Car Accidents in Crane County, Texas: How Attorney911 Fights for Your Maximum Compensation

When Seconds Change Everything: Crane County’s Car Accident Crisis

Every 57 seconds, a car crash shatters lives somewhere in Texas. In Crane County and across West Texas, these collisions happen on I-10, US-285, and the rural roads connecting our communities. One moment, you’re driving home from work or heading to Odessa for supplies. The next, you’re facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and an insurance company trying to minimize your claim.

At Attorney911, we understand the physical pain, emotional stress, and financial uncertainty that follow a car accident in Crane County. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner with over 25 years of experience, has seen how these crashes disrupt families across West Texas. That’s why we fight aggressively for every client – whether you were rear-ended on I-10 near the Crane County Courthouse or sideswiped by a distracted driver on FM 1601.

The Harsh Reality of Car Accidents in Crane County

Texas recorded 251,977 injuries from motor vehicle crashes in 2024 alone – that’s one person injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds. In Crane County, we see accidents caused by:

Distracted drivers checking phones on the long stretches of I-10
Fatigued oilfield workers driving after double shifts
Speeding on rural roads with limited law enforcement presence
Drunk drivers leaving Crane or returning from Odessa
Poor road conditions during Texas’s unpredictable weather

These aren’t just statistics – they’re real people from our community facing life-altering injuries. We’ve represented clients who suffered:

Traumatic brain injuries from high-speed collisions
Spinal cord damage requiring lifetime medical care
Herniated discs that ended careers in oil and gas
Broken bones requiring multiple surgeries
Post-traumatic stress that makes driving terrifying

Why Insurance Companies Are Your Biggest Obstacle

After your accident, you might expect the other driver’s insurance to cover your expenses fairly. Unfortunately, their primary goal is to protect their profits, not your recovery. We know this firsthand because Lupe Peña, one of our attorneys, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He’s seen exactly how they:

Offer quick, lowball settlements before you realize the full extent of your injuries
Pressure you for recorded statements designed to minimize your claim
Send you to “independent” medical exams with doctors they control
Use surveillance to twist innocent activities into evidence against you
Delay payments hoping you’ll accept less out of financial desperation

Lupe’s insider knowledge is your advantage. When he reviews your case, he knows exactly how the insurance company will try to undervalue it – because he used to calculate those lowball offers himself.

From Injury to Justice: Real Results for Crane County Residents

We don’t just talk about fighting for our clients – we prove it with results. In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident on I-10. During treatment, staff infections developed that ultimately required a partial amputation. The insurance company initially offered $50,000, claiming the amputation was a “medical complication” unrelated to the accident. We fought back with medical experts who proved the amputation was a direct result of the crash. The case settled in the millions – not the $50,000 they initially offered.

Chavodrian Miles, another client, shared: “Leonor got me into the doctor the same day. She was on top of my case from the beginning. It only took 6 months amazing. I would recommend Manginello Law Firm to anyone.”

MONGO SLADE, who was rear-ended in Crane County, said: “I was rear-ended and the team got right to work. They were very professional, and I also got a very nice settlement.”

Kiimarii Yup’s experience shows the life-changing impact of our work: “I lost everything. My car was at a total loss and because of Attorney Manginello and my case worker Leonor, I was able to get a rental car. 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”

What to Do After a Car Accident in Crane County

The moments after a crash are critical. Follow these steps to protect your health and your legal rights:

Call 911 immediately – Report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone is injured
Document everything – Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signals
Exchange information – Get the other driver’s name, phone number, insurance details, and license plate
Identify witnesses – Get names and contact information from anyone who saw what happened
Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, get checked by a doctor. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries
Call Attorney911 – Before speaking to any insurance company, call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

Remember: Insurance adjusters will contact you quickly, often while you’re still in the hospital. Their friendly tone is designed to get you to say something that can be used against you later.

The Insurance Company’s Playbook – And How We Counter It

Insurance companies have a standard playbook for minimizing car accident claims. Here’s what they’ll do and how Attorney911 counters each tactic:

Tactic 1: The Quick Cash Offer

What they do: Within days of your accident, they’ll offer a quick settlement – typically $2,000-$5,000. They’ll say things like “This is our best offer” or “Take it now before it’s too late.”

Why it’s dangerous: You don’t yet know the full extent of your injuries. What seems like a good deal today could leave you paying for future medical bills out of pocket.

How we counter: We never let our clients accept early offers. We wait until you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) – the point where your doctor says you’ve recovered as much as you’re going to. Only then can we accurately value your claim.

Tactic 2: The Recorded Statement Trap

What they do: The adjuster will call, sounding friendly and concerned. They’ll say they just need “your side of the story” to process your claim.

Why it’s dangerous: Everything you say is recorded and can be used against you. They’ll ask leading questions designed to make you admit fault or minimize your injuries.

How we counter: We never let our clients give recorded statements without us present. Lupe knows exactly what questions they’ll ask because he used to ask them himself. We prepare you thoroughly before any statement is given.

Tactic 3: The IME Doctor Scheme

What they do: They’ll send you to an “Independent Medical Exam” with a doctor they’ve selected. The exam typically lasts 10-15 minutes.

Why it’s dangerous: These doctors are paid by the insurance company and often find ways to minimize your injuries. They might say your pain is from a pre-existing condition or that you’re exaggerating.

How we counter: Lupe knows which doctors insurance companies use because he hired them when he worked for the defense. We prepare you for the exam, send your complete medical records in advance, and challenge biased reports with our own medical experts.

Tactic 4: Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring

What they do: They’ll hire private investigators to follow you, film you doing daily activities, and monitor all your social media accounts.

Why it’s dangerous: They’ll take innocent activities out of context. A video of you bending over to pick up groceries can be used to claim you’re not really injured.

How we counter: We advise all our clients to:

Make all social media profiles private immediately
Never post about the accident, injuries, or case
Assume everything is being monitored
Tell friends and family not to post about you

Lupe’s insider perspective is invaluable here. He’s reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos as a defense attorney. He knows exactly how insurance companies twist innocent activity to undermine claims.

Tactic 5: Delay, Deny, Defend

What they do: They’ll drag out your claim with endless requests for information, “investigations,” and delays.

Why it’s dangerous: The longer they delay, the more financial pressure you feel. They’re betting you’ll accept a low offer just to get some money.

How we counter: We don’t let them delay. We file lawsuits when necessary to force deadlines. We set depositions, demand documents, and push cases forward. Insurance companies know we’re not bluffing – we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial.

What Your Car Accident Case Is Really Worth

Insurance companies use software called Colossus to calculate the minimum they can pay you. Lupe used to work with this system – he knows exactly how it works and how to beat it. Here’s what they don’t want you to know about how cases are valued:

Settlement Ranges for Common Car Accident Injuries:

Injury Type	Medical Treatment Costs	Lost Wages	Pain & Suffering	Settlement Range
Soft Tissue (Whiplash, Sprains)	$6,000-$16,000	$2,000-$10,000	$8,000-$35,000	$15,000-$60,000
Broken Bone (Simple Fracture)	$10,000-$20,000	$5,000-$15,000	$20,000-$60,000	$35,000-$95,000
Broken Bone (Requiring Surgery)	$47,000-$98,000	$10,000-$30,000	$75,000-$200,000	$132,000-$328,000
Herniated Disc (Conservative Treatment)	$22,000-$46,000	$8,000-$25,000	$40,000-$100,000	$70,000-$171,000
Herniated Disc (Surgery Required)	$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

These ranges are general guidelines. Your actual case value depends on:

The severity of your injuries
The impact on your daily life
Your lost income and future earning capacity
The clarity of liability (who was at fault)
The amount of available insurance coverage
The skill of your attorney in presenting your case

Why Crane County Residents Choose Attorney911

After a car accident, you have choices for legal representation. Here’s why so many Crane County residents trust Attorney911:

1. Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge

Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how they value claims, which doctors they use for IMEs, and how they calculate settlement offers. This insider knowledge is your unfair advantage.

2. Multi-Million Dollar Results

We don’t just claim to get results – we prove it. Our firm has recovered millions for clients with injuries ranging from amputations to traumatic brain injuries. In one case, we secured a multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss when a log dropped on him at a logging company.

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This federal court experience is crucial for complex cases, especially those involving commercial vehicles or multiple states.

4. Personal Attention from Partners

At Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph or Lupe – not a case manager assembly line. Chad Harris, one of our clients, said: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”

5. No Fee Unless We Win

We understand the financial strain after an accident. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. As Dame Haskett shared: “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer…Ralph reached out personally.”

Common Car Accident Scenarios in Crane County

Rear-End Collisions on I-10

Rear-end crashes are among the most common accidents on I-10 through Crane County. These often occur when:

Drivers are distracted by phones or GPS devices
Oilfield workers are fatigued after long shifts
Traffic suddenly slows for construction or accidents
Drivers follow too closely in heavy traffic

Even low-speed rear-end collisions can cause serious injuries like whiplash, herniated discs, and traumatic brain injuries. Insurance companies often try to minimize these claims, but we know how to prove the true extent of your injuries.

Intersection Accidents in Crane

The intersections in Crane, especially along Highway 385 and Main Street, see frequent collisions. Common causes include:

Drivers running red lights or stop signs
Failure to yield right-of-way
Left-turn accidents
Distracted driving

These crashes often result in T-bone collisions, which can be particularly dangerous due to the lack of protection on the sides of vehicles.

Drunk Driving Accidents

Crane County has seen its share of drunk driving accidents, particularly on weekends and after local events. Texas recorded 1,053 alcohol-impaired driving deaths in 2024 – that’s 25.37% of all traffic fatalities.

When we handle drunk driving cases, we don’t just pursue the driver. We also investigate dram shop liability against bars or restaurants that served the driver when they were obviously intoxicated. This can significantly increase your compensation.

Oilfield Worker Accidents

Crane County’s economy is closely tied to the oil and gas industry. Unfortunately, we see many accidents involving:

Oilfield workers driving fatigued after long shifts
Heavy equipment being transported on public roads
Distracted driving by workers checking messages between sites
Poorly maintained company vehicles

These cases often involve workers’ compensation claims in addition to personal injury claims against other drivers.

The Legal Process: What to Expect

When you choose Attorney911, here’s what happens:

Free Consultation – We’ll review your case at no cost and explain your options
Investigation – We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and preserve critical information
Medical Treatment – We help you get the care you need while documenting your injuries
Demand Letter – We send a comprehensive demand to the insurance company
Negotiation – We negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation
Lawsuit (if necessary) – If they won’t offer a fair settlement, we file suit
Discovery – Both sides exchange information and take depositions
Mediation – We attempt to settle the case with a neutral mediator
Trial (if needed) – We present your case to a jury if necessary

Throughout this process, we keep you informed and involved. Stephanie Hernandez said: “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.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Crane County

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Crane County?

If you’re involved in a car accident in Crane County:

Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed
Document everything with photos and videos
Exchange information with the other driver
Get contact information from any witnesses
Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine
Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 before speaking to any insurance company

Should I call the police even for a minor accident?

Yes. Always call the police after an accident in Crane County. The police report is critical evidence for your claim. 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, and internal bleeding may not be obvious at first. Adrenaline at the scene can mask pain. Insurance companies use delays in treatment against you, so it’s important to get checked immediately.

What information should I collect at the scene?

Collect as much information as possible:

Other driver’s name, phone number, address, and driver’s license number
Insurance information (company and policy number)
Vehicle details (make, model, color, license plate)
Witness names and contact information
Photos of all vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signals
Police officer’s name, badge number, and report number

Should I talk to the other driver or admit fault?

Only exchange basic information. Do not discuss fault, apologize, or give your opinion on what happened. Stick to the facts only. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used as an admission of fault.

How do I obtain a copy of the accident report?

You can obtain the police report from the Crane County Sheriff’s Office 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 present.
To your own insurance: You have a duty to cooperate, but call Attorney911 first. We can advise you on what to say.

What if the other driver’s insurance contacts me?

Say: “I need to speak with my attorney first.” Give only basic information like your name and the date of the accident. Do not give a recorded statement or discuss your injuries.

Do I have to accept the insurance company’s estimate?

No. Their estimate is just an offer. It’s usually far below what your case is actually worth. Attorney911 fights for what you truly deserve.

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 Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can compensate you. Texas allows inter-policy stacking, which means you may be able to combine coverage from multiple policies. We can help navigate this complex process.

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 anything without having an attorney review it first.

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 coverage available to recover from

When should I hire a car accident lawyer?

Immediately. Evidence disappears daily, and insurance companies start building their defense against you from day one. The sooner you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, the better we can protect your rights.

How much time do I have to file (statute of limitations)?

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, you have 2 years from the date of death. Miss this deadline and your case is barred forever.

What is comparative negligence and how does it affect me?

Texas uses the 51% bar rule for comparative negligence. If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault). If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Insurance companies always try to assign maximum fault to you to reduce their payment.

What happens if I was partially at fault?

You can still recover if you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault in a $100,000 case, you can recover $80,000.

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial. However, Attorney911 prepares every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation gives us leverage in negotiations. Insurance companies know we’re not bluffing.

How long will my case take to settle?

The timeline depends on the severity of your injuries. We don’t settle until you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) – the point where your doctor says you’ve recovered as much as you’re going to. 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 company
Negotiation
Lawsuit if necessary
Discovery (exchange of information)
Mediation
Trial if needed

What is my case worth?

The value depends on:

Severity of your injuries
Cost of medical treatment
Lost wages and future earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Permanent impairment or disability
Clarity of liability (who was at fault)
Available insurance coverage

What types of damages can I recover?

You may be able to recover:

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages and lost 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 damages (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 known as the “eggshell plaintiff” rule – the defendant takes you as they find you. We hire medical experts to prove the difference between your condition before and after the accident.

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

Yes. You can fire your attorney at any time. If your current 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. 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 if the insurance company is my own insurance (UM/UIM claim)?

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist claims are against your own 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 to maximize your recovery.

How do you calculate pain and suffering?

Most commonly using the multiplier method: Medical expenses × multiplier (1.5 to 5) = pain and suffering. The multiplier depends on:

Injury severity
Permanency of injuries
Impact on your life
Clarity of liability

Lupe calculated these for years when he worked for insurance companies – 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. Ralph’s 25+ years of experience includes government litigation.

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 to secure this evidence.

What if I’m an undocumented immigrant – can I still file a claim?

Yes. Your 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, and we’ve successfully represented clients of all immigration statuses. Lupe is fluent in Spanish and can assist Spanish-speaking clients.

What if the accident happened in a parking lot?

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

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, and the driver’s insurance covers passengers. There are no comparative fault issues since you weren’t driving. 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. The death doesn’t eliminate liability. The insurance policy still applies, and the estate may have assets. Wrongful death laws protect both sides. We handle these cases with sensitivity while protecting your rights.

Serving Crane County and Beyond

Attorney911 serves clients throughout Crane County and the surrounding areas. While our principal office is in Houston, we regularly handle cases in:

Crane
Odessa
Midland
Monahans
Fort Stockton
Andrews
Kermit
Pecos

We understand the unique challenges faced by residents in these communities, from the oilfield workers on long shifts to the families traveling between towns. Our attorneys travel to Crane County for depositions, court appearances, and client meetings.

Why Time is Critical After Your Accident

Evidence disappears quickly after a car accident. Here’s what you stand to lose if you wait:

Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is typically deleted within 7-30 days
Witness memories fade rapidly – details become uncertain within days
Physical evidence like skid marks and debris is cleared within hours or days
Electronic data from vehicles (black boxes, ELDs) can be overwritten
Insurance companies start building their defense against you immediately

Every day you wait, your case becomes harder to prove. That’s why we urge Crane County residents to call Attorney911 immediately after an accident. We send preservation letters to all parties to ensure critical evidence is saved before it’s deleted.

How Attorney911 Protects Your Rights

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, here’s what we do for you:

Immediate Evidence Preservation – We send letters to all parties demanding they preserve evidence before it’s deleted
Comprehensive Investigation – We gather police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage
Medical Coordination – We help you get the treatment you need while documenting your injuries
Insurance Negotiation – We handle all communication with insurance companies
Lawsuit Preparation – We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial to maximize leverage
Maximizing Your Recovery – We fight for every dollar you deserve, not just what insurance offers

Brian Butchee shared: “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.”

Your Next Step: Call Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Crane County, you don’t have to face this alone. The insurance company already has a team working against you. You need a team fighting for you.

Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you understand what your case is worth. There’s no obligation, and we don’t get paid unless we win your case.

Remember:

Evidence disappears daily – don’t wait
The statute of limitations is ticking – 2 years isn’t as long as you think
Insurance companies are already building their case against you
You need an attorney with insider knowledge of how they operate

Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on your recovery. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now – it’s your legal emergency line for car accidents in Crane County.