Distracted driving has become an epidemic on roadways throughout Texas and the United States. In recent years, the rates of car accidents and traffic accidents caused by distracted driving have skyrocketed. This is due in large part to new technology, cell phones, and text messaging. In 2011 alone, 3,331 people died in accidents caused by a distracted driver and more than 387,000 were injured, according to statistics published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Whether or not distracted driving is illegal is not the most essential point of a personal injury claim. What is important, however, is demonstrating the fact… Read More
Victims injured in car accidents have the right to file a personal injury claim to hold other drivers or entities financially liable for the damages they caused. Although the legal pathway to justice and compensation are available, securing these results are not without their conditions. Most importantly, victims who bring claims will have what is called the “burden of proof.” This means that it is their obligation to prove by a “preponderance of the evidence” that the defendant is at fault and should therefore be held liable. The standard of preponderance of the evidence essentially means that victims must prove that another… Read More
Victims who are injured in a car accident, truck accident, or any other type of motor vehicle accident have the right to pursue legal recourse against the party responsible for causing their damages. In most traffic accident cases, the responsible party is often another driver – as driver error and negligence causes a majority of accidents. There are times, however, when accidents may be caused by other factors, particularly by defective auto parts. Anyone who has paid attention to the news will surely realize that auto part manufacturers are frequently issuing recalls for unsafe products. When auto products are defectively designed,… Read More
By Texas law, bicycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of passenger vehicles. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, this means that bicyclists have the duty to ensure that they take reasonable measures to reduce the risk of causing preventable harm and to adhere to all traffic laws, including: Stopping at red lights and stop signs Staying within a lane and being aware of lane markers Riding near curbs and traveling in the same direction as vehicles Using lights at night and using proper signals for turns Unfortunate as it may be, even bicyclists who obey… Read More
Car accidents – or any type of auto accident – can be frightening, chaotic experiences. When emotions run hot and especially when injuries occur, victims may forget important steps they can take to not only protect their own well-being, but also the future strength of their personal injury claim. As the actions individuals take in the immediate aftermath of a car accident are of such crucial importance, the Texas Department of Transportation has focused on educating drivers about things to remember after a car accident in Texas. While situations will always vary, there are a few general measures motorists can take… Read More
In the wake of an auto accident, many injured victims and their families soon find themselves confronted with numerous challenges. Among these, some of the most difficult involve the financial repercussion of dealing with an injury. Medical bills, for one, can pose serious financial strains that impact all aspects of one’s well-being. When injuries are severe enough to prevent a victim from working and earning wages, these financial struggles can be intensified. In some cases, victims and their families may also experience various emotional and psychological damages, which can affect them profoundly and greatly decrease their quality of life. Fortunately… Read More
Currently, 41 U.S. states and the District of Columbia (Washington, DC) ban text messaging behind the wheel for all drivers. If a driver were to be caught texting while driving in one of these states, law enforcement officers can issue tickets and fines. Fair enough, right? Texting while driving is generally considered to be the most alarming form of distracted driving and is responsible for causing thousands of injuries and fatalities during auto accidents each year. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a federal agency that promotes driver safety, states that distracted driving and texting while driving… Read More
Car accidents, as well as any type of motor vehicle accident, can be stressful, chaotic experiences. When accidents are serious enough to cause injuries, emotions can run incredibly high. Remaining calm and collected during a car accident, however, can not only ensure that all immediate concerns are attended to, but also that your potential personal injury claim is not compromised. When a motorist, passenger, or pedestrian is injured as the result of another driver’s negligence, carelessness, or wrongful act, there are always certain steps that should be taken. These can include collecting the other driver’s information and making sure that… Read More
Drivers who get behind the wheel while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs place others on public roads and highways in serious danger and at serious risk of suffering injuries and fatalities. When these drivers get behind the wheel of massive commercial trucks – including 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and other large freight bearing vehicles – the dangers and risks can increase dramatically. In fact, the Texas Department of Public Safety explicitly warns truck drivers against the use of alcohol when driving commercial vehicles, as alcohol impairment can negatively impact driving in a number of ways, including: Slowed reaction time to… Read More
Commercial, freight bearing vehicles – including 18-wheelers, tractor trailers, and semi-trucks – are massive machines that can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. Excess weight, vehicle articulation (trailers), large cargo, and sheer size make maneuvering these vehicles a difficult task for even the most seasoned truck driver. When you factor in unfavorable road conditions, the negligence and carelessness of other drivers, and the inability of commercial trucks to stop or maneuver quickly, it becomes clear that drivers of commercial vehicles need to be alert and prepared at all times when behind the wheel. As trucking accidents have such an overwhelming… Read More
