Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Beaumont, Texas | Attorney911

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, truck crash, or any motor vehicle collision in Beaumont, Texas, you’re not alone. With over 251,000 people injured in Texas motor vehicle crashes last year – that’s one person injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds – Beaumont residents face constant danger on our roads. At Attorney911, we understand the physical pain, emotional distress, and financial uncertainty you’re experiencing after an accident in Jefferson County.

Ralph Manginello, our founder with over 25 years of experience handling motor vehicle accident cases across Texas, leads our team with the expertise needed to fight for maximum compensation. Our Beaumont office serves Jefferson, Orange, and Hardin counties, giving us deep familiarity with the Golden Triangle’s unique accident patterns – from refinery zone traffic on I-10 to the dangerous intersections along Major Drive and College Street.

Why Beaumont Accident Victims Choose Attorney911

When you’re hurt in a Beaumont car accident, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a legal emergency response team. That’s why we operate Attorney911, a true legal emergency line that answers 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911. Our firm brings unique advantages to Beaumont accident cases:

Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge: Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies value claims because he calculated them himself. This insider perspective gives us an unfair advantage when negotiating with adjusters.
Multi-Million Dollar Results: We’ve recovered millions for Beaumont-area clients, including:
- A multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss
- Millions for a Beaumont resident whose leg injury led to partial amputation after staff infections during treatment
- Significant recoveries in trucking wrongful death cases throughout Southeast Texas
Federal Court Experience: Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court experience matters for complex cases like trucking accidents, where federal regulations apply.
Personal Attention: Unlike high-volume firms where you’re just a case number, you’ll work directly with Ralph or Lupe. As client Chad Harris said: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”
No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. “We don’t get paid unless we win your case.”

Common Motor Vehicle Accidents in Beaumont

Beaumont’s unique mix of industrial traffic, refinery commuters, and coastal highway drivers creates specific accident risks:

Car Accidents in Beaumont (Most Common – 500-700 words)

With one car accident occurring every 57 seconds in Texas, Beaumont sees its share of collisions on busy corridors like I-10, US-69, and local roads. In 2024 alone, over 251,977 Texans were injured in motor vehicle crashes.

Common Causes in Beaumont:

Distracted driving (380 deaths in Texas last year)
Speeding through refinery zones
Failure to yield at Beaumont’s busy intersections
Running red lights on Major Drive and College Street
Following too closely on I-10
DUI/DWI, especially around entertainment districts

Common Injuries:

Whiplash and soft tissue injuries from rear-end collisions
Herniated discs from high-impact crashes
Broken bones and fractures
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries
Internal organ damage

Case Example: In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident on I-10. Staff infections during treatment at Christus Southeast Texas Hospital led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions.

What to Do After a Beaumont Car Accident:

Seek medical attention immediately at Beaumont’s Christus Southeast Texas or Baptist Hospitals
Document everything with photos and witness information
Do NOT give recorded statements to insurance companies
Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

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

18-Wheeler and Trucking Accidents (500-700 words)

Beaumont’s position along I-10 makes it a major trucking corridor, with 39,393 commercial motor vehicle crashes in Texas last year. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries due to the size disparity – an 80,000-pound truck versus a 4,000-pound car.

Texas Trucking Statistics (2024):

608 trucking fatalities
1,601 serious injuries
Texas accounts for 11% of ALL fatal truck crashes nationwide
549 fatal truck accidents resulting in 620 deaths

FMCSA Federal Regulations We Enforce:

Hours of Service (HOS) rules limiting driving time
Mandatory Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
Drug and alcohol testing requirements
Vehicle maintenance standards
Driver qualification rules

Why Trucking Cases Are More Complex:

Multiple liable parties (driver, trucking company, cargo loader, manufacturer)
Higher insurance limits ($750,000 to $5,000,000+ policies)
Federal court jurisdiction for interstate trucking cases
Critical evidence (ELD data, black box) that disappears quickly

Case Example: 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.

Urgency Matters: ELD data can be overwritten in 30-180 days. We send preservation letters immediately to secure this critical evidence.

Drunk Driving Accidents (500-700 words)

With 1,053 alcohol-impaired driving deaths in Texas last year (25.37% of all fatalities), drunk driving remains a serious problem in Beaumont. The Golden Triangle’s entertainment districts and refinery shift workers create dangerous conditions on our roads.

Texas Dram Shop Law (TABC § 2.02):
We can hold bars, restaurants, and liquor stores liable if they served someone who was obviously intoxicated. Signs of obvious intoxication include:

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

Punitive Damages Available:
Drunk driving cases often qualify for punitive damages due to the driver’s conscious indifference to others’ safety. Texas caps punitive damages at the greater of $200,000 or 2x economic damages + 1x non-economic damages (capped at $750,000).

Criminal + Civil Capability:
Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) gives us unique capability to handle both the criminal and civil aspects of DUI accidents. Our firm has successfully dismissed multiple DWI cases by exposing:

Improperly maintained breathalyzer machines
Missing EMS and hospital notes
Video evidence showing clients weren’t drunk

Motorcycle Accidents (300-500 words)

Beaumont saw 585 motorcyclist fatalities in Texas last year, with 37% not wearing helmets. While Texas law requires helmets only for riders under 21, helmets reduce death risk by 37% and head injury risk by 69%.

Common Causes in Beaumont:

Failure to yield right of way (most common)
Driver inattention/distraction
Unsafe lane changes
Left-turn accidents
Speeding/reckless driving

Comparative Negligence Issues:
Insurance companies always try to blame motorcyclists using Texas’ 51% bar rule. If you’re found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Lupe Peña’s experience working for insurance companies helps us counter these arguments effectively.

Pedestrian Accidents (300-500 words)

Beaumont saw 6,095 pedestrian crashes in Texas last year, resulting in 768 deaths. Pedestrians account for just 1% of crashes but 19% of all roadway deaths.

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

Common Injuries:

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

Rideshare Accidents (Uber/Lyft) (300-500 words)

With 17.4 million Uber trips daily nationwide, rideshare accidents are becoming more common in Beaumont. The complex insurance coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash:

Rideshare Insurance Phases:

Period 0 (App off): Driver’s personal insurance only ($30k/$60k/$25k minimum)
Period 1 (App on, no ride): $50k/$100k/$25k contingent coverage
Period 2 (Ride accepted): $1,000,000 commercial coverage
Period 3 (Passenger in car): $1,000,000 commercial coverage

Who Gets Hurt:

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

Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background helps us navigate this complex coverage maze to maximize your recovery.

What to Do Immediately After a Beaumont Accident

48-Hour Action Protocol

Hour 1-6 (Immediate Crisis):
✅ Safety First: If you can move safely, get to a secure location away from traffic
✅ Call 911: Report the accident, request medical assistance if anyone is injured
✅ Medical Attention: Get checked at Christus Southeast Texas or Baptist Hospital – adrenaline masks injuries
✅ Document Everything:

Take photos of ALL vehicle damage (every angle)
Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, traffic signals
Take photos of visible injuries
Screenshot any messages visible on your phone
✅ Exchange Information:
Other driver’s name, phone, address
Insurance company and policy number
Driver’s license number
License plate number
Vehicle make, model, color
✅ 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: Save all texts, calls, photos, videos related to the accident
✅ Physical Evidence: Secure damaged clothing, glasses, personal items
✅ Medical Records: Request copies of all ER/hospital records from your Beaumont medical providers
✅ Insurance Communications: Note any calls from insurance companies
✅ Social Media: Make ALL profiles private immediately – don’t post about the accident

Hour 24-48 (Strategic Decisions):
✅ Legal Consultation: Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
✅ Insurance Response: Refer all insurance calls to your attorney
✅ Settlement Offers: Do NOT accept or sign anything without lawyer review

Evidence Deterioration Timeline

Day 1-7:

Witness memories peak but begin fading immediately
Physical evidence like skid marks fade
Debris gets cleared from accident scene

Day 7-30:

Surveillance footage DELETED (gas stations: 7-14 days, retail stores: 30 days)
Witnesses become harder to locate
Scene changes (road repairs, new striping)

Month 1-2:

Insurance companies solidify their defense position
Vehicle repairs destroy evidence
Adjusters build their case against you

Month 2-6:

Trucking ELD data can be overwritten (30-180 days)
Cell phone records become harder to obtain
Social media posts get deleted

Month 6-12:

Witnesses move away, memories fade
Medical evidence becomes harder to link to accident
Financial desperation makes you vulnerable to lowball offers

Month 12-24:

Approaching 2-year statute of limitations deadline
Evidence severely degraded
Case value diminished

Why Attorney911 Moves Fast:
Within 24 hours of retention, we send preservation letters to:

Other driver’s insurance
Trucking companies
Businesses near the scene
Employers
Property owners
Government entities

These letters LEGALLY REQUIRE evidence preservation before automatic deletion. Every day you wait, evidence disappears.

Texas Motor Vehicle Accident Law

Statute of Limitations

Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003

Personal Injury: 2 years from date of accident
Wrongful Death: 2 years from date of death
Property Damage: 2 years from date of damage
Government Claims: 6 months notice required

Critical: Miss the deadline and your case is BARRED forever. Cannot be extended or waived.

Comparative Negligence (51% Bar Rule)

Texas uses modified comparative negligence. If you’re:

50% or less at fault → You can recover (reduced by your % of fault)
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. Lupe Peña’s experience helps counter these arguments because he made them for years while working for insurance companies.

Texas Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements

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

Uninsured Motorist Statistics:

15.4% of US motorists are uninsured (approximately 1 in 7 drivers)
UM/UIM coverage is critical for protection
Texas allows inter-policy stacking

How Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Your Claim

Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how they value claims and the tactics they use to minimize payouts. Here’s what they’re doing to you right now:

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

What They Do:
Insurance adjusters contact you IMMEDIATELY – often while you’re still in the hospital or on pain medication. They act friendly and helpful, saying things like:

“We just want to help you”
“We need your side of the story”
“This is routine”
“It’ll only take a few minutes”

What They’re Really Doing:
They’re building their defense against you with leading questions like:

“You’re feeling better now though, right?”
“It wasn’t that bad of an impact, was it?”
“You were able to walk away from the scene?”
“Were you distracted at all?”
“How fast were you going?”

The Truth:

You are NOT required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance
Everything you say is documented and WILL be used against you
You cannot take it back

How Attorney911 Counters:
Once you hire us, we become your voice. All calls go through us. We prepare you properly if a statement becomes absolutely necessary. As Lupe says: “I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as 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.”

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

What They Do:
Within days or weeks, insurance offers quick money – typically $2,000-$5,000, sometimes $10,000-$15,000 if they’re scared. They create artificial urgency with:

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

The Trap:
You don’t know the extent of your injuries yet. Consider this real scenario:

Day 3: Insurance offers $3,500 “final settlement”
Week 6: MRI shows herniated disc requiring surgery ($100,000 cost)
TOO LATE – You signed the release, can’t reopen claim
You pay $100,000 out of pocket

How Attorney911 Counters:
We NEVER settle before Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). We know these offers are always lowball because Lupe calculated them for years. As client Donald Wilcox said: “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello…I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”

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

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

What It Really Is: An insurance company-hired doctor to minimize your injuries

How They Choose IME Doctors:

Based on who gives insurance-favorable reports
Doctors who consistently find “no injury” or “pre-existing condition”
Doctors paid $2,000-$5,000 per exam by insurance companies
Repeat business = repeat favorable reports

What Happens at IME:

10-15 minute “examination”
Rarely review your complete medical records
Ask questions designed to elicit “I’m feeling better” responses
Look for ANY reason to minimize injuries

Common IME Doctor Findings:

“Patient has pre-existing degenerative changes” (everyone over 40 has some arthritis)
“Injuries consistent with minor trauma”
“Patient can return to full duty work”
“Treatment has been excessive”
“Subjective complaints out of proportion to objective findings” (calling you a liar)

How Attorney911 Counters:
We prepare you extensively before the exam. We send complete medical records to the IME doctor first. We challenge biased IME reports with our own medical experts. Lupe knows these specific doctors and their biases because he hired them for years.

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

What They Do:
They drag out your case hoping you’ll get desperate with:

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

Why Delay Works:
Insurance companies have unlimited time and resources. You have mounting bills and no income. Financial desperation makes you accept less:

Month 1: You’d reject $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 lawsuits to force deadlines. We set depositions to make them produce witnesses. We prepare for trial to show we’re serious. Lupe understands delay tactics because he used them – he knows when to push.

Tactic #5: Surveillance & Social Media Monitoring

What They 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 contradicting injury claims

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

Examples We’ve Defended:

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

7 Rules for Clients:

Make ALL profiles private immediately
DON’T post about accident, injuries, activities, emotions, case
DON’T check in anywhere
Tell friends/family: don’t tag, don’t post about you
Don’t accept friend requests from strangers (fake profiles)
BEST: Stay off social media entirely during your case
Assume EVERYTHING is being monitored

Tactic #6: Comparative Fault Arguments

What They Do:
They try to assign you maximum fault to reduce their payment with arguments like:

“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 reduced by your percentage

How Attorney911 Counters:
We conduct aggressive liability investigations:

Accident reconstruction proving 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

Types of Compensation Available

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas):

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages and lost earning capacity
Property damage
Out-of-pocket expenses (transportation, home modifications)

Non-Economic Damages (No Cap Except Medical Malpractice):

Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Physical impairment
Disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of consortium

Punitive 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 by Injury Type:

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 (Requiring Surgery):

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 (Surgery Required):

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

Spinal Cord Injury / Paralysis:

Lifetime care costs: $2,500,000-$13,000,000+
Settlement Range: $4,770,000-$25,880,000

Amputation:

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

Wrongful Death (Working Age Adult):

Funeral and burial: $10,000-$20,000
Medical expenses before death: $50,000-$500,000
Lost financial support: $1,000,000-$4,000,000
Loss of companionship: $500,000-$3,000,000
Mental anguish: $250,000-$1,500,000
Settlement Range: $1,910,000-$9,520,000

Why Attorney911 is the Right Choice for Beaumont Accident Victims

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 insider knowledge is Attorney911’s biggest competitive advantage. Lupe spent years working FOR insurance companies, learning:

Claim valuation methods (Colossus software, reserve setting)
Settlement authority structures and approval processes
Defense tactics and delay strategies
IME (Independent Medical Exam) doctor selection process
Surveillance and investigation methods
Delay and financial pressure tactics
Comparative fault arguments and blame-shifting

Now he uses that knowledge FOR victims, not against them. As Lupe explains: “I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as 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.”

2. Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our track record speaks for itself:

Multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered brain injury with vision loss when a log dropped on him at a logging company
In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions
At Attorney911, our personal injury attorneys have helped numerous injured individuals and families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation
In a recent case, our client injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship. Our investigation revealed that he should have been assisted in this duty, and we were able to reach a significant cash settlement

As client Glenda Walker said: “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.”

3. Federal Court Experience

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

Complex trucking cases involving FMCSA regulations
Cases against out-of-state defendants
Catastrophic injury cases with high damages
Product liability cases against vehicle manufacturers

Our firm was also one of the few involved in BP explosion litigation, demonstrating our capability to take on billion-dollar corporations.

4. Personal Attention You Deserve

Unlike high-volume firms where you’re just a case number, you’ll work directly with Ralph or Lupe. As client Chad Harris shared: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”

Other testimonials highlight our personal approach:

Brian Butchee: “Melanie was excellent. She kept me informed and when she said she would call me back, she did. I got to speak with Ralph Manginello once and knew quickly the way his Firm was ran.”
Stephanie Hernandez: “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.”
Dame Haskett: “Consistent communication and not one time did i call and not get a clear answer…Ralph reached out personally.”

5. No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. As we always say: “We don’t get paid unless we win your case.” This means:

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Beaumont Car Accidents

Immediate After Accident

1. What should I do immediately after a car accident in Beaumont, Texas?
If you’ve been in an accident in Beaumont:

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: 1-888-ATTY-911

2. 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.

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

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

Insurance companies use delays in treatment against you. Get checked immediately at Christus Southeast Texas or Baptist Hospital.

4. What information should I collect at the scene?

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

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

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

6. How do I obtain a copy of the accident report?
In Beaumont, you can obtain the police report from the Beaumont 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.

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 recorded statement. Do NOT discuss injuries or fault.

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

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

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

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

Legal Process

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

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

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

14. When should I hire a car accident lawyer?
Immediately. Evidence disappears daily. Insurance companies start building their defense against you from day one. Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911

15. 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.

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

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

17. What happens if I was partially at fault?
You can still recover if you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Compensation

21. What is my case worth?
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).

22. What types of damages can I recover?

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

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

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

25. Will I have to pay taxes on my settlement?
Generally, compensation for physical injuries is NOT taxable. Punitive damages ARE taxable. Consult a tax professional.

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

Attorney Relationship

27. How much do car accident lawyers cost?
Attorney911 works on 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

28. What does “no fee unless we win” mean?
You pay zero unless we recover money for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. We advance all case costs.

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

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

31. What if I already hired another attorney?
You can switch. As client Greg Garcia said: “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.”

Mistakes to Avoid

32. 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

33. 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.

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

35. What if I didn’t see a doctor right away?
See one NOW. Explain you didn’t realize severity of 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. The accident caused a herniated disc requiring surgery. You recover for the NEW injury, not just the pre-existing pain. We hire medical experts to prove the difference. Lupe knows how insurance attacks pre-existing conditions because he used this defense for years.

37. Can I switch attorneys if I’m unhappy with my current lawyer?
YES. You can fire your attorney at any time. If your attorney isn’t communicating, isn’t fighting for you, or is pushing you to settle cheap, you have the right to switch. Attorney911 has taken over many cases from other attorneys. As Greg Garcia said: “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.” Call 1-888-ATTY-911 to discuss switching.

38. What if the insurance company is my own insurance (UM/UIM claim)?
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist claims are against YOUR insurance when the other driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance. Your insurance company will fight your claim just like the other driver’s insurance would. You need attorney representation. Texas allows inter-policy stacking (combining multiple UM policies). Lupe’s insurance knowledge is critical for maximizing UM/UIM recovery.

39. How do you calculate pain and suffering?
Most commonly using the multiplier method: Medical expenses × multiplier (1.5 to 5) = pain & suffering. The multiplier depends on injury severity, permanency, impact on life, and clear liability. For example: $100,000 medical × 4 multiplier = $400,000 pain & suffering. Lupe calculated these for years – he knows how to justify higher multipliers.

40. What if I was hit by a government vehicle (city bus, police car, etc.)?
Government claims have special rules. You must file notice within 6 months (much shorter than the 2-year statute of limitations). Sovereign immunity protects government entities. Damage caps may apply. These cases are complex – you need an experienced attorney. Ralph’s 25+ years includes government litigation. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately – the 6-month deadline is strict.

41. What if the other driver fled the scene (hit and run)?
File a police report immediately (hit and run is a criminal offense). Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage applies. Surveillance footage is CRITICAL – gas stations, businesses, Ring doorbells, traffic cameras. Most footage is deleted within 7-30 days. We send preservation letters immediately. Texas allows UM stacking. We’ve recovered substantial settlements in hit and run cases through UM claims.

42. What if I’m an undocumented immigrant – can I still file a claim?
YES. Immigration status does NOT affect your right to compensation for injuries. You’re entitled to full recovery regardless of immigration status. Your case is confidential. We’ve successfully represented clients of all immigration statuses. Lupe is fluent in Spanish. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 – we protect your rights and your privacy.

43. What if the accident happened in a parking lot?
Parking lot accidents are fully compensable. Insurance companies often argue “parking lot accidents are always 50/50 fault” (this is a lie). We prove fault through: surveillance video, witness statements, damage analysis, and traffic patterns. Texas comparative negligence rules apply. We’ve won many parking lot cases with clear liability findings.

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

45. What if the other driver died in the accident?
You can still pursue a claim against the deceased driver’s estate and insurance. Death doesn’t eliminate liability. The insurance policy still applies. The estate may have assets. Wrongful death laws protect both sides. These cases are emotionally complex but legally straightforward. We handle them with sensitivity while protecting your rights.

Beaumont-Specific Accident Resources

Dangerous Intersections in Beaumont

Beaumont has several high-risk intersections where accidents frequently occur:

I-10 and Major Drive: Heavy commuter and truck traffic creates dangerous merge points
College Street and MLK Parkway: Busy commercial corridor with frequent left-turn accidents
Dowlen Road and Phelan Boulevard: High-speed traffic with complex signal timing
Eastex Freeway and College Street: Heavy refinery shift traffic during peak hours
Cardinal Drive and Eastex Freeway: Dangerous on/off ramp configurations

Beaumont Trauma Centers

If you’re seriously injured in a Beaumont accident, you may be taken to:

Christus Southeast Texas – St. Elizabeth: Level III Trauma Center serving Jefferson County
Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas: Emergency care and specialized treatment
For catastrophic injuries: Patients may be transported to Memorial Hermann in Houston (Level I Trauma Center)

Beaumont Courts Handling Accident Cases

Personal injury cases in Beaumont are typically handled by:

Jefferson County District Courts: For cases with significant damages
Jefferson County Courts at Law: For smaller claims
Justice of the Peace Courts: For property damage claims under $20,000

Beaumont-Specific Accident Patterns

Refinery Shift Changes:
Beaumont’s refinery workforce creates unique traffic patterns:

Shift changes at 6-7 AM, 2-3 PM, and 10-11 PM
Heavy truck traffic during these times
Fatigued drivers after long shifts

I-10 Corridor:

Major trucking route between Houston and Louisiana
High-speed traffic with frequent lane changes
Construction zones common

College Street Commercial Corridor:

Heavy pedestrian traffic near Lamar University
Busy retail areas with distracted drivers
Frequent left-turn accidents

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Beaumont, Texas, don’t wait – evidence disappears daily. Call our legal emergency line now:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

🌐 https://attorney911.com

📍 Serving Beaumont, Port Arthur, Nederland, and all of Jefferson County

Free Consultation | No Fee Unless We Win | Hablamos Español

As client Glenda Walker said: “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.”

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Call Attorney911 now – we’re ready to fight for you.