Motor Vehicle Accidents in Arlington, Texas: Your Guide to Legal Recovery

If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Arlington, Texas, you’re not alone. With over 251,977 people injured in Texas car crashes last year alone—one every 2 minutes and 5 seconds—our roads have become dangerously congested. Arlington, situated along major highways like I-30 and I-20, sees more than its share of collisions, from rear-end crashes on Cooper Street to devastating multi-vehicle pileups on the President George Bush Turnpike.

At Attorney911, we understand the chaos you’re facing. Ralph Manginello, our founding attorney with over 25 years of experience, has guided countless Arlington residents through the legal aftermath of accidents. Whether you were hit by a distracted driver near AT&T Stadium, injured in a trucking collision on I-30, or suffered a pedestrian accident near the University of Texas at Arlington campus, our team knows how to fight for the compensation you deserve.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about motor vehicle accidents in Arlington—from immediate steps to take after a crash to understanding Texas law and maximizing your recovery. With our insider knowledge of insurance company tactics (thanks to former insurance defense attorney Lupe Peña) and our proven track record of multi-million dollar settlements, we’re here to protect your rights and help you rebuild your life.

Why Arlington Accidents Require Specialized Legal Help

Arlington’s unique mix of major highways, sports venues, entertainment districts, and university traffic creates distinct accident patterns:

Highway collisions: I-30 and I-20 see frequent trucking accidents, especially near the Six Flags Over Texas area where commercial traffic intersects with local drivers
Sports and entertainment traffic: AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field generate massive pedestrian and vehicle congestion during events
University-related accidents: The University of Texas at Arlington campus creates heavy pedestrian and cyclist traffic, particularly around Cooper and Mitchell Streets
Construction zones: With ongoing development in the Entertainment District and along major corridors, work zone accidents are increasingly common
Rideshare incidents: The growth of Uber and Lyft in Arlington has led to more accidents involving app-based drivers

In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident near the Arlington Entertainment District. Complications during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions—proving that even seemingly minor accidents can have life-altering consequences when insurance companies fail to take injuries seriously.

The Reality of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Texas

The statistics paint a sobering picture:

1 crash every 57 seconds in Texas
1 person injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds
4,150 fatalities in Texas last year
251,977 people injured in motor vehicle crashes
Arlington specifically sees hundreds of serious accidents annually, with many occurring at dangerous intersections like Cooper & Lamar or on high-speed corridors like SH 360

These aren’t just numbers—they represent real people whose lives were changed in an instant. As client Chad Harris shared: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” This personal attention is what sets Attorney911 apart in handling Arlington cases.

Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Arlington

Car Accidents (Tier 1 – Most Common)

Car accidents are the most frequent type of collision in Arlington, ranging from minor fender-benders to catastrophic crashes. Common causes include:

Distracted driving (especially near university campuses and shopping areas)
Speeding (particularly on I-30, I-20, and SH 360)
Failure to yield (common at intersections like Cooper & Lamar)
Running red lights (a major issue at high-traffic signals)
Following too closely (frequent on congested highways)
DUI/DWI (especially near entertainment districts)

Common injuries in car accidents include:

Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
Herniated discs (particularly in rear-end collisions)
Broken bones and fractures
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries
Internal organ damage
Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)

In a recent case, our client was rear-ended on I-30 near the East Arlington exit. What initially seemed like minor back pain developed into a herniated disc requiring surgery. This case settled for a significant six-figure amount, demonstrating how even “minor” accidents can have serious consequences.

18-Wheeler/Trucking Accidents (Tier 1 – Most Dangerous)

With Arlington’s location along major trucking corridors, commercial vehicle accidents are unfortunately common. Texas leads the nation in fatal truck crashes, with:

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

Arlington sees its share of trucking accidents, particularly:

On I-30 near the Six Flags area
On I-20 through East Arlington
On SH 360 where truck traffic intersects with local roads
Near distribution centers and warehouses

The size disparity between trucks (80,000 lbs) and passenger vehicles (4,000 lbs) makes these collisions particularly devastating. FMCSA regulations that trucking companies often violate include:

Hours of Service (HOS) rules: Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
14-hour window: Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
30-minute break: Required after 8 cumulative hours driving
60/70-hour limits: Weekly driving limits
ELD requirements: Electronic logging devices must be used

At Attorney911, our personal injury attorneys have helped numerous families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation. Our federal court experience (Ralph Manginello is admitted to the Southern District of Texas) is crucial for handling FMCSA violations and complex trucking litigation.

Drunk Driving Accidents (Tier 1 – Completely Preventable)

Texas has one of the highest rates of drunk driving fatalities in the nation:

1,053 alcohol-impaired driving deaths last year (25.37% of all fatalities)
24,000+ DWI-related crashes in Texas
1 death every 39 minutes nationally from alcohol-impaired driving
BAC 0.08%+ is legally intoxicated under Texas Penal Code § 49.04

Arlington sees its share of drunk driving accidents, particularly:

Near entertainment districts and sports venues
On weekend nights
Around bars and restaurants on Division Street and Cooper Street

Texas Dram Shop Law (TABC § 2.02) allows victims to sue establishments that served obviously intoxicated patrons. Signs of obvious intoxication include:

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

Potentially liable parties include:

Bars and nightclubs
Restaurants serving alcohol
Liquor stores
Event organizers
Social hosts (limited circumstances)

Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) gives us unique insight into both the criminal and civil aspects of drunk driving cases. Our firm has successfully handled numerous DWI-related cases, including several where we achieved dismissals by exposing flaws in the prosecution’s evidence.

Motorcycle Accidents (Tier 2 – High Risk)

Texas sees hundreds of motorcycle fatalities annually:

585 motorcyclist fatalities last year
37% were not wearing helmets
90%+ of fatal victims are male
Helmets reduce death risk by 37%

Arlington has a significant motorcycle community, with accidents commonly occurring:

On I-20 and SH 360 where high speeds are common
Near entertainment districts where alcohol may be involved
At intersections where drivers fail to see motorcyclists

Texas helmet law requires:

Riders under 21 must wear helmets
Riders 21+ may ride without helmets if they’ve completed a safety course OR have $10,000+ in medical insurance

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.

Pedestrian Accidents (Tier 2 – Most Vulnerable)

Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable in Arlington:

6,095 pedestrian crashes in Texas last year
768 pedestrian fatalities
Pedestrians = 1% of crashes but 19% of ALL roadway deaths
Arlington specifically has seen an increase in pedestrian accidents near the university and entertainment districts

Common locations for pedestrian accidents in Arlington:

Near UT Arlington campus (Cooper Street, Mitchell Street)
Around AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field
In shopping areas like Parks Mall
At busy intersections like Cooper & Lamar

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

Rideshare Accidents (Tier 2 – Complex Insurance)

Rideshare accidents in Arlington involve complex insurance issues:

11 billion rideshare trips in the U.S. since 2010
17.4 million Uber trips daily
58% of rideshare accident victims are third parties (other drivers, pedestrians)

The critical issue is insurance coverage, which varies by phase:

Phase	Driver Status	Coverage Available
0 – Offline	App off	Personal insurance only ($30K/$60K/$25K minimum)
1 – Waiting	App on, no ride	$50K/$100K/$25K contingent coverage
2 – Accepted	Ride accepted	$1,000,000 liability coverage
3 – Transporting	Passenger in vehicle	$1,000,000 liability coverage

Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background gives us unique insight into navigating these complex coverage issues to maximize recovery for Arlington rideshare accident victims.

Hit and Run Accidents (Tier 2 – Evidence Critical)

Hit and run accidents are tragically common:

1 every 43 seconds someone in the U.S. is involved in a hit-and-run
Texas penalties range from Class B misdemeanor to 2nd degree felony

Arlington sees frequent hit and run incidents, particularly:

In parking lots
Near bars and restaurants
On residential streets

Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage can compensate you when the at-fault driver is unidentified. We send preservation letters immediately to secure surveillance footage before it’s deleted (typically within 7-30 days).

Other Accident Types in Arlington

Bicycle accidents: Common near UT Arlington and on bike trails
Bus accidents: Arlington has public transit and school bus traffic
Construction zone accidents: Frequent with ongoing development
Distracted driving accidents: Particularly near universities and shopping areas
Weather-related accidents: Texas weather can create hazardous conditions
Intersection accidents: Common at busy Arlington intersections
Delivery vehicle accidents: Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and food delivery drivers

What to Do Immediately After an Accident in Arlington

The 48-Hour Protocol

Hour 1-6 (Immediate Crisis):

Ensure safety first – move to a secure location if possible
Call 911 and report the accident (required in Texas for injuries, deaths, or property damage over $1,000)
Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine (adrenaline masks injuries)
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
Exchange information with other driver(s):
- Name, phone, address
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Vehicle make, model, color
Get names and phone numbers of witnesses
Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

Hour 6-24 (Evidence Preservation):

Preserve all digital evidence (texts, calls, photos, videos)
Secure physical evidence (damaged clothing, personal items)
Keep receipts for all accident-related expenses
Do NOT repair your vehicle yet (preserve damage evidence)
Request copies of all medical records and bills
Note any calls from insurance companies but do NOT give recorded statements
Make all social media profiles private immediately

Hour 24-48 (Strategic Decisions):

Consult with an experienced Arlington motor vehicle accident attorney
If insurance contacts you, refer them to your attorney
Do NOT accept or sign any settlement offers without review
Upload all evidence to cloud storage for backup

Week One Priorities:

Continue documenting all injuries and treatments
Follow ALL doctor recommendations (insurance watches for gaps)
Attorney begins investigation:
- Obtains police report
- Sends preservation letters
- Secures surveillance footage
- Records witness statements

Evidence Deterioration Timeline

Time Period	What Disappears	Why It Matters
1-7 days	Witness memories begin fading	Details become uncertain
7-30 days	Surveillance footage deleted	Gas stations: 7-14 days, retail stores: 30 days
30-180 days	ELD/black box data overwritten	Trucking data can be lost permanently
Month 1-2	Insurance builds case against you	Their file solidifies while you recover
Month 2-6	Witnesses become unreachable	They move, change jobs, or forget details
Month 12-24	Approaching statute of limitations	Creates pressure to settle cheaply

Texas Motor Vehicle Law Framework

Statute of Limitations

Claim Type	Time Limit	Starts From
Personal Injury	2 years	Date of accident
Wrongful Death	2 years	Date of death
Property Damage	2 years	Date of damage
Government Claims	6 months notice	Date of incident

Critical: Miss the deadline and your case is barred forever. There are limited exceptions (discovery rule, defendant absence, mental incapacity).

Comparative Negligence (51% Bar Rule)

Texas uses modified comparative negligence:

If you’re 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

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

Insurance companies always try to assign maximum fault to reduce their payment. Lupe Peña’s experience as a former insurance defense attorney helps us counter these arguments effectively.

Texas Minimum Auto Insurance (30/60/25)

Coverage	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 U.S. motorists are uninsured (approximately 1 in 7 drivers)
UM/UIM coverage is critical for protection
Texas allows inter-policy stacking

Proving Liability in Arlington Accidents

To win your case, we must prove four elements of negligence:

Duty of Care: The at-fault party had a legal obligation to act reasonably
Breach of Duty: They violated that duty through action or inaction
Causation: Their breach directly caused your injuries
Damages: You suffered actual harm (physical, financial, emotional)

Key Evidence Types:

Physical Evidence: Vehicle damage photos, skid marks, road conditions
Documentary Evidence: Police reports, medical records, cell phone records
Electronic Evidence: ELD data, black box/EDR records, GPS data
Testimonial Evidence: Witness statements, expert testimony

Multiple Liable Parties:

In many Arlington accidents, multiple parties may share responsibility:

Trucking accidents: Driver, trucking company, cargo loader, manufacturer
Rideshare accidents: Driver, rideshare company, other at-fault drivers
Drunk driving accidents: Driver, bar/restaurant, liquor store
Construction zone accidents: Driver, construction company, government entity

More liable parties mean more insurance policies and higher potential recovery.

Damages and Compensation in Texas

Types of Damages Available:

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas):

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages and earning capacity
Property damage
Out-of-pocket expenses

Non-Economic Damages (No Cap Except Medical Malpractice):

Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Physical impairment
Disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of consortium

Punitive/Exemplary Damages (Capped):

Available for gross negligence, fraud, or malice
Cap: Greater of $200,000 OR (2x economic + 1x non-economic capped at $750,000)

Settlement Ranges by Injury Type:

Injury Type	Medical Costs	Lost Wages	Pain & Suffering	Settlement Range
Soft Tissue	$6,000-$16,000	$2,000-$10,000	$8,000-$35,000	$15,000-$60,000
Broken Bone (Simple)	$10,000-$20,000	$5,000-$15,000	$20,000-$60,000	$35,000-$95,000
Broken Bone (Surgery)	$47,000-$98,000	$10,000-$30,000	$75,000-$200,000	$132,000-$328,000
Herniated Disc (Conservative)	$22,000-$46,000	$8,000-$25,000	$40,000-$100,000	$70,000-$171,000
Herniated Disc (Surgery)	$96,000-$205,000	$20,000-$50,000	$150,000-$450,000	$346,000-$1,205,000
Traumatic Brain Injury	$198,000-$638,000	$50,000-$200,000	$500,000-$3,000,000	$1,548,000-$9,838,000
Spinal Cord Injury	$500,000-$750,000 (first year)	Varies	$1,000,000-$5,000,000	$4,770,000-$25,880,000
Amputation	$170,000-$480,000	$20,000-$50,000	$500,000-$2,000,000	$1,945,000-$8,630,000
Wrongful Death	$50,000-$500,000	$1,000,000-$4,000,000	$500,000-$3,000,000	$1,910,000-$9,520,000

Nuclear Verdicts in Texas:

Texas leads the nation in nuclear verdicts (awards over $10 million):

2024 Oncor Electric: $37.5M verdict (distracted truck driver)
2024 New Prime I-35 pileup: $44.1M verdict (6 deaths)
2024 Ben E. Keith (Fort Worth): $35M settlement
2024 Lopez v. All Points 360 (Amazon): $105M verdict

These verdicts increase settlement values across all serious injury cases by creating leverage against insurance companies.

Insurance Company Tactics Exposed

Lupe Peña worked for years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how insurance companies value claims. Here’s what they don’t want you to know:

Tactic #1: Quick Contact & Recorded Statement Trap

What they do:

Contact you within hours of the accident
Act friendly and helpful
Ask seemingly innocent questions designed to minimize your injuries

Their goal:

Get you to say you’re “feeling better”
Downplay the accident severity
Admit to being distracted
Establish that you could “walk away” from the scene

Lupe’s insight:

“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 #2: Quick Settlement Offer

What they do:

Offer $2,000-$10,000 within days or weeks
Create artificial urgency (“This offer expires in 48 hours”)
Pressure you to accept before you know your injuries

The trap:

You don’t know the full extent of your injuries yet
Early offers are ALWAYS lowball
Once you sign a release, you can’t get more money even if you need surgery later

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

What it really is:

A doctor hired and paid by the insurance company
Typically a 10-15 minute cursory exam
Looking for any reason to minimize your injuries

Common IME findings:

“Patient has pre-existing degenerative changes”
“Injuries consistent with minor trauma”
“Patient can return to full duty work”
“Treatment has been excessive”
“Subjective complaints out of proportion to objective findings”

Lupe knows these specific doctors and their biases—he hired them for years when he worked for insurance companies.

Tactic #4: Delay and Financial Pressure

What they do:

“Still investigating your claim”
“Waiting for medical records”
“Need additional information”
Ignore your calls and emails

Why it works:

They have unlimited time and resources
You have mounting bills and zero income
Financial desperation makes you accept less

How we counter:

We file lawsuits to force deadlines
We set depositions to compel action
We prepare for trial to show we’re serious

Tactic #5: Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring

What they monitor:

Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Twitter
Photos, posts, check-ins, comments, likes
Friends’ posts mentioning you
Surveillance videos of your activities

Examples we’ve defended:

Gym photo from 3 years ago presented as recent
Restaurant check-in used to claim you’re “partying”
Friend’s comment “Had fun yesterday!” used against you
Video of you walking your dog used to claim you’re “not disabled”

Tactic #6: Comparative Fault Arguments

What they do:

Claim you were speeding (without evidence)
Say you weren’t paying attention
Argue you could have avoided the accident
Blame you for the collision

Why it matters:

Texas 51% bar rule means if you’re 51%+ at fault, you get NOTHING
Even 10% fault on a $100,000 case = $10,000 less for you

Lupe knows their comparative fault arguments because he made them for years—now he defeats them.

Colossus Software System

Insurance companies use Colossus software to calculate claim values:

Adjuster inputs injury codes, treatment, costs, jurisdiction
Software applies algorithms to determine “value”
System provides recommended settlement range
Adjuster typically cannot exceed without approval

How they manipulate Colossus:

Use low injury codes (“soft tissue strain” instead of “disc herniation”)
Flag “excessive” treatment
Penalize conservative treatment (chiropractic valued less than MD)
Reduce values for pre-existing conditions
Apply jurisdiction factors (low-verdict counties get lower values)

Lupe knows how to code injuries properly and present records to beat the algorithm.

Medical Knowledge: Understanding Your Injuries

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Symptoms:

Immediate: Loss of consciousness, confusion, vomiting, seizures, severe headache
Delayed: Worsening headaches, repeated vomiting, 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
Increased dementia risk
Seizure disorders
Cognitive impairment

Spinal Cord Injury

Injury levels and impact:

Cervical (C1-C8): Quadriplegia (all four limbs paralyzed)
Thoracic (T1-T12): Paraplegia (lower body paralysis)
Lumbar (L1-L5): Varying degrees of leg weakness/paralysis

ASIA Impairment Scale:

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

Herniated Disc

Treatment timeline:

Acute Phase (Weeks 1-6): Medications, rest
Conservative Treatment (Weeks 6-12): Physical therapy, chiropractic
Interventional (If conservative fails): Epidural injections
Surgery (If injections fail): Microdiscectomy or fusion

Psychological Injuries

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

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Arlington Case?

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.”

This is Attorney911’s biggest competitive advantage. Lupe spent years working FOR insurance companies, learning:

How they value claims (Colossus software, reserve setting)
Their settlement authority structures
Their delay and financial pressure tactics
How they select IME doctors
Their surveillance methods
Their comparative fault arguments

Now he uses that knowledge FOR victims, not against them.

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”

As client Glenda Walker shared: “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.”

3. Federal Court Experience

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

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

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

4. Personal Attention

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Arlington Motor Vehicle Accidents

Immediate After Accident

1. What should I do immediately after a car accident in Arlington?

Call 911 and report the accident
Seek medical attention even if you feel fine
Document everything: photos of damage, injuries, scene
Exchange information with other driver
Get witness names and phone numbers
Do NOT give 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 Arlington, you can obtain the police report from the Arlington Police Department 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 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 settlement before knowing full extent of 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 date of accident for personal injury, 2 years from 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?

Investigation and evidence gathering
Medical treatment to MMI
Demand letter to insurance
Negotiation
Lawsuit if necessary
Discovery
Mediation
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 recorded statement without attorney
Accepting 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 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 severity of 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. The “eggshell plaintiff” rule means defendants take victims as they find them. For example: if you had mild occasional back pain and the accident caused a 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. The multiplier depends on: injury severity, permanency, impact on life, clear liability. For 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 within 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 often argue “parking lot accidents are always 50/50 fault” (which is a 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.

Arlington-Specific Legal Resources

Local Courts:

Tarrant County District Courts: Handle most personal injury cases
Arlington Municipal Court: For traffic citations and minor offenses
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas (Fort Worth Division): For federal cases

Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers:

Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital: Primary trauma center for Arlington
Medical City Arlington: Major hospital serving the area
Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center – Fort Worth: Nearby Level II trauma center
John Peter Smith Hospital (Fort Worth): Level I trauma center for severe injuries

Local Law Enforcement:

Arlington Police Department: Handles most accident reports in the city
Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office: For unincorporated areas
Texas Department of Public Safety: For highway accidents

Dangerous Intersections in Arlington:

Cooper Street & Lamar Boulevard: High volume of pedestrian and vehicle traffic
Cooper Street & Division Street: Near UT Arlington, frequent congestion
I-30 & Cooper Street: Major highway interchange with frequent collisions
I-30 & East Arlington Boulevard: High-speed merges and exits
SH 360 & I-20: Complex interchange with heavy truck traffic

Why Arlington Residents Trust Attorney911

Arlington is more than just a city between Dallas and Fort Worth—it’s a community with its own unique character, from the excitement of AT&T Stadium to the academic energy of UT Arlington to the family-friendly atmosphere of neighborhoods like Viridian and Lake Arlington. When accidents happen here, you need a legal team that understands Arlington’s specific challenges.

Our firm has deep roots in Texas and a proven track record of helping Arlington residents recover from motor vehicle accidents. Whether you were injured on I-30, at a Cowboys game, or in a parking lot accident near Parks Mall, we know how to navigate the local legal landscape.

As client Kiimarii Yup shared: “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.” This is the kind of result we fight for every Arlington client.

Take Action Now: Your Legal Emergency Line

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Arlington, Texas, time is critical. Evidence disappears daily. Insurance companies are already building their case against you. The 2-year statute of limitations is ticking.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case. With our insurance defense insider knowledge, multi-million dollar track record, and personal attention, we’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Free Consultation • No Fee Unless We Win • Hablamos Español

Serving Arlington, Fort Worth, Dallas, and all of North Texas. Available 24/7 for your legal emergency.