休斯顿机动车事故：完整法律指南

如果您在休斯顿发生车祸受伤，您并不孤单。休斯顿拥有超过470万居民，并且拥有全美最繁忙的高速公路之一，因此这里的机动车事故频发。实际上，德克萨斯州每57秒就会发生一起可报告的车祸，每2分5秒就会有一人受伤。正如Attorney911的创始人拉尔夫·曼吉内洛（Ralph Manginello）在其25多年的休斯顿车祸案件处理经验中所见，碰撞后果可能会让人在身体、情感和经济上不堪重负。

在Attorney911，我们理解您正在经历的一切。我们的团队已经帮助数千名休斯顿居民在机动车事故后获得数百万美元的赔偿。我们了解当地法院、处理哈里斯县索赔的保险理赔员，最重要的是，我们知道如何在您无过错受伤时争取最大赔偿。

休斯顿车祸的现实

休斯顿独特的综合因素使其对司机、乘客、行人和骑行者来说尤为危险：

• 高速公路拥堵：I-10、I-45和US-59是德克萨斯州最危险的高速公路，经常发生多车碰撞事故
• 工业交通：休斯顿航道和能源走廊有大量商用车辆通行
• 城市扩张：长途通勤和司机疲劳导致事故
• 天气危害：突发暴雨和偶尔的冰雪天气让司机措手不及
• 分心驾驶：许多通勤者使用手机，分心驾驶问题日益严重

仅在2024年，德克萨斯州就有251,977人在机动车碰撞事故中受伤，其中数千起发生在哈里斯县。在Attorney911，我们处理过休斯顿各个角落的案件——从医疗中心到海茨区，从凯蒂到帕萨迪纳。

我们处理的常见机动车事故类型

车祸（最常见）

休斯顿发生的机动车碰撞事故中，汽车事故最为常见。这些事故从轻微的追尾到灾难性的多车碰撞不等。常见原因包括：

• 分心驾驶（发短信、使用手机、进食）
• 超速和激进驾驶
• 未让行
• 闯红灯或停车标志
• 跟车过近（追尾碰撞）
• 酒驾或毒驾
• 天气相关事故

车祸常见伤害：

• 颈椎损伤和软组织损伤
• 椎间盘突出或膨出
• 骨折
• 创伤性脑损伤（TBI）
• 脊髓损伤
• 内脏损伤
• 心理创伤（PTSD、焦虑）

Attorney911案例结果：

“在最近的一个案件中，我们的客户在车祸中腿部受伤。治疗期间的感染导致部分截肢。该案赔偿金额达数百万美元。”

客户评价：

“我被追尾，团队立即开始工作…我还获得了非常可观的和解金。” – MONGO SLADE

18轮卡车和货车事故

休斯顿作为卡车运输业的主要枢纽和休斯顿港的所在地，卡车事故不幸频发。由于商用卡车（重达80,000磅）与乘用车（平均4,000磅）之间的尺寸和重量差异，这些碰撞往往导致灾难性伤害。

2024年，德克萨斯州发生了39,393起商用机动车碰撞事故，造成608人死亡和1,601人重伤。休斯顿的I-10路段尤为危险，每年发生多起致命卡车事故。

卡车事故为何更复杂：

• 多个责任方（司机、卡车公司、货物装载方、制造商）
• 联邦法规（FMCSA）不适用于普通车辆
• 更高的保险限额（75万美元至500万美元以上）
• 电子记录设备（ELD）数据可证明司机疲劳
• 黑匣子数据记录车速和刹车情况

我们调查的FMCSA法规：

• 工作时间（HOS）违规（最多驾驶11小时，休息10小时后）
• 司机资格和培训记录
• 车辆维护和检查记录
• 药物和酒精测试合规性
• 货物固定标准

Attorney911案例结果：

“在Attorney911，我们的个人伤害律师已经帮助众多因卡车事故导致的不当死亡案件中的受伤者及其家庭获得数百万美元的赔偿。”

为何选择Attorney911处理卡车事故：

• 拉尔夫·曼吉内洛获准在联邦法院（德克萨斯南区）出庭，许多卡车案件在此提起
• 我们是少数几家参与BP爆炸诉讼的律所之一，展示了我们与大型企业抗衡的能力
• 我们的团队包括前保险辩护律师，了解卡车公司如何为这些案件辩护

酒驾事故

不幸的是，酒驾在休斯顿仍然是一个严重问题。2024年，德克萨斯州有1,053人死于酒驾事故，占所有交通死亡人数的25.37%。休斯顿的夜生活和酒吧文化助长了这一问题，尤其是在周末和假期。

德克萨斯州酒类责任法（TABC § 2.02）：
酒吧、餐馆和其他场所如果向“明显醉酒”的人提供酒精，而该人随后导致事故，则可能承担责任。明显醉酒的迹象包括：

• 言语不清
• 眼睛充血或呆滞
• 步态不稳或跌跌撞撞
• 协调能力受损
• 行为激进或反常
• 酒精气味浓重

酒驾案件中可能承担责任的各方：

• 醉酒司机
• 酒吧和夜总会
• 提供酒精的餐馆
• 酒类商店
• 活动场所（音乐会、节日）
• 社交主人（在有限情况下）

为何酒驾案件通常能获得更高的和解金：

• 可能适用惩罚性赔偿（针对严重过失）
• 多个被告可能承担责任
• 刑事案件可以加强民事案件
• 保险公司对醉酒司机缺乏同情

Attorney911的独特优势：
拉尔夫·曼吉内洛是哈里斯县刑事律师协会（HCCLA）的成员，使我们能够独特地洞察酒驾案件的刑事和民事方面。我们成功处理了多起与DWI相关的事故案件，包括：

“我们的客户因呼气测试被指控酒驾。我们的调查发现警方雇员未正确维护呼气测试仪。指控被撤销。”

摩托车事故

休斯顿的摩托车事故比任何其他德克萨斯城市都多，2024年全州有585名摩托车手死亡。哈里斯县在摩托车碰撞和死亡人数上始终居全州首位。

摩托车事故受害者面临的独特挑战：

• 骑手在碰撞中死亡的可能性是乘用车乘客的28倍
• 37%的摩托车死亡事故涉及未戴头盔的骑手
• 保险公司经常将事故归咎于摩托车手
• 德克萨斯州的51%比较过失规则可能在骑手被认定为超过50%过错时阻止其获得赔偿

德克萨斯州头盔法：

• 所有21岁以下的骑手必须佩戴头盔
• 21岁以上的骑手可以不戴头盔，如果他们：
  • 完成了认可的摩托车安全课程，或
  • 拥有10,000美元以上的医疗保险

休斯顿常见的摩托车事故原因：

• 汽车在摩托车前左转（最常见）
• 汽车变道进入摩托车道
• 分心的司机未看到摩托车
• 超速和鲁莽驾驶
• 路面危险（坑洼、碎片、滑溜路面）
• 酒驾或毒驾

为何选择Attorney911处理摩托车事故：
我们的团队包括前保险辩护律师，了解保险公司如何将责任推给摩托车手。我们了解他们的策略，因为我们多年来一直在使用这些策略——现在我们用这些知识为您争取权益。

行人事故

休斯顿对行人来说尤为危险，2024年有119名行人在城市街道上丧生——创下历史新高。行人在市中心、医疗中心以及韦斯特海默和贝莱尔等主要走廊上尤为脆弱。

行人的关键法律要点：
行人在交叉路口始终拥有通行权——即使在未标记的人行横道上。德克萨斯州法律规定，任何两条街道的交叉处之间的距离都被视为人行横道，无论是否标记。许多司机不知道这一点，保险公司也不会告诉您。

休斯顿常见的行人事故地点：

• 市中心交叉路口（主街和国会大道、特拉维斯和普雷斯顿）
• 医疗中心人行横道
• 格拉利亚区（韦斯特海默和波斯特橡树）
• 学校和公园附近
• 人行横道可见性差的住宅区

行人事故常见伤害：

• 创伤性脑损伤（TBI）
• 脊髓损伤和瘫痪
• 骨盆和腿部骨折
• 内脏损伤
• 死亡

Attorney911案例结果：
由于保密原因，我们无法分享行人案件的具体细节，但我们已经为在行走时被车辆撞伤的客户获得了大额和解金，包括肇事司机逃逸的案件。

网约车事故（Uber/Lyft）

休斯顿是美国最大的网约车市场之一，Uber和Lyft事故日益常见。由于可能涉及多个保险政策，这些案件尤为复杂。

网约车保险覆盖阶段：

阶段	司机状态	可用保险
0 – 离线	应用关闭，私人使用	仅司机个人保险（德克萨斯州最低3万美元/6万美元/2.5万美元）
1 – 等待	应用开启，无乘车请求	附带保险：5万美元/10万美元/2.5万美元
2 – 前往接送	接受乘车请求，前往接送	完整商业保险：100万美元责任险
3 – 运送中	车内有乘客	完整商业保险：100万美元责任险

网约车事故中可能受伤的人员：

• 21% 乘客
• 21% 司机
• 58% 第三方（其他司机、行人、其他车辆的乘客）

为何网约车案件复杂：

• 确定事故发生时适用的保险阶段
• 可能重叠的多个保险政策
• Uber/Lyft的激进辩护策略
• 司机背景调查问题

Attorney911的优势：
我们的团队包括前保险辩护律师，了解网约车公司如何评估和辩护这些索赔。我们知道他们的策略手册，因为我们多年来一直在使用这些策略。

肇事逃逸事故

肇事逃逸事故在休斯顿日益严重，全国范围内每43秒就有人卷入肇事逃逸事故。这些案件尤其让人沮丧，因为无法确定肇事司机。

德克萨斯州肇事逃逸处罚（德克萨斯交通法典§ 550.021）：

严重程度	指控	处罚
死亡	二级重罪	2-20年监禁，最高1万美元罚款
严重身体伤害	三级重罪	2-10年监禁，最高1万美元罚款
轻微伤害	州监狱重罪	最多5年监禁，最高5,000美元罚款
财产损失≥200美元	B级轻罪	最多6个月监禁，最高2,000美元罚款

我们如何帮助肇事逃逸受害者：

• 向您自己的保险公司提交未投保驾驶人（UM）索赔
• 调查附近商家的监控录像
• 确定潜在证人
• 与执法部门合作确定肇事司机
• 在证据被删除前保存证据（录像通常在7-30天内被删除）

客户评价：

“一家公司说他们不会接受我的案件。然后我接到了曼吉内洛的电话…我接到了来取这笔可观支票的电话。” – Donald Wilcox

特斯拉和自动驾驶汽车事故

随着休斯顿路上电动和自动驾驶汽车的增多，我们处理的涉及特斯拉Autopilot和全自动驾驶（FSD）系统的案件也在增加。

值得注意的特斯拉相关事故：

• 2016年5月：美国首起Autopilot致命事故发生在佛罗里达州威利斯顿（与18轮卡车相撞）
• 2018年3月：苹果工程师在加州山景城丧生（2024年4月达成和解）
• 2025年8月：迈阿密陪审团对特斯拉作出2.4亿美元的裁决（里程碑式案件）

自动驾驶汽车的关键责任问题：

• 特斯拉的营销声称Autopilot/FSD比人类司机更安全
• 对系统过度自信导致司机分心
• 紧急车辆检测的已知缺陷
• 软件更新未能解决根本问题
• 后视摄像头故障（2024-2025年多次召回）

为何选择Attorney911处理特斯拉/自动驾驶汽车案件：

• 拉尔夫·曼吉内洛的联邦法院资格使我们能够处理复杂的产品责任案件
• 我们参与BP爆炸诉讼表明我们能够与数十亿美元的企业抗衡
• 我们了解自动驾驶汽车系统的技术方面

工作区和施工区事故

休斯顿持续的施工和道路工程为司机创造了危险的条件。2024年，德克萨斯州在工作区发生了近28,000起事故，导致215人死亡，比前一年增加了12%。

我们案件中的实际例子：
卡特里娜·邦德，一名大学生，在沃斯堡附近的I-35公路上因工作区交通减速。一辆重型皮卡车的司机（承认收到了短信）追尾了她，将她的车推入另一辆卡车的路径。这起事故是致命的。

工作区事故的常见原因：

• 在施工区超速行驶
• 未正确并道
• 分心驾驶
• 标志不清或缺乏警告
• 突然变道
• 路面上的设备或碎片

这些案件为何复杂：

• 多个责任方（施工公司、分包商、政府实体）
• 政府索赔的特殊通知要求
• 复杂的责任认定

不当死亡索赔

当机动车事故导致死亡时，死者家属可能同时拥有不当死亡索赔和生存诉讼。

不当死亡与生存诉讼：

索赔类型	由谁提起	可获得的赔偿
不当死亡	幸存家属（配偶、子女、父母）	他们所受的损害：失去陪伴、经济支持、精神痛苦
生存诉讼	死者遗产	死者本可获得的赔偿：死亡前的痛苦、医疗费用、收入损失

Attorney911案例结果：

“在Attorney911，我们的个人伤害律师已经帮助众多因卡车事故导致的不当死亡案件中的受伤者及其家庭获得数百万美元的赔偿。”

为何选择Attorney911处理不当死亡案件：

• 拉尔夫·曼吉内洛拥有25年以上处理复杂诉讼的经验
• 我们的联邦法院资格使我们能够处理针对外州被告的案件
• 我们是少数几家参与BP爆炸诉讼的律所之一，展示了我们在灾难性案件中的能力

事故发生后在休斯顿应立即采取的措施

事故发生后的前48小时内采取的行动会显著影响您获得赔偿的能力。以下是我们的逐步指南：

事故后1-6小时：紧急响应

1. 安全第一：如果可以安全移动，请远离交通到安全地点
2. 拨打911：报告事故并请求医疗援助（如果有人受伤）
3. 医疗救助：即使感觉良好，也要立即检查。肾上腺素可能掩盖严重伤害
4. 记录一切：
   • 拍摄所有车辆损坏的照片（每个角度）
   • 拍摄事故现场、路况、交通信号的照片
   • 拍摄可见伤害的照片
   • 截图手机上可见的任何信息（不要删除任何内容）
5. 交换信息：
   • 对方司机的姓名、电话、地址
   • 保险公司和保单号码
   • 驾驶证号码
   • 车牌号码
   • 车辆品牌、型号、颜色
6. 证人：获取任何证人的姓名和电话号码
7. 致电Attorney911：1-888-ATTY-911，在与任何保险公司交谈前立即获取法律指导

事故后6-24小时：证据保存

1. 数字保存：
   • 保存所有与事故相关的短信、通话、照片、视频
   • 不要删除手机上的任何内容
   • 截图所有相关内容
   • 通过电子邮件备份
2. 物理证据：
   • 保存受损的衣物、眼镜、个人物品
   • 保留所有费用的收据（拖车、租车、药物）
   • 不要立即修理车辆——保存损坏情况
3. 医疗记录：
   • 索取所有急诊/医院记录的副本
   • 保留所有出院文件
   • 在24-48小时内随访您的初级保健医生
4. 保险沟通：
   • 记录保险公司的任何来电
   • 尚未提供录音陈述
   • 不要签署任何文件
   • 不要接受任何和解提议
   • 说：“我需要先与我的律师交谈”
5. 社交媒体：
   • 立即将所有个人资料设为私密
   • 不要发布关于事故的内容
   • 不要发布伤害或活动的照片
   • 告诉朋友/家人不要在帖子中标记您
   • 最佳做法：在案件期间完全远离社交媒体

事故后24-48小时：战略决策

1. 法律咨询：
   • 与经验丰富的机动车事故律师交谈
   • 致电Attorney911：1-888-ATTY-911进行免费咨询
   • 准备好您的文件
2. 保险回应：
   • 如果保险公司联系您，请将其转介给您的律师
   • 说：“我的律师会与您联系”
   • 仅提供基本信息：姓名、事故日期、您的参与情况
3. 和解提议：
   • 未经律师审查，不要接受或签署任何文件
   • 早期提议总是低价提议
   • 您尚未了解伤害的全部程度
4. 证据备份：
   • 将所有截图和照片上传到云存储
   • 通过电子邮件发送给自己和家人
   • 在记忆清晰时创建事件的书面时间线

证据消失的速度有多快

保险公司知道证据会按照可预测的时间表消失。以下是您需要面对的情况：

时间范围	消失的内容	为何重要
第1-7天	证人记忆	记忆迅速模糊，细节变得不确定
第7-30天	监控录像	加油站：7-14天，零售商店：30天，交通摄像头：30天
第1-2个月	保险辩护立场	理赔员建立针对您的案件
第2-6个月	卡车电子数据	ELD数据：30-180天，黑匣子数据：可能被覆盖
第6-12个月	证人可用性	证人搬家、换工作、无法联系
第12-24个月	诉讼时效	2年期限是绝对的——错过意味着失去起诉权

Attorney911在委托后24小时内的行动：

• 向所有相关方发送保存函（其他司机、卡车公司、事故现场附近的商家等）
• 这些信函在自动删除前法律要求保存证据
• 开始立即调查以确保关键证据

德克萨斯州机动车法律：您需要知道的内容

诉讼时效

德克萨斯州对个人伤害索赔有严格的2年诉讼时效（德克萨斯民事实践与救济法典§ 16.003）。这意味着：

• 您有2年的时间从事故发生之日起提起诉讼
• 如果错过这个期限，您的案件将永久失效
• 例外情况非常有限（发现规则、被告缺席、精神无行为能力）

为何这很重要：
保险公司知道这一期限，并会拖延您的索赔，希望您错过时间。不要让他们得逞。立即致电Attorney911：1-888-ATTY-911。

比较过失（51%责任规则）

德克萨斯州采用修正的比较过失制度，并设有51%的责任限制：

• 如果您的过失在50%或以下 → 您可以获得赔偿（按您的过失比例减少）
• 如果您的过失在51%或以上 → 您无法获得任何赔偿

示例：

您的过失比例	案件价值	您的赔偿
0%	$100,000	$100,000
10%	$100,000	$90,000
25%	$250,000	$187,500
40%	$500,000	$300,000
50%	$500,000	$250,000
51%	$500,000	$0

为何这很重要：
保险公司总是试图将最大的责任归咎于您，以减少他们的赔付。即使是小的过失比例也会让您损失数千美元。我们的团队包括前保险辩护律师，他们知道如何反驳这些论点。

德克萨斯州最低汽车保险要求

德克萨斯州要求所有驾驶员必须购买最低保险覆盖：

保险类型	最低要求
人身伤害 – 每人	$30,000
人身伤害 – 每次事故	$60,000
财产损失 – 每次事故	$25,000

未投保驾驶员统计数据：

• 15.4%的美国驾驶员未投保（大约每7名驾驶员中有1人）
• 未投保/投保不足驾驶员（UM/UIM）保险对于保护至关重要
• 德克萨斯州允许跨保单叠加（合并多个UM保单）

保险公司如何试图欺骗您

在Attorney911，我们知道保险公司的运作方式，因为我们的团队成员卢佩·佩尼亚（Lupe Peña）曾多年为保险公司工作。现在他利用这些知识为您争取权益。以下是他们使用的策略——以及我们如何应对：

策略#1：快速联系与录音陈述陷阱

他们做什么：
在您发生事故后的几小时或几天内，保险理赔员会联系您——通常是在您仍在医院、服用止痛药或对情况感到不知所措时。他们会表现得友好且乐于助人，说一些类似的话：

• “我们只是想帮助您”
• “我们需要了解您的情况”
• “这是例行程序，每个人都这样做”
• “只需要几分钟”

他们实际上在做什么：
他们在用引导性问题构建针对您的辩护：

他们问的问题	他们希望您说的话
“您现在感觉好些了，对吧？”	让您说您正在好转
“撞击并不严重，对吧？”	淡化碰撞严重性
“您能够自己离开现场吗？”	暗示伤害不严重
“您当时是否分心了？”	让您承认分心
“您当时开得多快？”	希望您高估或说“我不知道”

事实：

• 您不需要向对方司机的保险公司提供录音陈述
• 在没有律师的情况下提供陈述几乎总是损害您的案件
• 保险公司知道这一点——这就是他们如此努力推动的原因

Attorney911如何应对：
一旦您聘请我们，我们就成为您的代言人。所有电话都通过我们处理。您不与理赔员交谈。如果绝对必要，我们会为您做好准备。我们知道他们的问题，因为卢佩多年来一直在问这些问题。

策略#2：快速和解提议

他们做什么：
在您发生事故后的几天或几周内，保险公司会向您提供快速现金和解——通常是2,000至5,000美元，如果他们害怕，有时会高达15,000美元。这在您有大量账单且没有收入时听起来不错。

他们制造人为紧迫感：

• “此提议在48小时内有效”
• “我现在只能批准这个金额”
• “接受或放弃”
• “这是我们的最终报价”（其实不是）

陷阱：
您还不知道伤害的严重程度。以下是经常发生的情况：

1. 第3天：保险公司提供3,500美元的“最终和解”
2. 您感到绝望、痛苦、害怕——您签署了免责声明
3. 第6周：MRI显示椎间盘突出需要手术（10万美元费用）
4. 为时已晚——您签署了免责声明，无法重新开启索赔
5. 您自掏腰包支付10万美元

免责声明是永久性的且最终的。

Attorney911如何应对：
我们绝不在您达到最大医疗改善（MMI）——即您已尽可能康复的时间点之前和解。这可能需要6个月、12个月或24个月以上，具体取决于您的伤害。我们知道他们的提议总是低估了案件价值，因为卢佩多年来一直在计算这些提议。

策略#3：“独立”医学检查（IME）骗局

他们称之为：
“独立医学检查”

实际上是什么：
保险公司雇用的医生，支付费用以尽量减少您的伤害。

保险公司如何选择IME医生：
他们不会选择最合格的医生——他们选择那些给出对保险公司有利报告的医生。这些医生：

• 被保险公司支付数千美元（每次检查2,000至5,000美元）
• 一贯发现“无伤害”或“既往病史”
• 因给出有利报告而获得重复业务

IME中的情况：

1. 10-15分钟的“检查”（与您的主治医生的全面评估相比）
2. 粗略的体检（他们很少事先审查您的完整医疗记录）
3. 引导性问题旨在引出“我感觉好些了”的回答
4. 寻找任何理由以尽量减少您的伤害

常见的IME医生结论：

他们说什么	这意味着什么
“患者有既往退行性变化”	每个40岁以上的人都有一些关节炎——用于拒绝索赔
“伤害与轻微创伤一致”	淡化您的疼痛和痛苦
“患者可以恢复全职工作”	消除工资损失索赔
“治疗过度”	攻击您的主治医生
“主观主诉与客观发现不成比例”	医学术语，称您为骗子

Attorney911如何应对：

• 在检查前为您做好充分准备
• 首先将您的完整医疗记录发送给IME医生（迫使他们审查）
• 用我们自己的医学专家挑战有偏见的IME报告
• 卢佩了解这些具体医生及其偏见——他多年来一直雇用他们

策略#4：监视和社交媒体监控

他们做什么：
保险公司雇用私家侦探来：

• 拍摄您的日常活动录像
• 从公共场所拍摄（您的车道、街道、商店）
• 跟踪您去约会、办事、社交活动
• 寻找任何与您的伤害索赔相矛盾的活动
• 一段您弯腰的视频 = “实际上没有受伤”

他们监控您的所有社交媒体：

• Facebook、Instagram、TikTok、LinkedIn、Twitter、YouTube、Snapchat
• 截图所有内容：照片、帖子、签到、评论、点赞
• 监控您朋友的个人资料以查找提到您的帖子
• 使用面部识别技术查找您被标记的照片
• 存档您的整个社交媒体历史

我们辩护过的例子：

例子	发生了什么	保险公司声称	实际情况
旧健身房照片	3年前的健身房照片	被呈现为最近的，与伤害矛盾	我们证明元数据是事故前的
餐厅签到	在餐厅的Facebook签到	“参加派对玩得开心”	安静地坐着吃饭
朋友的评论	朋友发帖“昨天玩得很开心！”	无伤害的证据	客户在家休息
遛狗	客户慢慢遛狗的视频	“没有残疾”	医生建议短距离散步
照片中微笑	家庭照片中微笑	“没有疼痛——她在微笑！”	每个人拍照时都会微笑

客户的7条规则：

1. 立即将所有个人资料设为私密
2. 不要发布关于事故、伤害、活动或情绪的内容
3. 不要在任何地方签到
4. 告诉朋友/家人：不要标记，不要发布关于您的内容
5. 不要接受陌生人的好友请求（假账户）
6. 最佳做法：在案件期间完全远离社交媒体
7. 假设所有内容都在被监控

卢佩的内部观点：

“作为辩护律师，我审查了数百个监控视频和社交媒体帖子。事实是：保险公司断章取义地利用无辜的活动。他们截取您‘正常’移动的一个画面，而忽略了您之前和之后挣扎的10分钟。他们不是在记录您的生活——他们是在构建针对您的弹药。”

策略#5：拖延和经济压力

他们做什么：
他们将您的案件拖延数月或数年，希望您变得绝望：

• “仍在调查您的索赔”
• “等待医疗记录”（我们几个月前就发送了）
• “审查您的文件”
• “需要额外信息”
• 无视电话和电子邮件
• 需要数周时间回答简单问题

拖延对没有律师的人为什么有效：
保险公司拥有：

• 无限的时间
• 无限的资源
• 无经济压力
• 在拖延期间赚取您的和解金的利息

您拥有：

• 不断增加的账单
• 零收入
• 债权人威胁
• 需要钱现在

经济绝望使您接受更少的赔偿：

• 第1个月：您会拒绝5,000美元的提议
• 第6个月：您会认真考虑5,000美元
• 第12个月：您会乞求5,000美元以结束噩梦

Attorney911如何应对：

• 我们提起诉讼以设定期限
• 我们安排取证，迫使他们提供证人
• 我们准备庭审，表明我们是认真的
• 卢佩了解拖延策略，因为他使用过——他知道何时推动

策略#6：比较过失论点

他们做什么：
他们试图将最大的过失归咎于您，以减少他们的赔付，即使事故显然不是您的过错。常见的论点包括：

• “您当时超速”（没有证据）
• “您没有注意”（猜测）
• “您本可以避免这起事故”（事后诸葛亮）
• “您当时分心了”（猜测）
• “您对这起事故负有责任”（转移责任）

他们为什么这样做：
德克萨斯州的51%责任限制规则意味着：

• 如果您的过失在51%或以上 → 您无法获得任何赔偿
• 如果您的过失在50%或以下 → 您的赔偿会按您的过失比例减少

即使是小的过失比例也会让您损失数千美元：

• 10%过失的100,000美元案件 = 您少得10,000美元
• 25%过失的250,000美元案件 = 您少得62,500美元
• 40%过失的500,000美元案件 = 您少得200,000美元

Attorney911如何应对：

• 积极调查责任
• 事故重建证明对方司机的过错
• 证人陈述支持您的说法
• 警方报告分析强调违规行为
• 专家证词关于感知-反应时间
• 卢佩了解他们的过失论点，因为他多年来一直在使用这些论点——现在他击败它们

保险公司如何实际评估您的索赔

大多数人不知道保险公司使用一种名为Colossus的计算机系统来计算和解提议。卢佩·佩尼亚曾在保险公司工作时使用过这个系统——现在他知道如何击败它。

Colossus的工作原理：

1. 数据输入：理赔员输入伤害代码、治疗类型、费用、管辖区
2. 编码：使用标准化医学术语对伤害进行编码
3. 计算：软件应用算法确定“价值”
4. 范围输出：系统提供建议的和解范围
5. 权限：理赔员通常无法在未经主管批准的情况下超出此范围

保险公司如何操纵Colossus：

操纵方式	影响
低伤害代码	“软组织拉伤”而非“椎间盘突出”会使价值减少50-100%
过度治疗标记	超出“正常”范围的治疗会触发减少
保守治疗惩罚	按摩治疗的价值低于医学治疗
既往病史减少	任何既往病史都会用于减少价值
管辖区因素	低判决金额的县会获得较低价值

卢佩的经验为何重要：

• 他知道如何正确编码伤害以获得最大价值
• 他知道哪些医学术语会触发更高的评估
• 他知道何时Colossus的输出人为偏低
• 他知道如何呈现记录以击败算法
• 他多年来一直作为辩护律师使用这些系统

和解乘数法

保险公司通常使用以下公式：
总和解金额 = (医疗费用 × 乘数) + 工资损失 + 财产损失

乘数范围：1.5至5

伤害严重程度	乘数范围
轻微伤害（软组织，快速恢复）	1.5 – 2
中度伤害（骨折，数月恢复）	2 – 3
严重伤害（手术，长期恢复）	3 – 4
灾难性伤害（永久性残疾）	4 – 5+

轻微伤害示例：

• 医疗费用：10,000美元
• 乘数：1.5
• 疼痛和痛苦：15,000美元
• 工资损失：3,000美元
• 总计：28,000美元

严重伤害示例：

• 医疗费用：100,000美元
• 乘数：4
• 疼痛和痛苦：400,000美元
• 工资损失：50,000美元
• 总计：550,000美元

增加乘数的因素：

• 永久性伤害或残疾
• 疤痕或毁容
• 长期恢复时间（12个月以上）
• 需要手术
• 需要持续疼痛管理
• 明确责任（对方司机100%过错）
• 同情原告（儿童、老人、孕妇）
• 严重被告行为（酒驾、肇事逃逸）
• 强有力的证据（视频、证人）
• 工作/活动的永久限制

减少乘数的因素：

• 仅软组织损伤
• 快速恢复（3个月以下）
• 无需手术
• 有争议的责任（比较过失）
• 治疗间断
• 既往病史
• 轻微财产损失
• 无永久性伤害

我们不接受低乘数：

• 保险公司为严重伤害提供1.5倍乘数？我们争取4-5倍
• 我们记录永久性、影响、严重性
• 如果他们不支付公平的乘数，我们准备庭审
• 我们数百万美元的结果证明我们不接受低乘数

在休斯顿车祸案件中您可以获得的赔偿

经济损失（德克萨斯州无上限）

这些是可量化的财务损失：

损失类型	包含内容
医疗费用（过去）	急诊、住院、手术、医生、物理治疗、药物、医疗设备
医疗费用（未来）	持续治疗、未来手术、终身药物、长期护理
工资损失（过去）	从事故发生之日至今的收入损失
未来收入能力损失	未来收入能力降低
财产损失	车辆修理或更换、个人财产
自付费用	前往医疗预约的交通费、家庭改造、家政帮助

非经济损失（医疗事故除外无上限）

这些是无形的损失：

损失类型	包含内容
疼痛和痛苦	伤害引起的身体疼痛，包括过去和未来
精神痛苦	情绪困扰、焦虑、抑郁、恐惧、PTSD
身体损害	身体功能丧失、残疾、限制
毁容	疤痕、永久性可见伤害影响外观
丧失陪伴	对婚姻/家庭关系的影响，失去陪伴
生活乐趣丧失	无法参与之前享受的活动

惩罚性/示范性赔偿（有上限）

适用于严重过失、欺诈或恶意行为。常见于酒驾案件。

上限： 200,000美元或（2倍经济损失 + 1倍非经济损失，非经济部分最高750,000美元）

不同伤害类型的和解范围

软组织损伤（颈椎损伤、扭伤、拉伤）：

• 医疗治疗：6,000-16,000美元
• 工资损失：2,000-10,000美元
• 疼痛和痛苦：8,000-35,000美元
• 和解范围：15,000-60,000美元

单一简单骨折：

• 医疗治疗：10,000-20,000美元
• 工资损失：5,000-15,000美元
• 疼痛和痛苦：20,000-60,000美元
• 和解范围：35,000-95,000美元

需要手术的骨折（ORIF）：

• 医疗治疗：47,000-98,000美元
• 工资损失：10,000-30,000美元
• 疼痛和痛苦：75,000-200,000美元
• 和解范围：132,000-328,000美元

椎间盘突出（保守治疗）：

• 医疗治疗：22,000-46,000美元
• 工资损失：8,000-25,000美元
• 疼痛和痛苦：40,000-100,000美元
• 和解范围：70,000-171,000美元

椎间盘突出（需要手术）：

• 过去医疗费用：96,000-205,000美元
• 未来医疗费用：30,000-100,000美元
• 工资损失：20,000-50,000美元
• 未来收入能力损失：50,000-400,000美元
• 疼痛和痛苦：150,000-450,000美元
• 和解范围：346,000-1,205,000美元

创伤性脑损伤（中度至重度）：

• 过去医疗费用：198,000-638,000美元
• 未来医疗费用：300,000-3,000,000美元以上
• 工资损失：50,000-200,000美元
• 未来收入能力损失：500,000-3,000,000美元以上
• 疼痛和痛苦：500,000-3,000,000美元以上
• 和解范围：1,548,000-9,838,000美元

Attorney911记录结果：

“客户在伐木公司被掉落的圆木砸中导致脑损伤并失明，我们为其争取到数百万美元的和解金。”

脊髓损伤/瘫痪：
按损伤级别的终身护理费用：

损伤级别	第一年	每年后续年	终身总计
高位四肢瘫痪（C1-C4）	1,200,000-1,500,000美元	200,000-250,000美元	6,000,000-13,000,000美元以上
低位四肢瘫痪（C5-C8）	850,000-1,100,000美元	75,000-100,000美元	3,700,000-6,100,000美元以上
截瘫（T1-L5）	500,000-750,000美元	70,000-90,000美元	2,500,000-5,250,000美元以上

和解范围：4,770,000-25,880,000美元

截肢：

• 过去医疗费用：170,000-480,000美元
• 未来医疗费用（终身假肢）：500,000-2,000,000美元
• 和解范围：1,945,000-8,630,000美元

Attorney911记录结果：

“在最近的一个案件中，我们的客户在车祸中腿部受伤。治疗期间的感染导致部分截肢。该案和解金额达数百万美元。”

不当死亡（工作年龄成人）：

• 经济损失：1,000,000-4,000,000美元
• 非经济损失：850,000-5,000,000美元
• 和解范围：1,910,000-9,520,000美元

Attorney911记录结果：

“在Attorney911，我们的个人伤害律师已经帮助众多因卡车事故导致的不当死亡案件中的受伤者及其家庭获得数百万美元的赔偿。”

为何选择Attorney911处理您的休斯顿车祸案件

当您在休斯顿发生车祸受伤时，您有许多法律代表的选择。以下是Attorney911脱颖而出的原因：

1. 保险辩护内部优势

“卢佩·佩尼亚曾在一家全国性辩护公司工作多年，亲身体验了大型保险公司如何评估索赔。”

这对您的案件意味着什么：

• 我们知道他们的策略，因为卢佩多年来一直在使用这些策略
• 我们能够在他们部署之前预见他们的策略
• 我们知道他们内部如何评估索赔
• 我们知道他们青睐的IME医生
• 我们知道如何击败他们的算法
• 我们说他们的语言

休斯顿没有其他律所拥有这种优势。

2. 数百万美元的结果

Attorney911已经为以下受害者争取到数百万美元的赔偿：

• 脑损伤：“客户在伐木公司被掉落的圆木砸中导致脑损伤并失明，我们为其争取到数百万美元的和解金。”
• 截肢：“该案和解金额达数百万美元”
• 卡车不当死亡：“争取到数百万美元的赔偿”
• 海事伤害：“获得可观的现金和解”

我们的结果证明我们不会低价和解。

3. 联邦法院经验

拉尔夫·曼吉内洛获准在美国德克萨斯南区联邦地区法院出庭。

这为何重要：

• 复杂案件通常在联邦法院审理
• FMCSA卡车法规是联邦法规
• 对外州被告适用多元管辖权
• 联邦法院与州法院要求不同的技能

BP爆炸诉讼：“我们是德克萨斯州少数几家参与BP爆炸诉讼的律所之一”

4. 来自经验丰富的律师的个人关注

客户对我们沟通的评价：

“梅拉妮非常出色。她保持信息更新，当她说会回电时，她确实做到了。我曾有机会与拉尔夫·曼吉内洛交谈一次，很快就知道他的律所运作方式。” – Brian Butchee

“当我觉得没有希望或方向时，莱昂诺尔联系了我…她卸下了我所有的担忧。” – Stephanie Hernandez

“对他们来说，您不是一个麻烦，也不是一个普通的客户…您是他们的家人。” – Chad Harris

您直接与拉尔夫或卢佩合作，而不是案件经理流水线。

5. 风险代理费 – 对您无风险

“我们胜诉才收费。”

• 免费咨询
• 无前期费用
• 无小时计费
• 我们垫付所有案件费用
• 除非我们为您赢得赔偿，否则您无需支付任何费用

客户对Attorney911的评价

“拉尔夫·曼吉内洛确实是我遇到过的最好的律师..他非常关心他的结果。” – AMAZIAH A.T

“他们让您感觉像家人一样，即使过程可能需要一些时间，他们也会让它变得轻松。他们为我争取到了每一分钱。” – Glenda Walker

“我失去了一切…我的车报废了，由于Attorney Manginello和我的案件经理Leonor…一年后我得到了如此多的回报，还有一辆全新的卡车。” – Kiimarii Yup

“特别是Zulema小姐，她总是非常友善，并且总是翻译。” – Celia Dominguez（提供西班牙语服务）

“一家公司说他们不会接受我的案件。然后我接到了Manginello的电话…我接到了来取这笔可观支票的电话。” – Donald Wilcox

“拉尔夫是一位了不起的律师。我已经两次聘请他处理两起不同的案件，第一起案件他为我争取到了撤销指控！另一起案件只判了10个月的缓刑。他出色地完成了工作！！！” – Cassie Wright

“这个地方让您在处理案件时感觉像家人一样。并且每一步都与您保持沟通。这样您就知道自己在可靠的人手中。” – Kiwi Potato

“如果休斯顿的伟大人物Trae Tha Truth告诉您这是正确的选择，那么您就不会错。他是这里最好的律师。” – Erica Perales（名人推荐）

关于休斯顿车祸的常见问题

事故后立即采取的行动

1. 在休斯顿发生车祸后应立即做什么？
如果您在休斯顿发生车祸：

• 拨打911并报告事故
• 即使感觉良好，也要寻求医疗救助（肾上腺素会掩盖严重伤害）
• 记录一切：拍摄损坏、伤害、现场的照片
• 与对方司机交换信息
• 获取证人的姓名和电话号码
• 不要向任何保险公司提供录音陈述
• 致电Attorney911：1-888-ATTY-911

2. 即使是轻微事故也应该报警吗？
是的。一定要报警。警方报告是关键证据。在德克萨斯州，如果事故造成人员受伤、死亡或财产损失超过1,000美元，必须报告。

3. 如果感觉没有受伤，是否应该寻求医疗救助？
绝对应该。许多严重伤害不会立即显现症状：

• 创伤性脑损伤可能需要数天才能显现
• 内出血可能不明显
• 椎间盘突出可能需要数周才会引起疼痛
• 肾上腺素在事故现场会掩盖疼痛

保险公司会利用延迟治疗来对付您。请立即检查。

4. 在事故现场应收集哪些信息？

• 对方司机：姓名、电话、地址、驾驶证、保险信息
• 车辆：品牌、型号、颜色、车牌号码
• 证人：姓名和电话号码
• 照片：所有车辆损坏、伤害、路况、交通信号的照片
• 警察：警官姓名、警徽号码、报告编号

5. 是否应该与对方司机交谈或承认过错？

• 仅交换信息
• 不要讨论过错
• 不要道歉或说“对不起”（可能被用作承认过错）
• 不要对发生的事情发表意见
• 仅陈述事实

6. 如何在休斯顿获取事故报告副本？
您可以从响应机构或通过德克萨斯州交通部的事故记录信息系统（CRIS）获取警方报告。

与保险公司打交道

7. 是否应该向保险公司提供录音陈述？
对对方司机的保险公司：不。没有律师的情况下不要提供。
对您自己的保险公司：您有合作的义务，但请先致电Attorney911。我们可以为您提供建议。

8. 如果对方司机的保险公司联系我怎么办？
说：“我需要先与我的律师交谈。”仅提供基本信息（姓名、事故日期）。不要提供录音陈述。不要讨论伤害或过错。

9. 是否必须接受保险公司的估价？
不。他们的估价只是一个报价。通常远低于实际价值。Attorney911会为您争取真正的案件价值。

10. 是否应该接受快速和解提议？
在了解伤害的全部程度之前，绝不要接受和解。一旦签署免责声明，即使以后需要手术，也无法获得更多资金。

11. 如果对方司机没有保险/保险不足怎么办？
您自己的未投保/投保不足驾驶员（UM/UIM）保险可以补偿您。观看我们的视频：“未投保和投保不足驾驶员”于https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8

12. 为什么保险公司希望我签署医疗授权？
他们希望无限制地访问您的全部医疗记录，以查找既往病史来对付您。未经律师审查，绝不要签署。

法律程序

13. 我是否有个人伤害案件？
如果以下情况成立，您可能有案件：

• 其他人有过错（即使部分过错）
• 您遭受了伤害或损失
• 有保险可以赔偿

观看我们的视频：“我是否有好的案件？”于https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-PMMP5Jims

14. 何时应该聘请车祸律师？
立即聘请。证据每天都在消失。保险公司从第一天起就开始构建针对您的辩护。致电Attorney911：1-888-ATTY-911

15. 提起诉讼的时限是多少（诉讼时效）？
在德克萨斯州：个人伤害索赔为2年，从事故发生之日起计算；不当死亡索赔为2年，从死亡之日起计算。错过期限=案件永久失效。

16. 什么是比较过失，它如何影响我？
德克萨斯州采用51%的责任限制规则。如果您的过失在50%或以下，您可以获得赔偿（按您的过失比例减少）。如果过失在51%或以上，您无法获得任何赔偿。

观看我们的视频：“什么是比较过失？”于https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agzHKY_v9l4

17. 如果我有部分过错怎么办？
如果您的过失在50%或以下，您仍然可以获得赔偿。您的赔偿会按您的过失比例减少。

18. 我的案件会进入庭审吗？
大多数案件在庭审前和解。但Attorney911会将每个案件准备得如同要进入庭审一样。这就是我们的筹码。

观看我们的视频：“您的案件会进入庭审吗？”于https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ed5AnmCMcc

19. 我的案件需要多长时间才能和解？
取决于伤害的严重程度。我们不会在您达到最大医疗改善（MMI）之前和解。轻微伤害可能需要6个月，严重伤害可能需要18-24个月。

20. 法律程序的逐步流程是什么？

1. 调查和收集证据
2. 医疗治疗至MMI
3. 向保险公司发送索赔信
4. 谈判
5. 如有必要，提起诉讼
6. 发现程序
7. 调解
8. 如有必要，庭审

观看我们的视频：“个人伤害索赔的流程是什么？”于https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwzYymneDVs

赔偿

21. 我的案件价值多少？
取决于：伤害严重程度、医疗费用、工资损失、永久性损害、疼痛和痛苦、可用保险。案件价值从15,000美元（软组织损伤）到数百万美元（灾难性伤害）不等。

22. 我可以获得哪些类型的赔偿？

• 医疗费用（过去和未来）
• 工资损失和收入能力损失
• 疼痛和痛苦
• 精神痛苦
• 身体损害
• 毁容
• 丧失陪伴
• 生活乐趣丧失
• 财产损失

23. 我可以获得疼痛和痛苦的赔偿吗？
可以。在德克萨斯州，疼痛和痛苦是个人伤害案件的重要组成部分。除了医疗事故外，疼痛和痛苦没有赔偿上限。

24. 如果我有既往病史怎么办？
如果事故加重或恶化了您的既往病史，您仍然可以获得赔偿。这被称为“易碎原告”规则。

25. 我需要为和解金纳税吗？
一般来说，因身体伤害获得的赔偿不需要纳税。惩罚性赔偿需要纳税。请咨询税务专业人士。

26. 如何确定我的索赔价值？
基于：医疗账单、未来治疗费用、收入损失、永久性损害评级、类似判决、伤害严重程度、对日常生活的影响。

律师关系

27. 车祸律师的费用是多少？
Attorney911采用风险代理：庭前33.33%，庭审40%。您无需支付前期费用。我们胜诉才收费。

观看我们的视频：“风险代理费如何运作？”于https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

28. “胜诉才收费”是什么意思？
除非我们为您赢得赔偿，否则您无需支付任何费用。如果我们没有胜诉，您不欠我们任何费用。我们垫付所有案件费用。

29. 我多久能得到更新？
Attorney911提供定期更新。正如客户Dame Haskett所说：“沟通一致，每次打电话都能得到明确的答复。”

30. 谁会实际处理我的案件？
在Attorney911，您直接与拉尔夫·曼吉内洛和卢佩·佩尼亚合作，而不仅仅是律师助理。正如Chad Harris所说：“您不仅仅是一个客户…您是他们的家人。”

31. 如果我已经聘请了其他律师怎么办？
您可以更换律师。正如客户Greg Garcia所说：“一开始我有另一位律师，但他放弃了我的案件，尽管Mangiello律师事务所能够帮助我。”

避免的错误

32. 哪些常见错误会损害我的案件？

• 未经律师同意提供录音陈述
• 接受快速和解
• 延迟医疗治疗
• 治疗间断
• 在社交媒体上发布
• 签署免责声明或授权
• 未记录一切

观看我们的视频：“可能毁掉您案件的客户错误”于https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

33. 是否应该在社交媒体上发布关于事故的内容？
不。将所有个人资料设为私密。不要发布关于事故、伤害或活动的内容。保险公司会监控一切。

34. 为何未经律师审查不应签署任何文件？
免责声明是永久性的。医疗授权提供无限制访问。和解提议具有约束力。一旦签署，无法撤销。

35. 如果我没有立即就医怎么办？
现在就去看医生。解释您没有意识到伤害的严重性。延迟症状很常见。我们仍然可以提供帮助。

其他问题

36. 如果我有既往病史怎么办？
您仍然可以获得赔偿。如果事故加重了您的既往病史，您有权获得加重部分的赔偿。“易碎原告”规则：被告必须接受受害者的现状。

示例：您偶尔有轻微的背部疼痛。事故导致椎间盘突出需要手术。您可以获得新伤害的赔偿，而不仅仅是既往疼痛。我们聘请医学专家证明差异。卢佩知道保险公司如何攻击既往病史——他多年来一直使用这种辩护。

37. 如果对目前的律师不满意，可以更换律师吗？
可以。您可以随时解雇律师。如果您的律师沟通不畅、不为您争取权益，或迫使您低价和解，您有权更换律师。Attorney911已经接手了许多其他律师放弃的案件。

正如Greg Garcia所说：“一开始我有另一位律师，但他放弃了我的案件，尽管Mangiello律师事务所能够帮助我。”

致电1-888-ATTY-911讨论更换律师。

38. 如果保险公司是我的保险（UM/UIM索赔）怎么办？
未投保/投保不足驾驶员索赔是针对您自己的保险，当对方司机没有保险或保险不足时。您的保险公司会像对方司机的保险公司一样为您的索赔辩护。您需要律师代表。

德克萨斯州允许跨保单叠加（合并多个UM保单）。卢佩的保险知识对于最大化UM/UIM赔偿至关重要。

39. 如何计算疼痛和痛苦？
最常用的是乘数法：医疗费用 × 乘数（1.5至5）= 疼痛和痛苦。乘数取决于：伤害严重程度、永久性、对生活的影响、明确责任。

示例：100,000美元医疗费用 × 4乘数 = 400,000美元疼痛和痛苦。

卢佩多年来一直在计算这些——他知道如何证明更高的乘数。

40. 如果被政府车辆（城市公交车、警车等）撞到怎么办？
政府索赔有特殊规则。您必须在6个月内提交通知（比2年的诉讼时效短得多）。主权豁免保护政府实体。可能适用赔偿上限。

这些案件很复杂——您需要经验丰富的律师。拉尔夫拥有25年以上的政府诉讼经验。立即致电1-888-ATTY-911——6个月的期限非常严格。

41. 如果对方司机逃逸（肇事逃逸）怎么办？
立即提交警方报告（肇事逃逸是刑事犯罪）。您的未投保驾驶员（UM）保险适用。监控录像至关重要——加油站、商家、Ring门铃、交通摄像头。大多数录像在7-30天内被删除。

我们立即发送保存函。德克萨斯州允许UM叠加。我们通过UM索赔在肇事逃逸案件中获得了大额和解。

42. 如果我是无证移民——是否仍然可以提起索赔？
可以。移民身份不会影响您获得伤害赔偿的权利。无论移民身份如何，您都有权获得全额赔偿。您的案件是保密的。

我们已经成功代表了各种移民身份的客户。卢佩精通西班牙语。致电1-888-ATTY-911——我们保护您的权利和隐私。

43. 如果事故发生在停车场怎么办？
停车场事故完全可以获得赔偿。保险公司喜欢争论“停车场事故总是50/50过错”（谎言）。我们通过以下方式证明过错：监控录像、证人陈述、损坏分析、交通模式。

德克萨斯州的比较过失规则适用。我们已经赢得了许多过错明确的停车场案件。

44. 如果我是肇事车辆的乘客怎么办？
即使您与肇事司机（朋友、家人、Uber司机）同乘，您也可以起诉司机。您是无辜的受害者。司机的保险覆盖乘客。没有比较过失问题（您没有驾驶）。

这些案件通常会迅速和解，因为责任明确。我们处理棘手的对话，这样您就不必面对。

45. 如果对方司机在事故中死亡怎么办？
您仍然可以对死者的遗产和保险提起索赔。死亡不会消除责任。保险单仍然适用。遗产可能有资产。

不当死亡法保护双方。这些案件在情感上复杂，但在法律上直接。我们以敏感的方式处理这些案件，同时保护您的权利。

休斯顿最危险的道路和交叉口

在Attorney911，我们处理过休斯顿每个危险交叉口和高速公路的案件。以下是一些事故频发的地点：

休斯顿最危险的高速公路：

1. I-45 Gulf Freeway – 被誉为北美最致命的道路之一，特别是休斯顿市中心到加尔维斯顿的路段
2. I-10 Katy Freeway – 繁忙的通勤和卡车交通，频繁发生追尾事故
3. US-59 Southwest Freeway – 高速碰撞，特别是在盖洛瑞亚附近
4. I-610 Loop – 复杂的交汇处，事故率高
5. Beltway 8 (Sam Houston Tollway) – 合流点和货运/通勤混合带来的危险

最危险的交叉口：

• FM 1960 & SH 6 – 休斯顿一半的最危险交叉口位于这条走廊上
• I-610 & N. Durham Drive – 2023年仅此处就发生了56起事故，位于海茨社区附近
• Westheimer & Post Oak – 盖洛瑞亚区，行人和车辆交通密集
• Bissonnet & Westheimer – 密集的城市交通，频繁发生碰撞
• Main & Capitol – 市中心，复杂的交通模式

导致事故的因素：

• 在合流点司机不耐烦
• 城市高速公路上的高速限制
• 本地和过境交通的混合
• 某些交叉口的能见度差
• 施工区频繁
• 大雨期间的洪水

Attorney911如何处理您的案件

当您拨打1-888-ATTY-911时，以下是我们的处理流程：

24小时内：

• 免费案件评估，由拉尔夫·曼吉内洛或卢佩·佩尼亚提供
• 立即向所有相关方发送证据保存函
• 开始初步调查

第一周：

• 获取警方报告
• 记录证人陈述
• 拍摄现场照片
• 索取医疗记录
• 确定所有保险政策
• 向事故现场附近的商家发送证据保存函以获取监控录像

第一个月：

• 制定医疗治疗计划
• 聘请专家证人（事故重建、医学专家）
• 准备初步索赔信（如适用）
• 开始与保险公司谈判

持续进行：

• 定期更新案件进展
• 协调医疗治疗
• 继续收集证据
• 和解谈判
• 如有必要，准备庭审

如果无法和解：

• 在适当的法院提起诉讼
• 开始发现程序
• 进行取证
• 尝试调解
• 继续庭审准备

我们将每个案件都准备得如同要进入庭审一样——因为保险公司知道我们不是在虚张声势。

休斯顿车祸中的常见伤害

创伤性脑损伤（TBI）

休斯顿的I级创伤中心每年处理数百例由机动车事故引起的TBI病例。

即时与延迟症状：

• 即时： 失去意识、意识混乱、呕吐、癫痫发作、严重头痛
• 延迟： 头痛加重、性格变化、睡眠障碍、对光/噪音敏感

严重程度分类：

• 轻度TBI/脑震荡：短暂意识丧失，GCS 13-15
• 中度TBI：意识丧失数分钟至数小时，GCS 9-12
• 重度TBI：长时间意识丧失，GCS 3-8

长期并发症：

• 慢性创伤性脑病（CTE）
• 脑震荡后综合征（10-15%的患者）
• 痴呆风险增加
• 癫痫发作障碍

Attorney911案例结果：

“客户在伐木公司被掉落的圆木砸中导致脑损伤并失明，我们为其争取到数百万美元的和解金。”

脊髓损伤

休斯顿的纪念赫尔曼医院和本·陶布医院是领先的脊髓损伤治疗中心。

损伤级别及影响：

• 颈椎（C1-C8）： 四肢瘫痪，可能需要呼吸机
• 胸椎（T1-T12）： 截瘫，躯干控制能力不同
• 腰椎（L1-L5）： 腿部无力/瘫痪，肠道/膀胱功能障碍

ASIA损伤等级：

• A：完全（损伤部位以下无运动/感觉功能）
• B：感觉不完全
• C：运动不完全（大多数肌肉力量<3/5）
• D：运动不完全（大多数肌肉力量≥3/5）
• E：正常

继发性并发症：

• 压疮
• 呼吸系统并发症
• 肠道/膀胱功能障碍
• 自主神经反射异常
• 抑郁

椎间盘突出

常见于追尾事故，特别是在休斯顿拥堵的高速公路上。

治疗时间表：

1. 急性期（1-6周）：严重疼痛、药物治疗、休息
2. 保守治疗（6-12周）：物理治疗、脊椎按摩
3. 介入治疗（保守治疗失败）：硬膜外类固醇注射
4. 手术（注射失败）：微创椎间盘切除术或融合术

永久性限制的影响：

• 无法返回体力劳动工作
• 收入能力损失索赔
• 持续疼痛管理需求

截肢

休斯顿的德克萨斯医疗中心拥有专门的肢体保全和假肢服务。

类型：

• 创伤性：事故现场肢体断裂
• 手术性：由于挤压伤或感染（如我们记录的案件）

级别：

• 膝上：更困难，活动能力较差
• 膝下：活动能力较好
• 上肢：手臂、手、手指

幻肢痛：

• 80%的截肢者会经历幻肢痛
• 感觉不存在的肢体疼痛
• 通常是永久性的
• 需要终身疼痛管理

Attorney911案例结果：

“在最近的一个案件中，我们的客户在车祸中腿部受伤。治疗期间的感染导致部分截肢。该案和解金额达数百万美元。”

心理伤害

休斯顿多样化的人口在事故后会经历各种心理影响。

机动车事故后的PTSD：

• 32-45%的事故受害者会出现PTSD症状
• 对再次驾驶的焦虑
• 害怕乘车
• 事故地点附近的恐慌发作
• 睡眠障碍、噩梦、闪回
• 回避行为

可获赔偿的心理损害：

• 精神痛苦
• 情绪困扰
• 焦虑和抑郁
• 生活乐趣丧失
• 恐惧和担忧
• 关系影响

为何休斯顿信任Attorney911

休斯顿根基

拉尔夫·曼吉内洛出生于纽约，但在5岁时移居德克萨斯州。他在休斯顿的纪念区长大，就读于猎人溪小学、奥蒂国际学校和纪念高中。他深厚的休斯顿根基使他独特地了解我们社区的需求。

社区认可

休斯顿最受尊敬的说唱歌手之一Trae Tha Truth公开推荐Attorney911：

“休斯顿的伟大人物Trae Tha Truth推荐这家律师事务所。如果他为他们背书，那么我知道他们做得很好。” – Jacqueline Johnson

“如果TraeAbn告诉您这是正确的选择，那么您不会错的” – Erica Perales

休斯顿特定专业知识

我们了解：

• 哈里斯县民事法院及其法官
• 当地保险理赔员及其策略
• 休斯顿最危险的交叉口和高速公路
• 当地医疗提供者及其收费实践
• 休斯顿多样化的社区及其独特需求

双语服务

休斯顿是美国最多样化的城市之一，我们提供完整的西班牙语服务：

“特别是Zulema小姐，她总是非常友善，并且总是翻译。” – Celia Dominguez

卢佩·佩尼亚精通西班牙语，我们的整个团队都接受过西班牙语客户服务培训。

立即致电Attorney911：1-888-ATTY-911

如果您在休斯顿发生机动车事故受伤，请不要等待。证据每天都在消失。保险公司已经在构建针对您的案件。您需要一位经验丰富的休斯顿车祸律师在您身边。

立即致电1-888-ATTY-911进行免费咨询。 我们胜诉才收费。

我们的办公室：

• 休斯顿： 服务哈里斯、蒙哥马利、福特本德、布拉佐里亚、加尔维斯顿县
• 奥斯汀： 服务特拉维斯、威廉姆森、海斯、巴斯特罗普县
• 博蒙特： 服务杰斐逊、奥兰治、哈丁县

请记住：

• 免费咨询 – 无义务
• 胜诉才收费
• 我们垫付所有案件费用
• 提供西班牙语服务
• 24/7应急服务

不要让保险公司利用您。立即致电Attorney911：1-888-ATTY-911。我们是休斯顿的法律应急热线，随时准备为您争取权益。

ENGLISH

Motor Vehicle Accidents in Houston: Complete Legal Guide

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Houston, you’re not alone. With over 4.7 million residents and some of the busiest highways in America, Houston sees more than its share of motor vehicle accidents. In fact, Texas experiences a reportable crash every 57 seconds, with one person injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds. As Ralph Manginello, founder of Attorney911, has seen in his 25+ years of handling Houston car accident cases, the aftermath of a collision can be overwhelming—physically, emotionally, and financially.

At Attorney911, we understand what you’re going through. Our team has helped thousands of Houstonians recover millions in compensation after motor vehicle accidents. We know the local courts, the insurance adjusters who handle Harris County claims, and most importantly, we know how to fight for maximum compensation when you’ve been injured through no fault of your own.

The Reality of Car Accidents in Houston

Houston’s unique combination of factors makes it particularly dangerous for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists:

• Highway congestion: I-10, I-45, and US-59 are among the most dangerous highways in Texas, with frequent multi-vehicle collisions
• Industrial traffic: The Houston Ship Channel and Energy Corridor see heavy commercial vehicle traffic
• Urban sprawl: Long commutes and driver fatigue contribute to accidents
• Weather hazards: Sudden rainstorms and occasional icy conditions catch drivers unprepared
• Distracted driving: With so many commuters using phones, distracted driving is a growing problem

In 2024 alone, Texas saw 251,977 people injured in motor vehicle crashes, with thousands of those occurring right here in Harris County. At Attorney911, we’ve handled cases from every corner of Houston—from the Medical Center to the Heights, from Katy to Pasadena.

Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents We Handle

Car Accidents (Most Common)

Houston sees more car accidents than any other type of motor vehicle collision. These range from minor fender benders to catastrophic multi-vehicle crashes. Common causes include:

• Distracted driving (texting, phone use, eating)
• Speeding and aggressive driving
• Failure to yield right of way
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Following too closely (rear-end collisions)
• Drunk or drugged driving
• Weather-related accidents

Common injuries in car accidents:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Broken bones and fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety)

Attorney911 case result:

“In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions.”

Client testimonial:

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

18-Wheeler and Trucking Accidents

With Houston being a major hub for the trucking industry and home to the Port of Houston, truck accidents are unfortunately common. These crashes often result in catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight disparity between commercial trucks (up to 80,000 pounds) and passenger vehicles (average 4,000 pounds).

In 2024, Texas saw 39,393 commercial motor vehicle crashes, resulting in 608 fatalities and 1,601 serious injuries. Houston’s portion of I-10 is particularly dangerous, with multiple fatal truck accidents occurring annually.

Why trucking accidents are more complex:

• Multiple liable parties (driver, trucking company, cargo loader, manufacturer)
• Federal regulations (FMCSA) that don’t apply to regular vehicles
• Higher insurance policy limits ($750,000 to $5 million+)
• Electronic logging device (ELD) data that can prove driver fatigue
• Black box data that records vehicle speed and braking

FMCSA regulations we investigate:

• Hours of Service (HOS) violations (max 11 hours driving after 10 hours off-duty)
• Driver qualification and training records
• Vehicle maintenance and inspection records
• Drug and alcohol testing compliance
• Cargo securement standards

Attorney911 case result:

“At Attorney911, our personal injury attorneys have helped numerous injured individuals and families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation.”

Why choose Attorney911 for trucking accidents:

• Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court (Southern District of Texas), where many trucking cases are filed
• We were one of the few firms involved in BP explosion litigation, showing our capability against massive corporations
• Our team includes former insurance defense attorneys who understand how trucking companies defend these cases

Drunk Driving Accidents

Tragically, drunk driving remains a major problem in Houston. In 2024, Texas saw 1,053 alcohol-impaired driving deaths, accounting for 25.37% of all traffic fatalities. Houston’s nightlife and bar culture contribute to this problem, particularly on weekends and holidays.

Texas dram shop law (TABC § 2.02):
Bars, restaurants, and other establishments can be held liable if they serve alcohol to someone who is “obviously intoxicated” and that person then causes an accident. Signs of obvious intoxication include:

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

Potentially liable parties in drunk driving cases:

• The drunk driver
• Bars and nightclubs
• Restaurants serving alcohol
• Liquor stores
• Event venues (concerts, festivals)
• Social hosts (in limited circumstances)

Why drunk driving cases often result in higher settlements:

• Punitive damages may be available for gross negligence
• Multiple defendants can be held liable
• Criminal case can strengthen civil case
• Insurance companies have less sympathy for drunk drivers

Attorney911’s unique advantage:
Ralph Manginello is a member of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), giving us unique insight into both the criminal and civil aspects of drunk driving cases. We’ve successfully handled numerous DWI-related accident cases, including:

“Our client was charged with drunk driving based on a breath test. Our investigation revealed that a police department employee was not properly maintaining the breathalyzer machines. The charges were dismissed.”

Motorcycle Accidents

Houston sees more motorcycle accidents than any other Texas city, with 585 motorcyclist fatalities statewide in 2024. Harris County consistently leads the state in motorcycle crashes and fatalities.

Unique challenges for motorcycle accident victims:

• Riders are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger vehicle occupants
• 37% of motorcycle fatalities involve riders not wearing helmets
• Insurance companies often blame motorcyclists for the accident
• Texas’ 51% comparative fault rule can bar recovery if rider is found more than 50% at fault

Texas helmet law:

• Required for all riders under 21
• Riders 21+ may ride without helmet if they:
  • Completed approved motorcycle safety course, OR
  • Have $10,000+ medical insurance coverage

Common causes of motorcycle accidents in Houston:

• Cars turning left in front of motorcycles (most common)
• Cars changing lanes into motorcycles
• Distracted drivers not seeing motorcycles
• Speeding and reckless driving
• Road hazards (potholes, debris, slick surfaces)
• Drunk or drugged driving

Why choose Attorney911 for motorcycle accidents:
Our team includes former insurance defense attorneys who understand how insurance companies try to shift blame to motorcyclists. We know their tactics because we used them for years—now we use that knowledge to fight for you.

Pedestrian Accidents

Houston is particularly dangerous for pedestrians, with 119 pedestrians killed on city streets in 2024—a record high. Pedestrians are especially vulnerable in areas like downtown, the Medical Center, and along major corridors like Westheimer and Bellaire.

Critical legal point for pedestrians:
Pedestrians ALWAYS have the right-of-way at intersections—even at unmarked crosswalks. Texas law states that anytime there’s an intersection of two streets, the distance between them is considered a crosswalk, whether marked or not. Many drivers don’t know this, and insurance companies won’t tell you.

Common pedestrian accident locations in Houston:

• Downtown intersections (Main & Capitol, Travis & Preston)
• Medical Center crosswalks
• Galleria area (Westheimer & Post Oak)
• Near schools and parks
• Residential neighborhoods with poor crosswalk visibility

Common injuries in pedestrian accidents:

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

Attorney911 case result:
While we can’t share specifics of pedestrian cases due to confidentiality, we’ve recovered substantial settlements for clients struck by vehicles while walking, including cases where the driver fled the scene.

Rideshare Accidents (Uber/Lyft)

With Houston being one of the largest rideshare markets in the country, Uber and Lyft accidents are increasingly common. These cases are particularly complex due to the multiple insurance policies that may apply.

Rideshare insurance coverage phases:

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

Who can be injured in rideshare accidents:

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

Why rideshare cases are complex:

• Determining which insurance phase applies at time of crash
• Multiple insurance policies that may overlap
• Uber/Lyft’s aggressive defense tactics
• Driver background check issues

Attorney911’s advantage:
Our team includes former insurance defense attorneys who understand how rideshare companies evaluate and defend these claims. We know their playbook because we used it for years.

Hit and Run Accidents

Hit and run accidents are a growing problem in Houston, with someone involved in a hit-and-run crash every 43 seconds nationally. These cases are particularly frustrating because the at-fault driver can’t be identified.

Texas penalties for hit and run (Texas Transportation Code § 550.021):

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

How we help hit and run victims:

• File uninsured motorist (UM) claims with your own insurance
• Investigate surveillance footage from nearby businesses
• Identify potential witnesses
• Work with law enforcement to identify the at-fault driver
• Preserve evidence before it’s deleted (footage often deleted within 7-30 days)

Client testimonial:

“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

Tesla and Autonomous Vehicle Accidents

As Houston sees more electric and autonomous vehicles on the road, we’re handling an increasing number of cases involving Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems.

Notable Tesla-related crashes:

• May 2016: First US Autopilot fatality in Williston, FL (18-wheeler collision)
• March 2018: Apple engineer killed in Mountain View, CA (settled April 2024)
• August 2025: $240M+ jury verdict against Tesla in Miami (landmark case)

Key liability issues with autonomous vehicles:

• Tesla’s marketing claims that Autopilot/FSD are safer than human drivers
• Overconfidence in the system leading to driver inattention
• Known defects in emergency vehicle detection
• Software updates that don’t fix fundamental problems
• Backup camera failures (multiple recalls in 2024-2025)

Why choose Attorney911 for Tesla/autonomous vehicle cases:

• Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission allows us to handle complex product liability cases
• Our involvement in BP explosion litigation shows we can take on billion-dollar corporations
• We understand the technical aspects of autonomous vehicle systems

Work Zone and Construction Zone Accidents

Houston’s constant construction and roadwork create dangerous conditions for drivers. In 2024, Texas saw nearly 28,000 crashes in work zones, resulting in 215 deaths—a 12% increase from the previous year.

Real case example from our files:
Katrina Bond, a college student, slowed for work zone traffic on I-35 near Fort Worth. The driver of a heavy pickup truck (who admitted to receiving a text message) rear-ended her, pushing her car into the path of another truck. The accident was fatal.

Common causes of work zone accidents:

• Speeding through construction zones
• Failure to merge properly
• Distracted driving
• Poor signage or lack of warning
• Sudden lane shifts
• Equipment or debris in roadway

Why these cases are complex:

• Multiple liable parties (construction company, subcontractors, government entities)
• Special notice requirements for government claims
• Complex liability determinations

Wrongful Death Claims

When a motor vehicle accident results in death, surviving family members may have both a wrongful death claim and a survival action.

Wrongful death vs. survival action:

Claim Type	Brought By	What It Recovers
Wrongful Death	Surviving family (spouse, children, parents)	Damages THEY suffered: loss of companionship, financial support, mental anguish
Survival Action	Deceased’s estate	Damages THE DECEASED would have recovered: pain before death, medical bills, lost income

Attorney911 case result:

“At Attorney911, our personal injury attorneys have helped numerous injured individuals and families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation.”

Why choose Attorney911 for wrongful death cases:

• Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience handling complex litigation
• Our federal court admission allows us to handle cases against out-of-state defendants
• We were one of the few firms involved in BP explosion litigation, showing our capability in catastrophic cases

What to Do Immediately After an Accident in Houston

The actions you take in the first 48 hours after an accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here’s our step-by-step guide:

Hour 1-6: Immediate Crisis Response

1. Safety First: If you can move safely, get to a secure location away from traffic
2. Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone is injured
3. Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked out immediately. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries
4. Document Everything:
   • Take photos of ALL vehicle damage (every angle)
   • Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, traffic signals
   • Take photos of visible injuries
   • Screenshot any messages visible on your phone (do NOT delete anything)
5. Exchange Information:
   • Other driver’s name, phone, address
   • Insurance company and policy number
   • Driver’s license number
   • License plate number
   • Vehicle make, model, color
6. Witnesses: Get names and phone numbers of any witnesses
7. Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance before speaking to ANY insurance company

Hour 6-24: Evidence Preservation

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

Hour 24-48: Strategic Decisions

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

Why Evidence Disappears So Quickly

Insurance companies know that evidence disappears on a predictable schedule. Here’s what you’re up against:

Timeframe	What Disappears	Why It Matters
Day 1-7	Witness memories	Memories fade quickly, details become uncertain
Day 7-30	Surveillance footage	Gas stations: 7-14 days, Retail stores: 30 days, Traffic cameras: 30 days
Month 1-2	Insurance defense position	Adjusters build their case against you
Month 2-6	Trucking electronic data	ELD data: 30-180 days, Black box data: can be overwritten
Month 6-12	Witness availability	Witnesses move, change jobs, become unreachable
Month 12-24	Statute of limitations	2-year deadline is absolute—miss it and you lose your right to sue

What Attorney911 does within 24 hours of retention:

• Send preservation letters to ALL parties (other driver, trucking company, businesses near scene, etc.)
• These letters LEGALLY REQUIRE evidence preservation before automatic deletion
• Begin immediate investigation to secure critical evidence

Texas Motor Vehicle Law: What You Need to Know

Statute of Limitations

Texas has a strict 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003). This means:

• You have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit
• If you miss this deadline, your case is BARRED FOREVER
• There are very limited exceptions (discovery rule, defendant absence, mental incapacity)

Why this matters:
Insurance companies know this deadline and will delay your claim hoping you’ll run out of time. Don’t let them. Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Comparative Negligence (51% Bar Rule)

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

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

Examples:

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

Why this matters:
Insurance companies ALWAYS try to assign maximum fault to you to reduce their payment. Even small fault percentages cost you thousands. Our team includes former insurance defense attorneys who know how to counter these arguments.

Texas Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements

Texas requires all drivers to carry minimum insurance coverage:

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

Uninsured Motorist Statistics:

• 15.4% of US motorists are uninsured (approximately 1 in 7 drivers)
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is critical for protection
• Texas allows inter-policy stacking (combining multiple UM policies)

How Insurance Companies Try to Cheat You

At Attorney911, we know how insurance companies operate because our team includes Lupe Peña, who spent years working FOR insurance companies. Now he uses that knowledge to fight FOR you. Here are the tactics they use—and how we counter them:

Tactic #1: Quick Contact & Recorded Statement Trap

What they do:
Within hours or days of your accident, an insurance adjuster will contact you—often while you’re still in the hospital, on pain medication, or overwhelmed by the situation. They’ll act friendly and helpful, saying things like:

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

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

Question They Ask	What They Want You to Say
“You’re feeling better now though, right?”	Trap you into saying you’re improving
“It wasn’t that bad of an impact, was it?”	Minimize collision severity
“You were able to walk away from the scene?”	Suggest injuries not serious
“Were you distracted at all?”	Get you to admit distraction
“How fast were you going?”	Hope you overestimate or say “I don’t know”

The truth:

• You are NOT required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance
• Giving a statement without an attorney ALMOST ALWAYS hurts your case
• Insurance companies know this—that’s why they push so hard

How Attorney911 counters:
Once you hire us, we become your voice. All calls go through us. You don’t talk to adjusters. We prepare you properly if a statement becomes absolutely necessary. We know their questions because Lupe asked them for years.

Tactic #2: Quick Settlement Offer

What they do:
Within days or weeks of your accident, the insurance company will offer you a quick cash settlement—typically $2,000-$5,000, sometimes up to $15,000 if they’re scared. This sounds good when you have mounting bills and no income.

They create artificial urgency:

• “This offer expires in 48 hours”
• “I can only get approval for this amount right now”
• “Take it or leave it”
• “This is our final offer” (it’s not)

The trap:
You don’t know the extent of your injuries yet. Here’s what often happens:

1. Day 3: Insurance offers $3,500 “final settlement”
2. You’re desperate, in pain, scared—you sign the release
3. Week 6: MRI shows herniated disc requiring surgery ($100,000 cost)
4. TOO LATE—you signed the release, can’t reopen claim
5. You pay $100,000 out of pocket

The release is PERMANENT and FINAL.

How Attorney911 counters:
We NEVER settle before you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)—the point where you’ve recovered as much as you’re going to. This could be 6 months, 12 months, or 24+ months depending on your injuries. We know their offers are ALWAYS lowball because Lupe calculated these offers for years.

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

What they call it:
“Independent Medical Examination”

What it really is:
An insurance company-hired doctor paid to minimize your injuries.

How insurance companies choose IME doctors:
They don’t choose the most qualified doctors—they choose doctors who give insurance-favorable reports. These doctors:

• Are paid THOUSANDS by insurance companies ($2,000-$5,000 per exam)
• Consistently find “no injury” or “pre-existing condition”
• Get repeat business for giving favorable reports

What happens at an IME:

1. 10-15 minute “examination” (vs. your treating doctor’s thorough evaluation)
2. Cursory physical exam (they rarely review your complete medical records beforehand)
3. Leading questions designed to elicit “I’m feeling better” responses
4. Looking for ANY reason to minimize your injuries

Common IME doctor findings:

What They Say	What It Means
“Patient has pre-existing degenerative changes”	Everyone over 40 has some arthritis—used to deny claims
“Injuries consistent with minor trauma”	Minimizes your pain and suffering
“Patient can return to full duty work”	Eliminates lost wage claims
“Treatment has been excessive”	Attacks your treating doctors
“Subjective complaints out of proportion to objective findings”	Medical speak for calling you a LIAR

How Attorney911 counters:

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

Tactic #4: Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring

What they do:
Insurance companies hire private investigators to:

• Video you doing daily activities
• Film from public places (your driveway, street, stores)
• Follow you to appointments, errands, social activities
• Look for ANY activity that contradicts your injury claims
• One video of you bending over = “Not really injured”

They monitor ALL your social media:

• Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Snapchat
• Screenshot EVERYTHING: photos, posts, check-ins, comments, likes
• Monitor your friends’ profiles for posts mentioning you
• Use facial recognition to find photos you’re tagged in
• Archive your entire social media history

Examples we’ve defended:

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

7 Rules for Clients:

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

Lupe’s insider quote:

“I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as a defense attorney. Here’s the truth: Insurance companies take innocent activity out of context. They freeze ONE frame of you moving ‘normally’ and ignore the 10 minutes of you struggling before and after. They’re not documenting your life—they’re building ammunition against you.”

Tactic #5: Delay and Financial Pressure

What they do:
They drag your case out for months or years, hoping you’ll get desperate:

• “Still investigating your claim”
• “Waiting for medical records” (that we sent months ago)
• “Reviewing your file”
• “Need additional information”
• Ignore calls and emails
• Take weeks to respond to simple questions

Why delay works (on people without attorneys):
Insurance companies have:

• Unlimited time
• Unlimited resources
• No financial pressure
• Earning interest on YOUR settlement money while delaying

You have:

• Mounting bills
• Zero income
• Creditors threatening
• Need money NOW

Financial desperation makes you accept less:

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

How Attorney911 counters:

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

Tactic #6: Comparative Fault Arguments

What they do:
They try to assign you MAXIMUM fault to reduce their payment, even when the accident clearly wasn’t your fault. Common arguments include:

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

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

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

Even small fault percentages cost thousands:

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

How Attorney911 counters:

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

How Insurance Companies ACTUALLY Value Your Claim

Most people don’t know that insurance companies use a computerized system called Colossus to calculate settlement offers. Lupe Peña used to work with this system when he was on the insurance side—now he knows how to beat it.

How Colossus Works:

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

How Insurance Manipulates Colossus:

Manipulation	Effect
Low Injury Codes	“Soft tissue strain” instead of “disc herniation” reduces value 50-100%
Excessive Treatment Flags	Therapy beyond “normal” range triggers reduction
Conservative Treatment Penalty	Chiropractic valued less than MD treatment
Pre-Existing Reduction	Any prior condition used to reduce value
Jurisdiction Factor	Low-verdict counties get lower values

Why Lupe’s experience matters:

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

Settlement Multiplier Method

Insurance companies often use this formula:
Total Settlement = (Medical Expenses × Multiplier) + Lost Wages + Property Damage

Multiplier Range: 1.5 to 5

Injury Severity	Multiplier Range
Minor injuries (soft tissue, quick recovery)	1.5 – 2
Moderate injuries (broken bones, months recovery)	2 – 3
Severe injuries (surgery, long recovery)	3 – 4
Catastrophic injuries (permanent disability)	4 – 5+

Example – Minor Injury:

• Medical expenses: $10,000
• Multiplier: 1.5
• Pain & suffering: $15,000
• Lost wages: $3,000
• Total: $28,000

Example – Severe Injury:

• Medical expenses: $100,000
• Multiplier: 4
• Pain & suffering: $400,000
• Lost wages: $50,000
• Total: $550,000

Factors that increase the multiplier:

• Permanent injury or disability
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Long recovery time (12+ months)
• Surgery required
• Ongoing pain management needed
• Clear liability (other driver 100% at fault)
• Sympathetic plaintiff (child, elderly, pregnant)
• Egregious defendant conduct (drunk driving, hit and run)
• Strong evidence (video, witnesses)
• Permanent restrictions on work/activities

Factors that decrease the multiplier:

• Soft tissue injury only
• Quick recovery (under 3 months)
• No surgery required
• Disputed liability (comparative fault)
• Gaps in medical treatment
• Pre-existing conditions
• Minor property damage
• No permanent injury

We don’t accept low multipliers:

• Insurance offers 1.5× multiplier for severe injury? We fight for 4-5×
• We document permanency, impact, severity
• We prepare for trial if they won’t pay fair multiplier
• Our multi-million dollar results prove we don’t accept low multipliers

What You Can Recover in a Houston Car Accident Case

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas)

These are quantifiable financial losses:

Damage Type	What It Covers
Medical Expenses (Past)	ER, hospital, surgery, doctors, physical therapy, medications, medical equipment
Medical Expenses (Future)	Ongoing treatment, future surgeries, lifetime medications, long-term care
Lost Wages (Past)	Income lost from date of accident to present
Lost Earning Capacity (Future)	Reduced ability to earn income in the future
Property Damage	Vehicle repair or replacement, personal property
Out-of-Pocket Expenses	Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, household help

Non-Economic Damages (No Cap Except Medical Malpractice)

These are intangible losses:

Damage Type	What It Covers
Pain and Suffering	Physical pain from injuries, both past and future
Mental Anguish	Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, fear, PTSD
Physical Impairment	Loss of physical function, disability, limitations
Disfigurement	Scarring, permanent visible injuries affecting appearance
Loss of Consortium	Impact on marriage/family relationships, loss of companionship
Loss of Enjoyment of Life	Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed

Punitive/Exemplary Damages (Capped)

Available for gross negligence, fraud, or malice. Common in drunk driving cases.

Cap: Greater of $200,000 OR (2x economic damages + 1x non-economic damages, max $750,000 for non-economic portion)

Settlement Ranges by Injury Type

Soft Tissue Injuries (Whiplash, Sprains, Strains):

• Medical Treatment: $6,000-$16,000
• Lost Wages: $2,000-$10,000
• Pain & Suffering: $8,000-$35,000
• Settlement Range: $15,000-$60,000

Broken Bone (Single, Simple Fracture):

• Medical Treatment: $10,000-$20,000
• Lost Wages: $5,000-$15,000
• Pain & Suffering: $20,000-$60,000
• Settlement Range: $35,000-$95,000

Broken Bone (Requiring Surgery – ORIF):

• Medical Treatment: $47,000-$98,000
• Lost Wages: $10,000-$30,000
• Pain & Suffering: $75,000-$200,000
• Settlement Range: $132,000-$328,000

Herniated Disc (Conservative Treatment):

• Medical Treatment: $22,000-$46,000
• Lost Wages: $8,000-$25,000
• Pain & Suffering: $40,000-$100,000
• Settlement Range: $70,000-$171,000

Herniated Disc (Surgery Required):

• Past Medical: $96,000-$205,000
• Future Medical: $30,000-$100,000
• Lost Wages: $20,000-$50,000
• Lost Earning Capacity: $50,000-$400,000
• Pain & Suffering: $150,000-$450,000
• Settlement Range: $346,000-$1,205,000

Traumatic Brain Injury (Moderate to Severe):

• Past Medical: $198,000-$638,000
• Future Medical: $300,000-$3,000,000+
• Lost Wages: $50,000-$200,000
• Lost Earning Capacity: $500,000-$3,000,000+
• Pain & Suffering: $500,000-$3,000,000+
• Settlement Range: $1,548,000-$9,838,000

Attorney911 documented result:

“Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at logging company.”

Spinal Cord Injury / Paralysis:
Lifetime Care Costs by Level:

Injury Level	First Year	Each Year After	Lifetime Total
High Tetraplegia (C1-C4)	$1,200,000-$1,500,000	$200,000-$250,000	$6,000,000-$13,000,000+
Low Tetraplegia (C5-C8)	$850,000-$1,100,000	$75,000-$100,000	$3,700,000-$6,100,000+
Paraplegia (T1-L5)	$500,000-$750,000	$70,000-$90,000	$2,500,000-$5,250,000+

Settlement Range: $4,770,000-$25,880,000

Amputation:

• Past Medical: $170,000-$480,000
• Future Medical (Lifetime Prosthetics): $500,000-$2,000,000
• Settlement Range: $1,945,000-$8,630,000

Attorney911 documented result:

“In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions.”

Wrongful Death (Working Age Adult):

• Economic Damages: $1,000,000-$4,000,000
• Non-Economic Damages: $850,000-$5,000,000
• Settlement Range: $1,910,000-$9,520,000

Attorney911 documented result:

“At Attorney911, our personal injury attorneys have helped numerous injured individuals and families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation.”

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Houston Car Accident Case

When you’re injured in a Houston car accident, you have many options for legal representation. Here’s why Attorney911 stands out:

1. Insurance Defense Insider Advantage

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

What this means for your case:

• We know their tactics because Lupe used them for years
• We anticipate their strategies before they deploy them
• We know how they value claims internally
• We know which IME doctors they favor
• We know how to beat their algorithms
• We speak their language

No other firm in Houston has this advantage.

2. Multi-Million Dollar Results

Attorney911 has recovered millions for victims of:

• Brain injuries: “Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss”
• Amputations: “This case settled in the millions”
• Trucking wrongful death: “Recovered millions of dollars in compensation”
• Maritime injuries: “Significant cash settlement”

Our results prove we don’t settle cheap.

3. Federal Court Experience

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

Why this matters:

• Complex cases often end up in federal court
• FMCSA trucking regulations are federal
• Diversity jurisdiction for out-of-state defendants
• Federal court requires different skills than state court

BP Explosion Litigation: “Our firm is one of the few firms in Texas to be involved in BP explosion litigation”

4. Personal Attention from Experienced Attorneys

What clients say about our communication:

“Melanie was excellent. She kept me informed and when she said she would call me back, she did. I got to speak with Ralph Manginello once and knew quickly the way his Firm was ran.” – Brian Butchee

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

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

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

5. Contingency Fee – No Risk to You

“We don’t get paid unless we win your case.”

• Free consultation
• No upfront costs
• No hourly billing
• We advance all case costs
• You pay nothing unless we recover for you

What Our Clients Say About Attorney911

“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

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

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

“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 is an AMAZING ATTORNEY. I have used him 2 TIMES FOR 2 separate cases the first case he got me an OFF DOCKET DISSMISSAL! And the other only 10 months probation. He gets the JOB DONE RIGHT!!!!” – Cassie Wright

“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

“You know if Trae Tha Truth tells you it’s the right way to go best attorney out here you can’t go wrong” – Erica Perales (celebrity endorsement)

Frequently Asked Questions About Houston Car Accidents

Immediate After Accident

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

• Call 911 and report the accident
• Seek medical attention even if you feel fine (adrenaline masks injuries)
• 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

2. Should I call the police even for a minor accident?
Yes. Always call police. The police report is critical evidence. In Texas, you must report accidents with injuries, deaths, or property damage over $1,000.

3. Should I seek medical attention if I don’t feel hurt?
ABSOLUTELY. Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms immediately:

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

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

4. What information should I collect at the scene?

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

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

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

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

Dealing with Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Legal Process

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Investigation and evidence gathering
2. Medical treatment to MMI
3. Demand letter to insurance
4. Negotiation
5. Lawsuit if necessary
6. Discovery
7. Mediation
8. Trial if needed

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

Compensation

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

22. What types of damages can I recover?

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

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

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

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

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

Attorney Relationship

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mistakes to Avoid

32. What common mistakes can hurt my case?

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Questions

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

Example: You had mild occasional back pain. Accident caused herniated disc requiring surgery. You recover for the NEW injury, not just the pre-existing pain. We hire medical experts to prove the difference. Lupe knows how insurance attacks pre-existing conditions—he used this defense for years.

37. Can I switch attorneys if I’m unhappy with my current lawyer?
YES. You can fire your attorney at any time. If your attorney isn’t communicating, isn’t fighting for you, or is pushing you to settle cheap, you have the right to switch. Attorney911 has taken over many cases from other attorneys.

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

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

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

Texas allows inter-policy stacking (combining multiple UM policies). Lupe’s insurance knowledge is critical for maximizing UM/UIM recovery.

39. How do you calculate pain and suffering?
Most commonly using the multiplier method: Medical expenses × multiplier (1.5 to 5) = pain & suffering. Multiplier depends on: injury severity, permanency, impact on life, clear liability.

Example: $100,000 medical × 4 multiplier = $400,000 pain & suffering.

Lupe calculated these for years—he knows how to justify higher multipliers.

40. What if I was hit by a government vehicle (city bus, police car, etc.)?
Government claims have special rules. You must file notice within 6 months (much shorter than the 2-year statute of limitations). Sovereign immunity protects government entities. 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—the 6-month deadline is strict.

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

42. What if I’m an undocumented immigrant—can I still file a claim?
YES. Immigration status does NOT affect your right to compensation for injuries. You’re entitled to full recovery regardless of immigration status. Your case is confidential.

We’ve successfully represented clients of all immigration statuses. Lupe is fluent in Spanish. Call 1-888-ATTY-911—we protect your rights and your privacy.

43. What if the accident happened in a parking lot?
Parking lot accidents are fully compensable. Insurance companies 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.

44. What if I was a passenger in the at-fault vehicle?
You can sue the driver even if you were riding with them (friend, family member, Uber driver). You’re an innocent victim. 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.

45. 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.

Houston’s Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections

At Attorney911, we’ve handled cases from every dangerous intersection and highway in Houston. Here are some of the most accident-prone locations:

Most Dangerous Highways in Houston:

1. I-45 Gulf Freeway – Known as one of the deadliest roads in North America, particularly the section between downtown and Galveston
2. I-10 Katy Freeway – Heavy commuter and truck traffic, frequent rear-end collisions
3. US-59 Southwest Freeway – High-speed collisions, particularly near the Galleria
4. I-610 Loop – Complex interchanges, high accident rate
5. Beltway 8 (Sam Houston Tollway) – Merge points and freight/commuter mix create hazards

Most Dangerous Intersections:

• FM 1960 & SH 6 – Half of Houston’s most dangerous intersections are along this corridor
• I-610 & N. Durham Drive – 56 accidents in 2023 alone, near the Heights neighborhood
• Westheimer & Post Oak – Galleria area, high pedestrian and vehicle traffic
• Bissonnet & Westheimer – Dense urban traffic, frequent collisions
• Main & Capitol – Downtown, complex traffic patterns

Contributing Factors:

• Driver impatience at merge points
• High speed limits on urban freeways
• Mix of local and through traffic
• Poor visibility at certain intersections
• Construction zone frequency
• Flooding during heavy rain

How Attorney911 Handles Your Case

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, here’s what happens:

Within 24 Hours:

• Free case evaluation with Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña
• Immediate preservation letters sent to all parties to protect evidence
• Initial investigation begins

Week One:

• Police report obtained
• Witness statements recorded
• Scene photographed
• Medical records requested
• All insurance policies identified
• Preservation letters sent to businesses for surveillance footage

Month One:

• Medical treatment plan established
• Expert witnesses retained (accident reconstruction, medical experts)
• Initial demand prepared if appropriate
• Insurance negotiations begin

Ongoing:

• Regular updates on your case progress
• Medical treatment coordination
• Evidence gathering continues
• Settlement negotiations
• Trial preparation if needed

If We Can’t Settle:

• Lawsuit filed in appropriate court
• Discovery process begins
• Depositions taken
• Mediation attempted
• Trial preparation continues

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial—because insurance companies know we’re not bluffing.

Common Injuries in Houston Car Accidents

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Houston’s Level I trauma centers see hundreds of TBI cases annually from motor vehicle accidents.

Immediate vs. Delayed Symptoms:

• Immediate: Loss of consciousness, confusion, vomiting, seizures, severe headache
• Delayed: Worsening headaches, personality changes, sleep disturbances, sensitivity to light/noise

Severity Classifications:

• Mild TBI/Concussion: Brief LOC, GCS 13-15
• Moderate TBI: LOC minutes to hours, GCS 9-12
• Severe TBI: Extended unconsciousness, GCS 3-8

Long-Term Complications:

• Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
• Post-Concussive Syndrome (10-15% of patients)
• Increased dementia risk
• Seizure disorders

Attorney911 case result:

“Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at logging company.”

Spinal Cord Injury

Houston’s Memorial Hermann and Ben Taub hospitals are leading spinal cord injury treatment centers.

Injury Levels and Impact:

• Cervical (C1-C8): Quadriplegia, possible ventilator dependence
• Thoracic (T1-T12): Paraplegia, varying trunk control
• Lumbar (L1-L5): Leg weakness/paralysis, bowel/bladder dysfunction

ASIA Impairment Scale:

• A: Complete (no motor/sensory function below injury)
• B: Sensory Incomplete
• C: Motor Incomplete (most muscles <3/5 strength)
• D: Motor Incomplete (most muscles ≥3/5 strength)
• E: Normal

Secondary Complications:

• Pressure sores
• Respiratory complications
• Bowel/bladder dysfunction
• Autonomic dysreflexia
• Depression

Herniated Disc

Common in rear-end collisions, particularly on Houston’s congested highways.

Treatment Timeline:

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

Permanent Restrictions Impact:

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

Amputation

Houston’s Texas Medical Center has specialized limb salvage and prosthetic services.

Types:

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

Levels:

• Above-Knee: More difficult, less mobility
• Below-Knee: Better mobility potential
• Upper Extremity: Arm, hand, fingers

Phantom Limb Pain:

• 80% of amputees experience phantom pain
• Feeling pain in limb that’s no longer there
• Often permanent condition
• Requires lifetime pain management

Attorney911 case result:

“In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions.”

Psychological Injuries

Houston’s diverse population experiences a range of psychological impacts after accidents.

PTSD After Motor Vehicle Accidents:

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

Compensable Psychological Damages:

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

Why Houston Trusts Attorney911

Houston Roots

Ralph Manginello was born in New York but moved to Texas at age 5. He grew up in the Memorial area of Houston, attending Hunters Creek Elementary, Awty International School, and Memorial High School. His deep Houston roots give him unique insight into our community’s needs.

Community Recognition

One of Houston’s most respected rappers, Trae Tha Truth, has publicly endorsed Attorney911:

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

“You know if TraeAbn tells you it’s the right way to go best attorney out here you can’t go wrong” – Erica Perales

Houston-Specific Expertise

We know:

• The Harris County civil courts and their judges
• Local insurance adjusters and their tactics
• Houston’s most dangerous intersections and highways
• The local medical providers and their billing practices
• Houston’s diverse communities and their unique needs

Bilingual Services

With Houston being one of the most diverse cities in America, we offer full Spanish language services:

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

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and our entire staff is trained to assist Spanish-speaking clients.

Call Attorney911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Houston, don’t wait. Evidence disappears every day. Insurance companies are already building their case against you. You need an experienced Houston car accident lawyer on your side.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

Our offices:

• Houston: Serving Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston Counties
• Austin: Serving Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop Counties
• Beaumont: Serving Jefferson, Orange, Hardin Counties

Remember:

• Free consultation – no obligation
• No fee unless we win
• We advance all case costs
• Hablamos Español
• Available 24/7 for emergencies

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re Houston’s legal emergency line, and we’re ready to fight for you.

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