Legal Emergency Lawyers™: Your Trusted Advocates in Swisher County, Texas

In the sprawling landscapes of Texas, where community spirit runs deep and the pace of life can shift from serene to sudden, unforeseen legal challenges can arise. When these moments strike, transforming your world into a legal emergency, having immediate, aggressive, and professional help from someone you can trust is not just a preference—it’s a necessity. We are Attorney911, The Manginello Law Firm, and we stand as your dedicated Legal Emergency Lawyers™, ready to protect the injured and fight for the rights of defendants across Swisher County and throughout Texas.

Located in the heart of the Texas Panhandle, Swisher County embodies the resilience and industry of our great state. From the bustling agricultural operations that define much of our local economy to the steady flow of traffic on vital roadways like I-27, life here moves with purpose. Yet, with this dynamic environment comes the potential for accidents, injuries, and legal disputes that demand experienced legal counsel. Our mission is to provide comprehensive, compassionate, and results-driven legal representation to individuals and families in Tulia, Happy, Kress, and all communities within Swisher County.

We understand that when you’re facing a personal injury, a criminal charge, or a complex litigation matter, the stakes are incredibly high. Our firm was founded with a singular passion: to ensure that people suffering from a legal emergency receive the unparalleled advocacy they deserve. From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we extend our proven expertise to every corner of Texas, including our valued neighbors in Swisher County.

Why Experience Matters: Meeting Swisher County’s Unique Legal Needs

Swisher County, with its strong agricultural roots and position along major transportation arteries, faces specific legal challenges. Accidents on farms, collisions involving commercial vehicles on I-27, and workplace injuries are unfortunately not uncommon. When these situations arise, navigating the complex Texas legal system requires an attorney who not only understands the law but who also recognizes the local context and challenges.

We bring over two decades of experience to your legal emergency. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, established our firm in 2001, building on a foundation of journalism from the University of Texas at Austin and legal expertise from South Texas College of Law Houston. His career, spanning since 1998, has been dedicated to advocating for clients in intricate personal injury and criminal defense cases. Ralph’s federal court experience, including membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), positions our firm to handle even the most challenging litigation.

Joining Ralph is associate attorney Lupe Peña, a third-generation Texan born and raised in Sugar Land. Lupe’s journey, from finance to law after earning his B.B.A. in International Business from Saint Mary’s University and his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston, is particularly beneficial to our clients. He honed his skills for several years at a national defense firm, gaining invaluable insider knowledge on how large insurance companies operate, evaluate claims, and strategize against injured parties. This direct experience means we anticipate their tactics and build stronger cases for you. Lupe is also fluent in Spanish, ensuring clear communication and culturally sensitive representation for our diverse Texas clientele.

Our combined experience, particularly our deep understanding of the insurance industry and our extensive history in complex litigation—including involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation—sets us apart. We don’t just know the law; we know how to effectively apply it to achieve justice for our clients.

Our Pledge to Swisher County: Compassionate Advocacy, Contingency Fees

Facing a legal crisis can be financially daunting. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Our commitment is simple: we invest our resources, time, and expertise into your fight, standing by you every step of the way without adding to your financial burden during an already difficult time. This arrangement allows you to pursue justice without upfront legal fees, ensuring access to high-quality representation regardless of your current financial situation.

Our promise to you is immediate help, marked by aggressive representation and professional counsel. We believe in transparent communication, keeping you informed at every stage of your case. Our goal is to secure fast wins whenever possible, leveraging our negotiation skills and trial readiness to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Our Areas of Expertise Serving Swisher County

The Attorney911 team is equipped to handle a wide array of legal emergencies that residents and businesses in Swisher County may encounter.

Personal Injury: Fighting for the Injured in Swisher County Accidents

When someone else’s negligence causes you harm, you deserve full and fair compensation. We meticulously investigate every detail, build compelling cases, and aggressively pursue justice for our clients.

Car Accidents in Swisher County

Car accidents can be devastating, leading to serious injuries, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Swisher County, traversed by significant roadways like I-27 and US Highway 87, unfortunately sees its share of vehicular collisions. In 2022, Swisher County officials reported 125 traffic accidents, resulting in 18 serious injuries and 3 fatalities (Texas Department of Transportation, 2023 Crash Statistics). Many of these incidents occur on the major corridors or secondary roads connecting our communities between Tulia and Kress.

Insurance companies, driven by profit, often seek to minimize payouts. Our team, particularly with Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge of insurance defense tactics, is adept at negotiating with these powerful entities from a position of strength. We collaborate with a broad network of experts—from accident reconstructionists to medical specialists—to build an unshakeable case. While we strive to settle cases efficiently to avoid the expense and delay of trial, we are always prepared to litigate if insurers refuse to make a fair offer. We have successfully handled numerous million-dollar cases, including situations where initial injuries led to severe complications like amputations.

18-Wheeler & Big Rig Accidents on Swisher County Roads

The agricultural heartbeat of Swisher County means frequent commercial truck traffic. Accidents involving 18-wheelers, big rigs, and other commercial vehicles on I-27 or US-87 often result in catastrophic injuries due to their sheer size and weight. These cases are inherently complex, involving intricate federal and state trucking regulations, commercial insurance policies, and multiple liable parties.

Our expertise in trucking and interstate commerce law is crucial for maximizing compensation in these scenarios. We’ve recovered millions for families impacted by trucking-related wrongful death cases. We meticulously gather evidence, including truck maintenance records, driver logs, cell phone records, and electronic logging device (ELD) data. Our network of experts, including medical care providers and accident reconstructionists, provides critical testimony to demonstrate negligence and the full extent of your damages.

Motorcycle Accidents in and Around Swisher County

Motorcyclists enjoy the freedom of the open road, but they are also exceptionally vulnerable. In the event of a collision on Swisher County roads, injuries are often severe. While drivers commonly claim they “didn’t see” the motorcycle, this is not a valid excuse for negligence. Texas traffic laws stipulate that drivers must be aware of their surroundings and operate their vehicles safely.

We aggressively advocate for injured motorcyclists, ensuring that negligent drivers are held responsible. We seek comprehensive compensation for road rash, closed head injuries, spinal cord injuries, limb loss, and wrongful death, covering property damage, lost income, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.

Workers’ Compensation and Construction Accidents

Swisher County’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, processing, and related industries, which can unfortunately lead to workplace injuries. While the Texas workers’ compensation system is designed to protect employees, it can be complex and often unfair. We guide injured workers through this intricate process, protecting their benefits and challenging denials.

Additionally, many construction projects occur throughout the county, from road repairs to new facilities. If you’re injured on a construction site, you typically cannot sue your employer directly if they carry workers’ compensation. However, construction sites often involve multiple contractors and subcontractors. If a third party’s negligence caused your harm, you may have a personal injury claim beyond workers’ comp benefits. We are skilled at identifying these third-party claims, which can provide significantly greater compensation. For instance, if a subcontractor’s faulty equipment or unsafe practices lead to a fall from scaffolding, we pursue justice against that negligent third party.

Refinery & Plant Accidents (Statewide Expertise)

While Swisher County may not host large-scale refineries like those on the Texas Gulf Coast, it benefits from our firm’s deep expertise in this area. Our involvement in the historic BP Texas City explosion litigation demonstrates our capability to take on the largest industrial companies, holding them accountable for negligent cost-cutting that jeopardizes worker safety. If a Swisher County resident works in a high-risk industrial environment elsewhere in Texas and suffers an injury, or if a local industrial incident occurs, we are prepared to offer immediate, expert legal assistance.

Toxic Tort Claims

Exposure to hazardous substances, whether from industrial contamination, defective products, or chemical spills, can lead to severe, long-term health consequences. Toxic tort claims are complex, often requiring extensive medical and scientific evidence to establish causation, especially when effects are latent. We handle both individual and class-action toxic tort cases, working to secure compensation for water contamination, chemical exposure, and other related injuries.

Wrongful Death Claims in Swisher County

The loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is an unbearable tragedy. During such a difficult time, families should be allowed to grieve without the added burden of legal complexities. We compassionately handle all legal aspects of wrongful death claims, working with economists and other experts to calculate the full financial and emotional impact, including lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship. Prompt action is critical to preserve evidence and identify witnesses in cases arising from drunk driving accidents, trucking collisions, or other fatal incidents.

Criminal Defense: Protecting Your Rights and Future in Swisher County

Facing criminal charges in Swisher County can be terrifying, with potential consequences ranging from hefty fines and jail time to a permanent criminal record. Whether you’re arrested in Tulia, Happy, or any part of the county, we provide aggressive and skilled legal defense.

DWI/DUI Defense in Swisher County

A Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge can significantly alter your life, impacting your freedom, finances, and driving privileges. We have handled hundreds of DWI/DUI cases across Texas, employing a broad range of defense tactics to challenge charges and prevent license suspension. We investigate every detail, including the maintenance of breathalyzer machines, the legality of traffic stops, and the administration of field sobriety tests.

For instance, we’ve had charges dismissed when breathalyzer machines were found to be improperly maintained. In another case, a DUI/DWI charge was dismissed on the day of trial after we demonstrated that a client, whose field sobriety video was the state’s primary evidence, did not appear intoxicated. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and mounting a robust defense against DWI charges in Swisher County courts.

Comprehensive Criminal Defense for Swisher County Residents

Our criminal defense practice extends to a full range of charges, from drug possession (including marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine) to assault, theft crimes, and even serious felony offenses. We are skilled at challenging charges based on issues of probable cause, illegal search and seizure, and other constitutional violations.

We understand the specific procedures and norms within the 64th Judicial District Court in Swisher County, and how this impacts bond, arraignment, and diversion programs. We also leverage our experience with deferred adjudication, as highlighted by a case where our client, initially facing 5-99 years for drug possession, received deferred adjudication, avoiding jail time upon fulfilling court conditions.

Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, we provide a strategic defense aimed at protecting your freedom and future. We handle cases including:

Drug Possession & Trafficking
Assault & Domestic Violence
Theft Crimes
Firearms Offenses
Fraud & Internet Crimes
Homicide & Kidnapping
Expunctions
Public Intoxication
Vandalism

Our Proven Results: A Track Record of Success

While every case is unique and past results do not guarantee future outcomes, our firm’s history of significant victories underscores our commitment and capability.

Selected Results & Proof:

Multi-Million Dollar Logging Accident Settlement: We secured 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 Leading to Amputation: Our client’s leg injury in a car accident, complicated by staff infections and leading to partial amputation, settled in the millions due.
Millions Recovered in Trucking Wrongful Death: We have helped numerous families facing wrongful death in trucking accidents recover millions of dollars in compensation.
Significant Offshore Injury Settlement: Obtained a significant cash settlement for a client who injured his back lifting cargo on a ship without proper assistance.
BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: Our firm was one of the few in Texas involved in the litigation stemming from the 2005 BP Texas City refinery explosion.
DWI Case Dismissals: Successfully defended multiple DWI cases due to factors like improperly maintained breathalyzers or lack of credible evidence.
Drug Charges Reduced to Deferred Adjudication: Secured deferred adjudication for a client facing 5-99 years for drug possession, resulting in no jail time upon compliance with court rules.

These outcomes demonstrate our ability to handle complex and high-stakes cases across personal injury and criminal defense, delivering impactful results for our clients.

Client Education and Communication: Our Commitment to You

We believe an informed client is an empowered client. Our commitment to client communication means you’ll receive regular updates (typically every 2-3 weeks) on your case’s progress. We ensure you understand the legal process, what to expect, and any potential challenges.

We provide extensive educational resources, including video discussions on topics important to your case. For example, we explain:

What exactly counts as a “personal injury”? (Source)
How is pain and suffering valued? (Source)
What if I’m partially at fault (comparative negligence)? (Source)
What should I know after a car crash? (Source)
What is “probable cause” in criminal cases? (Source)

These resources, among many others, ensure that you are never left in the dark about your legal situation. We encourage you to be proactive, ask questions, and partner with us for the best possible outcome.

The Attorney911 Difference for Swisher County

When you choose Attorney911, you’re not just hiring a lawyer; you’re gaining a team of dedicated Legal Emergency Lawyers™ with a unique blend of insights and experience:

Insurance Industry Insider Perspective: Lupe Peña’s background gives us an unparalleled advantage in countering insurance company tactics.
Complex Litigation Prowess: From major industrial accidents to federal court cases, we have a proven track record.
Texas-Wide Reach, Local Dedication: While our offices are in major Texas cities, our commitment to serving Swisher County means providing local context and fierce advocacy.
Bilingual Advantage: Fluent Spanish allows us to effectively serve the diverse communities of Texas.
Contingency Fee Basis: You only pay us if we win, removing financial barriers to justice.
Unwavering Client Focus: We prioritize communication, education, and aggressive representation to protect your rights.

Swisher County is a place of hard work, close-knit communities, and profound Texas spirit. When legal emergencies threaten your well-being, your livelihood, or your freedom, you need a law firm that reflects these values – a firm that is willing to outwork, outsmart, and outfight the other side.

That team is Attorney911, The Manginello Law Firm. We are here to bring you immediate, aggressive, and professional help when you need it most.

Frequently Asked Questions for Swisher County Residents

Q: What is an important step to take immediately after a car crash in Swisher County?

A: After ensuring everyone’s safety and seeking medical help, it’s crucial to contact law enforcement to file an official report. Even for minor incidents, a police report can be essential documentation for your claim. Document the scene with your cellphone, capturing photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any hazards. Never admit fault, and avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking with an attorney. For more information, watch our video on How Do I Make a Car Accident Report?.

Q: How does Texas’ comparative negligence law affect my personal injury claim?

A: Texas operates under a modified comparative fault rule, often called the “51% bar rule.” This means your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. If a jury determines you are 50% at fault, your damages would be cut in half. However, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any damages. Accurately proving fault is critical, and evidence collection plays a huge role. Learn more by watching our discussion on What Is Comparative Negligence?.

Q: If I’m injured at my Swisher County workplace, what are my options if my employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation?

A: Texas is unique in that employers can “opt out” of the state’s workers’ compensation system, becoming “non-subscribers.” If your employer is a non-subscriber and you are injured on the job, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against them directly, seeking compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. This is a complex area, and it’s vital to consult with an attorney experienced in non-subscriber claims. We explain further in our video, Can I Sue My Employer for Denying Workers’ Comp?.

Q: What are the potential consequences of a DWI charge in Swisher County and how can an attorney help?

A: A DWI conviction in Texas carries severe penalties, including fines, jail time, driver’s license suspension, and mandatory surcharges. Enhanced penalties apply for factors like a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC of 0.15% or higher), having a child passenger, or repeat offenses. An attorney can challenge the validity of the traffic stop, the accuracy of breath or blood tests, and the administration of field sobriety tests. We also explore options like deferred adjudication or probation, aiming to get charges dismissed or reduced, and safeguarding your driving privileges and future. For insights, watch Can I Get Probation?.

Q: What should I do if a large commercial truck causes an accident on I-27 near Tulia?

A: Truck accidents are often catastrophic. After seeking medical attention, contact the police and gather as much evidence as possible at the scene (photos, witness information). Crucially, immediately contact a lawyer experienced in 18-wheeler accidents. Commercial trucking companies are required to preserve evidence, but rapid action, often through a “spoliation letter” from your attorney, is needed to ensure crucial evidence like black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records are not destroyed. This quick action is essential to building a strong case against potentially multiple liable parties.

Q: How do contingency fees work with Attorney911?

A: We handle personal injury cases and certain other litigation on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay us any upfront legal fees. Our payment is a percentage of the compensation we successfully recover for you. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing for our legal services. This arrangement allows individuals in Swisher County to access high-quality legal representation without financial worry during their recovery. Our video How Do Contingency Fees Work? provides more details.

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION

When a legal emergency strikes in Swisher County, don’t face it alone. We are your Legal Emergency Lawyers™, ready to provide the immediate, aggressive, and professional help you need. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We protect victims like you throughout Texas.

Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) or visit our website to schedule your consultation. We are available to discuss your case and provide the expert guidance you deserve.