Car Accident Lawyers in Temple, Texas | Attorney911 Fights for You

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Temple, Texas, you’re not alone. With a crash occurring every 57 seconds in Texas and over 251,000 people injured annually, our roads have become increasingly dangerous. At Attorney911, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a car accident can take on your life. That’s why Ralph Manginello, our founding attorney with over 25 years of experience, leads our team in fighting for maximum compensation for Temple accident victims.

Temple’s growing population and expanding roadways like I-35, Loop 363, and SH-95 present unique traffic challenges. Whether you were rear-ended on I-35 near the Scott & White Medical Center or involved in a T-bone collision at the intersection of Adams Avenue and Central Avenue, our Temple car accident lawyers have the local knowledge and legal expertise to protect your rights.

The Reality of Car Accidents in Temple, Texas

Temple, located in Bell County at the heart of Central Texas, sees its share of motor vehicle accidents. With a population of over 85,000 residents and growing, Temple’s roads are busier than ever. The city’s location at the intersection of major highways like I-35 and US-190 makes it a hub for both local and through traffic, increasing the risk of accidents.

In 2024 alone, Texas experienced:

• 1 crash every 57 seconds
• 1 person injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds
• 251,977 people injured in motor vehicle crashes
• 4,150 fatalities

These statistics aren’t just numbers—they represent real people whose lives were changed in an instant. If you’re one of them, Attorney911 is here to help.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Temple

Our Temple car accident attorneys have seen firsthand how accidents occur on our local roads:

• Distracted driving (texting, eating, adjusting music)
• Speeding (especially on I-35 and Loop 363)
• Failure to yield (common at intersections like Adams/Central and 31st/SH-95)
• Drunk driving (particularly on weekends near downtown Temple)
• Weather conditions (heavy rain on rural roads, occasional ice in winter)
• Fatigued driving (truckers on I-35, shift workers)
• Aggressive driving (road rage incidents on busy corridors)

Common Injuries from Temple Car Accidents

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-threatening:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries (neck, back, shoulder pain)
• Herniated or bulging discs (often requiring surgery)
• Broken bones (arms, legs, ribs, pelvis)
• Traumatic brain injuries (concussions, cognitive impairment)
• Spinal cord injuries (partial or complete paralysis)
• Internal injuries (organ damage, internal bleeding)
• Lacerations and scarring (from broken glass or metal)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD, driving anxiety)

One of our clients suffered a leg injury in a Temple car accident that developed staff infections during treatment, ultimately leading to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions, demonstrating our commitment to fighting for full compensation, even in complex cases.

Why Temple Accident Victims Need Attorney911

After a car accident in Temple, you might feel overwhelmed by medical bills, insurance adjusters, and the legal process. That’s where Attorney911 steps in. Our firm offers:

1. Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, 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 fights for victims instead of against them.

“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

2. Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our Temple car accident lawyers have recovered millions for clients:

• Multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss
• Multi-million dollar settlement for a car accident victim whose leg injury led to amputation
• Significant recoveries for soft tissue injuries, broken bones, and wrongful death cases

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 out-of-state defendants or federal regulations.

4. Personal Attention from Experienced Attorneys

Unlike high-volume firms where you’re just a case number, at Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña. As client Chad Harris shared:

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

What to Do After a Car Accident in Temple

Immediate Steps (First 48 Hours)

1. Call 911 and report the accident
2. Seek medical attention—even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask injuries
3. Document everything—take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and the accident scene
4. Exchange information with the other driver (name, insurance, contact details)
5. Get witness information—names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident
6. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911—before speaking to any insurance company

Evidence Preservation

Evidence disappears quickly after an accident:

• Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is typically deleted within 7-30 days
• Witness memories fade rapidly
• Vehicle damage can be repaired or altered
• Black box data from vehicles can be overwritten

We send preservation letters immediately to protect critical evidence in your Temple car accident case.

Texas Car Accident Laws You Need to Know

Statute of Limitations

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is strict—miss it, and you lose your right to compensation forever.

Comparative Negligence (51% Rule)

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. If you’re found to be:

• 50% or less at fault: You can recover damages, reduced by your percentage of fault
• 51% or more at fault: You recover nothing

Insurance companies often try to blame victims to reduce their payouts. Our Temple car accident attorneys know how to counter these tactics.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

Texas requires drivers to carry:

• $30,000 per person for bodily injury
• $60,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $25,000 for property damage

However, these minimums are often insufficient to cover serious injuries. That’s why we explore all available insurance policies, including your own underinsured motorist coverage.

How Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Your Claim

Insurance adjusters aren’t on your side—they work for the insurance company. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible. Here are the tactics they use:

1. The Quick Lowball Offer

Within days of your accident, an adjuster may offer you a quick settlement—often $2,000-$5,000. They hope you’re desperate for money and will accept before realizing the full extent of your injuries.

DON’T FALL FOR IT. Once you sign a release, you can’t get more money—even if you later need surgery or discover permanent injuries.

2. Recorded Statements

Adjusters will ask for a recorded statement, claiming it’s “routine.” They’ll ask leading questions designed to get you to say things that hurt your case:

• “You’re feeling better now, though, right?”
• “It wasn’t that bad of an impact, was it?”
• “Were you distracted at all?”

NEVER give a recorded statement without consulting an attorney. We handle all communication with insurance companies for our clients.

3. Independent Medical Exams (IMEs)

Insurance companies may require you to see a doctor of their choosing. These “independent” exams are anything but—they’re conducted by doctors paid by the insurance company to minimize your injuries.

Lupe Peña knows these doctors because he hired them when he worked for insurance companies. Now, he uses that knowledge to counter their biased reports.

4. Surveillance

Insurance companies may hire private investigators to follow you and record your activities. They’re looking for any evidence to claim you’re not as injured as you say.

“I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos as a defense attorney. Insurance companies take innocent activity out of context. They’ll show one frame of you bending over to pick up groceries and claim you’re not injured, ignoring the pain you felt before and after.” — Lupe Peña

5. Delay Tactics

Insurance companies know that the longer they delay, the more desperate you become. They may:

• Claim they’re still “investigating”
• “Lose” your paperwork
• Take weeks to respond to simple questions

Meanwhile, your bills pile up, and you become more willing to accept a low offer.

6. Blaming Pre-Existing Conditions

If you had any prior injuries or medical conditions, insurance companies will try to blame your current pain on those instead of the accident.

You can still recover compensation if the accident aggravated a pre-existing condition. We work with medical experts to prove the difference between your condition before and after the accident.

How Attorney911 Counters Insurance Tactics

Our Temple car accident lawyers have a unique advantage: Lupe Peña’s years of experience working for insurance companies. He knows their playbook because he wrote it. Here’s how we counter their tactics:

What Your Temple Car Accident Case Is Worth

The value of your case depends on several factors:

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas)

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket expenses (medications, transportation, home modifications)

Non-Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas)

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Physical impairment
• Disfigurement (scarring)
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium (impact on relationships)

Punitive Damages (Capped in Texas)

• Available in cases of gross negligence or malice (e.g., drunk driving)
• Capped at the greater of $200,000 or (2x economic damages + 1x non-economic damages up to $750,000)

Settlement Ranges by Injury Type

Note: These ranges are estimates. Every case is unique, and past results don’t guarantee future outcomes. Our Temple car accident attorneys fight for the maximum compensation in every case.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Temple Car Accident Case?

1. Insurance Defense Insider Advantage

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

This insider knowledge is our secret weapon. Lupe knows:

• How insurance companies calculate settlement values
• Which doctors they use for IMEs (he hired them)
• Their delay tactics (he deployed them)
• How to beat their algorithms (he helped program them)

2. Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our Temple car accident lawyers have recovered millions for clients:

• Multi-million dollar settlement for a brain injury with vision loss
• Multi-million dollar settlement for a car accident amputation
• Significant recoveries for soft tissue injuries, broken bones, and wrongful death

As client Chavodrian Miles shared:

“Leonor got me into the doctor the same day… it only took 6 months amazing.”

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 and gives us leverage in negotiations.

4. BP Explosion Litigation Experience

“Our firm is one of the few firms in Texas to be involved in BP explosion litigation.”

This experience demonstrates our ability to take on billion-dollar corporations and win. If we can handle BP, we can handle your car accident case.

5. Personal Attention from Experienced Attorneys

At Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña—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.”

6. Contingency Fee—No Risk to You

We work on a contingency fee basis:

• Free consultation
• No upfront costs
• No fee unless we win your case
• We advance all case expenses

Frequently Asked Questions About Temple Car Accidents

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Temple?

1. Call 911 and report the accident
2. Seek medical attention—even if you feel fine
3. Document everything (photos, witness information)
4. Exchange information with the other driver
5. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 before speaking to any insurance company

Should I call the police even for a minor accident?

Yes. Always call the police after an accident in Temple. The police report is critical evidence for your claim. 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 information
• Vehicle: make, model, color, license plate number
• 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 Temple?

You can obtain the police report from the Temple 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 Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can compensate you. Texas allows inter-policy stacking. Lupe’s insurance knowledge is critical for maximizing UM/UIM recovery.

How much is my Temple car accident case worth?

Depends on:

• Injury severity
• Medical costs (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Permanent impairment
• Pain and suffering
• Insurance available

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. 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 Temple car accident lawyers cost?

Attorney911 works on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. If we recover compensation for you, our fee is a percentage of the recovery. You may still be responsible for court costs and case expenses regardless of outcome. Free consultation available to discuss fee structure.

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 on my case?

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 Temple car accident case?

At Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, not just paralegals. As Chad Harris shared:

“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). These cases are complex—you need an experienced attorney. Ralph’s 25+ years includes government litigation.

What if the other driver fled the scene (hit and run)?

File a police report immediately. 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. Lupe is fluent in Spanish.

What if the accident happened in a parking lot?

Parking lot accidents are fully compensable. Insurance companies often argue “parking lot accidents are always 50/50 fault,” but this is false. 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. You’re an innocent victim. The driver’s insurance covers passengers. No comparative fault issues (you weren’t driving). We handle the difficult conversation so you don’t have to.

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. We handle these cases with sensitivity.

What if I have a pre-existing condition?

You can still recover. If the accident aggravated your pre-existing condition, you’re entitled to compensation for the aggravation. The “eggshell plaintiff” rule means the defendant takes you as they find you. We hire medical experts to prove the difference between your condition before and after the accident.

Can I switch attorneys if I’m unhappy with my current lawyer?

YES. You can fire your attorney at any time. If your attorney isn’t communicating, isn’t fighting for you, or is pushing you to settle cheap, you have the right to switch. Attorney911 has taken over many cases from other attorneys. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 to discuss switching.

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 and suffering. The multiplier depends on injury severity, permanency, impact on life, and clear liability. Lupe calculated these for years—he knows how to justify higher multipliers.

What if I was hit by a government vehicle?

Government claims have special rules. You must file notice within 6 months. Sovereign immunity protects government entities. Damage caps may apply. These cases are complex—you need experienced attorneys. Ralph’s 25+ years includes government litigation.

What if the other driver fled the scene?

File a police report immediately. Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver is unidentified. Surveillance footage is critical—most is deleted within 7-30 days. We send preservation letters immediately to protect evidence.

What if I’m an undocumented immigrant?

Your immigration status does NOT affect your right to compensation. You’re entitled to full recovery regardless of status. Your case is confidential. Lupe is fluent in Spanish, and we have bilingual staff.

What if the accident happened in a parking lot?

Parking lot accidents are fully compensable. Insurance companies often argue “parking lot accidents are always 50/50 fault,” but this is false. 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. You’re an innocent victim. The driver’s insurance covers passengers. No comparative fault issues (you weren’t driving). We handle the difficult conversation so you don’t have to.

Specific Car Accident Scenarios in Temple

Rear-End Collisions in Temple

Rear-end collisions are among the most common accidents in Temple, often occurring on:

• I-35 near the Scott & White Medical Center
• Loop 363 during rush hour
• SH-95 at traffic lights
• Central Avenue near downtown

Common causes:

• Distracted driving (texting, phone use)
• Following too closely
• Sudden stops
• Weather conditions (wet roads)

Common injuries:

• Whiplash and neck injuries
• Back injuries (herniated discs)
• Head injuries (concussions)
• Broken bones

As client MONGO SLADE shared after a Temple rear-end collision:

“I was rear-ended and the team got right to work… I also got a very nice settlement.”

T-Bone/Intersection Accidents in Temple

Temple’s intersections can be dangerous, especially:

• Adams Avenue and Central Avenue
• 31st Street and SH-95
• Airport Road and I-35 access roads
• South 57th Street and SH-36

Common causes:

• Failure to yield
• Running red lights
• Distracted driving
• Poor visibility

Common injuries:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones (pelvis, ribs)
• Internal injuries

Drunk Driving Accidents in Temple

Temple sees its share of drunk driving accidents, particularly:

• On weekends near downtown bars
• Late at night on I-35
• During holidays (New Year’s Eve, July 4th)

Texas dram shop laws allow you to sue bars and restaurants that over-serve obviously intoxicated patrons. Signs of obvious intoxication include:

• Slurred speech
• Bloodshot/glassy eyes
• Unsteady gait/stumbling
• Aggressive or erratic behavior

Hit and Run Accidents in Temple

Hit and run accidents are a serious problem in Temple. If you’re the victim:

• File a police report immediately
• Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage applies
• Surveillance footage is critical (deleted within 7-30 days)
• We send preservation letters to nearby businesses

Texas penalties for hit and run:

• Death: 2nd degree felony (2-20 years prison)
• Serious injury: 3rd degree felony (2-10 years)
• Minor injury: State jail felony (up to 5 years)
• Property damage: Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months jail)

Weather-Related Accidents in Temple

Temple’s weather can contribute to accidents:

• Heavy rain reduces visibility and causes hydroplaning
• Occasional ice in winter creates hazardous conditions
• Fog on rural roads limits visibility

Tips for driving in bad weather:

• Slow down
• Increase following distance
• Use headlights (not just daytime running lights)
• Avoid sudden movements
• Pull over if visibility is too poor

How Attorney911 Handles Your Temple Car Accident Case

Step 1: Free Consultation

We start with a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll:

• Review the facts of your accident
• Explain your legal rights
• Discuss our fee structure (no fee unless we win)
• Answer all your questions

Step 2: Investigation

We immediately begin investigating your case:

• Obtain police reports
• Interview witnesses
• Collect surveillance footage before it’s deleted
• Preserve black box data from vehicles
• Document the accident scene
• Gather medical records

Step 3: Medical Treatment

We ensure you get the medical care you need:

• Connect you with top Temple doctors
• Help you find specialists if needed
• Document all injuries and treatment
• Ensure consistent medical care (no gaps)

Step 4: Insurance Negotiations

We handle all communication with insurance companies:

• Counter their lowball offers
• Challenge their tactics
• Use Lupe’s insider knowledge to maximize your claim
• Prepare for trial if they won’t offer fair compensation

Step 5: Settlement or Trial

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach gives us maximum leverage in negotiations. If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, we’re ready to take your case to court.

Temple Car Accident Resources

Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers

• Scott & White Medical Center – Temple: Level I Trauma Center
  2401 S 31st St, Temple, TX 76508
  (254) 724-2111

• Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center
  100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd, Waco, TX 76712 (closest Level II Trauma Center)
  (254) 202-2000

Local Courts

• Bell County Justice of the Peace Courts (for minor cases)
• Bell County Courts at Law (for more serious cases)
• 271st District Court (for complex personal injury cases)

Local Law Enforcement

• Temple Police Department
  209 E Ave A, Temple, TX 76501
  (254) 298-5500

• Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
  1805 N General Bruce Dr, Temple, TX 76504
  (254) 778-6700

Contact Attorney911 for Your Temple Car Accident Case

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Temple, Texas, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Our Temple car accident lawyers have the experience, knowledge, and resources to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

Visit our website: https://attorney911.com

Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com

Office serving Temple: Our Austin office serves Bell County and the surrounding areas.

Remember, evidence disappears every day. The sooner you call, the stronger your case will be. Don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you—call Attorney911 today.