The district attorney for Travis County, Jose Garza, recently negotiated a plea deal with Mindi Stafford, a former Austin CapMetro bus driver. The deal has faced criticism by many locals, including Austin personal injury attorney Adam Loewy, who represented the victim’s family in the related civil lawsuit. In January 2019, Stafford’s erratic and incoherent behavior while driving a bus at UT-Austin tragically resulted in the death of 39-year-old Anthony John Diaz. Diaz was riding his bike when she struck him. Witnesses reported Stafford acting oddly and talking to herself prior to fatally striking Diaz. Read More
The costs of treating an injury after an accident can add up quickly. Medical bills are expensive and lead to significant financial strain for many. Worrying about whether you can afford ongoing treatment or take time off work to recover is normal. You might face massive debt if you don’t have the money to pay upfront for your expenses. Resolving these issues if you were injured by someone else’s wrongdoing requires pursuing a personal injury case. The at-fault party should be liable for your injury and resulting losses. However, securing an insurance settlement or favorable jury verdict isn’t as simple… Read More
Personal injury is a term used in civil court cases. It refers to the expenses a person incurs from an accident someone else causes. Bodily injury is often referenced in criminal cases. It describes the injuries someone sustains in an assault or another crime committed against them. However, “bodily injury” also appears in personal injury cases. The primary difference between personal injury and bodily injury is the legal context people use to reference them. Each case has different requirements for evidence and proving liability. The terms can also have different meanings depending on the state where the accident occurs. What… Read More
Mediation can be a valuable part of a personal injury lawsuit. It allows a neutral space where opposing parties can negotiate a settlement to resolve the case. You can breathe a massive sigh of relief if you reach an agreement during mediation. However, you’re not finished with your case. Multiple things must happen before you receive a settlement check. What Happens After Mediation Settlement? Knowing you can finally put this traumatic experience behind you is exciting. However, settling your case during mediation doesn’t mean you walk away with a check in your hand. There’s a process to complete first. You… Read More
The steps that come after depositions are completed depend on the circumstances of the case. Sometimes, one party wants to negotiate a settlement to resolve the matter outside court. Other times, proceeding to trial seems like the best option. Completing your deposition can seem like a significant weight off your shoulders. You stressed about and prepared for the process for weeks. Now it’s behind you. However, your case isn’t over yet. Below are the stages you might encounter after you and the defendant give your depositions. Review the Deposition Transcripts A court reporter will record everything everyone says during the… Read More
Personal injury insurance claims are opportunities for injured people to pursue compensation from the person or company at fault for the accident in which they were injured. The money they receive can cover lost wages from being unable to work, medical treatment, and damage to personal property. It can also compensate for intangible losses, such as emotional distress and pain and suffering. Many personal injury claims settle out of court. Opposing parties can negotiate a settlement without needing to go to trial. However, negotiations don’t always go well. Sometimes, reaching an agreement isn’t possible. When that happens, proceeding with a… Read More
A deposition can be intimidating. It’s a necessary part of a personal injury lawsuit. However, answering questions a defense attorney asks is a stressful process. You might worry about saying the wrong thing or providing incorrect information. Adequately preparing for a deposition is crucial. You should practice responding to every possible question and avoid common errors that can negatively affect the outcome of your case. Tricks and Traps Lawyers Use During Depositions Attorneys often use tactics to trick a deponent into providing information helpful to their opponent’s cases. The defense lawyer in your personal injury lawsuit might ask confusing questions… Read More
A personal injury lawsuit involves multiple phases. The discovery phase, which allows the plaintiff and defendant’s attorneys to request each other’s evidence, is among the most crucial. Opposing parties can review the evidence to assess legal strategies and determine how to argue against them. One particular part of the discovery process is a deposition. A deposition is a question-and-answer session conducted by a lawyer with the plaintiff, defendant, or witness. The purpose of a deposition is to obtain relevant information about the case. Providing brief, direct, and factual answers to every question is crucial. You should never speculate or embellish. Read More
Parties in a personal injury lawsuit are often called to attend depositions. A deposition allows the opposing sides to obtain information before they proceed to trial. The plaintiff’s and defendant’s attorneys can depose each other’s clients and witnesses to determine the facts of the case. Although a deposition might seem scary, it’s a straightforward process. However, what you say can be used against you during the trial. Your lawyer can help you prepare for your deposition so that you know how to respond to each question and avoid saying something that could damage your case. What Is a Deposition? A… Read More
Texas has a self-defense law in place known as the Stand Your Ground Law. Essentially, this law justifies the use of force against someone when the actor believes it is necessary to protect against someone else’s use or attempted use of unlawful force. Self-defense can be difficult to prove. You may be eligible for compensation from someone else’s insurance company if you were intentionally injured and the Stand Your Ground law does not apply. What Is the Stand Your Ground Law in Texas? Texas Penal Code 9.31 states that a person is justified in using force against someone else… Read More
