Car Accidents in Shallowater, Texas: How Attorney911 Fights for Your Maximum Compensation
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Shallowater, Texas, you’re not alone. Texas sees a motor vehicle crash every 57 seconds, resulting in 251,977 injuries and 4,150 fatalities in 2024 alone. These aren’t just statistics – they’re lives disrupted, families struggling, and futures put at risk. When you’re facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the physical pain of your injuries, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a legal emergency response team.
At Attorney911, we understand the chaos and confusion that follows a car accident. That’s why we’ve built a firm with the expertise, resources, and insider knowledge to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. With Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience handling Texas car accident cases and Lupe Peña’s unique background as a former insurance defense attorney, we know how to navigate the complex legal landscape and counter the tactics insurance companies use to minimize your claim.
The Reality of Car Accidents in Shallowater and Lubbock County
Shallowater and the surrounding Lubbock County area see their share of car accidents, from collisions on US-84 to crashes at local intersections. The Texas Department of Transportation reports that in 2024, there was one crash every 57 seconds across the state, with one person injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds. In Lubbock County specifically, these accidents often involve:
- Distracted driving, particularly on busy roads like US-84 where drivers may be checking their phones
- Speeding, especially on rural roads where drivers underestimate safe speeds
- Failure to yield right-of-way at intersections
- Drunk driving incidents, particularly on weekends
- Weather-related accidents during sudden West Texas storms
The consequences of these crashes can be devastating. Even what seems like a “minor” accident can result in serious injuries that impact your life for months or years to come.
Common Injuries from Car Accidents
Car accidents in Shallowater can cause a wide range of injuries, from immediate physical trauma to delayed symptoms that appear days or even weeks later. Some of the most common injuries we see include:
Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries:
These are among the most frequent injuries in car accidents, particularly in rear-end collisions. While often dismissed as “minor,” whiplash can cause chronic pain, limited mobility, and long-term complications. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and even cognitive issues.
Herniated or Bulging Discs:
The force of a collision can cause the discs in your spine to rupture or bulge, pressing on nerves and causing severe pain. Herniated discs often require extensive treatment, including physical therapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgery. These injuries can prevent you from returning to your normal activities and may even impact your ability to work.
Broken Bones and Fractures:
The impact of a car accident can easily break bones in your arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis. Some fractures are clean breaks that heal with casting, while others may require surgical intervention with plates, screws, or rods. Broken bones often mean significant time off work and extensive rehabilitation.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI):
Even a “mild” concussion can have serious consequences. TBIs can result in cognitive impairment, memory problems, mood changes, and even personality shifts. Symptoms may not appear immediately, making it crucial to seek medical attention after any accident, even if you feel “fine.”
Spinal Cord Injuries:
Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. These life-altering injuries require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and often lifelong care. The emotional and financial toll on victims and their families is immense.
Internal Organ Damage:
The force of a collision can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries are often life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Even with prompt treatment, they can lead to long-term health complications.
Psychological Trauma:
The emotional impact of a car accident can be just as significant as physical injuries. Many victims experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and a fear of driving. These psychological injuries can affect your quality of life, relationships, and ability to work.
One of our clients experienced the devastating progression of injuries firsthand. After a car accident in Shallowater, our client initially thought their leg injury was manageable. However, during treatment, a staff infection developed, ultimately leading to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions, highlighting how complications from what initially seemed like a “minor” injury can dramatically increase the value of your claim.
Why Insurance Companies Are Already Working Against You
While you’re focused on 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. Here’s what they’re doing behind the scenes:
They’re Recording Your Statements:
Insurance adjusters will contact you within days of your accident, often while you’re still in the hospital or on pain medication. They’ll sound friendly and concerned, saying things like, “We just want to help you” and “This is just routine.” What they’re really doing is trying to get you to say something that will hurt your case.
They’ll ask leading questions designed to minimize your injuries:
- “You’re feeling better now, right?”
- “It wasn’t that bad of an impact, was it?”
- “You were able to walk away from the scene?”
- “Were you distracted at all?”
Everything you say is recorded, transcribed, and will be used against you. You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. In fact, doing so almost always hurts your case.
They’re Offering Quick Cash:
Within days or weeks of your accident, the insurance company may offer you a quick settlement – typically $2,000 to $5,000. This might sound good when you’re facing medical bills and lost wages, but it’s a trap. Once you accept that offer and sign the release, you can’t get more money – even if you later discover you need surgery or have permanent injuries.
We’ve seen cases where clients were offered $5,000, signed the release, and then discovered they needed $100,000 in surgery. Because they signed the release, the insurance company paid nothing more.
They’re Hiring Doctors to Minimize Your Injuries:
Insurance companies will send you to an “independent medical examination” (IME). What they don’t tell you is that these doctors are hired and paid by the insurance company. Their job is to find any reason to say you’re not as injured as you claim.
These exams are often brief – sometimes just 10-15 minutes – and the doctors rarely review your complete medical records beforehand. They’re looking for any reason to minimize your injuries, such as:
- “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 treating doctors)
Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, knows these tactics firsthand. He spent years working for insurance companies, learning exactly how they value claims and which doctors they favor. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for our clients.
They’re Monitoring Your Social Media:
Insurance companies hire investigators to monitor your social media accounts. They’ll screenshot everything – your Facebook posts, Instagram photos, TikTok videos, even comments from friends. They’re looking for any activity that contradicts your injury claims.
We’ve seen cases where:
- An old gym photo from 3 years ago was presented as recent
- A restaurant check-in was used to claim the client was “partying”
- A friend’s comment about “having fun” was taken out of context
- A photo of the client walking their dog was used to claim they weren’t disabled
They’re Delaying Your Claim:
Insurance companies know that the longer they delay, the more desperate you become. They’ll say things like:
- “We’re still investigating your claim”
- “We’re waiting for medical records”
- “We need more information”
- “Your file is under review”
While they’re delaying, they’re earning interest on your settlement money. Meanwhile, you’re facing mounting bills, lost wages, and financial pressure. This tactic is designed to make you accept a lowball offer just to get some money.
How Attorney911 Levels the Playing Field
At Attorney911, we don’t just know the law – we know how insurance companies operate because Lupe Peña used to work for them. Here’s how we fight back:
We Handle All Communication with Insurance Companies:
Once you hire us, you don’t talk to insurance adjusters anymore. We become your voice, protecting you from their tactics and ensuring your rights are preserved.
We Investigate Thoroughly:
We send preservation letters immediately to secure evidence before it’s deleted. This includes:
- Surveillance footage from nearby businesses (typically deleted in 7-30 days)
- Electronic data from vehicles (black boxes, ELDs)
- Witness statements while memories are fresh
- Medical records documenting your injuries
We Document Your Injuries Properly:
Insurance companies use software called Colossus to calculate settlement values. This software assigns codes to your injuries, and the codes determine how much your case is “worth.” Lupe knows how this system works because he used it for years. We ensure your injuries are properly documented to maximize your claim value.
We Fight for Maximum Compensation:
We don’t accept lowball offers. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which gives us leverage in negotiations. Our results speak for themselves:
- Multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss
- Millions recovered for a client whose leg injury led to a partial amputation
- Millions recovered in trucking-related wrongful death cases
- Significant settlements in maritime injury cases
We Work on Contingency – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win:
We understand that you’re already facing financial stress from medical bills and lost wages. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Shallowater
The actions you take in the hours and days after your accident can significantly impact your case. Here’s what you should do:
Immediately After the Accident:
- Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed
- If you can move safely, get to a secure location away from traffic
- Document everything: take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signals
- Exchange information with the other driver: name, phone number, address, driver’s license, insurance information
- Get names and phone numbers of any witnesses
- Do NOT discuss fault or apologize – stick to the facts only
- Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance
In the First 48 Hours:
- Seek medical attention even if you feel fine – many injuries don’t show symptoms immediately
- Preserve all evidence: don’t delete any photos, videos, or messages related to the accident
- Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company without speaking to us first
- Do NOT sign anything from an insurance company
- Make all your social media profiles private and don’t post about the accident
- Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 – we’ll guide you through the next steps
In the Following Weeks:
- Continue documenting your injuries and treatment
- Follow all your doctor’s recommendations
- Keep all receipts for expenses related to the accident
- Stay in communication with our team – we’ll handle the insurance companies
- Focus on your recovery while we handle the legal details
Why Shallowater Residents Choose Attorney911
When you’re facing the aftermath of a car accident in Shallowater, you need a law firm that combines local knowledge with statewide expertise. Here’s what sets Attorney911 apart:
We Have a Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Our Team:
Lupe Peña spent years working for insurance companies, learning exactly how they value claims and which tactics they use to minimize payouts. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for our clients. He knows:
- How insurance companies calculate claim values
- Which doctors they use for “independent” medical exams
- How to counter their comparative fault arguments
- When they’re lowballing your claim
We Have Recovered Millions for Our Clients:
Our results speak for themselves:
- Multi-million dollar settlement for a brain injury with vision loss
- Millions recovered for a client whose leg injury led to a partial amputation
- Millions recovered in trucking-related wrongful death cases
- Significant settlements in maritime injury cases
We Have Federal Court Experience:
Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This means we can handle complex cases that other firms can’t, including:
- Cases involving federal regulations (like FMCSA trucking cases)
- Cases against out-of-state defendants
- Complex product liability cases
We Were Involved in BP Explosion Litigation:
Our firm is one of the few in Texas to be involved in BP explosion litigation. This experience demonstrates our ability to take on billion-dollar corporations and win.
We Provide Personal Attention:
At Attorney911, you’re not just a case number. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.” We keep you informed every step of the way, and you’ll work directly with Ralph or Lupe, not just paralegals.
We Work on Contingency – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win:
We understand that you’re already facing financial stress from medical bills and lost wages. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Shallowater
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Shallowater?
If you’ve been in an accident in Shallowater:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek medical attention even if you feel fine
- Document everything: photos of damage, injuries, scene
- Exchange information with the other driver
- Get witness names and phone numbers
- Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company
- Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
Should I call the police even for a minor accident?
Yes. Always call the 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 Shallowater, you can obtain the police report from the responding agency 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/underinsured?
Your own UM/UIM coverage can compensate you. Watch our video on 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 at 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 in negotiations.
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?
It depends on the severity of your injuries. We don’t settle until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). This could be 6 months for minor injuries or 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?
It depends on: injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, permanent impairment, pain and suffering, and available insurance. Cases range from $15,000 (soft tissue) to millions (catastrophic injury).
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 in medical malpractice cases).
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 as ordinary income. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
How is the value of my claim determined?
Based on: medical bills, future treatment costs, lost income, permanent impairment rating, comparable verdicts, severity of injuries, and impact on daily life.
How much do car accident lawyers cost?
Attorney911 works on contingency: 33.33% before trial, 40% if trial is required. 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 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 of experience includes government litigation. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately – the 6-month deadline is strict.
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 footage is deleted in 7-30 days. We send preservation letters immediately to secure this evidence. Texas allows UM stacking, which can significantly increase your available coverage. We’ve recovered substantial settlements in hit and run cases through UM claims.
What if I’m an undocumented immigrant – can I still file a claim?
Yes. Your immigration status does NOT affect your right to compensation for injuries. You’re entitled to full recovery regardless of immigration status. Your case is confidential, and we’ve successfully represented clients of all immigration statuses. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and we have bilingual staff to ensure clear communication. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 – we protect your rights and your privacy.
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 not true. We prove fault through surveillance video, witness statements, damage analysis, and traffic patterns. Texas comparative negligence rules apply, and we’ve won many parking lot cases with clear liability findings.
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 (you weren’t driving), so these cases often settle quickly. We handle the difficult conversation so you don’t have to.
Shallowater Car Accident Resources
Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers:
- Covenant Health System (Lubbock)
- University Medical Center (Lubbock)
- Covenant Children’s Hospital (Lubbock)
Police Departments:
- Shallowater Police Department
- Lubbock Police Department
- Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office
Courts Serving Shallowater:
- Lubbock County District Courts
- Lubbock County Justice of the Peace Courts
Dangerous Intersections and Roads in Lubbock County:
- US-84 and FM 1729 (high accident rate)
- I-27 and US-84 interchange (frequent collisions)
- 4th Street and Avenue Q (Lubbock – busy intersection)
- Marsha Sharp Freeway (US-62/82) – high-speed collisions
Contact Attorney911 Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Shallowater or anywhere in Lubbock County, don’t wait. Evidence disappears daily, and the insurance company is already building a case against you. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
Remember:
- We don’t get paid unless we win your case
- Free consultation – no obligation
- We handle everything – you focus on recovery
- Hablamos Español – Lupe Peña and our team are fluent in Spanish
Don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today – that’s 1-888-288-9911. We’re here to fight for you.