Car Accident Lawyers in Iowa Colony, Texas | Attorney911

Hurt in a Car Crash in Iowa Colony? We Fight for Maximum Compensation

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Iowa Colony, Texas, you’re not alone. With over 251,977 people injured in Texas motor vehicle crashes last year—one every 57 seconds—car accidents are a constant danger on Brazoria County roads. At Attorney911, we understand the physical pain, emotional stress, and financial burden that follows a serious collision. Our Iowa Colony car accident lawyers are here to fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery.

Ralph Manginello, our founding attorney with 25+ years of experience, has recovered millions for accident victims across Texas. As a former insurance defense attorney, Lupe Peña knows exactly how insurance companies try to minimize your claim—and how to beat them at their own game. When you call our legal emergency line at 1-888-ATTY-911, you’re not just getting a lawyer—you’re getting a team that treats you like family.

The Reality of Car Accidents in Iowa Colony and Brazoria County

Iowa Colony sits at the crossroads of major Texas highways, including SH 288 and FM 521, making it a high-traffic area prone to serious collisions. In 2024 alone, Texas saw:

• 1 crash every 57 seconds
• 1 person injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds
• 4,150 fatalities statewide
• 251,977 total injuries

Many of these accidents occur right here in Brazoria County, from the busy intersections along SH 288 to the rural roads connecting Iowa Colony to Pearland and Alvin. Whether you were rear-ended on FM 521, T-boned at the intersection of SH 288 and County Road 56, or involved in a multi-vehicle pileup near the Iowa Colony Sports Complex, our Iowa Colony car accident attorneys have seen it all.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Iowa Colony

Our experience handling cases throughout Brazoria County has shown us that most car accidents are caused by preventable driver errors, including:

• Distracted driving (380 deaths in Texas in 2024)
• Speeding (exceeding limits or driving too fast for conditions)
• Failure to yield (common at intersections like SH 288 and County Road 56)
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Following too closely (especially on high-speed roads like SH 288)
• Driving under the influence (1,053 alcohol-related deaths in Texas)
• Fatigued driving (common among commercial drivers)
• Poor weather conditions (heavy rain, fog, or sudden storms)
• Vehicle defects (brake failure, tire blowouts, backup camera malfunctions)

No matter what caused your accident, if another driver’s negligence left you injured, you have the right to seek compensation. Our Iowa Colony car accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate your crash to determine liability and build a strong case on your behalf.

Common Car Accident Injuries We Handle

Car accidents in Iowa Colony can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to catastrophic. The force of a collision—even at low speeds—can cause serious damage that may not be immediately apparent. Some of the most common injuries we see include:

Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries

• Neck strain, sprains, and whiplash
• Back and shoulder injuries
• Muscle tears and ligament damage
• Symptoms may not appear for days or weeks

Herniated or Bulging Discs

• Spinal disc injuries from sudden impact
• Can require months of physical therapy
• May lead to chronic pain or require surgery
• Often misdiagnosed initially as “just a strain”

Broken Bones and Fractures

• Arm, wrist, and hand fractures (from bracing against impact)
• Leg, ankle, and foot fractures (from dashboard or seat collisions)
• Rib fractures (from seatbelt or airbag deployment)
• Facial fractures (from hitting steering wheel or windshield)

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

• Concussions (mild TBI)
• Moderate to severe brain injuries
• Can cause permanent cognitive impairment
• Symptoms may include memory loss, confusion, or personality changes

Spinal Cord Injuries

• Partial or complete paralysis
• Loss of sensation or motor function
• Can require lifelong medical care
• Often result from high-speed collisions

Internal Organ Damage

• Internal bleeding (may not be immediately obvious)
• Organ contusions or ruptures
• Can be life-threatening if not treated promptly
• Often requires emergency surgery

Psychological Injuries

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety and depression
• Fear of driving or riding in vehicles
• Sleep disturbances and nightmares

Wrongful Death

• When a collision proves fatal
• Families may pursue wrongful death claims
• Compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering

Important: Many serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately. That’s why it’s critical to seek medical attention right away after an accident—even if you feel “fine.” Insurance companies often use delays in treatment to argue that your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident.

“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.” — Attorney911 Case Result

Why Iowa Colony Car Accident Cases Are Complex

While car accidents may seem straightforward, insurance companies work hard to complicate your claim. Here’s what you’re up against:

Texas Is an At-Fault State

Texas follows an “at-fault” system for car accidents, meaning the driver who caused the crash is responsible for the damages. However, insurance companies often dispute fault to reduce their payout.

The 51% Comparative Fault Rule

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence rule 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 routinely try to assign maximum fault to victims to reduce or eliminate their payment. For example:

• If your case is worth $100,000 and they can prove you were 25% at fault, they’ll try to pay only $75,000
• If they can prove you were 51% at fault, they’ll pay nothing

Lupe Peña, our former insurance defense attorney, knows all the tactics adjusters use to shift blame—and how to counter them.

Minimum Insurance Requirements Are Inadequate

Texas requires drivers to carry only:

• $30,000 per person for bodily injury
• $60,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $25,000 for property damage

These minimums are often insufficient to cover serious injuries. For example, a single night in the ICU can cost $10,000-$20,000, and a hospital stay for a traumatic brain injury can exceed $100,000. If the at-fault driver only carries minimum coverage, you may need to rely on your own underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage.

Insurance Companies Prioritize Profits Over People

Remember: Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible. They have teams of adjusters, lawyers, and doctors working to minimize your claim. That’s why you need an Iowa Colony car accident lawyer who knows their playbook.

How Insurance Companies Try to Cheat Iowa Colony Accident Victims

At Attorney911, we’ve seen firsthand how insurance companies take advantage of accident victims. Lupe Peña, our former insurance defense attorney, spent years working for these companies—learning their tactics, calculating their settlement offers, and even hiring the doctors they use to minimize claims. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

Here are the most common tactics insurance companies use to cheat Iowa Colony accident victims:

1. The Quick Cash Trap (Weeks 1-3)

What they do: Within days of your accident, an adjuster calls offering a quick settlement—often just a few thousand dollars. They act friendly, helpful, and concerned.

Why it’s a trap:

• They offer money before you know the full extent of your injuries
• Once you sign a release, you cannot ask for more money later—even if you need surgery
• Their offer is typically 10-20% of what your case is really worth

Real example: An Iowa Colony client was offered $3,500 three days after her accident. She accepted, thinking it would help with her bills. Six weeks later, her MRI showed a herniated disc requiring surgery. Because she had already signed a release, she received no additional compensation—despite $100,000 in medical bills.

What we do: We never let our clients accept early settlement offers. We wait until you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)—the point where your doctor determines you’ve recovered as much as possible. Only then can we accurately value your case.

2. The Recorded Statement Trap (Days 1-3)

What they do: The adjuster calls and says, “We just need to get your side of the story to process your claim.” They record the call and ask leading questions designed to make you sound at fault or minimize your injuries.

Common questions and traps:

What They Ask	What They Want You to Say	Why It Hurts Your Case
“You’re feeling better now, right?”	“Yes, I’m doing okay.”	Makes your injuries seem minor
“It wasn’t that bad of an impact, was it?”	“No, it wasn’t too bad.”	Minimizes collision severity
“You were able to walk away from the scene?”	“Yes, I walked to the ambulance.”	Suggests injuries aren’t serious
“Were you distracted at all?”	“I might have been checking my phone.”	Gets you to admit partial fault
“How fast were you going?”	“I don’t know, maybe 45?”	If you guess high, they’ll use it against you

The truth: You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. In fact, doing so almost always hurts your case.

What we do: We handle all communication with insurance companies. If a statement is absolutely necessary, we prepare you thoroughly and sit with you during the call.

“I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as a defense attorney. Here’s the truth: Insurance companies take innocent activity out of context. They freeze ONE frame of you moving ‘normally’ and ignore the 10 minutes of you struggling before and after. They’re not documenting your life—they’re building ammunition against you.” — Lupe Peña, Former Insurance Defense Attorney

3. The “Independent” Medical Exam (IME) Scam (Months 2-6)

What they call it: “Independent Medical Examination” (IME)

What it really is: A doctor hired and paid by the insurance company to find reasons to deny or minimize your claim.

How they choose IME doctors:

• They pick doctors who consistently give insurance-favorable reports
• These doctors are paid $2,000-$5,000 per exam—creating a financial incentive to find “no injury”
• They often spend only 10-15 minutes with you (vs. your treating doctor’s thorough evaluation)

Common IME doctor findings:

What They Say	What It Really Means
“Patient has pre-existing degenerative changes.”	Everyone over 40 has some arthritis—this is used to deny claims.
“Injuries consistent with minor trauma.”	Minimizes your pain and suffering.
“Patient can return to full-duty work.”	Eliminates your lost wage claim.
“Treatment has been excessive.”	Attacks your treating doctors.
“Subjective complaints out of proportion to objective findings.”	Medical jargon for “we think you’re lying.”

What we do:

• We prepare you extensively for the IME
• We send your complete medical records to the IME doctor in advance (forcing them to review)
• We challenge biased IME reports with our own medical experts
• Lupe knows these specific doctors and their biases—he hired many of them during his time as a defense attorney

4. Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring

What they do: Insurance companies hire private investigators to:

• Follow you to doctor appointments, physical therapy, and errands
• Film you from public places (your driveway, the grocery store, etc.)
• Monitor all your social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, etc.)
• Screenshot everything you post, like, or comment on
• Use facial recognition to find photos you’re tagged in

What they’re looking for:

• Any activity that contradicts your injury claims
• A single video of you bending over, lifting something, or appearing “normal” can be used to argue you’re not really injured

Real examples from our cases:

Example	What Insurance Claimed	Reality
Old gym photo	“This photo from 3 years ago proves your back pain is pre-existing.”	We proved the photo metadata was from before the accident.
Restaurant check-in	“You’re out partying and having fun.”	Client was sitting quietly at dinner with family.
Friend’s comment	“Your friend said ‘Had fun yesterday!’—evidence you’re not injured.”	Client was resting at home while friend was out.
Walking the dog	“You’re walking normally—clearly not disabled.”	Doctor had recommended short walks for recovery.
Smiling in a photo	“You’re smiling, so you must not be in pain.”	Everyone smiles for photos—it doesn’t mean they’re pain-free.

7 rules to protect your case:

1. Make all social media profiles private immediately
2. Don’t post about your accident, injuries, or case
3. Don’t check in anywhere (stores, restaurants, events)
4. Tell friends and family: don’t tag you or post about you
5. Don’t accept friend requests from strangers (could be fake profiles)
6. Best practice: Stay off social media entirely during your case
7. Assume everything is being monitored

5. Delay, Deny, Defend (Months 6-12+)

What they do: Insurance companies drag out your case, hoping you’ll get desperate and accept a lowball offer. They’ll say:

• “We’re still investigating your claim.”
• “We’re waiting for your medical records.” (Even if you sent them months ago)
• “We need additional information.”
• They ignore your calls and emails for weeks at a time.

Why delay works:

Insurance Company	You
Unlimited time	Mounting bills
Unlimited resources	No income
Earning interest on your money	Creditors threatening
No financial pressure	Need 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

What we do:

• We file a lawsuit to force deadlines
• We set depositions to make them produce witnesses
• We prepare for trial, showing we’re serious
• Lupe understands delay tactics because he used them—he knows when to push

6. The Pre-Existing Condition Trap

What they do: Insurance companies request broad medical authorizations that give them access to your entire medical history—not just accident-related records. They search for any prior injury, no matter how old, to argue your current pain isn’t from the accident.

Common pre-existing conditions they exploit:

• Arthritis (even mild, age-related)
• Prior back or neck pain (even if minor)
• Old injuries from years ago
• Prior accidents or surgeries
• Mental health conditions

What they’ll say:

• “Your back pain isn’t from this accident—you had back pain in 2010.”
• “Your neck injury is pre-existing—you saw a chiropractor in 2015.”
• “Your headaches are from a prior concussion, not this accident.”

The truth:

• You’re entitled to compensation even with pre-existing conditions
• If the accident aggravated your condition, you can recover for the worsening
• This is called the “eggshell plaintiff” rule: Defendants take victims as they find them

What we do:

• We limit medical authorizations to only accident-related records
• We hire medical experts to explain the difference before and after the accident
• We prove causation through medical testimony

What You Can Recover After an Iowa Colony Car Accident

If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas)

• Medical expenses (past and future): Hospital bills, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, medical equipment
• Lost wages: Income lost while recovering from your injuries
• Lost earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or earning the same income
• Property damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property
• Out-of-pocket expenses: Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, household help

Non-Economic Damages (No Cap Except Medical Malpractice)

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain from your injuries, both past and future
• Mental anguish: Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, fear, PTSD
• Physical impairment: Loss of physical function, disability, limitations on daily activities
• Disfigurement: Scarring, permanent visible injuries affecting your appearance
• Loss of consortium: Impact on your marriage and family relationships
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed

Punitive/Exemplary Damages (Capped)

• Available for gross negligence, fraud, or malice
• Common in drunk driving cases where the driver showed conscious indifference to others’ safety
• Capped at the greater of $200,000 or 2x economic damages + 1x non-economic damages (with a $750,000 cap on the non-economic portion)

How Case Value Is Determined

Insurance companies often use a multiplier method to calculate settlement offers:

Total Settlement = (Medical Expenses × Multiplier) + Lost Wages + Property Damage

Injury Severity	Multiplier Range	Example Calculation
Minor injuries (soft tissue, quick recovery)	1.5 – 2	$10,000 medical × 1.5 = $15,000 pain & suffering
Moderate injuries (broken bones, months recovery)	2 – 3	$50,000 medical × 2.5 = $125,000 pain & suffering
Severe injuries (surgery, long recovery)	3 – 4	$100,000 medical × 3.5 = $350,000 pain & suffering
Catastrophic injuries (permanent disability)	4 – 5+	$500,000 medical × 5 = $2,500,000 pain & suffering

Factors that increase the multiplier:

• Permanent injury or disability
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Long recovery time (12+ months)
• Surgery required
• Ongoing pain management needed
• Clear liability (other driver 100% at fault)
• Sympathetic plaintiff (child, elderly, pregnant)
• Egregious defendant conduct (drunk driving, hit and run)
• Strong evidence (video, witnesses)
• Permanent restrictions on work or activities

Factors that decrease the multiplier:

• Soft tissue injury only
• Quick recovery (under 3 months)
• No surgery required
• Disputed liability (comparative fault)
• Gaps in medical treatment
• Pre-existing conditions
• Minor property damage
• No permanent injury

Lupe’s insider knowledge: He calculated these multipliers for years using insurance company formulas. He knows:

• When to push for a higher multiplier (4-5× vs. 2-3×)
• Which factors insurance weighs most heavily
• How to document cases to justify higher multipliers
• When the multiplier method undervalues a case (catastrophic injuries)
• When to abandon the multiplier and demand policy limits

Settlement Ranges for Common Car Accident Injuries

Injury Type	Medical Treatment Cost	Lost Wages	Pain & Suffering	Settlement Range
Soft Tissue (Whiplash, Sprains)	$6,000-$16,000	$2,000-$10,000	$8,000-$35,000	$15,000-$60,000
Broken Bone (Single, Simple Fracture)	$10,000-$20,000	$5,000-$15,000	$20,000-$60,000	$35,000-$95,000
Broken Bone (Requiring Surgery – ORIF)	$47,000-$98,000	$10,000-$30,000	$75,000-$200,000	$132,000-$328,000
Herniated Disc (Conservative Treatment)	$22,000-$46,000	$8,000-$25,000	$40,000-$100,000	$70,000-$171,000
Herniated Disc (Surgery Required)	$96,000-$205,000	$20,000-$50,000	$150,000-$450,000	$346,000-$1,205,000
Traumatic Brain Injury (Moderate to Severe)	$198,000-$638,000	$50,000-$200,000	$500,000-$3,000,000	$1,548,000-$9,838,000
Spinal Cord Injury (Paraplegia)	$500,000-$750,000 (first year)	$70,000-$90,000/year	$2,000,000-$5,000,000	$4,770,000-$8,630,000
Amputation	$170,000-$480,000 (initial)	$20,000-$50,000	$500,000-$2,000,000	$1,945,000-$8,630,000
Wrongful Death (Working Age Adult)	$50,000-$500,000 (medical/funeral)	$1,000,000-$4,000,000 (lost support)	$850,000-$5,000,000 (non-economic)	$1,910,000-$9,520,000

Important: These ranges are estimates only. Every case is unique, and your actual settlement will depend on the specific facts of your accident, the severity of your injuries, and the available insurance coverage. Never accept a settlement without consulting an attorney.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Iowa Colony Car Accident Case?

With so many car accident lawyers in Brazoria County, why should you choose Attorney911? Here are five reasons we stand out:

1. Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge

“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 (Lupe hired many of them)
• We know how to beat their algorithms (Colossus software)
• We speak their language because Lupe worked on their side

This insider knowledge is Attorney911’s biggest competitive advantage—and it’s something no other Iowa Colony car accident lawyer can match.

2. Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our track record speaks for itself. We’ve recovered millions for car accident victims, including:

• 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
• Settled in the millions for a client whose leg was injured in a car accident, leading to a partial amputation due to staff infections during treatment
• Recovered millions for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases
• Significant cash settlement for a client who injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship

These results prove we don’t settle cheap. We fight for maximum compensation—not quick, lowball offers.

“I was rear-ended and the team got right to work. I also got a very nice settlement.” — MONGO SLADE

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court experience matters because:

• Complex cases often end up in federal court (especially trucking accidents with FMCSA violations)
• Diversity jurisdiction applies when parties are from different states
• Federal court requires different skills than state court
• BP explosion litigation involved federal court—we’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won

Many Iowa Colony car accident lawyers can’t handle federal cases. We can.

4. Personal Attention from Day One

At Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña—not a case manager assembly line. Our clients consistently praise our communication and 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

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

This personal attention is what sets us apart from high-volume firms where you’re just a case number.

5. Contingency Fee—No Risk to You

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• Free consultation—no obligation
• No upfront costs—we advance all case expenses
• No fee unless we win—you pay nothing if we don’t recover compensation for you
• If we win, our fee is a percentage of the recovery (typically 33-40%)

This arrangement ensures that everyone has access to top-tier legal representation, not just those who can afford hourly fees.

What Our Clients Say About Attorney911

Don’t just take our word for it—here’s what our clients say about their experience with Attorney911:

“Leonor got me into the doctor the same day. It only took 6 months—amazing!” — Chavodrian Miles

“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

“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

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

“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

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

Iowa Colony Car Accident FAQ

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Iowa Colony?

If you’ve been in a car accident in Iowa Colony, follow these steps:

1. Call 911 and report the accident, especially if anyone is injured.
2. Seek medical attention—even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries.
3. Document everything:
   • Take photos of all vehicle damage (every angle)
   • Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, and traffic signals
   • Take photos of visible injuries
   • Screenshot any messages visible on your phone (do NOT delete anything)
4. Exchange information with the other driver:
   • Name, phone number, address
   • Insurance company and policy number
   • Driver’s license number
   • License plate number
   • Vehicle make, model, and color
5. Get witness information: Names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
6. Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company without consulting an attorney.
7. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance.

Should I call the police even for a minor accident?

Yes, always call the police. In Texas, you must report accidents with:

• Injuries
• Deaths
• Property damage over $1,000

The police report is critical evidence for your claim. Even if the accident seems minor, call 911 and let the dispatcher decide if an officer needs to respond.

Should I seek medical attention if I don’t feel hurt?

Absolutely. Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms immediately, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (symptoms may take days to appear)
• Internal bleeding (can be life-threatening if not treated)
• Herniated discs (may not cause pain for weeks)
• Soft tissue injuries (whiplash symptoms often delayed)

Insurance companies routinely use delays in treatment to argue that your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident. See a doctor within 24-48 hours of your accident.

What information should I collect at the scene?

Collect as much information as possible:

• Other driver: Name, phone, address, driver’s license, insurance information
• Vehicle: Make, model, color, license plate
• Witnesses: Names and phone numbers
• Photos: Vehicle damage (all angles), accident scene, injuries, road conditions, traffic signals
• Police: Officer name, badge number, report number

Should I talk to the other driver or admit fault?

• Exchange information only (name, insurance, etc.)
• Do NOT discuss fault or how the accident happened
• 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 facts only (e.g., “I was driving north on SH 288 when the collision occurred”)

How do I obtain a copy of the accident report?

In Iowa Colony, you can obtain the police report from:

• The responding agency (Iowa Colony Police Department or Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office)
• The Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS)

Should I give a recorded statement to insurance?

To the other driver’s insurance: NO. You are not required to give a recorded statement, and doing so almost always hurts your case.

To your own insurance: You have a duty to cooperate, but call Attorney911 first. We can advise you on what to say.

What if the other driver’s insurance contacts me?

Say: “I need to speak with my attorney first.” Then give them your attorney’s name and contact information. Do NOT:

• Give a recorded statement
• Discuss your injuries
• Accept any settlement offers
• Sign anything

Do I have to accept the insurance company’s estimate?

No. Their estimate is just an offer—it’s usually far below what your case is actually worth. Attorney911 fights for maximum compensation, not quick, lowball settlements.

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 later—even if you need surgery or discover permanent damage.

Early settlement offers are always lowball offers—typically 10-20% of what your case is worth.

What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?

Your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can compensate you if:

• The other driver has no insurance
• The other driver has insufficient insurance to cover your damages
• The accident is a hit and run (and the driver is unidentified)

Texas allows inter-policy stacking, which means you can combine coverage from multiple vehicles on your policy. Watch our video on UM/UIM claims: Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists

Why does insurance want me to sign a medical authorization?

They want unlimited access to your entire medical history—not just accident-related records. They’re searching for pre-existing conditions to use against you, such as:

• Arthritis (even mild, age-related)
• Prior back or neck pain
• Old injuries from years ago
• Prior accidents or surgeries

Never sign a broad medical authorization without attorney review. We limit authorizations to only accident-related records.

What is comparative negligence and how does it affect me?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar:

• 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

Example:

• If your case is worth $100,000 and you’re found 20% at fault, you recover $80,000
• If you’re found 51% at fault, you recover $0

Insurance companies routinely try to assign maximum fault to victims. Lupe Peña, our former insurance defense attorney, knows all their tactics—and how to counter them.

Will my case go to trial?

Most car accident cases settle before trial. However, Attorney911 prepares every case as if it’s going to trial because:

• Insurance companies know we’re not bluffing
• This gives us leverage in negotiations
• We’re ready to take your case to court if necessary

Watch our video: Will Your Case Go to Trial?

How long will my case take to settle?

The timeline depends on the severity of your injuries and how long it takes you to reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)—the point where your doctor determines you’ve recovered as much as possible.

• Minor injuries: 6-12 months
• Moderate injuries: 12-18 months
• Severe/catastrophic injuries: 18-24+ months

We never rush to settle your case. We wait until you’ve reached MMI so we can accurately value your claim.

What is the legal process step-by-step?

1. Investigation and evidence gathering (police report, medical records, witness statements)
2. Medical treatment to MMI
3. Demand letter to insurance company
4. Negotiation with insurance
5. Lawsuit filed if necessary
6. Discovery (exchange of information, depositions)
7. Mediation (attempt to settle before trial)
8. Trial if settlement cannot be reached

Watch our video: What Is the Process for a Personal Injury Claim?

What is my case worth?

The value of your case depends on:

• Severity of your injuries
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent impairment or disability
• Available insurance coverage
• Clear liability (was the other driver 100% at fault?)

Never accept a settlement without consulting an attorney. We fight for maximum compensation, not quick, lowball offers.

What types of damages can I recover?

You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Physical impairment
• Disfigurement (scarring, permanent injuries)
• Loss of consortium (impact on marriage/family relationships)
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage

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 damages (except in medical malpractice cases).

What if I have a pre-existing condition?

You can still recover compensation if the accident aggravated or worsened your pre-existing condition. This is called the “eggshell plaintiff” rule: Defendants take victims as they find them.

Example: If you had mild occasional back pain before the accident and the crash caused a herniated disc requiring surgery, you can recover for the new injury, not just the pre-existing pain.

We hire medical experts to prove the difference before and after the accident.

Will I have to pay taxes on my settlement?

Generally, compensation for physical injuries is not taxable. However:

• Punitive damages are taxable
• Interest on the settlement may be taxable
• Portions allocated to lost wages may be taxable

Consult a tax professional for specific advice.

How is the value of my claim determined?

Insurance companies often use the multiplier method:
Total Settlement = (Medical Expenses × Multiplier) + Lost Wages + Property Damage

The multiplier (typically 1.5 to 5) depends on:

• Severity of injuries
• Permanency of injuries
• Impact on daily life
• Clear liability
• Sympathetic plaintiff

Lupe Peña, our former insurance defense attorney, knows how these multipliers are calculated—and how to maximize them for your case.

Do I need a lawyer for a car accident?

Yes. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters, lawyers, and doctors working to minimize your claim. Without an attorney, you’re at a significant disadvantage.

Benefits of hiring Attorney911:

• We handle all communication with insurance companies
• We investigate your accident thoroughly
• We gather evidence before it disappears
• We negotiate with insurance for maximum compensation
• We prepare your case for trial if necessary
• We advance all case costs (you pay nothing upfront)
• We don’t get paid unless we win your case

How much do car accident lawyers cost?

Attorney911 works on a contingency fee basis:

• No upfront costs
• No hourly fees
• No fee unless we win your case
• If we recover compensation for you, our fee is a percentage of the recovery (typically 33-40%)

You pay nothing unless we win.

Watch our video: How Do Contingency Fees Work?

How often will I get updates on my case?

At Attorney911, we provide regular updates on your case. As client Dame Haskett said:

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

You’ll work directly with Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña—not a case manager assembly line.

Who will actually handle my case?

At Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña, not just paralegals or case managers. As Chad Harris said:

“You are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”

What if I already hired another attorney?

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

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 Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.”

What if I’m an undocumented immigrant—can I still