Certain Texas legislators are working overtime to create new laws designed to insulate big trucking and insurance companies from accountability at the expense of Texas families.

And we here at J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys cannot stand idly by while lawmakers try to make getting the compensation you need after a truck accident an even greater challenge.

With thousands of trucks and commercial vehicles crowding our Texas roadways, drivers safety can’t be left to chance. These commercial trucks and vehicles are often 20 times larger than the average car, meaning devastating consequences to the average driver.

The Statistics Show the Need for Accountability

The most recent estimates from the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) based on reportable crashes indicates:

• • Every 2 hours, 24 minutes, 1 person in Texas is killed;
  • Every 2 minutes, 7 seconds, 1 person is injured in Texas;
  • Every 58 seconds, 1 reportable crash occurs in Texas.

In 2019, Texas experienced more than 39,000 commercial vehicle crashes and 613 deaths, making Texas highways the most dangerous in the nation with the highest trucking crash injury or death toll of any state in the U.S., according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

These grim statistics serve to remind Texans that roadways can pose a danger to anyone, at any time. In addition, the sheer frequency of these types of accidents remind us that experienced legal representation is needed to fight for the compensation truck accident victims deserve, and if these bills are passed, that could become much more difficult.

We as citizens should work together to share our collective concerns for our safety and wellbeing to our elected officials, but in order to do so, we need to know more about the legislation they want to pass.

Let’s take a deeper look into what these bills propose.

Texas House Bill 19

HB 19 serves to protect truck and commercial drivers at fault for accidents in all but the most extreme cases. This signals commercial drivers receive a pass when their negligent and reckless actions injure–or potentially kill–another driver sharing the road.

The bill also absolves the companies that employ these drivers from independent compliance with federal or state safety regulations, including training or maintenance for their vehicles. In essence, HB 19 is designed to shield companies and their contracted drivers from liability in the event of an accident.

Senate Bill 207

In the event an individual is involved in an accident with a truck or commercial vehicle driver, the results can be both devastating and costly. SB 207 limits access to medical care for patients injured in these types of accidents.

They do so by tying physician compensation to payment rates set by the government. SB 207 would limit an injured person’s ability to pursue relief for medical bills and other expenses associated with the crash.

Finding the Right Truck Accident Lawyer Matters Now More Than Ever!

In the ever-evolving legal landscape of Texas, it’s critical you have the right legal team fighting for your rights. When laws are designed to favor big companies and protect them from wrongdoing, you need an experienced truck accident lawyer with proven results to help you navigate the legal challenges that may await.

If you are involved in a crash with a semi-truck, J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys can help you get your life back on track by getting you the compensation you need to properly recover, and unlike these legislators proposing these bills, we will actually fight to preserve your rights.

There may still be time to take care of your truck accident claim! Before these bills are considered, get with an experienced truck accident lawyer to discuss your legal options TODAY!

Book My FREE Consultation Now

On the afternoon of Friday, March 12th, a fatal car accident took place on Yuma Road in McAllen.

Details About the Incident

Local authorities are still investigating the accident, but early reports indicate that the accident led to a vehicle rollover.

The incident occurred on Yuma Road, near the 3100 block of South Ware Road. No identities have been revealed and no charges have been filed thus far.

McAllen PD is still currently investigating the accident.

Shocking McAllen Accident Statistics

The City of McAllen is no stranger to having a high volume of car accidents. According to data conducted by the Texas Department of Transportation, McAllen saw a total of 2,746 car accidents in 2019.

Of these incidents, there were:

• • 1,438 accidents in which 2,933 individuals possibly suffered injuries.
  • 408 accidents in which 640 individuals suffered non-incapacitating injuries.
  • 55 accidents in which 64 individuals suffered serious injuries.
  • 6 fatal accidents in which 6 individuals lost their lives.

McAllen Car Accident Attorneys Ready to Seek Justice On Your Behalf!

When a disaster takes the life of your loved one on the road, it is in your best interest to seek justice as soon as you possibly can.

J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys will fight tooth-and-nail against the negligent party responsible for taking the life of your loved one.

Do not hesitate to contact J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today to set up a FREE virtual consultation!

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Source: KRGV

On Tuesday, March 9th, the driver of a grey Mitsubishi Outlander lost control of their vehicle and crashed into a tattoo shop in San Antonio.

Details About the Incident 

According to initial reports, the accident occurred at approximately 1:00 a.m. on Loop 1604 and Culebra Road. The driver was traveling the wrong way when their vehicle hit a curb, swerved into the parking lot of the tattoo shop and slammed into the building. 

The incident caused significant damage to the building. 

The driver of the vehicle fled the scene after the accident and law enforcement officers are currently in search of the individual. 

Nobody was inside the building at the time of the accident and no injuries were reported.

The Results of Vehicle-Into-Building Crashes

On average, there are at least 60 vehicle-into-building crashes reported each day across the nation. These crashes take an average of 500 lives on a yearly basis and leave over 4,000 individuals severely injured.

These types of accidents also take a financial toll on businesses, causing hundreds of millions of dollars in property damages and civil claims on an annual basis.

According to a study conducted by Storefront Safety Council, from 2014 to 2020, the most common  factors that led to these types of incidents included: 

• Driving error (22%)
• Pedal error (19%)
• Drunk driving (16%)
• Traffic-related accident(s) (10%)
• Medical-related incident (9%)
• Ram-raiding, burglary cases (6%)
• Other/unspecified (18%)

Dedicated Rio Grande Valley Personal Injury Attorney Ready to Seek the Recovery You Deserve!

When disaster strikes and wreaks havoc upon your personal life, having the Rio Grande Valley’s “Top Lawyer” by your side is the best option to help you secure the financial recovery you deserve.

Contact J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today to set up your FREE case evaluation!

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Source: KSAT

While we walk into a business, household, or other property often without considering the dangers that may come with doing so, there are many instances where inadequate conditions can lead to a catastrophic slip and fall accident. 

Depending on the details of the incident, victims of a slip and fall accident can suffer physical damages, as well as long-term mental and emotional complications.

The McAllen personal injury lawyers at J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys are here to provide more context about the dangers of slip and fall accidents and how you can establish a case for your injuries in the event you suffer one.

Slip-and-Fall Accidents Explained

A slip and fall accident is a personal injury that occurs on another person’s property. 

These incidents are classified as “premises liability” cases, which means the owner of the property may be held liable for any injuries suffered in an accident.

Whether it is a commercial establishment or residential property, the owner owes a duty of care to anyone who walks onto their premises. These accidents can occur within the interior or exterior of the property.

Notable injuries a victim can suffer from a slip and fall may include:

• Skull fractures
• Bone fractures or breaks
• Head and/or neck trauma
• Spinal cord injuries or other back-related injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Hip and pelvic injuries

Proving Negligence Against a Property Owner

In order to successfully prove a premises liability case against the owner, you must provide sufficient evidence that your injuries were caused due to the property owner’s failure to fulfill their duty of care.

To successfully prove your claim, you must show:

• The defendant (property owner) knew about certain dangers on the premises, such as a wet floor or a frozen walkway.
• The conditions posed an unreasonable risk of harm.
• The defendant did not exercise reasonable care to reduce or eliminate the risk.
• The plaintiff suffered injuries as a result of inadequate property maintenance.

Additionally, an in-depth investigation must be done in order to determine whether or not the property owner was solely or partially responsible for your injuries.

In order to build a strong case, you should gather as much evidence as possible, including any injury reports, rehabilitation notes, medication prescriptions, and any pictures showing the injuries sustained, as well as the accident scene itself.

Suffered Severe Injuries Due to a Property Owner’s Negligence? Don’t Hesitate to Seek Justice!

When a property owner fails to ensure your safety, you owe it to yourself to seek justice for the damages you have suffered.

The Rio Grande Valley’s “Top Lawyer” at J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys is dedicated to helping personal injury victims seek the financial recovery they need to begin the healing process.

Contact J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today for a FREE virtual consultation!

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Wednesday, March 10th, a fatal two-vehicle crash shut down the west State Highway 71 in Travis County.

More on the Car Accident

According to local authorities, the accident occurred on the 20400 block of SH-71. While details are limited at this time, what is known is that the victim was pinned into their own vehicle after colliding with a semi-truck.

The SH-71 lanes were later reopened around 2:30 p.m., the victim has not been identified, and no charges have been filed thus far.

Analyzing the Texas/Travis County-Based Car Accident Statistics

Since November 7th, 2000, a Texan has died every single day on roadways across the state.

Based on statistical data collected by the Texas Department of Transportation, it was reported that in 2019 a total of 3,610 individuals lost their lives on Texas roadways, and 256,338 individuals suffered injuries as a result of a car accident.

Additionally, there was at least one person killed on a Texas roadway every 2 hours and 26 minutes, a reported injury every 2 minutes and 3 seconds, and a reported car crash every 56 seconds across the state.

In Travis County, there were a reported total of 20,458 car crash incidents that occurred in 2019 alone. Out of those reported incidents, there were:

• • 4,264 accidents in which 6,528 individuals possibly suffered injuries.
  • 3,743 accidents in which 5,129 individuals suffered non-incapacitating injuries.
  • 626 accidents in which 742 individuals were suspected of suffering from serious injuries.
  • 120 accidents in which 123 individuals lost their lives.

Rio Grande Valley Car Accident Attorneys Ready to Lend a Hand When You Need It the Most!

When losing a loved one unexpectedly as a result of a car accident, it can be one of the darkest times you and your family may ever endure, and the aftermath can often leave surviving family members drowning in debt. The McAllen car accident attorneys at J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys are dedicated to seek justice for your loved one and fight for the financial recovery you deserve.

Don’t hesitate to seek legal help as the Texas statute of limitations will only allow you to file a claim within a span of two (2) years, starting from the date in which the car accident occurred.

Have you lost a loved one as a result of a negligent driver? Contact J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today to set up a FREE virtual consultation!

Book My FREE Consultation Now

Source: KXAN

Tuesday morning, March 9th, a mattress flew off a pickup truck that was traveling in front of an 18-wheeler and lodged itself underneath the massive truck, causing the mattress to catch fire and burn the entire vehicle down.

Details About the Incident

According to local authorities, a pickup truck heading northbound on Expressway 281 was carrying an unsecured mattress that flew off of the vehicle and went underneath the 18-wheeler, where it lodged and caught fire.

In consequence, the burning mattress caused the 18-wheeler to completely burst into flames and was completely destroyed as a result.

The driver of the 18-wheeler managed to flee the vehicle in time and remained unharmed. As for the pickup truck driver, he did not stay to render aid and instead fled the accident scene.

The exact cause of how the mattress caught on fire remains unknown.

Road Debris Accidents Explained

Road debris can be classified as either loose objects on the road or an object flying off the bed of a vehicle. They can ultimately interfere with the flow of traffic and cause car accidents.

In a study conducted by the American Automobile Association (AAA), it was revealed that between 2011-2014, a total number of 200,000 reported accidents occurred as a result of road debris, which cost the lives of 500 individuals and injured 39,000 victims.

When a driver operates a pickup truck or a vehicle holding up heavy cargo, it is their responsibility to properly strap and secure their objects down on their vehicle with tie-downs, netting, or ropes in a safe, legal manner. Individuals that fail to do so may be held responsible if their objects fly off and cause serious physical damage to any driver or pedestrian sharing the road with them.

What Should You Do if You Were Hit by a Flying Object on the Road?

1. 1. Contact the police: When a car accident occurs, it is vital to pull over to the side of the road–if you can do so safely–and contact the local authorities. Let them know that the accident just occurred, and inform them of what happened and the exact whereabouts where the car accident occured.
   2. Seek medical help: Whether you suffered a serious injury or got away with minor cuts and bruises, it is crucial to seek out medical attention as soon as you can. This can help you document strong evidence should you decide to file a personal injury claim, and it can save your life as severe injuries can develop hours or even days after the car accident.
   3. Collect as much evidence as possible: This includes medical records and/or therapy costs or prescription receipts associated with the car accident. Photographs of your injuries and physical damages suffered, police reports when available, and any other sort of evidence can also help support your claim as well.

It is important to note that if an accident were to occur, the person carrying the cargo must stop and render aid and exchange insurance information with you. However, if the at-fault driver responsible for the flying object does NOT stop and flees, gather eyewitness reports, dashcam footage, or nearby store surveillance (if applicable) in order to help build a strong case.

Injured Because of Loose Road Debris? Get In Touch With the Rio Grande Valley’s Top Lawyer Today!

When a negligent driver fails to properly strap their property down and causes your car accident, you may be entitled to the appropriate financial compensation to cover the cost of your damages.

Don’t suffer in silence. The McAllen car accident attorneys of J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys are here to fight tooth and nail for you in civil court to seek the justice you deserve.

Contact J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today to set up a FREE virtual consultation!

Book My FREE Consultation Now

Source: KRGV

On the night of Wednesday, March 3rd, a 72-year-old man was a victim of a hit-and-run accident in Weslaco.

According to local authorities, the accident occurred within the intersection of 6th Street and Bridge Avenue late Wednesday night.

While details are still extremely vague at the moment, Weslaco PD is actively in pursuit of the driver responsible.

Details About The Accident

Auto-pedestrian accidents tend to be one of the most recurring problems that we face amongst our roadways perhaps far too often. 

Even worse, instead of stopping and render aid to a victim, some neglient drivers cowardly decide to flee the scene in an attempt to clear their clear connection to the incident. 

The state of Texas is no stranger to auto-pedestrian accidents as there were a total of 5,952 auto-pedestrian incidents statewide. 

Out of these reported incidents, there were a total of: 

• 1,954 individuals suffered possible injuries.
• 2,095 individuals suffered non-incapacitating injuries.
• 1,260 individuals suffered serious injuries.
• 660 individuals were killed. 

Additionally, in a separate study, 2019 was statistically the deadliest year for pedestrians across the entire United States as there were a total number of 6,590 reported fatalities as a result of auto-pedestrian incidents.

What To Do In The Event Of A Hit-and-Run Incident

When a driver accidentally, or maliciously strikes you within a blink of an eye, it is crucial to seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY as your life may be on the line. 

Once you have been treated by medical professionals, it is important to note down as many details as you can in regards to the accident in order to use for evidence in a civil court. 

It is important to gather all possible documentation when it comes to your medical bills, prescriptions, any photographs regarding your injuries, and the accident scene in order to develop the strongest case possible against the driver responsible for the accident.

Once you have been medically cleared, it is vital to get in touch with a McAllen personal injury attorney, such as the Rio Grande Valley’s “Top Lawyer” of J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys as soon as you possibly can to file an accident claim.

Our attorneys will offer you a no-obligation, FREE case evaluation and review the nature of your case in order to determine what legal options may be available to seek the financial recovery you deserve for your pain, emotional trauma, and physical suffering.

It is important to act fast when wanting to seek justice as the Texas statute of limitations will only allow you to file a claim within a two (2) year time period, starting from the exact date in which the accident occurred

Contact J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today for a FREE virtual case evaluation!

Book My FREE Consultation Now

Source: KRGV 

On the night of Saturday, February 27, the driver of a Tesla and five Montgomery County deputy constables were involved in a chain-reaction accident in Splendora.

Details About the Incident

According to local authorities, the accident occurred at approximately 1:15 a.m. at the intersection of Eastex Freeway near East River Road in Montgomery County.

Initial reports indicate that the driver of the Tesla rear-ended a cruiser involved in a traffic stop, which led to a chain-reaction of vehicles rear-ending each other. The incident caused serious injuries including broken bones, spinal injuries, and scrapes.

A K9 officer was also involved and evaluated by a veterinarian.

Two patrol vehicles were totaled as a result of the incident and three other vehicles were significantly damaged.

It is believed that the driver of the Tesla was driving-under-the-influence and failed to slow down. That driver was not injured but was charged with a DWI.

Multi-Vehicle Accidents by the Numbers

According to a study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there were a total of 17,079 lives lost due to multi-vehicle accidents across the U.S. in 2018.

That same year, Texas experienced approximately 1,802 multi-vehicle fatalities.

The Consequences of Driving Under the Influence

In 2019, alcohol-related accidents accounted for a quarter of all traffic fatalities in the State of Texas.

Individuals charged with a DUI or DWI may face a number of penalties, including:

• • First Offense: 180 days worth of jail time and/or $2,000 maximum fine. Drivers can also lose their license for up to a year.
  • Second Offense: 30-365 days worth of jail time and/or $4,000 maximum fine upon second offense if committed within 5 years of the first offense. Licenses can be suspended for a maximum period of two years.
  • Third Offense: Around 2-10 years in prison and/or $10,000 fine with a license suspension.

Rio Grande Valley’s “Top Lawyer”

Consulting with the McAllen car accident lawyers of J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys can be your best option to seek the financial recovery and justice you are entitled to if you’ve been involved in a catastrophic car accident.

Contact J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today for a FREE case evaluation.

Book My FREE Consultation Now

Source: ABC 13

On the early morning of Friday, February 26th, an individual was struck by a vehicle in West Lake Hills. The victim was pronounced dead following the incident.

Details About the Accident

According to local authorities, the accident occurred at approximately 5:00 a.m. at the intersection of Bee Caves Road and Walsh Tarlton Lane. It was confirmed that the vehicle struck the pedestrian before stopping to render aid.

Austin-Travis County EMS responded to the accident shortly after and attempted CPR. The victim temporarily regained their pulse and was rushed to a local hospital. However, despite life-saving efforts, the individual was later declared dead.

No charges have been filed against the driver thus far.

A Brief Overview of the Lethal Consequences of Auto-Pedestrian Accidents

One of the most severe types of accidents a human body can endure is being struck by a vehicle.

These types of accidents can occur due to a lack of communication between the driver and pedestrian, as a result of weather or road conditions, or because one of the parties involved is in an altered state of mind, such as drinking and driving.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were approximately 6,000 auto-pedestrian accidents statewide in 2019. Of these reported incidents, there were:

• • 1,831 incidents in which 1,954 individuals suffered possible injuries.
  • 1,991 incidents in which 2,095 individuals suffered non-incapacitating injuries.
  • 1,215 incidents in which 1,260 individuals suffered serious injuries.
  • 656 fatal incidents in which 660 individuals lost their lives.

McAllen Car Accident Lawyer Ready to Seek Justice in Honor of Your Loved One!

When a negligent driver causes an accident that takes the life of your loved one in the process, you are entitled to seek legal action against the party responsible for your loss.

Our “Top Lawyer” will sit down and evaluate the nature of the incident and determine what legal options are available to you.

Contact J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today for a FREE case evaluation!

Book My FREE Consultation Now

Source: KXAN

On Tuesday afternoon, February 16th, a fatal accident in Weslaco took the life of a 16-year-old girl after she was reportedly involved in an auto-pedestrian accident.

Details About the Accident

According to local authorities, the accident occurred around 7:40 p.m. within the westbound lane of Mile 10 North, west of Mile 4 West in Weslaco.

The victim was walking alongside Mile 10 and was struck by a red Ford Mustang traveling westbound. The vehicle contained a male driver and female passenger, who ultimately stopped to render aid following the accident. 

Initial reports from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) authorities indicate that the area was very dark and dim, and it lacked proper infrastructure along the shoulders of the road.

The accident still remains under investigation.

Disturbing Auto-Pedestrian Accident Statistics You Should Know 

Whether due to a lack of communication between drivers and pedestrians, distracted and/or impaired driving, or a lack of visibility, there are far too many lives that are taken annually due to auto-pedestrian accidents.

Disturbingly enough, there are many occurrences where a negligent driver flees from the accident scene without rendering aid, which is illegal. Texas ranks as the 8th worst state with the highest hit-and-run fatality rates.

Additionally, a yearly report conducted by the Texas Department of Transportation indicates that there was a reported tally of 5,952 Texas pedestrian-related accidents in 2019.

Out of those reported accidents, there were approximately: 

• 1,831 accidents that led to 1,954 individuals suffered possible injuries.
• 1,991 accidents that led to 2,095 individuals suffered non-incapacitating injuries.
• 1,215 accidents that led to 1,260 individuals suffered serious injuries.
• 656 accidents that led to 660 individual fatalities as a result of the accident.

Weslaco’s “Top Lawyer” Ready to Help You Seek the Justice You Deserve!

While losing a loved one can be one of the hardest and painful experiences you could go through, you owe it to yourself, your family, and your loved one to seek the justice they deserve for a tragic car accident.

1. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys, the Weslaco car accident attorneys and the Valley’s “Top Lawyer,” will fight tooth and nail in civil court to earn the justice your loved one deserves. We will walk you through the entire legal process in order to seek the financial recovery you are entitled to.

Do not hesitate to contact us as soon as possible for your car accident,  as the Texas statute of limitations will only allow you to file a car accident claim within a two (2) year period, starting from the day in which the tragedy occured.

Contact J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today for a FREE, no-obligation consultation!

Book My FREE Consultation Now

Source: Valley Central