Wellington residents face after an accident. Whether your accident occurred on Highway 83, in downtown Wellington, or anywhere else in the county, we understand the local factors that may affect your case.

7. Spanish Language Services

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our staff includes bilingual team members like Zulema. As client Celia Dominguez said: “Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.”

8. Proven Track Record

With over 251 five-star Google reviews, our clients consistently praise our communication, results, and personal attention. Here’s what some of them have said:

“When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me…She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.” – Stephanie Hernandez

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

“They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze.” – Glenda Walker

“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.” – Kiwi Potato

Wellington-Specific Considerations

Wellington, the county seat of Collingsworth County, is a tight-knit community where residents know and trust each other. This can be an advantage after an accident, as witnesses may be more willing to come forward and share what they saw. However, it also means that accidents can have a ripple effect through the community, affecting not just the victim but their friends, family, and neighbors.

The local economy in Wellington and Collingsworth County is primarily agricultural, with farming and ranching playing significant roles. This means:

  • Many residents work in physically demanding jobs that may be affected by injuries
  • Agricultural vehicles and equipment share the roads with passenger cars
  • Seasonal work patterns may affect income and lost wage claims

Common accident locations in Wellington include:

  • Highway 83 through town
  • The intersection of Highway 83 and Main Street
  • Local roads leading to farms and ranches
  • Parking lots around local businesses

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Wellington, you may receive medical treatment at:

  • Collingsworth General Hospital in Wellington
  • Nearby hospitals in Childress or Amarillo for more serious injuries

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Wellington or anywhere in Collingsworth County, don’t wait. Evidence disappears daily, and the insurance company is already building their case against you.

Call Attorney911 now for a free, no-obligation consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you understand your rights. Remember, we don’t get paid unless we win your case—so there’s no risk to you.

“Every day you wait, evidence disappears. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is typically deleted within 7-30 days. We immediately send preservation letters to secure this critical evidence.” – Lupe Peña

Don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you. Call Attorney911 today and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.