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What Not to Say to an Insurance Adjuster After a Texas Accident
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Houston Personal Injury Lawyers

What Not to Say to an Insurance Adjuster After a Texas Accident

Texas personal injury attorneys reveal what NOT to say to insurance adjusters after an accident. Learn their tactics, protect your rights, and get the compensat

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Insurance Adjusters Are Not Your Friends: The Critical Guide for Texas Accident Victims

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Houston, Austin, Beaumont, or anywhere else in Texas, one of the most dangerous conversations you’ll have is with an insurance adjuster. At Attorney911—The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC—we’ve handled thousands of personal injury cases across Texas over the past 25+ years, and we can tell you with absolute certainty: insurance companies are not on your side. This isn’t speculation; it’s the reality of how for-profit insurance corporations operate. Their profitability depends on paying you the least amount possible for every single claim. Whether you’re dealing with your own insurer or the other driver’s company, no one you talk to at that insurance company is trying to help you maximize your recovery. Their job is to protect their employer’s bottom line, and that means minimizing what they pay you.

This guide comes directly from our senior litigation attorney, Ralph Manginello, who has been practicing law in Texas since 1998 and is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. With experience in multi-million dollar settlements and complex litigation like the BP Texas City explosion cases, Ralph has seen every tactic insurance companies use. In this comprehensive article, we’ll expand on every point from our video transcript to give you the complete picture of what you should never say to an insurance adjuster, why they use these tactics, and how having an experienced Texas personal injury lawyer from Attorney911 changes the entire dynamic. If you’re dealing with an insurance adjuster right now, call our legal emergency line at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) before you say another word.

The Fundamental Reality: Insurance Companies Profit By Paying You Less

Before we dive into specific phrases and tactics, you need to understand the foundational truth that governs every interaction with an insurance adjuster. Insurance providers in Texas are for-profit businesses. Their shareholders expect returns, and their executives receive bonuses based on profitability. One of the largest controllable expenses for any insurance company is claim payouts. Every dollar they save on your claim goes directly to their bottom line. This creates a fundamental conflict of interest that Texas law recognizes but doesn’t eliminate.

In our experience at Attorney911, this profit motive manifests in systematic ways. Insurance companies use sophisticated software like Colossus to algorithmically value claims, often at amounts far below what Texas juries would award. They train adjusters in psychological techniques to elicit statements that can reduce your claim’s value. They maintain networks of “independent” medical examiners (IME doctors) who consistently minimize injuries. And they have entire legal departments dedicated to finding reasons to deny or reduce claims.

As Ralph Manginello explains, “When I’m in federal court or Texas state courtrooms, I’m often facing defense attorneys whose entire career has been funded by insurance companies. They’re not evil people—they’re doing their job. But their job is to save their corporate client money, not to ensure you’re made whole after your Houston car accident. That’s why you need a lawyer whose only job is to fight for you.”

Texas-Specific Insurance Landscape

Texas operates under a “fault” system for auto accidents (Texas Transportation Code § 601.051), meaning the driver who causes the accident is financially responsible for damages. However, Texas also has some of the most insurance-friendly regulations in the country. Insurance companies writing policies in Texas have successfully lobbied for laws that limit their liability and make it harder for victims to recover full compensation.

For example, Texas follows the modified comparative fault rule (51% bar rule) under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001. This means if you’re found to be 51% or more at fault for the accident, you recover nothing. Insurance adjusters are trained to push comparative fault arguments—”You were speeding,” “You didn’t brake in time,” “You were partially in the lane”—to reduce their payout. Even if you’re only 20% at fault, they’ll reduce your settlement by 20%.

What most Texans don’t realize is that insurance adjusters begin building these comparative fault arguments from your very first conversation. That’s why what you say matters so profoundly. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today to let us handle these conversations for you.

How to Answer an Insurance Adjuster’s Questions (If You Must)

The absolute best answer to an insurance adjuster’s questions is: “Please contact my attorney at Attorney911.” If you’ve hired a personal injury lawyer to represent you—which you should do immediately after any serious accident—your attorney will handle all communications with the insurance company. This isn’t just convenient; it’s strategically essential. As client Jamin Marroquin testified about his experience with Ralph Manginello: “Mr. Manginello guided me through the whole process with great expertise…tenacious, accessible, and determined throughout the 19 months.” When Ralph and our team handle insurance communications, we prevent you from making accidental statements that could jeopardize thousands of dollars in compensation.

However, if you haven’t yet retained counsel and feel you must speak with the adjuster, here are the critical rules based on our 25+ years of Texas personal injury practice:

1. Always Refuse a Recorded Statement

This is non-negotiable. Insurance adjusters will often say, “We just need to get your statement on record to process your claim.” This is a trap. Recorded statements are used to lock you into a version of events that may be incomplete or inaccurate, especially when you’re still recovering from trauma. Adjusters are trained to ask leading questions during recorded statements that elicit answers they can later use against you.

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings unique insight here. Before joining Attorney911 to fight for victims, Lupe worked for years at a national defense firm representing insurance companies. “I’ve taken hundreds of recorded statements,” Lupe explains. “We would ask questions designed to get victims to minimize their injuries, admit uncertainty about fault, or mention pre-existing conditions. Then we’d use that recording months later to argue for a lower settlement. Never, ever agree to a recorded statement without your attorney present.”

You can politely but firmly say: “I’m not comfortable giving a recorded statement at this time. I’m happy to provide the basic information needed to start the claim.” If they pressure you, that’s a red flag. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

2. Review the Accident Report Before Speaking

Texas law requires law enforcement to complete a crash report (CR-3 form) for accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage. Before you speak with any insurance adjuster—whether yours or the other driver’s—obtain a copy of this report. You can typically get it from the responding police department or through the Texas Department of Transportation.

Why is this crucial? The accident report contains the officer’s preliminary determination of fault, witness statements, and diagrams. Insurance adjusters will have this report and will reference it. If you haven’t reviewed it, you might contradict something in the report without realizing it. For example, if the report says you told the officer you were “going about 40 mph” but you tell the adjuster you were “going the speed limit,” they’ll use that inconsistency to challenge your credibility.

At Attorney911, we obtain and analyze accident reports immediately. In one recent Houston case, our investigation revealed that the police report had incorrectly listed our client’s street name, which the insurance company was using to argue our client was in the wrong lane. We obtained surveillance footage from a nearby business that proved the report was wrong and secured a significant settlement.

3. Stick to Basic Facts, Never Speculate

When you do provide information, limit it to the basic facts needed to process the claim: your name, contact information, the date, time, and location of the accident, the vehicles involved, and the insurance policy number. Do not speculate about anything. Common dangerous speculations include:

  • “I think I might have been going a little fast…”
  • “Maybe I could have braked sooner…”
  • “The sun was in my eyes, so I might not have seen…”
  • “I’m not sure exactly how far away the other car was…”

In Texas courts, speculation becomes “admissions against interest.” Insurance adjusters are trained to transform your honest uncertainty into definitive statements that reduce your claim. If you don’t know or remember something exactly, say: “I don’t recall exactly” or “I’d need to check on that.” Better yet, let us handle it. As client Ernest Cano said about our firm: “Mr. Maginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”

4. Document EVERY Injury Immediately

The transcript emphasizes telling the adjuster “all of the injuries you suffered in the accident, including minor injuries such as bruises, headaches, and a stiff neck.” This is critically important because of how Texas personal injury law works. Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code, you must prove both the existence of injuries and that they were caused by the accident. If you don’t mention an injury early, the insurance company will argue it either didn’t exist or was caused by something else.

Here’s what most Houston accident victims don’t understand: many serious injuries have delayed symptoms. Whiplash, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and soft tissue damage may not manifest fully for days or weeks. If you only report your immediate injuries (like a cut on your forehead) and then later develop debilitating back pain, the adjuster will say: “You didn’t mention back pain initially, so it must not be from the accident.”

We advise clients to seek immediate medical attention after any accident, even if they feel “fine.” Tell the doctor every symptom, no matter how minor. This creates a medical record that establishes the timeline. In a recent multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss, early and thorough medical documentation was crucial to proving the extent of his damages.

If you’ve already spoken to an adjuster and didn’t mention all your injuries, it’s not too late. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 so we can help you properly document everything and prevent the insurance company from using your initial statements against you.

What Insurance Adjusters Are Really Looking For

Insurance adjusters are professional investigators whose primary goal is finding justification to offer you a lower settlement. They’re not evaluating your claim to determine its full value; they’re looking for reasons to reduce it. With 25+ years of experience in Texas courtrooms, Ralph Manginello has deposed countless adjusters and seen their playbooks. Here’s what they’re trained to find:

1. Any Statement That Minimizes Your Injuries

The most common trap is the casual question: “How are you feeling?” If you respond with the socially polite “I’m fine” or “I’m okay,” the adjuster will document: “Claimant stated they are feeling fine.” Later, when you’re claiming significant pain and suffering damages, they’ll use this statement to argue your injuries aren’t serious.

This isn’t hypothetical. In one of our Houston cases, the insurance adjuster tried to use our client’s Facebook post that said “Having a great day with the family!” as evidence she wasn’t seriously injured. What they omitted was that this was her first outing in three months, she was on heavy pain medication, and could only tolerate an hour before needing to return home. We had to fight aggressively to exclude this misleading evidence.

The proper response to “How are you?” from an insurance adjuster is: “I’m still receiving treatment for my injuries from the accident. My attorney can provide you with updates on my medical status.”

2. Gaps in Treatment or Pre-Existing Conditions

Texas insurance companies aggressively look for two things: gaps in medical treatment and pre-existing conditions. If you wait several weeks to seek treatment, they’ll argue your injuries weren’t serious or were caused by something else. If you had a prior back injury, they’ll argue your current back pain is from that old injury, not the accident.

Here’s the truth: under Texas law, the “eggshell plaintiff” doctrine applies. This means the at-fault driver takes you as they find you. If you had a pre-existing back condition that was asymptomatic before the accident, but the accident aggravated it and made it painful, the defendant is responsible for that aggravation. However, insurance adjusters will twist this to avoid responsibility.

Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney, Lupe Peña, who knows exactly how they build these arguments. “I used to request years of medical records looking for any prior complaint,” Lupe admits. “If someone mentioned back pain to their doctor five years ago, we’d argue their current back pain was unrelated. Now I use that knowledge to protect our clients—we get ahead of these arguments by obtaining and presenting medical evidence that clearly distinguishes pre-existing conditions from accident-related aggravations.”

3. Inconsistencies in Your Story

Adjusters are trained to look for any inconsistency between your statements, the police report, witness statements, and physical evidence. They’ll call you multiple times, sometimes weeks apart, asking the same questions slightly differently to see if your story changes. Even minor inconsistencies can be weaponized.

For example, if you say the light was “yellow” in one statement and “red” in another, they’ll argue you’re not credible. If you can’t remember whether it was raining, they might obtain weather reports showing it was sunny and use that to challenge your memory of the entire event.

This is why having a Texas personal injury lawyer from Attorney911 handle all communications is so valuable. We ensure consistency in how your case is presented. We also conduct our own independent investigation—often uncovering evidence the insurance company missed or ignored. In our multi-million dollar settlement for a client whose leg injury led to partial amputation due to staff infection, our investigation revealed critical hospital negligence that the insurance company had overlooked.

If you’ve already noticed an adjuster calling you repeatedly with similar questions, they’re likely fishing for inconsistencies. Stop the calls and contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Do Insurance Adjusters Lie? The Uncomfortable Truth

Absolutely. Insurance adjusters can and will lie to you. More disturbingly, many insurance providers encourage and train their adjusters in deceptive tactics. As Ralph Manginello explains from his experience in complex litigation like the BP explosion cases: “When you’re dealing with billion-dollar corporations, the pressure to protect profits creates an environment where ethical boundaries get stretched. Adjusters are evaluated on how much money they save the company, not on how fairly they treat victims.”

Common lies we’ve encountered in Texas cases include:

  • “Texas law requires you to give a recorded statement.” (False)
  • “You must use our network of doctors for treatment.” (False—you have the right to choose your own doctor)
  • “Your policy doesn’t cover that type of injury.” (Often false—they’re hoping you won’t read your policy)
  • “We can’t make an offer until you finish all treatment.” (False—they’re hoping the statute of limitations will run out)
  • “You don’t need a lawyer; we’ll treat you fairly.” (The biggest lie of all)

The truth is stark: if you’re not represented by a lawyer, insurance adjusters see you as an easy target. While this may be your first or second car accident, your adjuster has probably handled hundreds or even thousands of claims. The power imbalance is enormous.

Consider this: insurance companies have teams of lawyers, investigators, medical experts, and economists working to minimize your claim. Going against them alone is like showing up to a football game without a team while the opposition has the entire Dallas Cowboys roster. You need an experienced Texas personal injury attorney who knows the rules of the game and has won before.

At Attorney911, we level the playing field. With Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience, federal court admission, and involvement in BP explosion litigation, we have the resources and expertise to stand up to any insurance company. And with Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge from his years working for insurance defense firms, we know their playbook because we’ve seen it from both sides.

As client Donald Wilcox discovered after another firm rejected his case: “One company said they would not except my case. Then I got a call from Manginello…I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”

The Lowball Settlement: Why the First Offer Is Always Too Low

Yes, insurance adjusters regularly lowball victims. Just as you wouldn’t pay sticker price for a new car in Houston, you should never accept a first settlement offer from a claims adjuster—especially if you haven’t discussed your case with a personal injury lawyer. An insurance adjuster’s first offer is always a strategic lowball, typically 30-50% below what your case is actually worth.

Here’s how it works: Insurance companies use complex algorithms and historical data to determine the minimum amount they think you might accept. Their first offer isn’t based on what’s fair; it’s based on what they believe they can get away with. This is particularly dangerous when offered before you know the full extent of your injuries.

In Texas, once you accept a settlement offer and sign a release, you forever forfeit your right to pursue additional compensation—even if you later discover you need surgery or develop chronic pain. We’ve seen clients accept early settlements only to face tens of thousands in medical bills months later, with no recourse.

Our firm’s approach is different. We never recommend accepting a settlement until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI)—the point where your doctors say you’ve recovered as much as you’re going to. This ensures we know the full scope of your damages, including:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering (both physical and mental)
  • Physical impairment and disfigurement
  • Loss of consortium (impact on family relationships)

In our multi-million dollar settlement for a maritime back injury case, the initial offer from the insurance company was less than $100,000. By waiting until our client reached MMI and thoroughly documenting all his limitations, we secured a settlement multiple times higher. As client Tracey White experienced with our case manager Leonor: “She had received a offer but she told me to give her one more week because she knew she could get a better offer.”

Insurance adjusters take victims represented by lawyers much more seriously because they know we won’t accept lowball offers. They also know that if they don’t negotiate reasonably with us, we’re prepared to file suit. In Texas, the threat of litigation is real—we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, and insurance companies know this about Attorney911.

When Should You Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer? Immediately.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident anywhere in Texas—Houston, Austin, Beaumont, or beyond—you should contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Ideally, you should consult with an attorney before speaking with any insurance adjuster or accepting any settlement. Here’s why timing matters so much:

Evidence Disappears Quickly

In today’s digital world, critical evidence has shockingly short lifespans:

  • Surveillance footage from businesses: Typically deleted after 7-30 days
  • Dashcam footage: Often overwritten within days
  • Witness memories: Fade quickly, especially details
  • Vehicle evidence: Repaired or destroyed
  • Scene conditions: Change immediately

At Attorney911, we act fast. We send preservation letters to all potentially responsible parties, we dispatch investigators to capture evidence before it disappears, and we identify and interview witnesses while their memories are fresh. In our current $10 million litigation against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity (Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc.), early evidence preservation was critical.

The Statute of Limitations Clock Is Ticking

Texas gives you exactly two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003). Miss this deadline by even one day, and your case is barred forever—no matter how severe your injuries or how clear the other driver’s fault. Insurance companies know this and often delay negotiations until you’re desperate as the deadline approaches.

When you hire Attorney911 early, we protect your rights from day one. We ensure all necessary actions are taken within the legal timeframes, and we use the statute strategically—sometimes filing early to preserve evidence and force action, sometimes negotiating strategically closer to the deadline after reaching maximum medical improvement.

Early Medical Guidance Is Crucial

Many accident victims don’t know where to turn for medical treatment, especially if they don’t have health insurance or can’t afford upfront costs. At Attorney911, we maintain relationships with reputable medical providers across Texas who understand the personal injury claims process and can treat you on a lien basis—meaning they wait for payment until your case settles. This ensures you get the care you need without financial stress.

We also help you navigate the complex medical-legal landscape. We know which diagnostic tests are necessary to document injuries, how to communicate with doctors about your legal case, and what medical documentation insurance companies will challenge. This expertise comes from handling thousands of Texas personal injury cases over decades.

Why Attorney911 Is Different: Our Texas Advantage

When you’re choosing a personal injury lawyer in Texas, you’ll hear many firms make similar promises. At Attorney911—The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC—our results and approach speak for themselves. Here’s what truly sets us apart:

1. 25+ Years of Texas-Specific Experience

Ralph Manginello didn’t just move to Texas to practice law; he was raised here. From Memorial area schools to the University of Texas at Austin and South Texas College of Law Houston, Ralph has deep Texas roots. He’s been admitted to the Texas Bar since 1998 and to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This Texas-specific experience matters because personal injury law varies significantly by state. We know Texas judges, Texas juries, Texas court procedures, and Texas insurance regulations intimately.

2. Former Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge

Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney, Lupe Peña, who worked for years at a national defense firm learning exactly how insurance companies value claims, select IME doctors, conduct surveillance, and build arguments to reduce settlements. As Lupe explains: “I used to calculate settlement ranges using the same software (Colossus) that insurance companies use today. Now I use that knowledge to ensure our clients’ claims are valued fairly and to anticipate every defense tactic.” This insider advantage is why insurance companies take our settlement demands more seriously.

3. Multi-Million Dollar Results

While we can’t guarantee results in your specific case, our firm has a proven track record of securing significant compensation for clients when others wouldn’t even take their cases. Our documented results include:

  • Multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered brain injury with vision loss when a log dropped on him at a logging company
  • Multi-million dollar settlement for a client whose leg injury in a car accident led to partial amputation due to staff infection
  • Significant settlements in trucking-related wrongful death cases
  • Substantial recovery for a maritime back injury case where our investigation revealed the employer’s negligence

As client Kiimarii Yup shared: “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.”

4. We Prepare Every Case for Trial

Most personal injury cases settle before trial, but insurance companies know which firms are prepared to go to court and which aren’t. At Attorney911, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This means conducting thorough discovery, hiring expert witnesses, developing trial strategy, and being ready to present your case to a Texas jury. This preparation gives us tremendous leverage in settlement negotiations because insurance companies know we’re not bluffing.

5. Personalized Attention from Start to Finish

With 251+ Google reviews averaging 4.9 stars, our clients consistently praise our communication and personal attention. As client Chad Harris expressed: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.” We assign a dedicated case manager to every client—often Leonor, who has 80+ mentions in client reviews for her exceptional service. You’ll always know what’s happening with your case, and you’ll have direct access to your attorney.

We’re also proud to offer bilingual services in Spanish through Lupe Peña and our staff member Zulema. “Hablamos Español” isn’t just a tagline—it’s our commitment to serving all Texans.

6. Contingency Fee Structure: No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis (33.33% before trial, 40% if the case goes to trial). This means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. We advance all case costs—investigation, expert witnesses, filing fees—and only recover them if we win. This aligns our interests completely with yours: we only succeed when you succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance Adjusters

1. What if I’ve already given a recorded statement?

Don’t panic, but contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. We can review what you said and develop strategies to mitigate any damaging statements. Often, we can clarify or contextualize statements that might otherwise be used against you. The sooner we get involved, the more we can do to protect your rights.

2. What if the adjuster is being really nice and helpful?

This is a common and effective tactic. Adjusters are trained to build rapport and seem sympathetic so you’ll let your guard down. Remember: their job is to save their company money. Their friendliness is a strategy, not genuine concern. As Lupe Peña explains from his defense firm experience: “We were trained to be exceptionally friendly and empathetic in initial calls because victims are more likely to share damaging information when they feel comfortable.”

3. What if I can’t afford medical treatment right now?

At Attorney911, we can connect you with medical providers who will treat you on a lien basis—meaning they wait for payment until your case settles. This ensures you get the care you need without upfront costs. Never delay treatment because of financial concerns, as insurance companies will use gaps in treatment against you.

4. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows the modified comparative fault rule (51% bar rule). This means you can still recover damages if you’re less than 51% at fault, though your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance adjusters often exaggerate victims’ fault to reduce settlements. We conduct independent investigations to establish the true facts and fight against inflated fault allegations.

5. How long will my personal injury case take?

Most cases take 6-18 months to resolve, depending on complexity, severity of injuries, and whether litigation is necessary. We move as quickly as possible while ensuring we don’t settle before you reach maximum medical improvement. We’ll give you an honest timeline estimate during your free consultation.

6. What makes Attorney911 different from other personal injury firms?

Three key differentiators: (1) Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of Texas-specific experience including federal court and BP explosion litigation, (2) Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge from years working for insurance defense firms, and (3) our proven multi-million dollar results in cases others wouldn’t take. As Houston celebrity Trae Tha Truth has endorsed: our reputation in the community speaks for itself.

Take Action Now: Protect Your Rights Before It’s Too Late

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Texas, every day you wait gives the insurance company more time to build a case against you. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and the statute of limitations clock keeps ticking. More importantly, every conversation you have with an insurance adjuster without legal representation risks jeopardizing your rightful compensation.

At Attorney911, we offer free, no-obligation consultations. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and give you honest advice about your options. There’s no pressure and no cost to find out where you stand. As client Stephanie Hernandez discovered when she felt hopeless: “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.”

We serve clients throughout Texas from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. Whether you’re in Harris County, Travis County, Jefferson County, or anywhere in between, we’re here to help. Our emergency legal line—1-888-ATTY-911—is answered 24/7 because legal emergencies don’t keep business hours.

Don’t become another victim of insurance company tactics. Don’t accept a lowball settlement that won’t cover your medical bills and lost wages. Don’t navigate this complex process alone. Let the experienced Texas personal injury attorneys at Attorney911—your “Legal Emergency Lawyers™”—fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now or visit attorney911.com to schedule your free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I never say to an insurance adjuster after a Texas car accident?

Never admit fault, speculate about what happened, say you’re ‘fine’ or ‘okay,’ agree to a recorded statement without your attorney, or accept the first settlement offer. Insurance adjusters use all these statements to reduce or deny your claim.

Why should I never give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster?

Recorded statements are used to lock you into a version of events that may be incomplete. Adjusters ask leading questions designed to elicit answers they can use later to minimize your claim. Always consult with an attorney before giving any statement.

Do insurance adjusters lie to accident victims?

Yes, insurance adjusters can and often do lie or misrepresent facts to reduce claim values. They may claim Texas law requires things it doesn’t, misstate your policy coverage, or pressure you to settle quickly before you know your full injuries.

When should I contact a personal injury lawyer after a Texas accident?

Immediately. Evidence disappears quickly, and insurance companies begin building their case against you from day one. Consulting with an attorney before speaking with adjusters protects your rights and maximizes your potential recovery.

What makes Attorney911 different from other Texas personal injury firms?

Attorney911 combines Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience (including federal court and BP explosion litigation) with Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge from years working for insurance defense firms. We have multi-million dollar results and prepare every case for trial.

How much does it cost to hire Attorney911 for my personal injury case?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis—we only get paid if we win your case (33.33% before trial, 40% if trial). We advance all costs and recover them only if we secure compensation for you.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911
Frequently Asked Questions

COMMON QUESTIONS

Your consultation is 100% FREE with no obligation. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you'll speak with our team — not an answering service. Managing Partner Ralph Manginello (25+ years experience, Texas Bar since 1998) personally reviews cases. With 251+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating, we've built our reputation on giving real answers, not sales pitches. Call anytime — we answer 24/7 because legal emergencies don't wait.

You pay nothing unless we win. We work on contingency: 33.33% before trial, 40% if your case goes to trial. We front ALL costs — medical records, expert witnesses, court fees, everything. As one client (Donald Wilcox) said: "One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello... I got a call to come pick up this handsome check." We've recovered multi-million dollar settlements for brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death cases. Your fight is our fight.

Timelines vary, but we move fast. Client Tymesha Galloway: "Leonor got my case resolved within 6 months." Chavodrian Miles: "Leonor got me into the doctor the same day... it only took 6 months, amazing." Complex cases like our $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston take longer. Ralph Manginello has 25+ years of experience knowing when to push and when to build. We'll give you an honest timeline upfront and keep you informed every step — our clients consistently praise our communication.

We come to YOU. Hospital visits, home visits, video calls — whatever works. Client Stephanie Hernandez: "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." With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, plus virtual consultations statewide, distance is never a barrier. Seriously injured clients often can't travel — we understand. Ralph Manginello personally reaches out to clients who need it.

Sí, hablamos español. Attorney Lupe Peña is completely fluent in Spanish and conducts full consultations in Spanish. Our bilingual staff members — including Zulema, who clients specifically praise for her kindness and translation skills — ensure nothing gets lost. Client Celia Dominguez: "Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates." Client Angel Walle: "They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years." La comunidad hispana de Houston merece representación de primera clase.

We serve all of Texas from three office locations:

Houston (Primary): Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston Counties
Austin: Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop Counties
Beaumont: Jefferson, Orange, Hardin Counties (Golden Triangle)

Ralph Manginello is admitted to U.S. Federal Court (Southern District of Texas) and the New York State Bar, handling cases that cross state lines. We've litigated against major corporations including BP in the Texas City explosion case.

We know how insurance companies think — because we used to work for them. Attorney Lupe Peña spent years at a national insurance defense firm learning exactly how they undervalue claims. Now he fights FOR you with that insider knowledge.

Our track record speaks: Multi-million dollar settlements for brain injuries, amputations, maritime injuries, and wrongful death. We're one of the few Texas firms involved in BP explosion litigation. Ralph Manginello has been inducted into the Cheshire Academy Hall of Fame and has 25+ years of courtroom experience. Client Chad Harris said it best: "You are NOT just some client... You are FAMILY to them."

Personal Injury: Car accidents, 18-wheeler/truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, rideshare (Uber/Lyft) accidents, hit & run, drunk driving accidents, maritime/offshore injuries (Jones Act), construction accidents, refinery accidents, workers' compensation, wrongful death, product liability, and fraternity/sorority hazing cases (currently litigating a $10M case against University of Houston).

Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI defense, drug charges, and general criminal defense. We've had DWI cases dismissed by exposing improperly maintained breathalyzers and missing evidence.

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Ralph Manginello is indeed the best attorney I ever had. He cares greatly about his results.

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Mr. Manginello guided me through the whole process with great expertise... tenacious, accessible, and determined throughout the 19 months.

- Jamin Marroquin
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Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer... Ralph reached out personally.

- Dame Haskett
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Leonor got me into the doctor the same day... it only took 6 months amazing.

- Chavodrian Miles
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Leonor is the best!!! She was able to assist me with my case within 6 months.

- Tymesha Galloway
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I was rear-ended and the team got right to work... I also got a very nice settlement.

- MONGO SLADE
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One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello... I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.

- Donald Wilcox
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You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client... You are FAMILY to them.

- Chad Harris
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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
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Mr. Maginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.

- Ernest Cano
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Ralph took his bogus case and had it dismissed within a WEEK! I have been trying for over 2 years.

- Beth Bonds
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In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.

- Greg Garcia
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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
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Melanie 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
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Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.

- Celia Dominguez
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They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.

- Angel Walle
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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
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PROVEN RESULTS. REAL RECOVERIES.

We've recovered millions for Texas families. Here are some of our victories.

Multi-Million
Personal Injury
Client suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at logging company.
Multi-Million
Personal Injury
Client's leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation.
Significant Settlement
Maritime
Client injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship. Investigation revealed he should have been assisted.
$10,000,000
Hazing Litigation
Active lawsuit against University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Harris County, November 2025.

YOUR LEGAL EMERGENCY TEAM.

Ralph Manginello - Houston Personal Injury Lawyer

RALPH MANGINELLO

Managing Partner
  • TX Bar 1998 (25+ yrs)
  • NY Bar, Federal Court (S.D. TX)
  • B.A. UT Austin, J.D. South TX
Lupe Peña - Houston Personal Injury Attorney

LUPE PEÑA

Associate Attorney
  • TX Bar 2012 (12+ yrs)
  • Former Insurance Defense Atty
  • FLUENT SPANISH

Ready to Fight for Your Rights?

Free consultation. No upfront costs. We don't get paid unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911