Colleyville Accident Attorney Blog

Seat Belts on School Buses: The Never-Ending Debate

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Your Bedford personal injury attorney believes you should know and understand the safety measures taken on your child’s school bus. The debate regarding whether school buses should have seat belts has been ongoing for decades. There is some progress to report: small, Type A school buses must have shoulder and lap belts (3-point system). This new standard was required to be in effect by September 2011, per Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 222.

Large school buses still are not required to have seat belts; however, many independent manufacturers are providing belts on their buses. Seat belts on large school buses remain an option due to the federal government stating they are the safest way for a child to arrive at school.

Why are large school buses considered safe?
Compartmentalization: passengers on a large bus are surrounded by energy-absorbing material—from the seats to the seat frame, to the actual design of the vehicle. These items were designed to provide a ‘compartment’ which absorbs or lessens the energy of the crash before the passenger hits any of these items.

Progress in Texas
A law was passed in 2007, with implementation on September 1, 2010, which required all new school buses to have seat belts. Some districts may not acquire these belts for a few more years simply because they do not need new buses right now. Other districts, such as Dallas County Schools, have already purchased buses equipped with seat belts.

The Bedford personal injury attorneys at The Hart Law Firm hope your child has a safe commute to and from school. If you or a loved one has been involved in a Bedford bus accident, please call us for a free consultation at (800) 856-2347, or order our free book to learn more about the representation you deserve.

Combat Southlake Child-Pedestrian Accidents with Safe Behaviors

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Pedestrian accidents suffered by children aged 5 to 14 are the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths. The rate of pedestrian accidents in this age group is so high because of their still developing cognitive ability and their size. Your Southlake personal injury attorney wants you to be educated on how to keep your children safe from harm.

Safe Behaviors for Your Children

Always look both ways before crossing the street. Teach your children this routine: look left, right, and left again. Keep looking both ways as you cross, and always walk – never run.
When you are walking on a sidewalk or a path along the street, you should walk facing oncoming traffic. If there are no sidewalks, walk as far to the left as possible.
Make sure your children recognize and understand traffic signals in their area.

Safe Behaviors for You

If your child is under the age of ten, walk across the street with him or her.
If the conditions are low-light or dark, have your child use a flashlight. You may also consider adding reflectors or retro-reflective material to your child’s clothes.
Provide boundaries regarding where your child plays. Do not allow him to play in unfenced yards, parking lots, driveways, or streets.

Your Southlake personal injury lawyer from The Hart Law Firm will support and represent you every step of the way if your child has been a victim of a Southlake pedestrian accident. We know the stress and trauma that occur when a child is harmed. Please call us for a free consultation at (800) 856-2347. Also, take advantage of our free book, Your Texas Personal Injury Case: Don’t Get Hammered, Strong-Armed, or Thrown to the Dogs.

Grapevine Accident Attorney Teaches You the New and Improved H.O.S.

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Your Grapevine accident attorney is happy to report the new changes to the “Hours of Service of Drivers” from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These changes will help protect truck drivers and other motorists on our Grapevine roads. The updates are as follows:

An 11-hour driving limit; however, if a 30-minute break was not taken prior to eight consecutive hours of driving, then no more driving may occur.
During the 34-hour “restart” or off-duty time, there must be at least two consecutive nighttime periods lasting from 1:00am to 5:00am.
The 14 Consecutive Hour Day is now called the Driving Window. There now must be a 30-minute rest break within the 14 hours of driving time.
Any violation of these rules will subject the driver or motor carrier to fines for each offense.

Truck driving is serious business. Keeping roads and motorists safe from Grapevine truck accidents is even more serious. Precautions, like the ones above, are not put in place simply to limit drivers, but to improve safety for them and those sharing the road. The effective date for the new provisions is February 27, 2012.

The Hart Law Firm hopes that compliance to the Hours of Service of Drivers helps protect our roads and decreases the number of Grapevine truck accidents. Our Grapevine accident lawyers are here to help you every step of the way if you are involved in a truck accident. Please call us for a free consultation at (800) 856-2347. You can also request a copy of our free book, Your Texas Personal Injury Case: Don’t Get Hammered, Strong-Armed, or Thrown to the Dogs.

Colleyville Accident Attorneys Give the Top 5 Causes of Teen Accidents

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

The Colleyville accident attorneys at The Hart Law Firm have provided the list below from the “Teens in the Driver Seat” organization to help you talk to your teen about driving safely. Raising awareness to your teen of the top five causes of teen auto accidents may begin to curb these horrible accidents.

Night driving – This is the biggest accident risk factor in teen driving. In 2009, 61 percent of teen car crashes occurred between 6:00 pm and 6:00 am. Studies show this is due to low visibility, drowsiness that leads to a slow response time, and a lack of experienced night driving.
Speeding and street racing – Teens may think they are safe when driving over the speed limit. But, when a speeding driver begins to brake, he already may be too close to the danger in front of him.
Distractions – Cell phones, the radio, and other passengers can all distract a driver. These things can take your eyes off the road, a hand off the wheel, or take your mind off of driving.
Not wearing a seat belt – Aside from the annual 1,880 teen deaths nationwide due to not wearing a seat belt, you can be ticketed for not wearing one. Seat belts, when worn properly, save over 13,000 lives per year.
Driving while intoxicated – In 2009, 19 percent of fatal crashes involved 16-20 year-old drivers with a BAC of .08 percent or higher. That means nearly one in five fatal teen car accidents were alcohol-related.

Your Colleyville car accident lawyers are here to help if you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident. Please contact The Hart Law Firm today at (800) 856-2347 for a free consultation.

Grapevine Motorcyclists & Motorists Need Each Other to Stay Safe

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

There are certain laws of consideration that motorcyclists and motorists can do to keep each other safe while driving on Grapevine roads. When we ignore the “Golden Rule” of treating others how we would like to be treated, then the highway can become a dangerous place. Your Grapevine motorcycle accident attorney has a list of things you can do to stay safe:

Motorcyclists

Hold the bike with your legs, not your arms.
Do not tailgate or ride between the lanes.
Use your signals.
Anticipate what cars ahead of you may do by looking forward and ahead.
Never drive beside a big rig.

Motorists

Be aware of motorcycles. There are fewer motorcycles than cars on roadways, which makes it is easy to forget about them while driving. Make it a habit to scan for motorcycles as you drive.
Give motorcyclists more space than you would give a car.
Use your signals.
Do not pull up next to a motorcycle that is occupying the lane next to you.

The motorcycle accident lawyers at The Hart Law Firm know that keeping Grapevine roads safe will take action from both motorcyclists and motorists. Be aware of each other, and always follow your state driving laws. These laws were put into place to protect you and others while on the road.

If you or a loved one has been in a Grapevine motorcycle accident due to a motorist's negligence, please call your Grapevine motorcycle accident attorney to ensure that you are represented by an experienced and caring lawyer. You can also request a copy of our free book, Your Texas Personal Injury Case: Don’t Get Hammered, Strong-Armed, or Thrown to the Dogs. Call (800) 856-2347 today for a complimentary consultation appointment.

Southlake Truck Accident Victims – Know Your PTSD Symptoms

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

To all Southlake truck accident victims, your personal injury attorney at Hart Law Firm wants to remind you that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a treatable anxiety disorder. Just like a physical injury, you can be healed of your emotional injury. It will take time and professional help, but there is relief if you are aware of your symptoms and seek the help you need.

Other than reliving the event or avoiding reminders, you may also recognize other symptoms that point to PTSD:

Your reaction to the traumatic event may be intense fear, helplessness, or horror.
You may have strong feelings of shame, guilt, despair, anger or hostility. Most of the time, these intense feelings are directed toward an echo or a reminder of the event. If you were in a truck accident, you may feel extreme hostility toward all truck drivers.
Trauma can be a life-altering experience and, if you are suffering from PTSD, your relationships may suffer as well.
If left untreated, you may suffer from other problems as well, such as depression, drug and alcohol abuse, panic disorders, or social anxieties.

If you are suffering from PTSD, there is hope for healing. The Hart Law Firm wants to help you and guide you along this path. Our Southlake truck accident attorneys know that a truck accident takes physical, financial, and emotional toll on an individual. They will offer their personal attention to you and your case.

If you have been involved in a Southlake truck accident or you have lost a loved one during a large truck accident, contact The Hart Law Firm for your free consultation. No gimmicks, no silly names, just dedicated, aggressive attorneys, ready and waiting to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call 1.800.856.2347 today.

Concussions: The Unseen Injuries in Bedford Car Accidents

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A concussion can be a serious, unseen injury. If you or someone you love has been involved in a Bedford car accident, or has sustained a blow to the head, watch for any of the following symptoms of a concussion:

Loss of consciousness
Confusion
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Blurred vision
Loss of short-term memory
Repeating the same thing over and over, despite being told the answer each time

If the above symptoms appear minor, call your doctor and ask for medical advice. If the symptoms are severe, such as repeated vomiting or more than two minutes of unconsciousness, go to your nearest emergency room for medical attention. If you are unsure whether your symptoms are serious enough to warrant medical care, it is best to seek immediate medical attention.

When you are riding in a vehicle, keep yourself safe from concussions by always wearing a seat belt. This will help to keep your injuries as minor as possible in the case of an accident. If you have been involved in a Bedford car accident or have lost a loved one in a car accident, contact a Bedford car crash lawyer at The Hart Law Firm for help.

Pulled Over for Drunk Driving in Dallas? Here's What You Can Expect

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The Dallas drunk driving accident attorneys at The Hart Law Firm hope that a DWI is not in your future; however, if this unfortunate situation does occur, it is in prevention of a Dallas drunk driving accident. If this situation does happen in your life, be prepared for the following:

Safely pull over to the side of the road. If the officer motions for you to exit the highway, do so. Respect the officer. Remember, he is just trying to keep the roads safe for you and others.
You have the right to ask for your attorney if the officer begins to ask you questions. Remember that any information you willfully give to the officer can be used as evidence.
You also have the right to refuse the field sobriety tests. These tests include walking on a straight line, standing on one foot, or following a light with your eyes. Again, if you do comply, the results can be used as evidence.
If the officer asks you to take a breathalyzer test, you do not have the right to refuse. If refused, the officer will warn you of the penalties. If you refuse again, your driver’s license will be revoked and you will be issued a Notice of Suspension.

Always remember that one drink is too many if you are driving. Be responsible and ask a non-drinking friend or family member to drive you home. If you have been injured by a drunk driver, contact an experienced Dallas drunk driving accident attorney at the Hart Law Firm for your free consultation.

Technology is Speeding the Way to a Truck Accident Free Colleyville

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Speeding is one of the most common reasons for truck accidents in the Colleyville area. Your Colleyville truck accident lawyer wants you to know that there are technological advancements to curb speeding on the roads. We want you to know that there are those working to keep you safe.

What is being done?

PeopleNet, an onboard computing and mobile communications system, is working with SpeedGauge to produce instant reports if a driver is exceeding posted speed limits. This “real-time” alert will allow management to respond quickly and hopefully prevent an accident.

Are all fleets using this technology?

Currently, each fleet is making its own decision based upon its needs and its belief of whether it needs this type of technology or not. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has been testing the monitoring systems to establish their effectiveness in improving safety among drivers. There are 270 trucks from three volunteer carriers equipped with the systems. There are still a few years to go with the study to gather grounded data, but the fact that this technology is available and being used by some carriers provides hope that all fleets will someday be equipped with instruments that will keep you and your family safe.

If you have been injured or you have lost a loved one in a Colleyville truck accident, you need help and you need it fast. The trucking company will have its lawyers lined up, ready to discredit you and your injuries and offer you the lowest settlement possible. Contact an experienced Colleyville truck accident lawyer at the Hart Law Firm for your free consultation.

I Was in a Grapevine Car Accident While Pregnant. What Do I Do?

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

First and foremost, if you have been involved in a Grapevine car accident, seek medical treatment. If a paramedic is on site, ask for help. Also be sure to follow up with your obstetrician. Whether you are in a major or minor car accident in the Grapevine area, you should be examined as soon as possible.

The reason for this sense of urgency is that a jolt, whether you feel it was hard or not, has the potential to separate the uterus from the placenta. This may lead to hemorrhage, miscarriage, or premature delivery. You may not experience or notice symptoms right after the car accident, so it is extremely important to seek immediate medical attention. The hospital will monitor you; depending on any symptoms you may be experiencing and the age of the fetus, you may be monitored for several hours or more.

Once you receive the okay to go home, you will still need to watch for bleeding, abdominal pain, or a decline in the baby’s movement. If any of these symptoms do occur, call your doctor immediately.

Your Next Steps

If your child was injured in a Grapevine auto accident, please contact us to schedule your free consultation with our dedicated and knowledgeable Grapevine car accident attorneys. Your attorney will be there for you and your unborn child. We want the best outcome possible, should the need arise. Call us at (817)380-4888 to protect the life of your unborn child.

Dallas Drunk Driving Accidents Too Common During Holiday Season

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

When most people think of Christmas they think of good food, good company, and the giving of gifts. While our Dallas drunk driving attorneys look forward to the holidays, our joy is tempered with the fact that each and every December the number of people hit by a drunk driver in Dallas skyrockets.

Deadly Month Within a Deadly Year

December is the month when Dallas and all of Texas experience a peak in DUI accidents. However, Dallas also has the distressing distinction of being the city with the highest rates of deadly DUI accidents in the United States. Each year in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, an average of 120 people die during an accident in a drunk driver. This does not take into account DUI accidents in Grapevine, Denton or any of the surrounding cities.

Stopping DUI Accident Deaths This Season

Knowing that DUI accidents peak in December, local and state law enforcement agencies, along with the Texas Department of Transportation and other traffic safety advocates, do all they can to deter drunk driving.

This year TxDOT has launched a massive campaign featuring Santa and his reindeer to try and persuade party goers to get a sober ride home. In addition, the Dallas Police Department will be conducting holiday weekend no-refusal DUI stops where judges are on the ready to issue warrants for blood tests for suspects who refuse to take a breathalyzer.

Making the Right Choice This Christmas

While police work to catch drunk drivers, we urge you to find a sober ride home: make a plan, pick a designated driver, or get a cab. Your decision to get behind to wheel after drinking could end someone's life. It's simply not worth it.

If you have been hit by a drunk driver in Dallas, you are not alone. In order to ensure that you are compensated for your losses and that the driver is held responsible for his or her actions, contact an experienced Dallas drunk driving accident lawyer at 817.380.4888 for your free consultation.

Decisions Made by U.S. Senate Impact Texas Semi-Truck Accident Rates

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Until each and every truck driver decides to make the right choices when behind the wheel, laws passed on the local, state, and national level are needed to decrease the number of accidents caused by semi-trucks in Grapevine and across Texas. There are several current national proposals that aim to stop dangerous trucks and truck drivers from hitting the road.

Current Semi-Truck Safety Legislation

At this time, the U.S. Senate is being asked to pass legislation that would:

Require on-board recorders for all large commercial trucks and buses
Stop trucking companies from quickly starting up again after being shut down due to safety violations
Require all new motor carriers to pass a written examination before being allowed to operate
Begin studies to determine the factors that contribute to accidents caused by commercial vehicles

The Cost of Safety

As with most things, semi-truck safety regulation is not free. According to estimates from the U.S. Finance committee, the new safety measures would cost upwards of $109 billion. Passing the initiatives will be a hard sell, seeing as the committee must first find $12 billion to fund current levels of transportation spending.

What do you think? Do the proposed safety measures justify their cost?

No matter the final decision, the Grapevine, TX 18 wheeler accident attorneys at the Hart Law Firm are always glad to hear that lawmakers are working to improve the safety of large trucks. Too often we talk to people who have been injured during an accident that could have been prevented. If you are one of these people, know that you have rights. Contact an experienced North Texas accident lawyer at 817.380.4888 today to ensure that these rights are protected.

How Sleep Apnea Testing Can Prevent a Bedford Semi-Truck Accident

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The issue of preventing sleep apnea related semi-truck accidents is one that is dear to our hearts. Too many times, our Bedford 18 wheeler accident lawyers speak with clients who have been hit by a distracted, overly tired truck driver. While long hours behind the wheel can cause some level of drowsiness, sleep apnea has been found to be one of the most frequent contributors to truck driver fatigue.

Just How Dangerous Are Truckers Suffering From Sleep Apnea?

One study, done by researchers at the Harvard School of Medicine, found that those suffering from the sleep disorder were at a 242 percent higher risk of being involved in an accident than those without it.

While many trucking companies are resistant to the idea of screening all truck drivers for the disorder, it has been found, time and time again, that identifying drivers with sleep apnea and giving them proper treatment saves both lives and money.

Setting the Industry Standard for Sleep Apnea Testing

One company that has seen very positive results is Schneider National. The large trucking company put a program in place that reduced crash rates by 30 percent. In addition, since making changes to their sleep apnea identification and treatment programs, the company is saving over $500 per driver per month.

At the Hart Law Firm, we hope that other Texas trucking companies take note and begin to screen all drivers for sleep apnea. It is becoming very clear that doing so will reduce semi-truck accident rates and save lives.

If you have any questions about your recent semi-truck accident, please do not hesitate to contact an experienced Bedford, TX large truck crash lawyer at 817.380.4888 for your free consultation. The trucking company will have their lawyers on call, ready to devalue your claim. Who will you have?

Large Settlement Agreement in Texas Semi-Truck Accident Lawsuit

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The family of a New Braunfels man will be missing their husband and father this Christmas. The only small happiness they have this season is that their successful Texas truck accident lawsuit will help honor the accident victim and prevent truck accidents caused by sleep apnea. As we have reported, John and Wanda Lindsay were stopped due to construction when an 18 wheeler traveling at 65 mph slammed into the back of their car. John died from his critical injuries and Wanda, although badly injured, survived. During her recovery, Wanda discovered that the driver who hit them had been hired by Celadon Trucking despite the fact that he had been diagnosed with severe and uncontrolled sleep apnea and had been fired multiple times for his refusal to treat the condition. New Hope in the Face of Tragedy Wanda decided to honor her husband by fighting sleep apnea in truck drivers. The disorder has reached epidemic levels within the trucking industry, but day in and day out the John Lindsay Foundation works to reduce the number of truckers allowed to drive with obstructive sleep apnea. Recently, the Lindsays were awarded a $3.25 million dollar settlement for their lawsuit against Celadon Trucking, the company who hired the driver. The money will not only help the Lindsays recover financially, paying for medical bills and ongoing care for Wanda, it will allow the family to continue their work to prevent large truck accidents caused by drowsy, sleep apnea-impaired drivers.

The Bedford 18 wheeler accident attorneys at the Hart Law Firm would like to congratulate the Lindsays on their successful settlement. While we know that no amount of money can replace a loved one, we are heartened to hear that your family will use the settlement to honor John and prevent semi-truck accidents in Texas and across the nation. The Lindsays were able to receive the compensation that they need to heal and move on from the accident. If you have been involved in a trucking accident in Bedford, make sure that you are able to do the same. Contact an experienced Grapevine semi-truck accident attorney for your free consultation. You deserve the best. Call 817.380.4888 today.

Texas Truck Drivers Fight the Battle of the Bulge

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

New regulations and company mandates are targeting obesity in the trucking industry. Currently, 86 percent of truck drivers in the United States are overweight or obese. Rule makers and safety advocates believe that the overweight and unhealthy truckers put themselves and others at risk.

Unhealthy Truck Drivers Cause Accidents

Overweight drivers are much more likely to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, causing them to be overly tired when driving. In addition, excess weight can cause truckers to become diabetic, putting them at risk of going into diabetic shock. Heart attacks are also a real risk for many drivers.

Large truck crash rates in Texas and nationwide are impacted by the health of truck drivers. Accidents caused by a health-related event, such as heart attack, diabetic shock or another heath issue account for 12 percent of semi-truck accidents caused by driver error.

Drivers Take Charge of Their Health

Increasingly, truck drivers are getting the message that losing weight is crucial to improving their health and avoiding health-related accidents. At truck stops, truck drivers are lifting weights in the cabs of their trucks, briskly walking around parking lots, and biking around rest areas. Some have stopped eating truck stop food and are now cooking lean meats on portable cook tops.

As Colleyville truck accident attorneys, we have seen the impact that truck driver error has on the lives of those they hit. Because of this, we cheer any positive changes that the trucking industry makes.

If you have been involved in an accident with a commercial truck in Colleyville, Grapevine, Bedford or anywhere in North Texas, protect your rights; contact an experienced lawyer at the Hart Law Firm. Call 817.380.4888 today for your free consultation.

Does Your Texas Accident Attorney Wear a Cape?

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

If not, he may be he hiding it under his suit, the way David Hart, a Texas Super Lawyer with the Hart Law Firm does. OK, so attorney David Hart doesn't wear a cape, and he can't fly. Instead he relies on good, honest legal work. His dedication to superior legal representation has made him a Texas Monthly Super Lawyer. He may not wear a cape, but this doesn't make him any less Super.

What it Takes to be a Texas Monthly Super Lawyer

Those who make the list of Texas Super Lawyers have been nominated by other attorneys and have undergone a rigorous review process. They are lawyers who have made a mark in their specialty and who consistently deliver exceptional results.

At the Hart Law Firm, we are proud that David Hart has received the distinction of Texas Super Lawyer. We hope that if you have been injured in a car accident or an accident with a semi-truck in Dallas or Tarrant County, you will allow David and our team of attorneys to come to the rescue.

While we may not fly to the scene of your accident, wearing a cape and leaping over buildings in a single bound, we will stop at nothing to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.

Get a Texas super lawyer on your side; call 817.380.4888 to contact a Grapevine truck and 18 wheeler accident attorney at the Hart Law Firm today for your free consultation.

What Kyle Busch and Dallas Truck Drivers Have in Common

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

When Kyle Busch got behind the wheel to race the other day, he lost his temper, threw a fit, and hit another truck, causing a race-ending crash. Fortunately for both drivers, the accident didn't cause any injuries. The only fall out was wrecked-up trucks and no chance of winning that day. Busch has been fined for causing the accident and didn't race at Texas Motor Speedway in Dallas as planned. Some still wonder, however, if these punishments fit the crime.

So what do semi-truck drivers and Kyle Busch have in common?

While semi-trucks (let's think of them as suped-up versions of NASCAR race trucks) don't race in circles, they do race from point A to point B. The quicker they get there, the more they get paid; time is money in the trucking industry. Long hours and little sleep can cause some drivers to become irritable, even aggressive. Mr. Busch got aggressive behind the wheel and caused a serious crash, and so do some truck drivers.

Bigger Trucks, Bigger Accidents

If a trucker got mad and bumped the back of the truck or car in front of him, there is virtually no chance that the motorists involved would walk away unscathed. While Kyle Busch had to sit out a race or two, the consequences of causing an accident on the highway would most certainly be much worse.

Accidents involving large commercial vehicles are among the most deadly and injurious. Truckers can and do get angry enough to tailgate, or flash their lights and pull up next to another vehicle, with arms, and perhaps a certain finger, waving wildly, and a choice word or two streaming from their lips.

If you have been the brunt of such aggression you know just how scary it is. If you see an aggressive driver, trucker or not, please do your best to stay out of their way and, if you believe that the driver is dangerous, call 911. Help prevent yourself from become the victim of a semi-truck crash in Grapevine, TX.

If, despite your best attempts to avoid an accident, you are hit by an aggressive or inattentive truck driver, do not hesitate to contact a Grapevine, TX large truck accident attorney at the Hart Law Firm. We know truckers, we know Texas, and we know how to get you maximum compensation for your injuries. Call 817.380.4888 for your free consultation with a specialized Grapevine large truck crash lawyer.

Driver Fatigue May Have Caused Texas Bus Accident

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Initial reports by the Texas Department of Public Safety indicate that an overly tired driver may have caused the recent serious bus accident in Runnels County, TX. The accident claimed the life of one of the 12 students on board and several other students and faculty members are still in the hospital, attempting to recover from their critical injuries.

The bus was taking agricultural students from Abilene Christian University to Medina, where they were to spend the weekend volunteering at a children's home. The tragic accident has sent a wave of sadness through the school and the state of Texas. The Hart Law Firm was saddened to hear the news that one student had lost her life and that so many others were injured.

As personal injury attorneys we too often witness the terrible role drowsy driving plays in bus and large truck accidents in Texas. A fatigued driver is just as likely to make a mistake as a driver who has been drinking, yet too often we push ourselves to drive while overly tired.

Please, Texas, let us honor the life of the student who lost her life in this terrible accident; let us pledge, today and every day, to avoid driving while tired. Making the choice to pull over or delay a trip may very well save a life-please help prevent another accident caused by drowsy driving in Texas.

The staff and attorneys at the Hart Law Firm would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of the accident victim. This accident hit especially close to home because two of us graduated from Abilene Christian (one just last year). Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the people invoved in the accident and their families and we hope that with time they all can find some measure of peace.

In Texas: Signs, They Are a Changin'

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Have you noticed any changes on your daily commute? If not, you soon will. Many counties in Texas have begun the tedious process of removing nighttime and truck speed limit signs. This means that as of September 1, trucks can travel at the same speed as cars. At night, all vehicles can travel at higher speeds, no longer slowed down by nighttime limits.

Is the Change Good for Texas?

The concern for many stems from the high cost of removing the signage. In a 60 county region, the contractor awarded the bid will receive $577,500 for removing all signs in the area. This cost will be the same across most regions in Texas.

In addition to the cost of removal, many safety advocates worry that the higher truck speed limit will take a more serious toll on Texas. The concern is that a higher speed limit will lead to more frequent and more serious semi-truck accidents in Denton and across Texas. As has been shown time and again, the faster a truck is traveling, the longer it takes it to stop. It is feared that this increased braking distance will cause the number of crashes involving large commercial vehicles to jump dramatically.

While our Denton 18 wheeler crash lawyers hope that this isn't the case, we are unsure as to how the change will play out across the state. We can only hope that motorists are not injured or killed because of the increases.

We know that you do your best to stay safe each time you get into a vehicle. If, despite your best efforts, you are involved in an accident with a large truck in Denton, do not hesitate to call. Our experienced Texas semi-truck accident attorneys are ready to help you recover and move on with your life. Please call 1.817.380.4888 today.

18-Wheelers Enter Texas From Mexico: An Accident Waiting to Happen?

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

News that the first semi-truck from Mexico has entered the U.S. was met with both cheers and jeers. Many believe that allowing the trucks to enter into border states such as Texas will help speed up shipping times. Currently, trucks loaded with cargo such as fresh vegetables have to unload at the border. The goods are then reloaded onto American trucks. This lengthy process is causing serious back-ups at the border. The issue has been compounded by an ongoing shortage of truck drivers in the United States.

Concern Over Safety Abound

Many safety advocates are concerned that allowing trucks and truckers from Mexico to travel freely in the U.S. could cause serious safety issues. Already, large semi-trucks accidents in Denton and across Texas result in injuries and deaths. We have to wonder, if American trucks are already too often unsafe, what will adding a new set of trucks and truckers to our highways do to accident rates?

The new program, part of the North American Free Trade Agreement, is operating under a trial period. Hopefully, the trial will not come at the cost of lives lost to serious trucking accidents.

While our Denton large truck accident attorneys are hopeful that the new program will not cause more accidents, we will be watching this story very carefully.

What do you think? Should the trucks be allowed into the U.S. or should the old restrictions stay in place?

If you have any questions, or have been involved in an 18 wheeler accident in Denton or surrounding areas, please do not hesitate to contact an attorney at the Hart Law Firm. As fierce advocates of the injured, we are here for you 24-7-365. When you need help, call 1.817.380.4888 for the attorneys that care.

Do Heavier Trucks in Keller, Euless = More Accidents, Road Damage?

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Various groups within the trucking industry have agreed on proposals that would raise the allowable weight limit on commercial trucks. They would like to boost productivity by allowing trucks to carry up to 9,000 more pounds than they are currently allowed to. While this may be good for the industry, many are concerned that it will be bad for motorists in Keller, Euless, and across Texas.

Bigger Trucks Can Cause Bigger Accidents

As a vehicle's weight increases, its stopping distance increases as well. The concern with allowing heavier trucks to travel in Texas is that the increased stopping distance, along with bulkier loads, will cause more frequent and more serious crashes. Already, an accident with a commercial truck in Keller is serious and safety experts worry that the new rules will increase the number of accidents involving 18 wheelers in Texas.

Damage to Roads in Euless

If the weight limit raise is approved, the heavier trucks will be made to travel less on major interstates and more on state highways. Studies have shown that increased large truck traffic on these smaller roads considerably increases road damage. Are taxpayers prepared to pay to fix the road damage done by large trucks?

While our law firm is all for increased productivity, it is our sincere hope that the drive to do more in less time will not lead to more injuries and fatalities on the roads of Texas. Progress at the cost of human lives is not progress at all. If you have been involved in an accident with a semi-truck in Euless, Keller, or surrounding areas, the experienced Euless large truck accident attorneys at The Hart Law Firm can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call 1.817.380.4888 to schedule your free consultation today.

The Three Things Texas Truckers Wish You Would Stop Doing

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

While truck drivers can and do make mistakes that cause serious trucking accidents in Bedford and across Texas, there are times when the other driver contributes to the crash. Truckers live in fear of these three driver errors, and if you are making them, you are putting your life at risk.

Cutting in front of a semi: If you cut in front of a semi-truck, either when crossing a street or after passing, you are playing with fire. These trucks are massive and their brake times are significantly longer than other vehicles.
Following too close behind: When you follow an 18 wheeler too closely, there are several things that could go wrong. First, if the truck has to stop or slow suddenly, you might not have enough time to react. This can cause your car to hit the back of the truck, possibly sliding under it. Secondly, if you are too close behind a truck, you are in the driver's blind spot. If the driver can't see you, he may make a move in traffic that causes you to collide with his truck.
Drive distracted: Truck drivers can see you reaching for your phone, or sending a text message, and they are scared! Any task that takes your mind or eyes off the road has the potential to cause a serious, even deadly accident.

Although we represent hundreds of clients who have been injured during an accident with a truck in Denton and surrounding areas, we know that in order to prevent accidents with large trucks we must all do our part. Drive safe, drive aware, arrive alive.

If, despite your vigilance, you are hit by a semi-truck, do not hesitate; contact an experienced Texas truck accident attorney at the Hart Law Firm. Call 1.800.856.2347 for your free consultation.

Unsafe Truckers Beware! Distracted Drivers Will Be Ticketed in Texas

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Distracted driving causes accidents in Texas; there is no need to debate this. It's both common sense and a proven fact. However, what remains to be seen is what safety officials, police, and the public can do to prevent it.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has teamed up with safety groups and law enforcement agencies from across the nation to highlight the seriousness of distracted driving in truck drivers and, hopefully, prevent 18 wheeler accidents in Bedford and across Texas.

Operation Safe Driver is currently underway and police officers are on the lookout for distracted and aggressive drivers. Police are making a concerted effort to bring awareness to this serious issue and catch those who are guilty of these dangerous driving behaviors.

Safe Driving All Year Long

As Texas truck accident lawyers, we have seen the devastating impact that a semi-truck accident in Bedford can have. While we are glad to hear that safety groups and police are taking these issues seriously, we would like to see a longer lasting effort to stop distracted and aggressive driving among truckers. There are ways that we can help stop these behaviors. One of the most effective is to report drivers who are driving erratically. If enough of us do so, the message will get out to the trucking community: Be careful how you drive in Bedford.

While we work toward a zero accident rate, we know that accidents happen every day. If you need legal help after your truck accident, contact an experienced Bedford truck accident attorney at the Hart Law Firm. Together, we can get you the compensation you deserve. Call 817.380.4888 today.

Here a Truck, There a Truck: Grapevine Semi-Truck Crashes on the Rise

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A road is a static thing. Without major construction, it stays the same size. However, the number of cars and trucks that travel on any given road in Texas changes all the time. While the highways in and around Grapevine are often under construction, we have to wonder if road expansions can keep up with the increase in truck travel. At some point, roads have nowhere to widen, nowhere to go. Then what?

More 18 Wheelers, More Grapevine Trucking Accidents?

Increasing the number of trucks on any given roadway is sure to have an impact on that road. When traffic increases, so do accident rates. While this is no surprise, it should be considered seriously; accidents with an 18 wheeler or other commercial truck are far more dangerous than the average car crash.

What Can Be Done?

Aside from sticking to city streets, there is not much we can do to avoid sharing the road with a semi-truck; however, there are ways to help prevent trucking accidents. Defensive driving is often the key to preventing an accident. Be sure that you are acutely aware of each truck you pass. Before passing, watch the truck for signs of distracted or drowsy driving such as swerving, frequent changes in speed, or erratic driving patterns. If the truck driver is driving in such a way that you cannot pass safely, don't pass. Staying out of the truck's way and reporting the driver to police may save you and help prevent a serious accident.

If, despite your best efforts, you are involved in a large truck or 18 wheeler crash in Grapevine, be sure to seek legal advice from an experienced Grapevine accident attorney. At the Hart Law Firm, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of those injured during an accident with a large truck. Please call us at 1.800.856.2347 for your free consultation.

Why Many Fort Worth Texas Truck Drivers Ignore Drive Time Limits

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

No driver wants to be involved in an accident. Truck drivers are no exception. They are very aware that if they get into an accident, there is a good chance that their career is over. If this is true, why do so many truck drivers make the choice to drive more than they should, driving while tired and putting themselves and others at risk?

More Money, More Problems

In order to make enough money to pay their bills and support their families, truckers often drive when they are not supposed to. Legally, truck drivers are required to drive no more than 11 hours, with this drive time followed by a 10 hour break. While this sounds like a reasonable requirement, truckers point out that running legal is nearly impossible. Any time a driver is stuck in traffic, at a weigh station, or is waiting for a load to arrive, he is not earning money. Truckers only make money when they are moving. This tempts many truck drivers to break the law, drive beyond the legal limits, and drive when overly tired.

Solutions Are Hard to Come By

Unfortunately, the issue is systemic. Only a few large trucking companies pay well enough to encourage truckers to rest when they need to and not drive when tired. Too many push their drivers beyond their limits, asking them to engage in dangerous driving behaviors.

At the Hart Law Firm we understand the challenges that truck drivers face. However, we have seen the devastating impact that large truck accidents have on motorists. Hopefully, emerging safety legislation and sleep apnea studies will help drivers make the right choices, get the sleep they need, and avoid a serious Dallas trucking accident.

You've Crossed the Line This Time! The Impact of Distracted Truckers in Texas

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Crossing the middle line might be an everyday occurrence for you. It shouldn't be, but for many busy drivers it's just something that happens. The vast majority of the time, distraction is to blame. Unfortunately, Texas semi-truck drivers are not immune to driver distraction. In fact, safety advocates are urging lawmakers to ban cell phone use for all truckers.

The ban comes after a terrible accident where a truck driver was using his phone for both texts and conversations. Moments later, he drifted across the center line, plowed through a wire highway divider, and hit a nearly full 15-passenger van. The crash caused multiple fatalities and many are asking: "What can be done to prevent truck driver distraction?"

Would a Truck Driver Cell Phone Ban Reduce Truck Accident Rates in Texas?

While it cannot be said that the majority of accidents are caused by cell phone use, it is true that removing the possibility of distraction due to the use of a cell phone could save lives. Many states have enacted strict bans on cell phone use while driving. Maybe it is time for Texas to require truckers to put down the cell phone and drive. What do you think? Is a nationwide ban on truck driver cell phone use feasible? Would it bring down truck accident rates?

No matter the outcome, the staff and Dallas accident attorneys at the Hart Law Firm hope that concerned safety advocates continue to look for ways to prevent accidents and save lives. If you have been hurt during an accident with a semi truck in Grapevine, Colleyville or anywhere in North Texas, contact an experienced Texas accident lawyer today for your free consultation.

Texas Truckers May Be Forced to Drop the Call

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A fatal accident that took the lives of multiple people in an 18-passenger van was blamed on a truck driver's cell phone use. The driver of the 18-wheeler was using his phone as he drifted off the road, rammed through the wire median divider, and hit the van. The subject of driving and dialing is not a new one, but accidents such as this highlight the fact that distracted driving has deadly repercussions - especially when the distracted driver is behind the wheel of a semi-truck.

What Safety Experts Are Doing About It

In response to the serious crash, both experts and civilians are calling for a full ban on cell phone use by truckers. If lawmakers choose to tackle this sensitive subject, truck drivers may soon be banned from texting, dialing, or talking on the phone while driving. The ban would apply to both handheld and hands-free devices. While some believe that a law such as this would take away the rights of drivers, others think it will stop trucking accidents before they happen.

Do You Think a Trucker Cell Phone Ban Would Prevent Accidents?

What do you think? Would a total cell phone ban keep trucker's minds on the road instead of on their phone? Distracted driving research uncovers a strong correlation between cell phone use and driver distraction. It also links this distraction to an increased rate of accidents. So what can we do? Is a total ban the answer?

Only time will tell whether this particular law will pass and affect accident rates. The Dallas large truck accident attorneys at the Hart Law Firm hope that any safety rule or regulation that is passed will reduce the number of trucking accidents in Texas and nationwide.

New Sleep Apnea Test for Truckers Cuts the Fat

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you have been hit by a truck driver in Fort Worth you are still processing the event, trying to determine just how the accident happened, why the driver made such a terrible mistake and how the crash could have been prevented. Many safety advocates believe that the vast majority of semi truck accidents, both in Texas and across the nation, are caused by drowsiness related to obstructive sleep apnea.

Currently, there is no good, reliable test for identifying truck drivers who are at risk for sleep apnea. While it is true that obesity is often associated with sleep apnea, many are resistant to targeting drivers based on BMI or weight alone.

A Test That Offers Less Subjective Results

A new test, based on the reaction speeds of commercial truck drivers, measures drivers' alertness, their ability to react quickly to events. When slow, a driver's test time indicates sleepiness. This sleepiness, and slow reaction time, is most often caused by a lack of deep, restful sleep. Sleep apnea is a major cause of daytime drowsiness. Using the test, drivers who are dangerously tired will get the help they need, preventing overly tired truckers from taking to the road, putting the lives of motorists on the line.

Semi-Truck Crash Prevention is the Key to Saving Lives in Texas

In our Dallas law office we see client after client suffering from the effects of an accident with an 18-wheeler. Anytime researchers or safety experts make strides in preventing large truck accidents we take notice. Our attorneys strongly believe that knowledge is power. We hope that giving you the information you need will help you better understand your accident and give you the strength you need to carry on, to effect positive change. If you need help recovering from your accident and getting the compensation you deserve, please contact an experienced lawyer at the Hart Law Firm for your free consultation. We are here for you; call today. 1.800.856.2347.

Will additional safety regulations make Texas trucks safer?

Sat, 17 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

The latest in a long line of recent semi truck safety regulations concerns oversize and overweight loads in Texas. The Texas Department of Transportation has implemented a new GIS-based mapping system that allows truck drivers to apply for oversized loads and for the driver to receive accurate driving directions. According to TxDOT, the new TxPROS system will help drivers:

Increase route safety
Get permits faster
Receive turn-by-turn directions

Just One of Many Texas 18-Wheeler Safety Initiatives

The new Texas oversized load system is not the only safety rule or initiative trying to reduce the number of accidents involving large trucks. Other proposed or passed laws and initiatives that affect trucks include: adding newer, stronger rear impact guards, better drug testing enforcement, and driver fitness requirements.

While many new national regulations may not be passed this year, our attorneys hope that lawmakers do take action and pass laws that aim to reduce the number of serious large truck accidents in Texas. As Dallas 18-wheeler accident lawyers, we have seen the impact that semi truck accidents have. Motorists are too often seriously injured, even killed, in 18-wheeler crashes.

If you have been involved in an accident, you know too well how the event has changed your life. If you need legal help, contact at attorney at the Hart Law Firm for your free consultation. You deserve to be heard, and to be compensated for your losses. Call today. 1.800.856.2347.

Arlington Bans Texting While Driving

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last night, September 13, 2011, the Arlington city council passed an ordinance that will ban texting while driving in the city limits. The ordinance passed with a vote of 5 to 3 and is expected to begin being enforced around Thanksgiving of this year. This ban will not prohibit telephone calls but does limit text messaging. This is a big step for the city of Arlington in the fight against distracted driving. Texting while driving has been proven to be as dangerous, if not more dangerous, than driving while intoxicated. With there already being so many things that can be distractions for drivers on our roads and highways in North Texas, I am glad that Arlington is taking this step in making its citizens safer by banning texting while driving.

Is it possible that a higher speed limit for trucks in Texas could be safer?

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Driver Fatigue and Alertness Study (DFAS) has shown that fatigue and decreased alertness are often factors in commercial motor vehicle accidents. Driver fatigue increases at night. Allowing a higher night time speed limit when drivers of commercial motor vehicles are more subject to fatigue and impaired alertness seems irresponsible at best.

Save Your Texas Accident Case With Paper, Pencil and a Camera

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Armed with just these three items, you have the potential to save your Texas truck accident case. How? Let us show you:

· With your paper and pencil (or a note on your cell phone) you can get the information you need from the driver who hit you and any witnesses. It is crucial that if you are not badly injured, you gather as much contact information as possible. Drivers too often change their stories in an attempt to put the blame on you. Gathering witness information can be the key to proving your case. Also, get the information of the driver, not just the information on the insurance card, but his name, personal address and phone number.

· With your camera take pictures of the damage done to your vehicle. Also, it is worth the extra minute to take pictures of your surroundings. Trees that are blocking signs, road debris and other vehicles may have contributed to the accident. All of these things can be moved or altered before our attorneys arrive at the scene of the accident. Your pictures, taken with a camera or phone, may make or break your case.

If you are badly injured during an accident with a semi truck, then you should be focusing on getting the medical attention you need, not on taking pictures at the accident scene. Of course, we can and do win cases where the accident victim has been too injured or traumatized to do any of the above. However, if you are able, any information you or a family member can gather will greatly aid our attorneys in making your case and getting you the compensation you need to move on with your life.

Contacting a lawyer at the Dallas, Texas Hart Law Firm is your first step to getting back on your feet. Let us shoulder your burden. Call today. 1.800.856.2347

Was the Texas trucker who caused your accident on drugs?

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A study done by the Government Accountability Office found that cheating on a drug test is too easy for truck drivers. During an undercover investigation, it was discovered that at least 75% of the testing facilities used by truck drivers didn't do enough to stop truck drivers from cheating. According to the study, the vast majority of the facilities "failed to restrict access to items that could be used to adulterate or dilute the [urine] specimen."

What the Study Means for Texas Motorists
When truck drivers use drugs they put everybody on the road at risk. Like too many users, if they know it is possible to cheat a test, they will. While the DOT estimates that less than 2 percent of truck drivers test positive for banned substances each year, law enforcement officials in Oregon know this number is too low. When they did their own testing they found that 9 percent, not 2 percent, of truck drivers failed their drug test.

Stopping Driver Drug Use in Texas
Transportation Departments, both in Texas and nationwide, have been working to remedy the situation. Still, no matter how strict they are, human error, be it drug use in truckers or distracted driving, causes too many 18-wheeler accidents. If you have been injured in an accident with a semi, ensure that the driver is held responsible for his actions. Contact your Dallas, TX aggressive, experienced trucking accident lawyer at the Hart Law Firm today. The consultation is free and it may be just what you need to get your life back on track. Call today. 1.800.856.2347

Rear Impact Guards on Big Rigs Won't Protect You From a Deadly Accident

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Sliding under the back of a semi truck looks pretty cool in the movies. However, in real life, these large truck accidents are some of the most deadly in Texas. While safety devices installed on the backs of large trucks should stop cars from sliding under the truck during an accident, too many of them fail.

When Rear Impact Guards Fail A failure of the rear impact guard is not just dangerous, it's deadly. Over 350 people are killed each year when a car hits the back of a big rig, sliding underneath the truck. Rear impact guards are supposed to prevent these deaths, yet a study done by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety showed that at even at moderate speeds, 35 MPH, many of the guards failed. Our northern neighbors in Canada require a guard that is 75 percent stronger than those required in the U.S. During the crash tests the Canadian guards consistently held up during the same simulated crashes. When Cars Slide Under Texas Trucks When the rear impact guards fails, the consequences are often dire. Though the trucker might walk away without injury, those in the car are almost never as lucky. Though nearly any accident with a big rig is dangerous, this type of car/semi accident nearly always causes severe injuries, even loss of life. If you have been involved in this type of accident, or a loved one has been injured or killed, please accept our condolences. We know that the road to recovery, both emotionally and physically is long. If you need to talk, whether it be for a free legal conversation or just to speak with someone who understands your struggles, please call a Dallas, TX accident attorney at the Hart Law Firm today. Your life can get better. You are strong enough to move forward. Let us help. Call today. 1.800.856.2347

Drunk Driver Headed to Dallas Hands Over the Keys- To an 8-Year-Old Child

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A father and his two young children recently headed out on a road trip from their home in Louisiana, headed to Dallas, TX. While this is not unusual, what happened along the way is.

When the father found himself too drunk to drive, he decided to pull the truck over, allowing his 8-year-old son to drive for him. This left the child driving down Interstate 12, his 4-year-old sister unrestrained in the backseat, his father passed out next to him.

Luckily for the children and other motorists, another driver noticed that the Chevy pickup truck was being driven erratically and they called 911. The truck was safely stopped, the father arrested and children handed over to a family member.

This story could have ended in tragedy and it shows just why alcohol is a contributing factor in so many accidents in North Texas. Drunk drivers decide to take undo risks and make choices that are downright stupid.

We became Dallas drunk driving accident attorneys to advocate for those who have been hit by drunk drivers. We sue drunk drivers and we work, every single day, to bring these drunk drivers to justice, to ensure that the accident victim is compensated for their losses and is better able to move on with their life. If you have been injured in an accident with a drunk driver call a compassionate, experienced attorney at the Hart Law Firm for your free consultation. Get your life back. Call today. 1.800.856.2347

It's Not Just Your Eyes- Signs on the North Texas Tollway Are Shrinking

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Some "do not enter" and "wrong way" signs on the North Texas Tollway in Dallas are being lowered a full five feet. While you may think that this will make them impossible to see, researchers and safety experts believe that the change will help drunk drivers realize their mistake before it's too late.

"[The lowered signs are] an attempt to engage [impaired drivers] with signage where they are searching," said NTTA spokesman Michael Ray. "It is the NTTA's hope that data gathered from our wrong-way signs will lead to their adoption across the country."

I Drive the Tollway- Will I See the New Signs?

The new signs, a mere two feet off the ground and some adorned with flashing LED lights, are currently being placed at selected ramps on the Dallas North Tollway, Sam Rayburn Tollway and President George Bush Tunrpike. Hopefully, you will be driving the right way, sober and alert, and will therefore only see the back side of the new signage.

As with any effort to lower the number of drunk driving accidents on the roads of North Texas, the staff and attorneys at the Hart Law Firm hope that the new signs do, in fact, stop drivers from making a mistake that too often ends a life.

40 Years in Prison- Justice Served for a Deadly Dallas DWI Crash?

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Nobody wins when lives are lost. Jail time, a wrongful death lawsuit, the chance to speak against the guilty driver; none of this brings the accident victims back. However, a guilty verdict and strict sentencing can bring a sense of closure for the friends and families of those lost in the drunk driving crash.

Recently, a man was sentenced to at least 40 years in prison for causing a Dallas high speed accident that killed a baby, his father and the mother of his sister, who survived the crash. Armando Soto was convicted on two counts of intoxication manslaughter and is still facing additional charges. Soto was over twice the legal limit and driving 90 mph when he hit the family from behind.

The Sad Truth About Drunk Driving

Drunk driving accidents almost always leave the drunk driver unharmed or, at the very least, alive. This means that it is up to our justice system to determine the guilt of the drunk driver, to assign a punishment that the judge believes fits the crime. The entire process is emotionally trying for all involved, and sadness prevails at any deadly DWI accident trial. But what can be done?

Doing Your Part to Save Lives

After such tragedy, we must try and find a silver lining, a call to action. The drunk driving accident lawyers at the Hart Law Firm challenge you to take this story to heart, to work to prevent another tragedy. Prevent drunk driving accidents in Texas, do not drink and drive, stop others from doing so. Offering a sober ride or calling a cab for a friend could save a life. Together we can prevent drunk driving accidents.

Fess up, Texas drivers: What type of distracted driving are you guilty of?

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

The gig is up, North Texas. It's time to put down the cell phone, stop searching for your water bottle and focus on the task at hand: Driving. There are three types of distracted driving and we are willing to bet that you, yes you, are guilty of at least one of them.

Visual- Taking your eyes off of the road.
Manual- Taking your hands off of the wheel.
Cognitive- Taking your mind off what you're doing.

Each Time You Drive Distracted You are at Serious Risk of Causing a Texas Accident

Performing any of the above distracting behaviors puts you at risk more than you know. For example, reading and sending a text while driving takes your eyes off the road as much as driving the entire length of a football field with your eyes closed would. Are you OK with this level of risk?

It Only Takes One Mistake to Cause a Terrible Car Crash

You must ask yourself: Is reaching down to find my iPod worth causing an accident? Of course not. Of course your iPod is not as important as saving a life, preventing a serious, even deadly accident. But we fool ourselves into thinking that texting, just this one time, turning around to grab our kids cup, just this one time, will be OK. What about the one time it's not OK?

Help For Those Who Have Been Hurt in a North Texas Accident

Distraction does more than cause annoying driving behaviors. Distracted driving injures thousands of Texans each year. If you have been injured during an accident with a distracted driver you have rights. You may have the right to file a law suit. Contact an experienced Dallas personal injury lawyer at the Hart Law Firm today for your free consultation. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.

Lamar Odom Devastated by Accident that Kills Teenager

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

I just want to start out by stating that I dislike the Lakers and that I am a huge Dallas Mavericks fan! However, I just heard that Lamar Odom was involved in a car accident in New York City last week that caused the death of a 15 year old boy. While Lamar was visiting New York to attend a cousin's funeral, the truck that was commissioned by Odom was involved in an accident with a motorcycle. After being struck by the truck, the motorcycle was sent flying into the teenage pedestrian. Apparently, Lamar Odom is devastated by the news and has expressed his condolences to the family. This is a terrible tragedy that can in no way be blamed on Odom, and I feel awful for everyone involved in this accident.

As an attorney in Northeast Tarrant County, I have seen many families affected my tragic accidents such as this one. Please express to your family and friends how important it is to always be aware of your surrounding while you are driving or walking on a busy street. Our thought and prayers are with everyone involved in this unfortunate accident.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident similar to the one in this story, feel free to browse around our website and do not hesitate to contact an experienced DFW personal injury attorney at the Hart Law Firm today with any questions you may have or to set up a free consultation.

Size Matters- The Serious Nature of Large Truck Accidents in Texas

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

We have all felt the sudden fear as a large semi-truck drifts into our lane or looms suddenly in our rearview mirror. Though we have a gut feeling that large, commercial trucks are dangerous, is there any evidence to back up these feelings?

Yes. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the vast majority of large truck accidents injure and kill other motorists, not the truck driver. For example, in Texas in 2005, over 500 people were killed during accidents with 18-wheelers. Nationwide, 80% of the injuries caused by an accident with a semi-truck are sustained by other drivers and passengers. This means that truckers are only injured in 20% of the accidents they are involved in.

The lesson for those of us not driving large trucks? Beware! While most truck drivers work hard to be safe, to make the right choices while driving, many are inattentive and overly tired as they cruise down the highway. At The Hart Law Firm we know too many people who have been injured, even killed during North Texas 18-wheeler accidents. Drivers must be vigilant during every trip they make. Be aware of the trucks around you and pay special attention to any that seem to be driving erratically; doing so may very well save your life.

If you have been hurt during an accident in Colleyville, Euless, Bedford or anywhere in North Texas contact an experienced, aggressive lawyer at The Hart Law Firm. We have the results, the power and the passion to help you recover from your accident and get your life back. Call today. 1.800.856.2347

HBO Documentaries on Civil Justice System

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

We recommend two new films on HBO, Hot Coffee and Mann v. Ford. These films are highly acclaimed and entertaining, too. These films address issues in the civil justice system, and they are a must watch for ordinary citizens.

Can You Help Find the Truck Responsible for an Argyle, TX Accident?

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

As accident attorneys and citizens of Texas, we believe it is our duty to bring at fault drivers to justice. A recent accident in Argyle caused serious damage to multiple vehicles and injured several people; yet the driver who caused the accident fled the scene and has not been found. Here are the details:

The accident occurred on June 18^th at the intersection of FM 407 and I-35 in Argyle, TX
A multi-colored balloon/party truck (Ford F-150) was pulling a cargo trailer when it ran a red light at the intersection
The truck and trailer did not make contact or strike any vehicles, but when they ran the light they caused a multi-vehicle accident
The driver of the truck did not stop and has not come forward to take responsibility for causing the accident

We need your help to find the truck and driver. Any information is welcome. If you saw the accident or the truck and trailer as it left the scene of the accident please call us today. Other helpful information would be knowledge of any party and balloon companies in the area that have a truck and trailer matching the vehicle description.

Call the Hart Law Firm today (1.800.856.2347) or contact your local police station if you have any information that could help solve this crime. Together we can find the driver and ensure he is held responsible for his actions.

Catch a Buzz- Cause an Accident

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

"I'll just have a few beers with dinner, I'll be fine to drive." Too many drivers in Texas and across the nation believe this to be true. However, emerging research shows that driving with a BAC as low as 0.01%, the equivalent of one beer in a two hour period, puts you at a higher risk of getting into a serious accident.

What we Should do About it

As Texans, we need to look out for one another. As with any information that has the potential to save lives, reduce accidents and injuries, we must get the word out. Sharing the news that buzzed driving is as dangerous as drunk driving among your friends, even on social media networks such as Facebook, may by all it takes to save a life.

We have to change our attitude about drinking and driving. This behavior should not be looked at as acceptable, it should be viewed as the irresponsible and dangerous behavior that it is.

Our Colleyville, TX staff and attorneys have seen far too many families affected by the choices a drunk driver has made. Often, nobody cared enough to stop the person from drinking and driving, they just assumed that it would be fine, that their friend or family member would arrive safely at home. This is not longer OK.

Let's work together, starting today, to put an end to drunk driving. By withholding a driver's key, by picking up the phone and calling a cab, you are making the responsible decision, a decision that you will not regret.

Join the Hart Law Firm in stopping buzzed and drunk driving. Together we can make a difference.

A Texas Car Accident Has Left You Injured and Alone with a Growing Stack of Bills

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A car accident is something that happens to other people. You pass by a Texas car accident, give thanks that it wasn't you, hope that nobody was seriously hurt and move on with your day. But when you are the accident victim, when you are the one behind the shattered windshield, you know that moving on with your day, with your life, may be an impossibility.

Once you arrive at the hospital and you take stock of your injuries, the injuries that your family and friends have sustained, the shock of the accident wears off and you are left with the realization that though you have survived, life as you knew it no longer exists. Head injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury, can leave you different, forever changed, and facing an uphill battle.

The last thing you need is to come home and be overwhelmed by a stack of medical bills and calls from the insurance company. You do not have to do this alone.

Please feel free to browse our site and learn more about your injuries and the possibility of a personal injury lawsuit. Whatever you do, please DO NOT SIGN any documents the insurance company gives you. Doing so may very well leave you without the money you need to pay your bills, to repair or replace your car. When you are ready, please contact an attorney at the Hart Law Firm. We can help shoulder your burden

Distraction and Dooring- How Drivers Cause Texas Motorcycle Accidents

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you are a biker, you know that avoiding an accident is too often up to you; the drivers around you are certainly not looking out for motorcycles. As Dallas, Texas motorcycle accident attorneys we have seen biker after biker injured by the carelessness of drivers. Some of the most common driver errors that injure bikers include:

Distracted driving
Not looking for motorcycles when making a left hand turn
Opening a door suddenly when parked
Following too closely
Sudden lane changes

The problem is that drivers do not look twice for motorcycles. They take a quick look, if they look at all, and then move quickly in traffic. The smaller profile of a motorcycle necessitates an aware eye. When a driver is distracted by their cell phone, radio or rowdy children, chances are they have no idea you are near them in traffic.

We urge you, as a biker or a driver, to spread the word about motorcycle safety. We must look twice for bikes, keep an eye on the motorcycles around us and arrive alive. Motorcycle safety begins with you. Please do your part!

If you are a biker who has been injured in an accident, don't go it alone. Contact an experienced, aggressive motorcycle accident lawyer at the Hart Law Firm for your free consultation. Protect your rights. Call today. 800.856.2347

Big Texas Trucks- Big Texas Accidents

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

As a North Texas driver you have likely seen trucks crossing over the line on the highway, swerving onto the shoulder and coming up so fast behind you that you are sure they are going to hit you. A speeding truck on a highway can make even the most seasoned driver nervous: and for good reason!

Semi-truck accidents are almost always serious. While the truck driver often walks away unharmed or with only minor injuries, the other driver and the passengers rarely get off so lucky. The weight and speed of these large trucks makes them exceedingly dangerous. When you combine this with the risky behaviors truckers often display, such as aggressive driving, speeding and driving while overtired, it's plain to see why too many trucks get in serious accidents with the cars around them.

If you have been injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler, don't let their insurance company trick you into accepting a too low settlement. The insurance company is ready with a team of attorneys, ready to defend their interests. Who will be looking out for you?

Contact an aggressive, experienced North Texas personal injury trial lawyer at the Hart Law Firm today for your free consultation. We will shoulder your burden while you concentrate on what's important: healing. Call today. 1.800.856.2347

Injured by a Drunk Driver in Texas? What are you going to do about it?

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

While the drunk driver who caused your accident might face criminal charges, such as intoxication assault, there is something you can do to ensure that the driver pays for their mistake; literally. Filing a lawsuit against a drunk driver is not only a way to ensure that your medical bills are paid for; it's a way to bring the drunk driver to justice.

We all make mistakes. However, the drunk driver who hit you did more than make a mistake, they made the choice to drink and get behind the wheel. Most drunk drivers who are ticketed by police or have been involved in an accident have driven drunk many times and not been caught. They have knowingly taken undue risks, over and over and over. Now, their choice to drink and drive has forever affected your life, your family.

At the Hart Law Firm our Dallas attorneys have been successfully suing drunk drivers for over 20 years. We have made it our mission to help those who have lost loved ones or who have been injured recover after a crash with a drunk driver. While you recover, allow your personal attorney, David Hart, handle your case. We don't need catchy nicknames; our reputation as fierce advocates of the injured speaks volumes. Allow us to shoulder your burden. Call today for the free legal advice you need. 1.800.856.2347

Texas Insurance Companies are Not Stress Reducers

Tue, 31 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Actually, auto and motorcycle insurance companies add even more stress to accident victims lives. After your Texas motorcycle accident you are likely doing all you can to recover from your injuries. When you are home, trying to recover, and the insurance agent or adjustor is on the phone, what should you expect? A friendly voice, ready to help you in your time of need?

Maybe. But even a friendly agent may be more concerned with getting you to accept a too low offer than with your well being. Often, when you refuse an offer, the insurance agent will change their tone. While before they were on your side, concerned about your health, they are now putting on the pressure.

What should you do? Though it may be tempting to accept what seems to be a reasonable offer, we highly recommend that you consult with an attorney first. The job of an insurance adjustor is to give you as little money as possible. The job of a personal injury attorney is to get you the money you deserve. If you have been injured do not hesitate; contact an experienced Colleyville accident lawyer at the Hart Law Firm for your free consultation.

Driving on I-635 or I-35 in Dallas is More Dangerous Than You Know

Tue, 31 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

These Dallas interstates made the top 20 list for the most dangerous roadways for Texas teens. The list was based off of crash data provided by Allstate insurance. I-635 came in at number 8, with 1,489 crashes occurring within Dallas County between 2006 and 2010. I-35 was a little lower on the list, coming in at number 14 with 1,162 crashes during the same time period.

Though these figures may not surprise you, they should give you pause. As we transition into summer, the number of teen drivers involved in car accidents skyrockets. If your teen drives, are they being safe every time they get behind the wheel? Though we know teenagers need some freedom, they also need guidance. Dangerous behaviors such as texting and driving account for a high number of teen accidents.

Please be sure that you stress to your teen the importance of focusing on the road. Your reminder may mean the difference between your child arriving safely at home and being involved in a serious car accident.

If you or your child have been involved in an accident, please feel free to browse our website. We work hard to fill it with the information you need after a car, truck or motorcycle accident. If you still have questions, to not hesitate to contact your experienced North Texas personal injury attorney at the Hart Law Firm today for your free consultation.

Does a Texas Loophole Endanger Child Passengers?

Tue, 31 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Though Texas does have fairly progressive child seat safety laws, there is one loophole that many don't know exists. The law states that if there are no available seat belts, a child does not have to be restrained in a vehicle. Though this law is intended to help those who cannot afford a bigger vehicle, the impact of the loophole was apparent after a recent deadly accident.

There were 16 passengers in an SUV when it entered an intersection with a disabled stoplight and slammed into another vehicle. Two of the youngest passengers, ages 8 months and 3 years, were killed during the accident. The children were not restrained at the time of the accident and despite public outcry, the driver will not be charged for improper child restraints.

Do you think the loophole is needed? Does it help parents or just encourage drivers to make unsafe choices concerning child passenger safety?

The staff and attorneys at the Colleyville office of the Hart Law Firm would like to encourage you to discuss this matter here on our blog or among friends and family members. We strongly believe that discussions that surround topics such as these are the key to preventing accidents and, when necessary, changing laws.

If you have been injured in an accident in Dallas, Colleyville or anywhere in North Texas, feel free to contact an aggressive, compassionate personal injury lawyer at the Hart Law Firm for your free consultation.

Texas Bus Accidents Are All Too Common

Mon, 30 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Traveling by bus is increasing in popularity. In Texas, bus traffic is high due to the many sightseeing bus lines and travel to and from Mexico. Because of this, bus accidents are all too common. The troubling thing about bus accidents is that more than with other vehicles, these types of accidents often injure and kill multiple passengers.

One tragic example was the North Texas accident of 2008. During this accident 17 people were killed and 40 others injured when the driver lost control of the bus on 1-75 near the Texas-Oklahoma border.

Because of accidents like this, Texas Senator Bailey Hutchison has introduced legislation that would follow National Transportation Safety Board recommendations such as more driver training, seat belt installation on all new busses and shatterproof windows. However, it is unlikely that the legislation will pass as it similar laws have been rejected in the past.

If our lawmakers refuse to mandate bus safety, what is there to do? First of all, be sure that the bus line you travel on has a good record of safety. If, despite doing so, you are injured during a bus accident, be sure to contact an attorney well versed in bus accident liability. If laws aren't strict enough we must work together to show the charter bus companies that we will be heard and that they must improve the safety of their busses. Together we will be heard. 1.800.856.2347

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What to Do After a Texas Drunk Driving Accident

Tue, 24 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shock. Pain. Recovery. Anger. After an accident with a drunk driver you may be experiencing every one of these feelings. Once the shock of what has happened wears off and you learn that the driver who hit you was drunk at the time of the accident, anger often takes its place. How could someone make such a terrible, irresponsible decision? Shouldn't a drunk driver be held responsible for their actions?

As a North Texas law firm with extensive experience in personal injury trial law we strongly believe that drunk drivers can and should be sued. They should be held responsible for the choices they made and the damage they caused. We have seen too many families damaged beyond measure to sit back and allow drunk drivers to get away with causing such catastrophic accidents and injuries.

As the victim of an accident with a drunk driver you have every right to sue the driver. Though no amount of money can make up for your losses, filing a law suit against the driver can help you recover financially. Medical bills, lost wages, decreased ability to work and the substantial loss of a loved one are all factored into a suit against a drunk driver.

Recovering from your injuries and your losses, all while trying to decide the best course of action, can be extremely difficult. Let the team at Hart Law Firm bear your burden, get you the compensation you need, while move on with your life and focus on healing. Contact your compassionate, experienced TX attorney at Hart Law Firm today for your free consultation. You are hurting. Let us help. 1.800.856.2347

Bus Safety - Bus Accident Fatality - Mexican Bus Company

Wed, 04 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

In January, a Mexican made bus came into the United States through Laredo without being inspected because there were no Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or Texas Department of Public Safety inspectors on duty to conduct safety inspections. This bus crashed near Victoria, Texas killing a man, one of the 47 passengers on board. The driver ran off the road, made faulty corrective action causing the bus to flip on its side and hit a guardrail. In addition to the death, dozens of passengers were injured.

The operator of the bus registered the bus in two states using false addresses and a third party to complete the fraudulent paperwork.

Bus accidents have been in the headlines this year. Bus accidents have been blamed on missed curves, a fatigued driver, tire problems, and in one of my own cases, bus company employees racing the buses in the rain! Federal investigators, apperently, have discovered larger problems such as poor screening of drivers and bus companies that were shut down, but still operating in the United States.

I believe there needs to be tighter enforcement of the State and Federal Regulations of bus companies, especially those companies traveling to and from Mexico.

At the HART LAW FIRM I have been prosecuting claims and lawsuits against bus companies and trucking companies for years. In 2008, I obtained a judgment against a Dallas bus company (the owner referred to them as the "Mexican Greyhound") that travels to and from Mexico in the amount of $2.5 Million for the death of a mother of 12 grown children.

Casino Charter Bus Crashes - Driver Arrested For Driving Under The Influence

Wed, 04 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to the Associated Press, on Sunday, October 5, 2008, a bus filled with senior citizens crashed killing eight people and injuring many more. The charter bus was headed to Colusa Casino Resort. The bus was charted by the casino to carry visitors to the casino. The driver of the bus was arrested for DUI or Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs. Further, the driver did not have the correct license to transport passengers. The bus did not have a valid license plate.

When passengers load onto a bus they place their safety and lives in the hands of the bus driver and the bus company. That bus company is required to make a complete check of the driver's qualifications. It is inexcusable for a bus company to allow an unlicensed driver to operate a bus! Bus and trucking companies should be held legally responsible for their negligence in hiring and keeping or retaining bad drivers that kill and injure passengers.

In my practice, nothing has given me more satisfaction than feeling like my client's lawsuit helped change ta trucking company or bus company to make the raodway safer. It has been my privelege to prosecute claims and lawsuits against bad truck and bus drivers and their employers for many years. Here at The HART LAW FIRM, we are zealous in our pursuit of claims against drunk or impaired drivers, automobiles or commercial motor vehicles (trucks and buses). We seek compensation for injuries and death caused by the negligence of bus and truck drivers and the trucking company or bus company.

DFW Cities Ranked Among Allstate's Best Drivers

Wed, 04 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Allstate insurance company concluded a two year study that analyzed the average vehicular crash rate for many U.S. cities and ranked them according to the probability of being in an accident. Of the cities ranked, 21 Texas cities were ranked among America's 200 best. Fort Worth was at the top of the list for cities in the DFW Metroplex at number 133 followed by Plano at 162 and Grand Prairie, Carrolton, and Mesquite at numbers 165-167. Dallas ranked 173rd and Arlington came in at 177th.

Even though the number of auto crashes in general has declined in recent years, crash fatalities still average around 40,000 per year. Here at the Hart Law Firm, we deal with car accidents on a daily basis but it does not make us indifferent to the number of fatal crashes on the roads in the DFW Metroplex. You can never be too careful while driving and it is essential to do things such as minimize distractions, be aware of road conditions, follow the three second rule, avoid road rage, and make sure that your vehicle is well maintained. If you follow these few helpful hints, it is much less likely that you will be one of the thousands killed in a car crash this year.

Hart Law Firm Medical Malpractice Jury Verdict

Wed, 04 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

COLLEYVILLE, TX-A Tarrant County District Court jury returned a $229,633.58 verdict in a medical malpractice lawsuit involving a missed appendicitis diagnosis, of a 49 year old patient in 2005. Colleyville attorney David G. Hart of the Hart Law Firm represented James Bowers, the plaintiff in this case against the defendant, Michael Hinzmann, M.D. Bowers went to the emergency room at Harris Methodist HEB on April 18, 2005 with abdominal pain and nausea and was diagnosed with diverticulitis after Hinzmann, the radiologist, read the CT scan and stated in his radiology report that Bowers had probable diverticulitis. Bowers was allowed to leave the hospital, but came back late the next night complaining about the same pain. Bowers was treated by two Colleyville physicians, Dr. James Nackley and Dr. Robert Sewell, who continued to treat him for diverticulitis because of Hinzmann's incorrect CT findings. Bower's appendix eventually ruptured sometime before May 2, 2005, when another CT was performed and was once more read my Dr. Hinzmann. Again, Hinzmann did not diagnose appendicitis on the CT report, but later called Dr. Nackley to tell him that Bowers might have appendicitis. Mr. Bower's developed an abscess because of the delay, and his appendix and the surrounding infection had to be removed in an open procedure. Mr. Bowers also sustained a severe wound infection that took months to heal because of the delay in diagnosis.

Bower's attorney, David Hart, argued in court that if Hinzmann had properly diagnosed appendicitis on April 18, 2005, when Mr. Bowers first visited the emergency room, that the surgeon could have performed a laparoscopic appendectomy and Mr. Bowers could have gone back to work in about a week, without having any future complications. By the time that Bowers had undergone the open procedure, his appendix had abscessed and the physicians were forced to leave his wound open until it healed months later. Bowers also missed a month of work and had to be treated frequently by a home healthcare nurse.

Attorney David Hart stated that Dr. Hinzmann's insurance company, Texas Medical Liability Trust, refused to make any offer to settle the case. The case was tried in the 153rd District Court of Tarrant County, Texas, Judge Kenneth Curry, presiding.

School Bus Disappears into Wise County Bridge

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Thursday, January 26, 2012 was like any other afternoon as Debbie Brady drove her school bus with four children on board home from school. As they reached a bridge, less than a mile away from each child’s home in Wise County, the bus stopped when it hit a bump.

Brady expected the bus to go over the bump. Instead, it started to sink down into an expanding hole on the bridge. The bridge was under pressure due to a rain-swollen creek. The four-ton bus added enough weight to cause the bridge to collapse. The front of the bus was disappearing into the hole while the back of the bus rose higher and higher with each passing minute.

Trained to take control during accidents and tornadoes, Brady was able to remain calm in the situation. She safely led all four children out through the front of the bus. There was enough remaining pavement on the bridge by the front door of the bus for the children to walk out safely. Continuing with her job, Brady then began walking each child to his or her home. Eventually, one of the students used a cell phone to call a parent to pick them up.

Earlier in the day, reports were received by Wise County regarding the small dip in the bridge. Crews were on their way to close the bridge, but were about 15 minutes behind the bus.

The Bedford personal injury attorneys at The Hart Law Firm are thankful that neither Brady nor any of the students were injured in this surprising accident. We would also like to express admiration to Ms. Brady for the strength and calmness she exhibited on the scene, which was instrumental in safely returning her passengers to their families.

Temple School Bus Accident Sends 29 Children to the Hospital

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Thirty-two people, 29 of them children, were sent to the hospital on January 17, 2012 after they were involved in a school bus accident in Temple, Texas. A tractor-trailer clipped the school bus on its way to drop students off at the first of three school locations. This caused the bus to flip onto its side, ejecting a 9-year-old boy through the escape hatch on the roof. The bus driver was knocked unconscious.

The scene of the accident was on Farm-to-Market Road 93, about 60 miles northeast of Austin. Conditions were foggy, but it was unclear if weather was a factor in the accident. The tractor-trailer reportedly ran a stop sign.

Three out of the 26 children were admitted to the Scott & White Memorial Hospital in central Texas; one student was in critical condition. The bus driver was also listed in critical condition. The other children were discharged, as well as two adults involved in the accident. The school’s superintendent, Kevin Sprinkles, stated that the three children who were admitted to the hospital were expected to make a full recovery, but would face a long road ahead.

Witness Christina Mendoza was en route to work when she came upon the accident. She saw children gathered together and alone, so Mendoza stopped to help. Mendoza’s teenage children usually ride the bus to school, but did not take it the morning of the accident.

The Bedford personal injury attorneys extend their condolences to the families of the children and adults involved in the accident. We hope the critically-injured child and the bus driver make a complete recovery.

Rayburn County Motorcycle Accident Detours Flag for War Veteran

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

It was a surprise-gone-bad when members of the East Texas Christian Club were traveling from Lufkin to Rayburn County on Saturday, January 21 to surprise a returning war veteran with an American flag. The tragedy began when one car rear-ended another, causing a chain reaction of events. According to reports, the accident involved two female motorcyclists and two cars.

A motorcycle brigade was traveling eastbound on FM 1007 when a vehicle traveling westbound, driven by Alvin Mundy, began to slow down as the motorcycles approached. The vehicle behind Mundy, driven by Kaysie Nichole Lovaas Alverado, rear-ended Mundy's vehicle. This caused Mundy’s car to flip and spin into the group of motorcyclists. With Mundy's car overturned, two female motorcyclists ran into the rear of his car. The motorcyclists were critically injured and airlifted to a nearby hospital.

Mundy and his passengers – his wife and 3-year-old daughter – were taken to Christus Jasper Memorial Hospital to be treated for their injuries. Reports did not clarify whether Alverado and her daughter, the only passenger in her car, were injured. The accident is still under investigation.

The motorcyclists were en route to present a flag to U.S. Army Master Sergeant Andrew Primeaux. He was visiting his parents at their Rayburn County home. He had served two tours of duty in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. The flag presentation was going to be a surprise for Primeaux.

The Grapevine motorcycle accident attorneys at The Hart Law Firm extend their condolences to the families impacted by this tragic accident. We remind all drivers on the road to maintain a safe driving distance from other vehicles and to remain aware of motorcyclists, in an effort to help keep our roadways safe.

Pedestrian Killed in Car Accident by Dallas Police Cruiser

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

A Dallas Police patrol car was responding to a disturbance call when it hit a pedestrian along the 9900 block of Bruton Road. Beverly Kirk, 43-years-old, was leaving her daughter’s home and trying to cross the street after an ambulance passed by early Sunday morning, January 22. The police car was following the ambulance.

Dallas police stated that while the ambulance did have its lights and sirens on, the police cruiser following the ambulance at a distance neither used its lights nor its siren. According to a Dallas police spokesperson, the patrol car is not required to use its lights and sirens for this type of call. Both the ambulance and police car were responding to the same disturbance call.

Kirk's daughter was also on the scene of the accident. The family, estranged from Kirk, is questioning how fast the police vehicle was going and why its lights were not on. Dallas police is opening an investigation on the fatal car accident. Witnesses state the patrol car was speeding in a 35 mile-an-hour zone.

A similar accident occurred in 2008 when a Dallas police officer, en route to respond to a call, hit and killed a 10-year-old boy late at night. David Kunkle, then acting police chief, created a new law that police vehicles would always use their red lights and sirens while speeding or violating any traffic laws.

Kirk’s brother stated that Beverly was a sweet person and had her “ups and downs in life.” She was homeless and had a criminal record. According to her family, she would help others in need and she loved her children.

The Colleyville accident attorneys at the Hart Law Firm send their condolences to the Kirk family.

Ms. Central Texas Teaches Colleyville Teens Seat Belt Safety

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Ms. Central Texas, Kelly Smith, is doing her part to make sure your teen is not a victim of a Colleyville car accident. Her commitment during her reign is to spread the message of safety to Texas teens, which include car seat and seat belt safety.

Smith is personally involved in her message, as her own children were involved in a car accident. In 2008, two of her children were injured in an accident on their way to visit family. Her nine-year-old was sitting in the front seat, only wearing a lap seat belt. Her injuries were serious and she had to be air-lifted to the nearest hospital. Ms. Smith’s three-year-old was not strapped into a car seat, and slammed into the back of the front seat. However, her seven-year-old was wearing a seat belt properly and therefore did not sustain any injuries.

Ms. Central Texas, through “Teens in the Driver Seat,” is using her position to tell her story as she goes from school to school with the hope of preventing unnecessary fatal car accidents. The seriousness of proper seat belt wearing is demonstrated with this statistic: in 2009, 3,349 teen passengers were killed in a car accident; 1,880 (more than 56 percent) were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

The Colleyville accident attorneys at The Hart Law Firm remind you to always wear your seat belt, and encourage you to teach your family about proper seat belt wearing. Remember that you, your family and other drivers are at risk if car safety and safe driving are ignored. Be sure to also reinforce with your teen drivers that correct seat belt wearing is a lifesaver.

Alcohol Suspected, Attorney Killed in Southlake Car Accident

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Police investigators are piecing together the hours that lead up to a fatal Dallas car crash which claimed the life of a Southlake attorney on January 4.

A witness has stated that he lives near the area of the accident and was awakened by a loud noise at around 2:55 a.m. Approximately 12 hours later, a passerby spotted a damaged guardrail and debris from a vehicle.

Southlake attorney Ronald Eddins, college student Kaat Debeuckelaer, and her boyfriend, Kenneth Lark, were found dead at the scene of the accident. The vehicle, which still contained Debeuckelaer and Eddins’ bodies, had to be pulled from the water. Lark’s body was not found until several hours after the others.

The time line of events prior to the accident is still being pieced together. At around 2:45 a.m., the accident victims were spotted leaving The Men's Club together and driving away in Eddin's Porsche Panamera.

Alcohol use is thought to have contributed to the crash; however, the investigation is ongoing and toxicology reports could take a few months to be finalized.

The Dallas accident attorneys at the Hart Law Firm offer our condolences to the families of those who were lost in this devastating tragedy.

Speeding Charged as Culprit of Irving Canal Car Crash

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

After police investigation of an Irving auto accident, it has been concluded that the driver was going well over the speed limit. The crash left Southlake attorney Ronald Eddins; Kenneth Lark, of Austin; and Kaat Debeuckelaer, of Colleyville, dead on January 4, 2012.

The car and the bodies were found in the Las Colinas Canal near Riverside Drive and Spur 348. Prior to the investigation, it was thought that alcohol was the main factor to the crash as police put the time line together. However, police now say that the driver was driving above the posted speed limit of 55 miles per hour. This excessive speed caused the car to crash and sink into the canal.

The Porsche hit the center median, went through two road signs and three curbs, and went airborne. The car flew about 95 feet and then plowed through a guardrail. It then inverted and hit the wall on the other side of the canal. In all, the new Porsche four-door sedan traveled about 570 feet from the first impact with the center median.

It is now known that all three victims had been drinking, but to know if the driver was above the limit will be a question until the toxicology reports are completed. As of this report, it has been decided that speed was the main factor in the fatal accident.

The Dallas car crash attorneys at the Hart Law Firm send their condolences to the families of the victims.

Dallas Motorcycle Accident Claims the Life of a Police Officer

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

An off-duty police officer was killed in a Dallas motorcycle accident on December 11. He was traveling northbound on Cesar Chavez Boulevard and crashed on the ramp leading onto eastbound Interstate 30 near downtown. Warren Mitchell, the police department spokesman, said that the officer had trouble handling the curve of the ramp and hit the retaining wall. The officer, identified as Matthew Garcia, was thrown from the motorcycle and fell to the eastbound shoulder of the freeway. The drop is estimated to be approximately 30 to 50 feet.

The motorcycle crash was called in by Garcia's wife, who was following behind her husband in a car. Garcia was declared dead at 1:35 a.m. that morning. He was a 35-year-old, four-year veteran of the Balch Springs Police Department. His wife is also a police officer.

The Dallas motorcycle accident attorneys at the Hart Law Firm want the family of Officer Garcia to know that our thoughts and prayers are with them during this traumatic time of their lives. We would also like to give our gratitude and thanks for the service provided by the police department and their continued sacrifice to keep the citizens of our community safe.

Road Rage in Grapevine Leads to Shooting

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A pickup truck was shot at during an apparent case of road rage on Highway 121 in Grapevine, Texas. Mark Spinney was driving to work on the morning of December 3, off Highway 121 and Bass Pro Drive, when he switched lanes. The driver behind him, in a white or pearl-colored late model SUV with black rims and blue-colored halogen headlights, begin flashing his lights at Spinney and tailgating him.

Spinney exited the highway at Bass Pro Drive and the SUV driver followed, pulling up beside him. Spinney said he watched the other driver, but did not make eye contact. Feeling that something bad was going to happen as the driver was moving his hands around in his vehicle, Spinney sped through the intersection right before the light turned green. He then heard a loud bang. When he arrived at work and inspected his vehicle, he saw a bullet hole.

Grapevine police believe it was a .45 caliber bullet that struck the vehicle. They are still looking for the suspect and are asking the public to call the police if anyone has seen the SUV.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to road rage or any type of car accident, please contact our office for a free consultation with a Grapevine car accident attorney.

Minor Traffic Hazard Leads to a Major Grapevine Car Accident

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

What started as a car breakdown ended in a terrible Grapevine car accident as a pedestrian was struck and killed on Highway 121.

The accident occurred north of the Bass Pro Drive Bridge at around 3:30 a.m. The pedestrian’s car stalled near the median in the northbound lanes; she was hit in the southbound lanes while trying to cross the roadway.

The driver of the vehicle immediately stopped and called for help. There are no charges being filed against the driver.

To lose a loved one in a car accident is a terrible tragedy. The personal injury attorneys at Hart Law Firm would like to remind those who find themselves with a stalled vehicle to wait inside the vehicle with the doors locked until the proper authorities arrive. Remember not to stand to the side or behind the vehicle.

The Grapevine car accident attorneys at Hart Law firm would like to send their condolences to the victim’s family.

Semi-Truck Accident on I-35 Injures Several People

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The thought of being involved in an accident with a semi-truck in Dallas is chilling. When you add into the equation a small car and a bus full of people, the possibility of the resulting injuries and losses is all unimaginable.

18 Wheeler Causes Major Accident

According to police reports, the driver of an 18 wheeler, 39-year-old Adbirahman Abdullah-Moalim, was traveling along I-35 when he struck the back end of a Kia sedan. Local law enforcement officers say that after the commercial truck hit the car the trucker overcorrected, yanking the wheel to one side and striking the left side of a large bus.

The "Americanos" bus, driven by Jose Zuniga Tomaya, a 56-year-old trucker from Laredo, was damaged and several of the passengers were taken to area hospitals. A total of seven people were taken to the hospital. At the time of this report there was no information available as to their conditions.

In this case, police have stated that fault lies with the driver of the 18-wheeler and that contributing factors to the accident include failing to control the speed of his vehicle and driver inattentiveness, also known as driver distraction.

The Dallas semi-truck accident lawyers at the Hart Law Firm hope that all of the accident victims are well on their way to recovering fully from their injuries.

Dallas Bound Amtrak Train and Commercial Truck Collide

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A recent accident involving an Amtrak train headed for Dallas may soon be under investigation by the Federal Railroad Administration.

An Amtrak train loaded with 211 passengers and 14 Amtrak employees was headed from Austin to Dallas when it came upon the intersection of State Highway 130 and State Highway 79 near Hutto, Texas.

Train Attempted to Avoid Accident

Michael Knight, with the Department of Public Safety, stated that the train's engineer blew the whistle as it came near the crossing; however, the large box truck did not move from the tracks and the train hit it.
The driver of the truck was ejected during the accident and was seriously injured. At the time of this report the driver was in critical condition at Williamson Seton Hospital.

Several of the passengers on the train complained of minor injuries but refused medical treatment. As the train derailed, all 211 passengers and 14 crew members were shuttled to a local church to await transportation to their destination.

Any Dallas commercial truck accident can be serious but this accident was clearly worse than many. The Fort Worth large truck accident attorneys at the Hart Law Firm hope that the driver is on his way to making a full recovery from his injuries and that investigators are soon able to determine why the truck didn't move from the tracks.

Accident on Ranger Hill Injures 5 and Shuts Down I-20

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Several people were injured on Monday, December 19, 2011, in a multiple vehicle accident on Ranger Hill, which is located in between Abilene and Fort Worth on I-20. The first accident, which occurred around 11:40 AM, was caused by an eastbound travelling 18-wheeler that lost control on the rain-slick road. According to state troopers, "the trailer struck the center concrete barricade, rode up on the barricade and was striking vehicles on the westbound side.” Many drivers were able to avoid hitting the truck, but at least six other 18-wheelers and four other cars were involved in serious crashes.

Traffic Halts; More Accidents and Injuries Reported
There were also several minor accidents caused by the sudden halt of traffic in both directions. At least five people had to be taken to area hospitals with injuries, and one was listed as in critical condition. I-20 was closed in both directions until about 6:00 Monday evening.

I personally was stuck in the traffic caused by this accident and watched as several ambulances and a helicopter left the scene carrying injured people. Wet roads are a very serious accident risk and can pose problems for any driver, especially those driving large commercial trucks. We at the Hart Law Firm are praying for everyone injured in this horrible accident and hope that they can recover quickly.

If you or a loved one is hurt in an accident such as this, please feel free to contact a board certified personal injury attorney at the Hart Law Firm to set up a free consultation.

One Step Closer to Mandatory Sleep Apnea Testing for Texas Truckers

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

In Bedford, Dallas, and across the nation, efforts to indentify and treat truck drivers suffering from obstructive sleep apnea are gaining steam.

Trucking Advisory Panels Urge Mandatory Sleep Apnea Testing

The recommendation of two panels, one from the medical community and one that represents the trucking industry, is the same: Require that all drivers with a body mass index (BMI) over 34 be tested for sleep apnea.

For some time, the Medical Review Board for the Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee has been advocating comprehensive changes to current regulations for identifying and treating truck drivers with the sleep disorder. Currently, there are no industry wide rules that explicitly require testing and treatment of sleep apnea; however, all that may be about to change.

Why Sleep Apnea in Texas Truck Drivers is Such a Big Deal

Many studies have shown the various ways that sleep apnea affects a person's ability to concentrate and quickly react to situations. According to Charles Czeisler, professor of sleep medicine at Harvard Medical School, the crash risk for a driver suffering from sleep apnea is 242 percent greater than a person without the disorder. When you consider that approximately 75 percent of truck drivers are at high risk of suffering from sleep apnea, it becomes clear that the problem must be addressed.

As experienced North Richland Hills semi-truck accident attorneys we have seen the terrible impact that semi-truck accidents have. The majority of the time it is the driver of the car, rather than the driver of the 18 wheeler, that is injured during a semi-truck accident. The Bedford semi-truck accident lawyers at the Hart Law Firm sincerely hope that the trucking industry wakes up and moves quickly to prevent drivers from operating while suffering from sleep apnea.

Semi-Truck Wreck on I-30 in Dallas Damages Bridge

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

News of a Dallas 18 wheeler crash may not be unusual, but a recent commercial truck crash on I-30 in Dallas did a lot more damage than a typical large truck accident. A large truck carrying an oversized load of three 18-wheeler cabs was traveling down Interstate 30 in Dallas when the top of the truck hit the St. Francis Bridge, damaging the bridge and leaving metal scattered across the roadway. While crews worked to clear the debris and remove the truck, a team from the Texas Department of Transportation was called in to inspect the bridge. After inspecting the damage, it was determined that though there was no threat to the vehicles passing under the St. Francis overpass, the bridge itself would have to be partially demolished and repaired. Bridge and Property Damage the Only Losses Fortunately, there were no other vehicles involved in the accident and no injuries were reported. Too often when 18 wheelers crash, they leave behind a path of destruction that causes damage, both human and vehicular. The staff of The Hart Law Firm is grateful to hear that in this case, no one suffered injuries.

Dallas Police Officers Hurt When Semi-Truck Crashes Into Two Cars

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

It hasn't rained much in North Texas, and now that the rain has started, it's causing serious accidents. A recent Dallas semi-truck crash on the LBJ Freeway near the Hillcrest Road exit is being blamed on slick city streets. When one car spun out of control, hitting the center lane barrier, two Dallas police officers responded, using their squad cars to shield the disabled vehicle.

As the officers surveyed the damage and assisted the accident victim, a semi-truck hauling cars came upon the scene. The truck driver slammed on his brakes, locking them and causing the truck to jackknife. The Dallas semi-truck slid and hit the first squad car, forcing it into the second.

Accident Injured Two Dallas Police Officers

The impact of the semi-truck crash injured the responding officers. Both were taken to an area hospital by ambulance with unknown injuries. Eastbound I-635 was closed for approximately four hours as crews worked to remove the vehicles and clean up the crash site.

Too often, semi-truck drivers to not make the best driving decisions, causing serious injuries that could have been easily prevented. The staff and attorneys at the Hart Law Firm hope that the Dallas officers hurt during the accident are well on their way to recovering from their injuries.

Steer Racing In Dallas Leads to Deadly Crash

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A fiery crash in Dallas on Tuesday night has left one person dead. Authorities believe that the crash, which occurred at the intersection of Northwest Highway and Shady Brook Lane, was the result of street racing. Witnesses say that two vehicles were speeding along Northwest Highway, reaching speeds of around 100 mph. One of the drivers lost control after they hit a puddle, sending their vehicle into oncoming traffic. This vehicle hit several other cars before catching on fire. The driver, who was alone in the car, died at the scene of the accident.

Another woman in a separate vehicle had to be pried from the wreckage and was taken to a local hospital. None of the identities of the victims have been released at this time. The driver of the other vehicle thought to be racing fled the scene.

Street racing causes many serious injuries across the U.S. every year. The staff and attorneys at the Hart Law Firm hope that those injured by the irresponsible conduct of the racers can get some sort of relief. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident such as this or any car wreck, please feel free to contact our office for a free consultation with a Dallas/Fort Worth personal injury lawyer.

Semi-Truck Crashes, Spills Load on I-30 in Dallas

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

An accident on I-30 in Dallas looked worse than it was. In the early morning hours, about 2:30 a.m., an 18 wheeler overturned on the westbound side of the busy interstate. The truck crashed and tipped over, spilling its load near the Lamar exit, not far from the I-35E interchange.

The commercial hauler was carrying medical supplies, which were seen littering the road for hours after the accident. It took work crews five hours to remove the truck and trailer, causing a massive traffic jam near downtown Dallas. Vehicles had to jump a curb and drive on the shoulder to get around the truck.

The driver of the semi-truck was fortunate enough to escape without injury. Too many times, large truck accidents in Dallas and Grapevine cause serious injuries and, in the most serious cases, death. Many times, the driver escapes harm, while the occupants of the other vehicle suffer serious injuries. Luckily, this accident only involved the 18 wheeler and no injuries were reported.

The staff and attorneys at the Hart Law Firm were happy to hear that the accident only led to traffic delays and property damage. More often than not, accidents such as these cause serious damage to involved vehicles and motorists alike.

Deadly Texas Semi-Truck Accident Lawsuit Settles Before Going to Court

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Wanda Lindsey still struggles with the loss of her husband.

"It's like having half of your heart ripped out of your body," said Lindsay. "I can't even put it into words. It's just the most devastating loss, a hollow pain that just beats you down."

As we reported earlier, Wanda lost her husband John when a semi-truck slammed into the back of their car in a Texas construction zone. After the accident, Wanda found out that the truck driver suffered from obstructive sleep apnea, a disorder that can cause excessive daytime drowsiness. After recovering from her injuries, Mrs. Lindsay started the John Lindsay Foundation, a non-profit that works to spread sleep apnea awareness.

Good News for the Foundation and Mrs. Lindsay

In response to Wanda's hard work, at least one trucking company started mandatory sleep apnea screenings. Since beginning the screenings, the Schneider Trucking Company has seen both their medical costs and accident rate drop dramatically.

In addition, a recent lawsuit filed on behalf of Mrs. Lindsay against Celadon Trucking, the company that employed the driver who hit the Lindsay's, was settled out of court. The company admitted that sleep apnea did in fact affect its driver's ability to properly perform his duties and operate a truck safely.

The staff and attorneys at the Hart Law Firm would like to thank Mrs. Lindsay for her work toward ending sleep apnea in truck drivers. Thanks to her efforts, the roads of Texas are safer than ever. We are sorry for your loss and hope that with time, you find some measure of peace.

Brake Failure Might Have Caused Dallas Fire Truck Accident

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

During a rescue attempt in Rock Lake, one Dallas Fire-Rescue truck had to rescue its self. Firefighters from local Station 34 were responding to a call that necessitated a water rescue.

After the boaters were ushered safely to shore, one of the fire trucks at the scene rolled from its parked position into the lake. While no one was injured during the one vehicle accident, initial interviews given by firefighters at the scene indicate that the truck had suffered from brake problems in the past.

Bad Brakes are Bad Business
If, in fact, the brakes on the fire truck were known to be bad, why were they not repaired or replaced? While faulty brakes are dangerous on any vehicle, large trucks with bad brakes are especially deadly. The braking distance of a motor vehicle increases as the size of the vehicle increases. When you add into the equation brakes that are not performing as they should, you have an accident waiting to happen.

When Faulty Semi Truck Brakes Cause an Accident
Why would anyone allow a truck to travel, knowing that the brakes have not been working as they should have been? Oversights like this cause injuries and deaths in Denton and across Texas each year. The experienced truck accident attorneys at The Hart Law Firm see the consequences of these accidents time and time again. Our staff and attorneys are grateful that, in this case, no one was injured. We hope that in the future, steps will be taken to prevent accidents due to faulty brakes.

Texas DOT Begins Removing Trucks Speed Limit Signs On Texas Roadways

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

In select Texas counties, crews are working to remove and replace now defunct speed limit signs. House Bill 1353 did away with nighttime speed limits and allows truck drivers to travel the same speed as cars. According to the bill, all nighttime and truck speed limit signs must be taken down no later than December 31.

In one area of Texas, encompassing 10 counties, the work is expected to take at least one month. There, a total of 1,400 nighttime and truck speed limit signs will be removed. The work can be tedious, as in many cases it involves more than just removing the sign from the post. Often, the entire sign, to include the poles and the cement, must be removed. Workers have to use a crane to access the high signs, and traffic must be directed around the removal crews.

While most won't give the change more than a passing thought, some safety experts are still expressing concern. Their worry is that the higher limit for trucks will cause more serious high speed semi-truck accidents in Dallas County and across Texas.

As Denton commercial truck accident attorneys we hope that the removal of restricted speed limits for trucks in Texas will not cause additional accidents or casualties.

Mexican Trucks to Travel In and Out of Texas

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

For years, a heated battle has raged on in Texas and across the Southwest. International trade agreements with Mexico allow produce and other goods to be imported into the U.S. However, the trucks that carry the goods to the border are not allowed to cross into the United States. Instead, truckers must unload cargo and reload into American trucks. This is about to change.

Mexican Trucks and Truckers Allowed to Travel Into Texas

Like other border states, Texas will feel the effects of the rule change more than most. While many believe that the changes will be good for trade, others are concerned about a variety of aspects. James Hoffa, the president of the Teamsters union, is concerned over the safety of the trucks and their drivers.

"What we have here is a double standard of people that are going to make maybe one-third of what American drivers make, if that," he says, "and there's no record of who these people are. They're not in the database. They don't keep logbooks from the time they get to the border."

This lack of accountability is a concern to many worried about the impact that the new trucks will have on semi truck accident rates in Dallas and across Texas.

Hope For the Cross-Border Trucking Program

The program is being run on a trial basis, limiting the number of Mexican trucks being allowed into the U.S. For now, only a few cross-border trucking companies have asked for permission to participate in the program. The Department of Transportation hopes that the trial will go well and that, very soon, trucks will travel in and out of Mexico in the same way they travel into the U.S. from Canada.

Higher Weight Limits Proposed by Trucking Industry in Dallas, TX

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Do heavier trucks make for more deadly accidents? As the trucking industry pushes for higher allowable weight limits on big rigs, others believe that raising the weight limit for commercial trucks will result in more injuries and deaths.

At the end of this year's ATA Management Conference & Exhibition in Dallas, TX, the American Trucking Association and the Truckload Carriers Association asked that policy makers allow for a 97,000 pound limit on a six-axle configuration.

This proposal has been a hot button issue within the trucking industry and safety groups alike. Many trucking industry experts are concerned that the added productivity that larger loads would allow would not offset the costs of retrofitting the trucks or buying new equipment meant to handle such weights.

In traffic safety circles, the proposal has not had a warm reception either. Safety advocates are concerned that heavier trucks will mean more accidents. The heavier the vehicle, the longer it takes for it to stop and the greater the force during a crash. The impact of the trucks on roadways is also a concern. One study found that when more trucks moved off of the highway and onto slower roads (the move mandated by weight limit regulations) pavement damage rose by 12 percent.

The Texas accident attorneys at the Hart Law Firm hope that lawmakers consider all factors carefully before allowing the higher weight limits in Texas. Just one accident involving one of these heavy trucks is too many.

Dallas Police Join National Effort to Find, Ticket Aggressive Truckers

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Drivers, both commercial and everyday commuters, too often fall victim to distracted and aggressive driving. This week, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is working to prevent these dangerous behaviors in truck drivers. In order to do so, police agencies in Bedford and across Texas have been asked to be on the lookout for distracted or aggressive drivers. All truck drivers found to be guilty of these driving behaviors will be ticketed.

The CVSA is disturbed by the sheer number of accidents that these behaviors cause.

"Aggressive and unsafe driving behaviors by truck and bus drivers, as well as the passenger car drivers operating unsafely around them, are primary factors in more deaths on our roadways than a 737 airplane crashing every other week," the CVSA stated through a recent news release.

Operation Safe Driver

To combat this growing problem, the week of October 16-22 has been named Operation Safe Driver. Along with increased police patrols and citations, outreach programs will continue educating drivers on multiple safety issues. Ongoing safety programs operated by the CVSA include Teen and Trucks and Defeating Distracted Driving.

The Bedford trucking accident attorneys at the Hart Law Firm urge both truck drivers and commuters to use the events of this week to sharpen your driving skills, remembering, always, to avoid distracted and aggressive driving.

15 Injured When Dump Truck Crashed Into, Derailed Houston Metrorail

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

When a Texas light rail collides with a commercial dump truck, there are no winners. Recently in Houston, TX, a large dump truck filled with gravel ran a red light, causing a light rail full of passengers to slam into its side. At least 15 people were injured in the serious Texas truck accident, including the driver of the dump truck, the light rail operator, and 13 passengers.

Police planned to charge the driver with a red light violation. However, they were unable to locate the truck driver to question him about his involvement. When police arrived at the hospital, just minutes after the ambulance, the driver was gone.

The impact of the crash sent both the truck and rail car sliding onto the sidewalk. In video footage, a man can be seen leaping out of the way, narrowly escaping being hit. The wreckage stopped just short of a local bar. Fortunately, there were no patrons outside the business at the time of the crash.

Additional video footage, taken from inside the rail car, shows passengers flying into the air as the train hit the truck. One passenger, who was near the back of the train at the time of the crash, was projected forward upon impact.

The Texas truck accident attorneys at the Hart Law Firm hope that all injured parties are well on their way to a full recovery.

Dump Truck and Pickup Truck Collide in Texas, Two Injured

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A recent dump truck accident in Irving, TX has been blamed on a drunk driver. The accident occurred when workers for the city of Irving were picking up cones on O'Conner Road. The crew had been loading the construction cones into a trailer that was hitched to a large, commercial dump truck. A pickup truck, driven by an unnamed male, slammed into the trailer and then crashed onto its side.

One worker was standing on the other side of the trailer when the accident occurred. The man was trapped after the load of signs and cones fell on top of him. Initial reports indicate that the worker may have broken his arm.

The driver of the pickup truck was trapped inside his vehicle and had to be rescued by emergency crews. He was taken to the hospital to be treated for his injuries. At the hospital, a blood test revealed that the driver had been drinking before the accident. At the time of this report, charges related to the accident had not yet been announced.

As Texas drunk driving accident attorneys, we know all too well the terrible damage that drunk drivers do each and every day. The staff and attorneys at the Hart Law Firm hope that all injured parties are well on their way to making a full recovery.

Texas Woman Vows to Fight Sleep Apnea in Truck Drivers

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

While waiting in a construction zone, Wanda and John Lindsay chatted about the wait, deciding not to worry about it. After all, newly retired and enjoying their travels, the Lindsays were just happy to be together, embarking on a new adventure. Moments later, an 18-wheeler traveling at 70 mph slammed into the back of their car. The next thing she knew, Wanda and her husband were in a ditch on the side of the road. With her husband unconscious, Wanda got out of the car only to fall to the ground.

While Wanda was seriously injured in the Texas trucking accident, her husband was faring much worse. Wanda was only able to see him twice before he passed away. While the sadness was overwhelming, Wanda Lindsey, upon discovering that the driver who hit them suffered from sleep apnea, decided to turn tragedy into hope.

"I am waging war against sleep apnea in the trucking industry," she said.

Indeed, Wanda Lindsey has kept her word, starting a nonprofit organization named after her husband: the John Lindsay Foundation. Wanda wants to honor her husband while raising awareness of sleep apnea in truckers. Almost one-third of truck drivers and commercial truckers suffer from sleep apnea. This sleep disorder prevents sufferers from getting a good night's sleep, putting them at a higher risk of daytime drowsiness.

The Dallas accident attorneys at the Hart Law Firm are heartened to hear that Mrs. Lindsey is turning tragedy to hope. We too are hopeful that more stringent sleep apnea testing and standards in truckers will lead to a reduced accident rate in Texas and across the nation.

Hit and Run Claims the Life of Fort Worth Woman

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A hit and run accident in Fort Worth on Thursday evening has left the police searching for answers. At around 8:45 pm, the police received a call about a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle in Fort Worth's east side. The unidentified woman was attempting to cross the street at the 5700 block of East Lancaster when she was struck by a vehicle traveling westbound. The vehicle did not stop and police are still searching for suspects. The woman was take by ambulance to John Peter Smith hospital, but later died from the injuries that she sustained in the accident.

The staff and Fort Worth Personal Injury lawyers at the Hart Law Firm want the family of the injured woman to know that our thought and prayers are with them at this hard time in their lives. If you have any information about this accident, call the Fort Worth Police Department.

Small Car Crashes Into Oversize Load in Cherokee County

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

While all semi-trucks are big, a recent truck accident near Jacksonville, TX highlighted just how big they can be. A 300,000 pound piece of equipment, being hauled by not one, but two trucks, was recently involved in a serious accident in Cherokee County. The trucks were hauling the hydraulic press from a manufacturing plant in Longview, TX to Monterrey, Mexico and were at a difficult part of the journey when a car collided with the truck.

Two escort trucks were part of the convoy and as the truck crossed the Colombian River Crossing Bridge. Taking up both lanes, the trucks were positioned to stop vehicles going both ways. However, a car went around both the escort truck and the driver holding a stop sign. The car sped ahead toward the enormous truck and a completely blocked roadway. The driver of the escort truck attempted to warn the driver of the large truck, but there was not much the driver could do.

"He went around, so she radioed real fast to the truck, ‘Start slowing down there's a car coming. I couldn't stop him,' and they started slowing down, but they couldn't stop fast enough for how fast he was coming," said Mike Mitchell, director of the company responsible for the large shipment.

The man in the car slammed into the semi-truck, rode the rail of the bridge, and then fell off onto the embankment of the river. The car did not enter the water or flip. The driver was in critical condition and was taken to East Texas Medical Center in Tyler.

The staff and Dallas accident attorneys at the Hart Law Firm hope that the injured man is on his way to making a full recovery from his injuries.

Nightmare on 18 Wheels – A Texas Big Rig With No Brakes

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

The thought of a semi truck barreling down on your car on the Dallas Turnpike, unable to stop or even slow down is the stuff of movies. However, this nightmarish scene is one that plays out all too often. In order to combat the problem of faulty or defective brakes in large trucks, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is working to increase awareness of this serious problem.

In order to do so, the CVSA has established a week long brake safety awareness campaign. Each year, the Brake Safety Week campaign strives to:

Improve industry knowledge
Boost regulatory compliance
Enhance performance of commercial vehicle braking systems

In order to meet these goals, the CVSA has teamed up with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to conduct roadside inspections. According to CVSA executive director Stephen Keppler, inspections are not the only important part of the week.

"One of the major goals of Brake Safety Week is to educate drivers, mechanics and others on the importance of proper adjustment, maintenance and operation to ensure every commercial vehicle is operating safely, and, ultimately, to save lives," said Keppler.

Can Better Brakes Prevent a Texas Trucking Accident?

If more trucks were operating with better maintained, safer braking systems, the number of large truck accidents in Texas would most certainly go down. According to CVSO Roadcheck data for 2011, over 50 percent of commercial vehicle out-of-service citations were for brake-related violations. This number only represents those caught for major safety violations. Many others do not get caught and continue to drive the Texas freeways with ineffective, dangerous brakes.

The Dallas truck accident attorneys at the Hart Law Firm hope that Brake Safety Week, along with other state and nationwide safety initiatives, work to make trucks safer, decrease accidents, and save lives.

Texas Truckers Might Be Part of Far Reaching Cell Phone Ban

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

In reaction to a deadly large truck accident in which a trucker's cell phone use was cited as a contributing factor, the National Transportation Safety Board has recommended that all cell phone use by truckers be banned. While the NTSB cannot enforce rules, their recommendations are taken seriously by safety agencies in Texas, as well as throughout the nation.

During the accident in question, the truck driver was using his phone just seconds before the deadly crash. He crossed over the median, broke through a wire barrier, and hit a 15-passegner van. Nine adults were killed during the accident. The only survivors in the van were two children who were in car seats at the time of the crash.

Ban on Both Hand Held and Hands Free Devices

The truck driver cell phone ban would include any cell phone use, both hands free and hand held. While this rule would be far reaching, it was not the only recommendation given by the NTSB. The agency also recommended that the Federal Highway Administration and other regulatory agencies work to:

Re-evaluate the effectiveness of median barriers in stopping large trucks
Work to better define and identify cross median crashes and their causes
Consider enacting laws that require seatbelt use in 15-passenger vans

The staff and Dallas tractor trailer accident attorneys at the Hart Law Firm would like to extend our deepest condolences to those who lost a loved one during this tragic accident. We hope that further regulations will help prevent accidents and save lives across the country.

Driver of Truck Hits Man in Fort Worth – Doesn't Face Charges

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

When the driver of a truck hits a pedestrian, we often leap to conclusions, assuming that the driver was at fault. Often, this is the case, and inattention is most often the cause. However, a recent Fort Worth accident that involved a pedestrian and a truck appears to be the fault of the pedestrian.

The driver of a pickup, whose name has not been released, was backing out of his spot in a parking garage when he felt a bump. The bump was his truck hitting 24-year-old Grant Morby. The driver of the truck got out to see what had happened and found that he had, in fact, hit the young man. However, when he tried to help the man, he found that he was uncooperative because he was intoxicated.

Unable to help, and assuming the man was all right, the driver left, giving his business card to the attendant at the garage.

Soon after, the garage attendant walked up to the second level of the garage and found Morby on the ground, complaining of a pain in his side. Morby was taken to the hospital where it was found that the impact of the accident had severely lacerated his liver. At the time of this report Morby was still in critical condition, though family members stated that he was progressing well.

The staff and attorneys at the Hart Law Firm hope that the accident victim is on his way to recovering fully from his injuries.

Dallas Woman Loses Her Life in Dump Truck Accident – Charges Pending

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A recent Dallas dump truck accident injured one and ended the life of another. Initial reports indicate that the dump truck driver was at fault and may face criminal charges.

According to police, a large Peterbuilt dump truck was traveling on Dallas Highway near the West Sandtown Road intersection when it went through a red light, striking a car. The car and the dump truck slid into a third vehicle. The dump truck left the two cars resting on the guardrail while it continued through the rail, coming to rest in a stand of trees.

The drivers of both cars were rushed to Kennestone hospital for serious injuries. The driver of the first vehicle, a woman from Dallas, TX, was critically injured and died soon after arriving at the hospital. At the time of this report the second driver was still being treated for his injuries. The driver of the dump truck was not injured.

The driver of the dump truck, Jason Chatham of Powder Springs, is expected to face charges for his role in the accident. There was no information available as to what the charges may be.

The staff and attorneys at the Hart Law Firm would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family of the accident victim.

Could a Short Test Prevent a Texas 18 Wheeler Accident?

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Safety experts and truckers alike agree that obesity alone is not the best way to determine a driver's risk for sleep apnea. Researchers at Harvard have come up with a test of attention, called a psychomotor vigilance test (PVT), that measures the reaction time of drivers. When this reaction time is too slow, it can signal sleepiness. Very often this sleepiness is caused by a lack of good, restful sleep due to obstructive sleep apnea. Too often, this sleepiness translates into drivers who fall asleep at the wheel or make bad driving choices. Sleepiness is a contributing factor in thousands of Texas semi truck accidents each year.

If it is found that the test is useful in identifying drivers who are suffering from undiagnosed sleep apnea, it may be used as part of the testing process that all truckers must participate in. The study's senior author, Stefanos N. Kales, is optimistic that the short test can be an effective way to stop drowsy drivers before they can hit the road.

"This novel use of PVT is extremely promising as a potential, 10-minute frontline check for sleepiness accomplished at professional drivers' federally mandated licensing exams," said Kales.

The hope is that once the test is in place, and parameters for a pass or fail are identified, the PVT will be a useful tool in pinpointing drivers who need a sleep evaluation before continuing to operate as commercial drivers.

Currently, the only risk factor used to identify drivers at risk for sleep apnea, and the accompanying daytime drowsiness, is obesity. While truck drivers, at a 40-50% obesity rate, are more likely to have sleep apnea, not enough of them are getting the sleep help they need. A 2009 study showed that drivers who are affected by obstructive sleep apnea underreport their symptoms and are not likely to follow through with sleep study referrals and treatments.

The staff and attorneys at the Hart Law Firm hope that the test will help identify drivers who may be too tired to drive, thereby preventing trucking accidents in Texas and across the nation.

Faster Nighttime Truck Speed Limit in Texas Takes Effect Sep. 1

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Despite concerns that a higher nighttime semi truck speed limit in Texas will cause more accident, injuries and deaths, a new law, doing away with lower night speeds, will take effect September 1^st.

Truck drivers are glad to hear that their speed limit is changing. 10-year veteran trucker Jason Rutland thinks that the higher limit is actually safer.

"We end up losing a lot of time and not being able to get down the road to a safer place to stay like a truck stop," Rutland said.

But not everyone shares Rutland's opinion. Many worry that the higher speed limit will mean longer braking distances. At night, the slower response time could spell disaster. As it is, 400 Texans are killed each year during an accident with an 18-wheeler.

Despite safety concerns, the Texas Department of Transportation has endorsed the idea and is ready to change over 700 signs across the state.

"Eliminating the night speed will make it consistent state to state. There will be no ambiguity as to what the speed limit really is," said Val Lopez, Texas DOT spokesperson.

The increases will vary but most will be changed by 5 miles per hour.

The staff and attorneys at the Hart Law Firm hope that the change in speed limit does not cause more accidents. We will be keeping a close eye on accident rates in Dallas and across Texas, to see if the change has any effect.

Jet Fuel + Semi Truck Accident = Fiery Roanoke, TX Crash Scene

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

While the cause of a serious trucking accident on Highway 114 in Roanoke, TX is yet to be determined, everyone agrees that the accident looked worse than it was. The crash occurred late at night and involved an 18 wheeler and a Jeep. The front end of the Jeep was crushed during the collision; the semi truck quickly erupted into flames. The flames rapidly spread to the tank of the truck, which contained over 56,000 gallons of jet fuel.

The jet fuel laden truck burned at the crash site for over five hours. It took almost 24 hours for the remains of the truck to cool off enough to be removed. According to witnesses, the fire put off mass quantities of smoke and was seen as far away as Denton and Richland Hills. Firefighters from Roanoke tested air quality in the surrounding area, working to ensure that nearby residents were safe. No evacuations were necessary.

While the accident was serious, both drivers were unhurt. One passenger was injured and was taken to the hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The staff and attorneys at the Hart Law Firm are glad that the accident was not as serious as it could have been. We hope that the injured passenger is on their way to making a full recovery.

U.S. Senate Asks- How Can We Make Semi Trucks Safer?

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Senate is currently considering additional truck safety legislation that would increase the number of safety measure already being used by the Department of Transportation. The following proposed trucking legislation would, hopefully, reduce trucking accidents in Texas and across the nation:

·        Mandatory 65-mph speed limits for semis

·        Mandatory onboard recorders

·        Strengthening the FMCSA's ability to revoke the registration of a carrier

·        Requiring potential carriers to pass a written exam and submit a safety management plan

·        Studies on the effectiveness of detention time and the need for standards on roof and pillar strength, air bags and front and back wall elements

·        Continuing work on getting a safety fitness enforcement plan in place

Will New Rules Reduce 18-Wheeler Accidents in Texas?

While most of the proposal seems like a good step toward making trucks safer, toward holding trucking companies responsible for their actions, it is unlikely that the legislation will go into effect anytime soon. Budget cuts across the nation mean that issues such as large truck safety get put on the backburner. Only time will tell if the proposal will be signed into law; but it seems doubtful.

The staff and attorneys at the Hart Law Firm will be following this story closely, bringing you any updates that apply to the truck safety proposal.

Grand Theft Auto- Dallas 18-Wheeler Edition

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Unless police end up catching up with the man or woman responsible for stealing and crashing an 18-wheeler in Dallas County, TX we might never know their true motivation.

While police have been unable to find a suspect in the recent theft and crash, they do know that the accident caused major damage to the truck. The driver of the stolen semi took it on a joy ride on Northbound I-20. When the driver attempted to take the eastbound Highway 175 exit, they lost control of the large truck. The impact caused the semi to hit the center median, spill its load of steel rebar and burst into flames. Initially police and emergency workers were concerned that there was someone in the cab of the truck and that the person had lost their life in the fire. However, as they got the flames under control they found the cab empty, the driver having likely fled the scene shortly after the accident. The staff and attorneys at the Hart Law Firm were glad to read that there were no injuries reported in the accident. Given the possible inexperience of the driver and the impact of such a large truck, things could have ended very badly for the driver and other motorists.

Accident on Colleyville Blvd. Claims the Life of a Motorcycle Passenger

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Early Sunday afternoon, July 31, a female riding on the back of a motorcycle was killed after the bike she was riding collided with a car at the Intersection of Kimball Road and Texas 26 (Colleyville Blvd.) in Grapevine. The Unidentified woman died at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth while the male driver was taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas. His condition is unavailable as of this moment.

The car involved in this accident was traveling westbound on Texas 26 and was attempting to turn left onto Kimball when it had the collision with the motorcycle that was traveling eastbound on Grapevine Highway (26). Witnesses to the accident stated that both drivers had a yellow light when the collision occurred.

The driver of the car, a 20 year old woman from Oklahoma, along two male passengers, age 23 and 16, were all taken to local hospitals and their conditions are unknown.

This accident happened just down the street from The HART Law Firm, and close to my home. As motorcycle riders, we are particularly interested in motorcycle safety, and enforcing safety rules that protect motorcyclists. We represent injured motorcycle riders to ensure the drivers that violate safety rules are responsible for violating driving safety rules, and to make the roads safer for motorcyclists. When people are required by our civil justice system to be fully responsible for following traffic safety rules, we all are safer.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the injured and the family of the deceased. Car drivers, please keep your eyes open for those of us on motorcycles!

Denton, TX Army Recruiter Saves Accident Victim- Receives Top Honor

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Heroism in a war is expected of all members of the armed services. When in a war zone soldiers often put their lives on the line to come to the aid of a fellow soldier. However, motorists in Farmer's Branch, a suburb of Dallas, were able to witness one soldier's heroism in action. Army Staff Sgt. Marcus A. Stone, a recruiter stationed in Denton, TX, was recently honored for his role in saving the life of an accident victim.

Stone was a few cars back when there was a serious accident on Interstate 35. Stone drove forward, using the HOV lane to get around the stopped cars. He saw the vehicles that had been involved in the accident and noticed that at least one was starting to catch fire.

He persuaded the cars closest to the accident to back away, in case the car exploded, then sprung to action, pulling an unconscious man from the burning vehicle. By the time he had pulled the man to safety the entire front end of the car was on fire. Moments later the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames.

Now, Sgt. Stone is being honored for his role in saving the accident victim. Stone has been nominated by his commanding officer for the Noncommissioned Officers Association of the United States of America Military Vanguard Award.

The staff and attorneys at the Hart Law Firm would like to extend our gratitude to Sgt. Stone for both his military service and for the heroism he displayed that December day.

Head on Accidents on the Dallas North Tollway Prompt Sign Changes

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Can shorter signs save lives? The North Texas Tollway Authority hopes so. In an effort stop the rise of head-on car accidents on the Dallas Tollway, the authority has gotten permission from the Federal Highway Administration to install "wrong way" and "do not enter" signs at a lower height than normal.

Michael Rey, spokesman for the tollway authority, sites studies performed by the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M. The studies worked to prove that the lowered signs didn't increase the risk of accidents for traffic going the right way. The new signs sit two feet from the ground. Normal signs are a full seven feet in the air.

"Impaired drivers are almost always at the wheel in wrong-way crashes," Rey said. "Studies show impaired drivers tend to look at the ground, or very low."

Some of the test signs, part of a two year initiative designed to get the attention of drunk drivers headed the wrong way on the tollway, will feature flashing red LEDs.

The Dallas car accident attorneys at the Hart Law Firm are always glad to hear about safety initiatives that work to save lives and stop drunk drivers from harming others. We will continue to follow this story and hope that the changes prevent accidents and save lives.

Dallas Jury Gives Drunk Driver up to 40 Years in Prison

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

When a guilty verdict was read in a Dallas courtroom, two families hung their heads. One family was that of Armando Soto, the man found guilty of two counts of intoxication manslaughter. The other family was that of his three victims: Tri "Ethan" Khuu, 7 months old, Tuong Le, 32, and Ethan's father, Kenny Khuu. The only survivor in the car accident was Ethan's older sister, two at the time of the crash. Two families; forever linked by the horrific drunk driving accident that occurred last Labor Day.

Soto, who was convicted of a misdemeanor DWI two months before the crash, was traveling 90 mph when he drove into the back of the victims' car. Accident investigators showed that Soto didn't even hit the brakes before hitting the car, his BAC at 0.19; twice the legal limit.

Soto was convicted of two counts of intoxication manslaughter and was sentenced to the maximum on each charge. He and his attorneys are still waiting for charges relating to the death of the father, Kenny Khuu. Khuu and been in a coma and died eight weeks after the accident. The other two victims died at the crash scene.

The DWI crash attorneys at the Hart Law Firm are heartened to hear that this chapter is nearly over for the family of the accident victims. We hope that the sentence and the conclusion of the trial will bring their friends and family members some measure of peace.

One Texas Intersection- Two Serious 18-Wheeler Accidents

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

It was like déjà vu all over again at a Texas intersection last week. Two 18-wheeler accidents occurred within one day of each other, each involving two 18-wheelers. This means that in a period of 24 hours, four large trucks collided at the intersection of Highway 6 and FM 1860, causing multiple injuries and involving several other vehicles.

The first accident occurred on Monday, July 11^th. One big rig was rear-ended by another, causing serious damage to the vehicles and sending one driver to the hospital by helicopter. The crash occurred when one driver was stopped at the red light. Another trucker failed to see the light and hit the back of the first truck. One trucker was uninjured and the other, B.J. Newton, of Fort Worth, was taken by helicopter to a local hospital and treated for serious injuries.

The second accident happened the day before. The circumstances of the accidents were eerily similar. This truck crash also occurred when one truck was stopped at the light. Again, a second truck failed to see the first truck was stopped and slammed into the rear end of the truck. In this instance, however, two other vehicles were involved and four people were taken to the hospital for injuries sustained during the serious crash.

The staff and attorneys at The Hart Law Firm hope that all the injured parties are on the way to making a full recovery from their injuries. We know all too well the serious damage large truck accidents can cause.

Fatal Motorcycle Accident in Keller Caused by Drunk Driving

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Keller teen was arrested early Tuesday morning, July 19, and faces charges of intoxication manslaughter after a wreck, near Keller, that took the life of a 30 year-old motorcyclist. The 18 year-old, Cristian Melancon, was arrested at the scene of the accident at the intersection of Wall Price Road and Concho Circle at about 12:30 am.

According to a spokesman from the sheriff's department, the motorcyclist, Jason Wakeford, was traveling westbound on Wall Price when he collided with the Jeep that Melancon was driving. Melancon pulled out in front of Wakeford, causing the collision.

Jason Wakeford was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital, but died shortly after. Melancon and another female passenger were not injured. A candlelight vigil was held yesterday near the accident site for Wakeford.

The drunk driving accident and motorcycle accident attorneys at the Hart Law Firm in Colleyville want the family of Mr. Wakeford to know that our thoughts and prayers are with them during this traumatic time of their lives.

App Designed to Reduce Pile-up Accidents Being Tested Now

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

So, your apps can help you grow zombies, change your voice and tease your dog: but can they save your life? A new app, being tested over the summer months by researchers and engineers, may reduce freeway pileups by up to 40%. Instead of just another busy-maker, this app would allow your car to warn other vehicles and alert you that an accident is occurring up ahead.

A sensor, placed on a cars acceleration system, would set off an alarm if the system displayed signs that indicate an accident is occurring. This car would send an alert out to all the cars behind it, and the car with the strongest signal would pass it along to the other cars, alerting potentially hundreds of drivers that an accident is occurring ahead. All of this would happen in a matter of seconds.

Currently the technology is being put through its paces by engineers from Toyota and researchers from the University of Bologna (Italy). If the tests go well the app could be installed in new cars. Older vehicles may be able to be retrofitted with the app, allowing hundreds of cars on freeways in Texas and across the nation to "talk" to one another and avoid serious pile-ups.

As Dallas, TX car and truck accident attorneys, we are interested in any technology that helps reduce the crashes that occur on our freeways. We are hopeful that this app, and others like it, will work to save lives and stop accidents before they happen.

Family of Texas DWI Crash Victim Wins $1 Million Lawsuit

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to police reports and court documents, Mark Charles Pierce arrived at the Southern Oaks Country Club visibly intoxicated. Yet during the first nine holes of his game he was served "at least 12 cans of beer" and then went on to buy six more during on the back nine. After finishing the game, Pierce went on to the clubhouse, where the bartender served him more alcohol.

After leaving the clubhouse highly intoxicated, Pierce got into his car and slammed head-on into the vehicle Lance Shelter was driving. Shelter, a father of three, was killed in the crash. An hour after the accident, Pierce's blood-alcohol level was at 0.14, nearly twice the legal limit.

On behalf of the family of Lance Shelter, a Fort Worth attorney recently filed a successful lawsuit against the Southern Oaks Country Club. The suit alleged that the employees continued to sell alcohol to Pierce, despite the fact that he was visibly drunk. Pierce is currently serving a 15-year sentence for the deadly accident along with an eight-year sentence for a 2006 Parker County drug conviction.

The DWI accident victim attorneys at the Hart Law Firm hope that this decision, and other successful drunk driving lawsuits, sends a message to servers in Texas: If you serve alcohol to individuals who have had too many, you will be held responsible.

Brownsville Campaign Targets Drunk Texas Drivers for the Fourth of July Weekend

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Brownsville Police Department has already charged ten drivers with driving while intoxicated (DWI) over the past week and will continue their "Intoxicated Driver Mobilization Campaign" through the July Fourth weekend.

Running from June 27 - July 6, the crackdown on those who get behind the wheel after "one too many", is an effort to save lives, funded by a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation.

As in many states, a .08 blood or breath count is enough to warrant an arrest in Texas and the class B misdemeanor becomes a felony if a child under 15 is a passenger in the car.

However, even with efforts like the Brownsville crackdown, individuals continue to make the wrong decision to drink and drive. In Texas alone, there were 27,237 alcohol related accidents in 2009. Of these, 956 people died and 17,703 were injured.

A campaign statement issued the following warning to potential drunk drivers, "We'll be focusing the campaign outreach in Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, Houston, El Paso and the Rio Grande Valley."

But such warnings did not stop a Texas man allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs, who was eventually shot after leading the police in a chase and attempting to run one officer down.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a drunk driver, contact The Hart Law Firm for your free consultation. Our experienced, aggressive attorneys have been successfully suing drunk drivers for years. Get the justice you and your family deserve. Call today. 1.800.856.2347

Thinking of driving while "buzzed" in Texas? Think again.

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A study done by researchers at the University of California found that drivers who drank even one glass of wine, one mixed drink or beer, were more likely to get into an accident than sober drivers.

Though many think nothing of having a drink or two and driving, even buzzed driving can be dangerous. According to research of information available through FARS, the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, a BAC of only 0.01% was associated with accidents that were 37% more severe than accidents where the driver had not consumed any alcohol whatsoever.

Researchers also looked at why having an even slightly elevated blood alcohol content level could cause the accident rate to rise. They found that even with a mild buzz, or a BAC of 0.01% or less, drivers were more likely to speed, be the striking vehicle in an accident and not wear their seatbelts.

As Dallas, Texas drunk driving accident attorneys we know all too well the impact buzzed and drunk driving has on the lives of accident victims. We urge each and every one of you to please refrain from drinking at all before getting behind the wheel. That drink will never be worth the possible consequences.

Fort Worth Driver Hits Motorcyclist, Flees Scene of Accident

Sun, 26 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A motorcyclist is in serious condition after being hit by an intoxicated driver in Weatherford, TX. The driver is accused of hitting the stopped motorcyclist and then driving away: all while attempting to deliver meth.

Alicia Anne Mitchell, of Fort Worth, TX, has been charged with numerous crimes to include: intoxication assault causing serious bodily injury or death, leaving the scene of an accident and manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance.

The injured biker, Jared Bandy, was stopped at a stop sign on College Park Drive when Mitchell struck him. The force of the impact caused Bandy to flip over the car and onto the street. He was taken to a Fort Worth hospital and was being treated for a serious head injury.

Mitchell was caught by Weatherford Police a few miles from the scene of the accident. When police apprehended Mitchell they became suspicious that she was under the influence of an illegal narcotic. In addition, multiple bags of suspected methamphetamine were found in her possession. At the time of this report she was being held at the Parker County Jail on a $40,000 bond.

The Colleyville motorcycle accident attorneys at the Hart Law Firm hope that Mr. Bandy is well on his way to making a full recovery.

Northlake, TX Police Officer, Prisoner, Injured in Accident

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A serious accident on the Westlake/Keller border injured a police officer and his prisoner. The Northlake, TX police officer was traveling east on Highway 170 when he stopped at a red light at the intersection with Highway 377.

As the police officer waited for the light to change a white truck sped toward the officer and rear ended the police SUV. The force of the accident pushed the police vehicle into the intersection where a semi-truck was headed northbound on Highway 377. The SUV was hit by the 18-wheeler, causing further damage and injuries. Drunk driving is suspected as a factor in the serious accident.

Both the officer and the suspect were taken by helicopter to Harris Methodist hospital. Their injuries were said to be non-life-threatening. The semi-truck driver was not injured in the accident and the driver of the pickup truck sustained only minor injuries. Police investigating the accident reportedly found alcohol containers in the pickup truck.

The staff and attorneys at the Hart Law Firm hope that the injured accident victims are well on their way to making a full recovery.

Deadly Accident on Sam Houston Tollway Blamed on Drunk Driver

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

While the toll lane she was working on was closed at the time, this did not prevent a drunk driver from slamming into the tollway and killing her.

48-year-old Sheila Lindsey was cleaning the area near the toll booth on the Sam Houston Tollway when a drunk driver came speeding down the tollway. 38-year-old Julie Little was driving a Camaro when lost control of her vehicle and struck Lindsey. At the time of the accident, Little had a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit. Constable Mark Herman confirms that the driver was impaired due to more than just alcohol.

"I can tell you there were three other types of narcotics found in her blood system," said Herman.

The driver has been charged with intoxication manslaughter. This charge can carry with it up to a 20 year prison sentence.

This accident was not the first that involved a drunk driver and a Texas tollway. About a year ago another driver struck a tollbooth.

The staff and attorneys at Hart Law Firm are saddened by the news of the death of Sheila Lindsey. We send our deepest condolences to the friends and families of Ms. Lindsey and hope that time will bring them some measure of peace.

Child Safety Seat Loophole Under Fire in Texas

Tue, 31 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two very young children lost their lives earlier this month in a Texas car accident. The two children, ages 8 months and 3 years, were two of 16 occupants in an SUV. When the SUV entered an intersection with a malfunctioning traffic light, it collided with another vehicle. The two children were not restrained at the time of the accident. However, due to a loophole in Texas child seat safety laws, no tickets will be issued for the lack of proper child safety seats.

The lack of legal action has to do with a loophole in Texas law that allows children to go unrestrained in a vehicle "in which all safety belts are occupied". This exemption has many up in arms.

Sgt. S.G. Wolverton with the Harris County Sherriff's Office doesn't think the loophole is right.

"I disagree with it," he said. "I think it defies common sense."

Only time will tell if lawmakers will close the loophole, requiring all child passengers to be properly restrained, no matter how many people are in the vehicle. For now, the staff and attorneys at the Hart Law Firm hope that parents and guardians will make the right choice and properly restrain their child, no matter what the law requires.

Is Your Teen Risking an Accident on I-35 or I-635 in Dallas?

Tue, 31 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

A recent report, published by Allstate Insurance and released to the Texas Department of Transportation, shows that I-35 and 639 are the most dangerous Dallas roads for teen drivers. Statewide, the following roadways, in the following counties, account for the most teen accidents in Texas:

1. I-45 in Harris County
2. I-10 in Harris County
3. I-10 in Bexar County
4. I-35 in Bexar County
5. SL 1604 in Bexar County
6. I-410 in Bexar County
7. I-35 in Travis County

•8. I-635 in Dallas County

9. US 59 in Harris County
10. FM 1960 in Harris County

Using statewide crash data, the insurance company has come out with a list of the most dangerous roads for teen drivers. Teenaged drivers are of particular concern as crash rates for their age group are disproportionately high. Though strict novice driving laws apply, too many teens simply don't have the experience to avoid accidents. In addition, the popularity and wide use of cell phones has increased the chance for driving distraction.

As we enter June, we also enter the most dangerous time of the year for teen drivers. More teens lose their lives in car accidents between Memorial Day and Labor Day than any other time of the year.

As Dallas personal injury attorneys we ask that you speak with your teen driver. Ensure that they understand the importance of keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. No texting, no talking, no changing the radio station. Though these rules may seem strict, it only takes a moment for a driver to take his eyes off the road and cause a serious accident. Protect your teen. Talk to them today.

Bus Accidents, Deaths, Prompt Lawmakers to Address Bus Safety

Mon, 30 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

In Texas, bus accidents are an all too common reality. Nearly each week in Texas there are reports of a bus crashing. Though some accidents don't do any major damage, too many cause serious injuries and deaths. To combat this growing problem, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas and Sen. Sherrod Brown have introduced legislation that would increase the safety of buses across the nation.

According to Sen. Hutchison, "Our legislation would make several commonsense safety improvements, such as requiring safety belts on all new buses and providing stronger windows and crush-resistant roofs to protect passengers in the event of a crash."

Other parts of the proposed legislation would require more stringent bus safety inspections, vehicle tracking devises and motorcoach training. Currently, federal regulations do not require special training for bus drivers. All of the proposed changes have been recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board.

As bus accident attorneys in North Texas, we know how deadly a bus accident can be. We hope that increased safety measures would reduce the number of Texans injured and killed each year during bus accidents.

Video Shows Serious Motorcycle Accident on Dallas North Tollway

Sun, 29 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to his interview with Good Morning America, motorcyclist Zachery Perez had passed a vehicle due to the driver's erratic behavior. Shortly after, he ended up in front of the same vehicle and as traffic stopped on the Dallas North tollway the vehicle did not stop and instead slammed into Perez, throwing him from his bike and into oncoming traffic.

Despite being severely injured, Perez was able to move out of the path of an SUV that was coming at him. Perez, a U.S. Army veteran, sustained serious injuries during the motorcycle accident to include a broken rib, ruptured spleen, four broken vertebrae and a lumbar hernia. Since the accident, Perez has undergone multiple surgeries, but he is glad to be alive. Though his injuries were many, he believes that if he had not been wearing a helmet his injures would have been much worse.

"If I wouldn't have worn my helmet, I don't think I'd be here right now. I'd still be in the hospital or I'd probably be dead," Perez said during an interview with ABC News.

Though happy to be alive, Perez is upset that the driver that hit him was not arrested. The driver, uninsured, without a license and clearly at fault, received a few tickets but was not arrested. Perez, along with motorcycle advocates nationwide, are unhappy that the driver was not held responsible for his actions and will not face serious legal action.

The Dallas motorcycle accident attorneys at The Hart Law Firm hope that Mr. Perez continues to recover from his injuries and that others heed his warning and wear their helmets each and every time they ride.

Drunk Driver Injures Northlake, TX Officer and Prisoner

Wed, 18 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last week in Westlake, a Northlake police officer who was transporting a prisoner from the Keller Jail to Denton was involved in an accident when a vehicle, being operated by a Roanoke man, rear-ended his police cruiser. The impact of the collision caused the officer's cruiser to be pushed into the other lane and struck again by an 18-wheeler. The accident injured both the police officer and the prisoner that was being transported in the back of the police car.

According to Keller police, the Roanoke man, identified as Michael Ratcliff, 25, now faces charges of Driving While Intoxicated with an open container. The police report states that officer Kevin Ertle had just picked up the prisoner at the Keller Jail and was on his way to the Denton County Jail. Ertle was stopped at a traffic signal on U.S. 377 when he was rear ended by Ratcliff's pickup which was traveling at a speed around 60 mph. The police SUV was then pushed out into the intersection, where it was hit again by a tractor trailer traveling eastbound on Texas 170.

As a Tarrant County personal injury attorney, we know the damage and pain that an accident can cause. We hope that everyone involved in this accident will recover fully and that this is a lesson to others not to drive under the influence of alcohol.

Grand Prairie, TX Police Officer Hit by Drunk Driver

Tue, 17 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two separate North Texas car crashes, occurring within hours of one another, lead to multiple injuries. While injurious car accidents are common occurrences, these accidents were unusual due to the fact that each involved a police vehicle.

The first accident took place in Flower Mound, TX. The late evening crash, near the intersection of FM 1171 and Morriss Road, involved four cars. The vehicle that sustained the most damage was a Flower Mound police cruiser. The front end of the vehicle was crushed and three people, including a police officer, were taken to local hospitals. Those the specifics of the injuries sustained during the crash were not known, police stated that none of the injuries were life-threatening.

The next accident occurred at 11 p.m. on I 30 near Loop 12. A Grand Prairie police officer was assisting a driver with a disabled vehicle when another driver struck the cruiser. Police believe that the driver was drunk at the time of the accident. The driver was taken to the hospital and his blood was tested for the presence of alcohol.

As Dallas personal injury attorneys we know that the initial impact of an accident is only the beginning of an often long road to recovery. We hope that the injured officers and drivers are well on their way to a full recovery.

3 yr Old Killed in Accident With Oncor Truck

Wed, 04 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to the Fort Worth Star Telegram, a 3-year-old girl, Jaylyn Thomas, was tragically killed in a car accident when the vevicle she was a passenger in hit an Oncor (TXU) truck that had apparrently failed to yield right of way to the car. Our hearts and prayers go out to Jaylyn's family and loved ones. It is always tragic when a child is hurt or killed in an accident.

An Oncor spokeswoman said the company is working with authorities as they investigate the accident. Call me cynical, but my experience has shown me that corporate "working with authorities as they investigate the accident" means the corporation's loss prevention people are trying to hide and deny culpability or negligence as much as they can, and hindering whatever investigation the police are conducting.

In seeking justice when a child is killed in a car accident with a truck, experience counts. Often in times of grief families will call the first lawyer that has a television ad, and they will not research which attorney or lawyer is best qualified to handle their case. It is important to seek justice to make sure someone else is not killed or injured. It is imperitive that an experienced Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer is consulted immediately to make sure all the evidence is preserved, and not destroyed!

Drunk Driver Drives the Wrong-Way on Loop 12

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Early on Valentine's Day morning, police chased a drunk driver who was traveling the wrong way on Loop 12 all the way from Irving to Oak Cliff. The Irving police began to chase Alan Brock of Grapevine, shortly after 2 a.m. when 911 calls started flooding about Brock traveling south in the northbound lane. Cars driving northbound were forced to swerve to avoid a head on collision with the intoxicated Brock. After a failed attempt to stop the man using spike strips, one Irving police officer decided to stop the drunk driver's vehicle by ramming it head on and forcing Brock into the wall.

These is an extreme case of the dangers that drunk driver's impose of the rest of society. Here at the Hart Law Firm, WE SUE DRUNK DRIVERS! If you, a friend or family member has been hurt by someone who has irresponsibly chosen to put themselves and others at risk by driving under the influence of alcohol, please contact a Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney today.

Diabetes Test Strips Give False Results

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

At the end of 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a recall of "359 different lots of glucose test strips" manufactured by Abbott Diabetes Care and marketed under the brand names Precision Xceed Pro, Precision Xtra, Medisense Optium, Optium, Optium EZ and ReliOn Ultima. These strips, which are used with Abbott manufactured blood glucose monitoring systems, have been failing to absorb enough blood for accurate monitoring of patient's blood glucose levels. The FDA says that the recalled strips may be giving "falsely low blood glucose results. False results may lead patients to try to raise their blood glucose unnecessarily, or they may fail to treat elevated blood glucose because of a false, low reading. Both scenarios pose risks to a patient's health." The test strips in question were manufactured between January and September of last year and online and in retail or pharmaceutical stores. The FDA is saying that exposure to warm weather or prolonged storage may cause these strips to have a higher rate of false results.

Bus Carrying Local Church Group Crashes in Colorado

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

A bus carrying a church group from Trinity United Methodist Church, in Denton, crashed Saturday, December 18th because of icy conditions of a Colorado Highway. The group was reportedly heading to the popular ski resort, Crested Butte. Only one passenger, an 11-year-old girl, was seriously injured but most of the other passengers were sent to the hospital.

The bus, which was operated by Fort Worth Company Gotta Go Express Trailways, was driving westbound when the driver lost control of the large vehicle and it flipped onto its side. According to State Troopers, "the highway was very icy, and there was snow."

The travelers from Trinity United Methodist Church ranged in age from 5 to 71 and 38 passengers were transported by school bus to Gunnison Valley Hospital, where they were treated for minor injuries. Gotta Go Express Trailways has only reported one other wreck with an injury within the last two years and maintains a "satisfactory" rating by the U.S. department of Transportation.

At the HART LAW FIRM I have been prosecuting claims and lawsuits against bus companies and trucking companies for years. Even if there are factors such as ice or water that cause a commercial vehicle to have an accident, the bus or truck company could still be liable. It is vital that you contact a board certified personal injury trial lawyer immediately if you are injured in an accident like this so that you can learn your rights and be compensated for your injuries.

North Texas Residents Killed in Accidents Involving Big Rigs

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

In the past few weeks, there have been at least two horrendous traffic accidents involving tractor-trailers in Texas and Oklahoma that have claimed the lives of North Texas residents. According to the Fort Worth Star Telegram, Gervious Hinkle and his thirteen year old grandson, Casey Hinkle, were killed on Sunday after a big rig slammed into a line of slow moving traffic moving on I-35.

At around 2:30 p.m., the Hinkle's were traveling northbound on I-35 about six miles south of Gainesville, when they were forced to slow down because of traffic due to road construction. The driver of the tractor-trailer "failed to control speed and struck the rear of the stopped traffic," said state trooped Mark Tackett. In total, eight vehicles were damaged.

Gervious Hinkle was killed at the scene of the accident while his grandson was rushed to the hospital. Casey Hinkle died in a Fort Worth Hospital about an hour later. Casey's mother and sister were also taken to the hospital.

A few weeks prior to this accident, there was a similar wreck near Miami, Oklahoma that caused the deaths of Frisco residents Randall, Ethan, and Shelby Hayes, Cynthia Olson, and six other victims.

A crash that has been called the deadliest in Oklahoma history was caused when a semi-truck, driving eastbound on Will Rodgers Turnpike, failed to slow down and struck multiple vehicles that were stopped in traffic.

There was no evidence that the driver of the tractor-trailer braked at all and the truck ended up on top of three other vehicles. This accident killed ten people including 38-year-old Randall Hayes, his son Ethan, 7, and his mother-in-law Cynthia Olson, 55, who all died at the scene of the accident. Shelby Hayes, 35, was hospitalized but passed away two days later.

Commercial Truck accidents can easily have these devastating results. Our prayers are with the injured and the families of the deceased. This could have just as easily been my family as we drove the same stretch of road on the 4th of July. Anyone on the road is at risk to the dangers of negligent truckers and trucking companies. I have enforced the rights of my injured clients against trucking companies for the last two decades. I believe it is my responsibility to my clients and the public generally to try to force the trucking companies to change their poor driving and hiring practices through aggressive litigation.

Houston Man Charged With 5 Counts of Intoxication Manslaughter

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to Click2Houston, a Houston man was indicted yesterday on five counts of intoxication manslaughter. While driving under the influence on April 18, 32 year old Chanton Jenkins' car skidded off of Greens Road, and landed in a water system along a bayou. Jenkins failed field sobriety tests on the scene, and his breathalyzer tests had results of 0.079 and 0.082, two hours or more after the fatal crash.

The accident killed Carrington, 1, Hallie, 4, and Devin Jenkins, 4, who were Jenkins's children. The crash also killed Jenkins' brother, Dreton Thompson, 11, and Malik Barlow, 7. Police have reported that Jenkins was talking on his cell phone right before the accident and that none of the children were wearing their seatbelts. Authorities also believe that Jenkins could have been under the influence of narcotics at the time of the crash.

In 2007 alone, 15,387 people were killed by drunk drivers. Texas authorities have been trying hard to cut down of the number of people that drive under the influence but unfortunately, Texas still has the highest percentage of alcohol related accidents in the country. If fact, in 2006 almost half of the fatal automobile accidents that occurred in Texas involved alcohol. Here at the Hart Law Firm, we recognize the needs of people victimized by drunk drivers and throughout the years have handled many of these claims. In fact, recently we were able to settle a case for the maximum amount available for our client, a pregnant mother, who was hit by a drunk driver. If you or a love one has been injured in a wreck involving an intoxicated driver, do not hesitate to contact an experienced board certified personal injury trial lawyer.