Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Slaton, Texas | Attorney911

If You’ve Been Injured in a Car Accident in Slaton, Texas, We’re Here to Fight for You

Every 57 seconds, a motor vehicle crash occurs in Texas. Every 2 minutes and 5 seconds, someone is injured. And in Slaton and Lubbock County, these accidents happen on familiar roads like US Highway 84, FM 400, and the busy intersections that connect our community. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident, truck collision, or any other motor vehicle crash in Slaton, Texas, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a legal emergency response team with the experience and insider knowledge to protect your rights.

At Attorney911, we understand the physical pain, emotional stress, and financial uncertainty you’re facing. That’s why we’ve built a team that includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how insurance companies value claims – because he used to calculate them himself. With Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience and our proven track record of multi-million dollar settlements, we’re prepared to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you during this vulnerable time. Call our legal emergency line at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

Why Slaton, Texas Residents Trust Attorney911 After Motor Vehicle Accidents

Slaton may be a smaller community, but our roads see their share of serious accidents. Whether you’re driving to work at one of the local businesses, taking your kids to school, or traveling through town on US Highway 84, the risk of a collision is very real. When accidents happen in Slaton and Lubbock County, you need a legal team that understands:

The unique traffic patterns and dangerous intersections in our area
The local courts and judges who may handle your case
The insurance adjusters who work claims in West Texas
The medical facilities where you might receive treatment, from Covenant Health System to University Medical Center in Lubbock

What sets Attorney911 apart from other firms is our insider advantage. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows their tactics because he used them – and now he uses that knowledge to fight for accident victims like you.

“Lupe Peña worked for a number of years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims.”

This unique perspective allows us to anticipate and counter the strategies insurance companies use to minimize or deny valid claims. When you call Attorney911, you’re not just getting legal representation – you’re getting a team with decades of combined experience, including the rare advantage of having worked on the other side of these cases.

Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Slaton, Texas

Car Accidents in Slaton and Lubbock County

With 251,977 people injured in Texas motor vehicle crashes in 2024 alone, car accidents are the most common type of collision we handle. In Slaton and the surrounding Lubbock County area, these accidents often occur on:

US Highway 84, especially near the intersections with FM 400 and FM 41
Local roads like 9th Street, 10th Street, and Avenue Q
The busy corridors near Slaton High School and other community hubs

Common causes of car accidents in our area include:

Distracted driving (380 deaths in Texas in 2024)
Speeding on rural roads and highways
Failure to yield at intersections
Running red lights or stop signs
Following too closely on busy roads
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

The injuries from car accidents can range from minor to life-altering:

Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
Herniated or bulging discs
Broken bones and fractures
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries
Internal organ damage
Psychological trauma and PTSD

“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.”

This case demonstrates our commitment to fighting for clients even when complications arise. Insurance companies often try to minimize claims involving pre-existing conditions or complications, but we know how to document the full extent of your injuries and fight for fair compensation.

What Slaton car accident victims say about Attorney911:

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

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

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Slaton, don’t wait to get help. Evidence disappears quickly, and insurance companies start building their case against you from day one. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

Trucking and 18-Wheeler Accidents on Slaton Highways

Slaton sits along major trucking corridors, with US Highway 84 serving as a key route for commercial traffic moving through West Texas. With 39,393 commercial motor vehicle crashes in Texas in 2024, including 608 fatalities and 1,601 serious injuries, trucking accidents are among the most dangerous collisions we handle.

Texas leads the nation with 11% of all fatal truck crashes, and the Lubbock area sees its share of these devastating accidents. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks – often 80,000 pounds compared to the 4,000 pounds of a typical passenger car – means these collisions frequently result in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations govern trucking operations, and violations can establish negligence per se:

Hours of Service (HOS) Rules: Drivers can operate for a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty, and cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty. They must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving and are limited to 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days.
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): Mandatory since 2017, these devices record engine hours, vehicle movement, miles driven, and location. Tampering with ELD data is a federal crime.
Driver Qualifications: Commercial drivers must be at least 21 years old for interstate travel (18 for intrastate), hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), pass a DOT physical every 2 years, and undergo pre-employment and random drug testing. The BAC limit for commercial drivers is 0.04%, half the limit for regular drivers.
Vehicle Maintenance: Trucking companies must have systematic maintenance programs, and drivers must perform pre-trip inspections and file post-trip reports.

When these regulations are violated, the results can be tragic. At Attorney911, we’ve helped numerous families affected by trucking accidents recover the compensation they deserve.

“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.”

Our firm is one of the few in Texas with experience in complex litigation like the BP Texas City explosion, demonstrating our capability to take on billion-dollar corporations and win. Ralph Manginello’s admission to federal court in the Southern District of Texas means we can handle FMCSA cases that often end up in federal court.

Recent Texas nuclear verdicts in trucking cases show what’s possible:

2024 Oncor Electric: $37.5 million verdict (distracted truck driver)
2024 New Prime I-35 pileup: $44.1 million verdict (6 deaths)
2024 Ben E. Keith (Fort Worth): $35 million settlement (largest in Fort Worth history)

These verdicts create leverage in negotiations, as insurance companies fear the potential for nuclear verdicts when cases go to trial. Attorney911’s trial readiness and multi-million dollar track record give us the leverage to negotiate fair settlements.

Critical Evidence in Trucking Cases:

ELD data (can be overwritten in 30-180 days)
Driver logs and inspection reports
Maintenance and repair records
Black box/Event Data Recorder (EDR) data
GPS and telematics data
Cargo loading records
Training and qualification files

Every day you wait, this critical evidence can disappear. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Slaton or anywhere in Lubbock County, call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. We send preservation letters to trucking companies to secure this evidence before it’s lost.

Drunk Driving Accidents in Slaton and Lubbock County

With 1,053 alcohol-impaired driving deaths in Texas in 2024 (25.37% of all fatalities) and over 24,000 DWI-related crashes, drunk driving remains a serious problem in our state. In Slaton and Lubbock County, these preventable accidents often occur on weekends and holidays, leaving families devastated and victims with life-altering injuries.

Under Texas law, drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher are considered legally intoxicated (Texas Penal Code § 49.04). But the consequences of drunk driving go beyond criminal penalties – victims can pursue civil claims for compensation.

One of the most powerful legal tools in drunk driving cases is dram shop liability under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02. This law allows victims to hold establishments liable if they served alcohol to someone who was obviously intoxicated and that over-service was the proximate cause of the accident.

Signs of obvious intoxication include:

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

Potentially liable parties include:

Bars and nightclubs
Restaurants that serve alcohol
Liquor stores
Hotels with bars or room service
Event organizers (concerts, festivals, sporting events)
In limited circumstances, social hosts

Dram shop cases are particularly valuable because they often involve punitive damages – compensation designed to punish gross negligence and deter future misconduct. These cases also frequently involve multiple defendants, increasing the available insurance coverage.

At Attorney911, we have unique expertise in handling drunk driving cases. Ralph Manginello is a member of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), giving us insight into both the criminal and civil aspects of these cases. Our firm has successfully handled DWI cases from the defense side, giving us insider knowledge of how these cases are investigated and prosecuted.

Our DWI case dismissals demonstrate our investigation capabilities:

A client 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.
A client who drove home at 2:30 AM, hit a curb, and rolled his car, injuring a passenger. We learned that: (1) police conducted no breath or blood test, (2) EMS didn’t note intoxication, and (3) nurse notes from the hospital were missing. The case was dismissed on the day of trial.
A client charged with DUI/DWI where the state’s primary evidence was a video field sobriety test. We succeeded in having the case dismissed because our client did not appear drunk in the video.

This same level of thorough investigation benefits our civil drunk driving cases, helping us build strong claims against drunk drivers and the establishments that served them.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver in Slaton or Lubbock County, don’t wait to get help. Dram shop claims have special notice requirements, and evidence can disappear quickly. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

Motorcycle Accidents on West Texas Roads

With 585 motorcyclist fatalities in Texas in 2024, motorcycle accidents are among the most dangerous collisions on our roads. In Slaton and Lubbock County, riders face unique risks on both rural highways and city streets.

Texas motorcycle accident statistics:

37% of fatal motorcycle accident victims were not wearing helmets
90%+ of fatal victims are male
Helmets reduce the risk of death by 37% and head injury by 69%
The highest-risk age group is 25-44 years old

Texas helmet law:

Required for all riders under 21
Riders 21 and older may ride without a helmet if they:
- Have completed an approved motorcycle safety course, OR
- Have at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage

Common causes of motorcycle accidents in our area:

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

One of the biggest challenges in motorcycle accident cases is the Texas 51% comparative fault rule. Insurance companies almost always try to blame the motorcyclist, arguing that the rider was speeding, lane-splitting, or not paying attention. If they can assign you 51% or more of the fault, you recover nothing.

This is where Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background becomes invaluable. He spent years making these exact arguments for insurance companies – now he knows how to defeat them. With his insider knowledge, we can counter the comparative fault arguments that insurance companies routinely use to deny or minimize motorcycle accident claims.

What Slaton motorcycle accident victims say about Attorney911:

“Ralph Manginello is an AMAZING ATTORNEY. I have used him 2 TIMES FOR 2 separate cases… He gets the JOB DONE RIGHT!!!!” – Cassie Wright

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Slaton or Lubbock County, don’t let insurance companies blame you for the collision. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

Pedestrian Accidents in Slaton

With 6,095 pedestrian crashes in Texas in 2024 resulting in 768 fatalities, pedestrian accidents are a serious concern in our state. Pedestrians account for just 1% of all crashes but 19% of all roadway deaths, making them among the most vulnerable road users.

In Slaton, pedestrian accidents often occur at:

Intersections along US Highway 84 and FM 400
Crosswalks near schools and parks
Residential areas where children play
Parking lots and commercial areas

A critical legal point that many drivers don’t know: Under Texas law, pedestrians ALWAYS have the right-of-way at intersections – even at unmarked crosswalks. “Anytime there’s an intersection of two streets, the distance between them is a crosswalk,” even if it’s not painted. Many drivers fail to yield to pedestrians in these situations, leading to serious accidents.

Common pedestrian injuries:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Broken pelvis and leg bones
Internal organ damage
Fatalities

With 119 pedestrians killed on Houston streets in 2024 (a record), and similar patterns in smaller Texas cities, it’s clear that drivers need to be more aware of pedestrians. When they fail to yield, the results can be devastating.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Slaton, you need a legal team that understands the unique challenges of these cases. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

Other Motor Vehicle Accidents We Handle in Slaton

Hit and Run Accidents

Every 43 seconds, someone in the United States is involved in a hit-and-run accident. In Texas, hit-and-run is a serious crime with severe penalties:

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

If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Slaton, your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage can compensate you when the at-fault driver is unidentified. This is why it’s crucial to have adequate UM/UIM coverage on your own policy.

Critical steps after a hit-and-run:

Call 911 and report the accident
Document everything (photos, witness information)
Seek medical attention immediately
Do NOT chase the fleeing driver (this can put you in danger)
Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately

Evidence urgency:

Surveillance footage is typically deleted within 7-30 days
Witnesses become harder to locate as time passes
The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to identify the fleeing driver

At Attorney911, we send preservation letters to businesses near the accident scene to secure surveillance footage before it’s automatically deleted. We also work with law enforcement to investigate these cases and pursue UM/UIM claims to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

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

Work Zone Accidents

Nearly 28,000 crashes occurred in Texas work zones in 2024, resulting in 215 deaths – a 12% increase over the previous year. Work zone fatalities have increased 50% nationally over the past decade, and 60% of highway contractors reported crashes into their work zones in a 2025 survey.

In Slaton and Lubbock County, work zone accidents often occur on:

US Highway 84 during road construction
FM 400 and other county roads
Construction projects near schools and business districts

Real case example:
Katrina Bond, a college student, slowed for work zone traffic on I-35 near Fort Worth. The driver of a heavy pickup truck (who admitted to receiving a text message) rear-ended her. The force pushed her car into the path of another truck, resulting in a fatal accident.

Work zone accidents often involve multiple liable parties, including:

Negligent drivers
Construction companies (for inadequate signage or traffic control)
Government entities (for poor road design or maintenance)
Equipment manufacturers (for defective machinery)

If you’ve been injured in a work zone accident in Slaton or anywhere in West Texas, call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

Bicycle Accidents

With 78 cyclist fatalities in Texas in 2024 (a 26.42% decrease from 2023), bicycle accidents remain a serious concern. In Slaton and Lubbock County, cyclists face risks on both rural roads and city streets.

Texas e-bike classifications:

Class	Max Speed	Throttle	Pedal Assist
Class 1	20 mph	No	Yes
Class 2	20 mph	Yes	Yes
Class 3	28 mph	No	Yes

Legal requirements for e-bikes:

No license required for standard e-bikes
No registration required
Motor limit: 750W (1 horsepower) or less
Speed limit: 28 mph maximum assisted speed
No statewide helmet requirement (some cities require helmets for riders under 17)

If an e-bike exceeds these standards (motor over 750W, speed over 28 mph, or throttle on Class 3), it may not qualify as an “electric bicycle” under Texas law and could require registration as a motor vehicle.

Common causes of bicycle accidents in our area:

Motorists failing to yield right of way
Drivers opening car doors into cyclists’ paths (“dooring”)
Distracted driving
Unsafe lane changes by motorists
Poor road conditions (potholes, debris)

Comparative negligence issues:
Insurance companies often try to blame cyclists for accidents, arguing that they were riding recklessly, not using proper lights, or wearing dark clothing. With Texas’ 51% bar rule, even a small percentage of fault can significantly reduce your recovery.

At Attorney911, we understand how to counter these arguments and fight for the full compensation cyclists deserve after accidents.

What to Do After a Motor Vehicle Accident in Slaton, Texas

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

The first 48 hours after a motor vehicle accident are critical for preserving evidence that can make or break your case. Insurance companies start building their defense against you immediately, and evidence begins disappearing from the moment the accident occurs.

Hour 1-6: Immediate Crisis Response

✅ Safety First: If you can move safely, get to a secure location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and set up warning triangles if available.

✅ Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone is injured. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask serious injuries.

✅ Medical Attention: If injured, get to the emergency room immediately. Many serious injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding, don’t show symptoms right away.

✅ 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)

✅ Exchange Information:

Other driver’s name, phone number, and 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 (use your phone’s voice memo app)

✅ 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, and 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: name, date of accident, that you were involved

✅ Settlement Offers:

Do NOT accept or sign anything without lawyer review
Early offers are ALWAYS lowball offers
You don’t know the 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’s recommendations (insurance watches for gaps)
Get written work restrictions if needed

✅ Investigation Begins:

Attorney obtains police report
Preservation letters sent to all parties
Surveillance footage secured before deletion
Witness statements recorded

✅ Communication:

Attorney handles ALL insurance communication
You focus on recovery
Document any pressure from insurance or other parties

Evidence Deterioration Timeline: Why Time is Critical

Timeframe	What Disappears	Why It Matters
Day 1-7	Witness memories peak, then begin fading	Details become uncertain, witnesses harder to locate
Day 7-30	Surveillance footage deleted (gas stations: 7-14 days, retail stores: 30 days)	Critical evidence of what happened is lost forever
Month 1-2	Insurance companies solidify defense position	Adjusters build their case against you, settlement position hardens
Month 2-6	Trucking electronic data deleted (ELD data: 30-180 days)	Critical evidence of driver fatigue or violations is lost
Month 6-12	Witnesses graduate, move away, memories degrade	Testimony becomes less reliable, harder to locate witnesses
Month 12-24	Approaching statute of limitations	Creates pressure to settle, evidence severely degraded

Within 24 hours of retaining Attorney911, we send preservation letters to:

The other driver and their insurance company
Trucking companies (for commercial vehicle accidents)
Businesses near the accident scene (for surveillance footage)
Employers (if the accident was work-related)
Property owners (if premises liability is involved)
Government entities (if applicable)
Vehicle manufacturers (if product liability is suspected)

These letters LEGALLY REQUIRE evidence preservation before automatic deletion. Without them, critical evidence can be lost forever.

Texas Motor Vehicle Accident Law: What Slaton Residents Need to Know

Statute of Limitations: The 2-Year Deadline

Under the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003, you have 2 years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline applies to:

Car accidents
Trucking accidents
Motorcycle accidents
Pedestrian accidents
Bicycle accidents
Wrongful death claims (2 years from the date of death)

Exceptions:

Discovery Rule: In rare cases, the statute of limitations may start later if the injury or its cause wasn’t immediately discoverable.
Minors: The statute of limitations is tolled until the minor turns 18, then they have 2 years to file.
Government Claims: If your accident involved a government vehicle or entity, you typically have only 6 months to file a notice of claim.

CRITICAL: Miss the deadline and your case is BARRED FOREVER. You cannot file a lawsuit, and you lose all leverage to negotiate with insurance companies.

Comparative Negligence: The 51% Bar Rule

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

If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault)
If you are 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 ALWAYS try to assign maximum fault to you to reduce their payment. Even small fault percentages can 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

This is where Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background becomes invaluable. He spent years making these comparative fault arguments for insurance companies – now he knows how to defeat them.

Texas Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements

Texas requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of:

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

Uninsured Motorist Statistics:

Approximately 15.4% of US motorists are uninsured (about 1 in 7 drivers)
In Texas, this means you have a significant chance of being hit by an uninsured driver

UM/UIM Coverage:
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you when:

The at-fault driver has no insurance
The at-fault driver has insufficient insurance
You’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident

Texas allows inter-policy stacking, which means you can combine coverage from multiple vehicles on your policy to increase your protection.

How Insurance Companies Try to Cheat You: 6 Tactics Exposed

At Attorney911, we’ve seen firsthand how insurance companies try to minimize or deny valid claims. Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm, so we know their playbook inside and out. Here are the six most common tactics they use – and how we counter them.

Tactic #1: The Quick Cash Trap (Weeks 1-3)

What they do:
Within days or weeks of your accident, the insurance company offers you a quick settlement:

Typical offers: $2,000-$5,000
Sometimes $10,000-$15,000 if they’re worried about your injuries
They create artificial urgency: “This offer expires in 48 hours,” “Take it or leave it”

The trap:
You don’t know the full extent of your injuries yet. Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms immediately:

Traumatic brain injuries can take days to manifest
Internal bleeding may not be obvious at first
Herniated discs may not cause pain for weeks
Adrenaline masks pain at the accident scene

Real example:
Day 3: Insurance offers $3,500 “final settlement”
You sign the release because you’re desperate, in pain, and scared
Week 6: MRI shows herniated disc requiring surgery ($100,000 cost)
TOO LATE – You signed a release, can’t reopen your claim
You pay $100,000 out of pocket while insurance pays nothing more

How Attorney911 counters:
We NEVER let clients settle before reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) – the point where your medical condition has stabilized and you’re as good as you’re going to get. This could be 6 months, 12 months, or even 24+ months depending on your injuries.

Lupe knows these offers are ALWAYS lowball because he used to calculate them. He knows they’re offering 10-20% of what your case is truly worth.

Tactic #2: The Recorded Statement Trap (Days 1-3)

What they do:
Insurance adjusters contact you IMMEDIATELY – often while you’re:

Still in the hospital
On pain medication (confused, groggy)
Scared about your injuries and financial future
Don’t understand the legal process
Vulnerable and in crisis

They act friendly and helpful:

“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 hurt your case.

Common questions and what they want you to say:

Question They Ask	What They Want You to Say
“You’re feeling better now though, right?”	Trap you into saying you’re improving (even if you’re not)
“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 distraction (even if you weren’t)
“How fast were you going?”	Hope you overestimate or say “I don’t know”

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:
DO NOT give a recorded statement without us.

Once you hire Attorney911:

We become your voice
All calls go through us
You don’t talk to adjusters
We prepare you properly if a statement becomes absolutely necessary
We sit with you during any statements

Lupe knows their questions because he asked them for years as a defense attorney. He knows exactly what they’re trying to get you to say and how to protect you.

Tactic #3: The “Independent” Medical Exam (IME) Scheme (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 select the most qualified medical professionals – they select doctors who:

Give insurance-favorable reports (not who’s most qualified)
Consistently find “no injury” or “pre-existing condition”
Are paid THOUSANDS by insurance companies ($2,000-$5,000 per exam)
Get repeat business by giving favorable reports

What happens at an IME:
A 10-15 minute “examination” (compared to your treating doctor’s thorough evaluation):

Cursory physical exam
Rarely review your complete medical records beforehand
Ask questions designed to get you to say “I’m feeling better”
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)
We challenge biased IME reports with our own medical experts
Lupe knows these specific doctors and their biases – he hired them for years

“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

Tactic #4: Delay and Financial Pressure (Months 6-12+)

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

“Still investigating your claim”
“Waiting for medical records” (that we sent months ago)
“Reviewing your file”
“Need additional information”
Ignore calls and emails
Take weeks to respond to simple questions

Why delay works (on people without attorneys):

Insurance Companies Have:

Unlimited time
Unlimited resources
No financial pressure
Earning interest on YOUR settlement money while delaying

You Have:

Mounting bills
Zero income
Creditors threatening
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

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 insurance companies do:
They hire private investigators to:

Video you doing daily activities
Film from public places (your driveway, street, stores)
Follow you to appointments, errands, social activities
Look for ANY activity that contradicts your injury claims
One video of you bending over = “Not really injured”

They monitor ALL your social media:

Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Snapchat
Screenshot EVERYTHING: photos, posts, check-ins, comments, likes
Monitor your friends’ profiles for posts mentioning you
Use facial recognition to find photos you’re tagged in
Archive your entire social media history

Examples we’ve defended:

Example	What Happened	What Insurance Claimed	Reality
Old Gym Photo	Photo from 3 YEARS before accident	Presented as recent, contradicts injury claim	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 where client is smiling	“Not in pain – she’s smiling!”	Everyone smiles for photos

7 Rules for Clients:

Make ALL profiles private immediately
DON’T post about your 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 (could be fake profiles)
BEST: Stay off social media entirely during your case
Assume EVERYTHING is being monitored

Tactic #6: Comparative Fault Arguments

What insurance companies do:
They try to assign you MAXIMUM 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’ 51% bar rule means:

If you’re 51%+ at fault → You get NOTHING
If you’re 50% or less at fault → Your damages are reduced by your percentage

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:
Aggressive liability investigation:

Accident reconstruction proving the other driver’s fault
Witness statements supporting your version
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.

The Colossus Software System: How Insurance Companies Really Value Your Claim

How insurance companies ACTUALLY value your claim:
They don’t use human judgment – they use Colossus, a computerized claim valuation system used by Allstate, State Farm, Liberty Mutual, and others.

How Colossus works:

Data Entry: Adjuster inputs injury codes, treatment types, medical costs, lost wages, and jurisdiction
Coding: Your injuries are coded using standardized medical terms
Calculation: The software applies algorithms to determine “value”
Range Output: The system provides a recommended settlement range
Authority: The adjuster typically cannot exceed this range without supervisor approval

How insurance companies manipulate Colossus:

Manipulation	Effect
Low Injury Codes	“Soft tissue strain” instead of “disc herniation” reduces value 50-100%
Excessive Treatment Flags	Physical therapy beyond “normal” range triggers reductions
Conservative Treatment Penalty	Chiropractic care 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 medical records to beat the algorithm
He worked with these systems for years as a defense attorney

Reserve Setting: The Hidden Leverage Point

What reserves are:

Money the insurance company sets aside for your claim
Based on the worst-case scenario (their estimate of a trial verdict)
The adjuster usually CANNOT settle for more than the reserve without approval

How we increase reserves:

Hiring experts (shows we’re investing in the case)
Taking depositions (creates litigation expense)
Filing a lawsuit (forces trial evaluation)
Preparing for trial (shows we won’t back down)

Lupe understands reserve psychology and settlement authority limits – this is a GAME-CHANGING advantage.

What You Can Recover: Damages in Texas Motor Vehicle Accident Cases

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas)

Damage Type	What It Covers
Medical Expenses (Past)	ER visits, hospital stays, surgery, doctors, physical therapy, medications, medical equipment
Medical Expenses (Future)	Ongoing treatment, future surgeries, lifetime medications, long-term care
Lost Wages (Past)	Income lost from the date of the accident to the present
Lost Earning Capacity (Future)	Reduced ability to earn income in the future due to permanent injuries
Property Damage	Vehicle repair or replacement, personal property damaged in the accident
Out-of-Pocket Expenses	Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, household help, rental cars

Non-Economic Damages (No Cap Except Medical Malpractice)

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
Physical Impairment	Loss of physical function, disability, limitations on daily activities
Disfigurement	Scarring, permanent visible injuries that affect your appearance
Loss of Consortium	Impact on your marriage and family relationships, loss of companionship
Loss of Enjoyment of Life	Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed

Punitive/Exemplary Damages (Capped in Texas)

Available for gross negligence, fraud, or malice:

Drunk driving cases often qualify
Cap: Greater of $200,000 OR (2x economic damages + 1x non-economic damages, capped at $750,000 for the non-economic portion)
Purpose: Punish the defendant and deter similar conduct

Settlement Ranges by Injury Type

Soft Tissue Injuries (Whiplash, Sprains, Strains):

Medical Treatment: $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, chronic condition develops

Broken Bone (Single, Simple Fracture):

Medical Treatment: $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: $47,000-$98,000
Lost Wages: $10,000-$30,000 (3-6 months recovery)
Pain & Suffering: $75,000-$200,000
Settlement Range: $132,000-$328,000

Herniated Disc (Conservative Treatment):

Medical Treatment: $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):

Past Medical: $96,000-$205,000
Future Medical: $30,000-$100,000
Lost Wages: $20,000-$50,000 (6-12 months recovery)
Lost Earning Capacity: $50,000-$400,000 (if you can’t return to physical work)
Pain & Suffering: $150,000-$450,000
Settlement Range: $346,000-$1,205,000

Traumatic Brain Injury (Moderate to Severe):

Past Medical: $198,000-$638,000
Future Medical (Life Care Plan): $300,000-$3,000,000+
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 client who suffered brain injury with vision loss when a log dropped on him at a logging company.”

Spinal Cord Injury / Paralysis:

High Tetraplegia (C1-C4): $6,000,000-$13,000,000+ lifetime costs
Low Tetraplegia (C5-C8): $3,700,000-$6,100,000+
Paraplegia (T1-L5): $2,500,000-$5,250,000+
Settlement Range: $4,770,000-$25,880,000

Amputation:

Past Medical: $170,000-$480,000
Future Medical (Lifetime Prosthetics): $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: $1,000,000-$4,000,000 (lost financial support)
Non-Economic Damages: $850,000-$5,000,000 (loss of companionship, mental anguish)
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.”

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Slaton Motor Vehicle Accident Case

1. Insurance Defense Insider Advantage

“Lupe Peña worked for a number of years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims.”

This is our most powerful competitive advantage. Lupe spent years working FOR insurance companies, learning:

How they value claims (Colossus software, reserve setting)
Their settlement authority structures and approval processes
Their defense tactics and delay strategies
How they select IME (Independent Medical Exam) doctors
Their surveillance and investigation methods
Their delay and financial pressure tactics
Their comparative fault arguments

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

This insider perspective allows us to:

Anticipate and counter their tactics before they’re deployed
Know how they calculate claim values and how to maximize them
Understand which IME doctors they favor – because Lupe hired them
Speak their language and beat them at their own game

No other law firm in Slaton or Lubbock County has this unique advantage.

2. Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our track record speaks for itself:

Multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss 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, where our investigation revealed he should have been assisted in this duty

Recent Texas nuclear verdicts show what’s possible:

2024 Hatch v. Jones (car accident wrongful death): $81.72 million
2024 Frito-Lay Warehouse (vehicle collision): $72 million
2024 Lopez v. All Points 360 (Amazon DSP): $105 million
2024 New Prime I-35 pileup (6 deaths): $44.1 million

Insurance companies fear nuclear verdicts, and our trial readiness gives us leverage in every negotiation.

3. Federal Court Experience

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

Complex cases, especially those involving trucking accidents, often end up in federal court
Federal court requires different skills and experience than state court
Our involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation demonstrates our capability to handle cases against billion-dollar corporations

BP Explosion Litigation:

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

The 2005 BP Texas City explosion killed 15 workers and injured 180 others. The case ultimately settled for $2.1 billion, making it one of the largest industrial accident settlements in history. Our involvement in this complex litigation demonstrates our capability to handle catastrophic injury cases and take on massive corporations.

4. Personal Attention from the Start

At Attorney911, you’re not just another case number. You work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, not a case manager assembly line.

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

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

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

Our team includes dedicated case managers like Leonor, who clients consistently praise:

“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

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

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 unless we recover compensation for you
If we win, our fee is a percentage of the recovery (typically 33.33% before trial, 40% if the case goes to trial)

This fee structure ensures that everyone has access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. You don’t have to worry about hourly fees or upfront costs – we only get paid if we win your case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motor Vehicle Accidents in Slaton, Texas

Immediate After Accident

1. What should I do immediately after a car accident in Slaton, Texas?

If you’ve been in an accident in Slaton:

Call 911 and report the accident
Seek medical attention even if you feel fine (adrenaline masks injuries)
Document everything: photos of damage, injuries, and the scene
Exchange information with the other driver
Get witness names and phone numbers
Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company
Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

2. Should I call the police even for a minor accident?

Yes. Always call the police. In Texas, you must report accidents with injuries, deaths, or property damage over $1,000. The police report is critical evidence for your claim.

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 accident 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 information
Vehicle: make, model, color, license plate
Witnesses: names and phone numbers
Photos: all vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, traffic signals
Police: officer name, badge number, report number

5. Should I talk to the other driver or admit fault?

Exchange information only
Do NOT discuss fault
Do NOT apologize or say “I’m sorry” (can be used as an admission)
Do NOT give your opinion on what happened
Stick to facts only

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

In Slaton, you can obtain the police report from the Slaton Police Department 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 on what to say.

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. Early offers are ALWAYS lowball offers.

11. What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?

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

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 a medical authorization without attorney review.

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?

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?

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?

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) – the point where your medical condition has stabilized. This could be 6 months for minor injuries, 18-24 months for serious injuries.

20. What is the legal process step-by-step?

Investigation and evidence gathering
Medical treatment to MMI
Demand letter to insurance
Negotiation
Lawsuit if necessary
Discovery (exchange of information)
Mediation
Trial if needed

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

Compensation

21. What is my case worth?

It depends on:

Injury severity
Medical costs (past and future)
Lost wages and earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Permanent impairment
Available insurance coverage

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

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 damages (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 – defendants take victims as they find them.

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 for specific advice.

26. How is the value of my claim determined?

Based on:

Medical bills
Future treatment costs
Lost income
Permanent impairment rating
Comparable verdicts and settlements
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 the case goes to trial. You pay nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

Watch our video: How Do Contingency Fees Work?

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, and you only reimburse us if we win.

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 Mangiello law firm were 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

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

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

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

Releases are PERMANENT. Medical authorizations give unlimited access to your records. 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 defendants take victims as they find them.

For example: You had mild occasional back pain before the accident. The accident 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.

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

YES. You can fire your attorney 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 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 Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.”

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

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

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist claims are against YOUR insurance when the other driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance. Unfortunately, your own insurance company will fight your claim just like the other driver’s insurance would.

You need attorney representation for UM/UIM claims. Texas allows inter-policy stacking (combining multiple UM policies), which can significantly increase your available coverage. Lupe’s insurance knowledge is critical for maximizing UM/UIM recovery.

39. How do you calculate pain and suffering?

The most common method is the multiplier method:
Medical expenses × multiplier (1.5 to 5) = pain and suffering

The multiplier depends on:

Injury severity
Permanency
Impact on life
Clear liability
Sympathetic plaintiff

For example:

$100,000 medical × 1.5 multiplier = $150,000 pain and suffering
$100,000 medical × 4 multiplier = $400,000 pain and suffering

Lupe calculated these multipliers for years as an insurance defense attorney – he knows how to justify higher multipliers and fight for what you deserve.

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

Government claims have special rules. You typically must file a notice of claim within 6 months (much shorter than the 2-year statute of limitations). Government entities also have sovereign immunity protections, which can limit your recovery.

These cases are complex and require experienced attorneys. 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 can compensate you when the at-fault driver is unidentified.

Critical steps:

Call 911 and report the accident
Document everything (photos, witness information)
Seek medical attention
Do NOT chase the fleeing driver (this can put you in danger)
Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately

Evidence urgency:

Surveillance footage is typically deleted within 7-30 days
Witnesses become harder to locate as time passes

We send preservation letters to businesses near the accident scene to secure surveillance footage before it’s automatically deleted.

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, and our team includes bilingual staff like Zulema.

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 often try to argue that “parking lot accidents are always 50/50 fault,” but this is not true.

We prove fault through:

Surveillance video
Witness statements
Damage analysis
Traffic patterns

Texas comparative negligence rules apply in parking lot accidents. 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, etc.). You’re an innocent victim, and the driver’s insurance covers passengers.

There are no comparative fault issues (you weren’t driving), so these cases often settle quickly. 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. The death doesn’t eliminate liability. The insurance policy still applies, and 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.

Slaton, Texas Motor Vehicle Accident Resources

Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers:

Covenant Health System (Lubbock) – Level II Trauma Center
University Medical Center (Lubbock) – Level I Trauma Center
Covenant Medical Center (Lubbock)
Grace Health System (Lubbock)

Local Courts:

Lubbock County Courthouse – 904 Broadway, Lubbock, TX
Slaton Municipal Court – 130 N 9th St, Slaton, TX 79364
Lubbock County Justice of the Peace Courts

Local Law Enforcement:

Slaton Police Department – (806) 828-3311
Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office – (806) 775-1400
Texas Department of Public Safety – (806) 745-4151

Local Roads and Highways:

US Highway 84 – Major east-west route through Slaton
FM 400 – Connects Slaton to Lubbock
FM 41 – Runs through Slaton
9th Street, 10th Street, Avenue Q – Major streets in Slaton

Local Employers and Industries:

Slaton Independent School District
City of Slaton
Lubbock County
Local agriculture and farming operations
Small businesses and retail

Don’t Wait – Call Attorney911 Now

Every day you wait, evidence disappears. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is typically deleted within 7-30 days. Witness memories fade. The 2-year statute of limitations clock is ticking. And while you’re recovering, insurance companies are building their case against you.

At Attorney911, we move fast to protect your rights:

Within 24 hours, we send preservation letters to secure critical evidence
We obtain police reports and 911 recordings
We photograph the accident scene before it changes
We interview witnesses while their memories are fresh
We begin accident reconstruction analysis

Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña and our team are ready to help Spanish-speaking clients.

Se habla español – Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.

Our Offices Serving Slaton, Texas

Houston (Primary Office):
The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Attorney911
3200 Travis St, Suite 220
Houston, TX 77006
1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

Austin Office:
Serving Travis, Williamson, Hays, and Bastrop Counties

Beaumont Office:
Serving Jefferson, Orange, and Hardin Counties

While we have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve clients throughout Texas, including Slaton and Lubbock County. With Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission and our experience handling cases across the state, we’re prepared to fight for you no matter where your accident occurred.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

Being injured in a motor vehicle accident is overwhelming. The physical pain, emotional stress, and financial uncertainty can feel like too much to handle. But you don’t have to face this alone.

At Attorney911, we’re more than just lawyers – we’re your advocates, your guides, and your support system during this difficult time. We understand what you’re going through because we’ve helped hundreds of people just like you recover the compensation they deserve.

With our:

25+ years of experience
Insurance defense insider knowledge
Multi-million dollar results
Federal court experience
Personal attention from start to finish
Contingency fee – no risk to you

We have the expertise, the resources, and the commitment to fight for your rights.

Don’t wait another day. Evidence is disappearing. The insurance company is building their case against you. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

Your recovery starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911