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

If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Lorena, Texas, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Central Texas residents face the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath of car crashes, truck collisions, and other traffic incidents. At Attorney911, we understand the overwhelming nature of this experience – the pain, the confusion, and the uncertainty about what comes next.

Lorena sits along the busy I-35 corridor between Waco and Temple, where high-speed interstate traffic mixes with local commuters and commercial vehicles. This combination creates unique accident risks for our community. Whether you were rear-ended on I-35, sideswiped on FM 436, or involved in a collision at one of Lorena’s intersections, our team is here to help. With Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience handling Texas motor vehicle cases and Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge of insurance company tactics, we have the expertise to fight for the compensation you deserve.

The Reality of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Central Texas

Texas remains one of the most dangerous states for drivers, with:

1 crash occurring every 57 seconds statewide
1 person injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds
4,150 fatalities in 2024 alone

In McLennan County, where Lorena is located, these statistics translate to real people facing life-altering injuries. The mix of rural roads, urban intersections, and major highways like I-35 creates unique accident patterns that require specialized legal knowledge.

Why Lorena Accidents Require Local Expertise

Lorena’s location presents specific challenges for accident victims:

Highway dangers: I-35 sees heavy truck traffic and high-speed collisions
Rural road risks: FM 436 and other farm-to-market roads have limited lighting and signage
Intersection hazards: The junction of FM 436 and Old Lorena Road is a known trouble spot
Commercial vehicle exposure: Lorena’s proximity to Waco and Temple means frequent truck traffic

At Attorney911, we know these local accident patterns because we’ve handled cases throughout Central Texas for decades. Our familiarity with McLennan County courts, local judges, and regional insurance adjusters gives our clients a significant advantage.

Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Lorena

Car Accidents (Tier 1 – Most Common)

Car accidents are the most frequent type of motor vehicle collision in Lorena and surrounding areas. With 251,977 people injured in Texas car crashes in 2024 alone, these incidents range from minor fender-benders to catastrophic collisions.

Common causes in our area:

Distracted driving (especially near schools and shopping areas)
Speeding on rural roads and highways
Failure to yield at intersections
Rear-end collisions on I-35 during rush hour
Drunk driving accidents, particularly on weekends

Typical injuries we see:

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

Attorney911 Case 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.”

What this means for you:
This case demonstrates our ability to handle complex injury cases where initial injuries lead to serious complications. Insurance companies often try to minimize such claims, arguing that complications were unrelated to the accident. Our team knows how to prove the connection and fight for full compensation.

Client Testimonial:

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

If you’ve been injured in a Lorena car accident:
Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

18-Wheeler/Trucking Accidents (Tier 1 – Most Dangerous)

Trucking accidents are particularly devastating due to the size and weight disparity between commercial vehicles (up to 80,000 pounds) and passenger cars (typically 4,000 pounds). In Texas, we see:

39,393 commercial motor vehicle crashes in 2024
608 trucking fatalities
1,601 serious injuries

Texas accounts for 11% of ALL fatal truck crashes nationwide, making our state an epicenter for these tragic incidents.

Why trucking accidents are more complex:

Multiple liable parties: Driver, trucking company, cargo loader, manufacturer, maintenance provider
Federal regulations: FMCSA rules govern hours of service, maintenance, and driver qualifications
Higher insurance limits: Commercial policies typically range from $750,000 to $5,000,000
Critical evidence: Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs), black boxes, and maintenance records

FMCSA Violations We Commonly See:

Hours of Service violations (driving beyond 11-hour limit)
Inadequate vehicle maintenance
Improper cargo loading
Driver qualification issues
Drug and alcohol violations

Attorney911’s Advantage:
Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, which handles many FMCSA-related cases. Our firm was also one of the few involved in BP explosion litigation, demonstrating our capability to take on billion-dollar corporations.

Attorney911 Case Result:

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

Recent Texas Nuclear Verdicts:

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

Evidence Preservation Urgency:

ELD data can be overwritten in 30-180 days
Black box data may be deleted
Surveillance footage from nearby businesses typically deleted within 7-30 days

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident in Lorena:
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Evidence disappears daily, and we need to send preservation letters to protect your claim.

Drunk Driving Accidents (Tier 1 – Most Preventable)

Drunk driving remains a serious problem in Texas, with:

1,053 alcohol-impaired driving deaths in 2024 (25.37% of all fatalities)
24,000+ DWI-related crashes in 2023
1 death every 39 minutes nationally from alcohol-impaired driving

In McLennan County, we see these tragic accidents near bars, restaurants, and along I-35 where impaired drivers travel between Waco and Temple.

Texas Dram Shop Liability (TABC § 2.02):
Texas law allows victims to sue establishments that over-serve obviously intoxicated patrons. This means you may have claims against:

Bars and nightclubs
Restaurants serving alcohol
Liquor stores
Event organizers (concerts, festivals)

Signs of Obvious Intoxication:

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

Why These Cases Are Valuable:

Punitive damages available for gross negligence
Multiple defendants (driver + establishment)
Criminal case strengthens civil claim
Insurance cannot defend the indefensible

Attorney911’s Criminal Defense Capability:
Ralph Manginello is a member of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), giving us unique insight into both the criminal and civil aspects of drunk driving cases. Our firm has achieved:

DWI dismissal when police failed to properly maintain breathalyzer machines
DWI dismissal when EMS notes were missing and no breath/blood test was conducted
DWI dismissal when video evidence showed our client was not drunk

If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Lorena:
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. We investigate both the driver AND any establishment that may have over-served them.

Motorcycle Accidents (Tier 2 – High Risk)

Motorcycle accidents are particularly devastating due to the lack of protection for riders. In Texas:

585 motorcyclist fatalities in 2024
37% of fatal victims were NOT wearing helmets
90%+ of fatal victims are male
Helmets reduce death risk by 37%

Texas Helmet Law:

Required for all riders under 21
Riders 21+ exempt if they’ve completed a safety course OR have $10,000+ medical insurance

High-Crash Areas Near Lorena:

I-35 between Waco and Temple
FM 436 and other rural roads
Intersections in Waco and Hewitt

Common Causes:

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

Comparative Negligence Challenge:
Texas uses the 51% bar rule, meaning insurance companies ALWAYS try to blame the rider. Having Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney, on your side is a critical advantage.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Lorena:
Call 1-888-ATTY-911. Don’t let insurance blame you for the accident.

Pedestrian Accidents (Tier 2 – Most Vulnerable)

Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users, with:

6,095 pedestrian crashes in Texas in 2024
768 pedestrian fatalities
Pedestrians accounting for 1% of crashes but 19% of ALL roadway deaths

Critical Legal Point:
Pedestrians ALWAYS have the right-of-way at intersections under Texas law – even at 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

Dangerous Areas in Central Texas:

Busy intersections in Waco
Crosswalks near Baylor University
Rural roads with limited lighting
Parking lots

If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in Lorena:
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. You have rights, and we know how to protect them.

Rideshare Accidents (Uber/Lyft) (Tier 2 – Complex Insurance)

Rideshare accidents present unique insurance challenges. With 11 billion rideshare trips in the US since 2010, these incidents are becoming more common.

Critical Insurance Phases:

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

Who Can Be Injured:

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

Why This Matters:
Insurance coverage varies DRAMATICALLY based on what the driver was doing at the moment of the crash. Lupe Peña’s insurance defense experience is invaluable in navigating this complexity.

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Lorena:
Call 1-888-ATTY-911. We know how to identify the correct insurance and maximize your recovery.

Hit and Run Accidents (Tier 2 – Urgent Action Required)

Hit and run accidents are particularly frustrating, with:

1 hit and run every 43 seconds nationally
Criminal penalties in Texas (up to 20 years for fatal hit and run)

Texas Penalties:

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

UM/UIM Coverage is Critical:
Your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage can compensate you when the at-fault driver is unidentified. Texas allows inter-policy stacking, which can significantly increase your available coverage.

Evidence Preservation Urgency:

Surveillance footage deleted in 7-30 days
Witnesses disperse quickly
Physical evidence disappears

If you’re the victim of a hit and run in Lorena:
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. We send preservation letters to protect critical evidence before it’s deleted.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

After an accident in Lorena, evidence disappears quickly. Follow this protocol to protect your claim:

Hour 1-6 (Immediate Crisis Response)

Safety First: Move to a secure location if possible
Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance
Medical Attention: Get checked even if you feel fine (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

Hour 6-24 (Evidence Preservation)

Digital Preservation:
- Save all texts, calls, photos, videos related to the accident
- Don’t delete anything from your phone
- Screenshot everything relevant
- Email copies to yourself for backup
Physical Evidence:
- Secure damaged clothing, glasses, personal items
- Keep receipts for any expenses (towing, rental car, medications)
- Don’t repair your vehicle yet
Medical Records:
- Request copies of all ER/hospital records
- Keep all discharge paperwork
- Follow up with your primary care physician within 48 hours
Insurance Communications:
- Note any calls from insurance companies
- Don’t give recorded statements yet
- Don’t sign anything
- Don’t accept any settlement offers
- Say: “I need to speak with my attorney first”
Social Media:
- Make ALL profiles private immediately
- Don’t post about the accident
- Don’t post photos of injuries or activities
- Tell friends/family not to tag you in posts

Hour 24-48 (Strategic Decisions)

Legal Consultation: Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
Insurance Response: Refer all calls to your attorney
Settlement Offers: Don’t accept anything without lawyer review
Evidence Backup: Upload all photos to cloud storage

Week One Priorities

Medical Follow-Up: Continue documenting all injuries
Investigation Begins: Attorney obtains police report, sends preservation letters
Communication: Attorney handles ALL insurance communication

Texas Motor Vehicle Law Framework

Statute of Limitations

2 years from date of accident for personal injury
2 years from date of death for wrongful death
Miss the deadline = case barred forever

Comparative Negligence (51% Bar Rule)

Texas uses modified comparative negligence:

If you’re 50% or less at fault → You can recover (reduced by your fault %)
If you’re 51% or more at fault → You recover NOTHING

Example:

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

Texas Minimum Auto Insurance (30/60/25)

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

Uninsured Motorist Statistics:

15.4% of US motorists are uninsured
UM/UIM coverage is critical for protection

Insurance Company Tactics Exposed

Insurance companies use sophisticated tactics to minimize payouts. Lupe Peña, our former insurance defense attorney, knows these tactics from the inside:

Tactic #1: Quick Contact & Recorded Statement

What they do:

Contact you within hours of the accident
Act friendly and helpful
Ask for a “quick recorded statement”

What they’re really doing:

Building their defense against you
Asking leading questions designed to minimize your injuries
Documenting anything that can be used against you

Lupe’s Insider Knowledge:

“I’ve taken hundreds of recorded statements for insurance companies. The questions are carefully designed to get you to say things that hurt your case. Even innocent comments can be taken out of context.”

Attorney911’s Counter:
We handle ALL communications with insurance companies. You don’t talk to them – we do.

Tactic #2: Quick Settlement Offer

What they do:

Offer quick money (typically $2,000-$5,000) within days
Create artificial urgency (“This offer expires in 48 hours”)
Pressure you to accept before you know your injuries

The Trap:
You don’t know the extent of your injuries yet. What seems like a good offer now could be a fraction of what you need for surgery or long-term care.

Attorney911’s Counter:
We never settle before you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). Lupe knows these offers are always lowball – he calculated them for years.

Tactic #3: “Independent” Medical Exam (IME)

What they call it: “Independent Medical Examination”

What it really is: 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 thousands by insurance companies

Common IME Findings:

“Patient has pre-existing degenerative changes”
“Injuries consistent with minor trauma”
“Patient can return to full duty work”
“Treatment has been excessive”
“Subjective complaints out of proportion to objective findings”

Attorney911’s Counter:
We prepare you extensively for IMEs and challenge biased reports with our own medical experts. Lupe knows these specific doctors and their biases – he hired them for years.

Tactic #4: Delay and Financial Pressure

What they do:

“Still investigating your claim”
“Waiting for medical records”
“Need additional information”
Ignore calls and emails
Take weeks to respond

Why it works:
While they delay, you face:

Mounting bills
Zero income
Creditors threatening
Financial desperation

Attorney911’s Counter:
We file lawsuits to force deadlines and set depositions. Lupe understands their delay tactics because he used them for years.

Tactic #5: Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring

What they do:

Hire private investigators to video you
Monitor ALL your social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.)
Use facial recognition to find photos you’re tagged in
Archive your entire social media history

Examples of what they use against victims:

Example	What They Claim	Reality
Old gym photo from years ago	Presented as recent	Metadata proves pre-accident
Restaurant check-in	“Partying and having fun”	Sitting quietly having dinner
Friend’s comment “Had fun yesterday!”	Evidence of non-injury	Client was resting at home
Walking dog slowly	“Not disabled”	Doctor recommended short walks
Smiling in family photo	“Not in pain”	Everyone smiles for photos

Lupe’s Insider Quote:

“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.”

Our 7 Rules for Clients:

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

Tactic #6: Comparative Fault Arguments

What they do:

“You were speeding” (without evidence)
“You weren’t paying attention”
“You could have avoided this”
“You contributed to this accident”

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

Attorney911’s Counter:
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.

Medical Knowledge: Understanding Your Injuries

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Immediate Symptoms:

Loss of consciousness
Confusion and disorientation
Vomiting and nausea
Seizures
Severe headache
Dilated pupils
Slurred speech

Delayed Symptoms (Critical):

Worsening headaches
Repeated vomiting
Seizures developing days later
Personality changes
Sleep disturbances
Sensitivity to light and noise

Severity Classifications:

Mild TBI/Concussion: Brief LOC, GCS 13-15
Moderate TBI: LOC minutes to hours, GCS 9-12
Severe TBI: Extended unconsciousness, GCS 3-8

Long-Term Complications:

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
Post-Concussive Syndrome
Increased dementia risk
Personality and mood disorders
Seizure disorders

Attorney911 Case Result:

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

Spinal Cord Injury

Injury Levels and Impact:

Cervical (C1-C8): Quadriplegia (all four limbs paralyzed)
Thoracic (T1-T12): Paraplegia (lower body paralysis)
Lumbar (L1-L5): Varying degrees of leg weakness

ASIA Impairment Scale:

A: Complete – No motor or sensory function below injury
B: Sensory Incomplete – Sensory but no motor function
C: Motor Incomplete – Motor function but most muscles <3/5 strength
D: Motor Incomplete – Motor function with most muscles ≥3/5 strength
E: Normal – Full motor and sensory function

Secondary Complications:

Pressure sores
Respiratory complications (leading cause of death)
Bowel and bladder dysfunction
Autonomic dysreflexia (life-threatening blood pressure crisis)
Depression (40-60% of patients)

Amputation

Types:

Traumatic: Limb severed at accident scene
Surgical: Due to crush injuries or infections

Levels:

Above-Knee: More difficult, less mobility
Below-Knee: Better mobility potential
Upper Extremity: Arm, hand, fingers

Phantom Limb Pain:

80% of amputees experience phantom pain
Feeling pain in limb that’s no longer there
Often permanent condition

Attorney911 Case 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.”

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Lorena Accident Case?

Advantage 1: Insurance Defense Insider

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

What this means for your case:

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

No other firm in Lorena has this advantage.

Advantage 2: Multi-Million Dollar Results

Attorney911 has recovered millions for victims of:

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

Our results prove we don’t settle cheap.

Advantage 3: Federal Court Experience

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

Why this matters:

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

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

Advantage 4: Personal Attention

What 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.” – Dame Haskett

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

Advantage 5: Contingency Fee – No Risk

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Lorena Motor Vehicle Accidents

Immediate After Accident

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

Call 911 and report the accident
Seek medical attention even if you feel fine
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.

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”
Do NOT give your opinion on what happened
Stick to facts only

6. How do I obtain a copy of the accident report?
In Lorena, you can obtain the police report from the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office 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.

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.

Lorena-Specific Legal Considerations

Lorena’s location in McLennan County presents unique legal considerations for accident victims:

Court System: Cases are filed in McLennan County courts, with potential for transfer to Waco for larger cases
Jury Pool: McLennan County juries tend to be conservative but fair to accident victims
Local Judges: Familiarity with local judges can be an advantage in settlement negotiations
Insurance Adjusters: Many adjusters handling Lorena cases are based in Waco or Temple
Medical Facilities: Nearest Level I trauma center is in Temple (Baylor Scott & White)
Highway Exposure: I-35 sees heavy truck traffic, increasing accident risks
Rural Road Challenges: FM 436 and other rural roads have limited lighting and signage

At Attorney911, we understand these local factors because we’ve handled cases throughout Central Texas for decades. Our familiarity with McLennan County gives our clients a significant advantage.

What Our Lorena Clients Say About Us

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Lorena, Texas, don’t wait. Evidence disappears daily, and insurance companies are already building their case against you.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) now for a free consultation.

We don’t get paid unless we win your case. Our team is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Serving Lorena and all of McLennan County from our offices in:

Houston (Primary)
Austin
Beaumont

Se habla español. Lupe Peña and our bilingual staff are ready to assist Spanish-speaking clients.

Attorney911 – Your Legal Emergency Lawyers™