Your Trusted Legal Partner in Mason County for Personal Injury and Criminal Defense Emergencies

We understand that when a legal emergency strikes, whether it’s a serious personal injury or a criminal charge, the immediate aftermath can be overwhelming. The Manginello Law Firm, operating as Attorney911, is dedicated to providing Mason County residents with immediate, aggressive, and professional legal help during these critical times. With our “Legal Emergency Lawyers™” approach, we are committed to protecting the injured and fiercely fighting for the rights of defendants throughout Texas.

Our firm brings a wealth of experience, including deep insights into how insurance companies operate and a proven track record in complex litigation. While our offices are strategically located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we proudly extend our comprehensive legal services to Mason County, ensuring that individuals and families here have access to top-tier legal representation when they need it most. We don’t get paid unless we win your case, aligning our success directly with yours.

Understanding Personal Injury Law in Mason County

In Mason County, as in the rest of Texas, if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation. We recognize the unique challenges that residents here might face after an accident, from navigating rural roads to understanding local procedures. Our approach is always client-centered, ensuring that your legal journey is handled with care, professionalism, and unwavering advocacy.

Car Accidents on Mason County Roads

Car accidents can happen anywhere, and Mason County is no exception. Whether it’s a collision on US-87, a fender-bender on a county road, or an incident near the historic town square, the consequences can be devastating. After a crash, you might be facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and profound pain and suffering. Insurance companies often prioritize their bottom line, seeking to minimize your compensation. Our team, armed with extensive negotiation and trial experience, stands ready to counter these tactics.

We work with a broad network of experts, including accident reconstructionists and medical professionals, to meticulously build your case. Our goal is always to achieve a fair settlement whenever possible, saving you the expense and delay of a trial. However, if insurers refuse to make a reasonable offer, we will not hesitate to take your case to court.

Mason County, known for its scenic routes and agricultural landscapes, unfortunately sees its share of traffic incidents. According to preliminary data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Mason County had 77 crashes in 2023, resulting in 2 fatalities and 5 serious injuries (TxDOT Crash Data, 2023). This data underscores the reality that accidents, even in less populated areas, can have severe consequences for local residents.

18-Wheeler & Commercial Truck Accidents on Texas Highways

The major transportation corridors across Texas, including parts of US-87 and US-377 that traverse Mason County, are vital for commerce. However, these routes also bring the risk of devastating 18-wheeler and big rig accidents. Given the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles, accidents involving them frequently lead to catastrophic injuries or wrongful death.

These cases are inherently complex, often involving intricate layers of state and federal regulations, commercial insurance policies, and multiple responsible parties. Our firm specializes in these complex trucking and interstate commerce laws. We delve into maintenance records, driving logs, cell phone data, and electronic logging device (ELD) information to uncover negligence. We have a proven track record of recovering millions for families affected by trucking-related wrongful death cases, ensuring accountability for negligent drivers and trucking companies. If you’ve been affected by a commercial truck accident in Mason County, we can help you understand your rights concerning medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Motorcycle Accidents: Protecting Riders’ Rights

Motorcyclists enjoy the open roads of Mason County, but they also face increased vulnerability in collisions. Drivers often claim they “didn’t see” a motorcycle, but this is never an excuse for negligence. At Attorney911, we aggressively pursue full and fair compensation for injured motorcyclists, understanding the unique types of injuries they often sustain, such as road rash, closed head injuries, brain or spinal cord injuries, and even limb loss.

Texas law doesn’t explicitly mandate helmet use for all riders, but rather creates requirements based on age and insurance status. Riders 21 and older are not required to wear a helmet if they have successfully completed a Motorcycle Operator Training Course or have an insurance policy proving medical benefits of $10,000 (Texas Transportation Code § 661.002). Regardless of helmet use, negligent drivers must be held responsible for the harm they cause. We fight for compensation covering property damage, lost income, medical expenses, and the full extent of your pain and suffering.

Workplace & Construction Accidents: Third-Party Liability in Focus

Mason County has a diverse economy that includes agriculture, tourism, and small businesses, all of which rely on dedicated workers. If you’re injured on the job in Mason County, Texas workers’ compensation laws apply. However, the system can be challenging to navigate. Texas employers have the option to subscribe to workers’ compensation insurance or to be “non-subscribers.” If your employer is a non-subscriber, you may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against them directly.

Furthermore, on multi-company worksites, such as construction projects or industrial setups, a third party other than your employer or a co-worker might be responsible for your injury. This is especially relevant in construction accidents, where falls from heights, scaffolding collapses, and crane or forklift accidents can lead to severe injuries. We can help you determine if a third-party claim is possible, which can allow for compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits.

Wrongful Death Claims: Compassionate & Diligent Advocacy

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is an unbearable tragedy. In Mason County, as throughout Texas, families who have suffered such a loss have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. We understand that during this profoundly difficult time, grappling with legal issues can feel impossible. Our compassionate attorneys handle every aspect of the legal claim, allowing grieving families the space they need.

We work with economists and other experts to meticulously quantify the full financial impact of your loved one’s death, including lost wages, medical expenses, funeral costs, and the invaluable loss of companionship and support. Swift action is crucial in these cases to preserve evidence, identify witnesses, and protect the integrity of the scene.

Criminal Defense in Mason County

Facing criminal charges in Mason County can be a frightening and uncertain experience. The local justice system, from the Mason County Sheriff’s Office to the local courthouse, can be intimidating. Whether you’re accused of a DWI, a drug offense, or another serious crime, your future, your freedom, and your reputation are on the line. We provide aggressive and professional criminal defense representation, fighting to protect your rights at every turn.

DWI/DUI Defense: Protecting Your Freedom and Future

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges in Mason County can carry severe penalties, including hefty fines, loss of driving privileges, and jail time. Even a first-time offense can have long-lasting consequences on your career and personal life. We understand the nuances of DWI laws in Texas and the local procedures in Mason County.

We have handled hundreds of DWI/DUI cases, successfully employing a broad range of defense tactics designed to prevent license suspension and challenge the prosecution’s evidence. This includes scrutinizing breathalyzer calibration and maintenance records, disputing the results of field sobriety tests, and challenging the legality of traffic stops. For example, we’ve had cases dismissed due to issues with breathalyzer maintenance and deficiencies in police investigation, even cases where initial evidence seemed strong.

Mason County operates under the Texas Penal Code for DWI offenses. For a first DWI offense, you could face up to 180 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, and a driver’s license suspension of up to one year. Enhanced penalties apply for higher blood alcohol concentrations (BAC), having a child passenger in the vehicle, or prior convictions (Texas Penal Code § 49.04). Understanding these potential consequences highlights the importance of experienced legal defense.

Comprehensive Criminal Defense: A Formidable and Experienced Ally

Beyond DWI, our firm offers comprehensive criminal defense services for a wide range of state and federal charges in Mason County. Our experience includes successfully fighting drug charges—from possession to manufacturing—and challenging illegal search and seizure practices. We understand that a conviction is not inevitable, and we are prepared to explore every possible avenue for your defense.

Our experience includes navigating cases where individuals faced decades in prison, successfully securing outcomes like deferred adjudication that allowed clients to avoid jail time and have charges dismissed upon completion of court-ordered conditions. We handle cases involving:

Drug Crimes: Possession (marijuana, cocaine, crystal meth, heroin), trafficking, manufacturing.
Assault Crimes: Including family violence and child abuse.
Theft Crimes: From petty theft to more serious offenses.
Firearms Offenses: Protecting your Second Amendment rights.
Fraud & Internet Crimes: Navigating complex digital evidence.
Homicide/Murder & Sexual Assault: Providing vigorous defense in the most serious cases.

No matter the charge, we approach each case with the same dedication, thoroughly investigating the evidence, building a strong defense strategy, and challenging any constitutional violations.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Mason County Legal Emergency?

When you’re facing a legal emergency in Mason County, you need a legal team that is not only competent but also deeply committed to your cause. Here’s what sets Attorney911 apart:

Insurance Industry Insider Insight: Our Associate Attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national defense firm, gaining firsthand knowledge of how large insurance companies value claims, their tactics, and their negotiation strategies. This insider perspective is an invaluable asset, allowing us to anticipate and effectively counter their moves, ensuring you receive fair compensation.
Complex Litigation Expertise: Our firm has a proud history, including involvement in the significant BP explosion litigation in Texas City. This experience, combined with our work on intricate maritime law cases (Jones Act, Death on the High Seas Act, Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act) and commercial trucking accidents, equips us to handle the most challenging and complex cases.
Federal Court Experience: Managing Partner Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and his membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) underscores our capability in both federal and state court systems, and our dedication to high-level criminal defense.
Proven Results: We have a strong track record of securing multi-million dollar settlements for our personal injury clients and achieving dismissals or favorable outcomes in criminal defense cases. Though past results do not guarantee future outcomes, they reflect our aggressive advocacy and meticulous preparation. For example, one client received a multi-million-dollar settlement after suffering a brain injury and vision loss from a logging accident, while another secured millions after a car accident led to a partial amputation.
Bilingual Service: Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, enabling us to effectively serve Mason County’s Spanish-speaking community, ensuring clear communication and understanding throughout the legal process.
Contingency Fee Basis: For personal injury cases, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means “we don’t get paid unless we win your case.” This arrangement allows you to pursue justice without upfront financial burdens.

Selected Results and Proof

BP Explosion Litigation: Our firm was one of the few Texas firms involved in the complex litigation following the 2005 BP Texas City refinery explosion.
Multi-Million Dollar Car Accident Settlement: A client’s leg injury from a car accident led to infection and partial amputation; we secured a multi-million-dollar settlement.
DWI Case Dismissal: Charges dismissed due to improper breathalyzer maintenance, where other firms might have struggled.
Drug Charge Deferred Adjudication: Successfully achieved deferred adjudication for a client facing 5-99 years for drug possession, emphasizing our ability to find crucial weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Client Testimonial: “After an 18-wheeler hit me, I was hurt, scared, and didn’t know what to do. After one phone call with Ralph, I knew everything was going to be OK.” — Mary F.

Guiding You Through the Legal Process

We believe in empowering our clients through education. When you choose Attorney911, you can expect transparent communication, regular updates every 2–3 weeks, and a clear understanding of your case’s progress. We encourage clients to be proactive, asking questions and staying involved, as teamwork between attorney and client often leads to the best possible outcome. From gathering evidence to navigating court procedures, we are with you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding the legal process can be daunting. Here are answers to some common questions we encounter:

Q: What should I know after a car crash? (Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLbNemS_YlM)
A: Seek medical care, call police, gather evidence, notify insurers, and avoid recorded statements before counsel. Serious cases need early preservation of evidence and policy limit discovery.
Q: How do I make a car accident report? (Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVe2tXNFqSk)
A: Call law enforcement, ensure an official report is filed, confirm facts are accurate, and obtain the report number. Reports are often essential for claims and litigation.
Q: What is comparative negligence? (Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agzHKY_v9l4)
A: Your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. Under Texas’ 51% bar rule, recovery is barred if you’re 51% or more at fault. Evidence (photos, witnesses, logs, vehicle data) is critical to keep fault fairly apportioned.
Q: What does an offshore accident lawyer do? (Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Z8YCG5YT3Y)
A: Investigates vessel/rig incidents, applies relevant legal frameworks, secures maintenance‑and‑cure and wage loss, and pursues negligent operators and third parties with expert testimony. Note: While Mason County is inland, this expertise highlights our firm’s deep capabilities in complex injury law.
Q: What is “probable cause” in criminal cases? (Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPqiwrLDDgw)
A: It’s the legal threshold police must meet to arrest or get a warrant. Weak probable cause can support motions to suppress evidence and dismiss charges.
Q: Can I get probation? (Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdOktxAQQDg)
A: Eligibility depends on the charge, your criminal history, and the jurisdiction. Our counsel evaluates options like deferred adjudication and negotiated pleas to minimize jail exposure.
Q: Will my case go to trial? (Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ed5AnmCMcc)
A: Most cases settle, but trial is possible when liability or value is disputed. Readiness for trial (experts, depositions, exhibits) improves settlement leverage and protects outcomes if trial is necessary.

Your Immediate Legal Help in Mason County

In a legal emergency, time is often of the essence. Gathering evidence, speaking with witnesses, and understanding your rights quickly can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Whether you’ve been injured in an accident on a Mason County road or are facing criminal charges in the local courthouse, we are here to provide the aggressive, professional legal help you deserve.

We extend our commitment to justice to every corner of Texas, including Mason County. Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us put our experience, insider knowledge, and dedication to work for you, fighting for your rights and pursuing the best possible outcome for your legal emergency.

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION