This article was originally published on NPR.org – You can read or listen to the original story here. Could studying ants reveal clues to reducing highway traffic jams? Physicist Apoorva Nagar at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology thinks the answer is yes. Nagar says he got interested in the topic when he came across a study by German and Indian researchers showing that ants running along a path were able to maintain a steady speed even when there were a large number of ants on the path. Nagar… Read More
Running is great. It boosts your mood and keeps you fit, meanwhile increasing your physical and mental fortitude. At the Loewy Law Firm, we advocate a healthy work/life balance, which is why it is so important to find an activity like running to do before or after work. Wintertime, though, threatens to keep us indoors with its falling temperatures and decreased daylight. Whether you have the grit for cold early-morning departures from cozy blankets or the energy for a post-work session, it is partially or completely dark outside. The dark is not only demotivating –… Read More
According to the Austin American-Statesman, on May 10, an unidentified driver on East Highway 290 hit an Austin man. The young man, later identified by KEYE TV as 25-year-old Valentin Aguilar Jr., tragically died at the scene. Detectives from the Austin Police Department are searching for the driver and have asked to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the fatal hit-and-run accident. If you have any information, call APD Vehicular Homicide Unit Detectives at (512) 974 – 8164. Valentin Aguilar’s family is left behind to cope with the tragic loss of this young man. They… Read More
Tuesday, KVUE reported the first fatal accident of the year. Simon Rodriguez was attempting to pass vehicles on East Koenig Lane when he hit an SUV in oncoming traffic. Among the most dangerous and severe car accidents are head-on collisions. Simon Rodriguez was taken to Brackenridge and died at the hospital. His passenger is being treated for non-life threatening injuries. The SUV driver, who has yet to be identified, is battling for her life at Brackenridge. This is the first fatal traffic crash of 2015 in Austin. The root issue of these… Read More
A new ban on cellphone use will start January 1, 2015 – which is somehow just three weeks away. The ordinance will ban hand-held cellphone devices. Talking on your cell phone is a very common way to use time in the car. Many people think of it as an extension of their office or even wait to make calls until they have this driving downtime. This greatly increases a driver’s risk of being involved in a crash. To mitigate this risk, technology companies have been marketing hands-free devices and automakers have been… Read More
We may live in one of the warmest states, but these polar cold fronts don’t always realize that. In fact, it is easier to forget to prep for winter weather when it is less frequent. This means that when bad weather does arrive, Austinites often panic and either don’t leave the house or drive dangerously when they do. Thankfully, there is a happy medium. These 10 tips will ensure that you can stay busy and safe during the holidays and the (wonderfully short) winter to follow! 1. Get a vehicle tune-up now Check the entire vehicle for leaks,… Read More
30 million vehicles have been installed with faulty airbags in a recall that started this summer and has increased in size and urgency. Texas drivers are especially prone to danger because our state is so humid—in fact, Texas has been one of the first states made a priority for replacement parts. The problem is twofold. One, the airbags may affect more cars than owners realize. Two, there are not enough replacement parts to go around. Austin car owners have been increasingly frustrated with dealerships’ lack of support, according to this recent KVUE article. As Austin’s premiere… Read More
Nine people were injured when five cars collided last Friday night. KXAN disclosed reports from Austin-Travis County EMS that say the multi-car crash happened on Highway 183 near Ed Bluestein Boulevard and Loyola Lane at 8:15 p.m. Four medical vehicles responded. Luckily, no one was killed in the crash. There were serious injuries, though. EMS transported six people to University Medical Center Brackenridge. There is concern for the lives of two of these people, who sustained life-threatening injuries. Police are investigating the multi vehicle crash and we will update this blog as the reports are released. We wish the… Read More
Last week, we secured a $250,000 settlement for a client who was driving on a major highway when a driver—who was talking on his cell phone while exiting a private driveway—collided with her car. Our client, an Austin woman, suffered severe injuries that required multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation to recover from. Our client sought our help quickly after the accident. We were able to facilitate her medical care, placing her in the care of a skilled surgeon who was able to repair much of the damage caused by the traumatic crash. We pursued all avenues of… Read More
Recently, our firm was thrilled to settle a multi-part case for a valued client. Last year, this Austin woman was in a catastrophic car crash while traveling to work. She sustained multiple injuries and was put through several rounds of surgery. Over the next few months, she went through therapy and rehabilitation. We were able to secure a settlement for her auto accident shortly after the crash occurred. However, on the day she returned to work, she was terminated from her position after nineteen years of employment. They gave her nineteen days of severance—one day for each year… Read More
