Car Accident Lawyers in Arp, Texas | Attorney911

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Arp, Texas, you’re not alone. Every 57 seconds, another crash occurs on Texas roads, leaving victims with physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial uncertainty. At Attorney911, we understand the overwhelming challenges you’re facing. Our experienced legal team, led by Ralph Manginello with over 25 years of experience, is here to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Why Arp Residents Choose Attorney911

In 2024 alone, Texas saw 251,977 people injured in motor vehicle crashes. In Smith County and the surrounding areas, car accidents remain a constant threat on our roads. Whether you were traveling on Highway 64, FM 856, or any of the local streets in Arp, a moment of negligence from another driver can change your life forever.

We know Arp and the unique challenges faced by accident victims in our community. Our firm has helped countless clients throughout East Texas recover millions in compensation. 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.”

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Arp

Car accidents in Arp and Smith County can happen for many reasons, but some of the most common causes we see include:

Distracted driving – Texting, eating, or using GPS while driving
Speeding – Particularly dangerous on rural roads like FM 856
Failure to yield – Common at intersections like those along Highway 64
Drunk driving – A serious problem in East Texas
Weather conditions – Rain, fog, and even ice can make roads hazardous
Fatigued driving – Especially common among commercial drivers
Poor road conditions – Potholes, inadequate signage, or improper maintenance

No matter how your accident happened, if another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you have the right to seek compensation.

Common Injuries from Car Accidents

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from relatively minor to catastrophic:

Whiplash and soft tissue injuries – Often dismissed by insurance companies but can cause chronic pain
Herniated or bulging discs – Can require surgery and long-term rehabilitation
Broken bones and fractures – Common in high-impact collisions
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – Can have lifelong consequences
Spinal cord injuries – May result in partial or complete paralysis
Internal injuries – Often not immediately apparent but can be life-threatening
Burns – From vehicle fires or airbag deployment
Psychological trauma – PTSD, anxiety, and depression are common after serious accidents

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. While every case is unique, our results demonstrate our commitment to fighting for maximum compensation.

The Insurance Company’s Playbook – And How We Counter It

Insurance companies have one goal: to pay you as little as possible. They use sophisticated tactics to minimize or deny your claim. Having a former insurance defense attorney on our team gives us an unfair advantage.

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for a national defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies value claims because he used to calculate them himself. 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.”

Insurance Tactic #1: The Quick Cash Trap

Within days of your accident, the insurance company will likely call you with a “quick settlement offer.” This is a trap.

They’ll offer $2,000-$5,000, sometimes more if they’re worried
They’ll create artificial urgency: “This offer expires in 48 hours”
They’ll pressure you to sign a release

The Problem: You don’t know the full extent of your injuries yet. That $5,000 offer might seem good today, but what if you need surgery next month? Once you sign that release, you can’t get more money – even if your medical bills reach $100,000.

How We Counter It: We never let our clients settle before reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). We know these offers are always lowball – Lupe calculated them for years.

Insurance Tactic #2: The Recorded Statement Trap

The insurance adjuster will sound friendly and concerned. They’ll say they just need “your side of the story” to process your claim.

What They’re Really Doing: Building a case against you.

They’ll ask leading questions designed to get you to:

Minimize your injuries (“You’re feeling better now, right?”)
Admit partial fault (“You were going a little fast, weren’t you?”)
Downplay the accident (“It wasn’t that bad of an impact, was it?”)

How We Counter It: We never let our clients give recorded statements without us. We prepare you for what to say – and more importantly, what NOT to say.

Insurance Tactic #3: The IME (Independent Medical Exam) Scheme

The insurance company will send you to a doctor of THEIR choosing for an “independent” medical exam.

What It Really Is: A 10-15 minute exam by a doctor paid thousands of dollars by the insurance company to minimize your injuries.

Common IME Findings:

“Patient has pre-existing degenerative changes” (everyone over 40 has some arthritis)
“Injuries consistent with minor trauma” (minimizing your pain)
“Patient can return to full-duty work” (eliminating lost wage claims)
“Treatment has been excessive” (attacking your doctors)

How We Counter It: Lupe knows these doctors – he hired them when he worked for the insurance companies. We prepare you for the exam and challenge biased reports with our own medical experts.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Arp

The steps you take in the first 48 hours after your accident can make or break your case.

First 24 Hours: Immediate Action

Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance if needed
Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, get checked. Adrenaline masks injuries
Document everything – Take photos of all vehicle damage, injuries, and the accident scene
Exchange information – Get the other driver’s name, phone, address, insurance, and license plate
Get witness information – Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw what happened
Call Attorney911 – 1-888-ATTY-911. Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company

Days 2-7: Evidence Preservation

Preserve all accident-related texts, photos, and videos
Secure damaged clothing and personal items
Keep receipts for all expenses (medical, towing, rental cars)
Request copies of all medical records
Note any calls from insurance companies, but don’t give statements
Make all social media profiles private immediately

Weeks 2-4: Strategic Decisions

Continue medical treatment as recommended
Follow up with your primary care physician
Document all symptoms and how they affect your daily life
Refer all insurance communications to Attorney911
Do NOT accept any settlement offers without legal review

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Arp Car Accident Case

1. Insurance Defense Insider Advantage

Lupe Peña worked for years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims. Now he uses that knowledge to fight FOR you, not against you. This is an advantage no other firm in East Texas can match.

2. Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our results speak for themselves:

Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss
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
Hundreds of satisfied clients, as reflected in our 4.9-star Google rating

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

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court experience is crucial for complex cases, especially those involving:

Trucking accidents with FMCSA violations
Product liability claims (like defective vehicles)
Cases against major corporations

Our firm is also one of the few in Texas to be involved in BP explosion litigation, demonstrating our ability to take on billion-dollar corporations.

4. Personal Attention You Deserve

At Attorney911, you’re not just another case number. As client Chad Harris said: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”

You’ll work directly with Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña, not just paralegals. Our entire team is dedicated to your recovery – both physically and financially.

5. No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no financial risk to you.

Free consultation
We advance all case costs
You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Arp

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Arp?

If you’ve been in an accident in Arp:

Call 911 and report the accident
Seek medical attention even if you feel fine
Document everything with photos
Exchange information with the other driver
Get witness names and phone numbers
Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company
Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911

Should I call the police even for a minor accident?

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

Should I seek medical attention if I don’t feel hurt?

Absolutely. Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms immediately:

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

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

What information should I collect at the scene?

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

Should I talk to the other driver or admit fault?

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

How do I obtain a copy of the accident report?

In Arp and Smith County, you can obtain the police report from the responding agency or through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS).

Should I give a recorded statement to insurance?

To the other driver’s insurance: NO. Not without an attorney.
To your own insurance: You have a duty to cooperate, but call Attorney911 first. We can advise you.

What if the other driver’s insurance contacts me?

Say: “I need to speak with my attorney first.” Give only basic information (name, date of accident). Do NOT give a recorded statement. Do NOT discuss injuries or fault.

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

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

Should I accept a quick settlement offer?

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

What if the other driver is uninsured/underinsured?

Your own UM/UIM coverage can compensate you. Watch our video on Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8

Why does insurance want me to sign a medical authorization?

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

Do I have a personal injury case?

You may have a case if:

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

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

When should I hire a car accident lawyer?

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

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

In Texas: 2 years from the date of accident for personal injury, 2 years from the date of death for wrongful death. Miss it = case barred forever.

What is comparative negligence and how does it affect me?

Texas uses the 51% bar rule. If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover (reduced by your fault %). If 51%+ at fault, you get nothing.

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

What happens if I was partially at fault?

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

Will my case go to trial?

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

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

How long will my case take to settle?

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

What is the legal process step-by-step?

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

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

What is my case worth?

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

What types of damages can I recover?

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

Can I get compensation for pain and suffering?

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

What if I have a pre-existing condition?

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

Will I have to pay taxes on my settlement?

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

How is the value of my claim determined?

Based on: medical bills, future treatment costs, lost income, permanent impairment rating, comparable verdicts, severity of injuries, impact on daily life.

How much do car accident lawyers cost?

Attorney911 works on contingency: 33.33% before trial, 40% if trial. You pay nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win.

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

What does “no fee unless we win” mean?

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

How often will I get updates?

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

Who will actually handle my case?

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

What if I already hired another attorney?

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

What common mistakes can hurt my case?

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

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

Should I post about my accident on social media?

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

Why shouldn’t I sign anything without a lawyer?

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

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

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

What if I have a pre-existing condition?

You can still recover. If the accident AGGRAVATED your pre-existing condition, you’re entitled to compensation for the aggravation. “Eggshell plaintiff” rule: Defendant takes victim as they find them.

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

YES. You can fire your attorney at any time. If your attorney isn’t communicating, isn’t fighting for you, or is pushing you to settle cheap, you have the right to switch. Attorney911 has taken over many cases from other attorneys. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 to discuss switching.

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

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist claims are against YOUR insurance when the other driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance. Your insurance company will fight your claim just like the other driver’s insurance would. You need attorney representation.

How do you calculate pain and suffering?

Most commonly using multiplier method: Medical expenses × multiplier (1.5 to 5) = pain & suffering. Multiplier depends on: injury severity, permanency, impact on life, clear liability.

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

Government claims have special rules. You must file notice within 6 months (much shorter than 2-year statute of limitations). Sovereign immunity protects government entities. Damage caps may apply. These cases are complex—you need an experienced attorney.

What if the other driver fled the scene (hit and run)?

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

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

YES. Immigration status does NOT affect your right to compensation for injuries. You’re entitled to full recovery regardless of immigration status. Your case is confidential. We’ve successfully represented clients of all immigration statuses. Lupe is fluent in Spanish.

What if the accident happened in a parking lot?

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

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

You can sue the driver even if you were riding with them (friend, family member, Uber driver). You’re an innocent victim. The driver’s insurance covers passengers. No comparative fault issues (you weren’t driving). These cases often settle quickly because liability is clear.

What if the other driver died in the accident?

You can still pursue a claim against the deceased driver’s estate and insurance. Death doesn’t eliminate liability. The insurance policy still applies. The estate may have assets. Wrongful death laws protect both sides.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Arp, Texas, don’t wait. Evidence disappears daily, and the insurance company is already building their case against you. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

Serving Arp, Tyler, Longview, and all of East Texas, our experienced team is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. With offices conveniently located to serve the Arp community, we’re here when you need us most.

Remember: At Attorney911, we don’t just handle cases—we protect families. Let us be your legal emergency line when you need it most.