Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Lake Dallas, Texas

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Lake Dallas, Texas, you’re not alone. Every 57 seconds, someone in Texas is involved in a motor vehicle crash, and every 2 minutes and 5 seconds, someone is injured. In Denton County, where Lake Dallas is located, these accidents can turn lives upside down in an instant—leaving victims with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and physical pain that can last for years.

At Attorney911, we understand what you’re going through. Our firm, led by Ralph Manginello with over 25 years of experience, has helped countless accident victims in Lake Dallas and across Texas recover the compensation they deserve. Whether you were rear-ended on FM 428, involved in a collision at the intersection of Swisher Road and Main Street, or struck by a distracted driver on I-35, we’re here to fight for you.

Why Lake Dallas Accidents Require Experienced Legal Representation

Lake Dallas, nestled along the shores of Lewisville Lake, is a vibrant community with its own unique traffic patterns and accident risks. The area’s mix of local roads, state highways, and recreational traffic creates a complex environment where accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Some of the most dangerous areas in our community include:

FM 428 (Swisher Road): This busy thoroughfare sees heavy commuter traffic, especially during rush hours, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions and side-impact crashes.
Main Street and Swisher Road Intersection: A high-traffic area where drivers often fail to yield, leading to T-bone accidents.
I-35 Corridor: The interstate runs just east of Lake Dallas, bringing large trucks and high-speed traffic through our area, increasing the risk of serious accidents.
Lewisville Lake Park Areas: Recreational traffic, including boats and vehicles, can lead to unique accident scenarios during peak seasons.

When accidents happen in Lake Dallas, victims often face challenges that go beyond their physical injuries. Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim, arguing that you were partially at fault or that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim. They might offer a quick settlement that doesn’t cover your long-term needs, hoping you’ll accept before realizing the full extent of your injuries.

This is where our experience makes a difference. Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of handling motor vehicle accident cases in Texas courts, combined with Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge from years working for insurance companies, gives us a unique advantage. We know how insurance adjusters think, how they calculate claim values, and how to counter their tactics to maximize your recovery.

Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Lake Dallas

Car Accidents

Car accidents are the most common type of motor vehicle accident in Lake Dallas. In 2024 alone, Texas saw 251,977 people injured in motor vehicle crashes, with one person injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds. These accidents can happen anywhere—from the quiet streets of residential neighborhoods to the busy corridors of FM 428.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Lake Dallas:

Distracted driving (texting, phone use, eating)
Speeding and reckless driving
Failure to yield right of way
Running red lights or stop signs
Following too closely (rear-end collisions)
Drunk or drugged driving
Poor weather conditions (rain, fog)
Vehicle defects or maintenance failures

Common Injuries in Car Accidents:

Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
Herniated or bulging discs
Broken bones and fractures
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries
Internal organ damage
Cuts, bruises, and lacerations

Case Result: In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident. During treatment, staff infections developed, leading to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions—not the $50,000 the insurance company initially offered.

What This Means for You:
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Lake Dallas, don’t let the insurance company undervalue your claim. We know how to document the full extent of your injuries and fight for the compensation you deserve.

18-Wheeler and Trucking Accidents

The I-35 corridor near Lake Dallas sees heavy truck traffic, making trucking accidents a serious concern for our community. In 2024, Texas experienced 39,393 commercial motor vehicle crashes, resulting in 608 fatalities and 1,601 serious injuries. Texas accounts for 11% of all fatal truck crashes nationwide, making it a hotspot for these devastating accidents.

Why Trucking Accidents Are More Complex:

Size and Weight Disparity: An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—20 times heavier than a typical passenger car. This size difference often leads to catastrophic injuries.
Multiple Liable Parties: In trucking accidents, multiple parties may be responsible, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The cargo loader
- The vehicle manufacturer
- The maintenance provider
Federal Regulations: Trucking companies must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, including:
- Hours of Service (HOS) rules limiting driving time
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) requirements
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Vehicle maintenance standards
Higher Insurance Limits: Commercial trucking policies often have higher limits, meaning there’s more money available to compensate victims.

Case Result: 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.

What This Means for You:
Trucking accidents require specialized knowledge of federal regulations and complex liability issues. Our firm’s federal court experience and history of taking on billion-dollar corporations (like our involvement in the BP explosion litigation) means we have the resources and expertise to handle these complex cases.

Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving is a serious problem in Texas, contributing to 1,053 deaths in 2024—25.37% of all traffic fatalities in the state. In Denton County, these preventable tragedies leave families devastated and victims with life-altering injuries.

Why Drunk Driving Cases Are Different:

Punitive Damages: Texas law allows for punitive (exemplary) damages in drunk driving cases, which are designed to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct.
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 later causes an accident.
Criminal + Civil Cases: Drunk driving accidents often involve both criminal charges against the driver and a civil lawsuit for damages. Our firm’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) gives us unique insight into both sides of these cases.

Signs of Obvious Intoxication (Dram Shop Liability):

Slurred speech
Bloodshot or glassy eyes
Unsteady gait or stumbling
Impaired coordination
Aggressive or erratic behavior
Strong odor of alcohol

Case Results:
Our firm has successfully handled numerous drunk driving cases, including three DWI dismissals that demonstrate our investigation skills:

Breathalyzer Machine: Our client was charged with drunk driving based on a breath test. Our investigation revealed that a police department employee was not properly maintaining the breathalyzer machines. The charges were dismissed.
Missing Evidence: Our client drove home at 2:30 a.m., hit a curb, and rolled his car, injuring a passenger. We learned that police conducted no breath or blood test, EMS didn’t note intoxication, and nurse notes from the hospital were missing. The case was dismissed on the day of trial.
Video Evidence: Our client was charged with DUI/DWI, and the state’s primary evidence was a video of the field sobriety test. We succeeded in having the case dismissed because our client did not appear drunk in the video.

What This Means for You:
If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Lake Dallas, we’ll investigate every angle—including whether the establishment that served the driver can be held liable. Our goal is to maximize your compensation and hold all responsible parties accountable.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are particularly devastating, with 585 motorcyclist fatalities in Texas in 2024. In Denton County, these accidents often occur on roads like FM 428 and I-35, where high speeds and heavy traffic create dangerous conditions for riders.

Texas Helmet Law:

Riders under 21 must wear a helmet.
Riders 21 and older may ride without a helmet if they have completed a safety course or have $10,000 in medical insurance coverage.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents:

Failure to yield right of way (most common cause)
Driver inattention or distraction
Unsafe lane changes
Left-turn accidents (T-bone or head-on collisions)
Speeding or reckless driving
Poor road conditions

Comparative Negligence in Motorcycle Cases:
Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar. 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 recover nothing.

Insurance companies often try to blame motorcyclists for accidents, even when the other driver is clearly at fault. Lupe Peña’s experience working for insurance companies gives us an advantage in countering these arguments.

What This Means for You:
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Lake Dallas, don’t let the insurance company blame you. We know their tactics and how to fight back to protect your rights.

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are a growing concern in Lake Dallas, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic like Main Street and near Lewisville Lake Park. In 2024, Texas saw 6,095 pedestrian crashes, resulting in 768 fatalities. Pedestrians account for just 1% of crashes but 19% of all roadway deaths.

Critical Legal Point:
Pedestrians ALWAYS have the right-of-way at intersections, even at unmarked crosswalks. Many drivers don’t know this, and insurance companies won’t tell you.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries
Broken pelvis and legs
Internal organ damage
Fatalities

What This Means for You:
If you’ve been struck by a vehicle while walking in Lake Dallas, you have rights. We’ll fight to ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries.

Rideshare Accidents (Uber/Lyft)

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a common sight in Lake Dallas, but accidents involving these vehicles can be complex due to their unique insurance coverage structures.

Rideshare Insurance Phases:

Phase	Driver Status	Coverage Available
Period 0 – Offline	App off, personal use	Personal insurance only (Texas minimum: $30K/$60K/$25K)
Period 1 – Waiting	App on, no ride request	Contingent coverage: $50K/$100K/$25K
Period 2 – Accepted	Ride accepted, en route to pickup	Full commercial: $1,000,000 liability
Period 3 – Transporting	Passenger in vehicle	Full commercial: $1,000,000 liability

Who Can Be Injured in Rideshare Accidents:

21% Riders
21% Drivers
58% Third parties (other drivers, pedestrians, passengers in other vehicles)

Why This Matters:
Insurance coverage varies dramatically based on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident. This complexity is why you need an attorney with experience navigating rideshare claims.

What This Means for You:
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Lake Dallas, we can help determine which insurance policy applies and fight for maximum compensation.

Hit and Run Accidents

Hit and run accidents are a serious problem, with one occurring every 43 seconds in the U.S. In Texas, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime with severe penalties:

Severity	Charge	Penalty
Death	2nd Degree Felony	2-20 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine
Serious Bodily Injury	3rd Degree Felony	2-10 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine
Minor Injury	State Jail Felony	Up to 5 years in jail, up to $5,000 fine
Property Damage ≥$200	Class B Misdemeanor	Up to 6 months in jail, up to $2,000 fine

UM/UIM Coverage is Critical:
If the at-fault driver is never identified, your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can compensate you. Texas allows inter-policy stacking, which means you can combine coverage from multiple vehicles on the same policy.

Evidence Disappears Quickly:

Surveillance footage is typically deleted within 7-30 days.
Witness memories fade quickly.
Physical evidence at the scene is cleared.

What This Means for You:
If you’ve been the victim of a hit and run in Lake Dallas, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll send preservation letters to nearby businesses to secure surveillance footage before it’s deleted.

Delivery Vehicle Accidents (Amazon, FedEx, UPS)

The rise of e-commerce has led to an increase in delivery vehicle accidents on Lake Dallas roads. These accidents often involve complex liability issues, especially when the delivery driver is an independent contractor.

Key Verdicts:

2024 Georgia Child Struck: $16.2 million verdict against Amazon (85% responsible)
2024 Lopez v. All Points 360: $105 million verdict against Amazon DSP (Delivery Service Partner)
Grubhub Wrongful Death (Arizona): Driver distracted by app, fatal accident

Amazon DSP Liability:

Amazon’s DSPs are contractually required to “defend and indemnify” Amazon.
These drivers have a higher safety violation rate than average motor carriers.
In the 24 months ending August 2025, there were 1,879 crashes involving Amazon-related motor carriers.

Why These Cases Settle for More:

Trucks are 3x the size and weight of passenger cars, leading to more severe injuries.
$1 million+ liability insurance policies are required.
Juries have little sympathy for corporate defendants.
The business model encourages dangerous behavior (tight delivery windows, pressure to drive fast).

What This Means for You:
If you’ve been injured by a delivery vehicle in Lake Dallas, we’ll investigate all potentially liable parties—including the driver, the delivery company, and the parent corporation—to maximize your recovery.

What to Do Immediately After an Accident in Lake Dallas

The actions you take in the first 48 hours after an accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you should do:

Hour 1-6: Immediate Crisis Response

✅ Ensure Safety First: If you can move safely, get to a secure location away from traffic.

✅ Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone is injured. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask injuries—many serious conditions like traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding may not show symptoms immediately.

✅ Document Everything:

Take photos of ALL vehicle damage (every angle).
Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries.
Screenshot any messages visible on your phone (do NOT delete anything).

✅ Exchange Information:

Other driver’s name, phone number, address.
Insurance company and policy number.
Driver’s license number.
License plate number.
Vehicle make, model, and color.

✅ Witnesses:

Get names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
Ask if they saw what happened.
Record their statements if possible.

✅ Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance before speaking to ANY insurance company.

Hour 6-24: Evidence Preservation

✅ Digital Preservation:

Preserve all texts, calls, photos, and videos related to the accident.
Do NOT delete anything from your phone.
Screenshot everything relevant.
Email copies to yourself for backup.

✅ Physical Evidence:

Secure damaged clothing, glasses, or personal items.
Keep receipts for any expenses (towing, rental car, medications).
Do NOT repair your vehicle yet—preserve the damage.

✅ Medical Records:

Request copies of all ER and hospital records.
Keep all discharge paperwork.
Follow up with your primary care physician within 24-48 hours.

✅ Insurance Communications:

Note any calls from insurance companies.
Do NOT give recorded statements yet.
Do NOT sign anything.
Do NOT accept any settlement offers.
Say: “I need to speak with my attorney first.”

✅ Social Media:

Make ALL profiles private immediately.
Do NOT post about the accident.
Do NOT post photos of injuries or activities.
Tell friends and family not to tag you in posts.

Hour 24-48: Strategic Decisions

✅ Legal Consultation:

Speak with an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney.
Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
Have your documentation ready.

✅ Insurance Response:

If insurance contacts you, refer them to your attorney.
Say: “My attorney will be in touch with you.”
Provide only basic information: your name, the date of the accident, and that you were involved.

✅ Settlement Offers:

Do NOT accept or sign anything without your lawyer’s review.
Early offers are ALWAYS lowball offers.
You don’t know the full extent of your injuries yet.

✅ Evidence Backup:

Upload all screenshots and photos to cloud storage.
Email copies to yourself and a family member.
Create a written timeline of events while your memory is fresh.

Week One Priorities

✅ Medical Follow-Up:

Continue documenting all injuries.
See specialists if recommended.
Follow ALL doctor recommendations (insurance companies watch for gaps in treatment).
Get written work restrictions if needed.

✅ Investigation Begins:

Your attorney will obtain the police report.
Preservation letters will be sent to all parties.
Surveillance footage will be secured before deletion.
Witness statements will be recorded.

✅ Communication:

Your attorney will handle ALL insurance communication.
You focus on your recovery.
Document any pressure from insurance companies or other parties.

Why Evidence Disappears Quickly

Evidence doesn’t last forever. Here’s what you stand to lose if you wait to take action:

Day 1-7:

Witness memories are at their peak—but they begin fading immediately.
Physical evidence like skid marks and debris is still visible but will soon be cleared.

Day 7-30:

Surveillance footage is deleted:
- Gas stations: 7-14 days
- Retail stores: 30 days
- Ring doorbells: 30-60 days
- Traffic cameras: 30 days
Once deleted, this footage is gone forever—it cannot be recovered.
Witnesses become harder to locate as they change jobs, move, or become unreachable.

Month 1-2:

Insurance companies solidify their defense position against you.
Adjusters build their case file to minimize your claim.
Vehicle repairs destroy evidence from the vehicles once they’re fixed.

Month 2-6:

Trucking electronic data is deleted:
- ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data: 30-180 days
- Black box data: Can be automatically overwritten
- GPS/telematics: Varies by company
Cell phone records become harder to obtain as time passes.
Social media posts are deleted, and accounts are deactivated.

Month 6-12:

Witnesses graduate, move away, or their memories degrade significantly.
Medical evidence becomes harder to link to the accident.
Treatment gaps are used against you by insurance companies.
Financial desperation mounts, making you more vulnerable to lowball offers.

Month 12-24:

The statute of limitations is approaching—creating pressure to settle.
Evidence is severely degraded, diminishing your case’s value.

Texas Motor Vehicle Accident Laws You Need to Know

Statute of Limitations

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is absolute—if you miss it, your case is barred forever, and you cannot recover any compensation.

Exceptions:

Discovery Rule: The statute of limitations may start later if the injury or its cause wasn’t immediately discoverable.
Minors: The clock doesn’t start until the injured person turns 18.
Defendant’s Absence: The statute is tolled if the defendant leaves Texas.
Mental Incapacity: The statute is tolled during periods of incapacity.

Comparative Negligence (51% Bar Rule)

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar. This means:

If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault).
If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.

Examples:

Your Fault %	Case Value	Your Recovery
0%	$100,000	$100,000
10%	$100,000	$90,000
25%	$250,000	$187,500
40%	$500,000	$300,000
50%	$500,000	$250,000
51%	$500,000	$0

Why This Matters:
Insurance companies will try to assign as much fault as possible to you to reduce their payment. Even small percentages of fault can cost you thousands of dollars. For example:

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

Lupe Peña’s experience working for insurance companies gives us an advantage in countering these arguments. He knows how they calculate fault percentages and how to challenge their assessments.

Texas Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements

Texas is an at-fault state, meaning the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for covering damages. The minimum insurance requirements in Texas are:

Coverage	Minimum Required
Bodily Injury – Per Person	$30,000
Bodily Injury – Per Accident	$60,000
Property Damage – Per Accident	$25,000

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Statistics:

15.4% of U.S. motorists are uninsured (approximately 1 in 7 drivers).
UM/UIM coverage is critical for protection when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage.
Texas allows inter-policy stacking, which means you can combine coverage from multiple vehicles on the same policy.

How Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Your Claim

Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible, and they have teams of adjusters, lawyers, and doctors working to achieve that goal. Here are the tactics they use—and how we counter them:

Tactic #1: Quick Contact & Recorded Statement (Days 1-3)

What They Do:
Within days of your accident, insurance adjusters will contact you—often while you’re still in the hospital, on pain medication, or overwhelmed by the situation. They’ll act friendly and helpful, saying things like:

“We just want to help you.”
“We need to get your side of the story to process your claim.”
“This is routine—everyone does this.”
“It’ll only take a few minutes.”

What They’re Really Doing:
They’re building their defense against you with leading questions designed to get you to say things that can be used to minimize your claim:

Question They Ask	What They Want You to Say
“You’re feeling better now though, right?”	Trap you into saying you’re improving.
“It wasn’t that bad of an impact, was it?”	Minimize the severity of the collision.
“You were able to walk away from the scene?”	Suggest your injuries aren’t serious.
“Were you distracted at all?”	Get you to admit to distraction.
“How fast were you going?”	Hope you overestimate or say “I don’t know.”

Everything you say is documented, recorded, transcribed, and will be used against you. You cannot take it back.

The Truth:

You are NOT required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company.
Giving a statement without an attorney almost always hurts your case.
Insurance companies know this—that’s why they push so hard.

How Attorney911 Counters:
Once you hire Attorney911:

We become your voice.
All calls go through us.
You don’t talk to adjusters.
If a statement becomes absolutely necessary, we prepare you properly and sit with you during any statements.
We know their questions because Lupe asked them for years.

Tactic #2: Quick Settlement Offer (Weeks 1-3)

What They Do:
Within days or weeks of your accident, the insurance company will offer you a quick settlement:

Typical offers: $2,000-$5,000
Sometimes $10,000-$15,000 if they’re scared of your case
It sounds good when you have zero money and mounting bills.

They Create Artificial Urgency:

“This offer expires in 48 hours.”
“I can only get approval for this amount right now.”
“Take it or leave it.”
“This is our final offer.” (It’s not.)

The Trap:
You don’t know the full extent of your injuries yet. Here’s what often happens:

What Happens	Result
Day 3: Insurance offers $3,500 “final settlement.”	You’re desperate, in pain, and scared.
You sign the release.	You think it’s over.
Week 6: MRI shows herniated disc requiring surgery.	Surgery costs $100,000.
TOO LATE	You signed a release—you can’t reopen your claim.
You pay $100,000 out of pocket.	Insurance pays nothing more.

The release is permanent and final. Once you sign it, you cannot undo it.

How Attorney911 Counters:
NEVER settle before reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).

MMI is the point where you’ve recovered as much as you’re going to—medically speaking.
This could be 6 months, 12 months, or even 24+ months, depending on your injuries.
You can’t know the true value of your case until you reach MMI.
We know their offers are always lowball—Lupe calculated these offers for years, and he knows they’re typically offering 10-20% of your case’s true value.

Tactic #3: “Independent” Medical Exam (IME) (Months 2-6)

What They Call It:
“Independent Medical Examination” (IME)

What It Really Is:
An insurance company-hired doctor whose job is to minimize your injuries.

How Insurance Companies Choose IME Doctors:
They don’t choose the most qualified doctor—they choose the doctor who gives them the reports they want. Here’s what they look for:

Doctors who consistently find “no injury” or “pre-existing condition.”
Doctors who are paid thousands by insurance companies ($2,000-$5,000 per exam).
Doctors who get repeat business by giving favorable reports.

What Happens at the IME:

You get a 10-15 minute “examination” (compared to your treating doctor’s thorough evaluation).
The doctor rarely reviews your complete medical records beforehand.
They ask questions designed to elicit “I’m feeling better” responses.
They look for any reason to minimize your injuries.

Common IME Doctor Findings:

What They Say	What It Means
“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 Attorney911 Counters:

We prepare you extensively before the exam.
We send your complete medical records to the IME doctor first, forcing them to review them.
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 (Months 6-12+)

What They Do:
They drag out your case, hoping you’ll get desperate and accept less:

“We’re still investigating your claim.”
“We’re waiting for medical records.” (Even though we sent them months ago.)
“We’re reviewing your file.”
They ignore your calls and emails.
They take weeks to respond to simple questions.

Why Delay Works (On People Without Attorneys):

Insurance Companies Have:

Unlimited time
Unlimited resources
No financial pressure
They’re earning interest on YOUR settlement money while delaying

You Have:

Mounting bills
Zero income
Creditors threatening you
A need for money NOW

Financial Desperation Makes You Accept Less:

Month 1: You’d reject a $5,000 offer.
Month 6: You’d seriously consider $5,000.
Month 12: You’d beg for $5,000 just to end the nightmare.

How Attorney911 Counters:

We file a lawsuit to force deadlines.
We set depositions, forcing them to produce witnesses.
We prepare for trial, showing 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:
They hire private investigators to:

Video you doing daily activities.
Film you from public places (your driveway, the street, stores).
Follow you to appointments, errands, and social activities.
Look for any activity that contradicts your injury claims.
One video of you bending over can be twisted to say, “Not really injured.”

They Monitor ALL Your Social Media:

Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Twitter/X, YouTube, Snapchat
They screenshot EVERYTHING: posts, photos, 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 We’ve Defended:

Example	What Happened	Insurance Claimed	Reality
Old Photo	Gym photo from 3 years ago	Presented as recent, contradicts injury	We proved metadata was pre-accident.
Restaurant Check-in	Facebook check-in at restaurant	“Partying and having fun”	Client was sitting quietly having dinner.
Friend’s Comment	Friend posted “Had fun yesterday!”	Evidence of non-injury	Client was resting at home.
Walking Dog	Video of client walking dog slowly	“Not disabled”	Doctor recommended short walks.
Smiling in Photo	Family photo smiling	“Not in pain—she’s smiling!”	Everyone smiles for photos.

7 Rules for 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, don’t post about you.
Don’t accept friend requests from strangers (fake profiles).
BEST: Stay off social media entirely during your case.
Assume EVERYTHING is being monitored.

Lupe’s Insider Quote:

“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.”

Tactic #6: Comparative Fault Arguments

What They Do:
They try to assign you the maximum amount of fault to reduce their payment:

“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 you thousands:

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

How Attorney911 Counters:
We conduct an aggressive liability investigation:

Accident reconstruction to prove the other driver’s fault.
Witness statements supporting your version of events.
Police report analysis emphasizing citations.
Expert testimony on perception-reaction time.

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 ACTUALLY Value Your Claim:

Lupe knows this from the inside—he used these systems for years.

Colossus Software System:

Used by Allstate, State Farm, Liberty Mutual, and others.
Computerized claim valuation system.
Adjuster inputs: injury codes, treatment types, medical costs, lost wages, jurisdiction.
Software outputs: recommended settlement range.
Problem: Programmed to undervalue serious injuries.

How It’s Manipulated:

Manipulation	Effect
Low Injury Codes	“Soft tissue strain” instead of “disc herniation” reduces value by 50-100%.
Excessive Treatment Flags	Therapy beyond “normal” range triggers reduction.
Conservative Treatment Penalty	Chiropractic valued less than MD treatment.
Pre-Existing Reduction	Any prior condition used to reduce value.
Jurisdiction Factor	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 records to beat the algorithm.
He worked with these systems for years as a defense attorney.

Tactic #8: Medical Authorization Trap

What They Do:
They request a broad medical authorization, saying:

“We need your medical records to process your claim.”
They send an authorization form for you to sign.
The form gives them access to your ENTIRE medical history—not just accident-related records.

What They’re Really Doing:
They’re searching for pre-existing conditions to use against you:

Looking through decades of medical records.
Finding old injuries from years ago.
Arthritis from 10 years ago.
Prior back pain from 2005.
Any medical condition ever documented.

Using Old Injuries Against You:

“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.”
They ignore the fact that the accident aggravated your pre-existing condition.

The Truth:

You’re entitled to compensation even with pre-existing conditions.
If the accident made it worse, you recover for the aggravation.
“Eggshell plaintiff” rule: They take you as they find you.
A prior injury doesn’t give them a license to injure you again.

How Attorney911 Counters:

We limit medical authorizations to accident-related records only.
We specify date ranges and providers.
We review ALL authorizations before you sign anything.
We explain pre-existing conditions properly:
- “Before the accident: mild occasional back pain. After the accident: severe constant pain requiring surgery.”
- We document the difference.
- We prove causation through medical testimony.

Lupe knows this tactic:

He requested broad authorizations for years.
He knows what they’re searching for.
He knows how to protect your privacy.
He knows how to present pre-existing conditions favorably.

Tactic #9: Gaps in Treatment Attack

What They Do:
They scrutinize your medical records for gaps in treatment:

Missed one physical therapy appointment?
Two weeks between doctor visits?
Stopped treatment for a month?
They pounce.

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):

You couldn’t afford copays.
You couldn’t get time off work.
Transportation issues.
The doctor was booked out.
Insurance denied treatment.
COVID-19 lockdowns.
Family emergencies.

Insurance Doesn’t Care About Reasons:

They just see the gap.
They use it to minimize your claim.
They argue your injuries “resolved” during the gap.
They reduce your settlement value.

How Attorney911 Counters:

We document the reasons for gaps:
- Get your explanation in writing.
- Obtain supporting documentation.
- Show the gap was beyond your control.
- Prove your injuries didn’t resolve.
We ensure consistent treatment:
- Help you find doctors who accept liens (treat now, pay from settlement).
- Connect you with transportation if needed.
- Coordinate appointments around your work schedule.
- Prevent gaps before they happen.
We explain gaps to insurance/jury:
- “Client couldn’t afford $50 copays while unable to work.”
- “Doctor was booked out 6 weeks—not client’s fault.”
- “COVID-19 shut down the physical therapy clinic.”
- Legitimate explanations that juries understand.

Lupe knows this attack:

He used gaps to minimize claims for years.
He knows which explanations insurance accepts.
He knows how to document around gaps.
He prevents this attack through proactive case management.

Tactic #10: Policy Limits Bluff

What They Do:
They claim limited coverage:

“We only have $30,000 in coverage.”
“That’s the policy limit—we can’t pay more.”
“Take it or leave it.”
They hope you don’t investigate further.

What They’re Hiding:

Umbrella policies (additional $500,000-$5,000,000).
Commercial policies (if the driver was working).
Corporate policies (parent company coverage).
Multiple policies that stack.
Excess coverage layers.

Why They Hide Coverage:

They hope you’ll settle for minimum limits.
They save millions in additional coverage.
They bet you won’t hire an attorney to investigate.
Most people don’t know to look for additional policies.

How Attorney911 Counters:
We investigate ALL available coverage:

Demand full policy disclosure.
Subpoena insurance files if necessary.
Search for umbrella policies.
Identify corporate coverage.
Find employer policies.
Discover parent company coverage.

We File Lawsuits to Force Disclosure:

The discovery process reveals hidden policies.
Depositions of insurance representatives.
Document requests for all policies.
They can’t hide coverage in litigation.

Lupe’s Insurance Knowledge Finds Hidden Policies:

He knows the coverage structures insurance companies use.
He knows where umbrella policies hide.
He knows how to identify corporate coverage.
He spent years evaluating multi-layer coverage.
He finds policies other attorneys miss.

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 a 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.

This is why hiring an attorney who investigates ALL coverage matters.

Types of Compensation You Can Recover

If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Lake Dallas, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the circumstances of your case.

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas)

Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses you’ve suffered as a result of the accident.

Damage Type	What It Covers
Medical Expenses (Past)	ER visits, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, medical equipment, and any other accident-related medical treatment.
Medical Expenses (Future)	Ongoing treatment, future surgeries, lifetime medications, long-term care, and any other future medical needs related to your injuries.
Lost Wages (Past)	Income lost from the date of the accident to the present due to your inability to work.
Lost Earning Capacity (Future)	Reduced ability to earn income in the future due to permanent injuries or disabilities.
Property Damage	Cost to repair or replace your vehicle, as well as any other personal property damaged in the accident.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses	Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, household help, and any other accident-related expenses.

Non-Economic Damages (No Cap Except Medical Malpractice)

Non-economic damages compensate you for intangible losses that don’t have a specific dollar amount.

Damage Type	What It Covers
Pain and Suffering	Physical pain from your injuries, both past and future.
Mental Anguish	Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, fear, PTSD, and other psychological impacts.
Physical Impairment	Loss of physical function, disability, or limitations caused by your injuries.
Disfigurement	Scarring, permanent visible injuries, or any changes to your appearance that affect your self-esteem or quality of life.
Loss of Consortium	Impact on your marriage or family relationships, including loss of companionship, affection, and support.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life	Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed due to your injuries.

Punitive/Exemplary Damages (Capped)

Punitive damages are available in cases involving gross negligence, fraud, or malice. They are designed to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future.

When Punitive Damages Apply:

Gross Negligence: Conscious indifference to the rights, safety, or welfare of others.
Malice: Specific intent to cause substantial injury.
Fraud: Intentional misrepresentation causing harm.

Punitive Damage Cap in Texas:
The greater of:

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

Common Punitive Damage Situations in MVA Cases:

Drunk driving accidents
Extreme speeding (100+ mph)
Trucking companies that knowingly violate Hours of Service regulations
Manufacturers that know about vehicle defects but don’t issue recalls
Repeat DUI offenders

Tax Treatment:
Punitive damages are taxable as ordinary income. Compensatory damages for physical injuries are generally not taxable.

Settlement Ranges by Injury Type

The value of your case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the clarity of liability. Below are typical settlement ranges for various types of injuries in Texas motor vehicle accident cases.

Soft Tissue Injuries (Whiplash, Sprains, Strains)

Medical Treatment:

Emergency room: $2,000-$5,000
Follow-up doctor visits: $1,000-$3,000
Physical therapy (6-12 weeks): $3,000-$7,000
Medications: $300-$1,000
Total Medical: $6,000-$16,000

Lost Wages: $2,000-$10,000 (2-6 weeks missed work)
Pain & Suffering: $8,000-$35,000

Settlement Range: $15,000-$60,000
Higher if: Permanent pain, restrictions on activities, or if a chronic condition develops.

Broken Bone (Single, Simple Fracture)

Medical Treatment:

Emergency room and X-rays: $3,000-$6,000
Orthopedic consultation: $500-$1,500
Casting and follow-up: $2,000-$5,000
Physical therapy: $3,000-$8,000
Total Medical: $10,000-$20,000

Lost Wages: $5,000-$15,000 (4-8 weeks missed work)
Pain & Suffering: $20,000-$60,000

Settlement Range: $35,000-$95,000

Broken Bone (Requiring Surgery – ORIF)

Medical Treatment:

Emergency room: $5,000-$10,000
Surgery (Open Reduction Internal Fixation): $25,000-$50,000
Hospital stay (2-3 days): $6,000-$15,000
Follow-up care: $3,000-$8,000
Physical therapy (3-6 months): $8,000-$15,000
Total Medical: $47,000-$98,000

Lost Wages: $10,000-$30,000 (3-6 months)
Pain & Suffering: $75,000-$200,000

Settlement Range: $132,000-$328,000

Herniated Disc (Conservative Treatment)

Medical Treatment:

Emergency room and initial treatment: $3,000-$6,000
MRI: $2,000-$4,000
Physician visits and pain management: $5,000-$12,000
Physical therapy (3-6 months): $8,000-$15,000
Epidural steroid injections (series of 3): $3,000-$6,000
Medications: $1,000-$3,000
Total Medical: $22,000-$46,000

Lost Wages: $8,000-$25,000
Pain & Suffering: $40,000-$100,000

Settlement Range: $70,000-$171,000

Herniated Disc (Surgery Required)

Medical Treatment:

Initial treatment and diagnostics: $8,000-$15,000
Failed conservative treatment: $10,000-$20,000
Spinal surgery (microdiscectomy or fusion): $50,000-$100,000
Hospital stay: $8,000-$20,000
Post-surgical care and follow-up: $5,000-$15,000
Physical therapy (6-12 months): $10,000-$20,000
Pain management: $5,000-$15,000
Total Past Medical: $96,000-$205,000

Future Medical: $30,000-$100,000 (ongoing pain management, possible revision surgery)
Lost Wages: $20,000-$50,000 (6-12 months recovery)
Lost Earning Capacity: $50,000-$400,000 (if you can’t return to your previous job)
Pain & Suffering: $150,000-$450,000

Settlement Range: $346,000-$1,205,000

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) (Moderate to Severe)

Medical Treatment:

Emergency room and trauma care: $10,000-$30,000
Hospital/ICU stay (1-4 weeks): $50,000-$200,000
Neurosurgery (if required): $75,000-$200,000
Acute rehabilitation facility: $30,000-$100,000
Neurologist follow-up care: $10,000-$30,000
Neuropsychological testing: $3,000-$8,000
Cognitive therapy: $15,000-$50,000
Medications: $5,000-$20,000
Total Past Medical: $198,000-$638,000

Future Medical (Life Care Plan): $300,000-$3,000,000+ depending on severity
Lost Wages: $50,000-$200,000
Lost Earning Capacity: $500,000-$3,000,000+
Pain & Suffering: $500,000-$3,000,000+

Settlement Range: $1,548,000-$9,838,000

Attorney911 Documented Result:

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

Spinal Cord Injury / Paralysis

Spinal cord injuries often result in permanent disability and require lifetime care. The costs associated with these injuries are staggering.

Lifetime Care Costs by Level:

Injury Level	First Year	Each Year After	Lifetime Total
High Tetraplegia (C1-C4)	$1,200,000-$1,500,000	$200,000-$250,000	$6,000,000-$13,000,000+
Low Tetraplegia (C5-C8)	$850,000-$1,100,000	$75,000-$100,000	$3,700,000-$6,100,000+
Paraplegia (T1-L5)	$500,000-$750,000	$70,000-$90,000	$2,500,000-$5,250,000+

Settlement Range: $4,770,000-$25,880,000

Amputation

Medical Treatment:

Emergency care and surgery: $80,000-$200,000
Hospital stay: $50,000-$150,000
Rehabilitation: $30,000-$100,000
Initial prosthetic fitting: $10,000-$30,000
Total Past Medical: $170,000-$480,000

Future Medical (Lifetime Prosthetics):

Basic prosthetic leg: $5,000-$15,000 every 3-5 years
Advanced computerized prosthetic: $50,000-$100,000 every 3-5 years
Over a lifetime (30-50 years): $500,000-$2,000,000

Settlement Range: $1,945,000-$8,630,000

Attorney911 Documented Result:

“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.”

Wrongful Death (Working Age Adult)

Economic Damages:

Funeral and burial: $10,000-$20,000
Medical expenses before death: $50,000-$500,000
Lost financial support to family (present value): $1,000,000-$4,000,000

Non-Economic Damages:

Loss of companionship, society, and love: $500,000-$3,000,000
Loss of advice and counsel: $100,000-$500,000
Mental anguish (family members): $250,000-$1,500,000

Settlement Range: $1,910,000-$9,520,000

Attorney911 Documented Result:

“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.”

Nuclear Verdicts: How They Impact Your Case

A nuclear verdict is a jury award that exceeds $10 million (originally defined as $10 million, but now often considered $20 million or more). These verdicts have become more common in recent years, particularly in Texas.

Texas Nuclear Verdict Statistics:

207 nuclear verdicts ($10M+) from 2009-2023.
Total: $45+ billion in Texas alone.
Texas #1 nationally for nuclear verdicts.
Auto accidents = 23.2% of all nuclear verdicts.

Recent Texas Motor Vehicle Nuclear Verdicts:

Year	Case	Amount
2024	Hatch v. Jones (car accident wrongful death)	$81,720,000
2024	Frito-Lay Warehouse (vehicle collision)	$72,000,000
2024	Lopez v. All Points 360 (Amazon)	$105,000,000
2024	New Prime I-35 pileup (6 deaths)	$44,100,000
2024	Oncor Electric (trucking)	$37,500,000
2024	Ben E. Keith (Fort Worth trucking)	$35,000,000
2023	Johnson v. Union Pacific (train)	$557,000,000
2021	Ramsey v. Landstar (trucking)	$730,000,000
2017	Kindred v. Delbosque (drunk driving)	$301 BILLION

Why Nuclear Verdicts Matter to Your Case:

Insurance companies fear nuclear verdicts. This fear increases settlement values across ALL serious injury cases, not just those that go to trial. Attorney911’s trial readiness and multi-million-dollar track record give us leverage in every negotiation.

When insurance companies see that we’re prepared to take a case to trial—and that we have a history of winning large verdicts—they’re more likely to offer a fair settlement early in the process.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Lake Dallas Accident Case?

When you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Lake Dallas, you need an attorney who will fight for your rights and maximize your compensation. Here’s what sets Attorney911 apart from other law firms:

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.”

What This Means for Your Case:

We know their tactics because Lupe used them for years.
We anticipate their strategies before they deploy them.
We know how they value claims internally.
We know which IME doctors they favor.
We know how to beat their algorithms.
We speak their language.

No other firm in Lake Dallas has this advantage.

2. Multi-Million Dollar Results

Attorney911 has recovered millions for victims of:

Brain injuries: “Multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss.”
Amputations: “This case settled in the millions.”
Trucking wrongful death: “Recovered millions of dollars in compensation.”
Maritime injuries: “Significant cash settlement.”

Our results prove we don’t settle cheap.

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas.

Why This Matters:

Complex cases often end up in federal court.
FMCSA trucking regulations are federal.
Diversity jurisdiction applies for out-of-state defendants.
Federal court requires different skills than state court.

BP Explosion Litigation: “Our firm is one of the few firms in Texas to be involved in BP explosion litigation.”

4. Personal Attention

What Our Clients Say:

“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

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer.” — Dame Haskett

You work directly with Ralph or Lupe, not a case manager assembly line.

5. Contingency Fee – No Risk

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

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

6. Bilingual Services

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our team includes bilingual staff members like Zulema. We ensure that language is never a barrier to justice.

“Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.” — Celia Dominguez

7. Proven Track Record

25+ years of experience handling motor vehicle accident cases in Texas.
Federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas.
BP explosion litigation involvement—we’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations.
251+ Google reviews with a 4.9-star rating.
Hundreds of satisfied clients across Texas.

8. Comprehensive Legal Knowledge

We handle all types of motor vehicle accidents, including:

Car accidents
18-wheeler and trucking accidents
Drunk driving accidents
Motorcycle accidents
Pedestrian accidents
Bicycle accidents
Hit and run accidents
Rideshare accidents (Uber/Lyft)
Delivery vehicle accidents (Amazon, FedEx, UPS)
Boat and maritime accidents

9. Aggressive Representation

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know we’re not bluffing, which gives us leverage in negotiations.

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” — Glenda Walker

10. Community Trust

“One of Houston’s Great Men Trae Tha Truth has recommended this law firm. So if he is vouching for them, then I know they do good work.” — Jacqueline Johnson

What Our Clients Say About Us

At Attorney911, we’re proud of the relationships we build with our clients. Here’s what some of them have to say about their experience with our firm:

Personal Communication & Care

“Melanie was excellent. She kept me informed and when she said she would call me back, she did. I got to speak with Ralph Manginello once and knew quickly the way his firm was ran.” — Brian Butchee

“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

“Special thank you to my attorney, Mr. Pena, for your kindness and patience with my repeated questions.” — Chelsea Martinez

“Leonor and Amanda were amazing; they walked me through everything with my car accident.” — Kelly Hunsicker

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer…Ralph reached out personally.” — Dame Haskett

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

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

“They went above and beyond! Special thank you to Ralph and Leonor.” — Diane Smith

Case Results & Speed

“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello…I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” — Donald Wilcox

“Leonor is the best!!! She was able to assist me with my case within 6 months.” — Tymesha Galloway

“Mariela and Zulema have done such a fantastic job…gone above and beyond to get my case settled quickly!” — Hannah Garcia

“Highly recommend! They moved fast and handled my case very efficiently.” — Nina Graeter

“She had received an offer but she told me to give her one more week because she knew she could get a better offer.” — Tracey White

“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

Taken When Others Wouldn’t

“In the beginning, I had another attorney, but he dropped my case, although Manginello Law Firm was able to help me out.” — Greg Garcia

“Leonor is absolutely phenomenal. She truly cares about her clients.” — Madison Wallace

“Ralph Manginello took his bogus case and had it dismissed within a WEEK! I have been trying for over 2 years.” — Beth Bonds

“They took over my case from another lawyer and got to working on my case.” — CON3531

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” — Angel Walle

Spanish Language Services

“The support provided at Manginello Law Firm was excellent…They worked hard to do their best.” — Maria Ramirez

“Thank you for your excellent work; I highly recommend you.” — Eduard Marin

“Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.” — Celia Dominguez

“Melani, thank you for your excellent work.” — Miguel J. mayo bermudez

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” — Angel Walle

Ralph’s Personal Involvement

“Attorney Manginello is so knowledgeable but straight to the point…responded quickly even while he was away.” — S M

“He listened intently, heard my concerns and issues, and immediately began working to protect my rights.” — Ken Taylor

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

“Ralph Manginello is indeed the best attorney I ever had…He cares greatly about his results.” — AMAZIAH A.T

“Ralph has kept me up to date on the case and checked in on me.” — Manraj

“Ralph is an AMAZING ATTORNEY. I have used him 2 TIMES FOR 2 separate cases. The first case, he got me an OFF DOCKET DISSMISSAL! And the other, only 10 months probation. He gets the JOB DONE RIGHT!!!!” — Cassie Wright

Overall Excellence

“Best lawyers in the city…fast return…and they really care about their clients.” — Dean Jones

“Very professional and got good results.” — Monty Cazier

“Mr. Manginello got us a nice result in my wife’s injury.” — Bill Spragg

“Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” — Ernest Cano

“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.” — Glenda Walker

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

Celebrity Endorsements

“One of Houston’s Great Men Trae Tha Truth has recommended this law firm. So if he is vouching for them, then I know they do good work.” — Jacqueline Johnson

“You know if TraeAbn tells you it’s the right way to go, best attorney out here; you can’t go wrong.” — Erica Perales

Frequently Asked Questions About Motor Vehicle Accidents in Lake Dallas

Immediate After Accident

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

If you’ve been in an accident in Lake Dallas:

Call 911 and report the accident.
Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine (adrenaline can mask injuries).
Document everything: take photos of the damage, injuries, and 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 for immediate legal guidance.

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” (this can be used as an admission of fault).
Do NOT give your opinion on what happened.
Stick to the facts only.

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

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

Dealing with Insurance

7. Should I give a recorded statement to insurance?

To the other driver’s insurance: NO. Not without an attorney.
To your own insurance: You have a duty to cooperate, but call Attorney911 first. 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 the actual value of your claim. 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 or underinsured?

Your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can compensate you. Watch our video: “Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8

12. Why does insurance want me to sign a medical authorization?

They want unlimited access to your entire medical history to find pre-existing conditions to use against you. Never sign without your attorney reviewing it.

Legal Process

13. Do I have a personal injury case?

You may have a case if:

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

Watch our video: “Do I Have a Good Case?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-PMMP5Jims

14. When should I hire a car accident lawyer?

Immediately. Evidence disappears daily. Insurance companies start building their defense against you from day one. Call Attorney911 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, and your case is 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 damages (reduced by your percentage of fault). If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover 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 in negotiations.

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?

It depends on the severity of your injuries. We don’t settle until you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). This could be 6 months for minor injuries or 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.
Mediation.
Trial if needed.

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

Compensation

21. What is my case worth?

It depends on:

Injury severity.
Medical costs.
Lost wages.
Permanent impairment.
Pain and suffering.
Clarity of liability.

Cases range from $15,000 (soft tissue) to millions (catastrophic injury).

22. What types of damages can I recover?

Medical expenses (past and future).
Lost wages and earning capacity.
Pain and suffering.
Mental anguish.
Physical impairment.
Disfigurement.
Loss of enjoyment of life.
Property damage.

23. Can I get compensation for pain and suffering?

Yes. Pain and suffering is a significant component of personal injury cases in Texas. There is no cap on pain and suffering (except in medical malpractice cases).

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

You can still recover if the accident aggravated or worsened your pre-existing condition. This is called the “eggshell plaintiff” rule.

25. Will I have to pay taxes on my settlement?

Generally, compensation for physical injuries is not taxable. Punitive damages are taxable. Consult a tax professional.

26. How is the value of my claim determined?

Based on:

Medical bills.
Future treatment costs.
Lost income.
Permanent impairment rating.
Comparable verdicts.
Severity of injuries.
Impact on daily life.

Attorney Relationship

27. How much do car accident lawyers cost?

Attorney911 works on a contingency fee basis: 33.33% before trial, 40% if trial. You pay nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win.

Watch our video: “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

28. What does “no fee unless we win” mean?

You pay zero unless we recover money for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. We advance all case costs.

29. How often will I get updates?

Attorney911 provides regular updates. As client Dame Haskett said: “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer.”

30. Who will actually handle my case?

At Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, not just paralegals. As Chad Harris said: “You are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”

31. What if I already hired another attorney?

You can switch. As client Greg Garcia said: “In the beginning, I had another attorney, but he dropped my case, although Manginello Law Firm was able to help me out.”

Mistakes to Avoid

32. What common mistakes can hurt my case?

Giving a recorded statement without an attorney.
Accepting a quick settlement.
Delaying medical treatment.
Gaps in treatment.
Posting on social media.
Signing releases or authorizations.
Not documenting everything.

Watch our video: “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

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

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

34. Why shouldn’t I sign anything without a lawyer?

Releases are permanent. Medical authorizations give unlimited access. Settlement offers are binding. Once signed, you can’t undo it.

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

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

Additional Common Questions

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

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

Example: You had mild occasional back pain. The accident caused a herniated disc requiring surgery. You recover for the new injury, not just the pre-existing pain.

We hire medical experts to prove the difference. Lupe knows how insurance attacks pre-existing conditions—he used this defense for years.

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

YES. You can fire your attorney at any time. If your attorney isn’t communicating, isn’t fighting for you, or is pushing you to settle cheap, you have the right to switch.

Attorney911 has taken over many cases from other attorneys. As Greg Garcia said: “In the beginning, I had another attorney, but he dropped my case, although Manginello Law Firm was able to help me out.”

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 to discuss switching.

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

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) claims are against your own 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. Texas allows inter-policy stacking (combining coverage from multiple vehicles on the same policy). Lupe’s insurance knowledge is critical for maximizing UM/UIM recovery.

39. How do you calculate pain and suffering?

Most commonly using the multiplier method:
Medical expenses × multiplier (1.5 to 5) = pain & suffering.

The multiplier depends on:

Injury severity.
Permanency.
Impact on life.
Clear liability.

Example: $100,000 medical × 4 multiplier = $400,000 pain & suffering.

Lupe calculated these for years—he knows how to justify higher multipliers. See Section G for a detailed breakdown.

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

Government claims have special rules:

You must file notice within 6 months (much shorter than the 2-year statute of limitations).
Sovereign immunity protects government entities.
Damage caps may apply.

These cases are complex—you need an experienced attorney. Ralph’s 25+ years include government litigation. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately—the 6-month deadline is strict.

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

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

Texas allows UM stacking. We’ve recovered substantial settlements in hit and run cases through UM claims.

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

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

Call 1-888-ATTY-911—we protect your rights and your privacy.

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

Parking lot accidents are fully compensable. Insurance companies love to argue that “parking lot accidents are always 50/50 fault” (this is a lie).

We prove fault through:

Surveillance video.
Witness statements.
Damage analysis.
Traffic patterns.

Texas comparative negligence rules apply. We’ve won many parking lot cases with clear liability findings.

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

You can sue the driver, even if you were riding with them (friend, family member, Uber driver). You’re an innocent victim. The driver’s insurance covers passengers. There are no comparative fault issues (you weren’t driving). These cases often settle quickly because liability is clear. We handle the difficult conversation so you don’t have to.

45. 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. The insurance policy still applies. The estate may have assets. Wrongful death laws protect both sides. These cases are emotionally complex but legally straightforward. We handle them with sensitivity while protecting your rights.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Lake Dallas, don’t wait to get the help you need. Evidence disappears daily, and the insurance company is already building its case against you.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case, so there’s no risk to you.

Our offices:

Houston (Primary): Serving Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Brazoria, and Galveston Counties
Austin: Serving Travis, Williamson, Hays, and Bastrop Counties
Beaumont: Serving Jefferson, Orange, and Hardin Counties

We serve Lake Dallas and all of Denton County, including:

Corinth
Hickory Creek
Lewisville
Little Elm
Shady Shores
The Colony

Don’t face this alone. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.