Colleyville Accident Attorney Blog

Accidents Caused from Cargo Falling Off a Texas Semi-Truck

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 17:51:00 GMT

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA) , over one 4-year period, falling cargo and road debris caused over 200,000 auto accidents on U.S. roadways . Two-thirds of these accidents were caused by cargo that fell from a commercial vehicle because of improper maintenance and unsecured loads. The remaining third were caused by drivers swerving to avoid debris on the road.

Federal Regulations for Securing Cargo

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) regulates how loads are to be secured for commercial vehicles. Truck drivers must ensure that their rigs are not overloaded and that all cargo is properly secured.

The FMCSA says that all truck drivers must use equipment specific for each type of cargo so it remains secure throughout its transport. There are different regulations for securing logs and boulders than there would be for wood and metal pipes.

Based on testing, the FMCSA has standards for equipment that is used to secure truck cargo, like ropes, chains, webbing, and other tools used to support the cargo. The FMCSA also publishes a truck driver’s guide to cargo securement to provide truck operators information about how specific types of cargo should be secured.

In addition, trucking companies are required by the FMCSA to train their drivers in the proper method for loading and securing cargo . When trucking companies fail to adequately train their employees, they can be liable for damages caused by an accident with an improperly loaded truck.

Common Causes of Cargo-Related Accidents

Overloading Cargo on a Flatbed

In order to cut costs, trucking companies have been known to pack as much cargo as they can in trailers and on flatbeds. Companies in the trucking industry believe the more cargo they load onto a truck, the fewer trips their drivers have to make which means less money spent on gas, maintenance, and employees.

Of course, when cargo is stacked too high on a flatbed, it is more likely to be unstable and fall off. Debris from semi-trucks has been known to smash windshields and completely crush other vehicles. If the cargo hits the road, cars must swerve to avoid it and possibly crash into other vehicles.

Unsecured Hazardous Material

Some trucking companies transport hazardous materials like oil, gas, and other flammable or poisonous chemicals. If such materials are not properly secured, they can fall off the truck and create dangerous road conditions.

If these chemicals catch fire, they can create a significant threat to people on the road and cause serious property damage. And perhaps even more dangerous, if toxic chemicals are being transported, a spill could lead to entire areas being evacuated.

Unevenly Distributed Cargo

When cargo is unevenly distributed in a trailer, truck drivers can find it difficult to brake and turn safely. The uneven cargo has a tendency to shift inside the trailer and cause the truck to quickly veer out of control. Oftentimes this is why you will see a truck roll over or jackknife.

Using Faulty Equipment to Secure Cargo

Many times, trucking companies will use steel straps, tie-downs, and webbing to securely fasten cargo to a flatbed. This equipment is often old and worn out, causing cargo to fly out onto the roadway.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for Falling Cargo?

In a case where cargo falls from a truck and causes an injury or death, the trucking company, the driver, the shipping company, and the person loading the truck can all be held responsible. The equipment manufacturers might also be liable.

Just about all trucking companies and drivers will carry some sort of commercial insurance policy, and most of these policies will cover claims when accidents are caused by falling cargo. But to properly understand the role of insurance companies when one is involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, it is always best to consult with a truck accident attorney.

Have You Been Injured In A Texas Truck Accident?

If you've been hurt in a Texas truck accident you need to speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Colleyville office directly at 817.485.8888 to schedule your free consultation.

How Truck Accidents Are Investigated

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 14:54:00 GMT

A team of good attorneys will meticulously review police reports, photos from the accident scene, driver logs, and other important evidence. They will also go over witness statements and re-interview witnesses if necessary.

The majority of personal injury cases are settled out of court. But first, you must prove your case to the insurance companies before they agree to pay you what you’re owed.

Following a truck accident, you might be unsure how to proceed. The right law firm will walk you through, step-by-step, their investigation into how the collision occurred.

Importance of a Proper Investigation

You and your attorney will need to prove that the defendant’s negligence resulted in your injuries . And since multiple parties could have contributed to your accident , your case might be more complex, another reason a legal firm will want to begin a thorough investigation as soon as possible.

Ideally, an injury attorney will be able to view the scene of the collision soon after it occurs, before the police have cleared the scene. If your attorney can recreate the accident scene they can describe the behavior of each vehicle at the time of the accident.

From looking at the evidence, a good investigator can determine whether the semi-truck was speeding, tailgating, or failed to yield the right of way at an intersection. Was the driver qualified, or was the truck properly maintained? Was the cargo within the trailer properly secured? Were other vehicles at fault, and did weather play a factor in causing the accident?

Steps of a Trucking Accident Investigation

What Happens First?

The quicker an attorney can begin an investigation, the better the evidence they can collect.

Law enforcement officials should first take statements from witnesses and investigate the accident by taking photographs and reconstructing the accident. But quite often, this doesn’t happen.

An attorney who is immediately notified can secure witness statements and other valuable evidence and then notify those involved that a lawsuit is in progress.

Immediately after an accident , while you might be injured and taken to the hospital, a truck driver will be calling his dispatcher, who will then notify the trucking company’s attorneys and accident reconstruction experts.

They can be on the scene quickly to gather their own evidence, coach the driver, and create their own narrative of how the accident occurred.

Too often victims of a truck accident wait for the police to send them a report, only to find once they receive it that it lacks the information they need for their case. An attorney can request and obtain a police report almost immediately.

Choosing an experienced truck accident legal team affords you the use of every possible resource to win your case.

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18-Wheeler Accidents--What to Do After a Crash

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 13:50:00 GMT

In September of 2020, in a predawn accident on I-30 East in Mesquite, TX , a passenger car was involved in a collision with an 18-Wheeler where a man’s car was found pinned beneath the truck’s box trailer. Unfortunately, the driver of the pinned vehicle did not make it out alive and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Drivers of 18-Wheelers cannot respond as quickly as other motor vehicles to sudden changes in traffic conditions. A large portion of fatal and serious accidents on our roads involve large commercial vehicles.

In 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation :

●      Almost 4,200 people died in large truck crashes
●      67% of the deaths were occupants of passenger vehicles
●      16% of the deaths were truck occupants
●      15% of the deaths were pedestrians and cyclists

Many truck drivers are overworked, having been pushed to their limits to meet the demands of trucking companies. Accidents occur when drivers become tired, their trailers are loaded improperly, or when vehicle maintenance on big-rigs is not properly maintained. Other reasons for truck accidents can include inattention, alcohol/drug use, inexperience, poor training, and driving in dangerous weather.

Steps You Can Take After Being in an Accident with an 18-Wheeler

Of course, none of us have complete control over such a serious situation, but there are several things you can proactively do once you are involved in an 18-Wheeler accident .

The first thing is the most obvious, and that is to make sure that you and your family are safe. If you or anyone else in your vehicle is injured, immediately seek medical attention. Call 911 and wait for an ambulance to arrive on the scene.

Even if you think you only got a couple of bumps and bruises, you might have internal injuries you can’t detect. At the hospital, they will be able to determine if you have any serious injuries and treat them. While waiting, try to remain calm for your sake and those of your loved ones.

Try to obtain as much information as you can from the truck driver including his name, his CDL number (commercial driver’s license), registration, and insurance, as well as the name of the trucking company.

If they are any witnesses, try to speak with them and gather their contact information. If they let you, try to record their statements using your cell phone. This is important because it might be harder later to contact some people because they might live in other states.

In addition, use your phone to take photographs and/or videos of all the vehicles involved in the accident. Also be sure to take photos of the road, try to notice if there were any fallen trees or icy spots. And if you have a dashcam, make sure you save that footage.

Insurance carriers for the trucking companies are quick to arrive on the scene of an accident. All of the information and evidence you have been gathering will be used to help support the facts of what has occurred in case the insurance company and their client later dispute such facts.

Refrain from talking to their insurance company until you first consult with an attorney on your case. But be sure to contact your own insurance company even if you’re not going to file a claim. This will enable you to later file a claim if you change your mind.

Be sure to save all receipts and documents pertaining to the accident. These will include all your medical records, medical bills, and any proof that you lost wages due to the collision.

You’ll also want to contact the police department and obtain a copy of the police report. This report will contain information that you will need to file your claim as well as other information on the truck driver and whether he was issued a ticket. It will also have the police officer’s description of how the accident occurred as well as descriptions from witnesses that could later help support your case.

And finally, contact an experienced attorney who has spent years if not decades representing people who have had to contend with the aftermath of being involved in an 18-wheeler accident.

Have You Been Injured In A Texas Truck Accident?

Texas Bicycle Safety Tips

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 18:12:00 GMT

How To Safe On Your Texas Bicycle Trip

Often cyclists share the road with motorists, so the first rule of safety is, follow the rules of the road to avoid a car accident.

Another useful rule is, stay alert. Keep an eye on the traffic around you. Avoid distractions such as wearing headphones or talking on the phone. Keep a lookout for potential obstacles. Don’t ride unpredictably in traffic – weaving in and out is not something motorists are accustomed to.

Lastly, don’t ignore personal safety. A bike that is well maintained is not only safe, its better performing. Check the little things before a ride, like brakes, tires, lights, even the seat. And, of course, always wear a helmet.

Have You Been Involved In A Texas Accident?

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Texas Child Seat Laws Reduce Car Accident Fatalities

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 17:59:00 GMT

Texas car accident

truck accident

How Can You Keep Your Child Safe From A Car Accident In Texas?

Guidelines To Followed When Buying A Car Seat

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Red-light Running Related Deaths Reaches All-Time High in 2017

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 15:23:00 GMT

Unfortunately, the rate in which American’s are dying due to drivers who run red lights has only increased within the past five years. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety did a study and it found the number of fatalities due to red-light running in 2017 reached 939 in comparison to 761 fatalities in 2014. As a result of this study, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety was able to conclude that red-light running fatalities reached its all time high in 2017. The study did not only include the drivers themselves, but included passengers, individuals in another vehicle, and even pedestrians.

Why has there been such an increase in red-light running related fatalities? For one, Americans are simply driving more. The overall number of miles driven by Americans during the period of time in which the AAA conducted their research found an increase of 5%.

Another more obvious reason: distracted driving. The Governor of Texas announced on June 6th, 2017 that Texas would ban the use of texting while driving. The law, among other things, stated that any accidents as a result of texting that caused death or serious injury would result in the charge of a Class A misdemeanor. Prior to this, however, several surrounding cities took matters into their own hands. Bedford, Texas adopted a hands-free ordinance in 2014. Watauga, Texas adopted the ordinance in 2015. Denton and Hurst adopted it in 2016. Most of the ordinances passed in the surrounding cities made it a misdemeanor to use a handheld device, while GPS and hands-free devices were still allowed.

Even though hands-free use is legal in the state of Texas, it can still be a source of heavy distraction to drivers.

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Arbitrating a Claim for Compensation When Injured in a Non-Subscriber Workplace Accident

Mon, 11 Mar 2019 14:00:00 GMT

Employers in Texas are permitted to opt out of providing workers’ compensation insurance to their employees. They are referred to as non-subscriber employers. Employees who work for these companies and are injured on the job must prove that their accident was caused due to negligence in order to receive compensation for their injuries.

Many non-subscriber employers in the Dallas, Fort Worth, and the Mid-Cities areas require individuals to sign arbitration agreements when they are hired. This means the employee is agreeing to arbitrate his workplace injury claim and is waiving his right to file a civil lawsuit and have his case decided by a judge or jury at trial.

What Is Arbitration?

Arbitration is a system of resolving disputes without filing a lawsuit in court or having a case decided by a judge or jury. Instead, the case is decided by an arbitrator, who may be a retired judge or attorney. When arbitration is binding, which is often the case, it means that the arbitrator’s decision is final.

Arbitration is a less formal proceeding than a trial in Texas. Here is how arbitration often works:

Have You Been Injured At Your Texas Job And Your Employer Doesn't Provide Workers' Compensation?

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You Could Suffer Many Secondary Conditions If You Are Paralyzed in a Truck Accident

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 14:00:00 GMT

Becoming paralyzed as a result of a truck accident in Dallas or Fort Worth can be devastating and change your life forever. Depending on what body parts are affected, your mobility and ability to care for your basic needs can be significantly limited. In addition, you could suffer a number of complications associated with paralysis. It is important to understand what they are and the likelihood that you will suffer them so that you request compensation for the medical treatments you will need as part of your settlement with the negligent trucker and trucking company that caused your collision.

What Complications Could You Experience If You Are Paralyzed?

Paralysis can occur when the spinal cord is injured by a sudden, traumatic blow in a truck accident. This can cause damage to the spinal cord and nerves, which interrupts the signals from the brain to other parts of the body. The paralysis can affect one side of the body, a limb, or the arms, hands, trunk, legs, and pelvic organs. A person can experience complete paralysis when all sensation and motor control is lost in body parts below the injury site or incomplete where he retains some mobility and sensation.

There are a number of secondary conditions associated with paralysis. Some other medical problems a truck accident victim can experience include:

Bladder Control

When a person is paralyzed, his brain may not be able to control his bladder as well. This can increase the risk of urinary tract infections, kidney infections, and kidney or bladder stones.

Bowel Control

Bowel control can also be problem. This can cause complications, such as constipation and accidents.

Circulation

Being paralyzed can also result in circulation problems, such as low blood pressure or swelling of the limbs. A person is at greater risk of blot clots, such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, and autonomic hyperreflexia, which is a dangerous rise in blood pressure. These medical conditions can be life-threatening if not managed properly.

Respiratory

Paralysis can make it more difficult, or impossible, for a person to breathe on his own or cough. This can cause him to develop respiratory infections, pneumonia, and other serious lung problems.

Chronic Pain

An accident victim can suffer with chronic pain due to overuse of a muscle or joint or nerve damage. He may need long-term treatments, such as medications and physical therapy, to manage the debilitating pain.

Sepsis

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical condition that results when the body’s reaction to an infection is to injure the tissues and organs. It can result in organ failure, shock, and death. An accident victim who is paralyzed may be in danger of developing this condition if a urinary infection, pneumonia, or other infection is not treated properly and quickly.

Have You Been Injured In A Texas Truck Accident?

If you've been injured in a truck accident you need to speak with an experienced truck accident injury attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Colleyville office directly at 817.485.8888 to schedule your free consultation.

Healthcare Professionals Can Suffer Serious Injuries While Taking Care of Others

Wed, 13 Feb 2019 14:00:00 GMT

Common Injuries Sustained by People Working in Healthcare

Nurses, doctors, paramedics, physical therapists, and technicians are a few of the healthcare providers at risk for suffering on-the-job injuries that can result in them becoming a patient instead of a caregiver. Common injuries in the healthcare profession include:

Musculoskeletal Disorders.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are injuries to a person’s muscles, joints, and tendons caused by lifting people or objects that are too heavy. These injuries can affect any muscle or joint, but the most common injuries healthcare workers suffer are to their shoulders and back. This type of injury can cause recurring pain, joint stiffness, and swelling, which can limit a person’s ability to work and perform some day-to-day activities.

Fractures.

There are many slip and fall hazards in healthcare settings—such as spills of food and drink, slippery floors from cleaning, and tripping hazards—when employers fail to maintain a safe work environment. Employees who are often moving quickly due to the fast pace of their jobs can suffer serious fractures to their leg, foot, arm, hand, pelvis, hip, and more in a fall. In addition, these injuries can be caused by a violent attack, which is sadly a risk in these jobs.

Back Injuries.

Back injuries are common in the healthcare industry due to the awkward positions and heavy lifting on a daily basis required by these jobs. Individuals can suffer a herniated disk, which is damage to the jelly-like cushions between the vertebrae in the spine, that can cause arm or leg pain, numbness in the body part affected, and muscle weakness. This can make it impossible for them to work until they recover.

Burns.

Paramedics can suffer serious burns when they are rescuing patients from emergencies, such as fires.

Infectious and Bloodborne Diseases.

People who work in healthcare settings are exposed to mucus, body waste, airborne pathogens, and bloodborne diseases through the use of needles. As a result, they can develop serious infections or life-altering illnesses, such as HIV or Hepatitis B or C when their employer fails to implement proper safety measures.

Head Injuries.

If a healthcare professional is injured in a slip and fall accident or is the victim of violence, he can suffer a serious head injury that can cause permanent brain damage. Traumatic brain injury is a common injury caused by a fall that can result in long-term changes to a person’s vision, mobility, reasoning, memory, and concentration that can make it impossible for him to return to work and, in some cases, care for his daily needs.

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Who Could Be Liable for Compensating You For Your Injuries in a Heavy Machinery Construction Accident?

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 14:00:00 GMT

Common At-Fault Parties in Heavy Machinery Construction Accidents

It is important to pursue claims against any responsible parties to ensure that you receive all the compensation you deserve. This is especially true if you work for a non-subscriber employer who has opted out of providing workers’ compensation benefits in Texas. In this situation, you must prove your employer’s negligence to receive damages from them. However, you only need to prove that your company was at least one percent negligent to hold them liable.

There can be many different negligent parties in an accident resulting in a heavy machinery injury . Here are some common at-fault parties:

Employer

There are a variety of ways that an employer can be found negligent in these accidents. Failing to properly train operators of the equipment and not inspecting and maintaining the machines are two reasons heavy machinery accidents happen. In addition, if a co-worker’s negligence in operating the machinery caused your injuries, your employer could be vicariously liable for his actions under Texas law.

General contractor

The general contractor of the construction project has a duty to maintain a safe working environment. If this duty was breached, this party may be found liable. A contractor, architect, engineer, or other entity could be in charge of the project, and you will need the assistance of an experienced workplace accident attorney to identify them.

Owner of the accident site

If the owner of the property was not one of the contractors, he may still face liability if he knew of the unsafe operations on the site and failed to stop these dangerous practices.

Manufacturer

Defects in the design or manufacture of heavy equipment parts can lead to machinery failures and accidents. If this was the cause of your injuries, you would need to file a products liability claim against the defective parts manufacturer and manufacturer of the machinery.

Have You Been Injured In A Texas Construction Accident?

If you've been injured in a construction accident you need to speak with an experienced construction accident injury attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Colleyville office directly at 817.485.8888 to schedule your free consultation.

What Is the Difference Between a Claim and a Lawsuit in a Dallas/Fort Worth Truck Accident Case?

Thu, 03 Jan 2019 14:00:00 GMT

When you must pursue your legal right to compensation for your injuries in a truck accident in Dallas or Fort Worth, you will most likely hear many legal terms discussed that you may not be familiar with. Two that may be used interchangeably are filing a claim and filing a lawsuit. However, these are two separate steps in a truck accident case, and it is important to understand which one you are taking.

What Is a Truck Accident Claim?

Usually, the first step in seeking compensation for your injuries is to file a claim with the insurance companies for the truck driver and trucking company. While you can file your claim on your own, it is best to retain an experienced truck accident attorney to do so on your behalf. Once a claim is filed, an insurance adjuster will investigate your accident and make a determination as to what, if any amount, to offer in settlement. Settlement negotiations would commence, and your case may be settled without the need to go to court. Filing a claim is done outside of the court system.

Filing a Lawsuit After a Truck Accident in Dallas/Fort Worth

If the insurance company refuses to offer you what you deserve after you file a claim, you may need to file a lawsuit. A lawsuit is the filing of a complaint against the negligent parties, such as the trucker and trucking company, in a court.

Your lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations to file it expires. Once you file your complaint, your court case will be overseen by a judge assigned to the case. Litigating a case can be a lengthy process. Here are some of the stages of a lawsuit:

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How Construction Workers in Dallas and Fort Worth Are Injured in Heavy Equipment and Machinery Accidents

Wed, 12 Dec 2018 14:00:00 GMT

Types of Equipment and Machinery That Cause Construction Accidents

There are many types of heavy machinery used in both residential and commercial building projects going on throughout the Dallas, Fort Worth, and Mid-Cities area. Some of these include:

How Equipment and Machinery Accidents Occur

While the causes of equipment and the risk of heavy machinery injury can vary, negligence is often the underlying cause. If you were injured in one of these accidents and work for a non-subscriber employer, identifying the cause will be important to determining the party responsible for compensating you. Some common causes include:

Improper maintenance and repair.

Employers have a duty to have heavy machinery maintained regularly and repaired when necessary. Some will contract with a third-party to perform these duties. When maintenance and repairs are not completed, brakes, cables, chains, belts, and guards can fail.

Failure to train workers.

Forklifts, bulldozers, and other equipment require training to be operated properly and safely. Accidents can occur when supervisors fail to train operators.

Vehicle accidents.

When workers driving heavy machinery fail to check blind spots, or engage in other unsafe driving practices, an accident with another vehicle or nearby co-worker can be the result.

Struck by or caught between objects.

Workers can be struck by heavy construction materials when heavy equipment is not operated properly or malfunctions due to the lack of maintenance or defective parts. In addition, they can suffer life-threatening injuries or death if they are between heavy machinery and other equipment or objects.

Defective equipment.

In some cases, defects in the design or manufacture of heavy equipment causes it to fail and injure workers. The parts and equipment manufacturers may face liability in a products liability action.

Many construction companies in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and throughout Texas have opted out of providing workers’ compensation benefits. However, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if you prove your non-subscriber employer was at least one percent at fault in causing your accident.

Have You Been Injured In A Texas Construction Accident?

If you've been injured in a construction accident you need to speak with an experienced construction accident injury attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Ft Worth metro area office directly at 817.485.8888 to schedule your free consultation.

Hands-Free Devices: Are They Safe for Truckers to Use When Driving?

Thu, 06 Dec 2018 14:00:00 GMT

Because of the dangers of talking on a cellphone or texting while driving a truck, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has banned truck drivers from using of a hand-held cellphone when driving. This includes holding a cellphone while making a call, using more than one button to call someone, and reaching for a cellphone if the trucker cannot remain upright. Reading and writing texts are also prohibited. However, a trucker’s use of a cellphone could still be the cause of your truck accident .

Why Hands-Free Cellphones Are Dangerous

Some truckers continue to use hand-held cellphones despite the ban. Others are using hands-free devices to continue to talk on their cellphones. Hands-free devices can include an earpiece, speakerphone, or dashboard system.

But is this really safer? According to the National Safety Council (NSC) , thousands of people have been killed in accidents caused by cellphone use—including hands-free. The danger of a fatality is even greater when a truck is involved given its much larger size and weight than a passenger vehicle.

Safe driving requires a trucker’s eyes to be on the road, his mind on his driving, and his hands on the steering wheel. This is not the case when a hands-free device is used when driving. Here are some of the reasons that the NCS says hands-free devices are not risk-free:

You will need to obtain the truck driver’s cellphone records and other evidence in order to prove that his use of a hand-held or hands-free device was the cause of your truck crash.

Have You Been Injured In A Texas Truck Accident?

How Crush Injuries Occur on the Job

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 14:00:00 GMT

Common Causes of Crushing Injuries in Texas Workplaces

Crushing injuries are common at construction sites, warehouses, factories, and anywhere heavy machinery is utilized. They are often the result of lax safety standards and careless behaviors by co-workers and supervisors. Common causes of these injuries include:

Motor Vehicle Crashes

When employees drive vehicles as part of their job, they could suffer crushing injuries if they are pinned inside a motor vehicle or truck in a crash or are run over by a co-worker who is driving and does not see them. Forklifts at construction sites, factories , warehouses, and big box stores can also be the cause of these catastrophic injuries when employers fail to train workers in their proper use or fail to follow safety measures.

Falling Objects

Laborers at construction sites can suffer a crushing injury if bricks, tools, equipment, and building materials are dropped or fall from a height and hit them. People who work at warehouses, big box stores, docks, moving companies, and other businesses or stores where goods are moved can suffer one of these injuries if a box, furniture, or heavy equipment falls from a shelf or when being moved. Many of these injuries could be prevented if employers followed appropriate safety measures.

Machinery

Many workers can get their fingers, hands, arms, legs or other body parts caught in the moving parts of equipment or crushed between equipment parts when safety guards and emergency stop devices are not installed and employers fail to train workers in their proper use.

You could suffer traumatic brain injury, amputation of a body part, paralysis, nerve damage, broken or crushed bones, internal organ damage, or death in a crushing incident at your place of employment. If you work for a non-subscriber employer who was at least one percent negligent in causing your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.

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Take These Steps to Amend an Incorrect Police Report Following Your Grapevine Car Accident

Mon, 16 Jul 2018 14:00:00 GMT

A police report can provide vital information about an auto accident in Grapevine , such as the date and time of the wreck, contact information for the negligent driver and his insurance company, and a narration of how the wreck occurred. In addition, the Grapevine police officer at the scene will often include his conclusions as to who was at fault and whether a citation was issued. This can be persuasive evidence to convince the at-fault driver’s insurance company of their responsibility to compensate you for your injuries. But what happens if the police report is wrong?

Tips on How You Can Have Inaccuracies in Your Grapevine Police Report Corrected

You need to keep in mind that the police are human and like the rest of us make mistakes sometimes. When contacting the Grapevine Police Department to try to correct the police report, you should treat the officer with respect. He deserves it, and it will be much more likely that he will have an open mind to what you have to say. Here are tips you can follow for getting your police report corrected:

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How Does Alcohol Consumption Affect Driving Skills and Cause Auto Accidents in Grapevine TX?

Thu, 07 Jun 2018 14:00:00 GMT

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost one-third of all fatalities in car crashes were caused by drunk drivers in 2015. Because Grapevine is a popular destination, many residents, people from nearby communities, and vacationers are out eating and consuming alcohol in our historic downtown or other popular restaurants and bars. While this is good for our economy, this unfortunately also increases the danger that you could be seriously injured in a collision caused by a drunk driver.

Alcohol’s Effects on the Driving Abilities of Grapevine Motorists

Alcohol consumption affects a person’s driving skills in a number of ways that can lead to a tragic drunk driving wreck. Some of these impairments in driving abilities can occur with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of as little as 0.02 percent. Some of the ways that alcohol consumption leads to crashes include:

Slow reaction times.

Alcohol slows down a person’s reaction times, making it less likely that he can quickly respond to a traffic situation, such as if the driver in front of him has to slam on his brakes to avoid a crash.

Lack of coordination.

Alcohol can reduce eye, hand, and foot coordination—another key skill that can limit a driver’s ability to take appropriate actions to avoid a wreck.

Reduced concentration.

Even small amounts of alcohol can reduce a driver’s ability to concentrate, which is a critical skill for the multi-tasking required when driving. For example, drivers must be conscious of their speed and staying in their lane while watching for traffic signs and signals and being aware of other drivers all at the same time.

Decreased vision.

A drunk driver’s vision can be blurred, and he may be unable to control his eye movements, limiting his abilities to see and judge distances correctly.

Impaired judgment.

Alcohol consumption impairs the part of the brain that affects judgment and reasoning. This can prevent a driver from making good judgments when facing driving problems and may lead him to engage in reckless behaviors, such as excessive speeding or tailgating.

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What Is the Required Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Needed to Drive a Motor Vehicle in Euless?

Tue, 22 May 2018 14:00:00 GMT

In Euless and the rest of Texas, negligent drivers are responsible for compensating victims of a car accident they caused. Motorists are required to carry a minimum amount of auto liability coverage in order to drive on our roads. It is important to understand what these requirements are in case you are the victim or cause of a wreck.

Minimum Auto Liability Insurance You Must Have as a Driver in Euless

Negligent drivers are responsible for compensating their victims for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if they are hurt in a car crash while driving to work at DFW Airport, taking their kids to Trinity High School, or doing their errands around town. Liability insurance will pay the victim’s losses up to the insurance policy limits. In Euless, drivers are required to purchase a minimum of these amounts of liability coverage:

The minimum liability coverage should be cause for concern whether you are the negligent driver or the victim of a wreck. As a victim, you could suffer catastrophic injuries in a collision caused by another driver in Euless. The minimum $30,000 in liability coverage could be completely inadequate to provide you with the compensation you are entitled to. As the at-fault driver, you may be forced to pay damages out of your own pocket if your insurance coverage is not adequate.

You may want to purchase your own additional insurance coverages in case the driver has the minimum or no insurance. A few of these coverages include:

You should also consider purchasing additional liability coverage to better protect yourself in case you were at fault in causing a crash.

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Fractured Clavicle Injuries and Complications Are Common If You Are Injured in an Auto Accident in Euless, TX

Tue, 20 Mar 2018 14:00:00 GMT

How a Euless Car Accident Can Cause Victims to Suffer a Broken Collarbone

The collarbone is comprised of two elongated bones that connect the upper part of the breastbone to the shoulder blade. Because of the location of a person’s shoulder in relation to objects in a motor vehicle, it is likely to be injured a collision. Reasons that this is such a common injury include:

The risk of a collarbone fracture is even greater for children who are passengers in a Euless wreck due to the fact that their collarbones do not fully harden until they reach about 18 years old.

What Treatments Could You Need for a Broken Clavicle Caused by a Euless Auto Accident?

Symptoms of a broken collarbone include swelling, tenderness, bruising, and pain that increases with movement of the shoulder. Immobilization of the shoulder is an important aspect of treatment, which means that you will need to be off work while you recover from your injuries. Some of the treatments you may need include:

While some people make a full recovery, you could suffer complications from a clavicle fracture . You may develop an infection after surgery or the fracture may not fully heal, which could leave you with a permanent lump in the bone. In addition, the fractured bones could cause injuries to nearby blood vessels or nerves or increase the risk that you will develop arthritis in the joint.

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Warning: The Negligent Driver's Insurance Company Could Put You Under Surveillance in a Grapevine Car Accident Case

Tue, 13 Mar 2018 14:00:00 GMT

Understanding the Reasons Behind Insurance Company Surveillance in Grapevine Can Help You Protect Yourself

Auto insurance companies investigating claims against the drivers they insure in Grapevine often hire a private investigator to spy on victims, so you should not feel singled out if they do this to you. It is important to understand what they hope to gain from this. The insurance company may spy on you for these reasons:

When Will the Insurance Company Hire a Private Investigator?

The insurance company can retain a private investigator to spy on you at any time after you file your car crash claim . He may do this more than once and may do so at vital times in your case, such as before your deposition or your jury trial. The private investigator cannot go into your house in Grapevine without your permission. However, he can park on your street and take pictures and video of you going into or out of your home, to the doctor, running errands, or to any public place.

How Else Can the Insurance Company Spy on Me?

The insurance company or their private investigator could also investigate you in other ways. This can include the following:

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What Can You Do If the Negligent Drunk Driver's Insurance Company Refuses to Disclose His Insurance Policy Limits?

Tue, 27 Feb 2018 14:00:00 GMT

Why Is it Important to Know the Drunk Driver’s Insurance Coverage?

While the negligent drunk driver is most likely100 percent responsible for compensating you for your injuries, there is a practical side to your claim as well. The reality is that his insurance company—the source of payment on his behalf—is only responsible for paying you up to the maximum of his liability coverage.

In Texas, motorists are required to have a minimum liability insurance coverage of $30,000 per injured victim per crash and $25,000 in property damage per crash. If you suffered any significant injuries, this would most likely be far less than what you will need to cover your losses. You may need to pursue a claim under your own underinsured motorist coverage if you purchased this insurance or look to other sources of compensation. The bottom line is that you cannot decide how to obtain all of the compensation you deserve if you do not know how much insurance the drunk driver has.

What to Do If the Insurance Company Won’t Disclose How Much Insurance Is Available to Pay You

Your first step if you cannot determine the driver’s insurance limits is to retain an experienced drunk driving wreck attorney. You should do this even if you are not having a problem with insurance disclosure to avoid making inadvertent mistakes and to build a stronger case for compensation. Here is how you can discover the policy limits when the insurance adjuster won’t tell:

Have You Or A Loved One Been Injured By A Drunk Driver?

If you've been injured by a drunk driver in Texas you need to speak with an experienced drunk driver injury attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Colleyville office directly at 817.485.8888 to schedule your free consultation.