Car Accident Lawyers in Maud, Texas: Fighting for Your Rights After a Crash
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Maud, Texas, you’re not alone. With thousands of crashes happening across Texas every day, the roads in Bowie County are no exception to the dangers drivers face. At Attorney911, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a car accident can take on you and your family. That’s why our experienced Maud car accident lawyers are here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
The Reality of Car Accidents in Maud and Across Texas
Texas sees a car accident every 57 seconds, resulting in over 250,000 injuries annually. In Maud and the surrounding areas of Bowie County, these accidents can happen anywhere – from the local streets to the highways that connect our communities. Whether it’s a rear-end collision at a stoplight or a high-speed crash on a rural road, the consequences can be life-altering.
With Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience handling car accident cases in Texas, Attorney911 has the knowledge and resources to take on even the most complex cases. Our team knows the local courts, the insurance adjusters who handle claims in this area, and the unique challenges that Maud residents face after a crash.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Maud
Car accidents in Maud can happen for many reasons, but some of the most common causes we see include:
- Distracted driving (texting, eating, or using a phone while driving)
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Poor weather conditions (rain, fog, or ice)
- Vehicle defects or mechanical failures
No matter how your accident happened, our Maud car accident attorneys can help determine who was at fault and build a strong case on your behalf.
Common Injuries in Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to catastrophic. Some of the most common injuries we see in our clients include:
- Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD
Even injuries that seem minor at first can develop into serious, long-term conditions. That’s why it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately after an accident, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries don’t show symptoms right away.
One of our clients, Chavodrian Miles, shared his experience: “Leonor got me into the doctor the same day…it only took 6 months amazing.” This kind of prompt medical attention and dedicated legal support can make all the difference in your recovery.
Why You Need a Maud Car Accident Lawyer
After a car accident, insurance companies will often try to minimize your injuries or shift blame onto you to reduce their payout. They may offer a quick settlement that doesn’t cover your long-term medical needs or lost wages. That’s where Attorney911 comes in.
Our firm includes former insurance defense attorney Lupe Peña, who knows exactly how insurance companies operate. He spent years working for insurance companies, learning their tactics from the inside. Now, he uses that knowledge to fight for accident victims like you.
Here’s what Lupe has to say about insurance company tactics:
“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.”
With Lupe’s insider knowledge, we can anticipate the insurance company’s strategies and counter them effectively to maximize your compensation.
Proving Liability in Your Maud Car Accident Case
To win your car accident case, we must prove that the other driver was negligent. This means showing that:
- The other driver had a duty to drive safely
- They breached that duty through their actions (like speeding or texting)
- Their breach caused your injuries
- You suffered damages as a result
Our Maud car accident lawyers will gather evidence to support your claim, including:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Photos and videos from the accident scene
- Medical records
- Expert testimony (accident reconstructionists, medical experts)
- Surveillance footage
- Cell phone records
We’ll also investigate whether other parties might be liable, such as:
- Vehicle manufacturers (if a defect caused the accident)
- Government entities (if poor road conditions contributed)
- Employers (if the other driver was working at the time)
What You Can Recover in a Car Accident Case
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Maud, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Physical impairment
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
In cases involving drunk driving or extreme negligence, you may also be eligible for punitive damages, which are designed to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.
The value of your case depends on several factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- The cost of your medical treatment
- How your injuries affect your daily life
- Whether you’ll need ongoing care
- The impact on your ability to work
- The strength of the evidence against the at-fault driver
At Attorney911, we’ve helped clients recover millions of dollars in compensation. In one 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, ensuring our client could afford the lifelong care he needed.
The Insurance Company’s Playbook: What They Don’t Want You to Know
Insurance companies have a playbook of tactics they use to minimize payouts. Here are some of the most common strategies they use – and how Attorney911 counters them:
1. The Quick Cash Trap
Within days of your accident, the insurance company may offer you a quick settlement. It might sound good when you’re facing medical bills and lost wages, but these early offers are almost always far below what your case is worth.
Why they do it: They know you don’t yet understand the full extent of your injuries or how much your case is worth.
How we counter it: We never settle before you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) – the point where your doctors say you’ve recovered as much as you’re going to. This could take months or even years, depending on your injuries.
2. The Recorded Statement Trap
The insurance adjuster will likely call you soon after the accident, acting friendly and concerned. They’ll ask you to give a recorded statement about what happened.
Why they do it: They’re looking for anything they can use to minimize your claim or deny it altogether. They’ll ask leading questions designed to get you to say things that hurt your case.
How we counter it: We advise our clients never to give a recorded statement without an attorney present. Once you hire Attorney911, we handle all communication with the insurance company.
3. The IME Scheme
The insurance company may ask you to see a doctor of their choosing for an “Independent Medical Exam” (IME).
Why they do it: These doctors are hired by the insurance company and often find ways to minimize your injuries or claim they’re pre-existing.
How we counter it: We prepare our clients thoroughly for IMEs. Lupe knows which doctors insurance companies favor – because he hired them when he worked for the insurance industry. We can anticipate their tactics and counter them with our own medical experts.
4. Surveillance Tactics
Insurance companies often hire private investigators to follow accident victims, hoping to catch them doing something that contradicts their injury claims.
Why they do it: They’re looking for any activity that shows you’re not as injured as you claim. Even something as simple as carrying groceries could be used against you.
How we counter it: We advise our clients to be cautious about their activities and social media posts. We also know how to explain seemingly contradictory evidence in a way that juries understand.
5. The Delay, Deny, Defend Strategy
Insurance companies may drag out your claim, hoping you’ll get frustrated and accept a lowball offer.
Why they do it: They know you’re facing financial pressure from medical bills and lost wages. The longer they delay, the more desperate you become.
How we counter it: We file lawsuits when necessary to force insurance companies to take your claim seriously. We set deadlines, take depositions, and prepare for trial to show we’re serious about getting you the compensation you deserve.
6. The Pre-Existing Condition Blame Game
If you had any prior injuries or medical conditions, the insurance company will try to blame your current injuries on those.
Why they do it: They want to avoid paying for injuries they claim aren’t related to the accident.
How we counter it: We hire medical experts to show how the accident aggravated your pre-existing condition. The “eggshell plaintiff” rule means the at-fault party takes you as they find you – even if you were more vulnerable to injury.
Colossus: The Software Insurance Companies Use to Undervalue Your Claim
Most major insurance companies use a software program called Colossus to calculate the value of injury claims. Here’s how it works – and how Lupe’s insider knowledge helps us beat it:
- The adjuster inputs information about your injuries, treatment, and costs.
- Colossus applies algorithms to determine a “value” for your claim.
- The system provides a recommended settlement range.
The problem? Colossus is designed to undervalue serious injuries. Adjusters are trained to use the lowest possible injury codes, which result in lower payouts. For example, the same injury could be coded as a “soft tissue strain” (minor) or a “disc herniation” (serious), with vastly different settlement values.
Lupe knows how to present your medical records to Colossus in a way that triggers higher valuations. He understands which medical terms and treatment patterns result in fairer settlements.
The 48-Hour Protocol: What to Do After a Car Accident in Maud
If you’ve been in a car accident in Maud, here’s what to do in the first 48 hours to protect your rights:
Hour 1-6: Immediate Actions
- Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.
- Seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries don’t show symptoms right away.
- Document everything with photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange information with the other driver, including names, phone numbers, insurance information, and license plate numbers.
- Get witness information if anyone saw the accident happen.
- Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance.
Hour 6-24: Evidence Preservation
- Preserve all digital evidence, including texts, calls, photos, and videos related to the accident.
- Don’t repair your vehicle yet – the damage can serve as evidence.
- Request copies of your medical records from any treatment you received.
- Note any calls from insurance companies but don’t give recorded statements.
- Make all your social media profiles private and don’t post about the accident.
Hour 24-48: Strategic Decisions
- Consult with an experienced car accident lawyer like those at Attorney911.
- Refer insurance adjusters to your attorney if they contact you.
- Don’t accept or sign anything without lawyer review.
- Backup all evidence by uploading photos and videos to cloud storage.
Week One Priorities
- Continue documenting your injuries and following your doctor’s recommendations.
- Let Attorney911 begin the investigation, including obtaining police reports and sending preservation letters to secure evidence.
Every day you wait, evidence disappears. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is typically deleted within 7-30 days. Witness memories fade quickly. That’s why it’s crucial to call Attorney911 as soon as possible after your accident.
Texas Car Accident Laws You Need to Know
Understanding Texas car accident laws can help you protect your rights after a crash in Maud:
Statute of Limitations
In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is strict – if you miss it, you lose your right to compensation forever.
Comparative Negligence (51% Rule)
Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. This means:
- If you’re 50% or less at fault for the accident, you can recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- If you’re 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages.
Insurance companies often try to assign as much fault as possible to accident victims to reduce their payouts. Lupe’s experience as a former insurance defense attorney helps us counter these arguments effectively.
Minimum Insurance Requirements
Texas requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
However, many drivers carry only the minimum coverage, which may not be enough to cover your damages. That’s why it’s important to have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own policy.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
UM/UIM coverage protects you if:
- The at-fault driver has no insurance
- The at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages
- You’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident
Texas allows you to “stack” UM/UIM coverage from multiple policies, increasing the amount available to compensate you.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Maud Car Accident Case?
When you’re recovering from a car accident, you need a law firm that will fight for your rights while providing the personal attention you deserve. Here’s what sets Attorney911 apart:
1. Insurance Defense Insider Advantage
Lupe Peña, one of our attorneys, worked for years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims. He knows their tactics because he used them for years – now he uses that knowledge to fight for accident victims like you.
2. Multi-Million Dollar Results
At Attorney911, we’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients. In one 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, ensuring our client could afford lifelong care.
3. 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, including those involving commercial vehicles or multi-state defendants.
4. Personal Attention from Start to Finish
At Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, not just paralegals or case managers. As client Chad Harris said:
“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”
5. Contingency Fee – No Risk to You
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- You pay nothing upfront
- We advance all case costs
- You pay nothing unless we win your case
- Our fee comes from a percentage of your recovery
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Maud
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Maud?
If you’ve been in an accident in Maud:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine
- Document everything with photos and videos
- Exchange information with the other driver
- Get witness names and phone numbers
- Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for legal guidance
Should I call the police even for a minor accident?
Yes, always call the police. In Texas, you’re required to 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 can mask pain at the scene
Insurance companies use delays in treatment against you. Get checked immediately.
What information should I collect at the scene?
Collect the following information:
- Other driver: name, phone, address, driver’s license, insurance
- Vehicle: make, model, color, license plate
- Witnesses: names and phone numbers
- Photos: all vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, traffic signals
- Police: officer name, badge number, report number
Should I talk to the other driver or admit fault?
Only exchange basic information. Do NOT:
- Discuss fault
- Apologize or say “I’m sorry” (this can be used as an admission of fault)
- Give your opinion on what happened
- Discuss your injuries
How do I obtain a copy of the accident report?
You can obtain the police report from the responding law enforcement agency or through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS).
Should I give a recorded statement to insurance?
To the other driver’s insurance: NO, not without an attorney.
To your own insurance: You have a duty to cooperate, but call Attorney911 first. We can advise you on how to handle these conversations.
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, discuss injuries, or accept fault.
Do I have to accept the insurance company’s estimate?
No. Their estimate is just an offer, and it’s usually far below what your case is worth. Attorney911 fights for what your case is really worth.
Should I accept a quick settlement offer?
NEVER accept a settlement before you know 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 coverage can compensate you. Watch our video on Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8 to learn more.
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 a medical authorization without attorney review.
What common mistakes can hurt my case?
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Giving a recorded statement without an attorney
- Accepting a quick settlement
- Delaying medical treatment
- Having gaps in your treatment
- Posting about your accident on social media
- Signing releases or authorizations without lawyer review
- Not documenting everything
Watch our video “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY to learn more.
Should I post about my accident on social media?
NO. Make all your social media profiles private. Don’t post about the accident, your injuries, or your activities. Insurance companies monitor everything.
Why shouldn’t I sign anything without a lawyer?
Releases are permanent. Medical authorizations give unlimited access to your records. Settlement offers are binding. Once signed, you can’t undo it.
What if I didn’t see a doctor right away?
See a doctor NOW. Explain that you didn’t realize the severity of your injuries. Delayed symptoms are common, and we can still help.
What if I have a pre-existing condition?
You can still recover. If the accident aggravated your pre-existing condition, you’re entitled to compensation for that aggravation. The “eggshell plaintiff” rule means the at-fault party takes you as they find you.
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 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.”
What if the insurance company is my own insurance (UM/UIM claim)?
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist claims are against YOUR insurance when the other driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance. Your insurance company will fight your claim just like the other driver’s insurance would. You need attorney representation.
How do you calculate pain and suffering?
Most commonly using the multiplier method: Medical expenses × multiplier (1.5 to 5) = pain and suffering. The multiplier depends on the severity of your injuries, how they impact your life, and whether liability is clear. Lupe calculated these for years as a defense attorney – he knows how to justify higher multipliers.
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, and damage caps may apply. These cases are complex – you need an experienced attorney. Ralph’s 25+ years of experience includes government litigation.
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 – most footage is deleted within 7-30 days. We send preservation letters immediately to secure this evidence.
What if I’m an undocumented immigrant – can I still file a claim?
Yes. Your 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, and we’ve successfully represented clients of all immigration statuses. Lupe is fluent in Spanish, and we have bilingual staff to assist you.
What if the accident happened in a parking lot?
Parking lot accidents are fully compensable. Insurance companies often argue that these accidents are always 50/50 fault, but this isn’t true. We prove fault through surveillance video, witness statements, damage analysis, and traffic patterns. Texas comparative negligence rules apply.
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 apply (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. The death doesn’t eliminate liability. The insurance policy still applies, and the estate may have assets. Wrongful death laws protect both sides. We handle these cases with sensitivity while protecting your rights.
Contact Attorney911 Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Maud or anywhere in Bowie County, don’t wait to get the help you need. Evidence disappears every day, and the insurance company is already building its case against you.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Remember, when you call Attorney911, you’re not just getting a law firm – you’re getting a team that treats you like family. As client Glenda Walker said:
“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.”
Don’t face the insurance company alone. Call Attorney911 today and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
