Houston Car Accident Lawyer: Get Maximum Compensation After Your Crash

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Houston, you’re not alone. Texas sees a motor vehicle crash every 57 seconds, and Houston leads the state in both total accidents and severe injuries. When you’re facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and physical pain, you need an experienced Houston car accident lawyer who understands the local courts, knows how insurance companies operate, and has a proven track record of recovering millions for accident victims.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for Houston accident victims since 1998. With 25+ years of experience and over 251 five-star reviews, our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how insurance companies try to minimize your claim. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for clients with catastrophic injuries, and we’re ready to fight for you.

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

Why Houston Car Accidents Are So Dangerous

Houston’s roads are among the most dangerous in Texas. With over 4.7 million residents and millions more commuting daily, our city sees:

• 251,977 people injured in Texas motor vehicle crashes in 2024
• 1 crash every 57 seconds somewhere in Texas
• 1 person injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds
• 4,150 fatalities across Texas in 2024

In Houston specifically, we see high concentrations of accidents on:

• I-45 (Gulf Freeway) – often called the “deadliest road in North America”
• I-10 (Katy Freeway and East Freeway)
• US-59 (Southwest Freeway)
• Loop 610 and Beltway 8
• Dangerous intersections like FM 1960 & SH 6 and I-610 & N. Durham Drive

These accidents happen for many reasons, but the most common causes we see in Houston include:

• Distracted driving (especially phone use)
• Speeding (a factor in nearly 30% of fatal crashes)
• Failure to yield right-of-way
• Running red lights and stop signs
• Following too closely (rear-end collisions)
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Common Injuries in Houston Car Accidents

Car accidents in Houston can cause a wide range of injuries, from relatively minor to catastrophic. Some of the most common injuries we see include:

Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries

• Neck and back strains
• Sprains and tears in muscles and ligaments
• Can take days or weeks to fully manifest
• Often dismissed by insurance companies as “minor”

Herniated or Bulging Discs

• Damage to the cushions between vertebrae
• Can require months of physical therapy
• May need epidural injections or surgery
• Often causes chronic pain and limited mobility

Broken Bones and Fractures

• Arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, and facial bones
• Simple fractures may heal in weeks
• Compound fractures may require surgery and hardware
• Can lead to long-term complications

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

• From mild concussions to severe brain damage
• Symptoms may not appear immediately
• Can cause permanent cognitive impairment
• Often requires extensive rehabilitation

Spinal Cord Injuries

• Can result in partial or complete paralysis
• Requires lifelong medical care
• Significant impact on quality of life
• High medical costs and lost earning capacity

Internal Organ Damage

• Internal bleeding
• Damage to liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs
• Often requires emergency surgery
• Can be life-threatening

Psychological Injuries

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety and depression
• Fear of driving or riding in vehicles
• Sleep disturbances and flashbacks

The Reality of Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Houston Car Accident

After your accident, you might think the insurance company will be on your side. The truth is, insurance companies are businesses focused on their bottom line. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible – and they have a playbook of tactics to make that happen.

At Attorney911, we know this playbook inside and out because our attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for insurance companies. He knows exactly how they operate, and now he uses that knowledge to fight for accident victims like you.

Here are some of the tactics insurance companies use to minimize your claim:

The Quick Cash Trap

Within days of your accident, you might receive a settlement offer. It might sound good – $2,000, $5,000, maybe even $10,000. But here’s what they’re not telling you:

• You don’t know the full extent of your injuries yet
• You might need surgery or long-term treatment
• Once you sign a release, you can’t get more money – even if your medical bills keep coming
• Their first offer is almost always far below what your case is truly worth

“In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. The insurance company initially offered $50,000, claiming the amputation was a ‘medical complication’ not related to the accident. We proved the amputation was a direct result of the accident and recovered millions for our client.”

The Recorded Statement Trap

Insurance adjusters will call you, often while you’re still in the hospital or on pain medication. They’ll sound friendly and concerned. They’ll say they just need “your side of the story” to process your claim.

But everything you say will be recorded, transcribed, and used against you. They’ll ask leading questions designed to get you to:

• Minimize your injuries (“You’re feeling better now, right?”)
• Admit partial fault (“Were you distracted at all?”)
• Undermine your claim (“It wasn’t that bad of an impact, was it?”)

“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, Attorney911

The Independent Medical Exam (IME) Scheme

If your injuries are serious, the insurance company will send you to an “independent” doctor for an examination. But these doctors aren’t independent – they’re hired and paid by the insurance company.

• They’ll spend 10-15 minutes with you
• They’ll review your records quickly (if at all)
• They’ll look for any reason to minimize your injuries
• They’ll often claim your injuries are “pre-existing” or “not that serious”

Lupe knows which doctors insurance companies favor because he used to hire them himself. We know how to counter their reports with our own medical experts.

Surveillance Tactics

Insurance companies hire private investigators to follow accident victims. They’ll:

• Film you doing daily activities
• Monitor your social media accounts
• Look for any activity that contradicts your injury claims
• Use one photo or video to claim you’re “not really injured”

We’ve seen cases where insurance companies used:

• A photo from years before the accident to claim current injuries didn’t exist
• A video of a client walking their dog to claim they weren’t disabled
• A social media post about dinner to claim the client wasn’t in pain

Delay, Deny, Defend

Insurance companies know that time is on their side. They’ll:

• Take weeks to respond to simple questions
• “Still investigate” your claim for months
• Hope you’ll get desperate and accept a low offer
• Count on evidence disappearing while they delay

The longer they can drag out your claim, the more financial pressure they put on you. They know you have bills to pay and may be desperate for any settlement.

Pre-Existing Condition Blame

If you’ve ever had any prior injury or medical condition, insurance companies will:

• Dig through your entire medical history
• Find any mention of prior pain or treatment
• Claim your current injuries aren’t from the accident
• Ignore that the accident aggravated your condition

The truth is, you’re entitled to compensation even if you had a pre-existing condition. If the accident made it worse, you deserve to be compensated for that aggravation.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Houston Car Accident Case

With so many car accident lawyers in Houston, why should you choose Attorney911? Here are five reasons we stand out:

1. We Have an Insurance Defense Insider on Our Team

Lupe Peña worked for years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims. He knows:

• How they calculate settlement offers
• Which doctors they send you to for “independent” exams
• How they use surveillance and social media against you
• Their delay tactics and how to counter them

This insider knowledge is your unfair advantage. While other firms are learning how insurance companies operate, we already know their playbook because we used to run it.

2. We’ve Recovered Millions for Houston Accident Victims

Our results speak for themselves:

“Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at logging company.”

“In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions.”

“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.”

“In a recent case, our client injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship. Our investigation revealed that he should have been assisted in this duty, and we were able to reach a significant cash settlement.”

3. We Have Federal Court Experience for Complex Cases

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 might avoid, including:

• Cases against large corporations
• Federal trucking regulations violations
• Multi-state defendants
• Complex product liability cases

We were also one of the few firms in Texas involved in the BP explosion litigation – a case involving billions of dollars in claims against a multinational corporation.

4. We Provide Personal Attention to Every Client

We’re not a high-volume settlement mill. When you call Attorney911, you’re not just a case number. You’ll work directly with Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña, not just paralegals or junior associates.

Here’s what our clients say:

“Melanie was excellent. She kept me informed and when she said she would call me back, she did. I got to speak with Ralph Manginello once and knew quickly the way his Firm was ran.” – Brian Butchee

“When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me…She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.” – Stephanie Hernandez

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

5. We Don’t Get Paid Unless We Win Your Case

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You pay nothing upfront
• We advance all case costs
• You only pay if we recover compensation for you
• Our fee is a percentage of your recovery

This means you can get high-quality legal representation without worrying about how to pay for it.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Houston

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

At the Scene (If You’re Able)

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone is injured.
2. Check for injuries – Adrenaline can mask pain, so get checked even if you feel fine.
3. Move to safety – If possible, move vehicles out of traffic to prevent further accidents.
4. Document everything – Take photos of:
   • All vehicle damage (from multiple angles)
   • The accident scene and road conditions
   • Any visible injuries
   • Traffic signals and signs
5. Exchange information with the other driver:
   • Name, phone number, and address
   • Driver’s license number
   • Insurance company and policy number
   • Vehicle make, model, and license plate number
6. Get witness information – Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident.
7. Don’t admit fault – Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you later.
8. Call Attorney911 – 1-888-ATTY-911. Don’t give a recorded statement to any insurance company without talking to us first.

In the First 48 Hours

1. Seek medical attention – Even if you went to the ER, follow up with your doctor or a specialist.
2. Preserve evidence – Don’t delete anything from your phone (photos, videos, texts).
3. Don’t post on social media – Insurance companies monitor your accounts.
4. Keep all accident-related items – Damaged clothing, glasses, etc.
5. Start a journal – Document your pain levels, symptoms, and how the accident has affected your daily life.
6. Call Attorney911 – We’ll send preservation letters to protect evidence that might otherwise be deleted.

In the First Week

1. Follow your doctor’s recommendations – Don’t miss appointments or stop treatment.
2. Keep all receipts – For medical bills, prescriptions, transportation to appointments, etc.
3. Don’t talk to insurance adjusters – Refer them to your attorney.
4. Don’t sign anything – Insurance companies may try to get you to sign a release or authorization.
5. Keep us updated – Let us know about any new symptoms or developments.

Houston Car Accident Case Results

At Attorney911, we’ve recovered millions for Houston car accident victims. Here are some examples of our results:

“Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at logging company.”

“In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions.”

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

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

“I lost everything… my car was at a total loss and because of Attorney Manginello and my case worker Leonor… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.” – Kiimarii Yup

Every case is unique, and past results don’t guarantee future outcomes. But these results show our commitment to fighting for maximum compensation for our clients.

Houston Car Accident FAQ

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

Call 911, seek medical attention, document everything, exchange information with the other driver, get witness contact information, and call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911. Don’t give a recorded statement to any insurance company without talking to us first.

Should I call the police even for a minor accident?

Yes. Always call the police. The police report is critical evidence for your claim. In Texas, you’re required to 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. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries like traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding may not be obvious right away. Insurance companies use delays in treatment against you, so get checked immediately.

What information should I collect at the scene?

Get the other driver’s name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, insurance information, and vehicle details. Take photos of all vehicle damage, the accident scene, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Get names and phone numbers of witnesses.

Should I talk to the other driver or admit fault?

Only exchange basic information. Don’t discuss fault, apologize, or give your opinion on what happened. Stick to the facts only.

How do I obtain a copy of the accident report?

In Houston, 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 on what to say.

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). Don’t give a recorded statement, discuss injuries, or admit fault.

Do I have to accept the insurance company’s estimate?

No. Their estimate is just an offer. It’s usually far below what your case is actually worth. Attorney911 fights for what you truly deserve.

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 can’t get more money even if you need surgery or additional treatment 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, which means you can combine coverage from multiple policies. Watch our video on UM/UIM claims: 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 a medical authorization without having an attorney review it first.

How much is my car accident case worth?

It 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 strength of the evidence
• The amount of insurance available

Cases can range from $15,000 for minor injuries to millions for catastrophic injuries. We’ll evaluate your case and fight for maximum compensation.

What types of damages can I recover?

You may be able to 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 damages (except in medical malpractice cases).

What if I have a pre-existing condition?

You can still recover compensation if the accident aggravated or worsened your pre-existing condition. This is called the “eggshell plaintiff” rule – the defendant takes you as they find you.

Will I have to pay taxes on my settlement?

Generally, compensation for physical injuries is not taxable. However, punitive damages are taxable. Consult with a tax professional for specific advice.

How is the value of my claim determined?

Insurance companies and attorneys consider many factors, including:

• Your medical bills
• Future treatment costs
• Lost income
• Permanent impairment rating
• Comparable verdicts and settlements
• Severity of injuries
• Impact on daily life
• Strength of evidence
• Liability issues

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 available 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, and insurance companies start building their defense against you from day one. The sooner you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, the better we can protect your rights.

How much time do I have to file (statute of limitations)?

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, you have 2 years from the date of death. If you miss this deadline, your case will be 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 damages (reduced by your percentage of fault). If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.

What happens if I was partially at fault?

You can still recover compensation if you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery will be 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. This preparation 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) – the point where your condition has stabilized and we know the full extent of your damages. This could be 6 months for minor injuries or 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 company
4. Negotiation
5. Lawsuit if necessary
6. Discovery (exchange of information)
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

How much do car accident lawyers cost?

Attorney911 works on a contingency fee basis: 33.33% before trial, 40% if the case goes to trial. You pay nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

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?

It means you pay zero unless we recover money for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. We advance all case costs, which are repaid from your settlement.

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 case?

At Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña, not just paralegals or junior associates. 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 attorneys at any time. Attorney911 has taken over many cases from other attorneys. As 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.

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

File a police report immediately. Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage applies in hit-and-run cases. 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 – 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 is fluent in Spanish.

What if the accident happened in a parking lot?

Parking lot accidents are fully compensable. Insurance companies often try to argue that parking lot accidents are always 50/50 fault, but this isn’t true. 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, and the driver’s insurance covers passengers. There are no comparative fault issues since 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. The death doesn’t eliminate liability. The insurance policy still applies, and the estate may have assets. Wrongful death laws protect both sides.

Why Houston Trusts Attorney911

Houston residents choose Attorney911 for their car accident cases because we offer:

• 25+ years of experience handling car accident cases in Houston courts
• A former insurance defense attorney who knows their tactics inside and out
• Multi-million dollar results for clients with serious injuries
• Federal court experience for complex cases
• Personal attention – you work directly with Ralph or Lupe, not just paralegals
• Contingency fee basis – no fee unless we win your case
• Spanish language services – Lupe and our team are fluent in Spanish
• 24/7 availability – call our legal emergency line at 1-888-ATTY-911

Here’s what our clients say about us:

“Best lawyers in the city…fast return..and they really care about their clients.” – Dean Jones

“Mr. Manginello got us a nice result in my wife’s injury.” – Bill Spragg

“They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” – Glenda Walker

“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.” – Kiwi Potato

“One of Houston’s Great Men Trae Tha Truth has recommended this law firm. So if he is vouching for them then I know they do good work.” – Jacqueline Johnson

Houston Car Accident Resources

Houston Hospitals and Trauma Centers

If you’re injured in a car accident in Houston, you may be taken to one of these Level I trauma centers:

• Memorial Hermann – Texas Medical Center
  6411 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030
  #1 trauma center in Texas, busiest in the U.S.

• Ben Taub Hospital (Harris Health)
  1504 Taub Loop, Houston, TX 77030
  County hospital, high-volume trauma center

• UTMB Galveston
  301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555
  Regional trauma center with burn unit

Other major Houston hospitals:

• Houston Methodist Hospital
• The Woman’s Hospital of Texas
• HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake
• Memorial Hermann The Woodlands
• Memorial Hermann Sugar Land
• Houston Methodist Baytown

Houston Courts

Car accident lawsuits in Houston are typically filed in:

• Harris County Civil Courts – for cases under $250,000
• District Courts – for cases over $250,000
• Justice of the Peace Courts – for cases under $20,000

Houston Police Departments

For accident reports, contact the police department that responded to your accident:

• Houston Police Department – for accidents within Houston city limits
• Harris County Sheriff’s Office – for unincorporated areas of Harris County
• Pasadena Police Department – for accidents in Pasadena
• Sugar Land Police Department – for accidents in Sugar Land
• Missouri City Police Department – for accidents in Missouri City

Houston Dangerous Intersections

Some of Houston’s most dangerous intersections include:

• FM 1960 & SH 6
• I-610 & N. Durham Drive
• Beltway 8 & various merge points
• Westheimer Road & various intersections
• Bissonnet Street & various intersections
• I-45 & various sections (especially the Gulf Freeway)
• I-10 & various sections (especially the Katy Freeway)

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Houston, don’t wait. Evidence disappears daily, and the insurance company is already building their case against you.

Call our legal emergency line at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

We don’t get paid unless we win your case. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Attorney911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™
The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
3200 Travis St, Suite 220
Houston, TX 77006
1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
https://attorney911.com

Se habla español. Lupe Peña and our team are ready to help Spanish-speaking clients.