Legal Emergency Lawyers™ Serving Hays County: Your Trusted Advocates in Times of Crisis

For the residents of Hays County, navigating a legal emergency can be overwhelming. Whether you’ve been injured in an unexpected accident or are facing serious criminal charges, what you need most is immediate, aggressive, and professional legal help. At Attorney911, The Manginello Law Firm, we stand as your dedicated Legal Emergency Lawyers™, committed to protecting our injured neighbors and rigorously defending the rights of those accused across Hays County and throughout Texas.

We understand the unique challenges and concerns that arise when legal issues suddenly disrupt your life. Our firm is built upon a foundation of deep legal expertise, an insider’s understanding of insurance company tactics, and a fierce dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients. We work diligently to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve, always operating on a contingency fee basis – meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case.

Your Hays County Legal Emergency: We’re Ready to Respond

Hays County, known for its beautiful landscapes, growing communities like San Marcos and Kyle, and vibrant lifestyle, also faces its share of legal complexities. From the bustling traffic on I-35 to construction projects across the county, and the delicate balance of rapidly expanding urban areas with cherished natural spaces, accidents and legal disputes are an unfortunate reality.

We proudly serve individuals and businesses across Hays County, bringing our extensive experience and proven track record to your corner. While our physical offices are located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we extend our committed advocacy to communities throughout Hays County, offering immediate consultations to provide clarity and guidance when you need it most. We believe that distance should never be a barrier to exceptional legal representation.

Understanding Hays County’s Unique Legal Landscape

Our approach to legal emergencies in Hays County is deeply informed by our statewide Texas knowledge, combined with a focus on specific local dynamics. For instance, the significant growth along the I-35 corridor through San Marcos and Kyle contributes to higher traffic volumes and, consequently, an increased potential for vehicle accidents [TxDOT, 2023]. Construction activity, particularly in areas experiencing rapid development, often leads to workplace injuries, making understanding third-party liability crucial in these cases. Local court procedures in Hays County, from the Justice Courts to the District Courts, are familiar territory for our team.

We combine this local awareness with our broader experience in complex legal matters, ensuring our clients in Hays County receive comprehensive, tailored representation that addresses both their immediate and long-term needs.

Personal Injury Advocates for Hays County: Fighting for Your Future

When you or a loved one suffers a personal injury due to someone else’s negligence in Hays County, your world can be turned upside down. The path to recovery often involves mounting medical bills, lost wages, and profound pain and suffering. We step in immediately to lift that burden, aggressively pursuing the maximum compensation you deserve.

Our personal injury practice areas cover a wide spectrum of incidents that can occur across Hays County, including:

Car Accidents in Hays County: Navigate the Aftermath with Expert Guidance

Car accidents are a frequent occurrence on Hays County roads, from busy thoroughfares like I-35 and State Highway 21 to local streets within San Marcos, Kyle, or Dripping Springs. According to data from the Texas Department of Transportation, Hays County recorded over 4,200 traffic accidents in 2023 alone, resulting in hundreds of injuries and numerous fatalities [TxDOT, 2023]. We understand the immediate shock and the long-term impact these collisions can have.

Whether your accident involves a distracted driver near Texas State University in San Marcos, a collision on your daily commute through Buda, or an incident on a rural road in Wimberley, we act swiftly to investigate, preserve evidence, and build a powerful case. We know that insurance companies prioritize their profits, often trying to minimize payouts. Our team, fortified by a former insurance defense attorney’s insight, anticipates their tactics and fights back aggressively. We work with a broad network of experts, including medical specialists and accident reconstructionists, to articulate the full extent of your injuries and the financial, physical, and emotional toll they have taken.

For example, we represented a client whose leg was severely injured in a car accident. Complications led to a partial amputation, leading to significant challenges. Our firm’s experience with such catastrophic injuries enabled us to secure a multi-million dollar settlement, ensuring their future needs were met.

Truck and 18-Wheeler Accidents on Hays County Thoroughfares

The heavy commercial traffic traversing Hays County—especially along I-35 and US-290—means a heightened risk of devastating 18-wheeler and big rig accidents. These collisions often lead to catastrophic injuries due to the sheer size and weight differential. Our specialized legal team is well-versed in the complex state and federal regulations governing commercial trucking, including those set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

We understand the critical importance of immediately preserving evidence after a trucking accident, such as truck maintenance records, driver logs, cell phone data, and the vehicle’s black box. Our experienced attorneys are ready to deploy experts to the scene in Hays County to gather crucial details and establish fault. We pursue maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering, ensuring negligent trucking companies or drivers are held accountable. Our firm has assisted numerous injured individuals and families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases across Texas, recovering millions of dollars in compensation.

Motorcycle Accidents: Protecting Riders’ Rights in Hays County

Motorcyclists enjoy the scenic routes throughout Hays County, from the winding paths around Pedernales Falls State Park to the open roads leading into Austin. However, they are also disproportionately vulnerable in collisions. Drivers often claim they “didn’t see” a motorcycle, an excuse that does not absolve them of negligence. Motorcyclists have the same rights on the road, and we aggressively pursue full and fair compensation when those rights are violated.

Our skilled attorneys represent motorcyclists in Hays County suffering from severe injuries such as road rash, closed head injuries, spinal cord damage, and limb loss. We meticulously investigate the accident, whether it occurred on Highway 80 or a local county road, to counter negligent driver claims and secure compensation for property damage, lost income, medical expenses, and emotional distress.

Construction Accidents: Navigating Risks in Hays County’s Growth

Hays County is experiencing significant development, with new residential and commercial construction transforming its landscape. While this growth brings progress, it also means an increase in dangerous construction sites, leading to potential accidents. According to OSHA, construction remains one of the most hazardous industries [OSHA, 2023].

If you’ve been injured on a construction site in Hays County, our team can help you navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation and, crucially, identify potential third-party claims. While you generally cannot sue your employer directly, numerous other companies (subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, property owners) are often involved, and their negligence could be a basis for additional compensation beyond workers’ comp. We meticulously investigate incidents, whether involving crane accidents, falls from heights, or scaffolding collapses, to determine all responsible parties and maximize your recovery.

Refinery & Plant Accidents: Complex Litigation Experience

While Hays County does not have the large-scale petrochemical plants like those along the Houston Ship Channel, industrial and manufacturing facilities exist within and around the county. Accidents at these sites, even smaller ones, can lead to serious injuries. Our firm has extensive experience in complex industrial litigation, including our notable involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. This experience uniquely positions us to challenge even the largest corporate entities and their insurers.

We understand that negligent cost-cutting often leads to tragic accidents in industrial settings. We are prepared to provide immediate legal assistance to those injured in such incidents across Hays County, ensuring negligent parties are held accountable and victims receive the financial compensation they deserve.

Toxic Tort Claims: When Exposure Causes Harm

Exposure to toxic chemicals, whether from a spill, contaminated water, or defective products, can lead to devastating, long-term health issues. Proving causation in toxic tort claims can be challenging due to the latent effects of exposure. Our firm handles individual and class action toxic tort claims, working with medical and scientific experts to link your injuries to negligent exposure.

Whether it involves chemical exposure, water contamination issues, or injuries from defective drugs, we prioritize getting you the medical care you need in Hays County and aggressively pursuing compensation for your immediate and future costs, losses, and expenses.

Wrongful Death Claims: Compassionate Advocacy for Hays County Families

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is an unbearable tragedy. While legal action can never truly fill the void, it can provide critical financial stability and a sense of justice. Our compassionate attorneys handle every aspect of wrongful death claims, allowing families in Hays County to focus on healing.

We work with economists and other experts to meticulously calculate the profound financial and emotional impact of your loss, including lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship. Prompt action is crucial in wrongful death cases to preserve evidence and identify witnesses, particularly in incidents involving drunk driving accidents, motorcycle collisions, or 18-wheeler crashes.

Insurance Claims: Your Advocate Against Lowball Tactics

Insurance companies are massive corporations built on collecting premiums and minimizing payouts. If you’re struggling with a denied claim, a lowball settlement offer, or bad-faith practices by your insurer in Hays County, we are ready to fight for you. Our attorneys have an insider’s understanding of how insurance companies operate and their valuation methods. We negotiate from a position of strength and are prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

Criminal Defense in Hays County: Protecting Your Rights and Future

Facing criminal charges in Hays County can be a terrifying and life-altering experience. A conviction can lead to severe penalties, including fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record, impacting your family, career, and future. At Attorney911, we are committed to providing immediate, aggressive, and professional defense for individuals accused of crimes across Hays County.

Our comprehensive criminal defense practice areas cover a wide range of charges stemming from Hays County’s local laws and district actions:

DWI/DUI Defense in Hays County: Strategic and Aggressive Representation

If you’ve been arrested for DWI or DUI in Hays County, especially after a night out in San Marcos or a traffic stop on I-35, the consequences can be profound. Texas has strict DWI laws, with enhanced penalties for high BAC or cases involving child passengers. We have successfully defended hundreds of DWI/DUI cases, deploying a broad range of defense tactics to protect your rights, prevent license suspension, and mitigate the impact on your record.

Our defense strategies often involve challenging probable cause, scrutinizing breathalyzer calibration and maintenance records, and exposing errors in field sobriety tests. We have achieved dismissals in cases where breathalyzers were improperly maintained or where video evidence contradicted claims of intoxication. For example, we secured a dismissal for a client whose breath test was the primary evidence, by demonstrating improper breathalyzer maintenance. In another instance, charges were dismissed when a video of the field sobriety test showed the client did not appear drunk, despite police claims. We will fight aggressively to seek such outcomes for you in Hays County.

Hays County’s 274th and 428th District Courts, and the various Justice and County Courts at Law, handle these cases. We understand the local procedures, from bond hearings to arraignments and potential diversion programs that might be available through the Hays County District Attorney’s Office for eligible defendants.

Comprehensive Criminal Defense for Hays County Residents

We provide robust defense for a wide array of criminal charges across Hays County, from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. Our approach involves a meticulous investigation into the details of your arrest, leveraging constitutional challenges, and negotiating strategically with prosecutors to achieve the best possible outcome.

Our firm has a proven track record of fighting drug charges, assault crimes, theft, and more. In a notable drug case, police entered our client’s home without a warrant, discovering a large quantity of illegal drugs. Through our defense, we identified weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, resulting in a deferred adjudication agreement that spared our client jail time and led to dismissal of charges, despite initially facing 5 to 99 years in prison. This demonstrates our commitment to challenging every aspect of the state’s case against you.

We represent clients facing charges such as:

Drug Possession: Including marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances.
Assault Crimes: Domestic violence, child abuse, and aggravated assault.
Theft Crimes: From petty theft to grand larceny.
Fraud: Identity theft, credit card fraud, and other white-collar offenses.
Firearms Offenses: Unlawful carrying or possession.
Internet Crimes: Addressing digital legal challenges.
And many other criminal allegations in Hays County courts.

Regardless of the charges, our goal is always to protect your constitutional rights and secure the most favorable resolution possible, whether through dismissal, reduced charges, deferred adjudication, or a robust trial defense.

Meet Our Legal Emergency Lawyers™

Our firm is led by experienced attorneys who bring a unique blend of legal prowess, personal dedication, and insider knowledge to every case.

Ralph Manginello: Managing Partner & Complex Litigation Specialist

Born in New York and raised in Houston, Ralph Manginello has deep Texas roots and a passion for helping people. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and South Texas College of Law Houston, Ralph has been a practicing attorney since 1998. He founded his own personal injury law firm in 2001, driven by a commitment to ensuring individuals facing legal emergencies receive immediate, aggressive, and professional help from someone they can trust. He is admitted to the Texas State Bar and the New York State Bar Association, and is authorized to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas.

Ralph’s extensive experience includes serving as past President of the Houston Bar Association’s Litigation Section and membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), signifying his elite criminal defense capabilities. He was also one of the few firms in Texas involved in the complex BP Texas City explosion litigation, showcasing his ability to handle large-scale corporate negligence cases. Away from the courtroom, Ralph enjoys spending time with his wife Kelly Hunsicker and their three children, RJ, Maverick, and Mia, and stays active with basketball, golf, and running. His dedication to justice, combined with over two decades of trial experience, makes him a formidable advocate for our clients in Hays County.

Lupe Peña: Associate Attorney & Insurance Industry Insider

A 3rd generation Texan with family ties to the historic King Ranch, Lupe Peña was born and raised in Sugar Land. He earned 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. Licensed in Texas since 2012, Lupe is also admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and is fluent in Spanish, offering invaluable assistance to our diverse clientele.

Before dedicating his career to fighting for victims, Lupe spent several years working at a national defense firm. This experience gave him firsthand insight into how large insurance companies value claims, operate their extensive networks, and strategize against injured individuals. He brings this unique insider’s perspective to every case, allowing him to anticipate and counter insurance company tactics effectively. Since then, he has moved to the plaintiff’s side, where he has successfully recovered millions for his clients in wrongful death, dram shop, trucking accidents, and car crashes. Lupe is known for his dedication, often “willing to outwork, outsmart, and outfight the other side,” ensuring clients in Hays County receive meticulous and aggressive representation. When not in the office, Lupe enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf.

Proven Results: Our Commitment to Justice for Hays County

Our firm’s track record speaks for itself. We have consistently secured significant outcomes for our clients, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to justice.

Selected Results

Multi-Million Dollar Logging Accident Settlement: A client suffered a brain injury with vision loss after a log was dropped on him at a logging company. We secured a multi-million dollar settlement.
Multi-Million Dollar Car Accident Settlement: A car accident led to an infection and partial amputation for our client. We settled the case in the millions.
Millions Recovered in Trucking Wrongful Death Cases: Our firm has helped families across Texas recover millions in compensation following devastating trucking-related wrongful death incidents.
Significant Maritime Injury Settlement: A client sustained a back injury while lifting cargo on a ship without adequate assistance. Our investigation led to a significant cash settlement.
BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: We were one of the few Texas firms involved in this complex, large-scale industrial disaster litigation.
Drug Charges Dismissal/Deferred Adjudication: Secured deferred adjudication for a client facing 5-99 years for drug possession, leading to dismissal of charges.
Multiple DWI Dismissals: Achieved dismissals due to faulty breathalyzer maintenance, lack of evidence of intoxication at the scene, and video evidence contradicting police claims.

These results underscore our capability and dedication to fighting for our clients, no matter how complex the case.

Your Hays County Legal Emergency – What To Do Next

If you are facing a personal injury or criminal defense matter in Hays County, time is often of the essence. Critical evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade, and legal deadlines must be met. We urge you to contact us as soon as possible.

We believe in empowering our clients with knowledge. Our attorneys will keep you informed at every stage of your case, explaining the process clearly and answering all your questions. Lupe Peña’s commitment to proactive communication, often following up every 2-3 weeks, ensures you’re never left in the dark.

Frequently Asked Questions for Hays County Residents

We believe in keeping our clients informed and empowered. Here are answers to some common questions we receive from clients in Hays County:

Q: What exactly counts as a “personal injury”? (Source)
A: A personal injury is harm to your body or mind caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. Common examples in Hays County can arise from car accidents on I-35, construction site incidents, or other events where someone acted irresponsibly. We handle these cases on contingency and build claims with experts.
Q: What happens if I’m partially at fault for a car accident in Texas (comparative negligence)? (Source)
A: Your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. Under Texas’ 51% bar rule, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault for an accident in Hays County, you cannot recover any damages from the other party. Evidence (photos, witnesses, logs, vehicle data) is critical to keep fault fairly apportioned.
Q: What should I do immediately after a car crash in Hays County? (Source)
A: Seek medical care, call local law enforcement (Hays County Sheriff’s Office or local police in San Marcos/Kyle/Buda) to file an official report, gather evidence like photos and witness information, notify your insurer, and avoid giving recorded statements to any insurer before consulting with counsel.
Q: Can I get probation if charged with a crime in Hays County? (Source)
A: Eligibility for probation in Hays County depends on the specific charge, your criminal history, and the policies of the local courts and District Attorney’s Office. Counsel evaluates options like deferred adjudication and negotiated pleas to minimize jail exposure.
Q: What is the process for a personal injury claim in Hays County? (Source)
A: It typically involves seeking immediate medical care, investigating liability and available insurance, developing evidence of your injuries and damages, submitting a demand package to the insurer, negotiating a settlement, and potentially filing a lawsuit if negotiations fail, leading to discovery, mediation, and possibly trial in Hays County courts.
Q: What if law enforcement searched me or my property without probable cause in Hays County? (Source)
A: “Probable cause” is the legal threshold police must meet to conduct a search or make an arrest. If police in Hays County acted without probable cause, any evidence found might be suppressed, potentially leading to a dismissal of charges. Our attorneys will challenge illegal searches and seizures to protect your constitutional rights.
Q: How do contingency fees work for personal injury cases? (Source)
A: For personal injury cases, our fee is a percentage of the recovery and is only due if we successfully recover money for you. This means you do not pay any upfront legal fees. The agreement outlines the percentage and how case expenses are handled.

Immediate Help. FAST WINS.

When a legal emergency strikes in Hays County, you need powerful, proven advocacy. We are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, ready to stand with you. Our dedication to justice, combined with our deep legal knowledge and comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape in Hays County and across Texas, makes us your strongest ally.

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION by calling us at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) or visit our website at attorney911.com to fill out our contact form. We are here to provide the immediate, aggressive, and professional help you deserve.