Car Accident Lawyers in Saint Paul, Texas – Attorney911 Fights for You
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Saint Paul, Texas, you’re not alone. With over 250,000 people injured in Texas motor vehicle crashes every year – that’s one person every two minutes and five seconds – car accidents are a constant threat on our roads. In Collin County and throughout North Texas, distracted drivers, speeding, and failure to yield contribute to thousands of preventable crashes annually.
At Attorney911, we understand the overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial toll a car accident can take. Founded by Ralph Manginello, who has over 25 years of experience fighting for accident victims across Texas, our firm has recovered millions for clients who suffered life-altering injuries. Whether your accident happened on a local road in Saint Paul or on a major highway like US-380 or SH-121, we have the expertise to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
The Reality of Car Accidents in Saint Paul and Collin County
In Texas, a car accident occurs every 57 seconds. That means while you’re reading this, another accident has likely happened somewhere in our state. In Collin County alone, thousands of crashes result in injuries ranging from whiplash to traumatic brain injuries and even wrongful death.
Common causes of car accidents in the Saint Paul area include:
- Distracted driving (texting, phone use, eating)
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Failure to yield right-of-way at intersections
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Poor weather conditions (rain, fog, ice)
- Vehicle defects and maintenance failures
These accidents often happen at dangerous intersections and along high-traffic corridors. Many clients come to us after crashes at local intersections or on highways where speeding and distracted driving are common.
Common Injuries from Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to catastrophic:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: These are common in rear-end collisions and can cause long-term pain and mobility issues.
- Herniated discs: Spinal injuries that may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
- Broken bones and fractures: Arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones are frequently broken in crashes.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Even “mild” concussions can have lasting effects on memory, concentration, and personality.
- Spinal cord injuries: These can result in partial or complete paralysis.
- Internal organ damage: Often not immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
- Psychological trauma: PTSD, anxiety, and depression are common after serious accidents.
One of our recent cases involved a client whose leg was injured in a car accident. During treatment, staff infections developed, leading to a partial amputation. Despite the insurance company’s attempts to minimize the claim, we secured a multi-million dollar settlement that accounted for our client’s lifetime medical needs and lost earning capacity.
Why Liability Matters in Texas Car Accident Cases
Texas is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for the damages. However, determining liability isn’t always straightforward. Insurance companies often try to shift blame to reduce their payouts.
Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar rule. This means:
- If you’re found to be 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault)
- If you’re found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages
Insurance companies know this rule well and will try to assign you as much fault as possible. For example, if they can convince a jury you were 25% at fault in a $100,000 case, they only have to pay $75,000.
This is where our firm’s unique advantage comes in. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for insurance defense firms. He knows exactly how insurance companies build cases against accident victims, and he uses that knowledge to fight for you. When insurance adjusters try to minimize your claim or shift blame, we’re prepared to counter their tactics with insider expertise.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Saint Paul Car Accident Case
When you’re injured in a car accident, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a team that understands both the legal and medical complexities of your case. Here’s what sets Attorney911 apart:
1. Insurance Defense Insider Advantage
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 doctors they send you to for “independent” medical exams
- How they use surveillance to undermine your claim
- Their strategies for delaying and denying claims
This insider knowledge is your advantage. When insurance companies try to lowball your claim or deny it altogether, we know their playbook because Lupe used to write it.
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
- Multi-million dollar settlement for a car accident victim whose leg injury led to amputation
- Millions recovered for families in wrongful death cases
- Significant settlements in complex liability cases
We don’t just claim to get results – we prove it with documented case outcomes.
3. Federal Court Experience
Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court experience is crucial for complex cases, especially those involving:
- Trucking accidents with federal regulations
- Product liability claims (like defective vehicle parts)
- Cases against large corporations
- Interstate commerce issues
Our firm was also one of the few involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, demonstrating our capability to handle complex cases against billion-dollar corporations.
4. Personal Attention from Start to Finish
Unlike high-volume firms where you’re just a case number, at Attorney911 you work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña. As client Chad Harris said: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”
Our clients consistently praise our communication and responsiveness. Chavodrian Miles shared: “Leonor got me into the doctor the same day…it only took 6 months amazing.” And MONGO SLADE said: “I was rear-ended and the team got right to work…I also got a very nice settlement.”
5. No Fee Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- You pay nothing upfront
- We advance all case costs
- You only pay if we recover compensation for you
- Our fee is a percentage of your recovery
This arrangement ensures that everyone has access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Saint Paul
The actions you take in the hours and days after an accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you should do:
At the Scene:
- Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone is injured.
- Document everything – Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signals.
- Exchange information – Get the other driver’s name, phone number, address, insurance information, and license plate number.
- Get witness information – Names and contact information for any witnesses.
- Do NOT admit fault – Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you later.
- Call Attorney911 – 1-888-ATTY-911. We can guide you through the next steps.
In the Hours and Days After:
- Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately.
- Preserve evidence – Keep all accident-related documents, photos, and receipts.
- Do NOT give recorded statements – Insurance adjusters will try to get you to say things that hurt your case.
- Do NOT post on social media – Insurance companies monitor social media for anything that contradicts your injury claims.
- Follow your doctor’s orders – Gaps in treatment can be used to argue your injuries aren’t serious.
- Keep a journal – Document your pain levels, limitations, and how the accident affects your daily life.
Why Time is Critical:
Evidence disappears quickly:
- Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is typically deleted within 7-30 days
- Witness memories fade
- Vehicle damage is repaired
- The 2-year statute of limitations clock is ticking
The sooner you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, the better we can preserve evidence and build your case.
Insurance Company Tactics to Watch Out For
Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible, and they have several tactics they use to achieve this:
1. The Quick Cash Offer
Within days of your accident, an insurance adjuster may call with a “quick settlement” offer. These offers are always lowball – often just a fraction of what your case is worth. They hope you’re desperate for money and will accept before you realize the full extent of your injuries.
What they don’t tell you: Once you accept a settlement, you can’t get more money later, even if you need surgery or discover permanent injuries.
2. Recorded Statements
Insurance adjusters will ask you to give a recorded statement about the accident. They’ll act friendly and say it’s just routine. In reality, they’re looking for anything they can use to deny or minimize your claim.
Common traps:
- “You’re feeling better now, right?” (They want you to say yes)
- “It wasn’t that bad of an impact, was it?” (They want to minimize the collision)
- “Were you distracted at all?” (They want you to admit fault)
3. Independent Medical Exams (IMEs)
If you refuse to settle for their low offer, they may require you to see a doctor of their choosing for an “independent” medical exam. These doctors are hired by the insurance company and are paid to find reasons to minimize your injuries.
What to expect:
- A brief, cursory exam (often just 10-15 minutes)
- Questions designed to get you to say you’re feeling better
- A report that downplays your injuries
Lupe Peña has seen this tactic from the inside. He knows which doctors insurance companies favor and how to challenge their biased reports.
4. Surveillance
Insurance companies often hire private investigators to follow accident victims. They’ll film you doing everyday activities, looking for anything that contradicts your injury claims.
What they’re looking for:
- You carrying groceries
- You playing with your kids
- You bending over
- You walking “normally”
They’ll take one frame out of context and claim you’re not really injured. Lupe has reviewed hundreds of these surveillance videos as a defense attorney. He knows how to counter these tactics and prove that a single moment doesn’t tell the whole story.
5. Delay, Deny, Defend
If they can’t get you to accept a low offer, insurance companies will often delay processing your claim in hopes that you’ll get desperate and accept less. They know that mounting medical bills and lost wages create financial pressure.
Common delay tactics:
- “We’re still investigating”
- “We’re waiting for medical records”
- “Your file is under review”
- Ignoring your calls and emails
6. Blaming Pre-Existing Conditions
If you had any prior injuries or medical conditions, insurance companies will try to blame your current symptoms on those pre-existing issues. They’ll request broad medical authorizations to search through your entire medical history.
The truth: Even if you had a pre-existing condition, if the accident made it worse, you’re entitled to compensation for that aggravation.
How Attorney911 Counters Insurance Tactics
Because Lupe Peña used to work for insurance companies, we know their playbook inside and out. Here’s how we counter their tactics:
Against Quick Cash Offers:
We never settle before you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) – the point where your doctor says you’ve recovered as much as you’re going to. This ensures we know the full extent of your injuries and can demand full compensation.
Against Recorded Statements:
We handle all communication with insurance companies. You never have to give a recorded statement without us present. We prepare you thoroughly if a statement becomes necessary.
Against IMEs:
We prepare you for what to expect and challenge biased reports with our own medical experts. Lupe knows which doctors insurance companies use and how to counter their findings.
Against Surveillance:
We educate our clients about what insurance companies look for and how to protect themselves. We also gather our own evidence to counter their surveillance footage.
Against Delay Tactics:
We file lawsuits when necessary to force insurance companies to act. We set deadlines and hold them accountable.
Against Pre-Existing Condition Claims:
We work with medical experts to prove how the accident aggravated your pre-existing condition. We limit medical authorizations to only accident-related records.
Understanding Your Damages
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to several types of compensation:
Economic Damages:
These are quantifiable financial losses:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
- Out-of-pocket expenses (transportation, home modifications)
Non-Economic Damages:
These compensate for intangible losses:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Physical impairment
- Disfigurement (scarring, permanent injuries)
- Loss of consortium (impact on your relationship with your spouse)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive Damages:
In cases of gross negligence (like drunk driving), you may be entitled to punitive damages, which are designed to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior.
How Case Values Are Determined
Insurance companies use a multiplier method to calculate pain and suffering damages:
Total Settlement = (Medical Expenses × Multiplier) + Lost Wages + Property Damage
The multiplier typically ranges from 1.5 to 5, depending on:
- Severity of injuries
- Permanency of injuries
- Impact on daily life
- Clear liability
- Sympathetic plaintiff
For example:
- Minor injuries (soft tissue, quick recovery): 1.5-2 multiplier
- Moderate injuries (broken bones, months of recovery): 2-3 multiplier
- Severe injuries (surgery, long recovery): 3-4 multiplier
- Catastrophic injuries (permanent disability): 4-5+ multiplier
Lupe Peña knows how insurance companies calculate these multipliers because he used to do it for them. We know how to present your case to justify the highest possible multiplier.
Factors That Increase Your Case Value
Several factors can increase the value of your car accident claim:
- Clear liability: When the other driver is clearly at fault, your case is stronger.
- Severe injuries: More serious injuries justify higher compensation.
- High medical bills: Extensive treatment shows the severity of your injuries.
- Permanent injuries: If you’ll have lifelong limitations, your case is worth more.
- Lost earning capacity: If you can’t return to your previous job, you may recover future lost wages.
- Sympathetic plaintiff: Juries tend to award more to people they like and relate to.
- Egregious conduct: Drunk driving, hit-and-run, and other reckless behavior can increase damages.
Factors That Can Decrease Your Case Value
Certain factors can reduce your compensation:
- Disputed liability: If fault is unclear, your recovery may be reduced.
- Gaps in treatment: Missing doctor appointments can be used against you.
- Pre-existing conditions: If not properly documented, these can be used to minimize your claim.
- Social media activity: Posts showing you doing activities can contradict your injury claims.
- Recorded statements: Saying the wrong thing to an insurance adjuster can hurt your case.
- Delay in hiring an attorney: Waiting too long can result in lost evidence.
Real Results for Real Clients
At Attorney911, we don’t just talk about results – we achieve them. Here are some of our documented case outcomes:
“Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at 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”
“In a recent case, our client injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship. Our investigation revealed that he should have been assisted in this duty, and we were able to reach a significant cash settlement”
Our clients consistently praise our results and our personal approach:
“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
“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.” – Kiimarii Yup
“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.” – Chad Harris
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Saint Paul
1. What should I do immediately after a car accident in Saint Paul?
If you’ve been in an accident in Saint Paul or anywhere in Collin County:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek medical attention even if you feel fine
- Document everything with photos of damage, injuries, and the 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 at 1-888-ATTY-911
2. Should I call the police even for a minor accident?
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.
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 Saint Paul and Collin County, you can obtain the police report from the responding law enforcement agency or through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS).
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. We can advise you.
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. Do NOT 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 on 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.
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 at 1-888-ATTY-911.
15. How much time do I have to file (statute of limitations)?
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.
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?
- Investigation and evidence gathering
- Medical treatment to MMI
- Demand letter to insurance
- Negotiation
- Lawsuit if necessary
- Discovery
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