Harlingen Wrongful Death Attorney
Posted on Thursday, February 27th, 2025 at 10:15 pm
J. Gonzalez
Can a one-vehicle crash lead to a wrongful death case?
When two vehicles collide and a person dies, the immediate family members of the victim can bring a wrongful death claim against the driver they believe is to blame for the crash. In most cases, it can easily be determined who was at fault.
However, when a crash doesn’t involve another driver and vehicle, it becomes much harder to establish that someone other than the victim is to blame for their own death. There are certain situations that can potentially justify a wrongful death claim. They include:
Vehicle defects
In certain situations, the vehicle manufacturer can be held liable for an accident if it can be shown that a malfunction in the vehicle caused it. There have been many cases where certain makes and models of cars were found to have defects.
Stuck accelerators, broken wheels, and faulty fuel systems are just a few examples of defects that have caused crashes.
Road conditions
Poorly maintained roads can sometimes cause single-vehicle accidents. Bad lighting, weeds, and missing signage can contribute to these accidents. If this is the case, a wrongful death lawsuit could be filed against the government entity responsible for building, repairing, and maintaining the road.
Third-party negligence
Some one-vehicle accidents can be caused by the reckless driving of another motorist who then drives away when the victim’s car crashes. However, unless there is a camera in the area, liability in this case could be difficult – but not impossible – to prove. A thorough investigation that produces compelling evidence would be needed to assign blame.
Contact J. Gonzalez
While it can be challenging to show liability in a single-vehicle accident, it is important that you speak to the J. Gonzalez Law Firm before you give up. Our expert personal injury and wrongful death attorneys will give your case their personal attention and they might have some options for you. Contact us via this website, or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH.
In the meantime, the story below shows that the circumstances of one-car crashes are not always immediately clear.
Woman dies when truck plunges into Harlingen canal
By: Benjamin Treviño
HARLINGEN – Police in Harlingen are investigating the death of a woman whose body found in the cab a submerged pickup truck.
Police responded to the 2200 block of Multi National St. around 9:20 p.m. on February 21 after residents reported a crash in the area.
According to a news release, officers found a pickup truck flipped upside down in a roadside canal. They subsequently found a female victim inside the truck. The woman’s identity was being withheld at this writing, pending notification of next of kin.
According to the news release, police theorize the driver was traveling in the 2600 block of North Expressway 77, when she lost control of the truck, left the highway, and her vehicle ended up in the canal at Multi National St.
The investigation was continuing at this writing.
Cameron County Personal Injury Attorney
Posted on Thursday, February 27th, 2025 at 4:02 pm
J. Gonzalez
Determining fault in a crash involving multiple vehicles is complex. Multiple parties may have contributed to the accident through negligence, requiring careful analysis of evidence like police reports, witness statements, and vehicle damage.
It requires a careful investigation to determine each party’s percentage of fault, which means you need the best possible legal representation on your side to ensure your rights are protected and that you get the maximum compensation you are legally entitled to .
Comparative negligence
Texas is a comparative negligence state, meaning that each driver’s degree of fault is considered when assigning liability. An injured party may still recover damages even if they are partially at fault. However, it much be less than 50% at fault.
Legal considerations
If multiple drivers are found at fault, an injured party may need to file claims against several insurance companies to seek full compensation. Due to the complexity of multi-vehicle accident cases, consulting with a personal injury attorney is crucial to navigate the legal process and ensure proper representation.
The personal injury attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm are experts at handling complex cases which can arise through no fault of the victim. Call 1-800-CAR-CRASH to set up a free no obligation consultation. In the meantime the story below is an example of a multiple vehicle crash with multiple unanswered questions.
Three-vehicle crash in San Benito leaves Brownsville man dead
By: Benjamin Treviño
CAMERON COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is investigating a February 13 crash that left one man dead.
DPS said in a news release that troopers responded at about 8 p.m. to a crash that occurred on Farm-to-Market Road 732 south of Pennsylvania Avenue near San Benito.
The DPS preliminary investigation revealed that a Chevrolet Colorado truck and a Dodge Ram were traveling north on FM 732 and a Dodge Charger was traveling south on the same road.
The Charger, occupied by a sole driver, veered onto the northbound lanes and crashed into both trucks, DPS said.
The driver and passenger of the Ram were transported to Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, but the sole driver of the Chevrolet Colorado, 47-year-old Tomas Vasquez of Brownsville, died at the scene.
It was not clear from the report whether the driver of the Charger was injured in the crash. No other details were immediately available.
Auto-Pedestrian Personal Injury Expert in Pharr
Posted on Friday, February 21st, 2025 at 11:11 pm
J. Gonzalez Law Firm
Auto-pedestrian accidents are among the most devastating accidents in terms of the severity of injuries that can result. People walking or riding a bicycle are simply outmatched in a collision with a vehicle, even a small vehicle. The following are some of the most-common auto-pedestrian accident injuries.
Concussions / 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
Auto Pedestrian crash victims need a personal injury expert on their side
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. Continue reading below for an example of a recent auto-pedestrian accident that turned fatal.
Man dead in Pharr auto-pedestrian crash
By: Benjamin Treviño
PHARR — Authorities in Pharr are investigating a fatal auto-pedestrian accident on the Interstate 2 expressway. The accident occurred February 21 at mid-afternoon.
According to a news release from the Pharr Police Department, a man was attempting to cross the interstate on foot when he was struck by a vehicle.
He was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity was not immediately released.
Police say the driver of the vehicle stopped his car after the impact and remained at the scene to cooperate with the investigation. No other details were immediately available.
San Benito Wrongful Death Attorney
Posted on Thursday, February 13th, 2025 at 10:51 pm
What can a family do if someone causes a wrongful death but can’t be found?
If someone causes a wrongful death but cannot be found, the victim’s family may still be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, their chances of recovering damages are significantly reduced.
The reason is due to the difficulty in proving the responsible party’s negligence. There is also the issue of serving the defendant with legal documents. Here are some key points to consider if you find yourself in this situation:
Limited recovery options
The hard truth is that a family’s chances of recovering any money for the wrongful death of a loved one is impossible if the person responsible for death is not found. A standard wrongful death lawsuit begins with serving the defendant with legal documents, and that cannot be done if the defendant is unknown.
Investigating potential liable parties
The family may need to investigate if any other parties could be held liable, such as employers, property owners, or other individuals who may have contributed to the circumstances leading to the death.
Insurance claim
If the at-fault party is known, but has gone into hiding, the family may be able to file a claim with the defendant’s insurance company (assuming they had coverage). The family can then attempt to recover damages, but it will depend on the terms of the at-fault party’s policy.
Statute of limitations
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of the victim’s death. However, the limitation can be extended (or tolled) if the at-fault party deliberately goes into hiding. To successfully argue for tolling, the plaintiff must demonstrate that they made reasonable efforts to locate the defendant.
Consult a wrongful death attorney
At the J. Gonzalez Law Firm, we can assess your situation, explore potential legal avenues, and advise on the best course of action based on the specific details of the case and applicable laws. Beforehand, you should collect as much evidence as possible about the incident, including police reports, witness statements, and medical records. These can be crucial even if the responsible party cannot be found.
In some circumstances the J. Gonzalez Law Firm may be able to file a so-called “John Doe Lawsuit,” allowing the family to proceed with the case even without knowing the exact identity of the responsible party.
Contact J. Gonzalez today to discuss your options. We’re available via this website or at 1-800-CAR-CRASH.
Police search for driver in fatal hit-and-run
The Texas Department of Public Safety is searching for a driver who fled the scene after fatally striking a 15-year-old boy who was riding his bicycle.
According to a DPS news release, the incident happened about 3:00 a.m. on Farm-to-Market Road 1846 near County Road 278. The report states that the teen victim was riding his bicycle north on FM 1846, when an unknown vehicle traveling in the same direction struck the bicyclist from behind.
The driver left the scene without rendering aid to Schwartz, who died from his injuries at the scene.
DPS has identified the bicyclist as 15 year old Kayden Schwartz of Harlingen.
“The suspect vehicle is possibly between a 2023-2025 Ford F-250 or a larger Ford pick-up model, which is unknown in color with chrome trimming and front right damage,” DPS said in the release.
DPS officials urge those who know the whereabouts of the suspect vehicle and driver to call their office at (956) 565-7600.
Source: https://myrgv.com/alerts-vms/2025/02/09/driver-sought-in-bicyclists-hit-and-run-death-in-san-benito/
DPS: Motorcyclist killed in crash was not wearing helmet
Posted on Tuesday, February 11th, 2025 at 9:22 pm
HIDALGO COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety says a motorcyclist who was killed in a February 6 crash that was not wearing a helmet.
The crash occurred around 7:52 p.m. on Farm-to-Market Road 2220 north of Nopal Street.
According to a DPS news release, a motorcycle operated by a male driver was traveling north on FM 2220, and a Toyota Rav 4 (also occupied by one male driver) was traveling south on the same street.
The DPS report adds that the motorcyclist “failed to drive in a single lane, veering left onto the northbound lane of travel, and collided with the Toyota.”
The motorcyclist, identified as 31-year-old Sergio Cuellar Torres, was taken to DHR Health where he died due to his injuries. Torres, a McAllen resident, was “found without protective gear or a helmet” according to the DPS statement.
The driver of the Toyota has yet to be identified and his condition remained unclear as of this writing.
Can motorcyclists still sue for injuries sustained while not wearing a helmet?
Yes, bikers can still sue for damages if they were injured in a motorcycle crash while not wearing a helmet.
However, any compensation achieved through a negotiated or adjudicated settlement may be reduced due to the concept of comparative negligence, which the state of Texas follows. Comparative negligence means the court will assign a percentage of fault to all parties involved in the accident, including the injured party.
The victim’s lawyers will argue the absence of a helmet was not a factor in their client’s injuries, while the defendant’s representatives will argue that the injuries were worsened by not wearing a helmet, potentially reducing the amount the victim can recover.
Consult the J. Gonzalez Law Firm
Crash victims who weren’t wearing a helmet might still have a case for compensation if they’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident and weren’t wearing a helmet.
Keep in mind that these claims are complex, and having an experienced personal injury attorney is essential. The personal injury attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm have decades of experience successfully representing victims of motorcycle accidents who weren’t wearing a helmet.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact The J. Gonzalez Law Firm at for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Source: https://myrgv.com/local-news/2025/02/07/mcallen-motorcyclist-killed-in-crash-not-wearing-helmet/
Woman injured in Elsa auto-pedestrian accident
Posted on Friday, January 31st, 2025 at 5:23 pm
Elsa police are investigating an auto-pedestrian accident that injured a woman, according to a police department news release. The statement says the accident occurred January 28 at around 6:18 p.m. at the intersection of FM 88 and 4th Street.
According to the report, officers discovered 34-year-old Liliana Reyes had been struck by a 2021 Chevrolet pickup truck that was driven by 18-year-old Dellan Bermudez. Reyes was walking westbound across FM 88 when she was struck.
Reyes was taken to DHR Health in Edinburg, where she was listed in serious but stable condition as of this report. Bermudez remained at the scene and was cooperating with police, the statement concluded.
Auto-pedestrian injuries
For obvious reasons, victims of auto-pedestrian accidents can suffer more-severe injuries than victims of crashes involving two vehicles. These injuries can include:
- Bone fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
If you’re recovering from any one of these injuries, you could be facing a mountain of medical bills for which you’ll need compensation. In order to get that compensation, you’ll need the best legal representation possible, which is why we urge you to call the J. Gonzalez Law Firm. Here, you’ll find the best personal injury attorneys working anywhere in Texas.
What happens when you call?
First, you’ll speak with a real person. Our compassionate team is available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our intake specialist will take down your preliminary information and have you speaking with one of our personal injury attorneys within a matter of minutes.
Advice from a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer
The attorney will take the time to listen carefully and gather more in-depth information about your case. This initial attorney consultation is absolutely free, and if it’s determined that you are being denied the compensation you deserve, we’ll begin working on your case right away.
Call J. Gonzalez today
As a client, our full team of resources will fight for you every step of the way. Our goal is to give you hope and peace of mind – we take pride in our results, and will relentlessly pursue every option to ensure the best outcome for you. Contact us via this website, or by calling 1-800-CAR CRASH.
Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/woman-hospitalized-following-auto-pedestrian-accident-in-elsa?
New Braunfels family sues Ford Motor Company over father’s death
Posted on Friday, January 24th, 2025 at 7:41 pm
SAN ANTONIO — The family of a New Braunfels man who was run over by his own truck has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Ford Motor Company.
According to KHOU-TV of Houston, Roy “Mack” Irwin was killed June 18, 2024 in a New Braunfels subdivision. Ring camera footage shows Irwin parking his 2023 Ford F-250 and exiting the vehicle. The video shows the truck moving back and forth before rolling forward.
Irwin is seen in the video chasing after the truck, and grabbing the steering wheel.
“As he tried to get back into the truck he was run over,” said family attorney Jeff Wigington. “He ultimately died from the injuries that he sustained. He didn’t have to die.”
Wigington told the television station that there have been numerous documented complaints, primarily from consumer groups, regarding transmission-type issues with Ford F-250s. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has recorded a number of such complaints going back five years, although there’ve been no recalls for the 2023 model, the station reported.
“The determination of the specific cause of those movements will have to be done throughout the course of this litigation, through testing that’s ultimately completed,” Wigington said.
San Antonio television station KENS 5 reported that it reached out to Ford for a statement in response to the lawsuit but a Ford representative said the company doesn’t comment on pending litigation.
Suing a car maker for an accident
According to Texas law, companies that manufacture products (including vehicles) must ensure their products are reasonably safe and function as intended. Under product liability laws, car manufacturers can be held liable if it is proven that it produced an unsafe product that caused an injury or death.
Liability
Before a vehicle or parts manufacturer can be held legally liable for a death or injury, the victim or their family must prove the following:
· The vehicle or part was demonstrably defective.
· The manufacturer’s negligence caused the defect.
· The defect caused the crash.
· The plaintiff suffered losses in the crash. (This can include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and in the case of wrongful death, losses resulting from the death of an immediate family member.)
The J. Gonzalez Law Firm can help
This most challenging aspect of a product liability case is proving the defective part or vehicle was the cause of the crash. As a defense, companies usually try to show that the driver or some circumstance was actually to blame for the crash.
That’s why you need a lawyer who has the expertise to gather the compelling evidence to prove the existence of a defect, and demonstrate the defect caused your crash. You will find such an attorney at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm. We can represent you anywhere in the state of Texas.
Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation. You can do that via this website, or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH. The J. Gonzalez Law Firm operates on a contingency fee basis. You only pay legal fees if we recover compensation for you.
Winter Texan couple killed in motorcycle crash, driver arrested
Posted on Thursday, January 23rd, 2025 at 11:07 pm
The McAllen Police Department has identified the victims of a January car-motorcycle accident as a Winter Texan couple from Iowa.
According to a news release, the victims were 76-year-old Evelyn Baarda, and her 78-year-old husband, Dale. The couple were on winter vacation from their home in Pella, Iowa.
Police say the Baardas were traveling in the 1700 block of S. 10th Street at around 12:44 p.m. when their motorcycle was struck by a Buick SUV. Details of how the crash occurred were not immediately available.
Evelyn was pronounced dead shortly after the crash. Dale, who was identified as the driver of the motorcycle, died after he was hospitalized, according to the news release.
Police say they arrested the driver of the SUV for not having a driver’s license. She is identified as 31-year-old Kenia Marcial Aguilar. The crash remained under investigation as of this writing.
The aging motorcyclist
Motorcycle riding can be a lifetime passion, but as a rider ages, they face increasing challenges to continue their hobby safely. The J. Gonzalez Law Firm, with the help of the Texas Department of Transportation, would like to offer a few tips that can help aging motorcyclists stay safer on the roads.
Changing riding habits
As we all get older, our muscles become weaker, and our eyesight isn’t as sharp as it used to be. Aging riders should make a conscious effort to reduce their time on the road and consider not operating a motorcycle after dark.
Riders should get their vision checked regularly and wear prescribed eyeglasses or contacts when riding.
Hearing aids can help compensate for age-related hearing loss.
Senior bikers should allow extra following distance for increased braking time. Higher speed roads like freeways may also be too challenging. Sticking to familiar areas in daylight hours is safest. Senior riders should also take a refresher riding course.
Medical assessment
Senior citizens should have a regular medical examination at least once a year. A full medical exam should include a thorough evaluation of vision, hearing, reflexes, flexibility, strength, cognition, medications, and existing conditions.
Choose the right motorcycle
Over time, heavy touring bikes with high seats will become more and more difficult to handle. Riders have enjoyed riding a big bike should look for a lighter-weight motorcycle with lower seat heights. They
are easier to control and can be more comfortable than a full-sized touring bike. Automatic transmissions and power steering can also reduce the need for strength when operating the motorcycle.
Know when to stop
With common sense precautions, aging motorcycle enthusiasts can continue riding safely well into their golden years. However, a time will come when motorcycle riding is no longer a safe option. This is true for all of us. Having an open and honest dialogue with family and friends can help you make the hard decision to stop riding when the time comes.
Contact J. Gonzalez
Despite the efforts of even the most-competent motorcycle riders, there may come a time when a collision occurs due to the negligence of someone else. Should that happen to you, you’ll want the J. Gonzalez Law Firm on your side. We’ll protect your rights and develop a strategy to recover the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact us today via this website, or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH.
Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/mcallen-police-identify-victims-of-deadly-motorcycle-collision?
San Benito woman pleads guilty to fatal Harlingen crash charge
Posted on Thursday, January 16th, 2025 at 5:34 pm
A San Benito woman faces up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to a charge of collision involving death.
Muniz was arrested in connection with an Oct. 15, 2023 crash in Harlingen that killed 83-year-old Loyal Clark “Fox” Temple.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said Muniz caused the crash on Business 83 west of Bass Boulevard in Harlingen when she “attempted to make a left turn onto Karr Avenue and drove onto the inside lane of the eastbound lanes of travel.”
Temple, who was driving eastbound, attempted to avoid colliding into Muniz’s vehicle and drove into a parking lot and collided with a tree, DPS said.
Temple died at the scene.
Court records show Muniz’s original charge of criminal negligent homicide will be dismissed due to the plea agreement. Muniz faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Sentencing has been set for Thursday, Feb. 6.
Personal injury and wrongful death claims against someone in prison
Personal injury and wrongful death cases can sometimes hit a snag. One of the bigger ones is the incarceration of the defendant. You still have the legal right to sue someone who is in jail or prison, but the logistics will be more challenging.
Each case is unique, so you’ll want to talk to one of the personal injury attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm. They serve the entire state of Texas and can advise you about the particulars of your case to determine whether it’s worth your time to file a lawsuit.
Some of the factors to consider are the strength of the evidence against the defendant, the extent of your damages, and the amount of assets the defendant is likely to have. Since the defendant is behind bars, it’s likely that the most significant factor to consider is whether the defendant can pay the damages in cases of personal injury or for the loss of a loved one in a wrongful death case.
If the J. Gonzalez Law Firm represents you in your case, you can still expect some complications to arise. Inmates are subject to being transferred to different facilities. The same inmate may be transferred several times during his or her sentence. This may delay the resolution of your case. On the other hand, if the inmate was convicted of a crime pertaining to your injuries, then it stands to reason that the lawsuit is based on substantial evidence supporting your claims.
The J. Gonzalez Law Firm will carefully walk you through all the possible scenarios and together we can decide what the best course of action is for you. Your first consultation is free, and you owe nothing unless we settle the case to your satisfaction. Contact us via this website, or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH.
Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/san-benito-woman-pleads-guilty-in-connection-with-deadly-harlingen-crash
San Benito woman pleads guilty to fatal Harlingen crash charge
Posted on Wednesday, January 15th, 2025 at 9:17 pm
A San Benito woman faces up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to a charge of collision involving death.
Muniz was arrested in connection with an Oct. 15, 2023 crash in Harlingen that killed 83-year-old Loyal Clark “Fox” Temple.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said Muniz caused the crash on Business 83 west of Bass Boulevard in Harlingen when she “attempted to make a left turn onto Karr Avenue and drove onto the inside lane of the eastbound lanes of travel.”
Temple, who was driving eastbound, attempted to avoid colliding into Muniz’s vehicle and drove into a parking lot and collided with a tree, DPS said.
Temple died at the scene.
Court records show Muniz’s original charge of criminal negligent homicide will be dismissed due to the plea agreement. Muniz faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Sentencing has been set for Thursday, Feb. 6.
Personal injury and wrongful death claims against someone in prison
Personal injury and wrongful death cases can sometimes hit a snag. One of the bigger ones is the incarceration of the defendant. You still have the legal right to sue someone who is in jail or prison, but the logistics will be more challenging.
Each case is unique, so you’ll want to talk to one of the personal injury attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm. They serve the entire state of Texas and can advise you about the particulars of your case to determine whether it’s worth your time to file a lawsuit.
Some of the factors to consider are the strength of the evidence against the defendant, the extent of your damages, and the amount of assets the defendant is likely to have. Since the defendant is behind bars, it’s likely that the most significant factor to consider is whether the defendant can pay the damages in cases of personal injury or for the loss of a loved one in a wrongful death case.
If the J. Gonzalez Law Firm represents you in your case, you can still expect some complications to arise. Inmates are subject to being transferred to different facilities. The same inmate may be transferred several times during his or her sentence. This may delay the resolution of your case. On the other hand, if the inmate was convicted of a crime pertaining to your injuries, then it stands to reason that the lawsuit is based on substantial evidence supporting your claims.
The J. Gonzalez Law Firm will carefully walk you through all the possible scenarios and together we can decide what the best course of action is for you. Your first consultation is free, and you owe nothing unless we settle the case to your satisfaction. Contact us via this website, or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH.