Car Accident Lawyers in Texas: Your Legal Emergency Responders

A car accident can abruptly shatter the normalcy of life, leaving you with devastating injuries, mounting medical bills, and crushing uncertainty. In Texas, our busy roads and highways are unfortunately home to countless motor vehicle collisions every day. When tragedy strikes, knowing where to turn for help can make all the difference. Our firm knows the profound impact a serious accident can have on your life. We are here to help you navigate this difficult time, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.

At Attorney911, a trade name of The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, we understand the overwhelming fear and confusion you experience after a crash. Our firm is dedicated to serving victims in Texas and across our great state, providing immediate legal assistance and unwavering advocacy. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, brings over 25 years of experience fighting for injured Texans. He leads a team equipped with insider knowledge of how insurance companies operate, ensuring we prepare every case for maximum impact. When your life is on the line, we are your Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a significant car, truck, or motorcycle accident in Texas, don’t wait. Contact us immediately. The moments after a crash are critical, and every decision you make can affect your future. We are available 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Hablamos Español.

Understanding the Reality of Car Accidents in Texas

Texas roads are among the busiest in the nation, and unfortunately, this translates to a high number of devastating accidents. The statistics paint a stark picture of the dangers we face daily. In 2024, our state witnessed an alarming number of tragedies:

• 251,977 people injured in Texas motor vehicle crashes.
• A collision occurred on a Texas road every 57 seconds.
• A person was injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds.
• A staggering 4,150 fatalities were reported across Texas.

These aren’t just numbers; they represent lives irrevocably changed by preventable incidents. Whether on the bustling freeways of Houston, the rapidly expanding roads of Austin, or the vast stretches of interstates connecting our cities, Texas motorists face constant risk. Ralph Manginello and our team have spent decades in Texas courtrooms and are intimately familiar with the patterns of negligence that lead to these collisions, from distracted driving to speeding.

For example, distracted driving alone accounted for 380 deaths in Texas in 2024. These statistics underscore the urgent need for experienced legal representation following an accident. We are here to help accident victims in Texas understand their rights and pursue justice.

Immediate Actions After a Car Accident in Texas: Your 48-Hour Protocol

The moments and hours following a car accident in Texas are fraught with stress, pain, and confusion. However, the actions you take during this critical 48-hour window can significantly impact the outcome of your personal injury claim. Insurance companies begin building their case against you immediately, and every minute counts in preserving crucial evidence.

Our 48-hour protocol provides a clear, step-by-step guide to protect your health and your legal rights following an accident in Texas. Remember, while this guide offers immediate value, the single most important step is to contact an experienced personal injury attorney at Attorney911 as soon as safely possible.

Hour 1-6 (Immediate Crisis Response):

When a crash happens in Texas, your safety and well-being are paramount.

• Safety First: If you can safely do so, move your vehicle to the shoulder or a nearby safe location away from oncoming traffic. If unable to move, activate your hazard lights.
• Call 911: Always report the accident to law enforcement, regardless of how minor it seems. This creates an official police report, which is critical evidence for your claim. Request medical assistance if anyone is injured.
• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, accept medical evaluation. Adrenaline can mask pain, and many serious injuries, like traumatic brain injuries, may not manifest symptoms for hours or even days. Delaying treatment can be used by insurance companies to argue your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.
• Document Everything on Scene:
  • Photographs: Use your cellphone to take extensive photos of both vehicles’ damage (from multiple angles, close-up and far away), the accident scene (road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, debris), and any visible injuries you or your passengers sustain.
  • Scene Details: Note the date, time, and exact location of the accident, including cross streets or highway mile markers.
• Exchange Information: Obtain the other driver’s name, phone number, address, insurance company, policy number, driver’s license number, and license plate.
• Identify Witnesses: Ask any bystanders if they saw the crash. Get their names and contact information. Their statements can be crucial, especially if fault is disputed.
• Call Attorney911: Before speaking to any insurance company representative, call us at 1-888-ATTY-911. Our team can provide immediate guidance and protect you from common insurance tactics.

Hour 6-24 (Evidence Preservation & Initial Steps):

After the immediate crisis, focus on preserving evidence that could vanish quickly.

• Digital Preservation: Preserve all digital communications (texts, calls, photos, videos) related to the accident. Email copies to yourself for backup; do NOT delete anything from your phone.
• Physical Evidence: Keep any damaged clothing, eyeglasses, or personal items. Collect receipts for immediate expenses like towing, rental care, or over-the-counter medications. Do NOT allow your vehicle to be repaired until it can be properly inspected for evidence.
• Medical Records: Request copies of all emergency room or hospital records before leaving. Follow up with your primary care physician or a specialist within 24-48 hours. Medical gaps are a huge red flag for insurance companies.
• Insurance Communications: Expect calls from insurance adjusters. Politely decline to give any recorded statements or sign any documents without first consulting Attorney911. Simply state, “I need to speak with my attorney first.”
• Social Media: Make all your social media profiles private immediately. Do NOT post about the accident, your injuries, or your activities. Insurance companies are actively searching social media for anything they can use against you.

Hour 24-48 (Strategic Decisions & Legal Consultation):

This period is crucial for setting the foundation of a successful claim.

• Legal Consultation: If you haven’t already, call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation. We’ll review your documentation and provide clear steps forward.
• Refer Insurance Calls: Once you retain us, direct all contact from insurance companies (yours and the other driver’s) to our firm. We handle all communications.
• Decline Early Settlement Offers: Do NOT accept any settlement offers, especially early ones. They are almost always lowball offers intended to resolve your claim before you understand the full extent of your injuries and damages. As Ralph Manginello knows from his decades in Texas courtrooms, the true value of your case won’t be clear until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement.

Evidence Deterioration Timeline: Why Every Moment Counts

The urgency of acting quickly isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a critical reality supported by how quickly vital evidence can disappear:

• Day 1-7: Witness memories begin to fade almost immediately. Skid marks, debris, and temporary conditions at the accident scene are cleared.
• Day 7-30: Surveillance footage from gas stations, retail stores, traffic cameras, and many home security systems is typically deleted forever within this window. Once gone, it cannot be recovered. We send preservation letters immediately to prevent this.
• Month 1-2: Insurance companies finalize their initial investigation and formalize their defense strategies. Vehicle repairs often destroy crucial physical evidence of the collision.
• Month 2-6: Electronic data from commercial trucks (ELDs) and vehicle black boxes can be overwritten. Cell phone records become harder to obtain.
• Month 6-12: Significant gaps in medical treatment often emerge, which insurance companies aggressively use to dispute the severity and causation of injuries.
• Month 12-24: With the 2-year statute of limitations approaching in Texas, victims may feel pressured to accept lower settlements. Evidence degradation severely impacts case value.

Delaying legal action means losing evidence, weakening your case, and potentially leaving millions on the table. This is why Attorney911 moves swiftly. Within 24-hours of retention, we send preservation letters to all relevant parties across Texas, legally requiring them to protect evidence before it’s gone for good. We then actively investigate, interview witnesses, secure critical footage, and obtain police reports. Every day you wait means evidence lost forever.

Common Car Accident Injuries We Handle in Texas

Car accidents, even seemingly minor ones, can result in a wide range of injuries, from nagging soft tissue damage to life-altering catastrophic trauma. Our firm has extensive experience representing clients across Texas with all types of accident-related injuries, working with medical experts to document the full extent of your suffering.

Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries:

Often considered minor by insurance adjusters, whiplash, sprains, and strains to muscles and ligaments in the neck, back, and shoulders can cause chronic pain and long-term disability. We understand how these injuries impact your daily life, despite often being invisible on X-rays.

Herniated Discs:

Forceful impacts can cause the soft discs between your vertebrae to herniate, putting pressure on nerves. This can lead to excruciating pain, numbness, and weakness in your limbs, sometimes requiring injections or even surgery. We know how to distinguish these from pre-existing conditions, which insurance adjusters are quick to claim.

Broken Bones and Fractures:

From simple fractures to complex compound breaks, these injuries require significant medical intervention, including casting, surgical repair, and extensive physical therapy. Broken bones can lead to permanent mobility issues and chronic pain.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI):

Even a seemingly minor bump to the head can result in a concussion or mild TBI, leading to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and personality changes. Severe TBIs can cause permanent cognitive impairment, motor deficits, and require lifetime care. We have secured multi-million dollar settlements for clients who suffered brain injuries. For example, we secured a “Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at logging company.” This demonstrates our capability in complex TBI cases.

Spinal Cord Injuries:

These catastrophic injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia), impacting all aspects of a victim’s life, requiring extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive devices for decades.

Internal Organ Damage:

Blunt force trauma from a collision can cause internal bleeding or organ damage that may not be immediately apparent. These injuries are often life-threatening and require emergency surgery.

Amputations:

In severe collisions, crush injuries or post-accident infections can necessitate the amputation of a limb. This not only results in physical loss but also immense emotional, psychological, and financial burdens. 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. This shows we understand the severe complications that can arise and how to fight for full compensation.

Psychological Injuries:

Beyond physical wounds, accidents can leave lasting emotional scars, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and driving phobias. These non-economic damages are a critical part of your claim.

Proving Liability and Building Your Texas Car Accident Case

To secure fair compensation in a car accident case in Texas, we must prove that another party’s negligence caused your injuries. This involves establishing four key elements of negligence: duty, breach, causation, and damages. Our firm meticulously investigates each case, gathering compelling evidence to hold responsible parties accountable.

The Four Elements of Negligence

1. Duty of Care: Every driver on Texas roads has a legal duty to operate their vehicle safely and according to traffic laws. This includes maintaining a proper lookout, controlling speed, and avoiding distractions.
2. Breach of Duty: This occurs when a driver violates their duty of care. Examples common in Texas include speeding, running a red light, texting while driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, or failing to yield the right-of-way.
3. Causation: We must prove that the at-fault driver’s breach of duty directly caused your injuries. Using the “but for” test, we demonstrate that but for their negligent actions, you would not have been injured. Our medical experts help connect your injuries to the accident.
4. Damages: You must have suffered actual harm – physical, financial, or emotional – because of the accident. These damages can be tangible (medical bills, lost wages) or intangible (pain and suffering, mental anguish).

Types of Evidence You Need After a Texas Car Crash

Building a strong case requires comprehensive evidence. At Attorney911, we know what evidence to look for, where to find it, and how to use it effectively.

• Physical Evidence: Photographs of vehicle damage, the accident scene, skid marks, road conditions, and any damaged personal property are vital. We analyze physical evidence before it can be removed or repaired.
• Documentary Evidence: This includes the police accident report, 911 call recordings, traffic camera footage, surveillance videos from nearby businesses, and your complete medical records and bills. We also secure employment records to prove lost wages.
• Electronic Evidence: Modern vehicles often contain event data recorders (EDR) or “black boxes” that record crucial crash data. For commercial vehicles, electronic logging device (ELD) data is critical. We also secure cell phone records to prove distracted driving.
• Testimonial Evidence: Witness statements are powerful. We also work with a network of expert witnesses, including accident reconstructionists to detail how the crash occurred, and medical experts to explain the long-term impact of your injuries.

Identifying Multiple Liable Parties in Texas

In many car accidents, especially those involving commercial vehicles or intoxicated drivers in Texas, multiple parties beyond just the immediate driver can be held liable. Identifying all responsible parties is crucial for maximizing your compensation.

• Vehicle Owner: If the driver was operating a vehicle not registered to them (e.g., a commercial vehicle or a borrowed car).
• Employer: If the at-fault driver was on the job at the time of the accident. This is critical in trucking and delivery vehicle accidents where the company’s negligent hiring or training can be a factor.
• Bar or Restaurant (Dram Shop Liability): Under Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02, establishments can be liable if they over-served an obviously intoxicated person who then caused a crash.
• Vehicle Manufacturer: If a defective part (e.g., faulty brakes, accelerating pedals) contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be liable under product liability laws.
• Government Entities: Rarely, but sometimes, a poorly maintained road, faulty traffic signal, or negligent road design by a government entity can contribute to a crash. These cases have special notice requirements that must be met promptly.

More liable parties often mean more insurance policies, which significantly increases the potential for a full financial recovery. Our skilled investigators diligently uncover every possible avenue for compensation in Texas.

Why Attorney911 in Texas Matters for Your Car Accident Case

When you’re facing the aftermath of a car accident in Texas, selecting the right legal representation can make all the difference. We believe our unique approach, backed by decades of experience and insider knowledge, sets us apart from other firms in Texas.

Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience means he has navigated countless complex Texas car accident claims, from minor fender-benders turned serious to catastrophic collisions involving multiple parties. Our firm was even one of the few involved in BP explosion litigation, demonstrating our ability to take on billion-dollar corporations and complex, high-stakes cases. This deep experience ensures we understand the nuances of Texas law and how to best position your case for success.

Our multi-million dollar results speak to our commitment and capability. For example, after a client’s leg was injured in a car accident and staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation, we fought tirelessly to secure a settlement in the millions. This isn’t just about large numbers; it’s about securing maximum compensation so our clients can rebuild their lives.

But perhaps our most powerful differentiator in Texas, or anywhere, is our insurance defense insider advantage. Lupe Peña, one of our accomplished attorneys, worked for years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims and deploy their tactics. Now, he uses that invaluable knowledge to fight FOR you. He knows their playbook because he used to run it. This means we anticipate their moves, understand their valuation methods (like the Colossus software), and strategically counter their efforts to minimize your claim. As client Brian Butchee shared, “Melanie was excellent. She kept me informed and when she said she would call me back, she did. I got to speak with Ralph Manginello once and knew quickly the way his Firm was ran.” This level of personal attention ensures your case is always prioritized.

We don’t get paid unless we win your case. We advance all case costs and offer a free consultation. This means there’s no financial risk to you. If you or a loved one has suffered a car accident in Texas, don’t let insurance companies diminish your claim. Contact us today.

Have you been injured in a car accident in Texas? Don’t face insurance companies alone. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 now for immediate, expert legal help. Hablamos Español.

18-Wheeler and Trucking Accident Lawyers in Texas

The sheer size and weight of an 18-wheeler or commercial truck make any collision with a passenger vehicle a potentially catastrophic event. In Texas, our vast highway system is a critical conduit for commercial traffic, leading to an unfortunately high number of serious truck accidents. When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a 4,000-pound car, the results are rarely minor. Attorney911 recognizes the immense devastation these accidents cause and is committed to fighting for justice for injured clients across Texas.

The numbers underscore the danger presented by commercial vehicles across Texas roads:

• In 2024, Texas recorded 39,393 crashes involving commercial motor vehicles.
• These accidents resulted in 608 fatalities and 1,601 serious injuries.
• Texas accounts for a significant 11% of ALL fatal truck crashes nationwide, solidifying our state’s position as an epicenter for these collisions.

Whether it’s on I-10, I-35, or I-45, these heavy vehicles pose unique risks that demand specialized legal expertise. Ralph Manginello and our firm have a robust history of handling complex trucking accident cases in Texas, understanding the intricate federal regulations and multiple layers of liability involved.

Why Trucking Accidents in Texas Are Different: Federal Regulations and Multiple Liable Parties

Unlike standard car accidents, truck accidents in Texas are governed by a complex web of both state and federal regulations, primarily enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Violations of these regulations can be a direct cause of negligence and amplify the severity of a case.

Key FMCSA Regulations:

• Hours of Service (HOS): Truck drivers are strictly limited in the number of hours they can drive to prevent fatigue. For instance, a driver cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty, and they must have a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.
• Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): Mandatory since 2017, ELDs record a driver’s HOS to ensure compliance. Tampering with an ELD is a federal crime. This data is critical evidence, but it can be overwritten if not secured quickly.
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements: Truck drivers must meet rigorous training, testing, and medical certification standards.
• Drug and Alcohol Testing: Commercial drivers are subject to pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing. Their blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.04%, half that of a regular driver.
• Vehicle Maintenance: Regulations mandate pre-trip and post-trip inspections, systematic maintenance programs, and strict standards for brakes and tires.

Multiple Liable Parties:
Compounding the regulatory complexity is the potential for multiple liable parties, which often means higher insurance limits and greater potential for recovery. Beyond the truck driver, responsible parties can include:

• Trucking Company: For negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance practices.
• Cargo Loader: If improper loading contributed to an unstable load or rollover.
• Vehicle Manufacturer: For defective parts that led to mechanical failure.
• Maintenance Company: If poor repairs contributed to the accident.

Our firm’s experience, particularly Ralph Manginello’s admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, is crucial here. Many trucking cases, especially those involving interstate commerce or significant damages, are heard in federal courts.

Catastrophic Injuries and Nuclear Verdicts in Trucking Cases

The scale of commercial trucks nearly guarantees that accidents will result in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. These can include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis, amputations, and severe burns. The lifetime costs for such injuries can easily run into the millions, necessitating aggressive legal action.

Insurance companies for trucking firms often carry policies in the millions ($750,000 to $5,000,000+), and juries in Texas have shown a willingness to hold negligent trucking companies accountable with “nuclear verdicts”—awards exceeding $10 million or even hundreds of millions. For example, recent Texas trucking verdicts include:

• 2024 Oncor Electric: A $37.5 million verdict for an accident involving a distracted truck driver.
• 2024 New Prime: A $44.1 million verdict from an I-35 pileup that caused six deaths.
• 2024 Ben E. Keith (Fort Worth): A $35 million settlement, marking the largest in Fort Worth history.
• 2024 Lopez v. All Points 360 (Amazon DSP): A staggering $105 million verdict.

These verdicts highlight the potential for significant compensation and the need for a firm that is not afraid to take on seemingly insurmountable odds. Our firm has achieved “multi-million dollar settlements for families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases.” This demonstrates our capability to secure substantial justice for our clients. Our previous involvement in BP explosion litigation also showcases our experience fighting against massive corporations in complex, high-stakes federal cases, a skill directly transferable to challenging trucking accident litigation in Texas.

Why You Need Attorney911 for Your Texas Truck Accident Case

Because of the severe injuries, complex regulations, and powerful corporate defendants involved, trucking accident cases require an attorney with specific knowledge and a proven track record. Attorney911 offers the critical advantages you need:

• Insider Knowledge: Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for a national defense firm, defending these very trucking companies. He knows their defense strategies, how they value claims, and where they will try to minimize compensation. Now, that insider knowledge is your unfair advantage in Texas.
• Federal Court Experience: Ralph Manginello’s admission to federal court (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) is vital. Many interstate trucking cases are filed in federal court due to diversity jurisdiction or the application of federal law. We are equipped to navigate these complex legal landscapes.
• Trial Readiness: Trucking companies and their insurers fear nuclear verdicts. Our firm prepares every case as if it’s going to trial. This trial readiness gives us significant leverage in negotiations, often leading to higher settlements because the defense knows we are not bluffing.
• Aggressive Investigation: We move quickly to secure critical evidence before it’s lost, such as ELD data, black box recordings, and surveillance footage, which often has a limited retention period.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a devastating trucking accident in Texas, the clock is ticking. Don’t let precious evidence disappear or allow powerful trucking companies to dictate terms. Call Attorney911 immediately. We handle every aspect of your case on a contingency fee basis; we don’t get paid unless we win.

If a truck accident has shattered your life in Texas, you need a legal team with the experience and insight to fight for you. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free and confidential consultation. Hablamos Español.

Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in Texas: Holding Negligent Drivers and Establishments Accountable

Drunk driving is not an “accident”; it is a choice that too often leads to preventable devastation on Texas roads. The pain, injury, and loss of life caused by intoxicated drivers are 100% avoidable, yet they continue to plague our communities. In Texas, our firm understands the profound injustice felt by victims of drunk driving accidents, and we are committed to holding negligent drivers, and sometimes even the establishments that over-served them, fully accountable.

The statistics on drunk driving in Texas are sobering:

• In 2024, there were 1,053 alcohol-impaired driving deaths in Texas, representing 25.37% of all traffic fatalities.
• Over 24,000 DWI-related crashes were reported across Texas in 2023.
• Nationally, someone dies every 39 minutes due to alcohol-impaired driving.

These numbers highlight the pervasive and dangerous problem of drunk driving in Texas. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit under Texas Penal Code § 49.04 is 0.08%, but even a BAC below that can impair a driver and lead to a collision. Our commitment at Attorney911 is to pursue every avenue of justice for victims in Texas.

Dram Shop Liability (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02): Expanding Accountability

In Texas, drunk driving accident cases can extend beyond just the intoxicated driver. Our state’s Dram Shop Act (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02) allows victims to hold bars, restaurants, and other alcohol-serving establishments liable if they over-served an obviously intoxicated person who subsequently caused a crash. This critical law provides another layer of accountability and potential compensation for victims in Texas.

To establish dram shop liability, we must prove two key elements:

1. Obviously Intoxicated: The establishment served alcohol to a patron who was obviously intoxicated to the extent that they presented a clear danger to themselves and others. Signs of obvious intoxication include slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, unsteady gait, stumbling, aggressive or erratic behavior, and impaired coordination.
2. Proximate Cause: The over-service was a proximate cause of the accident and the resulting damages.

Potentially Liable Parties Under Dram Shop Law:

• Bars and nightclubs
• Restaurants serving alcohol
• Liquor stores
• Event organizers (at concerts, festivals, etc.)
• Even social hosts, in limited circumstances involving minors

Punitive damages, intended to punish the at-fault party and deter future reckless behavior, are also often available in drunk driving cases, especially those with dram shop implications. This can significantly increase the compensation victims receive in Texas.

Attorney911’s Dual Expertise: Criminal and Civil Success

Ralph Manginello and our firm bring a unique dual perspective to drunk driving cases in Texas by leveraging both civil personal injury expertise and criminal defense experience. Ralph’s membership in the HCCLA (Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association) and a distinguished track record of successfully defending DWI cases demonstrates our deep understanding of the intricacies of intoxication charges.

Our firm has a proven history of success in criminal defense that highlights our investigative prowess, which directly benefits our civil personal injury clients. For example, we’ve successfully achieved:

• DWI Dismissal #1: A client’s drunk driving charge was dismissed after our investigation revealed that a police department employee was not properly maintaining the breathalyzer machines.
• DWI Dismissal #2: A client’s case for rolling his car while driving home was dismissed on the day of trial when we proved critical evidence was missing, including breath/blood tests and nurse notes.
• DWI Dismissal #3: A DUI/DWI charge was dismissed when video evidence (the state’s primary evidence) clearly showed our client did not appear drunk.

This level of detailed investigation and understanding of how the justice system operates from both sides means we can dissect every aspect of a drunk driving accident—from police reports and toxicology tests to server training records—to build the strongest possible civil case for our Texas clients. Lupe Peña’s former defense background also means we know the strategies that will be used to protect establishments and drivers in these cases, allowing us to proactively counter them.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Drunk Driving Accident in Texas

The emotional toll of a drunk driving accident is immense, and navigating the legal aftermath can feel overwhelming. Attorney911 provides the compassionate, aggressive, and knowledgeable representation you need in Texas:

• Decades of Experience: With over 25 years in Texas courtrooms, Ralph Manginello is a seasoned litigator who understands the complexities of these high-stakes cases.
• Dual Legal Acumen: Our firm’s civil and criminal defense background provides unparalleled insight into drunk driving cases, allowing us to uncover crucial evidence others might miss.
• Maximizing Compensation: We relentlessly pursue punitive damages and explore all avenues of liability, including dram shop claims, to ensure victims receive maximum compensation in Texas.
• We Don’t Get Paid Unless We Win: Our contingency fee structure means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we secure compensation for you.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a drunk driving accident in Texas, you deserve comprehensive and aggressive legal representation. Let us fight to hold all responsible parties accountable and help you rebuild your life.

Don’t suffer in silence after a drunk driving accident in Texas. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for a free, confidential consultation. We are ready to help you and your family.

Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Texas: Fighting Bias and Seeking Justice

Motorcycle accidents in Texas often result in catastrophic injuries due to the inherent vulnerability of riders. While motorcycles offer freedom and exhilaration, they provide little protection in a collision with a much larger car or truck. Unfortunately, riders often face unfair bias from insurance companies and even juries, who may attempt to shift blame onto the motorcyclist. At Attorney911, we are dedicated to fighting this prejudice and securing justice for injured riders across Texas.

The statistics highlight the severe risks motorcyclists face on Texas roads:

• In 2024, there were 585 motorcyclist fatalities in Texas.
• A significant 37% of those killed were not wearing helmets, underscoring critical safety concerns.
• Over 90% of fatal victims are male, and the higher risk age groups are 25-44, with a growing percentage of serious and fatal victims being 50+.
• Harris County (Houston) consistently ranks as the number one county in Texas for motorcycle crashes and fatalities, followed by Dallas, Bexar (San Antonio), Tarrant (Fort Worth), and Travis (Austin) Counties.
• Peak accident times occur during warmer months (March-October), on weekends (Friday-Sunday), and in the late afternoon/early evening (3 PM – 9 PM).

These numbers confirm that Texas motorcyclists are at heightened risk, often through no fault of their own. Our firm works diligently to ensure that negligent drivers, not the riders themselves, are held responsible for causing accidents in Texas.

Helmet Laws and Comparative Negligence in Texas Motorcycle Accidents

Understanding Texas helmet laws and the principle of comparative negligence is crucial for any motorcycle accident claim.

Texas Helmet Law:

• All riders under 21 years old are legally required to wear a helmet.
• Riders 21 and older may ride without a helmet IF they have successfully completed an approved motorcycle safety course OR carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage.

While not always legally mandated for adult riders, helmets significantly reduce the risk of death (by 37% for operators) and severe head injuries (by 69%).

Comparative Negligence (The 51% Bar Rule):
Texas employs a modified comparative negligence rule, often called the “51% bar.” This means:

• If you are found to be 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
• However, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you recover absolutely nothing.

This rule is critically important in motorcycle accident cases because insurance companies almost always try to assign maximum fault to injured riders. They exploit societal biases against motorcyclists, often attempting to argue that riders are inherently reckless or difficult to see. Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge from working for insurance companies in the past is an invaluable advantage here; he deployed these comparative fault arguments for years, and now he knows exactly how to defeat them to protect our Texas clients.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Texas

The vast majority of motorcycle accidents in Texas are caused by the negligence of other drivers, not by the motorcyclists themselves. Our investigations commonly uncover:

• Failure to Yield Right of Way: This is the most prevalent cause, often occurring when drivers turn left in front of an oncoming motorcyclist or fail to see a motorcycle in an intersection.
• Driver Inattention/Distraction: Drivers engrossed in their phones, conversations, or other distractions simply “don’t see” the motorcyclist.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers may merge or change lanes without checking blind spots, forcing a motorcyclist off the road or sideswiping them.
• Speeding/Reckless Driving: Excessive speed by car drivers reduces reaction time and increases impact force.

These acts of negligence can result in horrific injuries for motorcyclists, including road rash, broken bones, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and wrongful death.

Why Attorney911 is the Right Choice for Your Motorcycle Accident in Texas

Fighting for injured motorcyclists in Texas requires an attorney who knows the law, understands the biases, and possesses the resources to build a powerful case. Attorney911 offers:

• Experienced Representation: Ralph Manginello and our team have a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for motorcycle accident victims across Texas.
• Insider Advantage: Lupe Peña’s experience applying insurance company defense tactics, including comparative fault arguments against riders, gives us unparalleled insight into how to counter their strategies effectively.
• Aggressive Advocacy: We are not intimidated by insurance company tactics or their attempts to unfairly blame motorcyclists. We diligently gather evidence, including accident reconstruction, witness statements, and expert testimony, to prove the other driver’s fault.
• Contingency Fee Basis: There is no upfront cost to you. We work on a contingency fee, meaning we only get paid if we win your case.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Texas, don’t let outdated stereotypes or aggressive insurance adjusters define your claim. Let us fight for the justice you deserve.

If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Texas, protect your rights. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today for a free consultation. Hablamos Español.

Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Texas: Protecting Our Most Vulnerable Road Users

Pedestrians are our most vulnerable road users, completely exposed in a collision with a motor vehicle. Despite laws designed to protect them, negligent drivers in Texas tragically cause thousands of pedestrian accidents each year, often resulting in severe, life-altering injuries or wrongful death. Attorney911 is dedicated to advocating for injured pedestrians across Texas, ensuring their rights are upheld and they receive full compensation for the devastating impact of these preventable crashes.

The statistics underscore the severe danger faced by pedestrians in Texas:

• In 2024, Texas reported 6,095 pedestrian crashes.
• These collisions tragically resulted in 768 pedestrian fatalities, a slight decrease from 2023 but still alarmingly high.
• While pedestrians are involved in only 1% of all crashes, they account for a disproportionate 19% of ALL roadway deaths, highlighting their extreme vulnerability.
• In specific urban areas like Houston, pedestrian safety is a critical concern, with 119 pedestrians killed on city streets in one recent year, an unfortunate record.

Whether crossing a busy intersection in Austin, walking in a suburban Texas neighborhood, or navigating a street in Galveston, pedestrians depend on drivers to operate their vehicles safely. Unfortunately, driver negligence often transforms a simple walk into a life-threatening event. Our firm is committed to fighting for justice for injured pedestrians across Texas.

Critical Legal Rights: Pedestrians Always Have the Right-of-Way at Intersections

A common misconception among many drivers in Texas is that pedestrians must only cross at marked crosswalks. This is false and often leads to tragic accidents. Under Texas law, pedestrians ALWAYS have the right-of-way at any intersection, even if there is no marked crosswalk. The law states that “anytime there’s an intersection of two streets, the distance between them is a crosswalk,” even if unmarked.

Insurance companies, and even some police reports, may try to place blame on the pedestrian for crossing outside of an explicit crosswalk. However, our experienced Texas car accident lawyers understand and will diligently apply this crucial legal principle. This is just one example of how we rigorously investigate and interpret traffic laws to protect our clients’ rights, especially when facing “comparative fault” arguments from aggressive insurance adjusters. Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge of these insurance tactics helps us defend against false claims of pedestrian fault.

Common & Catastrophic Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Given the direct impact with a heavy vehicle and the lack of protection, pedestrian accidents in Texas frequently result in severe, life-threatening, and long-term injuries:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Often caused by the head striking the vehicle or the pavement.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Leading to partial or complete paralysis.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: Especially to the legs, pelvis, and arms.
• Internal Organ Damage: Caused by blunt force trauma.
• Severe Abrasions and Lacerations: “Road rash” can cause deep tissue damage and infection.
• Wrongful Death: Tragically, many pedestrian accidents in Texas prove fatal.

The financial and emotional toll of these injuries is immense, including astronomical medical bills, lost income, therapy, and profound pain and suffering.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Texas Pedestrian Accident Claim

An injured pedestrian in Texas needs powerful, compassionate legal representation to navigate the complexities of their claim. Attorney911 offers:

• Unwavering Advocacy: We stand up against drivers and their insurance companies who try to blame the victim. We tirelessly pursue maximum compensation for your extensive damages.
• Expert Investigation: Our team acts quickly to secure critical evidence like surveillance footage (which is often deleted within 7-30 days), witness statements, and accident reconstruction analysis to definitively prove driver negligence.
• Deep Legal Knowledge: Ralph Manginello and our attorneys have decades of experience applying Texas traffic laws, including those specific to pedestrian rights, to strengthen your case in Texas courtrooms.
• No Fee Unless We Win: We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we secure a financial recovery for you.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident in Texas, don’t let the insurance companies dictate your future. Your legal emergency requires immediate attention.

If you’ve been struck by a vehicle in Texas, demand justice. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. Hablamos Español.

Rideshare Accident Lawyers in Texas: Navigating the Uber and Lyft Insurance Maze

The rise of ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft has transformed transportation across Texas, offering convenience but also introducing new complexities when accidents occur. While these services boast billions of trips annually, they are not immune to collisions. When you’re involved in an accident with an Uber or Lyft in Texas—whether as a passenger, the rideshare driver, or a third-party motorist—understanding who pays for what can be a bewildering maze of insurance policies. Attorney911 has deep experience navigating these complexities to ensure accident victims in Texas receive the full compensation they deserve.

Rideshare services have become massive enterprises:

• Uber logs approximately 17.4 million trips daily worldwide.
• Since 2010, there have been 11 billion rideshare trips in the U.S.

However, statistics also reveal the human cost. Uber’s 2017-2018 safety report indicated that 58% of all fatal accidents involving their vehicles impacted third parties (other drivers, pedestrians), with 21% involving riders and another 21% involving their own drivers. This highlights that everyone on Texas roads is affected by the presence of rideshare vehicles.

The Uber/Lyft Insurance Maze: Understanding the “Phases” of Coverage in Texas

The most critical factor in a Texas rideshare accident claim is the driver’s “phase” or status at the exact moment of the collision. This determines which insurance policies, and how much coverage, are available. Without skilled legal guidance after an accident in Texas, victims can easily get lost in this complex system. Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge from working with insurance companies in these types of new-fangled claims is critical here. He understands how they leverage this complexity to deny compensation.

Here’s a breakdown of the four rideshare insurance phases in Texas:

1. Period 0 – App OFF (Driver Offline):

   • Driver Status: The rideshare app is turned off, and the driver is using their vehicle for personal use.
   • Coverage Available: Only the driver’s personal auto insurance policy applies. Texas minimum liability coverage is $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage (30/60/25). This is often insufficient for serious injuries.

2. Period 1 – App ON (Driver Awaiting Request):

   • Driver Status: The rideshare app is on, but the driver has not yet accepted a ride request. They are actively waiting for a fare.
   • Coverage Available: The rideshare company’s contingent liability insurance kicks in, but at reduced limits. This typically provides $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. This coverage is secondary to the driver’s personal policy, which may deny coverage since the driver was operating commercially.

3. Period 2 – Accepted Request (Driver En Route to Pickup):

   • Driver Status: The driver has accepted a ride request and is on their way to pick up the passenger.
   • Coverage Available: The rideshare company’s full commercial liability policy applies, providing $1,000,000 (one million dollars) in third-party liability coverage. This substantial policy is available for injuries to the passenger, the rideshare driver, or a third-party motorist/pedestrian in Texas.

4. Period 3 – Passenger In Vehicle (Driver Transporting Passenger):

   • Driver Status: The passenger is in the vehicle, and the driver is actively transporting them to their destination.
   • Coverage Available: Similar to Period 2, the rideshare company’s full commercial liability policy of $1,000,000 applies.

As you can see, the difference in available coverage based on which “phase” the driver was in is dramatic. Going from potentially a minimum $30,000 personal policy to $1,000,000 means the difference between insufficient funds and full compensation for your injuries in Texas.

Who Can Be Injured in a Texas Rideshare Accident?

Rideshare accidents in Texas can injure anyone, including:

• Rideshare Passengers: You are an innocent victim and can claim against the rideshare driver’s policy and the rideshare company’s commercial policy.
• Other Motorists/Third Parties: Drivers or passengers in other vehicles, or even pedestrians and cyclists, can be severely injured due to the rideshare driver’s negligence.
• Rideshare Drivers: If another driver caused the accident, Uber/Lyft drivers can pursue claims against the at-fault party and potentially against their own rideshare company’s uninsured/underinsured motorist policy if the at-fault driver has insufficient coverage.

Our attorneys diligently investigate the driver’s status at the moment of the crash to correctly identify the applicable insurance coverage.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Texas Rideshare Accident Claim

Navigating a rideshare accident claim in Texas requires specialized legal knowledge. Attorney911 offers:

• Mastery of Insurance Policies: Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge of insurance operations is critical. He knows how to interpret complex policy language and identify the highest available coverage, something many other attorneys in Texas might struggle with.
• Aggressive Investigation: We rapidly secure every piece of evidence, including rideshare app data, GPS logs, driver activity, and the police report, to definitively establish the rideshare driver’s status and fault in Texas.
• Maximizing Compensation: We fight to ensure you receive full compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages, whether it’s from a personal policy, a contingent policy, or the $1,000,000 commercial policy.
• Contingency Fee Basis: We work on a “no win, no fee” basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for your Texas rideshare accident.

Don’t let the insurance maze overwhelm you after a rideshare accident in Texas. Let our experienced legal team protect your rights and guide you to justice.

Were you injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Texas? Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Hablamos Español.

Hit and Run Accident Lawyers in Texas: When the At-Fault Driver Flees

Being the victim of a hit and run accident in Texas is a uniquely traumatizing experience. Not only do you suffer injuries and property damage, but the at-fault driver has also fled the scene, leaving you with anger, confusion, and fear for how you’ll cover your losses. While it may feel like you have no recourse, victims of hit and run accidents in Texas often have options for recovery, particularly through their own insurance. Attorney911 is here to aggressively pursue justice and compensation for hit and run victims across Texas.

Hit and run incidents are a persistent problem on Texas roads and nationwide:

• A hit and run accident occurs every 43 seconds in the United States.

These drivers show a callous disregard for human life and the law. Texas law takes these offenses very seriously. Depending on the severity of the incident, a hit and run can carry significant criminal penalties:

• Death: A hit and run resulting in death is a second-degree felony in Texas, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Serious Bodily Injury: This is a third-degree felony, carrying 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Minor Injury: This can still be prosecuted as a state jail felony, with up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
• Property Damage: If the damage is $200 or more, it’s typically a Class B misdemeanor.

While the police pursue criminal charges against the fleeing driver, our firm focuses on your civil claim for compensation for your injuries and damages in Texas.

Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: Your Lifeline in a Texas Hit and Run

When the at-fault driver flees the scene and cannot be identified, your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage becomes your most critical asset. This coverage, which most Texans carry, is designed to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages when the at-fault driver has no insurance or cannot be found.

Many people are hesitant to file a claim with their own insurance company, fearing increased premiums. However, under Texas law, your insurance company cannot raise your premiums or drop your coverage solely because you file a UM claim where the fault was not yours. Furthermore, if your insurance company acts in bad faith by unreasonably denying or delaying your valid UM claim, they can face additional penalties under the Texas Insurance Code. Learn more about UM/UIM claims in our YouTube video, “Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8.

In Texas, it’s also important to note that you may be able to “stack” multiple UM policies, potentially increasing the total coverage available to you (e.g., if you have UM coverage on multiple vehicles, these limits could be combined). Lupe Peña’s intricate knowledge of insurance policy structures and bad faith practices, honed during his years working for insurance defense firms, is invaluable in navigating and maximizing UM claims for our clients in Texas. He knows exactly how to ensure your own insurer pays what they owe.

The Urgency of Evidence in Texas Hit and Run Cases

Time is an even more critical factor in hit and run cases than in typical accidents in Texas because the at-fault driver is unknown, and crucial evidence can disappear rapidly.

• Surveillance Footage: Most surveillance cameras from nearby gas stations, businesses, and even residential Ring doorbells, retain footage for a very limited time, typically 7 to 30 days. After this, it is automatically deleted. Once deleted, that evidence is gone forever and cannot be recovered.
• Witnesses: Witnesses quickly move on, their memories fade, and they become harder to locate.
• Physical Evidence: Debris at the scene is cleared, minimizing physical clues.

At Attorney911, we act immediately after you contact us. We dispatch our investigators to the Texas accident scene, canvas the area for potential cameras and witnesses, and send out preservation letters to businesses and property owners, legally requiring them to save any relevant surveillance footage before it’s deleted. This rapid response is often the difference between identifying the hit-and-run driver or proving the crash for a successful UM claim, and having no evidence at all.

Why Attorney911 Is Your Best Ally in a Texas Hit and Run Accident

When a hit and run accident leaves you injured and without answers in Texas, you need a law firm that knows how to aggressively secure evidence and maximize your financial recovery options. Attorney911 offers:

• Rapid Response Investigation: We understand the urgency. Our team moves quickly to gather perishable evidence that other firms might miss.
• UM/UIM Expertise: We have extensive experience with Uninsured Motorist claims, ensuring your own insurance company upholds its obligations and pays you fairly in Texas.
• Insurance Insider Knowledge: Lupe Peña’s background gives us a distinct advantage in navigating complex insurance policies and countering any tactics used to deny your claim.
• Results Focused: We are committed to achieving the maximum possible compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering in Texas, even when the at-fault driver is unknown.

Don’t give up hope after a hit and run in Texas. There are avenues for justice. Your legal emergency demands immediate action.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a hit and run accident in Texas, call 1-888-ATTY-911 without delay for a free consultation. Hablamos Español.

Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups and Chain Reaction Collisions in Texas

Accidents involving more than two vehicles, often referred to as multi-vehicle pile-ups or chain reaction collisions, are among the most complex and devastating types of crashes on Texas roads. These incidents, frequently occurring on congested freeways like I-45, I-10, or I-35 around Houston, Austin, or Dallas, can involve dozens of cars and trucks, leading to widespread injuries, significant property damage, and a tangled web of liability. Determining who is at fault and which insurance policies apply requires meticulous investigation and seasoned legal expertise. Attorney911 is uniquely equipped to unravel the complexities of multi-vehicle accidents in Texas.

These major incidents, unfortunately, are not uncommon in Texas, especially during periods of heavy traffic, adverse weather, or in construction zones. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) records every crash, and multi-vehicle events contribute significantly to the grim statistics of injuries and fatalities across the state.

The Anatomy of a Multi-Vehicle Accident: Layers of Impact and Liability

Chain reaction collisions typically occur when an initial impact causes vehicles to stack up behind it. However, the initial cause isn’t always singular, and multiple drivers may share degrees of fault. For example, a distracted driver might cause the first collision, but subsequent drivers who were following too closely or driving too fast for conditions could contribute to the severity of the pile-up.

Key challenges in Texas multi-vehicle accident cases include:

• Determining the “Proximate Cause”: Pinpointing the precise sequence of events and identifying the drivers whose negligence directly led to each impact can be incredibly difficult. This often involves detailed accident reconstruction.
• Multiple Liable Parties: Unlike a simple two-car crash, a pile-up can involve numerous at-fault drivers, each with their own insurance policies. This requires identifying and claiming against every applicable policy to ensure full compensation.
• Texas’s 51% Comparative Negligence Rule: When multiple drivers are involved, Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule becomes critical. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Insurance companies will aggressively try to shift blame among all parties, often to minimize their payout. Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge of how insurance companies build these comparative fault arguments is invaluable.

Aggressive Investigation for Multi-Vehicle Accidents in Texas

Solving the puzzle of a multi-vehicle pile-up in Texas demands a swift and systematic investigation. Attorney911 acts immediately to:

• Secure Police Reports: Obtain all official accident reports, often involving multiple responding officers and detailed diagrams.
• Gather Witness Statements: Interview as many witnesses as possible before their memories fade, as their perspectives can be critical in reconstructing the chain of events.
• Identify Surveillance Footage: Canvas the area for traffic cameras, dashcams, and nearby business surveillance footage that may have captured the entire incident, especially vital in Texas urban areas.
• Analyze Black Box Data: Involving commercial trucks, their Event Data Recorders (EDRs) or “black boxes” can provide crucial information about speed, braking, and steering maneuvers leading up to the crash.
• Consult Accident Reconstructionists: For complex pile-ups, we work with expert accident reconstructionists to create precise simulations and timelines of the crash, scientifically proving fault.

Our ability to swiftly dispatch investigators and issue preservation letters across Texas for all types of electronic and physical evidence is paramount in these time-sensitive cases.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Texas Multi-Vehicle Accident Claim

Multi-vehicle accidents in Texas are not for the faint of heart or the inexperienced legal team. They require a law firm with a proven track record, substantial resources, and an aggressive approach. Attorney911 offers:

• Specialized Expertise: Ralph Manginello and our attorneys have decades of experience handling complex accident litigation across Texas, including cases with multiple defendants and intricate liability issues.
• Insurance Company Insider: Lupe Peña’s background means we don’t just react to insurance tactics; we anticipate them. He knows how they attempt to divide and conquer, shifting blame to avoid payouts, and he knows how to counter those strategies effectively.
• Federal Court Readiness: Our firm’s admission to federal courts, where some of the largest and most complex multi-vehicle cases may be heard, provides an essential advantage. We were, for example, involved in the BP explosion litigation, which demonstrates our capability to take on major corporations in high-stakes cases.
• Dedicated Resources: From expert accident reconstructionists to medical specialists, we have the resources to build an ironclad case and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve for your extensive medical bills, lost wages, and profound pain and suffering.
• No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we secure a financial recovery for you.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a multi-vehicle pile-up in Texas, don’t let the complexity prevent you from seeking justice. Your legal emergency demands immediate, expert intervention.

If you’ve been caught in a multi-vehicle accident in Texas, call 1-888-ATTY-911 today for a free, confidential consultation. Hablamos Español.

Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers in Texas: Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable

Distracted driving is a pervasive and increasingly deadly epidemic on Texas roads, transforming a momentary lapse in attention into a catastrophic collision. Whether it’s texting, talking on the phone, eating, or engaging with in-car entertainment, any activity that takes a driver’s eyes, hands, or mind away from the road constitutes distracted driving. This negligent behavior leads to thousands of preventable accidents and severe injuries across Texas each year. Attorney911 is committed to holding distracted drivers fully accountable for the devastating harm they cause.

The impact of distracted driving in Texas is alarming:

• In 2024, distracted driving contributed to 380 fatalities on Texas roads.

Despite public awareness campaigns and laws prohibiting certain forms of distracted driving, many motorists continue to engage in these dangerous behaviors, putting everyone else at risk. Ralph Manginello and our team have witnessed firsthand the tragic consequences of distracted driving in Texas courtrooms and are relentless in our pursuit of justice for victims.

Types of Distracted Driving and Proving Negligence in Texas

Distracted driving falls into three main categories, all equally dangerous:

1. Visual Distraction: Taking your eyes off the road (e.g., looking at a phone, adjusting GPS, observing an external event).
2. Manual Distraction: Taking your hands off the wheel (e.g., texting, eating, reaching for an object).
3. Cognitive Distraction: Taking your mind off driving (e.g., engaging in an intense conversation, daydreaming, emotional distress).

In Texas, proving distracted driving can be challenging, as direct evidence may not always be available immediately. However, our experienced attorneys employ various investigative techniques to uncover the truth:

• Cell Phone Records: Subpoenaing the at-fault driver’s cell phone records can reveal if they were texting, talking, or using data-consuming apps at the time of the crash.
• Witness Statements: Eyewitnesses often observe drivers looking down at their laps, fumbling with phones, or appearing otherwise engrossed in an activity other than driving.
• Dashcam Footage: Increasingly prevalent, dashcams in other vehicles can capture distracted driving behaviors.
• Vehicle Infotainment Systems: Some newer vehicles’ systems record usage data that can reveal driver interaction.
• Accident Reconstruction: Experts can sometimes determine that a driver’s delayed reaction time or failure to brake indicates inattention.

Holding distracted drivers accountable in Texas is crucial not only for securing compensation for victims but also for promoting safer driving habits across our communities. Lupe Peña’s detailed knowledge of insurance company defense strategies, including how they try to avoid paying for extreme negligence, means we are prepared for every argument they make.

Aggravated Damages for Distracted Driving in Texas

When a driver’s actions constitute gross negligence – a conscious indifference to the safety of others – victims in Texas may be entitled to punitive damages in addition to economic and non-economic compensation. Distracted driving, particularly texting while driving, often meets the standard for gross negligence and therefore makes a case stronger.

Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault driver and deter similar reckless behavior in the future. While Texas law places caps on punitive damages (the greater of $200,000 or (2x economic damages + 1x non-economic damages, with a non-economic cap of $750,000)), they can significantly increase the total recovery for victims and send a powerful message to negligent drivers.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Texas Distracted Driving Accident

Suffering severe injuries because of a distracted driver’s selfish choices is an infuriating injustice. Attorney911 provides the aggressive and strategic legal representation you need in Texas:

• Proven Track Record: Ralph Manginello and our firm have decades of experience fighting for accident victims in Texas and have secured multi-million dollar results in cases involving severe negligence.
• Expert Investigation: We leave no stone unturned in gathering evidence to prove distracted driving, leveraging cell phone records and expert testimony to build an irrefutable case.
• Maximizing Compensation: We relentlessly pursue all available damages, including punitive damages, to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost income, and profound pain and suffering in Texas.
• No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we achieve a financial recovery for you.

Don’t let a distracted driver’s negligence define your future in Texas. Your legal emergency demands immediate action and expert advocacy.

If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver in Texas, call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. Hablamos Español.

Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Texas: Truck Crashes Beyond 18-Wheelers

While 18-wheelers dominate the conversation about commercial vehicle accidents, many other types of commercial vehicles contribute to the high number of collisions on Texas roads. Delivery vans, box trucks, utility vehicles, work trucks, and even large service vehicles often operate under different regulations than passenger cars and present unique challenges in accident claims. When these vehicles, often owned by corporations, are involved in a crash, securing justice requires skilled legal representation that understands the nuances of commercial liability in Texas. Attorney911 is dedicated to holding negligent commercial operators and their employers accountable across Texas.

Commercial vehicles are an integral part of Texas’s economy, constantly traversing our cities and highways. TxDOT reports that a substantial number of crashes involve commercial vehicles, ranging from full-sized 18-wheelers to smaller, but still dangerous, box trucks. The sheer volume of these vehicles increases the risk of accidents.

What Makes Texas Commercial Vehicle Accidents Different?

Even smaller commercial vehicles pose greater risks than passenger cars due to their size, weight, and often the nature of their operation. Key differences include:

• Higher Insurance Policies: Commercial vehicles typically carry much higher liability insurance policies than personal vehicles, often ranging from $500,000 to several million dollars. This means greater potential compensation for severely injured victims in Texas.
• Corporate Defendants: Instead of an individual driver, you are often dealing with a large corporation or business entity, which will have extensive legal resources dedicated to defending against claims. Our firm’s experience in BP explosion litigation, taking on billion-dollar corporations, is highly relevant here.
• “Respondeat Superior” Liability: Under this legal doctrine, employers can be held responsible for the negligent actions of their employees if those actions occur within the scope of employment. This opens the door to suing the company directly, not just the driver.
• Employer Negligence: The commercial entity itself can be liable for negligent hiring (hiring drivers with poor records), negligent training, failing to perform proper background checks, or failing to maintain their fleet properly.
• Federal Regulations (Sometimes): While not all commercial vehicles fall under the full scope of FMCSA regulations that govern large 18-wheelers, some may be subject to specific federal or state safety standards that can be used to prove negligence.

Types of Commercial Vehicles Involved in Texas Accidents

Our firm handles a wide array of accidents involving commercial vehicles in Texas, including:

• Delivery Vans/Box Trucks: From local package delivery (Amazon DSP, FedEx, UPS) to furniture movers.
• Utility & Service Vehicles: Plumbers, electricians, HVAC repair, telecom companies, often operating large vans or pick-up trucks.
• Construction Vehicles: Dump trucks, cement mixers, bulldozers, and other heavy equipment used on Texas construction sites.
• Company Cars/Trucks: Any vehicle used for business purposes, even if it looks like a personal vehicle.
• Fleet Vehicles: Vehicles owned and operated by businesses for various purposes.

Each type of commercial vehicle and its associated business operation can present unique legal challenges, including different insurance coverages and regulatory frameworks in Texas.

Why Attorney911 is Your Advantage in Texas Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Successfully navigating a commercial vehicle accident claim in Texas requires a legal team that understands corporate structures, commercial insurance policies, and the tactics employed by large companies to avoid liability. Attorney911 offers:

• Corporate Litigation Experience: Ralph Manginello and our firm have decades of experience taking on large corporations and their legal teams, demonstrated by our involvement in complex cases like the BP explosion.
• Insurance Company Insider: Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, brings invaluable insider knowledge from his years working for national defense firms. He knows how commercial insurers value claims, strategize defenses, and fight to minimize payouts. This gives our Texas clients a significant “unfair advantage.”
• Aggressive Pursuit of All Liable Parties: We meticulously investigate to identify every potential responsible party, from the individual driver to the operating company, its parent company, and even third-party contractors, to ensure all available insurance coverage is brought to bear.
• Maximizing Compensation: Our goal is to secure the maximum possible compensation for your severe injuries, lost wages, future medical care, and profound pain and suffering in Texas. We achieve multi-million dollar results.

If you have been seriously injured in a collision with a commercial vehicle in Texas, do not underestimate the power of the corporate legal teams you will face. Your legal emergency demands immediate, expert intervention.

If a commercial vehicle accident has impacted your life in Texas, hire a firm that understands corporate liability. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Hablamos Español.

Bus Accident Lawyers in Texas: Protecting Passengers and Pedestrians

Bus accidents in Texas, whether involving public transit, school buses, or private charter services, can be catastrophic due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. When a bus collides with other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists, the resulting injuries are often severe, and determining liability can be especially complex due to the potential involvement of governmental entities or large corporations. Attorney911 is dedicated to advocating for victims of bus accidents across Texas, protecting their rights and seeking full compensation for their losses.

Texas, unfortunately, leads the nation in bus accidents:

• In 2024, Texas recorded 1,110 bus accidents, making it the state with the highest number of bus crashes.
• These incidents resulted in 17 fatal crashes and 549 injury crashes.

School bus accidents also pose a significant concern for Texas families:

• In 2023, there were 2,523 school bus crashes, resulting in 11 deaths and 63 serious injuries.
• Over 10,000 students were injured in school bus crashes during the 2021-2022 school year.

These statistics underscore the profound risks associated with bus travel and highlight the critical need for expert legal representation if you or a loved one is involved in such an incident in Texas.

Complexities of Liability in Texas Bus Accidents

Bus accident claims in Texas introduce intricate layers of liability that differ significantly from typical car accidents:

• Governmental Immunity: If the bus is operated by a city, county, or school district (a common scenario for public transit and school buses), the entity may be protected by sovereign immunity. This means strict, short deadlines (often as little as 6 months from the incident date) to file a formal “notice of claim” are imposed. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim. Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience includes navigating these complex governmental claims in Texas.
• Bus Driver Negligence: Common factors include distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, DUI, or failure to properly maintain control of the large vehicle.
• Bus Operator/Company Negligence: The company (or governmental entity) responsible for the bus may be liable for negligent hiring, inadequate driver training, negligent supervision, or failing to properly maintain the bus fleet.
• Manufacturer Defects: A faulty component, such as brake failure or a steering system defect, could point to the bus manufacturer’s liability.
• Other Drivers: Sometimes, another vehicle’s negligence causes the bus to crash, complicating liability.

The presence of multiple potential defendants, ranging from individual drivers to large government bodies or corporations, means that bus accident cases demand a thorough and aggressive investigation by an experienced firm in Texas.

Protecting Victims: Passengers, Other Motorists, and Pedestrians

Bus accidents in Texas can injure a wide range of individuals:

• Bus Passengers: Often suffer severe whiplash, broken bones, and head injuries due to the lack of seatbelts or safety restraints common on many buses.
• Occupants of Other Vehicles: Cars involved in collisions with buses are often crushed, leading to catastrophic injuries for their occupants.
• Pedestrians and Cyclists: These vulnerable road users face the highest risk of fatality or severe injury in a bus collision due to the sheer impact force.

For any of these victims, the path to recovery involves steep medical bills, lost wages, long-term rehabilitation, and profound pain and suffering.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Texas Bus Accident Claim

Facing off against a governmental entity or large bus company in Texas requires a legal team with significant experience and resources. Attorney911 offers:

• Governmental Claim Expertise: Ralph Manginello’s decades of experience in Texas courtrooms means we know precisely how to navigate the complex procedural hurdles and strict notice requirements for claims against governmental entities.
• Corporate Litigation Power: Our firm, including Ralph’s federal court admission and our background in complex litigation like the BP explosion, is well-prepared to take on large corporations and their defense teams.
• Insider Insurance Knowledge: Lupe Peña’s years working for insurance defense firms give us an invaluable edge in understanding how these large entities and their insurers will attempt to defend against claims, allowing us to build stronger cases for our Texas clients.
• Thorough Investigation and Expert Network: We work quickly to secure critical evidence, including bus black box data, driver logs, video surveillance, and maintenance records. We partner with accident reconstructionists and medical experts to build a compelling case.
• Contingency Fee Representation: You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we secure compensation for your bus accident claim in Texas.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a bus accident in Texas, the window to act, especially against government defendants, can be very short. Your legal emergency demands immediate, expert attention.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in Texas, call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately for a free consultation. Hablamos Español.

Work Zone Accident Lawyers in Texas: Dangerous Roadways, Preventable Tragedies

Texas is a state of constant growth and expansion, which means our roads are frequently dotted with active construction and maintenance work zones. While essential for improving infrastructure, these work zones are unfortunately breeding grounds for accidents, often due to negligent drivers and sometimes inadequate safety measures. Collisions in work zones are particularly dangerous, leading to severe injuries and fatalities for motorists and construction workers alike. Attorney911 is dedicated to fighting for victims of these preventable tragedies across Texas.

The statistics paint a grim picture of work zone safety in Texas:

• In 2024, there were nearly 28,000 crashes in Texas work zones.
• These incidents resulted in 215 deaths – a tragic 12% increase over the previous year.
• Nationally, work zone fatalities have increased by 50% between 2013 and 2023, consistent with Texas trends.
• A recent survey indicated that 60% of highway contractors reported crashes into their work zones, and 43% reported worker injuries directly resulting from these collisions.

These numbers illustrate the high risk associated with work zones. Many drivers fail to reduce speed, ignore signage, or become distracted, leading to devastating consequences on Texas roads. The Manginello Law Firm works to hold all responsible parties accountable for these preventable accidents.

Common Causes and Complex Liability in Texas Work Zone Accidents

Work zone accidents in Texas can stem from various factors, often involving multiple negligent parties:

Driver Negligence (Most Common):

• Distracted Driving: Drivers failing to pay attention to changing road conditions, flaggers, or warning signs.
• Speeding: Exceeding the posted work zone speed limit, which is typically reduced for safety.
• Following Too Closely: Inability to stop in time due to sudden traffic slowdowns or hazards.
• Failure to Yield/Improper Lane Changes: Ignoring merge signs or driving erratically.

Construction Company/Contractor Negligence:

• Inadequate Signage: Failure to place clear, visible warning signs or reduce speed limit signs.
• Improper Lane Closures/Traffic Control: Confusing or unsafe traffic patterns.
• Insufficient Lighting: Poor visibility in nighttime work zones.
• Unsafe Equipment Placement: Leaving equipment or debris too close to active traffic lanes.
• Worker Safety Violations: Construction workers are also victims in these crashes, often due to their employers’ or third parties’ negligence.

Government Entity (TxDOT, City, County) Negligence:

• Rarely, but sometimes, the government entity overseeing the road project can be held liable for negligent design or maintenance of the work zone, especially if design defects create foreseeable dangers. These claims have strict, short notice requirements in Texas.

Understanding these multiple layers of potential fault is critical in multi-party work zone accidents in Texas.

The Human Cost: Katrina Bond’s Story

The devastating reality of work zone accidents in Texas is highlighted by the tragic story of Katrina Bond. This college student was simply slowing for work zone traffic on I-35 near Fort Worth when the driver of a heavy pickup truck, who later admitted to receiving a text message, rear-ended her. The force of the impact pushed her car into the path of another truck, resulting in a fatal collision. Katrina never made it home.

Her mother, Kathy Bond, has since become a vocal advocate for work zone safety, campaigning to prevent similar tragedies. This case exemplifies how innocent lives are shattered by negligent drivers in work zones. Our firm is committed to ensuring that responsible parties are held accountable, just as they would be for Katrina Bond.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Texas Work Zone Accident Claim

Work zone accident claims in Texas require an attorney experienced in identifying complex liability, dealing with multiple insurance companies, and facing potentially powerful corporate defendants or government entities. Attorney911 offers:

• Experienced Litigation: Ralph Manginello and our firm have over 25 years of experience in Texas courtrooms, successfully handling accident cases, even against major corporations as demonstrated by our involvement in BP explosion litigation.
• Thorough Investigation: We move quickly to secure critical evidence unique to work zones, such as construction plans, traffic control device logs, and any available video surveillance, to prove negligence.
• Insider Advantage: Lupe Peña’s background provides invaluable insight into how insurance companies and commercial entities will defend these complex claims, allowing us to counter their strategies effectively.
• Maximizing Compensation: We relentlessly pursue full compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages in Texas, ensuring negligent parties bear the financial burden of their carelessness.
• No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we secure a financial recovery for you.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a work zone accident in Texas, don’t delay. The complexities of these cases, especially when government entities are involved, necessitate immediate action.

If a work zone accident in Texas has left you injured, call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. Hablamos Español.

Wrongful Death Lawyers in Texas: Seeking Justice for Lost Loved Ones

The death of a loved one in a motor vehicle accident is an unimaginable tragedy, leaving families shattered both emotionally and financially. When that death is caused by the negligence or reckless actions of another party, the grief is compounded by a profound sense of injustice. In Texas, our legal system provides a path for surviving family members to seek justice and financial compensation through a wrongful death claim. Attorney911 approaches these cases with the utmost compassion, legal expertise, and aggressive advocacy to help grieving families secure the resources they need to rebuild their lives.

Motor vehicle accidents, particularly those involving 18-wheelers, drunk drivers, or distracted motorists, are unfortunately a leading cause of wrongful death in Texas. The statistics from 2024, showing 4,150 fatalities statewide, are a grim reminder of the lives tragically cut short. Each of these numbers represents a family forever changed. Ralph Manginello and our firm understand the immense suffering involved and are committed to helping families in Texas through this heartbreaking time. Our firm has achieved “multi-million dollar settlements for families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases,” proving our commitment to achieving substantial justice.

Wrongful Death Claims vs. Survival Actions in Texas

In Texas, families who lose a loved one due to another’s negligence can pursue two distinct types of claims:

1. Wrongful Death Claim:

   • Who Files: Brought by the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased.
   • What it Recovers: Damages for the losses they suffered as a result of their loved one’s death. This includes loss of companionship, society, and affection; mental anguish; lost financial support that the deceased would have provided (past and future); and funeral and burial expenses.
   • Who Benefits: The surviving family members directly.

2. Survival Action:

   • Who Files: Brought by the estate of the deceased person (or by statutory beneficiaries if no estate is opened).
   • What it Recovers: Damages the deceased would have recovered if they had lived between the time of injury and the time of death. This can include the deceased’s pain and suffering before death, medical expenses, and lost income from the time of injury until death.
   • Who Benefits: The deceased’s estate, which is then distributed according to the will or Texas intestacy laws.

In Texas, families can pursue both a wrongful death claim and a survival action simultaneously, as they address different types of losses and benefit different parties. These claims must typically be filed within 2 years from the date of death under Texas’s statute of limitations.

Types of Damages Available in Texas Wrongful Death Cases

The compensation available in a Texas wrongful death case aims to cover both the quantifiable financial losses and the profound, intangible suffering experienced by the family and the deceased.

Economic Damages:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred by the deceased before death
• Lost earning capacity and financial support the deceased would have provided to the family
• Lost inheritance

Non-Economic Damages:

• Mental anguish and emotional pain suffered by the surviving family members
• Loss of companionship, comfort, society, love, and affection
• Loss of instruction, guidance, counsel, and nurture (especially for children)

Additionally, if the at-fault driver’s actions were particularly egregious, such as drunk driving or extreme recklessness, punitive damages may be available. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future, although they are subject to caps under Texas law.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Texas Wrongful Death Claim

The emotional burden of a wrongful death is immense; navigating complex legal proceedings is often the last thing grieving families want to face. Attorney911 provides comprehensive and compassionate legal representation in Texas:

• Compassionate Advocacy: We approach every wrongful death case with sensitivity and understanding, allowing families to focus on healing while we handle the legal battle.
• Proven Results: Our firm has a track record of securing substantial compensation for families in Texas, including multi-million dollar settlements in trucking-related wrongful death cases.
• Experienced Litigation: Ralph Manginello and our team have over 25 years of experience in Texas courtrooms, aggressively pursuing justice in high-stakes cases. Our federal court admission and involvement in complex litigation like the BP explosion demonstrate our capability to take on any defendant.
• Insider Knowledge: Lupe Peña’s background provides invaluable insight into how insurance companies value wrongful death claims and attempt to minimize payouts, giving our Texas clients a critical advantage.
• No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we secure a financial recovery for your family in Texas.

If you have lost a loved one due to another’s negligence in a motor vehicle accident in Texas, Attorney911 is here to fight for justice and ensure your family receives the compensation necessary to face a difficult future.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a preventable accident in Texas, call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We are here to help you.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Claims in Texas

Even the safest drivers on Texas roads can become victims of negligent motorists who carry insufficient or no insurance. Despite Texas law requiring minimum liability coverage, a significant number of drivers flout this rule, leaving accident victims in a precarious position. When the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage becomes your primary recourse. Navigating these claims, however, can be complex, as your own insurance company may still fight to minimize your payout. Attorney911 is well-versed in Texas UM/UIM laws and is dedicated to ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve from your own policy.

Texas minimum auto insurance requirements are $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage (30/60/25). Unfortunately, these minimums are often inadequate for serious injuries. Moreover, nationally, approximately 1 in 7 drivers is uninsured, a statistic that likely holds true for Texas as well. These numbers highlight the critical importance of having robust UM/UIM coverage.

Understanding UM/UIM Coverage in Texas

UM/UIM coverage is an optional but highly recommended addition to your auto insurance policy in Texas.

• Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: This protects you when the at-fault driver has no liability insurance or when you are the victim of a hit and run accident and the driver cannot be identified.
• Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage: This applies when the at-fault driver has liability insurance, but their policy limits are insufficient to cover the full extent of your damages. Your UIM coverage then kicks in to pay the difference, up to your policy limits.

Many Texans wrongly assume that if they have UM/UIM coverage, their own insurance company will readily pay out their claim. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Once you file a UM/UIM claim, your insurance company effectively steps into the shoes of the uninsured or underinsured at-fault driver. They will often employ the same tactics they would use against a third-party claim, trying to minimize your injuries, shift blame, or offer a lowball settlement.

Watch our informative YouTube video, “Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists,” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8 for a clearer explanation of these vital coverages.

Key Aspects of Texas UM/UIM Law

• Inter-Policy Stacking: Texas law generally allows inter-policy stacking, meaning if you have UM/UIM coverage on multiple vehicles or multiple policies, you may be able to combine the limits of these policies to increase your total available coverage. This can be crucial for catastrophic injury cases.
• Anti-Stacking Provisions: While stacking is generally permitted, some policies contain anti-stacking provisions which courts may uphold. Careful review of your policy language is essential.
• Offset Provisions: Your UM/UIM coverage will be reduced by whatever amount you recover from the at-fault driver’s liability policy.
• Hit and Run Protection: UM coverage is your lifeline after a hit and run accident in Texas, providing essential financial protection when the negligent driver vanishes.
• Bad Faith Claims: If your own insurance company unreasonably denies or delays a valid UM/UIM claim, they could be liable for additional damages under Texas insurance bad faith laws. Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge of insurance practices is invaluable in identifying and confronting bad faith conduct.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Texas UM/UIM Claim

Dealing with your own insurance company after an accident can be frustrating, especially when they suddenly become an adversary. Attorney911 is uniquely positioned to handle complex Texas UM/UIM claims:

• Insurance Company Insider: Lupe Peña’s years working for national defense firms means he knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, deny, and settle UM/UIM claims. This insider’s perspective ensures we anticipate their tactics and build a robust case against them on your behalf in Texas.
• Maximizing Recovery: We meticulously investigate all possible avenues for stacking policies and proving your damages to ensure you secure the maximum compensation available under your UM/UIM coverage for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering incurred in Texas.
• Litigation Against Your Own Insurer: We are not afraid to file a lawsuit against your own insurance company if they refuse to act fairly or in good faith to protect your rights in Texas.
• No Fee Unless We Win: You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for your UM/UIM claim.

Don’t let the complex world of insurance policies or the tactics of your own insurance company prevent you from recovering what you are owed in Texas. Your legal emergency requires expert guidance.

If you’re dealing with an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim in Texas, call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. Hablamos Español.

Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Texas: Protecting Vulnerable Riders

Bicycling is a popular activity for recreation, exercise, and commuting in Texas. However, cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users, with minimal protection in crashes involving motor vehicles. The consequences of such collisions are often severe, resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Alarmingly, cyclists frequently face unfair bias from drivers, police, and insurance companies who may attempt to blame the rider, even when motorists are clearly at fault. Attorney911 is dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured cyclists across Texas, ensuring justice is served and preventing others from suffering similar fates.

The statistics reveal the dangers cyclists face on Texas roads:

• In 2024, Texas reported 78 bicyclist fatalities, a welcome but still significant decrease from 2023.
• Texas has a cyclist death rate of approximately 3 per 1 million residents.

Whether on urban bike lanes or rural roads, cyclists must contend with distracted, aggressive, or negligent drivers. Our firm has witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of these collisions and is committed to protecting the rights of injured riders in Texas.

The “51% Bar Rule” and Driver Negligence in Texas Bicycle Accidents

One of the greatest challenges in Texas bicycle accident cases is overcoming the ingrained bias that often exists against cyclists. Insurance companies will aggressively try to shift blame onto the rider, arguing they were not visible, were riding unsafely, or contributed to the accident. This is where Texas’s 51% modified comparative negligence rule becomes critically important.

• If a cyclist is found to be 50% or less at fault, they can still recover damages, reduced by their percentage of fault.
• However, if deemed 51% or more at fault, they are barred from recovering any compensation.

Our firm counters these biased arguments by meticulously investigating the accident. We often find that drivers were negligent in ways such as:

• Failure to Yield Right-of-Way: Drivers making turns without checking for cyclists or failing to stop at stop signs.
• Distracted Driving: Drivers looking at their phones and simply “not seeing” the cyclist.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers encroaching on bike lanes or passing too closely.
• “Dooring” Accidents: Drivers opening car doors into the path of an oncoming cyclist.

We leverage evidence like witness statements, video footage, accident reconstruction, and even traffic flow patterns to prove driver negligence and protect our clients from unfair blame. Lupe Peña’s past experience for insurance defense firms gives us a crucial advantage, as he knows exactly how to anticipate and dismantle these comparative fault tactics that are routinely used against Texas cyclists.

Severe Injuries in Texas Bicycle Accidents

Due to the complete lack of protection, cyclists often suffer severe and life-altering injuries in collisions with motor vehicles:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Helmets reduce risk but cannot eliminate head trauma, especially in high-speed impacts.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Leading to paralysis or permanent neurological deficits.
• Broken Bones: Especially to the arms, legs, pelvis, and ribs.
• Internal Organ Damage: Caused by the force of impact.
• Severe Road Rash: Deep tissue damage, nerve damage, and scarring.
• Dental and Facial Injuries: Direct impact can shatter teeth and cause severe facial trauma.
• Wrongful Death: Tragically, many bicycle accidents in Texas prove fatal.

These extensive injuries lead to massive medical bills, long periods of lost income, and profound pain and suffering, necessitating aggressive legal action to secure fair compensation in Texas.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Texas Bicycle Accident Claim

Cyclists in Texas deserve an aggressive legal advocate who understands their vulnerabilities and rights on the road. Attorney911 provides:

• Unwavering Dedication: We fight tirelessly against the biases often faced by cyclists, ensuring the focus remains on driver negligence.
• Thorough Investigation and Expert Network: We quickly secure critical evidence, from accident scene data to potential surveillance footage, and work with accident reconstructionists and medical experts to build a compelling case.
• Insurance Insider Knowledge: Lupe Peña’s background means we know the precise tactics insurance companies will use to minimize your claim, and we proactively counter them, from disputing fault to downplaying injuries.
• Maximizing Compensation: We relentlessly pursue full compensation for all your economic and non-economic damages, ensuring you have the resources needed for recovery and adaptation in Texas.
• No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we secure a financial recovery for you.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Texas, don’t let insurance companies or societal biases diminish your right to justice. Your legal emergency demands immediate, expert intervention.

If you’ve been hurt while cycling in Texas, call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. Hablamos Español.

E-Scooter and E-Bike Accident Lawyers in Texas

The proliferation of e-scooters and e-bikes has rapidly changed the urban landscape in Texas, offering convenient and eco-friendly transportation options in cities like Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. However, these increasingly popular modes of transport also come with inherent risks, leading to a rise in accidents, severe injuries, and complex liability questions. Whether you’re a rider injured by a negligent driver or a pedestrian struck by one of these devices, Attorney911 understands the evolving legal dynamics of e-scooter and e-bike accidents in Texas and is prepared to fight for your rights.

E-bikes, in particular, are seeing massive growth. In Texas, e-bike classifications define their legal status:

• Class 1: Pedal-assist up to 20 mph, no throttle.
• Class 2: Throttle-assisted up to 20 mph, also pedal-assist.
• Class 3: Pedal-assist up to 28 mph, no throttle.

E-bikes over 750W motor power or exceeding these speed limits (especially if with throttle and over 20mph) might be classified as motor vehicles, triggering different insurance and registration requirements. There is currently no statewide helmet requirement, though some cities like Austin require helmets for riders under 17.

Unique Challenges & Liabilities in Texas E-Bike and E-Scooter Accidents

E-scooter and e-bike accidents in Texas present a blend of traditional personal injury law and emerging product liability and premises liability issues. Navigating these requires an attorney with a forward-thinking and meticulous approach:

1. Rider vs. Motorist Accidents:

• Often resemble bicycle accidents, with riders highly vulnerable to negligent or distracted drivers.
• Insurance companies may attempt to blame the e-bike/e-scooter rider, similar to tactics against cyclists. We use crash data and witness statements to overcome this bias.

2. Pedestrian vs. Rider Accidents:

• E-scooter and e-bike riders can negligently strike pedestrians, often due to excessive speed, riding on sidewalks, or rider inexperience.
• Injured pedestrians can pursue claims against the rider and potentially the e-scooter company if negligence in maintenance or deployment is found.

3. Product Liability (Scooter/Bike Malfunctions):

• Defective batteries leading to fires (a significant concern for e-bikes).
• Faulty brakes, accelerators, or steering components.
• Structural failures of the device itself.
• If a product defect caused your accident in Texas, the manufacturer or distributor could be liable.

4. Premises Liability (Infrastructure Defects):

• Poorly maintained roads, bike lanes, or sidewalks with potholes, cracks, or debris can cause riders to lose control.
• The city, county, or private property owner responsible for the maintenance could be held liable.

An October 2024 verdict in Portland awarded $1.6 million to an e-bike rider struck by an SUV, demonstrating the significant damages that can be recovered in these cases.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Texas E-Scooter or E-Bike Accident

The legal landscape concerning e-scooters and e-bikes in Texas is rapidly evolving. You need a firm that is not only experienced in personal injury law but also attuned to these modern challenges. Attorney911 provides:

• Forward-Thinking Expertise: Ralph Manginello and our team stay current with new forms of transportation and their unique legal implications in Texas.
• Aggressive Investigation: We thoroughly investigate crash scenarios, regardless of complexity, to prove fault and determine all liable parties in Texas, from negligent drivers to device manufacturers or city entities.
• Insurance Insider: Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge of how insurance companies approach injury claims is crucial. He knows how they minimize newly emerging accident types to protect their bottom line, and he uses that knowledge to fight for you.
• Maximizing Compensation: We relentlessly pursue full compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term impacts of your injuries, whether you were a rider or a pedestrian, in Texas.
• No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we secure a financial recovery for you.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an e-scooter or e-bike accident in Texas, don’t let the novelty of the situation deter you from seeking justice. Your legal emergency requires immediate, expert intervention.

If you’ve been involved in an e-scooter or e-bike accident in Texas, call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. Hablamos Español.

Ambulance and Emergency Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Texas

Emergency vehicles, including ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars, play a critical role in responding to crises across Texas. While these vehicles are granted special privileges on the road, such as the ability to disregard certain traffic laws to respond rapidly, they are not immune to accidents. When an ambulance or emergency vehicle is involved in a collision—especially when lights and sirens are not activated—the complexities of liability, governmental immunity, and the unique circumstances of their operation make these cases exceptionally challenging. Attorney911 provides expert legal representation for victims of Texas emergency vehicle accidents, ensuring fair compensation.

Statistics from TxDOT show that accidents involving emergency vehicles do occur, contributing to the overall number of injuries and fatalities on Texas roads. While specific numbers for 2024 are not broken down by individual emergency vehicle type, their involvement in any collision typically results in significant damage and severe injuries due to their size and speed.

Complexities of Emergency Vehicle Accident Claims in Texas

Accidents involving ambulances and other emergency vehicles in Texas are distinct from standard car accident claims due to several critical factors:

• Special Privileges vs. Duty of Care: Emergency vehicle drivers, when operating with activated lights and sirens in an emergency, can legally exceed speed limits, proceed through red lights or stop signs, and even drive the wrong way on a one-way street. However, this privilege is not absolute. They still owe a duty of care to drive with reasonable regard for the safety of all persons and property and to not endanger life or property. If they fail in this duty, they can be held liable.
• Governmental Immunity: Often, emergency vehicles are operated by governmental entities (city, county, state). These entities in Texas are typically protected by sovereign immunity, which limits their liability and imposes very strict, short deadlines (often as little as 6 months from the incident date) for filing a formal “notice of claim.” Missing this crucial deadline can permanently bar your ability to recover compensation. Ralph Manginello’s decades of experience in Texas courtrooms include successfully navigating these complex governmental claims.
• Circumstances of Operation: Was the emergency vehicle responding to a true emergency? Were its lights and sirens activated? Was the driver properly trained? These questions are central to determining liability. The standard of care for a driver with lights and sirens activated differs significantly from one operating a vehicle without them.
• Multiple Liable Parties: Beyond the driver themselves, the governmental agency, the specific department (e.g., fire department, police department), or even the manufacturer of a defective vehicle part could be held liable.

Who Can Be Injured in a Texas Emergency Vehicle Accident?

Victims of these accidents in Texas can include:

• Occupants of other vehicles: Often suffer severe and catastrophic injuries due to the impact with a large, fast-moving emergency vehicle.
• Pedestrians and cyclists: Who may be struck by an emergency vehicle.
• Emergency personnel: If injured due to another driver’s negligence or their own department’s actions.
• Patients in ambulances: Though rare, a patient being transported in an ambulance can be injured if the ambulance is involved in a crash.

The extensive damages in these cases—including substantial medical expenses, lost income, catastrophic injuries, and prolonged pain and suffering—demand aggressive legal representation in Texas.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Texas Emergency Vehicle Accident Claim

Taking on a governmental entity or large corporation after an ambulance or emergency vehicle accident in Texas requires a law firm with a proven track record, specific legal knowledge, and substantial resources. Attorney911 provides:

• Governmental Claim Expertise: Ralph Manginello and our firm have extensive experience in Texas handling claims against city, county, and state entities, navigating their unique legal protections and strict procedural requirements.
• Detailed Investigation: We meticulously investigate the accident scene, vehicle data recorders, communication logs (e.g., dispatcher recordings), and witness statements to determine if a duty of care was breached, even when privileges apply.
• Insider Advantage: Lupe Peña’s background provides invaluable insight into how governmental entities and their insurers will attempt to assert immunities and defend against claims, allowing us to proactively counter their strategies in Texas.
• Maximizing Compensation: We are committed to securing the maximum possible compensation for your injuries and losses, fighting tirelessly against powerful defendants in Texas.
• No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we secure a financial recovery for you.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving an ambulance or emergency vehicle in Texas, the deadline to file a “notice of claim” against a government entity is extremely short. Your legal emergency demands immediate, expert intervention.

If you’ve been injured in a Texas emergency vehicle accident, call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately for a free consultation. Hablamos Español.

Delivery Vehicle Accidents Lawyers in Texas: When the Package Driver Causes a Crash

The rapid growth of e-commerce has led to a boom in delivery services, resulting in a significant increase in delivery vans, trucks, and even cars on Texas roads. From Amazon DSP vehicles to FedEx, UPS, DoorDash, and local couriers, these vehicles are constantly under pressure to meet delivery quotas, sometimes leading to hurried, distracted, or negligent driving. When a delivery driver causes an accident in Texas, the aftermath can be complicated by corporate liability, commercial insurance policies, and sometimes even federal regulations. Attorney911 is uniquely equipped to handle delivery vehicle accident claims across Texas.

The prevalence of delivery services is undeniable. Statistics highlight the growing risk:

• A 2024 verdict in Georgia awarded $16.2 million after a child was struck by an Amazon delivery van, with Amazon found 85% responsible.
• The 2024 Lopez v. All Points 360 case resulted in a $105 million verdict against an Amazon Delivery Service Partner (DSP).
• Even food delivery services are seeing significant lawsuits, such as a Grubhub wrongful death lawsuit in Arizona where the driver was reportedly distracted by the app.

These cases demonstrate a clear trend of holding delivery companies, not just individual drivers, accountable for negligence on Texas roads.

Corporate Liability and Commercial Insurance in Texas Delivery Accidents

Delivery vehicle accidents in Texas often involve complexities that differ from standard car accidents, primarily due to the commercial nature of these operations:

• Corporate Responsibility: Unlike a personal vehicle, delivery drivers are often working for a company or a third-party contractor (like Amazon DSPs). This means the corporate entity can be held liable for their employee’s negligence under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior (employer liable for employee’s actions within scope of employment).
• Negligent Hiring/Training: Companies can be liable for negligent hiring (e.g., not properly vetting drivers), negligent training, or setting unrealistic delivery quotas that encourage dangerous driving. The $105 million Lopez v. All Points 360 verdict highlighted an unlicensed, untrained driver.
• Commercial Insurance: Delivery vehicles typically carry robust commercial insurance policies with limits far exceeding personal auto policies, often in the millions of dollars. This offers greater potential for compensation for severely injured victims in Texas. Our firm works diligently to access these larger policies.
• Amazon DSP Liability: Amazon uses a network of Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) but contractually requires them to “defend and indemnify” Amazon for injuries. Reports indicate DSPs have a higher safety violation rate than average motor carriers. There were 1,879 crashes involving Amazon-related motor carriers in a recent 24-month period up to August 2025.
• Food Delivery Apps: Lawsuits against companies like Grubhub and Instacart argue that their business models and app design can contribute to driver distraction.

Lupe Peña’s background, having worked for a national defense firm, provides crucial insider knowledge. He knows how these large corporations and their insurers structure their defenses, and he uses that knowledge to anticipate their strategies and fight for full compensation for our Texas clients.

Common Causes and Catastrophic Injuries in Texas Delivery Accidents

Delivery drivers face pressure to be fast and efficient, which can lead to negligent behaviors:

• Distracted Driving: Primarily from using phone GPS, communicating with dispatch, and managing delivery apps.
• Speeding/Aggressive Driving: Rushing to meet quotas.
• Fatigue: Long hours and demanding schedules can lead to drowsy driving.
• Improper Parking/Stopping: Blocking visibility or creating hazards for others.
• Reckless Backing: Accidents often occur in residential areas where drivers back up without clear visibility.

Due to the size of delivery vehicles and the force of impact, injuries are often severe, similar to other commercial vehicle accidents: traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, broken bones, and wrongful death.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Texas Delivery Vehicle Accident Claim

When a delivery vehicle accident leaves you injured in Texas, you need a law firm that understands the complexities of corporate liability and commercial insurance. Attorney911 provides:

• Corporate Litigation Experience: Ralph Manginello and our firm have decades of experience taking on major corporations, including our involvement in the BP explosion litigation, which demonstrates our capability for complex, high-stakes cases.
• Insurance Insider Advantage: Lupe Peña’s specialized knowledge means we know how these large companies and their insurers formulate their defense strategies and attempt to minimize payouts, allowing us to build a precise plan of attack.
• Aggressive Investigation: We rapidly secure crucial evidence, from driver logs and GPS data to company training records and vehicle maintenance reports, ensuring no stone is left unturned in Texas.
• Maximizing Compensation: We fight for maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, future care, and profound pain and suffering in Texas, ensuring negligent corporations bear the financial burden.
• No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we secure a financial recovery for you.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a delivery vehicle accident in Texas, don’t let a large corporation intimidate you. Your legal emergency demands immediate, expert intervention.

If a delivery vehicle has injured you in Texas, call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. Hablamos Español.

Other Motor Vehicle Accidents in Texas

While car, truck, and popular rideshare accidents dominate the headlines, the diverse landscape of Texas roads and waterways can give rise to many other types of motor vehicle collisions. From collisions on construction sites to accidents involving boats, each scenario presents unique legal challenges, specific evidence requirements, and varying liability frameworks. Regardless of how peculiar or niche your accident may seem, Attorney911 possesses the broad experience and meticulous investigative skills necessary to handle a wide range of motor vehicle accident claims across Texas.

Our firm is committed to addressing every unique accident type that occurs in Texas, ensuring victims receive the specialized legal attention they deserve.

Construction Zone Accidents in Texas

Texas’s constant growth means endless construction. However, these necessary work zones are exceptionally dangerous. In 2024, nearly 28,000 crashes occurred in Texas work zones, resulting in 215 deaths—a 12% increase from the previous year. Most are due to distracted or speeding drivers, but sometimes inadequate signage or unsafe zone design by contractors or even governmental entities (TxDOT) contributes. We investigate all potential negligent parties, including drivers, construction companies, and government agencies, securing evidence like traffic control plans and video to prove fault. We relentlessly pursue maximum compensation for injuries incurred in Texas construction zones, just as we did for families impacted by the BP explosion.

Train and Railroad Crossing Accidents in Texas

Accidents involving trains are catastrophic due to their immense speed and weight. Texas has thousands of miles of railroad tracks and numerous crossings, often leading to tragic incidents. These cases involve complex federal regulations (Federal Railroad Administration – FRA) and can implicate not only the train operator but also the railroad company (for negligent maintenance or inadequate safety warnings) or even local governments (for poorly designed crossings). Our federal court experience is critical for these cases, and we have a track record of handling high-stakes litigation, such as the $557 million verdict in 2023 against Union Pacific in a Texas train accident case.

Parking Lot Accidents in Texas

Parking lots are deceptively dangerous, accounting for a significant number of minor bumps and major collisions alike. While often involving lower speeds, they can still cause serious injuries. Liability in parking lot accidents can be complex due to factors like confusing right-of-ways, lack of clear signage, or pedestrian traffic. Insurance companies often try to label parking lot accidents as “50/50 fault” (which is rarely true). We investigate surveillance footage, witness statements, and traffic patterns to definitively establish fault, ensuring our Texas clients are not unfairly blamed.

Boating and Maritime Accidents in Texas

With a long coastline and numerous lakes, boating accidents are a reality in Texas. These incidents, often caused by intoxicated boat operators, speeding, negligent operation, or defective equipment, fall under complex maritime laws or the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code. Injuries can range from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries or drowning. Our firm has specific experience in maritime cases, such as a recent case where our client injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship. Our investigation revealed that he should have been assisted, leading to a significant cash settlement. Our federal court admission is also highly relevant for maritime claims in Texas.

Types of Damages & Compensation You Can Recover in Texas

After a motor vehicle accident in Texas, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation for the full scope of your losses, both tangible and intangible. Attorney911 is dedicated to relentlessly pursuing every type of damage available to ensure our clients receive the maximum compensation they deserve.

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas)

These are quantifiable financial losses directly resulting from your accident:

• Medical Expenses (Past & Future): This includes everything from emergency room visits, ambulance fees, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor appointments, physical therapy, prescription medications, medical equipment, to long-term rehabilitation and future medical care plans for catastrophic injuries.
• Lost Wages (Past & Future): Income you’ve already lost due to being unable to work, as well as your reduced ability to earn income in the future (lost earning capacity) if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job or limit your career progression.
• Property Damage: Costs for repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle, as well as any other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: This can cover transportation costs to medical appointments, home modifications for disability access, and expenses for household help during your recovery.

Texas law places no cap on the amount of economic damages you can recover, ensuring that victims with life-altering injuries receive the full financial support required for their lifetime care.

Non-Economic Damages (No Cap Except Medical Malpractice)

These damages compensate for the intangible, non-financial losses that significantly impact your quality of life:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort you have endured and will continue to endure.
• Mental Anguish: This includes emotional distress, anxiety, depression, fear, frustration, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) stemming from the accident and its aftermath.
• Physical Impairment: Compensation for the loss of physical function, disability, and limitations on your daily activities, hobbies, and overall mobility.
• Disfigurement: Compensation for scarring, burns, or other permanent visible injuries that affect your appearance and self-esteem.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: When your injuries prevent you from participating in activities, hobbies, and aspects of life you once enjoyed.
• Loss of Consortium: In cases of severe injury or wrongful death, this compensates a spouse for the loss of companionship, affection, assistance, and sexual relations.

In Texas, there is generally no cap on non-economic damages in personal injury cases, allowing juries to award substantial amounts for profound suffering, except in specific cases like medical malpractice.

Punitive/Exemplary Damages (Capped in Texas)

These damages are not intended to compensate the victim but rather to punish the at-fault party for particularly egregious conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future. In Texas, punitive damages (also called exemplary damages) are available only when there is clear and convincing evidence of:

• Gross Negligence: A conscious indifference to the rights, safety, or welfare of others (e.g., drunk driving, extreme speeding).
• Fraud: Intentional misrepresentation causing harm.
• Malice: Specific intent to cause substantial injury.

Texas law caps punitive damages at the greater of $200,000 OR (2x economic damages + 1x non-economic damages, with a non-economic portion cap of $750,000). Drunk driving accident cases often qualify for punitive damages due to the conscious disregard for safety involved.

Nuclear Verdicts in Texas: Raising the Stakes

Texas has become a national leader in “nuclear verdicts,” which are jury awards exceeding $10 million (and often much higher). Between 2009 and 2023, there were 207 nuclear verdicts ($10M+) totaling over $45 billion in Texas alone, making our state #1 nationally in this category. Auto accidents, particularly those involving commercial vehicles and catastrophic injuries, account for 23.2% of all nuclear verdicts.

Recent Texas motor vehicle nuclear verdicts include:

• 2024 Hatch v. Jones: An $81.7 million verdict in a car accident wrongful death case.
• 2024 Frito-Lay Warehouse: A $72 million verdict in a vehicle collision case.
• 2024 Lopez v. All Points 360 (Amazon DSP): A staggering $105 million verdict.
• 2024 Oncor Electric: A $37.5 million verdict in a trucking accident case.
• 2023 Johnson v. Union Pacific: A historic $557 million verdict in a train accident.

These substantial awards demonstrate that Texas juries are often willing to provide significant compensation to seriously injured victims. Insurance companies are acutely aware of this trend, and the very threat of a “nuclear verdict” empowers our firm to negotiate higher settlements in Texas, even before a case reaches trial. Attorney911’s trial readiness and multi-million dollar track record give us formidable leverage in every negotiation.

Why Choose Attorney911 to Maximize Your Texas Damages

The true value of your accident claim in Texas is not always obvious, especially to insurance companies who aim to pay you as little as possible. Attorney911 offers:

• Experienced Valuation: Ralph Manginello and his team have decades of experience accurately assessing the full scope of your past, present, and future damages in Texas accident cases.
• Insider Knowledge: Lupe Peña, our former insurance defense attorney, knows precisely how insurance companies calculate settlements (using systems like Colossus) and the tactics they employ to minimize payouts. He uses this knowledge to fight for a higher valuation for you.
• Expert Network: We work with a network of medical specialists, life care planners, vocational experts, and economists to meticulously document every aspect of your damages and provide compelling testimony in Texas.
• Aggressive Advocacy: We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This trial readiness, combined with our track record of multi-million dollar results, signals to insurance companies that we will not back down and are prepared to fight for justice in Texas courtrooms.
• No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we secure a financial recovery for you.

If you have been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident in Texas, do not settle for less than you deserve. Your legal emergency demands immediate, expert intervention.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a Texas accident, call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. Hablamos Español.

Insurance Counter-Intelligence: How Attorney911 Beats Their Playbook in Texas

After a motor vehicle accident in Texas, you’re not just fighting against a negligent driver; you’re often up against powerful, profit-driven insurance companies that profit by minimizing payouts. They have vast resources, sophisticated software, and a playbook of tactics designed to deny, delay, and devalue your claim. At Attorney911, we believe that understanding these tactics is the first step toward beating them. Our firm, uniquely armed with insider knowledge, is your ultimate counter-intelligence system in Texas.

This is our fundamental competitive advantage:

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

Lupe Peña, one of our accomplished attorneys, spent years on the “other side,” defending insurance companies. He knows their playbook inside and out because he used to run it. Now, he uses that invaluable knowledge to fight FOR you, the injured victim, in Texas. This means we anticipate their moves, dismantle their arguments, and force them to pay fair compensation that other firms might miss.

Tactic #1: The Friendly Adjuster and the Recorded Statement Trap

What They Do: Within hours or days of your accident in Texas, expect a call from a seemingly friendly and helpful insurance adjuster. They’ll claim they just want to “get your side of the story” to “process your claim” and reassure you it’s “routine.” They’ll push for a recorded statement.

Their Real Agenda: The adjuster is not your friend. They are building a case against you. They use leading questions to:

• Get you to minimize your injuries (“You’re feeling better now, right?”)
• Elicit admissions of partial fault (“Were you distracted at all?”)
• Undermine your credibility with inconsistencies.

How We Counter: You are never required to give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance without legal counsel. We advise our clients in Texas never to give a recorded statement without our guidance. Once you hire Attorney911, all communications go through us. We know their questions because Lupe asked them for years. We ensure your rights are protected and you don’t inadvertently harm your case.

Tactic #2: The Quick Settlement Lowball Offer

What They Do: Shortly after your accident in Texas, often before you even know the full extent of your injuries and certainly before you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, the insurance company will offer a quick, lowball settlement. They’ll create artificial urgency: “This offer expires in 48 hours!” or “This is our final offer!”

Their Real Agenda: They know you’re in pain, overwhelmed, and burdened by mounting medical bills and lost wages. They’re hoping you’ll accept quick cash out of desperation, tricking you into signing a release that forever bars you from seeking additional compensation, even if your injuries worsen or require surgery down the line. Lupe calculated these lowball offers for years; he knows they’re typically 10-20% of your claim’s true value.

How We Counter: We advise our clients in Texas to never accept a settlement before reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). We handle all negotiations, educate you on the true value of your claim, and only recommend settlement when it fully compensates you for all your damages, present and future.

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

What They Do: As your case progresses, the insurance company will insist you attend an “Independent Medical Examination” performed by a doctor of their choosing in Texas.

Their Real Agenda: This exam is anything but independent. These doctors are paid handsomely by insurance companies (often thousands of dollars per exam) and consistently produce reports that:

• Minimize injuries (“Injuries consistent with minor trauma”).
• Blame pre-existing conditions (“Patient has degenerative changes”).
• Claim there are no objective findings (“Subjective complaints out of proportion”).
• State you can return to work (“Patient can return to full duty”).

How We Counter: Lupe knows these specific doctors and their biases because he used to hire them for the insurance companies. We prepare you thoroughly for the exam, ensuring you understand its purpose. We challenge biased IME reports with strong counter-evidence from your treating physicians and, if necessary, with our own medical experts.

Tactic #4: Delay, Deny, and Financial Pressure

What They Do: If they can’t get you to settle early, insurance companies often resort to dragging out your claim in Texas. They’ll delay investigations, take weeks to respond, “lose” documents, or demand endless “additional information.”

Their Real Agenda: They are betting that mounting medical bills, lost income, and the general stress of the situation will make you desperate enough to accept a lower settlement just to make it all end. They are earning interest on your money while you drown in debt.

How We Counter: We refuse to be intimidated by delay tactics. We aggressively push your case forward, filing lawsuits in Texas courts when necessary, scheduling depositions, demanding discovery, and preparing fully for trial. Lupe understands delay tactics because he deployed them for years. He knows when, and how, to turn up the pressure and force them to the negotiating table.

Tactic #5: Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring

What They Do: Insurance companies often hire private investigators to conduct surveillance on you in Texas, filming your daily activities. They also meticulously scour your social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.) and your friends’ pages, screenshotting everything.

Their Real Agenda: They are looking for any photo or video that contradicts your injury claims. A single photo of you smiling, walking your dog, or attending a family event can be twisted and presented out of context to argue you’re not as injured as you claim, even if your doctors recommended light activity or you were just having a good moment on a bad day.

How We Counter: We rigorously educate our clients in Texas about social media dangers and surveillance. We advise making all profiles private and refraining from posting about your case or activities. Lupe’s experience reviewing hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as a defense attorney means he knows how they take innocent activity out of context. We proactively counter this by documenting recommended activities, activity limitations, and using your treating doctors to support your claims of pain and restricted movement.

Tactic #6: The Broad Medical Authorization Trap

What They Do: Insurance companies will ask you to sign a “medical authorization” form, claiming they need it to “process your claim.” This form often grants them unlimited access to your entire medical history in Texas, not just records related to the accident.

Their Real Agenda: They are fishing for “pre-existing conditions.” They’ll meticulously comb through years of your medical records to find any past injury, ache, or diagnosis (even minor ones) to argue that your current injuries aren’t new but merely an “aggravation” of something old, thereby minimizing their liability. They ignore the fact that Texas law allows recovery for the aggravation of pre-existing conditions.

How We Counter: We advise our clients in Texas never to sign a broad medical authorization without legal review. We provide them with only narrowly tailored authorizations that limit access to accident-related treatment and specific timeframes. We understand that under the “eggshell plaintiff” rule in Texas, you are entitled to compensation even if your existing medical conditions made you more susceptible to injury. We work with medical experts to prove how the accident aggravated your condition.

Tactic #7: Colossus and the Algorithmic Devaluation

What They Do: Many national insurance companies (e.g., Allstate, State Farm, Liberty Mutual) use claims software like Colossus and similar programs to calculate the minimum they believe your claim is worth. Adjusters input specific codes for injuries and treatment, and the software generates a lowball settlement range.

Their Real Agenda: This software is specifically programmed to undervalue serious injuries. Adjusters are trained to use the lowest possible injury codes, turning a complex medical issue into a generic data point, regardless of your actual suffering.

How We Counter: Lupe Peña used these systems for years. He understands exactly how Colossus works and how it can be manipulated. He knows what medical terms and documentation trigger higher valuations in the system and how to present your medical records to beat the algorithm. He also recognizes when the Colossus valuation dramatically undervalues a truly catastrophic injury, signaling to us that trial may be necessary.

Tactic #8: Policy Limits Bluff

What They Do: In cases of severe injury in Texas, the at-fault driver’s insurance may tell you, “This is our policy limits. We can’t pay you any more.” They hope you will take their word for it and settle for what might be a woefully insufficient amount.

Their Real Agenda: They are hoping you won’t investigate further. Many drivers, and even some attorneys, fail to uncover additional layers of coverage that could be available, such as umbrella policies, commercial policies (if the driver was working), or corporate policies for companies that own fleets of vehicles.

How We Counter: We don’t take an insurance company’s word at face value. We demand full disclosure of all policies, including searching for hidden umbrella policies, corporate coverage, and any other potential avenues for recovery in Texas. In one real example, insurance claimed a $30,000 policy limit, but we investigated and found over $8 million in various policies, ultimately recovering $3.2 million for our client instead of $30,000. Lupe’s insurance knowledge spent years evaluating multi-layer coverage and helps us find policies other attorneys miss.

These are just some of the tactics insurance companies employ in Texas to minimize your compensation. Without an attorney armed with insider knowledge, you are at a severe disadvantage.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Texas Car Accident Case

After a devastating motor vehicle accident in Texas, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a powerful advocate with a proven track record, insider knowledge, and unwavering dedication to your recovery. At Attorney911, a trade name of The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, we pride ourselves on delivering a level of representation that sets us apart from other firms in Texas. We fight relentlessly to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.

Here are the unique advantages that make Attorney911 your premier choice in Texas:

Advantage 1: The Insurance Defense Insider

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

This is our fundamental, unbeatable advantage in Texas. Lupe Peña, one of our accomplished attorneys, spent years on the “other side,” defending the very insurance companies we now fight. He knows their playbook, their tactics, their valuation software (like Colossus), and their weak points because he used to run their defense strategies. Now, that invaluable insight is wielded against them, for you.

What This Means for Your Case in Texas:

• Anticipation: We don’t just react to their moves; we anticipate them, building our case to preempt their defenses.
• Decryption: We understand how they value claims from the inside, ensuring they cannot undersell your true damages.
• Unmasking: Lupe knows which IME doctors they favor and how to dismantle their biased reports.
• Leverage: We speak their language fluently, forcing them to take your claim seriously from day one.

No other firm in Texas (North America > United States > Texas) has this precise, insider perspective, making us uniquely capable of overcoming their sophisticated tactics.

Advantage 2: Multi-Million Dollar Results, Not Just Promises

When your life is on the line, you need a firm with a proven track record of securing substantial compensation. Attorney911 has consistently achieved multi-million dollar results for accident victims across Texas.

Our Results Speak for Themselves:

• Catastrophic Brain Injury: We secured a “Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at logging company.” This demonstrates our ability to handle complex, severe injury cases against large entities.
• Life-Altering Amputation: Following a car accident where staff infections led to a client’s partial leg amputation, we fought tirelessly, and this case “settled in the millions,” ensuring our client could rebuild their life.
• Wrongful Death: In the most tragic cases, we’ve recovered “millions of dollars in compensation” for families facing trucking-related wrongful death, helping them find justice for their lost loved ones.

Our firm prepares every case as if it’s going to trial. This trial readiness, combined with our track record of multi-million dollar results and the leverage of Texas’s nuclear verdicts trend, signals to insurance companies that we are not bluffing and will fight for the absolute maximum.

Advantage 3: Federal Court Experience and Major Litigation Capability

Texas accident cases, especially those involving commercial trucks, product defects, or multi-state parties, can quickly escalate to federal court. Ralph Manginello holds admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, a critical credential that many personal injury attorneys lack.

Why This Matters for Your Texas Case:

• Federal Expertise: We are fully equipped to navigate the complex rules and procedures of federal court, which differ significantly from state courts.
• Against Giant Corporations: Our firm was one of the few involved in the BP explosion litigation, demonstrating our capacity to take on billion-dollar multinational corporations in the highest stakes legal battles. This capability is directly transferable to large-scale trucking or product liability lawsuits in Texas.
• Comprehensive Advocacy: Our federal court admission means we can represent you in the full spectrum of personal injury litigation across Texas, ensuring no legal avenue is closed off due to a lack of credentials.

Advantage 4: Personal Attention and Compassionate Advocacy

Unlike high-volume “settlement mill” firms in Texas where you might never speak to an attorney, at Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña. We believe in genuine, consistent communication and treating our clients like family.

What Our Clients in Texas Say:

• As Chad Harris powerfully states: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”
• Ambur Hamilton shares: “I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.”
• Dame Haskett praises our responsiveness: “Consistent communication and not one time did i call and not get a clear answer…Ralph reached out personally.”
• Stephanie Hernandez describes how our team, including Leonor, acts: “When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me…She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.”

Our team includes dedicated paralegals like Leonor, Melani, Amanda, and bilingual staff such as Zulema, who ensures language is never a barrier. As Celia Dominguez shared, “Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.” We are your partners in recovery, providing support every step of the way in Texas.

Advantage 5: Contingency Fee Basis – No Risk to You

We believe that access to justice should not be determined by your financial situation.

• Free Consultation: Your initial consultation with us is always free, with no obligation.
• No Upfront Costs: We advance all case costs, including investigation, expert fees, and court filings.
• “We Don’t Get Paid Unless We Win Your Case”: This means you pay nothing at all unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, typically 33.33% before trial and 40% if the case goes to trial. You may still be responsible for court costs and case expenses regardless of outcome.

This contingency fee structure ensures that anyone injured in Texas, regardless of their financial resources, can afford top-tier legal representation. We take on the financial risk so you can focus entirely on your recovery.

Choose the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ for Your Texas Case

When shattered by a motor vehicle accident in Texas, the choice of your legal team can profoundly shape your financial recovery and your future. Attorney911 offers an unmatched combination of experience, insider knowledge, and dedicated client care. We know the courts, the tactics insurers use, and how to fight effectively for maximum compensation in Texas.

From our principal office in Houston, Texas, we proudly serve metropolitan areas like Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, as well as every corner of our vast state. We know the local nuances—from the courtrooms of Harris County to the specific intersections in Austin—and yet possess a statewide reach to assist clients from El Paso to the Golden Triangle. Our commitment to Texas is in our roots, with Ralph Manginello being a proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and Lupe Peña a 3rd Generation Texan from Sugar Land.

If you’re facing a legal emergency in Texas, don’t wait. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation today. Hablamos Español.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Texas

A car accident in Texas can trigger a cascade of questions and anxieties. Our goal at Attorney911 is to provide clear, comprehensive answers to help you navigate this challenging time. Here are common questions from car accident victims in Texas, addressed by our experienced legal team.

Immediate Actions After an Accident (Q1-6)

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

If you’ve been in an accident in Texas, your priority is safety and documenting the scene. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone is injured. Seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel hurt, as adrenaline can mask pain. Document everything: take photos of vehicle damage, your injuries, the scene, and road conditions. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, and gather names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Crucially, do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company without consulting an attorney. Then, call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance.

2. Should I call the police even for a minor accident in Texas?

Yes, always call the police after an accident in Texas. The police report is crucial for documenting the incident and can be vital evidence for your claim. In Texas, you are legally required to report accidents resulting in injuries, deaths, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Even for seemingly minor incidents, a police report can prevent disputes over fault later.

3. Should I seek medical attention if I don’t feel hurt after a crash in Texas?

ABSOLUTELY. Many serious injuries—especially whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding—may not show symptoms for hours or even days due to adrenaline. Insurance companies will use any delay in seeking medical treatment to argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident. Getting checked immediately creates an official record of your condition and helps ensure proper diagnosis.

4. What information should I collect at the scene of an accident in Texas?

Collect as much information as safely possible: other driver’s name, phone, address, driver’s license number, insurance company, and policy number. Note their vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate. Get names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Take extensive photos and videos of all vehicle damage, visible injuries, the accident scene, and road conditions. Finally, obtain the responding officer’s name, badge number, and the police report number.

5. Should I talk to the other driver or admit fault after a Texas accident?

No. Only exchange necessary contact and insurance information. Do NOT discuss fault, apologize, or say “I’m sorry” (this can be misinterpreted as an admission of fault). Do NOT offer your opinion on what happened. Stick strictly to the facts. The determination of fault is a legal matter that should be handled by an investigation, not assumed at the scene.

6. How do I obtain a copy of the accident report in Texas?

You can typically obtain a copy of your accident report directly from the responding law enforcement agency (e.g., Houston Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety) a few days after the incident. You can also request it through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS) website. Our firm assists clients in obtaining these reports as part of our initial investigation.

Dealing with Insurance Companies (Q7-12)

7. Should I give a recorded statement to insurance after my Texas accident?

No, not without consulting an attorney first. You are not required to give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If it’s your own insurance (for a UM/UIM claim), you have a duty to cooperate, but it’s still best to consult Attorney911 first. Insurance companies use recorded statements to gather information that can be used against you. Say, “I need to speak with my attorney first,” and then call us at 1-888-ATTY-911.

8. What if the other driver’s insurance contacts me after my Texas accident?

Simply state, “I need to speak with my attorney first,” and refer them to Attorney911. You are not obligated to speak with them without legal counsel. Do not discuss your injuries, the details of the accident, or fault. Once you retain us, we handle all communications with insurance companies, protecting you from their tactics.

9. Do I have to accept the insurance company’s estimate for my vehicle’s damage in Texas?

No. An insurance company’s initial estimate, particularly an adjuster’s estimate, is often a lowball figure to repair your vehicle. You have the right to get independent estimates from qualified body shops in Texas. We can help ensure your vehicle is properly assessed and repaired or that you receive fair market value if it’s a total loss.

10. Should I accept a quick settlement offer after my Texas accident?

NEVER accept a quick settlement offer from an insurance company without legal counsel. These offers are almost always far below what your claim is truly worth and typically presented before you even know the full extent of your injuries. Once you sign a release, you cannot seek further compensation, even if your medical condition worsens or requires surgery months later. Lupe Peña knows these lowball offers from his time working for national defense firms; he knows they are designed to minimize payouts.

11. What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured in Texas?

Your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is designed for this exact scenario. This coverage protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance to cover your damages. Filing a UM/UIM claim with your own insurance, however, can be complex, as they may try to minimize your payout. Attorney911 is expert in navigating UM/UIM claims, including stacking policies in Texas, to maximize your recovery. 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 after my Texas accident?

Insurance companies typically ask you to sign a broad medical authorization to gain unlimited access to your entire medical history, not just records related to the accident. Their goal is to find any pre-existing conditions or prior injuries they can blame for your current ailments, thereby minimizing their liability. Never sign a broad medical authorization without an attorney’s review; we ensure they only access accident-related records.

The Legal Process in Texas (Q13-20)

13. Do I have a personal injury case in Texas?

You likely have a personal injury case in Texas if someone else’s negligence caused your accident, you sustained injuries or damages, and there is an insurance policy to recover from. Severity of injuries, clarity of fault, and available insurance are key factors. Our firm offers a free consultation to evaluate your specific situation. 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 in Texas?

Immediately. Evidence disappears daily in Texas accidents. Surveillance footage can be deleted within 7-30 days, witness memories fade, and insurance companies begin building their defense against you from day one. Hiring Attorney911 right away ensures critical evidence is preserved and your rights are protected from the outset.

15. How much time do I have to file a lawsuit in Texas (Statute of Limitations)?

In Texas, you generally have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is called the statute of limitations for personal injury claims under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003. For wrongful death claims, it’s 2 years from the date of death. If you miss this deadline, your case will almost certainly be permanently barred, regardless of its merits.

16. What is comparative negligence in Texas and how does it affect me?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, often called the “51% bar rule.” This means that if you are found to be 50% or less at fault for an accident, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages at all. Insurance companies aggressively use this rule to minimize their payouts. 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 for an accident in Texas?

Even if you were partially at fault for an accident in Texas, you can still recover damages as long as your percentage of fault is 50% or less. Your total compensation will simply be reduced by your assigned percentage of fault. Our experienced attorneys, including Lupe Peña with his insider knowledge of comparative fault arguments, fight to minimize any blame unfairly placed on you.

18. Will my Texas car accident case go to trial?

Most personal injury cases in Texas settle before going to a full trial. However, Attorney911 prepares every case as if it will go to trial. This meticulous preparation and our willingness to litigate aggressively give us significant leverage during negotiations. Insurance companies know which firms are truly trial-ready. Watch our video: “Will Your Case Go to Trial?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ed5AnmCMcc.

19. How long will my Texas car accident case take to settle?

The timeline for a Texas car accident case varies significantly depending on the severity of your injuries, the complexity of liability, and the insurance company involved. Simple cases with minor injuries might settle in 6-9 months, while complex cases involving catastrophic injuries or multiple parties can take 18-24 months or longer. We typically advise against settling until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) to ensure all damages are known.

20. What is the legal process for a personal injury claim in Texas, step-by-step?

The general legal process for a personal injury claim in Texas involves: 1) Initial investigation and evidence gathering; 2) Medical treatment to maximum medical improvement (MMI); 3) Demand letter sent to the insurance company; 4) Negotiation and potential settlement; 5) If no settlement, filing a lawsuit; 6) Discovery (exchanging information and depositions); 7) Mediation (attempting to settle with a neutral third party); and 8) Trial, if a settlement cannot be reached. Watch our video: “What Is the Process for a Personal Injury Claim?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwzYymneDVs.

Compensation and Damages (Q21-26)

21. What is my Texas car accident case worth?

The value of your Texas car accident case depends on numerous factors, including the severity of your injuries, the total cost of past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, the extent of your pain and suffering, property damage, and the available insurance coverage. Cases can range from thousands for minor injuries to millions for catastrophic injuries. We’ll provide an honest assessment during your free consultation.

22. What types of damages can I recover in a Texas car accident claim?

In a Texas car accident claim, you can recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover tangible financial losses like past and future medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. Punitive damages may also be available in cases of gross negligence.

23. Can I get compensation for pain and suffering in Texas?

Yes. Pain and suffering is a significant component of personal injury cases in Texas. Unlike some other states, there is generally no cap on the amount of pain and suffering you can recover, except in specific cases like medical malpractice. We meticulously document the emotional and psychological impact of your injuries to maximize this aspect of your claim.

24. What if I have a pre-existing condition that was aggravated by the Texas accident?

You can absolutely still recover. Under Texas law, if an accident aggravates or worsens a pre-existing condition, you are entitled to compensation for the additional harm caused by the accident. This is known as the “eggshell plaintiff” rule: the at-fault driver takes you as you are found. Our firm works with medical experts to clearly differentiate between your pre-existing condition and the new or worsened injuries caused by the accident, ensuring fair compensation.

25. Will I have to pay taxes on my Texas car accident settlement?

Generally, compensation received for physical injuries (both economic and non-economic damages) in a Texas personal injury settlement is NOT taxable under federal law. However, punitive damages ARE typically taxable as ordinary income. It’s always best to consult with a qualified tax professional regarding your specific settlement.

26. How is the value of my Texas car accident claim determined?

The value of your claim in Texas is determined by a comprehensive assessment of your medical bills (past and future), lost income and earning capacity, the nature and permanence of your injuries, the impact on your quality of life, and comparison to similar verdicts and settlements. Our firm, particularly with Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge of insurance valuation methods, excels at building powerful claims that maximize these factors.

Working With an Attorney (Q27-31)

27. How much do car accident lawyers cost in Texas?

Attorney911 works on a contingency fee basis for car accident cases in Texas. This means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for your case. Our fee is a percentage of the final settlement or verdict, typically 33.33% before trial and 40% if the case proceeds to litigation and trial. This ensures you can afford expert legal representation regardless of your financial situation. 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 for my Texas case?

“No fee unless we win” means you have zero financial risk when hiring Attorney911 for your Texas car accident case. We cover all upfront costs associated with your case, including investigation fees, expert witness fees, and court filing fees. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing for our legal services. Our compensation is directly tied to our success in securing results for you. You may still be responsible for court costs and case expenses regardless of outcome, but these are typically taken from the final settlement.

29. How often will I get updates on my Texas car accident case?

At Attorney911, we prioritize consistent communication. We understand that transparency and regular updates are crucial for your peace of mind while your car accident case is ongoing in Texas. As client Dame Haskett shared, “Consistent communication and not one time did i call and not get a clear answer.” You’ll be kept informed about developments and always have access to our team.

30. Who will actually handle my Texas car accident case?

At Attorney911, we believe in providing personal attention. You’ll work directly with Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña, our experienced attorneys, who will oversee every aspect of your Texas car accident case. We don’t hand you off to a case manager assembly line like some larger firms. As Chad Harris explains, “You are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.” Our dedicated staff, including Leonor, Melani, and Amanda, will also support you throughout the process.

31. What if I already hired another attorney for my Texas car accident case?

You absolutely can switch attorneys if you are unhappy with your current legal representation in Texas. You have the right to choose an attorney who you believe will best advocate for your interests. Many of our clients have come to us after being dissatisfied with other firms. As Greg Garcia stated, “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 for a free, confidential consultation to discuss switching and how we can take over your case.

Mistakes to Avoid (Q32-35)

32. What common mistakes can hurt my Texas car accident case?

Several common mistakes can severely jeopardize your Texas car accident case: giving a recorded statement without an attorney, accepting a quick settlement offer, delaying medical treatment after the accident, having significant gaps in your medical treatment, posting about your accident or injuries on social media, and signing any releases or broad medical authorizations without legal review. These actions provide insurance companies with ammunition to devalue or deny your claim. Watch our video: “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.

33. Should I post about my Texas accident on social media?

NO. You should immediately set all your social media profiles to private and refrain from posting anything about your accident, your injuries, your treatment, or your activities during the entire legal process. Insurance companies actively monitor social media for any material they can twist and use to undermine your claim, even an innocent photo of you smiling that they claim contradicts your pain.

34. Why shouldn’t I sign anything without a lawyer after a Texas accident?

Signing any document after an accident in Texas without legal review can be detrimental to your case. This includes medical authorizations (which can grant access to your entire medical history), property damage releases (which might unknowingly waive injury claims), and settlement offers (which are final and prevent future claims). Once you sign, it’s almost impossible to undo. Always consult Attorney911 first.

35. What if I didn’t see a doctor right away after my Texas accident?

While it’s always best to seek immediate medical attention, if you initially delayed seeing a doctor, it’s crucial to see one NOW. Explain that you didn’t realize the severity of your injuries at first. Many injuries, especially soft tissue damage or concussions, have delayed onset symptoms. While a delay can complicate your case (as insurance companies will seize on it), our firm can still help you build a strong claim by demonstrating the legitimate reasons for your delay and connecting your injuries to the accident through medical evidence.

Additional Common Questions (Q36-40)

36. What if I have a pre-existing condition?

You can still recover. If the accident in Texas aggravated or caused an existing condition to flare up, you’re entitled to compensation for the aggravation. This is known as the “eggshell plaintiff” rule: Defendant takes victim as they find them. For example, if you had mild occasional back pain, but the accident caused a herniated disc requiring surgery, you recover for the NEW injury, not just the pre-existing pain. We hire medical experts to prove the difference. Lupe knows how insurance companies attack pre-existing conditions—he used this defense for years—and we know how to counter it effectively for our Texas clients.

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

YES. You can fire your attorney at any time, even if you’ve already signed an agreement with them. If your current attorney isn’t communicating, isn’t fighting for you, or is pushing you to settle for less than you deserve, you have the right to seek better representation. Attorney911 has successfully taken over and rebuilt many cases from other attorneys in Texas. As client Greg Garcia shared, “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Manginello law firm were able to help me out.” We can discuss switching at no cost to you. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

38. What if the insurance company is my own insurance (UM/UIM claim)?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured in Texas, you’ll be making a claim against your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) policy. Even though it’s your insurance, they will often fight your claim just as aggressively as if you were a third party. They prioritize their bottom line. You absolutely still need attorney representation to ensure your own insurer pays what they owe and does not act in bad faith. Texas allows inter-policy stacking, and Lupe’s insider insurance knowledge is critical for maximizing UM/UIM recovery.

39. How do you calculate pain and suffering in Texas?

Pain and suffering in Texas personal injury cases is most commonly calculated using a “multiplier method”: your total medical expenses are multiplied by a factor (usually between 1.5 and 5). The multiplier chosen depends on injury severity, permanency, impact on your daily life, and clarity of liability. For example, $100,000 in medical expenses with a 4x multiplier equals $400,000 for pain and suffering. Lupe Peña calculated these multipliers for years from the defense side—he knows how to justify higher multipliers and present your case to maximize this crucial aspect of compensation.

40. What if I was a passenger in the at-fault vehicle?

As an innocent passenger in an at-fault vehicle in Texas, you can absolutely pursue a claim against the driver’s insurance, even if they are a friend or family member. Your status as a passenger means you typically have no comparative fault. The driver’s insurance is meant to cover such situations. We handle these cases with sensitivity, acting as a buffer between you and the driver so you don’t have to navigate potentially uncomfortable conversations yourself. Your focus should be on your recovery.

Attorney911, a trade name of The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, is here for your legal emergency in Texas. We want to ensure you have all the information you need to make informed decisions. Our YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@Manginellolawfirm, offers over 200 videos explaining various aspects of personal injury law. You can also listen to Attorney 911 The Podcast, hosted by Ralph Manginello, available on Apple Podcasts for real-world cases and practical legal tips.

Don’t navigate the complex legal landscape of Texas car accidents alone. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for free, expert legal guidance today. Hablamos Español.

Our Commitment to Texas: Local Presence, Statewide Reach

From our principal office in Houston, Texas, Attorney911 proudly serves clients across the entire state of Texas. While our primary focus areas include Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our commitment to justice extends throughout all 254 counties of our great state. Whether your car accident occurred on the bustling freeways of Harris County, the rapidly expanding roads of Travis County, the industrial corridors of Jefferson County, or in any other community in Texas, our experienced legal team is prepared to fight for you.

• Houston, Harris County, Texas: Our main office is located in the heart of Houston. We are deeply familiar with the Harris County court system, local judges, accident patterns on I-10, I-45, and the Loop 610, and the specific insurance adjusters who operate here. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you’re contacting your local legal emergency responders, ready to assist across the greater Houston metropolitan area, including nearby communities like Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Pasadena, and Galveston.
• Austin, Travis County, Texas: Our Austin office extends our reach to the vibrant Central Texas region. We assist clients in Travis, Williamson, Hays, and Bastrop Counties, understanding the unique accident challenges on I-35 and the rapid development surrounding the state capital.
• Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas: Our Beaumont office serves the “Golden Triangle” region, including Jefferson, Orange, and Hardin Counties. With our proximity to the Houston Ship Channel and various refineries, we are uniquely positioned to handle industrial and commercial vehicle accidents endemic to this coastal region.

Even if you are in a more rural part of Texas, or a city further afield like El Paso, Midland, or Lubbock, our statewide practice means we are equipped to handle your case. Attorney911 offers remote consultations and our attorneys are willing to travel to depositions and court appearances across Texas, leveraging technology to streamline the client experience. Ralph Manginello holds admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, further extending our reach and capability across the entire state.

We don’t just know Texas law; we know Texas. Our deep roots in this state, combined with our decades of legal experience, ensure that regardless of where your accident occurred in Texas, you have access to top-tier legal representation.

If you’ve been injured anywhere in Texas, don’t hesitate. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Hablamos Español.

Attorney911: Your Legal Emergency Lawyers™

After a motor vehicle accident in Texas, your life can be profoundly altered in an instant. The pain, financial burdens, and emotional distress are immense, and confronting powerful insurance companies alone is an unfair fight. At Attorney911, a trade name of The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, we stand as your unwavering advocates, armed with decades of experience, unparalleled insider knowledge, and a fierce commitment to securing the justice and maximum compensation you deserve.

From our principal office in Houston, Texas, we proudly serve communities across the entire state. Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience in Texas courtrooms, his federal court admission, and our firm’s experience in major litigation like the BP explosion demonstrate our capability to handle even the most complex and high-stakes cases. Lupe Peña’s invaluable insider knowledge, gained from years working on the defense side for national insurance firms, gives our Texas clients a truly unique advantage—we know their playbook because he used to run it.

We understand that you’re in a legal emergency, and we respond accordingly. Don’t let precious evidence disappear, succumb to insurance company tactics, or miss critical deadlines. Our contingency fee basis ensures you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. Our phone lines are open 24/7, and our bilingual staff is ready to assist you. As client Monty Cazier concisely put it: “Very professional and got good results.”

When Your Life is on the Line, Call the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

Contact Attorney911 today for a free, confidential consultation.

Call Us 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

Visit Our Website: https://attorney911.com

Email Us: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com

Principal Office: The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC | 3200 Travis St, Suite 220, Houston, TX 77006

Hablamos Español.

We don’t get paid unless we win your case. If we recover compensation for you, our fee is a percentage of the recovery. You may still be responsible for court costs and case expenses regardless of outcome. Every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes.