Car Accident Lawyers in Richardson, Texas: Fighting for Your Recovery
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Richardson, Texas, you’re not alone. With over 251,977 people injured in Texas motor vehicle crashes last year and a crash occurring every 57 seconds, car accidents are a daily reality on our roads. At Attorney911, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a collision can take. Our Richardson car accident lawyers are here to fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.
The Reality of Car Accidents in Richardson
Richardson sits at the crossroads of major highways like US-75 and the President George Bush Turnpike, making it a high-traffic area prone to accidents. Whether you were rear-ended on Campbell Road, involved in a T-bone collision at the intersection of Coit and Arapaho, or sideswiped on Central Expressway, our team has seen it all. With Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience handling car accident cases across Texas, we know the local courts, judges, and insurance adjusters who handle claims in Collin County.
The statistics paint a sobering picture:
- 1 person is injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds on Texas roads
- 4,150 people lost their lives in Texas crashes last year
- Distracted driving caused 380 deaths in Texas
- Speeding contributed to countless preventable collisions
These aren’t just numbers – they represent real people whose lives were changed in an instant. If you’re one of them, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a legal emergency response team.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Richardson
Our Richardson car accident attorneys see patterns in local collisions:
- Distracted Driving – From texting to adjusting the GPS, drivers take their eyes off the road for dangerous seconds
- Speeding – Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases crash severity
- Failure to Yield – Common at intersections like Coit and Campbell or Belt Line and Alma
- Running Red Lights – Particularly dangerous at high-traffic intersections
- Following Too Closely – A major issue on US-75 and Central Expressway
- DUI/DWI – Alcohol-impaired driving remains a persistent problem
- Weather Conditions – Rain and occasional ice create hazardous driving conditions
- Fatigued Driving – Especially common among commercial drivers
Common Car Accident Injuries We Handle
Car crashes can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-altering:
- Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries – The most common, often underestimated injuries
- Herniated or Bulging Discs – Can require surgery and cause chronic pain
- Broken Bones and Fractures – Arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones are frequently broken
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Even “mild” concussions can have lasting effects
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Can lead to partial or complete paralysis
- Internal Organ Damage – Often not immediately apparent
- Lacerations and Scarring – Can be both physically and emotionally devastating
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Anxiety, flashbacks, and fear of driving
- Wrongful Death – When a collision proves fatal
“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.” – Attorney911 Case Result
Why Insurance Companies Are Already Working Against You
Here’s what most accident victims don’t realize: while you’re recovering from your injuries, the other driver’s insurance company is building a case against you. They’ll use tactics like:
- Recorded Statements – Trying to get you to say something that hurts your case
- Quick Settlement Offers – Lowball offers before you know the full extent of your injuries
- Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) – Using their own doctors to minimize your injuries
- Surveillance – Following you to catch you doing normal activities
- Delay Tactics – Hoping you’ll get desperate and accept less
- Comparative Fault Arguments – Trying to blame you for the accident
This is where our Richardson car accident lawyers have a unique advantage. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, worked for years at a national defense firm representing insurance companies. He knows their playbook because he wrote it. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for accident victims like you.
“I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as a 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
How Texas Law Affects Your Car Accident Claim
Texas operates under an “at-fault” system, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for the damages. However, Texas also follows the 51% comparative fault rule:
- If you’re found to be 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault)
- If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing
This is why insurance companies work so hard to shift blame to you. They know that even a small percentage of fault can cost you thousands of dollars. Our Richardson car accident attorneys know how to counter these arguments and protect your rights.
What You Can Recover After a Car Accident
Many accident victims don’t realize the full range of compensation they may be entitled to:
Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas):
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Property damage (vehicle repair/replacement)
- Out-of-pocket expenses (transportation, medications, etc.)
Non-Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas):
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Physical impairment
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (for spouses)
Punitive Damages (Capped in Texas):
- Available in cases of gross negligence (like drunk driving)
- Capped at the greater of $200,000 or 2x economic damages + 1x non-economic (max $750,000 for non-economic)
Settlement Ranges for Common Car Accident Injuries
While every case is unique, here are typical settlement ranges for common injuries:
| Injury Type | Settlement Range | Factors That Increase Value |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Tissue (Whiplash, Sprains) | $15,000 – $60,000 | Permanent pain, chronic symptoms |
| Broken Bones (Simple Fractures) | $35,000 – $95,000 | Surgery required, permanent impairment |
| Herniated Disc (Conservative Treatment) | $70,000 – $171,000 | Failed conservative treatment, ongoing symptoms |
| Herniated Disc (Surgery Required) | $346,000 – $1,205,000 | Permanent restrictions, lost earning capacity |
| Traumatic Brain Injury (Moderate-Severe) | $1,548,000 – $9,838,000 | Permanent cognitive impairment, life care costs |
| Spinal Cord Injury (Paraplegia) | $4,770,000 – $25,880,000 | Lifetime care needs, lost earning capacity |
| Amputation | $1,945,000 – $8,630,000 | Prosthetic costs, permanent disability |
| Wrongful Death | $1,910,000 – $9,520,000 | Age of victim, income potential, family impact |
“I was rear-ended and the team got right to work. I also got a very nice settlement.” – MONGO SLADE, Attorney911 Client
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol
Time is critical after a car accident. Evidence disappears quickly:
Hour 1-6:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek medical attention (adrenaline masks injuries)
- Document everything with photos
- Exchange information with other driver
- Get witness names and contact information
- Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911
Hour 6-24:
- Preserve all digital evidence (texts, photos, videos)
- Keep damaged clothing and personal items
- Request copies of medical records
- Do NOT give recorded statements to insurance
- Do NOT post about the accident on social media
Hour 24-48:
- Contact Attorney911 for legal consultation
- Refer insurance companies to your attorney
- Do NOT accept settlement offers
- Backup all evidence to cloud storage
Why This Matters:
- Surveillance footage deleted in 7-30 days
- Witness memories fade quickly
- Insurance companies start building their defense immediately
When you hire Attorney911, we send preservation letters to:
- The other driver’s insurance company
- Businesses near the accident scene
- Government entities (for traffic camera footage)
- Vehicle manufacturers (for black box data)
Why Richardson Accident Victims Choose Attorney911
-
Insurance Defense Insider Advantage
- Lupe Peña worked for years at a national defense firm
- He knows how insurance companies value claims because he calculated them
- We anticipate their strategies before they deploy them
-
Multi-Million Dollar Results
- “Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss”
- “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”
- “At Attorney911, our personal injury attorneys have helped numerous injured individuals recover millions of dollars in compensation”
-
Federal Court Experience
- Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- Our firm was one of the few involved in BP explosion litigation
- We handle complex cases that other firms can’t
-
Personal Attention You Deserve
“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
-
No Fee Unless We Win
- Free consultation
- No upfront costs
- We advance all case expenses
- You pay nothing unless we recover for you
Frequently Asked Questions About Richardson Car Accidents
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Richardson?
If you’ve been in an accident in Richardson:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek medical attention even if you feel fine
- Document everything with photos of damage, injuries, and the 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
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.
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.
What information should I collect at the scene?
- Other driver: name, phone, address, driver’s license, insurance
- Vehicle: make, model, color, license plate
- Witnesses: names and phone numbers
- Photos: all vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, traffic signals
- Police: officer name, badge number, report number
Should I talk to the other driver or admit fault?
- Exchange information only
- Do NOT discuss fault
- Do NOT apologize or say “I’m sorry” (can be used as admission)
- Do NOT give your opinion on what happened
- Stick to facts only
How do I obtain a copy of the accident report in Richardson?
You can obtain the police report from the Richardson Police Department or through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS).
Should I give a recorded statement to insurance?
To the other driver’s insurance: NO. Not without an attorney.
To your own insurance: You have a duty to cooperate, but call Attorney911 first. We can advise you.
What if the other driver’s insurance contacts me?
Say: “I need to speak with my attorney first.” Give only basic information (name, date of accident). Do NOT give a recorded statement. Do NOT discuss injuries or fault.
Do I have to accept the insurance company’s estimate?
No. Their estimate is just an offer. It’s usually far below actual value. Attorney911 fights for what your case is really worth.
Should I accept a quick settlement offer?
NEVER accept a settlement before knowing the full extent of your injuries. Once you sign a release, you cannot get more money even if you need surgery later.
What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?
Your own UM/UIM coverage can compensate you. Watch our video: “Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8
Why does insurance want me to sign a medical authorization?
They want unlimited access to your ENTIRE medical history to find pre-existing conditions to use against you. Never sign without attorney review.
Do I have a personal injury case?
You may have a case if:
- Someone else was at fault (even partially)
- You suffered injuries or damages
- There is insurance to recover from
Watch our video: “Do I Have a Good Case?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-PMMP5Jims
When should I hire a car accident lawyer?
Immediately. Evidence disappears daily. Insurance companies start building their defense against you from day one. Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911
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.
What is comparative negligence and how does it affect me?
Texas uses the 51% bar rule. If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover (reduced by your fault %). If 51%+ at fault, you get nothing.
Watch our video: “What Is Comparative Negligence?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agzHKY_v9l4
What happens if I was partially at fault?
You can still recover if you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle before trial. But Attorney911 prepares every case AS IF it’s going to trial. That’s what gives us leverage.
Watch our video: “Will Your Case Go to Trial?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ed5AnmCMcc
How long will my case take to settle?
Depends on injury severity. We don’t settle until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). Could be 6 months for minor injuries, 18-24 months for serious injuries.
What is the legal process step-by-step?
- 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
What is my case worth?
Depends on: injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, permanent impairment, pain and suffering, insurance available. Cases range from $15,000 (soft tissue) to millions (catastrophic injury).
What types of damages can I recover?
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Physical impairment
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
Can I get compensation for pain and suffering?
Yes. Pain and suffering is a significant component of personal injury cases in Texas. There is NO CAP on pain and suffering (except medical malpractice).
What if I have a pre-existing condition?
You can still recover if the accident aggravated or worsened your pre-existing condition. This is called the “eggshell plaintiff” rule.
Will I have to pay taxes on my settlement?
Generally, compensation for physical injuries is NOT taxable. Punitive damages ARE taxable. Consult a tax professional.
How is the value of my claim determined?
Based on: medical bills, future treatment costs, lost income, permanent impairment rating, comparable verdicts, severity of injuries, impact on daily life.
How much do car accident lawyers cost?
Attorney911 works on contingency: 33.33% before trial, 40% if trial. You pay nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win.
Watch our video: “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc
What does “no fee unless we win” mean?
You pay zero unless we recover money for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. We advance all case costs.
How often will I get updates?
Attorney911 provides regular updates. As client Dame Haskett said: “Consistent communication and not one time did i call and not get a clear answer.”
Who will actually handle my case?
At Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, not just paralegals. As Chad Harris said: “You are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”
What if I already hired another attorney?
You can switch. As client Greg Garcia said: “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.”
What 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
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.
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.
What if I didn’t see a doctor right away?
See one NOW. Explain you didn’t realize the severity of your injuries. Delayed symptoms are common. We can still help.
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. “Eggshell plaintiff” rule: Defendant takes victim as they find them.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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—most is deleted within 7-30 days. We send preservation letters immediately.
What if I’m an undocumented immigrant—can I still file a claim?
YES. Immigration status does NOT affect your right to compensation for injuries. You’re entitled to full recovery regardless of immigration status. Your case is confidential. We’ve successfully represented clients of all immigration statuses. Lupe is fluent in Spanish.
What if the accident happened in a parking lot?
Parking lot accidents are fully compensable. Insurance companies love to argue “parking lot accidents are always 50/50 fault” (LIE). We prove fault through: surveillance video, witness statements, damage analysis, and traffic patterns.
What if I was a passenger in the at-fault vehicle?
You can sue the driver even if you were riding with them (friend, family member, Uber driver). You’re an innocent victim. The driver’s insurance covers passengers. No comparative fault issues (you weren’t driving). These cases often settle quickly because liability is clear.
What if the other driver died in the accident?
You can still pursue a claim against the deceased driver’s estate and insurance. Death doesn’t eliminate liability. The insurance policy still applies. The estate may have assets. Wrongful death laws protect both sides.
Richardson Car Accident Resources
Richardson Police Department
411 W Arapaho Rd, Richardson, TX 75080
(972) 744-4800
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Richardson
302 University Blvd, Richardson, TX 75080
(469) 800-6000
Methodist Richardson Medical Center
2831 E President George Bush Hwy, Richardson, TX 75082
(469) 204-1000
Texas Department of Transportation – Richardson Area
2100 N Central Expy, Richardson, TX 75080
(972) 366-3000
Contact Attorney911 Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Richardson, don’t wait. Evidence disappears daily, and insurance companies are already building their case against you.
Call our legal emergency line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Or visit our website: https://attorney911.com
Free consultation • No fee unless we win • Se habla español
We’re here to fight for you while you focus on healing. Let our Richardson car accident lawyers handle the legal battle so you can concentrate on your recovery.

