Expert Legal Representation in Bastrop County: Your Legal Emergency Lawyers™

Navigating a personal injury claim or criminal defense case can be an overwhelming experience, especially when dealing with the complexities of the Texas legal system. In Bastrop County, when faced with unexpected legal challenges, you need a legal team that understands the local landscape while bringing formidable statewide and even federal litigation experience. We are Attorney911, The Manginello Law Firm, and we are dedicated to providing immediate, aggressive, and professional help for your legal emergency.

We protect the injured and fight for the rights of defendants throughout Texas, including our neighbors and communities here in Bastrop County. We understand the unique concerns that arise from incidents on our local roads, workplaces, and within our justice system. Our commitment is to ensure you receive the trusted advocacy you deserve, drawing upon our extensive experience to secure fast wins and fair outcomes.

Understanding Our Commitment to Bastrop County Residents

While our offices are strategically located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our service extends to every corner of Texas where legal emergencies arise, encompassing Bastrop County. We are deeply familiar with the statutes and local practices that affect cases here, whether it’s navigating the Bastrop County Courthouse or understanding the nuances of local law enforcement procedures. Our firm was built on the principle that people suffering from a legal emergency should receive immediate, aggressive, and professional help from someone they can trust. That principle holds true for every client we serve, including those from Elgin, Smithville, and the broader Bastrop County area.

We operate on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases: “We don’t get paid unless we win your case.” This commitment underscores our dedication to your success and ensures that high-quality legal representation is accessible when you need it most. For criminal defense, we offer transparent billing practices, always prioritizing clear communication about costs and strategy from your very first free consultation.

Meet Our Experienced Legal Emergency Lawyers™

Our firm’s strength lies in the combined experience and unique insights of our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña. Their diverse backgrounds provide our clients with a distinct advantage, honed through years of practice in challenging legal environments.

Ralph Manginello: Your Federal Court and Complex Litigation Advocate

Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, brings over two decades of legal experience to every case he handles. A practicing attorney since 1998, Ralph founded his own personal injury law firm in 2001 with a passion for helping people. Originally from New York, he moved to Texas at age five and grew up in the Memorial area of Houston, attending Hunters Creek Elementary, Awty International School, and Memorial High School. His educational journey also included Cheshire Academy in Connecticut, where he graduated with honors and was a starting point guard on the 1989 New England Prep School championship team. He will be inducted into the Cheshire Academy Hall of Fame in 2021—a testament to his dedication and achievement.

Ralph earned his B.A. in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin and his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston. 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. His professional memberships include the Houston Bar Association and the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), signaling his elite criminal defense capabilities.

Ralph’s federal court experience is invaluable for complex litigation, and our firm’s involvement in the significant BP Texas City explosion litigation showcases our capacity to tackle the largest and most challenging cases. His deep Houston roots and extensive experience mean he understands the intricate legal landscape of Texas, making him a formidable advocate for our clients in Bastrop County and beyond. Ralph, along with his wife Kelly Hunsicker and children RJ, Maverick, and Mia, enjoys family time, basketball, golf, running, and working out when not fighting for justice.

Lupe Peña: Leveraging Insider Insurance Knowledge for Your Benefit

Associate attorney Lupe Peña brings a unique and practical skill set to Attorney911, honed by years of experience on both sides of the courtroom. A third-generation Texan with roots tied to the historic King Ranch, Lupe was born and raised in Sugar Land and continues to reside in the area with his family. He earned his B.B.A. in International Business from Saint Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, and his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston. He has been licensed in Texas since 2012 and is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas.

Before embarking on his legal career, Lupe spent several years in finance. Crucially, he then worked for a number of years at a national defense firm, gaining firsthand insight into how large insurance companies value claims and formulate their defense strategies. This insider knowledge is a critical differentiator for our clients, allowing us to anticipate and counter the tactics used by insurance companies to minimize payouts.

Lupe later transitioned to the plaintiff’s side, where he has since recovered millions for his clients in cases involving wrongful death, dram shop liability, trucking accidents, and car crashes. Fluent in Spanish, Lupe also provides invaluable assistance to our Hispanic clients, ensuring comprehensive communication and culturally sensitive representation. When not vigorously representing clients or spending time with his family, Lupe enjoys a round of golf. His willingness to “outwork, outsmart, and outfight the other side” ensures our clients receive tenacious advocacy at every stage of their case.

Our Comprehensive Practice Areas Serving Bastrop County

At Attorney911, we are your Legal Emergency Lawyers™, offering expert representation across a wide spectrum of personal injury and criminal defense matters. Our deep understanding of Texas law and our aggressive approach ensure that the residents of Bastrop County have access to top-tier legal services, no matter the complexity of their case.

Personal Injury Representation in Bastrop County

When you or a loved one suffers an injury due due to someone else’s negligence, the physical, emotional, and financial burdens can be immense. We fight to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.

Car Accidents in Bastrop County

Bastrop County, with its growing population and major transportation arteries like US 290 and State Highway 71, unfortunately sees its share of car accidents. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Bastrop County experienced 2,674 traffic accidents in 2022, resulting in 15 fatalities and 47 serious injuries. These statistics, a consistent concern on local roads from downtown Bastrop to the more rural stretches, highlight the very real dangers drivers face daily. Our firm is experienced in negotiating with insurance companies from a position of strength, understanding that insurers prioritize their profits over your fair compensation. We work with a broad network of experts to build a strong case, ready to litigate in court if a fair settlement is not offered. Our experience includes handling multi-million dollar cases, such as a client whose leg injury from a car accident led to infection and partial amputation, ultimately settling in the millions.

18-Wheeler & Big Rig Accidents on Bastrop County Roads

The transport of goods through Bastrop County’s highways means our roads are often shared with large commercial trucks. Truck accidents are inherently more complex due to severe injuries, intricate state and federal regulations (such as those from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – FMCSA), and the involvement of large commercial insurance policies. In 2022, TxDOT reported 171 commercial motor vehicle crashes within Bastrop County, with a disproportionate number resulting in serious injury or fatalities. We have recovered millions in wrongful death cases related to trucking accidents. Our team meticulously examines evidence such as maintenance records, driving logs, cell phone records, and uses accident reconstruction experts to build an irrefutable case against negligent trucking companies. We address critical questions regarding medical bills, lost wages, and pain, ensuring you receive maximum compensation.

Motorcycle Accidents in Bastrop County

Bastrop County offers scenic routes popular with motorcyclists, but this also means heightened risks, often due to negligent drivers failing to see motorcyclists. TxDOT data for 2022 shows 62 motorcycle crashes in Bastrop County, resulting in 3 fatalities and 10 serious injuries. We firmly assert that motorcyclists have equal rights on the road, and “I didn’t see them” is never an excuse. We combat common biases against motorcyclists and hold negligent drivers responsible. Our focus is on securing comprehensive compensation for injuries like road rash, closed head injuries, brain or spinal injuries, limb loss, and in the tragic event of wrongful death. In Texas, motorcyclists over 21 are not required to wear helmets if they have completed a motorcycle safety course or are covered by an adequate medical insurance plan. Our aggressive approach aims to recover full and fair compensation for all damages, including property damage, lost income, and medical rehabilitation.

Workers’ Compensation & Construction Accidents in Bastrop County

Bastrop County’s economic growth inevitably leads to more construction projects and expanding businesses, which in turn means an increased risk of workplace injuries. The Texas workers’ compensation system, while designed to protect workers, is complex and can often be unfair. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas saw 176 fatalities in the private construction industry in 2022 – a sobering reminder of the dangers inherent in this sector. Our firm has achieved multi-million dollar settlements for workplace injuries, including a case where a logging accident resulted in a brain injury and vision loss for our client.

Crucially, in construction accidents, we explore third-party injury claims. While you generally cannot sue your employer directly in a workers’ comp situation, construction sites often involve multiple companies. If a third party, not your employer or a co-worker, caused your injury, you could be entitled to additional personal injury compensation beyond workers’ comp benefits. This applies to various incidents like crane accidents, forklift accidents, falls from heights, or scaffolding collapses. We investigate thoroughly to determine who was truly at fault and pursue all available avenues for maximum recovery.

Refinery & Plant Accidents, and Toxic Tort Claims

While Bastrop County itself is not a primary hub for large-scale refineries or chemical plants, its proximity to industrial corridors in nearby regions means residents may still be affected by or work in these environments. Our firm is uniquely qualified here, having been one of the few firms in Texas involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. This experience demonstrated our capability to confront even the largest international industrial companies on behalf of injured workers. We believe negligent cost-cutting at plants and refineries must be met with full accountability and compensation for employees.

Similarly, toxic tort claims, which involve injuries from exposure to toxic chemicals, can occur anywhere. Whether it’s water contamination, black mold, defective drugs, or chemical exposure, these cases are complex due to latent effects and causation challenges. We handle both individual and class action toxic tort claims, always prioritizing immediate medical care and ensuring all immediate and future costs are considered in your demand for compensation.

Offshore Injuries & Maritime Law

While Bastrop County is inland, many Texans from all walks of life work in the Gulf Coast maritime industry, including deck hands, first mates, captains, seaman, oilfield services workers, and rig hands. The laws governing these injuries are particularly complex, falling under specialized federal acts like the Jones Act, the Death on the High Seas Act, and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. We have resolved many offshore injury cases, including a significant cash settlement for a client who injured his back lifting cargo on a ship due to inadequate assistance. If you are an offshore worker from Bastrop County and have been injured, it is crucial to contact an attorney before settling with an employer or insurance company.

Wrongful Death Claims in Bastrop County

The loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is a profound tragedy. In Bastrop County, an average of 15 fatalities annually are reported on our roads, a significant number of which are preventable. During such a difficult time, families need compassionate yet aggressive legal representation. Our attorneys handle every aspect of the legal claim, allowing grieving families to focus on healing. We work with economists and other experts to develop a comprehensive picture of the financial and emotional impact, considering pain and suffering, loss of relationship, lost wages, and all other losses, to secure justice for your family. Acts of negligence leading to wrongful death can include drunk driving accidents, motorcycle collisions, 18-wheeler crashes, and even medical malpractice.

Insurance Claims

A core tenet of our firm is understanding the insurance industry from the inside out. With Lupe Peña’s background working for a national defense firm, we have unparalleled insight into how insurance companies operate. They make billions by collecting premiums and then, too often, attempt to minimize payouts. We stand ready to challenge bad faith practices and ensure you receive the full and fair compensation outlined in your policy, whether for personal injury or property damage claims.

Criminal Defense in Bastrop County

Facing criminal charges in Bastrop County can be a life-altering event. Your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line. We provide a robust defense, fighting tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

DWI/DUI Defense in Bastrop County

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges are serious in Texas, with significant penalties that can impact your life for years. In 2022, Bastrop County recorded 116 DUI/DWI arrests, indicating a consistent pattern of enforcement by local law enforcement agencies including the Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office and the local police departments of Bastrop, Elgin, and Smithville. We have handled hundreds of DUI/DWI cases, employing a broad range of defense tactics to prevent license suspension and fight charges, even if you refused a breath test. Our past successes include cases dismissed due to breathalyzer maintenance failures, lack of proper testing, and inconsistencies in field sobriety test videos. We thoroughly investigate every aspect of your arrest, from probable cause to constitutional challenges, ensuring your rights are aggressively defended in the Bastrop County courts.

Comprehensive Criminal Defense for Bastrop County Residents

Beyond DWI, we offer comprehensive criminal defense services for a wide array of charges. We understand that suddenly facing criminal allegations can leave you feeling helpless. However, a conviction is far from inevitable. Our strategies include challenging probable cause, illegal search and seizure, and other constitutional violations.

We have a strong track record fighting drug charges, including possession of marijuana, cocaine, crystal meth, heroin, and ecstasy, as well as drug trafficking and manufacturing. In one significant case, we secured deferred adjudication for a client facing 5 to 99 years in jail after police found drugs through a warrantless entry. Other common criminal defense cases we handle include:

Assault Crimes: Assault Family Violence, Child Abuse, Domestic Violence
Theft Crimes: Petty theft, grand theft, fraud
Firearms Offenses
Homicide-Murder
Internet Crimes
Kidnapping
Expunctions: Clearing your record when eligible
Fake I.D. or False Impersonation
Driving with an Invalid License
Public Intoxication
and more.

No matter the charge, we bring significant experience and tenacious advocacy to protect your freedom and future in the Bastrop County justice system.

Our Case History & Proven Results

Our firm’s reputation is built on a strong foundation of successful outcomes and a relentless pursuit of justice for our clients.

Multi-Million Dollar Settlements

Logging Accident: We recovered a multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss after a log was dropped on him at a logging company.
Car Accident Leading to Amputation: In a complex case, our client’s leg injury from a car accident developed staff infections, leading to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions due to our persistent advocacy.
Trucking Wrongful Death: Our firm has helped families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation.
Maritime Injury: We secured a significant cash settlement for a client who injured his back lifting cargo on a ship, demonstrating our ability to prove negligence in complex maritime environments.

Significant Case Victories

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: Our firm was one of the few in Texas involved in this monumental litigation, holding accountable one of the world’s largest companies for a devastating industrial disaster.
Drug Charges Dismissal: In a case where police entered our client’s home without a warrant and found a large quantity of illegal drugs, we secured a deferred adjudication. Our client faced no jail time, with charges dismissed upon following court rules, preventing a potential 5-to-99-year sentence.

Specific Criminal Case Outcomes

DWI Dismissal 1: Charges dismissed for a client charged with drunk driving after our investigation revealed improper maintenance of breathalyzer machines by a police department employee.
DWI Dismissal 2: Case dismissed on the day of trial for a client involved in a rollover accident, where there was no breath or blood test, no notation of intoxication by emergency staff, and missing nurse’s notes from the hospital.
DWI Dismissal 3: Charges dismissed for a client whose primary evidence was a video field sobriety test, as we successfully argued the client did not appear drunk in the video.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Legal Emergency in Bastrop County?

We offer distinct advantages that set us apart and directly benefit our Bastrop County clients:

Insider Insurance Knowledge: Lupe Peña’s background as a defense attorney provides a unique understanding of how insurance companies strategize, value claims, and attempt to minimize payouts. We leverage this knowledge to fight for your maximum compensation.
Complex Litigation Experience: From our involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation to handling intricate maritime and commercial trucking cases, we have a proven track record in complex legal battles against powerful entities. Ralph Manginello’s federal court and HCCLA experience further amplify this capability.
Texas-Specific Mastery: With offices across Texas and a deep understanding of state and local laws, we are well-equipped to handle cases specific to the unique legal landscape of Bastrop County, from local court procedures to relevant traffic laws.
Bilingual Capability: Lupe Peña’s fluency in Spanish ensures that our Hispanic clients in Bastrop County receive clear, comprehensive, and culturally sensitive legal representation.
Proven Track Record: Our history of multi-million dollar settlements and successful criminal defense outcomes speaks to our aggressive advocacy and commitment to obtaining the best possible results for our clients.

Your Next Step: Schedule a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one in Bastrop County is facing a personal injury or criminal defense emergency, time is often of the essence. Critical evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade, and deadlines can be missed. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation, assess your legal options, and provide clear guidance on the path forward.

Do not navigate these challenging times alone. Our team at Attorney911, your Legal Emergency Lawyers™, is ready to provide the immediate, aggressive, and professional help you need. We are committed to protecting your rights and fighting for your future.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) or click the “SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION” button below.

Frequently Asked Questions for Bastrop County Residents

We believe in empowering our clients with clear information. Here are answers to some common questions we receive, drawing upon our extensive video library:

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 include car, 18-wheeler, motorcycle, construction, refinery/plant, offshore/maritime incidents, and toxic exposures. Attorney911 handles these cases on contingency and builds claims with experts; if insurers won’t deal fairly, cases are prepared for trial. Source: What Exactly Is a Personal Injury?
Q: What should I know after a car crash in Bastrop County?
A: After a car crash, seek medical care, call law enforcement to ensure an official report is filed in Bastrop County, gather evidence (photos, witness info), notify your own insurer, and avoid giving recorded statements to the other party’s insurer before speaking with an attorney. For serious cases, early legal guidance is crucial to preserve evidence and policy limits. Source: The Victim’s Guide to Car Crash Compensation
Q: What is “probable cause” in criminal cases in Bastrop County?
A: Probable cause is the legal threshold police must meet to arrest you or obtain a warrant. Without sufficient probable cause, any evidence obtained illegally may be suppressed, potentially leading to the dismissal of charges in Bastrop County courts. Our team examines every arrest for constitutional challenges. Source: The Defendant’s Guide to Probable Cause
Q: Can I sue my employer if they denied my workers’ comp claim in Texas?
A: In Texas, if your employer does not subscribe to workers’ compensation coverage, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them directly. Additionally, if a third party (not your direct employer or a co-worker) caused your injury, you might have a personal injury claim for compensation beyond any workers’ comp benefits. Source: Can I Sue My Employer for Denying Workers’ Comp?
Q: How do contingency fees work for personal injury cases?
A: With a contingency fee arrangement, our fee is a percentage of the final recovery and is only due if we successfully secure compensation for you. This means you do not pay upfront legal fees, making expert legal representation accessible when you are most vulnerable. The specific terms and responsibility for case expenses are clearly outlined in our fee agreement. Source: How Do Contingency Fees Work?