Motor Vehicle Accidents in Friendswood: Legal Emergency Lawyers™ Fight for You
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Friendswood, Texas, you’re not alone. With over 251,977 people injured in Texas motor vehicle crashes last year and one accident occurring every 57 seconds, the roads in our community are more dangerous than ever. At Attorney911, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a serious accident can take. That’s why our Friendswood car accident lawyers are here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Led by Ralph Manginello, who brings over 25 years of experience to every case, our firm has recovered millions for accident victims across Texas. We know the local courts, the insurance adjusters, and the unique challenges Friendswood residents face after a crash. Whether you were injured on FM 528, I-45, or one of our busy suburban roads, we have the expertise to handle your case.
The Reality of Car Accidents in Friendswood
Friendswood sits at the crossroads of major transportation routes, with I-45 running through our community and FM 528 connecting us to the Houston metro area. This means heavy traffic from commuters, truckers, and local drivers. Unfortunately, this also means more accidents.
In 2024 alone:
- Texas saw 1 crash every 57 seconds
- 1 person was injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds
- 4,150 people lost their lives on Texas roads
These aren’t just numbers—they represent real people whose lives were changed in an instant. If you’re one of them, you need a Friendswood car accident attorney who understands both the legal system and the local landscape.
Why You Need a Friendswood Car Accident Lawyer Immediately
After an accident, insurance companies move quickly to protect their interests—not yours. Within hours, you may receive calls from adjusters offering quick settlements or asking for recorded statements. They’ll seem friendly, but their goal is to minimize your claim.
At Attorney911, we know their tactics because our attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for insurance companies. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for victims like you. We’ll handle all communication with insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery.
Common Injuries in Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-threatening:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: Often dismissed by insurance companies, these can cause chronic pain
- Herniated discs: May require surgery and long-term treatment
- Broken bones: Common in high-impact collisions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Can have lifelong consequences
- Spinal cord injuries: May result in partial or complete paralysis
- Internal injuries: Often not immediately apparent
- Psychological trauma: PTSD, anxiety, and depression are common after serious accidents
One of our clients suffered a leg injury in a car accident that led to staff infections and eventually required partial amputation. This case settled in the millions—proof that we don’t settle for less than you deserve.
The Insurance Company Playbook (And How We Beat It)
Insurance companies have a playbook they use to minimize payouts. Here’s what they’ll do to your claim—and how we counter it:
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Quick Contact & Recorded Statements
- They’ll call within 24-48 hours, often while you’re still in the hospital
- Their goal: Get you to say something that hurts your case
- Our counter: We handle all communication with insurance companies
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Lowball Settlement Offers
- They’ll offer a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries
- These offers are always far below what your case is worth
- Our counter: We never settle until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement
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Independent Medical Exams (IMEs)
- They’ll send you to a doctor they’ve hired to minimize your injuries
- These exams are often cursory and biased
- Our counter: Lupe knows these doctors and their tactics from his time in insurance defense
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Delay Tactics
- They’ll drag out your case, hoping you’ll get desperate and accept less
- Our counter: We file lawsuits to force deadlines and show we’re serious
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Surveillance
- They’ll hire investigators to follow you and video your activities
- Our counter: We educate clients on what to avoid and how to protect their privacy
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Comparative Fault Arguments
- They’ll try to blame you for the accident to reduce their payout
- Our counter: Lupe knows their arguments because he used to make them
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Friendswood Car Accident Case
When you’re injured, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a legal team that fights for you. Here’s what sets Attorney911 apart:
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Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge
Lupe Peña worked for years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how insurance companies value claims. Now, he uses that knowledge to fight for victims like you. As he says, “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’re not documenting your life—they’re building ammunition against you.” -
Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve recovered millions for our clients, including:- A multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss
- A case where our client’s leg injury led to partial amputation that settled in the millions
- Millions recovered in trucking-related wrongful death cases
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Federal Court Experience
Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This means we can handle complex cases that other firms can’t. -
Personal Attention
At Attorney911, you’re not just another case. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.” -
No Fee Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. Free consultation. No upfront costs.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Friendswood
If you’ve been in an accident, follow these steps:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek medical attention even if you feel fine (adrenaline can mask injuries)
- Document everything—take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries
- Exchange information with the other driver
- Get witness contact information
- Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company
- Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance
Every day you wait, evidence disappears. Surveillance footage is typically deleted within 7-30 days. We immediately send preservation letters to secure this critical evidence.
Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents We Handle in Friendswood
Our Friendswood car accident lawyers handle all types of motor vehicle accidents, including:
Car Accidents
With Friendswood’s proximity to Houston and major highways like I-45 and FM 528, car accidents are all too common. We handle rear-end collisions, T-bone accidents, head-on crashes, and more.
18-Wheeler and Trucking Accidents
Texas sees more fatal truck crashes than any other state. With I-45 running through our area, Friendswood residents are at risk. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of commercial trucks.
We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims. Our firm is one of the few in Texas to be involved in BP explosion litigation, showing our capability to take on large corporations.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Texas had 1,053 alcohol-impaired driving deaths last year—25.37% of all traffic fatalities. If you were hit by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to punitive damages in addition to compensation for your injuries.
We also handle dram shop cases against bars and restaurants that over-serve patrons. Lupe’s experience in insurance defense gives us an edge in these complex cases.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are at high risk on Friendswood roads. Texas saw 585 motorcyclist fatalities last year, with 37% not wearing helmets. Insurance companies often try to blame riders—we know how to counter these arguments.
Pedestrian Accidents
Friendswood’s busy streets can be dangerous for pedestrians. Texas had 768 pedestrian fatalities last year, with pedestrians making up 19% of all roadway deaths despite being just 1% of crashes.
Remember: Pedestrians always have the right-of-way at intersections, even at unmarked crosswalks.
Rideshare Accidents (Uber/Lyft)
Rideshare accidents involve complex insurance issues. The coverage available depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash:
- App off: Personal insurance only ($30K/$60K/$25K minimum in Texas)
- App on, waiting for ride: $50K/$100K/$25K contingent coverage
- Ride accepted: $1,000,000 commercial coverage
- Passenger in car: $1,000,000 commercial coverage
Lupe’s insurance defense background helps us navigate these complex coverage issues.
Hit and Run Accidents
Every 43 seconds, someone in the U.S. is involved in a hit-and-run accident. If the at-fault driver fled the scene, your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may compensate you.
We send preservation letters to nearby businesses to secure surveillance footage before it’s deleted—typically within 7-30 days.
Tesla and Autonomous Vehicle Accidents
As Tesla vehicles become more common in Friendswood, we’re seeing more accidents involving Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems. These cases involve complex product liability issues.
We stay up-to-date on the latest developments in autonomous vehicle technology and liability.
Delivery Vehicle Accidents (Amazon, FedEx, UPS)
With the rise of online shopping, delivery vehicle accidents are increasing. Amazon DSP (Delivery Service Partner) drivers are involved in a disproportionate number of crashes.
We’ve handled cases against major delivery companies and know how to navigate their complex liability structures.
Work Zone Accidents
Nearly 28,000 crashes occurred in Texas work zones last year, resulting in 215 deaths—a 12% increase from the previous year. These accidents are particularly common on I-45 and other major Friendswood roads.
Wrongful Death
If you’ve lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim. We’ve helped numerous families recover millions in these tragic cases.
Understanding Texas Car Accident Laws
Texas has specific laws that affect your car accident claim:
- Statute of Limitations: You have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Miss this deadline, and your case is barred forever.
- Comparative Negligence: Texas uses a 51% bar rule. 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.
- Minimum Insurance Coverage: Texas requires drivers to carry at least $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Dram Shop Liability: Bars and restaurants can be held liable if they serve alcohol to obviously intoxicated patrons who then cause accidents.
Damages You Can Recover After a Car Accident
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Physical impairment
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
In cases of gross negligence (like drunk driving), you may also be entitled to punitive damages.
How Much Is Your Car Accident Case Worth?
The value of your case depends on several factors:
- Severity of your injuries
- Cost of medical treatment
- Impact on your ability to work
- Whether you’ll need future medical care
- Pain and suffering
- Clear liability (who was at fault)
- Available insurance coverage
While every case is unique, here are some general settlement ranges:
- Soft tissue injuries: $15,000-$60,000
- Broken bones (simple fracture): $35,000-$95,000
- Broken bones requiring surgery: $132,000-$328,000
- Herniated disc (conservative treatment): $70,000-$171,000
- Herniated disc (surgery required): $346,000-$1,205,000
- Traumatic brain injury: $1,500,000-$10,000,000+
- Spinal cord injury/paralysis: $4,770,000-$25,880,000+
- Amputation: $1,945,000-$8,630,000
- Wrongful death: $1,910,000-$9,520,000
Insurance companies use software called Colossus to calculate settlement offers. Lupe knows how this software works from his time in insurance defense—he knows how to present your case to maximize its value.
Why Friendswood Residents Choose Attorney911
When you’re injured in a car accident, you need a law firm that combines local knowledge with statewide expertise. Here’s what our Friendswood clients say about us:
“Leonor got me into the doctor the same day…it only took 6 months amazing.” – Chavodrian Miles
“I was rear-ended and the team got right to work…I also got a very nice settlement.” – MONGO SLADE
“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.” – Chad Harris
“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
“Ralph Manginello is indeed the best attorney I ever had..He cares greatly about his results.” – AMAZIAH A.T
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Friendswood
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Friendswood?
Call 911, seek medical attention, document everything, exchange information with the other driver, and call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Should I call the police even for a minor accident?
Yes. Always call police. The police report is critical evidence.
Should I seek medical attention if I don’t feel hurt?
Absolutely. Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms immediately.
What information should I collect at the scene?
Get the other driver’s name, phone, address, driver’s license number, insurance information, and vehicle details. Take photos of the scene and get witness contact information.
Should I talk to the other driver or admit fault?
Exchange information only. Don’t discuss fault or apologize.
How do I obtain a copy of the accident report?
You can obtain it from the responding agency or through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS).
Should I give a recorded statement to insurance?
No. Not without an attorney. We can advise you on what to say.
What if the other driver’s insurance contacts me?
Say, “I need to speak with my attorney first.” Give only basic information.
Do I have to accept the insurance company’s estimate?
No. Their estimate is just an offer—usually far below actual value.
Should I accept a quick settlement offer?
Never accept a settlement before knowing the full extent of your injuries.
What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?
Your own UM/UIM coverage can compensate you. We can help navigate this complex process.
Why does insurance want me to sign a medical authorization?
They want unlimited access to your medical history to find pre-existing conditions to use against you. Never sign without attorney review.
Do I have a personal injury case?
You may have a case if someone else was at fault, you suffered injuries, and there’s insurance to recover from.
When should I hire a car accident lawyer?
Immediately. Evidence disappears daily. Insurance companies start building their defense against you from day one.
How much time do I have to file (statute of limitations)?
In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident for personal injury claims.
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 damages (reduced by your fault percentage). If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle before trial. But we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial—that’s what gives us leverage.
How long will my case take to settle?
It depends on the severity of your injuries. We don’t settle until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement.
What if I was partially at fault?
You can still recover if you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
What types of damages can I recover?
Medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, and more.
Can I get compensation for pain and suffering?
Yes. Pain and suffering is a significant component of personal injury cases in Texas.
What if I have a pre-existing condition?
You can still recover if the accident aggravated your pre-existing condition.
Will I have to pay taxes on my settlement?
Generally, compensation for physical injuries is not taxable. Punitive damages are taxable.
How is the value of my claim determined?
Based on medical bills, future treatment costs, lost income, permanent impairment, and other factors.
How much do car accident lawyers cost?
We work on contingency: 33.33% before trial, 40% if trial. You pay nothing upfront.
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.
How often will I get updates?
We provide 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.
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.”
What common mistakes can hurt my case?
Giving recorded statements without an attorney, accepting quick settlements, delaying medical treatment, posting on social media, and signing releases or authorizations.
Should I post about my accident on social media?
No. Make all profiles private and don’t post about the accident, injuries, or activities.
Why shouldn’t I sign anything without a lawyer?
Releases are permanent. Medical authorizations give unlimited access. Settlement offers are binding.
What if I didn’t see a doctor right away?
See one now. Explain the delay. We can still help.
What if I have a pre-existing condition?
You can still recover if the accident aggravated your condition.
Can I switch attorneys if I’m unhappy with my current lawyer?
Yes. We’ve taken over many cases from other attorneys.
What if the insurance company is my own insurance (UM/UIM claim)?
Your insurance will fight your claim just like the other driver’s insurance. You need attorney representation.
How do you calculate pain and suffering?
Most commonly using the multiplier method: Medical expenses × multiplier (1.5 to 5) = pain and suffering.
What if I was hit by a government vehicle?
Government claims have special rules. You must file notice within 6 months.
What if the other driver fled the scene (hit and run)?
File a police report immediately. Your UM coverage applies.
What if I’m an undocumented immigrant—can I still file a claim?
Yes. Immigration status doesn’t affect your right to compensation.
What if the accident happened in a parking lot?
Parking lot accidents are fully compensable. We can prove fault through evidence.
What if I was a passenger in the at-fault vehicle?
You can sue the driver even if you were riding with them.
What if the other driver died in the accident?
You can still pursue a claim against their estate and insurance.
Friendswood Car Accident Lawyers Ready to Help
At Attorney911, we’re more than just Friendswood car accident lawyers—we’re your neighbors, your advocates, and your legal emergency response team. With offices serving the Houston area and all of Texas, we’re never far away when you need us.
We know the local courts, the judges, and the insurance adjusters who handle claims in Friendswood and Harris County. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows their tactics from the inside. We’ve recovered millions for accident victims, and we’re ready to fight for you.
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.
Remember: Evidence disappears daily. Surveillance footage is typically deleted within 7-30 days. Call us now to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.