Navigating Legal Emergencies in Burnet County: Your Trusted Advocates at Attorney911

Burnet County, with its stunning Highland Lakes, vibrant communities like Marble Falls, Burnet, and Bertram, and a rich blend of Texas heritage, is a place many of us proudly call home. From the serene beauty of Inks Lake State Park to the bustling town squares, life here offers unique joys and challenges. Yet, even in our close-knit communities, legal emergencies can arise, disrupting lives and creating immense stress. When you face an unexpected car accident, a critical offshore injury, an overwhelming criminal charge, or any other legal crisis, knowing where to turn for immediate, aggressive, and professional help is crucial.

At Attorney911, “Legal Emergency Lawyers™,” we understand the specific needs of individuals and families throughout Texas, including our neighbors in Burnet County. We recognize that when you are dealing with a legal emergency, you need clear guidance, strong advocacy, and a legal team truly dedicated to protecting your rights. Our promise is simple: we provide that immediate, aggressive, and professional help from someone you can trust. We protect the injured and champion the rights of defendants across our great state, and we are here for you, right here in Burnet County.

We never fabricate claims or promise specific outcomes because ethical legal practice demands integrity. Instead, we offer our honest expertise, deep knowledge of Texas law, and a proven track record of fighting for our clients. We operate on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases – meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case – ensuring that quality legal representation is accessible when you need it most.

Our Approach: Immediate Help. FAST WINS.™ for Burnet County Residents

When a legal emergency strikes, time is often of the essence. Whether it’s preserving critical evidence after an 18-wheeler accident near US-281 or understanding your rights following a criminal accusation in Burnet, swift action can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Our brand promise, “Immediate, aggressive, professional help,” isn’t just a slogan; it’s the core of how we serve our clients. We prioritize getting you the legal support you need, precisely when you need it.

Our legal team brings a wealth of experience, including unique insights into how insurance companies operate and how complex litigation unfolds. We leverage this knowledge to build strong cases, aiming for efficient resolutions that protect your interests. For us, “FAST WINS” means striving for favorable outcomes as quickly and effectively as possible, allowing you to focus on recovery and rebuilding your life without unnecessary delays.

We know that for many in Burnet County, the thought of navigating the legal system can be daunting. We are here to demystify the process, explain your options clearly, and stand by your side every step of the way. With offices strategically located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our reach extends across Texas, and our commitment to serving communities like Burnet County is unwavering.

Meet Your Torchbearers: The Attorney911 Team

The strength of Attorney911 lies in the unparalleled experience and dedication of our legal professionals. Our attorneys bring diverse backgrounds and specialized expertise, forming a formidable team ready to tackle even the most challenging legal battles.

Ralph Manginello: Managing Partner, A Champion for Texans

Ralph Manginello, our Managing Partner, embodies the spirit of Attorney911. Born in New York but a proud Texan since the age of five, Ralph grew up in Houston’s Memorial area, attending Hunters Creek Elementary, Awty International School, and Memorial High School. His foundational years also included time at Cheshire Academy in Connecticut, where he graduated with honors and excelled in athletics, even starting as point guard on the school’s 1989 New England Prep School championship team. He will be inducted into the Cheshire Academy Hall of Fame in 2021, a testament to his enduring commitment to excellence.

Ralph earned his B.A. in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, providing him with a keen analytical mind and exceptional communication skills. He then pursued his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston. Licensed to practice law in Texas since 1998, and also a member of the New York State Bar Association, Ralph founded his own personal injury law firm in 2001. His experience extends to federal courts, as he is admitted to the United States District Court, Southern District of Texas.

As a member of the Houston Bar Association and the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), Ralph’s deep roots in the Texas legal community are evident. He possesses a genuine passion for helping people, which led him to establish Attorney911. His goal: to ensure that individuals facing legal emergencies receive immediate, aggressive, and professional help from trustworthy advocates. Happily married to Kelly Hunsicker with three children, RJ, Maverick, and Mia, Ralph understands the importance of family and fights for his clients with the same dedication he brings to his own loved ones. His personal interests include family time, basketball, golf, running, working out, going to the beach, and pursuing dreams – reflecting a driven yet grounded personality.

Lupe Peña: Associate Attorney, Insider’s Edge Against Insurance Giants

Lupe Peña, an Associate Attorney at Attorney911, brings a truly unique and invaluable perspective to our firm. A third-generation Texan with deep family ties to the historic King Ranch, Lupe was born and raised in Sugar Land, Texas, where he continues to live with his family. He earned his B.B.A. in International Business from Saint Mary’s University in San Antonio before obtaining his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston.

What sets Lupe apart is his prior experience defending large insurance companies. Before joining the plaintiff’s side, Lupe worked for several years at a national defense firm. This experience provided him with firsthand knowledge of how large insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and ultimately value claims. He understands their tactics, their internal processes, and their negotiation strategies. This “insider’s edge” is a powerful asset for our clients, allowing us to anticipate defense moves and counter them effectively.

Licensed in Texas since 2012, Lupe has since recovered millions for his clients in various personal injury cases, including wrongful death, dram shop, trucking accidents, and car crashes. He is a skilled negotiator and trial attorney, known for his commitment to outworking, outsmarting, and outfighting the opposition. Fluent in Spanish, Lupe also bridges language barriers, making our services accessible to a broader range of Texans. His dedication extends beyond the office, as he enjoys spending time with his family or on the golf course when not advocating for his clients. Lupe’s commitment is keeping clients informed and empowered at every stage of their legal journey.

Legal Practice Areas: Protecting Burnet County From Every Angle

Life in Burnet County, from the serene shores of Lake Buchanan to the bustling corridors of US-281, presents a variety of legal needs. Whether you’re commuting to Austin, enjoying recreational activities on the water, or working hard in our local industries, we are here to support you when legal challenges arise. Our comprehensive practice areas are designed to address the diverse needs of our community.

Personal Injury: Fighting for the Injured in Burnet County

When an accident or injury occurs due to someone else’s negligence in Burnet County, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can be immense. We believe that victims deserve full and fair compensation for their suffering. Our personal injury practice is dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and securing the maximum recovery for our clients.

Car Accidents in Burnet County: From Country Roads to City Streets

Burnet County’s roads, from the scenic routes through the Hill Country to the busier highways like US-281 and US-183, see their fair share of traffic. Unfortunately, this also means car accidents are a reality. When a collision impacts your life, the aftermath can be confusing and overwhelming. Insurance companies, driven by profit, often seek to minimize payouts.

We are highly experienced in negotiating with insurance companies from a position of strength. We work with a broad network of experts – including medical care providers and accident reconstructionists who can assess incidents even on rural roads or busy intersections in Marble Falls – to build an irrefutable case. Should insurers fail to make a fair offer, we will not hesitate to take your case to trial, a strategic advantage many firms lack. We’ve successfully litigated numerous cases, achieving excellent records of success, including multi-million dollar settlements. We work to settle cases whenever possible to spare you the expense and delay of trial, but we are always prepared to fight aggressively in court.

18-Wheeler & Big Rig Accidents on Texas Highways

The major highways crisscrossing Texas, including those that impact Burnet County residents traveling on US-281, US-183, or connecting to I-35, are vital arteries for commerce. This also means large commercial trucks are a constant presence. Accidents involving 18-wheelers or other big rigs often result in catastrophic injuries and complex legal challenges.

These cases are uniquely complicated, touching upon personal injury law, trucking and transportation law, and interstate commerce regulations. Our personal injury attorneys at Attorney911 are seasoned specialists in this field. We have helped numerous individuals and families secure millions in compensation from devastating trucking-related wrongful death cases.

Our approach involves meticulous evidence collection: we secure truck maintenance records, driving records, drivers’ logs, and even cell phone records. We regularly collaborate with accident reconstructionists to piece together the sequence of events and medical experts to thoroughly document your injuries. We understand the complex commercial insurance policies that cover these large vehicles, and we leverage this knowledge to build successful cases against negligent truck drivers and trucking companies. If you’ve been seriously injured in a trucking accident near Burnet County, we can answer your questions regarding medical bills, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering.

Motorcycle Accidents: Protecting Riders’ Rights

Motorcyclists enjoy the freedom of the open road, but they also face increased risks due to their vulnerability on highways and local roads across Burnet County. Despite having the same rights as other drivers, motorcyclists often suffer far more serious injuries when a collision occurs.

A common defense from drivers who strike motorcycles is, “I didn’t see them.” We firmly believe this is an unacceptable excuse. Drivers are legally obligated to be aware of all vehicles on the road and to maintain control of their own at all times. Our firm stands as aggressive advocates for injured motorcyclists, ensuring their rights are protected. We handle cases involving severe injuries common in motorcycle accidents, such as:

• “Road rash” burns and related scarring
• Closed head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Amputations, including loss of a leg or foot
• Wrongful death

We meticulously pursue compensation for property damage, lost income and future loss of wages, medical and rehabilitation expenses, and pain and suffering. Our goal is to hold negligent drivers accountable and ensure injured motorcyclists and their families receive the full and fair compensation they deserve.

Offshore Injuries & Maritime Law: For Our Texas Coastal Workers

While Burnet County is landlocked, many residents or their family members may work in Texas’s vital coastal or offshore industries, traveling to ports like Houston, Galveston, or Corpus Christi. We represent offshore workers such as deck hands, first mates, captains, seamen, oilfield services workers, and rig hands who are injured on ships, oil rigs, or other offshore vessels.

Specializing in maritime law, we have successfully resolved numerous offshore injury cases under the intricate frameworks of the Jones Act, the Death on the High Seas Act, and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. These federal laws provide specific protections and avenues for recovery that differ significantly from typical land-based personal injury claims.

To build robust cases, we work with a dedicated network of experts, including nurses, investigators, life care planners, accident reconstructionists, medical care providers, economists, vocational rehabilitation specialists, and safety experts. We investigate all aspects of your injury, ensuring comprehensive support. For instance, in a recent case, we secured a significant cash settlement for a client who injured his back lifting cargo on a ship, demonstrating that he should have received assistance for the task. It is crucial to contact an offshore accident attorney as soon as possible after an injury on a freighter, tug, tanker, rig, barge, or other vessel, before settling with your employer or insurance company directly.

Workers’ Compensation: Protecting Injured Employees in Burnet County

The workers’ compensation system in Texas is designed to protect employees injured on the job. However, navigating this complex system can be challenging, and outcomes are often unfair to the injured worker. This is especially true for those working in Burnet County’s diverse local businesses, agriculture, or construction sectors.

If you suffer an on-the-job injury or develop an occupational illness, it’s vital to notify your employer as soon as possible and seek prompt medical treatment, clearly stating that the injury occurred at work. Deadlines and specific requirements vary, and having an experienced workplace accident attorney can make a significant difference in successfully winning your claim.

At Attorney911, we protect your Workers’ Compensation benefits and proactively defend you if those benefits are refused. Our firm has recovered millions for various workplace injuries, including a multi-million dollar settlement for a brain injury with vision loss suffered by a client at a logging company. We are here for you every step of the way, demystifying the process and fiercely advocating for your right to compensation.

Construction Accidents: Securing Justice on Job Sites

Burnet County, like much of Texas, is experiencing growth, leading to active construction sites. While workers injured on construction sites are generally covered by workers’ compensation, they may also have the right to file personal injury claims against responsible third parties. This is a critical distinction that can lead to additional, much-needed compensation.

The complexities of construction sites often involve multiple companies, general contractors, subcontractors, and various equipment suppliers. If a third party was responsible for the conditions that led to your work injury – for example, a negligent subcontractor, a faulty equipment manufacturer, or an unsafe property owner – you can file a personal injury claim for compensation above and beyond your workers’ compensation benefits.

We investigate common construction accident types, such as crane accidents, forklift accidents, falls from heights, and scaffolding collapses. We are experts at identifying all at-fault parties to maximize your recovery. We encourage you to contact Attorney911 to examine your construction accident case in Burnet County and determine who was truly at fault.

Refinery & Plant Accidents: Holding Negligent Industries Accountable

Texas is home to numerous industrial facilities, including massive refineries and chemical plants. While Burnet County itself is not a hub for such large-scale operations, many residents commute to or have family members working in industries across Texas where these accidents can occur, such as the Gulf Coast or areas near Houston.

Our firm has extensive experience with these highly complex personal injury cases, including being one of the few firms in Texas involved in the landmark BP explosion litigation. We learned firsthand from the British Petroleum oil refinery disaster in Texas City that manufacturing plants, industrial plants, and chemical and oil refineries too often cut costs at the expense of their employees’ health and lives.

We believe that every person injured due to negligent cost-cutting or other negligent actions at refinery and plant accidents deserves financial compensation and deserves to see negligent parties held responsible. Our experience enables us to provide immediate legal assistance against even the largest international industrial and refinery companies. If you’ve been injured in an on-the-job refinery or industrial accident, we are prepared to navigate the intricate litigation process and fight for your legal rights.

Toxic Tort Claims: When Exposure Leads to Injury

Exposure to toxic chemicals, whether from industrial spills affecting local waterways or defective products, can cause lifelong injuries and disabilities. If you or a loved one in Burnet County have been exposed to toxins due to another party’s negligence or a defective product, you have the right to seek compensation through a “toxic tort” claim.

Our immediate priority is ensuring you receive the necessary medical care as soon as possible. We help you navigate the road to recovery while simultaneously working to maximize your compensation. We consider all immediate and future costs, losses, and expenses, ensuring they are factored into the total demand for compensation. We handle various toxic tort cases, including those involving water contamination, black mold, defective drugs (including drug recalls), and chemical exposure.

Due to the latency period of many toxin-related illnesses, proving the link between your injuries and a specific source of exposure can be challenging. We are equipped to handle both individual toxic tort claims and larger class action lawsuits, providing comprehensive legal support.

Wrongful Death Claims: Compassionate Advocacy for Grieving Families

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is an unbearable tragedy. For families in Burnet County coping with such a loss, the last thing they should have to worry about is navigating complex legal issues. At Attorney911, we handle every aspect of wrongful death claims with compassion and unwavering dedication.

We understand that grieving is a natural process, and our role is to alleviate the burden of legal complexities. Working alongside economists and other experts, we meticulously assess the financial impact of your loved one’s death, considering factors such as pain and suffering, the loss of your relationship, lost wages, and all other losses you have experienced.

We adeptly handle wrongful death claims arising from various causes, including drunk driving car accidents, motorcycle accidents, 18-wheeler truck accidents, and medical malpractice. In these sensitive cases, acting quickly is crucial to preserve evidence, identify witnesses, and ensure the integrity of the accident scene. We manage every detail, allowing your family the space to heal.

Insurance Claims: Protecting You from Corporate Tactics

Insurance companies are colossal businesses that generate billions of dollars by collecting premiums. Their business model often involves minimizing payouts when the time comes to settle claims. As a resident of Burnet County, you pay for insurance coverage, and you deserve fair treatment when you need to file a claim.

Our insider knowledge, particularly through Lupe Peña’s experience working for a national defense firm, provides us with invaluable insight into how insurance companies operate. We understand their claims valuation methods, their strategies for delaying payment, and their common tactics to deny or underpay legitimate claims. Whether it’s a first-party claim, a bad faith insurance practice issue, or an underinsured/uninsured motorist dispute, we are prepared to challenge insurance companies and fight for the compensation you are owed.

Criminal Defense: Protecting Your Freedoms and Future in Burnet County

When you are accused of a crime in Burnet County, the stakes are incredibly high. Your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line. Facing the legal system can be intimidating, but with the right legal representation, you have a powerful advocate in your corner. We provide aggressive and professional criminal defense for a wide range of charges.

DWI/DUI Defense: Guarding Your Rights on Burnet County Roads

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges can carry severe consequences, impacting your driving privileges, finances, and criminal record. Before you consider pleading guilty or accepting a conviction, it is imperative to speak with experienced defense attorneys.

We have successfully handled hundreds of DWI/DUI cases across Texas, employing a broad range of defense tactics tailored to each unique situation. We work diligently to prevent the suspension of your driver’s license and can vigorously fight for your rights, even if you refused a breath test. Our meticulous investigation process seeks out weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

For example, we successfully secured the dismissal of charges for a client when our investigation revealed that a police department employee was improperly maintaining breathalyzer machines, rendering the breath test results unreliable. In another notable case, a client charged with drunk driving after rolling his car saw his case dismissed because police had not conducted proper breath or blood tests, and emergency personnel had not noted intoxication. We even achieved a dismissal when the state’s primary evidence was a field sobriety video that, upon review, showed our client did not appear drunk.

Comprehensive Criminal Defense: Fighting for You

Beyond DWI/DUI, we provide robust defense for a full spectrum of criminal charges that Burnet County residents might face. When confronted with drug violations, assault charges, theft, or more serious allegations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and assume a conviction is inevitable. However, with our expertise, conviction is far from certain.

We have successfully defended countless individuals across Texas against drug charges, including possession, trafficking, and manufacturing of substances like marijuana, cocaine, meth, crack cocaine, heroin, and ecstasy. Our defense strategies include challenging probable cause and illegal search and seizure, asserting constitutional violations, and exploring all avenues for reduced charges or dismissals.

In a significant case, a client facing 5 to 99 years for possession of a large quantity of illegal drugs found in his home received deferred adjudication thanks to the weaknesses we identified in the police’s case regarding their entry into his home. This outcome meant no jail time and eventual dismissal of charges if he adhered to court rules.

Our full range of criminal defense services includes, but is not limited to:

• Drug Possession (Marijuana, Cocaine, Crystal Meth, Crack Cocaine, Heroin, Ecstasy)
• Animal Cruelty
• Assault Crimes, including Assault Family Violence, Child Abuse, and Domestic Violence
• Driving with an Invalid License
• Elder Abuse
• Expunctions (clearing your record)
• Extortion
• Fake I.D. or False Impersonation
• Firearms Offenses
• Fraud
• Hit and Run
• Homicide-Murder
• Internet Crimes
• Kidnapping
• Public Intoxication
• Sexual Assault
• Theft Crimes
• Vandalism

When your freedom and future are at stake, you need a legal team that understands the nuances of Texas criminal law and is prepared to fight tirelessly on your behalf. From misdemeanors to serious felonies, we stand ready to protect your rights.

Proven Results: Your Confidence in Our Advocacy

Our commitment to aggressive and professional representation is reflected in our track record of significant achievements for our clients. These results demonstrate our ability to handle complex legal challenges and secure favorable outcomes.

Multi-Million Dollar Settlements

• Logging Accident: We recovered a multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss after a log was dropped on him at a logging company.
• Car Accident & Amputation: In a car accident case, our client’s leg injury led to staff infections and partial amputation. Our expertise secured a multi-million dollar settlement.
• Trucking Wrongful Death: We have helped numerous families facing wrongful death cases due to trucking accidents recover millions of dollars in compensation.
• Maritime Injury: Our investigation into a client’s back injury from lifting cargo on a ship revealed he should have been assisted, leading to a significant cash settlement.

Significant Case Victories

• BP Explosion Litigation: Our firm was one of the few in Texas involved in the complex litigation surrounding the BP Texas City refinery explosion, a testament to our capacity for handling high-stakes industrial accident cases.
• Major Drug Charges Avoided: For a client facing 5 to 99 years in jail for drug possession, we secured deferred adjudication, leading to no jail time and eventual dismissal of charges.

Specific Case Outcomes (DWI Dismissals)

• DWI Dismissal (Faulty Breathalyzer): Charges dismissed after we proved a police department employee failed to properly maintain breathalyzer machines.
• DWI Dismissal (Lack of Evidence): A client’s DWI case was dismissed on the day of trial when we demonstrated police conducted no breath or blood tests, and emergency staff hadn’t noted intoxication.
• DWI Dismissal (Video Evidence): We achieved dismissal for a client charged with DUI/DWI by successfully arguing that the video field sobriety test did not show him to be drunk.

These examples are not promises of future results, as every case is unique. However, they highlight our dedicated approach, meticulous investigation, and skilled legal strategy that have consistently led to positive outcomes for our clients across Texas.

Attorney911: Your Burnet County Legal Resource

While our physical offices are located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our commitment to serving all Texans extends directly to the residents of Burnet County. We understand the unique aspects of life in our community, from the local courthouse procedures in Burnet to the specific traffic patterns around Marble Falls. Whether you’re dealing with a legal issue stemming from an incident on Highway 29 or need defense for a charge within the 78611 (Burnet), 78654 (Marble Falls), or 78605 (Bertram) zip codes, we serve our clients throughout the entire state.

We maintain a deep understanding of Texas state laws and federal regulations that impact your case. Our familiarity with the local legal landscape, even from a distance, allows us to provide targeted advice and effective representation. We leverage technology and our statewide network to ensure that Burnet County residents receive the same high-caliber legal assistance as those in our immediate office locations.

Important Legal Frameworks for Texans

Our expertise encompasses the critical legal frameworks that govern justice in Texas:

Texas-Specific Personal Injury Laws:

• Modified Comparative Fault (51% Bar Rule): In Texas, if a plaintiff is found to be 51% or more at fault for an accident, they are barred from recovering any damages. Understanding this “51% rule” is crucial in personal injury cases across Burnet County.
• Texas Dram Shop Law: This important law allows individuals to hold establishments (like bars or restaurants) liable if they overserve visibly intoxicated patrons who then cause accidents, including those that might impact our local roads.
• Texas Workers’ Comp Opt-Out System: Texas is unique in that employers can opt out of the state’s workers’ compensation system, leading to specialized “non-subscriber” cases when an injury occurs. We are experts in navigating these complex claims.

Texas Criminal Law Specifics:

• DWI Enhanced Penalties: We understand the enhanced penalties in Texas for DWI cases involving factors like a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.15% or higher, the presence of a child passenger, or an accident resulting in injury.
• Drug Penalty Groups: Texas law classifies drug offenses into “penalty groups,” which directly determine the sentencing ranges. Our familiarity with these groups allows us to build precise defense strategies.
• Deferred Adjudication: As demonstrated in our case examples, we successfully use deferred adjudication programs in qualifying criminal cases to help clients avoid jail time and potentially have charges dismissed, a beneficial outcome for many facing legal challenges in Burnet County.

Your Call for Help is Our Priority

In the face of a legal emergency, you need an attorney who is not only skilled and experienced but also genuinely committed to your well-being. At Attorney911, we are those “Legal Emergency Lawyers™” for all of Texas, including our valued neighbors in Burnet County. We understand the challenges you face, and we are ready to provide the immediate, aggressive, and professional help you deserve.

Don’t navigate the complexities of the legal system alone. Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident on US-281, accused of a crime in Burnet, experienced an offshore injury while working from a remote part of Burnet County, or are battling an insurance company for a fair settlement, we are your dedicated advocates.

Your peace of mind and your future are too important to leave to chance.

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION by calling us at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) or by filling out the contact form on our website. Let us put our expertise to work for you, protecting your rights and fighting for the justice you deserve.