Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Freeport, Texas | Attorney911
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Freeport, Texas, you’re not alone. With over 251,977 people injured in Texas motor vehicle crashes last year and one crash occurring every 57 seconds, our roads are dangerous. At Attorney911, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll an accident can take. That’s why our Freeport car accident lawyers are here to fight for you.
Ralph Manginello, our founder with more than 25 years of experience, leads our team with a commitment to justice for accident victims across Brazoria County. We know the Freeport courts, the local judges, and the insurance adjusters who handle claims in this area. When you’re hurt in a Freeport car accident, you need an attorney who’s right here in your community and understands the unique challenges you face.
The Reality of Car Accidents in Freeport, Texas
Freeport residents face significant risks on our roads. With major highways like Highway 288 and Highway 36 running through our community, the mix of local traffic and commercial vehicles creates dangerous conditions. The Texas Department of Transportation reports that Brazoria County saw thousands of crashes last year, with many resulting in serious injuries.
Common causes of accidents in Freeport include:
- Distracted driving (a leading cause of 380 deaths statewide in 2024)
- Speeding on local roads and highways
- Failure to yield at intersections
- Drunk driving incidents
- Dangerous road conditions, especially during hurricane season
Common Injuries from Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-altering:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Herniated discs and spinal injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Psychological trauma and PTSD
Many of these injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. Adrenaline can mask pain at the scene, and some conditions like herniated discs or traumatic brain injuries may take days or weeks to manifest. That’s why it’s crucial to seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine initially.
The Insurance Reality in Texas
Texas is an at-fault state, which means the driver responsible for the accident is also responsible for the damages. However, dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. They often try to minimize payouts using various tactics:
- Offering quick, lowball settlements before you know the full extent of your injuries
- Requesting recorded statements to use against you
- Delaying claims to pressure you into accepting less
- Blaming you for the accident to reduce their liability
This is where our Freeport car accident attorneys can help. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for insurance companies. He knows their tactics inside and out and now uses that knowledge to fight for accident victims like you.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Freeport Car Accident Case?
At Attorney911, we’ve recovered millions for car accident victims across Texas. In one recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident. During treatment, staff infections developed, leading to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions—not the $50,000 the insurance company initially offered.
Chavodrian Miles, one of our satisfied clients, shared: “Leonor got me into the doctor the same day…it only took 6 months amazing.” Another client, MONGO SLADE, said: “I was rear-ended and the team got right to work…I also got a very nice settlement.”
We don’t just handle car accidents. Our Freeport personal injury lawyers also assist with:
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Hit and run accidents
- And more
What to Do After a Car Accident in Freeport
If you’ve been in a car accident in Freeport, follow these steps:
- 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 contact information
- Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company
- Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance
Remember, evidence disappears quickly. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is typically deleted within 7-30 days. Witness memories fade, and physical evidence can be lost. That’s why it’s crucial to act fast.
Understanding Texas Car Accident Laws
Texas has specific laws that affect car accident claims:
- Statute of Limitations: You have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to compensation.
- Comparative Negligence: Texas uses a 51% bar rule. 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 get nothing.
- Minimum Insurance Requirements: Texas requires drivers to carry at least $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
Insurance Tactics to Watch Out For
Insurance companies use several tactics to minimize payouts:
- Quick Settlement Offers: They may offer a small amount soon after the accident, hoping you’ll accept before realizing the full extent of your injuries.
- Recorded Statements: They’ll ask for your side of the story, looking for inconsistencies or admissions of fault.
- Independent Medical Exams (IME): They may send you to a doctor they hire, who often finds that your injuries aren’t as severe as your treating doctor claims.
- Surveillance: They may hire investigators to watch you, hoping to catch you doing activities that contradict your injury claims.
- Delay Tactics: They may drag out the claims process, hoping you’ll get desperate and accept a lower settlement.
Lupe Peña, our former insurance defense attorney, knows these tactics well. He used them for years and now uses that knowledge to counter them effectively.
How We Prove Liability in Your Freeport Car Accident Case
To win your case, we need to prove the other driver was negligent. We do this by gathering evidence such as:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Photos and videos from the scene
- Medical records
- Expert testimony (accident reconstruction, medical experts)
- Electronic data (black boxes, cell phone records)
- Surveillance footage
We also investigate whether other parties may share liability, such as:
- Vehicle manufacturers (if a defect caused the accident)
- Government entities (if poor road design or maintenance contributed)
- Employers (if the at-fault driver was working at the time)
Types of Compensation You May Recover
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Freeport, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- 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
In cases of gross negligence, such as drunk driving, you may also be entitled to punitive damages, which are designed to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior.
Freeport Car Accident Settlements: What to Expect
Settlement amounts vary widely depending on the severity of injuries, the impact on your life, and other factors. Here are some general ranges:
- Soft tissue injuries: $15,000-$60,000
- Broken bones: $35,000-$95,000
- Herniated discs: $70,000-$328,000
- Traumatic brain injuries: $1.5 million-$10 million+
- Spinal cord injuries/paralysis: $4.7 million-$25 million+
- Wrongful death: $1.9 million-$9.5 million+
Remember, these are general ranges. Every case is unique, and we fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Why Freeport Residents Trust Attorney911
We’re not just Texas attorneys—we’re Freeport attorneys. Our team understands the unique challenges faced by accident victims in Brazoria County. We know the local courts, the judges, and the insurance adjusters who handle claims in this area.
Our clients appreciate our personal approach. As Chad Harris said: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.” 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.”
Freeport Car Accident FAQs
Q: What should I do immediately after a car accident in Freeport?
A: Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene, exchange information with the other driver, and call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Q: Should I call the police even for a minor accident?
A: Yes. Always call the police. The police report is critical evidence for your claim.
Q: Should I seek medical attention if I don’t feel hurt?
A: Absolutely. Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some conditions like traumatic brain injuries may take time to manifest.
Q: What information should I collect at the scene?
A: Get the other driver’s name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, insurance information, and vehicle details. Also, take photos and get witness contact information.
Q: Should I talk to the other driver or admit fault?
A: Only exchange information. Don’t discuss fault or apologize, as this can be used against you later.
Q: How do I obtain a copy of the accident report?
A: In Freeport, you can obtain the police report from the Freeport Police Department or through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS).
Q: Should I give a recorded statement to insurance?
A: No, not without consulting an attorney first. Insurance companies use recorded statements to build their defense against you.
Q: What if the other driver’s insurance contacts me?
A: Say: “I need to speak with my attorney first.” Give only basic information and don’t discuss injuries or fault.
Q: Do I have to accept the insurance company’s estimate?
A: No. Their estimate is just an offer and is usually far below the actual value of your claim.
Q: Should I accept a quick settlement offer?
A: Never accept a settlement before knowing the full extent of your injuries. Once you sign a release, you can’t get more money even if you need surgery later.
Q: What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?
A: Your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can compensate you. We can help you navigate this complex process.
Q: Why does insurance want me to sign a medical authorization?
A: They want unlimited access to your entire medical history to find pre-existing conditions to use against you. Never sign without attorney review.
Q: Do I have a personal injury case?
A: You may have a case if someone else was at fault, you suffered injuries or damages, and there is insurance to recover from. Call us for a free consultation.
Q: When should I hire a car accident lawyer?
A: Immediately. Evidence disappears daily, and insurance companies start building their defense against you from day one.
Q: How much time do I have to file (statute of limitations)?
A: In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident for personal injury claims and 2 years from the date of death for wrongful death claims.
Q: What is comparative negligence and how does it affect me?
A: 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 get nothing.
Q: What happens if I was partially at fault?
A: You can still recover if you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Q: Will my case go to trial?
A: Most cases settle before trial. However, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial to maximize your settlement.
Q: How long will my case take to settle?
A: It depends on the severity of your injuries. We don’t settle until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), which could take 6 months to 2 years.
Q: What is the legal process step-by-step?
A: Investigation → Medical treatment to MMI → Demand letter to insurance → Negotiation → Lawsuit if necessary → Discovery → Mediation → Trial if needed.
Q: What is my case worth?
A: It depends on your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, permanent impairment, pain and suffering, and available insurance. We’ll evaluate your case during a free consultation.
Q: What types of damages can I recover?
A: Medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and property damage.
Q: Can I get compensation for pain and suffering?
A: Yes. Pain and suffering is a significant component of personal injury cases in Texas, and there’s no cap on these damages.
Q: What if I have a pre-existing condition?
A: You can still recover if the accident aggravated or worsened your pre-existing condition. This is known as the “eggshell plaintiff” rule.
Q: Will I have to pay taxes on my settlement?
A: Generally, compensation for physical injuries is not taxable. Punitive damages are taxable. Consult a tax professional for specific advice.
Q: How is the value of my claim determined?
A: Based on medical bills, future treatment costs, lost income, permanent impairment rating, comparable verdicts, severity of injuries, and impact on daily life.
Q: How much do car accident lawyers cost?
A: We work on a contingency fee basis: 33.33% before trial, 40% if the case goes to trial. You pay nothing upfront.
Q: What does “no fee unless we win” mean?
A: You pay zero unless we recover money for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. We advance all case costs.
Q: How often will I get updates?
A: We provide regular updates. As client Dame Haskett said: “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer.”
Q: Who will actually handle my case?
A: 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.”
Q: What if I already hired another attorney?
A: 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.”
Q: What common mistakes can hurt my case?
A: Giving recorded statements without an attorney, accepting quick settlements, delaying medical treatment, gaps in treatment, posting on social media, signing releases or authorizations, and not documenting everything.
Q: Should I post about my accident on social media?
A: No. Make all profiles private and don’t post about the accident, injuries, or activities. Insurance companies monitor everything.
Q: Why shouldn’t I sign anything without a lawyer?
A: Releases are permanent. Medical authorizations give unlimited access. Settlement offers are binding. Once signed, you can’t undo it.
Q: What if I didn’t see a doctor right away?
A: See one now. Explain that you didn’t realize the severity of your injuries. Delayed symptoms are common, and we can still help.
Q: What if I have a pre-existing condition?
A: You can still recover. If the accident aggravated your pre-existing condition, you’re entitled to compensation for the aggravation.
Q: Can I switch attorneys if I’m unhappy with my current lawyer?
A: Yes. You can fire your attorney at any time. We’ve taken over many cases from other attorneys who weren’t fighting for their clients.
Q: What if the insurance company is my own insurance (UM/UIM claim)?
A: Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist claims are against your own insurance when the other driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance. Your insurance will fight your claim just like the other driver’s insurance would.
Q: How do you calculate pain and suffering?
A: Most commonly using the multiplier method: Medical expenses × multiplier (1.5 to 5) = pain and suffering. The multiplier depends on injury severity, permanency, and impact on life.
Q: What if I was hit by a government vehicle (city bus, police car, etc.)?
A: Government claims have special rules. You must file notice within 6 months, and sovereign immunity may apply. These cases are complex—you need an experienced attorney.
Q: What if the other driver fled the scene (hit and run)?
A: File a police report immediately. Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage applies. We can help you navigate this process.
Q: What if I’m an undocumented immigrant—can I still file a claim?
A: Yes. Immigration status doesn’t affect your right to compensation for injuries. Your case is confidential, and we’ve successfully represented clients of all immigration statuses.
Q: What if the accident happened in a parking lot?
A: Parking lot accidents are fully compensable. We prove fault through surveillance video, witness statements, damage analysis, and traffic patterns.
Q: What if I was a passenger in the at-fault vehicle?
A: You can sue the driver even if you were riding with them. The driver’s insurance covers passengers, and liability is usually clear.
Q: What if the other driver died in the accident?
A: You can still pursue a claim against the deceased driver’s estate and insurance. The death doesn’t eliminate liability.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Freeport Car Accident Case?
At Attorney911, we offer several advantages that set us apart from other Freeport car accident lawyers:
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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 accident victims, including cases settling in the millions for brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death.
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Federal Court Experience: Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This is crucial for complex cases like trucking accidents and product liability claims.
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Personal Attention: You’ll work directly with Ralph or Lupe, not a case manager assembly line. As 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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Contingency Fee – No Risk: We don’t get paid unless we win your case. Free consultation, no upfront costs, no hourly billing.
Our Freeport Personal Injury Lawyers Are Here to Help
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Freeport, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Remember, evidence disappears quickly. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is typically deleted within 7-30 days. Witness memories fade, and physical evidence can be lost. The sooner you call, the better we can protect your rights.
At Attorney911, we’re not just Freeport car accident lawyers—we’re your neighbors, your advocates, and your partners in recovery. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on healing.
Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Your consultation is free, and we don’t get paid unless we win your case.