If you have been hurt in a motor vehicle accident in Iowa, you are not alone. Across Texas, our roads witness a reportable crash every 57 seconds, leading to an average of one person injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds. These aren’t just statistics; they represent lives turned upside down, families facing uncertainty, and futures suddenly put on hold right here in Iowa. At Attorney911, led by Ralph Manginello with over 25 years of experience, we understand the profound impact an unexpected accident can have on your life and your family in Iowa. We are here to fight for you.
When a car accident strikes in Iowa, the aftermath can be disorienting and overwhelming. You might be grappling with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the relentless pressure from insurance companies. We know this journey intimately because we have guided countless individuals in Iowa and across Texas through it, helping them secure the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
Our firm is more than just a legal service; we are your dedicated advocates, equipped with an unparalleled understanding of how insurance companies operate. Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand the tactics insurance companies employ to minimize claims. Now, his insider knowledge is your unfair advantage, ensuring that when you’re hit in Iowa, you have someone on your side who knows the enemy’s playbook inside and out.
We have seen successful outcomes for clients who faced severe and life-altering injuries. In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions, a testament to our commitment to fighting for every dollar our clients deserve. Whether you are dealing with a standard car crash on a local Iowa road, a devastating 18-wheeler accident on a major highway, or the tragic consequences of a drunk driving incident, Attorney911 is prepared to stand by you. Our multi-million dollar results and federal court experience, including our involvement in the BP explosion litigation, demonstrate our capability to take on even the most complex cases, advocating fiercely against corporations and their insurers on behalf of our clients in Iowa.
Do not let fear, confusion, or the insurance company’s deceptive tactics dictate your future. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Iowa, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case, so there’s no financial risk to seeking the justice you deserve.
The Manginello Law Firm: Your Trusted Advocates in Iowa
When you choose The Manginello Law Firm, operating as Attorney911, you are not just hiring an attorney; you are gaining a powerful ally with a deep understanding of the legal landscape in Iowa and across Texas. Our reputation for tenacious advocacy, coupled with a compassionate approach, ensures that while we aggressively pursue justice, your personal well-being remains our top priority. We are “Legal Emergency Lawyers™,” ready to respond when you need us most.
Ralph Manginello: Over 25 Years of Proven Leadership in Iowa and Texas
Our founder and managing partner, Ralph Manginello, brings over 25 years of legal experience to every case. Admitted to the Texas and New York State Bars, and significantly, to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, Ralph possesses the federal court experience critical for handling complex cases that often involve out-of-state defendants or federal regulations, which can crop up in commercial vehicle accidents or specialized lawsuits here in Iowa.
Born in New York and raised in the Memorial area of Houston, Ralph’s deep Texas roots and commitment to justice are evident in his long-standing career. He has fearlessly taken on multinational corporations, as evidenced by our firm’s involvement in the BP explosion litigation, demonstrating a capacity for handling high-stakes, multi-party legal battles. This level of experience means that when you need an attorney in Iowa to face down powerful opponents, Ralph Manginello personally leads a team capable of delivering multi-million dollar results. His personal involvement in cases is a hallmark of our firm, as client S.M. notes: “Attorney Manginello is so knowledgeable but straight to the point…responded quickly even while he was away.” We bring this same level of dedication to every client in Iowa.
Learn more about Ralph’s journey and expertise by visiting his profile at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.
Lupe Peña: Your Unfair Advantage Against Insurance Companies in Iowa
A cornerstone of our aggressive representation at Attorney911 is Associate Attorney Lupe Peña. Lupe’s background is exceptionally valuable to our clients in Iowa, as he spent several years working for a national defense firm. This unparalleled experience means he knows precisely how large insurance companies operate, value claims, and, most importantly, devise strategies to delay, deny, and minimize payouts to accident victims.
As Lupe himself explains: “I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as defense attorney. Here’s the truth: Insurance companies take innocent activity out of context. They freeze ONE frame of you moving ‘normally’ and ignore the 10 minutes of you struggling before and after. They’re not documenting your life – they’re building ammunition against you.” Now, this intimate knowledge of the insurance industry’s inner workings is deployed on behalf of our clients in Iowa. Lupe uses his insights to anticipate their moves, dismantle their tactics, and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Furthermore, Lupe is a 3rd generation Texan, born and raised in Sugar Land, and is fluent in Spanish. This allows our firm to provide comprehensive support to the diverse population of Iowa, ensuring that language is never a barrier to justice. As client Celia Dominguez shares, our staff, including Zulema, who is always very kind and translates, ensures clear communication throughout your case.
You can learn more about Lupe’s valuable contributions at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.
Our Proven Track Record: Multi-Million Dollar Results for Iowa Residents
Our commitment to our clients in Iowa is reflected in our unwavering pursuit of justice, often leading to multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. These aren’t just numbers; they represent lives transformed and futures secured.
- Brain Injury with Vision Loss: We secured a multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss when a log dropped on him at a logging company. This case underscores our ability to handle severe, life-altering injury claims.
- Car Accident Leading to Amputation: In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident. Tragically, staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. We fought tirelessly, and this case settled in the millions, providing crucial support for a lifetime of care.
- Trucking-Related Wrongful Death: At Attorney911, our personal injury attorneys have helped numerous injured individuals and families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation. We understand the devastating impact of these tragedies and fight fiercely for grieving families in Iowa.
- Maritime Back Injury: For a client who injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship, our investigation revealed employer negligence. We were able to reach a significant cash settlement, highlighting our expertise in specialized injury cases.
We also have a strong history of defending clients in criminal matters, particularly those involving DWI charges, which sometimes overlap with accident cases. We have secured dismissals in multiple DWI cases, showcasing our meticulous investigative skills:
- DWI Case Dismissal #1: Our client was charged with drunk driving based on a breath test. Our investigation revealed improper breathalyzer maintenance, leading to dismissal.
- DWI Case Dismissal #2: Our client, involved in a single-vehicle accident with an injured passenger, faced dismissal on the day of trial due to missing evidence and lack of proper testing.
- DWI Case Dismissal #3: A DUI/DWI charge was dismissed after video evidence showed our client did not appear drunk during a field sobriety test.
These examples are a testament to our aggressive approach and commitment to our clients in Iowa. Every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
What Our Clients Say: Unwavering Trust from the Iowa Community
Our 4.9-star rating on Google, based on over 251 reviews, reflects the trust and satisfaction of our clients across Texas, including those we serve in Iowa. When you’re facing a legal emergency, you need compassion, clear communication, and proven results.
- Personal Communication & Care: “Melanie was excellent. She kept me informed and when she said she would call me back, she did. I got to speak with Ralph Manginello once and knew quickly the way his Firm was ran.” – Brian Butchee. Stephanie Hernandez adds, “When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me…She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.”
- Results & Efficiency: “One company said they would not except my case. Then I got a call from Manginello…I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” – Donald Wilcox. Tymesha Galloway notes, “Leonor is the best!!! She was able to assist me with my case within 6 months.”
- Taking Cases Others Won’t: “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.” – Greg Garcia, echoing a common sentiment from clients who found help with us when other firms turned them away.
- Spanish Language Services: “The support provided at Manginello Law Firm was excellent…They worked hard to do their best.” – Maria Ramirez. Celia Dominguez specifically mentions, “Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.”
Our firm feels like family, as Chad Harris describes: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.” This personal approach, combined with our legal acumen, makes Attorney911 the trusted choice for accident victims in Iowa.
Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Accident Coverage in Iowa
In Iowa, motor vehicle accidents can manifest in many forms, each presenting its own unique legal and medical complexities. From the bustling local roads to the quieter rural routes, our experienced team at Attorney911 stands ready to assist victims of all accident types. We focus our practice on advocating for the injured, understanding that each case is not just a statistic, but a personal tragedy for you and your family here in Iowa. Led by Ralph Manginello, our firm brings over 25 years of experience to aggressively pursue justice and fight for maximum compensation, whether you’ve been involved in a minor fender-bender or a catastrophic collision in Iowa.
What follows is an overview of the most common types of motor vehicle accidents we handle, detailing why each requires a specific and informed legal approach. We address the unique challenges of each, underscoring our commitment to securing favorable outcomes for our clients throughout Iowa.
Car Accidents in Iowa
Car accidents are, unfortunately, a daily occurrence across Iowa and Texas, leaving a trail of physical, emotional, and financial devastation. In 2024, Texas recorded 251,977 people injured in motor vehicle crashes, with one reportable crash every 57 seconds. This means a person is injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds on Texas roads, a sobering statistic that directly impacts communities like Iowa. Whether you were involved in a rear-end collision on a local street, a T-bone crash at an intersection, or a multi-vehicle pile-up on a state highway, the aftermath can be overwhelming.
Common causes of car accidents in Iowa mirror statewide trends, including distracted driving (which caused 380 deaths in 2024), speeding, failure to yield, running red lights, and following too closely. These negligent actions often lead to serious injuries such as whiplash and soft tissue damage, herniated discs, broken bones and fractures, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and spinal cord injuries. Our firm aggressively fights for victims to recover damages for these injuries.
Texas operates under an “at-fault” system, meaning the negligent driver is responsible for damages. However, insurance companies will often try to shift blame or offer lowball settlements, especially if they believe your injuries aren’t severe or you were partially at fault. This is where Attorney911’s unique advantage comes into play. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for a national defense firm, giving us unparalleled insight into how insurance companies value and defend against car accident claims. We know their tactics because Lupe used them.
For instance, we recently secured a multi-million dollar settlement for a client whose leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions, powerfully demonstrating our capability to handle severe injury cases and ensure our clients receive the full amount necessary for lifetime care.
Client Chavodrian Miles shares, “Leonor got me into the doctor the same day…it only took 6 months amazing,” highlighting our team’s efficiency and dedication to getting clients the medical attention they need quickly in Iowa. MONGO SLADE, another satisfied client, states, “I was rear-ended and the team got right to work…I also got a very nice settlement,” showing our ability to effectively navigate even common accident scenarios.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Iowa, selecting the right legal representation is crucial. We prepare every car accident case as if it’s going to trial, giving us significant leverage in settlement negotiations. Don’t let insurance adjusters undervalue your claim or pressure you into a quick, inadequate settlement. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case, ensuring you have expert advocacy without upfront financial burden.
18-Wheeler & Trucking Accidents in Iowa
18-wheeler accidents are among the most catastrophic types of collisions that occur on Iowa’s major highways and connecting roads. The sheer size and weight disparity between a commercial truck (often weighing up to 80,000 pounds) and a passenger vehicle (typically around 4,000 pounds) means that even a minor impact can result in devastating injuries or fatalities. In 2024, Texas saw 39,393 commercial motor vehicle crashes, leading to 608 trucking fatalities and 1,601 serious injuries. Texas accounts for a staggering 11% of all fatal truck crashes nationwide, underscoring the critical need for specialized legal representation in Iowa when these incidents occur.
Trucking accidents involve a complex web of federal and state regulations, primarily governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations cover everything from Hours of Service (HOS) rules, which restrict how long a truck driver can continuously operate a vehicle, to mandatory drug and alcohol testing, maintenance protocols, and strict Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements. Violations of these regulations, such as a driver exceeding their 11-hour driving limit or a company failing to properly maintain its fleet, can establish “negligence per se,” significantly strengthening a victim’s case.
Unlike standard car accidents, trucking collisions often involve multiple liable parties. Beyond the truck driver (who may be fatigued, distracted, or impaired), potential defendants can include the trucking company (for negligent hiring, training, or supervision), the cargo loader (for improper securing of freight), the truck manufacturer (for defective parts), or even the maintenance company responsible for servicing the vehicle. Each additional defendant typically means more insurance policies, often with much higher limits ($750,000 to $5,000,000+), highlighting the vast difference in potential recovery compared to a typical car crash.
Federal court experience is often crucial in these cases, especially when trucking companies operate across state lines. Ralph Manginello’s admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and our firm’s experience in major litigation like the BP explosion case, demonstrate our capability to handle such complex legal environments. We understand the importance of securing critical evidence quickly, including Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data and black box records, which can be overwritten or deleted within 30-180 days. Prompt legal action is vital to prevent the loss of this essential evidence.
The leverage these serious cases provide is evident in the “nuclear verdicts” trend. Recent Texas examples include a $37.5 million verdict against Oncor Electric for a distracted truck driver, a $44.1 million verdict stemming from an I-35 pile-up, and a $35 million settlement against Ben E. Keith in Fort Worth. These significant awards underscore that insurance companies fear going to trial against experienced firms like Attorney911, often leading to more favorable settlements outside of court.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or wrongful death due to a trucking accident in Iowa, you need a firm with proven results and the expertise to navigate these complex claims. We have helped numerous families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation. Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. We act swiftly to preserve critical evidence and protect your rights from day one, fighting for every dollar you deserve.
Drunk Driving Accidents in Iowa
Drunk driving accidents are a tragic and entirely preventable scourge on our roads, including those throughout Iowa. In 2024, Texas recorded 1,053 alcohol-impaired driving deaths, accounting for over 25% of all traffic fatalities. Annually, more than 24,000 DWI-related crashes occur in Texas. These aren’t just mere accidents; they are often the direct and foreseeable consequences of reckless decisions, leaving victims with severe injuries and families shattered by wrongful death.
When a drunk driver causes a collision in Iowa, the legal landscape becomes particularly complex and often involves more than just holding the impaired driver accountable. Our firm diligently investigates every angle to ensure maximum compensation, including pursuing “Dram Shop Liability” claims under Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02. This vital law allows victims to hold bars, restaurants, or other establishments liable if they served alcohol to a person who was “obviously intoxicated” and that intoxication was a “proximate cause” of the accident. Signs of obvious intoxication can include slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, an unsteady gait, or impaired coordination. Proving these elements requires an experienced legal team that understands both civil and criminal aspects of such cases.
Drunk driving cases are unique because they often involve the potential for punitive damages. These damages are designed not just to compensate the victim but to punish the at-fault party for their gross negligence and to deter similar acts in the future. This can significantly increase the value of a claim, especially when combined with financial losses like medical bills and lost wages, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Ralph Manginello’s affiliations, including the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), highlight our firm’s comprehensive capabilities, enabling us to understand and leverage both criminal and civil proceedings to benefit our clients in Iowa. Our experience in criminal defense, including securing dismissals in multiple complex DWI cases, showcases our meticulous investigative skills and ability to expose weaknesses in the state’s case, which can be invaluable when building a civil claim. For instance, we secured a dismissal in one DWI case after identifying that the breathalyzer machine was improperly maintained. In another, a dismissal was obtained when police failed to conduct proper tests and hospital notes went missing.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a drunk driving accident in Iowa, you need aggressive and knowledgeable legal representation that won’t hesitate to pursue every available avenue for justice. We fight to hold not only the drunk driver responsible but also any establishment that overserved them. Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We are here to help you navigate this difficult time and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Motorcycle Accidents in Iowa
Motorcycle accidents in Iowa, like elsewhere in Texas, often result in severe, life-altering injuries due to the inherent vulnerability of riders. While motorcycles offer freedom and thrill, they provide minimal protection in a collision. In 2024, Texas reported 585 motorcyclist fatalities, and a significant portion—37% of those killed—were not wearing helmets. Harris County often leads the state in motorcycle crashes, underscoring the dangers riders face even in urbanized areas.
Tragically, many motorcycle accidents are caused by the negligence of other drivers who fail to see motorcycles, often citing common excuses like “I didn’t see them.” This driver inattention, alongside failure to yield right-of-way, unsafe lane changes, and left-turn accidents, are prevalent causes. Insurance companies often try to exploit societal biases against motorcyclists, attempting to place blame on the rider through comparative negligence arguments under Texas’s 51% bar rule. This rule dictates that if a rider is found to be 51% or more at fault, they cannot recover any damages.
Injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents are typically severe, ranging from traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage to multiple fractures, “road rash,” and internal organ damage. The lack of physical barriers between the rider and the road dramatically increases the severity of impact.
At Attorney911, we understand these biases and the legal maneuvers insurance companies employ. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, with his background in insurance defense, knows precisely how they construct comparative fault arguments because he made them himself for years. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to deconstruct and defeat those very arguments, ensuring riders in Iowa are not unfairly blamed for collisions caused by negligent drivers. We meticulously gather evidence, including accident reconstruction, witness statements, and police reports, to clearly establish liability and counter any attempts to shift blame from the at-fault driver.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Iowa, don’t let insurance companies diminish your claim by unfairly blaming you. You need a legal team that understands the unique aspects of motorcycle law and is prepared to fight aggressively on your behalf. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We are committed to protecting your rights and securing the full compensation you deserve.
Pedestrian Accidents in Iowa
Pedestrians in Iowa, navigating crosswalks, sidewalks, and parking lots, are arguably the most vulnerable users of our roadways. Tragically, these individuals account for a disproportionate number of severe injuries and fatalities in Texas. In 2024, there were 6,095 pedestrian crashes across Texas, resulting in 768 fatalities. This means that while pedestrians are involved in only about 1% of all crashes, they tragically account for nearly 19% of all roadway deaths. Houston has seen alarming increases, with 119 pedestrians killed in a record year recently, underscoring the dangers in urban and suburban areas like Iowa.
A critical legal point often misunderstood, even by drivers, is that pedestrians ALWAYS have the right-of-way at intersections under Texas law, even at unmarked crosswalks. This legal principle, however, is frequently ignored, leading to devastating “failure to yield” accidents. Drivers who are distracted, speeding, or simply not paying attention can cause life-altering injuries to pedestrians, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken pelvises and legs, internal organ damage, and, tragically, fatalities.
Insurance companies frequently attempt to place blame on the pedestrian, arguing they were not in a crosswalk, were distracted by their phone, or appeared suddenly. These arguments are designed to invoke Texas’s 51% comparative negligence rule, which could bar a victim from recovery if they are found primarily at fault. However, our team at Attorney911, armed with Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge of insurance defense tactics, is adept at countering these strategies. We meticulously gather evidence, such as surveillance footage from nearby businesses, witness statements, and traffic camera data, to clearly establish driver negligence and protect the rights of injured pedestrians in Iowa.
Given the severity of injuries generally sustained in pedestrian accidents, adequate compensation is crucial for extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Iowa, you need immediate and decisive legal action. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We fight to secure justice for the most vulnerable members of our community.
Rideshare Accidents (Uber/Lyft) in Iowa
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized transportation across Iowa, offering convenience and accessibility. However, this proliferation also means a significant increase in rideshare-related accidents. Despite strict company policies, these collisions occur, and when they do, navigating the complex layers of insurance coverage can be a dizzying challenge for victims in Iowa.
The critical factor in rideshare accident claims is understanding the “insurance phases” that determine which policy applies and how much coverage is available. This is where Attorney911’s insider knowledge becomes invaluable, thanks to Lupe Peña’s years dissecting insurance policies from the defense side.
The four phases of rideshare insurance dictate coverage:
- Period 0 – Offline: If the driver’s app is off and they are using their vehicle for personal use, only their personal car insurance applies. In Texas, this typically means minimum coverage ($30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage).
- Period 1 – Waiting: When the driver has their app on and is waiting for a ride request, Uber or Lyft’s contingent coverage kicks in, offering $50,000/$100,000/$25,000. This is still relatively limited compared to the potential for severe injuries.
- Period 2 – Accepted: Once the driver accepts a ride request and is en route to pick up the passenger, a full commercial $1,000,000 liability policy from Uber or Lyft becomes active.
- Period 3 – Transporting: While the passenger is in the vehicle, the $1,000,000 commercial liability policy remains in effect.
This fluctuating coverage means that simply knowing you were involved in a rideshare accident is not enough; precisely knowing which phase the driver was in at the moment of impact is paramount to securing adequate compensation. Our team handles cases where 21% of the injured are riders, 21% are drivers themselves, and a staggering 58% are third parties (other drivers, pedestrians, or passengers in other vehicles).
If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Iowa, you need legal representation that understands this intricate insurance maze. Lupe Peña’s deep understanding of claim valuation and policy interpretation, honed during his time as an insurance defense attorney, offers our clients an unfair advantage. We ensure that you don’t fall victim to lowball offers or erroneous coverage denials. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll aggressively pursue your claim, cutting through the red tape to secure the full compensation you deserve.
Hit and Run Accidents in Iowa
A hit and run accident in Iowa can leave victims feeling abandoned, helpless, and utterly distraught. Beyond the physical injuries and property damage, the emotional toll of knowing the at-fault driver fled the scene without accountability can be immense. Nationally, someone is involved in a hit and run every 43 seconds, and Texas laws treat these incidents with severe criminal penalties. When a hit and run results in death, the perpetrator faces a second-degree felony, punishable by 2-20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Even minor injuries can lead to a state jail felony charge.
For victims, the immediate challenge is identifying the responsible party. Without a driver to pursue, many believe they