Motor Vehicle Accidents in Mart, Texas: Your Guide to Legal Recovery

If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Mart, Texas, you’re not alone. With one crash occurring every 57 seconds across Texas and over 250,000 people injured annually, our roads have become increasingly dangerous. At Attorney911, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take on victims and their families. With Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience fighting for accident victims across Texas, our firm has recovered millions for clients just like you. Let us help you navigate this challenging time and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Why Mart, Texas Sees So Many Accidents

Mart sits at the intersection of several major roadways that connect Central Texas to larger cities like Waco and Dallas. This location brings significant traffic through our community, including:

• Highway 14 running north-south through town
• FM 1860 connecting to nearby communities
• I-35 just 20 minutes east, bringing heavy truck traffic
• Local roads like Main Street and Elm Street with frequent intersections

This mix of local and through traffic creates dangerous conditions, especially during peak travel times. The Texas Department of Transportation reports that intersection-related crashes account for a significant portion of accidents in communities like Mart. Our firm has handled numerous cases from this area, giving us unique insight into the local accident patterns and legal landscape.

Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Mart

Car Accidents (Most Common)

With 251,977 people injured in Texas car crashes last year alone, these are by far the most common accidents we see. In Mart, we frequently handle:

• Rear-end collisions at stoplights and intersections
• T-bone accidents at uncontrolled intersections
• Head-on collisions on rural roads
• Single-vehicle crashes involving roadway departures

Common injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and internal bleeding.

Case result: 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.

“Leonor got me into the doctor the same day…it only took 6 months amazing.” – Chavodrian Miles

Trucking Accidents (Most Severe)

With I-35 so close to Mart, we see many trucking accidents involving:

• 18-wheelers and commercial trucks
• Delivery vehicles (Amazon, FedEx, UPS)
• Agricultural equipment on rural roads

Texas leads the nation in fatal truck crashes, with 608 deaths last year. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries due to the size disparity between trucks (80,000 lbs) and passenger vehicles (4,000 lbs).

Case result: At Attorney911, our personal injury attorneys have helped numerous injured individuals and families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation.

Drunk Driving Accidents (Preventable Tragedies)

Texas saw 1,053 alcohol-impaired driving deaths last year – that’s 25% of all traffic fatalities. In Mart and surrounding McLennan County, we’ve handled numerous cases where:

• Local bars overserved patrons who then caused accidents
• Drivers from nearby Waco or Dallas caused crashes after leaving bars
• Underage drinking led to serious accidents

Texas dram shop laws allow us to hold establishments accountable when they serve obviously intoxicated patrons who then cause accidents.

Motorcycle Accidents (High Risk)

With 585 motorcyclist fatalities in Texas last year, these accidents often result in severe injuries. In rural areas like Mart, we see:

• Cars turning left in front of motorcycles
• Drivers failing to yield at intersections
• Single-vehicle crashes on rural roads

“I was rear-ended and the team got right to work…I also got a very nice settlement.” – MONGO SLADE

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents (Most Vulnerable)

With 768 pedestrian deaths in Texas last year, these accidents are particularly devastating. In Mart, we’ve handled cases involving:

• Pedestrians struck in crosswalks
• Children hit near schools
• Bicyclists hit on rural roads

Important legal point: Pedestrians always have the right-of-way at intersections in Texas, even at unmarked crosswalks.

What to Do Immediately After an Accident in Mart

First 24 Hours (Critical Evidence Window)

1. Safety first: Move to a safe location if possible
2. Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance
3. Document everything:
   • Take photos of all vehicle damage
   • Photograph the accident scene and road conditions
   • Get witness names and contact information
4. Exchange information: Get the other driver’s name, insurance, and contact details
5. Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked – adrenaline masks injuries
6. Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 – before speaking to any insurance company

Days 2-7 (Evidence Preservation)

• Preserve digital evidence: Don’t delete any accident-related photos, videos, or messages
• Secure physical evidence: Keep damaged clothing or personal items
• Follow up medically: Continue treatment and document all injuries
• Avoid social media: Insurance companies monitor your accounts
• Don’t give statements: Refer all insurance calls to Attorney911

Why Time is Critical

Evidence disappears quickly:

• Surveillance footage: 7-30 days
• Witness memories: fade rapidly
• Electronic data: ELD/black box data can be overwritten
• Physical evidence: vehicles repaired, roads repaired

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

Texas Motor Vehicle Laws You Need to Know

Statute of Limitations (2-Year Deadline)

You have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit in Texas. Miss this deadline and your case is barred forever.

Comparative Negligence (51% Bar Rule)

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system:

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

Insurance companies will try to blame you to reduce their payment. Our former insurance defense attorney Lupe Peña knows their tactics and how to counter them.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

Texas requires:

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

Problem: 15% of Texas drivers are uninsured. Your own UM/UIM coverage protects you in these situations.

How Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Your Claim

Having Lupe Peña, our former insurance defense attorney, gives us unique insight into their tactics:

1. The Quick Settlement Offer

Within days of your accident, they’ll offer a quick settlement – usually $2,000-$5,000. This is always a lowball offer designed to close your case before you know the full extent of your injuries.

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

2. The Recorded Statement Trap

They’ll call and say, “We just need your side of the story.” Everything you say will be used against you. They’ll ask leading questions to minimize your injuries and shift blame.

3. The IME (Independent Medical Exam) Scam

They’ll send you to a doctor they hire who will:

• Spend 10-15 minutes examining you
• Review only selected medical records
• Almost always find you’re less injured than you claim
• Say your treatment was excessive

Lupe knows these doctors and their tactics from his years working for insurance companies.

4. Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring

They’ll:

• Hire private investigators to follow you
• Monitor all your social media accounts
• Use photos or videos out of context
• Claim you’re not really injured

“I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as defense attorney. Here’s the truth: Insurance companies take innocent activity out of context. They freeze ONE frame of you moving ‘normally’ and ignore the 10 minutes of you struggling before and after.” – Lupe Peña

5. Delay, Deny, Defend Strategy

They’ll:

• Delay processing your claim
• Deny valid claims
• Defend aggressively in court
• Hope you’ll give up or accept less

6. Pre-Existing Condition Blame

They’ll dig through decades of your medical records to find any prior condition and claim your current injuries aren’t from the accident.

What You Can Recover in Your Mart Accident Case

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas)

• Medical expenses: Past and future treatment costs
• Lost wages: Income lost due to your injuries
• Lost earning capacity: Reduced ability to earn in the future
• Property damage: Vehicle repair or replacement
• Out-of-pocket expenses: Transportation, home modifications

Non-Economic Damages (No Cap Except Medical Malpractice)

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain from your injuries
• Mental anguish: Emotional distress, anxiety, depression
• Physical impairment: Loss of physical function
• Disfigurement: Scarring or permanent visible injuries
• Loss of consortium: Impact on your relationships
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to enjoy activities

Punitive Damages (Capped)

Available in cases of gross negligence or malice, such as drunk driving accidents. Capped at the greater of:

• $200,000, OR
• 2x economic damages + 1x non-economic damages (capped at $750,000)

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Mart Accident Case

1. Insurance Defense Insider Advantage

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

This gives us unique insight into:

• How they calculate claim values
• Which doctors they use for IMEs
• Their delay and deny tactics
• How to counter their strategies

2. Proven Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions for clients with:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Amputations
• Wrongful death cases

Documented case results:

• Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss
• This case settled in the millions after a car accident led to amputation
• Recovered millions in trucking-related wrongful death cases

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This allows us to handle complex cases including:

• Trucking accidents (FMCSA regulations)
• Product liability cases
• Cases against large corporations

4. Personal Attention from the Start

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

Unlike large firms where you’re just a case number, at Attorney911:

• You work directly with Ralph or Lupe
• We answer your calls and emails promptly
• We keep you informed every step of the way

5. No Fee Unless We Win

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

“Attorney Manginello is so knowledgeable but straight to the point…responded quickly even while he was away.” – S M

Frequently Asked Questions About Mart Accident Cases

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Mart?

1. Call 911 and report the accident
2. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine
3. Document everything with photos and witness information
4. Exchange information with the other driver
5. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 before speaking to any insurance company

Should I call the police even for a minor accident?

Yes. Always call the police. The police report is critical evidence. In Texas, you must report accidents with injuries, deaths, or property damage over $1,000.

Should I seek medical attention if I don’t feel hurt?

Absolutely. Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms immediately:

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

Insurance companies use delays in treatment against you.

What information should I collect at the scene?

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

Should I talk to the other driver or admit fault?

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

How do I obtain a copy of the accident report?

You can obtain the police report from the Mart Police Department or through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS).

Should I give a recorded statement to insurance?

To the other driver’s insurance: NO. Not without an attorney.
To your own insurance: You have a duty to cooperate, but call Attorney911 first.

What if the other driver’s insurance contacts me?

Say: “I need to speak with my attorney first.” Give only basic information (name, date of accident). Do NOT give a recorded statement. Do NOT discuss injuries or fault.

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

No. Their estimate is just an offer. It’s usually far below actual value. Attorney911 fights for what your case is really worth.

Should I accept a quick settlement offer?

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

What if the other driver is uninsured/underinsured?

Your own UM/UIM coverage can compensate you. Texas allows inter-policy stacking. Watch our video: “Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8

Why does insurance want me to sign a medical authorization?

They want unlimited access to your ENTIRE medical history to find pre-existing conditions to use against you. Never sign without attorney review.

Do I have a personal injury case?

You may have a case if:

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

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

When should I hire a car accident lawyer?

Immediately. Evidence disappears daily. Insurance companies start building their defense against you from day one. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.

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

In Texas: 2 years from date of accident for personal injury, 2 years from date of death for wrongful death. Miss it = case barred forever.

What is comparative negligence and how does it affect me?

Texas uses the 51% bar rule. If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover (reduced by your fault %). If 51%+ at fault, you get nothing.

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

What happens if I was partially at fault?

You can still recover if you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Will my case go to trial?

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

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

How long will my case take to settle?

Depends on injury severity. We don’t settle until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). Could be 6 months for minor injuries, 18-24 months for serious injuries.

What is the legal process step-by-step?

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

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

What is my case worth?

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

What types of damages can I recover?

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

Can I get compensation for pain and suffering?

Yes. Pain and suffering is a significant component of personal injury cases in Texas. There is NO CAP on pain and suffering (except medical malpractice).

What if I have a pre-existing condition?

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

Will I have to pay taxes on my settlement?

Generally, compensation for physical injuries is NOT taxable. Punitive damages ARE taxable. Consult a tax professional.

How is the value of my claim determined?

Based on: medical bills, future treatment costs, lost income, permanent impairment rating, comparable verdicts, severity of injuries, impact on daily life.

How much do car accident lawyers cost?

Attorney911 works on contingency: 33.33% before trial, 40% if trial. You pay nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win.

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

What does “no fee unless we win” mean?

You pay zero unless we recover money for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. We advance all case costs.

How often will I get updates?

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

Who will actually handle my case?

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

What if I already hired another attorney?

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

What if I was hit by a government vehicle (city bus, police car, etc.)?

Government claims have special rules. You must file notice within 6 months (much shorter than 2-year statute of limitations). Sovereign immunity protects government entities. These cases are complex – you need experienced attorney.

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

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

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

YES. Immigration status does NOT affect your right to compensation for injuries. You’re entitled to full recovery regardless of immigration status. Your case is confidential. We’ve successfully represented clients of all immigration statuses. Lupe is fluent in Spanish.

What if the accident happened in a parking lot?

Parking lot accidents are fully compensable. Insurance companies love to argue “parking lot accidents are always 50/50 fault” (LIE). We prove fault through: surveillance video, witness statements, damage analysis, traffic patterns.

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

You can sue the driver even if you were riding with them (friend, family member, Uber driver). You’re an innocent victim. Driver’s insurance covers passengers. No comparative fault issues (you weren’t driving). These cases often settle quickly because liability is clear.

What if the other driver died in the accident?

You can still pursue claim against deceased driver’s estate and insurance. Death doesn’t eliminate liability. Insurance policy still applies. Estate may have assets.

Serving Mart and All of McLennan County

Attorney911 serves Mart and the entire McLennan County area from our offices across Texas. While we’re based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our Texas-wide practice means we understand the unique challenges faced by accident victims in smaller communities like Mart.

We offer:

• Free consultations by phone or in-person
• Willingness to travel to Mart for important meetings
• Deep understanding of Texas law that applies equally across the state
• Experience with cases from rural areas and smaller courts

Whether you’re in Mart, Waco, or anywhere in between, we’re here to help. Texas law is the same whether you’re in Houston or Mart – the same 2-year statute of limitations applies, the same 51% comparative fault rule governs your case, and the same insurance tactics are used against you.

Call Attorney911 Today

If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Mart, Texas, don’t wait. Evidence disappears every day. The insurance company is already building their case against you. Call Attorney911 now for your free consultation.

1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

We don’t get paid unless we win your case. There’s no risk to you – only the potential for fair compensation.

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” – Angel Walle

Let our experience work for you. Call now.