Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Windthorst, Texas | Attorney911
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Windthorst, Texas, you’re not alone. With one motor vehicle crash occurring every 57 seconds in Texas, accidents are an unfortunate reality on our roads. At Attorney911, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a serious accident can take on you and your family. Our experienced team, led by Ralph Manginello with over 25 years of legal expertise, is here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Windthorst Residents Choose Attorney911
Windthorst may be a small town in Archer County, but accidents here can be just as devastating as those in larger cities. Whether you were injured on US-281 while traveling through town or in a collision on one of the rural roads that connect our community, our firm has the local knowledge and statewide resources to handle your case.
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 Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Windthorst
Car Accidents
With 251,977 people injured in Texas motor vehicle crashes annually, car accidents are the most common type we handle. In Windthorst and surrounding Archer County, we see accidents caused by:
- Distracted driving (especially on US-281)
- Failure to yield at intersections
- Speeding on rural roads
- Drunk driving incidents
- Weather-related crashes during Texas storms
Common injuries include whiplash, herniated discs, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries. As one client shared: “Leonor got me into the doctor the same day…it only took 6 months amazing.” – Chavodrian Miles
Trucking Accidents
With I-44 and US-281 serving as major trucking corridors, Windthorst sees its share of commercial vehicle accidents. These crashes often result in catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of 18-wheelers.
In Texas, there were 39,393 commercial motor vehicle crashes in 2024 alone, resulting in 608 fatalities. Our firm has recovered millions for victims of trucking accidents, including wrongful death cases.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Texas sees 1,053 alcohol-impaired driving deaths annually, accounting for 25.37% of all traffic fatalities. In rural areas like Windthorst, drunk driving remains a serious concern, especially on weekend nights.
Our firm has unique expertise in these cases. As former insurance defense attorney Lupe Peña explains: “I’ve reviewed hundreds of cases involving drunk driving accidents. Insurance companies will try to minimize your claim, but we know their tactics because we used them for years.”
Motorcycle Accidents
With 585 motorcyclist fatalities in Texas annually, these accidents often result in severe injuries. In rural areas like Archer County, motorcycle accidents can be particularly devastating due to higher speeds and limited medical resources.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
While less common in rural areas, pedestrian and bicycle accidents do occur in Windthorst, especially around school zones and local businesses. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries due to the lack of protection for pedestrians and cyclists.
What to Do After an Accident in Windthorst
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Windthorst, follow these steps:
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Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if you feel fine, some injuries like traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding may not show symptoms right away.
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Document Everything: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. Get contact information from witnesses.
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Report the Accident: Call local law enforcement to file a report. In Windthorst, you would contact the Archer County Sheriff’s Office.
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Don’t Give Recorded Statements: Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly. Politely decline to give a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
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Call Attorney911: Our legal emergency line, 1-888-ATTY-911, is available 24/7. We’ll guide you through the next steps and protect your rights.
As client Chad Harris shared: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”
Texas Motor Vehicle Laws You Should Know
Statute of Limitations
In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is strict, and missing it could bar you from recovering compensation.
Comparative Negligence
Texas follows a “51% bar rule.” If you’re found to be 51% or more at fault for the accident, you cannot recover any compensation. If you’re 50% or less at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Minimum Insurance Requirements
Texas requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
However, many drivers carry only the minimum or are uninsured. That’s why we always recommend carrying uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
How Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Your Claim
At Attorney911, we know how insurance companies operate because our attorney Lupe Peña used to work for them. Here are some tactics they use to minimize your claim:
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Quick Settlement Offers: They’ll offer you a quick, low settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries.
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Recorded Statements: They’ll ask you to give a recorded statement, hoping you’ll say something that hurts your case.
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Independent Medical Exams (IMEs): They’ll send you to a doctor they hire who will likely minimize your injuries.
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Surveillance: They may hire private investigators to follow you and take videos to argue you’re not as injured as you claim.
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Delay Tactics: They’ll drag out your case, hoping you’ll get desperate and accept a low offer.
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Comparative Fault Arguments: They’ll try to blame you for the accident to reduce their payment.
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.”
What You Can Recover in a Motor Vehicle Accident Case
In Texas, accident victims may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Physical impairment
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive Damages
In cases involving gross negligence, such as drunk driving, you may be entitled to punitive damages to punish the at-fault party.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Windthorst Accident Case
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Insurance Defense Insider: Lupe Peña worked for years at a national defense firm, learning how insurance companies value claims. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.
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Multi-Million Dollar Results: We’ve recovered millions for accident victims, including cases settling in the millions for catastrophic injuries.
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Federal Court Experience: Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle complex cases.
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Personal Attention: Unlike high-volume firms, you’ll work directly with Ralph or Lupe, not just case managers.
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No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
As client Jamin Marroquin shared: “Mr. Manginello guided me through the whole process with great expertise…tenacious, accessible, and determined throughout the 19 months.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Motor Vehicle Accidents in Windthorst
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Windthorst?
If you’ve been in an accident in Windthorst:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek medical attention even if you feel fine
- Document everything: photos of damage, injuries, 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
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 Windthorst and Archer 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 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.
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
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: 1-888-ATTY-911
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.
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.
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 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. Ralph’s 25+ years includes government litigation. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately—6-month deadline is strict.
What if the other driver fled the scene (hit and run)?
File a police report immediately (hit and run is a criminal offense). Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage applies. Surveillance footage is CRITICAL—gas stations, businesses, Ring doorbells, traffic cameras. Most footage is deleted 7-30 days. We send preservation letters immediately. Texas allows UM stacking. We’ve recovered substantial settlements in hit and run cases through UM claims.
What if I’m an undocumented immigrant—can I still file a claim?
YES. Immigration status does NOT affect your right to compensation for injuries. You’re entitled to full recovery regardless of immigration status. Your case is confidential. We’ve successfully represented clients of all immigration statuses. Lupe is fluent in Spanish. Call 1-888-ATTY-911—we protect your rights and your privacy.
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. Texas comparative negligence rules apply. We’ve won many parking lot cases with clear liability findings.
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. We handle the difficult conversation so you don’t have to.
What if the other driver died in the accident?
You can still pursue a claim against the deceased driver’s estate and insurance. Death doesn’t eliminate liability. The insurance policy still applies. The estate may have assets. Wrongful death laws protect both sides. These cases are emotionally complex but legally straightforward. We handle them with sensitivity while protecting your rights.
Serving Windthorst and All of Texas
While Windthorst is our focus, Attorney911 serves clients across Texas from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. Whether you were injured in Archer County or anywhere else in Texas, we have the expertise to handle your case.
As client Kiimarii Yup shared: “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.”
Contact Attorney911 Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Windthorst or anywhere in Texas, don’t wait. Evidence disappears daily, and the insurance companies are already building their case against you.
Call our legal emergency line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Or visit our website: https://attorney911.com
Free consultation. No fee unless we win. Hablamos Español.
As Ralph Manginello says: “We don’t just handle cases—we fight for families. When you call Attorney911, you’re not just getting a lawyer. You’re getting a team that treats you like family and fights for every dime you deserve.”
Don’t face this alone. Call Attorney911 today.

