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How to Use Cellphone Photos to Win Your Texas Personal Injury Case
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Houston Personal Injury Lawyers

How to Use Cellphone Photos to Win Your Texas Personal Injury Case

Texas personal injury attorney Ralph Manginello explains how to use cellphone photos to win your case. Learn what to document after an accident, how photos incr

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Your Cellphone Is Now Your Most Powerful Legal Tool: Attorney911’s Complete Guide to Documenting Your Case

In today’s digital age, the most powerful piece of evidence in your personal injury case might already be in your pocket. At Attorney911, with over 25 years of experience handling catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases across Texas, we’ve witnessed firsthand how the evolution of smartphone camera technology has transformed legal outcomes. Yet, as attorney Ralph Manginello emphasizes in our recent podcast, the shocking reality is that most accident victims fail to document their cases properly, even when they have a professional-grade camera in their hands. This critical failure can cost Texas families hundreds of thousands—sometimes millions—of dollars in compensation they rightfully deserve.

Welcome to Attorney911, where we serve as your “Legal Emergency Lawyers™” throughout Houston, Austin, Beaumont, and all of Texas. I’m Ralph Manginello, managing partner of The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, and I’ve dedicated my career to helping injured Texans navigate the complex legal system. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll expand on every point from our recent video discussion about cellphone documentation, providing you with actionable strategies, legal insights from our decades of experience, and insider knowledge from former insurance defense attorney Lupe Peña. By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand exactly how to use your cellphone to build an undeniable case for maximum compensation.

Why “Take Pictures, Take Pictures, Take Pictures” Is Our Mantra at Attorney911

In our video discussion, I emphasize that at Attorney911, “we are preaching all the time, take pictures, take pictures, take pictures, take more pictures than you think you need to.” This isn’t just casual advice—it’s a strategic imperative born from handling thousands of personal injury cases across Texas. What surprises us, despite everyone having a camera on their phone, is that “not everyone takes pictures.” This single failure can undermine an otherwise strong case.

Let’s examine why photographic documentation is non-negotiable in Texas personal injury law:

The Legal Weight of Visual Evidence in Texas Courts

Under Texas Rules of Evidence, photographs are considered “demonstrative evidence” that can make abstract concepts concrete for judges and juries. Texas courts have consistently held that properly authenticated photographs are admissible when they “fairly and accurately represent the subject matter” at the relevant time. More importantly, photographs serve multiple critical functions in your case:

  • Preserving the Scene: Accident scenes change rapidly. Skid marks fade, debris gets cleared, weather conditions shift, and vehicles get repaired or destroyed. Your photographs freeze a moment in time that can never be recreated.
  • Overcoming Memory Fade: Human memory is notoriously unreliable, especially under traumatic circumstances. Photographs provide objective documentation that doesn’t fade with time.
  • Countering Insurance Company Tactics: Insurance adjusters frequently dispute the severity of damage, the mechanism of injury, and even the location of impact. Photographs provide undeniable proof that limits their ability to create alternative narratives.
  • Supporting Expert Testimony: Accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and economic damage specialists all rely on photographic evidence to form their opinions and present compelling testimony.

At Attorney911, Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience—including federal court litigation in the Southern District of Texas and involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation—has taught us that the difference between a six-figure settlement and a multi-million dollar verdict often comes down to the quality of evidence collected in the immediate aftermath. That’s why we tell every client: If you’re physically able, start documenting immediately. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance on what to photograph after your accident.

What Exactly Should You Photograph After an Accident in Texas?

In our video, I provide specific examples of what to document, but let’s expand on each category with the depth that comes from handling thousands of Texas personal injury cases.

1. Vehicle Damage Documentation (More Than Just the Dents)

“You want to take pictures in a car collision case. You want to take pictures of both vehicles, any and all damage.” This seems obvious, but most people take a few quick shots of the most visible damage and stop there. Here’s what we instruct our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont clients to capture:

  • Overall Context Shots: Start with wide-angle photos showing the entire scene, including the position of all vehicles relative to each other, traffic lanes, and any fixed objects.
  • Damage from Multiple Angles: Photograph every damaged area from straight-on, 45-degree angles, and close-up. Include photos that show the depth of damage, not just surface appearances.
  • Undercarriage and Hidden Damage: If safe to do so, photograph underneath the vehicle. Suspension damage, fluid leaks, and structural compromises are often hidden but critically important for establishing force of impact.
  • Interior Damage: Airbag deployment, steering wheel deformation, dashboard damage, broken windows, and deployed seatbelt mechanisms all tell a story about the forces involved.
  • License Plates and VIN Numbers: Ensure you have clear photos of all involved vehicles’ license plates and, if possible, the VIN through the windshield.

Why does this level of detail matter? In one recent case handled by our firm, a client’s leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions because we could demonstrate through detailed vehicle damage photos that the collision forces were severe enough to cause the initial injuries that led to this catastrophic outcome. Without those photos, the insurance company would have argued the impact was minor and couldn’t have caused such serious harm.

2. Scene Documentation: The “Surroundings” That Tell the True Story

“Take pictures of surroundings. If you have a street sign that’s there, stoplights, you know, anything around there that you think is going to be important. Even if, you know, for example, there’s the way the exit, if you’re on a feeder road, and the way the exit comes off, and if it’s, you know, a short distance from there to the light or long or whatever may have contributed to the collision, you want to document with pictures.”

This is where most accident victims completely miss critical evidence. The surroundings often contain the facts that establish liability. Here’s what to capture:

  • Traffic Control Devices: Photograph stop signs, traffic lights, yield signs, and any signage that establishes right-of-way. Include photos that show the visibility of these devices from the driver’s perspective.
  • Road Conditions: Document potholes, uneven pavement, construction zones, missing guardrails, inadequate lighting, or debris in the roadway. Under Texas premises liability law, government entities or property owners may share liability for accidents caused by dangerous road conditions.
  • Sight Lines and Visibility: Take photos from the driver’s seat perspective showing what each driver could or couldn’t see. Photograph overgrown vegetation, improperly placed signage, or visual obstructions.
  • Skid Marks and Debris Patterns: These tell the story of vehicle movement before, during, and after impact. Measure them if possible (using your shoe or another object for scale in photos).
  • Weather and Lighting Conditions: Document wet roads, fog, glare, or poor lighting that may have contributed to the accident.

As Lupe Peña, our associate attorney with years of experience working for insurance defense firms, explains: “Insurance companies immediately send investigators to document the scene from THEIR perspective. They’re looking for evidence to minimize their client’s fault. Your photos ensure we have the complete story, not just the version the insurance company wants to tell.”

3. Injury Documentation: From Immediate Trauma to Long-Term Healing

“You want to take pictures of your injuries. If you have any bruising, any scrapes, any cuts. If, for God forbid, you know, you’re in the hospital, have someone take a picture of you in the hospital bed. If you have a cast, you want a picture of the cast. And then, you know, or scarring.”

This is perhaps the most emotionally difficult but legally crucial documentation. Insurance companies routinely minimize injuries, claiming they’re “minor” or “pre-existing.” Photographic evidence of your suffering is powerful and undeniable. Here’s our protocol:

  • Immediate Injuries: Photograph bruises, cuts, scrapes, swelling, and visible trauma as soon as possible after the accident. Use good lighting and include something for scale (like a coin or ruler) to show size.
  • Hospital Documentation: “Have someone take a picture of you in the hospital bed.” This visual evidence of your hospitalization establishes the seriousness of your injuries far more effectively than medical bills alone.
  • Medical Devices: Photograph casts, braces, slings, wheelchairs, walkers, and any other medical equipment. These images document your temporary disabilities and the inconveniences you’ve endured.
  • The Healing Process: “We always encourage our clients to continue taking pictures also as you heal up. And so let’s say, for example, you know, we’ve had plenty of dog bite cases over the years, but, you know, the dog bite injuries on the day of when the person’s at the hospital are pretty gruesome, and then they start to heal up. So two weeks later, you know, there may be scabs. Two weeks after that, and the scabs are gone, and there’s some scarring. Two weeks after that, the scars are, you know, starting to heal up.”

This sequential documentation is invaluable. In Texas personal injury cases, compensation includes not just medical expenses but also “pain and suffering,” “disfigurement,” and “physical impairment.” A photo series showing a gruesome injury gradually healing—or leaving permanent scars—tells a compelling story that settlement demand letters alone cannot convey.

As client Glenda Walker shared in her testimonial about our firm: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” This fighting includes using every piece of evidence, including photographic documentation of injuries, to ensure insurance companies cannot minimize what you’ve endured.

When You Can’t Take Pictures: Severe Injuries and Attorney911’s Investigative Approach

“And unfortunately, you know, if it’s a really bad collision with severe injuries, it’s very understandable that the person would not be able to take pictures because they just physically can’t. And in those circumstances, it just is what it is. And we, you know, we have to recreate the scene and what happened from other means.”

This is a critical reality in catastrophic injury cases. When clients suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple fractures, or are rendered unconscious, they cannot document their own cases. This is where Attorney911’s full-service investigative approach makes the difference.

When you’re unable to document your own case, here’s what our team does immediately:

  • Rapid Scene Investigation: We dispatch investigators to the accident scene before evidence disappears. In Texas, surveillance footage from nearby businesses is typically overwritten every 7-30 days. Traffic camera footage may be preserved only if specifically requested.
  • Witness Identification and Interviews: We use police reports, social media, and neighborhood canvassing to identify witnesses the police may have missed.
  • Vehicle Inspection and Preservation: We send experts to inspect and photograph vehicles before they’re repaired or destroyed. Under Texas law, we can send “spoliation letters” requiring preservation of evidence.
  • Reconstruction Through Technology: We use accident reconstruction software, drone photography of the scene, and 3D modeling to recreate what happened.

Our involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation—one of the most complex industrial disaster cases in Texas history—taught us how to investigate catastrophic incidents when victims cannot document their own experiences. That same rigorous approach applies to every serious auto accident case we handle.

If you or a loved one has been severely injured in an accident and couldn’t document the scene, call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. The sooner we begin our investigation, the more evidence we can preserve.

How Photographic Evidence Transforms Your Case Value in Texas

“And pictures are going to tell the story, help your lawyer tell your story.” This simple statement encompasses a profound legal truth. In Texas personal injury law, the party that tells the most compelling, evidence-supported story typically achieves the best outcome. Let’s examine how photographs specifically impact each element of your case:

Establishing Liability (Who Was at Fault)

Texas follows a “modified comparative fault” system (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001). If you’re found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. If you’re less than 51% at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. Photographs can be decisive in establishing the other party’s greater fault.

For example, photos showing the other driver’s tire marks completely over the center line, or their vehicle’s damage pattern indicating excessive speed, can establish their primary liability. Photos of obscured traffic signs or dangerous road conditions can shift some fault to government entities or property owners, potentially increasing your total recovery pool.

Proving Damages (What Your Injuries Are Worth)

Texas law allows recovery for both “economic damages” (medical bills, lost wages, property damage) and “non-economic damages” (pain and suffering, disfigurement, physical impairment). Photographs directly impact both categories:

  • Economic Damages: Photos of vehicle damage support higher property damage claims. Photos of injuries support the necessity and reasonableness of medical treatment.
  • Non-Economic Damages: This is where photographs are most powerful. A photo of you in a hospital bed, of visible scarring, or of medical devices you must use communicates your suffering more effectively than any description. As client Ambur Hamilton noted about our approach: “I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.” This personal attention includes understanding how each piece of evidence, including photographs, tells YOUR unique story of suffering and recovery.

Countering Insurance Company Defenses

Insurance companies employ standard defenses: “The impact was minor,” “Your injuries are pre-existing,” “You’re exaggerating your symptoms.” Photographs dismantle these defenses:

  • Extensive vehicle damage photos counter “minor impact” arguments.
  • Immediate injury photos counter “pre-existing” claims.
  • Sequential healing photos counter “exaggeration” allegations.

Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge from working for insurance defense firms is invaluable here. “I’ve seen how insurance adjusters review photographic evidence,” Lupe explains. “They look for inconsistencies, gaps in documentation, and opportunities to create doubt. When we provide comprehensive, timestamped photographic evidence, we eliminate those opportunities.”

Attorney911’s Proven Results: When Comprehensive Documentation Leads to Multi-Million Dollar Outcomes

Our insistence on thorough documentation isn’t theoretical—it’s proven through results. At Attorney911, under Ralph Manginello’s leadership, we’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for clients across Texas. Here are documented examples where evidence documentation made the critical difference:

Case Study 1: The Logging Brain Injury Settlement

“Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at logging company.” In this workplace injury case, comprehensive photographic documentation of the equipment, the worksite conditions, and the client’s immediate injuries helped establish the logging company’s liability. Photos of the unsafe worksite conditions were particularly powerful in demonstrating negligence.

Case Study 2: Car Accident Leading to Partial Amputation

“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.” Here, photographs served multiple purposes: vehicle damage photos established the severity of impact; hospital photos documented the initial injuries and subsequent infections; and sequential photos showed the healing process and permanent disability. Without this visual timeline, the connection between the accident and the amputation would have been more difficult to prove.

Case Study 3: Maritime Back Injury Settlement

“In a recent case, our client injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship. Our investigation revealed that he should have been assisted in this duty, and we were able to reach a significant cash settlement.” While this case involved maritime law (a specialized area where Ralph Manginello’s federal court experience is crucial), photographs of the cargo, the lifting equipment, and the worksite layout were essential to proving that proper assistance was required but not provided.

As client Donald Wilcox experienced after another firm rejected his case: “Then I got a call from Manginello…I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” Our willingness to dig deeper and document thoroughly often turns rejected cases into substantial recoveries.

The Insurance Company’s Surveillance Game: How They Use Photos Against You (And How We Counter It)

While you’re documenting your injuries and recovery, insurance companies are often documenting you too. It’s essential to understand this reality. As former insurance defense attorney Lupe Peña explains:

“Insurance companies frequently conduct surveillance on injury claimants. They might photograph or video you performing daily activities, hoping to catch you doing something that contradicts your claimed limitations. Here’s what they don’t tell you: They take isolated moments out of context. They might show you walking to your mailbox but not the 30 minutes of pain you experienced afterward. They might photograph you lifting a grocery bag but not see the brace you’re wearing underneath your clothes.”

At Attorney911, we prepare our clients for this reality and use proactive documentation to counter surveillance:

  • Document Your Good Days AND Bad Days: Take photos when you’re struggling with pain, using assistive devices, or experiencing limited mobility. This creates a balanced record.
  • Keep a Pain Journal with Photos: Document how your injuries affect daily activities. Photos of ice packs, medication, or adaptive equipment tell the complete story.
  • Understand Social Media Risks: Insurance investigators scour social media for photos that might contradict injury claims. We guide clients on appropriate social media use during their case.

Our insider advantage means we know exactly what insurance companies look for and how they interpret photographic evidence. We use this knowledge to protect our clients and ensure their documentation tells the complete, truthful story of their recovery.

Step-by-Step Guide: Documenting Your Texas Accident for Maximum Compensation

Based on our decades of experience, here is Attorney911’s complete protocol for accident documentation:

Immediately After the Accident (If Physically Able)

  1. Ensure Safety First: Move to a safe location if possible and call 911.
  2. Photograph the Overall Scene: Before anything is moved, take wide shots showing vehicle positions, road conditions, and traffic controls.
  3. Document Vehicle Damage: Photograph all vehicles from multiple angles, including close-ups of damage and VIN/license plates.
  4. Capture Road Evidence: Photograph skid marks, debris, road conditions, and any environmental factors.
  5. Photograph Injuries: Take clear photos of any visible injuries on yourself and others involved.
  6. Document the Other Driver and Witnesses: If safe, photograph the other driver’s license, insurance card, and vehicle. Get contact information for witnesses.

At the Hospital and During Treatment

  1. Hospital Documentation: Have a family member photograph you in the hospital bed, with medical devices, and with treating medical staff (with permission).
  2. Injury Progression: Take daily or weekly photos of visible injuries as they change.
  3. Medical Equipment: Photograph casts, braces, crutches, wheelchairs, and other devices.
  4. Treatment Evidence: Document physical therapy sessions, wound care, or other treatments (with facility permission).

During Recovery

  1. Healing Timeline: Continue photographing scars, mobility limitations, and recovery milestones.
  2. Impact on Daily Life: Document how injuries affect work, household chores, hobbies, and family activities.
  3. Preserve All Evidence: Download photos from your phone regularly and create backups. Do not delete anything.

If you’re unsure about any aspect of documentation, call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Our team can guide you through the process and ensure you’re collecting evidence that will maximize your recovery.

Why Texas Accident Victims Choose Attorney911: More Than Just Documentation Advice

Providing documentation guidance is just one aspect of our comprehensive legal representation. When you choose Attorney911, you’re choosing a firm with proven results, insider knowledge, and a commitment to fighting for maximum compensation. Here’s what sets us apart:

Ralph Manginello’s 25+ Years of Texas Courtroom Experience

Admitted to the Texas Bar in 1998, Ralph brings quarter-century of experience handling complex personal injury and criminal defense cases. His admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, means he’s handled federal cases involving catastrophic injuries and complex liability issues. From the BP explosion litigation to everyday car accidents, Ralph’s depth of experience informs every aspect of our case strategy.

Lupe Peña’s Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge

As a former defense attorney for insurance companies, Lupe Peña brings invaluable insight into how insurance companies evaluate claims, what tactics they use to minimize payouts, and how they interpret evidence like photographs. This insider advantage is rare among plaintiff’s firms and gives our clients a significant edge in negotiations and litigation.

Full-Service Investigation and Case Development

We don’t just tell you to take photos—we build comprehensive cases. Our team includes investigators, accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and economic damage analysts who work together to maximize your recovery. As client Jamin Marroquin noted: “Mr. Manginello guided me through the whole process with great expertise…tenacious, accessible, and determined throughout the 19 months.”

Contingency Fee Structure: No Fee Unless We Win

We handle cases on a contingency fee basis (33.33% before trial, 40% if trial becomes necessary). You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all costs of investigation, expert witnesses, and litigation. This aligns our interests completely with yours—we only succeed when you succeed.

Bilingual Services for Texas’s Diverse Communities

With fluent Spanish services from Lupe Peña and bilingual staff including Zulema, we serve Houston’s, Austin’s, and Beaumont’s diverse communities in the language they’re most comfortable with. “Hablamos Español” isn’t just a tagline—it’s our commitment to accessible legal representation for all Texans.

Frequently Asked Questions About Accident Documentation and Texas Personal Injury Law

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas?

Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury cases (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003). This means you have exactly two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. However, evidence disappears much faster—surveillance footage is often overwritten in 30 days, witnesses’ memories fade, and physical evidence is lost. That’s why immediate documentation and contacting an attorney right away is crucial. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 as soon as possible after your accident to preserve your rights.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows the “modified comparative fault” rule. If you’re found 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages, but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything. Comprehensive documentation can be critical in establishing the other party’s greater fault. Our investigators and reconstruction experts work to minimize any allegations of fault against our clients.

Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company?

Absolutely not without consulting an attorney first. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that minimize their liability. They may ask about prior injuries, your health before the accident, or details you don’t clearly remember. As Lupe Peña explains from his defense experience: “Recorded statements are fishing expeditions. They’re looking for any inconsistency or admission they can use against you later.” Let us handle all communications with insurance companies.

How much is my case worth?

Case value depends on numerous factors: severity of injuries, impact on your life, liability clarity, available insurance coverage, and quality of evidence. Photographic documentation significantly impacts case value by providing undeniable proof of damages. During your free consultation at 1-888-ATTY-911, we’ll evaluate your case based on our decades of experience handling similar cases throughout Texas.

What if I can’t afford medical treatment?

We work with medical providers who will treat you on a “lien” basis—meaning they wait for payment until your case settles. You get necessary treatment immediately without upfront costs. This is particularly important for documenting your injuries and recovery through medical records that correspond with your photographic evidence.

How long will my case take?

Most cases settle within 6-18 months, but complex cases or those requiring litigation may take longer. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which gives us maximum leverage in negotiations. Insurance companies know we’re not bluffing when we say we’ll take a case to court—our trial readiness is why we achieve settlements like the multi-million dollar results mentioned earlier.

Don’t Leave Your Recovery to Chance: Document, Preserve, and Call Attorney911 Today

Your cellphone camera is a tool of justice when used properly. The photographs you take—or fail to take—could mean the difference between a denied claim and a multi-million dollar recovery. At Attorney911, we’ve seen both outcomes and know exactly what evidence makes the difference.

As Ralph Manginello concludes in our video: “It’s important to take pictures, take pictures, take lots of pictures.” But even more important is having an experienced Texas personal injury attorney who knows how to use that evidence to tell your story compellingly to insurance companies, mediators, judges, and juries.

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont serving all of Texas, we’re here when legal emergencies strike. Our 4.9-star Google rating from 251+ clients like you reflects our commitment to excellence. From Trae Tha Truth’s endorsement to everyday Texans like Greg Garcia who came to us after another attorney dropped his case, we’ve built a reputation for getting results when others can’t or won’t.

If you’ve been injured in any type of accident in Texas—car crash, truck accident, workplace injury, slip and fall, dog bite, or any other incident caused by someone else’s negligence—take these three steps right now:

  1. Document everything photographically following the guidelines in this article.
  2. Preserve all evidence and do not discuss your case with insurance adjusters.
  3. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free, no-obligation consultation.

Remember: Evidence disappears daily. The statute of limitations is counting down. Insurance companies are already building their case against you. Don’t face this alone. Let the “Legal Emergency Lawyers™” at Attorney911 put our 25+ years of experience, insider insurance knowledge, and proven multi-million dollar results to work for you. Visit us online at attorney911.com or call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long after an accident should I take pictures?

Take pictures immediately if you’re physically able. Evidence changes rapidly—skid marks fade, vehicles get towed, debris is cleared, and weather conditions change. The first photos are often the most valuable. If you’re unable to take photos due to injuries, call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately so we can dispatch investigators to preserve evidence.

What if my injuries aren’t visible in photos?

Many serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage don’t show in photos initially. Still document what you can—vehicle damage, the scene, and any visible marks. Document your symptoms, medical visits, and limitations through a journal with dates. These combined with medical records create a complete picture. Attorney911’s experience includes cases where non-visible injuries led to substantial settlements.

Can I use photos from social media in my case?

Yes, but be extremely cautious. Insurance companies monitor social media for evidence that contradicts injury claims. A photo of you smiling at a family gathering might be used to argue you’re not suffering. Better to take private photos specifically for your case. Consult with Attorney911 before posting anything about your accident or injuries online. We guide clients on social media use during their case.

What if I didn’t take pictures at the scene?

It’s common, especially if you were injured or in shock. All is not lost. Contact Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. We can investigate the scene, obtain surveillance footage, photograph vehicles before they’re repaired, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts. Our multi-million dollar settlements often come from cases where clients couldn’t document initially.

How do photos help with pain and suffering claims?

Photos provide visual proof of your suffering that medical records alone cannot convey. A photo of you in a hospital bed, of visible injuries, or of medical devices makes your pain tangible to insurance adjusters, mediators, and juries. Sequential photos showing healing or scarring demonstrate the duration and impact of your suffering, which directly affects the value of your non-economic damages in Texas.

Should I let the insurance company take photos of my injuries?

No. Insurance company photographers are not documenting for your benefit—they’re looking for evidence to minimize your claim. They may photograph you from angles that make injuries look less severe or focus on activities you can perform despite pain. Have your own trusted person take comprehensive photos, and let Attorney911 handle all interactions with insurance companies.

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Your consultation is 100% FREE with no obligation. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you'll speak with our team — not an answering service. Managing Partner Ralph Manginello (25+ years experience, Texas Bar since 1998) personally reviews cases. With 251+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating, we've built our reputation on giving real answers, not sales pitches. Call anytime — we answer 24/7 because legal emergencies don't wait.

You pay nothing unless we win. We work on contingency: 33.33% before trial, 40% if your case goes to trial. We front ALL costs — medical records, expert witnesses, court fees, everything. As one client (Donald Wilcox) said: "One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello... I got a call to come pick up this handsome check." We've recovered multi-million dollar settlements for brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death cases. Your fight is our fight.

Timelines vary, but we move fast. Client Tymesha Galloway: "Leonor got my case resolved within 6 months." Chavodrian Miles: "Leonor got me into the doctor the same day... it only took 6 months, amazing." Complex cases like our $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston take longer. Ralph Manginello has 25+ years of experience knowing when to push and when to build. We'll give you an honest timeline upfront and keep you informed every step — our clients consistently praise our communication.

We come to YOU. Hospital visits, home visits, video calls — whatever works. Client Stephanie Hernandez: "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." With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, plus virtual consultations statewide, distance is never a barrier. Seriously injured clients often can't travel — we understand. Ralph Manginello personally reaches out to clients who need it.

Sí, hablamos español. Attorney Lupe Peña is completely fluent in Spanish and conducts full consultations in Spanish. Our bilingual staff members — including Zulema, who clients specifically praise for her kindness and translation skills — ensure nothing gets lost. Client Celia Dominguez: "Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates." Client Angel Walle: "They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years." La comunidad hispana de Houston merece representación de primera clase.

We serve all of Texas from three office locations:

Houston (Primary): Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston Counties
Austin: Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop Counties
Beaumont: Jefferson, Orange, Hardin Counties (Golden Triangle)

Ralph Manginello is admitted to U.S. Federal Court (Southern District of Texas) and the New York State Bar, handling cases that cross state lines. We've litigated against major corporations including BP in the Texas City explosion case.

We know how insurance companies think — because we used to work for them. Attorney Lupe Peña spent years at a national insurance defense firm learning exactly how they undervalue claims. Now he fights FOR you with that insider knowledge.

Our track record speaks: Multi-million dollar settlements for brain injuries, amputations, maritime injuries, and wrongful death. We're one of the few Texas firms involved in BP explosion litigation. Ralph Manginello has been inducted into the Cheshire Academy Hall of Fame and has 25+ years of courtroom experience. Client Chad Harris said it best: "You are NOT just some client... You are FAMILY to them."

Personal Injury: Car accidents, 18-wheeler/truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, rideshare (Uber/Lyft) accidents, hit & run, drunk driving accidents, maritime/offshore injuries (Jones Act), construction accidents, refinery accidents, workers' compensation, wrongful death, product liability, and fraternity/sorority hazing cases (currently litigating a $10M case against University of Houston).

Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI defense, drug charges, and general criminal defense. We've had DWI cases dismissed by exposing improperly maintained breathalyzers and missing evidence.

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Leonor got me into the doctor the same day... it only took 6 months amazing.

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I was rear-ended and the team got right to work... I also got a very nice settlement.

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One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello... I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.

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Ralph took his bogus case and had it dismissed within a WEEK! I have been trying for over 2 years.

- Beth Bonds
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In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.

- Greg Garcia
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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.

- Stephanie Hernandez
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Melanie 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
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Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.

- Celia Dominguez
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They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.

- Angel Walle
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One of Houston's Great Men Trae Tha Truth has recommended this law firm. So if he is vouching for them then I know they do good work.

- Jacqueline Johnson
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PROVEN RESULTS. REAL RECOVERIES.

We've recovered millions for Texas families. Here are some of our victories.

Multi-Million
Personal Injury
Client suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at logging company.
Multi-Million
Personal Injury
Client's leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation.
Significant Settlement
Maritime
Client injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship. Investigation revealed he should have been assisted.
$10,000,000
Hazing Litigation
Active lawsuit against University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Harris County, November 2025.

YOUR LEGAL EMERGENCY TEAM.

Ralph Manginello - Houston Personal Injury Lawyer

RALPH MANGINELLO

Managing Partner
  • TX Bar 1998 (25+ yrs)
  • NY Bar, Federal Court (S.D. TX)
  • B.A. UT Austin, J.D. South TX
Lupe Peña - Houston Personal Injury Attorney

LUPE PEÑA

Associate Attorney
  • TX Bar 2012 (12+ yrs)
  • Former Insurance Defense Atty
  • FLUENT SPANISH

Ready to Fight for Your Rights?

Free consultation. No upfront costs. We don't get paid unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911