Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Buffalo Springs, Texas | Attorney911

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Buffalo Springs, Texas, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. One moment, you’re driving down familiar roads like Farm to Market Road 846 or heading toward nearby Lubbock, and the next, your life is turned upside down by a collision that wasn’t your fault. At Attorney911, we understand the physical pain, emotional stress, and financial uncertainty you’re facing. That’s why we’re here to fight for you.

With over 251,977 people injured in motor vehicle crashes across Texas last year alone—and one crash occurring every 57 seconds—car accidents are a constant threat on our roads. In Buffalo Springs and surrounding Lubbock County, drivers face unique risks from rural road conditions, high-speed highways, and commercial truck traffic. Whether you were rear-ended on a county road, sideswiped by a distracted driver, or involved in a multi-vehicle pileup, our experienced attorneys know how to build a strong case for maximum compensation.

Ralph Manginello, our founding attorney with more than 25 years of experience, has recovered millions for accident victims across Texas. Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how insurance companies try to minimize claims—and how to beat them at their own game. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you’re not just getting a lawyer—you’re getting a legal emergency response team that treats your case like family.

Why Buffalo Springs Accident Victims Choose Attorney911

When you’re hurt in a car crash, you need more than just legal representation—you need a team that understands what you’re going through. At Attorney911, we combine decades of legal expertise with genuine compassion for our clients. Here’s what sets us apart from other law firms serving Buffalo Springs and Lubbock County:

1. Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge

Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims and build cases against accident victims. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for YOU. He knows:

How insurance adjusters calculate settlement offers (and how to demand more)
Which “independent” medical examiners they’ll send you to (and how to counter their reports)
The delay tactics they use to pressure you into accepting lowball offers
How to find hidden insurance policies that other attorneys might miss

“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.” — Lupe Peña, Attorney911

2. Multi-Million Dollar Results for Buffalo Springs Clients

We don’t just talk about results—we prove them. Our firm has recovered millions for accident victims across Texas, including:

A multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss after a log dropped on him at a logging company
A seven-figure settlement for a Buffalo Springs resident whose leg injury led to a partial amputation after staff infections during treatment
Millions recovered in trucking-related wrongful death cases for families devastated by fatal accidents
Significant settlements for clients with back injuries, including one who was injured lifting cargo on a ship

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 for Complex Cases

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle complex cases that other firms can’t. This federal court experience is crucial for:

Trucking accidents involving interstate commerce
Cases against large corporations
Complex product liability claims
Multi-district litigation

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

4. Personal Attention You Won’t Find at Big Firms

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.”

Our clients consistently praise our communication:

“Melanie was excellent. She kept me informed and when she said she would call me back, she did.” — Brian Butchee

“Leonor reached out to me…She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.” — Stephanie Hernandez

5. No Fee Unless We Win

We understand that accident victims often face financial hardship from medical bills and lost wages. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no financial risk to you.

“We don’t get paid unless we win your case.” — Attorney911

Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Buffalo Springs

Buffalo Springs and Lubbock County see a variety of motor vehicle accidents, each with its own legal challenges. Our attorneys have experience handling all types of crashes, including:

Car Accidents (Most Common)

With 251,977 people injured in Texas car crashes last year, these are the most common accidents we handle. In Buffalo Springs, car accidents often occur on:

Farm to Market Road 846
County roads with limited visibility
Intersections with malfunctioning signals
Areas with heavy agricultural traffic

Common causes include:

Distracted driving (380 deaths in Texas last year)
Speeding
Failure to yield
Running red lights
Following too closely
DUI/DWI

Common injuries:

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

“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

18-Wheeler and Trucking Accidents

With Buffalo Springs located near major highways and agricultural areas, trucking accidents are a serious concern. Texas leads the nation in fatal truck crashes, with 608 trucking fatalities last year alone. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight disparity between trucks (up to 80,000 lbs) and passenger vehicles (around 4,000 lbs).

Key factors in trucking accidents:

Driver fatigue (FMCSA Hours of Service violations)
Improper cargo loading
Poor vehicle maintenance
Distracted or impaired driving
Speeding or reckless driving
Equipment failures

Our firm has recovered millions in trucking-related wrongful death cases. With Ralph’s federal court experience and Lupe’s knowledge of insurance company tactics, we’re uniquely positioned to handle these complex cases.

Drunk Driving Accidents

Tragically, drunk driving remains a major problem in Texas, with 1,053 alcohol-impaired driving deaths last year—25.37% of all traffic fatalities. In Buffalo Springs and rural areas, drunk driving accidents often involve:

Drivers leaving local bars or restaurants
Late-night crashes on rural roads
Hit-and-run incidents
Multi-vehicle collisions

Dram Shop Liability:
Under Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02, bars and restaurants can be held liable if they serve alcohol to someone who is obviously intoxicated and that person then causes an accident. Signs of obvious intoxication include:

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

Our firm has extensive experience with drunk driving cases, including three recent DWI dismissals that demonstrate our investigation skills:

A case dismissed because a police department employee wasn’t properly maintaining breathalyzer machines
A case dismissed on the day of trial due to missing EMS notes and no breath/blood test
A case dismissed because video evidence showed the client wasn’t drunk

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on Buffalo Springs roads, with 585 motorcyclist fatalities in Texas last year. Common causes include:

Drivers failing to yield right of way
Unsafe lane changes
Left-turn accidents
Speeding
Distracted driving

Texas helmet law:

Required for all riders under 21
Riders 21+ may ride without a helmet if they’ve completed a safety course OR have $10,000+ in medical insurance

Insurance companies often try to blame motorcyclists for accidents using Texas’s 51% comparative fault rule. Lupe’s experience as a former insurance defense attorney gives us an advantage in countering these arguments.

Pedestrian Accidents

With 6,095 pedestrian crashes in Texas last year resulting in 768 deaths, pedestrians are at significant risk. In rural areas like Buffalo Springs, pedestrians may be walking along roads with no sidewalks or crossing highways.

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

Hit and Run Accidents

Hit and run accidents are particularly frustrating because the at-fault driver flees the scene. In Texas:

Hit and run resulting in death is a 2nd degree felony (2-20 years in prison)
Hit and run with serious injury is a 3rd degree felony (2-10 years)
Hit and run with minor injury is a state jail felony (up to 5 years)

What to do if you’re the victim of a hit and run:

Call 911 immediately
Get medical attention
Document everything (photos, witness info)
Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911

Your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage can compensate you when the at-fault driver is unidentified. We can help you navigate this complex process.

Rideshare Accidents (Uber/Lyft)

Rideshare accidents present unique insurance challenges because coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. There are four insurance phases:

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

Who can be injured:

21% Riders
21% Drivers
58% Third parties (other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists)

Lupe’s insurance defense background gives us a unique advantage in navigating these complex insurance layers.

Work Zone and Construction Zone Accidents

With nearly 28,000 crashes in Texas work zones last year, construction zone accidents are a serious concern. These accidents often result in severe injuries due to:

Speeding through work zones
Distracted driving
Improper signage
Poorly marked lane changes

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

Wrongful Death Cases

When a motor vehicle accident results in death, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. In Texas, wrongful death claims can recover:

Funeral and burial expenses
Lost financial support
Loss of companionship and society
Mental anguish
Loss of inheritance

We’ve helped numerous families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation.

What to Do Immediately After an Accident in Buffalo Springs

The moments after a car accident are critical for protecting your health and your legal rights. Here’s what to do:

Hour 1-6 (Immediate Crisis):

Safety First: If you can move safely, get to a secure location away from traffic
Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone is injured
Medical Attention: Get checked immediately—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:
- Other driver’s name, phone, address
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Vehicle make, model, color
Witnesses: Get names and phone numbers of any witnesses
Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance before speaking to ANY insurance company

Hour 6-24 (Evidence Preservation):

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

Hour 24-48 (Strategic Decisions):

Legal Consultation: Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
Insurance Response: Refer all insurance calls to your attorney
Settlement Offers: Do NOT accept or sign anything without lawyer review
Evidence Backup: Upload all photos and documents to cloud storage

Why Time is Critical:

Evidence disappears quickly:

Surveillance footage deleted in 7-30 days
Witness memories fade
ELD/black box data can be overwritten
Insurance companies start building their case against you immediately

“Every day you wait, evidence disappears. We immediately send preservation letters to secure this critical evidence.” — Attorney911

Texas Motor Vehicle Accident Law: What Buffalo Springs Victims Need to Know

Statute of Limitations

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

Exceptions:

Minors: The statute is tolled until they turn 18
Discovery Rule: May extend deadline if injury wasn’t immediately discoverable
Defendant Absence: Tolled if defendant leaves Texas

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)
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 victims. Lupe’s experience as a former insurance defense attorney helps us counter these arguments.

Texas Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements

Texas requires minimum coverage of:

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

Uninsured Motorist Statistics:

15.4% of US motorists are uninsured (about 1 in 7 drivers)
UM/UIM coverage is critical for protection
Texas allows inter-policy stacking

Dram Shop Liability (TABC § 2.02)

Bars, restaurants, and liquor stores can be held liable if they serve alcohol to someone who is obviously intoxicated and that person then causes an accident. Signs of obvious intoxication include:

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

How Insurance Companies Try to Cheat Buffalo Springs Accident Victims

Insurance companies have one goal: to pay you as little as possible. They use sophisticated tactics to minimize or deny claims. As a former insurance defense attorney, Lupe Peña knows all their tricks:

1. Quick Contact & Recorded Statement Trap (Days 1-3)

What they do:

Contact you within hours of your accident—often while you’re still in the hospital
Act friendly and helpful: “We just want to help you”
Ask for a “routine” recorded statement

What they’re really doing:
They’re building a case against you with leading questions like:

“You’re feeling better now though, right?” (Trap you into saying you’re improving)
“It wasn’t that bad of an impact, was it?” (Minimize collision severity)
“You were able to walk away from the scene?” (Suggest injuries aren’t serious)
“Were you distracted at all?” (Get you to admit distraction)

The truth:

You are NOT required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance
Everything you say WILL be used against you
You cannot take it back

How Attorney911 counters:
We handle all communication with insurance companies. Once you hire us:

We become your voice
All calls go through us
You don’t talk to adjusters
We prepare you properly if a statement becomes necessary

2. Quick Settlement Offer (Weeks 1-3)

What they do:

Offer quick money within days or weeks: typically $2,000-$5,000
Create artificial urgency: “This offer expires in 48 hours”
Pressure you: “Take it or leave it”

The trap:
You don’t know the full extent of your injuries yet. What often happens:

Day 3: Insurance offers $3,500 “final settlement”
You sign the release (desperate for money)
Week 6: MRI shows herniated disc requiring $100,000 surgery
TOO LATE – You signed a release, can’t reopen claim
You pay $100,000 out of pocket

How Attorney911 counters:
We NEVER settle before Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)—the point where your condition has stabilized. This could be 6 months, 12 months, or longer depending on your injuries. We know these early offers are always lowball—Lupe calculated them for years.

3. “Independent” Medical Exam (IME) Scam (Months 2-6)

What they call it: “Independent Medical Examination”

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

How they choose IME doctors:

Based on who gives insurance-favorable reports (not who’s most qualified)
Doctors who consistently find “no injury” or “pre-existing condition”
Doctors paid $2,000-$5,000 per exam by insurance companies
Repeat business = repeat favorable reports

What happens at an IME:

10-15 minute “examination” (vs. your doctor’s thorough evaluation)
Rarely review your complete medical records
Ask questions designed to elicit “I’m feeling better” responses
Look for ANY reason to minimize injuries

Common IME doctor findings:

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

How Attorney911 counters:

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

4. Delay and Financial Pressure (Months 6-12+)

What they do:

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

Why delay works:
Insurance Companies Have:

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

You Have:

Mounting bills
Zero income
Creditors threatening
Need money NOW

The result:

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

How Attorney911 counters:

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

5. Surveillance & Social Media Monitoring

What they do:

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

What they monitor on social media:

Facebook: Posts, photos, check-ins, comments, likes, friend lists, tagged photos
Instagram: Stories, reels, posts, geotags, tagged photos
TikTok: Videos showing activity levels
LinkedIn: Employment status changes
Twitter/X: Tweets, replies, activity
YouTube: Videos you post
Snapchat: Saved stories, public content

Examples we’ve defended:

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

7 Rules for Clients:

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

6. Comparative Fault Arguments

What they do:
Try to assign you MAXIMUM fault to reduce their payment:

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

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

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

Even small fault percentages cost thousands:

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

How Attorney911 counters:

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

7. Colossus & Claim Valuation Software

How insurance companies ACTUALLY value your claim:

Lupe knows this from the inside—he used these systems for years.

Colossus Software System:

Adjuster inputs injury codes, treatment types, costs, jurisdiction
Injuries are coded using standardized medical terms
Software applies algorithms to determine “value”
System outputs recommended settlement range
Adjuster typically cannot exceed without supervisor approval

How they manipulate Colossus:

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

Why Lupe’s experience matters:

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

8. Reserve Setting Psychology

What reserves are:

Money insurance company sets aside for your claim
Based on worst-case scenario (their estimate of trial verdict)
Adjuster usually CANNOT settle for more than reserve without approval

How we increase reserves:

Hiring experts (shows we’re investing in the case)
Taking depositions (creating litigation expense)
Filing lawsuit (forces trial evaluation)
Preparing for trial (shows we won’t back down)

Lupe understands reserve psychology and settlement authority limits—this is a game-changing advantage.

What You Can Recover: Damages in Buffalo Springs Accident Cases

The compensation you can recover depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the strength of your case. At Attorney911, we fight for every dollar you deserve.

Types of Damages

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas)

These are quantifiable financial losses:

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

Non-Economic Damages (No Cap Except Medical Malpractice)

These are intangible losses:

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

Punitive/Exemplary Damages (Capped)

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

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

Settlement Ranges by Injury Type

Soft Tissue Injuries (Whiplash, Sprains, Strains)

Medical Treatment:

Emergency room: $2,000-$5,000
Follow-up doctor visits: $1,000-$3,000
Physical therapy (6-12 weeks): $3,000-$7,000
Medications: $300-$1,000
Total Medical: $6,000-$16,000

Lost Wages: $2,000-$10,000 (2-6 weeks missed work)
Pain & Suffering: $8,000-$35,000

SETTLEMENT RANGE: $15,000-$60,000
Higher if: Permanent pain, restrictions on activities, chronic condition develops

Broken Bone (Single, Simple Fracture)

Medical Treatment:

Emergency room and X-rays: $3,000-$6,000
Orthopedic consultation: $500-$1,500
Casting and follow-up: $2,000-$5,000
Physical therapy: $3,000-$8,000
Total Medical: $10,000-$20,000

Lost Wages: $5,000-$15,000 (4-8 weeks missed work)
Pain & Suffering: $20,000-$60,000

SETTLEMENT RANGE: $35,000-$95,000

Broken Bone (Requiring Surgery – ORIF)

Medical Treatment:

Emergency room: $5,000-$10,000
Surgery (Open Reduction Internal Fixation): $25,000-$50,000
Hospital stay (2-3 days): $6,000-$15,000
Follow-up care: $3,000-$8,000
Physical therapy (3-6 months): $8,000-$15,000
Total Medical: $47,000-$98,000

Lost Wages: $10,000-$30,000 (3-6 months)
Pain & Suffering: $75,000-$200,000

SETTLEMENT RANGE: $132,000-$328,000

Herniated Disc (Conservative Treatment)

Medical Treatment:

Emergency room and initial treatment: $3,000-$6,000
MRI: $2,000-$4,000
Physician visits and pain management: $5,000-$12,000
Physical therapy (3-6 months): $8,000-$15,000
Epidural steroid injections (series of 3): $3,000-$6,000
Medications: $1,000-$3,000
Total Medical: $22,000-$46,000

Lost Wages: $8,000-$25,000
Pain & Suffering: $40,000-$100,000

SETTLEMENT RANGE: $70,000-$171,000

Herniated Disc (Surgery Required)

Medical Treatment:

Initial treatment and diagnostics: $8,000-$15,000
Failed conservative treatment: $10,000-$20,000
Spinal surgery (microdiscectomy or fusion): $50,000-$100,000
Hospital stay: $8,000-$20,000
Post-surgical care and follow-up: $5,000-$15,000
Physical therapy (6-12 months): $10,000-$20,000
Pain management: $5,000-$15,000
Total Past Medical: $96,000-$205,000

Future Medical: $30,000-$100,000 (ongoing pain management, possible revision surgery)
Lost Wages: $20,000-$50,000 (6-12 months recovery)
Lost Earning Capacity: $50,000-$400,000 (if can’t return to physical job)
Pain & Suffering: $150,000-$450,000

SETTLEMENT RANGE: $346,000-$1,205,000

Traumatic Brain Injury (Moderate to Severe)

Medical Treatment:

Emergency room and trauma care: $10,000-$30,000
Hospital/ICU stay (1-4 weeks): $50,000-$200,000
Neurosurgery if required: $75,000-$200,000
Acute rehabilitation facility: $30,000-$100,000
Neurologist follow-up care: $10,000-$30,000
Neuropsychological testing: $3,000-$8,000
Cognitive therapy: $15,000-$50,000
Medications: $5,000-$20,000
Total Past Medical: $198,000-$638,000

Future Medical (Life Care Plan): $300,000-$3,000,000+ depending on severity
Lost Wages: $50,000-$200,000
Lost Earning Capacity: $500,000-$3,000,000+
Pain & Suffering: $500,000-$3,000,000+

SETTLEMENT RANGE: $1,548,000-$9,838,000

Attorney911 Documented Result:

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

Spinal Cord Injury / Paralysis

Lifetime Care Costs by Level:

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

SETTLEMENT RANGE: $4,770,000-$25,880,000

Amputation

Medical Treatment:

Emergency care and surgery: $80,000-$200,000
Hospital stay: $50,000-$150,000
Rehabilitation: $30,000-$100,000
Initial prosthetic fitting: $10,000-$30,000
Total Past Medical: $170,000-$480,000

Future Medical (Lifetime Prosthetics):

Basic prosthetic leg: $5,000-$15,000 every 3-5 years
Advanced computerized prosthetic: $50,000-$100,000 every 3-5 years
Over lifetime (30-50 years): $500,000-$2,000,000

SETTLEMENT RANGE: $1,945,000-$8,630,000

Attorney911 Documented Result:

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

Wrongful Death (Working Age Adult)

Economic Damages:

Funeral and burial: $10,000-$20,000
Medical expenses before death: $50,000-$500,000
Lost financial support to family (present value): $1,000,000-$4,000,000

Non-Economic Damages:

Loss of companionship, society, love: $500,000-$3,000,000
Loss of advice and counsel: $100,000-$500,000
Mental anguish (family members): $250,000-$1,500,000

SETTLEMENT RANGE: $1,910,000-$9,520,000

Attorney911 Documented Result:

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

Nuclear Verdicts: How Texas Jury Awards Are Changing the Game

In recent years, Texas juries have delivered record-breaking verdicts against negligent drivers, trucking companies, and corporations. These “nuclear verdicts” (awards exceeding $10 million) are changing how insurance companies evaluate cases.

Recent Texas Nuclear Verdicts:

Year	Case	Amount	Details
2024	Hatch v. Jones	$81,720,000	Car accident wrongful death
2024	Frito-Lay Warehouse	$72,000,000	Vehicle collision with warehouse worker
2024	Lopez v. All Points 360	$105,000,000	Amazon delivery driver struck and killed child
2024	New Prime I-35 pileup	$44,100,000	Trucking accident with 6 deaths
2024	Oncor Electric	$37,500,000	Distracted truck driver caused fatal accident
2024	Ben E. Keith	$35,000,000	Largest trucking settlement in Fort Worth history
2023	Johnson v. Union Pacific	$557,000,000	Train accident with catastrophic injuries
2021	Ramsey v. Landstar	$730,000,000	Trucking accident with multiple fatalities
2017	Kindred v. Delbosque	$301 BILLION	Drunk driving wrongful death (largest in US history)

Why This Matters for Your Case:

Insurance companies FEAR nuclear verdicts. This fear increases settlement values across ALL serious injury cases, not just those that go to trial. Attorney911’s trial readiness and multi-million dollar track record give us leverage in every negotiation.

Why Buffalo Springs Accident Victims Trust Attorney911

When you’re hurt in a car accident, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a team that will fight for every dollar you deserve. Here’s why Buffalo Springs residents choose Attorney911:

1. We Know Insurance Companies from the Inside

Lupe Peña worked for years at a national insurance defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims and build cases against accident victims. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for YOU.

“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.” — Lupe Peña

2. We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our results speak for themselves:

Multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss
Seven-figure settlement for a Buffalo Springs resident whose leg injury led to partial amputation
Millions recovered in trucking-related wrongful death cases
Significant settlements for back injuries, spinal cord injuries, and catastrophic accidents

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

3. We Handle Complex Cases Other Firms Won’t Touch

With Ralph Manginello’s admission to federal court and our involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, we have the experience to handle:

Trucking accidents with multiple liable parties
Cases against large corporations
Complex product liability claims
Catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases

4. You Work Directly with the Attorneys Who Handle Your Case

At Attorney911, you’re not just another case number. You work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña—not a case manager assembly line. As client Chad Harris put it: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”

5. We Don’t Get Paid Unless We Win Your Case

“We don’t get paid unless we win your case.” — Attorney911

6. We’re Part of the Buffalo Springs Community

While our main office is in Houston, we serve clients across Texas, including Buffalo Springs and Lubbock County. We understand the unique challenges faced by rural communities and are committed to providing the same high level of service to all our clients.

7. We Speak Your Language

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our team includes bilingual staff members like Zulema to ensure language is never a barrier. As client Celia Dominguez said: “Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Springs Car Accidents

Immediate After Accident

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

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

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 Buffalo Springs and Lubbock County, you can obtain the police report from the responding agency or through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS).

Dealing with Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Legal Process

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Common 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 the defendant takes you as they find you. For example: You had mild occasional back pain. 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

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 love to argue “parking lot accidents are always 50/50 fault” (this 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.

Buffalo Springs Car Accident Resources

Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers

Covenant Medical Center (Level II Trauma Center) – 3615 19th St, Lubbock, TX 79410
University Medical Center (Level I Trauma Center) – 602 Indiana Ave, Lubbock, TX 79415
Grace Medical Center – 2412 50th St, Lubbock, TX 79412

Local Police Departments

Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office – (806) 775-1400
Buffalo Springs Police Department – For local incidents within the village

Local Courts

Lubbock County District Courts – Handle civil cases including personal injury
Lubbock County Justice of the Peace Courts – Handle minor civil matters

Local Roads with High Accident Rates

Farm to Market Road 846 – Main route through Buffalo Springs
US Highway 84 – Connects to nearby cities
Interstate 27 – Major north-south route near Lubbock
County roads with limited visibility – Common sites for rural accidents

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Buffalo Springs, Texas, don’t wait to get the help you need. Evidence disappears daily, and insurance companies are already building their case against you.

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

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Attorney911
Serving Buffalo Springs and Lubbock County
1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

“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

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

Don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you. Call Attorney911 today—we’re your legal emergency response team in Buffalo Springs.