Your Legal Lifeline in Texas: Immediate, Aggressive, Professional Help When You Need It Most

Life in Texas moves fast, and sometimes, unexpected legal emergencies can put everything you’ve worked for at risk. Whether you’ve suffered a life-changing injury, or you’re facing serious criminal charges, finding reliable, experienced legal representation isn’t just important—it’s critical. At Attorney911, The Manginello Law Firm, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that arise within the Lone Star State. From the bustling highways of Houston to the vibrant streets of Austin and the industrial heartland of Beaumont, we are your Legal Emergency Lawyers™, dedicated to providing immediate, aggressive, and professional help when you need us most.

We are a Texas-born firm with deep roots and extensive experience across the state. Our mission is simple: to protect the injured and fight for the rights of defendants throughout Texas. We know that when a legal emergency strikes, time is of the essence, and swift, decisive action can make all the difference. That’s why our brand promise is built on urgency and results: “Immediate help. FAST WINS.”

Understanding the Texas Legal Landscape: Your Advocates in the Lone Star State

Texas is a state of diverse industries, sprawling communities, and unique legal considerations. What happens after a serious truck accident on I-10 near Beaumont differs from a personal injury claim in a growing Austin suburb, or a complex criminal defense case in Harris County. We pride ourselves on our intimate knowledge of state and federal laws, local court procedures, and the specific nuances that impact cases across Texas.

Our firm has strategically established offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, ensuring we have a physical presence in key economic and legal hubs. This allows us to serve clients effectively across the entire state, offering in-depth insights into local regulations, economic trends, and community dynamics. We navigate the intricacies of Texas law, from the state’s modified comparative fault rules in personal injury cases to its enhanced penalties for DWI offenses, ensuring your case is handled with precision and local expertise.

No matter where your legal emergency arises in Texas, from the oil fields of West Texas to the Gulf Coast, or the rapidly developing I-35 corridor, we are prepared to stand by your side. We know that every county, every court, and every community has its own specific characteristics, and we leverage this granular understanding to build compelling cases for our clients.

Our Core Beliefs: Justice on Your Terms, Contingency Fee Basis

We firmly believe that access to justice should not be determined by your financial situation. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases: “We don’t get paid unless we win your case.” This commitment means we are fully invested in securing the best possible outcome for you, sharing the risk so you can focus on your recovery and rebuilding your life without the added burden of upfront legal fees.

For those facing criminal defense challenges, we offer free initial consultations to discuss your situation, explore potential defenses, and outline a clear path forward. Our approach is always transparent, ensuring you understand your options and the potential costs involved before making any decisions.

Meet Your Legal Emergency Lawyers™: Experience, Insight, and Dedication

Our strength lies in the depth of experience and unique insights brought by our leadership team, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña. Their combined knowledge spans decades of legal practice, providing a formidable force for our clients.

Ralph Manginello: Texas Roots, Federal Reach, and a Passion for Justice

Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, embodies the spirit of Attorney911. Born in New York but raised in the Memorial area of Houston since age five, Ralph’s deep Texas roots are matched by his extensive legal background. A proud alumnus of the University of Texas at Austin and South Texas College of Law Houston, Ralph has been a practicing attorney since 1998, founding his own personal injury firm in 2001.

His credentials reflect a commitment to excellence and a broad legal reach:

• Federal Court Experience: Admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, Ralph possesses the expertise necessary for complex federal litigation, from maritime claims to federal criminal charges.
• Elite Criminal Defense: His membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) signals a dedication to upholding the rights of criminal defendants, reflecting a high level of skill and respect within the criminal justice community.
• Complex Litigation Pioneer: Ralph was one of the few firms in Texas involved in the landmark BP Texas City explosion litigation, a testament to his capability in handling truly complex, large-scale industrial accident cases.
• New York Bar Admission: Demonstrating a broader legal perspective, Ralph is also a member of the New York State Bar Association.

Ralph’s personal journey, from his time at Hunters Creek Elementary, Awty International School, and Memorial High School in Houston, to his distinguished prep school career at Cheshire Academy, showcases a consistent pursuit of achievement. He was a starting point guard on the 1989 New England Prep School championship team and will be inducted into Cheshire Academy’s Hall of Fame in 2021. More than just accolades, these experiences shaped a disciplined and determined advocate.

His personal motivation is clear: “Has a passion for helping people and started Attorney911 to make sure people suffering from a legal emergency received immediate, aggressive, and professional help from someone they could trust.” This passion drives our entire firm.

Lupe Peña: The Insider Advantage, Fluent in Spanish and Insurance Tactics

Associate Attorney Lupe Peña brings a powerful and distinct advantage to our clients: intimate knowledge of how insurance companies operate. A third-generation Texan, born and raised in Sugar Land, Lupe’s roots are deeply tied to the King Ranch, cementing his connection to the state’s heritage. After earning his B.B.A. in International Business from Saint Mary’s University in San Antonio, and his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston, Lupe embarked on a career path that uniquely prepared him for his role as a plaintiff’s attorney.

Lupe spent several years working at a national defense firm, gaining invaluable “firsthand” insight into “how large insurance companies value claims.” This insider knowledge is a game-changer for our clients. He understands their strategies for minimizing payouts, delaying settlements, and building defenses. Now, he uses that exact knowledge to “outwork, outsmart, and outfight the other side” on behalf of the injured.

His track record speaks for itself; Lupe has “recovered millions for his clients” in cases involving wrongful death, dram shop liability, trucking accidents, and car crashes. His strategic approach ensures clients receive full and fair compensation. Furthermore, his fluency in Spanish allows us to effectively serve Texas’s vibrant and diverse Hispanic communities, ensuring clear communication and culturally sensitive representation.

Lupe’s unique and practical skill set, combined with his dedication to keeping clients informed at every stage, makes him a trusted advocate. When he’s not fighting for justice, you can find him spending time with his family or on the golf course in the Sugar Land area.

Our Practice Areas: Comprehensive Legal Support Across Texas

At Attorney911, we handle a wide range of personal injury and criminal defense cases, always with a focus on delivering swift and effective legal remedies.

Personal Injury: Fighting for the Injured Throughout Texas

For those who have been harmed due to another’s negligence, we offer aggressive representation across numerous personal injury domains. Insurance companies are master strategists at minimizing payouts. Leveraging Lupe Peña’s former defense experience, we negotiate from a position of strength, always prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

1. Car Accidents: Everyday Texans face the risk of car accidents on our busy roads, from the I-35 corridor to Loop 610 in Houston. We aggressively pursue maximum compensation for property damage, lost income, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. We’ve handled million-dollar cases, including one where a client’s leg injury led to infection and partial amputation, resulting in a multi-million dollar settlement.
2. 18-Wheeler & Big Rig Accidents: Texas’s major transportation corridors like I-10, I-45, and I-35 are vital for commerce but also prone to devastating truck accidents. These cases are complex, involving interstate commerce laws, federal trucking regulations (like those from the FMCSA), and often involve significant injuries. We meticulously gather evidence, including maintenance records, driving logs, and cell phone data, working with accident reconstructionists and medical experts to prove negligence and secure millions for victims, including in trucking-related wrongful death cases.
3. Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists have equal rights on Texas roads, yet are often blamed unfairly. We champion the rights of injured riders, countering biased narratives and holding negligent drivers accountable. We understand the severe injuries common in motorcycle crashes, including road rash, brain injuries, and limb loss, fighting for comprehensive compensation for current and future needs.
4. Offshore Injuries & Maritime Law: Texas’s Gulf Coast is a hub of maritime activity, from the Port of Houston to the Port of Beaumont. We represent seamen, oilfield services workers, rig hands, and other offshore personnel injured on vessels or platforms. Our expertise spans federal maritime laws like the Jones Act, the Death on the High Seas Act, and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, securing significant settlements for clients, such as a deck hand who obtained a significant cash settlement for a back injury due to inadequate assistance.
5. Workers’ Compensation: Texas’s workers’ compensation system can be complex and often challenging for injured employees. If your employer doesn’t subscribe to workers’ comp, you might have additional avenues for recovery through a personal injury claim. We help workers navigate this tangled system, protecting their benefits and, when necessary, pursuing claims against non-subscribing employers or negligent third parties. We helped a client secure a multi-million dollar settlement after sustaining a brain injury with vision loss from a logging accident.
6. Construction Accidents: With Texas experiencing rapid growth, construction sites are bustling, but also dangerous. While workers’ comp covers some injuries, often third parties—like contractors, vendors, or property owners—are responsible for unsafe conditions. We investigate beyond the immediate circumstances to identify these third parties, allowing injured construction workers to seek compensation above and beyond typical workers’ comp benefits. From crane accidents to falls from heights, we ensure accountability.
7. Refinery & Plant Accidents: Texas is home to numerous refineries and chemical plants, particularly along the Gulf Coast. Our firm stands out as one of the few in Texas involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, showcasing our profound experience in handling complex industrial accident cases against even the largest international corporations. We believe that workers injured due to cost-cutting negligence deserve full financial compensation and justice.
8. Toxic Tort Claims: Exposure to toxic chemicals, whether from water contamination, black mold, defective drugs, or industrial releases, can lead to devastating, long-term health issues. We help Texans seek compensation for these ‘toxic tort’ claims, addressing the complex challenges of proving causation years after exposure. We handle both individual cases and class actions to hold negligent parties responsible.
9. Wrongful Death Claims: The loss of a loved one due to negligence is an unimaginable tragedy. Our compassionate attorneys handle all legal aspects of wrongful death claims, allowing grieving families to focus on healing. We work with economists and other experts to calculate full economic and non-economic damages, ensuring all losses, from lost wages to loss of companionship, are considered. In such urgent cases, we act quickly to preserve crucial evidence and secure justice.
10. Insurance Claims: We confront insurance companies who prioritize profits over policyholders. Our insider understanding gained from Lupe Peña’s background means we know their tactics for minimizing payouts and help clients fight for the fair compensation they deserve.

Criminal Defense: Protecting Your Rights and Future in Texas Courts

Facing criminal charges in Texas can be a daunting experience, with severe penalties that can impact your freedom, career, and reputation. Our criminal defense team, backed by Ralph Manginello’s HCCLA membership and federal court experience, provides aggressive and strategic representation. We understand that a charge is not a conviction, and we fight tirelessly to protect your rights.

1. DWI/DUI Defense: Driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges in Texas carry serious consequences, including enhanced penalties for high BAC levels, child passengers, or accidents with injuries. We have “handled hundreds of DUI/DWI cases,” employing a broad range of defense tactics to prevent license suspension and challenge evidence. We have secured dismissals by exposing breathalyzer maintenance failures, inconsistencies in police reports, and even by demonstrating that a client “did not appear drunk” in field sobriety test videos.
2. Comprehensive Criminal Defense: We offer robust defense against a wide array of criminal charges across Texas. From drug crimes—including possession, trafficking, and manufacturing of substances like marijuana, cocaine, and ecstasy—to assault, fraud, theft, and more serious offenses like homicide, we provide experienced counsel. We scrutinize details like probable cause and illegal search and seizure to challenge charges. In one significant case, we achieved deferred adjudication for a client facing 5 to 99 years in jail, ensuring no jail time and eventual dismissal of charges by identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We also handle expunctions for eligible individuals seeking to clear their records.

Our Track Record: Real Results for Real Texans

Our firm’s history is built on a foundation of successful outcomes and a relentless pursuit of justice. We are honored to have achieved:

• Multi-Million Dollar Settlements:
  • A multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss after a logging accident.
  • Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases.
  • A significant cash settlement for a maritime worker who injured his back due to a lack of assistance while lifting cargo.
  • Million-dollar settlement for a car accident client whose injury led to a partial amputation.
• Significant Case Victories:
  • Our involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation is a definitive example of our capability in high-stakes, complex cases against corporate giants.
  • Consistent success in criminal defense, including multiple DWI dismissals and favorable outcomes like deferred adjudication in serious drug cases, saving clients from lengthy prison sentences.

These results are not just numbers; they represent lives we’ve helped rebuild and futures we’ve helped secure for individuals and families across Texas.

Partnering with the Best: Our Expert Network and Resources

To build the strongest possible case, we collaborate with a vast network of highly regarded professionals. Our experts include:

• Medical Care Providers: Ensuring accurate diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care estimates.
• Accident Reconstructionists: Recreating accident scenes to determine fault and causation.
• Life Care Planners and Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists: Quantifying future medical needs and lost earning capacity.
• Economists: Providing expert testimony on financial losses and future projections.
• Investigators and Safety Experts: Uncovering critical details and identifying industry standard violations.

We meticulously gather and analyze all relevant evidence, from truck maintenance and driving records to cell phone data, employment files, and electronic logging device (ELD) data, to build an irrefutable case on your behalf.

Your Legal Emergency Lawyers™ in Texas: Ready to Fight for You

Texas is our home, and protecting its residents is our priority. Whether you are facing the aftermath of a devastating accident on an industrial corridor or I-35, or navigating complex criminal charges in a local county court, Attorney911 is here to provide immediate, aggressive, and professional legal help.

We invite you to experience the difference that comes with having a dedicated, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring legal team on your side. We understand the stakes are high, and we are prepared to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Do not face your legal emergency alone.

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION

Reach out to us today for a free, confidential consultation. Let us put our Texas experience, insider knowledge, and proven track record to work for you. We are ready to listen, strategize, and act swiftly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding your legal rights and the process can be overwhelming. Here are answers to some common questions we hear in Texas:

Q: What exactly counts as a “personal injury”?
A: A personal injury is harm to your body or mind caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. Common examples in Texas include car, 18-wheeler, motorcycle, construction, refinery/plant, offshore/maritime incidents, and toxic exposures. We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis and build claims with experts; if insurers won’t deal fairly, we prepare cases for trial.

Q: How is pain and suffering valued in a personal injury case?
A: Pain and suffering are non-economic damages proven with consistent medical evidence, documentation of your treatment timeline, descriptions of limitations in your daily living, and credible testimony about emotional impact. We pair your records with expert support to show the full human impact of your injuries.

Q: What if I’m partially at fault for an accident (comparative negligence)?
A: Under Texas’s modified comparative fault rule, often called the “51% bar rule,” your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any damages. Evidence like photos, witness statements, accident logs, and vehicle data are critical to ensuring fault is fairly apportioned.

Q: What should I know immediately after a car crash in Texas?
A: First, seek medical care. Then, if safe, call the police to ensure an official report is filed. Gather evidence by taking photos (vehicles, hazards, injuries), getting witness details, and exchanging insurance information. Notify your insurer, but avoid providing recorded statements to any insurance company (even your own) before consulting with an attorney. For serious cases, especially involving big-rigs, obtaining legal counsel early is crucial for evidence preservation.

Q: What does a Texas offshore accident lawyer do?
A: An offshore accident lawyer investigates incidents on vessels, oil rigs, and platforms. We apply federal maritime laws like the Jones Act, the Death on the High Seas Act, or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act to secure compensation for lost wages, medical expenses (maintenance and cure), and pain and suffering. We also pursue negligent operators and third parties, often utilizing expert testimony tailored to the unique environment of the Gulf Coast.

Q: Can I sue my employer if they deny my workers’ compensation claim in Texas?
A: In Texas, some employers are “non-subscribers” to the traditional workers’ comp system. If you’re injured on the job and your employer opted out of workers’ compensation coverage, you may be able to bring a personal injury claim directly against them. Additionally, if your injury was caused by a third party (someone other than your employer or a co-worker), you might have a third-party claim that can be pursued in addition to any workers’ comp benefits.

Q: What is “probable cause” in Texas criminal cases?
A: Probable cause is the legal standard police must meet to make an arrest or obtain a search warrant. It means they must have reasonable grounds, based on facts, to believe that a crime has been committed or that evidence of a crime exists in a specific location. If evidence was obtained without probable cause, it could be challenged in court, potentially leading to its suppression and weakening the prosecution’s case.