Posted on June 22, 2023 in Car Accidents

Each state has enacted negligence laws that have the potential to affect how much compensation a car crash injury victim is entitled to be awarded, in the event that they file legal action in civil court. A few states do not allow injury victims to pursue compensation from other responsible parties if they, themselves, contributed to the harm they have suffered to any degree whatsoever. Some other states allow victims to pursue compensation from other responsible parties regardless of the degree to which everyone involved – including the victim – was to blame for what happened.

Texas Law

Texas honors a legal standard that is commonly referred to as a modified approach to comparative negligence. What this means is that a car crash injury victim remains entitled to seek damages from other parties that contributed to the cause(s) of their harm, provided that the victim was not more than 50% responsible for their own harm. Their damages award is then, proportionately, reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the victim.

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 Posted on June 05, 2023 in Car Accidents

Crating pets or strapping them into some sort of safety apparatus when preparing for a journey in a car or truck can be inconvenient, to say the least. Especially if an animal cries or is prone to chewing or digging when restrained, it can be far easier to simply let them roam loose in a vehicle. Unfortunately, the convenience of allowing a pet to travel unrestrained can lead to motor vehicle accidents. As a result, it is important to find creative solutions when an animal resists travel-related restraints.

Pets Are Distracting

It surprises many parents to learn that there are two primary distractions that are most likely to lead to collisions when their teenage children take the wheel. The first is, obviously, electronic-related distractions. By now, the vast majority of Americans understand that texting while driving and otherwise utilizing electronic technology when operating a vehicle causes preventable crashes. However, the second distraction that is most likely to cause an accident is neither so obvious nor so easily avoided: Passengers.

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 Posted on May 16, 2023 in Truck Accidents

One of the most pressing questions everyone has after a commercial truck accident is, “Why?” Victims and their families want to understand why the truck accident occurred and who is to blame. The causes of commercial truck accidents are as varied and complex as the individuals harmed in those accidents. However, understanding the cause of the accident is one of the first steps in pursuing compensation for damages.

Many commercial truck accidents are caused by the truck driver. Distracted driving, fatigued driving, speeding, and inattention can all lead to catastrophic truck accidents. However, legal responsibility for a commercial truck accident often falls to the truck company. In this blog, we will discuss some of the ways that negligent hiring practices can lead to avoidable truck crash injuries.

Trucking Companies Need to Vet Applicants Carefully

Operating a large commercial truck is a massive responsibility. Only individuals who are properly trained and qualified should ever be behind the wheel of a semi-truck, flatbed, or other large commercial truck.

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 Posted on May 03, 2023 in Distractive Driving

Multiple studies show that distracted driving is worse now than ever. Smartphones and other devices have become an integral part of our everyday lives, and many people cannot bear to part with their devices for even the few minutes it takes to drive across town.

Unfortunately, these factors have led to an increase in the number of fatal accidents involving distracted driving. If your loved one passed away in an accident that was caused by a driver who was using a cell phone or otherwise too distracted to drive safely, it is important to understand your legal rights. You may be able to take legal action against the negligent driver in the form of a wrongful death claim.

Texas Wrongful Death Claims

Texas law defines wrongful death as a death caused by another party’s “wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default.” Sending and receiving text messages, direct messaging on social media, or other electronic communications while driving are illegal in Texas.

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 Posted on April 18, 2023 in Car Accidents

Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies provide a valuable service to Texans. Whether you catch an Uber because you have had a few cocktails, your car is in the shop, or you do not own a personal vehicle, ride-sharing can be a convenient and cost-effective means of transportation. Unfortunately, taking an Uber does not eliminate the risk of being in an accident.

If you or a loved one were involved in a crash while riding in an Uber vehicle, you may have many questions about your legal rights. Does Uber pay for your medical bills? Do you need to file a claim with the driver’s car insurance company? What happens if you are denied reimbursement for your emergency room expenses or other costs related to the accident?

Rideshare accidents are often especially complicated from a legal perspective. This is why it is so important for anybody who has been seriously hurt in an Uber accident to consult with an attorney experienced in rideshare injury claims. Your lawyer can evaluate the situation and help you pursue compensation for all of your damages.

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 Posted on April 07, 2023 in Car Accidents

Drunk driving is one of the primary causes of serious collisions in Texas and throughout the United States. When a driver is intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, he or she is much more likely to cause a crash. Alcohol-related accidents can lead to severe injuries including brain and spine injuries, internal organ damage, broken bones, and more.

Drunk driving car accident victims may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income from missed work, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, many injured accident victims are unaware of these rights or the benefits of filing a personal injury claim after a car accident.

Financial Restitution for Car Accident Damages

Being involved in a car crash is not only frightening, it often has long-term financial implications. If you are a loved one was hurt in a crash, you may be dealing with massive medical bills, huge repair costs, and financial difficulty caused by missed work. A personal injury claim may allow for the recovery of compensation for these and other damages.

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 Posted on March 22, 2023 in Work Accidents

Factories are packed with dangerous equipment, powerful machinery, and hazardous chemicals. Unsurprisingly, workers in the manufacturing industry face an increased risk of injury or death in a work accident. If you or a loved one were injured while working in a factory, it is important to understand your rights under Texas Law.

Unlike some states, Texas does not require employers to get workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. However, even if an employer does not carry workers’ compensation insurance, there are still legal avenues available for injured workers to recover compensation.

Financial Compensation after an Industrial Accident

Although government agencies like OSHA require that certain safety standards are met in factories, this does not completely eliminate the risk of a serious or even deadly accident. Falling objects, electrical accidents, heavy machinery accidents, equipment malfunctions, and explosions are just some of the dangers factory workers may be exposed to.

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 Posted on March 07, 2023 in Car Accidents

Texas law prohibits drivers from sending or typing electronic messages while driving. However, some drivers ignore this important rule. If you were injured in a car accident caused by someone who was texting and driving, you have the legal right to seek compensation for damages. Unfortunately, distracted drivers are responsible for thousands of avoidable auto accidents every year, so it is important that victims of these crashes know their rights.

Texas Law Regarding Insurance Claims and Personal Injury Claims

Texting and driving accidents often lead to painful injuries and significant financial losses. The first option for someone who is injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver is to pursue payment through the at-fault party's insurance company. Auto insurance companies are supposed to reimburse accident victims for their losses. However, getting adequate compensation from an insurance company can be difficult.

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 Posted on February 24, 2023 in Wrongful Death

For motorcycle enthusiasts, there are few things that compare to riding a motorcycle through the winding roads of Dallas. Unfortunately, riding a motorcycle comes with significant dangers. Motorcycles make up just three percent of the registered motor vehicles in the U.S., but they account for 14 percent of traffic fatalities. Tragically, many motorcycle fatalities are preventable. If other drivers simply paid more attention to their surroundings and drove with caution, thousands of motorcyclists’ lives could be saved.

If your spouse passed away in a motorcycle crash, you may be able to take legal action against the at-fault party and seek justice for your deceased loved one. You may also be able to recover compensation for expenses such as medical bills and funeral costs.

Who is Legally Responsible for a Fatal Motorcycle Wreck?

Motorcycle accidents are most frequently caused by negligent driving. Other drivers who are distracted by cell phones or GPS systems may not notice a motorcyclist in the lane beside them. Drunk drivers may not be able to see or respond to a motorcycle at all. Speeding, failure to yield, failure to stop at a red light, and other traffic violations are also common causes of motorcycle crashes. 

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 Posted on February 13, 2023 in Truck Accidents

Large commercial trucks are one of the primary ways of transporting goods across the Lonestar state. Many semi-trucks carry everyday items such as produce, clothing, furniture, or electronics. However, there are also trucks on the road carrying extremely dangerous materials.

Hazardous materials such as explosives, toxic gases, flammable liquids, and corrosive substances can be incredibly dangerous. In the event of an accident involving a truck carrying hazardous materials, these dangerous chemicals may be released into the air or onto the road. The materials may catch fire, exponentially increasing the severity of the situation.

If you or someone you care about was involved in an accident involving a hazmat truck, reach out to a truck accident injury attorney for help. You will likely face life-changing consequences because of the accident, including substantial financial losses. Your attorney can help you file a claim to pursue compensation for these losses.

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