WESLACO — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is investigating a fatal auto-pedestrian collision that occurred September 23. The crash happened shortly after 8:30 a.m. on Mile 4 West Road north of Mile 11 North.

According to a preliminary DPS investigation, a man was walking north on Mile 4 West with his bicycle at his side when he was hit by a black pick-up truck. The driver of the pick-up truck did not stop, and instead fled the area, DPS said in a news release. The victim, identified as 43-year-old Rames Gonzalez, Jr. of Weslaco, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Anyone with information regarding the vehicle of interest is asked to contact the Weslaco DPS Office at (956) 565-7600.

Most-common injuries in auto-pedestrian accidents

Severe trauma is common in pedestrian accidents. Those on a bike or walking don’t have the protective metal shell and airbag of a passenger vehicle or commercial truck and often sustain life-threatening injuries. The following are some of the most common pedestrian accident injuries.

Concussions or brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is any damage to the tissue of the brain. Head injuries are among the most common in a pedestrian collision, as the victim’s head may strike the vehicle, the ground, or both. The force of blunt trauma to the head causes the brain to hit the inside of the skull, causing bleeding, swelling, and bruising.

Neck, back, and spine injuries

Whiplash is a term for the violent back-and-forth motion of your neck from the collision impact. It overstretches the muscles and ligaments in your neck and can make moving the neck and shoulders difficult and painful.

A slipped or herniated disc is spinal damage. Your vertebrae are separated by small discs – fluid sacs that can become slipped out of place in a wreck. Or the disc’s outer layer can tear, allowing the sensitive inner portion of the disc to protrude and touch the spinal cord. This can cause difficulty walking and chronic pain.

Loss of limbs or use of limbs

Involuntary amputation can occur if the victim’s hand, foot, arm, or leg is damaged to the point where reconstructive surgery cannot save it. In some cases, the driver may have run the car over the victim’s limbs, causing an amputation at the scene.

Amputation victims face months of painful physical therapy to adjust to a prosthesis and regain their physical abilities. Some people may not be able to pursue the career they had before the accident because of the amputation damage and may have to look at alternative means to support themselves.

Other common pedestrian injuries include:

• Fractured or broken bones
• Crushing injuries
• Skin injuries

Pedestrian accident injuries can permanently change your life

Just one of the common pedestrian accident injuries is enough to change a person’s life or result in a long recovery time and steep medical bills. However, most bike or pedestrian accident victims can recover damages with the help of the right personal injury attorney.

The J. Gonzalez Law Firm has helped countless auto-pedestrian accident victims get the monetary compensation they deserve because of the negligence of some drivers. We can do the same for you. Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation at 1-800-CAR-CRASH to find out more.

Source: https://www.valleycentral.com/news/local-news/dps-one-man-dead-in-auto-ped-accident/

EDINBURG — The Edinburg Police Department is investigating a chain reaction crash that involved a truck, a motorcycle, and a Hidalgo County patrol unit.

According to information from Edinburg police and the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened September 21 at the intersection of FM 1925 (Monte Christo Road) and McColl Road.

Authorities say the three-vehicle accident started when a truck hit a motorcycle, causing the motorcycle to crash into the patrol unit. The motorcyclist was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The patient’s condition was not immediately known.

The Edinburg Police Department, which is investigating the accident, has not released the names of the drivers involved in the crash.

Motorcycle crashes and TBI

Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a common injury that results from motorcycle accidents. If you suffer a TBI in a motorcycle crash, you might present the following temporary or permanent symptoms:

• Memory loss
• Erratic behavior and emotions
• Loss of taste, smell, and/or vision
• Speech impediments
• Decreased motor functioning
• Anxiety or depression

In addition to the above symptoms, a TBI can cause numerous complications. Patients might experience seizures, including ongoing seizures in a condition known as post-traumatic epilepsy.

TBI can also cause hydrocephalus, in which the brain develops a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid. This can put additional pressure on the brain, and cause further damage.

High fever can also occur as the patient’s body tries to fight off pathogens or when damage to the brain’s structure occurs.

A deep wound to the head can also leave a patient susceptible to infections. Bacteria might enter the tissue inside the skull and cause an infection to develop.

Cost of TBI

According to researchers at Northwestern University, TBI patients can face a lifetime of expenses ranging from $85,000 up to many millions of dollars, depending on the injury’s severity. The costs can include emergency treatment and hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. On top of that, there is the risk of long-term or even permanent unemployment.

Suffering TBI from a motorcycle accident caused by someone else can be life-altering. You should consult an experienced personal injury lawyer to have a better chance of recovering the compensation you deserve. The J. Gonzalez Law Firm has many years of experience helping TBI patients, and we’re ready to work for you. Call us today at 1-800-CAR-CRASH for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Source: https://www.valleycentral.com/news/local-news/hidalgo-county-patrol-unit-involved-in-car-accident/

ALTON – September 21, 2023 marked the 34^th anniversary of the Alton school bus accident. The 1989 tragedy which claimed the lives of 21 children still carries the grim distinction of being the worst bus accident in Texas history.

The crash happened about 7:30 a.m. at the intersection of Farm to Market Road 676 (Mile 5 Road) and Bryan Road. The bus was transporting 81 junior high and high school students to their schools when it was struck by a soft drink delivery truck which had run a stop sign at the intersection.

The impact sent the school bus into an open caliche pit which had accumulated about 10 feet of rainwater. Investigators determined the bus filled with water within 30 to 60 seconds as it poured in through openings in side windows, the front boarding door, and the windshield which had become dislodged. Many of the students did not have an air pocket which would have given them time to determine how to escape.

21 of the 81 school children on board either drowned inside the bus, or died later in a hospital of drowning-related asphyxia. A total of 66 people were injured, including 61 children on the bus, the soft drink truck driver and a coworker passenger, and three rescue workers.

Legal legacy

The driver of the delivery truck was charged with 21 counts of homicide by negligence, but a jury acquitted him on all counts in 1993.

State legislators passed a law in 1991 requiring guardrails around any open pits near roadways. The law, enforced by the Texas Railroad Commission, required companies and/or landowners to erect barriers around any open pits, or face fines of $10,000.

School bus safety has improved too. Buses now have added warning lights for greater visibility, and they have additional roof and side exits, larger windows, and rear exit doors that open regardless of the effects of gravity.

Personal injury legacy

At least five people, including four attorneys, were charged with barratry in the immediate aftermath of the crash. Barratry is the legal term for the illegal solicitation of clients by so called “ambulance-chasing” attorneys.

There were many stories of lawyers trying to sign up clients at funeral homes. Others were accused of sending letters of condolence to bereaved parents, along with a business card and a contract for them to sign.

The bottling company that owned the delivery truck made the first settlement with a victim’s family within a year of the crash. It paid a total of $133 million in settlements, and it gave each family $4.5 million per deceased victim. The bus manufacturer also paid a total of $23 million in settlements.

The J. Gonzalez Law Firm pledge

The J. Gonzalez Law Firm will never take advantage of grieving families in the wake of a tragic accident by illegally soliciting survivors as clients. In fact, we are actively engaged in a public awareness campaign urging citizens to report attorneys or the representatives who violate Texas barratry laws.

School bus accident cases are among the most complex of personal injury cases, with many potential issues to navigate. We pledge to provide all our clients with the most thorough, most-effective, and most vigorous representation possible.

If you decide to hire us as your legal representative in any personal injury case, we will treat you with the utmost in professionalism and empathy. To learn more about what we can offer in your time of need, call us toll free at 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

SMITH COUNTY – One person is dead after a September 19 two-vehicle crash Tuesday on Toll 49 Highway and US Highway 31.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the crash involved a passenger car and a truck hauling cargo. The driver of the passenger car was pronounced dead at the scene, and the driver of the truck was taken to hospital for treatment. The identities of the drivers were not immediately released

Investigators were still at the scene of the accident as of this writing.

Filing your truck accident claim

Navigating a complicated truck accident claim and negotiating favorable settlement takes experience and knowledge. It’s just not something a person can do on one’s own. This is where qualified truck accident attorneys come in, because enlisting the services of an attorney with years of legal practice representing truck collision victims in Texas can tip the scale in your favor.

Under Texas law, there is a limit of two years from the date of the crash within which you can file a civil lawsuit following a truck accident. Regardless of how strong or compelling your case is, if it is not brought to a Texas court before the two-year “Statute of Limitations” is up, the law may take away your right to file it.

Contact the J. Gonzalez Law Firm

Not filing a claim on time will leave you with significant medical expenses and lost wages that you will not be able to recover. This makes it even more important to contact the personal injury experts at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm as soon as possible after your crash.

Our team of attorneys will unravel all the specifics of your case, including:

· Appointment of qualified accident scene investigators to visit the truck crash site

· Review of all police reports

· Review of all medical records and visits

· Accident reconstruction, when necessary

· Meeting with insurance adjusters

· Locating and reviewing available traffic camera recording evidence

· Locating additional eyewitnesses

· Conducting negotiations with the truck company’s legal and insurance representatives

· Demanding and reviewing copies of all documents and any additional evidence

Call us today at 1-800-CAR-CRASH for a free, no-obligation initial consultation.

Source: https://www.ketk.com/news/local-news/1-dead-after-2-vehicle-crash-on-toll-49-in-smith-county/

FORT WORTH — Four people were killed and two others were reported in critical condition following a September 18 multi-vehicle collision on northbound Interstate 35W in Fort Worth.

The deceased have been identified as 31-year-old Susana Longoria, 25-year-old Chase Mapes, 23-year-old Kiara Barker, and 21-year-old Jasmine Jones.

Fort Worth police said the incident began about 9:00 p.m. with a minor collision involving two vehicles on the northbound lanes of I-35W between Berry Street and Felix Street. After those two vehicles had moved to the shoulder of the highway to assist each other, a truck stopped to provide further help, partially blocking the roadway.

An 18-wheeler then collided with the two pulled-over vehicles, and a second 18-wheeler then collided with the truck, police said. Police at the scene told reporters that it was too early to determine what caused the 18-wheelers to crash into the vehicles, what caused the initial incident that spurred the other collisions, or which victims belonged to which vehicles.

According to news reports, the crash occurred near the apex of a subtle incline in the roadway, and police acknowledged it might’ve been difficult for drivers to see the initial crash.

Post-crash safety

The above crash serves as a reminder that driver and passenger safety should be paramount in the wake of any car accident. The J. Gonzalez Law Firm has compiled the following list of basic safety tips to keep in mind in hopes that it will reduce further deaths and injury after a crash has occurred.

It’s safest to exit a roadway after a crash, even if continuing to drive will cause more damage to the car. If it’s not possible to exit a busy highway or interstate, it’s best to pull over on the right shoulder. In some cases, it might be safest for drivers to leave their car behind and seek safety on foot.

Crash witnesses can still stop their cars to get out and render aid, but it is always safest for bystanders to call 911 and offer as much information as possible.

If you do stop, do not block traffic with your vehicle. Failure to stop after a collision can result in criminal penalties. Turn off your ignition to guard against fire. Stay at the scene of the accident.

Warn oncoming automobiles of any traffic hazards. At night, leave your lights on or set out traffic flares if possible. You may be liable for damages to approaching drivers unless they are properly warned.

Assist anyone who may be injured. Stop any bleeding. Provide other first aid if you can. Call for an ambulance if necessary. Do not move a seriously injured person unless absolutely necessary, because movement can increase injuries.

Telephone the police and cooperate fully with the investigating officers.

If you are involved in a hit-and-run collision, it is especially important that you notify the police immediately. Write down the names and badge numbers of all investigating officers. Be sure to notice whether the officer is a city police officer (and which city) or a Department of Public Safety officer.

Personal injury legal help

The personal injury lawyers at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm understand the trauma that follows a serious car crash. Our law firm is committed to delivering personal guidance to help you recover the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and future costs.

A free consultation with the J. Gonzalez Law Firm is the first step to returning to a normal, productive future. Call us today at 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/tarrant-county/fort-worth-tx-crash-accident-interstate-35w-monday-night/287-8268ab90-daa0-46cf-889f-9220883a4cdf?fbclid=IwAR1YjZ-V8MO4lRTSZdAZb8dwj-1547nwamqHqBcMDUYytNtYe948cD8NaT4_aem_Ae77w6w1W8bqk7vk5NowkYqKMH0srOUwqlJ0_7YtlExfKRR2MgvfiWaQwH1Dpg1a7lw

EDINBURG — A man involved in a September 5 fatal crash is being held on a $1.5 million bond following his arraignment.

Juan Pablo Torres, 27, was charged with intoxication manslaughter, intoxication assault, and unlawful carrying of a weapon, according to a release from the Edinburg Police Department.

The charges stem from a crash at the intersection of Trenton Road and Closner Boulevard.

According to police, Torres was driving a white Chevrolet Silverado when he ran a red light and struck a white BMW. A man and woman were inside the BMW. Both were taken to a Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, where the driver, 26 year-old Adrienne Anna Garza was pronounced dead.

Authorities said Torres was arrested and suspected of driving while intoxicated. Police were able to obtain a blood specimen through a search warrant.

This is an ongoing investigation.

What if the car accident wasn’t my fault?

In most cases, if you were injured in a car accident due to the negligence of someone else, you should be entitled to compensation.

Texas requires all drivers to carry car insurance with minimum amounts of liability coverage – giving you a few different options to recover compensation if you sustain an injury in a crash that wasn’t your fault. These options include:

• Filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy
• Filing a claim with your own insurance company
• Pursuing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver

It’s important to note that under the state’s comparative negligence laws, if you’re found to be partially at-fault for your car accident, then your compensation can be reduced by the percentage of fault you’re assigned for the crash.

Let J. Gonzalez handle your claim

Once you’ve been injured in a crash your focus should be on your recovery – not stressing over how you’re going to pay your bills. While your case might seem straightforward, understanding how to navigate the confusing claims process and figuring out the best way to get full compensation for your damages can be overwhelming. That’s why you need someone in your corner who knows what it takes to get results.

The personal injury attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm have the knowledge and experience to deal with every detail related to your claim while you concentrate on getting better. Whether it’s through a negotiated settlement or a court verdict, we will fight to get you the largest payout possible. If you or someone you love was injured in an accident anywhere in Texas, our lawyers can also help you recover compensation for your damages. Call 1-800-CAR-CRASH today!

Source: https://www.valleycentral.com/news/local-news/edinburg-pd-investigate-fatal-saturday-crash/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_medium=referral&fbclid=IwAR21edXuLmTKvVYyObE4eIyzdr25xL3CODPNOgYbfTmM1A55lcgx1KHjQ2s_aem_ASbgSIV6ToNoWaTp7rzeobF2KzSEjhCpDD8avaovIwSUTZSwXsDOnsh0PFDg0cVRJEE&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

ALAMO – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is investigating a fatal one-vehicle crash that occurred September 9 south of Alamo. The crash happened on Military Highway 281 west of Valley View Road at around 11:00 p.m., according to a DPS news release.

Preliminary investigation showed a black 2004 GMC Envoy was driving westbound on Military Highway when it “failed to drive in a single lane as it approached a curve west of Valley View Road”, according to the release.

The GMC veered into a side skid, crossed the street onto a ditch and struck a drainage pipe. The vehicle went airborne and landed on its top in a nearby field, the release stated.

The GMC driver, 31-year-old Mateo Alonso Cruz of Donna, died at the scene, according to the release.

Beer bottles were located at the crash site and the GMC had a strong odor of alcohol, according to the report.

The crash remains under investigation.

Purpose of DWI personal injury lawsuits

You might wonder why someone would face civil penalties if he or she is already facing criminal charges and consequences. Personal injury lawsuits serve two main purposes:

• They act as a deterrent to prevent future negligence.
• They offer a path to compensation for the loss and damages the injured party suffered as a result of negligence.

Someone who has been injured in a DUI-related car accident may be facing expensive vehicle repair bills, hospital expenses, and loss of wages from time out of work.

If the injuries they sustained were substantial, they may be facing lifelong complications, ongoing care, and alterations to their abilities to perform work and earn money. If someone was killed in the accident, their family members may be seeking compensation for medical care, funeral expenses, and their pain and suffering.

Contact J. Gonzalez as soon as possible

If you have been injured in a DWI crash, and would like to learn more about what you can expect and how much compensation you should receive, please contact us today for a free consultation. Call 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/dps-investigates-deadly-one-vehicle-crash-south-of-alamo

EDINBURG – A 27-year-old Edinburg man died after his vehicle skidded off the road and rolled over, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said in a news release.

The crash occurred September 5 at around 5:42 p.m.

Eliseo Andrade Jr. was identified as the driver of a black 2009 Nissan Frontier that veered off Farm-to-Market 1017, located west of FM 681 and north of Edinburg, DPS said.

Authorities said the Nissan overcorrected and traveled “into a side skid off the roadway and (rolled) over,” ending with Andrade dying due to his injuries.

State troopers have launched an investigation into the crash.

Establishing fault in a Texas single-vehicle accident

When a single-vehicle accident happens, most people assume that the driver is automatically at fault, but that is not always the case. There are three categories that liable parties generally fall under for causing a vehicle accident in Texas: manufacturers, property owners, or another driver on the road.

For a successful injury lawsuit against another party in a single-vehicle accident, you must have sufficient proof to establish fault. Some of the things that will strengthen your case include documentation from the accident, eyewitness testimony, and expert opinions.

Documentation

Accident documentation noted immediately after the crash occurred is extremely valuable when assigning fault. If you’re able to do so, take photos with your phone to document the crash scene as soon as possible. Be sure to include pictures of your vehicle at all angles and the entire crash site where the accident occurred.

Witnesses

If there were witnesses at the crash scene, be sure to get their contact information so your lawyer can reach out to them. If there are nearby business cameras, see if they have footage of the collision.

Talk to the J. Gonzalez Law Firm

If you’ve experienced a single-vehicle accident in Texas and believe another party, driver, or agency is liable for your injuries, the personal injury attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm can help. To schedule a free consultation and discuss your car accident with a qualified attorney, call 1-800-CAR-CRASH or contact us via this website.

Source: https://myrgv.com/local-news/2023/09/06/27-year-old-edinburg-man-dies-after-car-skids-off-road-rolls-over/?fbclid=IwAR0_RH04NcUO1Xx1j51bg4_E7k-0hfin0VYosslcSaUj3PZ-WSvfJ1n3jcU

DONNA – A St. Joseph Academy student was killed and three schoolmates were injured in an August 28 crash on the expressway in Donna. Authorities say the crash was caused by a driver traveling in the wrong direction on the highway. The wrong-way driver was also killed in the collision.

According to a news release, the Donna Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) began receiving calls about 3:20 a.m. that a car was traveling against traffic on US Expressway 83 (I-2). But by the time officers arrived on scene, the vehicle, described as a grey Volkswagen, had already collided head-on with a white Toyota SUV near the Main Street overpass.

Four St. Joseph Academy students were traveling in the Toyota. One of them, 17-year-old Anuar Jobi, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other three students of the college preparatory school were transported to local hospitals for treatment, but their conditions were not immediately known. They have been identified as Jorge Emilio Garza Gonzalez, age 18, Juan Kattas, age 17, and Juan Vidaurri, age 17.

The driver accused of driving on the wrong side of the highway was also pronounced dead at the scene. He has been identified as Astulfo Cantu, Jr. of Palmview. His age was not provided.

It was not immediately known how Cantu ended up driving on the wrong side of the highway, but the investigation, which presumably will include a toxicology test, is ongoing.

Be vigilant for wrong-way drivers

Wrong-way collisions comprise only about 1% of motor vehicle fatalities—about 300-400 deaths a year. But when a wrong-way accident does occur, the outcome is usually quite severe, because it typically involves a head-on collision or a high-speed sideswipe.

With both vehicles moving toward each other, often at a high rate of speed, wrong-way collisions usually leave very little time to react. But there are some things to keep in mind to minimize your risk of having a head-on collision with a wrong-way driver.

Tips for avoiding a wrong-way driver

Always scan the roadway in the distance ahead of you. If you spot a wrong-way driver traveling toward you, move your vehicle to the right as quickly and safely as possible. Get onto the shoulder of the roadway, remain there until the wrong-way driver has passed you, and call 911 to alert authorities.

If you have to swerve quickly to avoid a collision, always steer to the right. Swerving to the left can place your vehicle in the oncoming traffic lanes, creating the potential for a head-on crash on the opposite side of the highway.

Most wrong-way crashes happen in the left lane. That’s why you should always drive in the right lane unless you are actively passing another vehicle or avoiding an obstruction in the road. Once you make your pass, return to the right lane.

Labor Day weekend

The J. Gonzalez Law Firm wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend. Drive carefully, do not drink and drive, and always be aware of other drivers and road conditions around you. If you need legal advice because you’ve been injured by a negligent driver, we will be available on the holiday weekend to take your call. Dial 1-800-CAR-CRASH, because someone is always available 24/7, and 365 days a year.

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/police-wrong-way-driver-kills-st-joseph-academy-student-in-donna-crash

MERCEDES – Two men were hospitalized August 26 following a three-vehicle crash on the I-2 expressway in Mercedes.

According to interim Mercedes Police Chief Frank Sanchez, the crash happened in the eastbound lanes of the highway near the Texas Avenue overpass. Sanchez stated that the chain-reaction accident began when one car rear-ended a second vehicle, which caused it to strike a third car.

The chief suggested the driver of the first car may have been to blame, saying he was driving too close to the second vehicle, and not paying attention to the road.

The two men who were reported injured were the driver of the first vehicle and a passenger in the second vehicle, Sanchez said. Both men were last reported to be in stable condition at Knapp Medical center. Chief Sanchez did not release the names of any of the parties involved in the crash.

Chain reaction car accidents

Each chain reaction car accident is unique, but most of them have one thing in common – questions about who is at fault for the initial collision and any subsequent collisions. Unfortunately, this same confusion can also impact a person’s ability to successfully file a personal injury claim against that driver.

What is “fault?”

Proving fault in a motor vehicle accident is far more complicated than pointing a finger at a particular driver. To determine fault in a personal injury case of any kind, one needs to prove that a person’s actions or negligence were at least partially to blame for the accident occurring.

The basic rule of thumb is that the first driver who caused the first collision that led to all subsequent crashes is generally the at-fault party. However, “rule of thumb” is just a social turn of phrase, not a legal term. Determining liability is going to hang on the facts behind each particular accident.

Will you need representation?

You will absolutely need legal representation. Insurance claims and legal proceedings are highly complicated. Insurance companies and court defendants are going to have attorneys on their side, so it only makes sense that you should have the best attorneys you can find on your side.

If you or a loved one are injured in a multi-car collision, the team of personal injury attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm is here to help. We have experience handling complex cases where determining a guilty party may be more complicated than usual. Our attorneys are dedicated to helping our clients to ensure the best possible outcome.

Call us today at 1-800-CAR-CRASH to get started on building the strongest case possible in your favor.

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/mercedes-police-two-people-hospitalized-in-three-vehicle-crash-on-the-expressway?fbclid=IwAR1kZTi-Lw-FzK2myaA8xP73DXwMWnuBhS9AXLnbLLSmeWsSWAx2G6DThHw