Pro Bono DWILawyer Guide: Why Contingency Fee Is Better for Victims

You Don’t Need a Pro Bono DWI Lawyer in Texas—Here’s What You Really Need

If you’re searching for a “pro bono DWI lawyer” or “pro bono DUI lawyer” after being injured by a drunk driver in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, or anywhere in Texas, you’re asking the wrong question. Let’s be clear from the start: as a victim of a drunk driving accident, you do not need pro bono legal services. What you need—and what Texas law entitles you to—is a top-tier personal injury attorney who will take your case on a contingency fee basis. This isn’t just legal semantics; it’s the critical difference between finding real representation that fights for maximum compensation versus settling for whatever the insurance company offers.

At Attorney911, with Managing Partner Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience handling catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases across Texas, we’ve seen this confusion firsthand. Victims who’ve been seriously injured or lost loved ones in DWI accidents often panic about legal costs when they should be focusing on recovery and justice. The reality is that in Texas personal injury law, the contingency fee arrangement exists specifically so that financial constraints never prevent an injured person from obtaining elite legal representation. As Ralph often explains to clients during initial consultations at our Houston office: “We don’t get paid unless we win your case. Period. That means we advance every cost, handle every detail, and assume all the financial risk—because we believe in your case and we’re willing to put our money where our mouth is.”

This article will dismantle the pro bono myth for DWI accident victims and give you the comprehensive knowledge you need to make informed decisions after being injured by an impaired driver. We’ll explain exactly how contingency fees work under Texas law, why they’re superior to pro bono arrangements for injury victims, what compensation you can realistically expect, and how Attorney911’s unique combination of Ralph Manginello’s federal court experience and Lupe Peña’s former insurance defense insider knowledge creates an unfair advantage for our clients. If you’re reading this after a drunk driving accident, call our legal emergency line immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911—evidence disappears daily, and Texas’s two-year statute of limitations is already counting down.

Understanding Contingency Fees: Why This Is Better Than Pro Bono for Injury Victims

Let’s start with the fundamental truth that changes everything for DWI accident victims: A contingency fee contract is not a discount service—it’s a performance-based arrangement where your attorney’s financial success is directly tied to yours. Under Texas Rules of Professional Conduct and the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, contingency fees must be reasonable and clearly explained in writing. At Attorney911, our standard contingency fee is 33.33% if your case settles before trial and 40% if it proceeds to trial—percentages that reflect the dramatically increased work, risk, and resources required for courtroom litigation.

How Contingency Fees Actually Work in Texas DWI Accident Cases

When Ralph Manginello takes a drunk driving injury case on contingency, here’s exactly what happens:

• Zero Upfront Costs: You pay absolutely nothing to retain our firm. Unlike criminal defense cases where retainers are standard, personal injury victims at Attorney911 never write a check to begin their case.
• We Advance All Expenses: From the moment we take your case, we invest our firm’s resources in building your claim. This includes filing fees, court costs, expert witness fees (which can run $5,000-$15,000 for medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and economists), deposition costs, medical record retrieval, and investigation expenses. In complex DWI cases involving commercial vehicles or multiple defendants, these costs can easily exceed $50,000.
• Payment Only Upon Success: If we don’t recover compensation for you—whether through settlement or verdict—you owe us nothing. Not attorney fees, not expenses, nothing. This is the core of the contingency arrangement: we assume 100% of the financial risk.
• Transparent Recovery Process: When we win your case, here’s how funds are distributed: First, case expenses we advanced are reimbursed to our firm. Next, our attorney fee (33.33% or 40%) is calculated on the net recovery after expenses. Then, all medical bills and liens are paid—we negotiate these down aggressively, often saving clients 30-50% on what they’d pay otherwise. Finally, you receive every remaining dollar. We provide detailed, line-item accounting so you understand exactly where every penny goes.

Why is this superior to pro bono? Because pro bono means “for the public good”—it’s charity legal work where attorneys donate their time. Charity has limitations: scope, resources, and commitment. When Attorney911 takes your case on contingency, we’re not doing charity—we’re making a substantial financial investment in your success. We’re motivated to maximize your recovery because our compensation depends on it. This creates perfect alignment: what’s best for you is best for us.

The Insurance Company Already Has Lawyers Working Against You

Here’s what most victims don’t realize in the days after a drunk driving accident: The at-fault driver’s insurance company has already assigned defense attorneys and adjusters to minimize what they pay you. These aren’t junior employees—they’re seasoned professionals who know Texas personal injury law inside and out. They’re gathering evidence, taking recorded statements, reviewing your social media, and building a case against you while you’re still in the hospital.

This is where Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney at a national defense firm becomes your critical advantage. As Lupe explains: “I spent years on the other side, calculating claim values using the same software (Colossus) that insurance companies use today. I know exactly how they determine ‘reserve’ amounts—the money they set aside for your claim—and I know every tactic they’ll use to reduce it. When I left defense work to join Attorney911, I brought that playbook with me, and now I use it against them for our clients.”

Consider this reality: insurance defense attorneys bill $250-$500 per hour. The insurance company is paying them whether they win or lose. They have unlimited resources to drag out your case, hoping you’ll become desperate and accept a lowball offer. When you hire Attorney911 on contingency, you level the playing field immediately. We have the financial resources to match their litigation spending, the trial experience (Ralph’s federal court admission and 25+ years) to intimidate them, and the insider knowledge (Lupe’s defense background) to anticipate every move.

Why Pro Bono Personal Injury Lawyers Don’t Exist for DWI Cases

The transcript asks: “Will a DWI or DUI personal injury lawyer ever take a case pro bono?” The answer is technically yes but practically no—and here’s why that distinction matters for your case.

The Technical Definition vs. Texas Reality

Pro bono publico (“for the public good”) refers to legal services provided without fee or expectation of fee. In Texas, the State Bar encourages attorneys to provide at least 50 hours of pro bono service annually. However, this almost universally applies to:

• Civil rights cases
• Family law matters for low-income individuals
• Immigration cases
• Non-profit organizational work
• Appellate work on constitutional issues

Personal injury cases involving drunk drivers almost never qualify for pro bono programs for several structural reasons:

1. Contingency Fees Already Solve the Access Problem: The Texas legal system recognizes that contingency fees provide access to justice for injury victims regardless of income. There’s no need for pro bono when a better system exists.
2. Substantial Case Costs: DWI injury cases require significant financial investment—medical experts, accident reconstruction, toxicology experts, life care planners for catastrophic injuries. These costs typically range from $25,000 to $100,000+ in serious cases. Pro bono programs don’t have budgets for these expenses.
3. Recovery Potential Exists: Pro bono services are reserved for cases where clients cannot possibly pay. In DWI accidents, there’s almost always an insurance policy or assets available—the challenge is extracting full value, which requires resources pro bono programs lack.

Ralph Manginello explains it this way: “In my 25+ years practicing in Houston courts, I’ve never seen a legitimate personal injury firm take a DWI accident case pro bono. The firms that might consider it are typically ‘settlement mills’ that lack trial experience and wouldn’t know how to handle complex drunk driving litigation anyway. At Attorney911, we take cases on contingency because we can fund them properly and fight them aggressively—which is what Texas victims actually need.”

The Rare Exceptions That Prove the Rule

Could there be exceptional circumstances? Technically, yes—but they’re so rare they’re practically theoretical:

• Extreme Hardship with Novel Legal Issues: If a victim had absolutely no recovery potential (no insurance, no assets, no umbrella policy) BUT the case presented a groundbreaking legal issue that could help thousands of others, a law firm might take it pro bono for the precedent value. In 25 years, Ralph has seen this maybe once.
• Clear Firm Connection: If the victim was a close family member of someone at the firm, they might handle it as a favor. But even then, they’d likely use a contingency arrangement to properly fund the case.

The practical takeaway for Texas victims: If a lawyer offers to take your DWI injury case ‘pro bono,’ be deeply skeptical. They likely lack the resources to properly litigate it, or they’re misunderstanding what pro bono means. What you want is a firm like Attorney911 that confidently takes cases on contingency because they have the track record, financial resources, and trial experience to win.

Pro Bono Defense Lawyers for DWI Charges: The Court-Appointed Reality

The transcript correctly notes: “Are there pro bono DWI or DUI defense lawyers? No, not really, only for rare and exceptional cases.” Let’s unpack what this means for the criminal side of drunk driving cases, since many of our personal injury clients are simultaneously dealing with the criminal prosecution of the driver who injured them.

Your Constitutional Right to Counsel

Under the Sixth Amendment and Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 1.051, anyone charged with a DWI in Texas who cannot afford an attorney has the right to a court-appointed lawyer. This isn’t “pro bono” in the traditional sense—it’s a constitutional guarantee funded by taxpayers. However, there are critical limitations every victim should understand:

• Overburdened Systems: Public defenders and court-appointed attorneys in Harris County, Dallas County, Travis County, and other populous Texas jurisdictions carry caseloads of 150-300+ cases simultaneously. They have minutes to devote to each file.
• Plea Pressure: The system incentivizes quick pleas. Court-appointed attorneys often advise clients to plead guilty to reduced charges because they lack time/resources for investigation and trial preparation.
• Limited Investigation: Court-appointed attorneys typically don’t hire accident reconstruction experts, toxicology experts, or challenge breathalyzer calibration—all essential defenses in DWI cases.

Why does this matter to injury victims? Because the criminal conviction of the drunk driver is powerful evidence in your civil case. Under Texas Rules of Evidence, a DWI conviction can be used to establish negligence per se in your personal injury lawsuit. This is why at Attorney911, we often work parallel to criminal cases—monitoring developments, ensuring evidence is preserved, and using criminal outcomes to strengthen civil claims.

When Private Criminal Defense Attorneys Go Pro Bono

The transcript mentions that private criminal defense attorneys might take a DWI case pro bono “when there is some technical or obscure legal issue that needs addressing.” This is accurate but rare. Examples might include:

• Constitutional challenges to breathalyzer procedures
• Fourth Amendment search and seizure issues with statewide implications
• Cases that could set precedent benefiting many future clients

At Attorney911, while we primarily focus on personal injury, Ralph Manginello’s HCCLA membership and 25+ years of criminal defense experience mean we understand both sides of DWI cases. This dual perspective is invaluable when representing injury victims, as we know exactly what arguments the drunk driver’s criminal attorney will make and how to counter them in civil court.

How Much Compensation Can You Really Get from a Drunk Driver in Texas?

Now to the question every victim asks: “How much money can I get for a DUI or DWI lawsuit?” The transcript outlines the basics, but as attorneys who’ve recovered millions for Texas victims, we need to dive much deeper.

The Three Factors That Determine Your Case Value

The transcript correctly identifies three factors: (1) type of lawsuit, (2) extent of harm, and (3) defendant’s resources. Let’s expand each with Texas-specific legal knowledge:

1. Type of Lawsuit & Legal Theories:

• Negligence Per Se: In Texas, violating a statute (like DWI under Texas Penal Code §49.04) is negligence per se—meaning the driver’s violation itself proves negligence. This is powerful.
• Gross Negligence/Punitive Damages: Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §41.003 allows punitive damages when the defendant’s conduct involves “fraud, malice, or gross negligence.” Driving drunk often qualifies, potentially tripling recoverable damages.
• Dram Shop Liability: Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code §2.02 allows lawsuits against bars, restaurants, or social hosts who served alcohol to obviously intoxicated persons who then cause accidents. This adds deep-pocketed defendants.
• Wrongful Death: Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §71.004 allows surviving spouses, children, and parents to recover damages including loss of companionship, mental anguish, and lost financial support.

2. Extent of Harm & Damage Categories:

• Economic Damages: Medical expenses (past/future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage. In catastrophic cases, future medical care alone can exceed $1 million.
• Non-Economic Damages: Physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement, physical impairment. Texas caps non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases but NOT in standard personal injury cases.
• Exemplary Damages: Punitive damages intended to punish the drunk driver and deter others. Texas caps these at the greater of $200,000 or two times economic damages plus non-economic damages up to $750,000.

3. Defendant Resources & Insurance Realities:

• Insurance Policy Limits: Texas minimum liability limits are only $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident—woefully inadequate for serious injuries. However, most drivers have higher limits, and commercial policies (for truckers, Uber/Lyft) often have $1 million+.
• Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Your own policy’s UM/UIM coverage can fill gaps when the drunk driver’s insurance is insufficient.
• Asset Investigation: We investigate the drunk driver’s assets—homes, vehicles, businesses, investments—to determine recovery potential beyond insurance.

Attorney911’s Actual Case Results with DWI Accidents

While every case is unique, our documented results show what’s possible with proper representation:

• Multi-Million Dollar Settlement – Car Accident Amputation: “In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions.” While not exclusively a DWI case, it demonstrates our capability with catastrophic injuries.
• Trucking Wrongful Death: “At Attorney911, our personal injury attorneys have helped numerous injured individuals and families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation.” Many commercial truck DWI cases fall into this category.
• BP Explosion Litigation Experience: While not a DWI case, our firm’s involvement in BP Texas City explosion litigation demonstrates our capability against billion-dollar corporations and complex, high-stakes cases. If we can take on BP, we can certainly handle any insurance company.

As client Donald Wilcox testified after his case: “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.” This is the reality at Attorney911—we take cases others reject and recover life-changing compensation.

The Timeline: How Long Until You Get Paid After a Drunk Driving Accident?

The transcript mentions “12 to 24 months” as typical for drunk driving settlements. This is generally accurate, but let’s explain why timelines vary and how Attorney911 strategically manages them.

Factors Affecting Your Case Timeline

1. Medical Treatment Completion: We never settle until you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). Settling before full diagnosis and treatment leaves money on the table and risks future uncovered medical expenses.
2. Evidence Gathering: DWI cases require thorough investigation: police reports, blood/breath test results, witness statements, surveillance footage (which disappears after 30 days typically), social media evidence, and expert analysis.
3. Insurance Company Tactics: As Lupe Peña knows from his defense days, insurers deliberately delay hoping victims become desperate. We counter this with aggressive litigation scheduling and preparation for trial.
4. Case Complexity: Simple rear-end collisions with clear liability settle faster than complex cases involving multiple vehicles, disputed liability, or catastrophic injuries requiring extensive future care planning.

The Attorney911 Approach to Timelines

Ralph Manginello’s philosophy: “We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial from day one.” This approach actually speeds up favorable settlements because insurance companies know we’re not bluffing. Our trial record and federal court experience make them take us seriously.

Client Tymesha Galloway experienced this efficiency: “Leonor is the best!!! She was able to assist me with my case within 6 months.” While not every case resolves that quickly, it shows what’s possible with aggressive, competent representation.

Conversely, client Angel Walle highlighted the difference between Attorney911 and other firms: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” This is the advantage of having former insurance defense attorney Lupe Peña on your side—he knows which levers to pull to move cases forward.

The Texas Statute of Limitations: Your Two-Year Countdown Clock

The transcript correctly states Texas’s two-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003). But there’s more you need to know:

Critical Exceptions and Nuances

• Wrongful Death: Two years from date of death, not necessarily the accident date.
• Minors: The clock doesn’t start until the victim turns 18.
• Mental Incapacity: If the victim is mentally incapacitated, the clock may be tolled.
• Government Defendants: If the drunk driver worked for a government entity (police, city employee), you have only 6 months to file a formal notice of claim.

Missing the deadline by even one day means your case is barred forever. Insurance companies know this and will delay negotiations until the deadline approaches, hoping you’ll panic and accept a low offer or miss the deadline entirely.

Why You Should Call Attorney911 Immediately

Evidence disappears rapidly after a DWI accident:

• Surveillance footage from businesses, traffic cameras, or dashcams is typically overwritten in 7-30 days.
• Witness memories fade quickly.
• The drunk driver’s insurance company is already taking recorded statements and gathering evidence against you.
• Social media posts can be deleted.
• Vehicle evidence can be lost or destroyed.

As client Beth Bonds discovered when Attorney911 took over her case: “Ralph Manginello took his bogus case and had it dismissed within a WEEK! I have been trying for over 2 years.” Don’t waste time with ineffective representation. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today to start the preservation process immediately.

Do You Need a DWI Accident Lawyer “Near You” in Texas?

The transcript asks: “Do I need a DWI or DUI drunk driving accident lawyer near me?” Here’s the Texas reality: while local knowledge matters, trial experience and resources matter more.

Attorney911’s Statewide and National Reach

As the transcript notes, we’ve handled cases “all over the state of Texas and all over the nation.” With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we cover the major population centers while maintaining capability statewide. More importantly, Ralph Manginello’s admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas means we handle federal cases that most local attorneys never see.

Why does this matter for your DWI injury case? Because:

• Insurance Companies Are National: State Farm, Allstate, Progressive, GEICO—these are national corporations with standardized playbooks. We’ve fought them everywhere.
• Complex Cases Often Go Federal: Cases involving commercial vehicles, interstate commerce, or multiple defendants often end up in federal court. You need an attorney with federal experience.
• We Know Local Courts Too: Despite our national capability, we’re deeply rooted in Texas. Ralph was raised in Houston’s Memorial area, attended UT Austin, and has practiced in Texas courts for 25+ years. Lupe is a third-generation Texan from Sugar Land. We know local judges, procedures, and nuances.

The “Local Lawyer” Myth vs. Reality

Many victims believe they need an attorney in their exact city. This leads them to settle for less capable representation. The truth is:

• Most communication happens via phone, email, and video conference anyway.
• We travel to wherever your case needs us—courthouses, accident scenes, depositions.
• What matters isn’t zip code proximity but track record, resources, and dedication.

Client Jamin Marroquin experienced this firsthand: “Mr. Manginello guided me through the whole process with great expertise…tenacious, accessible, and determined throughout the 19 months.” Location didn’t matter—expertise did.

Why Attorney911 Is Different: The Unfair Advantage for Texas Victims

Let’s be blunt: most personal injury firms in Houston, Dallas, Austin, and across Texas are “settlement mills.” They take volume cases, settle quickly for whatever the insurance company offers, and move on. They avoid trials because they lack trial experience. They don’t invest in cases because they lack resources. At Attorney911, we’re the antithesis of this model.

Our Three-Pronged Advantage

1. Ralph Manginello’s 25+ Years & Federal Court Experience:

• Admitted to Texas Bar 1998, U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas
• BP explosion litigation experience—taking on billion-dollar corporations
• HCCLA membership—elite criminal defense credentials that benefit civil cases
• Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts

2. Lupe Peña’s Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge:

• Former defense attorney at a national firm
• Knows exactly how insurance companies value claims (Colossus software, reserve setting)
• Understands defense tactics, IME doctor selection, surveillance methods
• Fluent Spanish—all consultations available in Spanish

3. Financial Resources to Match Insurance Companies:

• We advance all case costs—often $50,000+ in serious DWI cases
• We hire top experts: medical specialists, accident reconstructionists, economists
• We prepare every case for trial, forcing better settlements

What Clients Say About the Attorney911 Difference

Don’t take our word for it—listen to Texas clients who’ve been where you are:

Chad Harris: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”

Glenda Walker: “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.”

Erica Perales (referencing Houston celebrity endorsement): “You know if Trae Tha Truth tells you it’s the right way to go best attorney out here you can’t go wrong.”

Kiwi Potato: “This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.”

Immediate Steps After a Drunk Driving Accident in Texas

If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Texas, here’s exactly what to do right now:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if you feel “fine,” adrenaline masks injuries. Document everything. Delayed symptoms are common with TBIs, spinal injuries, and internal bleeding.
2. Preserve Evidence: Take photos of vehicles, injuries, scene. Get contact information for witnesses. Note everything you remember about the driver’s behavior.
3. DO NOT Talk to Insurance Companies: The at-fault driver’s insurer will call quickly. They’re trained to get recorded statements that minimize your claim. Politely decline: “I’m represented by Attorney911. Contact my attorney at 1-888-ATTY-911.”
4. Document Everything: Keep a pain journal. Track medical appointments. Save all receipts related to the accident.
5. Call Attorney911 Immediately: Evidence disappears daily. The statute of limitations is counting down. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation. We’ll preserve evidence, deal with insurance companies, and protect your rights while you focus on recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About DWI Accidents and Legal Representation

1. If the drunk driver was criminally charged, do I still need a civil lawsuit?

Yes, absolutely. Criminal prosecution (by the State of Texas) and civil lawsuits (by you) are completely separate. A criminal conviction helps your civil case but doesn’t automatically provide compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. You must file a civil lawsuit to recover damages.

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

Texas follows the “modified comparative fault” rule (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §33.001). If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Drunk driving often shifts fault dramatically toward the impaired driver.

3. What if the drunk driver has no insurance or minimal coverage?

We pursue multiple avenues: your own UM/UIM coverage, the drunk driver’s personal assets, dram shop claims against establishments that overserved them, and potentially other liable parties (employers if they were working, vehicle owners who negligently entrusted the vehicle).

4. How long do I have to see a doctor after the accident?

See a doctor immediately. Gaps in treatment allow insurance companies to argue your injuries aren’t serious or aren’t accident-related. Continuous documentation is crucial.

5. What if the drunk driver was a friend or family member?

This is emotionally difficult but legally clear: their insurance policy—not them personally—pays your claim. You’re not “suing” them; you’re making a claim against their insurance. Most policies prohibit insurers from raising rates due to not-at-fault claims anyway.

6. Can I still recover if the drunk driver died in the accident?

Yes. We file against their estate and insurance policies. Insurance follows the vehicle/policy, not the individual driver’s survival.

Your Next Step: Call Attorney911’s Legal Emergency Line

If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one to a drunk driver in Texas, you’re facing the most challenging time of your life. You don’t have to navigate it alone, and you certainly don’t need to worry about “pro bono” lawyers. What you need is elite legal representation that fights as hard as you would if you knew how.

At Attorney911, we’re not just lawyers—we’re “Legal Emergency Lawyers™” who treat your case with the urgency it deserves. With Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of Texas courtroom experience, Lupe Peña’s insurance defense insider knowledge, and a track record of multi-million dollar results, we have the resources and determination to maximize your recovery.

Remember: evidence disappears daily. The insurance company is already building a case against you. Texas’s two-year statute of limitations is counting down. Don’t let confusion about “pro bono” services delay you from getting the representation you actually need and deserve.

Call our legal emergency line right now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). Your consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your options, and if we take your case, we’ll do so on a contingency fee basis—no fee unless we win. We’re here 24/7 for Texas victims because legal emergencies don’t keep business hours.

Visit our website at attorney911.com to learn more about our firm, read 251+ Google reviews (4.9 stars), and see why Houston trusts Attorney911. We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont serving all of Texas. Hablamos Español—all consultations available in Spanish.

You’ve been through enough. Let us handle the legal fight while you focus on healing. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a pro bono lawyer and a contingency fee lawyer for DWI accidents?

Pro bono means free legal services as charity, which is extremely rare for personal injury cases. Contingency fee means the lawyer only gets paid if you win—typically 33.33% before trial, 40% if trial—with zero upfront costs. Contingency is better because it aligns the lawyer’s financial interest with yours and ensures proper case funding.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a drunk driving accident in Texas?

Texas has a two-year statute of limitations (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003) from the accident date for personal injury or from the date of death for wrongful death. Missing this deadline by even one day permanently bars your case, so contact Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

What if the drunk driver has no insurance or minimal coverage?

We pursue multiple recovery avenues: your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, the driver’s personal assets, dram shop claims against establishments that overserved alcohol, and potentially employer liability if the driver was working. Attorney911’s thorough investigation identifies all possible sources of compensation.

How much does it cost to hire Attorney911 for a DWI accident case?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee: we advance all case costs, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. If we win, our fee comes from the recovery after expenses are reimbursed. If we lose, you owe us nothing—no fees, no expenses.

Why should I choose Attorney911 over other personal injury firms in Texas?

Attorney911 combines Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years and federal court experience with Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge as a former insurance defense attorney. We know how insurance companies value claims because Lupe calculated them. We have multi-million dollar results, prepare every case for trial, and treat clients like family—as our 251+ Google reviews (4.9 stars) demonstrate.

What compensation can I recover from a drunk driving accident lawsuit?

You can recover economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, future care), non-economic damages (pain, suffering, mental anguish), and potentially punitive damages to punish the drunk driver. Insurance companies often pay more in DWI cases due to the egregious nature of the conduct. Settlement amounts vary based on injury severity and available insurance.