Colleyville Accident Attorney Blog

Seat Belts on School Buses: The Never-Ending Debate

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

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 GMT

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 GMT

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 GMT

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 GMT

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 GMT

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 GMT

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 GMT

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 GMT

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 GMT

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 GMT

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 GMT

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 GMT

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 GMT

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 GMT

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 GMT

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 GMT

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 GMT

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 GMT

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 GMT

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.