Car Accidents in Muleshoe, Texas: Your Guide to Legal Recovery

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Muleshoe, Texas, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Texans suffer injuries in motor vehicle crashes—many right here in Bailey County. At Attorney911, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a car accident can take. With over 25 years of experience fighting for accident victims across Texas, our team is here to help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

The Reality of Car Accidents in Muleshoe

Texas sees a car crash every 57 seconds, resulting in one injury every 2 minutes and 5 seconds. In 2024 alone, 251,977 people were injured in Texas motor vehicle accidents. While Muleshoe may be a smaller community, our roads are not immune to these dangers. Whether you were traveling on Highway 84, FM 214, or any of the local streets in Muleshoe, a moment of negligence from another driver can change your life forever.

At Attorney911, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating these accidents can be. Ralph Manginello, our founding attorney with more than 25 years of experience, has helped countless Muleshoe residents recover from serious injuries caused by negligent drivers. Our team knows the local courts, the insurance adjusters who handle claims in this area, and the unique challenges that come with pursuing a claim in Bailey County.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Muleshoe

Car accidents in Muleshoe can happen for many reasons, but some of the most common causes we see include:

Distracted driving – Texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio can take a driver’s attention off the road in an instant.
Speeding – Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes.
Failure to yield – Drivers who ignore stop signs, red lights, or right-of-way rules often cause serious collisions.
Drunk or impaired driving – Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction time, leading to devastating accidents.
Fatigue – Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving, especially on long stretches of highway.
Poor weather conditions – Texas weather can be unpredictable, and slick roads or limited visibility can contribute to accidents.

No matter the cause of your accident, if another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you have the right to seek compensation.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-threatening. Some of the most common injuries we see in our clients include:

Whiplash and soft tissue injuries – These injuries often don’t show up immediately but can cause chronic pain and discomfort.
Herniated discs – Damage to the spinal discs can lead to severe pain, numbness, and even permanent disability.
Broken bones and fractures – The force of a collision can easily break bones, requiring surgery and lengthy recovery times.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – Even a mild concussion can have long-lasting effects on memory, concentration, and overall brain function.
Spinal cord injuries – These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care.
Internal injuries – Damage to organs or internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – Many accident victims experience anxiety, depression, and fear of driving after a crash.

In a recent case, our client suffered a leg injury in a car accident. During treatment, staff infections developed, leading to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions, ensuring our client received the compensation needed for lifelong care. While not every case involves such severe injuries, even “minor” injuries can have lasting consequences.

Why You Need an Attorney After a Car Accident

After a car accident, insurance companies will often contact you quickly, offering a fast settlement. While this may seem helpful, their goal is to minimize their payout—not to ensure you receive fair compensation. Here’s what they won’t tell you:

Early settlement offers are usually lowball – Insurance adjusters know that accident victims are often desperate for money to cover medical bills and lost wages. They may offer a quick settlement before you realize the full extent of your injuries.
They will use your words against you – If you give a recorded statement, they may twist your words to reduce your claim. Even saying “I’m feeling better” can be used to argue that your injuries aren’t serious.
They will downplay your injuries – Insurance companies often argue that your injuries are pre-existing or not as severe as you claim. They may send you to an “independent” medical exam with a doctor who works for them, not you.
They will delay your claim – The longer they can drag out your claim, the more financial pressure you’ll feel to accept a low offer.

At Attorney911, we know these tactics because Lupe Peña, one of our attorneys, used to work for insurance companies. He knows how they value claims, how they build cases against victims, and how to counter their strategies. This insider knowledge is a powerful advantage for our clients.

How Attorney911 Can Help

When you hire Attorney911, we take immediate action to protect your rights and build a strong case:

Evidence Preservation – We send preservation letters to all parties involved, ensuring critical evidence like surveillance footage, black box data, and witness statements are not lost or destroyed.
Thorough Investigation – Our team gathers police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any other evidence needed to prove liability.
Medical Documentation – We work with your doctors to ensure your injuries are properly documented, which is crucial for proving the extent of your damages.
Insurance Negotiation – We handle all communication with insurance companies, so you don’t have to deal with their tactics.
Litigation – If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our firm has federal court experience, and we’ve recovered millions for our clients in complex cases.

As client Chavodrian Miles shared, “Leonor got me into the doctor the same day…it only took 6 months amazing.” We pride ourselves on providing personal attention and fighting for every client as if they were family.

What You Can Recover in a Car Accident Claim

In Texas, accident victims can recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses, while non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses like pain and suffering.

Economic Damages:

Medical expenses – Past and future medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
Lost wages – Compensation for time missed from work due to your injuries.
Lost earning capacity – If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or reduce your ability to earn income in the future.
Property damage – Repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other damaged property.
Out-of-pocket expenses – Costs like transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, or hiring help for daily tasks.

Non-Economic Damages:

Pain and suffering – Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries.
Mental anguish – Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and other psychological effects of the accident.
Physical impairment – Compensation for any permanent disability or loss of function.
Disfigurement – Scarring or other permanent changes to your appearance.
Loss of consortium – The impact of your injuries on your relationship with your spouse or family.
Loss of enjoyment of life – Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed.

In some cases, punitive damages may also be available. These are awarded to punish the at-fault party for gross negligence or intentional misconduct, such as drunk driving. Texas law caps punitive damages, but they can still significantly increase the value of your claim.

The Texas 51% Rule: Why It Matters

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, often called the “51% rule.” This means that if you are found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation—but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation.

Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto the victim to reduce their payout. For example, they might argue that you were speeding, distracted, or could have avoided the accident. Lupe Peña’s experience working for insurance companies gives us an advantage in countering these arguments. He knows how they build their cases and how to dismantle them.

The Statute of Limitations: Why Time Is Critical

In Texas, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is strict, and missing it means you lose your right to seek compensation forever.

However, waiting too long to take action can hurt your case in other ways. Evidence disappears quickly:

Surveillance footage is typically deleted within 7-30 days.
Witness memories fade over time.
Vehicle damage is repaired, destroying crucial evidence.
Black box data from commercial vehicles can be overwritten.

That’s why it’s critical to contact Attorney911 as soon as possible after your accident. As client MONGO SLADE shared, “I was rear-ended and the team got right to work…I also got a very nice settlement.” The sooner we start working on your case, the stronger it will be.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Muleshoe Car Accident Case?

When you’re injured in a car accident, you need an attorney who will fight for your rights and maximize your compensation. Here’s what sets Attorney911 apart:

Insurance Defense Insider – Lupe Peña worked for years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how insurance companies value claims. Now, he uses that knowledge to fight for victims like you.
Multi-Million Dollar Results – We’ve recovered millions for our clients, including settlements for catastrophic injuries like brain damage, amputations, and wrongful death.
Federal Court Experience – Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This experience is crucial for complex cases, including those involving commercial vehicles or product liability.
Personal Attention – Unlike high-volume firms, we provide personal attention to every client. As Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”
No Fee Unless We Win – We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs or hidden fees.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Muleshoe

If you’ve been in a car accident in Muleshoe, follow these steps to protect your rights:

Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.
Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately.
Document Everything – Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
Exchange Information – Get the other driver’s name, phone number, address, insurance information, and license plate number.
Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement – Insurance adjusters may call you quickly, but anything you say can be used against you. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney.
Call Attorney911 – Contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll guide you through the next steps and start building your case immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Muleshoe

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

If you’ve been in an accident in Muleshoe, call 911 and report the accident. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Document the scene with photos, exchange information with the other driver, and get contact information from any witnesses. Most importantly, do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company without consulting an attorney. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance.

Should I call the police even for a minor accident?

Yes, always call the police. In Texas, you must report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. The police report is critical evidence for your claim. If the police don’t come to the scene, you can file a report online or at the nearest police station.

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

Absolutely. Many serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately. Adrenaline can mask pain at the scene, and some injuries take days or weeks to become apparent. Seeing a doctor right away also creates a medical record that links your injuries to the accident, which is important for your claim.

What information should I collect at the scene?

Collect the following information:

Other driver’s name, phone number, address, and driver’s license number.
Other driver’s insurance company and policy number.
Vehicle make, model, color, and license plate number.
Names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
Photos of all vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signals.
Police officer’s name, badge number, and report number.

Should I talk to the other driver or admit fault?

Exchange information only. Do not discuss fault, apologize, or say “I’m sorry,” as this can be used as an admission of guilt. Stick to the facts and avoid giving your opinion on what happened.

How do I obtain a copy of the accident report?

In Muleshoe, you can obtain the police report from the Bailey County Sheriff’s Office 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. You are not required to give a recorded statement, and doing so can hurt your case. To your own insurance: You have a duty to cooperate, but it’s still wise to consult an attorney first. We can advise you on what to say and what to avoid.

What if the other driver’s insurance contacts me?

Say: “I need to speak with my attorney first.” Give only basic information (your name, the date of the accident) and do not discuss injuries or fault. Refer all further communication to Attorney911.

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

No. Their estimate is just an offer, and it’s usually far below the actual value of your claim. 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. Early offers are always lowball offers designed to save the insurance company money.

What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?

Your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can compensate you if the other driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance. Texas allows inter-policy stacking, which means you can combine coverage from multiple policies. Watch our video on UM/UIM claims for more information: 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 a medical authorization without having an attorney review it first.

What common mistakes can hurt my case?

Avoid these common mistakes:

Giving a recorded statement without an attorney.
Accepting a quick settlement before knowing the full extent of your injuries.
Delaying medical treatment or having gaps in treatment.
Posting about the accident on social media (insurance companies monitor your profiles).
Signing releases or authorizations without legal review.
Not documenting everything (photos, witness statements, medical records).

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

Should I post about my accident on social media?

No. Make all your social media profiles private immediately. Do not post about the accident, your injuries, or your activities. Insurance companies monitor social media and will use your posts against you. Tell your friends and family not to tag you in posts.

Why shouldn’t I sign anything without a lawyer?

Releases are permanent and binding. Medical authorizations give insurance companies unlimited access to your records. Settlement offers are final. Once you sign, you cannot undo it.

What if I didn’t see a doctor right away?

See a doctor now. Explain that you didn’t realize the severity of your injuries at first. Delayed symptoms are common, and we can still help. However, the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to link your injuries to the accident.

What if I have a pre-existing condition?

You can still recover compensation if the accident aggravated or worsened your pre-existing condition. This is known as the “eggshell plaintiff” rule—defendants must take victims as they find them. We hire medical experts to prove the difference between your condition before and after the accident.

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

Yes. You can fire your attorney at any time. If your current attorney isn’t communicating, isn’t fighting for you, or is pushing you to settle cheap, you have the right to switch. Attorney911 has taken over many cases from other attorneys. As Greg Garcia said, “In the beginning, I had another attorney, but he dropped my case. Then Mangiello Law Firm was able to help me out.” Call 1-888-ATTY-911 to discuss switching.

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

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist claims are against your own insurance when the other driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance. Your insurance company will fight your claim just like the other driver’s insurance would. You need an attorney to represent you. Lupe Peña’s insurance knowledge is critical for maximizing your UM/UIM recovery.

How do you calculate pain and suffering?

Most commonly, we use the multiplier method: Medical expenses × multiplier (1.5 to 5) = pain and suffering. The multiplier depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the clarity of liability. Lupe Peña, our former insurance defense attorney, knows how to justify higher multipliers and beat the insurance company’s algorithms.

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

Government claims have special rules. You must file notice within 6 months (much shorter than the 2-year statute of limitations). Sovereign immunity protects government entities, and damage caps may apply. These cases are complex—you need an experienced attorney. Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience includes government litigation. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately—the 6-month deadline is strict.

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

File a police report immediately—hit and run is a criminal offense. Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver is unidentified. Surveillance footage is critical, but most footage is deleted within 7-30 days. We send preservation letters immediately to secure this evidence. Texas allows UM stacking, which can significantly increase your recovery. We’ve recovered substantial settlements in hit-and-run cases through UM claims.

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

Yes. Your 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, and we’ve successfully represented clients of all immigration statuses. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our staff includes bilingual team members. Call 1-888-ATTY-911—we protect your rights and your privacy.

What if the accident happened in a parking lot?

Parking lot accidents are fully compensable. Insurance companies often argue that parking lot accidents are always 50/50 fault, but this is not true. We prove fault through surveillance video, witness statements, damage analysis, and traffic patterns. Texas comparative negligence rules apply, and we’ve won many parking lot cases with clear liability findings.

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, or Uber driver). You’re an innocent victim, and the driver’s insurance covers passengers. There are no comparative fault issues (you weren’t driving), so these cases often settle quickly. We handle the difficult conversation so you don’t have to.

What if the other driver died in the accident?

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

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Muleshoe, Texas, don’t wait to seek legal help. Evidence disappears daily, and the insurance company is already building its case against you. At Attorney911, we offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) or visit our website at https://attorney911.com to schedule your free consultation. We’re here to fight for you.