Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Harker Heights, Texas

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Harker Heights, Texas, the road to recovery can feel overwhelming. One moment you’re driving home from work or running errands in Bell County, and the next, your life is turned upside down by a negligent driver. At Attorney911, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a motor vehicle accident can take on you and your family. With over 25 years of experience serving Texas accident victims, our Harker Heights car accident lawyers are here to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Every year, thousands of Texans suffer serious injuries in preventable accidents. In 2024 alone, Texas saw 251,977 people injured in motor vehicle crashes – that’s one person every 2 minutes and 5 seconds. In Bell County and the greater Killeen-Fort Hood area, dangerous intersections and high-speed highways contribute to these alarming statistics. If you’re one of the many Harker Heights residents dealing with injuries, medical bills, and insurance company tactics, you don’t have to face this alone.

Why Harker Heights Accident Victims Choose Attorney911

When you’re recovering from injuries sustained in a Harker Heights car accident, the last thing you need is to fight with insurance companies or navigate complex legal processes alone. At Attorney911, we offer more than just legal representation – we provide a legal emergency response for accident victims across Central Texas.

Our Harker Heights Car Accident Lawyers Bring Unique Advantages:

1. Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge
Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for a national defense firm, learning exactly how insurance companies value claims and build cases against accident victims. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight FOR you, not against you. Lupe understands the tactics insurance adjusters use because he used them himself – from minimizing injuries to delaying claims. This unique perspective gives our Harker Heights clients an unfair advantage in negotiations.

2. Proven Multi-Million Dollar Results
Our Harker Heights personal injury attorneys have recovered millions for accident victims across Texas. We’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements for clients with catastrophic injuries, including:

A multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss
Millions recovered in trucking-related wrongful death cases
Significant settlements for clients with permanent disabilities

3. Federal Court Experience
Ralph Manginello, our founding attorney, is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This federal court admission means we can handle complex cases that other Harker Heights law firms might refer out, including trucking accidents governed by federal regulations and cases against major corporations.

4. Personal Attention from Experienced Attorneys
Unlike high-volume firms where you’re just another case number, at Attorney911 you work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña. As client Chad Harris shared: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat every Harker Heights accident case with the same care and attention we’d give to our own family.

5. Contingency Fee – No Risk to You
We don’t get paid unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no financial risk to you. If we don’t recover compensation for your Harker Heights car accident, you owe us nothing.

Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Harker Heights

Harker Heights and Bell County see a variety of motor vehicle accidents, from rear-end collisions on I-14 to drunk driving crashes near local bars. Our Harker Heights accident attorneys handle all types of motor vehicle accident cases:

Car Accidents – The Most Common Type in Harker Heights

With over 251,977 people injured in Texas car crashes in 2024, car accidents are the most common type of motor vehicle collision in Harker Heights. These accidents often occur at busy intersections like Clear Creek Road and FM 2410 or on highways such as I-14 and US-190.

Common causes of Harker Heights car accidents include:

Distracted driving (texting, phone use)
Speeding on local roads and highways
Failure to yield at intersections
Running red lights or stop signs
Following too closely
Drunk or drugged driving

Common injuries in car accidents:

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

In a 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, demonstrating our ability to handle complex cases with severe complications.

If you’ve been injured in a Harker Heights car accident, don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim. As client MONGO SLADE shared: “I was rear-ended and the team got right to work… I also got a very nice settlement.”

18-Wheeler and Commercial Truck Accidents

The Killeen-Fort Hood area sees significant commercial truck traffic on I-14, I-35, and US-190, making truck accidents a serious concern for Harker Heights residents. In 2024, Texas recorded 39,393 commercial motor vehicle crashes, resulting in 608 fatalities and 1,601 serious injuries.

Truck accidents are particularly dangerous due to:

The massive size and weight of commercial trucks (up to 80,000 pounds)
Multiple liable parties (driver, trucking company, cargo loader, manufacturer)
Complex federal regulations governing the trucking industry
Higher insurance policy limits (typically $1,000,000+)

At Attorney911, we understand the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations that govern the trucking industry. These include:

Hours of Service (HOS) rules limiting driving time
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) requirements
Drug and alcohol testing protocols
Vehicle maintenance standards
Driver qualification requirements

Violations of these regulations can establish negligence per se, making it easier to prove liability in your Harker Heights truck accident case.

Our firm has helped numerous injured individuals and families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation. With Ralph Manginello’s federal court experience and our involvement in complex litigation like the BP explosion case, we have the resources to take on large trucking companies and their insurers.

Drunk Driving Accidents – Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable

Drunk driving remains a serious problem in Texas, with 1,053 alcohol-impaired driving deaths in 2024 – accounting for 25.37% of all traffic fatalities. In Bell County and the Harker Heights area, drunk driving accidents often occur on weekends near local bars and restaurants.

Texas has strong laws to combat drunk driving, including:

Dram Shop Liability (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02)
Criminal penalties for DUI
Civil liability for damages caused by intoxicated drivers

Dram Shop Liability allows victims to hold bars, restaurants, and other establishments accountable when they serve alcohol to obviously intoxicated patrons who then cause accidents. Signs of obvious intoxication include:

Slurred speech
Bloodshot or glassy eyes
Unsteady gait or stumbling
Strong odor of alcohol
Aggressive or inappropriate behavior

Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) gives us unique insight into handling cases involving criminal charges. We’ve successfully defended clients in DWI cases, including:

A case dismissed when we discovered the police department wasn’t properly maintaining breathalyzer machines
A case dismissed on the day of trial when we proved EMS and hospital notes were missing
A case dismissed when video evidence showed our client wasn’t intoxicated

This criminal defense experience strengthens our ability to handle the civil aspects of drunk driving accident cases in Harker Heights.

Motorcycle Accidents – Protecting Riders’ Rights

Motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries due to the lack of protection for riders. In 2024, Texas saw 585 motorcyclist fatalities, with many more suffering serious injuries. Bell County and the Killeen-Fort Hood area have a significant motorcycle community, making these accidents particularly concerning for Harker Heights residents.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents in Harker Heights include:

Drivers failing to yield right of way
Distracted or inattentive drivers
Unsafe lane changes
Left-turn accidents
Speeding and reckless driving

Texas law requires riders under 21 to wear helmets and allows riders over 21 to ride without helmets if they’ve completed a safety course or have adequate medical insurance. However, insurance companies often try to blame motorcyclists for accidents, arguing comparative negligence.

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

Having Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney, on our team gives us an advantage in countering these arguments. He knows exactly how insurance companies try to shift blame to motorcyclists because he made these arguments himself when working for the other side.

Pedestrian Accidents – Protecting Vulnerable Road Users

Pedestrian accidents are particularly devastating, with victims often suffering life-altering injuries. In 2024, Texas recorded 6,095 pedestrian crashes resulting in 768 fatalities. Pedestrians account for only 1% of crashes but 19% of all roadway deaths.

In Harker Heights and Bell County, pedestrian accidents often occur:

At busy intersections like Clear Creek Road and FM 2410
Near shopping centers and schools
In residential neighborhoods
Along highways where pedestrians shouldn’t be

A critical legal point for Harker Heights pedestrian accident victims: Pedestrians always have the right-of-way at intersections, even at unmarked crosswalks. The distance between any two intersecting streets is considered a crosswalk, whether marked or not.

Common injuries in pedestrian accidents include:

Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Broken pelvis and leg bones
Internal organ damage
Fatalities

Rideshare Accidents (Uber/Lyft) – Navigating Complex Insurance Issues

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed transportation in Harker Heights and the Killeen-Fort Hood area. However, accidents involving rideshare vehicles present unique insurance challenges.

The insurance coverage available in rideshare accidents depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:

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

This complex insurance structure means determining the correct coverage can be challenging. Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background gives us an advantage in navigating these complexities and identifying all available insurance policies.

Hit and Run Accidents – Protecting Victims When the Driver Flees

Hit and run accidents are particularly frustrating for victims, as the at-fault driver flees the scene, making it difficult to recover compensation. Nationally, someone is involved in a hit and run accident every 43 seconds.

In Texas, hit and run penalties are severe:

Death: 2nd degree felony (2-20 years in prison)
Serious bodily injury: 3rd degree felony (2-10 years)
Minor injury: State jail felony (up to 2 years)
Property damage: Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months)

If you’re the victim of a hit and run accident in Harker Heights, your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage can provide compensation. Texas allows inter-policy stacking, which means you can combine coverage from multiple vehicles on your policy.

At Attorney911, we immediately send preservation letters to nearby businesses to secure surveillance footage before it’s automatically deleted (typically within 7-30 days). This evidence is critical for identifying the at-fault driver and building your case.

Delivery Vehicle Accidents (Amazon, FedEx, DoorDash)

The rise of delivery services has led to an increase in accidents involving delivery vehicles. In 2024, Amazon-related motor carriers were involved in 1,879 crashes over a 24-month period.

Delivery vehicle accidents often involve:

Amazon Delivery Service Partners (DSPs)
FedEx, UPS, and USPS vehicles
Food delivery drivers (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub)
Grocery delivery services

These cases can be complex because:

Delivery companies often contract with independent drivers
Multiple insurance policies may apply
Companies may try to avoid liability by claiming drivers are independent contractors

In a landmark 2024 case, a Georgia jury awarded $16.2 million to the family of a child struck by an Amazon delivery driver. Amazon was found 85% responsible for the accident. This case demonstrates the potential value of delivery vehicle accident claims.

Work Zone Accidents – Protecting Construction Workers and Drivers

Work zone accidents are a growing concern in Texas, with nearly 28,000 crashes occurring in work zones in 2024, resulting in 215 deaths – a 12% increase from the previous year.

In the Killeen-Fort Hood area, work zone accidents often occur on:

I-14 construction projects
US-190 roadwork
Local road improvement projects

These accidents can be particularly devastating for construction workers, who are already at higher risk of injury. In one tragic case, Katrina Bond, a college student, was killed when a driver rear-ended her vehicle in a work zone on I-35 near Fort Worth.

Tesla and Autonomous Vehicle Accidents

As electric and autonomous vehicles become more common in Harker Heights, accidents involving these vehicles present new legal challenges. Tesla’s Autopilot system has been involved in several high-profile crashes, including:

A 2016 crash in Florida where Autopilot failed to detect a white 18-wheeler
A 2018 crash in California where a Tesla struck a concrete barrier, killing the driver
A 2025 case in Miami resulting in a $240 million jury verdict against Tesla

Key liability arguments in Tesla/Autopilot cases include:

Tesla marketed Autopilot as safer than human drivers
Marketing fostered driver overconfidence
Tesla knew about system limitations but didn’t adequately warn drivers
Tesla used over-the-air software updates instead of comprehensive safety fixes

Ralph Manginello’s federal court experience and our firm’s history of taking on billion-dollar corporations (like in the BP explosion litigation) make us well-equipped to handle these complex cases.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Harker Heights

If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident in Harker Heights, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health and your legal rights. Here’s what to do:

At the Scene (First Hour):

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 by EMS or go to the ER. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries
Document Everything:
- Take photos of all vehicle damage (every angle)
- Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, traffic signals
- Take photos of visible injuries
- Screenshot any messages visible on your phone
Exchange Information:
- Other driver’s name, phone number, address
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Vehicle make, model, color
Witnesses: Get names and phone numbers of any witnesses
Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance before speaking to any insurance company

In the First 24 Hours:

Digital Preservation:
- Preserve all texts, calls, photos, videos related to the accident
- Do NOT delete anything from your phone
- Screenshot everything relevant
- Email copies to yourself for backup
Physical Evidence:
- Secure damaged clothing, glasses, personal items
- Keep receipts for any expenses (towing, rental car, medications)
- Do NOT repair your vehicle yet – preserve the damage
Medical Records:
- Request copies of all ER/hospital records
- Keep all discharge paperwork
- Follow up with your primary care physician within 24-48 hours
Insurance Communications:
- Note any calls from insurance companies
- Do NOT give recorded statements 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/family not to tag you in posts

In the First 48 Hours:

Legal Consultation:
- Speak with an experienced Harker Heights 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

Why Evidence Disappears Quickly

One of the most critical reasons to act quickly after a Harker Heights car accident is that evidence disappears on a predictable schedule:

Time Frame	What Disappears
7-30 Days	Surveillance footage from nearby businesses (gas stations, stores, Ring doorbells)
30 Days	Traffic camera footage
30-180 Days	Trucking ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data
Weeks	Witness memories begin fading
Months	Skid marks fade, debris is cleared, accident scene changes
2 Years	Statute of limitations expires

At Attorney911, we immediately send preservation letters to:

The other driver’s insurance company
Trucking companies (for commercial vehicle accidents)
Businesses near the accident scene
Employers (if the accident was work-related)
Government entities (for traffic camera footage)

These letters legally require the preservation of evidence before automatic deletion.

Texas Motor Vehicle Accident Laws You Need to Know

Understanding Texas law is crucial for protecting your rights after a Harker Heights car accident:

Statute of Limitations

2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit
2 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit
6 months notice required for claims against government entities

Missing these deadlines means your case is barred forever.

Comparative Negligence (51% Bar Rule)

Texas uses modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar:

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. Even small fault percentages can cost you thousands:

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

Lupe Peña’s insurance defense experience helps us counter these arguments effectively.

Minimum Auto 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

However, 15.4% of Texas drivers are uninsured. Your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can protect you in these situations.

Proving Liability in Your Harker Heights Accident Case

To win your motor vehicle accident case in Harker Heights, 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 through negligent actions
Causation: The breach of duty directly caused your injuries
Damages: You suffered actual harm (physical, financial, emotional)

Types of Evidence We Use:

Physical Evidence: Vehicle damage photos, skid marks, road conditions
Documentary Evidence: Police reports, medical records, cell phone records
Electronic Evidence: ELD data, black box recordings, GPS data
Testimonial Evidence: Witness statements, expert testimony

Multiple Liable Parties

In many Harker Heights accident cases, multiple parties may be liable:

The other driver
The driver’s employer (if they were working)
Vehicle manufacturers (for defective parts)
Government entities (for road defects)
Bars/restaurants (in drunk driving cases)

More liable parties mean more potential sources of compensation.

Damages You Can Recover After a Harker Heights Accident

If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Harker Heights, you may be entitled to various types of compensation:

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas):

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages and lost 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, fraud, or malice
Common in drunk driving cases
Capped at the greater of $200,000 or 2x economic damages plus 1x non-economic damages (capped at $750,000)

Settlement Ranges by Injury Type:

Injury Type	Settlement Range
Soft Tissue (Whiplash)	$15,000-$60,000
Broken Bone (Simple)	$35,000-$95,000
Broken Bone (Requiring Surgery)	$132,000-$328,000
Herniated Disc (Conservative Treatment)	$70,000-$171,000
Herniated Disc (Surgery Required)	$346,000-$1,205,000
Traumatic Brain Injury	$1,548,000-$9,838,000
Spinal Cord Injury	$4,770,000-$25,880,000
Amputation	$1,945,000-$8,630,000
Wrongful Death	$1,910,000-$9,520,000

These ranges are based on actual settlements and verdicts in Texas cases. Every case is unique, and your recovery will depend on the specific facts of your accident.

Insurance Company Tactics Exposed

At Attorney911, we know how insurance companies operate because Lupe Peña spent years working for them. Here are the tactics they use to minimize your claim – and how we counter them:

Tactic #1: Quick Contact & Recorded Statement Trap

What They Do:
Within hours of your accident, an insurance adjuster will call you – often while you’re still in the hospital or on pain medication. They’ll sound friendly and helpful, saying things like:

“We just want to help you”
“We need your side of the story”
“This is routine, everyone does this”

What They’re Really Doing:
They’re building their defense against you with leading questions designed to minimize your injuries and shift blame:

“You’re feeling better now, right?”
“It wasn’t that bad of an impact, was it?”
“Were you distracted at all?”

How Attorney911 Counters:
We become your voice. Once you hire us:

All insurance calls go through us
You don’t talk to adjusters
We prepare you properly if a statement becomes necessary
We know their questions because Lupe asked them for years

Tactic #2: Quick Settlement Offer Trap

What They Do:
Within days or weeks of your accident, the insurance company will offer you quick money – typically $2,000-$5,000, sometimes up to $15,000 if they’re worried. They’ll create artificial urgency:

“This offer expires in 48 hours”
“I can only get approval for this amount right now”
“Take it or leave it”

The Trap:
You don’t know the extent of your injuries yet. If you accept their offer and later need surgery, you’re stuck paying for it yourself.

How Attorney911 Counters:
We never settle before you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) – the point where you’re as good as you’re going to get medically. This could take 6 months, 12 months, or longer depending on your injuries. We know their offers are always lowball – Lupe calculated these offers for years.

Tactic #3: “Independent” Medical Exam (IME) Scheme

What They Call It:
“Independent Medical Examination”

What It Really Is:
An insurance company-hired doctor whose job is to minimize your injuries.

How They Choose IME Doctors:

Based on who gives insurance-favorable reports
Doctors who consistently find “no injury” or “pre-existing condition”
Doctors paid $2,000-$5,000 per exam by insurance companies

What Happens at the IME:

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

Common IME Findings:

“Patient has pre-existing degenerative changes”
“Injuries consistent with minor trauma”
“Patient can return to full duty work”
“Treatment has been excessive”
“Subjective complaints out of proportion to objective findings”

How Attorney911 Counters:

We prepare you extensively before the exam
We send your complete medical records to the IME doctor first
We challenge biased IME reports with our own medical experts
Lupe knows these specific doctors and their biases because he hired them

Tactic #4: Delay and Financial Pressure

What They Do:
They drag your case out for months or years, hoping you’ll get desperate and accept a low offer:

“Still investigating your claim”
“Waiting for medical records” (that we sent months ago)
“Reviewing your file”
Ignore calls and emails

Why Delay Works:
Insurance companies have:

Unlimited time
Unlimited resources
No financial pressure
Earning interest on your money while delaying

You have:

Mounting medical bills
Zero income
Creditors threatening
Need money NOW

Financial desperation makes you accept less.

How Attorney911 Counters:

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

Tactic #5: Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring

What They Do:
Insurance companies hire private investigators to:

Video you doing daily activities
Film from public places (your driveway, street, stores)
Follow you to appointments, errands, social activities
Look for ANY activity contradicting your injury claims

They also monitor ALL your social media:

Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Snapchat
Screenshot EVERYTHING: photos, posts, check-ins, comments, likes
Monitor your friends’ profiles for posts mentioning you
Use facial recognition to find photos you’re tagged in

Examples We’ve Defended:

An old gym photo from 3 years ago presented as recent
A Facebook check-in at a restaurant used to claim “partying and having fun”
A friend’s comment “Had fun yesterday!” used as evidence of non-injury
Video of a client walking their dog slowly used to claim “not disabled”
A smiling family photo used to claim “not in pain”

Lupe’s Insider Quote:
“I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as 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.”

7 Rules for Clients:

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

Tactic #6: Comparative Fault Arguments

What They Do:
Insurance companies always try to assign you maximum fault to reduce their payment, arguing:

“You were speeding”
“You weren’t paying attention”
“You could have avoided this”
“You were distracted”

Why They Do This:
Texas’ 51% bar rule means:

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

Even small fault percentages cost you thousands:

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

How Attorney911 Counters:

We conduct aggressive liability investigations
We use accident reconstruction experts
We gather witness statements supporting your version
We analyze police reports for citations against the other driver
Lupe knows their fault arguments because he made them for years

How Insurance Companies Actually Value Your Claim

At Attorney911, we know how insurance companies really value claims because Lupe Peña used to calculate them for a national defense firm. Here’s what happens behind the scenes:

Colossus Software System

Most major insurance companies (Allstate, State Farm, Progressive, GEICO) use software called Colossus to calculate claim values. Here’s how it works:

Data Entry: Adjuster inputs injury codes, treatment types, medical costs, jurisdiction
Coding: Injuries are coded using standardized medical terms
Calculation: Software applies algorithms to determine “value”
Range Output: System provides recommended settlement range
Authority: Adjuster typically cannot exceed without supervisor approval

How Insurance Manipulates Colossus

Insurance companies train adjusters to manipulate the system to minimize payouts:

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

Reserve Setting

Insurance companies set “reserves” – money set aside for your claim based on their estimate of trial verdict value. Adjusters usually cannot settle for more than the reserve without approval.

How We Increase Reserves:

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

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

Medical Knowledge: Understanding Your Injuries

At Attorney911, we understand the medical reality of motor vehicle accident injuries. This knowledge helps us build stronger cases and fight insurance company tactics that minimize your injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Brain injuries are particularly concerning because symptoms may not appear immediately. Many serious brain injuries don’t show symptoms until days or weeks after the accident.

Immediate Symptoms:

Loss of consciousness
Confusion and disorientation
Vomiting and nausea
Seizures
Severe headache
Dilated pupils
Slurred speech
Weakness or numbness

Delayed Symptoms:

Worsening headaches
Repeated vomiting
Seizures developing days later
Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
Personality changes and mood swings
Sleep disturbances
Sensitivity to light and noise
Memory problems worsening

Severity Classifications:

Mild TBI/Concussion: Brief loss of consciousness, may seem “fine” initially
Moderate TBI: Loss of consciousness minutes to hours, lasting cognitive impairment
Severe TBI: Extended unconsciousness or coma, permanent disability likely

Long-Term Complications:

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE): Progressive brain degeneration
Post-Concussive Syndrome: Headaches and dizziness lasting months or years
Increased Dementia Risk: Single moderate TBI doubles dementia risk
Personality and Mood Disorders: Depression, anxiety, irritability
Seizure Disorders: Can develop months or years after injury

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries often result in permanent disability and require lifetime care.

Injury Levels and Impact:

Cervical Spine (C1-C8, Neck Region):
- C1-C4 (High Cervical): Quadriplegia, possible ventilator dependence
- C5-C8 (Low Cervical): Quadriplegia with some arm/hand function
Thoracic Spine (T1-T12, Mid-Back): Paraplegia, wheelchair dependent
Lumbar Spine (L1-L5, Lower Back): Varying degrees of leg weakness/paralysis

Lifetime Care Costs:

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

Amputations

Amputations can result from traumatic injuries at the accident scene or surgical amputations due to complications.

Types:

Traumatic Amputation: Limb severed at accident scene by collision impact
Surgical Amputation: Due to crush injuries or infections (like in our documented case)

Phantom Limb Pain:

80% of amputees experience phantom pain
Feeling pain in a limb that’s no longer there
Can be severe and debilitating
Often a permanent condition
Requires lifetime pain management

Herniated Discs

Herniated discs are common in motor vehicle accidents and can require extensive treatment.

Treatment Timeline:

Acute Phase (Weeks 1-6): Severe pain, medications, rest
Conservative Treatment (Weeks 6-12): Physical therapy, chiropractic care
Interventional (If Conservative Fails): Epidural steroid injections
Surgery (If Injections Fail): Microdiscectomy or spinal fusion

Permanent Restrictions:

Can’t return to physical labor jobs
Lost earning capacity claims
Ongoing pain management needs

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Harker Heights Accident Case

When you’re injured in a motor vehicle accident in Harker Heights, you have many law firms to choose from. Here’s why Attorney911 stands out:

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.”

This is our most powerful advantage. Lupe spent years working FOR insurance companies, learning:

How they value claims (Colossus software, reserve setting)
Their settlement authority structures
Their defense tactics and delay strategies
How they select IME (Independent Medical Exam) doctors
Their surveillance and investigation methods
Their delay and financial pressure tactics
Their comparative fault arguments

Now, he uses that knowledge to fight FOR victims, not against them. As client Chelsea Martinez shared: “Special thank you to my attorney, Mr. Pena, for your kindness and patience with my repeated questions.”

2. Proven Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our results speak for themselves:

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
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 families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation
In a maritime case, our client injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship. Our investigation revealed he should have been assisted, and we reached a significant cash settlement

As client Glenda Walker said: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

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 admission is crucial for:

Complex trucking cases governed by federal regulations
Cases against major corporations
Cases with out-of-state defendants
High-value cases that may exceed state court limits

Our firm is also one of the few firms in Texas to be involved in BP explosion litigation, demonstrating our ability to take on billion-dollar corporations.

4. Personal Attention from Experienced Attorneys

At Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña – not case managers or junior associates. As client Chad Harris shared: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Our clients consistently praise our communication:

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

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

5. Contingency Fee – No Risk to You

We don’t get paid unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no financial risk to you. If we don’t recover compensation for your Harker Heights car accident, you owe us nothing.

This fee structure allows you to get the legal representation you need without worrying about how to pay for it.

6. Bilingual Services – Se Habla Español

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our team includes bilingual staff members like Zulema. As client Celia Dominguez shared: “Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.”

We ensure language is never a barrier to getting the legal help you need.

7. Community Trust and Recognition

Attorney911 is trusted by the Harker Heights community and beyond:

4.9 stars on Google with over 250 reviews
Endorsed by Houston hip-hop artist Trae Tha Truth
Recognized for our work in the BP explosion litigation
Active members of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association

As client Jacqueline Johnson said: “One of Houston’s Great Men Trae Tha Truth has recommended this law firm. So if he is vouching for them then I know they do good work.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Harker Heights Car Accidents

Immediate After Accident

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

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

2. Should I call the police even for a minor accident?
Yes. Always call police. The police report is critical evidence. In Texas, you must report accidents with injuries, deaths, or property damage over $1,000.

3. Should I seek medical attention if I don’t feel hurt?
ABSOLUTELY. Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms immediately:

Traumatic brain injuries can take days to manifest
Internal bleeding may not be obvious
Herniated discs may not cause pain for weeks
Adrenaline masks pain at the scene

Insurance companies use delays in treatment against you. Get checked immediately.

4. What information should I collect at the scene?

Other driver: name, phone, address, driver’s license, insurance
Vehicle: make, model, color, license plate
Witnesses: names and phone numbers
Photos: all vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, traffic signals
Police: officer name, badge number, report number

5. Should I talk to the other driver or admit fault?

Exchange information only
Do NOT discuss fault
Do NOT apologize or say “I’m sorry” (can be used as admission)
Do NOT give your opinion on what happened
Stick to facts only

6. How do I obtain a copy of the accident report?
In Harker Heights, you can obtain the police report from the Harker Heights Police Department or through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS).

Dealing with Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Legal Process

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Investigation and evidence gathering
Medical treatment to MMI
Demand letter to insurance
Negotiation
Lawsuit if necessary
Discovery
Mediation
Trial if needed

Watch our video: “What Is the Process for a Personal Injury Claim?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwzYymneDVs

Compensation

21. What is my case worth?
Depends on: injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, permanent impairment, pain and suffering, insurance available. Cases range from $15,000 (soft tissue) to millions (catastrophic injury).

22. What types of damages can I recover?

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages and earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Physical impairment
Disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life
Property damage

23. Can I get compensation for pain and suffering?
Yes. Pain and suffering is a significant component of personal injury cases in Texas. There is NO CAP on pain and suffering (except medical malpractice).

24. What if I have a pre-existing condition?
You can still recover if the accident aggravated or worsened your pre-existing condition. This is called the “eggshell plaintiff” rule.

25. Will I have to pay taxes on my settlement?
Generally, compensation for physical injuries is NOT taxable. Punitive damages ARE taxable. Consult a tax professional.

26. How is the value of my claim determined?
Based on: medical bills, future treatment costs, lost income, permanent impairment rating, comparable verdicts, severity of injuries, impact on daily life.

Attorney Relationship

27. How much do car accident lawyers cost?
Attorney911 works on contingency: 33.33% before trial, 40% if trial. You pay nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win.

Watch our video: “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

28. What does “no fee unless we win” mean?
You pay zero unless we recover money for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. We advance all case costs.

29. How often will I get updates?
Attorney911 provides regular updates. As client Dame Haskett said: “Consistent communication and not one time did i call and not get a clear answer.”

30. Who will actually handle my case?
At Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, not just paralegals. As Chad Harris said: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

31. What if I already hired another attorney?
You can switch. As client Greg Garcia said: “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.”

Mistakes to Avoid

32. What common mistakes can hurt my case?

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Common Questions

36. What if I have a pre-existing condition?
You can still recover. If the accident AGGRAVATED your pre-existing condition, you’re entitled to compensation for the aggravation. The “eggshell plaintiff” rule means defendants take victims as they find them. 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 attacks pre-existing conditions because he used this defense for years.

37. Can I switch attorneys if I’m unhappy with my current lawyer?
YES. You can fire your attorney at any time. If your attorney isn’t communicating, isn’t fighting for you, or is pushing you to settle cheap, you have the right to switch. Attorney911 has taken over many cases from other attorneys. As Greg Garcia said: “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.” Call 1-888-ATTY-911 to discuss switching.

38. What if the insurance company is my own insurance (UM/UIM claim)?
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist claims are against YOUR insurance when the other driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance. Your insurance company will fight your claim just like the other driver’s insurance would. You need attorney representation. Texas allows inter-policy stacking (combining multiple UM policies). Lupe’s insurance knowledge is critical for maximizing UM/UIM recovery.

39. How do you calculate pain and suffering?
Most commonly using the multiplier method: Medical expenses × multiplier (1.5 to 5) = pain & suffering. The multiplier depends on injury severity, permanency, impact on life, and clear liability. For example: $100,000 medical × 4 multiplier = $400,000 pain & suffering. Lupe calculated these for years – he knows how to justify higher multipliers. See Section G for detailed breakdown.

40. What if I was hit by a government vehicle (city bus, police car, etc.)?
Government claims have special rules. You must file notice within 6 months (much shorter than the 2-year statute of limitations). Sovereign immunity protects government entities, and damage caps may apply. These cases are complex – you need an experienced attorney. Ralph’s 25+ years includes government litigation. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately – the 6-month deadline is strict.

41. What if the other driver fled the scene (hit and run)?
File a police report immediately (hit and run is a criminal offense). Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage applies. Surveillance footage is CRITICAL – most footage is deleted within 7-30 days. We send preservation letters immediately. Texas allows UM stacking. We’ve recovered substantial settlements in hit and run cases through UM claims.

42. What if I’m an undocumented immigrant – can I still file a claim?
YES. Immigration status does NOT affect your right to compensation for injuries. You’re entitled to full recovery regardless of immigration status. Your case is confidential. We’ve successfully represented clients of all immigration statuses. Lupe is fluent in Spanish. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 – we protect your rights and your privacy.

43. What if the accident happened in a parking lot?
Parking lot accidents are fully compensable. Insurance companies love to argue “parking lot accidents are always 50/50 fault” – this is a LIE. We prove fault through: surveillance video, witness statements, damage analysis, traffic patterns. Texas comparative negligence rules apply. We’ve won many parking lot cases with clear liability findings.

44. What if I was a passenger in the at-fault vehicle?
You can sue the driver even if you were riding with them (friend, family member, Uber driver). You’re an innocent victim. The driver’s insurance covers passengers. No comparative fault issues (you weren’t driving). These cases often settle quickly because liability is clear. We handle the difficult conversation so you don’t have to.

45. What if the other driver died in the accident?
You can still pursue a claim against the deceased driver’s estate and insurance. Death doesn’t eliminate liability. The insurance policy still applies. The estate may have assets. Wrongful death laws protect both sides. These cases are emotionally complex but legally straightforward. We handle them with sensitivity while protecting your rights.

Serving Harker Heights and Bell County, Texas

At Attorney911, we’re proud to serve the Harker Heights community and all of Bell County. Our deep understanding of local roads, courts, and accident patterns helps us build stronger cases for our clients.

Harker Heights and Surrounding Areas We Serve:

Harker Heights
Killeen
Fort Hood
Belton
Temple
Nolanville
Salado
Troy
Little River-Academy
All of Bell County

Local Hospitals and Medical Centers:

Seton Medical Center Harker Heights
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple
AdventHealth Central Texas (Killeen)
Metroplex Hospital (Killeen)
Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (Fort Hood)

Dangerous Roads and Intersections in the Area:

I-14 (Central Texas Expressway)
US-190 (Central Texas Expressway)
Clear Creek Road
FM 2410
Interstate 35 (I-35)
Busy intersections in Killeen and Harker Heights

Local Courts Serving Harker Heights:

Bell County District Courts
Bell County Courts at Law
Harker Heights Municipal Court
Killeen Municipal Court

Why Local Knowledge Matters:

Our familiarity with Harker Heights courts, judges, and local accident patterns gives us an advantage in building your case. We know:

Which judges favor plaintiffs
Which courts move cases quickly
The local insurance adjusters handling Bell County claims
The dangerous roads and intersections in the area
The local hospitals and medical providers

This local knowledge allows us to build stronger cases and achieve better results for our Harker Heights clients.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Harker Heights or anywhere in Bell County, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Evidence disappears daily, and the insurance company is already building their case against you.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

What to Expect When You Call:

Immediate Response: You’ll speak with a real person, not a call center
Free Consultation: We’ll review your case at no cost to you
No Obligation: You’re under no pressure to hire us
Case Evaluation: We’ll explain your legal options
Next Steps: We’ll outline what to do next to protect your rights

Our Offices:

Houston (Primary Office):
3200 Travis St, Suite 220
Houston, TX 77006
Serving Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston Counties

Austin:
Serving Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop Counties

Beaumont:
Serving Jefferson, Orange, Hardin Counties

While we have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve clients throughout Texas, including Harker Heights and all of Bell County. If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you or handle your case remotely.

Don’t Face This Alone

As client Kiimarii Yup shared: “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.”

You don’t have to face the insurance companies alone. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.