Motor Vehicle Accidents in Andrews, Texas: Legal Emergency Guide

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Andrews, Texas, you’re not alone. With over 251,977 people injured in Texas motor vehicle crashes last year alone – that’s one person every 2 minutes and 5 seconds – our roads are dangerous. In Andrews and surrounding Andrews County, drivers face unique risks from oilfield traffic, rural highways, and sudden weather changes.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Founder Ralph Manginello brings his federal court experience and deep knowledge of Texas law to every case. Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how insurance companies try to minimize your claim – because he used to work for them.

This comprehensive guide explains your rights, the legal process, and how we can help you recover maximum compensation after an accident in Andrews.

The Reality of Car Accidents in Andrews, Texas

Andrews sits at the heart of the Permian Basin, where oilfield traffic mixes with local commuters and long-haul truckers. The intersection of US-385 and FM 181 is particularly dangerous, as is the stretch of Highway 115 heading toward Odessa. Rural roads like FM 1788 can be treacherous, especially at night or during sudden West Texas storms.

In 2024, Texas saw:

• 251,977 people injured in motor vehicle crashes
• 1 crash every 57 seconds
• 1 person injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds
• 4,150 fatalities

For Andrews residents, these statistics aren’t just numbers – they represent neighbors, coworkers, and family members whose lives were changed in an instant.

Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Andrews

Car Accidents (Most Common)

With oilfield workers, ranchers, and families sharing the roads, car accidents are unfortunately common in Andrews. We see frequent collisions at:

• US-385 and FM 181 intersection
• Highway 115 near the city limits
• FM 1788 rural routes
• Downtown Andrews during community events

Common injuries include:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Herniated discs
• Broken bones and fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ damage

“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.” – Attorney911 Case Result

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

Trucking Accidents (Most Dangerous)

Andrews sits along major trucking routes serving the Permian Basin oilfields. The 80,000-pound weight difference between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles makes trucking accidents particularly catastrophic.

Texas leads the nation in trucking accidents with:

• 39,393 commercial motor vehicle crashes in 2024
• 608 trucking fatalities
• 1,601 serious injuries
• 11% of all U.S. fatal truck crashes

Common causes in Andrews:

• Driver fatigue (violating FMCSA hours of service rules)
• Improperly loaded cargo
• Equipment failure
• Distracted driving
• Poor road conditions

“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.” – Attorney911 Case Result

Drunk Driving Accidents (Preventable Tragedies)

With 1,053 alcohol-impaired driving deaths in Texas last year (25.37% of all fatalities), drunk driving remains a serious problem. In Andrews, we see these accidents increase during:

• Weekend nights
• Oilfield shift changes
• Community events and festivals
• Holiday periods

Texas Dram Shop Law (TABC § 2.02) allows us to hold bars, restaurants, and even social hosts liable if they served alcohol to someone who was obviously intoxicated.

Oilfield Vehicle Accidents (Unique to Andrews)

The Permian Basin’s oil and gas industry brings specialized vehicles to Andrews roads:

• Water trucks
• Oilfield service vehicles
• Crew transport buses
• Heavy equipment transports

These accidents often involve:

• Improperly secured loads
• Driver fatigue
• Poorly maintained equipment
• Lack of proper training

What to Do Immediately After an Accident in Andrews

Hour 1-6 (Immediate Crisis Response)

1. Safety First: Move to a safe location if possible
2. Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance
3. Document Everything:
   • Take photos of all vehicle damage
   • Photograph the accident scene and road conditions
   • Capture visible injuries
4. Exchange Information:
   • Other driver’s name, phone, address
   • Insurance information
   • Vehicle make, model, license plate
5. Witnesses: Get names and contact information
6. Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 before speaking to any insurance company

Hour 6-24 (Evidence Preservation)

• Preserve all digital evidence (texts, photos, videos)
• Secure damaged personal items
• Keep all medical records and receipts
• Do NOT give recorded statements to insurance
• Do NOT sign anything without legal review

Hour 24-48 (Strategic Decisions)

• Consult with an experienced attorney
• Refer all insurance communications to your lawyer
• Do NOT accept settlement offers without review
• Backup all evidence (photos, videos, documents)

Why Time Matters:
Evidence disappears quickly:

• Surveillance footage deleted in 7-30 days
• Witness memories fade
• Electronic data can be overwritten
• Insurance companies start building their defense immediately

Texas Motor Vehicle Law You Need to Know

Statute of Limitations

Texas law gives you 2 years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Miss this deadline and your case is barred forever.

Comparative Negligence (51% Rule)

Texas uses modified comparative negligence. If you’re:

• 50% or less at fault: You can recover damages (reduced by your fault percentage)
• 51% or more at fault: You recover nothing

Insurance companies will try to blame you to reduce their payment. Lupe Peña’s defense background helps us counter these tactics.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

Texas requires:

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

Many drivers carry only minimum coverage, which is often insufficient for serious injuries.

How Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Your Claim

Lupe Peña spent years working for insurance companies. He knows their playbook:

Tactic #1: Quick Lowball Offers

Within days of your accident, insurance adjusters may offer $2,000-$5,000. These offers are always too low because:

• You don’t know the full extent of your injuries yet
• They’re hoping you’ll accept before getting legal advice
• They know you’re desperate for money

“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.” – Lupe Peña

Tactic #2: Recorded Statements

Adjusters will call you while you’re:

• Still in the hospital
• On pain medication
• Confused and overwhelmed

They’ll ask leading questions designed to make you:

• Minimize your injuries
• Admit partial fault
• Say you’re feeling better

Never give a recorded statement without an attorney.

Tactic #3: “Independent” Medical Exams

Insurance companies will send you to doctors they hire to:

• Minimize your injuries
• Claim your problems are pre-existing
• Say you can return to work
• Recommend less treatment

These exams typically last 10-15 minutes and often contradict your treating doctors.

Tactic #4: Delay Tactics

Insurance companies will:

• “Still investigating” for months
• Ignore your calls
• Take weeks to respond
• Hope you’ll get desperate and accept less

They earn interest on your settlement money while you struggle to pay bills.

Common Injuries and Their Impact

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

• Symptoms may not appear immediately
• Can cause permanent cognitive impairment
• Often requires lifetime care
• “Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss” – Attorney911 Case Result

Spinal Cord Injuries

• Can result in partial or complete paralysis
• Requires extensive rehabilitation
• Lifetime medical costs can exceed $5 million
• Lost earning capacity claims

Amputations

• Medical costs: $500,000-$2,000,000 over lifetime
• Prosthetics need replacement every 3-5 years
• Emotional trauma and adjustment
• “Car accident amputation settled in the millions” – Attorney911 Case Result

Broken Bones

• Simple fractures: $35,000-$95,000
• Surgical fractures: $132,000-$328,000
• Multiple fractures can exceed $500,000

Soft Tissue Injuries

While often dismissed as “minor,” soft tissue injuries can:

• Develop into chronic pain conditions
• Prevent return to physical work
• Require long-term treatment

What Your Case Might Be Worth

Settlement values depend on:

• Severity of injuries
• Medical treatment required
• Permanent impairment
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Insurance coverage available

Settlement Ranges:

Injury Type	Settlement Range
Soft Tissue (Whiplash, Sprains)	$15,000-$60,000
Broken Bones (Simple)	$35,000-$95,000
Broken Bones (Requiring Surgery)	$132,000-$328,000
Herniated Disc (Conservative Treatment)	$70,000-$171,000
Herniated Disc (Surgery Required)	$346,000-$1,205,000
Traumatic Brain Injury	$1,548,000-$9,838,000+
Spinal Cord Injury (Paraplegia)	$2,500,000-$5,250,000+
Amputation	$1,945,000-$8,630,000
Wrongful Death	$1,910,000-$9,520,000

Recent Texas Nuclear Verdicts:

• 2024: $37.5 million (distracted truck driver)
• 2024: $44.1 million (I-35 pileup with 6 deaths)
• 2024: $105 million (Amazon delivery driver)
• 2023: $557 million (train accident)

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Andrews Accident Case

1. Insurance Defense Insider Advantage

Lupe Peña worked for years at a national defense firm, learning how insurance companies:

• Value claims
• Set reserves
• Deploy tactics
• Calculate settlements

Now he uses that knowledge to fight for victims.

2. Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions for clients with:

• Brain injuries
• Amputations
• Trucking wrongful death
• Maritime 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.” – Attorney911 Case Result

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This is crucial for:

• Complex trucking cases
• Cases against corporations
• Multi-state defendants

Our firm was one of the few involved in BP explosion litigation against billion-dollar corporations.

4. Personal Attention

Unlike high-volume firms, you work directly with Ralph or Lupe.

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

5. Contingency Fee – No Risk to You

• Free consultation
• No upfront costs
• We advance all case expenses
• You pay nothing unless we win

Frequently Asked Questions About Andrews Car Accidents

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

1. Call 911 and report the accident
2. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine
3. Document everything with photos
4. Exchange information with the other driver
5. Get witness contact information
6. Do NOT give recorded statements
7. Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911

Should I call the police even for a minor accident?

Yes. Always call police. The accident report is critical evidence, and Texas law requires reporting accidents with injuries 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.

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”
• Do NOT give your opinion on what happened
• Stick to facts only

How do I obtain a copy of the accident report in Andrews?

You can obtain the police report from:

• The responding law enforcement agency
• Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS)
• Through your attorney

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.

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 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 settlement before knowing full extent of 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 (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) coverage can compensate you. Texas allows inter-policy stacking. Lupe’s insurance knowledge is critical for maximizing UM/UIM recovery.

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.

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.

Can I switch attorneys if I’m unhappy with my current lawyer?

Yes. You can fire your attorney at any time. Attorney911 has taken over many cases from other attorneys.

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

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.

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, and impact on life.

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.

What if the other driver fled the scene (hit and run)?

File a police report immediately. Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage applies. Surveillance footage is critical but most 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.

What if the accident happened in a parking lot?

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

What if I was a passenger in the at-fault vehicle?

You can sue the driver even if you were riding with them. You’re an innocent victim. The driver’s insurance covers passengers. No comparative fault issues apply.

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.

Serving Andrews and Surrounding Communities

Attorney911 serves Andrews and the entire Permian Basin region from our offices across Texas. While we’re based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our Texas-wide practice means we understand the unique challenges of Andrews residents:

• Oilfield vehicle traffic
• Rural road conditions
• Sudden West Texas weather changes
• Local court systems

We offer:

• Free consultations
• Remote case management
• Travel to Andrews for depositions and court appearances
• Spanish language services (Hablamos Español)

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

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Andrews, Texas, don’t wait. Evidence disappears daily, and insurance companies are already building their defense against you.

Call our legal emergency line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

We offer:

• Free consultation
• No upfront costs
• We don’t get paid unless we win
• Available 24/7
• Hablamos Español

Client Testimonial:
“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

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. With our insider knowledge and 25+ years of experience, we’ll fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Call Attorney911 today – your legal emergency line.