Protecting Grayson County: Your Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Here in Grayson County, we understand that life can present unexpected challenges, from unforeseen accidents on our busy roadways to navigating complex legal accusations. When these “legal emergencies” arise, knowing where to turn for immediate, aggressive, and professional help can make all the difference. At Attorney911, The Manginello Law Firm, we are dedicated to protecting the injured and fighting for the rights of defendants across Texas, and that commitment extends wholeheartedly to the communities and families of Grayson County.
Our approach is built on a foundation of deep legal expertise, an insider’s understanding of how insurance companies operate, and a relentless dedication to our clients. We know the roads, the people, and the distinct needs of North Texas, and we bring our proven track record of success to every case we handle. We believe that when you’re facing a legal emergency, you deserve advocates who are not only skilled in the courtroom but who also genuinely care about your future.
Your Advocates in Grayson County: Who We Are
As Legal Emergency Lawyers™, our mission is clear: to provide timely and effective legal solutions when you need them most. Our firm, founded by Ralph Manginello, has been serving Texans since 2001, building a reputation for aggressive representation and compassionate client care. While our physical offices are located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our reach and dedication cover every corner of Texas, including the vibrant communities within Grayson County.
Ralph Manginello: Leading the Charge for Justice
Ralph Manginello, our Managing Partner, is the driving force behind Attorney911. A native New Yorker who moved to Texas at age five, Ralph grew up in Houston’s Memorial area and has deep roots in the state. He brings decades of legal experience, having been admitted to the Texas State Bar in 1998, as well as the New York State Bar Association. His federal court experience in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, underscores his capability to handle complex cases at all levels.
Ralph’s journey to law was driven by a genuine passion for helping people. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in Journalism and earning his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston, he opened his own personal injury law firm in 2001. His professional memberships include the Houston Bar Association and the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), signaling his elite capabilities in criminal defense, which are critical for many of the legal issues faced by individuals in Grayson County.
Ralph’s personal story, from his time at Cheshire Academy where he graduated with honors and was a starting point guard on a championship team, to his current dedication to his family – wife Kelly Hunsicker and children RJ, Maverick, and Mia – highlights the discipline and commitment he brings to his professional life. He deeply believes that those suffering from a legal emergency deserve immediate, aggressive, and professional help from someone they can trust.
Lupe Peña: Leveraging Insider Knowledge for Our Clients
Associate Attorney Lupe Peña provides an invaluable strategic advantage to our clients. As a 3rd generation Texan whose roots tie back to the historic King Ranch, Lupe was born and raised in Sugar Land and continues to reside in the area with his family. 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 was admitted to the Texas State Bar in 2012. He also shares federal court experience in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, with Ralph.
One of Lupe’s most significant differentiators is his unique professional journey. Before joining the plaintiff’s side, he worked for a number of years at a national defense firm. This experience provided him firsthand insight into “how large insurance companies value claims” and the tactics they employ to minimize payouts. Now, he uses this insider knowledge to our clients’ advantage, having “recovered millions for his clients” in cases involving wrongful death, dram shop, trucking accidents, and car crashes. His fluent Spanish also allows us to effectively serve the diverse Hispanic market across Texas.
Lupe is a skilled negotiator and trial attorney, known for his willingness to “outwork, outsmart and outfight the other side.” He ensures clients are informed at every stage, bringing a “unique and practical skill set to every case.” His background allows us to anticipate and counter the strategies of powerful insurance companies, making him an indispensable asset for clients in Grayson County.
Our Approach to Legal Emergencies in Grayson County
We believe in a client-centric approach that combines aggressive advocacy with transparent communication. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means: “We don’t get paid unless we win your case.” This commitment ensures that our clients, regardless of their financial situation, have access to high-quality legal representation when they need it most. Our primary message is unwavering: “We protect the injured and fight for the rights of defendants.”
We know that legal issues can be incredibly daunting, often striking at the most vulnerable moments. Whether it’s the aftermath of a devastating car accident on US-75, a serious industrial incident, or facing criminal charges in the Grayson County courts, we are here to provide “Immediate help. FAST WINS.” Our team is ready to listen, strategize, and mobilize on your behalf.
Here in Grayson County, the blend of agricultural roots, growing urban centers like Sherman and Denison, and significant transportation corridors creates a unique legal landscape. Our goal is to ensure that residents facing legal challenges have access to the same high level of expert representation typically found in major metropolitan areas.
Selected Results & Proof
- Multi-Million Dollar Settlement: Recovery for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss from a logging accident.
- Millions Recovered: For families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases.
- Significant Cash Settlement: Secured for a maritime worker who injured his back due to insufficient assistance while lifting cargo.
- BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: Our firm was one of the few in Texas involved in this complex, large-scale industrial accident litigation.
- DWI Dismissals: Successfully achieved dismissals in multiple DWI cases, demonstrating expertise in challenging breath test results, police procedure, and video evidence.
- Drug Charges Reduced: Weaknesses identified in a case led to deferred adjudication for a client initially facing 5-99 years, resulting in no jail time and eventual dismissal.
- Client Testimonial: “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.
Personal Injury Practice Areas Serving Grayson County
Life in Grayson County, while often tranquil, is not without its risks. The intersections of agricultural work, local commerce, and major transportation lines can sadly lead to accidents and injuries. When someone else’s negligence causes you harm, you have the right to seek justice and compensation. We have extensive experience in a wide range of personal injury matters, and we are ready to advocate for you.
Car Accidents in Grayson County
Car accidents are a stark reality on our roads, from the bustling US-75 corridor connecting Dallas to Oklahoma to the quieter state highways and county roads that crisscross Grayson County. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Grayson County experienced 1,123 traffic crashes in 2022, resulting in 11 fatalities and 47 serious injuries. [Source: TxDOT Crash Records Information System (CRIS) Annual Report 2022, accessed via TxDOT.gov] Many of these incidents occur on main arteries such as US-75 near Sherman and Denison, and on State Highway 289.
When you’re involved in a car accident, insurance companies often prioritize their profits over your recovery. We know their playbook because our team includes a former insurance defense attorney, Lupe Peña, who understands how they try to minimize claims. We are skilled in negotiating with insurance companies from a position of strength, leveraging a broad network of experts—including medical care providers and accident reconstructionists—to build an unassailable case. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we will not hesitate to take your case to trial, as we have done successfully in countless instances, including multi-million dollar settlements.
We handle all types of car accident cases, addressing concerns from property damage and medical bills to lost wages and compensation for pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision on FM 120 or near Lake Texoma, we are here to offer immediate assistance.
18-Wheeler & Big Rig Accidents
The major corridors running through Grayson County, notably US-75 and State Highway 289, see a significant volume of commercial truck traffic. These massive vehicles, while vital for commerce, pose a serious threat when accidents occur. Trucking accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries or wrongful death due to the sheer size and weight differential compared to passenger vehicles.
Cases involving 18-wheelers are inherently complex, governed by a blend of state and federal regulations, including those from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Investigating these accidents requires specialized knowledge to secure critical evidence such as truck maintenance records, driver logs, electronic logging device (ELD) data, and cell phone records. Our team is adept at navigating the intricate commercial insurance policies that cover these vehicles and consistently recovers millions of dollars for victims and their families in trucking-related wrongful death cases. We work with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to meticulously document every aspect of your claim, ensuring that all factors, including lost earning capacity and long-term medical needs, are thoroughly addressed.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists enjoy the open roads of Grayson County, from scenic routes around Lake Texoma to country roads. However, they are also highly vulnerable in traffic accidents. While motorcyclists have the same rights as any other driver, they often face unfair biases, with drivers claiming they “didn’t see” the motorcycle. Such excuses are unacceptable.
Motorcycle accidents frequently result in severe injuries, including road rash, closed head injuries, brain or spinal cord injuries, limb loss, and even wrongful death. Texas law requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear a helmet unless they are over 21 and have completed an approved motorcycle operator training course or are covered by an applicable health insurance plan. [Source: Texas Transportation Code § 661.002, accessed via Texas Legislature Online]. Even with proper safety gear, the impact can be devastating.
Our aggressive personal injury lawyers hold negligent drivers responsible, relentlessly pursuing full and fair compensation for property damage, lost income, future wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. We ensure that your rights as a motorcyclist are protected.
Offshore Injuries & Maritime Law
While Grayson County is inland, many of its residents may work in Texas’s robust maritime and oil and gas industries along the Gulf Coast. If you are a deckhand, seaman, oilfield services worker, or rig hand injured on a ship, oil rig, or other offshore platform, you are often covered by specific federal maritime laws, not traditional workers’ compensation.
These laws include the Jones Act, which protects seamen injured due to employer negligence; the Death on the High Seas Act for wrongful death claims occurring far from shore; and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act for dockworkers and other harbor employees. Navigating these complex legal frameworks requires specialized expertise. We have successfully resolved numerous offshore injury cases, securing significant settlements for clients injured due to back injuries from improper lifting, equipment malfunctions, or other unsafe conditions. We collaborate with an extensive network of nurses, investigators, life care planners, and safety experts to build powerful cases against even the largest international industrial companies.
Workers’ Compensation
If you are injured on the job in Grayson County, the Texas workers’ compensation system can be complex and often challenging to navigate alone. Employers in Texas have the option to subscribe to workers’ compensation insurance or to “opt out” and become “non-subscribers.” This distinction significantly impacts your rights and ability to recover compensation.
If your employer is a non-subscriber, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against them directly. Even with traditional workers’ compensation, benefit refusal is a common issue, and having an experienced attorney can mean the difference between receiving the benefits you deserve and battling alone. We ensure that injured workers notify their employers promptly, seek necessary medical treatment, and document the workplace causation of their injuries to meet all crucial deadlines. We have recovered multi-million dollar settlements for workplace injuries, such as a brain injury with vision loss from a logging accident, demonstrating our commitment to securing maximum compensation for severely injured workers.
Construction Accidents
Grayson County, like much of North Texas, experiences continuous growth and development, bringing numerous construction projects. Unfortunately, these sites can be hazardous environments. While construction workers are generally entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for on-the-job injuries, it’s crucial to understand that additional avenues for compensation may exist.
If you were injured due to a crane accident, a fall from heights, scaffolding collapse, or a forklift incident, you cannot typically sue your employer or a coworker. However, construction sites often involve multiple companies, and a third party (such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner) may be responsible for your injury. When a third party is at fault, you can file a personal injury claim for damages far beyond standard workers’ compensation benefits. We meticulously investigate these complex cases to identify all responsible parties and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Refinery & Plant Accidents
While Grayson County may not host large-scale refineries like those on the Texas Gulf Coast, it is part of a state with significant industrial presence. The lessons learned from tragedies like the BP Texas City refinery explosion in 2005, where 15 workers died and 180 were injured, underscore the critical need for accountability when cost-cutting leads to catastrophic consequences. Our firm was one of the few in Texas involved in that landmark litigation, giving us unparalleled insight into holding large industrial corporations responsible.
Even smaller industrial plants, manufacturing facilities, or chemical processing operations within or near Grayson County can pose serious risks. Workers deserve protection and compensation when negligence leads to injury. We are prepared to provide immediate legal assistance against even the largest industrial companies, navigating complex litigation to ensure negligent parties are held accountable. If you’ve been injured in an on-the-job industrial accident, we are here to help you understand your legal rights.
Toxic Tort Claims
Exposure to toxic chemicals can have devastating, long-term health consequences, often taking years to manifest. Whether it’s water contamination, black mold exposure, defective drugs, or chemical spills, if you’ve been harmed due to another party’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation. These are known as toxic tort claims.
Such cases can be highly complex, given the challenges in proving causation and linking a specific exposure to a latent illness. We emphasize getting immediate medical care and then work diligently to assess both your immediate and future costs, losses, and expenses to ensure they are fully considered in your claim. We handle both individual and class action toxic tort claims, ensuring that powerful polluters and negligent corporations are held responsible for the harm they cause.
Wrongful Death Claims
The sudden and tragic loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is an unbearable burden. In Grayson County, as anywhere else, families facing such a profound loss need compassionate yet aggressive legal support. Wrongful death claims can arise from a wide range of incidents, including drunk driving accidents on US-75, devastating 18-wheeler collisions, motorcycle accidents, or even medical malpractice.
During such a difficult time, we handle every aspect of the legal claim, allowing grieving families to focus on healing. We work with economists and other experts to meticulously calculate the financial impact of your loved one’s death, considering not only lost wages but also the profound loss of companionship, mental anguish, and all other losses endured. It is crucial to act quickly after a wrongful death to preserve evidence, identify witnesses, and protect the integrity of the accident scene. Our team is here to guide you through this challenging process with empathy and determination.
Criminal Defense in Grayson County
Facing criminal charges in Grayson County—whether in the District Courts or Justice Courts—can be a life-altering experience. A conviction can lead to severe penalties, including fines, jail time, and a lasting criminal record that impacts employment, housing, and personal relationships. When your freedom and future are on the line, you need a powerful defense team.
DWI/DUI Defense in Grayson County
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charges are serious in Texas, and Grayson County law enforcement actively patrols for impaired drivers. Even a first-time DWI can carry significant penalties, including jail time, hefty fines, driver’s license suspension, and mandatory surcharges. Enhanced penalties apply in Texas for BAC levels of 0.15 or higher, for repeated offenses, or if a child passenger is in the vehicle.
We have successfully handled hundreds of DWI/DUI cases across Texas, applying broad defense tactics to challenge the prosecution’s evidence. Our experience includes scrutinizing breathalyzer maintenance records, exposing flaws in police procedures, and utilizing video evidence to demonstrate a client’s sobriety, leading to charges being dismissed. We work to prevent driver’s license suspensions and fight aggressively for your rights, even if you refused a breath test. Navigating the bond process, arraignments, and potential diversion programs in the Grayson County court system requires experienced counsel, and we are here to provide that.
Comprehensive Criminal Defense
Beyond DWI, we offer a comprehensive range of criminal defense services for individuals facing charges in Grayson County. We understand that facing criminal accusations, from drug possession to assault, can feel overwhelming. Our firm challenges charges using strategies centered on probable cause, illegal search and seizure, and other constitutional protections.
We have a proven track record of fighting drug charges (including possession, trafficking, and manufacturing of substances like marijuana, cocaine, and ecstasy), working to secure favorable outcomes such as deferred adjudication – as seen in a case where our client, initially facing 5-99 years, avoided jail time and had their charges dismissed. We also defend against:
- Assault Crimes, including Assault Family Violence and Child Abuse
- Theft Crimes
- Fraud and Firearms Offenses
- Homicide/Murder and Kidnapping
- Internet Crimes and Sexual Assault
- Many other felony and misdemeanor charges
We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your specific situation and outline a powerful defense strategy tailored to the Grayson County legal landscape.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Grayson County Legal Emergency?
When you or a loved one faces a legal crisis in Grayson County, the choice of your legal representation is paramount. We believe our firm offers distinct advantages that set us apart:
Insider Advantage Against Insurance Companies
Lupe Peña’s years working at a national defense firm mean we understand the inner workings of insurance companies. We know how they calculate claim “value,” the tactics they use to delay and deny, and the arguments they prepare. This insider knowledge allows us to anticipate their moves, negotiate from a position of strength, and force them to make fair offers, or be ready to outfight them in court.
Unparalleled Complex Litigation Experience
Our firm has a demonstrated history of handling some of the most complex legal battles, including involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. This experience, coupled with our expertise in federal court, maritime law (Jones Act, Longshore Act, D.O.H.S.A.), and commercial trucking specialized litigation, positions us to tackle challenging cases that other firms might shy away from. For the communities of Grayson County, this means we are equipped to handle intricate industrial injury claims or multi-district litigation with the same rigor and expertise as major metropolitan areas.
Texas-Specific Geographic and Legal Mastery
While our offices are strategically located in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our service area is statewide across Texas. We are intimately familiar with Texas-specific laws such as the Modified Comparative Fault (51% Bar Rule), Dram Shop Liability, and the nuances of the Workers’ Comp Opt-Out system. Our attorneys regularly appear in courts across the state, bringing a deep understanding of local legal venues and procedures. We understand that the legal landscape in Grayson County, including its courts and local ordinances, requires a tailored approach.
Bilingual Capability for Diverse Communities
Texas is a diverse state, and effective communication is key to successful legal representation. Lupe Peña’s fluency in Spanish ensures that our Hispanic clients across Grayson County and beyond receive clear, comprehensive legal guidance in their preferred language.
Proven Results and Relentless Advocacy
Ultimately, our commitment is to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients. Our track record, including multi-million dollar settlements, criminal dismissals, and significant victories in complex cases, speaks for itself. We are aggressive, professional, and dedicated to achieving “FAST WINS” for those we represent. Our passion for helping people drives every action we take.
Frequently Asked Questions
When facing a legal emergency, you likely have many questions. Here are some of the most common inquiries we receive:
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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? | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWdADo3DHRI] -
Q: What should I know after a car crash?
A: Seek medical care, call police, gather evidence, notify insurers, and avoid recorded statements before counsel. Serious cases (big‑rigs/semis) need early spoliation and policy limit discovery. [Source: The Victim’s Guide to Car Crash Compensation | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLbNemS_YlM] -
Q: What is UM/UIM and when do I use it?
A: Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage pays when the at‑fault driver has no/insufficient insurance. Prompt notice, medical proof, and policy compliance are required; it often runs alongside claims against the at‑fault driver. [Source: Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists Explained (with Leonor Olivo) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8] -
Q: What is probable cause in criminal cases?
A: It’s the legal threshold police must meet to arrest or get a warrant. Weak probable cause can support suppression and dismissal motions. [Source: The Defendant’s Guide to Probable Cause | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPqiwrLDDgw] -
Q: Can I sue if my employer denies workers’ comp?
A: In Texas non‑subscriber situations, you may bring a personal injury claim against an employer that opted out of workers’ comp. Third‑party claims can also stack above comp benefits when a non‑employer caused the harm. [Source: Can I Sue My Employer for Denying Workers’ Comp? | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjlIBTJvXTM] -
Q: Do I have a good case?
A: Strong cases have clear fault, consistent medical proof, honest histories, and damages that are well‑documented. Early guidance helps avoid missteps that weaken claims. [Source: Do I Have a Good Case? | https://www.youtube.com/watch?=j-PMMP5Jims] -
Q: How do contingency fees work?
A: The fee is a percentage of the recovery and is due only if money is recovered. The agreement explains the percentage and responsibility for case expenses. [Source: How Do Contingency Fees Work? | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc]
Contact Your Legal Emergency Lawyers™ in Grayson County Today
When a legal emergency strikes in Grayson County, you need powerful advocates by your side—advocates who understand the intricacies of Texas law, the local nuances, and the tactics of the opposition. At Attorney911, The Manginello Law Firm, we are your Legal Emergency Lawyers™, dedicated to providing immediate, aggressive, and professional help.
We are ready to listen to your story, assess your situation, and outline a clear path forward. Don’t face your legal emergency alone.
SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION by calling us at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) or by visiting our website at https://attorney911.com. We are here to protect your rights and fight for the justice you deserve.

