Car accidents are unpleasant for everyone. Not only can a serious wreck lead to physical injuries but they also come with hefty property damage and financial burdens.

In the heat of the moment, it can be difficult for the victim of a car accident to know exactly what to do or how to handle the situation without placing themselves in a legally liable position.

There are plenty of questions that can arise, with one of those being, “At what point should I reach out to an attorney?”

If you have been the victim of a serious car accident and are unsure of when to contact an attorney, or even whether you should, then please consider the following information provided to you by the experienced McAllen J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys.

“I was involved in an accident, what do I do now?”

First things first, make sure whoever was in the vehicle at the time the incident is not injured – including yourself. Keep in mind that the adrenaline rush of being in an accident may numb some of the physical pain, so it is generally in your best interest to seek out medical treatment after a car wreck to ensure your health.

For instance, soft tissue injuries, like whiplash, may take a few days to really become noticeable.

That’s why visiting a doctor soon after an accident is so important. Not only do you benefit from medical treatment, you are also able to secure medical documentation that can be used down the road if you choose to file a claim against the negligent party who caused the accident.

The more evidence you have, the higher the likelihood of receiving a fair settlement. If possible, take photographs of the scene of the accident including photos of your car and the cars of the other parties involved. Try to secure eye witness testimony as well, and don’t forget to secure the police report. All this documentation will prove to be exceedingly helpful should you file a lawsuit for negligence.  

In a case of negligence, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant was driving irresponsibly or in some negligent manner without due diligence.

When to Contact an Attorney

To answer the initial question, it is never too early to reach out to the trustworthy McAllen car accident and personal injury lawyers of J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys – especially when it comes to negligence.

It benefits you to have an experienced and qualified attorney from the very beginning of your ordeal so that they can accurately represent you in your dealings with insurance adjusters. Unfortunately, insurance companies have a habit of “misinterpreting” the words of those who deserve honest care.  

Do not, by any means, give a statement to an insurance company BEFORE consulting your attorney. Their only concern is for you to accept the lowest settlement they offer or even to place liability on you so that they do not have to pay out what is rightfully owed to you.

Our dedicated attorney can help you to properly deal with insurance companies and their adjusters so that you receive the fair settlement you are entitled to.

Once you get in touch with our McAllen car accident attorney, provide them with all of the information and documentation you have secured. Our team can help you to secure additional evidence as needed.

With years worth of experience dedicated to serving the residents of McAllen, J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys understand exactly what it takes to get you the results you deserve. We will fight tooth and nail to help you secure the justice and financial recovery you need to right the wrongs that have been done to you.   

Contact us today at any of our McAllen, Brownsville, or Rio Grande City offices to set up your FREE legal consultation.

On the morning of Saturday, April 13, local authorities rushed to the scene of an auto-pedestrian accident.

Life Lost in Edinburg

The Texas Department of Public Safety went out to FM 1925 and FM 907 in Edinburg around 6 a.m. on Saturday to investigate an auto-pedestrian accident.

Texas DPS found that a brown 2003 Dodge Ram traveling east on FM 1925 struck a pedestrian who was crossing the center lane of the roadway. It is believed that the pedestrian failed to yield the right of way to the vehicle and was subsequently struck.

The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. In accordance with the law, the driver stopped and remained on location.

The investigation into the accident is still ongoing.

The Facts & Statistics About Auto-Pedestrian Accidents

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2016 there were 5,987 pedestrians that perished in traffic accidents all across the United States. In addition, 2015 saw 129,000 pedestrians receive treatment in emergency rooms for non-fatal injuries sustained in auto-pedestrian accidents.

These statistics paint a clear picture of the dangers that pedestrians face all throughout the United States. The CDC explains that on each trip, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely to die in an auto-pedestrian accident in comparison to the occupants in the vehicle.

Those facing an increased risk of getting into an auto-pedestrian accident include:

• Older adults (ages 65+)
• Children under the age of 15
• Alcohol-impaired drivers or pedestrians
• Pedestrians traveling through urban areas and/or at night
• Pedestrians crossing non-intersection locations

As travelers of the U.S. roadway system, it is our duty to abide by local and state traffic laws to ensure the safety of all.

The McAllen car accident lawyers of J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys want to hear your story.

If you or someone you love was injured or passed away in a car accident involving a pedestrian, the experienced personal injury lawyers of J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys want to hear from you.

For years, our attorneys have fought for and won fair compensation for victims of auto-pedestrian accidents. Do not suffer in silence. Contact us at any of our McAllen, Brownsville, or Rio Grande City offices to set up a FREE consultation with one of our Rio Grande Valley attorneys.

Source: Valley Central

It might seem like harmless fun, but individuals “cruising around” our Rio Grande Valley city streets – even during business hours – are putting themselves and others in danger.

Individuals living in San Juan might have noticed an unusual amount of traffic in recent weeks, specifically on Thursday nights. Recently, groups of drivers have begun to “cruise” around in circles along Raul Longoria Road, between Nolana Loop and 495. While cruising is by no means unique to the Rio Grande Valley, unfortunately, irresponsible drivers may do so under the influence of drugs or alcohol while others my loiter near businesses, pushing away customers.

Then there’s the issue of street racing associated with cruising.

San Juan police are working to stop this hazardous behavior but they need the help of the public to ensure this doesn’t continue taking place.

The Dangers of Cruising & Street Racing

One of the bigger issues associated with cruising is that oftentimes, it leads to street racing. Consider the following, for every 1,000 people who participate in street racing, 49 individuals get seriously injured.

A 2000 piece in the Los Angeles Times highlighted the dangers associated with street racing. In that year alone, nearly 180 individuals died as a result of street racing. Unfortunately, more than half of the deaths reported were individuals who were NOT behind the wheel.

Accordingly:

• 47% were the suspected drivers
• 27% were the passengers
• 14% were uninvolved motorists
• 6% were pedestrians
• 5% were spectators

Other issues police have to deal with that are associated with cruising and street racing include:

• Fighting/assaults
• Curfew violations
• Drunk drivers
• Gang-related activity
• Noise complaints
• Trespassing
• Vandalism
• Littering
• Vehicle crashes that can lead to severe injuries or death to innocent bystanders

While cruising may seem relatively safe, the reality is that, when groups of negligent drivers begin to hit our streets, they can cause serious issues for all other responsible drivers.

What You Should Know About Accidents Involving “Cruising”

Let’s take the scenario of a victim that collides with an individual involved in cruising or street racing. Naturally, the victim may want to seek out financial compensation for the damages they have suffered

To begin with, the street racer has committed an act of “negligence per se.” This person was aware the act they were committing was wrong and illegal, yet did it anyway.

Because of this, claims filed under the Texas “negligence per se” tort, can be much easier to prove in comparison to a traditional negligence case.

Now, what happens if you are a passenger in an accident with a person who was street racing? The person street racing is equally as responsible for anyone else that gets hurt inside their vehicle. So if you are a passenger and get injured, it is possible to file a suit against that person.

Additionally, there are laws against street racing that can further help your claim.

At J.Gonzales Injury Attorneys, we will not tolerate cruisers and street racers harming an innocent victim. If you have been involved in an accident that was caused by street racing or “cruisers,” let the Rio Grande Valley car accident lawyers of J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys help you fight for your just due. We’ll make sure to secure you a fair compensation that will help you get your life back in order.  

Even if you aren’t necessarily street racing but you still decide to go for a cruise in San Juan, you can still face criminal offenses, such a traffic ticket, citation for loitering, or other charges. San Juan PD will not tolerate this anymore and neither will we.

On the morning of Friday, April 5th, traffic was shut down in Weslaco for more than two hours while the scene of a car accident was investigated.

Details Regarding the Incident

Weslaco police were sent to investigate a single vehicle crash on Business 83 and Mile 2 ½ West that occurred early Friday morning. According to the authorities, the vehicle crashed into a utility pole.

It is unknown at this time the gender or age of the individual that perished in the car accident; however, as the investigation continues, more information will be released.

Utility Pole Crashes by the Numbers

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) states in a 2017 report that around 21 percent of motor vehicle crashes run off of the roadway and hit fixed objects like trees, utility poles, or traffic barriers. In 2017, this resulted in 7,833 fatalities.

The study also cites that trees are the most common object that motorists crash into, accounting for 47 percent of deaths in these types of crashes in 2017. Utility poles and traffic barriers, on the other hand, accounted for 12 percent and 9 percent of fatalities, respectively.

The study also states that nearly half of these types of accidents occur at night. Common factors that can contribute to single vehicle crash include:

• Excessive speeds
• Inattention (e.g. distracted driving)
• Drowsy driving
• Poor visibility
• Alcohol or drug use

It is important to understand, however, that just because someone may be involved in a single vehicle accident, it doesn’t mean that they are solely responsible for the crash. Third-party negligence can play a factor in these types of accidents, such as when:

• A defective auto-part causes the vehicle to become uncontrollable.
• Another driver (commercial or passenger) swerves into the victim’s lane unexpectedly.
• Another driver (commercial or passenger) driving while impaired and running you off of the road.
• Local municipality failing to keep the road in a good driving condition.

Single vehicle crashes can be a traumatic experience for anyone to face, especially when the accident occurs as a factor outside of your control. Let the Rio Grande Valley car accident lawyers of J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys help you with your car accident claim so that you can focus on recovering.

Contact us at any of our McAllen, Brownsville, or Rio Grande City offices to set up your free legal consultation.

Source: Valley Central

One of the worst phone calls you can receive as a parent is a call from your child’s school notifying you that your little one or teenager has been injured in some sort of accident.

Parents face these sorts of incidents every day all throughout the state of Texas. But did you know it is nearly impossible for parents to hold public schools liable if their child is injured during the school day?

It’s no secret that when you want to seek out compensation to help pay for the mounting debt stemming from your child’s injuries, you should hire an experienced personal injury attorney like those at J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys. We have devoted ourselves to perfecting our skills and using all our legal experience to help secure full compensation for the damages you or your loved one have suffered.

Today we are analyzing why it can be a challenge to sue a Texas public school for your child’s injury – and it has a lot to do with sovereign immunity.

What is Sovereign Immunity?

According to the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG), sovereign immunity is a judicial doctrine that protects the state from being sued in state or federal court without its consent.

In essence, it derives from an ancient English principle that states, “A king can do no wrong.” In the U.S., we do not have a king, so the “king” in this statement refers to the government.

In the state of Texas, our courts have adopted this doctrine for two purposes:

1. It allows the state to do its duty effectively, including the issuance of important administrative actions.
2. It protects the state’s treasury.

To briefly illustrate the first purpose, if the Texas government approved a provision that someone took fault with, sovereign immunity prohibits that person from suing the government in retaliation. The reasoning behind this is that any potential lawsuit that could change a law, would affect millions of other people.

But that doesn’t automatically mean that the Texas government is infallible. This is an entity that can make mistakes and should, therefore, be held liable, especially if your child is hurt while attending a public school.

The Importance of the Texas Tort Claims Act in Holding Schools Liable

The Texas Tort Claims Act of 1969 provided a source of hope in the Texas Civil Practices and Remedies Code, specifically Sec. 101.021.

The updated language states that a governmental unit can be held liable if an employee acted negligently within the scope of their responsibilities, causing property damage, personal injury, or the wrongful death of your child by operating a motor-driven vehicle or motor-powered equipment. In essence, if the operator of the school vehicle or equipment were liable according to Texas law as a private person, the school may be liable for the harm done to your child.

The law continues stating that the governmental unit, in this case, a school, could also be found liable only if a personal injury or wrongful death was caused by a certain condition or “tangible personal or real property,” much like how Texas law would find a private person liable if injury happened due to their property.

Despite these guidelines, sovereign immunity still makes it extremely challenging to sue a school in an effort to seek damages for your child’s injury.

What Your Options Are as a Parent

In order to qualify for a suit in the first place, your child had to have been injured in a manner that involves a motor-driven vehicle or motor-driven equipment, and the operator has to be at fault.

Even though sovereign immunity makes it difficult, the experienced and dedicated team of J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys have the legal know-how to ensure you are able to secure the compensation your child needs to begin healing.  

Another scenario where it may be acceptable to file a lawsuit against a public school is if your child has a certain condition — like a mental or physical disability — and was harmed while attending school. The Americans with Disabilities Act protects children with disabilities, and if the school failed to protect them, they may be held liable.

How to File a Suit Against a Public School

As with any form of personal injury, receiving medical attention immediately is always the first step to take. Not only do your child’s wounds and injuries need to be treated, but this also helps to document what injury your child received because of their school’s negligence.

After they receive a clean bill of health, contact our McAllen, Brownsville, or Rio Grande City office as soon as possible.

At J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys, we take pride in making the impossible possible for our clients. Hiring the top legal leader in the RGV early can really help you secure all crucial pieces of evidence.

With a plethora of legal resources at hand, plenty of professional relationships with medical staff and accident reconstruction specialists, and our decade-plus of legal experience, our personal injury lawyers can help you rest easy knowing that your claim is in capable hands while you tend to your child.

Do be sure, however, to file a Notice of Claim to the school within 30 to 60 days after the injury was sustained. This notice is a document that contains the:

• Date the injury occurred
• Method of how the injury occurred
• Nature of the claim
• Other facts that support the legal action against the school

Waiting too long to file this document may disqualify you from being able to seek compensation from the public school. Finally, once the document has been submitted, you must wait three to six months for a response from the school.

After you’ve received your response, then it is time to file the lawsuit in court.

Has your child fallen victim to negligence while attending public school? The J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys are here to right their wrongs.

As parents ourselves, we know how precious children are. It is only natural that we want to protect them from anything and everything that can harm them.

Contact us at any of our McAllen, Brownsville, or Rio Grande City locations to set up your free legal consultation with one of South Texas’ best personal injury attorneys today.

Nobody likes to deal with a car crash, much less the potential injuries that can come with one.

Do you know what’s even worse? Suffering a soft tissue injury as a result of the car wreck. While it’s always recommended that you seek out legal guidance after being involved in a serious accident, you may decide to handle the situation on your own.

Again, it is highly recommended that you seek our legal counseling from trustworthy personal injury lawyers, like those at J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys. However, should you decide to handle your insurance settlement and other legal dealings on your own, then please consider the following information.

Understanding What Soft Tissue Injuries Are

Soft tissue refers to the connective tissues that support and surround other structures and organs in your body. Soft tissue can include muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and other tissues. While soft tissue injuries are not seen as serious as broken bones, they can still cause significant damage and lead to long-lasting injuries that require frequent medical care.

Unfortunately, without proper medical documentation, it can be difficult proving your injury. This is especially true because of the stereotype that individuals tend to fake these types of injuries.

Sadly, many attorneys are wary of taking these types of cases. From their point of view, if you have just a couple of bruises that are treatable and which will go away after a few weeks, and there is barely a scratch on your vehicle, then your case may not be “worth it.”

On the other hand, a whiplash injury is one of the most severe types of soft tissue injuries and occurs when your head is forced into a forward/backward motion at a rapid rate. In a worst-case scenario, the injury can cause permanent neck damage.

You are much more likely to find legal representation for these types of injuries and also attain compensation.

If all else fails, you can still argue for a settlement without an attorney but there are several factors you need to be aware of, including one of the most vital – honesty.

Settling a Soft Tissue Injury Case on Your Own

As mentioned before, there have been one too many instances where the plaintiff either (A) falsely claims an injury when they are perfectly healthy (B) or intentionally creates a scenario where they can file a claim and take the case to court.

This is known as malingering and is illegal. If, for instance, you lie to your doctor or even the insurance company, and they discover that you have provided false information, you can be cited for committing a fraudulent claim.

However, if you have truly suffered an injury and are attempting to settle a soft tissue injury claim without a lawyer, then obtain the following forms of evidence:

• Accident Report: This report is created by the police officer who attends you following your crash and contains information about who was involved, where the incident occurred, the cause of the accident, injuries and other details.

• Photographs, Video, & Audio: Important sources of evidence, photos, video or audio can prove that the accident took place, as well as provide visual cues of the damages you suffered. Take pictures of:

• • Any injuries

• • Your progress throughout treatment

• • Property damages

• • The scene of the accident

• Statements and Notes: If you are capable of doing so following your personal injury accident, ask any witnesses for their contact information so you can gather statements from them. You should also keep a journal to write notes about your injuries and how they are affecting your life following the accident.

• Medical Records & Bills: Medical records will provide details about your personal injury while medical bills will demonstrate the cost of your treatment. Keep all medical bills, hospital statements, prescriptions, receipts, discharge information and treatment documentation you may receive. Make sure to get a doctor’s note if he determines you should not go to work while you recuperate.

• Communication with Insurance Company: Any communication with insurance companies should be recorded either in text or audio. Save all emails as well.

• Keep Documents on Lost Wages: Since you may be entitled to recovery for these damages, you need to collect evidence which shows how much you have lost since your personal injury.

You need to also be aware of the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim against the party that caused you damage. In the state of Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is 2 years.

Additionally, if you were severely injured, you need to seek medical treatment immediately. Failing to get treatment will make it appear as if your injuries were not that serious or that they were caused by some other incident. Also, when talking with your health care provider, make sure to be as honest as possible about the injuries you have suffered and any pre-conditions that could have contributed to your pain.   

Last, but not least, do not lie to the insurance adjuster. While you’ll want to be extremely careful about the information you provide them, outright lying to an insurance company will likely end with your case being thrown out and you not receiving any compensation from your insurer.

If you are uncertain about handling your soft tissue injury case on your own, then trust in the dedicated and committed team of J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys to fight for every penny you deserve.

Any type of legal case can be complex and challenging to handle on your own. When you are in need of justice and recovery for the personal injury you have suffered, let the experienced and successful J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys handle your case for you.

Contact us at any of our McAllen, Brownsville, or Rio Grande City offices to set up your free consultation.

If you have recently been involved in a car accident, one of the most important questions you may have regarding your claim is likely to revolve around the amount of compensation you may be able to recover for your injuries and any property damage you suffered.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with how car accident settlements are made — or even whether you should accept a settlement — the period after your car accident can be confusing and overwhelming. Let the experienced McAllen car accident attorneys at J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys provide you with some insight so that you can make a well-informed decision and obtain the most compensation for your car accident settlement.

How Your Settlement is Calculated

There are a lot of factors that go into calculating the value of your car accident settlement. Unfortunately, the insurance industry lacks an exact formula to do so. If you only sustain damage to your vehicle, the insurer will issue out reimbursement based on your policy limits.

Pain and suffering, however, is only provided if you have been injured. To qualify for pain and suffering, you must have medical documentation that shows that you were examined by a doctor and regularly attended any following up meetings as advised by those overseeing your treatment.

Reminder: Regardless of how small you believe your injuries to be following an accident, it is vital that you seek medical attention. It can be days before you realize how seriously injured you are, and by this point, you could be in grave danger.

As previously mentioned, seeking medical attention is also vital to proving your claim. Failing to visit a doctor within a reasonable amount of time can be seen as a red flag should you make a claim later; this will ultimately hurt your chances at securing just compensation for your injuries.

Now, to illustrate how your settlement is calculated, let’s say that your property damages were equal to $4,000. Additionally, you missed a week’s worth of pay since you were out getting treated for your injuries; at $20 per hour working a full-time shift, that is $800 in lost wages.

Include medical expenses for treatment, which were around $2,000. Finally, add them all up and multiply by three:

($4,000 + $800 + $2,000) x 3 = ?
$4,000 + $2,000 + $800 = $6,800 x 3
$6,800 x 3 = $20,400

From that total amount, you should expect a settlement ranging from $13,600 to $27,200. Naturally, the settlement should be reflective of the severity of all damages suffered as a result of the car accident.
It is important, however, to keep in mind that if you are filing a claim with the other driver’s insurer, you will be limited by their policy maximum. If you sustained $45,000 worth of damages, but their policy only covers $20,000, you would have to sue the other party for the additional $25,000.
Use Our Car Settlement Calculator

“Do I Even Need a Car Accident Attorney?”

In short, no. You don’t need a car accident attorney to help you figure out how much your settlement is or how to go about getting it.

However, will you be able to successfully obtain all the compensation that is due to you? That depends.

You gain more value having an experienced car accident lawyer by your side during a car accident settlement. Without one, the insurance company may attempt to underpay or act in bad faith in settling your claim.

The truth is that insurance adjusters work for the insurance companies and their goal is to save the employer as much money as possible. If you are negotiating on your own, you are already at a disadvantage. If they offer you a claim quickly, chances are high that they are attempting to severely underpay you.

It is in your best interest to seek out the support of a quality south Texas car accident attorney when settling a claim following a serious traffic accident.

Do you need help settling a car accident claim? Look no further than J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys for the support you deserve.

J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys are here to fight tooth and nail for the compensation you need to get your life back on track. We understand how troublesome and overwhelming it can be dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, so we’ll handle the entire process – providing you constant updates and feedback – so that you choose the best option for your settlement.

We’ll make sure to maximize the amount paid out to you so that you can begin focusing on your recovery.

Contact us at any of our McAllen, Brownsville, or Rio Grande City offices to set up your free legal consultation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers today.

Local authorities in Harlingen arrested a man they believe was involved in a hit-and-run with a bicyclist.

What Happened

According to authorities, the driver of a blue Mazda — a 37-year-old man — is suspected of being responsible for a hit-and-run accident that occurred right after 8:30 a.m. on the morning of Saturday, March 2nd.

The victim, a 47-year-old bicyclist, was hospitalized for minor injuries.

Police were able to find the driver responsible for the accident with the help from an eye witness. The suspect is now awaiting arraignment.

Auto-Cyclist Accident Facts and Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) drafted a report in 2018 that analyzes pedalcyclist accident statistics from 2016. The study found that:

• In 2016, there were 840 pedalcyclist fatalities, which accounted for 2.2 percent of the grand total of all traffic-related fatalities for the year.
• 71 percent of all pedalcyclist fatalities occurred in urban areas.
• The average age of those that passed away in these types of accidents during a 10-year-period (2007 through 2016) was between 40 to 46-years-old.

While bicycling is becoming a more popular method of transportation in many urban areas, we must remain conscious of our surroundings, including noting the behaviors of motor vehicle drivers and other pedalcyclists alike.

Pedalcyclists should always adhere to all traffic laws at all times.

If you have fallen victim to a hit-and-run or auto-pedestrian accident, enlist the aid of the best South Texas personal injury attorneys today.

An auto-cyclist accident can cause serious harm to the victim, and often, they are left with a tall stack of medical bills. During this difficult time, it may be easy to waive your rights to compensation, but with the help of J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys, you have the strong representation you need to fight back.

Contact us at any of our McAllen, Brownsville, or Rio Grande City offices to set up your free legal consultation.

Source: Valley Central

On Wednesday, February 27th, at around 3 a.m. a young Mission man was slain in an auto-pedestrian accident.

Details of the Accident

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the victim of the accident was a 23-year-old man who was struck near FM 2221 and Brushline Road.

The driver of the vehicle remained unharmed, however, the young pedestrian was pronounced dead at Mission Regional Hospital.

Auto-Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to a 2016 report drafted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and revised in 2018:

• A total of 5,987 pedestrians were killed in auto-pedestrian accidents in 2016. This was a 9 percent increase from the data originally stated in the initial report and was the highest number of pedestrian deaths in one year since 1990.
• In 2016, on average, one pedestrian was killed every 1.5 hours. A large portion of these types of accidents (26 percent) occurred between 6 and 8:59 p.m.
• In 2016, 16 percent of all traffic-related deaths were auto-pedestrian accident fatalities.  
• 90 percent of pedestrians that were killed in auto-pedestrian accidents died in a single-vehicle crash.
• One in five pedestrians killed in hit-and-run crashes.

In order for pedestrians to stay safe, it is best to avoid walking at night. If you must absolutely walk during the evening, follow all traffic rules, wear reflective clothing, and stay on the sidewalk. If no sidewalk exists, walk on the far side of the road facing traffic. Pedestrians should always avoid walking on highways and or roadways where pedestrians are prohibited.

Have you or a loved one fallen victim to an auto-pedestrian crash? Our experienced Rio Grande Valley car accident attorneys are ready to hear your story.

Being involved in an accident as a pedestrian is a traumatic and difficult event to recover from physically, mentally, and emotionally. The fallout it causes can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to put the pieces of your life back together alone.

The experienced McAllen car accident lawyers at J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys have over a decade of experience sorting out all the confusing legal matters that come from personal injury accidents. We want you to concentrate on healing while we focus on obtaining the recovery you deserve.

Contact us at any of our McAllen, Brownsville, or Rio Grande City offices to set up your free legal consultation with one of the best car accident lawyers in the RGV.

Source: KRGV

Local authorities are investigating the cause of a five-vehicle accident that took the life of one man on the morning of Friday, February 22nd.

Details Regarding the Car Accident

One 19-year-old male was pronounced dead at the scene of a car accident that occurred on the 3200 block of Alton Gloor Blvd. in Brownsville. Authorities state that the young man made an unsafe turn which led to the accident that caused the fatality.

Brownsville PD is still investigating the incident.

Unsafe Turn Accidents Facts and Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated in a study that around 36 percent of all motor vehicle accidents that occurred between 2005 and 2007 involved drivers that were turning left at an intersection.

The most common causes noted for these types of crashes included:

• Illegal maneuvering (e.g. failure to yield or signal)
• An obstructed view while turning
• Misjudging other driver’s speed
• Miscalculating the distance across an intersection
• Insufficient surveillance of surroundings (e.g. driving into blind spots)

Making unsafe turns usually comes with the understanding that the driver making said turn lacks the right-of-way. That means that you must wait for traffic to pass in order to make your turn.

Therefore, the burden of proof lies on the person that made the unsafe turn to prove that the car accident is the result of another party’s negligent behavior. To do so, you would have to prove that:

• The other driver was operating the vehicle in an illegal manner (e.g. drunk/distracted driving).
• The other driver sped through a yellow or red light.
• An expected event occurred while traffic was in the process of clearing out, causing you to stop mid-turn and consequently be struck.

Have you or someone you loved suffered a car accident in Brownsville or the surrounding area? The personal injury attorneys at J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys are ready to help you fight for the justice you deserve.

Unsafe turns are a significant cause for car accidents that can leave victims injured — or worse.

If you or someone you love is involved in a car accident, you need strong representation to determine liability and to help you obtain the compensation you need to recover from your physical and emotional wounds.

Trust in J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys to fight tooth and nail for your right to restitution.

Contact us at any of our Brownsville, McAllen, or Rio Grande City offices to schedule your free legal consultation today.

Source: Valley Central