HIDALGO COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is investigating an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) crash that left a Mission man dead.

According to a DPS news release, 45-year-old Jose Veliz, Jr. died December 14 after losing control of an ATV on Madrid Drive south of Milan Drive just north of Mission. Veliz was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, investigators noted, adding it was a single-vehicle crash.

According to the release, a preliminary investigation reveals that Veliz was traveling north on Madrid Drive toward Milan at an unsafe speed and lost control of the vehicle.

“The rider lost control of the ATV and went onto two wheels, tossing him off the ATV and onto the street,” authorities said in the release.

Veliz died of his injuries.

As a result of the accident, DPS encourages the public to wear helmets, goggles, long sleeves and pants, over-the-ankle boots and gloves to ensure one’s safety while riding an ATV. DPS also urges riders not to ride on paved roads except when crossing where permitted by law.

Establishing Fault for ATV Accidents

When you or someone you love is injured in an ATV accident caused by someone else, you’d expect to be compensated. However, figuring out who may be to blame, and how to prove it was their fault can be tricky.

ATV owners, drivers, and parents of minor drivers have a duty of care to make sure whoever drives the vehicle operates it safely so as not to injure themselves or their passengers.

Property owners have a duty of care to make sure the land where enthusiasts drive off-road vehicles is free from dangerous conditions.

Manufacturers and distributors of the ATV’s parts and equipment have a duty of care to make the vehicle safe.

When a person or business violates their duty of care, they are negligent. When that negligence causes an accident, the injured victim has grounds to pursue compensation for their damages.

Call J. Gonzalez

If this sounds confusing, you’re not alone. You need an expert personal injury attorney like those found at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm to sort out the details of your accident.

For severe injury cases and life-altering accidents, an expert attorney can discover insurance policies and personal assets of the at-fault parties that you would not be able to pursue on your own.

Product liability lawsuits against the ATV manufacturer may result in multi-million dollar payouts, but the litigation process is expensive and may take years.

You have nothing to lose by discussing your injury claim with an ATV accident attorney at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm. We offer free consultations, and you pay us nothing unless we win your case! So call us today at 1-800-CAR-CRASH to get the compensation you deserve!

Source: https://myrgv.com/local-news/2022/12/14/mission-man-dies-in-atv-rollover-crash-friday/

HARLINGEN – Harlingen police saved a woman’s life December 8 after she crashed into a canal and became trapped in her submerged vehicle.

According to a news release, the crash happened about 12:24 a.m. near the intersection of Morris Road and Rangerville Road. Police say they were alerted to the incident by a 911 caller who reported a car was upside down in the water with a woman trapped inside. No information was provided as to how the car ended up in the canal.

According to the news release, “Harlingen Police Officers responded to the location, immediately entered the water, were able to make their way to the vehicle and began working to free the female from the submerged vehicle. Officers were able to open the passenger door while the others held the vehicle up from continuing to sink into the mud in the chest deep water.”

The unidentified woman was taken to a local hospital where she is expected to make a full recovery.

Five tips for escaping a submerged car

Step 1:  Stay calm

According to research, a vehicle will typically float for 30 to 120 seconds before completely sinking. Consequently, your best chance at escape depends on the actions you take within the first two minutes after the car hits the water. If you spend that time panicking, you have lost your best chance to get out safely.

Step 2:  Roll down all windows

This is critical, because as the car sinks, the water pressure might prevent the windows from rolling down, even if you have automatic windows. In fact, automatic windows do not immediately short circuit when underwater, so even if you get a late start, you should still be able to get the windows open before the pressure is too great.

Step 3:  Remove your seatbelt

The last thing you want when inside a sinking car is to be restrained while trying to free yourself from the vehicle. Take off your seatbelt quickly so that you are able to move freely inside the car.

Step 4: Help passengers

Once you are able to move freely, check on your passengers, especially children. Unlatch any car seat restraining an infant, and help older children unbuckle their seatbelts. Tell them to exit the car through the window closest to them, or bring them to the front seat to escape the car with you.

Step 5:  Exit and swim to safety

Exiting an open window is easiest before water starts pouring in through the window. It becomes more difficult once the water starts coming in, but it is still possible to do so.

Once you have climbed out, push off the car and swim to the surface. If you have a small child with you in the front seat, put them through the window first and follow after them to assist them to the surface.

Have you been injured in a Texas car accident?

If you’ve been hurt in a car crash, you need to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The J. Gonzalez Law Firm is ready to help you get the compensation you need and deserve.

Contact us online via this website, or call directly at 1-800-CAR-CRASH to schedule your free consultation.

Source: https://myrgv.com/local-news/2022/12/08/harlingen-police-rescue-woman-from-submerged-vehicle/

CAMERON COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating an early morning crash on December 8 that left one man dead.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said via news release that the incident happened at approximately 5:09 a.m. on FM 511 north of Florida Road near Brownsville.

According to the new release, a 2009 Ford Crown Victoria traveling south of FM 511 hit a man who was walking north in the middle of the road.

The driver of the Ford stopped to render aid, and the unidentified man died at the scene. DPS says it will release the identity of the man once next of kin are notified of his death.

What happens if you’re injured in an auto- pedestrian accident?

Auto-pedestrian accidents are not always the fault of the driver. To receive compensation for your injuries, you have to show that someone else caused the accident that led to your injuries. In most cases, this means you have to show that someone else was negligent.

Pedestrians can often have the right of way on a public street, such as when they are crossing in a designated crosswalk. And motor vehicle drivers are required to exercise due care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian on a roadway. If a driver fails to exercise due care (by, for example, texting while driving) and collides with a pedestrian, the driver is probably negligent.

However, in some cases, the accident can be the pedestrian’s fault, particularly if the person is jaywalking. In other cases, it might partially be the driver’s fault, and partially the pedestrian’s fault.

Texas follows the theory of modified comparative fault. This means that a plaintiff’s damages are reduced by their percentage of fault. What’s more, if the plaintiff was more than 50% at fault, they’re prohibited from recovering any damages.

In order to sort out your situation, it’s best to consult an attorney such as the personal injury lawyers at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm. They have years of experience in these matters, and they can offer advice you can trust. You won’t have to pay a dime for it unless they successfully settle your claim.

Call today at 1-800-CAR-CRASH to discuss the details of your situation.

Source: https://myrgv.com/local-news/2022/12/08/man-walking-in-middle-of-brownsville-road-hit-killed/

WESLACO – According to Weslaco police, a 39-year-old driver died November 26 when his vehicle struck a utility pole. The crash happened in the 800 block of westbound Frontage road.

“A preliminary crash investigation determined that the driver of a 2008 Black Ford F250 lost control and struck a utility pole,” the news release stated.

The driver has been identified as 39-year-old Hector Rodriguez.  He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Anyone with information on the crash is urged to contact Weslaco police at 956-968-8591.

Can I get compensation for a single-car accident?

It is possible in some cases. While another person may not have directly caused your accident, other factors may have come into play.

Road conditions

If you lost control of your car because of unsafe road conditions, you might be able to sue a government agency for your damages. The government is responsible for road maintenance, but these roadways are not always properly maintained.

A steep shoulder drop-off, potholes, missing or damaged road hazard warning signs and other hazardous conditions might entitle you to compensation. However, you must act quickly because you only have six months to file if you sue a government agency, or your case will be dismissed.

Manufacturing defects

We all expect our vehicles to have been manufactured properly. However, sometimes a car maker can overlook a serious defect, and it might have resulted in your accident. Manufacturers have an obligation to keep consumers safe, and there are very few exceptions.

A few examples of defects that could cause an accident include:

• Defective brakes
• Airbags that deploy improperly
• Rolling over while driving normally

Call the J. Gonzalez Law Firm

Single-car accidents aren’t always the driver’s fault. The J. Gonzalez Law Firm can help you understand how to recover compensation for your losses.

We offer free consultations, so we can help answer your questions before you ever get started. Call us today at 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/weslaco-police-investigating-fatal-one-vehicle-crash

BROWNSVILLE — Brownsville police are investigating a three-vehicle accident that left a pickup truck nearly hanging off an expressway overpass in Brownsville.

According to Investigator Martin Sandoval, the accident happened November 21 at about 7:25 p.m. in the northbound lanes of the Boca Chica Blvd. overpass on Expressway 77/83.

Sandoval confirmed there were no injuries, but no additional details on the accident were provided. Officers were said to be actively investigating the cause of the accident.

Multiple vehicle accidents

When multi-vehicle crashes happen, it can be difficult to determine the responsibility of each party and who bears liability for injuries and damage. The J. Gonzalez Law Firm is familiar with multi-vehicle crashes in Texas, and can guide you through the process of handling an accident involving multiple vehicles.

What to do following a multi-vehicle accident

1) Make sure you call the police. You always want to have an official police record of the accident along with statements from every driver and witness. A police report is an important part of securing compensation for any damages.

2) Don’t make statements to other drivers even if you think the accident was your fault. Your admission could cost you in the future.

3) Seek medical attention. Even if you feel okay, it’s important to be under the care and supervision of a medical professional as soon as possible. Some injuries do not manifest themselves until later on. Even if your injuries are very minor, immediately seeking treatment may play an important role in successfully seeking compensation.

4) Talk to a lawyer. An attorney can explain the details of how liability is proportioned. An expert lawyer can also help you make your case, and fight for you to achieve the most favorable outcome possible in any litigation. Don’t try to navigate an insurance claim on your own. Insurance companies are not your friend, and will try to use your words to avoid paying if they can.

Gonzalez knows about multi-vehicle accidents

​The experienced Texas personal injury attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm can handle negotiations with the insurance companies, and even initiate a lawsuit should the other party’s insurance not want to take responsibility for their insured’s actions.  Contact the J. Gonzalez Law Firm today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation. Our phone number is 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://www.valleycentral.com/news/local-news/three-car-accident-leaves-truck-on-edge-of-expressway/

Photo credit: Steven Masso

STARR COUNTY – The Rio Grande City-La Grulla Independent School District reported via news release that one of its buses was involved in a vehicle accident on the morning of November 14. According to the release, a vehicle hit a bus carrying eight students near La Union Elementary as it was entering an intersection. The school is located about nine miles east of Rio Grande City.

The occupants of the bus included the bus driver, four Grulla Middle School students, and four students from La Union Elementary.

“Paramedics arrived on the scene to check our students and driver and provide medical attention, but none were transported for further care,” the release stated. “There were some minor bumps and bruises, but none were deemed serious enough as to require treatment.”

The district added that one student was taken to Starr County Hospital, but he was in the car that hit the bus. That child is enrolled in a neighboring school district, and had lacerations to his forehead, according to the report.

“Some parents did take the students to the physician of their choice as a precautionary measure,” the release added. “Paramedics did clear every student, however they were taken for closer observation.”

Medical documentation for personal injury claims

Not all accidents justify a personal injury claim. A reputable personal injury attorney will not encourage you to file a claim if you barely suffered a scratch in an accident caused by someone else.

The question, however, is this: How do you know for sure?

Checking your body for cuts and broken bones isn’t enough. Some injuries take time to start bothering you. You can’t be certain you’re perfectly fine after an accident until a trained medical professional conducts a thorough checkup.

Aside from finding out conclusively that you did or did not suffer a significant injury, a medical examination is the only way to document your injuries, if any.

With proper documentation, you should be well-prepared for any personal injury claim that you may make against the at-fault person’s insurance company.

Insurance companies can be tough to deal with in cases of personal injury claims made against them. They will always give priority to their own best interests when they decide whether or not to authorize payment for medical treatment, pain and suffering, and other losses. Some will even make up excuses so they won’t have to comply with the terms outlined in their policies.

If you are injured in an accident and don’t undergo a medical examination immediately afterward, the insurance company won’t even have to invent a reason not to pay up.

If you have a documented injury from a car crash and an insurance company is denying your claim, you need a skilled and experienced personal injury attorney negotiating for you. The J. Gonzalez Law Firm is the best ally you can have in this kind of scenario. Call us today for a free, non-obligation consultation at 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://myrgv.com/local-news/2022/11/14/starr-county-school-district-reports-monday-morning-bus-crash/ 

WESLACO – The Weslaco Police Department reports the death of a 46-year-old man in a November 12 auto-pedestrian accident. The incident happened about 9:00 p.m. in the 2100 block of North Texas Boulevard, according to a news release.

The victim is identified as Sie Garcia, the release stated. The report also states that Garcia may have been intoxicated, adding that relatives informed officers they had been looking for Garcia throughout the day.

No charges are expected to be filed against the vehicle’s driver who police say remained at the scene following the accident.

Texas is not a safe states for pedestrians. There were 5,366 crashes involving pedestrians in our state in in 2021, resulting in 841 deaths. That’s a 15% increase in pedestrian fatalities over the previous year.

When a motorist strikes a pedestrian and causes injury or death, the driver could face civil and/or criminal consequences depending on liability. You should speak to an attorney if you find yourself in this situation.

Criminal Penalties

The circumstances of the accident will decide whether the driver is guilty of criminal acts. Examples of possibly criminal acts include driving while intoxicated, engaging in a hit-and-run, or reckless driving.

The courts will consider these behaviors criminal if they resulted in the injury or death of another person. Penalties can range from community service to jail time depending on the severity of the wrongdoing and its effects on the injured party.

Meantime, the driver could receive notice of a civil case at the same time as an ongoing criminal investigation. Texas allows both types of cases to proceed at the same time.

Civil Repercussions

The injured pedestrian, or surviving family members, can bring civil charges against the driver through the county courts. If found at fault, the driver or his/her insurance company, would then have to compensate the plaintiff in the amount the court deems appropriate.

An at-fault driver in a civil lawsuit might have to pay for the injured pedestrian’s medical bills, missed work, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and lifelong care if necessary. A defendant may also have to pay “treble damages” for bad behavior. These additional amounts are meant to punish the defendant for egregious acts that contributed to the plaintiff’s harms.

Legal Help

Injured pedestrians, or surviving family members of deceased pedestrians, should retain an experienced attorney for legal counsel. The Texas personal injury lawyers at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm will provide the best representation possible to ensure you get the maximum recovery you deserve. Call us today at 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/weslaco-police-investigating-fatal-auto-pedestrian-crash

HARLINGEN – No injuries were reported after a vehicle crashed into a La Feria ISD school bus in Harlingen November 7. The incident happened at the corner of Bass Boulevard and Ivory Circle.

According to a news release, the bus was stopped at the intersection as the driver was waiting to make a left turn into a neighborhood. A motorist approaching from behind reportedly looked down, and her vehicle struck the bus.

The students were being dropped off after school when the crash occurred. Some parents were able to pick up their kids. Other students were taken home on another bus.

Rules for suing a school district after a bus accident

Bringing a legal claim against a school district is different than bringing a lawsuit against a private party such as another driver or a school bus manufacturer.

First, there are significant limits on how long victims have to file a claim in these cases, so parents must act quickly after a school bus accident to preserve their child’s right to recovery. There are also additional rules relating to Texas’ statutory limits on how much can be recovered.

A good personal injury attorney, like those at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm, will look at all angles for recovery in these cases, including the other driver, the school bus company, improperly designed roadways, and product defect issues. These and other issues must be navigated carefully.

1. Gonzalez is ready to help

In many cases, the injuries children sustain in a bus accident can have long-lasting effects that could impact their lives well into adulthood. Children could potentially develop long-term physical or cognitive disabilities that prevent them from working or living independently.

Getting proper medical care following a school bus accident is always a priority, followed by speaking to an attorney who can help the family through this trying time. It is imperative to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. To schedule a free consultation with an expert personal injury attorney at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm, call our office today at 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/no-injuries-reported-after-vehicle-crashes-into-la-feria-isd-school-bus-in-harlingen 

McCOOK – An Edinburg man died October 30 after his motorcycle veered off the road and crashed into a fence in McCook.

According to a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) news release, the crash happened just before 5:00 p.m. on FM 490 east of FM 681 intersection.

DPS identified the victim as 44-year-old David Gonzalez Franco. According to the news release, Franco was traveling east on FM 490 on a Harley Davidson motorcycle when he apparently failed to negotiate a curve in the road, veered off the roadway, and struck a fence.

Franco was pronounced dead at the scene.

Negotiating curves on a motorcycle

The best thing to do when approaching a curve in the road on a motorcycle is to slow down before you enter the curve. This means that you should throttle down, or gently apply your brakes to achieve a safe speed before entering the curve itself. Braking when you’re already in a curve at too high of a speed can cause you to skid, or lose control of your vehicle and crash.

A yellow, diamond-shaped road sign will warn you that the road ahead will curve either to the right, or to the left. The sign will often be accompanied by a speed advisory sign, indicating the top speed at which the curve can be safely negotiated. Once you are in the curve, you can accelerate through it as necessary.

Always use road signs to prepare for what’s ahead, and adjust your driving appropriately. You can find more information about this topic online, and in your driver’s handbook.

Motorcycle accidents caused by another’s negligence

If your accident was caused by a damaged, hidden, or missing road sign, you might have a claim against the governing jurisdiction responsible for sign maintenance. If your accident was caused by another motorist’s negligence, such as flying debris, or someone swerving into your lane, you might also have a legitimate claim.

Before you could make such claims, you would need to assess and prove that the accident was actually caused by the other party’s failure to exercise duty of care.

Consult a personal injury attorney

If you believe your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, whether it was a missing road sign, or a truck driver who swerved into your lane, contact the J. Gonzalez Law Firm immediately. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys will let you know if you have a case, and we will make sure your get the highest compensation you deserve. Call us today at 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://myrgv.com/local-news/2022/10/31/edinburg-motorcyclist-killed-in-mccook-crash/ 

One person was killed and 11 others were hospitalized in a November 2 crash north of La Joya. The crash happened during an early-morning police pursuit, according to a press release from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The chase reportedly began after a Ford truck ran a red light, and law enforcement officers attempted to stop the vehicle. According to the report, the driver evaded law enforcement until his vehicle crashed and rolled over on a dirt road.

Authorities say there were 12 people in the truck, including the driver, and all were ejected from the vehicle in the crash. The identity of the deceased victim and those of the injured were not immediately available.

Human smuggling is suspected in the case, however, DPS is continuing its investigation.

Human Trafficking Civil Cases & Personal Injury Lawsuits

Human trafficking in the United States is addressed by both criminal laws and civil laws. Here’s a fundamental look at potential remedies for violations civil laws.

Civil laws and compensation for human trafficking

You may be able to file a civil lawsuit against an individual who facilitated or benefited from human trafficking if you:

• are the victim of human trafficking
• are the parent of a minor who is a victim of human trafficking
• lost a member of your immediate family as a result of human trafficking

Who can victims of human trafficking sue?

Most traffickers end up in prison without any money or assets. As a result, many victims end up suing third parties, such as hotels, massage parlors, trucking companies, and taxi companies.

Can human trafficking victims receive compensation?

Human trafficking victims can receive economic, non-economic, and punitive damages in a civil lawsuit:

• Economic damages include medical expenses, psychological therapy, and loss of income
• Non-economic damages include pain and suffering
• Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant in an effort empower victims and to discourage others from committing the same offense

Contact J. Gonzalez

Every case is unique. If you have questions about whether you may have a potential case, contact the J. Gonzalez Law Firm at 1-800-CAR-CRASH for a free consultation. The consultation is free and will be kept strictly confidential.

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/dps-one-dead-11-hospitalized-after-crash-north-of-la-joya?fbclid=IwAR2aa-4HVnjJTNKFzyYN_JtIpihD6xAscHAwLcnKZNZmbLWxpXFVodmiu3E