Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Terrell Hills, Texas

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Terrell Hills, Texas, you’re not alone. Every 57 seconds, someone in Texas is involved in a motor vehicle crash. In 2024 alone, over 251,000 people were injured on Texas roads, with one person hurt every 2 minutes and 5 seconds. These accidents change lives in an instant—leaving victims with physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial stress.

At Attorney911, we understand what you’re going through. Our firm, led by Ralph Manginello with over 25 years of experience, has helped countless Terrell Hills residents recover the compensation they deserve after serious accidents. Whether you were hit by a distracted driver on Loop 410, injured in a trucking collision on I-35, or suffered a catastrophic injury in a drunk driving accident, we’re here to fight for you.

Why Terrell Hills Accident Victims Choose Attorney911

Terrell Hills may be a small community, but accidents here can be just as devastating as those in larger cities. The roads around Terrell Hills—including Loop 410, I-35, and the busy intersections near the McNay Art Museum—see heavy traffic from both local commuters and long-haul truckers. When accidents happen, the consequences can be life-altering.

What sets Attorney911 apart is our unique combination of experience, insider knowledge, and personal attention. Unlike high-volume firms that treat you like a case number, we take the time to understand your story. Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how insurance companies try to minimize claims. This insider perspective gives our clients a significant advantage in negotiations and court.

Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Terrell Hills

Car Accidents

Car accidents are the most common type of motor vehicle collision in Terrell Hills. In 2024, Texas saw 251,977 people injured in car crashes, with one accident occurring every 57 seconds. Common causes include:

• Distracted driving (380 deaths in Texas in 2024)
• Speeding
• Failure to yield
• Running red lights
• Following too closely
• DUI/DWI

Common injuries from car accidents include:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Herniated discs
• Broken bones and fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ damage

Our client Chavodrian Miles experienced this firsthand. After his car accident, Leonor from our team got him into the doctor the same day. “It only took 6 months amazing,” Chavodrian said about his case resolution.

18-Wheeler and Trucking Accidents

With I-35 and Loop 410 running through the area, Terrell Hills sees its share of trucking accidents. In 2024, Texas had 39,393 commercial motor vehicle crashes, resulting in 608 fatalities and 1,601 serious injuries. Trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight disparity between trucks (up to 80,000 lbs) and passenger vehicles (around 4,000 lbs).

These cases are complex because multiple parties may be liable:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The cargo loader
• The vehicle manufacturer
• The maintenance company

Attorney911 has extensive experience with trucking cases. As we’ve shared with clients, “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.”

Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving remains a serious problem in Texas. In 2024, 1,053 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, accounting for 25.37% of all traffic fatalities. These accidents are particularly tragic because they’re completely preventable.

Texas has strong dram shop laws (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02) that allow victims to sue establishments that served obviously intoxicated patrons. Signs of obvious intoxication include:

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

Our firm’s founder, Ralph Manginello, is a member of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association, giving us unique expertise in handling both the criminal and civil aspects of drunk driving cases. We’ve successfully had DWI charges dismissed for clients by proving issues with breathalyzer machines, missing evidence, and video evidence showing our clients weren’t impaired.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection for riders. In 2024, Texas saw 585 motorcyclist fatalities, with 37% of those killed not wearing helmets. Harris County, which includes Terrell Hills, leads the state in motorcycle fatalities.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Failure to yield right of way
• Driver inattention/distraction
• Unsafe lane changes
• Left-turn accidents
• Speeding/reckless driving

The Texas 51% comparative fault rule is particularly important in motorcycle cases, as insurance companies often try to blame riders. Our former insurance defense attorney, Lupe Peña, knows these tactics from the inside and can effectively counter them.

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users. In 2024, Texas had 6,095 pedestrian crashes resulting in 768 fatalities. Pedestrians account for just 1% of crashes but 19% of all roadway deaths.

A critical legal point many drivers don’t know: pedestrians ALWAYS have the right-of-way at intersections in Texas, even at unmarked crosswalks. Common pedestrian injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken pelvis and legs
• Internal organ damage
• Fatalities

Rideshare Accidents (Uber/Lyft)

Rideshare accidents present unique insurance challenges. The coverage available depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash:

Phase	Driver Status	Coverage Available
0	App off, personal use	Personal insurance only ($30K/$60K/$25K)
1	App on, no ride request	$50K/$100K/$25K contingent
2	Ride accepted, en route to pickup	$1,000,000 liability
3	Passenger in vehicle	$1,000,000 liability

Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background is particularly valuable in rideshare cases, as he understands how to navigate this complex coverage maze.

Hit and Run Accidents

Hit and run accidents are tragically common, with one occurring every 43 seconds in the U.S. In Texas, hit and run resulting in death is a 2nd degree felony punishable by 2-20 years in prison.

If the at-fault driver isn’t identified, your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage can compensate you. We’ve helped many clients with hit and run cases, including sending preservation letters to secure surveillance footage before it’s deleted (typically within 7-30 days).

What to Do Immediately After an Accident in Terrell Hills

If you’ve been in an accident in Terrell Hills, follow these steps:

First 24 Hours:

1. Call 911 and report the accident
2. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine (adrenaline masks injuries)
3. Document everything: photos of damage, injuries, and the scene
4. Exchange information with the other driver
5. Get witness names and phone numbers
6. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
7. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911

Days 1-7:

• Preserve all digital evidence (texts, photos, videos)
• Secure damaged clothing and personal items
• Keep receipts for any accident-related expenses
• Request copies of all medical records
• Note any calls from insurance companies
• Do NOT post about the accident on social media

Days 7-30:

• Follow up with medical treatment
• Attorney911 will send preservation letters to all parties
• We’ll obtain police reports and 911 recordings
• We’ll photograph the scene before it changes

Why Evidence Disappears Quickly

Evidence deteriorates rapidly after an accident:

• 7-30 days: Surveillance footage from businesses is typically deleted
• 30-180 days: ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data from trucks can be overwritten
• Weeks to months: Witness memories fade
• 2 years: Statute of limitations expires

As Dame Haskett, one of our clients, shared: “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer…Ralph reached out personally.” We move quickly to preserve evidence before it’s lost forever.

Texas Motor Vehicle 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 (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003). For wrongful death claims, the 2-year clock starts from the date of death.

Comparative Negligence (51% Rule)

Texas uses modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar:

• If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault)
• If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing

Insurance companies always try to assign maximum fault to victims. Lupe Peña’s experience as a former insurance defense attorney helps us counter these arguments effectively.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

Texas requires minimum auto insurance coverage of:

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

However, 15.4% of Texas drivers are uninsured. That’s why Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is so important.

How Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Your Claim

Having a former insurance defense attorney on our team gives us unique insight into how insurance companies operate. Lupe Peña spent years working for insurance companies, and he knows their tactics from the inside:

1. Quick Contact & Recorded Statement Trap

Insurance adjusters contact you immediately—often while you’re still in the hospital or on pain medication. They act friendly and helpful, but their goal is to get you to say something that hurts your case.

Common trap questions include:

• “You’re feeling better now though, right?”
• “It wasn’t that bad of an impact, was it?”
• “You were able to walk away from the scene?”

Our advice: Do NOT give recorded statements without an attorney. Once you hire Attorney911, we handle all communication with insurance companies.

2. Quick Settlement Offers

Insurance companies often offer quick settlements within days or weeks of the accident. These offers are always lowball amounts designed to close your claim before you know the full extent of your injuries.

The trap: If you accept a quick settlement, you can’t get more money later—even if you need surgery or discover permanent injuries.

3. “Independent” Medical Exams (IMEs)

Insurance companies may require you to see a doctor of their choosing for an “Independent Medical Exam.” In reality, these doctors are hired to minimize your injuries.

Lupe Peña knows this system well: “I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as 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.”

4. Delay and Financial Pressure

Insurance companies drag out claims hoping you’ll get desperate and accept a low offer. They take weeks to respond to simple questions and claim they’re “still investigating.”

The strategy: They have unlimited time and resources. You have mounting bills and no income. Financial pressure makes you vulnerable.

5. Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring

Insurance companies hire private investigators to follow accident victims. They monitor your social media accounts, looking for any activity that contradicts your injury claims.

What they look for:

• Photos of you being active
• Check-ins at restaurants or events
• Posts about your accident or injuries
• Comments from friends mentioning you

Our advice: Make all social media profiles private immediately. Don’t post about your accident, injuries, or activities.

6. Comparative Fault Arguments

Insurance companies always try to blame the victim. Common arguments include:

• “You were speeding”
• “You weren’t paying attention”
• “You could have avoided this”
• “You were distracted”

Even small fault percentages can cost you thousands. For example:

• 10% fault on a $100,000 case = $10,000 less for you
• 25% fault on a $250,000 case = $62,500 less for you

What You Can Recover in a Motor Vehicle Accident Case

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas)

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

Non-Economic Damages (No Cap Except Medical Malpractice)

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Physical impairment
• Disfigurement
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive Damages (Capped)

Available for gross negligence, fraud, or malice. Capped at the greater of:

• $200,000, OR
• 2x economic damages + 1x non-economic damages (capped at $750,000 for non-economic portion)

Settlement Ranges by Injury Type

Soft Tissue Injuries (Whiplash, Sprains, Strains)

• Medical treatment: $6,000-$16,000
• Lost wages: $2,000-$10,000
• Pain & suffering: $8,000-$35,000
• Settlement range: $15,000-$60,000

Broken Bones (Single, Simple Fracture)

• Medical treatment: $10,000-$20,000
• Lost wages: $5,000-$15,000
• Pain & suffering: $20,000-$60,000
• Settlement range: $35,000-$95,000

Herniated Disc (Conservative Treatment)

• Medical treatment: $22,000-$46,000
• Lost wages: $8,000-$25,000
• Pain & suffering: $40,000-$100,000
• Settlement range: $70,000-$171,000

Traumatic Brain Injury (Moderate to Severe)

• Past medical: $198,000-$638,000
• Future medical: $300,000-$3,000,000+
• Lost wages: $50,000-$200,000
• Lost earning capacity: $500,000-$3,000,000+
• Pain & suffering: $500,000-$3,000,000+
• Settlement range: $1,548,000-$9,838,000

One of our clients received a multi-million dollar settlement after suffering a brain injury with vision loss when a log dropped on him at a logging company.

Spinal Cord Injury / Paralysis

Lifetime care costs by injury level:

• High tetraplegia (C1-C4): $6,000,000-$13,000,000+
• Low tetraplegia (C5-C8): $3,700,000-$6,100,000+
• Paraplegia (T1-L5): $2,500,000-$5,250,000+
• Settlement range: $4,770,000-$25,880,000

Wrongful Death (Working Age Adult)

• Funeral and burial: $10,000-$20,000
• Medical expenses before death: $50,000-$500,000
• Lost financial support: $1,000,000-$4,000,000
• Non-economic damages: $850,000-$5,000,000
• Settlement range: $1,910,000-$9,520,000

We’ve helped numerous families recover millions in trucking-related wrongful death cases.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Terrell Hills Accident Case

1. Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge

Lupe Peña worked for years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for victims. This insider perspective is something no other Terrell Hills law firm can offer.

2. Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our results speak for themselves:

• Multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered brain injury with vision loss
• Amputation case settled in the millions
• Millions recovered in trucking wrongful death cases
• Significant cash settlement for a maritime back injury

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court admission is crucial for complex cases like trucking accidents and product liability claims.

4. BP Explosion Litigation Experience

Attorney911 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.

5. Personal Attention

Unlike high-volume firms, we provide personal attention to every client. As Chad Harris shared: “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 don’t get paid unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs, and the initial consultation is free.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motor Vehicle Accidents in Terrell Hills

Immediate After Accident

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Terrell Hills?
If you’ve been in an accident in Terrell Hills:

• Call 911 and report the accident
• Seek medical attention even if you feel fine
• Document everything: photos of damage, injuries, and the scene
• Exchange information with the other driver
• Get witness names and phone numbers
• Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
• Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911

Should I call the police even for a minor accident?
Yes. Always call police. The police report is critical evidence. In Texas, you must report accidents with injuries, deaths, or property damage over $1,000.

Should I seek medical attention if I don’t feel hurt?
Absolutely. Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms immediately:

• Traumatic brain injuries can take days to manifest
• Internal bleeding may not be obvious
• Herniated discs may not cause pain for weeks
• Adrenaline masks pain at the scene

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”
• Do NOT give your opinion on what happened
• Stick to facts only

How do I obtain a copy of the accident report?
In Terrell Hills, you can obtain the police report from the San Antonio Police Department or through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS).

Dealing with Insurance

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 recorded statements. 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.

Legal Process

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.

Watch our video: “Will Your Case Go to Trial?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ed5AnmCMcc

How long will my case take to settle?
Depends on injury severity. We don’t settle until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). Could be 6 months for minor injuries, 18-24 months for serious injuries.

What is the legal process step-by-step?

1. Investigation and evidence gathering
2. Medical treatment to MMI
3. Demand letter to insurance
4. Negotiation
5. Lawsuit if necessary
6. Discovery
7. Mediation
8. Trial if needed

Watch our video: “What Is the Process for a Personal Injury Claim?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwzYymneDVs

Compensation

What is my case worth?
Depends on: injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, permanent impairment, pain and suffering, insurance available. Cases range from $15,000 (soft tissue) to millions (catastrophic injury).

What types of damages can I recover?

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

Can I get compensation for pain and suffering?
Yes. Pain and suffering is a significant component of personal injury cases in Texas. There is no cap on pain and suffering (except 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.

Attorney Relationship

How much do car accident lawyers cost?
Attorney911 works on contingency: 33.33% before trial, 40% if trial. You pay nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win.

Watch our video: “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

What does “no fee unless we win” mean?
You pay zero unless we recover money for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. We advance all case costs.

How often will I get updates?
Attorney911 provides regular updates. As client Dame Haskett said: “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer.”

Who will actually handle my case?
At Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, not just paralegals. As Chad Harris said: “You are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”

What if I already hired another attorney?
You can switch. As client Greg Garcia said: “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.”

Mistakes to Avoid

What common mistakes can hurt my case?

• Giving recorded statements without an attorney
• Accepting quick settlements
• Delaying medical treatment
• Gaps in treatment
• Posting on social media
• Signing releases or authorizations
• Not documenting everything

Watch our video: “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Should I post about my accident on social media?
No. Make all profiles private. Don’t post about the accident, injuries, or activities. Insurance monitors everything.

Why shouldn’t I sign anything without a lawyer?
Releases are permanent. Medical authorizations give unlimited access. Settlement offers are binding. Once signed, you can’t undo it.

What if I didn’t see a doctor right away?
See one now. Explain you didn’t realize the severity of your injuries. Delayed symptoms are common. We can still help.

Serving Terrell Hills and Surrounding Communities

Attorney911 serves Terrell Hills and the greater San Antonio area, including:

• Alamo Heights
• Olmos Park
• Monte Vista
• Downtown San Antonio
• Stone Oak
• The Dominion
• Castle Hills

We understand the unique challenges faced by accident victims in this area. Whether your accident occurred on Loop 410, I-35, or the local streets of Terrell Hills, we’re here to help.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Terrell Hills, don’t wait. Evidence disappears daily, and the insurance company is already building their case against you.

Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

Se habla español. Our team includes Spanish-speaking staff like Zulema, who clients consistently praise. As Celia Dominguez shared: “Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.”

Remember, when you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you’re not just calling a law firm—you’re calling a legal emergency line staffed by attorneys who truly care about your recovery. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.