With the surge of COVID-19 cases at an all-time high across the Rio Grande Valley and hospitals at full capacity, it is now more imperative than ever to comply with all local mandates given by our counties, socially distance from each other as much as we possibly can, and most importantly, wear a protective mask.

While Jesse Gonzalez, founder of J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys, is always fighting tooth and nail for victims of personal injury accidents across the Valley, he recently had to fight a different, more personal, and nearly lethal battle with COVID-19 itself. 

In a tell-all interview with local radio station Tejano 102.1, the McAllen personal injury attorney took a moment to share how he fought and survived COVID-19, helped debunk common myths spread across the internet, and emphasized the importance of what it means to flatten the curve in the Rio Grande Valley, even if it means a few minor sacrifices.

His COVID-19 Experience

We often see in big blockbuster movies how deadly viruses can be spread in a very over-the-top way where individuals show exaggerated symptoms once they’ve contracted a virus. To make it abundantly clear, COVID-19 does not work that way. Instead, it makes its way in, in a quiet manner with very minor symptoms.

Jesse Gonzalez and his entire family contracted the coronavirus after someone met with a person who experienced what was then thought as “minor allergies,” which eventually wreaked havoc into his personal life as time went on. Luckily, all of his family members recovered relativity quickly; some recovered within weeks and even days after.

But as for Jesse, his battle with COVID-19 lasted 23 days.

What started out as minor symptoms the first week, Jesse started experiencing stronger symptoms, which included excessive sweating night after night, extremely high fevers, and unimaginable fatigue. He eventually made his way to a nearby hospital where he then developed blood clotting and was eventually diagnosed with double pneumonia. 

After intensive care and a near-death experience, Jesse was eventually cleared to leave.

It was then where he had an epiphany as he was looking back at not only his own personal battle with COVID-19, but with the circumstance as a whole that we are currently facing in the Rio Grande Valley.

“Do You Know, or Do You Think You Know?”

With so much uncertainty being spread across our community and noise coming out of our social media platforms, for some, it may be hard to follow the truth behind the COVID-19 pandemic.

To set the record straight, COVID-19 is real, and does not discriminate against anyone!

While we often hear so much gossip and conspiracy theories that this virus is a hoax and the virus’ survival rate is high, people are dying at an alarming rate every day across the Rio Grande Valley.

So next time you see some sort of conspiracy theories on Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, or any other social platform, it important to ask yourself:

• Is this person a viable source?
• Where is this person getting this information from?
• Does this person really know what they are talking about, or do they just “think” they know what the actual situation looks like?

This virus is not a joke and should not be taken lightly by any means. Only gather your COVID-19 related updates from official news outlets, local news stations, and newspapers. 

Helping the Community Flatten the Curve

As of July 2020, both Hidalgo County and Cameron Country were respectively considered hotspots for COVID-19. Additionally, our current situation has even been dubbed as a worst-case scenario by certain news outlets in regards to our death rates and hospitalization overflows. 

From his own personal experience, Jesse urges Valley residents to comply with mandates set in place by our local authorities and follow all recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

These recommendations include, but are not limited to:

• Washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid close contact with others, especially strangers.
• Clean and disinfect areas you have been around frequently, such as eating areas, workspaces, and restrooms.
• Continuously monitor your health for any possible symptoms, and take care of your mental wellbeing as well.
• Wear a mask. A mask can help slow down any potential spread of the virus if each community member comes together, puts away political differences, and wears one. Invest in a proper mask that will truly protect you from infected droplets. Masks made of cloth may be better than nothing but aren’t as effective as medical-grade ones.

J. Gonzalez’s Take-Home Message

The coronavirus pandemic has shaken the world upside down. While we are living in an unimaginable scenario within our community, it is crucial to protect ourselves and our families as much as we possibly can by limiting unnecessary social gatherings and avoiding trips out of the house for unessential reasons as much as we can. 

COVID-19 is essentially like a game of Russian roulette in the Rio Grande Valley right now. The virus does not discriminate and can take a person’s life at random, regardless of pre-existing conditions and overall health.

Jesse believes spreading this message and encouraging the community to help each other flatten the curve can go a long way to saving lives. This virus is silent, lethal, and can wreak havoc on your life. You can’t afford to contract it. 

Jesse Gonzalez and the team at J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys urges our citizens and clients to please stay home and protect your loved ones as much as possible, and if you do have to make an essential trip, do stay safe when out on the road.

And if you have any questions or concerns regarding COVID-19, take a look at our COVID-19 Resource Center now.

Visit the COVID-19 Resource Center

Watch the full interview: Video 

T-bone accidents are not always easily understood. Oftentimes, many questions remain following a t-bone accident, including who is liable for the incident, what are the factors that led to the wreck, and how responsible each driver is. 

Let your McAllen car accident lawyer of J.Gonzalez Attorneys give you an overview of t-bone accidents, and what to do in the event of a collision.

A Brief Overview of T-Bone Accidents and How They Occur

A t-bone accident, also known as a side-impact collision, occurs when one vehicle rams into another vehicle’s driver’s or passenger’s side. Due to the nature of these types of accidents, t-bone accidents can result in costly damages.

According to a study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), it was determined that side-impact collisions accounted for 23% of all passenger vehicle occupant fatalities, including 5,350 deaths in 2018.

Notable Contributing Factors

These types of cases can occur for several different reasons, most noticeably, due to a traffic error or a failure-to-yield to the driver that has the right-of-way at an intersection.

Additional factors and scenarios that can lead to a t-bone accident include:

• Failure-To-Yield/Driving Error: The most common cause for a t-bone accident, this occurs when a driver fails to give a right-a-way or misreads a move. Notable examples include a driver ignoring a stop sign or red light and slamming into another vehicle, or a negligent driver making a dangerous left turn at an intersection.
• Distracted Driving: Things such as cell phone use, texting, radio adjustments, eating, or any other form of distraction that keep you from concentrating on the road can lead to a costly mistake.
• Driver Fatigue: At times, a driver might not fully rested to be adequately operating a vehicle. They might be either too tired or feel sick, which can lead to them causing a major accident.
• Impaired Driving: While nobody should ever drive under-the-influence of alcohol or drugs, there are far too many instances where impaired accidents occur.

Determining Liability

Depending on the exact details and situation in which the accident occurred, the liable party can be determined to be the driver who failed to comply with traffic signals, failed to give the right-of-way, and/or made an untimely turn. 

However, there are instances where both parties can be at fault if they acted negligently in their own way before the accident. One prime example of this would be when one party is texting-and-driving and is unaware that the other driver drove through a stop sign, resulting in a collision. 

Collecting Evidence

When you are involved in a t-bone accident caused by a negligent driver, it is best to collect all evidence possible. This includes photographs of the accident, damages, injuries, and license plate numbers of all parties involved.

Additionally, it is in your best interest to seek medical attention as soon as you possibly can and save all medical receipts, doctor’s notes, medication prescriptions, and treatment plans, as this information can be used as evidence in a personal injury claim.

Once you have been adequately treated for your injuries, contact the McAllen personal injury attorneys of J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys. Please be aware that the Texas statute of limitations only gives you a 2-year window to file a civil case.

McAllen Personal Injury Attorneys Ready to Seek Justice On Your Behalf!

When involved in a car accident as a result of a negligent driver, contacting the McAllen car accident lawyers of J.Gonzalez Injury attorneys is your best option to secure the financial compensation you need to begin the healing process. 

Our attorneys will walk you through the entire legal process and fight vigorously to help you obtain the justice and settlement you are entitled to.

Involved in a t-bone accident? Contact J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today.

Book My FREE Consultation Now

On the afternoon of Saturday, July 18th, a fatal single-vehicle car accident took the life of a 40-year-old man.

Details Regarding the Accident

According to local authorities, the accident took place at approximately 1:00 p.m.,just west of 1015 in Lasara. The man was traveling westbound on SH 186 during a heavy rainstorm and ultimately lost control of his vehicle after speeding on the wet roadway. 

The man veered off the highway, made his way into a ditch, and ultimately crashed his vehicle into a cement fixture. Local authorities are still investigating the accident, and no further comment was given. 

A General Overview of Weather-Related Accidents 

Severe weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, or even hurricanes can put all drivers at critical risk of danger, and if drivers fail to take the necessary precautions when driving in these conditions, it can lead to tragedy. 

It is estimated that an annual average of 5,376 fatalities on U.S roadways are a result of driving in dangerous weather conditions. Additionally, 70% of these accidents occurred within wet pavement and roads, and 46% of weather-related accidents occurred during rainfall. 

In 2019, the State of Texas experienced a total number of 138,377 weather-related accidents within rural roads. Out of those incidents, approximately 14,710 occurred as a direct result of driving in the rain in which 123 of those rain-related accidents resulted in fatalities. 

Essential Driving Tips When Driving In Rainy-Weather Conditions

If driving through heavy rainfall–whether expected or unexpected–it is vital to take the following tips into consideration in order to get to your destination as safely as possible:

• Use windshield wipers and defog your windows: Your vehicle’s windshield wipers and defogger will be your best friends and lifeguards when driving in severe weather conditions. Utilizing these tools will help give you the clearest view possible of the road.
• Drive slowly and wisely: It is crucial to be self-aware that the roads during these events are unreliable and extremely slippery. In order to best maintain control of your vehicle within these road conditions, it is important to drive slower than you normally would and to be on high alert of all of your surroundings. Being attentive to your surroundings will give you better reaction time when an unexpected driver pulls up behind you or when turbulence occurs.
• Avoid sudden braking: With driving on unreliable roads, unexpected braking can lead you to lose control of your vehicle, causing your vehicle to hydroplane into another vehicle or road obstacle.

Dependable Brownsville Car Accident Attorneys Ready to Represent You

In the event of an unexpected tragedy as a result of a negligent driver or weather-related traffic accidents, you will need a strong legal defense team by your side in order to seek the financial recovery necessary to help heal your and your family’s wounds.

The Brownsville car accident attorneys of J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys are here to serve with open arms, guiding them to the civil justice they deserve.

Do not hesitate to contact J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today if you have been injured by a negligent driver in a weather-related accident.

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Source: Valley Central

No matter how many possible precautions we might take on the road when driving, the chances of suddenly being involved in a car accident can be pretty high. To put this into perspective, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III) in 2017, a total number of 2,456 rear-end accidents resulted in fatalities that year, accounting for 7.2% of all U.S roadway fatalities. 

These collisions can be a simple fender-bender to something much worse, causing a variety of different injuries that can reduce the quality of your life.

Because the McAllen car accident lawyers of J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys have helped many car accident victims who were involved in rear-end collisions, they know quite well the potential injuries many rear-end crash victims tend to suffer from. With their guidance, however, seeking legal action against the negligent party can ultimately help you gain financial recovery for your injuries sustained.

Potential Injuries Suffered

Due to the sudden and harrowing nature of these incidents, rear-end collisions can not only leave costly results to your vehicle, but can bring excruciating injuries that can affect your body and mind. Some of the most common injuries that are suffered in rear-end collisions include, but are not limited to:

1. Whiplash: Whiplash is one of the most common injuries reported from rear-end crashes. They occur when the neck and head are violently jerked back and forth as a result of an impactful force. These injuries can take hours or even days after the incident to fully come into effect and can lead to soft tissue damage, nerve damage, and spinal damage. 
2. Head Trauma: Strikes to the head can cause very severe, and potentially long-term, injuries that shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you ever sustain any kind of head trauma, you should be examined by a medical professional following the incident in order to determine the severity of the injury. Like whiplash, these types of injuries are not noticeable right away and can occur physically, (e.g. facial misalignment or scars), or mentally (e.g. traumatic brain injury).
3. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Depending on the nature of the injury, a head injury can turn out to become what is known as a traumatic brain injury, or TBI. This type of injury can cause long-term damage to the brain such as recurring seizures, constant fatigue, impared or slurred speech, behavioral problems, cognitive issues, and severe headaches to name a few.
4. Back and Spinal Injuries: Back and spinal injuries as a direct result of a car accident can leave a devastating aftermath to the human body. Even at slower speeds, the impact can deal serious damage to a person’s discs, spinal cord, and vertebrae.
5. Broken bones: Suffering multiple fractures and broken bones can leave you out of work and keep you from fulfilling daily essential activities for a long period of time. In fact, some of the most common bone injuries caused by a rear-end collision include fractured femurs, broken ribs, arm and wrist fractures, and leg injuries.

Gathering Strong Evidence For Your Injury Claim

If a negligent driver strikes you from behind, it is important to gather as much evidence as you can at the time of the accident. Some of the most crucial pieces of evidence you need to build a strong car accident claim include:

• Any photographs and videos detailing:

• • Injuries you and/or passengers sustained
  • Property damage
  • The whereabouts of the accident
  • The scene of the accident itself
• Medical receipts
• Prescriptions
• Doctor’s notes/Incident reports
• Rehabilitation bills
• Police reports

Once you have received the necessary medical treatment, it is important to get in contact with an experienced personal injury attorney at J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys as soon as you possibly can. The Texas statute of limitations will only allow you to file a claim within a 2 year time period, beginning from the date in which the accident occurred. 

In the event of an unexpected car accident, having the McAllen car accident lawyers of J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys by your side would be the ideal move in order to seek the financial compensation you need to cover your injuries and other damages. Our attorneys will walk you through the entire legal process, proudly representing you in a civil court.

Rear-ended by a negligent driver? Contact J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today.

Book My FREE Consultation Now

When an unexpected car accident strikes, it can leave you suffering from severe injuries that can keep you out of work and unable to complete even simple tasks.

In many cases, the cost of hospital bills, medication, and proper treatment can be extremely overwhelming for victims, especially if surgery is needed to help you recover. But there is hope.  

Let the McAllen personal injury lawyers of J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys guide you through the steps to take in the event that you need surgery following your car accident. 

Dealing With Insurance Companies 

Dealing with an insurance company, especially following a catastrophic car accident, can be unbelievably frustrating. To add to this issue, insurance companies are notorious for undermining the true value of claims, often leaving victims to handle their financial burdens on their own.

Insurance companies often act in bad faith, finding reasons to not give you a fair settlement. As a result of this behavior, many individuals may be afraid to seek out medical attention following a crash, believing they won’t be covered or able to afford medical care. 

Whatever you do, do not hesitate to seek medical attention immediately following your accident! 

Rest assured, you will not have to deal with deceitful insurers alone when you choose J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys to fight for you tooth-and-nail. 

It is vital to point out that you should never give out a statement to any insurance company, in any shape or form, before consulting with a qualified attorney.

When Surgery Is Needed After Your Accident

At times, the severity of an injury might not be completely obvious right after the accident, and it may take hours or even days for them to become apparent. This is why it is in your best interest to properly be examined by a specialist or your physician as soon as you possibly can.

Some of the most notable injuries that require surgery include but are not limited to: 

• Knee injuries, such as a torn ACL, MCL, PCL, and other similar injuries.
• Back and spinal cord injuries, such as a herniated disc or vertebrae misalignments.
• Head injuries, such as Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) or a facial misalignment.
• Broken bones and fractures of any kind.
• Internal injuries, such as crushed lungs, internal bleeding, or punctured organs.

Letter of Protection

For those who have their insurance claim denied and are unable to afford the cost of treatment, our attorneys can draft a document known as a Letter of Protection.

A letter of protection (LOP) is a statement drafted out by a personal injury attorney that is sent to a physician, hospital or specialist that essentially states that payment will be made once the plaintiff’s case has been finalized. 

LOPs also have the ability to help you delay paying for medical bills or other debts because of the urgent medical care you have had to receive. 

Call on Trustworthy and Reliable McAllen Personal Injury Attorneys 

In the event you suffer a devastating injury due to a negligent driver’s irresponsible actions, do not wait to contact J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys. Our McAllen personal injury attorneys will fight restlessly on your behalf in order to get the appropriate financial compensation you are entitled to.

For experienced car accident representation, contact J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today.

Book My FREE Consultation Now

On the early evening of July 7th, a head-on collision sent a male, a female driver, and a 2-year-old toddler to the hospital.

Details About the Accident

According to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) officials, the accident occurred at approximately 5:54 p.m on Highway 4. It was believed that the female driver operating a white Jeep SUV was headed westbound on the highway and ended up swerving over towards the oncoming lane where she collided with a Brown Chevy SUV. 

The woman reportedly suffered broken bones and was sent to the nearest hospital along with the 2-year-old toddler that was onboard with her at the time of the accident. The toddler was treated for minor scratches and did not suffer any reported injuries.

As for the male driver of the Brown Chevy SUV, he was transported to the nearest hospital following the accident. DPS is currently investigating what factors led up to the accident.

A Brief Overview of Head-On Collisions 

A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles on opposite ends collide with each other front-to-front. These types of accidents can have very costly and catastrophic end results due to the increased force drivers and passengers endure upon impact. 

Some of the most notable injuries victims can sustain can include:

• Whiplash
• Spinal injuries
• Broken bones
• Head trauma
• Traumatic brain injuries (i.e. TBIs)

In 2017, a total number of 3,471 fatal head-on collisions occurred across the United States which accounted for 10.1% of the country’s total traffic deaths that year. In 2018, the State of Texas suffered from a total number of 549 recorded fatalities as a result of head-on collisions. 

What To Do In The Event Of An Accident 

When one experiences a head-on collision as a result of a negligent driver, there are many questions that will be up in the air regarding what a victim should do next. Because these kinds of car accidents can be costly to recover from–both from a physical and monetary standpoint–you could accrue a lot of debt during a time when you should focus on healing. That’s what makes hiring an experienced car accident attorney so crucial after such a traumatic event.

If you decide that filing a car accident claim with an experienced car accident lawyer is the direction that you want to go, the following steps are vital in creating a solid case:

1. Seek medical attention immediately: If you or any of your passengers suffered any injuries, minor or major, it is crucial to seek out a proper medical evaluation from a doctor as soon as you possibly can to determine if you have suffered any significant injuries. Some car crash injuries do not develop right away and may take hours or days to fully come into effect.

2. Inform the authorities: When informing the authorities of the accident, it is important to remain calm when giving out information to an official. When contacting the authorities, it is important to tell them the exact time the accident occurred, the whereabouts of the accident, and what factors had led to it.

3. Collect all the evidence you can: In order to have a strong claim, it is crucial to collect as much evidence and documentation possible, including:

a. Any photographs and/or videos pertaining to the accident that show the physical car damages, injuries inflicted, the whereabouts, and the scene itself.

b. Information regarding the at-fault party’s name, phone number, insurance information, vehicle, and license plate number.

c. he official police and/or incident report once it becomes available.

d. Any receipts or official documentation detailing all medical treatment, x-rays, rehabilitation, and medication received.

4. Consult with an experienced car accident attorney: Contact the McAllen car accident attorneys of J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys as soon as you possibly can as you only have a 2-year window to file a claim under the Texas statute of limitations.

Trustworthy and Dependable Car Accident Representation in McAllen

No matter how many precautions one might take, nobody is ever really exempt from being involved in a car accident, and when an unexpected accident strikes, it can alter your quality of life and leave you with heavy burdens, physically, financially, and emotionally.

You should never let justice go unanswered. Having the McAllen car accident attorneys of J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys by your side will be your best option to seeking the financial recovery you need to get your life back on track. Our attorneys will fight tirelessly in a civil court to get you the maximum settlement you deserve for your injuries and pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one were involved in a head-on collision, do not hesitate to contact J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today.

Book My FREE Consultation Now

Source: Valley Central

On the afternoon of Friday, July 3rd, a woman suffered critical injuries after her vehicle rolled over on the West Side of San Antonio.

Details About the Accident

According to local authorities, the accident occurred just around 3:00 p.m. near Highway 151, between Westover Fields Boulevard and Wiseman. The woman was driving her red vehicle on Highway 151 when she struck a silver car after failing to break at a stoplight.

The victim driving the silver vehicle was ejected after her vehicle as it rolled over, ultimately landing on top of her. While she managed to survive, she was rushed to the nearest hospital and is being treated for potentially life-threatening injuries.

The passenger of the silver vehicle did not suffer significant injuries, and the two individuals in the red vehicle suffered minor injuries. Authorities believe the accident occurred as a result of a brake failure within the red vehicle.

The Deadly Results of Rollover Accidents

While each accident tends to be different, the end results can all lead up to identical outcomes in comparison to other related-accidents. Normally, the larger and more narrow a vehicle is, the more at risk that vehicle is at rolling over due to their high center of gravity. 

These types of accidents account for an estimated 35% of all traffic fatalities in the United States annually. In fact, the majority of these fatal accidents are labeled as single-vehicle accidents, and only 15% of fatal rollovers involve other vehicles.

Faulty Vehicle Equipment in Rollover Crashes

While these accidents most often occur due to a driver’s unawareness or sudden swerve, the condition of the vehicle is also another leading factor. At times, faulty vehicle equipment such as the brakes or the actual design of the car itself can lead to an unwanted and catastrophic accident. 

When this happens, negligence and liability could all fall into the hands of either the car’s owner, a mechanic, the car’s manufacturer, the car parts manufacturer, or anyone involved in the car/car parts distribution chain.

The most common design flaw that leads to rollover fatalities is roof crush, where the roof on top of the vehicle gets destroyed as a result of a rollover and does not give the driver enough room to move or breathe.

Most Common Injuries Suffered in Rollover Accidents

Being involved in a rollover accident can either be fatal or bring debilitating, life-altering injuries to survivors. Some of the most notable injuries victims suffer in rollover accidents include but are not limited to:

• Neck injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Head injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Broken bones

Rio Grande Valley Car Accident Attorneys Ready To Seek Justice for Rollover Victims

When an unexpected tragedy occurs right before your eyes, it can dramatically change your life, physically, mentally, and emotionally. If one were to survive such an accident, hospitalization, medication, and treatment can all bring financial burdens upon victims and their families. 

When this is the case, the best way to handle these situations would be to call upon the trustworthy McAllen car accident attorneys of J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys. Our dedicated car accident lawyers will serve victims all across the Rio Grande Valley, fighting for the rightful compensation and justice they deserve from the negligent parties responsible for inflicting their injuries.

Suffered significant injuries as a result of a negligent driver? Contact J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today for a FREE consultation!

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Source: KSAT

On the afternoon of Wednesday, July 1st, a disastrous multi-vehicle accident in Rio Grande City occurred that left a vehicle on fire and initiated the search of a group of undocumented immigrants. 

Details About the Accident

According to local authorities, the accident occurred at the intersection of FM 3167 and Highway 83 in Rio Grande City. The incident involved three different vehicles in which one SUV carried a group of undocumented immigrants that burst into flames.

The RGC Fire Department arrived at the scene and quickly extinguished the flames out. Bystanders told local authorities that they witnessed a group of individuals fleeing the SUV.

A pursuit to find the group of undocumented individuals was initiated by the Border Patrol shortly after those reports. Authorities are still investigating what led up to the car accident. 

No other injuries or information have been reported on the other vehicles involved.

The Severe Outcomes of Multi-Vehicle Crashes

Multi-vehicle car crashes can end catastrophically and can leave devastating results to the human body, mind, and emotional well being. 

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), it was reported that in 2018, multi-vehicle accidents accounted for 47% of all traffic deaths across the United States with a total number of 17,079 fatalities.

As for Texas, a reported total of 1,802 multi-vehicle fatalities occurred across the state in 2018, which essentially summed up 17% of all related accidents in the United States that year.

Determining Who Was Liable 

Due to the nature of these types of accidents, multi-vehicle accidents can cause hefty damages and injuries to those involved, leaving them confused as to how the accident happened and who is at fault.

In these types of cases, the way to determine who was exactly at fault would come down to the following factors:

• If a party was driving under the influence or distracted.
• If the driver was driving in a reckless manner and going way above the speed limit.
• If a party ignored or ultimately failed to follow a traffic sign or light.
• Photographs or video of any clear evidence of the accident, including any damages inflicted upon a driver and their personal properties
• Any testimonies from eyewitnesses who saw the accident in real time.

What You Should Collect If Involved in a Multi-Vehicle Accident

If suddenly involved in such an accident, in order to build a strong case against the negligent driver, the following evidence and documentation should be collected on your end:

• Photographs or video of your injuries, property damages, the whereabouts of the accident, the license plate numbers of all other parties involved, and the scene itself. 
• Contact and insurance information of all other parties involved.
• The official police report and accident report as soon as it becomes available.
• Any medical receipts and notes, including, but not limited to, medical bills, medication receipts, prescriptions, doctor’s notes, and proof of rehabilitation services. 

Steps to Take After Being Involved in a Multi-Vehicle Accident

If ever involved in a car accident of any kind, it is vital to seek medical attention and to notify local authorities immediately after it has occurred. 

Some injuries suffered in car accidents are not completely noticeable right away and can take hours or days to develop following the accident.

Once you have been properly treated by medical professionals, it is crucial to get in touch with the Rio Grande City car accident lawyers of J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys as soon as you possibly can to start a car accident claim against all responsible parties.

Our attorneys will fight to seek the appropriate financial compensation you need to cover the cost of all the damages that have been inflicted upon you, including your pain and suffering.

Do not hesitate to seek justice! Contact J.Gonzales Injury Attorneys today.

Book My FREE Consultation Now

Source: Valley Central

For families, teenagers, and young adults, summer is meant to be filled with fun adventures and spontaneous trips. However, what many might not realize is that the summer season has some of the deadliest days of the entire year.

The Brownsville car accident lawyer at J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys would like to further elaborate on the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” and provide some crucial, life-saving tips to keep in mind when driving on the road.

100 Deadliest Days of Summer Explained

The 100 deadliest days of summer are known as the period between Memorial Day in May through Labor Day in early September. Historically speaking, this time frame sees a shockingly high number of car accidents and fatalities, especially amongst teenage drivers.

From 2008 to 2018, the American Automobile Association (AAA) reported a total of 8,300 fatalities during these 100 days in that 10-year time frame. Based on this data, there is an average of 830 deaths on an annual basis, which further breaks down to 10 daily fatalities.

This data is primarily focused on teenage drivers between 16 to 18-years old. Due to their lack of experience, teenagers are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal car accident compared to experienced adult drivers.

In a recent study conducted by the AAA, they concluded that at least 72% of teenage drivers aged between 16 to 18-years old have admitted to doing the following when driving in the past 30 days:

• 47% of teenage drivers have gone 10 MPH over the legal speed limit in residential streets.
• 40% of teenage drivers have gone 15 MPH over the legal speed limit when driving on expressways.
• 35% of teenage drivers have admitted to texting while operating a vehicle.
• 32% of teenage drivers have driven through a red light. 
• 31% of teenage drivers have driven aggressively. 
• 25% of teenage drivers have driven while drowsy or tired.
• 17% of teenage drivers have admitted to driving without wearing a seatbelt.

Leading Factors of Car Accidents 

• Distracted driving: Approximately 60% of all teenage driver-related accidents are caused by distracted driving. Examples of distracted driving include texting-and-driving, changing the radio station (or using the phone to play music), eating while driving, or arguing/talking with fellow passengers.
• Speeding: Teenage drivers are more likely to speed and are more likely to spark a catastrophic accident due to their lack of space in-between vehicles.
• Driving under-the-influence: No one should ever get behind the wheel when they have been consuming alcohol or smoking illegal substances, especially inexperienced and underage drivers!

Essential Life-Saving Tips to Keep in Mind This Summer

As the parent of a teenage driver, it is critical to properly educate your children about the responsibilities and privileges of driving a vehicle. Below are a few essential tips that you should emphasize before giving the keys to your child.

• Refrain from cell phone use when operating a vehicle: No social media posting, texting, or phone usage is ever too important when behind the wheel.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times: It is vital to be hyper-aware of surroundings as danger can strike from any angle, at any given time.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs: Driving under-the-influence is one of the most selfish things a driver can possibly do and can lead to an unwanted tragedy. 
• Get proper rest before driving: While summer nights might end in later hours for some, it is important to get plenty of rest in order to drive fully rested and aware
• Always wear a seatbelt: Properly being strapped saves lives! In fact, seatbelts saved approximately 14,955 individuals in 2017.

Brownsville Car Accident Attorneys You Can Rely On!

When an unexpected accident causes you or your loved ones serious injuries, both physically and mentally, you will need the most trustworthy legal team possible in order to collect damages from the at-fault party.

J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys are here to serve car accident victims in Brownsville and all across the Rio Grande Valley.

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

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When you are involved in a car accident, especially for the first time in your life, the process of filing an insurance claim can be quite confusing. This can be especially frustrating as you seek financial recovery for the damages you and your property have suffered.

One route many car accident victims decide to go with when they want a fast financial settlement is to subrogate their accident claim with their insurance company.

Your McAllen personal injury lawyer at J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys is here to explain what exactly subrogating your claim means and the downsides of taking this route.

Subrogation Explained

An insurance term, subrogation is a common process in which your insurance company pays you a settlement for your damages upfront and goes after the negligent party to recoup whatever amount was given to you.

From a legal standpoint, subrogation is when one party decides to seek legal action and pursue financial compensation on behalf of another party, in order to collect a debt that was owed. This means that when a plaintiff decides to subrogate their claim, they are essentially transferring their rights to seek legal action to the insurance company, since they already collected a settlement upfront.

In some instances, if an insurance company is successful in their subrogation claim, the plaintiff might be able to get reimbursed for any deductibles they paid to their insurer.

The Potential Downsides of Subrogating a Claim

While having a claim subrogated can be a fast way to get financial compensation for your car accident, it does come with its cons.

For starters, once you receive a settlement from the insurance company, you are essentially waiving your right to directly seek legal action against the negligent party. This could mean that the settlement you receive from your insurance company may not be enough to cover the cost of all the damages you have suffered. 

So even if you receive minimal compensation, from a legal standpoint, there is no possible way to pursue nor negotiate any additional compensation. Once you get a settlement, that’s it!

Pursuing Legal Action Against the At-Fault Party

While having your claim subrogated may seem like the simplest choice when you want to recover damages for your car accident, it’s best to evaluate all additional options before waiving your rights to do so. 

As a victim, the best way to maximize your car accident claim is to seek legal action against the negligent party yourself.

With years of legal experience and a proven history of success, the McAllen personal injury lawyers of J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys can help car accident victims obtain the justice and financial compensation they need to get their life back in order.  

Injured in a car accident? Contact J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today for a FREE no-obligation case evaluation!

Book My FREE Consultation Now