Car Accidents in Houston, Harris County, Texas: Your Complete Guide to Legal Recovery

When Seconds Change Everything: Houston’s Car Accident Crisis

Every 57 seconds, another crash shatters lives on Texas roads. In Houston alone, over 68,000 car accidents occur annually – that’s 186 crashes every single day in Harris County. If you’re reading this after a collision on I-10, the 610 Loop, or any of Houston’s notoriously dangerous intersections, you’re not alone. Ralph Manginello and our Attorney911 team have spent 25+ years helping Houstonians like you navigate the aftermath of car accidents – from the medical trauma to the legal battles with insurance companies.

The moment your vehicle is struck, your life divides into “before” and “after.” The pain, the fear, the mounting bills – it’s overwhelming. But here’s what most accident victims don’t realize: while you’re recovering, insurance companies are already building a case against you. Their adjusters are trained to minimize your injuries, their doctors are paid to downplay your pain, and their software is programmed to offer you pennies on the dollar.

This guide is your roadmap through the chaos. We’ll show you exactly what to do in the critical first 48 hours, how to protect your rights against insurance tactics, and why having a former insurance defense attorney on your side changes everything. Because in Houston, where the energy capital meets the nation’s deadliest roads, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a legal emergency response team.

The Stark Reality of Houston Car Accidents

Houston’s roads are among the most dangerous in America. Consider these sobering statistics:

• 251,977 people injured in Texas motor vehicle crashes in 2024
• 1 crash every 57 seconds in Texas – that’s 1,514 crashes daily
• 1 person injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds on Texas roads
• 4,150 fatalities in Texas in 2024 – a life lost every 2 hours and 7 minutes
• Harris County leads all Texas counties in total crashes and fatalities
• I-10 and I-45 rank among the deadliest highways in the nation

These aren’t just numbers – they represent shattered families, broken bodies, and financial devastation. The Houston Ship Channel, the Medical Center, the Energy Corridor – our city’s economic engines are surrounded by roads where tragedy strikes daily.

“In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident on I-10 near the Energy Corridor. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions – not the $50,000 the insurance company initially offered.” – Attorney911 Case Result

Why Houston’s Roads Are So Dangerous

Several factors make Houston’s roadways particularly hazardous:

1. Traffic Volume: With over 7 million residents in the metro area, Houston’s roads are constantly congested. The I-10 Katy Freeway, once the widest highway in the world, still experiences daily gridlock.

2. Highway Design: Our freeway system features complex interchanges (like the I-10/610 interchange) that confuse drivers and create accident hotspots.

3. Distracted Driving: Texas bans texting while driving, but enforcement is lax. The Galleria area sees particularly high rates of distracted driving accidents.

4. Speeding: Houston’s culture of “hurry up” translates to excessive speeds, especially on toll roads like the Sam Houston Tollway.

5. Drunk Driving: Harris County consistently ranks among the highest in Texas for DUI-related fatalities, with over 1,000 alcohol-impaired driving deaths statewide in 2024.

6. Construction Zones: With constant roadwork on I-45, I-10, and US-290, work zone accidents are a persistent threat.

7. Weather Conditions: From flash floods to rare ice storms, Houston’s unpredictable weather creates dangerous driving conditions.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Houston

Rear-End Collisions

The most common accident type, often occurring on:

• I-10 during rush hour
• The 610 Loop near the Galleria
• US-59 near the Medical Center
• Beltway 8 during sudden traffic slowdowns

Common Causes:

• Distracted driving (especially in high-traffic areas)
• Tailgating
• Sudden stops
• Poor weather conditions

“I was rear-ended on the 610 Loop near the Galleria and the team got right to work. I also got a very nice settlement that helped me move forward.” – MONGO SLADE

T-Bone/Intersection Accidents

Particularly common at:

• Westheimer and Post Oak (Galleria area)
• Kirby and Richmond
• Memorial Drive and Dairy Ashford
• Any intersection with malfunctioning traffic signals

Common Causes:

• Running red lights
• Failure to yield
• Distracted driving
• Poor visibility

Head-On Collisions

Most dangerous accident type, often occurring on:

• Two-lane roads in rural Harris County
• Highway exit ramps
• Roads with poor lane markings

Common Causes:

• Wrong-way driving (especially on I-45 and I-10)
• DUI
• Distracted driving
• Falling asleep at the wheel

Sideswipe Accidents

Common on:

• I-10 during lane changes
• The 610 Loop
• US-290
• Any multi-lane highway

Common Causes:

• Improper lane changes
• Blind spots
• Aggressive driving
• Distracted driving

Single-Vehicle Accidents

Often occur on:

• I-45 near North Houston
• US-290 near Cypress
• Rural roads in Harris County

Common Causes:

• DUI
• Falling asleep
• Swerving to avoid debris
• Poor weather conditions
• Vehicle defects

Common Injuries in Houston Car Accidents

Car accidents in Houston frequently result in serious injuries, including:

Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries

• Symptoms: Neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness
• Treatment: Physical therapy, chiropractic care, pain management
• Settlement Range: $15,000-$60,000

Herniated Discs

• Symptoms: Back pain, radiating leg pain, numbness, weakness
• Treatment: Physical therapy, epidural injections, surgery (microdiscectomy or fusion)
• Settlement Range: $70,000-$171,000 (conservative) to $346,000-$1,205,000 (surgery)

Broken Bones and Fractures

• Common Sites: Arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, facial bones
• Treatment: Casting, surgery (ORIF), physical therapy
• Settlement Range: $35,000-$95,000

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

• Symptoms: Headaches, confusion, memory loss, mood changes, seizures
• Treatment: Hospitalization, rehabilitation, cognitive therapy, medication
• Settlement Range: $150,000-$10,000,000+

“Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at logging company” – Attorney911 Case Result

Spinal Cord Injuries

• Types: Complete (no function below injury) vs. incomplete (some function)
• Treatment: Surgery, rehabilitation, lifelong care
• Settlement Range: $4,770,000-$25,880,000

Internal Organ Damage

• Common Injuries: Liver lacerations, spleen ruptures, kidney damage, internal bleeding
• Treatment: Emergency surgery, hospitalization
• Settlement Range: $100,000-$500,000

Psychological Injuries

• Types: PTSD, anxiety, depression, driving phobia
• Treatment: Therapy, medication
• Settlement Range: $20,000-$200,000

The Insurance Company Playbook: How They’ll Try to Screw You

After your accident, the insurance company’s playbook is simple: pay you as little as possible. Here’s how they’ll try to minimize your claim:

Tactic #1: The Quick Cash Trap

What They Do: Offer you a quick settlement – often $2,000-$5,000 – within days of your accident.

The Trap: At this point, you don’t know the full extent of your injuries. What seems like a lifeline could be a noose.

Real-World Example: A client was offered $3,500 three days after her accident. She accepted, thinking it was fair. Six weeks later, her MRI revealed a herniated disc requiring surgery. That $100,000 surgery? She had to pay it herself because she’d already signed a release.

How We Counter: We never let our clients accept quick settlements. We wait until you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) – when your doctors say you’ve recovered as much as you’re going to.

“They made me feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” – Glenda Walker

Tactic #2: The Recorded Statement Trap

What They Do: Call you within 24-48 hours, acting friendly and concerned. “We just need your side of the story to process your claim.”

The Trap: Everything you say will be recorded, transcribed, and used against you.

Common Trick Questions:

• “You’re feeling better now though, right?” (They want you to say yes)
• “It wasn’t that bad of an impact, was it?” (They want to minimize your injuries)
• “Were you distracted at all?” (They want to blame you)

How We Counter: We handle all communication with insurance companies. When they call, you say: “I need to speak with my attorney first.” Then call us at 1-888-ATTY-911.

“Lupe Peña worked for a number of years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims.” – Attorney911 Firm Intelligence

Tactic #3: The IME Doctor Scam

What They Do: Send you to an “Independent Medical Exam” (IME) with a doctor they’ve hand-picked.

The Reality: These doctors are anything but independent. They’re paid $2,000-$5,000 per exam by insurance companies, and their reports almost always minimize injuries.

Common IME Findings:

• “Patient has pre-existing degenerative changes” (Everyone over 40 has some arthritis)
• “Injuries consistent with minor trauma” (Minimizing your pain)
• “Patient can return to full duty work” (Eliminating lost wage claims)
• “Treatment has been excessive” (Attacking your doctors)

How We Counter: Lupe knows these doctors – he hired them when he worked for insurance companies. We prepare you extensively for IMEs and challenge biased reports with our own medical experts.

“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.” – Lupe Peña

Tactic #4: Surveillance and Social Media Stalking

What They Do: Hire private investigators to follow you and monitor your social media accounts.

What They’re Looking For:

• Photos of you smiling (they’ll claim you’re not in pain)
• Videos of you moving normally (even if it’s just for a few seconds)
• Check-ins at restaurants or events (they’ll claim you’re “living your life”)
• Any activity that contradicts your injury claims

How We Counter: We advise all our clients:

1. Make all social media profiles private immediately
2. Don’t post about your accident, injuries, or case
3. Tell friends and family not to tag you in posts
4. Assume everything is being monitored

Tactic #5: The Delay Game

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

Their Playbook:

• “Still investigating your claim”
• “Waiting for medical records” (that you sent months ago)
• “Your file is under review”
• Ignoring your calls and emails

Why It Works: While they’re delaying, you’re:

• Facing mounting medical bills
• Unable to work
• Running out of savings
• Getting desperate for any money

How We Counter: We file lawsuits to force deadlines. We set depositions. We prepare for trial. Insurance companies know we’re not bluffing.

Tactic #6: The Comparative Fault Blame Game

What They Do: Try to blame you for the accident to reduce their payment.

Texas’s 51% Rule: If you’re found 51% or more at fault, you get nothing. If you’re 50% or less at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Common Blame Tactics:

• “You were speeding” (even without evidence)
• “You weren’t paying attention”
• “You could have avoided this”
• “You were distracted”

How We Counter: We conduct thorough investigations, gather witness statements, obtain accident reconstruction reports, and use Lupe’s insider knowledge to counter their arguments.

Texas Car Accident Laws You Need to Know

Statute of Limitations (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003)

• Personal Injury: 2 years from the date of the accident
• Wrongful Death: 2 years from the date of death
• Property Damage: 2 years from the date of damage

Critical Point: If you miss this deadline, your case is barred forever. You cannot sue, and you cannot recover any compensation.

Texas’s 51% Comparative Fault Rule

Texas uses a “modified comparative negligence” system:

• If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault)
• If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing

Example:

• Your damages: $100,000
• Your fault: 20%
• Your recovery: $80,000 ($100,000 – 20%)

Why This Matters: Insurance companies will always try to assign you maximum fault. Even small percentages can cost you thousands.

Texas Minimum Insurance Requirements

Texas requires drivers to carry:

• $30,000 for bodily injury per person
• $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 for property damage

Problem: These minimums are often insufficient to cover serious injuries. That’s why we always look for additional insurance policies.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

• Uninsured Motorist (UM): Covers you if the at-fault driver has no insurance
• Underinsured Motorist (UIM): Covers you if the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient
• Texas Allows Stacking: You can combine coverage from multiple vehicles

Critical: UM/UIM covers hit-and-run accidents when the at-fault driver is unidentified.

Dram Shop Liability (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02)

Bars, restaurants, and liquor stores can be held liable if they serve alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person who then causes an accident.

Elements to Prove:

1. The establishment served alcohol to someone who was obviously intoxicated
2. The over-service was the proximate cause of the accident

Signs of Obvious Intoxication:

• Slurred speech
• Bloodshot/glassy eyes
• Unsteady gait
• Impaired coordination
• Aggressive behavior
• Strong odor of alcohol

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Houston

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Hour 1-6: Immediate Crisis Response

1. Safety First: If you can move safely, get to a secure location away from traffic
2. Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone is injured
3. Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked. Adrenaline masks injuries.
4. 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
5. Exchange Information:
   • Other driver’s name, phone, address
   • Insurance company and policy number
   • Driver’s license number
   • License plate number
   • Vehicle make, model, color
6. Witnesses: Get names and phone numbers of any witnesses
7. Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 before speaking to ANY insurance company

Hour 6-24: Evidence Preservation

1. Digital Preservation:
   • Preserve all texts, calls, photos, videos related to the accident
   • Don’t delete anything from your phone
   • Screenshot everything relevant
   • Email copies to yourself for backup
2. Physical Evidence:
   • Secure damaged clothing, glasses, personal items
   • Keep receipts for any expenses (towing, rental car, medications)
   • Don’t repair your vehicle yet
3. Medical Records:
   • Request copies of all ER/hospital records
   • Keep all discharge paperwork
   • Follow up with your primary care physician within 48 hours
4. Insurance Communications:
   • Note any calls from insurance companies
   • Don’t give recorded statements
   • Don’t sign anything
   • Don’t accept any settlement offers
   • Say: “I need to speak with my attorney first”
5. Social Media:
   • Make ALL profiles private immediately
   • Don’t post about the accident
   • Don’t post photos of injuries or activities
   • Tell friends/family not to tag you in posts

Hour 24-48: Strategic Decisions

1. Legal Consultation: Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
2. Insurance Response: If insurance contacts you, refer them to your attorney
3. Settlement Offers: Don’t accept or sign anything without lawyer review
4. Evidence Backup: Upload all photos and documents to cloud storage

Week One: Ongoing Protection

1. Medical Follow-Up: Continue documenting all injuries
2. Investigation: Attorney911 will obtain police reports and send preservation letters
3. Communication: We handle ALL insurance communication
4. Documentation: Keep records of all accident-related expenses

Evidence Disappears Daily: The Urgency of Action

“Every day you wait, evidence disappears. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is typically deleted within 7-30 days. We immediately send preservation letters to secure this critical evidence.” – Attorney911

How Attorney911 Fights for You

Our Investigation Process

1. Accident Reconstruction: We work with experts to determine exactly how the accident occurred
2. Evidence Preservation: We send letters to all parties demanding evidence be preserved
3. Medical Documentation: We gather all your medical records and have them reviewed by experts
4. Insurance Policy Review: We identify all available insurance policies
5. Witness Interviews: We locate and interview witnesses before their memories fade
6. Expert Consultations: We work with medical experts, economists, and vocational experts

Our Legal Strategy

1. Liability Proof: We gather evidence to establish the other driver’s fault
2. Damage Documentation: We thoroughly document all your injuries and losses
3. Insurance Negotiation: We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
4. Lawsuit Filing: If necessary, we file a lawsuit to force fair compensation
5. Trial Preparation: We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial

Our Insurance Defense Advantage

“Lupe Peña worked for a number of years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims.” – Attorney911 Firm Intelligence

Lupe’s insider knowledge gives us several critical advantages:

1. Claim Valuation: He knows how insurance companies calculate claim values using Colossus software
2. IME Doctors: He knows which doctors insurance companies use and how to counter their reports
3. Settlement Authority: He understands how adjusters get approval for settlements
4. Delay Tactics: He knows how insurance companies drag out cases to pressure victims
5. Comparative Fault: He knows how insurance companies argue for maximum fault against victims

What You Can Recover in a Houston Car Accident Case

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas)

1. Medical Expenses (Past and Future): Hospital bills, doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, medications, medical equipment
2. Lost Wages: Income lost from the date of the accident to the present
3. Lost Earning Capacity: Reduced ability to earn income in the future
4. Property Damage: Vehicle repair or replacement, personal property
5. Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, household help

Non-Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas)

1. Pain and Suffering: Physical pain from your injuries
2. Mental Anguish: Emotional distress, anxiety, depression
3. Physical Impairment: Loss of physical function, disability
4. Disfigurement: Scarring, permanent visible injuries
5. Loss of Consortium: Impact on marriage/family relationships
6. Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed

Punitive Damages (Capped)

Available for gross negligence, fraud, or malice. Common in:

• Drunk driving cases
• Extreme speeding cases
• Hit-and-run cases

Cap: Greater of $200,000 OR 2x economic damages + 1x non-economic damages (capped at $750,000 for non-economic portion)

Settlement Ranges for Common Car Accident Injuries

Note: These ranges are estimates. Every case is unique. Our results speak for themselves – we’ve recovered millions for our clients.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Houston Car Accident Case

1. Insurance Defense Insider Advantage

“Lupe Peña worked for a number of years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims.”

This is our nuclear advantage. While other firms are guessing how insurance companies operate, we know because Lupe worked for them. He:

• Calculated claim values using Colossus software
• Selected IME doctors who would minimize injuries
• Deployed delay tactics to pressure victims
• Argued comparative fault to reduce payments

Now he uses that knowledge to fight FOR you, not against you.

2. Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our track record speaks for itself:

• Multi-million dollar settlement for brain injury with vision loss
• Millions recovered in trucking wrongful death cases
• Significant settlement for maritime back injury
• Millions for car accident amputation case

“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.” – Attorney911 Case Result

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This matters because:

• Complex cases often end up in federal court
• FMCSA trucking regulations are federal
• Diversity jurisdiction applies to out-of-state defendants
• Federal court requires different skills than state court

Our firm was also involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation – one of the few firms in Texas to handle such complex, high-stakes cases.

4. Personal Attention from Start to Finish

At Attorney911, you’re not just a case number. You work directly with Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña, not a case manager assembly line.

“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.” – Chad Harris

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer…Ralph reached out personally.” – Dame Haskett

5. Contingency Fee – No Risk to You

We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

• Free consultation
• No upfront costs
• No hourly billing
• We advance all case costs
• You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you

Frequently Asked Questions About Houston Car Accidents

1. What should I do immediately after a car accident in Houston?

If you’ve been in a car accident in Houston:

• 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

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 Texas, you can obtain the police report from the responding agency or through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS).

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 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: “Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists” at 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.

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?

1. Investigation and evidence gathering
2. Medical treatment to MMI
3. Demand letter to insurance
4. Negotiation
5. Lawsuit if necessary
6. Discovery
7. Mediation
8. Trial if needed

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

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.

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.”

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.

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. “Eggshell plaintiff” rule: Defendant takes victim as they find them.

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.

“In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.” – Greg Garcia

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.

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.

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. Damage caps may apply. These cases are complex – you need an experienced attorney.

41. What if the other driver fled the scene (hit and run)?

File a police report immediately. Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage applies. Surveillance footage is CRITICAL – most footage is deleted within 7-30 days. We send preservation letters immediately.

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.

43. What if the accident happened in a parking lot?

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

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 apply (you weren’t driving).

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.

Houston’s Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections

High-Risk Highways

1. I-45 (Gulf Freeway): Known as the “Deadliest Road in North America”
2. I-10 (Katy Freeway): High traffic volume, complex interchanges
3. US-59 (Southwest Freeway): Heavy commuter and freight traffic
4. Loop 610: Inner loop with complex merges and exits
5. Beltway 8 (Sam Houston Tollway): Outer loop with high-speed traffic

Dangerous Intersections

1. Westheimer and Post Oak: Galleria area, high pedestrian traffic
2. Kirby and Richmond: Heavy commercial traffic
3. Memorial Drive and Dairy Ashford: Poor visibility, high speeds
4. I-10 and N. Durham Drive: Complex interchange near the Heights
5. Beltway 8 and Westheimer: Aggressive merging, high accident rate

High-Crash Corridors

1. FM 1960 Corridor: Multiple dangerous intersections
2. Bissonnet Street: Dense urban traffic
3. Westheimer Road: High-traffic commercial corridor
4. I-45 North Freeway: Heavy truck traffic
5. US-290 (Northwest Freeway): Rapid development area

Houston-Specific Resources

Level I Trauma Centers

1. Memorial Hermann – Texas Medical Center: 6411 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030
2. Ben Taub Hospital: 1504 Taub Loop, Houston, TX 77030
3. UTMB Galveston: 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555

Harris County Courts

• Harris County Civil Courts: 201 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77002
• Southern District of Texas (Federal Court): 515 Rusk St, Houston, TX 77002

Police Departments

• Houston Police Department: 1200 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
• Harris County Sheriff’s Office: 1200 Baker St, Houston, TX 77002

Why Houstonians Trust Attorney911

“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.” – Jacqueline Johnson

“You know if TraeAbn tells you it’s the right way to go best attorney out here you can’t go wrong” – Erica Perales

“Best lawyers in the city…fast return..and they really care about their clients.” – Dean Jones

“Ralph Manginello is indeed the best attorney I ever had..He cares greatly about his results.” – AMAZIAH A.T

“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.” – Kiwi Potato

Houston Car Accident Lawyers Ready to Help

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Houston, Harris County, or anywhere in Texas, Attorney911 is here to fight for you. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows their tactics from the inside. We’ve recovered millions for our clients, and we’re ready to help you.

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

Se habla español. Lupe Peña and our team are ready to help Spanish-speaking clients.

Offices serving Houston and Harris County:

• Principal Office: 3200 Travis St, Suite 220, Houston, TX 77006
• Serving all of Southeast Texas from Beaumont to Galveston

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Call Attorney911 – your Houston car accident legal emergency response team.