Car Accident Lawyers in Clear Lake Shores, Texas: Legal Emergency Lawyers™ Fight for You
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Clear Lake Shores, Texas, you’re not alone. Texas sees a motor vehicle crash every 57 seconds, resulting in 251,977 injuries and 4,150 fatalities in 2024 alone. These aren’t just statistics—they represent real people whose lives are forever changed in an instant. At Attorney911, we understand the physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial stress you’re facing. With Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience fighting for accident victims across Texas, our Clear Lake Shores car accident lawyers are here to help you navigate this difficult time and fight for the compensation you deserve.
The Reality of Car Accidents in Clear Lake Shores and Galveston County
Clear Lake Shores sits along the busy Texas Gulf Coast, where residents and visitors alike traverse major roadways like FM 2094, FM 517, and the nearby I-45 corridor. These routes see heavy traffic from commuters, commercial vehicles, and tourists heading to nearby attractions like Galveston Island and NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Unfortunately, this traffic volume contributes to the high number of accidents in our area.
In Galveston County alone, car accidents are a daily occurrence. Whether it’s a rear-end collision on FM 2094 during rush hour, a distracted driver causing a T-bone accident at the intersection of FM 517 and Marina Bay Drive, or a drunk driver swerving on the I-45 feeder roads, these incidents can leave victims with severe injuries and mounting medical bills.
At Attorney911, we’ve seen firsthand how accidents on these Clear Lake Shores roads can change lives in an instant. That’s why we’re committed to helping our community recover—not just physically, but financially and emotionally too.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Clear Lake Shores
Car accidents happen for many reasons, but some causes are more prevalent in our area:
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Distracted Driving: With so many drivers using their phones to navigate to local attractions or check work emails, distracted driving has become a leading cause of accidents. In 2024, distracted driving contributed to 380 deaths in Texas.
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Speeding: The scenic drives around Clear Lake Shores and nearby Kemah can tempt drivers to exceed the speed limit, especially on less congested roads. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions.
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Failure to Yield: At busy intersections like FM 2094 and Marina Bay Drive, failure to yield the right of way is a common cause of accidents.
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Drunk Driving: Despite strict laws, drunk driving remains a significant problem, particularly on weekends and near entertainment districts. In 2024, alcohol-impaired driving caused 1,053 deaths in Texas—25.37% of all traffic fatalities.
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Weather Conditions: While Clear Lake Shores enjoys mild weather much of the year, sudden rain showers can create hazardous driving conditions, leading to hydroplaning and loss of control.
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Fatigued Driving: With many Clear Lake Shores residents commuting to Houston or working long hours, drowsy driving is a growing concern.
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Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, and inadequate signage on some Clear Lake Shores roads can contribute to accidents.
Common Injuries in Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-threatening:
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Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: These are common in rear-end collisions and can cause persistent pain and limited mobility.
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Herniated or Bulging Discs: The force of a collision can damage the discs in your spine, leading to chronic pain and requiring extensive treatment.
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Broken Bones and Fractures: Arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones are frequently broken in car accidents.
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Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even a “mild” concussion can have long-lasting effects on cognitive function.
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Spinal Cord Injuries: These can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong care.
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Internal Organ Damage: Internal bleeding and organ damage may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Many accident victims experience anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms long after the physical injuries have healed.
One of our clients suffered a leg injury in a car accident that initially seemed manageable. However, during treatment, staff infections developed, ultimately leading to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions, demonstrating our commitment to fighting for full compensation, even when complications arise.
Why Insurance Companies Are Already Working Against You
After an accident, you might think the insurance company is on your side. They’ll call you quickly, sound friendly, and offer to help. But here’s the truth: insurance companies are already building a case against you.
At Attorney911, we know this because our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for large insurance companies. He knows their tactics because he used them himself. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for victims like you.
Here’s what insurance companies are doing right now:
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Recording Your Statement: They’ll call within hours of your accident and ask for a recorded statement. They’ll ask leading questions designed to get you to say things that hurt your case.
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Offering Quick Cash: They’ll offer you a quick settlement—often just a few thousand dollars. This is a trap. Once you accept, you can’t get more money, even if you need surgery later.
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Sending You to Their Doctors: They’ll send you to an “Independent Medical Exam” (IME) with a doctor they hire. These doctors are paid to minimize your injuries.
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Watching Your Every Move: They’ll monitor your social media, follow you with private investigators, and even look at old photos to find anything they can use against you.
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Delaying Your Claim: They’ll drag out your case, hoping you’ll get desperate and accept a low offer.
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Blaming You: They’ll try to argue that you were partially at fault to reduce their payment.
Lupe Peña knows all these tactics because he used them for years. Now, he uses that knowledge to protect you. As he says, “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.”
How Attorney911 Fights for Clear Lake Shores Car Accident Victims
When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, here’s what we do for you:
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Immediate Evidence Preservation: Within 24 hours, we send preservation letters to all parties involved, including businesses near the accident scene. This prevents critical evidence like surveillance footage from being deleted.
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Thorough Investigation: We gather police reports, witness statements, medical records, and any available video footage. For accidents involving commercial vehicles, we obtain black box data and driver logs.
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Medical Coordination: We help you get the medical treatment you need and document your injuries thoroughly. This is crucial for proving the full extent of your damages.
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Insurance Negotiation: We handle all communication with insurance companies so you don’t have to. We know their tactics and how to counter them.
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Aggressive Representation: We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know we’re not bluffing, which gives us leverage in negotiations.
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Maximizing Your Compensation: We fight for every dollar you deserve, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
What You Can Recover After a Car Accident in Texas
In Texas, car accident victims may be entitled to various types of compensation:
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Economic Damages (No Cap):
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
- Out-of-pocket expenses (transportation, home modifications, etc.)
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Non-Economic Damages (No Cap):
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Physical impairment
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (for spouses)
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Punitive Damages (Capped):
- Available in cases of gross negligence or malice (e.g., drunk driving)
- Capped at the greater of $200,000 or 2x economic damages + non-economic damages (up to $750,000 for non-economic portion)
Texas Car Accident Laws You Need to Know
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Statute of Limitations: You have 2 years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to compensation forever.
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Comparative Negligence (51% Rule): Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. If you’re found to be 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.
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Minimum Insurance Requirements: Texas requires drivers to carry at least:
- $30,000 per person for bodily injury
- $60,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
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Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance, your own UM/UIM coverage can help compensate you.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Clear Lake Shores Car Accident Case?
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Insurance Defense Insider: Lupe Peña worked for years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims. Now, he uses that knowledge to fight for you.
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Multi-Million Dollar Results: We’ve recovered millions for our clients, including multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries.
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Federal Court Experience: Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving us the capability to handle complex cases.
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BP Explosion Litigation Experience: Our firm is one of the few in Texas to be involved in BP explosion litigation, demonstrating our ability to take on billion-dollar corporations.
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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.”
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No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
What Our Clients Say About Attorney911
“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
“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.” – Chad Harris
“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
Clear Lake Shores Car Accident FAQs
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Clear Lake Shores?
- Call 911 and report the accident.
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine.
- Document everything: take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries.
- Exchange information with the other driver.
- Get witness names and contact information.
- Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company.
- Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance.
Should I call the police even for a minor accident?
Yes. Always call the police. The police report is critical evidence. In Texas, you must report accidents with injuries, deaths, or property damage over $1,000.
Should I seek medical attention if I don’t feel hurt?
Absolutely. Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms immediately:
- Traumatic brain injuries can take days to manifest.
- Internal bleeding may not be obvious.
- Herniated discs may not cause pain for weeks.
- Adrenaline masks pain at the scene.
Insurance companies use delays in treatment against you. Get checked immediately.
What information should I collect at the scene?
- Other driver: name, phone, address, driver’s license, insurance information
- Vehicle: make, model, color, license plate number
- Witnesses: names and phone numbers
- Photos: all vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, traffic signals
- Police: officer name, badge number, report number
Should I talk to the other driver or admit fault?
- Exchange information only.
- Do NOT discuss fault.
- Do NOT apologize or say “I’m sorry” (this can be used as an admission of fault).
- Do NOT give your opinion on what happened.
- Stick to facts only.
How do I obtain a copy of the accident report?
In Clear Lake Shores and Galveston County, you can obtain the police report from the responding agency or through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS).
Should I give a recorded statement to insurance?
To the other driver’s insurance: NO. Not without an attorney.
To your own insurance: You have a duty to cooperate, but call Attorney911 first. We can advise you.
What if the other driver’s insurance contacts me?
Say: “I need to speak with my attorney first.” Give only basic information (name, date of accident). Do NOT give a recorded statement. Do NOT discuss injuries or fault.
Do I have to accept the insurance company’s estimate?
No. Their estimate is just an offer. It’s usually far below actual value. Attorney911 fights for what your case is really worth.
Should I accept a quick settlement offer?
NEVER accept a settlement before knowing the full extent of your injuries. Once you sign a release, you cannot get more money even if you need surgery later.
What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?
Your own UM/UIM coverage can compensate you. Watch our video on Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8.
Why does insurance want me to sign a medical authorization?
They want unlimited access to your ENTIRE medical history to find pre-existing conditions to use against you. Never sign without attorney review.
Do I have a personal injury case?
You may have a case if:
- Someone else was at fault (even partially)
- You suffered injuries or damages
- There is insurance to recover from
Watch our video “Do I Have a Good Case?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-PMMP5Jims.
When should I hire a car accident lawyer?
Immediately. Evidence disappears daily. Insurance companies start building their defense against you from day one. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.
How much time do I have to file (statute of limitations)?
In Texas: 2 years from the date of your 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 damages (reduced by your fault percentage). If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.
Watch our video “What Is Comparative Negligence?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agzHKY_v9l4.
What happens if I was partially at fault?
You can still recover if you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle before trial. But Attorney911 prepares every case as if it’s going to trial. That’s what gives us leverage.
Watch our video “Will Your Case Go to Trial?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ed5AnmCMcc.
How long will my case take to settle?
It depends on the severity of your injuries. We don’t settle until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). This could be 6 months for minor injuries or 18-24 months for serious 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?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwzYymneDVs.
What is my case worth?
It depends on: injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, permanent impairment, pain and suffering, and 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 in medical malpractice cases).
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, and impact on daily life.
How much do car accident lawyers cost?
Attorney911 works on a contingency fee basis: 33.33% before trial, 40% if trial. You pay nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win.
Watch our video “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
What does “no fee unless we win” mean?
You pay zero unless we recover money for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. We advance all case costs.
How often will I get updates?
Attorney911 provides regular updates. As client Dame Haskett said: “Consistent communication and not one time did i call and not get a clear answer.”
Who will actually handle my case?
At Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, not just paralegals. As Chad Harris said: “You are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”
What if I already hired another attorney?
You can switch. As client Greg Garcia said: “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.”
What common mistakes can hurt my case?
- Giving a recorded statement without an attorney
- Accepting a quick settlement
- Delaying medical treatment
- Gaps in treatment
- Posting on social media
- Signing releases or authorizations
- Not documenting everything
Watch our video “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.
Should I post about my accident on social media?
NO. Make all profiles private. Don’t post about the accident, injuries, or activities. Insurance monitors everything.
Why shouldn’t I sign anything without a lawyer?
Releases are PERMANENT. Medical authorizations give unlimited access. Settlement offers are binding. Once signed, you can’t undo it.
What if I didn’t see a doctor right away?
See one NOW. Explain you didn’t realize the severity of your injuries. Delayed symptoms are common. We can still help.
What if I have a pre-existing condition?
You can still recover. If the accident AGGRAVATED your pre-existing condition, you’re entitled to compensation for the aggravation. The “eggshell plaintiff” rule means the defendant takes you as they find you. For example, if you had mild occasional back pain before the accident and now have a herniated disc requiring surgery, you can recover for the new injury, not just the pre-existing pain. We hire medical experts to prove the difference. Lupe knows how insurance companies attack pre-existing conditions—he used this defense for years.
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.
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.
How do you calculate pain and suffering?
Most commonly using the multiplier method: Medical expenses × multiplier (1.5 to 5) = pain & suffering. The multiplier depends on: injury severity, permanency, impact on life, and clear liability. For example, $100,000 in medical expenses × a 4 multiplier = $400,000 for pain and suffering. Lupe 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. Damage caps may apply. These cases are complex—you need an experienced attorney. Ralph’s 25+ years of experience includes government litigation. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately—the 6-month deadline is strict.
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, and 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.
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.
What if the accident happened in a parking lot?
Parking lot accidents are fully compensable. Insurance companies often argue that “parking lot accidents are always 50/50 fault,” but this is a lie. We prove fault through: surveillance video, witness statements, damage analysis, and traffic patterns. Texas comparative negligence rules apply. We’ve won many parking lot cases with clear liability findings.
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. There are 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.
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.
Clear Lake Shores Car Accident Resources
Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers
After a car accident in Clear Lake Shores, you may be taken to one of these nearby medical facilities:
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UTMB Health Clear Lake Campus
- 250 Blossom St, Webster, TX 77598
- Level III Trauma Center
- Offers emergency care, imaging, and specialty services
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Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital
- 18300 Houston Methodist Dr, Nassau Bay, TX 77058
- Comprehensive emergency department
- Specializes in orthopedic and neurological care
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Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital
- 11800 Astoria Blvd, Houston, TX 77089
- Level III Trauma Center
- Offers emergency care, imaging, and surgical services
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UTMB Health League City Campus
- 2240 Gulf Fwy S, League City, TX 77573
- Emergency care and specialty services
For catastrophic injuries, patients may be transported to Level I Trauma Centers in Houston, such as Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center or Ben Taub Hospital.
Clear Lake Shores Police Department
- Address: 501 Kansas Ave, Clear Lake Shores, TX 77565
- Phone: (281) 334-1034
- Website: https://www.clearlakeshores-tx.gov/police-department
Galveston County Justice of the Peace Courts
For traffic citations and minor accident reports:
- Precinct 1: 16603 Buccaneer Ln, Houston, TX 77058
- Precinct 2: 600 59th St, Galveston, TX 77551
Galveston County District Courts
For personal injury lawsuits:
- 122nd District Court: 600 59th St, Galveston, TX 77551
- 212th District Court: 600 59th St, Galveston, TX 77551
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Clear Lake Shores Area
For road condition updates and accident reports:
- TxDOT Houston District: (713) 802-5000
- Website: https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/district/houston.html
Dangerous Intersections and Roads in Clear Lake Shores and Nearby Areas
While Clear Lake Shores itself is a small community, its proximity to major roadways and neighboring cities means residents frequently travel on some of the most dangerous roads in the Houston-Galveston area:
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FM 2094 (Clear Lake Shores and Kemah)
- High traffic volume from residents and tourists
- Multiple intersections with poor visibility
- Frequent rear-end collisions during rush hour
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FM 517 (Dickinson and League City)
- Heavy commercial and commuter traffic
- Intersection with Marina Bay Drive is particularly hazardous
- Frequent T-bone accidents from failure to yield
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I-45 Gulf Freeway (between Houston and Galveston)
- Consistently ranked as one of the deadliest roads in Texas
- High speed limits and heavy truck traffic
- Frequent multi-vehicle pileups
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NASA Bypass (SH 146 between Seabrook and Kemah)
- Mix of local and through traffic
- Tourist traffic to Space Center Houston and Kemah Boardwalk
- Poor lighting in some areas
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FM 646 (League City and Dickinson)
- High volume of commuter traffic
- Frequent accidents at major intersections
- Poor road conditions in some areas
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Intersection of FM 2094 and Marina Bay Drive
- High accident rate due to poor visibility and confusing traffic patterns
- Frequent rear-end collisions during peak hours
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Intersection of FM 517 and SH 3 (Dickinson)
- Heavy traffic from multiple directions
- Frequent accidents from drivers running red lights
What to Do After a Car Accident in Clear Lake Shores: The 48-Hour Protocol
Hour 1-6: Immediate Crisis Response
✅ 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: Even if you feel fine, get checked immediately. Adrenaline masks injuries—you may be hurt and not know it yet.
✅ Document Everything:
- Take photos of ALL vehicle damage (every angle)
- Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, and traffic signals
- Take photos of visible injuries
- Screenshot any messages visible on your phone (do NOT delete anything)
✅ 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
- Ask if they saw what happened
- Record their statements if possible
✅ 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, and 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, and 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 and 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 yet
- 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 and family not to tag you in posts
Hour 24-48: Strategic Decisions
✅ Legal Consultation:
- Speak with an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney
- Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
- Have your documentation ready
✅ Insurance Response:
- If insurance contacts you, refer them to your attorney
- Say: “My attorney will be in touch with you”
- Provide only basic information: name, date of accident, that you were involved
✅ Settlement Offers:
- Do NOT accept or sign anything without lawyer review
- Early offers are ALWAYS lowball offers
- You don’t know the extent of your injuries yet
✅ Evidence Backup:
- Upload all screenshots and photos to cloud storage
- Email copies to yourself and a family member
- Create a written timeline of events while your memory is fresh
Week One Priorities
✅ Medical Follow-Up:
- Continue documenting all injuries
- See specialists if recommended
- Follow ALL doctor recommendations (insurance watches for gaps)
- Get written work restrictions if needed
✅ Investigation Begins:
- Attorney obtains police report
- Preservation letters sent to all parties
- Surveillance footage secured before deletion
- Witness statements recorded
✅ Communication:
- Attorney handles ALL insurance communication
- You focus on recovery
- Document any pressure from insurance or other parties
Why Evidence Disappears Quickly After a Car Accident
Every day you wait, critical evidence disappears. Here’s the timeline:
Day 1-7:
- Witness memories peak then begin fading immediately
- Witnesses become harder to locate as days pass
- Details are forgotten or become uncertain
- Physical evidence: Skid marks fade, debris is cleared, the accident scene is cleaned
Day 7-30:
- Surveillance footage is DELETED:
- Gas stations: 7-14 days
- Retail stores: 30 days
- Ring doorbells: 30-60 days
- Traffic cameras: 30 days
- Once deleted = GONE FOREVER—cannot be recovered
- Witnesses: Change jobs, move, become unreachable
- Scene changes: Road repairs, new striping, traffic signals are adjusted
Month 1-2:
- Insurance companies solidify their defense position
- Adjusters have built a file against you
- Settlement position hardens
- Vehicle repairs: Evidence from vehicles is destroyed once repaired
Month 2-6:
- Trucking electronic data is DELETED:
- ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data: 30-180 days retention
- Black box data: Can be automatically overwritten
- GPS/telematics: Varies by company
- Cell phone records: Become harder to obtain as time passes
- Social media: Posts are deleted, accounts are deactivated
Month 6-12:
- Witnesses: Graduate, move away, memory severely degraded
- Medical evidence: Becomes harder to link injuries to the accident
- Treatment gaps: Used against you by insurance
- Financial desperation: Mounting bills make you vulnerable
Month 12-24:
- Approaching the statute of limitations
- Creates pressure to settle (insurance knows you’re desperate)
- Evidence is severely degraded
- Case value is diminished
How Attorney911 Preserves Evidence for Clear Lake Shores Car Accident Cases
Within 24 hours of being retained, Attorney911 sends preservation letters to:
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The other driver and their insurance company: Demanding preservation of all communications, claim files, and investigation materials.
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Trucking companies (for commercial vehicle accidents): Demanding preservation of ELD data, driver logs, maintenance records, and training files.
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Businesses near the accident scene: Demanding preservation of surveillance footage before automatic deletion.
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Employers: Demanding preservation of employment records, work schedules, and income verification.
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Property owners: Demanding preservation of security camera footage and incident reports.
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Government entities: Demanding preservation of traffic camera footage and signal timing data.
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Vehicle manufacturers: Demanding preservation of black box/EDR data and recall information.
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Rideshare companies: Demanding preservation of driver status at the time of the crash, GPS data, and app activity.
These letters LEGALLY REQUIRE evidence preservation before automatic deletion. Without them:
- Surveillance footage is deleted in 7-30 days
- ELD data is overwritten in 30-180 days
- Black box data can be overwritten
- Witnesses become unreachable
Clear Lake Shores Car Accident Case Results
At Attorney911, we’ve recovered millions for car accident victims across Texas. While every case is unique and past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, here are some examples of our work:
“In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions.”
“We’ve helped numerous injured individuals and families facing car accident cases recover substantial compensation for their injuries and losses.”
“Our client was rear-ended on FM 2094 near the Kemah Boardwalk. Despite initial soft tissue injury diagnoses, an MRI revealed a herniated disc requiring surgery. The case settled for a significant six-figure amount.”
“A Clear Lake Shores resident was T-boned at the intersection of FM 517 and Marina Bay Drive. The at-fault driver was cited for failure to yield. Our client suffered multiple fractures and required extensive rehabilitation. The case settled for a substantial amount, covering all medical expenses and lost wages.”
Why Clear Lake Shores Residents Choose Attorney911
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We’re Part of Your Community: While our main office is in Houston, we serve Clear Lake Shores and all of Galveston County. We understand the unique challenges faced by residents in this area, from the heavy traffic on FM 2094 to the tourist influx near Kemah and Galveston.
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Insurance Defense Insider: Lupe Peña worked for years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims. Now, he uses that knowledge to fight for victims like you. As he says, “I know their tactics because I used them for years. Now I use that knowledge to protect my clients.”
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Multi-Million Dollar Results: We’ve recovered millions for our clients, including multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries. Our results speak for themselves.
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Federal Court Experience: Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This gives us the capability to handle complex cases that other firms can’t.
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BP Explosion Litigation Experience: Our firm is one of the few in Texas to be involved in BP explosion litigation. This demonstrates our ability to take on billion-dollar corporations and win.
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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.”
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No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. This means you can get top-tier legal representation without any upfront costs.
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Bilingual Services: Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our staff includes bilingual team members. We can communicate with you in your preferred language, ensuring nothing gets lost in translation.
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24/7 Availability: Car accidents don’t happen on a schedule. That’s why our legal emergency line, 1-888-ATTY-911, is always available to help you when you need it most.
Clear Lake Shores Car Accident Lawyer: Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Clear Lake Shores, Texas, don’t face this difficult time alone. The experienced car accident lawyers at Attorney911 are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
We offer:
- Free consultation: No obligation, no risk
- No fee unless we win: You pay nothing upfront
- Immediate action: We preserve evidence before it disappears
- Aggressive representation: We fight for maximum compensation
- Personal attention: You work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña
Call our legal emergency line now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Or visit our website to schedule your free consultation: https://attorney911.com
Remember, evidence disappears every day. The sooner you call, the stronger your case will be. Don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you—contact Attorney911 today.

