Navigating Legal Emergencies in Shelby County, Texas: Your Trusted Advocates

For residents and businesses across Shelby County, Texas, facing a legal emergency can be overwhelming. Whether you’ve been injured in an accident, are battling criminal charges, or are navigating complex legal disputes, the need for immediate, aggressive, and professional help is paramount. At Attorney911, The Manginello Law Firm, we stand as your dedicated Legal Emergency Lawyers™, protecting the injured and fighting for the rights of defendants throughout Texas, including right here in Shelby County.

We understand the unique challenges and concerns that arise in our diverse Texan communities. From the bustling highways to the quiet rural roads, the industries that drive our economy, and the local nuances of our justice system, our firm is built on a foundation of deep Texas roots and extensive legal experience. When an unforeseen legal crisis strikes, we are here to provide the expert guidance and relentless advocacy you deserve.

Immediate Help. FAST WINS. Our Commitment to Shelby County

Our brand promise is simple yet powerful: “Immediate help. FAST WINS.” This isn’t just a tagline; it’s the core of how we operate. We know that legal emergencies don’t adhere to business hours, and swift, decisive action can dramatically impact the outcome of your case. That’s why we focus on providing responsive, strategic legal services designed to secure the most favorable results possible for our clients.

We operate on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. This commitment ensures that access to top-tier legal representation is available when you need it most, without upfront financial burden adding to your stress.

Protecting Your Rights After a Car Accident in Shelby County

Car accidents are an unfortunate reality on Texas roads, and residents of Shelby County are no exception. Whether on busy US-59, State Highway 7, or any local Shelby County road, a sudden collision can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and significant emotional distress.

Insurance companies are highly skilled at minimizing payouts. They collect billions in premiums, then deploy tactics to reduce your compensation. At Attorney911, we are experienced in negotiating with these companies from a position of strength. Our team, benefiting from invaluable insider knowledge gained from former insurance defense work, understands how insurers value claims – and how to challenge them effectively.

Understanding Car Accident Claims in Shelby County

When an accident occurs in Shelby County, critical steps following the incident can significantly impact your claim:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Your health is paramount. Prompt medical evaluation also creates an official record of your injuries.
2. Report the Accident: Always contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office or local law enforcement to ensure an official accident report is filed. This report is a crucial piece of evidence.
3. Gather Evidence: If possible, take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Exchange information with other drivers and gather contact details from witnesses.
4. Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid discussing fault at the scene or giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal counsel.
5. Contact an Attorney: Before engaging with insurance companies, contact us for a free consultation. We can help preserve your rights and guide you through the process.

We work with a broad network of experts, including medical care providers and accident reconstructionists, to build a strong case tailored to the specifics of your Shelby County accident. We will not hesitate to bring your case to trial if insurers refuse to make a fair offer of settlement. We have litigated numerous cases in court and have an excellent record of success, securing multi-million dollar outcomes for clients facing severe and complex injuries.

In Texas, our modified comparative fault rule, often called the “51% Bar Rule,” means your ability to recover 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. This makes a thorough investigation and strategic presentation of evidence crucial.

Specialized Advocacy for 18-Wheeler & Big Rig Accidents in Shelby County

The presence of major roadways in and around Shelby County means that residents may unfortunately encounter large commercial trucks. Accidents involving 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, and big rigs are often catastrophic, leading to severe injuries and a complex legal battle against well-funded trucking companies and their insurers.

These cases are uniquely challenging due as they involve state and federal regulations governing commercial vehicles. An attorney experienced in personal injury law, trucking and transportation law, and interstate commerce law is best equipped to help people injured in commercial truck accidents recover their maximum compensation.

Our team at Attorney911 is skilled at dissecting these complex cases. We understand how to obtain and examine crucial evidence such as:

• Truck maintenance records: To identify potential mechanical failures or negligence.
• Driving records and logs: Including Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data, to uncover hours-of-service violations and driver fatigue.
• Cell phone records: To determine distracted driving.
• Driver qualification files: To assess driver training and history.

We have helped numerous injured individuals and families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation. If you’ve been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Shelby County, or any of the major corridors we serve like I-10, I-45, or I-35, it’s vital to act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Comprehensive Criminal Defense in Shelby County, Texas

Facing criminal charges in Shelby County can be a terrifying and life-altering experience. Whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony, your future, your freedom, and your reputation are at stake. At Attorney911, we are aggressive advocates for your rights, providing robust criminal defense services to clients throughout Texas. Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) and his extensive federal court experience underscore our firm’s elite criminal defense capability.

We defend clients against a wide range of charges, including:

• DWI/DUI Defense: A DWI charge in Shelby County carries severe penalties, including license suspension, hefty fines, and potential jail time. We have handled hundreds of DWI/DUI cases across Texas, employing a broad range of defense tactics. Our strategies focus on challenging probable cause, the accuracy of breathalyzer tests, and field sobriety test results.

  • For instance, we’ve successfully achieved dismissals by demonstrating improper maintenance of breathalyzer machines, or by highlighting weaknesses in the state’s evidence, such as inconsistencies in police reports or video footage that contradicts claims of intoxication.

• Drug Crimes: From possession to manufacturing and trafficking, drug charges can lead to significant prison sentences. We adeptly challenge illegal search and seizure procedures, question probable cause, and leverage constitutional defenses.

• Assault Crimes: Including family violence and child abuse charges, these cases require sensitive yet aggressive legal representation.

• Theft Crimes: From petty theft to grand larceny, we build strong defenses to protect your future.

• Other Felonies and Misdemeanors: Our comprehensive criminal defense practice covers a broad spectrum of offenses, ensuring that no matter the charge, you have an experienced advocate by your side.

Securing a deferred adjudication can be a crucial victory, allowing charges to be dismissed after a probationary period, avoiding a permanent conviction. We leverage our knowledge of the Shelby County court system and Texas law to explore every available option. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your charges and outline a tailored defense strategy.

When Accidents Happen at Work: Workers’ Compensation & Construction Accidents

Shelby County’s economy includes various sectors where workplace accidents can occur. Texas’s workers’ compensation system is complex, and unfortunately, often appears unfair to the injured employee. We guide injured workers through this difficult process, working to protect benefits and defend against refusals.

The Role of Third-Party Claims in Construction Accidents

While workers’ compensation typically limits your ability to sue your employer or a co-worker directly, construction sites often involve multiple companies. If a third party, such as a negligent subcontractor or equipment manufacturer, was responsible for the conditions that led to your work injury, you may be able to file a personal injury claim for compensation beyond your workers’ compensation benefits. This distinction can be critical for maximizing recovery for accidents involving:

• Crane accidents
• Forklift accidents
• Falls from heights
• Scaffolding collapses

We investigate every construction accident in Shelby County to determine who was truly at fault and pursue all available avenues for compensation.

Refinery & Plant Accidents: Holding Negligent Parties Accountable

Texas has a significant industrial footprint, and while Shelby County may not have large refineries, residents often work in industrial sectors nearby or travel to work at plants across the state. Our firm has extensive experience handling refinery and plant accident personal injury cases. Notably, we were one of the few firms in Texas involved in the BP explosion litigation, a testament to our capability in complex industrial accident cases.

We believe that those injured due to negligent cost-cutting or other corporate actions deserve financial compensation and that negligent parties must be held accountable. Our experience prepares us to provide immediate legal assistance against even the largest industrial and refinery companies, guiding clients through complex litigation to secure justice.

Wrongful Death Claims: Compassionate Advocacy for Grieving Families

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is an unbearable tragedy. In Shelby County, as in all of Texas, families facing such a profound loss deserve empathetic and aggressive legal representation. Whether it’s from a drunk driving car accident, a catastrophic 18-wheeler collision, or a workplace fatality, our firm provides compassionate legal support during these difficult times.

We handle every aspect of your legal claim, working with economists and other experts to develop a comprehensive picture of the financial and emotional impact of your loved one’s death. This includes seeking compensation for:

• Pain and suffering of the deceased.
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and support.
• Lost wages and future earning capacity.
• Medical expenses and funeral costs.

It is crucial to act quickly in wrongful death cases to preserve evidence, identify witnesses, and protect the integrity of the accident scene.

Our Legal Team: Experience You Can Trust

Our firm’s strength lies in our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, who bring a combined wealth of experience and a client-focused approach to every case.

Ralph Manginello: Managing Partner, A Champion for Justice

Born in New York but raised in the Memorial area of Houston, Ralph Manginello has deep Texas roots and a passion for helping people. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin and South Texas College of Law Houston, Ralph founded his personal injury law firm in 2001. His two decades of practice are marked by a commitment to aggressive, professional representation.

Ralph’s credentials include:

• Admission to the Texas State Bar (1998) and the New York State Bar Association.
• Admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, enabling federal court practice for complex litigation.
• Membership in the Houston Bar Association and the prestigious Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), signaling his elite criminal defense capability.
• His firm’s involvement in the BP explosion litigation highlights his expertise in industrial accident claims.

Ralph instilled the core philosophy of Attorney911: “to make sure people suffering from a legal emergency received immediate, aggressive, and professional help from someone they could trust.”

Lupe Peña: Associate Attorney, Insurance Industry Insider

Lupe Peña, a 3rd generation Texan born and raised in Sugar Land, brings a unique and invaluable perspective to our personal injury practice. Before entering law school at South Texas College of Law Houston, Lupe gained experience in finance. Critically, after becoming licensed in Texas in 2012, he worked for a number of years at a national defense firm, gaining firsthand knowledge of how large insurance companies value claims.

This insider’s perspective allows Lupe to anticipate defense strategies, understand how insurers set reserves, and challenge lowball offers effectively. He has since recovered millions for his clients across various complex personal injury cases, including wrongful death, dram shop, trucking accidents, and car crashes. Lupe’s fluency in Spanish further enables us to connect with and serve Texas’ diverse Hispanic market.

Lupe is a skilled negotiator and trial attorney, known for being “willing to outwork, outsmart and outfight the other side,” ensuring clients are informed at every stage of their case.

Testimonials: Voices of Our Clients

We believe our clients’ experiences speak volumes about our dedication and effectiveness. Here’s what one client shared:

“After an 18-wheeler hit me, I was hurt, scared, and didn’t know what to do. After one phone call with Ralph, I knew everything was going to be OK.” — Mary F.

Frequently Asked Questions for Shelby County Residents

We understand you may have many questions during a legal emergency. Here are answers to some common inquiries:

• What exactly counts as a “personal injury”? (Source: What Exactly Is a Personal Injury?)
  A: A personal injury is harm to your body or mind resulting from someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. This includes car accidents, trucking crashes, workplace incidents, and more.
• What should I know after a car crash? (Source: The Victim’s Guide to Car Crash Compensation)
  A: Seek medical care, call the police to file a report, gather evidence, and avoid giving recorded statements to insurers without legal counsel.
• How do contingency fees work? (Source: How Do Contingency Fees Work?)
  A: For personal injury cases, our fee is a percentage of your recovery, and it’s only paid if we win your case. This structure ensures you can pursue justice without upfront costs.
• What does an offshore accident lawyer do? (Source: What Does an Offshore Accident Lawyer Do?)
  A: An offshore accident lawyer investigates incidents, applies specialized maritime laws like the Jones Act, and secures compensation for injured seamen, oilfield workers, and other maritime professionals.
• Can petty theft be expunged in Texas? (Source: How to Get a Petty Theft Misdemeanor Expungement)
  A: Some low-level theft convictions or deferred adjudications may qualify for expunction or record sealing in Texas, depending on the charge, outcome, and waiting periods. Eligibility is statute-specific and requires careful review.

Contact Your Legal Emergency Lawyers™ in Shelby County

When a legal emergency strikes in Shelby County, you need immediate, aggressive, and professional help. We are ready to provide the unwavering advocacy you need.

Contact Attorney911, The Manginello Law Firm, today.

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION by calling 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) or visiting us at attorney911.com. We protect victims like you throughout Texas.