Car Accidents in Selma, Texas: What You Need to Know After a Crash

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Selma, Texas, you’re not alone. With over 250,000 people injured in Texas motor vehicle crashes every year – that’s one person injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds – car accidents are a constant reality on our roads. Ralph Manginello, founder of Attorney911 and a Houston-based attorney with over 25 years of experience, has seen firsthand how these accidents can turn lives upside down in an instant.

Selma sits along the busy I-35 corridor, where commuter traffic, commercial vehicles, and local drivers all converge. The intersection of I-35 and FM 3009, along with other busy roads like FM 1103 and FM 482, sees its share of collisions. Whether you were rear-ended on your way to work, sideswiped by a distracted driver, or involved in a serious crash on the highway, one thing is certain: the aftermath can be overwhelming.

The Reality of Car Accidents in Selma and Comal County

In 2024 alone, Texas saw:

• 251,977 people injured in motor vehicle crashes
• 1 crash reported every 57 seconds
• 4,150 fatalities on Texas roads

Here in Comal County, we see our share of these accidents. The mix of local roads, highway traffic, and increasing development creates unique risks for drivers in Selma and the surrounding communities of New Braunfels, Schertz, and Universal City.

Common causes of car accidents in our area include:

• Distracted driving (texting, phone use, eating)
• Speeding, especially on highway on-ramps and off-ramps
• Failure to yield at intersections like FM 3009 and I-35
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Following too closely in heavy commuter traffic
• Running red lights or stop signs

Common Injuries from Car Accidents

Car crashes can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-altering:

Soft Tissue Injuries:

• Whiplash (neck strain from sudden movement)
• Sprains and strains in the back, shoulders, and knees
• Bruising and contusions

Spinal Injuries:

• Herniated or bulging discs
• Vertebrae fractures
• Spinal cord injuries that may lead to paralysis

Head and Brain Injuries:

• Concussions (mild traumatic brain injury)
• Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Skull fractures

Broken Bones:

• Arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis fractures
• Facial fractures from airbag deployment
• Wrist and hand fractures

Internal Injuries:

• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Chest injuries from steering wheel impact

Psychological Injuries:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety and depression
• Fear of driving or riding in vehicles

One of our clients suffered what initially seemed like a minor leg injury in a car accident. During treatment, staff infections developed, and doctors ultimately had to perform a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions, demonstrating how what starts as a seemingly minor injury can become life-changing.

Why Insurance Companies Are Already Working Against You

Here’s what most people don’t realize: while you’re recovering from your injuries, the other driver’s insurance company is already building a case against you. They have one goal: to pay you as little as possible.

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney who previously worked for a national insurance defense firm, knows exactly how they operate. He’s seen firsthand the tactics they use to minimize claims:

1. The Quick Cash Trap: They’ll offer you a few thousand dollars within days of the accident, hoping you’ll accept before realizing the full extent of your injuries.

2. The Recorded Statement Trap: They’ll call you while you’re still in the hospital or on pain medication, asking for a recorded statement. Everything you say will be used against you.

3. The IME Doctor Scheme: They’ll send you to an “independent” medical exam with a doctor they hire, who will almost always find that your injuries aren’t as serious as your own doctors say.

4. The Surveillance Game: They may hire private investigators to follow you and take videos of you doing normal activities, then claim you’re not really injured.

5. The Delay Game: They’ll drag out your claim, hoping you’ll get desperate and accept a lowball offer.

6. The Blame Game: They’ll try to argue that you were partially at fault, even if you weren’t, to reduce their payment.

“I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as a defense attorney,” Lupe explains. “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.”

Why Selma Accident Victims Choose Attorney911

When you’re hurt in a car accident in Selma, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a legal emergency response team. Here’s what sets Attorney911 apart:

1. Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge

Lupe Peña worked for years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims. He knows their tactics because he used them. Now he uses that knowledge to fight FOR you, not against you.

2. Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions for car accident victims, including:

• A multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss
• A case where our client’s leg was injured in a car accident, leading to staff infections and partial amputation – this case settled in the millions
• Numerous cases where clients received substantial compensation for their injuries

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court experience is crucial for complex cases, especially those involving commercial vehicles or catastrophic injuries.

4. Personal Attention

At Attorney911, you’re not just another case number. You’ll work directly with Ralph or Lupe, not a case manager assembly line. As client Chad Harris said: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”

5. No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs, and we advance all case expenses.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Selma

If you’ve been in a car accident in Selma, here’s what to do immediately:

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone is injured.

2. Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries.

3. Document Everything – Take photos of:

   • All vehicle damage
   • The accident scene
   • Road conditions
   • Traffic signals
   • Any visible injuries

4. Exchange Information – Get the other driver’s:

   • Name, phone number, and address
   • Insurance company and policy number
   • Driver’s license number
   • License plate number
   • Vehicle make, model, and color

5. Get Witness Information – Collect names and phone numbers of any witnesses.

6. Call Attorney911 – Before speaking to any insurance company, call our legal emergency line: 1-888-ATTY-911.

What NOT to Do After a Car Accident

1. Don’t give a recorded statement to any insurance company without consulting an attorney first.

2. Don’t accept a quick settlement offer – These are always lowball offers designed to save the insurance company money.

3. Don’t post about your accident on social media – Insurance companies monitor your accounts for anything they can use against you.

4. Don’t sign anything from an insurance company without having it reviewed by an attorney.

5. Don’t delay medical treatment – Gaps in treatment can be used against you by insurance companies.

How Attorney911 Fights for You

When you hire Attorney911, here’s what we do for your case:

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation – We send preservation letters to all parties to prevent evidence from being destroyed.

2. Thorough Investigation – We gather:

   • Police reports
   • Medical records
   • Witness statements
   • Surveillance footage
   • Vehicle data (black boxes, EDR data)
   • Cell phone records
   • Social media evidence

3. Medical Treatment Coordination – We help you get the medical care you need and document your injuries properly.

4. Insurance Company Negotiation – We handle all communication with insurance companies so you can focus on recovery.

5. Maximum Compensation Recovery – We fight for every dollar you deserve, including:

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

6. Trial Preparation – We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which gives us leverage in negotiations.

Real Results for Car Accident Victims

Here’s what some of our clients have said about working with Attorney911:

“I was rear-ended and the team got right to work. They kept me updated every step of the way and I also got a very nice settlement.” – MONGO SLADE

“Leonor got me into the doctor the same day and made sure I got the treatment I needed. It only took 6 months – amazing!” – Chavodrian Miles

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

“Ralph Manginello is indeed the best attorney I ever had. He cares greatly about his results and his clients.” – AMAZIAH A.T.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Selma

Q: How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Texas?
A: In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is called the statute of limitations. However, it’s best to contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Q: What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
A: If the other driver is uninsured, your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage can compensate you. Texas allows inter-policy stacking, which means you may be able to combine coverage from multiple vehicles on your policy.

Q: How much is my car accident case worth?
A: The value of your case depends on many factors, including:

• The severity of your injuries
• Your medical expenses (past and future)
• Your lost wages and earning capacity
• The impact on your daily life
• The degree of the other driver’s fault
• The available insurance coverage

We’ve recovered millions for car accident victims, but every case is unique. We’ll evaluate your specific situation during a free consultation.

Q: Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company?
A: No. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that can minimize your claim. We recommend speaking with an attorney before giving any recorded statements.

Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
A: Texas uses a modified comparative negligence rule. If you were 50% or less at fault, you can still recover compensation, but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
A: At Attorney911, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery.

Q: What if I don’t feel hurt right after the accident?
A: Many injuries, especially soft tissue injuries and traumatic brain injuries, may not show symptoms immediately. It’s important to get checked by a doctor as soon as possible after an accident, even if you feel fine.

Q: Can I still recover compensation if I didn’t go to the hospital right away?
A: Yes, but it’s more challenging. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries weren’t serious if you didn’t seek immediate medical attention. If you didn’t go to the hospital right away, see a doctor as soon as possible and explain why there was a delay.

Q: What should I do if the insurance company offers me a settlement?
A: Do not accept any settlement offer without consulting an attorney first. Early settlement offers are almost always lowball offers designed to save the insurance company money. We can evaluate any offer and negotiate for fair compensation.

Selma Car Accident Resources

If you’ve been in a car accident in Selma, here are some local resources that may help:

Emergency Services:

• Selma Police Department: (210) 651-7200
• Comal County Sheriff’s Office: (830) 620-3400
• Selma Fire Department: (210) 651-7200

Medical Facilities:

• Resolute Health Hospital (New Braunfels): (830) 500-6000
• Christus Santa Rosa Hospital – New Braunfels: (830) 606-9111
• University Hospital (San Antonio): (210) 358-4000 (Level I Trauma Center)

Courts:

• Comal County Justice of the Peace Courts
• Comal County District Courts
• U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas (San Antonio Division)

Why Selma Residents Trust Attorney911

Selma is a growing community with its own unique character. We understand the challenges faced by local residents, whether you’re commuting to San Antonio, working at the nearby military bases, or enjoying the small-town feel of Selma.

When you choose Attorney911, you’re choosing:

• A law firm with deep Texas roots (Ralph Manginello has been practicing in Texas since 1998)
• Attorneys who understand the local courts and judges
• A team that’s available 24/7 through our legal emergency line: 1-888-ATTY-911
• Bilingual services (Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish)
• A commitment to fighting for every dollar you deserve

Don’t Wait – Evidence Disappears Every Day

After a car accident, evidence begins disappearing immediately:

• Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is typically deleted within 7-30 days
• Witness memories fade quickly
• Vehicle damage is repaired
• Medical records become harder to obtain

The sooner you call Attorney911, the better we can preserve evidence and build your case.

Call Attorney911 Now for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Selma, Texas, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free, no-obligation consultation.

We’ll:

• Evaluate your case
• Explain your rights
• Answer all your questions
• Develop a strategy to maximize your compensation

Remember, we don’t get paid unless we win your case. There’s no risk to you – only the potential for significant compensation.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. We’re here to help.