Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Saginaw, Texas | Attorney911
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Saginaw, Texas, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Texans find their lives turned upside down by motor vehicle crashes. In Tarrant County alone, there are hundreds of accidents annually, leaving victims with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about their future. At Attorney911, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll an accident can take. With over 25 years of experience fighting for accident victims across Texas, our team is here to help you navigate this difficult time and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Saginaw Accident Victims Choose Attorney911
When you’re hurt in a car accident in Saginaw, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a legal team that understands the unique challenges of your situation. Here’s why Attorney911 is the trusted choice for accident victims in Saginaw and throughout Tarrant County:
We Know Saginaw’s Roads and Courts
Saginaw’s location along Highway 287 and near major intersections like those at Meacham Boulevard puts drivers at risk for serious accidents. Our team is familiar with the local courts serving Saginaw, including the Tarrant County civil courts where your case may be heard. We understand the specific accident patterns in this area and know how to build strong cases for our clients.
Insurance Defense Insider Advantage
Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for national insurance companies. He knows exactly how they value claims, what tactics they use to minimize payouts, and how to counter their strategies. This insider knowledge gives our clients a significant advantage in negotiations and litigation.
Multi-Million Dollar Results
We don’t just talk about results – we have the track record to prove our capabilities. Attorney911 has recovered millions for accident victims, including:
- Multi-million dollar settlements for clients with catastrophic injuries
- Significant recoveries in trucking accident cases
- Millions for families in wrongful death claims
“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.”
Federal Court Experience
Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This federal court admission is crucial for handling complex cases, particularly those involving commercial vehicles or multi-state defendants.
Personal Attention You Can Trust
At Attorney911, you’re not just another case number. You’ll work directly with our attorneys, not a case manager assembly line. As client Chad Harris shared:
“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”
Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Saginaw
Saginaw sees a variety of motor vehicle accidents, each with unique legal considerations. Our team has experience handling all types of crashes, including:
Car Accidents in Saginaw
Car accidents are the most common type of motor vehicle crash in Saginaw. With heavy traffic on Highway 287 and local roads, collisions can happen in an instant. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving (texting, phone use)
- Speeding
- Failure to yield right of way
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Following too closely
- Drunk or drugged driving
In Texas, there were 251,977 people injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2024, with one crash occurring every 57 seconds. These accidents can result in serious injuries such as:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Psychological trauma and PTSD
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Saginaw, it’s crucial to act quickly. Evidence disappears daily, and insurance companies start building their case against you from day one.
Trucking Accidents on Highway 287
Highway 287 sees significant commercial truck traffic, putting Saginaw drivers at risk for catastrophic trucking accidents. In 2024, there were 39,393 commercial motor vehicle crashes in Texas, resulting in 608 fatalities and 1,601 serious injuries.
Trucking accidents are particularly dangerous due to the size and weight disparity between large trucks and passenger vehicles. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – 20 times the weight of a typical passenger car.
Common causes of trucking accidents in Saginaw include:
- Driver fatigue (violations of Hours of Service regulations)
- Improper loading or overloading
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Poor weather conditions
At Attorney911, we understand the complex regulations governing the trucking industry, including:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations
- Hours of Service (HOS) rules limiting driving time
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) requirements
- Commercial driver qualification standards
- Vehicle maintenance and inspection requirements
Our team knows how to investigate trucking accidents thoroughly, preserving critical evidence like ELD data and black box information before it’s lost.
“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 in Tarrant County
Drunk driving remains a serious problem in Texas. In 2024, there were 1,053 alcohol-impaired driving deaths in our state, accounting for 25.37% of all traffic fatalities. In Tarrant County, drunk driving accidents are all too common, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or death.
If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Saginaw, you may have multiple avenues for compensation:
- The drunk driver’s insurance: Standard auto insurance coverage
- Dram shop liability: Under Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02, bars, restaurants, and other establishments can be held liable if they served alcohol to someone who was obviously intoxicated and that person then caused an accident
- Punitive damages: In cases of gross negligence, you may be entitled to additional damages meant to punish the wrongdoer
Our team includes criminal defense experience, giving us unique insight into these cases. Ralph Manginello is a member of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), and we’ve successfully handled numerous DWI cases, including:
- A case where charges were dismissed because a police department employee wasn’t properly maintaining breathalyzer machines
- A case where the client was charged with DUI/DWI despite no breath or blood test, missing EMS notes, and missing hospital records – dismissed on the day of trial
- A case where video evidence showed the client wasn’t drunk – charges dismissed
This experience gives us an advantage in civil drunk driving cases, where we can leverage our knowledge of criminal defense to build stronger civil claims.
Motorcycle Accidents in Saginaw
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection for riders. In 2024, there were 585 motorcyclist fatalities in Texas, with 37% of those killed not wearing helmets.
Saginaw sees its share of motorcycle accidents, particularly on Highway 287 and local roads. Common causes include:
- Drivers failing to yield right of way to motorcycles
- Drivers not seeing motorcycles in traffic
- Unsafe lane changes by other vehicles
- Left-turn accidents at intersections
- Speeding or reckless driving
Texas law requires all riders under 21 to wear helmets. Riders 21 and older may ride without a helmet if they’ve completed an approved safety course or have at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage.
One of the biggest challenges in motorcycle accident cases is overcoming the bias that riders are automatically at fault. Insurance companies often try to blame the motorcyclist, even when the accident was clearly the other driver’s fault. Our team knows how to counter these arguments and fight for fair compensation.
Pedestrian Accidents in Saginaw
Pedestrian accidents are particularly dangerous, often resulting in catastrophic injuries. In 2024, there were 6,095 pedestrian crashes in Texas, resulting in 768 fatalities. Pedestrians account for just 1% of crashes but 19% of all roadway deaths.
Saginaw has seen its share of pedestrian accidents, particularly in areas with heavy foot traffic. It’s important to know that in Texas, pedestrians generally have the right of way at intersections – even unmarked ones. This is a legal point many drivers don’t understand.
Common pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones (pelvis, legs, arms)
- Internal organ damage
- Wrongful death
If you’ve been hit by a car while walking in Saginaw, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Our team can help investigate the accident, identify all liable parties, and fight for your rights.
What to Do After an Accident in Saginaw
The moments after a car accident can be chaotic and confusing. Here’s what you should do to protect your health and your legal rights:
Immediate Steps (First 48 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. Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms immediately due to adrenaline.
- Document everything:
- Take photos of all vehicle damage (every angle)
- Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, and traffic signals
- Take photos of any visible injuries
- Screenshot any messages visible on your phone (do NOT delete anything)
- Exchange information:
- Other driver’s name, phone number, address
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, color, and license plate number
- Get witness information: Names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
- Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance before speaking to any insurance company.
Critical Days 2-7
- Follow up with medical treatment: Continue documenting all injuries and following your doctor’s recommendations.
- Preserve evidence:
- Do NOT delete anything from your phone (texts, photos, videos)
- Screenshot everything relevant to the accident
- Email copies to yourself for backup
- Secure damaged clothing, glasses, or other personal items
- Be cautious with insurance:
- Note any calls from insurance companies
- Do NOT give recorded statements without consulting an attorney
- Do NOT sign anything without attorney review
- Do NOT accept any settlement offers
- Social media precautions:
- Make ALL profiles private immediately
- Do NOT post about the accident, your injuries, or your activities
- Tell friends and family not to tag you in posts
Why Time is Critical
Evidence disappears quickly after an accident:
- Surveillance footage: Typically deleted within 7-30 days
- Witness memories: Fade quickly and become less reliable
- Vehicle evidence: Can be lost once vehicles are repaired
- Black box/ELD data: Can be overwritten in 30-180 days
At Attorney911, we act fast to preserve evidence. Within 24 hours of being retained, we send preservation letters to:
- The other driver’s insurance company
- Any involved trucking companies
- Businesses near the accident scene
- Employers of involved parties
- Property owners
- Government entities
These letters legally require evidence preservation before automatic deletion.
Texas Motor Vehicle Accident Laws You Need to Know
Understanding Texas law is crucial for protecting your rights after an accident. Here are the key legal concepts you should know:
Statute of Limitations
In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, your case will be barred forever – you won’t be able to recover any compensation.
There are limited exceptions to this rule, such as:
- The “discovery rule” – if you couldn’t have reasonably discovered your injury immediately
- Cases involving minors – the clock may start when the minor turns 18
- Cases against government entities – which often have shorter notice requirements
Comparative Negligence (51% Rule)
Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. This means:
- If you’re found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident, you can recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- If you’re found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation.
For example:
- If your damages are $100,000 and you’re found 20% at fault, you can recover $80,000.
- If your damages are $100,000 and you’re found 51% at fault, you recover nothing.
Insurance companies often try to assign as much fault as possible to accident victims to reduce their payouts. Having an experienced attorney on your side can make a significant difference in how fault is allocated.
Texas Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements
Texas requires all drivers to carry minimum auto insurance coverage of:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
However, these minimum limits are often insufficient to cover serious injuries. Many drivers also carry:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: Protects you if the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Provides immediate coverage for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault
- Medical Payments (MedPay): Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers
Dram Shop Liability
Under Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02, bars, restaurants, and other establishments can be held liable if they serve alcohol to someone who is obviously intoxicated and that person then causes an accident.
To prove dram shop liability, you must show:
- The establishment served alcohol to someone who was obviously intoxicated
- The over-service was the proximate cause of the accident and damages
Signs of obvious intoxication include:
- Slurred speech
- Bloodshot or glassy eyes
- Unsteady gait or stumbling
- Impaired coordination
- Aggressive or erratic behavior
- Strong odor of alcohol
Wrongful Death vs. Survival Actions
In cases involving fatalities, Texas law allows for two types of claims:
-
Wrongful Death Claim: Brought by surviving family members for their own losses due to the death of their loved one. Damages can include:
- Loss of companionship
- Mental anguish
- Lost financial support
- Funeral expenses
-
Survival Action: Brought on behalf of the deceased’s estate for damages the deceased would have been entitled to if they had survived. Damages can include:
- Pain and suffering before death
- Medical expenses before death
- Lost income before death
Both claims can be pursued simultaneously in many cases.
Proving Liability in Your Saginaw Accident Case
To win your case, you must prove that the other party was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries. This requires establishing four elements:
- Duty of Care: The other party had a legal obligation to act reasonably (all drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely)
- Breach of Duty: The other party failed to meet that obligation (by speeding, texting, driving drunk, etc.)
- Causation: The breach of duty directly caused your injuries
- Damages: You suffered actual harm (physical, financial, emotional)
Types of Evidence We Use
At Attorney911, we leave no stone unturned in building your case. We gather and preserve all types of evidence, including:
-
Physical Evidence:
- Vehicle damage photographs
- Skid marks and road conditions
- Damaged personal property
- Weather conditions at the time
-
Documentary Evidence:
- Police accident reports
- 911 call recordings
- Traffic camera footage
- Surveillance footage from nearby businesses
- Medical records and bills
- Employment records for lost wage claims
-
Electronic Evidence:
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data from trucks
- Vehicle black box/Event Data Recorder (EDR) information
- GPS and telematics data
- Dashcam footage
- Cell phone records (to prove distraction)
-
Testimonial Evidence:
- Witness statements
- Expert witness testimony (accident reconstruction, medical experts)
- Your own account of what happened
Multiple Liable Parties
In many cases, there are multiple parties who may share liability for your accident:
- Trucking Accidents: Driver, trucking company, cargo loader, vehicle manufacturer, maintenance company
- Drunk Driving Accidents: Drunk driver, bar/restaurant (dram shop), social host
- Rideshare Accidents: Rideshare driver, rideshare company, other drivers
- Defective Vehicle Accidents: Vehicle manufacturer, parts manufacturer, dealership
Identifying all liable parties is crucial for maximizing your compensation, as each party may have separate insurance coverage.
Damages You Can Recover in a Saginaw Accident Case
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, known as “damages.” These fall into three main categories:
Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas)
Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses, including:
-
Medical Expenses (Past and Future):
- Emergency room visits
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Doctor visits
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment (wheelchairs, crutches, etc.)
- Future medical care
-
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity:
- Income lost from the time of the accident to the present
- Future lost earnings if you can’t return to work
- Reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job
-
Property Damage:
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Damage to personal property (phones, computers, etc.)
-
Out-of-Pocket Expenses:
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Home modifications for disabilities
- Household help during recovery
Non-Economic Damages (No Cap Except Medical Malpractice)
Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses, including:
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain from your 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 your appearance
- Loss of Consortium: Impact on your marriage or family relationships
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed
Punitive Damages (Capped in Texas)
Punitive (or exemplary) damages are available in cases involving gross negligence, fraud, or malice. They’re meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
In Texas, punitive damages are capped at the greater of:
- $200,000, OR
- Two times economic damages plus one times non-economic damages (capped at $750,000 for the non-economic portion)
Common situations where punitive damages may apply:
- Drunk driving accidents
- Extreme speeding (100+ mph)
- Trucking companies knowingly violating safety regulations
- Manufacturers aware of vehicle defects
How Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Your Claim
At Attorney911, we know how insurance companies operate because our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney. He spent years working for national insurance companies, learning their tactics from the inside. Now, he uses that knowledge to fight for accident victims like you.
Here are the top tactics insurance companies use to minimize your claim – and how we counter them:
Tactic #1: Quick Contact & Recorded Statement
What They Do:
Within hours or days of your accident, an insurance adjuster will contact you. They’ll be friendly, sympathetic, and seem eager to help. They’ll ask you to give a recorded statement about what happened.
Their Goal:
To get you to say something that can be used against you later. They’ll ask leading questions designed to minimize your injuries or shift blame to you.
Common questions they ask:
- “You’re feeling better now though, right?” (Trap: Gets you to say you’re improving)
- “It wasn’t that bad of an impact, was it?” (Trap: Minimizes collision severity)
- “You were able to walk away from the scene?” (Trap: Suggests injuries aren’t serious)
- “Were you distracted at all?” (Trap: Gets you to admit distraction)
- “How fast were you going?” (Trap: Hope you overestimate or say “I don’t know”)
How We Counter:
We advise all our clients: DO NOT give a recorded statement without an attorney present. Once you hire Attorney911, we handle all communication with the insurance company. We prepare you thoroughly if a statement becomes necessary, and we’re with you during any interviews.
“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, Attorney911
Tactic #2: Quick Settlement Offer
What They Do:
Within days or weeks of your accident, the insurance company may offer you a quick settlement – often just a few thousand dollars. They’ll create artificial urgency, saying things like:
- “This offer expires in 48 hours”
- “We can only approve this amount right now”
- “Take it or leave it”
Their Goal:
To get you to accept a lowball offer before you realize the full extent of your injuries. Once you sign a release, you can’t get more money – even if you later need surgery.
How We Counter:
We never settle before you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) – the point where your condition has stabilized and you’ve recovered as much as possible. This could take months or even years for serious injuries.
We know their offers are always lowball because Lupe used to calculate these offers for insurance companies. He knows how they value claims and how to negotiate for what your case is truly worth.
Tactic #3: “Independent” Medical Exam (IME)
What They Call It:
“Independent Medical Examination”
What It Really Is:
An exam by a doctor hired and paid by the insurance company to minimize your injuries.
What Happens:
- You’re sent to a doctor chosen by the insurance company
- The exam is typically very brief (10-15 minutes)
- The doctor rarely reviews your complete medical records beforehand
- They ask questions designed to elicit responses like “I’m feeling better”
- They look for any reason to minimize your injuries
Common IME Doctor Findings:
- “Patient has pre-existing degenerative changes” (Everyone over 40 has some arthritis – used to deny claims)
- “Injuries consistent with minor trauma” (Minimizes your pain and suffering)
- “Patient can return to full duty work” (Eliminates lost wage claims)
- “Treatment has been excessive” (Attacks your treating doctors)
- “Subjective complaints out of proportion to objective findings” (Medical speak for calling you a liar)
How We Counter:
- We prepare you extensively before the exam
- We send your complete medical records to the IME doctor in advance
- We challenge biased IME reports with our own medical experts
- Lupe knows these specific doctors and their biases – he hired them for years
Tactic #4: Delay and Financial Pressure
What They Do:
Insurance companies will drag out your claim, saying things like:
- “We’re still investigating”
- “We’re waiting for medical records”
- “Your file is under review”
- They ignore your calls and emails
Their Goal:
To make you desperate. While they have unlimited time and resources, you have:
- Mounting medical bills
- No income if you can’t work
- Creditors threatening you
- Financial stress making you vulnerable
They hope you’ll accept a lowball offer just to end the nightmare.
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
- Lupe understands delay tactics because he used them – he knows when to push
Tactic #5: Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring
What They Do:
Insurance companies hire private investigators to:
- Video you doing daily activities
- Follow you to appointments, errands, and social activities
- Look for any activity that contradicts your injury claims
They also monitor all your social media accounts:
- Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Snapchat
- They screenshot everything: photos, posts, check-ins, comments, likes
- They monitor your friends’ profiles for posts mentioning you
- They use facial recognition to find photos you’re tagged in
- They archive your entire social media history
Examples of How They Use Social Media Against You:
| Example | What They Claim | Reality |
|---|---|---|
| Old gym photo | “This shows you’re not injured” | Photo was from 3 years before the accident |
| Restaurant check-in | “You’re out partying and having fun” | You were sitting quietly having dinner |
| Friend’s comment: “Had fun yesterday!” | “Evidence you’re not injured” | You were resting at home |
| Video of you walking your dog | “You’re not disabled” | Your doctor recommended short walks |
| Family photo where you’re smiling | “You’re not in pain – you’re smiling!” | Everyone smiles for photos |
7 Rules for Our Clients:
- Make ALL profiles private immediately
- DON’T post about the accident, injuries, activities, or emotions
- DON’T check in anywhere
- Tell friends and family: don’t tag you in posts
- Don’t accept friend requests from strangers (could be fake profiles)
- BEST: Stay off social media entirely during your case
- Assume EVERYTHING is being monitored
Tactic #6: Comparative Fault Arguments
What They Do:
Insurance companies will try to assign you maximum fault to reduce their payment. They’ll claim:
- “You were speeding” (without evidence)
- “You weren’t paying attention” (speculation)
- “You could have avoided this” (hindsight bias)
- “You were distracted” (guessing)
- “You contributed to this accident” (shifting blame)
Why They Do This:
Texas’s 51% bar rule means:
- If you’re 51% or more at fault → You get NOTHING
- If you’re 50% or less at fault → Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault
Even small fault percentages cost 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
How We Counter:
- We conduct thorough liability investigations
- We use accident reconstruction experts
- We gather witness statements
- We analyze police reports
- We counter their comparative fault arguments with evidence
- Lupe knows their fault arguments because he made them for years – now he defeats them
Tactic #7: Colossus and Claim Valuation Software
How Insurance Companies Really Value Your Claim:
Most major insurance companies (Allstate, State Farm, Liberty Mutual, etc.) use a computerized claim valuation system called Colossus. Here’s how it works:
-
Data Entry: The adjuster inputs information about your claim, including:
- Injury codes (medical diagnoses)
- Treatment types and costs
- Lost wages
- Jurisdiction (where the accident occurred)
-
Coding: Your injuries are coded using standardized medical terms. The SAME injury can be coded different ways, dramatically affecting your claim’s value.
-
Calculation: The software applies algorithms to determine a “value” for your claim.
-
Range Output: The system provides a recommended settlement range.
-
Authority: The adjuster typically cannot exceed this range without supervisor approval.
How They Manipulate Colossus:
| Manipulation | Effect |
|---|---|
| Using low injury codes | “Soft tissue strain” instead of “disc herniation” reduces value 50-100% |
| Flagging “excessive” treatment | Physical therapy beyond “normal” range triggers reductions |
| Penalizing conservative treatment | Chiropractic care valued less than MD treatment |
| Applying pre-existing reductions | Any prior condition used to reduce value |
| Using jurisdiction factors | Low-verdict counties get lower values |
Why Lupe’s Experience Matters:
- He knows how to code injuries properly for maximum value
- He knows which medical terms trigger higher valuations
- He knows when Colossus output is artificially low
- He knows how to present medical records to beat the algorithm
- He worked with these systems for years as a defense attorney
Tactic #8: Medical Authorization Trap
What They Do:
The insurance company will ask you to sign a medical authorization form, saying they need your medical records to process your claim.
What They’re Really Doing:
They want unlimited access to your ENTIRE medical history – not just accident-related records. They’ll search through decades of your medical records looking for any pre-existing conditions to use against you.
Common Pre-Existing Conditions They Use:
- Arthritis from 10 years ago
- Prior back pain from 2005
- Old injuries from years ago
- Any medical condition ever documented
Their Argument:
- “Your back pain isn’t from this accident – you had back pain in 2010”
- “Your neck injury is pre-existing – you saw a chiropractor in 2015”
- “Your headaches are from a prior concussion, not this accident”
The Truth:
- You’re entitled to compensation even with pre-existing conditions
- If the accident made it worse, you recover for the aggravation
- The “eggshell plaintiff” rule means they take you as they find you
- Prior injury doesn’t give them license to injure you again
How We Counter:
- We limit medical authorizations to accident-related records only
- We specify date ranges and providers
- We review ALL authorizations before you sign
- We explain pre-existing conditions properly with medical experts
- We document the difference: “Before accident: mild occasional back pain. After accident: severe constant pain requiring surgery.”
Tactic #9: Gaps in Treatment Attack
What They Do:
Insurance companies scrutinize your medical records for any gaps in treatment. They’ll pounce on:
- Missed physical therapy appointments
- Two weeks between doctor visits
- A month without treatment
- Stopping treatment for any period
Their Arguments:
- “If you were really hurt, you wouldn’t miss treatment”
- “Gaps in treatment show you’re not really injured”
- “You must have felt better – that’s why you stopped going”
- “Your injuries can’t be that serious if you’re not treating consistently”
Why Gaps Happen (Legitimate Reasons):
- Couldn’t afford copays
- Couldn’t get time off work
- Transportation issues
- Doctor was booked out for weeks
- Insurance denied treatment
- Family emergency
How We Counter:
- We document the reasons for any gaps
- We help you find doctors who accept liens (treat now, pay from settlement)
- We connect you with transportation if needed
- We coordinate appointments around your work schedule
- We explain gaps to insurance companies and juries: “Client couldn’t afford $50 copays while unable to work”
Tactic #10: Policy Limits Bluff
What They Do:
The insurance company claims they have limited coverage, saying:
- “We only have $30,000 in coverage”
- “That’s the policy limit – we can’t pay more”
- “Take it or leave it”
What They’re Hiding:
- Umbrella policies (additional $500,000-$5,000,000)
- Commercial policies (if driver was working)
- Corporate policies (parent company coverage)
- Multiple policies that stack
- Excess coverage layers
Why They Hide Coverage:
- Hoping you’ll settle for minimum limits
- Saving millions in additional coverage
- Betting you won’t hire an attorney to investigate
How We Counter:
- We investigate ALL available coverage
- We demand full policy disclosure
- We subpoena insurance files if necessary
- We search for umbrella policies
- We identify corporate coverage
- We find employer policies
- We discover parent company coverage
Real Example:
Insurance claimed $30,000 policy limit. We investigated and found:
- $30,000 personal auto policy
- $1,000,000 commercial policy (driver was making delivery)
- $2,000,000 umbrella policy
- $5,000,000 corporate policy (parent company)
Total available: $8,030,000, not $30,000.
Client recovered $3,200,000 instead of $30,000.
Common Injuries in Saginaw Accidents and Their Impact
Motor vehicle accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-altering. At Attorney911, we understand the medical reality of these injuries and how they impact your life. Here are some of the most common accident injuries we see:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
What It Is:
A traumatic brain injury occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. This can happen when your head strikes an object (like a windshield) or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue.
Symptoms:
TBI symptoms can be immediate or delayed, and may include:
Immediate Symptoms:
- Loss of consciousness (even brief – seconds to minutes)
- Confusion and disorientation
- Vomiting and nausea
- Seizures
- Severe headache
- Dilated pupils
- Slurred speech
- Weakness or numbness
Delayed Symptoms (Hours to Days Later):
- Worsening headaches
- Repeated vomiting
- Seizures developing days later
- Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
- Personality changes and mood swings
- Sleep disturbances
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Memory problems worsening
Severity Classifications:
- Mild TBI/Concussion: Brief loss of consciousness, GCS 13-15
- Moderate TBI: Loss of consciousness minutes to hours, GCS 9-12
- Severe TBI: Extended unconsciousness or coma, GCS 3-8
Long-Term Complications:
- Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
- Post-Concussive Syndrome (10-15% of concussions)
- Increased dementia risk (single moderate TBI doubles risk)
- Personality and mood disorders (40-50% of TBI patients)
- Seizure disorders
- Cognitive impairment
Legal Considerations:
Insurance companies often claim delayed symptoms aren’t from the accident. We use medical experts to explain symptom progression and link injuries to the crash.
Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis
What It Is:
Damage to the spinal cord that results in loss of function, such as mobility or feeling. The severity depends on where the injury occurs along the spine.
Injury Levels and Impact:
| Injury Level | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| C1-C4 (High Cervical) | Quadriplegia (all four limbs paralyzed), possible ventilator dependence, 24/7 care required |
| C5-C8 (Low Cervical) | Quadriplegia with some arm/hand function, wheelchair dependent |
| T1-T12 (Thoracic) | Paraplegia (lower body paralysis), trunk control varies by level |
| L1-L5 (Lumbar) | Varying degrees of leg weakness/paralysis, bowel/bladder dysfunction |
ASIA Impairment Scale:
| Grade | Classification | Prognosis |
|---|---|---|
| A | Complete | No motor or sensory function below injury – worst prognosis |
| B | Sensory Incomplete | Sensory function 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 (recovered) |
Secondary Complications:
- Pressure sores (leading cause of hospitalization)
- Respiratory complications (pneumonia – leading cause of death)
- Bowel and bladder dysfunction
- Sexual dysfunction
- Autonomic dysreflexia (life-threatening blood pressure crisis)
- Depression (40-60% of patients)
- Shortened life expectancy (5-15 years on average)
Lifetime Care Costs:
| Injury Level | First Year Cost | Each Subsequent Year | Lifetime Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Tetraplegia | $1,200,000-$1,500,000 | $200,000-$250,000 | $6,000,000-$13,000,000+ |
| Low Tetraplegia | $850,000-$1,100,000 | $75,000-$100,000 | $3,700,000-$6,100,000+ |
| Paraplegia | $500,000-$750,000 | $70,000-$90,000 | $2,500,000-$5,250,000+ |
Amputation
What It Is:
The loss of a limb, which can be traumatic (severed at the accident scene) or surgical (due to complications like infections).
Types of Amputations:
- Above-knee
- Below-knee
- Upper extremity (arm, hand, fingers)
- Multiple limbs
Phantom Limb Pain:
- 80% of amputees experience phantom pain
- Feeling pain in a limb that’s no longer there
- Can be severe and debilitating
- Often a permanent condition
- Requires lifetime pain management
Prosthetic Costs:
- Basic prosthetic leg: $5,000-$15,000 every 3-5 years
- Advanced computerized prosthetic: $50,000-$100,000 every 3-5 years
- Lifetime costs: $500,000-$2,000,000
“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.”
Burn Injuries
Classifications:
| Degree | Characteristics | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| First-Degree | Superficial, like sunburn, heals 7-10 days | Outpatient |
| Second-Degree | Blistering, severe pain, may scar | Monitor, possible hospital |
| Third-Degree | Full thickness, destroys all skin, always scars | Skin grafting required |
| Fourth-Degree | Extends into muscle and bone | Often requires amputation |
Body Surface Area Impact:
| % Body Burned | Treatment Required |
|---|---|
| <10% | Usually outpatient |
| 10-20% | Hospitalization required |
| 20-40% | Burn center, ICU, multiple surgeries |
| >40% | Extremely life-threatening |
| >60% | Often fatal |
Herniated Disc
What It Is:
A herniated disc occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing. This can irritate nearby nerves and result in pain, numbness, or weakness.
Treatment Timeline:
- Acute Phase (Weeks 1-6): Severe pain, medications, rest
- Conservative Treatment (Weeks 6-12): Physical therapy, chiropractic care
- Interventional (If Conservative Fails): Epidural steroid injections
- Surgery (If Injections Fail): Microdiscectomy or spinal fusion
Costs:
- Conservative treatment: $22,000-$46,000
- Surgery: $96,000-$205,000 (including future medical costs)
Permanent Restrictions:
- May prevent return to physical labor jobs
- Can result in lost earning capacity claims
- Often requires ongoing pain management
Soft Tissue Injuries (Whiplash)
What It Is:
Soft tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Whiplash is a common soft tissue injury in car accidents, occurring when the head is suddenly jerked backward and then forward.
Why Insurance Undervalues Soft Tissue Injuries:
- No broken bones or surgery = appears “minor”
- Difficult to see on X-rays
- Symptoms are subjective (pain, stiffness)
Why Soft Tissue Can Be Serious:
- 15-20% develop chronic pain
- Can prevent return to physical jobs
- Whiplash can cause permanent problems
- Often misdiagnosed initially (rotator cuff tears thought to be sprains)
Proper Documentation is Critical:
- Detailed pain descriptions to doctors
- Consistent treatment (no gaps)
- MRI proving injury
- Physical therapy records
- Work restrictions documented
Psychological Injuries
PTSD After Motor Vehicle Accidents:
- 32-45% of accident victims develop PTSD symptoms
- Anxiety about driving again
- Fear of getting in cars
- Panic attacks near accident location
- Sleep disturbances, nightmares, flashbacks
- Avoidance behaviors
Compensable Psychological Damages:
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety and depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Fear and worry
- Relationship impacts
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Saginaw Accident Case
When you’re injured in a car accident in Saginaw, you have choices for legal representation. Here’s why Attorney911 stands out:
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 advantage. Lupe spent years working FOR insurance companies, learning:
- How they value claims internally
- What tactics they use to minimize payouts
- How they calculate settlement offers
- Which doctors they send claimants to (IME doctors)
- How they use surveillance and social media
- Their delay and deny strategies
Now, he uses that knowledge to fight FOR accident victims. He knows their playbook because he wrote it.
2. Multi-Million Dollar Results
Our results speak for themselves. We’ve recovered millions for accident victims, including:
- Multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss
- Significant recovery for a client whose leg injury led to partial amputation
- Millions for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases
- Substantial settlements in maritime injury cases
“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 practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This federal court admission is crucial for:
- Complex

