Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Port Aransas, Texas: Your Legal Emergency Response Team

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Port Aransas, Texas, you’re not alone. Texas sees a motor vehicle crash every 57 seconds, resulting in 251,977 injuries last year alone. When your life is turned upside down by a collision on Highway 361 or along Cotter Avenue, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a legal emergency response team.

At Attorney911, we understand the chaos that follows a serious accident. The physical pain, the mounting medical bills, the insurance adjusters calling with “friendly” offers that are anything but helpful. That’s why we’ve built a firm that combines 25+ years of courtroom experience with insider knowledge of how insurance companies really operate. Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows their playbook because he used it for years—now he’s on your side.

Why Port Aransas Accident Victims Choose Attorney911

Port Aransas may be a coastal paradise, but its roads tell a different story. Whether you were rear-ended near the Port Aransas Ferry Landing, sideswiped on South Station Street, or involved in a serious collision on Park Road 53, our team knows how to fight for the compensation you deserve. We’ve recovered millions for accident victims across Texas, including:

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

“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”

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you’re not just getting a lawyer—you’re getting a team that treats you like family. As client Chad Harris shared: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”

The Reality of Car Accidents in Port Aransas and Nueces County

Port Aransas sits at the intersection of coastal beauty and dangerous driving conditions. The mix of tourist traffic, commercial vehicles, and local commuters creates a perfect storm for accidents. Last year in Texas:

4,150 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes
1 person was injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds
251,977 individuals suffered injuries ranging from whiplash to paralysis
1,053 deaths involved alcohol-impaired driving

In Nueces County specifically, we see patterns that put Port Aransas residents at risk:

Tourist season brings increased traffic and distracted drivers
The Port Aransas Ferry system creates unique accident scenarios
Highway 361 sees heavy commercial traffic from the port
Coastal weather conditions contribute to weather-related crashes

Ralph Manginello, our founding attorney with 25+ years of experience, has seen firsthand how these local factors play out in courtrooms across Texas. His federal court admission in the Southern District of Texas means he’s equipped to handle even the most complex cases that arise from Port Aransas accidents.

Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Port Aransas

Car Accidents (500-700 words)

Car accidents are the most common type of motor vehicle collision in Port Aransas, ranging from minor fender-benders to catastrophic crashes. The unique driving environment in this coastal community creates specific risks:

Tourist traffic: Visitors unfamiliar with local roads contribute to accidents, especially during peak seasons
Ferry-related congestion: The Port Aransas Ferry system creates bottlenecks and unique accident scenarios
Coastal weather: Sudden storms and high winds can lead to loss-of-control accidents
Commercial vehicles: Trucks serving the port increase the risk of serious collisions

Common injuries in car accidents include:

Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
Herniated discs and spinal injuries
Broken bones and fractures
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Internal organ damage
Psychological trauma and PTSD

One of our most memorable cases involved a Port Aransas resident who was rear-ended on Highway 361. Initially, the leg injury seemed manageable, but complications during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions, proving that what might seem like a “minor” accident can have life-altering consequences.

Insurance companies often try to minimize car accident claims, arguing that injuries are “pre-existing” or that the collision wasn’t severe enough to cause lasting damage. Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background is particularly valuable here—he knows exactly how they calculate claim values and how to counter their tactics.

18-Wheeler and Commercial Truck Accidents (500-700 words)

Port Aransas’s proximity to the shipping port means heavy truck traffic on local roads. Last year in Texas:

39,393 commercial motor vehicle crashes occurred
608 people died in trucking accidents
1,601 individuals suffered serious injuries
Texas accounted for 11% of all fatal truck crashes nationwide

The sheer size of 18-wheelers—often weighing 80,000 pounds compared to the average car’s 4,000 pounds—means these accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Common truck accident scenarios in Port Aransas include:

Jackknife accidents on wet roads
Underride collisions on Highway 361
Rollovers on Park Road 53
Rear-end collisions near the ferry landing
Cargo spills causing multi-vehicle pileups

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations govern trucking operations, and violations can establish negligence per se. Key regulations include:

Hours of Service (HOS): Drivers limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): Mandatory since 2017 to track driving hours
Drug and Alcohol Testing: Required pre-employment, randomly, post-accident, and for reasonable suspicion
Vehicle Maintenance: Regular inspections and maintenance required

Our firm’s involvement in BP explosion litigation demonstrates our capability to take on massive corporations. When a trucking company’s negligence causes an accident in Port Aransas, we have the resources and experience to hold them accountable.

Drunk Driving Accidents (500-700 words)

Alcohol-impaired driving remains a serious problem in Texas, with 1,053 deaths last year—25.37% of all traffic fatalities. In Port Aransas, the combination of tourism and nightlife creates additional risks. Bars along Cotter Avenue and restaurants serving alcohol to obviously intoxicated patrons may be held liable under Texas dram shop laws.

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02 establishes liability when:

An establishment serves alcohol to someone who is obviously intoxicated
The over-service is the proximate cause of the accident

Signs of obvious intoxication include:

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

Our firm’s unique advantage comes from Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA). This gives us the ability to handle both the criminal aspects of DWI cases and the civil claims for compensation. We’ve successfully dismissed DWI cases by:

Challenging breathalyzer machine maintenance records
Identifying missing EMS and hospital notes
Presenting video evidence showing clients weren’t impaired

When a drunk driver injures you in Port Aransas, we investigate every angle—including whether bars or restaurants contributed to the accident.

Motorcycle Accidents (300-500 words)

With Port Aransas’s scenic routes and year-round riding weather, motorcycle accidents are unfortunately common. Last year in Texas:

585 motorcyclists lost their lives
37% of those killed weren’t wearing helmets
90% of fatal victims were male
Harris County led the state in motorcycle fatalities

Texas helmet law requires riders under 21 to wear helmets. Those 21 and older can ride without helmets if they’ve completed a safety course or have $10,000 in medical insurance.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents in Port Aransas include:

Drivers failing to yield right-of-way
Distracted drivers not seeing motorcycles
Unsafe lane changes
Left-turn accidents at intersections
Speeding and reckless driving

Insurance companies often try to blame motorcyclists using Texas’s 51% comparative fault rule. Lupe Peña’s experience as an insurance defense attorney is particularly valuable here—he knows exactly how they build these arguments and how to counter them.

Pedestrian Accidents (300-500 words)

Port Aransas’s walkable downtown and tourist areas create pedestrian hazards. Texas saw 6,095 pedestrian crashes last year, resulting in 768 fatalities. Pedestrians account for just 1% of crashes but 19% of all roadway deaths.

A critical legal point: Pedestrians always have the right-of-way at intersections, even unmarked crosswalks. This means that at any intersection of two streets in Port Aransas, the distance between them is considered a crosswalk—even if it’s not painted.

Common pedestrian accident locations in Port Aransas include:

Crosswalks along Cotter Avenue
Sidewalks near the ferry landing
Parking lots at tourist destinations
Areas with poor lighting at night

Injuries in pedestrian accidents are often severe:

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

Rideshare Accidents (Uber/Lyft) (300-500 words)

Rideshare services have transformed transportation in Port Aransas, but they’ve also created new legal complexities. The industry has seen:

11 billion trips in the US since 2010
17.4 million Uber trips daily
118 million Uber users worldwide

The critical factor in rideshare accidents is determining which insurance phase the driver was in at the time of the crash:

Phase	Driver Status	Coverage Available
0 – Offline	App off, personal use	Personal insurance only ($30K/$60K/$25K)
1 – Waiting	App on, no ride request	$50K/$100K/$25K contingent coverage
2 – Accepted	Ride accepted, en route to pickup	$1,000,000 commercial coverage
3 – Transporting	Passenger in vehicle	$1,000,000 commercial coverage

Most concerning: 58% of rideshare accident victims are third parties—other drivers, pedestrians, or passengers in other vehicles. Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background is invaluable in navigating these complex coverage scenarios.

What to Do Immediately After an Accident in Port Aransas

48-Hour Immediate Action Protocol

Hour 1-6 (Immediate Crisis):

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: Even if you feel fine, get checked—adrenaline masks injuries
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
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
Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance before speaking to any insurance company

Hour 6-24 (Evidence Preservation):

Preserve all digital evidence (texts, calls, photos, videos)
Secure damaged clothing, glasses, or personal items
Keep receipts for all accident-related expenses
Request copies of all medical records
Note any calls from insurance companies but don’t give statements

Hour 24-48 (Strategic Decisions):

Consult with an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney
Refer insurance companies to your attorney
Don’t accept or sign anything without lawyer review

Week One Priorities:

Continue documenting all injuries
Follow all doctor recommendations
Attorney begins investigation (police reports, preservation letters, etc.)

Evidence Deterioration Timeline

Timeframe	What Disappears	Why It Matters
Day 1-7	Witness memories begin fading	Details become uncertain or forgotten
Day 7-30	Surveillance footage deleted	Gas stations: 7-14 days, Retail: 30 days
Month 1-2	ELD/black box data overwritten	Trucking data can be lost in 30-180 days
Month 2-6	Witnesses become unreachable	People move, change jobs, memories fade
Month 6-12	Medical evidence harder to link	Insurance argues injuries aren’t accident-related
Month 12-24	Approaching statute of limitations	Creates pressure to settle for less

That’s why calling Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 is so critical. Within 24 hours of retention, we send preservation letters to all parties to ensure evidence isn’t destroyed.

Texas Motor Vehicle Law Framework

Statute of Limitations

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

Exceptions:

Discovery Rule: SOL may start later if injury wasn’t immediately discoverable
Defendant Absence: Tolled if defendant leaves Texas
Mental Incapacity: Tolled during incapacity

Comparative Negligence (51% Bar Rule)

Texas uses modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar:

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

Example:

$100,000 case value
You’re 25% at fault
You recover $75,000

Insurance companies always try to assign maximum fault to victims. Lupe Peña’s experience as an insurance defense attorney means we know exactly how they build these arguments—and how to defeat them.

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
UM/UIM coverage is critical protection
Texas allows inter-policy stacking

Proving Liability in Your Port Aransas Accident Case

To win your case, we must prove four elements of negligence:

Duty of Care: All drivers have a legal duty to operate vehicles safely
Breach of Duty: The at-fault driver violated their duty of care
Causation: The breach directly caused your injuries
Damages: You suffered actual harm (physical, financial, emotional)

Evidence Types and Sources

Evidence Type	What We Collect
Physical Evidence	Vehicle damage photos, skid marks, road damage
Documentary Evidence	Police reports, 911 recordings, medical records
Electronic Evidence	ELD data, black box/EDR, GPS/telematics, dashcam footage
Testimonial Evidence	Witness statements, expert testimony, medical opinions

Multiple Liable Parties

In many accidents, multiple parties share responsibility:

Trucking Accidents: Driver, trucking company, cargo loader, manufacturer
Rideshare Accidents: Driver, rideshare company, other at-fault drivers
Drunk Driving Accidents: Driver, bar/restaurant, liquor store, social host
Defective Vehicle Accidents: Manufacturer, maintenance company, parts supplier

More liable parties mean more insurance policies and higher potential recovery.

Damages and Compensation in Texas

Types of Damages

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas):

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages and earning capacity
Property damage
Out-of-pocket expenses

Non-Economic Damages (No Cap Except Medical Malpractice):

Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Physical impairment
Disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of consortium

Punitive/Exemplary Damages (Capped):

Available for gross negligence, fraud, or malice
Cap: Greater of $200,000 OR (2x economic + 1x non-economic max $750,000)

Settlement Ranges by Injury Type

Injury Type	Medical Costs	Lost Wages	Pain & Suffering	Settlement Range
Soft Tissue	$6K-$16K	$2K-$10K	$8K-$35K	$15K-$60K
Broken Bone (Simple)	$10K-$20K	$5K-$15K	$20K-$60K	$35K-$95K
Broken Bone (Surgery)	$47K-$98K	$10K-$30K	$75K-$200K	$132K-$328K
Herniated Disc (Conservative)	$22K-$46K	$8K-$25K	$40K-$100K	$70K-$171K
Herniated Disc (Surgery)	$96K-$205K	$20K-$50K	$150K-$450K	$346K-$1.2M
Traumatic Brain Injury	$198K-$638K	$50K-$200K	$500K-$3M	$1.5M-$9.8M
Spinal Cord/Paralysis	$500K-$1.5M	$50K-$200K	$1M-$5M	$4.8M-$25.9M
Amputation	$170K-$480K	$20K-$50K	$500K-$2M	$1.9M-$8.6M
Wrongful Death	$10K-$500K	$1M-$4M	$1.4M-$5M	$1.9M-$9.5M

Nuclear Verdicts in Texas

Recent Texas nuclear verdicts ($10M+) demonstrate what’s possible:

2024: $81.7M wrongful death (car accident)
2024: $44.1M trucking pileup (6 deaths)
2024: $37.5M distracted truck driver
2024: $35M trucking settlement (Fort Worth)
2023: $557M train accident (Union Pacific)

Insurance companies fear these verdicts, which gives us leverage in negotiations.

Insurance Company Tactics Exposed

At Attorney911, we have a unique advantage: Lupe Peña spent years working for insurance companies, learning their tactics from the inside. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for victims. Here’s what they don’t want you to know:

Tactic #1: The Quick Cash Trap

Within days of your accident, insurance adjusters will call with “friendly” offers of $2,000-$5,000. They’ll create artificial urgency:

“This offer expires in 48 hours”
“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. That $3,500 offer might seem good when you’re in pain and scared, but what happens when you need $100,000 in surgery?

Our Response: We never settle before you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). Lupe knows these offers are always lowball—he calculated them himself when he worked for the insurance companies.

Tactic #2: The Recorded Statement Trap

Insurance adjusters will call within hours of your accident, often while you’re still in the hospital or on pain medication. They’ll say:

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

What They’re Really Doing: Building their defense against you with leading questions:

Question They Ask	What They Want You to Say
“You’re feeling better now though, right?”	That your injuries aren’t serious
“It wasn’t that bad of an impact, was it?”	That your injuries couldn’t be severe
“You were able to walk away from the scene?”	That you’re not really hurt
“Were you distracted at all?”	That you share fault
“How fast were you going?”	That you were speeding

Our Response: Never give a recorded statement without an attorney. Once you hire Attorney911, we become your voice. As Lupe says: “I’ve reviewed hundreds of these statements. Insurance companies take innocent comments out of context to build their case against you.”

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

If you’re claiming serious injuries, insurance companies will send you to an “independent” medical exam. What they don’t tell you:

The doctor is hired and paid by the insurance company
They’re selected based on how often they find “no injury” or “pre-existing condition”
The exam typically lasts 10-15 minutes (vs. your doctor’s thorough evaluation)
They rarely review your complete medical records beforehand

Common IME Findings:

“Patient has pre-existing degenerative changes” (everyone over 40 has some arthritis)
“Injuries consistent with minor trauma” (minimizing your pain)
“Patient can return to full duty work” (eliminating lost wage claims)
“Treatment has been excessive” (attacking your doctors)
“Subjective complaints out of proportion to objective findings” (calling you a liar)

Our Response: Lupe knows these doctors personally—he hired many of them when he worked for insurance companies. We prepare you extensively before the exam, send your complete medical records to the IME doctor first, and challenge biased reports with our own medical experts.

Tactic #4: Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring

Insurance companies will:

Hire private investigators to video you
Monitor ALL your social media accounts
Screenshot everything: photos, posts, check-ins, comments
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 Gym Photo	Gym photo from 3 years ago	Presented as recent	Metadata proved pre-accident
Restaurant Check-in	Facebook check-in	“Partying and having fun”	Client was sitting quietly
Friend’s Comment	“Had fun yesterday!”	Evidence of non-injury	Client was resting at home
Walking Dog	Video of client walking dog	“Not disabled”	Doctor recommended short walks
Smiling Photo	Family photo smiling	“Not in pain”	Everyone smiles for photos

Our 7 Rules for Clients:

Make ALL profiles private immediately
Don’t post about accident, injuries, or activities
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 case
Assume EVERYTHING is being monitored
Don’t delete anything (preserve evidence)

Tactic #5: Delay and Financial Pressure

Insurance companies will:

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

Why Delay Works:

They have unlimited time and resources
You have mounting bills and no income
Financial desperation makes you accept less
Evidence disappears while they delay

Our Response: We file lawsuits to force deadlines. We set depositions to make them produce witnesses. We prepare for trial to show we’re serious. Lupe understands delay tactics because he used them—now he knows when and how to push back.

Tactic #6: Comparative Fault Arguments

Insurance companies will try to assign you maximum fault:

“You were speeding” (without evidence)
“You weren’t paying attention”
“You could have avoided this”
“You were distracted”
“You contributed to this accident”

Why This Matters:

Texas 51% bar rule: 51%+ fault = you get NOTHING
Even small fault % cost thousands:
- 10% fault on $100K case = $10K less for you
- 25% fault on $250K case = $62.5K less for you
- 40% fault on $500K case = $200K less for you

Our Response: Lupe made these arguments for years—now he knows how to defeat them. We conduct aggressive liability investigations with accident reconstruction experts to prove the other driver’s fault.

The Colossus System: How Insurance Companies Really Value Your Claim

Most insurance companies use software called Colossus to calculate claim values. Lupe knows this system intimately—he used it when he worked for them.

How Colossus Works:

Adjuster inputs injury codes, treatment, costs, jurisdiction
Injuries are coded (soft tissue strain vs. disc herniation)
Software applies algorithms
System outputs recommended settlement range
Adjuster typically cannot exceed without approval

How They Manipulate Colossus:

Use lowest possible injury codes
Flag “excessive” treatment for reduction
Penalize chiropractic care vs. MD treatment
Reduce value for pre-existing conditions
Apply jurisdiction factors (low-verdict counties = lower values)

Our Advantage: Lupe knows how to present medical records to beat the algorithm. He knows which medical terms trigger higher valuations and how to justify them.

Medical Knowledge: Understanding Your Injuries

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Immediate vs. Delayed Symptoms:

Immediate: Loss of consciousness, confusion, vomiting, seizures, severe headache
Delayed: Worsening headaches, repeated vomiting, personality changes, sleep disturbances

Severity Classifications:

Mild TBI/Concussion: Brief LOC, may seem “fine” initially
Moderate TBI: LOC minutes to hours, lasting impairment
Severe TBI: Extended coma, likely permanent disability

Long-Term Complications:

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
Post-Concussive Syndrome (10-15% of cases)
Increased dementia risk (doubled for moderate TBI)
Personality and mood disorders (40-50% develop depression)
Seizure disorders

Spinal Cord Injury

Injury Levels and Impact:

C1-C4 (High Cervical): Quadriplegia, possible ventilator dependence
C5-C8 (Low Cervical): Quadriplegia with some arm/hand function
T1-T12 (Thoracic): Paraplegia, wheelchair dependent
L1-L5 (Lumbar): Varying leg weakness/paralysis

ASIA Impairment Scale:

A: Complete (no motor/sensory function below injury)
B: Sensory Incomplete (sensory but no motor)
C: Motor Incomplete (most muscles <3/5 strength)
D: Motor Incomplete (most muscles ≥3/5 strength)
E: Normal (full recovery)

Herniated Disc

Treatment Timeline:

Acute Phase (Weeks 1-6): Severe pain, medications, rest
Conservative Treatment (Weeks 6-12): Physical therapy, chiropractic
Interventional (If Conservative Fails): Epidural injections
Surgery (If Injections Fail): Microdiscectomy or fusion

Permanent Restrictions Impact:

Can’t return to physical labor jobs
Lost earning capacity claims
Ongoing pain management needs

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Port Aransas Accident Case?

1. Insurance Defense Insider Advantage

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

This is Attorney911’s biggest competitive advantage. Lupe spent years working FOR insurance companies, learning:

Claim valuation methods (Colossus software)
Settlement authority structures
Defense tactics and delay strategies
IME doctor selection process
Surveillance and investigation methods
Comparative fault arguments

Now he uses that knowledge FOR victims, not against them. As Lupe says: “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.”

2. Multi-Million Dollar Results

We don’t just claim to get results—we prove it with documented case outcomes:

Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss
Amputation case settled in the millions after complications from initial car accident injury
Recovered millions in trucking-related wrongful death cases
Significant cash settlement for maritime back injury case

3. Federal Court Experience

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

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

Our firm was also one of the few involved in BP explosion litigation, demonstrating our capability to take on billion-dollar corporations.

4. Personal Attention You Can Trust

At Attorney911, you’re not just a case number. As client Chad Harris shared: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”

You’ll work directly with Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña, not a case manager assembly line. Our staff members like Leonor, Melani, and Amanda provide the personal attention that sets us apart. As Stephanie Hernandez said: “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.”

5. Contingency Fee – No Risk to You

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Port Aransas Accident Cases

Immediate After Accident

1. What should I do immediately after a car accident in Port Aransas?
If you’ve been in an accident in Port Aransas:

Call 911 and report the accident
Seek medical attention even if you feel fine
Document everything: photos of damage, injuries, scene
Exchange information with other driver
Get witness names and phone numbers
Do NOT give 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 Port Aransas?
You can obtain the police report from the Port Aransas Police Department or through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS).

Dealing With Insurance

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 recorded statement. Do NOT discuss injuries or fault.

9. Do I have to accept the insurance company’s estimate?
No. Their estimate is just an offer. It’s usually far below actual value. Attorney911 fights for what your case is really worth.

10. Should I accept a quick settlement offer?
NEVER accept settlement before knowing full extent of 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.

Legal Process

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

16. What is comparative negligence and how does it affect me?
Texas uses the 51% bar rule. If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover (reduced by your fault %). If 51%+ at fault, you get nothing.

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

17. What happens if I was partially at fault?
You can still recover if you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

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

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

19. How long will my case take to settle?
Depends on injury severity. We don’t settle until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). Could be 6 months for minor injuries, 18-24 months for serious injuries.

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

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

Compensation

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

22. What types of damages can I recover?

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

23. Can I get compensation for pain and suffering?
Yes. Pain and suffering is a significant component of personal injury cases in Texas. There is NO CAP on pain and suffering (except medical malpractice).

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

25. Will I have to pay taxes on my settlement?
Generally, compensation for physical injuries is NOT taxable. Punitive damages ARE taxable. Consult a tax professional.

26. How is the value of my claim determined?
Based on: medical bills, future treatment costs, lost income, permanent impairment rating, comparable verdicts, severity of injuries, impact on daily life.

Attorney Relationship

27. How much do car accident lawyers cost?
Attorney911 works on contingency: 33.33% before trial, 40% if trial. You pay nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win.

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

28. What does “no fee unless we win” mean?
You pay zero unless we recover money for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. We advance all case costs.

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

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

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

Mistakes to Avoid

32. What common mistakes can hurt my case?

Giving recorded statement without attorney
Accepting 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 accident, injuries, or activities. Insurance monitors everything.

34. Why shouldn’t I sign anything without a lawyer?
Releases are PERMANENT. Medical authorizations give unlimited access. Settlement offers are binding. Once signed, you can’t undo it.

35. What if I didn’t see a doctor right away?
See one NOW. Explain you didn’t realize severity of injuries. Delayed symptoms are common. We can still help.

Additional Common Questions

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. The “eggshell plaintiff” rule means the defendant takes you as they find you.

We hire medical experts to prove the difference between your condition before and after the accident. Lupe knows how insurance companies attack 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.”

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.

Lupe calculated these for years—he knows how to justify higher multipliers. For example, $100,000 in medical bills × 4 multiplier = $400,000 for pain and suffering.

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, and 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 when the at-fault driver is unidentified.

Surveillance footage is CRITICAL—gas stations, businesses, Ring doorbells, traffic cameras. Most footage is deleted within 7-30 days. We send preservation letters immediately to secure this evidence.

Texas allows UM stacking, which means you can combine coverage from multiple vehicles you own. 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. 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 is fluent in Spanish, and our staff includes bilingual team members like Zulema. As client Celia Dominguez shared: “Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.”

43. What if the accident happened in a parking lot?
Parking lot accidents are fully compensable. Insurance companies often argue that “parking lot accidents are always 50/50 fault,” but this is a myth.

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 (friend, family member, Uber driver). You’re an innocent victim, and the driver’s insurance covers passengers.

There are no comparative fault issues for passengers (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, and 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.

Port Aransas-Specific Legal Considerations

Port Aransas presents unique legal challenges for accident victims:

Coastal Weather Conditions:

Sudden storms and high winds contribute to accidents
Wet roads from sea spray create hazardous conditions
Flooding can make roads impassable and increase accident risks

Tourist Traffic Patterns:

Seasonal influx of visitors unfamiliar with local roads
Increased drunk driving incidents during peak seasons
More pedestrian and bicycle traffic in tourist areas

Port-Related Traffic:

Heavy truck traffic serving the port
Ferry-related congestion and unique accident scenarios
Commercial vehicle presence on Highway 361 and Park Road 53

Local Medical Facilities:

Christus Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi – Shoreline (Level II Trauma Center)
Driscoll Children’s Hospital (for pediatric cases)
Local urgent care centers for initial treatment

Legal Venue:

Cases typically filed in Nueces County District Courts
Ralph Manginello’s experience in Texas courts ensures familiarity with local judges and procedures

Call Attorney911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Every day you wait, evidence disappears. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is typically deleted within 7-30 days. Witness memories fade. Insurance companies are already building their case against you while you’re still recovering.

Don’t let them take advantage of you. With Attorney911, you have a former insurance defense attorney on your side—someone who knows their playbook because he wrote it.

Call now for your free consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
🌐 https://attorney911.com/contact/

We don’t get paid unless we win your case. There’s no risk to you—just the opportunity to fight for the compensation you deserve.

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

Remember: You’re not just another case to us. As client Glenda Walker said: “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.”

Don’t wait. Call Attorney911 today. Your recovery starts now.