Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Blog

Driving on Houston roadways can occasionally be likened to inserting yourself in the middle of a free-for-all. Every day one can count on the reality that several accidents will occur around town - some serious, some fatal - and often for the two simple reasons that a driver is either intoxicated or distracted.

Consider the circumstances of the following wrecks that were reported in a single 24 hour period.

A 36 year old woman was charged with vehicular assault and a DUI after crashing into a man on a motorcycle and injuring him. She allegedly failed to yield the right of way to the biker at a four way stop and he subsequently was taken to the hospital in critical condition. She remains in jail in lieu of bond.

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A late night high-impact car accident claims the life of one man in Harris County. The details of the incident are yet unknown and will be made available when possible.
Widen your search to include neighboring states and the story repeats itself with eerie similarity.

Two people died and four people were injured in a wreck early Sunday morning on Startown Road in Catawba County. Several news outlets report that a pickup truck crossed the center line and struck another truck head-on, quoting the N.C. Highway Patrol.

It is a fact that an average of no less than 100 people a day - or 2 persons per state - lose their lives in traffic accidents. If you have been involved in a traffic accident seek the guidance of a professional and experienced Houston truck accident lawyer to ensure your rights are safeguarded.

Continue reading "100 People a Day Are Lost in Car Accidents" »

There is more than enough tragedy to go around as a result of a drunk driving accident in Houston several weeks ago. An evening that began as a birthday celebration ended with horrific consequences.

According to the official police report four girls were on their way home when the driver of another vehicle ran a red light and crashed into the Excursion - ejecting two girls from the vehicle who died at the scene. A third female died at the hospital later that night. One young lady, survived the accident.

The blood alcohol content of the driver indicated that he was legally intoxicated.

The young girl who survived killed herself with a shotgun wound to her chest this week.

Experts are now pointing out that a lack of access to counseling support after the accident is directly correlated to this young lady's suicide - and who, in hind sight, could disagree?

Her struggle with survivor's guilt was well documented on her computer. Her overwhelming depression may have masked suicidal tendencies that professional counselors are trained to identify and treat. Professionals point out that those who choose to end their own lives usually do not do so because of a desire to end their own life - but more often to end the emotional pain from which they suffer.

There are a number of counseling services in the greater Houston area whose services are free to the community. These include Family Services of Greater Houston and the Texas Department of State Health Services. If you suspect someone is considering suicide do not hesitate to contact these organizations for support.

This terrible tragedy is a warning to all of us that signs of depression or need for help may not be that easy to recognize.

Continue reading "Houston Accident Survivor Kills Herself" »

Nearly 11% of all vehicle accidents fall under the heading of 'hit and run' - and a significant number of these are never solved. This means that after the crash one party (usually the perpetrator) fails to stop and wait for an officer to come to the scene and make an official report.

It also means that one party does not have access to any of the hit and run perpetrator's pertinent information including driver's license and insurance. In addition, it is important to note that drivers are required to see to the needs of the victims after an accident - which may simply involve contacting emergency personnel and/or waiting for proper help to arrive.

The incidence of hit and run accidents is on the increase in Texas and across the country. Hit and run accidents are a real problem in Houston.

Research has found that there is a pattern in the reasons for people fleeing the scene. Common excuses include driving while intoxicated, lack of insurance, unlicensed drivers, realization of guilt and consequences and youthfulness.

Although every state is responsible for its own 'hit and run' legislation, each considers it to be a serious crime. Several factors are deemed important in assigning punishment to 'hit and run' offenders.

This includes the severity of the accident and if the perpetrator reverses their thinking and turns him or herself into authorities before they are apprehended. 'Hit and run' violators may be required to compensate their victims and be incarcerated for a set period of time.

If you have knowingly left the scene of an automobile accident you should contact an attorney for proper legal advice. Although difficult, it is best to do the right thing and inform authorities of your role in the accident. If you have information on a hit and run accident contact authorities.

Continue reading "Hit and Run is a Real Problem for Houston" »

One resource or another places the number of vehicle deaths annually at anywhere between 43,000 and 50,000. Let's go with the higher number because it's easier to visualize - and it means there are a thousand deaths per state in this country each year. Divided by 365 days and that works out to be about 3 deaths per day per state. (Of course these are estimates -states with smaller populations have smaller death statistics whereas as recently as 2007 there were 3300 fatalities in Texas and a large share of those in or around Houston).

Well here we are in August and if the statistics are even remotely accurate there should have been around 2000 deaths to date in Texas from car and truck accidents.

Try as I might to get this information - it eludes me - in part because statistics are compiled annually.

Never fear, though, a review of the daily news offers information on the latest accidents and fatalities. Truly, you can't open a newspaper, turn on a television or radio station or surf the net in any way without being confronted by the stark reality of vehicle collisions.

I stumbled on a series of 25 amateur videos posted on You Tube that depicted truck accidents in all their horror. Would I suggest you watch them? Only if they serve as a cautionary reminder of how quickly the roads can become deadly.

I would however, recommend taking your teenage children to an emergency room sometime before they get their license so they can see the realties of unsafe driving in as much graphic detail as you can stomach.

Continue reading "50,000 fatal vehicles accidents annually " »

A Houston police officer that was responding to a call was injured when she crashed through an apartment complex fence last night. The car accident occurred about midnight Thursday evening.

According to reports, the officer sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital for care.

The cause of the auto accident is under investigation and no report has been issued at this time. One could assume that the veteran officer was trying to get to what has been reported as an assault in progress as quickly as possible to save Houston lives.

Fortunately, no one else was reported hurt from the officers car accident and her injuries do not look to be serious.

The Houston 100 club is an organization that supports families of officers who lose their lives in the line of duty and is a worthwhile organization to support. You can contact the Houston 100 club at 713-952-0100.

Continue reading "Houston Police Officer Crashes into Apartment Complex " »

Valuable tips for teenagers as they hit the open roads this summer to avoid accidents.

Parents - you cannot remind your teenagers often enough about certain dos and don'ts of driving. Other than harping on them - the best you can do is hold your breath when they get in the car and hope you've hammered home safe driving suggestions that will help ensure your child returns to you in good condition.

To avoid auto accidents:

1. Don't be a risk taker --Car crashes are the leading cause of injury and death for people ages 15 to 20.

2. Don't forget to buckle up--About two-thirds of teens killed in vehicle crashes were not wearing safety belts.

3. Do NOT speed (this point cannot be repeated enough) --One-third of teen fatalities involve speeding.

4. Don't be a rowdy rider-- Adding one teen passenger to a vehicle increases a 16- or 17-year-old driver's crash risk by about 50 percent.

5. Forget the cell phone --Talking on a cell phone while driving can double reaction time.

6. Don't fiddle with your music machines --Research shows that adjusting the radio is the most common distraction for drivers between the ages of 16 and 20.

7. Cut out late-night cruising --Teen crash rates at night (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.) are twice as high as daytime rates. Obey parental and legal driving curfews.

8. DON"T DRINK AND DRIVE --Of 16- to 17-year-old drivers killed in crashes, one in six would have been considered legally intoxicated by adult standards.

9. Don't give in to peer pressure -- Make good choices and don't be afraid to "speak up."

10. Try not to be overly confident -- Inexperience and overconfidence can lead to crashes when new drivers encounter unfamiliar or unexpected situations.

Continue reading "Tips for teen drivers" »

Spinal injuries and paralysis as well as brain injuries are not an unlikely result of vehicle collisions and rollovers.

However, other reasons for spinal injuries in a car include seatbelt failures, roof collapse, and seat collapse. Spinal cord injuries are usually either complete or incomplete.

A complete spinal cord injury reflects a victim's inability to function below the level of the injury. There are currently no cures for complete paralysis and those who suffer from this will never recover. Victims who suffer from incomplete spinal injuries will often make full recoveries.

A variety of other back injuries can result from auto accidents as well including whiplash and lumbar sprains. Symptoms of spinal cord injuries may experience a number of symptoms including pain, numbness or loss of muscle control. In addition, one may suffer sexual dysfunction, muscle spasms and infections.

Traumatic brain injuries are caused by the sudden occurrence of physical damage to the brain. They are categorized as either closed head or penetrating brain injuries. Closed head injuries are often the result of a person's head colliding with another object whereas the latter will result when an object pierce's a person's brain.

Automobile accidents are the leading cause of brain injury in all age categories. Statistics place the number of brain injuries due to vehicle collisions at 2 million annually. There have been medical advances to treat these problems but avoiding head injuries is the obvious best idea.

This is your regular reminder to drive defensively - the life you save may be your own.

Continue reading "Spine injury from auto accidents" »

Tire blowouts are a dangerous occurrence for the driver and all those around them on the road. According to the NTHSA at least nine percent of drivers have at least one bald tire on their car that has the potential to blow out.

Motorists who choose to drive on tires that are bald or under-inflated take the chance at experiencing injury and death.

However, there are other causes of blowouts as well. For instance, a defective rim may cut into the side of the tire or allow the bead to break and the tire to slip from the rim. Another cause is low air pressure, and there can even be defects in the tires that can be traced to the manufacturer and lead to a product liability lawsuit.

What should a driver do when they are on the road and a tire blows out? The first thing to know is that when a tire blows it is often a surprise to the driver and one must be mentally prepared and able to control your impulses.

In this way you will be better able to protect your automobile and passengers. First, maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel holding it with both hands and keeping the car straight on the road.

Next ease your foot onto the brake pedal and begin to slow. Hit your turn signal to let the drivers around you know your intentions. Carefully drift to the side of the road and pull off. Turn on your hazard lights and call roadside assistance or change the tire yourself. If you have flares or warning markers - be sure to use them.

Consider making regular tire checkups a part of your maintenance routine.

Continue reading "Tire safety begins with you" »

Teenage drivers present a unique set of challenges to the experienced drivers with whom they share the road.

Automobile accidents are the number one killer of teenagers dwarfing all other causes of death including the other top two - murder and suicide. Statistics tell the grim story. Teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 are four times more likely to die in an accident than older drivers and - shockingly - 16 year old drivers are 40% more likely to be killed in an auto accident than even 18 or 19 year olds.

There are many reasons for this. First, and most obvious, is the inexperience that comes with beginning driving. Young drivers may take to the road legally after as little as fifty hours of practice driving.

Couple this with the youthful sense of immortality and it becomes immediately apparent that teenagers and driving are often a deadly combination. In addition, though, friends and cells also cause distracted driving that can lead to an accident. But perhaps the two biggest culprits are drinking and speeding.

On the books, it is illegal for teenagers to drink but in reality it happens all the time. Speeding is also against the law but many young drivers do not seem to be able to help themselves when they get behind the wheel of a car.

While it may not be possible to put an end to teenage deaths from automobile accidents there are preventative measures that have been shown to be successful. These include imposing a curfew on young drivers and monitoring their comings and goings more closely.

Continue reading "Teenage drivers at risk for auto accidents" »

Police reports indicate that a driver of a pickup truck fled the scene of an automobile accident after crashing into a car in West Houston Sunday evening.

The auto accident happened on Westheimer near Jeanetta about midnight and reports indicate that the pickup truck is thought to have run a red light prior to slamming into the victim's vehicle.

The driver of the call are that was struck by the pickup has been taken to the hospital and noted as in serious but stable condition.

The Houston area has been plagued by hit and run accidents where a Houstonian has been injured or killed and the driver of the bullet vehicle having fled the scene.

If you have any information about the hit and run please contact the Houston Police Department.

Continue reading "Another hit and run in Houston" »

Automobile and semi truck accidents can lead to any number of temporary and permanent physical injuries that alter a person's quality of life. One type of injury that is especially heart wrenching is temporary or permanent paralysis.

The medical definition of the word paralysis is the 'complete loss of control of a single muscle or group of muscles'. When paralysis affects only small portions of the body such as the inability to move your leg or arm then it is considered to be 'local'. Global paralysis is more generalized and is actually a loss of sensation throughout the body.

Paralysis is a complicated type of injury. If a person suffers temporary paralysis it is usually as a result of swelling or pressure on the nervous system. When pressure or swelling occurs it inhibits the spinal cord functions but full recovery is possible when the swelling subsides.

Although there are many researchers studying paralysis, unfortunately, there is no cure for permanent paralysis as of yet.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration approximately 55% of paralysis cases occur as a result of an automobile, motorcycle or truck collision. Certain types of crashes make a person more susceptible to paralysis than others.

For instance, in roll-over crashes the car compresses and body parts become unnaturally misshapen and the spinal cord may be affected. The automakers are required to ensure that the roofs of their products can withstand a roll-over without becoming crushed and further injuring any passengers.

Continue reading "55% of paralysis cases are caused by vehicle accidents" »

Although we have 'talked' about safe driving in other blogs it is a topic so important that we should return to it on a regular basis. We have already waxed long on the importance of giving your driving your full attention and keeping your speeds down.

Too, we have pointed out the folly of driving while intoxicated or otherwise impaired.

Now let's add to this list of safety tips with some never-before-discussed ideas.
First, you should map out your route before you leave the house when going on a trip or to a location that is foreign to you.

This will prevent you from taking your eyes on the road to look for street names and building numbers. It will also keep you from slowing down in busy traffic and causing other motorists to have to drive around you or guess what you are doing.

Too, if you are going on a long driving trip bring your car to an acceptable speed and then engage the cruise control. This will ensure you are driving at an even, measured pace which is the safest way to motor on the highways.

A third important tip seems obvious. If you are taking a long road trip get plenty of rest the night before and stop often to stretch and relax. When you stop get out and walk around so that you can keep the blood flowing and remain alert.

Driving is more than a pastime. It's serious business - one could even say a matter of life and death.

Continue reading "Planning your trip- can help you arrive safely" »

If you are in an accident caused by another driver then you may file a bodily injury and damage claim with the other driver's insurance company. The following information will be helpful to know in the event of this.

When you file a claim the person who takes care of it is called an insurance adjuster. The first thing he or she will do is to take a recorded statement from you regarding your view of the facts of the accident. You must be prepared to provide estimates of the damage done to your vehicle as well as any doctor or hospital bills that were the result of bodily injury.

It is important for the reader to understand that - although insurance companies all but delight in taking your money in the form of monthly premiums - they are not as anxious to pay out on a claim against them and will do everything they can to minimize the settlement.

Because of this fact, it is probably a good idea to speak with a lawyer first. This may prevent you from 'speaking out of turn' - or saying something that could allow the insurance company to offer a smaller settlement than you deserve.

The insurance company of the driver who caused the accident will request proof of any claim you make for lost wages, medical care and vehicle damage. States take different stances in regard to insurance claims for bodily injury. Some have strict rules while others have a 'no fault' approach.

Either way, filing a claim or suing for a settlement is a lengthy, tenuous process. Your best bet is to hire an attorney who specializes in auto accidents. They will put your best interests first.

Continue reading "Accident adjusters get paid -not to pay!" »

One third of teen's text over 100 times a day-

A recent study by the pew Internet and American life Project has determined that tech texting has been experiencing exploding growth. A teenage boy or girl with a cell phone will on average text about 100 times a day, according to the study.

With this explosion of texting by teenagers come numerous social ramifications and also some serious safety ramifications. A student can text in class, at home with parents unaware or almost anywhere undetected.

In a poll a large percentage of teenagers indicate that they sleep with one next to their cell phones. Certainly that is the case in my home with my teenage boys.

Numbers as high as 5000 text messages per month are common and more likely the norm for some teenagers. Researchers indicate that texting is the new Mecca of social communication for teens.

The study also found what we all know and that is boys are different than girls, in that boys frequently do not use punctuation while girls are more careful in their communications.

At my home the majority of text messages are "k" short for ok and "ru" short for are you or "gtg" short for got to go!

While it may take some time for the social ramifications of texting to fully show, the safety issues are crystal clear right now. For teens to text and drive a car is extremely dangerous and the equivalent of giving up 3 car lengths of safe distance (in distraction time).

Continue reading "Teens and texting- a car accident waiting to happen" »

It is a sad reality that hundreds of lives are lost on Houston freeways each year. Perhaps the hardest thing to understand is that many accidents could be prevented if drivers simply focused on the road ahead of them with an air of caution.

More often than not, though, if you glance at the vehicles around you - you will find drivers who are distracted. They are giving their attention to any number of activities. If you're looking you'll observe drivers who are putting on make-up, doing their hair, chatting it up on their cell phones, dining on any number of fast food delicacies, changing stations on a radio, mediating childhood tiffs in the backseat, or putting movies in the dvd player.

I've even seen automobiles equipped with satellite televisions in the front so the driver can watch television while he's motoring! What does this add up to? The result is hundreds of near misses on the highways and an average of one death a day in our fair city alone.

This begs the question - what can be done? In today's tight economic times it's unlikely that there would be a greater police presence on the roads that could act as a deterrent to this problem.

I suggest there needs to be a massive and very public relations campaign to rival that put on by the MADD organization. Only this one would graphically inform people that distracted driving is no less dangerous than drinking and driving - with the same deadly consequences.

Continue reading "Distracted driving-its our biggest challenge" »