Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Abernathy, Texas

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Abernathy, Texas, you’re not alone. With one motor vehicle crash occurring every 57 seconds in Texas, our community sees far too many preventable tragedies on our roads. At Attorney911, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a serious accident can take on you and your family. Our experienced Abernathy car accident lawyers are here to fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.

Why Abernathy Residents Choose Attorney911

Abernathy may be a small community, but our roads see significant traffic from agricultural vehicles, local commuters, and travelers passing through on Highway 87 and FM 597. The Manginello Law Firm has been serving Texas accident victims for over 25 years, and we bring that experience to every case we handle in Hale County.

Ralph Manginello, our founding attorney, has been practicing law since 1998 and is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This federal court admission means we can handle even the most complex cases that other firms might avoid. Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate claims – because he used to calculate them himself.

Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Abernathy

Car Accidents

With 251,977 people injured in Texas motor vehicle crashes last year, car accidents remain the most common type of collision we see. In Abernathy, common causes include:

• Distracted driving on rural roads
• Speeding through our small-town streets
• Failure to yield at intersections like the junction of Highway 87 and FM 597
• Rear-end collisions at stop signs and traffic lights
• Drunk driving accidents, especially on weekends

Common injuries from car accidents include whiplash, herniated discs, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. 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.

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

Trucking Accidents

Abernathy sits along major trucking routes, making our community vulnerable to large commercial vehicle accidents. Last year, Texas saw 39,393 commercial motor vehicle crashes, resulting in 608 fatalities and 1,601 serious injuries. Texas accounts for 11% of all fatal truck crashes nationwide.

Trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties, including:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The cargo loader
• The vehicle manufacturer
• The maintenance company

At Attorney911, we have recovered millions for clients in trucking-related wrongful death cases. Our firm is one of the few in Texas to be involved in BP explosion litigation, demonstrating our capability to take on billion-dollar corporations.

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

Drunk Driving Accidents

Texas saw 1,053 alcohol-impaired driving deaths last year, accounting for 25.37% of all traffic fatalities. In Hale County, we know all too well the devastation caused by drunk drivers.

Texas law allows victims to pursue claims against both the drunk driver and the establishment that served them alcohol through dram shop liability (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02). Signs of obvious intoxication include:

• Slurred speech
• Bloodshot or glassy eyes
• Unsteady gait or stumbling
• Impaired coordination
• Aggressive or erratic behavior

Our firm has successfully handled numerous DWI-related cases, including three documented dismissals that demonstrate our investigation capabilities:

1. Breathalyzer machine improperly maintained – case dismissed
2. No breath/blood test, missing hospital notes – dismissed day of trial
3. Video evidence showed client not drunk – case dismissed

Motorcycle Accidents

Texas saw 585 motorcyclist fatalities last year, with 37% of those killed not wearing helmets. While helmets are required for riders under 21 in Texas, those over 21 may ride without one if they’ve completed a safety course or have adequate medical insurance.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents in Abernathy include:

• Failure to yield right of way
• Driver inattention or distraction
• Unsafe lane changes
• Left-turn accidents
• Speeding

Insurance companies often try to blame motorcyclists using Texas’s 51% comparative fault rule. Having Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney, on our team gives us an advantage in countering these arguments.

What to Do After an Accident in Abernathy

The First 48 Hours Are Critical

Evidence disappears quickly after an accident. Here’s what you should do:

Hour 1-6:

• Call 911 and report the accident
• Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine (adrenaline masks injuries)
• Document everything: take photos of all vehicle damage, injuries, and the scene
• Exchange information with the other driver
• Get names and phone numbers of witnesses
• Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

Hour 6-24:

• Preserve all digital evidence (texts, calls, photos, videos)
• Secure damaged clothing and personal items
• Request copies of all medical records
• Note any calls from insurance companies
• Do NOT give recorded statements or sign anything

Hour 24-48:

• Consult with an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney
• Refer all insurance calls to your attorney
• Do NOT accept settlement offers without review
• Backup all evidence and create a written timeline

Evidence Preservation Timeline

• Day 1-7: Witness memories are freshest
• Day 7-30: Surveillance footage is typically deleted (gas stations: 7-14 days, retail stores: 30 days)
• Month 1-2: Insurance companies solidify their defense position
• Month 2-6: Trucking ELD data can be overwritten (30-180 days)
• Month 6-12: Witnesses become harder to locate, memories fade
• Month 12-24: Approaching the 2-year statute of limitations

At Attorney911, we send preservation letters to all parties within 24 hours of being retained to ensure critical evidence isn’t lost.

Texas Motor Vehicle Law You Need to Know

Statute of Limitations

Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003 gives you 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the 2-year clock starts from the date of death. Missing this deadline means your case is barred forever.

Comparative Negligence (51% Rule)

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. If you’re found to be 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.

This is why insurance companies always try to blame victims – even small fault percentages can cost you thousands. For example:

• 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

Minimum Insurance Requirements

Texas requires minimum auto insurance coverage of:

• $30,000 for bodily injury per person
• $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 for property damage

However, 15.4% of Texas drivers are uninsured. This is why having Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is so important.

How Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Your Claim

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for insurance companies. He knows all their tactics because he used them himself. Here’s what they’re doing behind the scenes:

Tactic #1: The Quick Cash Trap

Insurance companies often make lowball settlement offers within days or weeks of an accident. These offers typically range from $2,000-$5,000, and sometimes up to $15,000 if they’re worried about the case.

Why it’s a trap:
You don’t know the full extent of your injuries yet. What seems like a good offer now could be a fraction of what you’ll need for future medical treatment.

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

Tactic #2: The Recorded Statement Trap

Insurance adjusters will contact you immediately, often while you’re still in the hospital or on pain medication. They’ll sound friendly and helpful, saying things like:

• “We just want to help you”
• “We need your side of the story”
• “This is routine, everyone does this”

What they’re really doing:
They’re asking leading questions designed to get you to say things that hurt your case:

• “You’re feeling better now, right?” (Trapping you into saying you’re improving)
• “It wasn’t that bad of an impact, was it?” (Minimizing collision severity)
• “You were able to walk away from the scene?” (Suggesting injuries aren’t serious)

The truth:
You are NOT required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. Once you say something, you can’t take it back.

Tactic #3: The IME Scheme

Insurance companies will send you to an “Independent Medical Exam” (IME) with a doctor they’ve chosen. These exams are anything but independent.

How it works:

• You get a 10-15 minute exam (vs. your treating doctor’s thorough evaluation)
• The doctor rarely reviews your complete medical records beforehand
• They ask questions designed to elicit “I’m feeling better” responses
• They look for any reason to minimize your injuries

Common IME findings:

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

“I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as 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.” – Lupe Peña

Tactic #4: Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring

Insurance companies hire private investigators to:

• Video you doing daily activities
• Film you at home, in your driveway, at stores
• Look for any activity that contradicts your injury claims
• Monitor all your social media accounts

What they monitor:

• Facebook (posts, photos, check-ins, comments, likes)
• Instagram (stories, reels, posts, geotags)
• TikTok (videos showing activity levels)
• LinkedIn (employment status changes)
• Twitter/X (tweets, replies)
• YouTube (videos posted)

Advanced techniques:

• Facial recognition to find photos you’re tagged in
• Geotagging data to track your location
• Monitoring friends/family for posts about you
• Creating fake profiles to send friend requests
• Using archive services to preserve deleted content

7 Rules to Protect Yourself:

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

Tactic #5: The Delay Game

Insurance companies will drag out your case, hoping you’ll get desperate and accept a lowball offer. They’ll say things like:

• “We’re still investigating your claim”
• “We’re waiting for medical records”
• “Your file is under review”
• “We need additional information”

Why delay works:

• They have unlimited time and resources
• They earn interest on your settlement money while delaying
• You have mounting bills and financial pressure
• Desperation makes you accept less

Financial desperation timeline:

• 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

At Attorney911, we counter this by:

• Filing lawsuits to force deadlines
• Setting depositions to compel action
• Preparing for trial to show we’re serious

Tactic #6: The Comparative Fault Argument

Insurance companies will try to assign you maximum fault to reduce their payment. They’ll claim:

• “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)

How we counter this:

• 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 these arguments because he made them for years – now he defeats them.

How Insurance Companies Actually Value Your Claim

The Colossus Software System

Most major insurance companies use a software program called Colossus to calculate claim values. Lupe used this system when he worked for insurance companies.

How Colossus works:

1. Adjuster inputs injury codes, treatment types, and costs
2. Injuries are coded using standardized medical terms
3. Software applies algorithms to determine “value”
4. System provides a recommended settlement range
5. Adjuster typically can’t exceed this range without approval

How insurance companies manipulate Colossus:

• Using low injury codes (“soft tissue strain” instead of “disc herniation”)
• Flagging “excessive” treatment to reduce value
• Penalizing conservative treatment (chiropractic valued less than MD)
• Using pre-existing conditions to reduce value
• Applying jurisdiction factors (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

The Multiplier Method

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

The multiplier ranges from 1.5 to 5, depending on:

• Injury severity
• Permanency
• Impact on daily life
• Clear liability
• Sympathetic plaintiff
• Defendant’s conduct

Multiplier ranges:

• Minor injuries (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+

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)

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

What You Can Recover in an Abernathy Car Accident Case

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas)

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket expenses (transportation, home modifications, household help)

Non-Economic Damages (No Cap Except Medical Malpractice)

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

Punitive Damages (Capped)

Available for gross negligence, fraud, or malice. Common in drunk driving cases. Capped at the greater of:

• $200,000, OR
• 2x economic damages + 1x non-economic damages (capped at $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

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

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

Spinal Cord Injury / Paralysis:

• Lifetime care costs: $2,500,000-$13,000,000+
• Settlement range: $4,770,000-$25,880,000

Amputation:

• Past medical: $170,000-$480,000
• Future medical: $500,000-$2,000,000
• Lost wages: $20,000-$50,000
• Lost earning capacity: $50,000-$400,000
• Pain & suffering: $500,000-$3,000,000
• Settlement range: $1,945,000-$8,630,000

Wrongful Death:

• Economic damages: $1,000,000-$4,000,000
• Non-economic damages: $500,000-$3,000,000
• Settlement range: $1,910,000-$9,520,000

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Abernathy Accident Case

1. Insurance Defense Insider Advantage

Lupe Peña worked for years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims. He knows:

• How they calculate settlement offers
• Which IME doctors they favor (he hired them)
• How they use Colossus software to minimize claims
• Their delay and financial pressure tactics
• How to counter their comparative fault arguments

This insider knowledge is your unfair advantage.

2. Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our case results speak for themselves:

• Multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss when a log dropped on him at a logging company
• 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
• We’ve recovered millions for families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases
• Significant cash settlement for a client who injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This federal court admission means we can handle:

• Complex cases involving federal regulations (like FMCSA trucking rules)
• Cases with out-of-state defendants
• High-value cases that may exceed state court limits

Our firm is also one of the few in Texas to be involved in BP explosion litigation, demonstrating our capability to take on billion-dollar corporations.

4. Personal Attention from Experienced Attorneys

At Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña – not a case manager assembly line.

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

“I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.” – Ambur Hamilton

5. Contingency Fee – No Risk to You

We don’t get paid unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no financial risk to you.

• Free consultation
• No fee unless we recover compensation for you
• We advance all case costs
• You pay nothing if we don’t win

What Our Clients Say About Us

“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

“Special thank you to my attorney, Mr. Pena, for your kindness and patience with my repeated questions.” – Chelsea Martinez

“Leonor and Amanda were amazing, they walked me through everything with my car accident.” – Kelly Hunsicker

“Consistent communication and not one time did i call and not get a clear answer…Ralph reached out personally.” – Dame Haskett

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

“Leonor is the best!!! She was able to assist me with my case within 6 months.” – Tymesha Galloway

“Mariela and Zulema have done such a fantastic job…gone above and beyond to get my case settled quickly!” – Hannah Garcia

“Highly recommend! They moved fast and handled my case very efficiently.” – Nina Graeter

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

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

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

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

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

“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

Frequently Asked Questions About Abernathy Car Accidents

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Abernathy?

If you’ve been in an accident in Abernathy:

1. Call 911 and report the accident
2. Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine (adrenaline masks injuries)
3. Document everything: take photos of damage, injuries, and the scene
4. Exchange information with the other driver
5. Get witness names and phone numbers
6. Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company
7. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911

Should I call the police even for a minor accident?

Yes. Always call the police. The police report is critical evidence. In Texas, you must report accidents with injuries, deaths, or property damage over $1,000.

Should I seek medical attention if I don’t feel hurt?

Absolutely. Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms immediately:

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

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

What information should I collect at the scene?

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

Should I talk to the other driver or admit fault?

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

How do I obtain a copy of the accident report?

In Abernathy, you can obtain the police report from the responding agency or through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS).

Should I give a recorded statement to insurance?

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

What if the other driver’s insurance contacts me?

Say: “I need to speak with my attorney first.” Give only basic information (name, date of accident). Do NOT give a recorded statement. Do NOT discuss injuries or fault.

Do I have to accept the insurance company’s estimate?

No. Their estimate is just an offer. It’s usually far below actual value. Attorney911 fights for what your case is really worth.

Should I accept a quick settlement offer?

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

What if the other driver is uninsured/underinsured?

Your own UM/UIM coverage can compensate you. Watch our video: “Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8

Why does insurance want me to sign a medical authorization?

They want unlimited access to your ENTIRE medical history to find pre-existing conditions to use against you. Never sign without attorney review.

Do I have a personal injury case?

You may have a case if:

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

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

When should I hire a car accident lawyer?

Immediately. Evidence disappears daily. Insurance companies start building their defense against you from day one. Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911

How much time do I have to file (statute of limitations)?

In Texas: 2 years from the date of the accident for personal injury, 2 years from the date of death for wrongful death. Miss it = case barred forever.

What is comparative negligence and how does it affect me?

Texas uses the 51% bar rule. If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover (reduced by your fault %). If 51%+ at fault, you get nothing.

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

What happens if I was partially at fault?

You can still recover if you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Will my case go to trial?

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

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

How long will my case take to settle?

Depends on injury severity. We don’t settle until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). Could be 6 months for minor injuries, 18-24 months for serious injuries.

What is the legal process step-by-step?

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

What is my case worth?

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

What types of damages can I recover?

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

Can I get compensation for pain and suffering?

Yes. Pain and suffering is a significant component of personal injury cases in Texas. There is NO CAP on pain and suffering (except medical malpractice).

What if I have a pre-existing condition?

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

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.

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.

How much do car accident lawyers cost?

Attorney911 works on a contingency fee basis: 33.33% before trial, 40% if trial. You pay nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win.

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

What does “no fee unless we win” mean?

You pay zero unless we recover money for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. We advance all case costs.

How often will I get updates?

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

Who will actually handle my case?

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

What if I already hired another attorney?

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

What 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

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.

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.

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.

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. The “eggshell plaintiff” rule means the defendant 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 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.

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 & suffering. The multiplier depends on injury severity, permanency, impact on life, and clear liability.

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.

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 – most footage is deleted within 7-30 days. We send preservation letters immediately.

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.

What if the accident happened in a parking lot?

Parking lot accidents are fully compensable. Insurance companies often argue that “parking lot accidents are always 50/50 fault,” but this is not true. We prove fault through surveillance video, witness statements, damage analysis, and traffic patterns.

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.

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.

Abernathy-Specific Legal Resources

Local Hospitals and Medical Centers

• Covenant Medical Center (Lubbock) – Level II Trauma Center, approximately 30 minutes from Abernathy
• University Medical Center (Lubbock) – Level I Trauma Center, approximately 35 minutes from Abernathy
• Covenant Children’s Hospital (Lubbock)
• Grace Medical Center (Lubbock)

Local Courts

• Hale County Courthouse: 700 Broadway St, Plainview, TX 79072
• 64th District Court: Serves Hale County
• County Court at Law: Handles civil cases under $200,000
• Justice of the Peace Courts: Handle smaller claims

Local Law Enforcement

• Abernathy Police Department: 811 Ave D, Abernathy, TX 79311
• Hale County Sheriff’s Office: 1900 S Columbia St, Plainview, TX 79072
• Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) – Plainview Office

Local Roads and Highways

• Highway 87: Major north-south route through Abernathy
• FM 597: Connects Abernathy to surrounding communities
• FM 179: Runs through the western part of Abernathy
• County Roads: CR 105, CR 110, CR 115

Dangerous Intersections in the Abernathy Area

While Abernathy is a small community, some intersections see higher accident rates:

• Highway 87 and FM 597
• Highway 87 and FM 179
• Highway 87 and various county roads
• Railroad crossings along Highway 87

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Abernathy, Texas, don’t face this alone. The insurance companies already have teams of adjusters and attorneys working against you. You need experienced legal representation on your side.

Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free, no-obligation consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case, so there’s no risk to you.

Our offices serve all of Texas, and we’re ready to fight for you in Abernathy and throughout Hale County. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we have the resources and experience to handle even the most complex cases.

Remember:

• Evidence disappears daily – call now
• The 2-year statute of limitations is real
• Insurance companies are already building their case against you
• We know their tactics because Lupe used them for years
• Our results speak for themselves – cases settling in the millions

Don’t wait. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. We’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve.