Motor Vehicle Accidents in Claude, Armstrong County, Texas – Legal Help from Attorney911

If You’ve Been Injured in a Car Accident in Claude, Texas – We’re Here to Help

Every year, thousands of Texans find their lives turned upside down in an instant by motor vehicle accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash in Claude, Armstrong County, or anywhere in the Texas Panhandle, you’re not alone. The aftermath of an accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed, in pain, and uncertain about what comes next. At Attorney911, we understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Claude and Armstrong County residents face unique challenges after motor vehicle accidents. Whether you were involved in a collision on US Highway 287, FM 2272, or on the rural roads that connect our communities, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can be devastating. Our firm has been serving Texans for over 25 years, and we’re committed to helping accident victims in Claude and across the Panhandle region navigate the complex legal process while you focus on your recovery.

The Reality of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Texas and Armstrong County

Texas consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for motor vehicle accidents. In 2024 alone, there were 251,977 people injured in motor vehicle crashes across our state – that’s one person injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds. In Armstrong County and the surrounding Panhandle region, we see our share of these tragic incidents.

While Claude may be a small community with a population of around 1,200 residents, the rural nature of our county presents unique risks. Many of our roads are two-lane highways with higher speed limits, and the distances between medical facilities can be significant. When accidents happen on these rural roads, the consequences can be severe.

Ralph Manginello, our founding attorney with over 25 years of experience, has seen firsthand how accidents impact rural Texas communities. “In places like Claude, where emergency response times may be longer and medical facilities farther away, the effects of a motor vehicle accident can be particularly devastating,” Ralph explains. “We understand the unique challenges our Panhandle neighbors face, and we’re committed to providing the same level of aggressive representation we offer to clients in larger cities.”

Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Claude and Armstrong County

At Attorney911, we handle all types of motor vehicle accident cases that occur in and around Claude:

Car Accidents (Most Common)

Car accidents are unfortunately all too common in our region. Whether it’s a rear-end collision at a stop sign in Claude, a head-on crash on US 287, or a rollover accident on one of our rural roads, these incidents can cause serious injuries.

In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident on a rural Texas highway. During treatment, staff infections developed, leading to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions, demonstrating our commitment to fighting for maximum compensation even when injuries become more severe over time.

Trucking and 18-Wheeler Accidents

With US 287 running through Armstrong County, we see our share of trucking accidents. These massive vehicles can cause catastrophic damage when involved in collisions with passenger cars.

The Manginello Law Firm has extensive experience handling trucking accident cases. In fact, we’ve helped numerous injured individuals and families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation. Our firm is also one of the few in Texas to be involved in BP explosion litigation, demonstrating our capability to take on large corporations in complex cases.

Drunk Driving Accidents

Unfortunately, drunk driving remains a serious problem in Texas. In 2024, there were 1,053 alcohol-impaired driving deaths in our state – that’s 25.37% of all traffic fatalities.

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney who previously worked for insurance companies, understands how these cases work from the inside. “I’ve seen how insurance companies try to minimize these claims,” Lupe explains. “They know juries have little sympathy for drunk drivers, so they’ll often make lowball offers early on. We know their tactics and won’t let them take advantage of our clients.”

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle riders face unique risks on our roads. In 2024, there were 585 motorcyclist fatalities in Texas. While we may not see as many motorcycle accidents in Armstrong County as in larger cities, when they do occur, the injuries are often severe.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

While less common in rural areas, pedestrian and bicycle accidents can occur in Claude, particularly around schools or in town. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries due to the lack of protection for pedestrians and cyclists.

Work Zone Accidents

Construction zones on our highways and roads can be particularly dangerous. In 2024, there were nearly 28,000 crashes in Texas work zones, resulting in 215 deaths – a 12% increase from the previous year.

Weather-Related Accidents

The Texas Panhandle is known for its unpredictable weather. From sudden ice storms to high winds and blowing dust, weather conditions can contribute to serious accidents on our roads.

Why Motor Vehicle Accidents Happen in Claude and Armstrong County

Understanding the common causes of accidents in our region can help prevent future incidents. Some of the most frequent causes we see in Armstrong County include:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a growing problem across Texas, including in rural areas. Whether it’s texting, adjusting the radio, or simply not paying attention to the road, distractions can have deadly consequences.

Speeding

Many of our rural roads have higher speed limits, and some drivers take advantage of the open roads to exceed these limits. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.

Failure to Yield

Intersections and rural road junctions can be confusing, especially for drivers unfamiliar with the area. Failure to yield the right of way is a common cause of accidents in our region.

Fatigued Driving

Long distances between towns can lead to driver fatigue, particularly for those making long commutes or driving commercial vehicles.

Impaired Driving

Despite the dangers, drunk driving remains a problem in our region. In Texas, a driver is considered legally intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.

Poor Road Conditions

Rural roads can sometimes be poorly maintained, with potholes, inadequate signage, or other hazards that contribute to accidents.

Animal Crossings

In rural areas like Armstrong County, encounters with wildlife or livestock on the road can lead to serious accidents.

Common Injuries from Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to catastrophic. Some of the most common injuries we see in our Claude clients include:

Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries

These are among the most common injuries in car accidents. While often considered “minor,” they can cause significant pain and require extensive treatment.

Broken Bones and Fractures

The force of a collision can easily break bones. Common fractures include arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Even a “mild” brain injury can have long-lasting effects. Symptoms may not appear immediately, which is why it’s crucial to seek medical attention after any accident.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often require lifelong care and can cost millions of dollars over a lifetime.

Herniated Discs

The impact of a collision can cause discs in the spine to herniate, leading to chronic pain and potentially requiring surgery.

Internal Injuries

Internal bleeding and organ damage may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Psychological Injuries

The emotional impact of an accident can be just as devastating as physical injuries. Many accident victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression.

In a recent case that settled in the millions, our client initially suffered what seemed like a leg injury in a car accident. However, during treatment, staff infections developed, leading to a partial amputation. This case demonstrates how injuries can worsen over time and why it’s crucial to have experienced legal representation from the beginning.

What to Do After a Motor Vehicle Accident in Claude

If you’ve been involved in an accident in Claude or anywhere in Armstrong County, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health and your legal rights:

Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone is injured.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Document Everything: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle information.
Get Witness Information: If there are witnesses, get their names and contact information.
Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement: Insurance companies will try to contact you quickly. Politely decline to give a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
Call Attorney911: Our legal emergency line is available 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911.

“Many people don’t realize how quickly evidence can disappear after an accident,” explains Lupe Peña. “Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is typically deleted within 7-30 days. Witness memories fade quickly. That’s why it’s crucial to act fast and protect your rights.”

Why You Need an Attorney After a Motor Vehicle Accident in Claude

After an accident, insurance companies will often contact you quickly, offering what seems like a fair settlement. But these early offers are almost always far below what your case is truly worth. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys working to minimize their payouts – shouldn’t you have someone fighting for your best interests?

Here’s how Attorney911 can help:

We Know Their Tactics Because We Used Them

Lupe Peña worked for a number of years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims. He knows their playbook because he used it himself. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for accident victims.

“I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as a defense attorney,” Lupe explains. “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.”

We Fight for Maximum Compensation

We don’t accept lowball settlement offers. Our goal is to recover the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under Texas law. This includes:

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

We Handle All the Legal Work

After an accident, your focus should be on your recovery. Let us handle the legal details:

Investigating the accident
Gathering evidence
Dealing with insurance companies
Negotiating settlements
Filing lawsuits when necessary
Preparing for trial

We Don’t Get Paid Unless We Win

At Attorney911, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so you never have to worry about hourly legal bills while you’re trying to recover from your injuries.

The Insurance Company Playbook – And How We Counter It

Insurance companies have a well-developed playbook for minimizing payouts to accident victims. Here are some of their most common tactics – and how Attorney911 counters them:

1. The Quick Cash Trap

What They Do: Within days of your accident, the insurance company offers you a quick settlement – often just a few thousand dollars. They create artificial urgency, telling you the offer will expire soon.

The Trap: You don’t know the full extent of your injuries yet. Once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back for more money, even if you discover you need surgery or have permanent injuries.

How We Counter: We never let our clients accept quick settlements. We wait until you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) – the point where your doctor determines you’ve recovered as much as you’re going to. Only then can we accurately assess the true value of your case.

2. The Recorded Statement Trap

What They Do: The insurance adjuster calls, sounding friendly and concerned. They ask you to give a recorded statement about what happened.

The Trap: Everything you say is recorded and can be used against you. They’ll ask leading questions designed to get you to minimize your injuries or accept partial fault.

How We Counter: We never let our clients give recorded statements without our guidance. We handle all communication with the insurance company, ensuring you don’t say anything that could hurt your case.

3. The IME (Independent Medical Exam) Scheme

What They Do: The insurance company schedules you for an “Independent Medical Exam” with a doctor of their choosing.

The Trap: These doctors are hired by the insurance company and often find ways to minimize your injuries. They may claim your injuries are pre-existing or not as severe as your doctors say.

How We Counter: Lupe Peña knows these doctors because he used to hire them when he worked for insurance companies. We prepare our clients extensively for these exams and challenge biased reports with our own medical experts.

4. Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring

What They Do: Insurance companies hire private investigators to follow you and monitor your social media accounts.

The Trap: They’re looking for any evidence that contradicts your injury claims – even innocent activities taken out of context.

How We Counter: We advise our clients on how to protect themselves from surveillance and social media monitoring. We also know how to counter their attempts to use this evidence against you.

5. The Delay, Deny, Defend Strategy

What They Do: Insurance companies drag out your case, hoping you’ll get desperate and accept a low settlement.

The Trap: As time passes, evidence disappears, witnesses become harder to locate, and your financial pressure increases.

How We Counter: We move quickly to preserve evidence and file lawsuits when necessary to force the insurance company to take your claim seriously.

6. The Pre-Existing Condition Blame Game

What They Do: Insurance companies dig through your medical history, looking for any prior injuries or conditions they can blame for your current symptoms.

The Trap: They’ll claim your injuries aren’t from the accident, even if the accident clearly made them worse.

How We Counter: We work with medical experts to prove how the accident aggravated your pre-existing condition. Texas law allows you to recover for the worsening of pre-existing conditions.

How We Prove Liability in Your Claude Motor Vehicle Accident Case

To recover compensation for your injuries, we must prove that the other driver was at fault. Here’s how we build a strong case:

1. Gathering Evidence

We collect all available evidence, including:

Police accident reports
Photographs of the accident scene and vehicle damage
Witness statements
Surveillance footage from nearby businesses
Electronic data from vehicles (black boxes, ELDs for trucks)
Medical records documenting your injuries

2. Investigating the Accident

Our investigation may include:

Visiting the accident scene
Analyzing skid marks and debris patterns
Interviewing witnesses
Consulting with accident reconstruction experts

3. Establishing Negligence

To prove the other driver was at fault, we must show they breached their duty of care. This could include:

Speeding
Running a red light or stop sign
Distracted driving
Drunk or impaired driving
Failure to yield the right of way
Improper lane changes

4. Demonstrating Causation

We must prove that the other driver’s negligence directly caused your injuries. This often involves:

Medical expert testimony
Accident reconstruction analysis
Documentation of your injuries and treatment

5. Calculating Damages

We work with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to calculate the full extent of your damages, including:

Past and future medical expenses
Lost wages and lost earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Physical impairment
Disfigurement

What Is Your Claude Motor Vehicle Accident Case Worth?

The value of your case depends on many factors, including:

The severity of your injuries
The cost of your medical treatment
Whether you’ll need future medical care
The impact on your ability to work
The degree of the other driver’s fault
The available insurance coverage

While we can’t guarantee a specific outcome, here are some general settlement ranges for different types of injuries:

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 Bones (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 (Requiring Surgery)

Medical Treatment: $96,000-$205,000
Future Medical: $30,000-$100,000
Lost Wages: $20,000-$50,000
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
Future Medical: $300,000-$3,000,000+
Lost Wages: $50,000-$200,000
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

Wrongful Death

Funeral Expenses: $10,000-$20,000
Medical Expenses: $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

“Many people don’t realize that insurance companies use software called Colossus to calculate settlement offers,” explains Lupe Peña. “This software is programmed to undervalue serious injuries. I used to work with these systems when I was on the insurance side. Now, I know how to present cases to maximize their value and fight for what our clients truly deserve.”

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Claude Motor Vehicle Accident Case?

When you’re injured in an accident in Claude or anywhere in Armstrong County, you need an attorney who understands the unique challenges of our rural region and has the experience to fight for maximum compensation. Here’s what sets Attorney911 apart:

1. We Have an Insurance Defense Insider on Your Side

Lupe Peña worked for years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how insurance companies value claims. He knows their tactics because he used them himself. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for accident victims.

“Having a former insurance defense attorney on our team gives us an unfair advantage,” says Ralph Manginello. “We know how they think, how they calculate claims, and how to counter their strategies. It’s like having a spy on the inside.”

2. We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

Attorney911 has recovered millions of dollars for accident victims across Texas. Some of our notable results include:

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
Multi-million dollar settlement for a client whose leg was injured in a car accident, leading to a partial amputation due to complications
Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases
Significant cash settlement for a client who injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship

3. We Have Federal Court Experience

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

Trucking accidents (FMCSA regulations are federal)
Cases against out-of-state defendants
Catastrophic injury cases
Product liability claims

“Our firm is one of the few in Texas to be involved in BP explosion litigation,” Ralph notes. “This experience with complex, high-stakes cases gives us the capability to take on even the most challenging motor vehicle accident cases.”

4. We Provide Personal Attention – You’re Not Just a Case Number

At many large firms, you’re just another case on the assembly line. At Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, not a team of paralegals or junior associates.

“When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me,” says Stephanie Hernandez, a former client. “She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.”

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

5. We Don’t Get Paid Unless We Win Your Case

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

Free consultation – no obligation
No upfront costs
We advance all case expenses
You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you

This arrangement ensures that everyone has access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.

6. We Serve All of Texas, Including Rural Communities Like Claude

While we have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve clients across the entire state of Texas. We understand the unique challenges faced by rural communities like Claude, where:

Medical facilities may be farther away
Emergency response times can be longer
Insurance adjusters may try to take advantage of the lack of local legal resources

“We’re committed to providing the same level of aggressive representation to our rural clients as we do to those in major cities,” says Ralph. “Whether you’re in Claude, Amarillo, or Houston, you deserve quality legal representation.”

7. We Offer Bilingual Services

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our staff includes bilingual team members. We can communicate with you in the language you’re most comfortable with, ensuring you fully understand your rights and options.

“Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates,” says Celia Dominguez, a Spanish-speaking client.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motor Vehicle Accidents in Claude

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Claude or Armstrong County?

If you’ve been in an accident in Claude or anywhere in Armstrong County:

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

Should I call the police even for a minor accident?

Yes, always call the police. In Texas, you must report accidents that result in injuries, deaths, or property damage over $1,000. The police report is crucial evidence for your claim.

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 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

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 Armstrong County, you can obtain the police report from the Armstrong County Sheriff’s Office 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 or underinsured?

Your own UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) coverage can compensate you. Watch our video on UM/UIM claims: 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.

How much time do I have to file a lawsuit (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.

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 in negotiations.

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

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 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’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” (which is a lie). We prove fault through: surveillance video, witness statements, damage analysis, and 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.

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. This is called the “eggshell plaintiff” rule – the defendant takes the victim as they find them.

For example: You had mild occasional back pain before the accident. After the accident, you developed 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. Lupe Peña knows how insurance companies attack pre-existing conditions – he used this defense for years when he worked for them.

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 your case is worth, 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.”

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

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

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. Unfortunately, your own insurance company will fight your claim just like the other driver’s insurance would. You need attorney representation for these claims.

Texas allows inter-policy stacking, which means you can combine coverage from multiple vehicles on your policy. Lupe Peña’s insurance knowledge is particularly valuable for maximizing your UM/UIM recovery.

How do you calculate pain and suffering?

Most commonly using the multiplier method: Medical expenses × multiplier (1.5 to 5) = pain and suffering.

The multiplier depends on:

Injury severity
Permanency
Impact on your life
Clear liability

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

Lupe Peña calculated these multipliers for years when he worked for insurance companies. He knows how to justify higher multipliers and when the multiplier method undervalues a case.

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 for most personal injury claims). Sovereign immunity protects government entities, and damage caps may apply.

These cases are complex – you need an experienced attorney. Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience includes government litigation. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately – the 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 when the at-fault driver is unidentified.

Surveillance footage is critical in hit and run cases. Most footage is deleted within 7-30 days, so we send preservation letters immediately to nearby businesses. Texas allows UM stacking, which means you can combine coverage from multiple policies.

We’ve recovered substantial settlements in hit and run cases through UM claims. Call Attorney911 immediately – time is critical in these cases.

What if I’m a passenger in an Uber or Lyft and we’re in an accident?

Rideshare accidents can be complex because insurance coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident. There are four phases of rideshare insurance:

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

Lupe Peña understands this complex insurance structure from his time working for insurance companies. We can navigate these coverage issues to ensure you receive maximum compensation.

What if I was hit by a delivery driver (Amazon, FedEx, UPS, etc.)?

Delivery vehicle accidents often involve multiple liable parties and higher insurance limits. Some key points:

Amazon DSPs (Delivery Service Partners) are contractually required to “defend and indemnify” Amazon for “death or injury”
Delivery drivers often have higher safety violation rates than average motor carriers
There were 1,879 crashes involving Amazon-related motor carriers in the 24 months ending August 2025

These cases often result in higher settlements due to:

Larger vehicles causing more severe injuries
$1M+ liability insurance policies
No jury sympathy for corporate defendants
Business models that may encourage dangerous behavior

What if I was injured in a work zone accident?

Work zone accidents are unfortunately common in Texas. In 2024, there were nearly 28,000 crashes in Texas work zones, resulting in 215 deaths – a 12% increase from the previous year.

These accidents often involve:

Speeding in work zones
Failure to obey traffic control devices
Distracted driving
Improper lane changes

Work zone accidents can be particularly complex because they may involve:

Multiple liable parties (driver, construction company, government entity)
Special notice requirements for government claims
Issues with road design and signage

What if I was injured in a bus accident?

Bus accidents can involve multiple victims and complex liability issues. In 2024, there were 1,110 bus accidents in Texas, resulting in 17 fatal crashes and 549 injury crashes.

Liable parties in bus accidents may include:

The bus driver (fatigue, distraction, impairment)
The bus operator/company (inadequate training, negligent maintenance)
The manufacturer (brake, tire, or safety equipment defects)
Other drivers (third-party vehicles)
Government entities (poor signage, road defects) – special notice requirements apply

What if I was injured in a motorcycle accident?

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection for riders. In 2024, there were 585 motorcyclist fatalities in Texas.

Texas has specific laws for motorcyclists:

Helmets are required for all riders under 21
Riders 21+ may ride without a helmet if they’ve completed an approved safety course OR have $10,000+ in medical insurance

Insurance companies often try to blame motorcyclists for accidents. Texas’ 51% comparative fault rule is particularly important in motorcycle cases. Lupe Peña’s experience as an insurance defense attorney helps counter these arguments.

What if I was a pedestrian hit by a car?

Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries due to the lack of protection for pedestrians. In 2024, there were 6,095 pedestrian crashes in Texas, resulting in 768 deaths.

Important legal point: Pedestrians ALWAYS have the right-of-way at intersections in Texas, even at unmarked crosswalks. Many drivers don’t know this, and insurance companies won’t tell you.

Common injuries in pedestrian accidents include:

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

What if I was injured in a bicycle accident?

Bicycle accidents can be particularly dangerous, especially when they involve motor vehicles. In 2024, there were 78 cyclist fatalities in Texas.

Texas has specific laws for electric bicycles (e-bikes):

Class 1: 20 mph max, pedal assist only
Class 2: 20 mph max, pedal assist + throttle
Class 3: 28 mph max, pedal assist only

No license or registration is required for standard e-bikes with motors under 750W and speeds under 28 mph.

Liability in bicycle accidents can be complex and may involve:

Motorists who strike cyclists
Bicycle manufacturers (product defects)
Pedestrians struck by cyclists
Property owners (premises liability for poorly maintained paths)

What if I was injured in a Tesla or other autonomous vehicle accident?

Autonomous vehicle accidents present unique liability issues. In 2024-2025, there have been several high-profile cases involving Tesla’s Autopilot system, including:

A $240M+ jury verdict against Tesla in a 2025 case
Multiple fatal crashes where Autopilot failed to detect obstacles

Liability in these cases may involve:

The vehicle manufacturer (software defects, sensor failures)
The human driver (failure to supervise Level 2-3 systems)
Government regulators (failure to properly regulate)

Ralph Manginello’s federal court experience is particularly valuable in these complex product liability cases.

What if I was injured in a boat or maritime accident?

While less common in Armstrong County than in coastal areas, boat accidents can occur on lakes and rivers in our region. These accidents may involve:

Collisions with other boats
Groundings or capsizing
Passenger injuries
Drowning incidents

Maritime law can be complex, involving both state and federal regulations. In a recent case, our client injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship. Our investigation revealed that he should have been assisted in this duty, and we were able to reach a significant cash settlement.

What if I was injured in an accident involving an ambulance or other emergency vehicle?

Accidents involving emergency vehicles can be complex due to:

Governmental immunity issues
Special notice requirements
Complex liability determinations

Emergency vehicles have certain privileges under Texas law, but they must still operate with due regard for the safety of others.

What if I was injured in a construction zone accident?

Construction zone accidents are unfortunately common in Texas. In 2024, there were nearly 28,000 crashes in Texas work zones, resulting in 215 deaths – a 12% increase from the previous year.

These accidents often involve:

Speeding in work zones
Failure to obey traffic control devices
Distracted driving
Improper lane changes

Work zone accidents can be particularly complex because they may involve multiple liable parties, including:

The driver
The construction company
The government entity responsible for the road
Equipment manufacturers

What if I was injured in a weather-related accident?

Weather-related accidents are common in the Texas Panhandle, where conditions can change rapidly. Common weather-related causes include:

Ice and snow
High winds and blowing dust
Heavy rain and flooding
Fog

While weather can contribute to accidents, drivers are still expected to adjust their speed and driving behavior to account for conditions.

What if I was injured in a single-vehicle accident?

Single-vehicle accidents can still result in valid claims if they were caused by:

Defective road conditions
Poor signage or lighting
Defective vehicle parts
Another driver’s actions that caused you to swerve
Animal crossings (in some cases)

What if I was injured in an accident with a drunk driver?

Drunk driving accidents are particularly tragic because they’re 100% preventable. In Texas, a driver is considered legally intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.

These cases often involve:

Criminal charges against the drunk driver
Dram shop liability claims against bars or restaurants that served the driver
Punitive damages to punish the drunk driver and deter similar behavior

Lupe Peña’s experience as a former insurance defense attorney is particularly valuable in these cases. “I’ve seen how insurance companies try to minimize these claims,” he explains. “They know juries have little sympathy for drunk drivers, so they’ll often make lowball offers early on. We know their tactics and won’t let them take advantage of our clients.”

What if I was injured in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver?

Uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claims are unfortunately common in Texas. Approximately 15.4% of Texas drivers are uninsured – that’s about 1 in 7 drivers.

Your own UM/UIM coverage can compensate you when:

The at-fault driver has no insurance
The at-fault driver has insufficient insurance
The at-fault driver flees the scene (hit and run)

What if I was injured in an accident with a commercial vehicle?

Commercial vehicle accidents can be particularly complex due to:

Multiple liable parties (driver, trucking company, cargo loader, etc.)
Higher insurance limits
Federal regulations (FMCSA for trucks)
Complex evidence (ELD data, maintenance records, etc.)

These cases often result in higher settlements due to:

Larger vehicles causing more severe injuries
$1M+ liability insurance policies
No jury sympathy for corporate defendants
Business models that may encourage dangerous behavior

What if I was injured in an accident with a rideshare vehicle (Uber, Lyft)?

Rideshare accidents present unique insurance challenges because coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident. There are four phases of rideshare insurance:

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

Lupe Peña understands this complex insurance structure from his time working for insurance companies. We can navigate these coverage issues to ensure you receive maximum compensation.

What if I was injured in an accident with a delivery vehicle (Amazon, FedEx, UPS)?

Delivery vehicle accidents often involve multiple liable parties and higher insurance limits. Some key points:

Amazon DSPs (Delivery Service Partners) are contractually required to “defend and indemnify” Amazon for “death or injury”
Delivery drivers often have higher safety violation rates than average motor carriers
There were 1,879 crashes involving Amazon-related motor carriers in the 24 months ending August 2025

These cases often result in higher settlements due to:

Larger vehicles causing more severe injuries
$1M+ liability insurance policies
No jury sympathy for corporate defendants
Business models that may encourage dangerous behavior

What if I was injured in a hit and run accident?

Hit and run accidents present unique challenges because the at-fault driver is unknown. However, you may still be able to recover compensation through:

Your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage
Other insurance policies that may apply

It’s crucial to act quickly in hit and run cases because:

Evidence disappears quickly
Surveillance footage is typically deleted within 7-30 days
Witness memories fade

We send preservation letters immediately to nearby businesses to secure surveillance footage before it’s deleted.

What if I was injured in an accident with a Tesla or other autonomous vehicle?

Autonomous vehicle accidents present unique liability issues. In 2024-2025, there have been several high-profile cases involving Tesla’s Autopilot system, including:

A $240M+ jury verdict against Tesla in a 2025 case
Multiple fatal crashes where Autopilot failed to detect obstacles

Liability in these cases may involve:

The vehicle manufacturer (software defects, sensor failures)
The human driver (failure to supervise Level 2-3 systems)
Government regulators (failure to properly regulate)

Ralph Manginello’s federal court experience is particularly valuable in these complex product liability cases.

What if I was injured in a boat or maritime accident?

While less common in Armstrong County than in coastal areas, boat accidents can occur on lakes and rivers in our region. These accidents may involve:

Collisions with other boats
Groundings or capsizing
Passenger injuries
Drowning incidents

What if I lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident?

Losing a loved one in a motor vehicle accident is devastating. In Texas, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim.

Wrongful death claims can recover compensation for:

Funeral and burial expenses
Lost financial support
Loss of companionship and society
Mental anguish
Loss of inheritance

In addition to wrongful death claims, the estate of the deceased may also pursue a survival action to recover damages the deceased would have been entitled to if they had survived, such as:

Pain and suffering before death
Medical expenses before death
Lost income before death

At Attorney911, we understand the emotional toll of losing a loved one. We handle these cases with compassion while aggressively pursuing the compensation your family deserves.

How do I know if I have a good case?

Several factors determine whether you have a strong motor vehicle accident case:

Liability: Is it clear that the other driver was at fault?
Damages: Did you suffer injuries or other losses?
Insurance: Is there insurance coverage available to compensate you?
Timing: Have you filed your claim within the statute of limitations?

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

How long do I have to file a lawsuit (statute of limitations)?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 2 years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims, it’s 2 years from the date of death.

There are some exceptions to this rule:

If the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations is tolled until they turn 18
If the defendant leaves the state, the statute of limitations may be tolled
In some cases, the discovery rule may extend the statute of limitations if the injury wasn’t immediately discoverable

It’s crucial to act quickly. Once the statute of limitations expires, you lose your right to pursue compensation forever.

What should I do if the insurance company denies my claim?

Insurance companies deny claims for many reasons, often hoping you’ll give up. Common reasons for denial include:

Claiming you were at fault
Claiming your injuries are pre-existing
Claiming you didn’t seek treatment quickly enough
Claiming your treatment was unnecessary
Claiming you gave a recorded statement that hurts your case

If your claim is denied, don’t give up. We can:

Review the denial letter and identify weaknesses in their argument
Gather additional evidence to support your claim
File an appeal with the insurance company
File a lawsuit if necessary

What if the insurance company offers me a settlement?

Insurance companies often make early settlement offers that are far below what your case is truly worth. They’re hoping you’ll accept a quick payout and go away.

Before accepting any settlement offer:

Consult with an attorney
Make sure you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
Ensure you understand the full extent of your injuries and future medical needs

Once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back for more money, even if you discover later that your injuries are more severe than you thought.

How much is my case worth?

The value of your case depends on many factors, including:

The severity of your injuries
The cost of your medical treatment
Whether you’ll need future medical care
The impact on your ability to work
The degree of the other driver’s fault
The available insurance coverage

While we can’t guarantee a specific outcome, we can provide general settlement ranges based on the types of injuries we commonly see. See the “What Is Your Claude Motor Vehicle Accident Case Worth?” section above for more details.

How long will it take to settle my case?

The timeline for settling a motor vehicle accident case varies depending on several factors:

The severity of your injuries
How long it takes you to reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
The complexity of your case
Whether liability is disputed
The insurance company’s willingness to negotiate
Whether a lawsuit needs to be filed

Minor injury cases may settle within 6-12 months. More serious injury cases can take 18-24 months or longer.

Do I have to go to court?

Most motor vehicle accident cases settle out of court. However, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation gives us leverage in negotiations and ensures we’re ready if the case does go to court.

What if I can’t afford medical treatment?

If you can’t afford medical treatment after an accident, we can help you find doctors who will treat you on a lien basis. This means they’ll provide treatment now and get paid from your settlement later.

We can also help you apply for medical payment coverage (MedPay) through your own insurance policy, if available.

What if I can’t work because of my injuries?

If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Lost wages (income you’ve already lost)
Lost earning capacity (future income you’ll lose due to permanent injuries)

We work with vocational experts and economists to calculate these losses accurately.

What if I’m self-employed or an independent contractor?

If you’re self-employed or an independent contractor, calculating lost income can be more complex. We work with financial experts to document your lost earnings through:

Tax returns
Business records
Client contracts
Invoices
Expert testimony

What if I was a passenger in the accident?

As a passenger, you’re generally not at fault for the accident. You may be able to pursue a claim against:

The driver of the vehicle you were in
The driver of the other vehicle
Both drivers, if they share fault

These cases often settle quickly because liability is usually clear.

What if I was on the job when the accident happened?

If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident while working, you may have both a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury claim.

Workers’ compensation provides benefits regardless of fault, but these benefits are limited. A personal injury claim may allow you to recover additional compensation from the at-fault driver.

What if the accident was partially my fault?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar rule. This means:

If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover compensation (reduced by your percentage of fault)
If you’re 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation

For example:

If you’re 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you can recover $80,000
If you’re 51% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you can recover $0

Insurance companies often try to assign maximum fault to accident victims. Lupe Peña’s experience as an insurance defense attorney helps us counter these arguments.

What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, you may still be able to recover compensation through:

Your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage
Other insurance policies that may apply
The at-fault driver’s personal assets (though this is often difficult)

Texas law requires all auto insurance policies to include UM coverage unless you specifically reject it in writing.

What if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance?

If the other driver’s insurance limits are too low to cover your damages, you may be able to recover additional compensation through:

Your own Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage
Other insurance policies that may apply
The at-fault driver’s personal assets (though this is often difficult)

Texas allows inter-policy stacking, which means you can combine UIM coverage from multiple vehicles on your policy.

What if the accident happened in another state?

If you’re a Texas resident injured in an accident in another state, you can generally file your claim in Texas. The laws of the state where the accident occurred will typically apply to your case.

What if I was injured in a rental car?

If you were injured in an accident while driving a rental car, several insurance policies may apply:

The rental car company’s insurance
Your personal auto insurance
The at-fault driver’s insurance
Credit card insurance (if you used a credit card to rent the car)

These cases can be complex, and it’s important to consult with an attorney to ensure you’re pursuing all available sources of compensation.

What if I was injured in a company vehicle?

If you were injured in an accident while driving a company vehicle, several factors will determine your options:

Were you on the job at the time?
Who was at fault for the accident?
What insurance policies cover the vehicle?

You may have both a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury claim.

What if I was hit by a driver who was working at the time?

If you were hit by a driver who was working at the time of the accident, you may be able to pursue a claim against both the driver and their employer. This is known as respondeat superior liability.

These cases often involve higher insurance limits, which can result in larger settlements.

What if I was hit by a drunk driver?

Drunk driving accidents often result in larger settlements due to:

Criminal charges against the drunk driver
Dram shop liability claims against bars or restaurants that served the driver
Punitive damages to punish the drunk driver and deter similar behavior

What if I was hit by a distracted driver?

Distracted driving accidents are increasingly common. If you were hit by a distracted driver, we can help prove their negligence through:

Cell phone records
Witness testimony
Surveillance footage
Social media posts
Accident reconstruction

What if I was hit by a driver who was texting?

Texting while driving is illegal in Texas. If you were hit by a driver who was texting, we can obtain their cell phone records to prove their negligence.

These cases often result in larger settlements because texting while driving is considered particularly reckless behavior.

What if I was hit by a driver who ran a red light?

Running a red light is a clear violation of traffic laws. If you were hit by a driver who ran a red light, we can often prove liability through:

Traffic camera footage
Witness testimony
Police reports
Accident reconstruction

What if I was hit by a driver who was speeding?

Speeding is a common cause of accidents. If you were hit by a speeding driver, we can prove their negligence through:

Skid mark analysis
Accident reconstruction
Witness testimony
Police reports

What if I was hit by a driver who failed to yield?

Failure to yield is a common cause of accidents, particularly at intersections. If you were hit by a driver who failed to yield, we can prove their negligence through:

Traffic camera footage
Witness testimony
Police reports
Accident reconstruction

What if I was hit by a driver who made an unsafe lane change?

Unsafe lane changes are a common cause of accidents. If you were hit by a driver who made an unsafe lane change, we can prove their negligence through:

Witness testimony
Accident reconstruction
Police reports
Vehicle damage analysis

What if I was hit by a driver who was following too closely?

Following too closely (tailgating) is a common cause of rear-end collisions. If you were hit by a driver who was following too closely, we can prove their negligence through:

Witness testimony
Accident reconstruction
Police reports
Vehicle damage analysis

What if I was hit by a driver who was fatigued?

Fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. If you were hit by a fatigued driver, we can prove their negligence through:

Driver logs (for commercial drivers)
Witness testimony
Cell phone records (showing lack of activity)
Accident reconstruction

What if I was hit by a driver who was under the influence of drugs?

Driving under the influence of drugs is illegal in Texas. If you were hit by a driver who was under the influence of drugs, we can prove their negligence through:

Police reports (including field sobriety tests)
Blood test results
Witness testimony
Accident reconstruction

What if I was hit by a driver with a suspended license?

Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Texas. If you were hit by a driver with a suspended license, this can be used to prove their negligence.

What if I was hit by a driver with a history of traffic violations?

If the at-fault driver has a history of traffic violations, this can be used to prove a pattern of negligent behavior. We can obtain their driving record as part of our investigation.

What if I was hit by a driver who fled the scene?

Hit and run accidents present unique challenges because the at-fault driver is unknown. However, you may still be able to recover compensation through:

Your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage
Other insurance policies that may apply

It’s crucial to act quickly in hit and run cases because:

Evidence disappears quickly
Surveillance footage is typically deleted within 7-30 days
Witness memories fade

We send preservation letters immediately to nearby businesses to secure surveillance footage before it’s deleted.

What if I was hit by a driver who was uninsured?

If you were hit by an uninsured driver, you may still be able to recover compensation through:

Your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage
Other insurance policies that may apply
The at-fault driver’s personal assets (though this is often difficult)

Texas law requires all auto insurance policies to include UM coverage unless you specifically reject it in writing.

What if I was hit by a driver who was underinsured?

If you were hit by an underinsured driver (one whose insurance limits are too low to cover your damages), you may be able to recover additional compensation through:

Your own Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage
Other insurance policies that may apply
The at-fault driver’s personal assets (though this is often difficult)

Texas allows inter-policy stacking, which means you can combine UIM coverage from multiple vehicles on your policy.

What if I was hit by a commercial vehicle?

Commercial vehicle accidents can be particularly complex due to:

Multiple liable parties (driver, trucking company, cargo loader, etc.)
Higher insurance limits
Federal regulations (FMCSA for trucks)
Complex evidence (ELD data, maintenance records, etc.)

These cases often result in higher settlements due to:

Larger vehicles causing more severe injuries
$1M+ liability insurance policies
No jury sympathy for corporate defendants
Business models that may encourage dangerous behavior

What if I was hit by a truck?

Trucking accidents are among the most complex motor vehicle accident cases. These cases often involve:

Multiple liable parties (driver, trucking company, cargo loader, manufacturer, etc.)
Federal regulations (FMCSA)
Complex evidence (ELD data, driver logs, maintenance records, etc.)
Catastrophic injuries

Ralph Manginello’s federal court experience is particularly valuable in these cases. “Our firm is one of the few in Texas to be involved in BP explosion litigation,” he notes. “This experience with complex, high-stakes cases gives us the capability to take on even the most challenging trucking accident cases.”

What if I was hit by a bus?

Bus accidents can involve multiple victims and complex liability issues. Liable parties may include:

The bus driver (fatigue, distraction, impairment)
The bus operator/company (inadequate training, negligent maintenance)
The manufacturer (brake, tire, or safety equipment defects)
Other drivers (third-party vehicles)
Government entities (poor signage, road defects) – special notice requirements apply

What if I was hit by a taxi?

Taxi accidents can be complex due to:

Multiple insurance policies that may apply
Regulations governing taxi companies
Issues with driver training and background checks

What if I was hit by a rideshare vehicle (Uber, Lyft)?

Rideshare accidents present unique insurance challenges because coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident. There are four phases of rideshare insurance:

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

Lupe Peña understands this complex insurance structure from his time working for insurance companies. We can navigate these coverage issues to ensure you receive maximum compensation.

What if I was hit by a delivery vehicle (Amazon, FedEx, UPS)?

Delivery vehicle accidents often involve multiple liable parties and higher insurance limits. Some key points:

Amazon DSPs (Delivery Service Partners) are contractually required to “defend and indemnify” Amazon for “death or injury”
Delivery drivers often have higher safety violation rates than average motor carriers
There were 1,879 crashes involving Amazon-related motor carriers in the 24 months ending August 2025

These cases often result in higher settlements due to:

Larger vehicles causing more severe injuries
$1M+ liability insurance policies
No jury sympathy for corporate defendants
Business models that may encourage dangerous behavior

What if I was hit by an emergency vehicle (ambulance, police car, fire truck)?

Accidents involving emergency vehicles can be complex due to:

Governmental immunity issues
Special notice requirements
Complex liability determinations

Emergency vehicles have certain privileges under Texas law, but they must still operate with due regard for the safety of others.

What if I was hit by a vehicle with a defective part?

If you were injured due to a defective vehicle part, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer. Common defective parts include:

Defective tires
Faulty brakes
Malfunctioning airbags
Defective seatbelts
Faulty ignition switches
Defective backup cameras

These cases can be complex and often require expert testimony. Ralph Manginello’s federal court experience is particularly valuable in these product liability cases.

What if I was injured by a defective road condition?

If you were injured due to a defective road condition, you may have a claim against the government entity responsible for maintaining the road. Common defective road conditions include:

Potholes
Inadequate signage
Poor lighting
Missing guardrails
Improperly designed intersections

These cases have special notice requirements and shorter deadlines, so it’s crucial to act quickly.

What if I was injured in a weather-related accident?

Weather-related accidents are common in the Texas Panhandle, where conditions can change rapidly. While weather can contribute to accidents, drivers are still expected to adjust their speed and driving behavior to account for conditions.

If you were injured in a weather-related accident, we can investigate whether the other driver was negligent in failing to adjust their driving to the conditions.

What if I was injured in an accident with an animal?

Animal-related accidents are common in rural areas like Armstrong County. If you were injured in an accident involving an animal, liability may depend on:

Whether the animal was domesticated or wild
Whether the animal was on the road due to someone’s negligence
Whether proper fencing or warning signs were in place

What if I was injured in a single-vehicle accident?

Single-vehicle accidents can still result in valid claims if they were caused by:

Defective road conditions
Poor signage or lighting
Defective vehicle parts
Another driver’s actions that caused you to swerve
Animal crossings (in some cases)

What if I was injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver?

Drunk driving accidents are particularly tragic because they’re 100% preventable. In Texas, a driver is considered legally intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.

These cases often involve:

Criminal charges against the drunk driver
Dram shop liability claims against bars or restaurants that served the driver
Punitive damages to punish the drunk driver and deter similar behavior

What if I was injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver?

Distracted driving is a growing problem in Texas. If you were injured by a distracted driver, we can help prove their negligence through:

Cell phone records
Witness testimony
Surveillance footage
Social media posts
Accident reconstruction

What if I was injured in an accident caused by a texting driver?

Texting while driving is illegal in Texas. If you were injured by a driver who was texting, we can obtain their cell phone records to prove their negligence.

These cases often result in larger settlements because texting while driving is considered particularly reckless behavior.

What if I was injured in an accident caused by a fatigued driver?

Fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. If you were injured by a fatigued driver, we can prove their negligence through:

Driver logs (for commercial drivers)
Witness testimony
Cell phone records (showing lack of activity)
Accident reconstruction

What if I was injured in an accident caused by a driver under the influence of drugs?

Driving under the influence of drugs is illegal in Texas. If you were injured by a driver under the influence of drugs, we can prove their negligence through:

Police reports (including field sobriety tests)
Blood test results
Witness testimony
Accident reconstruction

What if I was injured in a hit and run accident?

Hit and run accidents present unique challenges because the at-fault driver is unknown. However, you may still be able to recover compensation through:

Your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage
Other insurance policies that may apply

It’s crucial to act quickly in hit and run cases because:

Evidence disappears quickly
Surveillance footage is typically deleted within 7-30 days
Witness memories fade

We send preservation letters immediately to nearby businesses to secure surveillance footage before it’s deleted.

What if I was injured in an accident with an uninsured driver?

If you were injured by an uninsured driver, you may still be able to recover compensation through:

Your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage
Other insurance policies that may apply
The at-fault driver’s personal assets (though this is often difficult)

Texas law requires all auto insurance policies to include UM coverage unless you specifically reject it in writing.

What if I was injured in an accident with an underinsured driver?

If you were injured by an underinsured driver (one whose insurance limits are too low to cover your damages), you may be able to recover additional compensation through:

Your own Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage
Other insurance policies that may apply
The at-fault driver’s personal assets (though this is often difficult)

Texas allows inter-policy stacking, which means you can combine UIM coverage from multiple vehicles on your policy.

What if I was injured in an accident with a commercial vehicle?

Commercial vehicle accidents can be particularly complex due to:

Multiple liable parties (driver, trucking company, cargo loader, etc.)
Higher insurance limits
Federal regulations (FMCSA for trucks)
Complex evidence (ELD data, maintenance records, etc.)

These cases often result in higher settlements due to:

Larger vehicles causing more severe injuries
$1M+ liability insurance policies
No jury sympathy for corporate defendants
Business models that may encourage dangerous behavior

What if I was injured in an accident with a truck?

Trucking accidents are among the most complex motor vehicle accident cases. These cases often involve:

Multiple liable parties (driver, trucking company, cargo loader, manufacturer, etc.)
Federal regulations (FMCSA)
Complex evidence (ELD data, driver logs, maintenance records, etc.)
Catastrophic injuries

What if I was injured in an accident with a bus?

Bus accidents can involve multiple victims and complex liability issues. Liable parties may include:

The bus driver (fatigue, distraction, impairment)
The bus operator/company (inadequate training, negligent maintenance)
The manufacturer (brake, tire, or safety equipment defects)
Other drivers (third-party vehicles)
Government entities (poor signage, road defects) – special notice requirements apply

What if I was injured in an accident with a rideshare vehicle (Uber, Lyft)?

Rideshare accidents present unique insurance challenges because coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident. There are four phases of rideshare insurance:

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

Lupe Peña understands this complex insurance structure from his time working for insurance companies. We can navigate these coverage issues to ensure you receive maximum compensation.

What if I was injured in an accident with a delivery vehicle (Amazon, FedEx, UPS)?

Delivery vehicle accidents often involve multiple liable parties and higher insurance limits. Some key points:

Amazon DSPs (Delivery Service Partners) are contractually required to “defend and indemnify” Amazon for “death or injury”
Delivery drivers often have higher safety violation rates than average motor carriers
There were 1,879 crashes involving Amazon-related motor carriers in the 24 months ending August 2025

These cases often result in higher settlements due to:

Larger vehicles causing more severe injuries
$1M+ liability insurance policies
No jury sympathy for corporate defendants
Business models that may encourage dangerous behavior

What if I was injured in an accident with a Tesla or other autonomous vehicle?

Autonomous vehicle accidents present unique liability issues. In 2024-2025, there have been several high-profile cases involving Tesla’s Autopilot system, including:

A $240M+ jury verdict against Tesla in a 2025 case
Multiple fatal crashes where Autopilot failed to detect obstacles

Liability in these cases may involve:

The vehicle manufacturer (software defects, sensor failures)
The human driver (failure to supervise Level 2-3 systems)
Government regulators (failure to properly regulate)

Ralph Manginello’s federal court experience is particularly valuable in these complex product liability cases.

What if I was injured in a boat or maritime accident?

While less common in Armstrong County than in coastal areas, boat accidents can occur on lakes and rivers in our region. These accidents may involve:

Collisions with other boats
Groundings or capsizing
Passenger injuries
Drowning incidents

What if I lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident?

Losing a loved one in a motor vehicle accident is devastating. In Texas, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim.

Wrongful death claims can recover compensation for:

Funeral and burial expenses
Lost financial support
Loss of companionship and society
Mental anguish
Loss of inheritance

In addition to wrongful death claims, the estate of the deceased may also pursue a survival action to recover damages the deceased would have been entitled to if they had survived, such as:

Pain and suffering before death
Medical expenses before death
Lost income before death

At Attorney911, we understand the emotional toll of losing a loved one. We handle these cases with compassion while aggressively pursuing the compensation your family deserves.

Why Claude and Armstrong County Residents Choose Attorney911

When you’re injured in a motor vehicle accident in Claude, Armstrong County, or anywhere in the Texas Panhandle, you need an attorney who understands the unique challenges of our rural region. Here’s why so many of your neighbors choose Attorney911:

We Understand Rural Texas

Claude and Armstrong County are special places with unique challenges. We understand that:

Medical facilities may be farther away
Emergency response times can be longer
Insurance adjusters may try to take advantage of the lack of local legal resources
Rural roads present unique hazards

“We’re committed to providing the same level of aggressive representation to our rural clients as we do to those in major cities,” says Ralph Manginello. “Whether you’re in Claude, Amarillo, or Houston, you deserve quality legal representation.”

We Have an Insurance Defense Insider on Your Side

Lupe Peña worked for years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims. He knows their tactics because he used them himself. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for accident victims.

“Having a former insurance defense attorney on our team gives us an unfair advantage,” Ralph explains. “We know how they think, how they calculate claims, and how to counter their strategies. It’s like having a spy on the inside.”

We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

Attorney911 has recovered millions of dollars for accident victims across Texas. Some of our notable results include:

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
Multi-million dollar settlement for a client whose leg was injured in a car accident, leading to a partial amputation due to complications
Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases
Significant cash settlement for a client who injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship

We Have Federal Court Experience

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

Trucking accidents (FMCSA regulations are federal)
Cases against out-of-state defendants
Catastrophic injury cases
Product liability claims

We Provide Personal Attention – You’re Not Just a Case Number

At many large firms, you’re just another case on the assembly line. At Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, not a team of paralegals or junior associates.

“When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me,” says Stephanie Hernandez, a former client. “She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.”

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

We Don’t Get Paid Unless We Win Your Case

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

Free consultation – no obligation
No upfront costs
We advance all case expenses
You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you

This arrangement ensures that everyone has access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.

We Offer Bilingual Services

“Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates,” says Celia Dominguez, a Spanish-speaking client.

We’re Available 24/7

Motor vehicle accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. That’s why our legal emergency line, 1-888-ATTY-911, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What Our Clients Say About Attorney911

Don’t just take our word for it – hear what our clients have to say about their experiences with Attorney911:

“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

“In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.” – Greg Garcia

“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

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

“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

“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.” – Kiwi Potato

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

“Mr. Manginello guided me through the whole process with great expertise…tenacious, accessible, and determined throughout the 19 months.” – Jamin Marroquin

“They went above and beyond! Special thank you to Ralph and Leanor.” – Diane Smith