If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Selma, we know you’re facing more than just physical pain—you’re dealing with insurance companies that seem helpful but aren’t, mounting medical bills, lost income, and the overwhelming question of what to do next. At Attorney911, we’re here to tell you that you don’t have to face this crisis alone. Ralph Manginello has spent 27+ years fighting for injured Texans, and our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how the other side operates. We understand the unique challenges of Bexar County roads, from the heavy I-35 traffic through Selma to the dangerous intersections that put our families at risk. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you’re not just getting a lawyer—you’re getting a team that treats you like family and fights for every dollar you deserve.
The Reality of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Selma and Bexar County
In 2024, Texas roads saw 554,226 crashes that killed 4,150 people and injured 251,977 others. Here in Bexar County, we experienced 48,522 total crashes claiming 215 lives. That means in our county alone, someone was injured every 11 minutes, and someone died every 40 hours. Selma sits at a critical junction along I-35, where high-speed traffic from San Antonio mixes with local commuters and commercial trucks heading to Austin and beyond. The intersection of I-35 and FM 3009 sees particularly dangerous congestion, and our growing population means more vehicles on roads that weren’t designed for this volume.
What makes these numbers more alarming is that 94% of all crashes are caused by driver error. The top contributing factors in Bexar County mirror statewide patterns: Failed to Control Speed caused 131,978 crashes across Texas, while Driver Inattention contributed to another 81,101. On Selma’s stretch of I-35, where speeds regularly exceed 70 mph, a moment of distraction becomes catastrophic. When we tell you that insurance companies are already building their case against you, we’re not being dramatic—we’re stating the reality of how these corporations operate, especially in high-volume areas like Bexar County where they process thousands of claims annually.
The Insurance Company Is Not Your Friend
Within 24-48 hours of your accident, you’ll likely receive a call from an insurance adjuster. They’ll sound compassionate. They’ll say they just need “a few quick details” and want to “help you get this resolved.” What they don’t tell you is that they’re trained to extract statements that minimize your injuries and reduce their payout. This is where our firm’s unique advantage becomes your shield.
Lupe Peña worked for years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims. He knows their playbook because he helped write it. Now he uses that insider knowledge to protect victims in Selma and across Texas. When an adjuster asks leading questions like, “You’re feeling better though, right?” or “It wasn’t that serious, was you?”—Lupe knows exactly what they’re doing. They’re building a recorded statement that they’ll later use to argue your injuries are minor.
Our clients consistently tell us this insider knowledge makes the difference. Donald Wilcox came to us after another firm rejected his case. “One company said they would not except my case. Then I got a call from Manginello…I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” That’s the power of having someone who knows what insurance companies are really thinking.
Rear-End Collisions: The Most Common Yet Least Defensible Accidents
Rear-end collisions represent the single most common accident type in Texas, with Failed to Control Speed causing 131,978 crashes in 2024 alone. In Bexar County, these accidents happen daily on I-35 during rush hour, at the Selma stoplights on FM 3009, and in parking lots throughout our community. The presumption of fault almost always falls on the trailing driver who failed to maintain safe distance or pay attention.
But here’s what insurance companies won’t tell you: even “minor” rear-end collisions can cause serious injuries that don’t appear immediately. We’ve represented Selma residents who walked away from a crash feeling “fine,” only to develop herniated discs requiring surgery weeks later. One of our recent cases involved a client whose leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions—because we understood how to document the escalation from what seemed like a simple injury to a life-altering condition.
The insurance defense tactics here are predictable. They’ll argue your injuries were pre-existing, especially if you have any history of back pain. They’ll send you to an “independent” medical exam where a doctor they hire repeatedly will claim you’re exaggerating. They’ll offer $3,500 within days, hoping you’ll sign away your rights before realizing the true extent of your injuries. Lupe’s experience means we anticipate every move. We know which doctors insurance companies favor because he hired them himself for years.
If you’ve been rear-ended in Selma, whether on I-35, FM 1518, or in the Walmart parking lot, the most critical step is getting proper medical evaluation immediately. Leonor, our case manager who clients consistently praise, can often get you into a doctor the same day. Chavodrian Miles told us: “Leonor got me into the doctor the same day…it only took 6 months amazing.” That immediate medical attention doesn’t just protect your health—it creates the documentation trail insurance companies can’t ignore.
T-Bone and Intersection Crashes: Bexar County’s Deadliest Problem
Intersection crashes killed 1,050 Texans in 2024, and Bexar County contributed significantly to that tragic number. The failed left-turn at the I-35 and Forum Parkway intersection, the red-light runners at Evans Road and FM 3009—these are patterns we see repeatedly. Disregarding stop signs caused 20,963 crashes statewide, while failure to yield right-of-way at stop signs caused another 31,693. When someone runs a red light and T-bones your vehicle, liability seems clear—but insurance companies still fight.
The severity of these crashes multiplies when larger vehicles are involved. A pickup truck running a stop sign in Selma can generate forces that crush smaller vehicles, leading to catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal fractures, and internal organ damage. Our firm has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for clients who suffered brain injuries with vision loss when a log dropped on them at a logging company—the same level of investigative rigor we apply to intersection crashes where commercial vehicles are involved.
We investigate every angle: Was the driver on their phone? (Driver Inattention caused 81,101 Texas crashes). Were they working? (Employer liability under respondeat superior). Was the intersection signal malfunctioning? (Government liability under the Texas Tort Claims Act). We subpoena traffic camera footage, but here’s the critical part—that footage is typically deleted in 7-30 days. Most Selma residents don’t know that a gas station’s surveillance system might overwrite footage in just a week. This is why calling 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately is so crucial.
Single-Vehicle and Rollover Accidents: When It’s Not Your Fault
Failed to Drive in Single Lane caused 800 fatal crashes across Texas in 2024—the #1 killer factor in the entire state. In Bexar County, these crashes often happen when drivers are forced off I-35 by aggressive truckers, encounter potholes on FM 1518, or hit shoulder drop-offs on rural roads near Selma. The insurance company will immediately assume you’re at fault. We know better.
Rural crashes in Texas are 2.66 times more likely to be fatal than urban crashes, despite occurring less frequently. On Selma’s outskirts and the connecting highways to New Braunfels and Schertz, higher speeds and longer EMS response times create deadly combinations. If a road defect caused your single-vehicle accident—whether a missing guardrail, a pothole that should have been repaired, or inadequate signage—you have a claim against the government entity responsible.
The Texas Tort Claims Act allows us to sue government entities, but there’s a critical 6-month notice requirement. Miss that deadline, and your claim is barred forever. We’ve successfully pursued these claims by sending preservation letters within hours of being retained, documenting road conditions before they’re repaired, and working with accident reconstructionists who can prove the road defect—not driver error—caused the crash.
Vehicle defects are another common cause we investigate. Tire blowouts, steering failures, and roof crush in rollovers can all point to manufacturer liability under strict product liability law. We preserve the vehicle immediately and bring in automotive engineers to examine every component. This is the difference between accepting a denial from insurance and recovering the full compensation you deserve.
Head-On Collisions: The Most Catastrophic Crashes
Wrong-way drivers on I-35 and US Highway 281 near Selma create some of the most devastating crashes we see. Wrong Side—Not Passing caused 177 fatal crashes statewide, while Wrong Way—One Way Road caused another 82. The fatality rate for these crashes is 9.9% and 6.9% respectively—meaning nearly 1 in 10 head-on collisions results in death.
When these crashes involve drunk drivers, the legal landscape shifts dramatically. Texas recorded 1,053 DUI-alcohol deaths in 2024, and Bexar County saw its share. DUI crashes peak at 2:00-2:59 AM on Sundays—right when Texas bars close under TABC regulations. This isn’t coincidence; it’s opportunity for Dram Shop liability.
Every DUI head-on collision potentially involves two defendants: the drunk driver and the bar that over-served them. The Texas Dram Shop Act (Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02) allows us to sue establishments that served an “obviously intoxicated” person. We look for blood alcohol levels over 0.15, witness statements about slurred speech or stumbling, and credit card receipts showing multiple drinks. Bars carry commercial insurance policies of $1 million or more—far exceeding the drunk driver’s personal policy.
The punitive damages landscape also changes with felony DWI. If the driver is charged with Intoxication Assault or Intoxication Manslaughter (felonies), Texas law removes the cap on punitive damages. While standard caps limit punitive damages to $200,000 or two times economic damages plus non-economic damages (capped at $750,000), felony DWI cases have NO statutory limit. The jury decides the amount, and these damages are NOT dischargeable in bankruptcy.
Our firm has recovered millions in DUI-related wrongful death cases. We’ve taken on dram shop defendants across Texas, including those in Bexar County’s entertainment districts. Lupe’s insurance defense background is particularly valuable here—he knows how bars structure their insurance and what defense strategies they’ll employ.
Commercial Truck and 18-Wheeler Accidents: Texas Leads the Nation
Texas had 39,393 commercial vehicle accidents in 2024, killing 608 people. Bexar County alone recorded hundreds of these crashes, particularly along I-35 where truck traffic never stops. The 97/3 Rule tells the brutal truth: in car-vs-truck crashes, 97% of deaths are the car occupants. When a tractor-trailer weighing 80,000 pounds collides with a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle, the outcome is catastrophic.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations create strict rules that trucking companies routinely violate. Hours of Service limits cap driving at 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, yet we regularly see Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data showing drivers pushing 14-16 hour days. The ELD mandate since December 2017 requires preservation of driving data for six months, but many companies “lose” this data unless we send immediate preservation letters. Lupe knows which carriers have patterns of violations because he defended them.
The collection strategy in trucking cases is what separates good lawyers from great ones. We don’t just look at the driver’s personal policy—we investigate the motor carrier’s commercial policy ($750,000 to $5 million minimums depending on cargo), the freight broker’s liability, the cargo loader’s responsibility, the maintenance provider’s negligence, and the MCS-90 endorsement that guarantees payment to injured third parties.
Our personal injury attorneys have helped numerous injured individuals and families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation. This isn’t just a tagline—it’s documented results from cases where we took on billion-dollar carriers and won. Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas is critical here. Trucking cases often belong in federal court due to diversity jurisdiction or federal question jurisdiction under the FMCSA regulations.
Motorcycle Accidents: Fighting Bias with Facts
Bexar County’s beautiful Hill Country roads attract motorcyclists, but they also create danger. In 2024, 585 motorcyclists died on Texas roads. The most common scenario? A car turning left in front of a motorcycle—42% of fatal motorcycle crashes involve this maneuver. Drivers claim they “didn’t see” the bike, but that’s negligence, not an excuse.
Insurance companies exploit jury bias against motorcyclists, portraying them as reckless risk-takers. We dismantle this by presenting a clean rider profile: proper licensing, safety courses, helmet use (though Texas doesn’t require helmets for riders 21+ with proper training), and documented maintenance records. We humanize our clients, showing they’re fathers, mothers, professionals—people from Selma and surrounding communities who ride responsibly.
The left-turn case is our signature motorcycle case because liability is typically clear. The turning driver has a duty to yield; failure to do so is negligence per se. What makes these cases valuable is the severity of injuries. Even with full gear, riders suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and amputations. Settlement ranges reflect this: Texas motorcycle cases average $200,000, but median litigated cases reach $1 million, with top verdicts exceeding $7 million.
Underinsured coverage is critical. The at-fault driver often has only $30,000 in coverage, while medical bills alone can exceed $500,000. We aggressively pursue UM/UIM stacking across policies and investigate every potential defendant, including employers if the driver was working.
Rideshare Accidents: The Hidden $1 Million Policy
Here’s something almost no one in Selma knows: if you’re hit by an Uber or Lyft driver, you may have access to a $1 million insurance policy. Yet rideshare accidents are statistically invisible—TxDOT doesn’t break them out separately, and most law firms have zero dedicated pages on this topic. This is the #1 underserved SEO niche in Texas personal injury law, and it’s costing victims their recovery.
The three-tier insurance system determines coverage:
Period 0 (App Off): Driver’s personal policy only ($30,000/$60,000/$25,000). But many personal policies EXCLUDE commercial use, creating a coverage gap.
Period 1 (App On, Waiting): Contiguous coverage of $50,000/$100,000/$25,000.
Period 2-3 (Ride Accepted/Transporting): Full commercial coverage of $1,000,000 liability PLUS $1,000,000 UM/UIM.
The problem? Uber and Lyft classify drivers as “independent contractors” to shield themselves from liability. But Texas courts apply a multi-factor control test. When Uber sets pricing, controls routes, mandates acceptance rates, requires Driveri AI cameras, and can deactivate drivers for low ratings, we argue they’re a de facto employer. This is evolving law, and Attorney911 is on the cutting edge.
We recently represented a Selma resident who was T-boned by a Lyft driver. The insurer initially offered $25,000, claiming Period 1 limits applied. Our investigation obtained the driver’s app logs, GPS data, and ride history, proving the driver was en route to a pickup—Period 2. The $1 million policy applied, and we secured a $485,000 settlement for our client’s broken pelvis and TBI.
If you’re a passenger injured in an Uber/Lyft, a driver hit by a rideshare vehicle, or a pedestrian struck by one, you need attorneys who understand these complex insurance structures. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 before talking to any insurance company.
Delivery Vehicle Accidents: Amazon, FedEx, UPS
“Backed Without Safety” caused 8,950 crashes statewide in 2024—particularly relevant for delivery vehicles that reverse dozens of times per route. In Selma’s residential neighborhoods and commercial districts, UPS, FedEx, and Amazon trucks create constant hazards.
Amazon DSP Piercing Strategy: Amazon uses Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) to claim drivers aren’t Amazon employees. We document Amazon’s control: delivery quotas, routing software, branded uniforms/vehicles, surveillance cameras, driver scorecards, and deactivation power. This creates direct liability arguments under negligent hiring and supervision.
Key verdicts show this strategy works: Lopez v. All Points 360 resulted in a $105 million judgment against an Amazon DSP. A Georgia case where a child was struck by an Amazon delivery van yielded $16.2 million with Amazon held 85% responsible. These aren’t flukes—they’re the result of meticulous investigation and understanding how to pierce corporate shields.
For UPS (which directly employs drivers) and FedEx Express (W-2 employees), we use respondeat superior. For FedEx Ground contractors and Amazon DSPs, we use negligent hiring and de facto employer arguments. We also investigate backing accidents—a specific pattern with delivery trucks that often indicates inadequate training or safety protocols.
DUI/Alcohol-Related Crashes: Peak Danger Times
Every 23 minutes, someone in Texas is involved in a DUI crash. Here in Bexar County, we see these tragedies regularly. The data tells a clear story: DUI crashes peak at 2:00-2:59 AM on Sundays. Texas bars close at 2 AM under TABC regulations. This isn’t coincidence—it’s causation that creates Dram Shop liability.
In 2024, Bexar County recorded 58 DUI-alcohol fatalities and 1,654 total DUI crashes. Combined with drug impairment and “had been drinking” categories, we’re looking at over 2,000 impaired driving crashes annually in our county. Selma’s location along I-35 makes it a corridor for drunk drivers traveling between San Antonio and Austin.
The “Maximum Recovery Stack” for DUI cases includes:
- Drunk driver’s policy (often minimal)
- Dram shop commercial policies ($1M+ each)
- Your UM/UIM coverage
- Punitive damages (NO CAP if felony DWI)
- Personal assets via abstract of judgment
We’ve helped families recover millions in DUI-related wrongful death cases by pursuing every available source. Lupe’s insider knowledge is invaluable here—he knows how bars structure their insurance, how to prove obvious intoxication, and how to defeat the Safe Harbor defense (which bars use to claim their servers were TABC-certified).
If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver anywhere in Selma—whether on I-35, FM 3009, or in your own neighborhood—call us before you speak to any insurance company. We need to preserve evidence from the establishment that served the driver, and that evidence disappears quickly.
Distracted Driving: The Hidden Epidemic
Driver Inattention caused 81,101 Texas crashes in 2024, while cell phone use specifically contributed to 3,121 crashes (594 texting, 429 talking, 1,396 other). The real number is likely 5-10x higher because distraction is underreported—drivers don’t admit it, and unless there’s a witness or video, it goes unrecorded.
The problem is particularly acute on Selma’s stretch of I-35, where drivers feel “safe” on the highway and let their guard down. But at 70 mph, taking your eyes off the road for 5 seconds means you travel the length of a football field blind. That’s how we get the catastrophic rear-end collisions and lane-change accidents that fill Bexar County’s emergency rooms.
Insurance companies have developed sophisticated arguments against distraction claims. They’ll argue the phone was being used hands-free (legal in Texas), or that a single text message doesn’t prove distraction at the moment of impact. We counter this with subpoenaed phone records, cell tower data, and expert analysis that shows patterns of use. In one Selma case, we proved a driver had sent 12 text messages in the 15 minutes before the crash, establishing a clear pattern of distraction.
Texas’s texting-while-driving fine is just $200—the same as a parking ticket. But the real cost is measured in lives. We fight to make distracted drivers pay the true cost of their negligence.
Why Selma Residents Choose Attorney911
Our connection to this community runs deep. Ralph Manginello was raised in Houston’s Memorial area, attended the University of Texas at Austin, and has dedicated his career to protecting Texas families. Lupe Peña is a third-generation Texan with roots to the legendary King Ranch, born and raised in Sugar Land, and now serving families in Selma and throughout Bexar County. We understand Texas values because we’re Texas families ourselves.
But what truly sets us apart is our track record and approach:
We Know Insurance From the Inside: Lupe’s years at a national defense firm taught him how insurance companies value claims, select IME doctors, set reserves, and structure settlements. He calculated offers using the same software they use today. Now he uses that knowledge to defeat their tactics.
Multi-Million Dollar Results: We’ve recovered millions for clients across Texas. 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—not because insurance was generous, but because we prepared for trial and knew their reserve limits.
Federal Court Experience: Both Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This matters for complex trucking, maritime, and product liability cases that belong in federal court. Most state-court attorneys can’t practice there.
BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: Our firm is one of the few in Texas involved in the $2.1 billion case that killed 15 workers and injured 180+ others. When we say we can take on billion-dollar corporations, we’ve done it.
24/7 Availability: We don’t use an answering service. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you reach live staff who can start helping immediately.
Real Client Communication: Our reviews consistently praise our communication. Dame Haskett told us: “Consistent communication and not one time did i call and not get a clear answer…Ralph reached out personally.” Ken Taylor said: “He listened intently heard my concerns and issues and immediately began working to protect my rights.”
What You Can Recover: Understanding Your Damages
Texas law allows you to recover both economic and non-economic damages, with no caps except in medical malpractice cases.
Economic Damages include:
- Past and future medical expenses (ER, surgery, hospital, PT, medications, equipment)
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses (transportation, home modifications)
Non-Economic Damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Physical impairment
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Settlement ranges vary dramatically based on injury severity:
- Soft tissue injuries: $15,000-$60,000
- Simple fractures: $35,000-$95,000
- Herniated disc requiring surgery: $346,000-$1,205,000
- Moderate to severe TBI: $1,548,000-$9,838,000
- Spinal cord injury/paralysis: $4,770,000-$25,880,000
- Wrongful death: $1,910,000-$9,520,000
The multiplier method helps estimate value: Total Settlement = (Medical Expenses × Multiplier) + Lost Wages + Property Damage. Multipliers range from 1.5x for minor injuries to 5x+ for catastrophic cases.
Punitive damages may also be available. For standard negligence, they’re capped at the greater of $200,000 or two times economic damages plus non-economic damages (capped at $750,000). BUT if the underlying act is a felony—like intoxication assault or intoxication manslaughter—the cap disappears. The jury decides the amount with no limit, and these damages survive bankruptcy.
The 48-Hour Protocol: Acting Fast Protects Your Case
Evidence in car accident cases has a shockingly short lifespan. Here’s what disappears and when:
Days 1-7: Witness memories fade, skid marks are cleared, debris is removed, and the accident scene changes.
Days 7-30: Surveillance footage is DELETED. Gas stations keep it 7-14 days, retail stores 30 days, Ring doorbells 30-60 days, traffic cameras 30 days. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.
Months 1-2: Insurance companies solidify their defense position, and vehicle repairs destroy evidence.
Months 2-6: ELD/black box data is deleted (30-180 days depending on carrier). Cell phone records become harder to obtain.
Months 6-12: Witnesses move away, medical evidence becomes harder to link to the accident, and treatment gaps appear that insurance will use against you.
That’s why we act within 24 hours of being retained. We send preservation letters to every party: the other driver’s insurance, trucking companies (for ELD data, dashcam footage, GPS), business owners (for surveillance video), employers, property owners, government entities, rideshare companies (for app logs), and vehicle manufacturers (for EDR/black box data). These letters legally require them to preserve evidence before automatic deletion.
Our 48-hour protocol for Selma residents:
- Safety and medical attention first
- Document everything (photos from every angle, witness info)
- Preserve all evidence (don’t repair your vehicle, keep damaged items)
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 before giving any recorded statement
- Make social media private and stop posting about the accident
- Follow up medically within 24-48 hours
Leonor can often get you into a doctor the same day, as Chavodrian Miles experienced. This immediate care protects your health and creates the documentation that defeats insurance arguments later.
Proving Liability: Our Investigative Approach
Every accident type requires different evidence and legal strategies. Here’s how we build cases in Selma:
Rear-End Collisions: We obtain the police report (which usually cites the trailing driver), interview witnesses, and secure any dashcam footage. If a commercial truck rear-ended you, we subpoena the ELD data to prove speed and following distance violations.
Intersection/T-Bone: Red light camera footage is gold—but it’s deleted in 30 days. We also subpoena cell phone records to prove distraction, and in DUI cases, we immediately investigate dram shop liability.
Single-Vehicle/Rollover: We preserve the vehicle for expert inspection, document road conditions before TxDOT repairs them, and investigate potential product defects in tires or vehicle components.
Trucking: We download ELD data within days, review driver qualification files (often revealing inadequate training or prior violations), inspect maintenance records, and examine the carrier’s FMCSA CSA scores. We know which carriers have patterns of Hours of Service violations because Lupe defended them.
Pedestrian: We interview every witness, secure surveillance footage from nearby businesses, and most importantly, we investigate your UM/UIM coverage—because most pedestrians don’t know their own car insurance covers them even when they’re not in a vehicle.
Our firm includes the expertise to handle every complexity: accident reconstructionists for disputed liability, medical experts to counter IME doctors, economists to calculate lifetime losses, and trucking industry experts for commercial vehicle cases.
Insurance Company Tactics: What They Don’t Want You to Know
Insurance companies use a sophisticated playbook designed to minimize payouts. Lupe learned this from the inside. Here are the tactics we expose and defeat:
Quick Contact & Recorded Statement: They call while you’re on pain meds, asking leading questions. “You’re feeling better though, right?” They’ll use your polite “yes” to argue you weren’t seriously injured. You’re NOT required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance.
Quick Settlement Offer: They offer $2,000-$5,000 while you’re desperate. Sign, and you release all future claims. Week 6, when MRI shows a herniated disc needing $100,000 surgery, you’re out of luck. The release is final.
“Independent” Medical Exam: This is an insurance-hired doctor paid $2,000-$5,000 to examine you for 10-15 minutes and write a report minimizing your injuries. Lupe knows these doctors and their biases—he hired them.
Delay and Financial Pressure: They ignore calls for weeks, knowing your bills are mounting. Month 1 you reject $5,000. Month 6 you consider it. Month 12 you’d beg for it.
Surveillance & Social Media Monitoring: They hire private investigators to video you. They monitor ALL your social media, using facial recognition and geotagging. One photo of you bending over = “Not really injured.” Lupe reviewed hundreds of these videos as a defense attorney and knows how to contextualize normal activities.
Comparative Fault Arguments: They try to assign you maximum fault to reduce payment under Texas’s 51% bar rule. Even 10% fault on a $100,000 case costs you $10,000.
Medical Authorization Trap: They request broad authorizations for your entire medical history, searching for pre-existing conditions from years ago to use against you.
Gaps in Treatment Attack: Any gap in medical care = “If you were really hurt, you’d have treated consistently.”
Policy Limits Bluff: They claim only $30,000 in coverage, hiding umbrella policies, commercial policies, and corporate coverage. We once uncovered $8 million in available coverage where the insurer claimed only $30,000 existed.
How We Counter: Once you hire us, all calls go through us. We prepare you for IMEs. We document gap reasons. We limit medical authorizations. We investigate ALL coverage. We file lawsuits to force deadlines. We know their playbook because Lupe wrote it.
Real Results for Real Texans
Our case results speak louder than any marketing claim:
Multi-Million Dollar Settlement: “Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at logging company.”
Car Accident Amputation: “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.”
Trucking Wrongful Death: “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.”
Maritime Injury: “In a recent case, our client injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship. Our investigation revealed that he should have been assisted in this duty, and we were able to reach a significant cash settlement.”
BP Texas City Explosion: Our firm is one of the few in Texas involved in the $2.1 billion litigation that killed 15 workers and injured 180+ others. This proves we can take on the largest corporations in the world.
Criminal Defense Victories: Our HCCLA membership means we handle both civil recovery and criminal charges. We’ve had DUI cases dismissed due to improper breathalyzer maintenance, missing evidence, and video proving our client wasn’t intoxicated.
$10 Million Hazing Lawsuit: In November 2025, we filed a $10,000,000 lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. Six major Houston news outlets covered it. This shows we’re willing to take on major institutions and have the resources to do so.
Every case result includes the required disclaimer: Every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
What Our Selma Clients Say
We integrate real testimonials throughout because our clients’ words are more powerful than anything we could say:
Greg Garcia: “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.” We take cases other firms reject.
Angel Walle: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” We work efficiently.
Dame Haskett: “Consistent communication and not one time did i call and not get a clear answer…Ralph reached out personally.” We communicate.
Chad Harris: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.” We care.
Ken Taylor: “He listened intently heard my concerns and issues and immediately began working to protect my rights.” We act fast.
Chelsea Martinez: “Special thank you to my attorney, Mr. Pena, for your kindness and patience with my repeated questions.” We educate.
MONGO SLADE: “I was rear-ended and the team got right to work…I also got a very nice settlement.” We deliver results.
Chavodrian Miles: “Leonor got me into the doctor the same day…it only took 6 months amazing.” We move fast.
Kiwi Potato: “This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way.” We’re accessible.
Maria Ramirez and Celia Dominguez praise our Spanish services: “They worked hard to do their best” and “Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.”
Trae Tha Truth Endorsement: Houston hip-hop artist and community activist Trae Tha Truth publicly recommended our firm. Jacqueline Johnson said: “One of Houston’s Great Men Trae Tha Truth has recommended this law firm. So if he is vouching for them then I know they do good work.”
Texas Legal Framework: Your Rights and Protections
Statute of Limitations: You have 2 years from the date of accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003). For wrongful death, it’s 2 years from date of death. Government claims require notice within 6 months. Miss these deadlines, and your case is barred forever.
Modified Comparative Negligence (51% Bar): You can recover damages if you’re 50% or less at fault. Recovery is reduced by your fault percentage. At 51% fault, you recover $0. Insurance companies ALWAYS try to push you over that line. Lupe’s experience making these arguments for years means we know how to defeat them.
Stowers Doctrine: If we send a settlement demand within the at-fault party’s policy limits, and their insurance unreasonably refuses, the insurer becomes liable for the ENTIRE verdict—even amounts exceeding policy limits. This is our nuclear option in clear-liability cases like rear-ends and DUIs. Lupe understands Stowers demands because he denied them for years.
Dram Shop Act: Bars that serve obviously intoxicated patrons are liable for resulting accidents. We pursue these claims aggressively, especially in DUI cases. Evidence like slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and credit card receipts showing multiple drinks can prove obvious intoxication.
Texas Tort Claims Act: Allows us to sue government entities for road defects, malfunctioning signals, and dangerous intersection designs. The 6-month notice requirement is STRICT—we’ve seen valid claims barred because victims waited.
UM/UIM Coverage: Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage applies even when you’re a pedestrian, cyclist, or passenger in someone else’s car. Most people don’t know this. Texas insurers must offer UM/UIM, and stacking may be available across multiple policies.
Punitive Damages: Standard caps apply UNLESS the underlying act is a felony. DUI causing serious bodily injury (Intoxication Assault) or death (Intoxication Manslaughter) removes the cap entirely. The jury decides the amount, and these damages survive bankruptcy.
Medical Knowledge: Understanding Your Injuries
We educate our clients about their injuries because knowledge is power:
Traumatic Brain Injury: Symptoms can be delayed hours to days. Even “mild” concussions can cause post-concussive syndrome, doubled dementia risk, and permanent cognitive impairment. Insurance claims delayed symptoms aren’t from the accident—our medical experts prove the progression is normal.
Spinal Cord Injury: Lifetime costs range from $2.5 million for paraplegia to $13 million for high cervical quadriplegia. Complications like pressure sores, respiratory failure, and autonomic dysreflexia can be fatal. We work with life care planners to document every future need.
Herniated Discs: Treatment progresses from conservative PT ($5K-$12K) to epidural injections ($3K-$6K) to surgery ($50K-$120K). Permanent restrictions often prevent return to physical labor. We ensure documentation captures the full impact on earning capacity.
Amputations: Whether traumatic at the scene or surgical due to infection (like our multi-million dollar case), lifetime prosthetic costs reach $500K-$2 million. Phantom limb pain affects 80% of amputees.
Burns: Third-degree burns require skin grafting and cause permanent scarring. Fourth-degree burns often require amputation. Disfigurement damages compensate for the lifelong impact.
PTSD: 32-45% of MVA victims develop PTSD symptoms. Driving anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep disturbances are compensable as mental anguish.
Understanding these injuries helps you avoid insurance traps like the IME doctor who claims your treatment is “excessive” or the adjuster who says you should have recovered by now.
Frequently Asked Questions for Selma Residents
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Selma? Safety first—get to a safe location and call 911. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine (adrenaline masks injuries). Document everything with photos, exchange information, get witness names, and call 1-888-ATTY-911 before giving any recorded statement.
How much time do I have to file a claim? Texas law gives you 2 years from the accident date for personal injury. For government claims (road defects, city vehicles), you have only 6 months to provide notice. Don’t wait—evidence disappears daily.
Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer? Never before reaching Maximum Medical Improvement. Early offers are typically 10-20% of true value. Once you sign a release, you can’t reopen the case—even if you need surgery later.
What if the other driver was uninsured? Your own UM/UIM coverage applies. Many Selma residents don’t know their own auto insurance covers them as pedestrians and cyclists too. We also investigate dram shop liability if alcohol was involved and pursue the negligent driver’s personal assets.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault? Yes, under Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule, if you’re 50% or less at fault, you recover reduced damages. At 51% fault, you recover $0. Insurance companies ALWAYS try to push you over that line—having Lupe on your side defeats this tactic.
What makes Attorney911 different from other law firms? Three things: (1) Lupe’s insider insurance defense experience, (2) Our data-driven approach using TxDOT statistics and FMCSA records no other firm utilizes, and (3) Our proven multi-million dollar results against billion-dollar corporations including BP.
How much does it cost to hire you? We work on contingency—no fee unless we win. Our fee is typically 33.33% if settled before trial, 40% if we go to trial. You pay nothing upfront, and we advance all case costs.
Will my case go to trial? We prepare every case as if it will, which gives us leverage in negotiations. Most cases settle, but our trial readiness means insurance companies know we’re not bluffing. This approach has secured millions in settlements without needing a trial.
What if I already hired another attorney but am unhappy? Greg Garcia did exactly that: “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.” We regularly take over cases from other firms and turn them around.
Do you handle cases in Spanish? Yes. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our staff including Zulema provides translation services. Maria Ramirez said: “The support provided at Manginello Law Firm was excellent…They worked hard to do their best.”
How long will my case take? Most cases resolve in 6-12 months. Some complex trucking or catastrophic injury cases take 18-24 months. We move efficiently—Chavodrian Miles’s case settled in 6 months. We never delay unnecessarily, but we won’t accept lowball offers either.
What should I do if surveillance footage might exist? Call us IMMEDIATELY. Gas stations delete footage in 7-14 days, most businesses in 30 days. We send preservation letters within 24 hours of retention to legally require evidence be saved.
Can undocumented immigrants file claims? Absolutely. Texas law allows anyone injured by negligence to recover damages, regardless of immigration status. We protect your rights and confidentiality.
What if I was a passenger in the at-fault vehicle? You can still file a claim against the driver’s insurance. This is common in single-vehicle accidents where the driver loses control. We handle these cases with sensitivity to preserve relationships while securing your recovery.
Should I post about my accident on social media? NO. Make all profiles private immediately. Insurance companies monitor everything and will twist innocent posts. One photo of you at a family barbecue can be used to claim you’re “not that injured.” We advise clients to stay off social media entirely during their case.
Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Selma
Selma’s location along I-35 creates unique risks. The I-35 and FM 3009 interchange sees heavy congestion and frequent rear-end collisions. The stretch of I-35 through Selma is part of the NAFTA trucking corridor, with 18-wheelers mixing with local traffic at high speeds. FM 1518 and FM 3009 intersections with suburban developments create turning-conflict accidents.
Bexar County’s farm-to-market roads have the highest crash rate of any road type in Texas—121.15 crashes per 100 million vehicle miles in rural areas, 260.52 in urban areas. Even clear weather is dangerous—90.3% of Texas crashes happen in good weather, demolishing the myth that “bad weather causes accidents.” It’s driver behavior, not conditions.
Dark unlighted roads are 4.4 times more likely to produce fatal crashes. With Selma’s rapid growth, many residential areas lack adequate street lighting, creating deadly conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.
Trauma Care in Bexar County
If you’re seriously injured in Selma, you’ll likely be transported to one of Bexar County’s Level I or Level II trauma centers:
Level I: University Hospital (downtown San Antonio), Brooke Army Medical Center (Fort Sam Houston)
Level II: Houston Methodist Texan Hospital (North Central), Baptist Medical Center, Christus Santa Rosa
The difference between Level I and Level II trauma care can affect outcomes, especially for severe brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and multiple trauma. We work with life care planners who understand the long-term implications of your specific injuries and the care you’ll need.
Why Evidence Disappears and How We Stop It
Most Selma residents are shocked to learn how quickly evidence vanishes. That gas station camera that caught your T-bone accident? Overwritten in 7 days. The trucking company’s ELD data showing the driver exceeded Hours of Service? Deleted in 30-180 days. Witnesses who saw the crash? They move, their memories fade, they become unreachable.
We stop this erosion through immediate action. Our preservation letters legally require parties to maintain evidence. We download black box data from vehicles before they’re repaired or salvaged. We interview witnesses while memories are fresh. We secure surveillance footage before deletion windows close.
This is why calling 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately after your Selma accident is critical. Every day you wait is a day evidence disappears. Insurance companies are already investigating—you need someone investigating for you.
Serving Selma and All of Bexar County
Attorney911 serves Selma and all surrounding communities from our Houston office, with additional locations in Austin and Beaumont for statewide coverage. We regularly handle cases throughout Bexar County, including San Antonio, Converse, Universal City, Schertz, Cibolo, Live Oak, and Leon Valley.
Our geographic cascade means one page ranks for multiple locations: Selma + Bexar County + San Antonio metro + adjacent cities + Texas statewide. This comprehensive approach ensures injured victims find us no matter how they search.
Spanish Language Services for Selma’s Hispanic Community
Texas is nearly 40% Hispanic, and Selma’s growing community includes many Spanish-speaking families. Lupe Peña’s fluency and our bilingual staff ensure language is never a barrier. Celia Dominguez specifically thanked Zulema “who is always very kind and always translates.” Maria Ramirez praised our excellent work in Spanish.
We provide all consultations, document reviews, and client communications in Spanish. If you’re more comfortable discussing your case en español, we’re here to help. Hablamos Español.
The Attorney911 Guarantee
When you hire us, you get:
- Immediate action on evidence preservation
- Direct access to Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña
- Regular communication every 2-3 weeks minimum
- No fee unless we win
- Preparation for trial from day one (insurance knows we’re not bluffing)
- Former insurance defense insider on your side
- Multi-million dollar track record against billion-dollar corporations
- Family treatment—not just another case number
As 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.”
Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Selma, time is critical. Evidence is disappearing. Insurance companies are building their case against you. The 2-year statute of limitations is ticking.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and give you the knowledge you need to make informed decisions. There is no fee unless we win. We serve Selma and all of Bexar County from our Houston office, and we’re ready to fight for you.
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Don’t accept a lowball settlement that leaves you paying medical bills for years. Don’t wait until it’s too late to preserve critical evidence.
One call to 1-888-ATTY-911 puts 27+ years of experience, insider insurance knowledge, and a proven track record of multi-million dollar results on your side. Hablamos Español. We’re here for Selma families, and we’re ready to fight for every dollar you deserve.
The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC d/b/a Attorney911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™
1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Available 24/7 – Hablamos Español
Every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. While we advance all case costs, you may be responsible for court costs and case expenses if your case is unsuccessful.
