On the afternoon of February 13th, a Pedernales fire truck carrying four firefighters was involved in a rollover accident.

According to Austin-Travis County EMS, the accident occurred at the 16100-16300 block of west SH 71. All four firefighters were rushed to the nearest hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

While the exact cause of the accident remains unknown, it is believed the incident occurred as a result of a frozen roadway.

Weather-Related Accident Statistics

Driving in severe freezing or rainy conditions can greatly increase the risk of being involved in a serious accident.

According to the Texas Dept. of Transportation, in 2019 there were a total of 560,952 weather-related accidents across the state, including 268 which were caused by hail or sleet on the road. Of these total accidents reported, there were approximately 3,288 fatalities.

Rollover Statistics to Be Aware Of

Rollovers are some of the most catastrophic accidents a victim can endure.  

These types of accidents account for approximately 35% of all vehicle accidents across the United States. Shockingly, 85% of rollovers are reported as single-vehicle accidents.

By nature, the larger and narrower a vehicle is, the higher the possibility that it can rollover. This is because a vehicle with a high center of gravity offers less stability. 

McAllen Car Accident Attorneys Urging You to Stay Safe on the Road

With the recent winter storm in mind, the McAllen lawyers of J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys urge fellow Texans to drive as carefully as possible during inclement weather to avoid a sudden tragedy.

In the event that a negligent driver hits you, it is in your best interest to get in touch with J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys to begin the process of seeking justice. Our attorneys will fight day and night to help you secure positive results. 

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

Book My FREE Consultation Now

Source: KXAN

On Saturday, February 6th, an adult male was fatally struck by a car as he was attempting to cross the highway at Forest Trails Drive in Houston.

Details About the Incident

According to local authorities, the incident occurred at approximately 10:00 p.m on the 8100 block of Highway 6 near Forest Trails Drive. Eyewitnesses reported that the victim was attempting to cross the street during a red light.

The bicyclist was declared dead at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle failed to stop to render aid and is currently on the run from local authorities.

Staggering Texas Hit-and-Run Statistics

Hit-and-run incidents occur when a driver either fails to give a pedestrian or other driver the right-of-way, or when a driver flat out fails to acknowledge the presence of the victim.

As per data compiled by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), it was reported that 2019 was one of the deadliest years for pedestrians with a total of 6,590 fatalities across the United States caused by hit-and-run accidents.

Texas saw 5,952 pedestrian-related incidents in 2019.

Of these reported incidents:

• • 1,954 individuals suffered possible injuries.
  • 2,095 individuals suffered non-incapacitating injuries.
  • 1,260 individuals suffered serious injuries.
  • 660 individuals lost their lives.

Texas Cyclist Accident Statistics

According to TxDOT, there were 2,547 auto-cyclist incidents. Of these accidents:

• • 871 accidents in which 878 individuals suffered possible injuries.
  • 1,100 accidents in which 1,102 individuals suffered non-incapacitating injuries.
  • 312 accidents in which 312 individuals suffered serious injuries.
  • 68 fatal accidents in which 68 individuals lost their lives.

RGV’s Top Lawyer Ready to Deliver Justice!

J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys are here to fight tooth and nail for you and your loved ones. It is important to act as soon as possible as the Texas statute of limitations only allows you to file a personal injury claim within two (2) years from when the accident occurred.

Do not hesitate to contact J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today for a FREE case evaluation!

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Source: ABC 13

On the morning of February 15th, an accident involving a garbage truck and a passenger vehicle occurred in Harlingen on the westbound lane of Expressway 83 near the Altas Palmas exit.

Local authorities cite that freezing conditions on the road played a pivotal factor.

No further injuries have been reported thus far and the accident remains under investigation.

Weather-Related Statistics

When driving in dangerous winter weather conditions, including freezing temperatures, you put yourself at risk of losing control of your vehicle due to icy and slippery roads.

Black ice tends to develop on roadways when temperatures are below freezing. Black ice serves as a major threat to all drivers if they do not take road conditions seriously.

As per research conducted by the United States Federal Highway Administration (USFHA), there are at least 900 fatalities and 76,000 reported injuries on an annual basis as a result of icy, sleet, and snowy conditions.

In a separate study conducted between 2007-2016, the USFHA concluded that over 70% of weather-related accidents during that time frame occurred on roads with wet pavement.

Tips for Driving in Dangerous Weather Conditions

While it is best to stay off the roads during severe weather, there are many instances where that is not possible. If you must drive during winter weather conditions, please keep the following tips in mind:

• • Drive with caution: It is crucial to travel at a reduced speed and to be fully aware of your surroundings in case you need to make a sudden stop. Check your vehicle’s brakes and pressure on each tire in order to avoid a sudden slip-up on the roadway.
  • Use windshield wipers and defog your windows: While visibility on the road tends to be reduced, windshield wipers and defogging your windows can help to improve visibility.
  • Avoid sudden braking: Due to unstable road conditions, it is best to avoid suddenly braking as slippery roads can cause your brakes to lock and lead to you losing control of your vehicle.
  • Have an emergency kit: When driving in severe weather conditions, it is best to be equipped with an emergency kit that includes jumper cables, ice scrapers, anti-freeze, blankets, and other useful products that can help you during an emergency.

Involved in a Weather-Related Accident? Don’t Hesitate to Seek Legal Help!

While you may take the necessary precautions to protect yourself when driving in severe weather conditions, others may not necessarily do the same. If you have been involved in an accident during inclement weather caused by a negligent driver, do not hesitate to get in touch with J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys, the Rio Grande Valley’s top lawyers.

Our Harlingen car accident attorneys are determined to help you seek justice.

Contact us today for a FREE virtual consultation

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Source: Valley Central

On the morning of Thursday, February 11th, a massive accident on Interstate 35W occurred, involving over 100 vehicles that left at least 36 individuals with injuries and 5 people dead.

Details About the Car Accidents

According to initial reports, the accident occurred around 6:00 a.m. on Interstate 35W in downtown Fort Worth. While the exact root of the accident remains unknown at this time, local authorities cited severe freezing conditions the night before as the pivotal factor that led to the pileup.

The accident caused a mile long haul that clogged up traffic on I-30 and I-820. Over 100 vehicles were involved in the incident, and local police, firefighters, and EMS were all called to the scene in order to help rescue victims and help assist with the aftermath of the accident.

Multiple ambulances assisted with transporting victims to nearby hospitals, and the roadway is closed until further notice.

A Snapshot of the Severe-Weather Statistics in Texas 

When severe weather like heavy rainfall or freezing temperatures occurs, it can lead to severe stability issues along our Texas roadways. If not taken into careful consideration, driving on wet, slippery roads can cause mistimed or delayed braking, putting the driver in danger as they could lose control of their vehicle.

According to a study conducted by the United States Department of Transportation, a national average of 5,376 fatalities and 418,000 injuries between 2007-2016 resulted from weather-related crashes. Out of those numbers, 70% were cited as wet pavement accidents, and 46% occurred during bouts of heavy rainfall.

In 2019, Texas experienced a total number of 560,952 weather-related incidents, of which 3,288 resulted in fatal accidents.

Trustworthy McAllen Car Accident Attorneys There When You Need It Most

It is important to seek legal justice if you have been involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, but how could you go about doing so if your accident was caused by the weather?

While the weather may be one factor in how a car accident can happen, it isn’t the only factor. If a driver is still driving in a reckless manner–for instance, speeding– in adverse weather, they could still be held responsible for your injuries if they lost control of their vehicle.

Should you get into a car accident, the McAllen car accident attorneys at J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys can take the confusion and stress out of filing a car accident claim so that you can focus on healing while we fight for the compensation you deserve. It is important to act as soon as possible as the Texas statute of limitations only allows you to file a claim within a two (2) year time period starting from the date of the incident. 

If you or a loved one were involved in a car accident during severe weather, don’t hesitate to contact J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today for a FREE, no-obligation consultation!

 Book My FREE Consultation Now

Source: Star-Telegram 

On the afternoon of February 3rd, a male suspect was arrested in Hidalgo County and charged with reckless driving, serving as a grave danger to everyone who shared the road with him.

Details on the Incident

According to a statement released by Hidalgo County authorities, a man was detained at approximately 3:50 p.m. on the intersection of US 281 Frontage and SH 107.

Local authorities stated that the suspect was operating a Blue Ford Focus that was excessively speeding and maneuvering ahead of other vehicles near US 281 and Canton Road in Hidalgo County.

The driver complied with a traffic stop and was arrested by local police officers. Thankfully, no injuries of any kind or vehicle damages were reported.

Excessive Speeding Can Be Lethal and Catastrophic Mistake

Excessive speeding, or reckless driving, is known to be one of the leading causes of traffic-related deaths among Americans. In fact, for the past 20 years, these types of incidents have been responsible for at least one-third of all traffic fatalities across the United States.

According to a study conducted by the Texas Department of Transportation, there were a total of 284 fatalities that occurred as a direct result of excessive speeding, accounting for approximately 7.8% of the state’s fatality rate in 2019.

For further context closer to home, there were 505 reported fatalities in Hidalgo County as a result of excessive speeding that same year.

Out of those reported accidents, there were a total of: 

• 101 crashes where 198 individuals suffered possible injuries.
• 57 crashes in which 98 individuals suffered non-incapacitating injuries.
• 22 crashes in which 34 individuals suffered serious injuries.
• 9 fatal crashes in which 10 individuals died as a result of the accident. 

What To Do in the Event of a Speeding-Related Car Accident

When a negligent driver speeds on the roadway and ends up striking your vehicle, it is vital to take the following steps into consideration in order to have a strong legal case:

• Check yourself for any injuries: Checking yourself or others in your vehicle for any injuries is important to tying them to your car accident. If nobody inside your vehicle seems to have sustained any injuries, it is still important to receive a medical evaluation as some injuries may take hours or days to fully come into effect. 
• Contact local authorities immediately: Following the accident, it is crucial to contact local authorities and notify them immediately of the car accident that has just occurred. Make sure you notify them of the exact whereabouts and any other details pertaining to the accident. This information is usually documented on their police report, a document that can be used in your case.
• Collect any relevant evidence possible, which includes:
  Any photographs and video footage that directly pertains to the accident that explicitly show any injuries, vehicle and property damages, and the scene itself.
  The negligent party’s contact information including their full legal name, insurance information, phone number, vehicle make and model, and their license plate number.
  The official police and incident reports once they become available.
  Any medical documentation that relates to the incident including medical records, receipts, doctor’s notes. prescribed medicine, proof of rehabilitation, and hospital bills that were issued.

• Consult with an experienced car accident attorney like the ones at J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys to file your personal injury claim, starting on your journey to the recovery you deserve!

Injured because of a driver who was speeding? Contact J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today for a FREE no-obligation consultation!

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Source: Valley Central

On the evening of January 27th, a 62-year-old woman was tragically killed in a pedestrian accident that occurred near a parking garage.

Details About the Incident

According to local authorities, the accident occurred at 4604 S. Lamar Blvd in Southwest Austin. Eyewitnesses report that a driver struck the woman after making a left turn exiting the parking garage.

The woman was rushed to the hospital for further medical evaluation and was pronounced dead two days following the accident. No charges have been made against the driver thus far.

Auto-Pedestrian Accidents by the Numbers

When a driver ultimately fails to give a person the right-of-way or fails to recognize their presence and ends up colliding into them, the end-results can be lethal.

As per the latest data provided by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), it was reported that in 2019 there were approximately 5,952 reported auto-pedestrian accidents. Out of those accidents across the state, there were: 

• 1,831 accidents in which 1,954 individuals suffered possible injuries.
• 1,991 accidents in which 2,095 individuals suffered non-incapacitating injuries.
• 1,215 accidents in which 1,260 individuals suffered serious injuries.
• 656 fatal accidents in which 660 individuals died as a result of the accident.

Staggering Austin-Based Statistics

According to the TxDOT, Austin experienced a total number of 20,458 car crashes in 2019. Out of those reported accidents, 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.

Additionally, as per local city data, despite lockdown restrictions, Austin experienced 91 traffic-related fatalities in 2020 and has already reported its 7th fatal incident for this year.

Lost a Loved One as a Result of an Auto-Pedestrian Accident? Seek Justice Today!

In the tragic instance where your beloved family member loses their life because of a negligent driver, it is in your best interest to seek legal justice as soon as you possibly can.

The McAllen car accident attorneys of J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys are here to help victims with open arms, walking them through the entire legal process to seek the financial and emotional recovery their family needs.

To learn more about what legal options may be available, do not hesitate to contact J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today for a FREE case evaluation!

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Source: KXAN 

On the early morning of Saturday, January 23rd, a head-on collision left 6 individuals dead and 3 hospitalized in Mathis, just about 20 miles north of Corpus Christi.

Details About the Incident

According to local authorities, the accident occurred on the northbound lanes of I-37 at approximately 3:30 am. Two vehicles were involved, one carrying four male passengers heading southbound and another carrying 5 passengers heading north.

The vehicle heading south had no survivors, while one male and one female lost their lives in a vehicle heading northbound. The three lone survivors were rushed to the nearest hospital where it is reported they are in stable condition.

Head-On Collisions Explained

Victims of head-on collisions are bound to endure severe, if not lethal, injuries. 

Head-on collisions occur when two vehicles crash into each other when traveling from opposite directions. Some of the most commonly reported injuries suffered in head-on collisions can include spinal cord injuries, neck misalignment, broken or sprained bones, head trauma, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

According to the latest annual fact sheet provided by the Texas Department of Transportation, there were a total of 600 fatalities in 2019 as a result of head-on collisions.

Major Factors That Can Cause Head-On Collisions

While each head-on collision varies due to its specific circumstances, it is important to analyze some of the potential factors that can lead up to one:

• Distracted driving: Dangerous behaviors such as taking selfies, playlist changing, or texting while driving all take away your attention from the road ahead of you. No social media post or text message is too important to prioritize while you are behind the wheel. Put the phone down to avoid a tragedy.
• Failing to safely pass a vehicle: At times, drivers behind a slower moving vehicle may get impatient and attempt to pass them in a reckless manner. Especially common on single-lane highways, failing to safely attempt this maneuver can lead to a catastrophic accident.
• Driving under the influence: Whether under the influence of drugs or alcohol, impaired driving is responsible for taking too many lives across Texas roadways each year. Nobody should ever drive under the influence!
• Fatigued driving: At times, a driver might not have gotten enough rest prior to driving or are too tired from a long-shift, which can lead to issues with staying awake while behind the wheel. Deadly mistakes are easy to make under such conditions. It is important to get at least 6-8 hours of rest every day in order to safely operate a vehicle.
• Faulty or defective vehicle equipment: At times, a driver might be operating a vehicle that may have defective components, such as faulty brakes or tires. When these malfunction while the vehicle is in operation, it can lead to a serious accident.  

Dependent and Reliable Legal Representation When You Need Us Most!

In the event of a catastrophic head-on accident, it is in your best interest to seek the exceptional McAllen car accident lawyers of J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys. We can help you to seek and obtain adequate financial recovery for the physical and emotional pain you have been dealt.

Contact J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today to book your FREE consultation!

Book My FREE Consultation Now

Source: KRGV

On the night of Tuesday, January 19th, a fatal collision involving 2 motorcyclists and an 18-wheel commercial vehicle left a person dead, and another individual hospitalized in San Antonio.

Details About the San Antonio Car Accident

According to local authorities, the incident occurred just after 12:30 a.m. at the SE Loop 410 at South WW White, within the southeast side of San Antonio.

While details are still being pieced together, local authorities found that two motorcyclists had been involved in a collision with a large 18-wheeler that carried approximately 40,000 pounds of cacti. The truck rolled over to its side as a result of the accident.

One motorcyclist was declared dead, and the other surviving motorcyclist was rushed to the nearest hospital shortly afterward, their current condition unknown. 

The driver of the 18-wheeler did not suffer any reported injuries, and it isn’t clear if charges shall be made at this time.

The Reality Behind Texas Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, it was reported that motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to be involved in a deadly accident when compared to passenger car occupants. In fact, approximately 14% of all traffic-related fatalities across the nation were a result of these types of accidents in 2018.

More recently in 2019, the state of Texas had a reported 410 fatalities that occurred because of a motorcycle accident, which included both riders and passengers.

Gonzalez Injury Attorneys: Dedicated McAllen Car Accident and Motorcycle Accident Attorneys 

A disastrous accident caused by a negligent driver can ultimately shift the aftermath of your life upside down. You have every right to seek civil justice with a reliable legal team to help get compensated for your injuries.

The McAllen car accident attorneys of J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys represent large truck accident victims and will aggressively fight in civil court in order to get the financial recovery you deserve, no matter what physical and mental injuries you sustained as a result of such a traumatic event.

Don’t let your car or motorcycle accident go unheard. You deserve relief! Contact J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today to schedule your FREE, no-obligation virtual case evaluation.

Book My FREE Consultation Now

Source: KENS5

On the afternoon of December 29th, a 34-year-old woman was pronounced dead after striking her vehicle into a tree in North Austin.

Details About the Incident

According to local authorities, the event occurred at approximately 12:40 p.m. on Scofield Ridge Parkway in Northern Austin.

The driver was headed eastbound within Scofield Ridge when she suddenly pivoted into another direction, ultimately striking her vehicle into a tree. It was confirmed that the driver was not wearing a seat belt.

The incident still remains under investigation by local authorities. This incident was reported as the 85th fatal incident out of 91 total traffic-related fatalities that the City of Austin reported for 2020.

Texas Car Accidents by the Numbers

The state of Texas has had a severe issue regarding driver safety and fatalities for over the years. The last reported date without a traffic-related fatality dates back all the way to Nov. 7, 2000. 

According to the latest annual report conducted by the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2019 there was at least one person killed every 2 hours and 26 minutes, a reported injury every 2 minutes and 3 seconds, and a reported car crash every 56 seconds–all occurring on Texas roadways.

More specifically in Travis County, there were approximately 20,458 car crashes that occurred in 2019. Out of those reported accidents, 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.

Wearing A Seat Belt is the Right Choice

While nobody can truly avoid the possibility of being involved in a car accident, we can do a lot to prevent a physically catastrophic result by safely strapping ourselves in before we hit the road.

As per data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seat belts can reduce the chances of death by approximately 45% and a personal injury by 50%!

Seat belts can keep a driver or a passenger from being violently ejected from their vehicle. To put this into perspective, approximately 3 out of 4 vehicle ejections result in a tragic death. Additionally, those who don’t wear a seat belt prior to an accident are 30 times more likely to be ejected from a vehicle.

Not only are the consequences of forgetting or refusing to wear a seat belt potentially deadly, but opting out of wearing one is punishable per Texas state law for up to $200.

Dedicated McAllen Car Accident Attorneys are Waiting for Your Call

An unexpected car-related tragedy can be one of the most gut-wrenching experiences one could ever face; however, there is no need to lose hope as seeking recovery is only a consultation away!

The Rio Grande Valley car accident attorneys of J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys are here to fight tooth and nail in civil court to seek the proper financial recovery from the negligent parties responsible for the loss of your loved one.

Involved in a car accident? Don’t hesitate to contact J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today.

Book My FREE Consultation Now

Source: KXAN

On the night of Saturday, January 9th, a woman driving a 2019 Ford Fiesta died after a deadly rollover car accident occurred on I-2 near Weslaco.

Details About the Car Accident

According to local authorities, the car accident occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m on the 1600 block of Westbound I-2 in Weslaco.

While details of how the accident occurred are still vague, local authorities believe that a second vehicle involved might have played a significant factor leading up to the incident.

Surveillance footage captured the second vehicle, and its driver did not stop and render aid, instead fleeing from the scene.

Local authorities are still investigating the car accident, and no other injuries were reported.

The Catastrophic Consequences of a Rollover Car Accident

Rollover accidents account for approximately 35% of all U.S. roadway fatalities. If a person were to survive such a catastrophic event, the end results can leave devastating mental and physical injuries that can span throughout the victim’s lifetime.

Due to the vehicle’s high center of gravity, coupled with how large and narrow a vehicle is, a significant risk of a catastrophic rollover accident is always present to the driver if the proper precautionary measures are ignored.

Rollover accidents tend to happen for a variety of different reasons; however, approximately 95% of these accidents are labelled as tripped rollover accidents. Tripped rollovers occur after a vehicle accidentally “trips” over an object on the road and loses its initial balance, causing the vehicle to roll over.

Other potential factors that may lead to rollover accidents include:

• • Untimed, dangerous sharp turns
  • Awkward swerving
  • Sudden vehicle maneuvers
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or other illegal substances
  • Reckless driving behavior
  • Unsafe road conditions as a result of faulty design, lack of necessary signals, or weather conditions

Hit-and-Run Car Accident Facts and Statistics

Hit-and-run accidents occur when a malicious driver causes a car accident on a roadway and ultimately fails to stop and render aid.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), there has been an annual average of 682,000 hit-and-run accidents since 2006. Additionally, the death rate for hit-and-run incidents has increased at least 7.2 percent on an annual basis since 2009.

Weslaco Car Accident Attorney Ready to Help Your in Your Journey to Seek Civil Justice

In the event of a tragic car accident that takes the life of your beloved family member, it is in your best interest to seek the civil remedy you and your family deserve.

The compassionate Weslaco car accident attorneys of J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys are here to fight for the financial recovery you are entitled to for the pain and suffering you have had to go through as a result of a negligent driver’s carelessness.

Don’t let your rollover or hit-and-run car accident go unanswered. Contact J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today for a FREE case evaluation.

Book My FREE Consultation Now

Source: KRGV