Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Ross, Texas | Attorney911

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If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Ross, Texas, your life can change in an instant. One moment you’re driving to work, running errands, or heading home to your family. The next, you’re dealing with pain, confusion, and the overwhelming reality of medical bills, lost wages, and insurance companies that seem more interested in protecting their profits than helping you recover.

At Attorney911, we understand the chaos you’re facing. That’s why we’ve built a legal emergency response team that answers when you need us most. With over 25 years of experience serving accident victims across Texas, our Ross car accident lawyers have recovered millions for clients just like you—people whose lives were disrupted by someone else’s negligence.

Every 57 seconds, another motor vehicle crash occurs in Texas. Every 2 minutes and 5 seconds, someone is injured. In McLennan County and throughout Central Texas, these accidents happen on familiar roads like I-35, Highway 6, and the streets of Waco, Bellmead, and Hewitt. When they do, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a legal emergency response team that knows how to fight for maximum compensation.

Why Ross, Texas Accident Victims Choose Attorney911

1. We Know the Insurance Playbook Because We Wrote It

Most personal injury law firms talk about “fighting insurance companies.” At Attorney911, we don’t just fight them—we outsmart them. That’s because our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for the very companies that are now trying to minimize your claim.

Lupe knows exactly how insurance adjusters are trained to handle your case. He understands:

How they calculate settlement offers using software like Colossus
Which “independent” medical examiners they send you to (and how those doctors are paid to minimize your injuries)
How they use surveillance and social media to find “gotcha” moments
When they’re bluffing about policy limits
How to counter their comparative fault arguments

As Lupe explains: “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.”

This insider knowledge is your advantage. While other firms are learning the insurance game, we’re three steps ahead because we’ve played on their side.

2. Proven Results: Cases Settling in the Millions

Talk is cheap. Results matter. Here’s what we’ve achieved for accident victims in Texas:

Multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss when a log dropped on him at a logging company
Settled in the millions for a client whose leg was injured in a car accident, leading to staff infections and partial amputation
Recovered millions for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases
Significant cash settlement for a client who injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship
One of the few Texas firms involved in BP explosion litigation—proving our ability to take on billion-dollar corporations

These aren’t just numbers. They represent real people from communities like Ross, Waco, and Hewitt whose lives were devastated by accidents but who received justice through our representation.

As client Glenda Walker shared: “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 for Complex Cases

Many Ross accident cases involve straightforward liability, but some require the resources and experience to take on major corporations. That’s where our federal court admission makes a difference.

Ralph Manginello, our founding attorney, is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This means we can handle cases involving:

Interstate trucking accidents (FMCSA regulations)
Product liability claims (defective vehicles, parts, or safety equipment)
Maritime accidents (for those working on or near water)
Cases against government entities
Complex multi-district litigation

Our federal court experience was demonstrated in our involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation—one of the few firms in Texas to handle such complex, high-stakes cases against a multinational corporation.

4. Personal Attention from Start to Finish

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

As client Chad Harris put it: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”

This personal attention means:

You’ll speak directly with your attorney about your case
We’ll keep you updated every step of the way
We’ll answer your questions promptly and thoroughly
We’ll fight for every dollar you deserve

Brian Butchee experienced this firsthand: “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.”

5. No Fee Unless We Win: Zero Financial Risk

We understand that accident victims are already facing financial stress from medical bills and lost wages. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis:

No upfront costs
No hourly fees
No retainer required
We advance all case expenses
You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you

This means you can get top-tier legal representation without adding to your financial burden. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.

Common Motor Vehicle Accidents in Ross, Texas

Ross and the surrounding McLennan County area see a variety of motor vehicle accidents. Here are the most common types we handle:

1. Car Accidents: The Most Common but Often Complex

With over 251,977 people injured in Texas car crashes in 2024 alone, car accidents are the most common type of motor vehicle collision we handle. In Ross and throughout McLennan County, these accidents happen on roads like:

I-35 (the main north-south corridor through Central Texas)
Highway 6 (connecting Waco to Bryan/College Station)
Loop 340 (the Waco bypass)
Local roads like Franklin Avenue, Valley Mills Drive, and New Road

Common causes of car accidents in our area:

Distracted driving (especially on I-35 where drivers may be using phones or GPS)
Speeding (particularly on Highway 6 where speed limits increase outside city limits)
Failure to yield (common at intersections like Loop 340 and Highway 6)
Running red lights (a frequent issue in Waco’s urban areas)
Following too closely (especially during rush hour on I-35)
Drunk driving (particularly on weekends and holidays)

Common injuries we see:

Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
Herniated discs (often requiring surgery)
Broken bones and fractures
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries
Internal organ damage
Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)

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: Even what seems like a “minor” car accident can lead to life-changing injuries. Insurance companies often try to minimize these claims, but our experience proves that serious injuries deserve serious compensation.

2. 18-Wheeler and Commercial Truck Accidents: Catastrophic Consequences

Texas leads the nation in fatal truck crashes, accounting for 11% of all such accidents in the U.S. In 2024 alone, there were 39,393 commercial motor vehicle crashes in Texas, resulting in 608 fatalities and 1,601 serious injuries.

In the Ross area, we see truck accidents on:

I-35 (a major freight corridor)
Highway 6 (connecting to distribution centers)
Local roads where trucks make deliveries

Why truck accidents are more dangerous:

Size and weight disparity: An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—20 times more than a passenger car
Longer stopping distances
Limited visibility (blind spots)
Driver fatigue (despite FMCSA regulations)
Improper loading or maintenance

Federal regulations that can prove negligence:

Hours of Service (HOS) rules: Drivers can’t drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
30-minute break requirement: After 8 hours of driving
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): Mandatory since 2017 to track driving time
Drug and alcohol testing: Pre-employment, random, post-accident
Vehicle maintenance requirements: Pre-trip inspections, systematic maintenance

Multiple liable parties in trucking cases:

The truck driver
The trucking company
The cargo loader
The vehicle manufacturer
The maintenance provider

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.”

Nuclear verdicts in Texas trucking cases:

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

Why this matters: These verdicts show that juries are willing to hold trucking companies accountable when they prioritize profits over safety. This creates leverage in settlement negotiations.

3. Drunk Driving Accidents: 100% Preventable Tragedies

In 2024, there were 1,053 alcohol-impaired driving deaths in Texas—25.37% of all traffic fatalities. That’s one death every 8 hours from a completely preventable cause.

Texas Dram Shop Law (TABC § 2.02):
Establishments can be held liable if they serve alcohol to someone who is “obviously intoxicated” and that person then causes an accident.

Signs of obvious intoxication:

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

Potentially liable parties:

Bars and nightclubs
Restaurants serving alcohol
Liquor stores
Event organizers (concerts, festivals)
Social hosts (in limited circumstances)

Why drunk driving cases often result in higher settlements:

Punitive damages are available for gross negligence
Multiple defendants (driver + establishment)
Criminal case can strengthen the civil case
Insurance companies can’t defend the indefensible

Our advantage: Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) gives us unique insight into both the criminal and civil aspects of DWI cases. We’ve successfully handled DWI defense cases that demonstrate our investigation skills:

Case 1: DWI charge dismissed when we proved the police department wasn’t properly maintaining breathalyzer machines
Case 2: DWI charge dismissed on the day of trial when we showed that EMS didn’t note intoxication and hospital records were missing
Case 3: DWI charge dismissed because our client didn’t appear drunk in the video evidence

These cases show our ability to thoroughly investigate and build strong cases—skills we now use to help accident victims.

4. Motorcycle Accidents: Fighting Bias Against Riders

In 2024, there were 585 motorcyclist fatalities in Texas, with 37% of those killed not wearing helmets. McLennan County sees its share of motorcycle accidents, particularly on scenic routes like Highway 6 and during warmer months.

Texas helmet law:

Required for all riders under 21
Riders 21+ can ride without a helmet if they’ve completed a safety course or have $10,000+ in medical insurance

Common causes of motorcycle accidents:

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

The comparative negligence challenge:
Texas uses a 51% bar rule for comparative negligence. 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 ALWAYS try to blame the motorcyclist. They’ll argue:

You were speeding
You weren’t wearing a helmet (even if helmet use wasn’t required)
You could have avoided the accident
You were lane splitting (which is illegal in Texas)

Our advantage: Lupe Peña’s experience as an insurance defense attorney means we know all the arguments they’ll make—and how to counter them.

5. Pedestrian Accidents: The Most Vulnerable Road Users

In 2024, there were 6,095 pedestrian crashes in Texas, resulting in 768 fatalities. Pedestrians account for just 1% of all crashes but 19% of all roadway deaths.

Critical legal point for Ross pedestrians:
Under Texas law, pedestrians ALWAYS have the right-of-way at intersections—even at unmarked crosswalks. Many drivers don’t know this. “Anytime there’s an intersection of two streets, the distance between them is a crosswalk,” even if it’s not painted.

Common pedestrian accident locations in our area:

Downtown Waco (especially near Baylor University)
Shopping centers and strip malls
Residential neighborhoods
School zones
Parking lots

Common injuries in pedestrian accidents:

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

Why pedestrian cases can be complex:

Determining fault (was the pedestrian in a crosswalk?)
Insurance coverage issues (UM/UIM may apply)
Severe injuries often mean higher medical costs

6. Rideshare Accidents: Navigating the Insurance Maze

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed transportation in Ross and Waco, but they’ve also created complex liability issues when accidents occur.

Rideshare industry scale (2024):

11 billion trips in the U.S. since 2010
17.4 million Uber trips daily
118 million Uber users worldwide

The critical insurance phases:

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

Why this matters:
Insurance coverage varies DRAMATICALLY based on what the driver was doing at the moment of the crash. Determining the correct phase is critical for maximizing your recovery.

Who can be injured in rideshare accidents:

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

Our advantage: Lupe’s insurance defense background means we know how to identify the correct insurance coverage and maximize recovery, regardless of which phase the driver was in.

7. Hit and Run Accidents: When the At-Fault Driver Flees

Hit and run accidents are particularly frustrating because the at-fault driver has fled the scene, leaving you injured and unsure how to recover compensation.

Texas hit and run statistics:

One hit and run occurs every 43 seconds in the U.S.
In Texas, hit and run penalties are severe:

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

How to recover compensation after a hit and run:
Your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage can compensate you when the at-fault driver is unidentified. Texas allows inter-policy stacking, which means you may be able to combine coverage from multiple vehicles on your policy.

Evidence preservation is critical:

Surveillance footage is typically deleted within 7-30 days
Witnesses may become unreachable
Physical evidence at the scene may be cleared

What we do immediately:

Send preservation letters to businesses near the scene
Obtain traffic camera footage if available
Interview witnesses before memories fade
Work with law enforcement to identify the at-fault driver

Learn more about UM/UIM coverage in our video: Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists

8. Tesla and Autonomous Vehicle Accidents: When Technology Fails

As electric vehicles and autonomous driving technology become more common in Ross and Waco, we’re seeing an increase in accidents involving these advanced systems.

Notable Tesla/Autopilot crashes:

May 2016, Williston, FL: Joshua Brown killed when Autopilot failed to detect a white 18-wheeler
March 2018, Mountain View, CA: Apple engineer Walter Huang killed (case settled April 2024)
August 2025, Miami, FL: $240 million+ jury verdict against Tesla (landmark case)

Key liability arguments in Tesla/Autopilot cases:

Misleading marketing: Tesla marketed Full Self-Driving (FSD) and Autopilot as safer than human drivers
Overconfidence: Marketing fostered driver overreliance on the system
Known defects: Tesla knew the system couldn’t detect emergency vehicles
Inadequate fixes: Used over-the-air software updates instead of comprehensive recalls

NHTSA data on Tesla:

Tesla Autopilot accounts for 70% of driver-assist crashes reported to NHTSA
December 2023: Tesla recalled 2+ million vehicles over Autopilot concerns

Common crash patterns with Tesla vehicles:

Tractor-trailer crossings
Emergency vehicles with lights flashing
Gore points and barriers
Situations where drivers had their hands off the wheel

Our advantage: Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission means we can handle complex product liability cases against major corporations. Our involvement in the BP explosion litigation demonstrates our ability to take on billion-dollar companies.

What to Do Immediately After an Accident in Ross, Texas

The first 48 hours after an accident are critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and insurance companies start building their case against you immediately. Here’s what to do:

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: Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries.
Document Everything:
- Take photos of ALL vehicle damage (from every angle)
- Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, and traffic signals
- Take photos of visible injuries
- Screenshot any messages visible on your phone (do NOT delete anything)
Exchange Information:
- Other driver’s name, phone number, and address
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Vehicle make, model, and color
Witnesses: Get names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Ask if they saw what happened.
Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance before speaking to ANY insurance company.

Hour 6-24: Evidence Preservation

Digital Preservation:
- Preserve all texts, calls, photos, and videos related to the accident
- Do NOT delete anything from your phone
- Screenshot everything relevant
- Email copies to yourself for backup
Physical Evidence:
- Secure damaged clothing, glasses, or other personal items
- Keep receipts for any expenses (towing, rental car, medications)
- Do NOT repair your vehicle yet—preserve the damage
Medical Records:
- Request copies of all ER and hospital records
- Keep all discharge paperwork
- Follow up with your primary care physician within 24-48 hours
Insurance Communications:
- Note any calls from insurance companies
- Do NOT give recorded statements yet
- Do NOT sign anything
- Do NOT accept any settlement offers
- Say: “I need to speak with my attorney first”
Social Media:
- Make ALL profiles private immediately
- Do NOT post about the accident
- Do NOT post photos of injuries or activities
- Tell friends and family not to tag you in posts

Hour 24-48: Strategic Decisions

Legal Consultation:
- Speak with an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney
- Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
- Have your documentation ready
Insurance Response:
- If insurance contacts you, refer them to your attorney
- Say: “My attorney will be in touch with you”
- Provide only basic information: name, date of accident, that you were involved
Settlement Offers:
- Do NOT accept or sign anything without lawyer review
- Early offers are ALWAYS lowball offers
- You don’t know the extent of your injuries yet
Evidence Backup:
- Upload all screenshots and photos to cloud storage
- Email copies to yourself and a family member
- Create a written timeline of events while your memory is fresh

Week One Priorities

Medical Follow-Up:
- Continue documenting all injuries
- See specialists if recommended
- Follow ALL doctor’s recommendations (insurance companies watch for gaps)
- Get written work restrictions if needed
Investigation Begins:
- Attorney obtains police report
- Preservation letters sent to all parties
- Surveillance footage secured before deletion
- Witness statements recorded
Communication:
- Attorney handles ALL insurance communication
- You focus on recovery
- Document any pressure from insurance or other parties

Evidence Disappears Daily: Why Time Matters

Every day you wait, critical evidence is being lost. Here’s the timeline of evidence deterioration:

Timeframe	What Disappears	Why It Matters
Day 1-7	Witness memories peak, then begin fading	Details become uncertain or forgotten
Day 7-30	Surveillance footage deleted	Gas stations: 7-14 days; Retail stores: 30 days
Month 1-2	Insurance companies solidify their defense position	Adjusters build their case against you
Month 2-6	Trucking electronic data deleted	ELD data: 30-180 days; Black box data can be overwritten
Month 6-12	Witnesses become unreachable	Graduate, move away, memory severely degraded
Month 12-24	Approaching statute of limitations	Creates pressure to settle (insurance knows you’re desperate)

What Attorney911 does within 24 hours of retention:

Sends preservation letters to ALL parties (other driver, trucking companies, businesses near the scene, etc.)
These letters LEGALLY REQUIRE evidence preservation before automatic deletion
Without them, critical evidence like surveillance footage and ELD data is lost forever

Texas Motor Vehicle Law: What You Need to Know

Statute of Limitations: The Absolute Deadline

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is an absolute deadline—miss it, and your case is barred forever.

Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003:

Claim Type	Time Limit	Starts From
Personal Injury	2 years	Date of accident
Wrongful Death	2 years	Date of death
Property Damage	2 years	Date of damage
Government Claims	6 months notice	Date of incident
Minors	Tolled until 18	Then 2 years

Exceptions:

Discovery Rule: The statute may start later if the injury or its cause wasn’t immediately discoverable
Defendant’s Absence: Tolled if the defendant leaves Texas
Mental Incapacity: Tolled during incapacity

Comparative Negligence: The 51% Bar Rule

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

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

Examples:

Your Fault %	Case Value	Your Recovery
0%	$100,000	$100,000
10%	$100,000	$90,000
25%	$250,000	$187,500
40%	$500,000	$300,000
50%	$500,000	$250,000
51%	$500,000	$0

Why this matters:
Insurance companies ALWAYS try to assign maximum fault to you to reduce their payment. Even small percentages of fault can cost you thousands:

10% fault on a $100,000 case = $10,000 less for you
25% fault on a $250,000 case = $62,500 less for you
40% fault on a $500,000 case = $200,000 less for you

Our advantage: Lupe Peña’s experience as an insurance defense attorney means we know all the arguments they’ll make to assign you fault—and how to counter them.

Texas Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements

Texas is an “at-fault” state, meaning the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for compensating the injured party. The minimum required coverage is:

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

The uninsured motorist problem:

15.4% of U.S. motorists are uninsured (approximately 1 in 7 drivers)
Your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can protect you
Texas allows inter-policy stacking (combining coverage from multiple vehicles)

Proving Liability: Building Your Case

To win your case, we must prove four elements of negligence:

Duty of Care: The at-fault party had a legal obligation to act reasonably (e.g., drivers must obey traffic laws)
Breach of Duty: The at-fault party violated that duty (e.g., speeding, running a red light, texting while driving)
Causation: The breach directly caused your injuries (“but for” the defendant’s actions, you wouldn’t have been injured)
Damages: You suffered actual harm (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering)

Types of Evidence We Use

Physical Evidence:

Vehicle damage photographs (all angles)
Skid marks, debris, and road damage
Damaged personal property (clothing, glasses, phone)
Weather and road conditions documentation

Documentary Evidence:

Police accident report
911 call recordings
Traffic camera footage
Surveillance footage from nearby businesses
Medical records and bills
Employment records (for lost wages)
Cell phone records (proving distraction)

Electronic Evidence:

ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data from trucks
Vehicle black box/EDR (Event Data Recorder)
GPS/telematics data
Dashcam footage
Social media posts (theirs, not yours)

Testimonial Evidence:

Witness statements
Expert witness testimony
Medical expert opinions
Accident reconstruction specialists

Multiple Liable Parties

In many cases, more than one party may be responsible for your injuries:

Trucking Accidents:

Truck driver (negligent operation)
Trucking company (negligent hiring, supervision, maintenance)
Cargo loader (improper loading causing instability)
Vehicle manufacturer (defective parts)
Maintenance company (improper repairs)

Rideshare Accidents:

Rideshare driver
Rideshare company (Uber/Lyft)
Other at-fault drivers
Vehicle owner (if different from driver)

Drunk Driving Accidents:

Drunk driver
Bar/restaurant (dram shop liability)
Social host (in limited circumstances)
Liquor store (serving obviously intoxicated person)

More liable parties = more insurance policies = higher recovery potential.

Damages: What You Can Recover

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas)

These are quantifiable financial losses:

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 the date of the accident to the 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)

These are intangible losses:

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 companionship
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: The greater of $200,000 OR (2x economic damages + 1x non-economic damages, capped at $750,000 for non-economic portion)
Purpose: To punish the defendant and deter similar conduct

Settlement Ranges by Injury Type

Soft Tissue Injuries (Whiplash, Sprains, Strains):

Medical Treatment: $6,000-$16,000
Lost Wages: $2,000-$10,000
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 (Surgery Required):

Medical Treatment: $96,000-$205,000 (past) + $30,000-$100,000 (future)
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):

Medical Treatment: $198,000-$638,000 (past) + $300,000-$3,000,000 (future)
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:

Medical Treatment: $170,000-$480,000 (past) + $500,000-$2,000,000 (future)
Settlement Range: $1,945,000-$8,630,000

Wrongful Death (Working Age Adult):

Economic Damages: $1,000,000-$4,000,000
Non-Economic Damages: $500,000-$3,000,000
Settlement Range: $1,910,000-$9,520,000

Nuclear Verdicts: Changing the Landscape

Nuclear verdicts (jury awards exceeding $10 million) are becoming more common in Texas:

2024: $81.7 million in a car accident wrongful death case
2024: $72 million in a Frito-Lay warehouse vehicle collision
2024: $105 million in Lopez v. All Points 360 (Amazon DSP case)
2024: $44.1 million in the New Prime I-35 pileup (6 deaths)
2024: $37.5 million in an Oncor Electric trucking case

Why this matters: Insurance companies fear nuclear verdicts. This fear increases settlement values across all serious injury cases. Our trial readiness and multi-million dollar track record give us leverage in every negotiation.

Insurance Tactics: How They Try to Minimize Your Claim

Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible. Here are the tactics they use—and how we counter them:

1. The Quick Contact & Recorded Statement Trap

What they do:
Within hours or days of your accident, an insurance adjuster will contact you. They’ll sound friendly and helpful, saying things like:

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

What they’re really doing:
They’re building their defense against you with leading questions designed to get you to:

Minimize your injuries (“You’re feeling better now, right?”)
Admit partial fault (“Were you distracted at all?”)
Undermine your claim (“It wasn’t that bad of an impact, was it?”)

Our counter:

DO NOT give a recorded statement without an attorney
Once you hire Attorney911, we handle all communication with the insurance company
We prepare you properly if a statement becomes absolutely necessary
We know their questions because Lupe asked them for years

2. The Quick Settlement Offer

What they do:
Within days or weeks, they’ll offer you a quick settlement—typically $2,000-$5,000, sometimes up to $15,000 if they’re worried about liability.

The trap:

The offer sounds good when you’re facing medical bills and lost wages
They create artificial urgency: “This offer expires in 48 hours”
You don’t know the full extent of your injuries yet

What happens if you accept:

You sign a release that is PERMANENT AND FINAL
Even if you later discover you need surgery, you can’t get more money
Example: Client accepts $5,000 offer, then learns they need $100,000 surgery—too late to reopen the claim

Our counter:

NEVER settle before reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
MMI is when you’ve recovered as much as you’re going to—could be 6 months, 12 months, or longer
We know early offers are always lowball—Lupe calculated them for years
We fight for what your case is really worth

3. The “Independent” Medical Exam (IME) Scheme

What they call it: “Independent Medical Examination”

What it really is: A doctor hired by the insurance company 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

What happens at the IME:

10-15 minute “examination” (vs. your treating doctor’s thorough evaluation)
Rarely review your complete medical records beforehand
Ask questions designed to get you to say you’re feeling better
Look for any reason to minimize your injuries

Common IME doctor findings:

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

Our counter:

We prepare you extensively before the exam
We send your complete medical records to the IME doctor first (forcing them to review)
We challenge biased IME reports with our own medical experts
Lupe knows these specific doctors and their biases—he hired them for years

4. Delay, Deny, Defend

What they do:
They drag out your case, hoping you’ll get desperate and accept a low offer:

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

Why delay works:

They have: Unlimited time, unlimited resources, no financial pressure, earning interest on YOUR settlement money
You have: Mounting bills, zero income, creditors threatening, need money NOW

Financial desperation makes you accept less:

Month 1: You’d reject a $5,000 offer
Month 6: You’d seriously consider $5,000
Month 12: You’d BEG for $5,000 just to end the nightmare

Our counter:

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

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 that contradicts your 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
Archive your entire social media history

Examples we’ve defended against:

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

7 Rules for Our Clients:

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

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.”

6. Comparative Fault Arguments

What they do:
They try to assign you maximum fault to reduce their payment:

“You were speeding” (without evidence)
“You weren’t paying attention” (speculation)
“You could have avoided this” (hindsight bias)
“You were distracted” (guessing)
“You contributed to this accident” (shifting blame)

Why they do this:
Texas’s 51% bar rule means:

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

Even small percentages cost you thousands:

10% fault on a $100,000 case = $10,000 less for you
25% fault on a $250,000 case = $62,500 less for you
40% fault on a $500,000 case = $200,000 less for you

Our counter:

Aggressive liability investigation
Accident reconstruction proving the other driver’s fault
Witness statements supporting your version
Police report analysis emphasizing citations
Expert testimony on perception-reaction time
Lupe knows their fault arguments because he made them for years—now he defeats them

7. The Colossus Software System

How insurance companies ACTUALLY value your claim:

Lupe knows this system inside and out—he used it for years as a defense attorney.

How Colossus works:

Data Entry: Adjuster inputs injury codes, treatment types, medical costs, jurisdiction
Coding: Injuries are coded using standardized medical terms
Calculation: Software applies algorithms to determine “value”
Range Output: System provides recommended settlement range
Authority: Adjuster typically cannot exceed without supervisor approval

How they manipulate Colossus:

Manipulation	Effect
Low Injury Codes	“Soft tissue strain” instead of “disc herniation” reduces value 50-100%
Excessive Treatment Flags	Therapy beyond “normal” range triggers reduction
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:

Knows how to code injuries properly for maximum value
Knows which medical terms trigger higher valuations
Knows when Colossus output is artificially low
Knows how to present records to beat the algorithm
Worked with these systems for years as a defense attorney

8. The Policy Limits Bluff

What they do:
They claim limited coverage:

“We only have $30,000 in coverage”
“That’s the policy limit—we can’t pay more”
“Take it or leave it”

What they’re hiding:

Umbrella policies (additional $500,000-$5,000,000)
Commercial policies (if driver was working)
Corporate policies (parent company coverage)
Multiple policies that stack
Excess coverage layers

Why they hide coverage:

Hoping you’ll settle for minimum limits
Saving millions in additional coverage
Betting you won’t hire an attorney to investigate

Our counter:

Investigate ALL available coverage
Demand full policy disclosure
Subpoena insurance files if necessary
Search for umbrella policies
Identify corporate coverage
Find employer policies
Discover parent company coverage
Lupe’s insurance knowledge finds hidden policies—he knows the coverage structures they use

Medical Knowledge: Understanding Your Injuries

At Attorney911, we understand that your injuries aren’t just legal issues—they’re medical realities that affect every aspect of your life. Here’s what you need to know about common accident injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Immediate vs. Delayed Symptoms:

Immediate Symptoms (At Accident Scene or Within Hours):

Loss of consciousness (even brief)
Confusion and disorientation
Vomiting and nausea
Seizures
Severe headache
Dilated pupils
Slurred speech
Weakness or numbness

Delayed Symptoms (Hours to Days Later – CRITICAL):

Worsening headaches
Repeated vomiting
Seizures developing days later
Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
Personality changes and mood swings
Sleep disturbances
Sensitivity to light and noise
Worsening confusion and memory problems

Severity Classifications:

Mild TBI / Concussion: Brief loss of consciousness, may seem “fine” initially but can have serious long-term effects
Moderate TBI: Loss of consciousness for minutes to hours, lasting cognitive impairment
Severe TBI: Extended unconsciousness or coma, likely permanent disability

Long-Term Complications:

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE): Progressive brain degeneration leading to personality changes and dementia
Post-Concussive Syndrome: Headaches and dizziness lasting months or years (affects 10-15% of TBI patients)
Increased Dementia Risk: Single moderate TBI doubles dementia risk later in life
Personality and Mood Disorders: Depression (40-50% of TBI patients), anxiety, irritability
Seizure Disorders: Can develop months or years after injury
Cognitive Impairment: Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, slowed processing

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 Spine (C1-C8, Neck Region):

C1-C4 (High Cervical): Quadriplegia (all four limbs paralyzed), possible ventilator dependence, 24/7 care required
C5-C8 (Low Cervical): Quadriplegia with some arm/hand function, wheelchair dependent

Thoracic Spine (T1-T12, Mid-Back):

Paraplegia: Lower body paralysis, wheelchair dependent
Trunk control varies by level

Lumbar Spine (L1-L5, Lower Back):

Varying degrees of leg weakness/paralysis
Bowel/bladder dysfunction common
May walk with assistive devices

ASIA Impairment Scale:

Grade	Classification	Prognosis
A	Complete	No motor or sensory function below injury – worst
B	Sensory Incomplete	Sensory function 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 (recovered)

Secondary Complications:

Pressure sores (leading cause of hospitalization)
Respiratory complications (pneumonia – leading cause of death)
Bowel and bladder dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction
Autonomic dysreflexia (life-threatening blood pressure crisis)
Depression (40-60% of patients)
Shortened life expectancy (5-15 years on average)

Amputation

Types:

Traumatic Amputation: Limb severed at accident scene by collision impact
Surgical Amputation: Due to crush injuries or infections (like our documented case)

Levels:

Above-Knee: More difficult, less mobility, more expensive prosthetics
Below-Knee: Better mobility potential, easier prosthetic use
Upper Extremity: Arm, hand, fingers
Multiple Limbs: Exponentially more challenging

Phantom Limb Pain:

80% of amputees experience phantom pain
Feeling pain in a limb that’s no longer there
Can be severe and debilitating
Often a permanent condition
Requires lifetime pain management

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.”

Burn Injuries

Classifications:

Degree	Characteristics	Treatment
First-Degree	Superficial, like sunburn, heals 7-10 days	Outpatient
Second-Degree	Blistering, severe pain, may scar	Monitor, possible hospital
Third-Degree	Full thickness, destroys all skin, always scars	Skin grafting required
Fourth-Degree	Extends into muscle and bone	Often requires amputation

Body Surface Area Impact:

% Body Burned	Treatment Required
<10%	Usually outpatient
10-20%	Hospitalization required
20-40%	Burn center, ICU, multiple surgeries
>40%	Extremely life-threatening
>60%	Often fatal

Herniated Disc

Treatment Timeline:

Acute Phase (Weeks 1-6): Severe pain, medications, rest. Cost: $2,000-$5,000
Conservative Treatment (Weeks 6-12): Physical therapy, chiropractic. Cost: $5,000-$12,000
Interventional (If Conservative Fails): Epidural steroid injections. Cost: $3,000-$6,000
Surgery (If Injections Fail): Microdiscectomy or fusion. Cost: $50,000-$120,000

Permanent Restrictions Impact:

Can’t return to physical labor jobs
Lost earning capacity claims
Ongoing pain management needs

Soft Tissue Injuries

Why insurance undervalues soft tissue injuries:

No broken bones or surgery = appears “minor”
Difficult to see on X-rays
Symptoms are subjective (pain, stiffness)

Why soft tissue injuries can be serious:

15-20% develop chronic pain
Can prevent return to physical jobs
Whiplash can cause permanent problems
Often misdiagnosed initially (rotator cuff tears thought to be sprains)

Proper documentation is critical:

Detailed pain descriptions to doctors
Consistent treatment (no gaps)
MRI proving injury
Physical therapy records
Work restrictions documented

Psychological Injuries

PTSD After Motor Vehicle Accidents:

32-45% of accident victims develop PTSD symptoms
Anxiety about driving again
Fear of getting in cars
Panic attacks near accident location
Sleep disturbances, nightmares, flashbacks
Avoidance behaviors

Compensable psychological damages:

Mental anguish
Emotional distress
Anxiety and depression
Loss of enjoyment of life
Fear and worry
Relationship impacts

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Ross, Texas Accident Case

When you’re injured in an accident in Ross or anywhere in McLennan County, you have choices for legal representation. Here’s why Attorney911 stands out:

1. Insurance Defense Insider: The Unfair Advantage

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

This is our #1 differentiator—no other firm in Ross or Central Texas has this advantage.

What this means for your case:

We know their tactics because Lupe used them for years
We anticipate their strategies before they deploy them
We know how they value claims internally
We know which IME doctors they favor—and how to counter them
We know how to beat their Colossus software
We speak their language

Example: Lupe knows that insurance companies train adjusters to use low injury codes in Colossus to minimize claims. He knows which codes trigger higher valuations and how to document your case to justify them.

2. Proven Multi-Million Dollar Results

We don’t just claim to get results—we prove it with documented case outcomes:

Multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss when a log dropped on him at a logging company
Settled in the millions for a client whose leg was injured in a car accident, leading to staff infections and partial amputation
Recovered millions for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases
Significant cash settlement for a client who injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship
One of the few Texas firms involved in BP explosion litigation—proving our ability to take on billion-dollar corporations

What clients say about our results:

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” — Glenda Walker

“I also got a very nice settlement.” — MONGO SLADE

3. Federal Court Experience for Complex Cases

Many Ross accident cases are straightforward, but some require the resources and experience to take on major corporations. That’s where our federal court admission makes a difference.

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

Interstate trucking accidents (FMCSA regulations)
Product liability claims (defective vehicles, parts, or safety equipment)
Maritime accidents (for those working on or near water)
Cases against government entities
Complex multi-district litigation

Our federal court experience was demonstrated in our involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation—one of the few firms in Texas to handle such complex, high-stakes cases against a multinational corporation.

4. Personal Attention from Start to Finish

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

What this means for you:

You’ll speak directly with your attorney about your case
We’ll keep you updated every step of the way
We’ll answer your questions promptly and thoroughly
We’ll fight for every dollar you deserve

What clients say about our personal attention:

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

“Melanie was excellent. She kept me informed and when she said she would call me back, she did.” — Brian Butchee

“Leonor reached out to me…She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.” — Stephanie Hernandez

5. No Fee Unless We Win: Zero Financial Risk

We understand that accident victims are already facing financial stress from medical bills and lost wages. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis:

No upfront costs
No hourly fees
No retainer required
We advance all case expenses
You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you

This means you can get top-tier legal representation without adding to your financial burden. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.

6. 24/7 Availability: We Answer When You Need Us

Accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do we. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you’ll reach our legal emergency response team.

What clients say about our availability:

“Attorney Manginello is so knowledgeable but straight to the point…responded quickly even while he was away.” — S M

7. Bilingual Services: Se Habla Español

In Ross and throughout McLennan County, we serve a diverse community. That’s why we offer bilingual services:

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish
Our staff includes bilingual case managers like Zulema
All consultations available in Spanish
No language barrier to getting the help you need

What Spanish-speaking clients say:

“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

8. Community Trust: Houston’s Choice

Attorney911 is trusted by the Houston community and beyond:

4.9 stars on Google (251+ reviews)
Endorsed by Trae Tha Truth, one of Houston’s most respected figures
Recognized by Super Lawyers
Involved in community organizations

What the community says:

“One of Houston’s Great Men Trae Tha Truth has recommended this law firm. So if he is vouching for them then I know they do good work.” — Jacqueline Johnson

9. Comprehensive Services: We Handle Everything

When you hire Attorney911, we handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on recovery:

Investigation: Gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, preserving critical data
Medical Coordination: Connecting you with top doctors, ensuring proper treatment
Insurance Negotiation: Handling all communication with insurance companies
Legal Strategy: Building the strongest possible case for maximum compensation
Litigation: Preparing for trial if necessary to get you the compensation you deserve

Frequently Asked Questions About Ross, Texas Motor Vehicle Accidents

Immediate After Accident

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

If you’ve been in an accident in Ross or anywhere in McLennan County:

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Ross and McLennan County, 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

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 a recorded statement. Do NOT discuss injuries or fault.

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

No. Their estimate is just an offer. It’s usually far below the actual value of your case. Attorney911 fights for what your case is really worth.

10. Should I accept a quick settlement offer?

NEVER accept a settlement before knowing the full extent of your injuries. Once you sign a release, you cannot get more money even if you need surgery later.

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

Your own UM/UIM coverage can compensate you. Watch our video: Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists

12. Why does insurance want me to sign a medical authorization?

They want unlimited access to your ENTIRE medical history to find pre-existing conditions to use against you. Never sign without attorney review.

Legal Process

13. Do I have a personal injury case?

You may have a case if:

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

Watch our video: Do I Have a Good Case?

14. When should I hire a car accident lawyer?

Immediately. Evidence disappears daily. Insurance companies start building their defense against you from day one. Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911

15. How much time do I have to file (statute of limitations)?

In Texas: 2 years from the date of the accident for personal injury, 2 years from the date of death for wrongful death. Miss it = 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 damages (reduced by your percentage of fault). If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.

Watch our video: What Is Comparative Negligence?

17. What happens if I was partially at fault?

You can still recover if you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

18. Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial. But Attorney911 prepares every case as if it’s going to trial. That’s what gives us leverage in negotiations.

Watch our video: Will Your Case Go to Trial?

19. How long will my case take to settle?

It depends on the severity of your injuries. We don’t settle until you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). This could be 6 months for minor injuries, 18-24 months for serious injuries.

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

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

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

Compensation

21. What is my case worth?

It depends on: injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, permanent impairment, pain and suffering, and 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 in medical malpractice cases).

24. What if I have a pre-existing condition?

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

25. Will I have to pay taxes on my settlement?

Generally, compensation for physical injuries is NOT taxable. Punitive damages ARE taxable. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

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, and impact on your daily life.

Attorney Relationship

27. How much do car accident lawyers cost?

Attorney911 works on a contingency fee basis: 33.33% before trial, 40% if the case goes to trial. You pay nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win.

Watch our video: How Do Contingency Fees Work?

28. What does “no fee unless we win” mean?

You pay zero unless we recover money for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. We advance all case costs.

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 or Lupe Peña, not just paralegals. As Chad Harris said: “You are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”

31. What if I already hired another attorney?

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

Mistakes to Avoid

32. What common mistakes can hurt my case?

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

Watch our video: Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

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

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

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

Releases are PERMANENT. Medical authorizations give unlimited access to your records. Settlement offers are binding. Once signed, you can’t undo it.

35. What if I didn’t see a doctor right away?

See one NOW. Explain that you didn’t realize the severity of your injuries. Delayed symptoms are common. We can still help.

Additional Common Questions

36. What if I have a pre-existing condition?

You can still recover. If the accident AGGRAVATED your pre-existing condition, you’re entitled to compensation for the aggravation. The “eggshell plaintiff” rule means the defendant takes you as they find you.

Example: You had mild occasional back pain before the accident. After the accident, you have a herniated disc requiring surgery. You can recover for the NEW injury, not just the pre-existing pain.

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

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

YES. You can fire your attorney at any time. If your current attorney isn’t communicating, isn’t fighting for you, or is pushing you to settle for less than you deserve, you have the right to switch.

Attorney911 has taken over many cases from other attorneys. As Greg Garcia said: “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.”

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

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

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

You need attorney representation for UM/UIM claims. Texas allows inter-policy stacking, which means you may be able to combine coverage from multiple vehicles on your policy.

Lupe’s insurance defense background is particularly valuable for UM/UIM claims because he understands how insurance companies evaluate these cases.

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
Clear liability

Example: $100,000 in medical expenses × 4 multiplier = $400,000 for pain and suffering.

Lupe calculated these multipliers for years as an insurance defense attorney—he knows how to justify higher multipliers and when the multiplier method undervalues a case.

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, and damage caps may apply.

These cases are complex and require an experienced attorney. Ralph’s 25+ years of experience includes handling government claims. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately—6-month deadlines are 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 when the at-fault driver is unidentified.

Surveillance footage is CRITICAL in hit and run cases—most footage is deleted within 7-30 days. We send preservation letters immediately to businesses near the scene to secure evidence before it’s deleted.

Texas allows UM stacking, which means you may be able to combine coverage from multiple vehicles on your policy. 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. Your immigration status does NOT affect your right to compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. You’re entitled to full recovery regardless of immigration status.

Your case is confidential. We’ve successfully represented clients of all immigration statuses. Lupe is fluent in Spanish, and our staff includes bilingual case managers like Zulema.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911—we protect your rights and your privacy.

43. What if the accident happened in a parking lot?

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

We prove fault through:

Surveillance video
Witness statements
Damage analysis
Traffic patterns

Texas comparative negligence rules apply to parking lot accidents. We’ve won many parking lot cases with clear liability findings.

44. What if I was a passenger in the at-fault vehicle?

You can sue the driver even if you were riding with them (whether they’re a friend, family member, or Uber driver). You’re an innocent victim, and the driver’s insurance covers passengers.

There are no comparative fault issues for passengers—you weren’t driving, so you can’t be at fault. These cases often settle quickly because liability is clear.

We handle the difficult conversation with the driver or their insurance company so you don’t have to.

45. What if the other driver died in the accident?

You can still pursue a claim against the deceased driver’s estate and insurance. The death doesn’t eliminate liability—the insurance policy still applies, and the estate may have assets.

Wrongful death laws protect both sides of the equation. These cases can be emotionally complex but are legally straightforward to pursue.

We handle these cases with sensitivity while aggressively protecting your rights.

Ross, Texas: Our Community, Your Legal Emergency Team

Ross may be a small community, but we’re part of the larger McLennan County and Central Texas region. Whether you’re dealing with an accident on I-35, Highway 6, or the streets of Waco, Bellmead, or Hewitt, Attorney911 is your local legal emergency response team.

Serving Ross and Surrounding Communities

While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve clients throughout Texas—including Ross, McLennan County, and the entire Central Texas region. We understand the unique challenges of our area:

Highway dangers: I-35 is one of the most dangerous highways in Texas, with frequent trucking accidents and high-speed collisions
Rural roads: Many roads in McLennan County are rural with limited lighting and signage, increasing accident risks
Industrial traffic: The area’s manufacturing and distribution centers mean more commercial vehicles on the roads
Seasonal tourism: Events like Baylor University football games bring increased traffic and accident risks

Local Knowledge Matters

When you hire Attorney911, you’re not just getting a Texas attorney—you’re getting a legal team that understands Ross and McLennan County:

We know the local courts and judges
We understand the insurance adjusters who handle claims in this area
We’re familiar with the hospitals and medical providers where you’ll receive treatment
We know the dangerous intersections and accident hotspots
We understand the local economy and wage levels

Dangerous Roads in Our Area

Some of the most dangerous roads and intersections in McLennan County include:

I-35: High-speed collisions, trucking accidents, and frequent congestion
Highway 6: Speeding and failure-to-yield accidents, especially near commercial areas
Loop 340: Merging traffic and construction zones
Franklin Avenue (Waco): Heavy traffic, pedestrians, and urban congestion
Valley Mills Drive: High-speed rural road with limited shoulders
New Road: Construction and development increasing accident risks

Local Hospitals and Medical Care

If you’re injured in an accident in Ross or McLennan County, you may receive treatment at:

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest (Waco): Level III Trauma Center
Ascension Providence (Waco): Major medical center with emergency services
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Lake Pointe (Rowlett): Specialized care
Local clinics and urgent care centers throughout the county

We work with all medical providers in the area to ensure you receive the best possible care and that your medical records support your claim.

Why Local Representation Matters

When you’re injured in an accident, you need more than just a lawyer—you need someone who understands your community. At Attorney911:

We know the local roads and accident patterns
We understand the local economy and wage levels
We’re familiar with the courts and judges in McLennan County
We know the insurance adjusters who handle claims in this area
We’re part of the Central Texas community

Call Attorney911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

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

Here’s what happens when you call:

You’ll speak directly with our legal emergency response team—not a call center or answering service
We’ll provide immediate guidance on what to do next
We’ll answer your questions about your rights and options
We’ll schedule a free consultation with Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña
We’ll begin protecting your rights immediately

Remember:

Free consultation: No cost, no obligation
No fee unless we win: You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you
Evidence disappears daily: Call now to preserve critical evidence
Insurance companies are already working against you: Don’t face them alone
We know their playbook: Lupe Peña used to work for them

For Spanish speakers:

Se habla español. Lupe Peña y nuestro equipo están listos para ayudarle en español.

Our promise to you:

We’ll fight for every dollar you deserve
We’ll handle all communication with insurance companies
We’ll connect you with top medical providers
We’ll keep you informed every step of the way
We won’t settle for less than your case is worth

Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911

When seconds count, we answer. Don’t wait—your recovery starts with one call.