With numerous cases of COVID-19 reported across the Rio Grande Valley on a daily basis, county government officials are urging their residents to comply with their shelter-in-place ordinances and only leave their homes for essential needs and purposes. 

While essential businesses remain open under certain circumstances and limitations, essential workers have to continue to work and are put in the frontlines of this pandemic in order to fulfill a service to their community, and if these businesses do not comply and ignore the necessary sanitary and social distancing protocols implemented by the local and state authorities, they are putting their employees at a dangerously high risk of exposure to the Coronavirus.

At that point, legal action to answer for this type of negligence may be necessary.

Essential Businesses Guidelines

Under an executive order issued by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, only businesses that are deemed as essential–such as restaurants, grocery stores, and pharmacies–are able to operate under certain circumstances and must comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) social distancing and sanitary recommendations. Key points of the executive order state that:

• Gatherings of more than 10 people should be avoided.
• Restaurants can only operate under drive-thru, pickup, or delivery services.

Hidalgo County, Cameron County, Willacy County, and Starr County have all enforced shelter-in-place ordinances that comply with the executive order while enforcing CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Some of these guidelines that are directly aimed at essential businesses include:

• Enforcing social distancing of at least 6-feet between customers and employees.
• Only use a minimum number of essential employees at a time.
• Provide sanitation supplies to employees such as hand sanitizer (must contain at least 60% alcohol) and soap.
• Provide a form of sanitation for its customers at all entrance points.
• Excessively sanitize the environment throughout the day.
• Send an employee home immediately if they are showing any symptoms and sanitize that employee’s work station. 
• Notify other employees if a team member has contracted the virus.

In addition, these same counties have all issued obligatory mask ordinances to their respective residents when engaging in outdoor and essential activities. 

COVID-19 Employer Negligence Case

Pandemic or not, if an employer fails to ensure the safety of both their employees and customers while on the premises, that business may be considered negligent within the eyes of the civil court.

Regarding our current circumstances, if the business owner does not modify its current operations in order to comply with state and local ordinances, as well as WHO and CDC recommendations, they can be held liable if one of their employees were to contract the coronavirus. In fact, lawsuits have been filed because of this.

Under standard personal injury law, in order to prove negligence against an employer, these four points must be proven to the court:

• If and so, the employer owed the employee a duty of care (which they do during this pandemic).
• The employer breached that duty to their employee(s).
• The breach of the duty was a direct cause of the employee’s harm or injury suffered (in this case, contracting the coronavirus).
• The employer tested positive for COVID-19 and must establish the damages suffered.

Seeking Justice is Just a Virtual Consultation Away

If you or a loved one contracted the coronavirus as a direct result of an employer failing to comply with COVID-19 related ordinances or providing you with protective equipment, you may have a case. Be sure that you adhere to the shelter-in-place ordinances and cover yourself up with proper masks and gloves to prevent exposure or the spread of the virus.

Our McAllen personal injury attorneys at J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys are able to conduct virtual consultations with those victims that have suffered significant injuries due to the negligent acts of their employer.

We will evaluate your case and see what legal options will be available in order to seek the proper financial compensation for all the damages inflicted.

If your employer refused to adhere to COVID-19 safety procedures and put you at risk of contracting the virus, use our digital legal services to review your case.

Set Up My Virtual Consultation Now

With the current COVID-19 pandemic restricting us from having face-to-face interactions with our clients, strategic adjustments have to be executed in order to keep their respective litigations on track. With the power of modern technology, however, the ability to communicate with clients on a day-to-day basis is made possible, even when conducting a remote deposition.

How Remote Depositions Work

A deposition is an out-of-court meeting where a defense attorney asks you or any other witnesses involved in your personal injury case to make a sworn statement and answer essential questions relevant to your circumstances. This meeting is documented and recorded in its entirety by a reporter representing the court and is traditionally meant to take place in-person, normally in a conference room setting. 

Under the first COVID-19 emergency order declared by Governor Greg Abbott, a Texas court may allow and consider any sworn statements to be made outside of the courtroom, and parties involved in a deposition can participate remotely, excluding the juror.

With this being said, virtual depositions are able to be scheduled as long as all parties are able to participate in their own remote setting via video conferencing applications such as Zoom, Skype, or any other reliable video conferencing service.

What You’ll Need In Order To Participate in a Remote Deposition

• Any computer or device equipped with a video camera and microphone: Most modern desktops, laptops, and tablets already come equipped with an internal webcam and microphone. However, for more efficient communication on your end, it is recommended to use a headset with a built-in microphone so you can hear other parties while delivering your deposition clearly.
• A reliable internet network: Having a stable, reliable internet connection is equally as important as having a computer or device that is suitable for a remote deposition. If you are unsure if your internet meets the standards to conduct a video conference call, you can check your broadband’s speed at www.speedtest.net. Additionally, being connected to the internet with an ethernet cable would provide the best overall quality when using a videoconference service.
• Secure setting: Remote depositions, even while taken during a shelter-in-place, are a formal affair, and being as such, dressing appropriately–as you would if you were attending the deposition in person–while maintaining a clean, non-distracting environment is crucial as well.
• Speak clearly and in a professional manner: In a remote deposition, it is imperative to speak in the clearest manner possible so that the reporter can accurately document the statements given. In addition to this, all parties must speak one at a time in a civil, professional manner without interrupting the other. This avoids the reporter from asking a party to repeat themselves when giving out important information.
• Test your equipment prior to the scheduled meeting: Before entering the scheduled conference call, it is crucial to test out all equipment and network connection to ensure a smooth, high-quality video conferencing session. 

Don’t Let COVID-19 Get In The Way Of Pursuing Civil Justice

In spite of the current social distancing ordinances placed across all counties within the Rio Grande Valley, the legal team at J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys is continuing to help out personal injury victims with both new and existing claims via digital legal services.

Our McAllen personal injury attorneys will never turn away victims that are seeking financial relief for the injuries they have suffered due to a negligent action caused by another, and with our guidance, we can help you prepare for a remote deposition should you need to file one for you or your family member.

For More Advice on Your Remote Deposition, or to File a Your Personal Injury Claim, Contact J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys Now.

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As numerous COVID-19 cases continue to increase on a daily basis across the Rio Grande Valley, all the respective counties are enforcing the necessary social distancing measures needed in order to slow down the spread of the coronavirus.

And with every county placing strict shelter-in-place orders in efforts to protect the safety of their residents as well, J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys encourages everybody to stay safe and sound in their homes! With this being said, we are still fighting for victims of car accidents and other personal injuries seeking civil justice by actively communicating with them through our digital legal services.

One of the more common questions our McAllen car accident lawyers have received both on and offline is a concern that many people face after a crash: If you’ve been involved in a car accident, is it possible to seek lost wages if you cannot return to work due to serious injuries?

Calculating a Claim for Lost Wages

As part of a car accident claim, not only are you entitled to seek damages for your medical treatments and pain and suffering, but you may also be eligible to recover all of your past, present, and future wages if you have missed out on work as a result of your injuries. When calculating an appropriate claim, some of the important factors in recovering your lost wages include:

• The amount of time your injuries have kept you out of work.
• Any extra days taken from your leave of absence.
• Missed opportunities such as promotions, bonuses, commissions, or any other lost benefits.
• Any paid time off, vacation days, or sick days were taken. 

It is worth noting that if you are self-employed, an independent contractor, or work solely commission-based, it is still possible to recover lost wages, but it may be more challenging to calculate. In order to do so, our attorneys would need reliable documentation like previous tax records, recent income, invoices, and other relevant documents to establish your loss of income.

The Evidence Required to Solidify Your Claim

In order to accurately prove to the civil court that the claim our attorneys calculated is, in fact, an appropriate settlement, our legal team will have to collect the following documentation during the discovery phase:

• Police reports, photographs, medical bills, and any other notes and documentation from the car accident caused by the negligent driver.
• Tax records, pay stubs, and wage statements.
• A doctor’s note explicitly stating you are unable to work.

• A company note that states how many days you have missed out on work, average pay rate, and any missed opportunities.

If you are self-employed, a commission worker, or freelancer, you are going to need your most recent tax records and legitimate proof of recent income such as pay stubs, invoices, and billing records.

Depending on the severity of your injury, you may be eligible for a higher payout in your claim if you are able to prove to the civil court that:

A) The injuries you’ve suffered have ultimately kept you from returning to your old job, and you had to settle for another lower-paying occupation.

Or

B) You have suffered injuries so severe that you won’t be able to perform any occupation in general.

Seeking Civil Justice is Just A Virtual Consultation Away!

Despite these unique circumstances we are facing right now, the McAllen car accident lawyers of J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys are restless, as the pursuit of justice is always their main priority.

Our attorneys keep our clients updated with their current car accident claim through online communication and are able to consult with new clients who wish to file a claim via our digital legal services.

For anyone who needs to file a car accident claim, our attorneys will be able and ready to consult with you online, evaluate your case to see what legal options are available, and seek the financial relief you deserve!

Don’t let COVID-19 get in the way of seeking civil justice! Contact us today for a FREE, no-obligation case evaluation!

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As COVID-19 grows from a health concern to a health crisis, developing new protocols and procedures to keep people virus-free are crucial to curbing its spread. At the same time, old rules must be enforced to prevent unnecessary infection–and injury–from occurring as well.

If you suspect that you are experiencing symptoms related to coronavirus, you may consider driving yourself to the hospital, but doing this, however, could be putting yourself at risk of getting into a costly car accident.

With so many uncertainties regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the McAllen car accident lawyer of J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys would like to provide you clarity by sharing crucial information regarding what to do, and what not to do, about seeking medical care without putting yourself, or others, at risk of an accident or infection.

The Dangers of Driving Sick

In an article published by ABC News, it was determined by Young Marmalade, a UK car insurance agency, and the Cardiff University in Wales that driving while ill is similar to someone driving inebriated. The article also shared:

• Drivers that experience flu-like symptoms are bound to have a 50% decrease in their driving capabilities, resulting in major losses in concentration and slower reaction times.
• An ill driver’s level of impairment is similar to consuming four double whiskeys.
• Additionally, a single sneeze can keep a driver’s eyes closed for up to 3 seconds, which is enough time to cause a collision.

To avoid causing a major accident, it is highly advisable to have a designated driver transport you to the hospital or to the pharmacy if you’re sick or medicated, but if you suspect that you have the coronavirus, you need to call your primary care physician first. More on this later.

Keep in mind that while there are no federal or Texas state laws preventing drivers from driving while sick, drivers should absolutely not get behind the wheel if they are taking over-the-counter drugs that may contain naproxen, codeine, and even small levels of alcohol. In essence, you may be held liable for any accidents in Texas as driving sick or medicated is 100% preventable.

What To Do If You’re Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms

With new Rio Grande Valley COVID-19 cases reported every day, local authorities are asking those who are feeling flu-like symptoms stay at home in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

However, according to another article in the New York Times, if you begin to experience symptoms of COVID-19, call your primary care provider immediately to inform them. From there, they will get in touch with the local health department, and further instructions will be given from there.

Just showing up to the hospital or emergency room for minor symptoms can infect others–especially immunocompromised people like cancer patients, etc.–as staff need time to make adequate preparations for victims suffering from COVID-19.

If you start to experiencing severe symptoms like bluish lips, trouble breathing, or persistent chest pain or pressure, contact 911 and inform them that you are being evaluated for symptoms of COVID-19 and await further instruction.

Count on J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys To Take On Your Personal Injury Case Virtually!

In light of the current situation we are all facing, J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys are urging Rio Grande Valley residents to stay home during this pandemic, and if you have a car accident claim that you need to file, reach out to our McAllen car accident lawyers through an online consultation.

Our attorneys will–through video conferencing or teleconferencing applications–still hear out personal injury victims that want to seek civil justice. We will be able to walk them through on how the legal process works and evaluate what legal options are available in order to proceed with your case moving forward.

Be safe and stay home, but don’t let COVID-19 stop you from seeking civil justice!

Book My FREE Consultation Now

When one suffers significant injuries as a result of a car accident, everything can change in an instant for that person, and many questions of uncertainty will be up in the air in regards to what happens next.

Thankfully, victims can seek lost wages in Texas for the time they were unable to work due to the injuries they have sustained in a car accident.

Today at J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys, we explore how car accident claims typically work while going in-depth into how contacting the San Juan car accident lawyers can ultimately help you gain the rightful financial compensation you need for all of the damages you have endured because of your car accident.

Lost Wages In Brief

The term “lost wages” refers to the financial wages that you would’ve earned if the car accident hadn’t occurred. The only way to recover lost wages would be through suffering a significant injury due to a negligent car crash and receive medical treatment during the time you would have worked.

Filing Your Car Accident Claim

In order to file a claim, the plaintiff (the victim who suffered the injury) must prove that the car accident has kept them from going to work due to the nature of their injuries. To prove this, you will need to collect the following:

• A doctor’s note: This note will provide some more insightful information detailing the injuries sustained and medical treatment/procedures taken. Its main purpose is to describe how exactly your injuries have kept you from working.
• A letter from your employer: The purpose of this letter is to have your employer confirm your leave of absence as well as provide information in regards to your hourly wages or salary.
• Any wage documents: This includes your most updated pay stubs or the latest W-2 and/or tax returns if self-employed.

Typically, lost wages are covered by the negligent driver’s insurance company and are required to adequately calculate and pay off the accurate amount for your missing wages. If the negligent driver isn’t covered by an insurance company, you are able to:

A) Be covered under your own insurance company via uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage or a Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage (only if applicable).

B) File a lawsuit against that person in order to recover those lost wages.

It is important to note that you shouldn’t give any sort of statement to the insurance company without consulting an experienced car accident lawyer from J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys first.

San Juan Car Accident Lawyers Ready To Seek Justice On Your Behalf

Let’s face it, while no one wishes to be involved in a traumatic car accident, they can occur to anyone at any given time. In the event of an accident that can keep you from working and being able to pay your bills, you can call upon the San Juan car accident lawyers of J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys to help you prepare a car accident claim.

While you are receiving the proper medical treatment and rehabilitation, let us fight tooth-and-nail in order to recover all the financial and emotional damages you deserve!

If you or a loved one are unable to work due to significant injuries suffered in a car accident, Contact J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today at any of our McAllen, Brownsville, or Rio Grande City locations for a FREE, no-obligation case evaluation!

Foreign nationals in the United States may feel as if they do not have many legal options when they suffer a personal injury, be it a car accident injury or an injury on the job. While it can be intimidating to deal with a legal situation in an unfamiliar country, it’s important to know that you are not alone. 

While there may be a sense of fear and hopelessness, you do, in fact, have rights and the ability to seek help from an attorney, regardless of your current legal status.

The McAllen car accident lawyers of J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys would like to provide you with information regarding your legal options if you suffer a personal injury. 

The 14th Amendment 

The 14th amendment applies to everyone in the U.S, regardless of their citizenship status. The law explicitly states, “Nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”

With this being said, documented and undocumented immigrants have the same rights as U.S citizens including due process if they suffer a personal injury as the result of another party’s negligence. Foreign nationals in the U.S. are eligible to seek financial compensation in a court of law, which will NOT affect their current living status within the U.S.

What to Do in the Event of a Personal Injury 

• Seek medical attention: Your health should be your biggest priority. If you suffered a personal injury, it is crucial that you seek medical attention immediately as the nature of the injuries may be a threat to your life.
• Contact the authorities: After the accident has occurred, contact the proper authorities. If you have been involved in a car accident, they can help control the situation and provide the care you need.

• Collect all possible evidence, including:
  • Any photographs of your injuries (and/or vehicle damages if applicable) and photos of where the incident happened.

• • Contact information, license plate numbers, and insurance information of the negligent driver. If it was not a vehicle accident, collect the name and contact information of any eye-witnesses that saw the accident take place. 

• • Police reports, medical bills, medication receipts, x-rays, proof of rehabilitation services, etc.
• Consult an experienced personal injury attorney such as J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys: It is crucial to consult a trusted personal injury attorney as soon as you possibly can as the Texas statute of limitations might prevent you from seeking legal action.

A Bilingual Injury Attorney You Can Rely On

The bilingual McAllen lawyers of J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys are able to represent any victims of personal injuries caused by a negligent party in a civil court in order to help them seek financial compensation for their injuries.

If you or a loved one have fallen victim to a personal injury, contact J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today at any of our McAllen, Brownsville, or Rio Grande City locations for a FREE, no-obligation case evaluation.

Image Source: Valley Central

On Monday, March 2nd, a serious 18-wheeler rollover accident occurred near Val Verde Road in Alamo, which led to both eastbound and westbound lanes on I-2 to shut down for several hours.

Details Regarding the Accident

The reasons as to why the 18-wheeler flipped over the median are still under investigation, but no injuries have been reported thus far.

The Texas Department of Transportation alerted incoming traffic to reroute elsewhere in order for the proper authorities to step onto the scene and remove the 18-wheeler from the expressway.

Shocking Large-Truck Accident Statistics You Should Know

Large truck accidents are known to be one of the most severe types of accidents due to their sheer size and weight. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the following large-truck accident statistics were reported for 2018:

• Rollover accidents accounted for 45 percent of large truck occupant deaths.

• 33 percent of all large truck accident deaths occurred on major interstates and freeways.

Additionally, in a separate study conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), it was reported that in 2017:

• The majority of fatal (83 percent) and non-fatal (88 percent) of large truck accidents occurred on weekdays.

• Out of 450,000 reported large truck crashes, there were 4,237 fatal accidents and 344,000 non-fatal injury accidents.

Most Common Factors That Can Lead Up To A Large Truck Accident

• Weight and Size: The larger and narrower a vehicle might be, the more of a risk they are in to put themselves in a potential rollover accident due to its higher center of gravity.
• Road Conditions: If a driver doesn’t take the necessary precautions when navigating through severe weather or inadequate road design, accidents are more likely to occur.
• Driver Fatigue: Drivers may be in no condition to operate the vehicle as they are either too tired or have an illness that prevents them from having a clear mental state.
• Distracted Driving: Irresponsible actions that can be avoided such as texting and driving, excessive speeding, or driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances can lead to a deadly accident.
• Manufacturing Defects/Company Negligence: Truck drivers may not always be at fault. Manufacturers of the large trucks or truck parts can be held responsible if their parts were defective and caused the accident. Trucking companies that employ the driver can also be at fault if they didn’t adequately train the driver or overworked him or her by rushing deliveries, ultimately leading to a catastrophic accident.

Rely on J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys to Seek Civil Justice For Your Large Truck Injuries 

If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious large truck accident, do not hesitate to contact the McAllen car accident attorneys of J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys as soon as you possibly can. It is crucial to inform victims that under the Texas statute of limitations, you have a window of only two (2) years to file a personal injury claim. If you wait to file your claim, you risk losing your eligibility to recover the financial compensation you need for your damages suffered.

 Contact the truck accident attorneys of J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today at any of our McAllen, Brownsville, or Rio Grande City locations to schedule a FREE no-obligation case evaluation.

Source: Valley Central, KRGV

On the morning of Thursday, February 20th, a horrific single-vehicle accident left one woman dead after sustaining serious injuries and one child in critical condition. 

Details About The Accident

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the accident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. on F.M. 1420 southbound towards County Road 800. Authorities say the 30-year-old female driver lost control of her 2002 Red Mercury Mountaineer after failing to control the vehicle’s speed after entering a curve. The vehicle eventually went airborne and crashed into a utility pole. 

The driver sustained serious injuries and died at the scene. She was transporting 3 children, 2 girls and a boy, at the time of the accident who were then taken to the nearest hospital. The two girls did not suffer any significant injuries but the boy was left in critical condition and is currently being treated for injuries. None of the individuals inside the vehicle were wearing a seat belt. 

Single-Vehicle, Run-Off-Road Crash Statistics 

According to the most recent data that was provided by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), in 2018:

• The fatality rate within Texas roadways totaled 1.29 deaths per hundred million vehicle miles traveled. 
• There was an overall reported total of 1,289 fatalities that resulted from run-off-road, single-vehicle crashes.
• Single-vehicle accidents accounted for 35.42 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities within the entire state.

In addition, a separate study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported that in 2018, single-vehicle accident fatalities accounted for a total of 51 percent of all crash fatalities in Texas alone.

Factors that Can Cause Run-Off-Road Collisions

While each run-off-road accident can have several unique factors, some of the most commonly reported ones include:

• Dangerous road conditions – At times, there are roadways that are in dire need of maintenance and are unstable to drive on. Some roads may be filled with potholes, rocks, and can even be paved inadequately. Some other factors may also include a lack of proper lighting and road signs that warn you of these hazards.
• Distracted driving – One of the most common causes of single-vehicle accidents occurs when the driver is not giving their full attention to the road. Texting and driving, changing a song on their playlist, eating, friendly conversations, and using the GPS all while operating a vehicle can lead to dangerous accidents that can be avoided if proper attention is given to the road.
• Irregular driving behavior – There are instances where a driver decides to go way above the speed limit and ignore some of the road signs that lie ahead of them. There have also been numerous cases where the driver makes one bad move due to road rage. While it may be easy to get caught up in the heat of the moment, committing any wrong choices will put those you are sharing the road with in a very dangerous situation.
• Unstable driving – Sometimes, a driver might not be in the right mindset to even operate their vehicle. There are times where the driver might feel under the weather or too tired to be behind the wheel. The best thing one can do is to be well-rested and fully cognitive before driving to avoid a potential accident.
• Severe weather conditions – Perhaps the biggest potential risks for run-off-road accidents come from unsafe road conditions due to severe weather. Heavy rainfalls can make roadways very slippery, blurry to see, and unreliable if not driving with precaution. 

Rio Grande Valley Car Accident Attorneys Fighting for You

Losing a loved one due to a tragic accident can be a very difficult and emotional time for the surviving family members to endure. While it is, in fact, a time of grieving, there can also be many questions raised about the financial future and stability of a household. 

Just know that you are not alone, and there are understanding and compassionate attorneys that are here help. The Brownsville car accident attorneys of J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys are here to seek civil justice for those who have lost a loved one due to a single-vehicle accident caused by a reckless driver or the manufacturer of the vehicle.

Contact the Brownsville car accident lawyers of J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today at any of our McAllen, Brownsville, or Rio Grande City locations for a FREE, no-obligation case review!

Source: KVEO

Jesse Gonzalez of J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys has been named a 2020 recipient of the Advertiser of the Year award by the American Advertising Federation of the Rio Grande Valley.

The AAF-RGV branch held its annual American Advertising Awards Gala in McAllen on February 20th and awarded the McAllen car accident attorney an ADDY for the significant impact he has made within the advertising market throughout the entire Rio Grande Valley.

About The Award

The American Advertising Award, commonly known as an ADDY for short, is recognized as one of the largest and significant nationwide competitions for the entire advertising industry.

This competition is a three-tier competition that begins at the local branch level and concludes at a national level at ADMERICA, AAF’s annual conference. Those who win the national recognition will be presented with a national ADDY during the annual conference in June at Palms Springs, California.

Each year, local AAF branches present ADDYs to those notable agencies and businesses who have made a big splash in their region with their creative spirit within the art of advertising.

With this win, Jesse Gonzalez qualifies to move on to the second tier of the competition where he will represent his law firm and further compete against other regional recipients in one of 15 district competitions.

J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys: Commitment To Excellence 

While it is a tremendous honor to be recognized for an achievement in advertising, Jesse Gonzalez, the McAllen car accident attorney, is committed to one specific goal: to bring civil justice to victims of car accidents caused by negligence.

Jesse will fight tooth-and-nail in civil court in order to win the financial relief that his clients need, and he will not stop until a proper verdict or settlement has been reached that can cover your damages.

With ongoing years worth of experience, J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys has served those in need of legal assistance through the Rio Grande Valley and understand exactly what it takes to get you the results you deserve. 

 If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident resulting in a personal injury, contact J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today at any of our McAllen, Brownsville, or Rio Grande City locations for a FREE, no-obligation case evaluation!

Every personal injury claim is unique in its own way and the amount of compensation that can be secured can widely vary. However, each case is calculated utilizing the same factors including elements such as the severity of the injury, financial loss, and mental anguish.  

The McAllen car accident lawyer of J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys is here to give you a brief overview of what qualifies as a personal injury, how compensation is determined, and also explain how important factors come into play when determining the value of your damages.

What Counts as a Personal Injury?

The following are the most common types of personal injury claims:

• Car accidents
• Slip and fall incidents
• Workplace accidents
• Product liability
• Defective products
• Nursing home abuse and neglect
• Premises liability
• Toxic substance exposure
• Medical malpractice
• Dog bites

Types of Damages

There are two general types of damages used to classify compensation. These types of damages include: 

1. Special damages

Special damages, frequently referred to as economic damages, are those which have a real-world value, including:

• Medical expenses and appropriate treatment (past, present, and future).
• Lost wages due to the inability to work, both at the time of the incident and any future wages.
• Damaged property of any kind that was affected due to the incident.
• Loss of earning capacity (past, present, and future).
• Out of pocket expenses.

2. General damages

General damages, frequently referred to as non-economic damages, tend to be more subjective and trickier to calculate. These include: 

• Pain and suffering (both physically and emotionally).
• Mental anguish.
• Emotional trauma and distress.
• Loss of consortium (meaning losing a relationship with a friend, family member or loved one).
• Loss of quality of life. 

Factors That Go Into Determining Value

• Insurance adjusters: Whenever a personal injury occurs, the insurance company will send a representative to evaluate the case and use their own formula to calculate how much the plaintiff’s damages are worth. However, you should be aware that these insurance adjusters are working for the insurance company, which means their aim is to give you the minimum amount of compensation instead of what your claim is actually worth. A quality lawyer can help to represent you in your dealings with these an insurance adjuster. 
• The nature of the injury: Depending on how severe the injury turns out, it will definitely play a deciding factor within the courtroom. The more serious the injury and the longer it takes to recover, the greater the possibility of being awarded a larger amount of compensation.
• Medical expenses and receipts: It is extremely crucial to collect any and all medical bills, medication receipts, proof of treatment and any other documents along those lines in order to prove the severity of your injury. Without submitting these documents, you are most likely not going to get very far with your claim.
• Proof of liability: In order to have a strong personal injury claim, you must prove that the defendant was, in fact, negligent and responsible for all of your injuries. It is crucial to have any documentation that can help back up your claim. For instance, if you were injured in a car accident, some important tools you can use to prove negligence would be a copy of the police report, photographs of the scene of the accident and your injuries, and in some circumstances, any video from nearby cameras that caught the accident on tape.
• Comparative negligence: If the plaintiff is found to partially responsible for causing his or her own injuries, then this will be taken into consideration when awarding the compensation. Generally, you will be deducted the percentage for which you are responsible.
• Emotional damages: While you can’t exactly calculate how much one’s emotional pain and suffering is actually worth, there are different methods to do so. These emotional damages can all tie-into all the physical injuries you’ve suffered, as well as how they have affected your life.

McAllen Personal Injury Attorneys

When suffering a personal injury of any kind, it can be a very painful, aggravating and confusing time in your life. But no matter what you may be going through, just know you are not alone.

The McAllen personal injury attorneys of J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys are here to help you to not only secure the appropriate financial settlement, but justice as well. We will sit down with you and make sure we understand everything about your situation. From there, we will explain how the legal process works and figure out what legal options are available in order to proceed with your claim.

If you or a loved one have fallen victim to a personal injury, do not hesitate to contact the J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today at (956) 630-6700 for a FREE no-obligation case evaluation!