Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer in Ovilla, Texas | Attorney911

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Ovilla, Texas, you’re not alone. Every 57 seconds, someone in Texas is involved in a motor vehicle crash. That’s over 1,500 accidents every single day. At Attorney911, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take on victims and their families. With over 25 years of experience serving the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, including Ovilla and Ellis County, our team is here to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Why Ovilla Accident Victims Choose Attorney911

Ovilla sits along Interstate 35E, a major corridor connecting Dallas and Fort Worth. This highway sees heavy commuter traffic, commercial trucks, and unfortunately, frequent accidents. Whether you were injured on I-35E, FM 664, or one of Ovilla’s local roads, our firm has the local knowledge and legal expertise to handle your case.

Ralph Manginello, our founding attorney, has been practicing law in Texas since 1998. His extensive experience includes admission to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle even the most complex cases that may end up in federal court. But what truly sets us apart is our team’s unique perspective – Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for insurance defense firms before joining Attorney911. This insider knowledge gives us an unfair advantage when negotiating with insurance companies.

“Lupe Peña worked for a number of years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims.” – This insider knowledge is now used to fight FOR you, not against you.

Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Ovilla

Car Accidents (Our Most Common Case Type)

With Ovilla’s proximity to Dallas and growing suburban population, car accidents are unfortunately common. In 2024 alone, Texas saw 251,977 people injured in motor vehicle crashes – that’s one person injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds. Common causes in the Ovilla area include:

Distracted driving (especially on I-35E)
Rear-end collisions at stoplights
Intersection accidents at FM 664 and Ovilla Road
Weather-related accidents during Texas storms
Drunk driving incidents, particularly on weekends

Common injuries we see from Ovilla car accidents include:

Whiplash and neck injuries
Herniated discs
Broken bones (arms, legs, ribs)
Traumatic brain injuries
Internal organ damage
Soft tissue injuries

“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 demonstrates our ability to handle even the most complex car accident cases.

What to do after a car accident in Ovilla:

Call 911 and report the accident
Seek medical attention immediately (even if you feel fine)
Document everything with photos
Exchange information with the other driver
Get witness contact information
Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 before speaking to any insurance company

Trucking Accidents on I-35E

Ovilla’s location along I-35E puts residents at risk for serious trucking accidents. In 2024, Texas saw 39,393 commercial motor vehicle crashes, resulting in 608 fatalities and 1,601 serious injuries. Texas accounts for 11% of all fatal truck crashes in the United States.

Common causes of trucking accidents in the Ovilla area:

Driver fatigue (violating FMCSA hours-of-service rules)
Improperly loaded cargo
Brake failures
Distracted truck drivers
Speeding on I-35E
Poor maintenance

Trucking cases are complex because:

Multiple parties may be liable (driver, trucking company, cargo loader, manufacturer)
Federal regulations apply (FMCSA rules)
Insurance policies have much higher limits ($1M+)
Black box data must be preserved quickly

“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.”

Why our federal court experience matters:
Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. This is crucial for trucking cases that may end up in federal court due to the federal regulations involved.

Drunk Driving Accidents (A 100% Preventable Tragedy)

In 2024, Texas saw 1,053 alcohol-impaired driving deaths – that’s 25.37% of all traffic fatalities in our state. Ellis County has seen its share of these preventable tragedies.

Texas has strong dram shop laws that allow victims to sue establishments that over-serve alcohol to obviously intoxicated patrons. Signs of obvious intoxication include:

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

“Lupe’s insider knowledge from years at a national defense firm is particularly valuable in drunk driving cases. He understands how insurance companies try to minimize these claims and knows how to counter their tactics.”

Our unique advantage in drunk driving cases:

Ralph Manginello is a member of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
We handle both the criminal case (if charges are filed) and the civil claim
We have experience getting DWI cases dismissed (which strengthens the civil case)
We know how to prove dram shop liability

Motorcycle Accidents (Fighting for Injured Riders)

Texas saw 585 motorcyclist fatalities in 2024, with 37% of those killed not wearing helmets. Ellis County has seen its share of motorcycle accidents, particularly on rural roads and highways like I-35E.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents in the Ovilla area:

Drivers failing to yield right-of-way to motorcyclists
Distracted drivers not seeing motorcycles
Unsafe lane changes by other vehicles
Left-turn accidents (T-bone collisions)
Road hazards (potholes, debris)

Texas helmet law:

Required for all riders under 21
Riders 21+ can ride without a helmet if they’ve completed a safety course OR have $10,000+ in medical insurance

Why insurance companies try to blame motorcyclists:
Texas uses the 51% comparative fault rule. This means if you’re found to be 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Insurance companies know this and will try to assign maximum fault to motorcyclists. Lupe Peña’s experience working for insurance companies gives us an advantage in countering these arguments.

Pedestrian Accidents (The Most Vulnerable Road Users)

In 2024, Texas saw 6,095 pedestrian crashes resulting in 768 fatalities. Pedestrians account for just 1% of crashes but 19% of all roadway deaths. Ovilla’s growing population means more pedestrians on our roads, particularly near schools, parks, and shopping areas.

Critical legal point for pedestrians:
In Texas, pedestrians ALWAYS have the right-of-way at intersections – even at unmarked crosswalks. Many drivers don’t know this, and insurance companies won’t tell you.

Common pedestrian injuries we see:

Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Broken pelvis and legs
Internal organ damage
Fatalities

Rideshare Accidents (Uber and Lyft)

With Ovilla’s proximity to Dallas and growing population, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are increasingly common. These accidents present unique insurance challenges.

Rideshare insurance phases:

Phase	Driver Status	Coverage Available
0	App off, personal use	Personal insurance only ($30K/$60K/$25K minimum)
1	App on, waiting for ride	$50K/$100K/$25K contingent coverage
2	Ride accepted, en route to pickup	$1,000,000 commercial coverage
3	Passenger in vehicle	$1,000,000 commercial coverage

Why this matters:
The insurance coverage varies dramatically based on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident. Lupe Peña’s insurance expertise is crucial for navigating this complexity.

Who can be injured:

21% Riders
21% Drivers
58% Third parties (other drivers, pedestrians, passengers in other vehicles)

What to Do After an Accident in Ovilla (Our 48-Hour Protocol)

Hour 1-6: Immediate Crisis Response

✅ Safety First: If you can move safely, get to a secure location away from traffic

✅ Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone is injured

✅ Medical Attention: If injured, get to the ER immediately. Adrenaline masks injuries – you may be hurt and not know it yet

✅ Document Everything:

Take photos of ALL vehicle damage (every angle)
Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, traffic signals
Take photos of visible injuries
Screenshot any messages visible on your phone (do NOT delete anything)

✅ Exchange Information:

Other driver’s name, phone, address
Insurance company and policy number
Driver’s license number
License plate number
Vehicle make, model, color

✅ Witnesses:

Get names and phone numbers of any witnesses
Ask if they saw what happened
Record their statements if possible

✅ Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance before speaking to ANY insurance company

Hour 6-24: Evidence Preservation

✅ Digital Preservation:

Preserve all texts, calls, photos, videos related to the accident
Do NOT delete anything from your phone
Screenshot everything relevant
Email copies to yourself for backup

✅ Physical Evidence:

Secure damaged clothing, glasses, personal items
Keep receipts for any expenses (towing, rental car, medications)
Do NOT repair your vehicle yet – preserve the damage

✅ Medical Records:

Request copies of all ER/hospital records
Keep all discharge paperwork
Follow up with your primary care physician within 24-48 hours

✅ Insurance Communications:

Note any calls from insurance companies
Do NOT give recorded statements yet
Do NOT sign anything
Do NOT accept any settlement offers
Say: “I need to speak with my attorney first”

✅ Social Media:

Make ALL profiles private immediately
Do NOT post about the accident
Do NOT post photos of injuries or activities
Tell friends/family not to tag you in posts

Hour 24-48: Strategic Decisions

✅ Legal Consultation:

Speak with experienced motor vehicle accident attorney
Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for free consultation
Have your documentation ready

✅ Insurance Response:

If insurance contacts you, refer them to your attorney
Say: “My attorney will be in touch with you”
Provide only basic information: name, date of accident, that you were involved

✅ Settlement Offers:

Do NOT accept or sign anything without lawyer review
Early offers are ALWAYS lowball offers
You don’t know extent of your injuries yet

✅ Evidence Backup:

Upload all screenshots and photos to cloud storage
Email copies to yourself and family member
Create written timeline of events while memory is fresh

Week One Priorities:

✅ Medical Follow-Up:

Continue documenting all injuries
See specialists if recommended
Follow ALL doctor’s recommendations (insurance watches for gaps)
Get written work restrictions if needed

✅ Investigation Begins:

Attorney obtains police report
Preservation letters sent to all parties
Surveillance footage secured before deletion
Witness statements recorded

✅ Communication:

Attorney handles ALL insurance communication
You focus on recovery
Document any pressure from insurance or other parties

Why Evidence Disappears So Quickly

This creates legitimate urgency – evidence DOES disappear on a predictable schedule

Timeframe	What Disappears	Why It Matters
Day 1-7	Witness memories peak then begin fading	Details forgotten, witnesses harder to locate
Day 7-30	Surveillance footage deleted	Gas stations: 7-14 days, Retail stores: 30 days, Traffic cameras: 30 days
Month 1-2	Insurance companies solidify defense position	Adjusters build file against you, settlement position hardens
Month 2-6	Trucking electronic data deleted	ELD data: 30-180 days, Black box data: can be overwritten
Month 6-12	Witnesses become unreachable	Graduate, move away, memory severely degraded
Month 12-24	Approaching statute of limitations	Creates pressure to settle, evidence severely degraded

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

Texas Motor Vehicle Law Framework

Statute of Limitations

Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003

Claim Type	Time Limit	Starts From
Personal Injury	2 years	Date of accident
Wrongful Death	2 years	Date of death
Property Damage	2 years	Date of damage
Government Claims	6 months notice	Date of incident
Minors	Tolled until 18	Then 2 years

CRITICAL: Miss the deadline = case BARRED forever. Cannot be extended or waived.

Comparative Negligence (51% Bar Rule)

Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001

Texas uses modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar:

If you are 50% or less at fault → You can recover damages (reduced by your % of fault)
If you are 51% or more at fault → You recover NOTHING

Examples:

Your Fault %	Case Value	Your Recovery
0%	$100,000	$100,000
10%	$100,000	$90,000
25%	$250,000	$187,500
40%	$500,000	$300,000
50%	$500,000	$250,000
51%	$500,000	$0

Why this matters in Ovilla cases:
Insurance companies ALWAYS try to assign maximum fault to you to reduce their payment. Even small fault percentages cost you thousands. Lupe Peña’s experience working for insurance companies gives us an advantage in countering these arguments.

Texas Minimum Auto Insurance (30/60/25)

Coverage	Minimum Required
Bodily Injury – Per Person	$30,000
Bodily Injury – Per Accident	$60,000
Property Damage – Per Accident	$25,000

Uninsured Motorist Statistics:

15.4% of US motorists are uninsured (approximately 1 in 7 drivers)
UM/UIM coverage is critical for protection
Texas allows inter-policy stacking

How Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Your Claim (6 Tactics Exposed)

At Attorney911, we know how insurance companies operate because Lupe Peña spent years working for them. He knows all their tactics because he used them himself. Now he uses that knowledge to fight FOR you.

Tactic #1: Quick Contact & Recorded Statement (Days 1-3)

What they do:
Within days of your accident, insurance adjusters will contact you – often while you’re still in the hospital, on pain medication, or overwhelmed by the situation. They’ll act friendly and helpful, saying things like:

“We just want to help you”
“We need to get your side of the story”
“This is routine, everyone does this”
“It’ll only take a few minutes”

What they’re really doing:
They’re building their defense against you with leading questions designed to trap you:

Question They Ask	What They Want You to Say
“You’re feeling better now though, right?”	Trap you into saying you’re improving
“It wasn’t that bad of an impact, was it?”	Minimize collision severity
“You were able to walk away from the scene?”	Suggest injuries not serious
“Were you distracted at all?”	Get you to admit distraction
“How fast were you going?”	Hope you overestimate or say “I don’t know”

The truth:

You are NOT required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance
Giving a statement without an attorney ALMOST ALWAYS hurts your case
Insurance companies know this – that’s why they push so hard

How Attorney911 counters:
DO NOT give a recorded statement without us. Once you hire Attorney911:

We become your voice
All calls go through us
You don’t talk to adjusters
We prepare you properly if a statement becomes absolutely necessary
We sit with you during any statements

“I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as defense attorney. Here’s the truth: Insurance companies take innocent activity out of context. They freeze ONE frame of you moving ‘normally’ and ignore the 10 minutes of you struggling before and after. They’re not documenting your life – they’re building ammunition against you.” – Lupe Peña

Tactic #2: Quick Settlement Offer (Weeks 1-3)

What they do:
Within days or weeks of your accident, the insurance company will offer you quick money – typically $2,000-$5,000, sometimes $10,000-$15,000 if they’re scared. It sounds good when you have mounting bills and no income.

They create artificial urgency:

“This offer expires in 48 hours”
“I can only get approval for this amount right now”
“Take it or leave it”
“This is our final offer” (it’s not)

The trap:
You don’t know the extent of your injuries yet. Consider this scenario:

What Happens	Result
Day 3: Insurance offers $3,500 “final settlement”	You’re desperate, in pain, scared
You sign the release	You think it’s over
Week 6: MRI shows herniated disc requiring surgery	Surgery costs $100,000
TOO LATE	You signed release, can’t reopen claim
You pay $100,000 out of pocket	Insurance pays nothing more

RELEASE IS PERMANENT AND FINAL.

How Attorney911 counters:
NEVER settle before Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) – the point when you’ve recovered as much as you’re going to. This could be 6 months, 12 months, or 24+ months depending on your injuries. We know these early offers are ALWAYS lowball because Lupe calculated them for years.

Tactic #3: “Independent” Medical Exam (Months 2-6)

What they call it:
“Independent Medical Examination” (IME)

What it really is:
An insurance company hired doctor whose job is to minimize your injuries.

How insurance companies choose IME doctors:
They don’t select the most qualified doctors – they select doctors who:

Consistently give insurance-favorable reports
Find “no injury” or “pre-existing condition”
Are paid thousands by insurance companies ($2,000-$5,000 per exam)
Get repeat business for favorable reports

What happens at an IME:

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

Common IME doctor findings:

What They Say	What It Means
“Patient has pre-existing degenerative changes”	Everyone over 40 has some arthritis – used to deny claims
“Injuries consistent with minor trauma”	Minimizes your pain and suffering
“Patient can return to full duty work”	Eliminates lost wage claims
“Treatment has been excessive”	Attacks your treating doctors
“Subjective complaints out of proportion to objective findings”	Medical speak for calling you a LIAR

How Attorney911 counters:

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

Tactic #4: Delay and Financial Pressure (Months 6-12+)

What they do:
They drag your case out hoping you’ll get desperate:

“Still investigating your claim”
“Waiting for medical records” (that we sent months ago)
“Reviewing your file”
“Need additional information”
Ignore calls and emails
Take weeks to respond to simple questions

Why delay works (on people without attorneys):

Insurance Companies Have:	You Have:
Unlimited time	Mounting bills
Unlimited resources	Zero income
No financial pressure	Creditors threatening
Earning interest on YOUR settlement money	Need money NOW

Financial desperation makes you accept less:

Month 1: You’d reject a $5,000 offer
Month 6: You’d seriously consider $5,000
Month 12: You’d BEG for $5,000 just to end the nightmare

How Attorney911 counters:

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

Tactic #5: Surveillance & Social Media Monitoring

What they do:
They hire private investigators to:

Video you doing daily activities
Film from public places (your driveway, street, stores)
Follow you to appointments, errands, social activities
Look for ANY activity that contradicts your injury claims
One video of you bending over = “Not really injured”

They monitor ALL your social media:

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

Examples we’ve defended:

Example	What Happened	Insurance Claimed	Reality
Old Photo	Gym photo from 3 YEARS AGO	Presented as recent, contradicts injury	We proved metadata was pre-accident
Restaurant Check-in	Facebook check-in at restaurant	“Partying and having fun”	Sitting quietly having dinner
Friend’s Comment	Friend posted “Had fun yesterday!”	Evidence of non-injury	Client was resting at home
Walking Dog	Video of client walking dog slowly	“Not disabled”	Doctor RECOMMENDED short walks
Smiling in Photo	Family photo smiling	“Not in pain – she’s smiling!”	Everyone smiles for photos

7 Rules for clients:

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

Tactic #6: Comparative Fault Arguments

What they do:
They try to assign you MAXIMUM fault to reduce their payment:

“You were speeding” (without evidence)
“You weren’t paying attention” (speculation)
“You could have avoided this” (hindsight bias)
“You were distracted” (guessing)
“You contributed to this accident” (shifting blame)

Why they do this:
Texas’s 51% bar rule means:

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

Even small fault percentages cost thousands:

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

How Attorney911 counters:
We conduct aggressive liability investigations:

Accident reconstruction to prove the other driver’s fault
Witness statements supporting your version
Police report analysis emphasizing citations
Expert testimony on perception-reaction time
Lupe knows their fault arguments because he made them for years – now he defeats them

Colossus: How Insurance Companies Actually Value Your Claim

Lupe Peña knows this system from the inside – he used it for years

How Colossus works:

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

How insurance companies manipulate Colossus:

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

Why Lupe’s experience matters:

He knows how to code injuries properly for maximum value
He knows which medical terms trigger higher valuations
He knows when Colossus output is artificially low
He knows how to present records to beat the algorithm
He worked with these systems for years as a defense attorney

What You Can Recover: Damages in Texas Motor Vehicle Accident Cases

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas)

Damage Type	What It Covers
Medical Expenses (Past)	ER, hospital, surgery, doctors, physical therapy, medications, medical equipment
Medical Expenses (Future)	Ongoing treatment, future surgeries, lifetime medications, long-term care
Lost Wages (Past)	Income lost from date of accident to present
Lost Earning Capacity (Future)	Reduced ability to earn income in the future
Property Damage	Vehicle repair or replacement, personal property
Out-of-Pocket Expenses	Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, household help

Non-Economic Damages (No Cap Except Medical Malpractice)

Damage Type	What It Covers
Pain and Suffering	Physical pain from injuries, both past and future
Mental Anguish	Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, fear, PTSD
Physical Impairment	Loss of physical function, disability, limitations
Disfigurement	Scarring, permanent visible injuries affecting appearance
Loss of Consortium	Impact on marriage/family relationships, loss of companionship
Loss of Enjoyment of Life	Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed

Punitive/Exemplary Damages (Capped)

Available for gross negligence, fraud, or malice
Drunk driving cases often qualify
Cap: Greater of $200,000 OR (2x economic + 1x non-economic max $750,000)
Purpose: Punish the defendant and deter similar conduct

Settlement Ranges by Injury Type

Soft Tissue Injuries (Whiplash, Sprains, Strains)

Medical Treatment:

Emergency room: $2,000-$5,000
Follow-up doctor visits: $1,000-$3,000
Physical therapy (6-12 weeks): $3,000-$7,000
Medications: $300-$1,000
Total Medical: $6,000-$16,000

Lost Wages: $2,000-$10,000 (2-6 weeks missed work)
Pain & Suffering: $8,000-$35,000

SETTLEMENT RANGE: $15,000-$60,000
Higher if: Permanent pain, restrictions on activities, chronic condition develops

Broken Bone (Single, Simple Fracture)

Medical Treatment:

Emergency room and X-rays: $3,000-$6,000
Orthopedic consultation: $500-$1,500
Casting and follow-up: $2,000-$5,000
Physical therapy: $3,000-$8,000
Total Medical: $10,000-$20,000

Lost Wages: $5,000-$15,000 (4-8 weeks missed work)
Pain & Suffering: $20,000-$60,000

SETTLEMENT RANGE: $35,000-$95,000

Broken Bone (Requiring Surgery – ORIF)

Medical Treatment:

Emergency room: $5,000-$10,000
Surgery (Open Reduction Internal Fixation): $25,000-$50,000
Hospital stay (2-3 days): $6,000-$15,000
Follow-up care: $3,000-$8,000
Physical therapy (3-6 months): $8,000-$15,000
Total Medical: $47,000-$98,000

Lost Wages: $10,000-$30,000 (3-6 months)
Pain & Suffering: $75,000-$200,000

SETTLEMENT RANGE: $132,000-$328,000

Herniated Disc (Conservative Treatment)

Medical Treatment:

Emergency room and initial treatment: $3,000-$6,000
MRI: $2,000-$4,000
Physician visits and pain management: $5,000-$12,000
Physical therapy (3-6 months): $8,000-$15,000
Epidural steroid injections (series of 3): $3,000-$6,000
Medications: $1,000-$3,000
Total Medical: $22,000-$46,000

Lost Wages: $8,000-$25,000
Pain & Suffering: $40,000-$100,000

SETTLEMENT RANGE: $70,000-$171,000

Herniated Disc (Surgery Required)

Medical Treatment:

Initial treatment and diagnostics: $8,000-$15,000
Failed conservative treatment: $10,000-$20,000
Spinal surgery (microdiscectomy or fusion): $50,000-$100,000
Hospital stay: $8,000-$20,000
Post-surgical care and follow-up: $5,000-$15,000
Physical therapy (6-12 months): $10,000-$20,000
Pain management: $5,000-$15,000
Total Past Medical: $96,000-$205,000

Future Medical: $30,000-$100,000 (ongoing pain management, possible revision surgery)
Lost Wages: $20,000-$50,000 (6-12 months recovery)
Lost Earning Capacity: $50,000-$400,000 (if can’t return to physical job)
Pain & Suffering: $150,000-$450,000

SETTLEMENT RANGE: $346,000-$1,205,000

Traumatic Brain Injury (Moderate to Severe)

Medical Treatment:

Emergency room and trauma care: $10,000-$30,000
Hospital/ICU stay (1-4 weeks): $50,000-$200,000
Neurosurgery if required: $75,000-$200,000
Acute rehabilitation facility: $30,000-$100,000
Neurologist follow-up care: $10,000-$30,000
Neuropsychological testing: $3,000-$8,000
Cognitive therapy: $15,000-$50,000
Medications: $5,000-$20,000
Total Past Medical: $198,000-$638,000

Future Medical (Life Care Plan): $300,000-$3,000,000+ depending on severity
Lost Wages: $50,000-$200,000
Lost Earning Capacity: $500,000-$3,000,000+
Pain & Suffering: $500,000-$3,000,000+

SETTLEMENT RANGE: $1,548,000-$9,838,000

Attorney911 Documented Result:

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

Spinal Cord Injury / Paralysis

Lifetime Care Costs by Level:

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

SETTLEMENT RANGE: $4,770,000-$25,880,000

Amputation

Medical Treatment:

Emergency care and surgery: $80,000-$200,000
Hospital stay: $50,000-$150,000
Rehabilitation: $30,000-$100,000
Initial prosthetic fitting: $10,000-$30,000
Total Past Medical: $170,000-$480,000

Future Medical (Lifetime Prosthetics):

Basic prosthetic leg: $5,000-$15,000 every 3-5 years
Advanced computerized prosthetic: $50,000-$100,000 every 3-5 years
Over lifetime (30-50 years): $500,000-$2,000,000

SETTLEMENT RANGE: $1,945,000-$8,630,000

Attorney911 Documented 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”

Wrongful Death (Working Age Adult)

Economic Damages:

Funeral and burial: $10,000-$20,000
Medical expenses before death: $50,000-$500,000
Lost financial support to family (present value): $1,000,000-$4,000,000

Non-Economic Damages:

Loss of companionship, society, love: $500,000-$3,000,000
Loss of advice and counsel: $100,000-$500,000
Mental anguish (family members): $250,000-$1,500,000

SETTLEMENT RANGE: $1,910,000-$9,520,000

Attorney911 Documented 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”

Nuclear Verdicts: Why Insurance Companies Fear Attorney911

Definition:

Jury awards exceeding $10 million (originally $10M threshold, now often $20M+)

Texas Nuclear Verdict Statistics:

207 nuclear verdicts ($10M+) from 2009-2023
Total: $45+ billion in Texas alone
Texas #1 nationally for nuclear verdicts
Auto accidents = 23.2% of all nuclear verdicts

Recent Texas Motor Vehicle Nuclear Verdicts:

Year	Case	Amount
2024	Hatch v. Jones (car accident wrongful death)	$81,720,000
2024	Frito-Lay Warehouse (vehicle collision)	$72,000,000
2024	Lopez v. All Points 360 (Amazon)	$105,000,000
2024	New Prime I-35 pileup (6 deaths)	$44,100,000
2024	Oncor Electric (trucking)	$37,500,000
2024	Ben E. Keith (Fort Worth trucking)	$35,000,000
2023	Johnson v. Union Pacific (train)	$557,000,000
2021	Ramsey v. Landstar (trucking)	$730,000,000
2017	Kindred v. Delbosque (drunk driving)	$301 BILLION

Why This Matters for Your Ovilla Case:

Insurance companies FEAR nuclear verdicts. This fear increases settlement values across ALL serious injury cases, not just those going to trial. Attorney911’s trial readiness and multi-million dollar track record gives us leverage in every negotiation.

“We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial—because insurance companies know we’re not bluffing.” – Ralph Manginello

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Ovilla Motor Vehicle 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.”

What this means for your case:

We know their tactics because Lupe used them
We anticipate their strategies before they deploy them
We know how they value claims internally
We know which IME doctors they favor
We know how to beat their algorithms
We speak their language

No other firm in Ovilla has this advantage.

2. Multi-Million Dollar Results

Attorney911 has recovered millions for victims of:

Brain injuries: “Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss”
Amputations: “This case settled in the millions”
Trucking wrongful death: “Recovered millions of dollars in compensation”
Maritime injuries: “Significant cash settlement”

Our results prove we don’t settle cheap.

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas.

Why this matters for your case:

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

BP Explosion Litigation: “Our firm is one of the few firms in Texas to be involved in BP explosion litigation”

4. Personal Attention You Won’t Get at Big Firms

What our clients say:

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

“I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.” – Ambur Hamilton

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

You work directly with Ralph or Lupe, not a case manager assembly line.

5. Contingency Fee – No Risk to You

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

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

What Our Ovilla Clients Say About Us

“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.” – Brian Butchee

“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.” – Stephanie Hernandez

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

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

“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

“I lost everything… my car was at a total loss and because of Attorney Manginello and my case worker Leonor… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.” – Kiimarii Yup

“Mr. Manginello guided me through the whole process with great expertise…tenacious, accessible, and determined throughout the 19 months.” – Jamin Marroquin

Frequently Asked Questions About Ovilla Motor Vehicle Accidents

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

If you’ve been in an accident in Ovilla:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. What information should I collect at the scene?

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

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

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

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

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

7. Should I give a recorded statement to insurance?

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

8. What if the other driver’s insurance contacts me?

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

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

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

10. Should I accept a quick settlement offer?

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

11. What if the other driver is uninsured/underinsured?

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

12. Why does insurance want me to sign a medical authorization?

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

13. Do I have a personal injury case?

You may have a case if:

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

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

14. When should I hire a car accident lawyer?

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

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

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

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

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

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

17. What happens if I was partially at fault?

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

18. Will my case go to trial?

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

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

19. How long will my case take to settle?

It depends on the severity of your injuries. We don’t settle until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). This could be 6 months for minor injuries, 18-24 months for serious injuries.

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

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

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

21. What is my case worth?

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

22. What types of damages can I recover?

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

23. Can I get compensation for pain and suffering?

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

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

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

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

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

26. How is the value of my claim determined?

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

27. How much do car accident lawyers cost?

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

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

28. What does “no fee unless we win” mean?

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

29. How often will I get updates?

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

30. Who will actually handle my case?

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

31. What if I already hired another attorney?

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

32. What common mistakes can hurt my case?

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

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

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

NO. Make all profiles private. Don’t post about the accident, injuries, or activities. Insurance monitors everything.

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

Releases are PERMANENT. Medical authorizations give unlimited access. Settlement offers are binding. Once signed, you can’t undo it.

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

See one NOW. Explain that you didn’t realize the severity of your injuries. Delayed symptoms are common. We can still help.

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

You can still recover. If the accident AGGRAVATED your pre-existing condition, you’re entitled to compensation for the aggravation. For example, if you had mild occasional back pain and 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 attacks pre-existing conditions—he used this defense for years.

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

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

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

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

39. How do you calculate pain and suffering?

Most commonly using the multiplier method: Medical expenses × multiplier (1.5 to 5) = pain & suffering. The multiplier depends on: injury severity, permanency, impact on life, and clear liability. For example, $100,000 in medical expenses × 4 multiplier = $400,000 for pain and suffering. Lupe calculated these for years—he knows how to justify higher multipliers.

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

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

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

File a police report immediately (hit and run is a criminal offense). Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage applies. Surveillance footage is CRITICAL—gas stations, businesses, Ring doorbells, traffic cameras. Most footage is deleted within 7-30 days. We send preservation letters immediately. Texas allows UM stacking. We’ve recovered substantial settlements in hit and run cases through UM claims.

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

YES. 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. We’ve successfully represented clients of all immigration statuses. Lupe is fluent in Spanish. Call 1-888-ATTY-911—we protect your rights and your privacy.

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

Parking lot accidents are fully compensable. Insurance companies love to argue that “parking lot accidents are always 50/50 fault” (which is a lie). We prove fault through: surveillance video, witness statements, damage analysis, and traffic patterns. Texas comparative negligence rules apply. We’ve won many parking lot cases with clear liability findings.

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

You can sue the driver even if you were riding with them (whether it was a friend, family member, or Uber driver). You’re an innocent victim. The driver’s insurance covers passengers. There are no comparative fault issues (you weren’t driving). These cases often settle quickly because liability is clear. We handle the difficult conversation so you don’t have to.

45. What if the other driver died in the accident?

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

Serving Ovilla and All of Ellis County

At Attorney911, we’re proud to serve the Ovilla community and all of Ellis County. Our deep roots in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex give us unique insight into the local legal landscape. We know the courts, the judges, and the insurance adjusters who handle claims in this area.

Whether your accident happened on:

I-35E near Ovilla
FM 664 through town
Local roads like Ovilla Road or Bethany Road
The bustling intersection of FM 664 and Ovilla Road

We have the local knowledge to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Nearby Communities We Serve:

Red Oak
Waxahachie
Midlothian
Ennis
Ferris
Palmer
Italy
Maypearl
Italy
Milford

Local Hospitals and Medical Centers:

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Waxahachie
Ennis Regional Medical Center
Midlothian Regional Hospital
Medical City Dallas (for serious injuries)

Local Courts We Practice In:

Ellis County District Courts
Ellis County Justice of the Peace Courts
Northern District of Texas (for federal cases)

Call Attorney911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Ovilla or anywhere in Ellis County, don’t wait. Evidence disappears every day. Insurance companies are already building their case against you.

Call Attorney911 now for a free consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
🌐 https://attorney911.com
📍 Serving Ovilla, Ellis County, and all of North Texas

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

“Having a former insurance defense attorney means we don’t accept lowball offers. We know their playbook because Lupe used to run it.” – This is your unfair advantage.

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Call Attorney911 today. We’re here to fight for you.