Car Accidents in Coppell, Texas: Your Legal Emergency Guide

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Coppell, Texas, you’re not alone. With over 251,977 people injured in Texas motor vehicle crashes in 2024 alone – that’s one person injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds – car accidents are an unfortunate reality on our roads. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for Texas accident victims since 1998, and we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a car crash can take on you and your family.

Ralph Manginello, our managing partner with over 25 years of experience, knows that what happens in the moments and days after an accident can make or break your case. That’s why we’re here – to guide you through this difficult time and fight for the compensation you deserve.

The Reality of Car Accidents in Coppell

Coppell sits at the intersection of major highways like I-635 and SH 121, making our roads busy and sometimes dangerous. In 2024, Texas saw a reportable crash every 57 seconds, with 4,150 fatalities. Many of these accidents happen right here in the DFW metroplex, including Coppell and surrounding areas like Lewisville, Flower Mound, and Irving.

Common causes of car accidents in our area include:

Distracted driving (380 deaths in Texas in 2024)
Speeding and aggressive driving
Failure to yield at intersections like those on Denton Tap Road or MacArthur Boulevard
Running red lights and stop signs
Following too closely on busy highways
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Common Injuries from Car Accidents

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-altering:

Whiplash and soft tissue injuries – Often dismissed as “minor” but can cause chronic pain and limit mobility for months or years.

Herniated or bulging discs – Can require months of physical therapy or even surgery, with costs ranging from $22,000 to over $200,000 depending on treatment.

Broken bones and fractures – From simple breaks requiring casts to complex fractures needing surgical intervention with plates and screws.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – Even “mild” concussions can have lasting effects on memory, concentration, and personality. Severe TBIs can require lifetime care costing millions.

Spinal cord injuries – Can result in partial or complete paralysis, with lifetime care costs ranging from $2.5 million to over $13 million.

Internal organ damage – Often not immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

PTSD and emotional trauma – Many accident victims develop anxiety about driving, especially on highways or near the accident location.

In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident on I-635. During treatment, staff infections developed, leading to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions – but only because we fought for every dollar our client deserved.

Why Insurance Companies Are Already Working Against You

Here’s what you need to know: while you’re recovering from your injuries, the other driver’s insurance company is already building a case against you. They’ll use every tactic in their playbook to minimize or deny your claim.

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for a national defense firm, learning firsthand how insurance companies value claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight FOR you. He knows their tactics because he used them himself – and now he knows how to beat them.

“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.” – Lupe Peña

What to Do After a Car Accident in Coppell

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours):

Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone is injured
Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Adrenaline masks injuries.
Document everything – Take photos of all vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signals
Exchange information – Get the other driver’s name, phone, address, insurance, and driver’s license
Get witness information – Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident
Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company without consulting an attorney
Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 – Before you talk to any insurance adjuster

Next Steps (First 48 Hours):

Preserve all digital evidence (texts, calls, photos, videos)
Secure damaged clothing, glasses, or personal items
Keep receipts for all accident-related expenses
Do NOT post about the accident on social media
Do NOT repair your vehicle yet (preserve the damage)

Critical Evidence That Disappears Quickly:

Evidence Type	Typical Deletion Timeline
Surveillance footage	7-30 days
Witness memories	Fade within days
ELD/black box data	30-180 days
Skid marks/debris	Cleared within hours
Traffic camera footage	30 days

Every day you wait, evidence disappears. Call Attorney911 now: 1-888-ATTY-911.

Texas Car Accident Law: What You Need to Know

Statute of Limitations:

You have 2 years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. Miss this deadline and your case is barred forever.

Comparative Negligence (51% Rule):

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. If you’re found to be 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.

This is why insurance companies will try to blame you for the accident – even if it’s not true. Lupe’s experience helps us counter these arguments.

Minimum Insurance Coverage:

Texas requires minimum coverage of $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Unfortunately, many drivers carry only the minimum or no insurance at all.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Coppell Car Accident Case

1. Insurance Defense Insider Advantage

Lupe Peña worked for years at a national defense firm, learning how insurance companies value claims and build cases against accident victims. Now he uses that knowledge to fight FOR you.

“Lupe understands claim valuation – he calculated them himself. Having a former defense attorney is an unfair advantage for our clients.” – Ralph Manginello

2. Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions for car accident victims, including:

Multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered brain injury with vision loss
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.

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court experience is crucial for complex cases, especially those involving multiple defendants or significant damages.

4. Personal Attention You Won’t Find Elsewhere

At Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph or Lupe, not a case manager assembly line. As client Chad Harris said:

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

5. No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. Free consultation. No risk.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Coppell

Rear-End Collisions

These are among the most common accidents, often occurring on busy roads like I-635 or SH 121. Even at low speeds, rear-end collisions can cause serious injuries like whiplash, herniated discs, and traumatic brain injuries.

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

Intersection Accidents

Dangerous intersections in Coppell and surrounding areas can be hotspots for T-bone or side-impact collisions. These accidents often result in severe injuries due to the limited protection on the sides of vehicles.

Highway Accidents

With I-635 and SH 121 running through our area, highway accidents are unfortunately common. These high-speed collisions often result in catastrophic injuries.

Distracted Driving Accidents

With 380 deaths in Texas in 2024 attributed to distracted driving, this is a growing problem. Texting, using apps, or even adjusting the radio can lead to devastating accidents.

Drunk Driving Accidents

Texas saw 1,053 alcohol-impaired driving deaths in 2024. If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to punitive damages in addition to compensation for your injuries.

What You Can Recover in a Car Accident Case

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas):

Past and future medical expenses
Lost wages and lost earning capacity
Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
Out-of-pocket expenses (transportation, home modifications, etc.)

Non-Economic Damages (No Cap Except Medical Malpractice):

Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Physical impairment
Disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of consortium (impact on family relationships)

Punitive Damages (Capped):

In cases of gross negligence or malice (like drunk driving), you may be entitled to punitive damages. These are capped at the greater of $200,000 or 2x economic damages + 1x non-economic damages (capped at $750,000).

Insurance Tactics to Watch Out For

Insurance companies use sophisticated tactics to minimize your claim. Here are the top 6 tactics we see – and how we counter them:

1. The Quick Cash Trap

Within days of your accident, the insurance company may offer you a quick settlement – often $2,000-$5,000. They’ll make it sound like a good deal, but it’s almost always a fraction of what your case is worth.

Why it works: You’re hurt, scared, and facing mounting bills. The offer seems like a lifeline.

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

2. The Recorded Statement Trap

The adjuster will call and say, “We just need to get your side of the story.” They’ll sound friendly and helpful, but every word you say will be used against you.

Why it works: They ask leading questions designed to get you to admit fault or minimize your injuries.

How we counter: We handle all communication with insurance companies. You never talk to them without us.

3. The IME (Independent Medical Exam) Scam

The insurance company will send you to a doctor they’ve hired. This doctor will spend 10-15 minutes with you and almost always find that your injuries aren’t as bad as your treating doctors say.

Why it works: These doctors are paid thousands by insurance companies to minimize injuries.

How we counter: Lupe knows these doctors – he hired them when he worked for insurance companies. We prepare you for the exam and challenge biased reports.

4. Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring

Insurance companies hire private investigators to follow accident victims. They’ll look for any activity that contradicts your injury claims, even if it’s taken out of context.

Why it works: A single photo of you bending over or smiling can be used to claim you’re not really injured.

How we counter: We advise all our clients to stay off social media and assume they’re being watched.

5. Delay, Deny, Defend

Insurance companies will drag out your case, hoping you’ll get desperate and accept a low settlement.

Why it works: They have unlimited time and resources. You have bills piling up.

How we counter: We file lawsuits to force deadlines and prepare for trial to show we’re serious.

6. The Pre-Existing Condition Blame Game

Insurance companies will dig through your medical history looking for any prior condition to blame your injuries on.

Why it works: They’ll claim your pain isn’t from the accident but from a prior issue.

How we counter: We hire medical experts to prove the accident aggravated your condition.

Real Stories from Our Clients

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

Kiimarii Yup: “I lost everything… my car was at a total loss and because of Attorney Manginello and my case worker Leonor… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”

Jamin Marroquin: “Mr. Manginello guided me through the whole process with great expertise…tenacious, accessible, and determined throughout the 19 months.”

Glenda Walker: “They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Coppell

Q: What should I do immediately after a car accident in Coppell?
A: First, ensure everyone’s safety and call 911. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Document everything with photos and witness information. Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance.

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

Q: Should I seek medical attention if I don’t feel hurt?
A: 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.

Q: What information should I collect at the scene?
A: Get the other driver’s name, phone, address, driver’s license, and insurance information. Get vehicle make, model, color, and license plate. Get names and phone numbers of witnesses. Take photos of all vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signals.

Q: Should I talk to the other driver or admit fault?
A: Exchange information only. Do NOT discuss fault, apologize, or give your opinion on what happened. Stick to facts only.

Q: How do I obtain a copy of the accident report?
A: In Coppell, you can obtain the police report from the Coppell Police Department or through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS).

Q: Should I give a recorded statement to insurance?
A: 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.

Q: What if the other driver’s insurance contacts me?
A: 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.

Q: Do I have to accept the insurance company’s estimate?
A: No. Their estimate is just an offer. It’s usually far below actual value. Attorney911 fights for what your case is really worth.

Q: Should I accept a quick settlement offer?
A: 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.

Q: What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?
A: Your own UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) coverage can compensate you. Texas allows inter-policy stacking. Lupe’s insurance knowledge is critical for maximizing UM/UIM recovery.

Q: Why does insurance want me to sign a medical authorization?
A: They want unlimited access to your ENTIRE medical history to find pre-existing conditions to use against you. Never sign without attorney review.

Q: Do I have a personal injury case?
A: You may have a case if:

Someone else was at fault (even partially)
You suffered injuries or damages
There is insurance to recover from

Q: When should I hire a car accident lawyer?
A: Immediately. Evidence disappears daily. Insurance companies start building their defense against you from day one. Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911.

Q: How much time do I have to file (statute of limitations)?
A: In Texas: 2 years from the date of the accident for personal injury, 2 years from the date of death for wrongful death. Miss it = case barred forever.

Q: What is comparative negligence and how does it affect me?
A: 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.

Q: Will my case go to trial?
A: Most cases settle before trial. But Attorney911 prepares every case AS IF it’s going to trial. That’s what gives us leverage.

Q: How long will my case take to settle?
A: 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.

Q: 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

Q: What is my case worth?
A: 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).

Q: 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

Q: Can I get compensation for pain and suffering?
A: 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).

Q: What if I have a pre-existing condition?
A: You can still recover if the accident aggravated or worsened your pre-existing condition. This is called the “eggshell plaintiff” rule.

Q: Will I have to pay taxes on my settlement?
A: Generally, compensation for physical injuries is NOT taxable. Punitive damages ARE taxable. Consult a tax professional.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.”

Q: 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.”

Q: 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.”

Q: 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

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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. “Eggshell plaintiff” rule: Defendant takes victim as they find them.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: How do you calculate pain and suffering?
Most commonly using the multiplier method: Medical expenses × multiplier (1.5 to 5) = pain & suffering. Multiplier depends on: injury severity, permanency, impact on life, clear liability. Lupe calculated these for years—he knows how to justify higher multipliers.

Q: 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 2-year statute of limitations). Sovereign immunity protects government entities. Damage caps may apply. These cases are complex—you need experienced attorneys.

Q: 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—gas stations, businesses, Ring doorbells, traffic cameras. Most footage is deleted in 7-30 days. We send preservation letters immediately.

Q: 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. Lupe is fluent in Spanish.

Q: What if the accident happened in a parking lot?
Parking lot accidents are fully compensable. Insurance companies love to argue “parking lot accidents are always 50/50 fault” (LIE). We prove fault through: surveillance video, witness statements, damage analysis, traffic patterns.

Q: 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. Driver’s insurance covers passengers. No comparative fault issues (you weren’t driving). We handle the difficult conversation so you don’t have to.

Q: What if the other driver died in the accident?
You can still pursue a claim against the deceased driver’s estate and insurance. Death doesn’t eliminate liability. Insurance policy still applies. Estate may have assets. Wrongful death laws protect both sides.

Why Attorney911 Is the Right Choice for Your Coppell 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 is Attorney911’s most powerful competitive advantage. Lupe spent years working FOR insurance companies, learning:

Claim valuation methods (Colossus software, reserve setting)
Settlement authority structures and approval processes
Defense tactics and delay strategies
IME (Independent Medical Exam) doctor selection process
Surveillance and investigation methods
Delay and financial pressure tactics
Comparative fault arguments and blame-shifting

NOW he uses that knowledge FOR victims, not against them.

2. Multi-Million Dollar Results

Attorney911 has recovered millions for car accident victims, including:

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

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court experience is crucial for complex cases, especially those involving:

Multiple defendants
Significant damages
Federal regulations (like FMCSA for trucking cases)
Corporate defendants

Our firm is also one of the few firms in Texas to be involved in BP explosion litigation, demonstrating our capability to take on billion-dollar corporations.

4. Personal Attention You Won’t Find Elsewhere

At Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña, not a case manager assembly line. As clients consistently tell us:

“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

“Ralph reached out personally.” – Dame Haskett

5. 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
No hourly billing
We advance all case costs
You pay nothing unless we recover for you

Coppell-Specific Legal Resources

Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers:

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Grapevine (Level III Trauma Center)
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano (Level III Trauma Center)
Medical City Plano (Level III Trauma Center)
For more serious injuries, patients may be transported to Level I Trauma Centers in Dallas or Fort Worth

Local Courts:

Coppell Municipal Court (for traffic citations)
Denton County Courts at Law (for civil cases under $250,000)
Denton County District Courts (for cases over $250,000)
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas (for federal cases)

Dangerous Intersections and Roads in Coppell and Surrounding Areas:

I-635 and SH 121 interchange
Denton Tap Road and MacArthur Boulevard
S. Denton Tap Road and E. Sandy Lake Road
N. MacArthur Boulevard and W. Bethel Road
FM 1938 and S. Denton Tap Road

What to Do Right Now

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Coppell, Texas, time is critical. Evidence disappears daily, and insurance companies are already building their case against you.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

Remember:

Evidence disappears in days (surveillance footage, witness memories)
The statute of limitations is 2 years – but don’t wait
Insurance companies are not on your side
We know their tactics because Lupe used them for years
We’ve recovered millions for car accident victims just like you

Don’t face this alone. Call Attorney911 – your legal emergency line – at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re here to help.