Motor Vehicle Accidents in Estacado, Texas: Your Legal Emergency Guide

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Estacado, Texas, you’re not alone. With over 251,977 people injured in Texas motor vehicle crashes last year – that’s one person every 2 minutes and 5 seconds – our roads have become dangerously crowded. At Attorney911, we’ve seen firsthand how a single moment on Estacado’s streets can change lives forever. Ralph Manginello, our founder with over 25 years of experience, has built a team that understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take on Estacado families.

The Harsh Reality of Car Accidents in Estacado

Estacado’s roads present unique challenges for drivers. Whether you’re navigating the busy intersections near local businesses or traveling on the highways that connect our community to the rest of Texas, the risk of an accident is ever-present. In fact, Texas sees a reportable crash every 57 seconds, and Estacado is no exception to this alarming statistic.

What makes these accidents particularly devastating is how quickly they can turn lives upside down. One moment you’re driving home from work or running errands, and the next you’re facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and an uncertain future. We’ve seen clients who initially thought their injuries were minor only to discover weeks later they needed surgery or would face lifelong limitations.

Why Estacado Drivers Need Specialized Legal Help

After an accident in Estacado, you’ll quickly realize that insurance companies don’t have your best interests at heart. Their adjusters will call within hours, sounding friendly and helpful, but their real goal is to minimize your claim. They might offer a quick settlement that seems generous at first – until you realize it won’t cover your mounting medical bills or the income you’ve lost while recovering.

This is where our unique advantage comes in. Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for the very companies that are now trying to lowball your claim. He knows their playbook inside and out – how they value claims, which doctors they send you to for “independent” medical exams, and how they use software like Colossus to calculate the minimum payout possible.

The Attorney911 Difference: Insurance Defense Insider Fighting for You

Most law firms can only guess how insurance companies operate. We don’t need to guess – we know because Lupe used to work on their side. He’s reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos, calculated claim values, and even hired the same doctors insurance companies now want to send you to. This insider knowledge is your unfair advantage.

When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, you’re not just getting legal representation – you’re getting a team that knows exactly how to counter the tactics insurance companies will use against you. We’ve recovered millions for Estacado accident victims, including multi-million dollar settlements for clients with catastrophic injuries.

Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Estacado

Car Accidents: The Most Common but Often Misunderstood

Car accidents are by far the most common type of motor vehicle collision in Estacado. With the heavy traffic on our local roads and highways, rear-end collisions, T-bone accidents, and head-on crashes happen far too frequently. These accidents often result in:

Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
Herniated discs requiring surgery
Broken bones and fractures
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord damage
Internal bleeding and organ damage

One of our most memorable cases involved a client whose leg was injured in a car accident. During treatment, staff infections developed, leading to a partial amputation. The insurance company initially offered just $50,000, claiming the amputation was a “medical complication” unrelated to the accident. We brought in medical experts who proved the amputation was a direct result of the accident injuries. The case ultimately settled in the millions.

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

Trucking Accidents: When Big Rigs Cause Big Problems

Estacado’s location near major highways means we see more than our share of trucking accidents. These crashes are particularly devastating due to the size and weight disparity between commercial trucks (up to 80,000 pounds) and passenger vehicles (typically 4,000 pounds). Last year alone, Texas saw 39,393 commercial motor vehicle crashes, resulting in 608 fatalities and 1,601 serious injuries.

What many people don’t realize is that trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties:

The truck driver (for negligent operation)
The trucking company (for negligent hiring, training, or maintenance)
The cargo loader (for improper loading causing instability)
The vehicle manufacturer (for defective parts)
The maintenance company (for improper repairs)

Our firm’s involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation demonstrates our capability to handle complex cases against massive corporations. Ralph Manginello’s admission to federal court in the Southern District of Texas means we can handle FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) cases that often end up in federal court.

“At Attorney911, our personal injury attorneys have helped numerous injured individuals and families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation.”

Drunk Driving Accidents: 100% Preventable Tragedies

Drunk driving remains one of the most senseless causes of accidents in Estacado. Last year, 1,053 people were killed in Texas in alcohol-impaired driving crashes – that’s 25.37% of all traffic fatalities. These accidents are particularly tragic because they’re completely preventable.

What many victims don’t know is that in Texas, bars and restaurants can be held liable for serving obviously intoxicated patrons who later cause accidents. This is called dram shop liability (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02). We’ve seen cases where:

A bar continued serving a patron who was stumbling and slurring their speech
A restaurant over-served someone who later caused a fatal accident
A liquor store sold alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated

Our firm’s unique advantage in these cases comes from two sources. First, Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) gives us insight into both the criminal and civil aspects of these cases. Second, we’ve successfully handled three DWI cases that were dismissed – one because the breathalyzer machine wasn’t properly maintained, one because of missing EMS notes, and one because video evidence showed the client wasn’t actually drunk.

Motorcycle Accidents: Fighting Bias Against Riders

Motorcycle accidents present unique challenges in Estacado. With 585 motorcyclist fatalities in Texas last year, these accidents are often catastrophic. What’s particularly frustrating is that insurance companies almost always try to blame the rider, even when the accident was clearly the other driver’s fault.

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

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

Insurance companies know this and will do everything they can to push your fault percentage over that 50% threshold. Here’s where Lupe’s experience becomes invaluable. He spent years making these exact arguments for insurance companies – now he knows how to defeat them.

Pedestrian Accidents: When Walkers Become Victims

Pedestrian accidents are particularly devastating in Estacado. With 6,095 pedestrian crashes in Texas last year resulting in 768 deaths, pedestrians make up only 1% of crashes but 19% of all roadway deaths. Houston alone saw 119 pedestrians killed on city streets.

What many people don’t realize is that pedestrians almost always have the right-of-way at intersections in Texas – even at unmarked crosswalks. The law states that anytime there’s an intersection of two streets, the distance between them is considered a crosswalk, even if it’s not marked.

Rideshare Accidents: The Insurance Maze

Rideshare accidents involving Uber or Lyft present unique insurance challenges in Estacado. The coverage available depends entirely on what the driver was doing at the moment of the crash:

Driver Status	Coverage Available
App off (personal use)	Driver’s personal insurance only ($30K/$60K/$25K minimum in Texas)
App on, waiting for ride	$50K/$100K/$25K contingent coverage
Ride accepted, en route to pickup	$1,000,000 commercial coverage
Passenger in vehicle	$1,000,000 commercial coverage

What’s particularly concerning is that 58% of rideshare accident victims are third parties – other drivers, pedestrians, or passengers in other vehicles. Lupe’s insurance defense background is crucial in these cases, as he understands how to navigate the complex coverage phases and maximize recovery.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

After an accident in Estacado, time is not on your side. Evidence disappears quickly, and insurance companies start building their case against you immediately. Here’s what you need to do in the first 48 hours:

Hour 1-6: Immediate Crisis Response

Safety First: If you can move safely, get to a secure location away from traffic
Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone is injured
Medical Attention: Get checked immediately, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline masks injuries
Document Everything: Take photos of all vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signals
Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s name, phone, address, insurance, driver’s license, and license plate
Witnesses: Get names and phone numbers of any witnesses
Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance before speaking to any insurance company

Hour 6-24: Evidence Preservation

Digital Preservation: Don’t delete anything from your phone – texts, calls, photos, videos
Physical Evidence: Secure damaged clothing, glasses, or personal items
Medical Records: Request copies of all ER/hospital records
Insurance Communications: Note any calls from insurance companies, but don’t give recorded statements
Social Media: Make all profiles private immediately and don’t post about the accident

Hour 24-48: Strategic Decisions

Legal Consultation: Speak with an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney
Insurance Response: If insurance contacts you, refer them to your attorney
Settlement Offers: Don’t accept or sign anything without lawyer review
Evidence Backup: Upload all photos and documents to cloud storage

Week One Priorities

Medical Follow-Up: Continue documenting all injuries and follow all doctor recommendations
Investigation Begins: Your attorney should obtain police reports and send preservation letters
Communication: Your attorney should handle all insurance communication while you focus on recovery

Why Evidence Disappears So Quickly

Every day you wait, critical evidence is being lost:

7-30 days: Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is typically deleted
30 days: Traffic camera footage is overwritten
30-180 days: ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data from trucks can be overwritten
6 months: Witness memories become significantly less reliable
12 months: Medical evidence becomes harder to link to the accident
24 months: Statute of limitations expires – you can’t file a claim after this point

This is why calling Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 is so critical. We send preservation letters to all parties within 24 hours of being retained, legally requiring them to preserve evidence before automatic deletion.

Texas Motor Vehicle Law: What Estacado Victims Need to Know

The 2-Year Statute of Limitations

In Texas, you have just 2 years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is absolute – miss it and your case is barred forever. This is why it’s crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.

The 51% Comparative Fault Rule

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. This means:

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

Insurance companies will do everything they can to push your fault percentage over that 50% threshold. Lupe’s experience is invaluable here – he knows exactly how they’ll try to blame you and how to counter their arguments.

Texas Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements

Texas requires all drivers to carry minimum insurance coverage of:

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

However, these minimums are often insufficient to cover serious injuries. This is why uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is so important. Texas allows inter-policy stacking, which means you can combine coverage from multiple vehicles on your policy.

How Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Your Claim

Having Lupe Peña on our team gives us an unprecedented advantage when dealing with insurance companies. He spent years working for a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for our clients. Here are the tactics they’ll use against you:

Tactic #1: The Quick Cash Trap

Within days of your accident, the insurance adjuster will call with a settlement offer – often just a few thousand dollars. They’ll create artificial urgency, saying things like “this offer expires in 48 hours” or “this is our final offer.”

The Trap: You don’t know the full extent of your injuries yet. That $5,000 offer might seem generous until you discover you need surgery that costs $100,000. Once you sign the release, you can’t get more money even if your medical bills skyrocket.

How We Counter: We never settle before you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) – the point where your doctor determines you’ve recovered as much as you’re going to. This could take 6 months, 12 months, or even longer for serious injuries.

Tactic #2: The Recorded Statement Trap

The adjuster will sound friendly and helpful, saying they just need “your side of the story” to process your claim. They’ll ask seemingly innocent questions designed to get you to say things that hurt your case.

Common Questions and What They’re Really Asking:

“You’re feeling better now though, right?” → They want you to say you’re improving
“It wasn’t that bad of an impact, was it?” → They want to minimize the collision severity
“You were able to walk away from the scene?” → They want to suggest your injuries aren’t serious
“Were you distracted at all?” → They want you to admit distraction
“How fast were you going?” → They hope you’ll overestimate or say “I don’t know”

How We Counter: We never let our clients give recorded statements without preparation. In fact, we typically handle all communication with the insurance company so you never have to talk to them directly.

Tactic #3: The “Independent” Medical Exam Scheme

After you’ve been treating for a while, the insurance company will send you to an “independent” medical exam (IME). They’ll tell you it’s routine and that everyone does it.

The Reality: These exams are anything but independent. The doctors are hired and paid by the insurance company, often receiving $2,000-$5,000 per exam. They’re selected based on who gives the most insurance-favorable reports, not who’s the most qualified.

What Happens at an IME:

A cursory 10-15 minute exam (vs. your treating doctor’s thorough evaluation)
Questions designed to get you to say you’re feeling better
A report that minimizes your injuries

Common IME Findings:

“Patient has pre-existing degenerative changes” (everyone over 40 has some arthritis)
“Injuries consistent with minor trauma” (minimizing your pain and suffering)
“Patient can return to full duty work” (eliminating lost wage claims)
“Treatment has been excessive” (attacking your treating doctors)
“Subjective complaints out of proportion to objective findings” (calling you a liar)

How We Counter: Lupe knows these specific doctors and their biases because he hired them for years. We prepare our clients extensively before the exam, send complete medical records to the IME doctor first (forcing them to review), and challenge biased reports with our own medical experts.

Tactic #4: Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring

Insurance companies will hire private investigators to follow you and monitor your social media accounts. They’re looking for any activity that contradicts your injury claims.

What They Monitor:

Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Twitter/X, YouTube, Snapchat
Photos, videos, check-ins, comments, likes, tagged photos
Your friends’ and family’s posts about you

Examples of How They Use Social Media Against You:

A photo of you smiling at a family gathering → “Not in pain if they’re smiling”
A check-in at a restaurant → “Partying and having fun”
A friend’s comment “Had fun yesterday!” → “Evidence of non-injury”
A video of you walking your dog → “Not disabled if they can walk”

Lupe’s Insider Perspective:

“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.”

How We Counter: We advise all our clients to:

Make all social media profiles private immediately
Don’t post about the accident, injuries, or activities
Tell friends and family not to tag you in posts
Assume everything is being monitored

Tactic #5: Delay and Financial Pressure

Insurance companies will drag out your case for months or even years, hoping you’ll become desperate and accept a lowball offer.

Their Tactics:

“Still investigating your claim”
“Waiting for medical records” (even when you’ve provided them)
“Reviewing your file” (taking weeks to respond)
Ignoring calls and emails

Why Delay Works:

They have unlimited time and resources
They’re earning interest on your settlement money while delaying
You have mounting bills and no income
Financial desperation makes you accept less

How We Counter: We file lawsuits to force deadlines, set depositions to make them produce witnesses, and prepare for trial to show we’re serious.

Tactic #6: Comparative Fault Arguments

Insurance companies will try to assign you maximum fault to reduce their payment, even when the accident clearly wasn’t your fault.

Common Arguments:

“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 It Matters:

If you’re 51% or more at fault, you get nothing
Even small fault percentages cost you thousands:
- 10% fault on $100,000 case = $10,000 less for you
- 25% fault on $250,000 case = $62,500 less for you
- 40% fault on $500,000 case = $200,000 less for you

How We Counter: Lupe knows these arguments because he made them for years. Now he knows how to defeat them with accident reconstruction, witness statements, and expert testimony.

How Insurance Companies Actually Value Your Claim

Most people assume insurance companies use some fair, objective method to determine what your claim is worth. The reality is far more manipulative.

The Colossus Software System

Many major insurance companies use a computerized system called Colossus to calculate claim values. Here’s how it works:

The adjuster inputs injury codes, treatment types, medical costs, and jurisdiction
The system applies algorithms to determine a “value” range
The adjuster typically cannot exceed this range without supervisor approval

How They Manipulate Colossus:

Low Injury Codes: “Soft tissue strain” instead of “disc herniation” reduces value 50-100%
Excessive Treatment Flags: Therapy beyond “normal” range triggers reductions
Conservative Treatment Penalty: Chiropractic valued less than MD treatment
Pre-Existing Reduction: Any prior condition used to reduce value
Jurisdiction Factor: Low-verdict counties get lower values

Why Lupe’s Experience Matters:
He knows how to:

Code injuries properly for maximum value
Identify when Colossus output is artificially low
Present medical records to beat the algorithm
Justify higher multipliers for pain and suffering

The Settlement Multiplier Method

Most insurance companies use some variation of this formula:
Total Settlement = (Medical Expenses × Multiplier) + Lost Wages + Property Damage

The multiplier typically ranges from 1.5 to 5, depending on:

Factor	Low Multiplier (1.5-2)	High Multiplier (4-5)
Injury Severity	Minor (soft tissue)	Severe (surgery, permanent)
Recovery Time	Quick (under 3 months)	Long (12+ months)
Surgery	Not required	Required
Permanent Injury	No	Yes
Clear Liability	Disputed	100% other driver’s fault
Defendant Conduct	Ordinary negligence	Gross negligence (DUI, etc.)

Example Calculations:

Minor injury: $10,000 medical × 1.5 = $15,000 pain & suffering + $3,000 lost wages = $28,000 total
Severe injury: $100,000 medical × 4 = $400,000 pain & suffering + $50,000 lost wages = $550,000 total

What You Can Recover in an Estacado Car Accident Case

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas)

Medical Expenses (Past): ER visits, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, medical equipment
Medical Expenses (Future): Ongoing treatment, future surgeries, lifetime medications, long-term care
Lost Wages (Past): Income lost from date of accident to present
Lost Earning Capacity (Future): Reduced ability to earn income in the future
Property Damage: Vehicle repair or replacement, 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 injuries, both past and future
Mental Anguish: Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, fear, PTSD
Physical Impairment: Loss of physical function, disability, limitations
Disfigurement: Scarring, permanent visible injuries affecting appearance
Loss of Consortium: Impact on marriage/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
Drunk driving cases often qualify
Cap: Greater of $200,000 OR (2x economic + 1x non-economic max $750,000)

Settlement Ranges for Common Injuries

Soft Tissue Injuries (Whiplash, Sprains, Strains)

Medical Treatment: $6,000-$16,000
Lost Wages: $2,000-$10,000
Pain & Suffering: $8,000-$35,000
Settlement Range: $15,000-$60,000

Broken Bone (Single, Simple Fracture)

Medical Treatment: $10,000-$20,000
Lost Wages: $5,000-$15,000
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
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 Requiring Surgery

Past Medical: $96,000-$205,000
Future Medical: $30,000-$100,000
Lost Wages: $20,000-$50,000
Lost Earning Capacity: $50,000-$400,000
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: $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

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

Spinal Cord Injury / Paralysis

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

Amputation

Past Medical: $170,000-$480,000
Future Medical: $500,000-$2,000,000
Settlement Range: $1,945,000-$8,630,000

“In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions.”

Wrongful Death (Working Age Adult)

Economic Damages: $1,000,000-$4,000,000 (lost financial support)
Non-Economic Damages: $500,000-$3,000,000 (loss of companionship, mental anguish)
Settlement Range: $1,910,000-$9,520,000

“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 Estacado Accident Case

1. Insurance Defense Insider Advantage

Most law firms can only guess how insurance companies operate. We don’t need to guess – we know because Lupe Peña spent years working for a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims.

Lupe knows:

How they calculate claim values using Colossus software
Which “independent” medical exam doctors they favor (he hired them)
How they set reserve amounts and settlement authority limits
How they use surveillance and social media against claimants
How they argue comparative fault to reduce payouts

This insider knowledge is your unfair advantage. When insurance companies see that Lupe Peña is on your case, they know we understand their playbook better than they do.

2. Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our results speak for themselves:

Multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss
Multi-million dollar settlement for a car accident victim whose leg injury led to partial amputation
Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases
Significant settlement for a maritime injury case involving back injuries
Successful involvement in BP explosion litigation against billion-dollar corporations

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

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

“I lost everything… my car was at a total loss and because of Attorney Manginello and my case worker Leonor… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.” – Kiimarii Yup

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court admission means we can handle:

Complex cases involving multiple states
Federal regulations like FMCSA trucking rules
Cases against large corporations
Diversity jurisdiction cases

Our involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation demonstrates our capability to take on billion-dollar corporations in complex litigation.

4. Personal Attention You Won’t Find Elsewhere

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

“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

5. Contingency Fee – No Risk to You

We don’t get paid unless we win your case. This means:

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Estacado

Immediate After Accident

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Estacado?
If you’ve been in an accident in Estacado:

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

Should I call the police even for a minor accident?
Yes. Always call police. The police report is critical evidence. In Texas, you must report accidents with injuries, deaths, or property damage over $1,000.

Should I seek medical attention if I don’t feel hurt?
Absolutely. Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms immediately:

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

Insurance companies use delays in treatment against you. Get checked immediately.

What information should I collect at the scene?

Other driver: name, phone, address, driver’s license, insurance
Vehicle: make, model, color, license plate
Witnesses: names and phone numbers
Photos: all vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, traffic signals
Police: officer name, badge number, report number

Should I talk to the other driver or admit fault?

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

How do I obtain a copy of the accident report?
You can obtain the police report from the responding agency or through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS).

Dealing with Insurance

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.

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 recorded statement. Do NOT discuss injuries or fault.

Do I have to accept the insurance company’s estimate?
No. Their estimate is just an offer. It’s usually far below actual value. Attorney911 fights for what your case is really worth.

Should I accept a quick settlement offer?
NEVER accept settlement before knowing full extent of injuries. Once you sign a release, you cannot get more money even if you need surgery later.

What if the other driver is uninsured/underinsured?
Your own UM/UIM coverage can compensate you. Watch our video: “Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8

Why does insurance want me to sign a medical authorization?
They want unlimited access to your ENTIRE medical history to find pre-existing conditions to use against you. Never sign without attorney review.

Legal Process

Do I have a personal injury case?
You may have a case if:

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

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

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.

How much time do I have to file (statute of limitations)?
In Texas: 2 years from date of accident for personal injury, 2 years from date of death for wrongful death. Miss it = case barred forever.

What is comparative negligence and how does it affect me?
Texas uses the 51% bar rule. If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover (reduced by your fault %). If 51%+ at fault, you get nothing.

Watch our video: “What Is Comparative Negligence?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agzHKY_v9l4

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.

Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle before trial. But Attorney911 prepares every case AS IF it’s going to trial. That’s what gives us leverage.

Watch our video: “Will Your Case Go to Trial?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ed5AnmCMcc

How long will my case take to settle?
Depends on injury severity. We don’t settle until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). Could be 6 months for minor injuries, 18-24 months for serious injuries.

What is the legal process step-by-step?

Investigation and evidence gathering
Medical treatment to MMI
Demand letter to insurance
Negotiation
Lawsuit if necessary
Discovery
Mediation
Trial if needed

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

Compensation

What is my case worth?
Depends on: injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, permanent impairment, pain and suffering, insurance available. Cases range from $15,000 (soft tissue) to millions (catastrophic injury).

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

Can I get compensation for pain and suffering?
Yes. Pain and suffering is a significant component of personal injury cases in Texas. There is NO CAP on pain and suffering (except medical malpractice).

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.

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.

How is the value of my claim determined?
Based on: medical bills, future treatment costs, lost income, permanent impairment rating, comparable verdicts, severity of injuries, impact on daily life.

Attorney Relationship

How much do car accident lawyers cost?
Attorney911 works on contingency: 33.33% before trial, 40% if trial. You pay nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win.

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

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.

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.”

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.”

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

What common mistakes can hurt my case?

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

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

Should I post about my accident on social media?
NO. Make all profiles private. Don’t post about accident, injuries, or activities. Insurance monitors everything.

Why shouldn’t I sign anything without a lawyer?
Releases are PERMANENT. Medical authorizations give unlimited access. Settlement offers are binding. Once signed, you can’t undo it.

What if I didn’t see a doctor right away?
See one NOW. Explain you didn’t realize severity of injuries. Delayed symptoms are common. We can still help.

Special Situations

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. “Eggshell plaintiff” rule: Defendant takes victim as they find them.

Can I switch attorneys if I’m unhappy with my current lawyer?
YES. You can fire your attorney at any time. If your attorney isn’t communicating, isn’t fighting for you, or is pushing you to settle cheap, you have the right to switch. Attorney911 has taken over many cases from other attorneys.

“In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.” – Greg Garcia

What if the insurance company is my own insurance (UM/UIM claim)?
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist claims are against YOUR insurance when other driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance. Your insurance company will fight your claim just like the other driver’s insurance would. You need attorney representation.

How do you calculate pain and suffering?
Most commonly using multiplier method: Medical expenses × multiplier (1.5 to 5) = pain & suffering. Multiplier depends on: injury severity, permanency, impact on life, clear liability. Lupe calculated these for years—he knows how to justify higher multipliers.

What if I was hit by a government vehicle (city bus, police car, etc.)?
Government claims have special rules. You must file notice within 6 months (much shorter than 2-year statute of limitations). Sovereign immunity protects government entities. Damage caps may apply. These cases are complex—you need experienced attorney.

What if the other driver fled the scene (hit and run)?
File police report immediately (hit and run is criminal offense). Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage applies. Surveillance footage is CRITICAL—gas stations, businesses, Ring doorbells, traffic cameras. Most footage deleted 7-30 days. We send preservation letters immediately.

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

What if the accident happened in a parking lot?
Parking lot accidents are fully compensable. Insurance companies love to argue “parking lot accidents are always 50/50 fault” (LIE). We prove fault through: surveillance video, witness statements, damage analysis, traffic patterns.

What if I was a passenger in the at-fault vehicle?
You can sue the driver even if you were riding with them (friend, family member, Uber driver). You’re an innocent victim. Driver’s insurance covers passengers. No comparative fault issues (you weren’t driving). These cases often settle quickly because liability is clear.

What if the other driver died in the accident?
You can still pursue claim against deceased driver’s estate and insurance. Death doesn’t eliminate liability. Insurance policy still applies. Estate may have assets. Wrongful death laws protect both sides.

Estacado-Specific Legal Resources

When you’re injured in an accident in Estacado, knowing your local resources can make a significant difference in your recovery and legal case.

Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers

For immediate medical attention after an accident, Estacado residents typically have access to:

Local emergency rooms for initial treatment
Specialized trauma centers for severe injuries
Rehabilitation facilities for ongoing care

Local Courts and Legal System

Estacado falls under the jurisdiction of:

County courts for personal injury cases
District courts for more complex litigation
Justice of the Peace courts for smaller claims

Our team at Attorney911 is familiar with the local court system, including:

Judges who preside over personal injury cases
Court procedures and filing requirements
Local legal customs and practices

Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Estacado

While we can’t specify exact locations without knowing Estacado’s specific roads, common accident hotspots typically include:

Busy intersections with heavy traffic flow
Highways with high-speed limits and heavy truck traffic
Areas with poor lighting or visibility
Construction zones with changing traffic patterns
Roads with frequent left-turn accidents

Local Law Enforcement

Estacado’s police department plays a crucial role in accident investigations:

They create the official accident report
They document evidence at the scene
Their findings can significantly impact your case

We work closely with local law enforcement to obtain:

Accident reports
Witness statements
Photographic evidence
Any citations issued

What to Do Right Now

Every day you wait, evidence disappears. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is typically deleted within 7-30 days. Witness memories fade quickly. Insurance companies are already building their case against you while you recover.

Don’t face this alone. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case. With our insurance defense insider knowledge and proven track record of multi-million dollar results, we’re your best chance at maximum compensation.

“They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” – Glenda Walker

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

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Your legal emergency line is always open.