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

EDINBURG – An Edinburg man is dead following an August 20 traffic accident on the I-69 highway. According to the Edinburg Police Department, the accident happened about 9:00 p.m. on the highway frontage road near Rogers Road.

When officers arrived on the scene of the crash, they found that a beige Chrysler minivan had struck the rear side of an 18-wheeler that was traveling north on Frontage Road, a news release stated.

The report states that the minivan was heavily damaged, and that the driver had to be transported to Doctors Hospital at Renaissance where he subsequently died of his injuries. The victim has been identified as 25-year-old Edinburg resident, Daniel Laureano.

Police say the driver of the 18-wheeler (whose name was not released) was not injured in the crash and that he cooperated with the police investigation. The case remained under investigation as of this writing, and it was not immediately known how the minivan came to collide with the back of the big rig trailer.

Is the trailing driver always at fault in a rear-end collision?

Most people assume that rear-end traffic accidents are always the fault of the driver who rear-ended the vehicle in front of them, but this is not always true. It is possible for the driver who was in front to be at fault for the accident.

These are just a few examples of how a front driver could be blamed for a rear-end collision:

• Slowing down and signaling to make a turn, but not executing the turn
• Stopping suddenly because of a distraction
• Driving while intoxicated and performing an erratic maneuver
• Having broken or defective brake lights that fail to warn trailing drivers the vehicle is braking
• Stopping in the middle of the road because of mechanical failure without using hazard lights
• Performing a so-called “brake check” (tapping brakes) due to road rage

When to contact an experienced attorney following a rear-end crash

The causes of rear-end accidents can be disputed, but it takes an experienced car accident attorney to gather the proper evidence to actually prove who was at fault. Because liability in rear-end crashes can be complicated, you want the right car accident lawyer on the case as soon as possible.

But always get the medical attention you need first! Documenting your injuries is critical to building a justifiable personal injury claim. Once you do that, you should contact the J. Gonzalez Law Firm. We will most likely be able to represent you in your rear-end accident case if:

• You believe the other driver was to blame
• You suffered injuries that required medical care and/or time away from work
• You suffered any other losses due to the crash
• Your child suffered injuries in the rear-end accident
• You lost a close family member, such as a spouse, parent, or child, in the accident

Never try to fight with insurance companies on your own. You might inadvertently say something they can use to reduce or deny your payment. Instead, contact the J. Gonzalez Law Firm for the legal help you need. Call 1-800-CAR-CRASH TODAY!

Source:

https://www.valleycentral.com/news/local-news/pd-one-hospitalized-with-major-injuries-after-crash-with-18-wheeler-in-edinburg/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_medium=referral&fbclid=IwAR2U0uwl6xQJTljytbbHHcWG3kOX1Bl2E-f4u00cyvU7YfMITcSF932Vvmw

https://www.valleycentral.com/news/local-news/pd-one-hospitalized-with-major-injuries-after-crash-with-18-wheeler-in-edinburg/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=socialflow&fbclid=IwAR3W1N9ovdvVLmgIJh1Mn1A0f2MLH8mU-RE6HhtBHbXC7fs3c2IMe0QlPqc

HIDALGO COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) continues its investigation of an August 13 crash near Palmview that left one man dead. According to a DPS news release, the crash happened north of Palmview on La Homa Road at about 6:00 a.m.

The DPS preliminary investigation indicates that a gray 2012 Dodge Durango and a white 2014 Chevrolet Malibu were both traveling south on La Homa Road. The Malibu sedan was trailing the Dodge SUV, according to the report.

“The driver of the Chevrolet failed to control speed and struck the Dodge from behind, veered off the roadway, and struck a light pole,” the news release read.

“The driver of the Dodge was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The passenger of the Chevrolet was also transported to a local hospital with major injuries,” the statement added.

The deceased driver of the Chevrolet Malibu has been identified as 24-year-old Andres Dias-Diaz of Mission. The other driver was not identified in the initial report, which states that DPS troopers are continuing their investigation into the crash.

Failure to control speed and the issue of negligence

There is a difference between “speeding” and “failure to control speed.” In their simplest terms, “speeding” is an criminal offense for driving in excess of the posted speed limit, while “failure to control speed” is an offense in which the driver was unable to slow down or stop in time to avoid causing a collision.

In addition to driving over the speed limit, the Texas Transportation Code states that a vehicle operator may not drive at a speed “greater than is reasonable and prudent.” This means a driver can be given a ticket even if he or she is driving under the speed limit. Some common examples include:

• Driving too fast on a wet road
• Driving too fast when it’s foggy
• Following another vehicle too closely

Case-by-case basis

Each case is fact-specific. Proving the negligence argument against another driver is not premised solely on whether the driver was speeding (although that is certainly an example of negligence).  A driver can also be found to be negligent if it can be shown that he or she was driving too fast for the conditions of the road at the moment.

Expert legal representation is key

There are many ways to prove that the defendant driver was driving too quickly for the conditions: eyewitness testimony, ECM data (called the “black box” for cars), length of skid marks, and more. The personal injury lawyer’s job is to prove that the other driver’s speed was the proximate cause of your injuries, and that it was a breach of duty to behave as a reasonably-prudent driver.

The J. Gonzalez Law Firm has handled countless car wreck personal injury cases. We’ve been able to prove that our clients were the true victim, even where the defendant’s expensive trial lawyers argued otherwise. We’re here to do the same for you.

If you feel you have been injured due to a negligent driver, contact the J. Gonzalez Law Firm today at 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://myrgv.com/local-news/2023/08/14/mission-man-killed-in-sunday-morning-speed-related-crash/

One man was injured in an August 13 boating accident at South Padre Island Sunday morning, but he is expected to make a full recovery.

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), the captain of a charter fishing boat made a sharp turn and hit the throttle, causing a passenger to be thrown overboard. The passenger’s leg was subsequently struck by the skeg of the boat’s motor, causing a deep cut.

The passenger was transported to a local hospital and treated for the laceration. TPWD has ruled the incident was as an accident.

Legal help for Texas boating accidents

Texas is a big state with a lot of navigable rivers and lakes. There are also a lot of saltwater bays, and the Gulf of Mexico. So it comes as no surprise that many Texans enjoy boating and fishing almost year-round. Unfortunately, a fun time out on the water can turn dangerous or deadly, especially when negligence is involved.

Some boating incidents are the result of inattentiveness by the boat’s pilot. Other causes of accidents include:

• Boating while intoxicated or under the influence (BWI/BUI)
• Improper maintenance of the boat
• Defective product malfunction

1. Gonzalez Law Firm

At the J. Gonzalez Law Firm, our team of personal injury lawyers have years of experience representing victims of personal injuries resulting from a wide range of accidents. That includes boating accidents.

Boating accidents are rarely random acts. Most often, they are caused by captains who act in a reckless manner, or who operate boats that do not meet Texas’s stringent safety requirements. Manufacturing defects can also lead unwanted boating accidents.

If you are looking to collect damages for the injuries you have suffered or need assistance negotiating with your insurance adjuster, contact the J. Gonzalez Law Firm at 1-800-CAR-CRASH. The consultation is free and you won’t owe a penny unless we negotiate a just settlement or court decision in your favor.

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/man-injured-in-boating-accident-at-south-padre-island-expected-to-recover