Just a reminder that Harlingen’s inaugural Margarita Festival is coming soon. The event takes place Saturday, May 7, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Lon C. Hill Park located at 1217 Fair Park Blvd.

The festival is a celebration of the community’s unique blend of Mexican culture and the citrus farming industry Harlingen is proud of.

This is the public’s chance to sample up to seven signature margaritas from Harlingen’s finest bars and restaurants as they compete for the title of BEST Margarita. The winner will be selected by the public, based on which margarita gets the most votes.

Visitors can also learn about the different types of tequila by traveling on the “Tequila Trail.” From Blanco to Añejo, expand your pallet, and experience the different tastes of the different agaves!

You can also party at two L&F Distributors Lounges, with samples of the newest brands and the hottest merchandise! Local and international food vendors will be on hand to satisfy your culinary cravings.

Latin music performances scheduled for the event include Ache de Barrio, Amanda Con La Banda, a live DJ, salsa dancers, and much more!

Tickets:

$10 Entrance Ticket *Special Member Pricing*

$35 On the Rocks Pass

$50 Top Shelf VIP Pass

(SAN ANTONIO) — Fifteen migrants and the driver of the truck they were riding in were injured following a high-speed chase with Texas deputies on Sunday, according to authorities.

According to the Medina County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy had pulled over the truck west of San Antonio on April 24 around 8:00 a.m. When one person fled the vehicle, the driver sped off, according to the official report.

A high-speed chase continued into nearby Bexar County, where the driver lost control, and the truck rolled over several times. Fifteen migrants were found in the truck as well as a driver who is from Austin.

Two people were taken by helicopter to a San Antonio hospital, and the other people in the truck were transported by ambulance. Officials reported at the time that two of the injured were in critical condition. The conditions of the others were not immediately known.

Authorities say the driver, whose name was not immediately released, is facing several charges.

What is the Law Regarding High Speed Chases in Texas?

Thousands of people are injured or killed every year in crashes related to high-speed police chases. According to a recent report, over the last 30 years, these crashes have killed more than 5,000 people nationwide. Untold thousands more are seriously injured.

Federal Government Acknowledges Dangers of High Speed Police Chases

The data comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which compiles the information from police reports. There are likely more victims, because not all police chases are reported as such to the NHTSA.

Law enforcement agencies nationwide, and the US Department of Justice have acknowledged that high-speed chases are extremely dangerous and present a hazard to pedestrians and other motorists. Because of that, some agencies have called on police officers to avoid them whenever possible. While police officers have a duty and a responsibility to protect innocent people from danger, sometimes their judgment is affected by the circumstances of the moment.

High-Speed Chase Accident Lawyers

On top of the public debate about the dangers of high-speed police chases, the question of who is liable for damages is wide open and confusing for victims and their loved ones. If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash caused by a Texas high-speed police chase, you need a knowledgeable and experienced auto accident attorney to sort everything out, and find you the compensation you need.

The personal injury attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm have the knowledge and experience you need to get what you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation at 1-800-CAR CRASH.

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/15-migrants-driver-injured-after-chase-with-texas-deputies

Two people were killed and three others were injured in an April 21 head-on collision in Cameron County, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The incident happened a few minutes before 6:00 p.m. on FM 506, south of the Cameron and Willacy County line.

A preliminary DPS investigation indicates a while, 2015 Chevrolet Spark was traveling north on the wrong side of the road in a no-passing zone when it collided head-on with a silver 2018 Chevrolet Camaro traveling south.

Two men in Chevrolet Spark, including the driver, 36-year-old Benjamin Caballero, and a passenger, 41-year-old Mario Antonio Solis Sumano, died at the scene. Both men were residents of Weslaco. A third unidentified passenger in the vehicle was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.

The driver and passenger of the Camaro were also hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The Texas Department of Public Safety continues to investigate the crash.

Wrong way accident statistics

The Federal Highway Administration reports that 300 to 400 people killed on average every year by wrong way drivers. Most were involved in a head-on collision, or their vehicles were sideswiped at severely high speeds.

The International Institute of Insurance estimates 1,187 claims are filed annually for accidents involving wrong way drivers. The statistics account for an estimated 2.3 percent of all crashes. The institute adds that head-on collisions make up about 10.2 percent of all traffic fatalities.

Wrong way drivers

Wrong way drivers aren’t only breaking the law, they are putting other drivers in harm’s way. A wrong way driver can cause a head-on collision, or even a car pile-up due to the fact other drivers are startled and have nowhere to go. Most accidents involving a wrong way driver end in traumatic property damage and injuries. Many victims sustain brain and spinal injuries due to the brute force of the impact.

If you have been injured by a wrong way driver, it’s highly recommended you seek legal counsel with an experienced personal injury attorney. You may be able to recover some or all of the following damages:

• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitation costs
• Handicap installations
• Counseling
• Loss of wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment for life
• Loss of consortium (loss of a relationship)

The personal injury attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm will do whatever it takes to fight for what you deserve. Call us now at 1-800-CAR CRASH to schedule your first appointment.

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/dps-2-killed-2-injured-in-head-on-crash-in-cameron-county 

(Hidalgo County) A Harlingen man and an unidentified woman died April 15, following a rollover crash east of Edinburg. Five other people were injured in the accident, according to law enforcement officials.

According to Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra, Border Patrol agents attempted to stop a vehicle east of US 281 on FM 490 when the vehicle lost control and rolled over.

Roman Garza, age 50, died at the scene, according to a later news release from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Authorities say the unidentified woman died as a result of being ejected and pinned under the vehicle.

Five other occupants of the vehicle were hospitalized, and were last reported with only minor injuries.

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Can multiple accident victims use the same lawyer?

Several accident victims being represented by one attorney may or may not work. It depends on what the client wants, and whether the attorney is comfortable representing more than one party in a lawsuit.

One attorney can save time and money

There are benefits to one attorney representing more than one person:

• Conducting one investigation into the accident by the plaintiffs would mean evidence and documents would only be gathered once.
• It would be less costly, because only one expert team would be needed to recreate what happened. Having multiple attorneys would also mean higher court costs to litigate should a court fight be needed.
• The case may take less time. If there’s more than one attorney, the insurance company would have to manage competing claims, and if it goes to court, dates and times of depositions, and court appearances become more complicated and time consuming.

Texas Rules of Professional Conduct

Attorneys have a duty to represent their clients’ interests, and protect their legal rights. If there are actual or potential conflicts, an attorney cannot work for more than one client. This is the general rule, but many times there is no conflict. The facts will determine whether representing more than one client would be acceptable.

Contact the J. Gonzalez Law Firm

If you were involved in a car accident with more than one victim, contact the personal injury attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm for a free consultation. There are no fees up front, and you only pay us after we recover compensation. Call us today at: 1-800-CAR CRASH.

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/two-dead-multiple-injured-after-rollover-crash-in-hidalgo-county 

(Brownsville) One man died and one woman was hospitalized after an April 16 motorcycle crash in Brownsville. According to police, a motorcycle was traveling west on Alton Gloor Boulevard shortly before 9:00 p.m. when it turned north onto Paredes Line Road.
Police say the motorcyclist failed to yield the right of way, and his motorcycle collided with a pickup truck. The 64-year-old motorcyclist (who was not identified) was pronounced dead at the scene. An unidentified female passenger on the bike was taken to a local hospital.
The driver of the truck remained at the scene after the crash, according to police, who added that no one is facing criminal charges.

Motorcycle Accidents and Personal Injury

Although the truck driver in the above scenario does not appear to have been at fault for the accident, many motorcyclists are often injured in traffic simply because they are harder to see by other drivers.
When this happens, filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against a negligent driver who caused the crash can help pay for medical care and alleviate other financial concerns. The damages that a motorcycle accident victim can seek can be divided into two categories: special damages and general damages.

Economic Damages in Motorcycle Cases

Economic damages are those that financially compensate a victim for out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of an accident. These damages can include:
• Past and future medical expenses
• Motorcycle repair or replacement expenses
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working
• Loss of irreplaceable or priceless items

General Damages in Motorcycle Cases

General damages compensate victims for non-monetary losses related to the motorcycle accident. These damages often make up the largest part of a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Examples include:

• Past and future pain and suffering
• Emotional distress or mental anguish
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Physical impairment
• Lowered quality of life

Families of the victim may be able to claim additional damages under Wrongful Death Statutes such as:

• Grief
• Loss of love and companionship
• Loss of household and personal services
• Burial and funeral expenses

Were You Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?

If you were injured, or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit to seek compensation. Taking legal action can seem intimidating, but having a knowledgeable lawyer on your side can help.

The personal injury attorneys at J. Gonzalez Law Firm understand the complexities of the civil court system. They also know exactly which damages to demand on your behalf. Call us today at: 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/police-man-dead-woman-hospitalized-after-motorcycle-crash-in-brownsville

OKLAHOMA CITY — Six girls on a high school lunch break were killed when their small car collided with a large truck hauling rocks. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP), the girls’ car was designed to carry only four people.

The crash occurred March 23 in Tishomingo, located about 100 miles southeast of Oklahoma City. The victims included the 16-year-old driver, three 15-year-olds, and two 17-year-old passengers, according to OHP.

The crash report indicated the exact circumstances of the wreck remained under investigation, but it did state that the girls’ car was making a right turn when it collided with the truck, according to KXII-TV.

The tragedy highlights concerns about teenagers carrying other young passengers.

“Just adding a single passenger under age 21 increases the risk of crashing by 44%” when the driver is a teen,” said William Van Tassel of the American Automobile Association (AAA). “One of the main concerns and risks of having multiple teenagers in a car is the distractions that come with that.”

Overcrowded Vehicles

Having too many passengers in a car can be a major distraction for drivers, especially newly-licensed teenage drivers. When teens start driving on their own, they simply don’t have the experience they need to operate a vehicle safely. Having to deal with passenger distractions only adds to the potential for an accident.

The J. Gonzalez Law Firm offers the following facts and tips to help improve safety for drivers and their passengers:

The Facts

• Having a car full of teenage passengers is one of the major distractions for teen drivers.
• Research has shown that accident risk and the risk of being killed increases as the number of young passengers in the vehicle increases.
• More than 50% of teens that die in car crashes are passengers in vehicles driven by other teens.
• The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that the risk of a crash increases 44% with one teenage passenger in the car. It doubles with two passengers, and quadruples with three or more passengers.

Tips for Teen Drivers

• Know the facts before taking the risk
• Obey the Texas Graduated License Law. It explains how many passengers you can have in the car you are driving, and when.

Teenage passengers should also remember that their behavior is just as important as the driver’s. Always buckle up, because people not wearing a seat belts are 30 times more likely to be ejected from a vehicle during a crash. In crashes, more than 75% of people who are ejected die from their injuries.

Teenage passengers should also avoid talking on their cell phones when possible. Don’t play the radio loudly, don’t be a backseat driver, and most importantly, do not horseplay in the car or do anything else that is going to distract the driver.

The J. Gonzalez Law Firm wants everyone to enjoy their teenage driving years, but it can be done safely and responsibly. If you find yourself injured in a car crash through no fault of your own, call us at 1-800-CAR-CRASH for a free, no obligation consultation.

Source:https://www.valleycentral.com/news/national-news/6-students-killed-in-oklahoma-crash-were-in-car-that-seats-4/

(Austin, TX) 11 people were injured in Austin when a two-vehicle collision sent one of the vehicles barreling a crowd of bystanders.  The accident happened April 8 in a Barton Springs area of Austin known for its numerous street vendors.

Authorities say two cars collided on a public street, and the force of the impact sent one of the vehicles careening toward a crowd of people gathered around an Asian ice cream truck. In all, 11 adults were injured, but EMS workers at the scene said only nine were taken to the hospital, including the driver of one of the vehicles.

Two of the victims were said to have serious, potentially life-threatening injuries, according to EMS officials.

Bystander Injuries and Personal Injury Cases

The accident described above is a prime example of how innocent bystanders can be injured through no fault of their own. Anyone who is injured as a third party resulting from the crash can justifiably be compensated for their injuries.

Potential Damages

Potential damages that can be awarded to victims following a car-pedestrian accident may include compensation for medical bills, lost wages for time away from work, and other economic losses. Damages could also be available for non-economic pain-and-suffering, which is often the most valuable part of the accident injury settlement.

This is also the part of a settlement that insurance companies tend to defend most rigorously. Having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side who understands the law can be the difference in whether the suit is successful, and how much compensation is recovered.

What the J. Gonzalez Law Firm can Do

Pedestrians who are injured in these types of rare accidents are often at a disadvantage when trying to handle their own personal injury claim. Insurance companies will try to use only the official accident report, and they will also try to settle quickly, and for the least amount of money possible. Don’t fall for it.

The injury attorneys at J. Gonzalez Law Firm can inspect all of the case evidence, and even question witnesses if they believe there is a potential for significant damages. Never let an insurance company deny you full compensation for injuries sustained as an innocent bystander. Call 1-800-CAR CRASH today!

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/vehicle-collides-with-food-truck-in-austin-texas-11-hurt 

Scheduled for April 9, 2022, the 38th Annual Causeway Run & Fitness Walk promises to be even bigger and better than ever. This year’s event, which begins in Port Isabel and ends on South Padre Island, will feature two events – a 10K (6.2 mi) run, and a 5K (3.1 mi) fitness walk.

The 10K course starts at the Port Isabel Community Center, continuing to the Queen Isabella Causeway over the Laguna Madre Bay, and ending in front of Louie’s Backyard on South Padre Island. The run starts promptly at 7:00 a.m. at the Port Isabel Community Center. Fitness Walk starts at the Community Center at 7:15 a.m.

The 5K fitness walk begins after all 10K runners have cleared the starting area. The walk course also starts at the Port Isabel Community Center, and ends at the Padre Balli statue on South Padre Island. This is not a race. Rather, it is a participation walk only.

Registration for this year’s events has already closed.

Medals will be given to the overall 1st through 3rd male and female winners as well as 1st through 3rd place winner in each male and female age division of the 10K. Overall winners will be ineligible for awards in their respective age divisions. ALL PARTICIPANTS CROSSING THE FINISH LINES WILL RECEIVE FINISHER MEDALS.

Awards ceremonies and snacks will be held immediately following the race/walk at Louie’s Backyard on South Padre Island.

For additional accommodation and event activities information, call: Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce 1-800-527-6102 or (956) 943-2262, or email [email protected] or the South Padre Island Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-So-Padre or www.sopadre.com.

Source: https://myrgv.com/local-news/2022/04/06/longest-causeway-run-will-set-the-pace-saturday/

Image Source: https://myrgv.com/author/glong/ 

Car Chase ends in Crash and Grass Fire

(Hidalgo County) One person was taken into custody following a March 30 car chase that ended in a rollover crash, which sparked a grass in Hidalgo County. According to the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), a deputy attempted to make a traffic stop about 3:15 p.m. The driver of the vehicle reportedly refused to stop, resulting in a vehicle pursuit.

The chase ended when the suspect’s car turned into a field, and rolled over multiple times, causing a grass fire, according to a news release.

HCSO Deputies, EMS, and Fire Department responded to the scene, located near the northbound exit ramp of Farm Road 490. The fire was quickly extinguished, and the driver was taken into custody. No other information about the driver or his/her injuries was provided.

Vehicle Pursuit Crashes

Laws and departmental policies governing police pursuits vary by state and agency, however, when considering whether or not to initiate a pursuit, most officers must ask themselves two questions:

• Has the driver of the vehicle committed a dangerous or violent felony?
• Is the driver exhibiting reckless driving behavior that endangers others?

It may seem simple to prove negligence for an injury caused by a police pursuit, but such cases are highly complicated under civil law.

Generally, when a defendant attempts to sue an officer, the judge or jury often reaches the same conclusion: no matter what car hits you, the suspect is to blame because he/she is guilty of fleeing from the police. While it can certainly be argued that the officer should have stopped the chase if it was becoming dangerous to bystanders, many courts grant police officers immunity. This means that many families will not receive any damages from the police department.

However, in some cases, officers are held liable for accidents, but only after a specialized analysis of the accident. Because of this, it’s recommended that you have an attorney to evaluate all circumstances surrounding the pursuit.

If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in a police pursuit, don’t hesitate to reach out to the injury attorneys at J. Gonzalez Law Firm. We can give you a free, no-obligation consultation to determine if you have valid reason to pursue the matter in court. Call us today at: 1-800-CAR CRASH.

Source: https://www.valleycentral.com/news/local-news/car-chase-ends-in-rollover-crash-grass-fire/

(San Juan-Alamo) An April 6 car crash on Expressway 83 (I-2) caused major delays in the San Juan-Alamo area. The crash, according to police, involved only one vehicle, which crashed into a road sign. No injuries were reported.

The stretch of highway where the crash occurred has been the site of months of ongoing road construction, as part of upgrades to the interchange at US 83 and US 281.

Motorists traveling west and east in the area are asked to slow down, or seek alternate routes, as traffic is often backed up due to slower than normal vehicle flow.

Preventing Crashes

In Texas, a moving vehicle violation that happens in an active construction zone automatically doubles the fine for that offense. But even with those enhanced fines, speeding continues to cause many work zone crashes.

21,886 vehicle crashes occurred in Texas work zones in 2015 – an increase of 13 percent from 2014, a year in which Texas already led the nation in work zone crash fatalities. Additional traffic controls and high-tech solutions may make work zones safer, but the primary cause of construction zone accidents is careless driving. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, speeding and inattention are the top causes of construction zone accidents.

To reduce the number of work zone car accidents, TxDOT uses a number of tools such as digital warning signs to alert drivers about lane closures, and slowed or stopped traffic. TxDOT recommends good driving habits, as well as carpooling to reduce traffic congestion to make construction zones even safer.

Types of Work Zone Crashes

Speeding or distracted drivers are often unable to brake in time to avoid a crash in a work zone. In many road construction areas, concrete barriers cut off access to the road shoulder, so a driver may be unable to swerve to avoid a crash. These factors, and others, explain why rear-end crashes account for up to half of daytime accidents in construction zones.

While work zone crashes are no more likely to result in fatalities than other types of crashes, the outcome is often deadly when a tractor-trailer or other large vehicle rear-ends a smaller vehicle.

Representing Crash Victims and Their Families

Injuries suffered in car accidents can have long-lasting effects. Victims can face extensive rehabilitation, multiple surgeries, or even the need for home health aides, and specialized medical equipment. This leads to significant financial hardship for the victims and their families as someone recovers from accident-related injuries.

If you are injured in a construction zone crash because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. The J. Gonzalez Law Firm has years of experience helping personal injury victims get the financial help they deserve to cover their medical costs and other losses.

Call us today to request your free, no-obligation consultation: 1-800-CAR CRASH.

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/traffic-accident-on-the-expressway-creating-major-delays