Altercation between motorists ends in fatal 3-vehicle crash in Palmview

Posted on Thursday, December 5th, 2024 at 9:13 pm    

HIDALGO COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reports that an altercation between two motorists resulted in the death of a 30-year-old Mission man. According to a DPS news release, the incident happened November 27 near West Mile 3 Road and North Bentsen Palm Drive north of Palmview.

The news release stated, in part, “A preliminary investigation revealed a Honda CVR motorcycle (male rider) was traveling eastbound on W Mile 3 Road as it was being chased at a high rate of speed by a 2015 Buick Regal (occupied by one male driver) traveling recklessly at a high rate of speed weaving in and out of traffic.”

DPS said the Buick was driven by Ramiro Ezequiel Garcia, who died two days following the incident.

Garcia crashed into the Chevrolet Silverado and the momentum pushed that vehicle into a gray Ford Fiesta occupied by two women that was stationary at the intersection.

The driver of the Chevrolet was transported to DHR Health with injuries that were not life threatening. One of the women was also taken to the hospital and has been released.

“The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office obtained a statement from the rider of the Honda as it was revealed the chase was initiated after a verbal altercation between the rider of the Honda and the driver of the Buick,” the release stated. “A blood warrant was secured, and a specimen was obtained from Garcia as intoxication was suspected.”

Tips to avoid aggressive driving

Operating a vehicle in a way that endangers people or property is considered aggressive driving. Road rage occurs when behavior becomes violent.

According to a study by the gun violence group The Trace, the number of people shot in road rage incidents surged more than 400% between 2014 and 2023. There were 83 incidents of shootings due to road rage a decade ago, compared with a staggering 456 in 2023.

The J. Gonzalez Law Firm reviewed safety tips compiled by the Texas Department of Transportation, and we offer the following tips to avoid aggressive driving:

  • Stay calm and keep your emotions in check.
  • Plan ahead and anticipate delays.
  • Focus on your own driving. Be cautious and considerate.
  • Avoid creating a situation that may cause provocation.
  • Give angry drivers plenty of room.
  • Avoid eye contact.
  • Use the left lane only when passing.
  • Use your horn sparingly.
  • Don’t tailgate or flash your lights behind someone.
  • Don’t yell obscenities, respond to aggressive drivers, or make inappropriate hand gestures.

If you are concerned for your safety due to an aggressive driver, call 911 if it is safe to do so. If you initiate the aggression you can be fined up to $200 for each violation, or worse yet, you could end up dead or suffering from serious injuries.

Contact J. Gonzalez

If you have been injured due to the aggression and/or negligence of another driver, you are entitled to be compensated for your injuries. If you have lost an immediate family member, you may very well have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit.

In either case, you’ll need the expert guidance of the personal injury attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm. J. Gonzalez and his team have decades of experience fighting for people who have been victimized by the actions of others. Let them go to work for you.

Contact the J. Gonzalez Law Firm via this website, or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

 

Source: https://myrgv.com/local-news/2024/11/29/altercation-between-motorists-ends-in-fatal-3-vehicle-crash-in-palmview/


Edinburg woman dies in early Sunday morning crash

Posted on Monday, November 25th, 2024 at 10:32 pm    

EDINBURG – The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating a November 24 fatal crash involving two vehicles that left one person dead. Edinburg resident Itzel Limas, 28, died from her injuries after being transported to a local hospital, DPS said.

According to a news release, the crash occurred at about 3:38 a.m. on FM 2812 and Vista Bonita Drive in Edinburg.

Based on a preliminary investigation, DPS said its findings revealed a 2012 Honda Accord occupied by one male driver and a female passenger, later identified as Limas, was traveling westbound on the eastbound lane of FM 2812 and approaching Vista Bonita Drive.

A 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe, occupied by one male driver and a male passenger, was traveling eastbound on FM 2812 and collided with the Honda, the release stated, adding that those two men were transported to DHR Health with non-incapacitating injuries.

DPS said Limas and the driver of the Honda, who wasn’t identified, were also transported to the same hospital with incapacitating injuries, which is where Limas later died.

At the time of this writing, the crash remained under investigation.

 

What is wrongful death?

Many people believe wrongful death is a criminal charge, but it is actually a civil matter and thus is not subject to the same burdens of proof that a criminal charge is held to. In a wrongful death suit stemming from a car accident, the first thing that has to be assessed is who is at fault.

Once that is determined, certain factors must be met in order to pursue a wrongful death claim in Texas:

  1. A spouse, children, legal beneficiaries, or dependents survive the deceased and
  2. The death of the loved one will result in a monetary loss.

Once these factors have been met or answered, a wrongful death claim can be filed against the responsible party for the court to adjudicate.

 

Wrongful death litigation

A wrongful death claim differs from a standard personal injury case. Due to the complexities surrounding the burden of proof, it is important to have an attorney that is experienced with wrongful death case law in order to successfully present a case. For example, in a personal injury case, the records of the injury can provide documentation of the damages, but in a wrongful death claim that type of documentation is not as easy to obtain.

 

Contact J. Gonzalez

The attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm have the skill, compassion, and knowledge of Texas wrongful death law to successfully handle your wrongful death loss. Our firm will do everything we can to get the best possible result for the family members left behind. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how our expertise can work for you. You can reach us via this website, or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://myrgv.com/alerts-mcm/2024/11/24/edinburg-woman-dies-in-early-sunday-morning-crash/


Harlingen man dies in fiery crash

Posted on Friday, November 22nd, 2024 at 10:42 pm    

HARLINGEN — The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating a two-vehicle crash that left one man dead.

The fatal crash happened November 19 at approximately 8:51 a.m. on FM 801 north of Murrow Road in Harlingen.

According to a DPS new release, a 2020 Kia Sedona that was occupied by a man was speeding while traveling south on FM 801. A 2023 Mack truck occupied by a male driver was traveling north when the driver of the Kia “failed to give half of the roadway,” and crashed head-on with the Mack.

Troopers say the Kia was engulfed in flames, which caused the Mack’s cab to ignite in flames as well.

The driver of the Kia, Ian Jeremy Rivera, 23, succumbed to his injuries at the scene, the DPS statement said. The driver of the Mack was not transported to a hospital.

The crash was still under investigation at this writing.

 

Burn wounds and personal injury cases

Car accident victims who suffer burn injuries face an incredibly long and challenging road to recovery. Burns are extraordinarily painful, they cause life-long disfigurement, and they can lead to great mental anguish for victims and their families.

Types of burn Injuries

Most people associate serious burns with fire, but there are actually several types of burn injuries. The three most-common types of burn injuries are:

  • Thermal – Thermal burns are caused by hot air, surfaces, the sun, or fire. They most often happen in workplaces such as an oil and gas refinery or factories where fires can break out.
  • Electrical – Electrical burns occur when an individual comes in contact with a live current. Electric shocks can cause internal damage, and burns to the skin.
  • Chemical – Many chemicals can cause a reaction that damages skin. Some of the most common burn-causing chemicals include ammonia, bleach, and chlorine.

Contact the J. Gonzalez Law Firm

Burn victims don’t have to face recovery alone. At the J. Gonzalez Law Firm, we understand the challenges that burn injury clients face. We have years of experience working with burn victims and their families. We’ll work with you to hold the negligent parties responsible so that you are not left with a mountain of medical bills on top of everything else.

After a burn injury, you need to focus on your recovery. The J. Gonzalez Law Firm will protect your rights and pursue compensation so you can focus on getting better. If you would like to know your legal options after a burn injury, contact us today via this website, or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

 

Source: https://www.valleycentral.com/news/local-news/dps-harlingen-man-dead-in-fiery-crash/


San Benito woman killed in car accident

Posted on Wednesday, November 20th, 2024 at 11:02 pm    

CAMERON COUNTY — The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating a fatal crash that occurred November 15 on FM 509 south of FM 800 in Harlingen.

According to a DPS news release, the fatality occurred around 1:27 p.m. An initial investigation showed a silver 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe occupied by a male driver was traveling southbound on FM 509, approaching a curve.

A black 2021 Hyundai Kona, occupied by the female driver and male passenger was traveling northbound on FM 509.

The Chevrolet was speeding, according to DPS, and attempted to pass a semi-truck in a no-passing zone. It then tried to veer back into its lane to avoid colliding with the Hyundai.

The driver of the Chevrolet failed to control his speed and struck the rear left side of the semi-truck. The momentum sent the Chevrolet back into the northbound lane and collided with the Hyundai.

The driver and passenger of the Hyundai as well as the driver of the Chevrolet were transported to Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen with life-threatening injuries.

The victim is identified as 77-year-old Oralia Garza of San Benito. The passenger of the Hyundai and the driver of the Chevrolet remain in critical condition at Valley Baptist Medical Center.

The crash remained under investigation at this writing.

 

Factors that can affect personal injury settlements

Calculating personal injury settlements is not an exact science. However, attorneys who understand the factors that can affect the value of personal injury cases can manage their client’s expectations and work through negotiations more effectively.

Here are just a few of the factors play into a personal injury settlement.

Severity of the injury

Accidents that result in more severe injuries tend to produce larger settlements because of the pain and suffering involved. Injuries such as broken bones and spinal cord damage, usually raise the value of settlements, as opposed to soft-tissue injuries like sprains or bruising. Likewise, if injuries are permanent, victims can generally expect to be awarded a larger settlement. These include brain trauma, disfigurement, diminished mobility or the permanent loss or use of a body part.

Life disruption

Injuries that dramatically disrupt a client’s daily life will likely produce a larger personal injury settlement. For example, some injuries make it more difficult for the victim to perform everyday activities such as walking or standing. The same goes for accidents that leave victims unable to play sports, travel or work certain jobs.

Treatment and recovery

Larger settlements generally occur when post-injury medical treatment becomes a long-term process. Reconstructive surgeries are also associated with cases that involve high settlement values. The duration of a recovery period matters. Longer recoveries often entail a significant number of follow-up appointments and prescriptions for medical treatment. This also explains in part why soft injuries generally result in lower settlements.

Emotional and mental trauma

Emotional and mental trauma in the form of anxiety or depression can be equally debilitating in the aftermath of an accident. However, establishing proof that clients are suffering psychological trauma can require meeting a high evidentiary bar. To impact a personal injury settlement, it usually requires input from reputable mental health professionals who can testify to an accident’s longer lasting

Contact the J. Gonzalez Law Firm

The personal injury attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm have combined decades of experience handling personal injury cases. They will take the time to do whatever it takes to ensure you are justly compensated for your injuries and full recovery. That includes doing the clerical work, deposing witnesses, and hiring experts to address technical issues.

Moreover, they will vigorously defend your rights to ensure deep-pocketed defendants don’t squeeze you out of a fair settlement value. You pay nothing up front, and don’t pay anything at all unless you are fully compensated for your losses.

Contact J. Gonzalez today via this website, or by calling 1-800-CAR CRASH.

Source: https://www.valleycentral.com/news/local-news/san-benito-woman-dies-in-car-accident/


Man dies following auto-pedestrian accident in Edinburg

Posted on Friday, October 25th, 2024 at 2:13 pm    

EDINBURG – A 65-year-old man died October 24 after being struck by a vehicle in Edinburg. The accident occurred around 7:30 a.m. in the 600 block of North Jackson Road, according to a City of Edinburg spokesperson.

The spokesperson said when officers arrived on the scene at about 7:30 a.m., they found that the victim was still alive after being struck by a Ford Explorer. The unidentified pedestrian was taken to a local hospital, according to the spokesperson, but he later died from his injuries.

The spokesperson said the female driver of the Ford Explorer remained at the scene and cooperated with police investigators. Her name was not disclosed. The investigation was ongoing at this writing.

 

Settlement values for injury in an auto-pedestrian accident

Compensation for a pedestrian hit by a car depends on several factors, including:

  • Severity of the injuries
  • Amount of lost wages
  • Amount of medical care related to the accident
  • Necessity of long-term treatment
  • Future physical or mental limitations
  • The personal injury lawyer’s negotiating skills with the at-fault party’s attorney

In short, the amount of compensation a victim is awarded is dependent on the unique circumstances of the case.

Contact J. Gonzalez

The experienced attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm can help you identify and gather evidence to prove the severity of your injuries, and their impact on your life. Pedestrian accidents tend to be serious, and they very often cause lifelong disability.

You need an experienced personal injury attorney like J. Gonzalez. His team can help you calculate your future damages, which can be difficult to prove. As the top personal injury lawyer in Texas, J. Gonzalez has a solid track record of negotiating large personal injury settlements for his clients.

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

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/man-dies-following-auto-pedestrian-accident-in-edinburg


Pharr police investigate fatal motorcycle crash

Posted on Thursday, October 17th, 2024 at 2:27 pm    

PHARR – A male motorcycle driver was killed in an October 10 crash in Pharr.

The crash happened about 8:00 p.m. in the US 281 southbound frontage road lanes near Owassa Road. According to Pharr police, the accident involved a white Buick SUV and a motorcycle.

The male driver of the motorcycle died at the scene of the crash, police said, adding that the female driver of the vehicle pulled over and contacted 911.

At this writing, the identity of the victim was being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The cause of the crash was still under investigation.

 

Motorcycle accident injury claims and settlements

An injury claim after a motorcycle accident can bring unique challenges, because motorcycle riders face unique risks on the road.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident (whether as a rider or as a passenger) and someone else was at fault, you should understand your legal options.

Proof of liability

Liability in most motorcycle accidents hangs on the personal injury law concept of “negligence.” A person is negligent when they behave in a thoughtless or careless manner that ends up causing and injury to someone else.

All drivers are expected to use reasonable care to avoid injuring other motorists, passengers, or pedestrians. If a driver isn’t reasonably careful and they injure someone, the driver will likely be liable for those injuries and any other accident-related harm.

In Texas, liability can shared by both parties in a two-party crash. In order to receive a settlement, a party cannot be more than 49% responsible for causing the crash.

Types of damages

In order to collect damages, an injured rider or passenger has to prove (and document) the different ways they were harmed by the crash. That includes:

· the cost of all medical treatment made necessary by the accident

· time missed at work, lost income, and other earnings-related harm, and

· your mental and physical pain and suffering resulting from the accident, your medical treatment, and your recovery.

Medical bills, lost income, and other losses that can be clearly proven by bills, receipts, and other records are called “economic damages.”

Get legal help

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, taking on the at-fault driver’s insurance company (not to mention their legal team) isn’t something you want to try on your own. Having the qualified legal team at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm on your side can make all the difference. Our professional injury attorneys will help you understand the ins and outs of the motorcycle accident injury claim process.

Call us today at 1-800-CAR-CRASH!

Source: http://www1.krgv.com/news/fatal-motorcycle-crash-in-pharr-under-investigation


Man left in critical condition in Edinburg car crash

Posted on Tuesday, October 8th, 2024 at 9:01 pm    

EDINBURG – One man was left hospitalized in critical condition following an October 5 crash in Edinburg. According to police, the crash happened around 2:00 a.m. in the 2300 block of west Sprague Street.

A city spokesperson told KRGV.com that officers found a vehicle overturned in a canal, and “immediately jumped into the water” and rescued a female. The spokesperson went on to say that officers then saw a male was still inside the vehicle and proceeded to extract him from the wreckage.

The male was reported to be unresponsive and officers began CPR. He was then transported to a local hospital, where he was listed in critical condition as of this report.

Police said the female only sustained minor injuries, and was expected to recover.

The cause of the crash had not been determined as of this writing.

 

Can passengers sue drivers following an accident?

The merits of any personal injury claim or lawsuit hang on the facts specific to each case. Several conditions come into play regarding the claims and lawsuits that passengers can bring against the driver of the vehicle in which they were riding.

Passenger injury claims

In order to make any claim following a car accident, a victim needs to prove liability for the accident. Car crashes often involve many factors that make it difficult to determine who was actually at fault. Insurance company appraisers and investigators often assign percentages of fault if two drivers bear part of the responsibility. They can do try to do the same in the case of a passenger making a claim against the driver of their vehicle.

Fault-based state

Texas is an at-fault state under its tort liability system. This means that the insurance carrier of the at-fault driver will be responsible for paying out the claim. Rather than turning to your own insurer no matter what, you must turn to the responsible party to cover your expenses arising out of the accident.

Texas’ at-fault auto insurance laws allow passengers to hold accountable the party that was actually responsible for causing the accident. Thus, if another party caused your accident, even your own driver. you don’t have to file a claim with your insurer and pay a deductible or risk higher premiums.

Furthermore, if the other party doesn’t have sufficient coverage to cover your expenses, you may also be able to sue the at-fault driver to recover the difference.

Know your rights as a passenger

If you have experienced an accident as a vehicle passenger, you may have a legal right to file a personal injury claim, or a lawsuit if necessary. As a passenger, you can file an injury claim against the driver of

the vehicle that transported you and possibly against the driver of another vehicle if more than one vehicle was involved in the crash.

The attorneys at J. Gonzalez Law Firm can help you seek fair compensation for your injuries. They have the knowledge and expertise to examine even the most-complex crashes to determine your rights.

Contact J. Gonzalez today if you would like more information regarding the possibility of passengers suing drivers. We can discuss your rights as a passenger, which may help you determine what your next steps should be. J. Gonzalez can be reached via this website, or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/man-in-critical-condition-after-overturned-vehicle-crash-in-edinburg


Suspected drunk driver accused of crash that sent Edinburg officer to hospital

Posted on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 at 2:08 pm    

EDINBURG – An Edinburg police officer has been hospitalized following a “serious fleet accident” with a driver officials suspect was intoxicated, the city said in a news release.

The crash happened at the intersection of 24th Avenue and Chapin Street shortly after noon on Sunday, the release stated.

The officer’s vehicle was struck on the driver’s side by a Ford F-150, with the release adding that while the officer was transported to the hospital, they are expected to recover.

The driver of the Ford, who wasn’t identified, was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the release stated.

As a result of the crash, the intersection remained closed to eastbound and southbound traffic until 4:49 p.m.

On Facebook, the Edinburg Police Organization identified the officer as the union’s president, Juan “Jay” Hernandez.

“Prayers for our President, Juan ‘Jay’ Hernandez who was involved in a major accident today while on duty,” the post stated. “Jay was transported to the hospital via EMS. Crash is under investigation, we will post his status when we get one.”

 

What to do if you are injured by a drunk driver

The main thing to keep in mind if your Texas car accident was caused by a drunk driver is that you can use their intoxication as evidence in your favor. Driving while intoxicated is considered negligent behavior, and proving the other driver’s negligence is the key that allows you to recover your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.

How police determine intoxication

An officer who suspects that a driver was drunk while driving can either perform a sobriety test or require the driver to take a sobriety test at the police station.

According to Texas law, a driver is under the influence of alcohol if a sobriety test reveals a blood/alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher. In a Texas court of law, that is sufficient evidence to confirm a DWI. The results of the sobriety test will be included in the police accident report, so it is important for the victim to obtain a copy of that report.

The accident claim process

When you pursue a claim, the at-fault party’s insurance company may be liable for your medical expenses. You will need to prove your out-of-pocket expenses and other financial losses.

You will have to gather all related documents to establish your claim, including:

· Ambulance care

· Emergency room care

· Hospital stays

· Surgical procedures

· Doctors’ visits

· Pain medication or medical devices

J. Gonzalez can help

It’s not easy to gather evidence for a personal injury claim and prepare for court (if necessary) when you’re busy focusing on your physical and emotional recovery. That’s why the J. Gonzalez Law Firm was created.

Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys can help you in the following ways:

· Investigate the accident further to establish the facts of the case

· Manage all the necessary paperwork and documents

· Speak with eyewitnesses

· Hire expert witnesses such as medical experts or accident reconstruction experts

· Negotiate a settlement with the insurance company

· File a lawsuit to pursue your case in court

Texas has a two-year statute of limitations on car accidents. You must file a claim before the two-year deadline to recover compensation for your losses. The J. Gonzalez Law Firm gives you an iron-clad guarantee – if we don’t recover the monetary damages you legally deserve, you pay us nothing.

Learn about your legal options right now via this website, or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://myrgv.com/alerts-mcm/2024/09/29/suspected-drunk-driver-accused-of-crash-that-sent-edinburg-officer-to-hospital/


Week of violent crashes in San Antonio demonstrate dangers of Texas highways

Posted on Friday, September 27th, 2024 at 9:36 pm    

A deadly week for traffic accidents in San Antonio highlights the need for drivers to remain vigilant on Texas streets, roads, and highways. According to San Antonio police, the spate of fatal crashes began at 5:15 a.m. on September 15 when a sedan and an 18-wheeler collided on Loop 410 near Houston Street.

Details of the crash remained unclear at this writing, but police had to shut down a portion of the highway because the driver of the sedan was pinned inside his vehicle and the 18-wheeler was leaking an unidentified liquid.

Both drivers were transported to local hospitals after the crash, where one of them died of his injuries. The identities of the drivers were not immediately available, and the cause of the accident remained under investigation.

One week later on September 24, two accidents were reported about one hour apart with each crash claiming a life.

The first incident happened about 10:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 24. Police say a man in his 20s was driving a motorcycle in the 300 block of Northwest Loop 410 when he lost control of his bike, struck a concrete curb, causing him to be thrown from the motorcycle.

That’s when police say a vehicle and an 18-wheel fuel tanker struck the motorcyclist who was laying in the road. Investigators say the man died at the scene. His name had not been released by the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office at the time of this report.

Subsequently, police responded to a crash at the intersection of Vollum Avenue and Woodlawn Avenue on the city’s west side around 11:00 p.m.

Preliminary information from police stated the driver of a 2008 Ford F-150 was headed south on Vollum Avenue when the motorist disregarded a stop sign and collided with a 2019 Honda Civic going west on Woodlawn Avenue.

Police say the impact caused the driver of the truck to be partially ejected and his vehicle landed on top of him. The unidentified victim was pronounced dead at the scene. No charges were expected to file at this writing.

Frequency of Texas traffic accidents

2022 is the most-recent year for which comprehensive vehicle collision data are available from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

According to TxDOT, 4,481 people were killed and 244,092 people were injured in Texas motor vehicle accidents that year. Statistically speaking, one person dies on a Texas roadway every hour and 57 minutes, and one person is injured every 2 minutes and 9 seconds.

The most-common cause of accidents

Crashes happen for a number of reasons, but the most-common cause of crashes falls under the broad category of human error. Also known as bad driving habits, human error includes:

· speeding

· distracted driving (especially texting)

· running a red light, and

· drunken driving.

The lesson is that all of us are responsible for reducing the number of highway fatalities and injuries in Texas.

Who to call when you have a car accident claim

The J. Gonzalez Law Firm is where you will find a team of highly-skilled attorneys with decades of experience representing injured victims.

You deserve an attorney who will aggressively fight for a fair settlement of your claim while you recover from your injury. The J. Gonzalez Law Firm has a decades-long reputation for ethically helping victims obtain compensation for their lost finances, productivity, and even relationships.

In Texas, you only have two years to file a personal injury claim, so it’s important to contact us as soon as possible following your accident. You can reach us via this website, or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/traffic/article/san-antonio-traffic-19773473.php


Donna man killed in fiery crash near Weslaco

Posted on Wednesday, September 18th, 2024 at 4:37 pm    

A Donna man was killed after being ejected from his vehicle in a fiery September 13 crash near Weslaco, state troopers said in a news release.

The Texas Department of Public Safety says the two-vehicle crash occurred around 5:40 p.m. near the intersection of Mile 6 West Road and Mile 12 North Road.

Troopers say a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was heading south on Mile 6 while a white 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 was traveling west on Mile 12.

According to DPS, the driver of the Silverado “disregarded a stop sign and collided with the” Trailblazer.

The Chevrolet Silverado veered into a large drainage ditch and burst into flames, DPS said, adding that the driver of the Chevrolet Trailblazer was transported to (DHR Health) with non-life-threatening injuries.”

The driver of the Silverado, however, was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene of the crash due to his injuries. He was identified as 56-year-old Concepcion Chable Reyes of Donna.

 

Seat belt malfunctions

When someone is ejected from a vehicle during a crash, it’s usually because the person was either not wearing a safety belt, or wearing one improperly. However, there are rare occasions when a person can be thrown from a vehicle even when they are properly buckled up, but the safety belt malfunctioned.

How seat belts can malfunction

Seat belts can occasionally be defective, just like any other auto part. The most-common defects are:

  • False latching
  • Internal unlatching
  • Mount misplacement
  • Fabric weaving defects
  • Lock failures

Who is liable?

Liability can only be determined by investigating the specific circumstances of each accident. If it’s found that the seat belt indeed malfunctioned, the manufacturer of that seat belt could be held responsible for your injuries.

If the seat belt was working properly, but the accident was so severe that the impact cause the seat belt to constrict your chest and cause catastrophic trauma, the driver that was at-fault for the accident would be the one liable for your injuries.

Other possibilities are too numerous to list them all here, which is why the facts of each accident must be thoroughly investigated to determine exactly what happened.

J. Gonzalez can examine your case

If you’re the victim of a seat belt injury, or any other injury resulting from a car accident that wasn’t your fault, the personal injury attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm will give you the best legal representation available in Texas.

To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, call today at 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

 

Source: https://myrgv.com/local-news/2024/09/14/donna-man-ejected-killed-in-fiery-crash-near-weslaco/

 

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