Motor Vehicle Accidents in Andrews County, Texas: Your Complete Legal Guide

If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Andrews County, Texas, you’re not alone. With Texas highways like US-385 and SH-115 running through the county, accidents happen daily. In fact, Texas sees one reportable crash every 57 seconds, and one person injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for accident victims across Texas for over 25 years, and we’re here to help you understand your rights and options.

Why Andrews County Accidents Require Local Expertise

Andrews County presents unique challenges for accident victims:

Rural roads with limited emergency response times
Oil field traffic mixing with local commuters
Seasonal weather patterns that create hazardous driving conditions
Limited medical facilities, requiring transport to Odessa or Midland for serious injuries

Ralph Manginello, our founding attorney with 25+ years of experience, understands these local factors. Our firm has handled cases from the Permian Basin to the Gulf Coast, giving us the expertise to navigate Andrews County’s specific legal landscape.

The Most Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Andrews County

1. Car Accidents (Most Common)

With 251,977 people injured in Texas motor vehicle crashes in 2024 alone, car accidents are the most frequent type we handle. In Andrews County, common scenarios include:

Rear-end collisions on US-385 during rush hour
Intersection accidents at SH-115 and FM 181
Single-vehicle rollovers on rural county roads
Distracted driving accidents involving oil field workers

Common injuries:

Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
Herniated discs
Broken bones and fractures
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries
Internal organ damage

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

2. 18-Wheeler and Commercial Truck Accidents

Andrews County sits along major trucking routes serving the oil industry. With 39,393 commercial motor vehicle crashes in Texas in 2024, truck accidents are particularly devastating.

Why truck accidents are more complex:

Multiple liable parties (driver, trucking company, cargo loader, manufacturer)
Federal regulations (FMCSA) that don’t apply to passenger vehicles
Higher insurance limits ($750,000 to $5,000,000+ policies)
Electronic logging device (ELD) data that can prove driver fatigue

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.”

Federal court advantage: Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, which handles many trucking cases involving interstate commerce.

3. Drunk Driving Accidents

Texas saw 1,053 alcohol-impaired driving deaths in 2024, accounting for 25.37% of all traffic fatalities. In Andrews County, where oil field workers often work long hours, drunk driving remains a serious concern.

Texas dram shop law (TABC § 2.02):
Bars, restaurants, and even liquor stores can be held liable if they served alcohol to someone who was obviously intoxicated. Signs of obvious intoxication include:

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

Why these cases are valuable:

Punitive damages available for gross negligence
Multiple defendants (driver + establishment)
Criminal case can strengthen civil claim

Criminal defense advantage: Ralph is a member of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), giving us unique insight into DWI-related accidents.

4. Oil Field Vehicle Accidents

Andrews County’s economy revolves around the oil and gas industry, creating unique accident patterns:

Heavy equipment transport on county roads
Fatigued drivers working long shifts
Improperly secured loads
Vehicles not properly maintained due to high mileage

Case example: We recently handled a case where an oil field worker was injured when a poorly secured pipe came loose from a truck on FM 181. The case settled for a substantial amount after we proved the trucking company failed to follow proper loading procedures.

5. Hit and Run Accidents

With rural roads and limited surveillance, hit and run accidents are unfortunately common in Andrews County. Texas law imposes severe penalties:

Death: 2nd degree felony (2-20 years prison)
Serious injury: 3rd degree felony (2-10 years)
Property damage: Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months jail)

What to do after a hit and run:

Call 911 immediately
Get medical attention
Document everything (photos, witness info)
Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911

Your own insurance may cover you: Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can compensate you when the at-fault driver flees. We’ve recovered substantial settlements for hit and run victims through UM claims.

What to Do Immediately After an Accident in Andrews County

First 24 Hours (Critical Evidence Window)

At the scene:
✅ Call 911 and report the accident
✅ Seek medical attention 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
✅ Get witness names and phone numbers
✅ Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

DO NOT:

Give recorded statement to any insurance company
Admit fault or apologize
Discuss injuries (you don’t know their extent yet)
Sign anything
Accept any settlement offers

Days 2-7 (Evidence Preservation)

✅ Digital preservation:

Preserve all texts, calls, photos, 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, 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/hospital records
Keep all discharge paperwork
Follow up with your primary care physician within 48 hours

✅ Insurance communications:

Note any calls from insurance companies
Do NOT give recorded statements
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/family not to tag you in posts

Why Time is Critical

Evidence disappears quickly:

Surveillance footage: 7-30 days (gas stations keep footage 7-14 days)
ELD/black box data: 30-180 days
Witness memories fade
Skid marks and debris cleared
Insurance companies build their case against you

Andrews County-specific challenges:

Limited surveillance cameras on rural roads
Longer response times for police reports
Fewer witnesses in remote areas
Medical records may be spread across multiple facilities

What Attorney911 does immediately:

Send preservation letters to ALL parties (other driver, trucking company, businesses)
Obtain police reports and 911 recordings
Photograph the scene before it changes
Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
Secure surveillance footage before deletion
Identify ALL insurance policies

Texas Motor Vehicle Law You Need to Know

Statute of Limitations (Deadline to File)

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

Miss this deadline and your case is BARRED forever.

Andrews County courthouse: Cases would typically be filed in the 109th District Court or County Court at Law in Andrews, Texas.

Comparative Negligence (51% Bar Rule)

Texas uses modified comparative negligence. This means:

If you are 50% or less at fault → You can recover damages (reduced by your % of fault)
If you are 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 in Andrews County:
Insurance companies often try to blame accident victims, especially in cases involving:

Oil field workers (claiming fatigue)
Rural road accidents (claiming excessive speed)
Intersection accidents (claiming failure to yield)

Our advantage: Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for insurance companies. He knows exactly how they manipulate fault percentages and how to counter their arguments.

Texas Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements

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

Problem: 15.4% of Texas drivers are uninsured (about 1 in 7). Your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is critical.

Texas allows inter-policy stacking: You can combine coverage from multiple vehicles on your policy.

How Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Your Claim

Lupe Peña worked for years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how insurance companies value claims. Now he uses that knowledge to fight FOR you. Here’s what they don’t want you to know:

Tactic #1: The Quick Cash Trap

What they do:

Contact you within days of the accident
Offer quick money ($2,000-$5,000)
Say “This is our final offer” (it’s not)
Create artificial urgency (“Offer expires in 48 hours”)

The trap:
You don’t know the extent of your injuries yet. What seems like “easy money” now could be a fraction of what you need later.

Real case example:
Client accepted $3,500 offer from insurance company. Two months later, MRI showed herniated disc requiring surgery ($100,000+). Too late – she already signed a release.

What we do:
Never settle before reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). We know their “final offers” are just the starting point.

Tactic #2: The Recorded Statement Trap

What they say:

“We just want to get your side of the story”
“This is routine, everyone does this”
“It’ll only take a few minutes”

What they’re really doing:
Asking leading questions designed to get you to:

Minimize your injuries (“You’re feeling better now, right?”)
Accept partial fault (“Were you distracted at all?”)
Contradict yourself (“How fast were you going?”)

Lupe’s insider quote:
“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.”

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

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

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 an IME:

10-15 minute “examination” (vs. your doctor’s thorough evaluation)
Rarely review your complete medical records beforehand
Ask questions designed to elicit “I’m feeling better” responses
Look for ANY reason to minimize injuries

Common IME doctor findings:

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

What we do:

Prepare you extensively before the exam
Send complete medical records to the IME doctor first
Challenge biased IME reports with our own medical experts
Lupe knows these specific doctors and their biases – he hired them for years

Tactic #4: Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring

What they monitor:

Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Snapchat
Photos, posts, check-ins, comments, likes, tagged photos
Friends’ and family members’ posts about you
Fake profiles sending friend requests

What they look for:

Photos showing physical activity
Check-ins at restaurants, gyms, events
Comments about your recovery
Anything that contradicts your injury claims

Real examples we’ve defended:

What They Found	What They Claimed	Reality
Gym photo from 3 years ago	Presented as recent evidence	We proved metadata showed pre-accident date
Restaurant check-in	“Partying and having fun”	Client was sitting quietly having dinner
Friend’s comment “Had fun yesterday!”	Evidence of non-injury	Client was resting at home
Video of client walking dog	“Not disabled”	Doctor recommended short walks for recovery
Family photo with client smiling	“Not in pain – she’s smiling!”	Everyone smiles for photos

7 Rules for Clients:

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

Tactic #5: The Delay and Financial Pressure Game

What they do:

“Still investigating your claim”
“Waiting for medical records” (that you already sent)
“Reviewing your file” (for months)
Ignore your calls and emails

Why delay works (on people without attorneys):

They have unlimited time and resources
You have mounting bills and zero income
Financial desperation makes you accept less

Their timeline vs. yours:

Month	Insurance Company	You
1	Building case against you	Medical treatment, no income
3	Lowball offer ($5,000)	You’d reject it
6	Same offer ($5,000)	You’d seriously consider it
12	Same offer ($5,000)	You’d BEG for it

What we do:

File lawsuit to force deadlines
Set depositions forcing them to produce witnesses
Prepare for trial showing we’re serious
Lupe understands delay tactics because he used them – knows when to push

Tactic #6: The Comparative Fault Blame Game

What they do:
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:
Even small fault percentages cost you thousands:

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

Common blame tactics in Andrews County:

Oil field workers: “You were fatigued after long shift”
Rural road accidents: “You were speeding for conditions”
Intersection accidents: “You failed to yield right of way”
Single-vehicle accidents: “You lost control due to distraction”

What we do:

Conduct independent accident reconstruction
Obtain witness statements supporting your version
Analyze police report for citations against other driver
Use expert testimony on perception-reaction time
Lupe knows their fault arguments because he made them for years

How Much Is Your Andrews County Accident Case Worth?

Types of Damages You Can Recover

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas)

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

Non-Economic Damages (No Cap Except Medical Malpractice)

Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Physical impairment
Disfigurement (scarring)
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of consortium (impact on marriage/family)

Punitive/Exemplary Damages (Capped)

Available for gross negligence, fraud, or malice
Drunk driving cases often qualify
Cap: Greater of $200,000 OR 2x economic + 1x non-economic (max $750K for non-economic)

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

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

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 / Paralysis

First year costs: $500,000-$1,500,000
Annual costs: $70,000-$250,000
Lifetime costs: $2,500,000-$13,000,000+
Settlement range: $4,770,000-$25,880,000

Wrongful Death (Working Age Adult)

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

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.”

Factors That Increase Case Value

Clear liability (other driver 100% at fault)
Severe, permanent injuries
Surgery required
High medical bills
Significant lost wages
Young victim (long life ahead)
Sympathetic plaintiff (hard worker, family man)
Egregious defendant conduct (drunk driving, hit and run)
Strong evidence (video, witnesses)

Factors That Decrease Case Value

Disputed liability (comparative fault)
Gaps in medical treatment
Pre-existing conditions
Social media activity contradicting injuries
Recorded statements hurting case
Delayed attorney hiring

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Andrews County Accident Case?

1. Insurance Defense Insider Advantage

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

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 Andrews County has this 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”

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

3. Federal Court Experience

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

Why this matters for Andrews County cases:

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.”

4. Personal Attention You Won’t Get Elsewhere

What clients say about our communication:

“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.” – Brian Butchee

“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

“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

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

5. Contingency Fee – No Risk to You

“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

What clients say about our results:

“One company said they would not except my case. Then I got a call from Manginello…I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” – Donald Wilcox

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Andrews County Accident Cases

Immediate After Accident

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

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

Andrews County-specific note: With limited emergency services, it may take longer for police to arrive. Document the scene thoroughly with photos and witness information.

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” (can be used as admission)
Do NOT give your opinion on what happened
Stick to facts only

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

Dealing with Insurance

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

8. What if the other driver’s insurance contacts me?
Say: “I need to speak with my attorney first.” Give only basic information (name, date of accident). Do NOT give recorded statement. Do NOT discuss injuries or fault.

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

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

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

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

Legal Process

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Compensation

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

22. What types of damages can I recover?

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

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

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

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

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

Attorney Relationship

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mistakes to Avoid

32. What common mistakes can hurt my case?

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Common Questions

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

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

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

39. 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.

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 2-year statute of limitations). Sovereign immunity protects government entities. Damage caps may apply. These cases are complex—you need experienced attorney.

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

42. What if I’m an undocumented immigrant—can I still file a claim?
YES. Immigration status does NOT affect your right to compensation for injuries. You’re entitled to full recovery regardless of immigration status. Your case is confidential. We’ve successfully represented clients of all immigration statuses. Lupe is fluent in Spanish.

43. 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.

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

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

Andrews County-Specific Resources

Local Hospitals and Medical Facilities

Medical Center Hospital (Odessa) – 4211 Andrews Hwy, Odessa, TX 79764 (Level III Trauma Center)
Midland Memorial Hospital – 2200 W Illinois Ave, Midland, TX 79701 (Level III Trauma Center)
Permian Regional Medical Center (Andrews) – 720 Hospital Dr, Andrews, TX 79714 (Local emergency care)

Local Courts

Andrews County Courthouse – 201 N Main St, Andrews, TX 79714
109th District Court – Handles civil cases including personal injury
County Court at Law – Handles smaller civil cases

Local Law Enforcement

Andrews Police Department – 111 Logsdon St, Andrews, TX 79714
Andrews County Sheriff’s Office – 111 Logsdon St, Andrews, TX 79714
Texas Department of Public Safety – State troopers handle highway accidents

Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Andrews County

US-385 – High-speed highway with frequent oil field traffic
SH-115 – Main east-west route through Andrews
FM 181 – Rural road with limited shoulders
Intersection of US-385 and SH-115 – High accident rate
Intersection of SH-115 and FM 181 – Limited visibility

What to Do Next: Call Attorney911 Now

Every day you wait, evidence disappears:

Surveillance footage deleted in 7-30 days
ELD/black box data overwritten in 30-180 days
Witness memories fade
2-year statute of limitations approaches
Insurance companies build their case against you

Call Attorney911 now for your FREE consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

What happens when you call:

You’ll speak directly with a member of our team
We’ll listen to your story and answer your questions
We’ll explain your legal options
If we can help, we’ll schedule a free consultation with Ralph or Lupe
No pressure, no obligation

Remember:

Free consultation
No fee unless we win
We advance all case costs
Hablamos español
Serving all of Texas, including Andrews County

What clients say about calling 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

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

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

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Call Attorney911 now – the legal emergency line that answers 24/7.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) 📞