Your Legal Emergency Lawyers™ in King County, Texas

When life takes an unexpected turn, placing you or your loved ones in a legal emergency, having trusted and aggressive legal representation can make all the difference. In King County, Texas, and across the Lone Star State, we at Attorney911 – The Manginello Law Firm – stand ready to provide immediate, professional help. Our mission is clear: we protect the injured and fight for the rights of defendants, ensuring that justice prevails for our clients.

Navigating the complexities of the Texas legal system can be daunting, especially when you are recovering from an injury or facing criminal charges. We understand the unique challenges facing individuals and businesses here in King County, from the agricultural heartland to the vital transportation routes that traverse our region. When you need seasoned legal advocates who possess both a deep understanding of the law and an insider’s perspective on how insurance companies and prosecutors operate, we are your Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

We proudly serve clients throughout Texas, including those right here in King County. While our primary offices are located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our commitment to Texans extends to every corner of the state. We offer free consultations to discuss your case, ensuring you receive timely advice when you need it most. We operate on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Your focus should be on recovery and moving forward; our focus is on securing the justice and compensation you deserve.

Meet Our Leadership: Experience You Can Trust

Our firm’s strength lies in the depth of experience and dedication of our legal team. We believe that informed clients are empowered clients, which is why we want you to know the caliber of attorneys standing by your side.

Ralph Manginello: Driven by a Passion for Justice

Ralph Manginello, our Managing Partner, is the driving force behind Attorney911. A native New Yorker who embraced Texas at the age of five, Ralph grew up in Houston and developed a profound understanding of Texas’s unique legal and cultural landscape. He earned his B.A. in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin and his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston. Admitted to the Texas State Bar in 1998, he also holds admission to the New York State Bar Association and the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas.

Ralph’s journey is one defined by a passion for helping people. He founded his own personal injury law firm in 2001, built on the principle that individuals suffering from legal emergencies deserve immediate, aggressive, and professional help from someone they can trust. His deep roots in the legal community are further evidenced by his memberships in the Houston Bar Association and the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), signaling his elite criminal defense capabilities.

With over two decades of practice, Ralph brings a profound understanding of complex litigation to every case. His comprehensive experience includes significant involvement in the landmark BP Texas City explosion litigation, showcasing his ability to navigate highly intricate and high-stakes legal battles against major corporations. When you choose Attorney911, you benefit from Ralph’s unwavering dedication, extensive courtroom experience, and a relentless pursuit of justice.

Lupe Peña: Leveraging Insider Knowledge for Our Clients

As an Associate Attorney at Attorney911, Lupe Peña brings a unique and invaluable perspective to our clients’ cases. A proud third-generation Texan with deep family ties to the historic King Ranch, Lupe was born and raised in Sugar Land and is fluent in Spanish, allowing us to effectively serve Texas’s diverse communities.

Lupe’s journey to law was preceded by several years in the finance sector, instilling in him a keen analytical mind and a meticulous approach to complex financial details – skills that are particularly beneficial when assessing damages and negotiating settlements. Following his B.B.A. in International Business from Saint Mary’s University in San Antonio, he earned his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston and was admitted to the Texas State Bar in 2012.

What truly sets Lupe apart is his extensive experience working for a national defense firm, where he gained firsthand insight into how large insurance companies meticulously value claims. This insider knowledge is a formidable asset for our clients, enabling us to anticipate defense strategies, expose unfair valuation tactics, and negotiate from a position of strength. Lupe has successfully recovered millions for his clients across a range of personal injury cases, including wrongful death, dram shop, trucking accidents, and car crashes, proving his commitment to outworking, outsmarting, and outfighting the opposition.

Together, Ralph and Lupe lead a firm dedicated to providing the residents of King County with unparalleled legal representation, combining seasoned trial experience, a deep understanding of both sides of the courtroom, and a genuine commitment to client success.

Our Comprehensive Legal Services for King County

In King County, whether you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence or are facing serious criminal charges, our firm is equipped to provide the aggressive and professional legal assistance you need. We understand that a legal emergency can disrupt every aspect of your life, and we are here to shoulder the burden, allowing you to focus on what matters most.

Personal Injury Representation in King County

Personal injuries can arise from countless scenarios, often leaving victims with significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. We are specialists in navigating the complex landscape of personal injury law, fighting tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your losses.

Car Accidents in King County

Car accidents are a regrettably common occurrence, even on the quiet roads of King County. While our county is primarily rural with fewer major highways compared to metropolitan areas, collisions on U.S. Highway 83, U.S. Highway 183, and State Highway 222 can still lead to severe injuries. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), King County experienced a total of 15 crashes in 2022, resulting in 2 fatalities and 5 possible injuries [TxDOT, Crash Data, 2022]. Key intersections or stretches known for potential hazards include the junctions of U.S. 83 and 183, especially near Guthrie, where traffic patterns can shift with agricultural and commercial vehicle movements.

Insurance companies, regardless of the location, prioritize their profits. They collect substantial premiums and then seek to minimize payouts when claims arise. We stand firm against these tactics, leveraging our extensive experience to negotiate from a position of strength. Our network of experts, including accident reconstructionists and medical professionals, helps us build an irrefutable case. If insurers refuse to offer fair compensation, we are always prepared to take your case to trial.

Our Approach Includes:

Thorough Investigation: We gather crucial evidence, from police reports and witness statements to vehicle data and photographic documentation of the scene.
Expert Collaboration: We work with top professionals to accurately assess your injuries, long-term care needs, and financial losses.
Aggressive Negotiation: With Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge of insurance company tactics, we challenge lowball offers and demand fair settlements.
Trial Readiness: If a just settlement cannot be reached, we possess the trial experience necessary to advocate for you vigorously in court.

Consider this: Our client suffered a leg injury in a car accident, which, due to complications, led to a partial amputation. Our dedicated advocacy secured a multi-million dollar settlement, ensuring their future medical needs and quality of life were protected.

18-Wheeler & Big Rig Accidents

The major highways that run through or near King County, such as U.S. 83 and U.S. 183, are crucial arteries for commercial trucking. When 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, or other commercial vehicles are involved in collisions, the results are often catastrophic due to their immense size and weight. These cases are inherently complex, involving intricate state and federal regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

We specialize in truck accident litigation, knowing that maximum compensation requires an attorney experienced in personal injury law, trucking and transportation law, and interstate commerce law. Our team actively seeks evidence such as:

Truck Maintenance Records: Revealing potential mechanical failures.
Driver Logs & Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data: Uncovering hours-of-service violations and driver fatigue.
Cell Phone Records: Indicating distracted driving.
Driver Qualification Files: Exposing inadequate training or licensing.

We have a proven track record of securing millions of dollars in compensation for individuals and families affected by trucking-related wrongful death cases, demonstrating our ability to navigate even the most challenging claims. We bring in accident reconstructionists and medical experts to provide testimony and opinions that are critical to building a winning case.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists enjoy the same rights on King County roads as any other vehicle operator, yet they often face unfair biases and severe injuries in collisions. Negligent drivers frequently claim they “didn’t see” a motorcycle, an unacceptable excuse that our firm aggressively counters.

Motorcycle accidents can result in devastating injuries, including road rash, scarring, closed head injuries, brain and spinal injuries, limb loss, and wrongful death. We work relentlessly to hold negligent drivers accountable, pursuing full and fair compensation for:

Property damage
Lost income and future loss of wages
Medical and rehabilitation expenses
Pain and suffering

While Texas law does not mandate helmets for all riders, riders under 21 must wear one by law, and those over 21 who forgo a helmet must complete an approved safety course or carry sufficient insurance [Texas Transportation Code § 661.003]. Regardless of helmet use, negligent drivers must be held responsible for the harm they cause.

Workers’ Compensation

For many King County residents, work in agriculture, local services, or energy-related industries is a cornerstone of life. When workplace accidents occur, the Texas workers’ compensation system, while designed to protect injured employees, can be complex and often feels unfair. Texas is unique in that employers can choose whether or not to subscribe to the state’s workers’ compensation system. If your employer is a “non-subscriber,” you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against them directly.

We guide you through every step, ensuring you notify your employer promptly and seek immediate medical treatment, documenting the workplace causation. Deadlines for filing claims vary, so timely legal advice is crucial. If your benefits are denied, we will aggressively defend your rights.

A multi-million dollar settlement: In a recent case, a client working at a logging company suffered a brain injury with vision loss when a log was dropped on them. Our diligent representation secured a multi-million dollar settlement, providing crucial support for their long-term recovery and needs.

Construction Accidents

Construction continues to be a vital part of growth across Texas. While King County may have fewer large-scale construction projects than major metro areas, local infrastructure development and agricultural construction still carry inherent risks. When injuries occur on a construction site, workers are generally entitled to workers’ compensation. However, injured individuals may also be able to pursue a personal injury claim against a responsible third party.

On multi-company construction sites, direct lawsuits against your employer or a co-worker are generally restricted. However, often a contractor, subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or another entity beyond your direct employer creates conditions leading to injury. If a third party was at fault, you may be able to secure compensation beyond your workers’ compensation benefits. We thoroughly investigate incidents involving crane accidents, forklift accidents, falls from heights, and scaffolding collapses to identify all liable parties.

Refinery & Plant Accidents

While there are no major refineries or petrochemical plants directly within King County, the firm’s experience with industrial accidents, particularly the BP Texas City explosion litigation, highlights our capability to represent individuals injured in hazardous industrial environments wherever they may be in Texas. This specific experience underlines our understanding that negligent cost-cutting measures by large corporations can tragically impact workers’ health and safety. We are prepared to render immediate legal assistance against even the largest international companies, ensuring that those injured receive financial compensation and that negligent parties are held accountable.

Toxic Tort Claims

Toxic exposure can lead to severe, often long-term, injuries and disabilities. This can include exposure to chemicals in industrial settings, water contamination, black mold in residential or commercial properties, or defective drugs that lead to adverse health effects. The challenge with toxic tort claims often lies in establishing causation, as the negative effects can take years to manifest.

We handle complex toxic tort claims, both individual and class action. Our priority is ensuring you receive the necessary medical care immediately, then working to maximize your compensation by accounting for all immediate and future costs, losses, and expenses.

Wrongful Death Claims

The loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is an unbearable tragedy. While legal action can never truly heal the emotional pain, it can provide necessary financial stability and hold responsible parties accountable. In King County, just as anywhere in Texas, fatal accidents stemming from drunk driving, motorcycle collisions, 18-wheeler accidents, or medical malpractice can shatter families.

During such a difficult time, our compassionate legal team handles all aspects of your wrongful death claim, allowing your family the space to grieve. We collaborate with economists and other experts to meticulously assess the financial impact of your loved one’s death, including lost wages, loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and all other losses. Acting quickly is crucial to preserve evidence, identify witnesses, and maintain the integrity of the accident scene, all vital steps in securing justice for your family.

Criminal Defense in King County

Facing criminal charges in King County can be an intimidating experience. The legal process, from arrest to trial, is complex and fraught with serious consequences for your freedom, reputation, and future. We provide aggressive and experienced criminal defense for a wide array of charges.

DWI/DUI Defense in King County

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges carry significant penalties in Texas, including license suspension, hefty fines, and potential jail time. Even in a rural county like King County, law enforcement takes these offenses seriously, and the King County Sheriff’s Office or Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) actively patrols our roadways. The King County Courthouse in Guthrie serves as the primary venue for these cases, where local procedures and judicial standards apply.

We have successfully defended hundreds of DWI/DUI cases across Texas. Our strategies are designed to prevent license suspension and fiercely defend your rights, even if you refused a breath test. We meticulously investigate every detail of your case, from the legality of the traffic stop to the accuracy and maintenance of breathalyzer equipment.

Consider these outcomes:

Breathalyzer Maintenance Failure: Our client faced drunk driving charges based on a breath test. Our investigation revealed improper maintenance of the breathalyzer machine by police, leading to the charges being dismissed.
Lack of Evidence: In another case, our client was involved in a rollover accident. Despite police presence, no breath or blood test was conducted, emergency staff notes omitted intoxication, and crucial hospital notes went missing. The case was dismissed on the day of trial.
Video Evidence: For a client charged with DUI/DWI, the state relied on video field sobriety tests. We successfully argued that our client did not appear drunk in the video, resulting in the case’s dismissal.

These examples underscore our commitment to examining every angle and challenging the prosecution’s evidence.

Comprehensive Criminal Defense

Beyond DWI/DUI, we provide robust defense for a broad spectrum of criminal charges in King County. From drug offenses to assault and more, we understand the local nuances of the King County court system and the potential impact of a criminal conviction on your life.

Our comprehensive criminal defense services cover:

Drug Crimes: Including possession (marijuana, cocaine, crystal meth, heroin, ecstasy), trafficking, and manufacturing. We relentlessly challenge charges based on probable cause, illegal search and seizure, and other constitutional violations. In one major case, our client faced 5-99 years for drugs found during a warrantless entry; our identified weaknesses led to deferred adjudication, avoiding jail time.
Assault Crimes: Covering assault, assault family violence, child abuse, and domestic violence.
Theft Crimes: Including petty theft, shoplifting, and grand larceny.
Firearms Offenses: Protecting your Second Amendment rights.
Fraud & White-Collar Crimes: Defending against complex financial allegations.
Homicide/Murder: Providing vigorous defense in the most serious cases.
Other Charges: Animal cruelty, driving with an invalid license, elder abuse, expunctions, extortion, fake ID/false impersonation, hit and run, internet crimes, kidnapping, public intoxication, sexual assault, and vandalism.

We believe that facing criminal charges does not mean conviction is inevitable. We utilize every available defense strategy, from constitutional challenges to negotiating for reduced charges or deferred adjudication, always with your best interests at heart.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Legal Emergency in King County?

When you or a loved one in King County faces a legal challenge, the choice of your legal representation is paramount. We offer distinct advantages that set us apart:

Insider Insurance Knowledge

Associate Attorney Lupe Peña’s background working for a national defense firm provides an unparalleled advantage. This experience means we understand how insurance companies calculate claims, set reserves, and strategically employ tactics like Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to minimize payouts. We know their “delay game” and how to force action, ensuring you are not taken advantage of. This insider perspective allows us to anticipate their moves, counter their arguments effectively, and negotiate from a position of superior knowledge.

Complex Litigation Experience

Our firm is not afraid of challenging cases. Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation demonstrates our capacity and dedication to handling highly complex legal battles against formidable opponents. Whether it’s a multi-party industrial accident, a challenging maritime claim, or a commercial trucking specialty case, our federal court experience and proven track record in intricate litigation speak volumes.

Texas-Specific Geographic Mastery

While our physical offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we are deeply rooted in Texas law and culture, serving clients “throughout Texas.” This means we understand the specific legal frameworks that govern cases in King County, from the modified comparative fault (51% Bar Rule) in personal injury cases to enhanced DWI penalties and the nuances of Texas’s workers’ comp opt-out system. We grasp the local attitudes and challenges, whether it’s understanding the unique agricultural economy of King County or navigating its specific court processes.

Bilingual Capability

Lupe Peña’s fluency in Spanish allows us to effectively serve the diverse Hispanic population of King County and across Texas. Clear communication is fundamental to legal representation, and we ensure that language is never a barrier to understanding your rights and options.

Proven Results Track Record

Our success is measured by the justice and compensation we secure for our clients. We have a solid track record of multi-million dollar settlements for severely injured individuals, including a brain injury from a logging accident and an amputation following a car crash. In criminal defense, our results proudly include numerous DWI dismissals and successful deferred adjudications, dramatically altering the course of our clients’ futures. Client testimonials, like Mary F.’s experience after an 18-wheeler accident – “After one phone call with Ralph, I knew everything was going to be OK” – affirm our commitment and effectiveness.

Your Next Step: Schedule a Free Consultation

A legal emergency demands immediate, decisive action. Whether you are in Guthrie, Dumont, or any part of King County, we are here to provide the expert legal guidance you deserve. Don’t navigate these complex challenges alone.

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the specifics of your case. We work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case. This removes financial barriers, allowing you to access top-tier legal representation without upfront costs.

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION