🚗 Car Accidents

Texas ranks among the top states for traffic fatalities, and Houston’s highways are some of the most dangerous in the country. If you’ve been in a wreck — whether it’s a rear-end collision, a commercial truck accident, or a hit-and-run — you need to understand your rights before talking to the other driver’s insurance company. These guides cover fault determination, filing deadlines, and how to maximize your settlement.

5 guides · 16,299 words · 30 FAQs answered

🛡️ Criminal Defense

Facing criminal charges in Texas can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s a DWI, a misdemeanor, or a felony charge, knowing your rights is the first step toward protecting your future. Attorney Manginello breaks down what to expect at every stage — from your initial arrest to trial — so you’re never caught off guard.

12 guides · 40,491 words · 60 FAQs answered

🗽 Immigration

Immigration law in Texas is complex and constantly changing. From green card applications to deportation defense, asylum claims to work permits, having a Houston-based attorney who understands both federal immigration law and local court practices is critical. These guides cover the most pressing issues facing Houston’s immigrant communities.

14 guides · 42,167 words · 83 FAQs answered

📖 Insurance Claims

Explore our insurance claims guides below.

2 guides · 7,105 words · 12 FAQs answered

⚖️ Personal Injury

When you’re hurt because someone else was careless, the law is on your side — but the clock is ticking. Texas has a two-year statute of limitations on most personal injury claims, and insurance adjusters start building their defense the day of your accident. These guides walk you through everything from calculating pain and suffering to understanding contingency fees, so you know exactly what to expect before your first consultation.

62 guides · 208,128 words · 367 FAQs answered

🏗️ Workers’ Comp & Workplace

Injured on the job? Texas is the only state where employers can opt out of workers’ compensation insurance — which means your path to recovery depends heavily on understanding your specific employer’s coverage. These guides explain your options whether your employer carries workers’ comp or not.

2 guides · 6,256 words · 12 FAQs answered

Q: Can I really file a lawsuit without a lawyer in Texas?

Yes, you have the legal right to file a ‘pro se’ lawsuit representing yourself. However, the Texas legal system is procedurally complex, and insurance companies will have experienced defense attorneys. Going it alone significantly risks having your case dismissed on technical grounds or accepting a settlement far below your case’s true value, much like performing surgery on yourself.

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Q: Can an insurance company legally refuse to pay my car accident claim in Texas?

Yes, insurance companies frequently deny claims for various reasons, including arguing their driver wasn’t at fault or that their policyholder isn’t cooperating. However, a denial is not the final word. With an experienced Texas personal injury attorney, you can fight the denial through a lawsuit and negotiation.

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Q: What are the three things needed for a million-dollar car accident case?

According to attorney Ralph Manginello, three factors must converge: 1) A catastrophic, high-speed collision with massive property damage, 2) Severe, life-altering injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, or amputations requiring surgery, and 3) A solvent defendant with high insurance limits, typically a commercial entity like an 18-wheeler company with policies of $1 million or more.

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Q: How long after my car accident in Texas do I have to file a lawsuit?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury from a car accident is two years from the date of the accident (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003). Missing this deadline means you lose your right to sue forever. However, the legal process should start much earlier to preserve evidence and build your case. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to protect your rights.

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Q: Why do I need a lawyer after a car accident if the insurance adjuster is being helpful?

The adjuster’s friendliness is a calculated tactic to build trust and encourage a quick, low-value settlement. Their legal duty is to their company’s profits, not your full recovery. An attorney from Attorney911 handles all communication, protects you from manipulative questions, and negotiates from a position of strength to secure the true value of your claim.

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Q: What is the O’Donnell consent decree and how does it affect bail in Harris County?

The O’Donnell consent decree was a 2019 federal settlement that required Harris County to reform its bail system for misdemeanors, largely removing judicial discretion and leading to the release of most defendants on personal bonds without cash payment. It aimed to stop jailing the poor but is criticized for potentially compromising public safety by releasing individuals who may be dangerous.

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Q: How long does a typical car accident lawsuit take in Texas?

Timelines vary dramatically. Minor fender-benders may settle in 3-6 months, while serious injury cases involving litigation can take 18 months to 3+ years. The severity of injuries, need for ongoing treatment, and insurance company negotiation tactics all influence the duration. Having an experienced Texas personal injury attorney like those at Attorney911 can help navigate and often accelerate the process.

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Q: Do I have to answer if a police officer asks where I’m going?

No, you have the Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. Beyond providing identification during a traffic stop, you’re not required to answer investigative questions. You can politely state, ‘I prefer not to answer questions without my attorney present.’ However, Texas Penal Code 38.02 requires you to provide your name, address, and date of birth if you’ve been lawfully arrested.

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Q: How long does the petty theft expunction process take in Texas?

The expunction process typically takes 3-6 months from filing to completion, depending on the county and court schedule. After filing the petition, there’s a waiting period for objections, then potentially a hearing. Once granted, we must serve the order on all agencies holding records. Early attorney involvement can streamline this process.

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Q: What happens if police arrest me without probable cause in Texas?

If police lack probable cause for your arrest, evidence obtained may be suppressed under the exclusionary rule, potentially leading to reduced charges or case dismissal. You have the right to a probable cause hearing within 48 hours of a warrantless arrest, where a judge determines if sufficient evidence existed. An experienced Attorney911 criminal defense lawyer can challenge the arrest’s legality and seek remedies for constitutional violations.

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Q: Is shoplifting a felony in Texas?

Shoplifting (legally theft) can be a felony or misdemeanor in Texas, depending on the value stolen and your record. It becomes a state jail felony at $2,500, a third-degree felony at $30,000, and can go up to a first-degree felony for values over $300,000.

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Q: Can a judge give me a 12.44a if the prosecutor objects?

Yes, a judge has the legal discretion to grant a 12.44a punishment reduction over a prosecutor’s objection. However, as Attorney911’s Ralph Manginello emphasizes, this is exceedingly rare in practice. Judges heavily rely on prosecutorial recommendations, so the strategic focus should be on securing the prosecutor’s agreement or non-opposition for the best chance of success.

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