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?

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

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?fbclid=IwY2xjawH0yX1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHYeAR3iJzmYw6-mKGaZMstStDqOeQ8I9hLbxDisM7fFyMPIIjj6TOA2kUA_aem_QkcFURmso1Ok9TtmVJXsAw

SANTA ROSA – The Santa Rosa Police Department reports one woman is in custody following a hit-and-run crash that hospitalized a 2-year-old girl with a skull fracture.

Sonia Selina Pena is in the Cameron County jail on multiple charges, including collision involving personal injury or death, injury to a child and failing to render aid, jail records show.

According to Santa Rosa police Lt. Ernesto Barajas, the incident happened at the Santa Rosa Village apartments, located at 613 Farm to Market 506, Saturday at around 4:10 p.m. Pena was backing out of the parking lot when she hit the child and left the scene, Barajas said.

At around 6:30 p.m., Pena came back to the scene and later told police she thought she had hit a curb, Barajas added.

Pena was also charged with an unrelated charge of harboring a felon.

Cameron County Jail records indicate bond for Pena was set at $45,000.

Pursuing a claim against an incarcerated person

While it is possible to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against someone who is in jail, the situation does present some unique challenges. Inmates are often transferred from one prison to another which means following through with the case can be difficult. Someone who is locked up cannot simply appear in court either.

Another potential problem is the lack of resources of the defendant. There are people in jail who have savings, however, people who are convicted of crimes don’t have much money going in. In short, you may find yourself attempting to sue someone who is broke and has little financial prospects.

Talk to J. Gonzalez

Talk to the J. Gonzalez Law Firm before pursuing a lawsuit against an incarcerated person. Our team of personal injury experts can explain the challenges of getting a defendant into a courtroom, whether or not the potential settlement or judgement makes the case worth pursuing.

J. Gonzalez might be able to find other options for obtaining compensation when pursuing a lawsuit is unfeasible. Civil justice is about helping you out of a bad situation when you’ve been hurt. Talk to the skilled personal injury attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm. We can help you get the compensation you need and deserve.

Call us today at 1-800-CAR-CRASH, or contact us right away via this website.

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/santa-rosa-woman-arrested-in-connection-with-hit-and-run-crash-that-hospitalized-2-year-old-girl

McAllen police have launched an investigation into a January 5 auto-pedestrian accident that left two people hospitalized.

According to a news release, a 39-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy sustained serious, but non-life-threatening injuries when they were struck by a vehicle around 7:44 p.m. at the intersection of North Col. Rowe Boulevard and Hackberry Avenue.

The police statement says the pedestrians had entered the intersection crosswalk when they were struck by a Ford Mustang.

The driver of the vehicle reported the collision to police, the news release added. No charges were pending at this writing, and no names were immediately released.

What happens if I am hit by a car in a crosswalk?

Pedestrians who are hit while walking in a crosswalk, can file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the responsible party. The can begin by taking the following steps immediately:

Document injuries and medical expenses                  

By keeping records of injuries and medical expenses, the victim’s legal team will be in a better position to build a solid case for financial compensation.

If possible, auto-pedestrian victims should take photos of the injuries to substantiate their severity. Injury photos and copies of medical records and bills will support the victim’s claim to monetary recovery due to negligence.

Will the case go to court?

Many personal injury cases are resolved through insurance company claims. However, insurance companies are not on the side of the victim. They look out for their clients and themselves first. If the insurance company is not willing to compensate beyond the policyholder’s limits, bringing a case to court may be the victim’s best option for recovering maximum compensation. That’s why it’s always best to prepare for the possibility that your case will go to court.

Do I have grounds for a claim?

Grounds for a claim are more common than most people might think. If your life has been significantly affected by the injuries you sustained, you have the right to hold the liable party accountable. Therefore you should talk a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Contact J. Gonzalez

Your initial consultation with the personal injury lawyers at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm is always free. Find out whether you have the right to financial compensation by contacting us today. You can reach us via this website, or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH. Contact us when you are ready to explore your options for financial compensation.

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/mcallen-police-two-people-hospitalized-following-auto-pedestrian-crash

A 22-year-old Edinburg man died on New Year’s Eve after crossing into the wrong lane and crashing head-on with a truck. According to a City of Edinburg news release, the crash happened in the 1800 block of East Monte Cristo Rd. shortly after 9:00 p.m. on December 31.

The preliminary report indicates that a black Nissan Rogue driven by Juan Enrique Rios was traveling west before veering into the eastbound lanes, crashing head-on with a white Ford F-150.

Rios sustained major injuries and died at the hospital. The driver of the F-150 sustained minor injuries.

The crash was still under investigation at this writing.

Death of a personal injury defendant

The personal injury claim process doesn’t stop if the at-fault driver dies. The deceased defendant’s automobile insurance must still defend the claim. If the insurance company refuses to offer a just settlement, it would be necessary to go to court. The plaintiff may still be entitled to damages, but he/she would have to prove that the deceased driver was at fault for the car accident.

Building a case

Building a strong case on the plaintiff’s behalf requires supporting evidence. This can include items such as:

• Photographs documenting both vehicle damage and physical injuries
• Official documentation from law enforcement and crash investigators
• Medical documentation and treatment invoices
• Testimony from people who witnessed the incident
• Testimony of experts (when necessary)

As with any personal injury case, it’s important to collect evidence promptly. If possible, take photos and videos at the accident scene using your phone, gather witness contact information, and file a police report.

Your personal injury attorney may be able to file claim or lawsuit against the estate of the deceased driver. Legally speaking, the case will proceed as if the at fault driver was still alive. However, a personal representative or special administrator will be appointed to accept service on behalf of the deceased driver.

Uninsured driver

If the deceased driver was uninsured, you may still have options through your uninsured motorist coverage. Texas has minimum coverage requirements of $30,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in one accident and $60,000 for bodily injury to or death of all people in the vehicle.

Contact J. Gonzalez

The J. Gonzalez Law Firm strongly recommends beginning your claim as soon as possible–evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and waiting only makes building a strong case more challenging.

Our expert team of personal injury attorneys specialize in helping people with complicated claims. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact us via this website or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH. We have bilingual attorneys on staff to help you fully understand all your legal rights. Do it today before time runs out.

Source: https://myrgv.com/local-news/2025/01/01/edinburg-man-dies-in-crash-on-new-years-eve/

HIDALGO COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety reports one person died and two others critically injured in a rollover vehicle crash north of Donna. The crash happened December 22 at approximately 7:00 a.m. on Goolie Road north of Eldora Rd.

In a news release, Texas DPS said its preliminary investigation revealed a 2017 gray GMC Acadia occupied by two men and one woman was traveling northbound on Goolie Road at a high rate of speed.

“For unknown reasons,” the release stated, “(the GMC) veered off the roadway towards the east side and rolled over, ejecting two passengers,” the release stated. The Texas DPS statement says the occupants were not wearing safety belts.

The agency said all three people were transported to a local hospital in critical condition, where one person later died of his injuries. DPS identified the victim as 27-year-old Luis Orlando Martinez of Weslaco.

The crash was still under further investigation at this writing.

Will not wearing a seat belt hurt my personal injury case?

The use of a seatbelt is usually irrelevant in a personal injury case. However, this is not to say that an insurance adjuster will not try to use this against you in negotiations. Still, if a case goes to trial, it is unlikely that the evidence of whether or not you were wearing a seatbelt will come into play.

Contributory Negligence

An insurance company’s or defendant’s attorney may attempt to introduce evidence demonstrating the injured plaintiff’s “contributory negligence.” However, negligent actions that merely increase or add to the extent of loss or injury caused by someone else’s negligence do not constitute contributory negligence that precludes a person from recovering from a defendant.

The argument of Failure to Mitigate

Many insurance or defense lawyers will try to argue that the injured person “failed to mitigate” their damages by not wearing a seatbelt. This means you did not make an effort to keep your damages to a minimum (which is usually required – you can’t just sit back and let your damages run amok if you have some control over the costs).

However, when it comes to failing to wear a seatbelt, Texas courts have rejected this argument. A failure to mitigate defense does not allow for conduct that occurred prior to the defendant’s wrongful behavior. The failure to wear a seatbelt occurs prior to the defendant’s wrongful conduct, which causes the accident. In other words, a person cannot prevent damages from occurring. As a result, no seatbelt cases are not eligible for this defense.

Contact J. Gonzalez

The best way to ensure you are not denied the personal injury settlement you legally deserve is to have the best personal injury attorney representing your case. The personal injury attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm are second to none at representing their clients’ rights when it comes to negotiations with insurance companies as well as in court if that becomes necessary.

If you are searching for the best car accident lawyer in Texas, you owe it to yourself to contact the J. Gonzalez Law Firm to discuss your case. The initial consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us via this website or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH today.

Source: https://myrgv.com/featured/2024/12/22/one-dead-two-in-critical-condition-following-donna-crash/

A motorcyclist was killed in what authorities called a “major” crash in Edinburg on Thursday evening.

Damion Hernandez, 28, was riding his motorcycle in the 2800 block of Larkspur Drive in Edinburg when he struck a metal light pole, the city said in a news release Friday.

Police responded at around 11:20 p.m. and Hernandez was transported to a local hospital, where he died a short time later.

According to police, several factors that may have led to the crash are being investigated.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that alcohol and excessive speed may have contributed to the incident,” the city said.

“The Edinburg Police Department reminds the public of the importance of making safe and responsible choices. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have life-altering consequences.”

Authorities also urge motorists to make a plan when planning to drink, such as designating a sober driver or using ride-sharing services.

Motorcycle safety tips

Riding a motorcycle is fun, but it can be dangerous, too. There’s nothing separating the rider from the pavement or other vehicles on the road. Even a minor accident can cause severe injuries and even death. The J. Gonzalez Law Firm has some safety tips that beginning Texas motorcycle riders should keep in mind.

Motorcycle engines vary by capacity and horsepower. Beginner riders shouldn’t purchase a bike that is more than they can handle. This can easily lead to difficulties operating the bike. The J. Gonzalez Law Firm recommends you learn how much horsepower different types of motorcycles have, so you can find the right make and model for your lifestyle.

Make sure you always wear the proper gear when riding your motorcycle. This includes wearing reflective clothing specially rated for motorcycles. You should also wear shoes that are closed at the toes, shirts with long sleeves, and long pants. This will help protect your skin should you crash and slide across the pavement.

Practice your riding skills every chance you have. You can practice in an empty lot, and if possible, have a more-experienced rider along who can teach you how to be safe.

Learn to become a defensive driver. You should presume that other drivers will not be able to see you on your bike. Notice the characteristics of aggressive drivers and inattentive drivers. It might help save your life someday.

Novice motorcyclists have a higher risk of being involved in an accident and suffering a serious injury than seasoned bikers do. If you find yourself on the bad end of an accident, contact the personal injury

experts at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm to discuss your situation and learn how you can protect your right to recover just compensation. Call us today at 1-800-CAR CRASH, or contact us via this website.

Source: https://myrgv.com/local-news/2024/12/20/motorcyclist-28-killed-after-crashing-into-light-pole-in-edinburg/

BROWNSVILLE — Brownsville police have released the name of a woman who was killed in a December 11 auto-pedestrian accident. The victim was identified as 68-year-old Maria Magdalena Richardson.

According to a police department news release, Richardson was hit by a vehicle at approximately 6:30 p.m. in the 200 block of Old Port Isabel Road. She was pronounced dead at the scene by a local Justice of the Peace.

The details of how the incident happened were not released, but police say the driver who struck the woman with their vehicle remained at the scene. No other information was provided.

What to do after an auto-pedestrian accident

Here is a list of steps you should take if you were the driver who struck a pedestrian. The list was compiled by The Monitor newspaper and the J. Gonzalez Law Firm:

· Immediately stop your vehicle

· Check on the pedestrian’s condition

· Call emergency services (911)

· Ensure the scene is safe

· Exchange insurance information with the pedestrian

· If possible, take photos of the accident scene while you wait for the police to arrive

Even if the pedestrian appears unharmed, it’s crucial to seek medical attention and report the accident to authorities. If there are any witnesses, collect their contact details. Once police arrive on the scene, cooperate with them fully, and provide accurate information about the accident.

Most important of all, do not leave the scene. You will charged with a crime even if the accident was not your fault. Always stay at the accident site until authorities arrive.

Do not admit fault to anyone, and avoid making any statements that could be interpreted as admitting guilt.

If you are the victim of an auto-pedestrian accident

First and foremost, focus on getting medical attention for your injuries. Even if you feel like you weren’t seriously hurt, get a medical exam, because some injuries might not manifest themselves immediately.

Once you get yourself taken care of, seek legal advice from the J. Gonzalez Law Firm. Medical treatment can cost a fortune, and if your injuries were the result of someone else’s negligence, you have a legal to pursue compensation for your losses.

The personal injury attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm will fight on your behalf, and it won’t cost you anything to find out if we can represent you in your case. In fact, you pay nothing unless we get the settlement you want on your behalf.

Contact us via this website, or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://www.valleycentral.com/news/local-news/one-dead-in-boca-chica-auto-pedestrian-crash/

HARLINGEN – The Harlingen Police Department has released the identity of a man who was killed in a hit-and-run crash. Police say he was 19-year-old Richard Andrew Parmer.

Parmer’s body was found at approximately 3:09 a.m. November 29, lying on the side of the road in the 2900 block of North Expressway 77 Frontage Road.

“Officers responded to the scene and discovered a deceased male who appeared to have been struck by a vehicle,” the release stated.

Investigators continue to review surveillance footage in the area to determine the circumstances of the incident and to identify a suspect vehicle.

Authorities are asking anyone who was in the area that morning between 2:30 and 3 a.m. to contact Investigator Yesenia Vega at (956) 216-5510 or Harlingen Crime Stoppers at (956) 425-8477.

“Your cooperation is greatly appreciated as we work to bring clarity and justice to this matter,” the release stated.

Investigating fatal car accidents

It’s for families to want answers when a loved one dies in a fatal car accident, but as the above story illustrates, car crash information often develops slowly over time.

If you have lost a loved one to a car crash, you are probably wondering how long it will take for the accident to be investigated, but in a fatal car accident, investigators must examine a number of elements to determine what happened. The process might take two months or more.

Elements of a Texas car crash investigation

In Texas, law enforcement crash investigators are required to submit Form CR-3 to the state. This form is known as an accident report, and the information it contains includes:

• Date
• Location
• Information about vehicles, drivers, passengers, and pedestrians who may have been involved
• Drug and alcohol test results for drivers
• List of any injuries and whether or not they were deceased at the scene)
• Damage observed by the officer
• Charges filed in the case
• Factors contributing to the accident, such as weather

Timeline

There is no single timeline for car crash investigations. Fatal accident investigations generally take longer than non-fatal accidents, as do multi-vehicle crashes. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible can

help you understand the investigative process better and perhaps expedite the process should an independent investigation become necessary for a lawsuit.

Contact J. Gonzalez for help

The experienced personal injury attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm are here to listen, and offer advice and guidance on how to proceed with your case. J. Gonzalez offers no-cost consultations and his firm will never pressure you to hire us. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means if you do hire us, our fee is transparent right up-front as a percentage of the total recovery awarded in your case.

Contact us today vis this website, or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://myrgv.com/publications/valley-morning-star/2024/12/03/police-identify-harlingen-man-killed-in-hit-and-run-crash/