Car Accident Lawyers in City of Combine, Texas | Attorney911
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in City of Combine, Texas, you’re not alone. With over 251,977 people injured in Texas motor vehicle crashes last year—one every 57 seconds—our roads are dangerous. At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years helping accident victims in Kaufman County and across Texas recover the compensation they deserve. Led by Ralph Manginello, our team knows how to fight insurance companies and secure multi-million dollar settlements for our clients.
Why Car Accidents Happen in City of Combine
City of Combine sits along critical transportation routes, making our roads particularly hazardous. Common causes of accidents here include:
- Distracted driving (380 deaths in Texas last year)
- Speeding on local roads and highways
- Failure to yield at intersections
- Running red lights
- Following too closely
- Drunk driving (1,053 alcohol-related deaths in Texas)
These accidents often result in severe injuries that can change your life in an instant.
Common Injuries from Car Accidents
At Attorney911, we’ve seen how car accidents can cause devastating injuries, including:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries – Often dismissed as minor, but can lead to chronic pain
- Herniated discs – May require surgery and long-term treatment
- Broken bones and fractures – From simple fractures to complex compound breaks
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – Can cause permanent cognitive impairment
- Spinal cord injuries – May result in partial or complete paralysis
- Internal organ damage – Often life-threatening if not treated immediately
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – Affects 32-45% of accident victims
One of our clients suffered a leg injury in a car accident that led to staff infections and eventually required partial amputation. This case settled in the millions, demonstrating our ability to handle complex medical cases.
The Insurance Company’s Playbook – And How We Counter It
Insurance companies start building their defense against you immediately after an accident. Here’s what they do and how we counter it:
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Quick Contact & Recorded Statement (Days 1-3)
- They’ll call you while you’re still in the hospital or on pain medication
- Their questions are designed to trap you into minimizing your injuries
- Our counter: We handle all communication with insurance companies
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Quick Settlement Offer (Weeks 1-3)
- They’ll offer $2,000-$10,000, hoping you’re desperate
- These offers expire quickly, pressuring you to accept
- Our counter: We never settle before you reach maximum medical improvement
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Independent Medical Exam (Months 2-6)
- They’ll send you to a doctor they hire to minimize your injuries
- These exams are often cursory and biased
- Our counter: Lupe Peña, our former insurance defense attorney, knows these doctors and their tactics
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Delay and Financial Pressure (Months 6-12+)
- They’ll drag out your case, hoping you’ll accept less
- Our counter: We file lawsuits to force deadlines and show we’re serious
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Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring
- They’ll follow you and monitor all your social media
- Our counter: We advise you on what not to post and how to protect your privacy
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Comparative Fault Arguments
- They’ll try to blame you for the accident
- Our counter: We conduct thorough investigations to prove the other driver’s fault
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your City of Combine Car Accident 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.”
Lupe’s insider knowledge gives us an unfair advantage. He knows:
- How insurance companies calculate claim values
- Which doctors they use for “independent” exams
- Their settlement authority limits
- How to counter their delay tactics
2. Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve recovered millions for car accident victims, including:
- A multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss
- A case where our client’s leg injury led to partial amputation that settled in the millions
- Numerous cases where we’ve helped clients recover significant compensation
3. Federal Court Experience
Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court experience matters when:
- Cases involve complex legal issues
- Multiple parties are involved
- Large corporations are defendants
- Cases cross state lines
4. Personal Attention You Won’t Get Elsewhere
At Attorney911, you’re not just a case number. As client Chad Harris said:
“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”
We provide the personal attention that large firms can’t match.
5. No Fee Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. This means:
- Free consultation
- No upfront costs
- We advance all case expenses
- You only pay if we recover compensation for you
What to Do After a Car Accident in City of Combine
First 24 Hours: Critical Evidence Preservation
- Safety First: Move to a secure location if possible
- Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance
- Document Everything:
- Take photos of all vehicle damage
- Photograph the accident scene and road conditions
- 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
- Witnesses: Get names and phone numbers of any witnesses
- Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance
Days 2-7: Evidence Continues to Disappear
- Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is typically deleted within 7-30 days
- Witness memories begin to fade
- Physical evidence at the scene is cleared
- We send preservation letters to secure critical evidence
Weeks 1-4: Medical Treatment and Investigation
- Continue documenting all injuries
- Follow up with your primary care physician
- We begin our investigation:
- Obtain police reports
- Interview witnesses
- Analyze accident scene
- Review medical records
Texas Car Accident Laws You Need to Know
Statute of Limitations
- 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit
- Miss this deadline and your case is barred forever
Comparative Negligence (51% Rule)
Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system:
- 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
- Insurance companies always try to assign you maximum fault
Minimum Insurance Requirements
Texas requires minimum coverage of:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Many drivers carry only the minimum, which is often insufficient to cover serious injuries.
How We Prove Liability in Your Car Accident Case
To win your case, we must prove four elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care: All drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles safely
- Breach of Duty: The at-fault driver violated this duty (speeding, distracted driving, etc.)
- Causation: The breach directly caused your injuries
- Damages: You suffered actual harm (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering)
We gather evidence from multiple sources:
- Physical Evidence: Vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions
- Documentary Evidence: Police reports, medical records, cell phone records
- Electronic Evidence: Black box data, GPS records, surveillance footage
- Testimonial Evidence: Witness statements, expert testimony
What Compensation Can You Recover?
At Attorney911, we fight for full compensation for all your damages:
Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas)
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses (transportation, home modifications)
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 Damages (Capped)
- Available for gross negligence or malice
- Drunk driving cases often qualify
- Capped at greater of $200,000 or (2x economic + 1x non-economic, max $750,000)
Settlement Ranges for Car Accident Injuries
While every case is unique, here are typical settlement ranges for common injuries:
| Injury Type | Medical Costs | Lost Wages | Pain & Suffering | Total Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soft Tissue (Whiplash) | $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 |
| 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 | $50,000-$200,000 | $2,000,000-$5,000,000 | $4,770,000-$25,880,000 |
| Amputation | $170,000-$480,000 | $20,000-$50,000 | $1,000,000-$5,000,000 | $1,945,000-$8,630,000 |
| Wrongful Death | $50,000-$500,000 | $1,000,000-$4,000,000 | $1,000,000-$3,000,000 | $1,910,000-$9,520,000 |
One of our clients with a leg injury that led to amputation received a multi-million dollar settlement. These results demonstrate our ability to secure maximum compensation for catastrophic injuries.
What Our Clients Say About Us
“Leonor got me into the doctor the same day…it only took 6 months amazing.” – Chavodrian Miles
“I was rear-ended and the team got right to work…I also got a very nice settlement.” – MONGO SLADE
“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.” – Kiimarii Yup
“Melanie was excellent. She kept me informed and when she said she would call me back, she did. I got to speak with Ralph Manginello once and knew quickly the way his Firm was ran.” – Brian Butchee
“They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” – Glenda Walker
Dangerous Intersections and Roads in City of Combine and Kaufman County
While specific data for City of Combine isn’t available, we know that Kaufman County sees its share of dangerous intersections and roadways. Common high-risk areas often include:
- Intersections with heavy truck traffic
- Roads with poor lighting or visibility
- Areas with frequent construction zones
- Highways with high speed limits
- Rural roads with limited safety features
How to Avoid Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Case
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Don’t give a recorded statement without an attorney
- Insurance adjusters are trained to ask leading questions
- Everything you say can be used against you
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Don’t accept a quick settlement offer
- Early offers are always lowball offers
- You don’t know the full extent of your injuries yet
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Don’t delay medical treatment
- Gaps in treatment are used against you
- Adrenaline can mask serious injuries
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Don’t post about your accident on social media
- Insurance companies monitor all your accounts
- Even innocent posts can be taken out of context
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Don’t sign anything without lawyer review
- Releases are permanent and binding
- Medical authorizations give unlimited access
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in City of Combine
What should I do immediately after a car accident in City of Combine?
If you’ve been in an accident in City of Combine:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek medical attention even if you feel fine
- Document everything with photos
- 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
Should I call the police even for a minor accident?
Yes. Always call the police. The police report is critical evidence. In Texas, you must report accidents with injuries, deaths, or property damage over $1,000.
Should I seek medical attention if I don’t feel hurt?
Absolutely. Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms immediately:
- Traumatic brain injuries can take days to manifest
- Internal bleeding may not be obvious
- Herniated discs may not cause pain for weeks
- Adrenaline masks pain at the scene
Insurance companies use delays in treatment against you. Get checked immediately.
What information should I collect at the scene?
Collect the following information:
- Other driver: name, phone, address, driver’s license, insurance
- Vehicle: make, model, color, license plate
- Witnesses: names and phone numbers
- Photos: all vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, traffic signals
- Police: officer name, badge number, report number
Should I talk to the other driver or admit fault?
Only exchange information. Do NOT:
- Discuss fault
- Apologize or say “I’m sorry” (can be used as admission)
- Give your opinion on what happened
- Speculate about causes
How do I obtain a copy of the accident report?
You can obtain the police report from the responding agency or through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS).
Should I give a recorded statement to insurance?
To the other driver’s insurance: NO. Not without an attorney.
To your own insurance: You have a duty to cooperate, but call Attorney911 first. We can advise you.
What if the other driver’s insurance contacts me?
Say: “I need to speak with my attorney first.” Give only basic information (name, date of accident). Do NOT:
- Give a recorded statement
- Discuss injuries
- Discuss fault
Do I have to accept the insurance company’s estimate?
No. Their estimate is just an offer. It’s usually far below actual value. Attorney911 fights for what your case is really worth.
Should I accept a quick settlement offer?
NEVER accept a settlement before knowing the full extent of your injuries. Once you sign a release, you cannot get more money even if you need surgery later.
What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?
Your own UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) coverage can compensate you. Watch our video explaining UM/UIM claims: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8
Why does insurance want me to sign a medical authorization?
They want unlimited access to your ENTIRE medical history to find pre-existing conditions to use against you. Never sign without attorney review.
Do I have a personal injury case?
You may have a case if:
- Someone else was at fault (even partially)
- You suffered injuries or damages
- There is insurance to recover from
Watch our video “Do I Have a Good Case?”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-PMMP5Jims
When should I hire a car accident lawyer?
Immediately. Evidence disappears daily. Insurance companies start building their defense against you from day one. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.
How much time do I have to file (statute of limitations)?
In Texas: 2 years from the date of the accident for personal injury, 2 years from the date of death for wrongful death. Miss it = case barred forever.
What is comparative negligence and how does it affect me?
Texas uses the 51% bar rule:
- If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover (reduced by your fault %)
- If you’re 51% or more at fault, you get nothing
- Insurance companies always try to assign you maximum fault
Watch our video “What Is Comparative Negligence?”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agzHKY_v9l4
What happens if I was partially at fault?
You can still recover if you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle before trial. But Attorney911 prepares every case AS IF it’s going to trial. That’s what gives us leverage.
Watch our video “Will Your Case Go to Trial?”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ed5AnmCMcc
How long will my case take to settle?
Depends on injury severity. We don’t settle until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). Could be:
- 6 months for minor injuries
- 12-18 months for moderate injuries
- 24+ months for catastrophic injuries
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?”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwzYymneDVs
What is my case worth?
Depends on:
- Injury severity
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Permanent impairment
- Pain and suffering
- Insurance available
Cases range from $15,000 (soft tissue) to millions (catastrophic injury).
What types of damages can I recover?
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Physical impairment
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
Can I get compensation for pain and suffering?
Yes. Pain and suffering is a significant component of personal injury cases in Texas. There is NO CAP on pain and suffering (except medical malpractice).
What if I have a pre-existing condition?
You can still recover if the accident aggravated or worsened your pre-existing condition. This is called the “eggshell plaintiff” rule.
Will I have to pay taxes on my settlement?
Generally, compensation for physical injuries is NOT taxable. Punitive damages ARE taxable. Consult a tax professional.
How is the value of my claim determined?
Based on:
- Medical bills
- Future treatment costs
- Lost income
- Permanent impairment rating
- Comparable verdicts
- Severity of injuries
- Impact on daily life
How much do car accident lawyers cost?
Attorney911 works on a contingency fee basis: 33.33% before trial, 40% if trial. You pay nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win.
Watch our video “How Do Contingency Fees Work?”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc
What does “no fee unless we win” mean?
You pay zero unless we recover money for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. We advance all case costs.
How often will I get updates?
Attorney911 provides regular updates. As client Dame Haskett said: “Consistent communication and not one time did i call and not get a clear answer.”
Who will actually handle my case?
At Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, not just paralegals. As Chad Harris said: “You are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”
What if I already hired another attorney?
You can switch. As client Greg Garcia said: “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.”
What common mistakes can hurt my case?
- Giving a recorded statement without an attorney
- Accepting a quick settlement
- Delaying medical treatment
- Gaps in treatment
- Posting on social media
- Signing releases or authorizations
- Not documenting everything
Watch our video “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Should I post about my accident on social media?
NO. Make all profiles private. Don’t post about:
- The accident
- Your injuries
- Your activities
- Your emotions
- Your case
Tell friends and family not to tag you in posts.
Why shouldn’t I sign anything without a lawyer?
- Releases are permanent and final
- Medical authorizations give unlimited access
- Settlement offers are binding
- Once signed, you can’t undo it
What if I didn’t see a doctor right away?
See one NOW. Explain you didn’t realize the severity of your injuries. Delayed symptoms are common. We can still help.
What if I have a pre-existing condition?
You can still recover. If the accident AGGRAVATED your pre-existing condition, you’re entitled to compensation for the aggravation. The “eggshell plaintiff” rule means the defendant takes you as they find you.
Can I switch attorneys if I’m unhappy with my current lawyer?
YES. You can fire your attorney at any time. If your attorney isn’t communicating, isn’t fighting for you, or is pushing you to settle cheap, you have the right to switch. Attorney911 has taken over many cases from other attorneys.
What if the insurance company is my own insurance (UM/UIM claim)?
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist claims are against YOUR insurance when the other driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance. Your insurance company will fight your claim just like the other driver’s insurance would. You need attorney representation.
How do you calculate pain and suffering?
Most commonly using the multiplier method: Medical expenses × multiplier (1.5 to 5) = pain & suffering. The multiplier depends on:
- Injury severity
- Permanency
- Impact on life
- Clear liability
Lupe Peña, our former insurance defense attorney, calculated these for years—he knows how to justify higher multipliers.
What if I was hit by a government vehicle (city bus, police car, etc.)?
Government claims have special rules. You must file notice within 6 months (much shorter than the 2-year statute of limitations). Sovereign immunity protects government entities, and damage caps may apply. These cases are complex—you need an experienced attorney.
What if the other driver fled the scene (hit and run)?
File a police report immediately (hit and run is a criminal offense). Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver is unidentified. Surveillance footage is critical—most is deleted within 7-30 days. We send preservation letters immediately.
What if I’m an undocumented immigrant—can I still file a claim?
YES. Immigration status does NOT affect your right to compensation for injuries. You’re entitled to full recovery regardless of immigration status. Your case is confidential. We’ve successfully represented clients of all immigration statuses. Lupe is fluent in Spanish.
What if the accident happened in a parking lot?
Parking lot accidents are fully compensable. Insurance companies often argue “parking lot accidents are always 50/50 fault,” but this is false. We prove fault through:
- Surveillance video
- Witness statements
- Damage analysis
- Traffic patterns
Texas comparative negligence rules apply.
What if I was a passenger in the at-fault vehicle?
You can sue the driver even if you were riding with them (friend, family member, Uber driver). You’re an innocent victim. The driver’s insurance covers passengers. No comparative fault issues (you weren’t driving). These cases often settle quickly because liability is clear.
What if the other driver died in the accident?
You can still pursue a claim against the deceased driver’s estate and insurance. Death doesn’t eliminate liability. The insurance policy still applies. The estate may have assets. Wrongful death laws protect both sides.
Why City of Combine Residents Choose Attorney911
City of Combine sits in Kaufman County, a growing area with unique legal challenges. Whether you’ve been injured on local roads or highways connecting to Dallas, our team understands the specific needs of City of Combine residents.
We Know Kaufman County Courts
While specific court information for City of Combine isn’t available, we’re familiar with the Kaufman County legal system and have experience working with local judges and court staff.