You may have heard the term “ambulance chaser” without understanding exactly what it means.

Ambulance chaser refers to doctors, chiropractors, and even lawyers who will illegally solicit victims of car wrecks before the individual has the opportunity to do understand the severity of their situation and make an informed decision. This practice is unethical, and in the state of Texas, illegal.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t always stop these disreputable individuals from taking advantage of victims that could use real support.

Your South Texas personal injury lawyers at J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys understand how easy it can be to make a bad decision during the scariest of times – like a major car accident. That’s why we make sure to keep accident victims informed. We truly care for those who have been injured in car wrecks and we honor the trust our clients give us.

Don’t let your injury be taken advantage. Stay aware and informed about ambulance chasers.

How did they know who I was and about my situation?

You may not realize it but police records and crash reports are available through open record laws. As noted on the Texas Department of Public Safety website, “The Public Information Act guarantees the public access to information maintained by a government agency.”

This loophole in the system allows for lawyers and their “investigators” to obtain your home address and phone number. After an accident, you may begin to receive calls from these ambulance chasers who will try and persuade you to sign a representation agreement.

Regardless of how serious your particular situation is, these unethical lawyers will encourage you to sue the other party involved. Bare in mind that their purpose for doing this is to take advantage of your situation and to make money for themselves.

If the lawyer is willing to behave unethically – and act illegally – to serve as your legal representative, what else will they do when it really matters most?
Signs to watch out for.
Understandably, you are likely to be a bit shaken up and uncertain after a major car accident.

Ambulance chasers are aware of this stress and anxiety and will try to use this to their advantage. Don’t fall for their tactics.

A few signs to watch out for include:

• Ethical and professional lawyers will NOT attempt to reach out to you first. If you receive phone calls, texts, emails, or visitations immediately following an accident take this as a warning sign. A trustworthy lawyer will not reach out to you.
• Ambulance chasers may encourage you to visit a doctor or chiropractor for free. They may try to lure you into an agreement by telling you to visit their recommended medical professionals at no cost to you.
• Promises and guarantees to get you money, no matter what. If they are promising guarantees that sound too good to be true, they probably are.
• An overabundance of clients. A trustworthy law team is going to take the cases they can handle so they can dedicate the necessary resources to each individual situation. Ambulance chasers will take all they can get – and then more – to get all the money they can. Keep an eye out for this excess in clients.
• After several rejections, ambulance chasers and their “investigators” may attempt to get pushy. They may continuously try to set up meetings with you or use scare tactics as a way to get you into a situation you don’t want to be in.
• Cash advances for their services. If a lawyer offers you money before you even hire them, take this as a big warning.

Ambulance chasers will reach out to you FIRST. This is big #warning #sign. #JustSayNo Click To Tweet
A few tips to protect yourself from ambulance chasers.
Being informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself from unethical lawyers. By understanding the tactics ambulance chasers use to trick victims into signing agreements, the better you can avoid their strategies.

There are a number of tips to keep in mind following an accident to ensure you don’t hire an untrustworthy lawyer including:

• Do not make a major decision right after the accident. You are likely to be disoriented and anxious. Give yourself some time (a few days) to go over the situation and decide what is in your best interest.
• If you do decide to follow suit following a car accident, then do your research before hiring legal aide. Read up on client reviews of the lawyer you are interested in hiring. Don’t forget to ask friends and family for recommendations.
• Interview lawyers that seem to be skilled and professional. Ask about their experience with handling your type of case and pay attention to their language when discussing potential outcomes. A good lawyer will be honest and upfront about the potential of winning your lawsuit.

Don’t be fooled by an ambulance chaser. Work with a team of attorneys that has a great reputation and actually cares about your situation. When you’re in need of honest and experienced lawyers, the J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys is here for you.

The J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys is nothing like ambulance chasers. We’re honest. We’re hard working. And we want to fight for the best outcome possible for you.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car crash, contact us today at (956) 630-6700. Our team of auto accident lawyers in Rio Grande City, McAllen, and Brownsville has the experience needed to get your life back on track after an accident.[:es]Usted puede haber escuchado el término “cazador de ambulancia” antes pero nunca realmente entendido exactamente lo que significa.

Cazadores de ambulancia se refiere a los médicos, quiroprácticos e incluso los abogados que ilegalmente solicitan víctimas de accidentes de coche antes de que el individuo tiene la oportunidad de entender la gravedad de su situación y tomar una decisión informada. Esta práctica es poco ética, y en el estado de Texas, es completamente ilegal.

Desafortunadamente, esto no siempre impide que estos profesionales de poca ética se aprovechen de las víctimas que puedan utilizar el apoyo legal.

Los abogados de lesiones personales del sur de Texas en el J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys entienden lo fácil que puede ser tomar una mala decisión durante el más espantoso de los tiempos, especialmente después de un accidente automovilístico. Por eso nos aseguramos de informar a las víctimas de accidentes. Realmente nos preocupamos por aquellos que han sido heridos en accidentes de coche y honramos la confianza que nuestros clientes nos dan.

No deje que se aprovechen de usted y sus lesiones.

¿Cómo sabían quién era yo y de mi situación?

Es posible que no se dé cuenta, pero los registros policiales y los informes de accidentes están disponibles a través de leyes de registros abiertos. Como se señala en el sitio web del Departamento de Seguridad Pública de Texas (Texas Department of Public Safety), “La Ley de Información Pública garantiza el acceso público a la información mantenida por una agencia gubernamental”.

Esta laguna en el sistema permite a los abogados y sus “investigadores” a obtener su domicilio y número de teléfono. Después de un accidente, puede comenzar a recibir llamadas de estos cazadores de ambulancias que tratarán de persuadirle a firmar un acuerdo de representación.

Independientemente de lo grave que sea su situación, estos abogados le animarán a demandar a la otra parte involucrada. Tenga en la mente que, para ellos, el propósito de hacer esto es para aprovecharse de su situación y sacar dinero.

Si el abogado está dispuesto a comportarse de una manera sin ética – y actuar ilegalmente – para servir como su representante legal, ¿qué más harán cuando realmente importa?

Señales a tener en cuenta.

Es probable que usted sea un poco incierto después de un accidente de coche. Los cazadores de ambulancia son conscientes de este estrés y ansiedad, y tratarán de utilizar esto para su ventaja. No caiga por estas tácticas.

Algunas señales a tener en cuenta incluyen:

• Los abogados éticos y profesionales no intentarán comunicarse con usted primero. Si recibe llamadas telefónicas, mensajes de texto, correos electrónicos o visitas inmediatamente después de un accidente, tome esto como una señal de advertencia. Un abogado de confianza no se comunicará con usted.
• El estímulo para visitar a un médico o quiropráctico gratis. Los cazadores de la ambulancia pueden intentar atraerle en un acuerdo diciéndole que visite ciertos médicos recomendados sin costo.
• Promesas y garantías para conseguir dinero. Si son garantías prometedoras que suenan demasiado buenas para ser verdad, probablemente lo son.
• Una sobreabundancia de clientes. Un equipo de ley de confianza va a tomar los casos que pueden manejar para que puedan dedicar los recursos necesarios a cada situación individual. Los cazadores de la ambulancia tomarán todo lo que pueden conseguir – y más – simplemente para conseguir todo el dinero que pueden.
• Después de varios rechazos, los cazadores de ambulancias y sus investigadores pueden intentar ser agresivos. Ellos pueden tratar de establecer reuniones contigo o usar tácticas de miedo para llegar a una situación en la que no quieras estar.
• Avances en efectivo por sus servicios. Si un abogado le ofrece dinero antes de contratarlo, toma esto como una gran advertencia.

Algunos consejos para protegerse de los cazadores de ambulancias

Estar informado es una de las mejores maneras de protegerse de los abogados con poca ética. Al comprender las tácticas que utilizan los cazadores de ambulancias para engañar a las víctimas en la firma de acuerdos, mejor puede evitar las estrategias que usan.

Hay una serie de consejos adicionales para tener en cuenta después de un accidente para asegurarse de que no contrata a un abogado no fiable, incluyendo:

• No tome una decisión importante inmediatamente después del accidente. Es probable que esté desorientado y ansioso. Dese un poco de tiempo para repasar la situación y decidir qué es lo que le conviene.
• Si decide tomar acción legal después de un accidente de coche, entonces haz su investigación antes de contratar a un asistente legal. Lea revisiones de los clientes del abogado cual usted está interesado en emplear. No te olvides de pedir recomendaciones a tus amigos y familiares.
• Entrevista abogados que parecen expertos y profesionales. Pregunte acerca de su experiencia con el manejo de su tipo de caso y preste atención a su lenguaje al discutir los resultados potenciales. Un buen abogado será honesto y directo sobre el potencial de ganar su demanda.

No se deje engañar por un cazador de ambulancias. Trabajar con un equipo de abogados que tiene una gran reputación y realmente se preocupa por su situación. Cuando usted está en la necesidad de abogados honestos, el J. González Law Firm está aquí para usted.

El bufete de abogados J. González no es nada como los cazadores de ambulancias. Somos honestos. Trabajamos duro. Y queremos luchar por el mejor resultado posible para usted.

Si usted o alguien que usted conoce ha sido herido en un accidente automovilístico, comuníquese con nosotros hoy al (956) 630-6700. Nuestro equipo de abogados de accidentes automovilísticos en Rio Grande City, McAllen y Brownsville tiene la experiencia necesaria para recuperar su vida después de un accidente.[:]

Most of us who drive on a regular basis are well-acquainted with the idea of distracted driving. We know the dangers that come with it and the potential damage it can cause in people’s lives.
Every day around nine people lose their lives and over 1,000 are injured in car crashes involving a distracted driver.

Most of the focus is narrowed in on texting while driving and for good reason. Whether you are checking a message or sending one out, on average, you will spend five seconds doing so.

Five seconds at 55 mph means your eyes are off the road for the length of a football field.

Considering the speed limit is much higher on many highways, you can imagine what happens with someone driving much faster and taking their focus off of driving for longer.

Our personal injury McAllen lawyers here at J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys support the many efforts to end texting while driving. But it is also important to recognize that distracted driving includes much more than just checking our phones and texting.

What Else Distracts Us?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives a pretty straightforward definition when letting drivers know what falls under the umbrella of distracted driving.

Just about anything that takes any part of our attention away from the task of driving qualifies as distracted driving.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) goes a little bit further by breaking potential distractions down into three categories: visual, manual, and cognitive.

The first two are easier to measure and observe. A visual distraction takes our eyes off the road and a manual one occupies one (or both) of our hands and takes them off the wheel.

Cognitive distractions take our mind off driving but they are a little bit harder to quantify. There is research at MIT that has gone into trying to figure out exactly all the mental factors that go into distracted driving in and around accidents.

A lot of things we may think of as harmless, like looking for a radio station or talking to someone riding along with us, make us less aware. This can take both our eyes away from driving and one of our hands.

The same potential for distraction exists with useful tools, like navigation systems, even when they are hands-free.

The time spent programming a route or adjusting to a re-route can swing our visual and manual attention away from driving.

We are all also guilty of doing things in a rush throughout the day while trying to squeeze the most out of our time.

One of the most common is eating on the road during a lunch break because we spent part of it running another errand.

Using even just one hand to eat combined with rushing to our next stop or back to work impairs our ability to concentrate on driving conditions.

Avoid eating, working the radio or navigation system & anything that takes your hands of the wheels #RGV #DrivingTips Click To Tweet

What Can We Do to Help?SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), they can make a change in the driving habits of others.

Parents can go a long way in lowering the number of distracted driving accidents by setting an example for the younger drivers in their family.

Choosing to not drive distracted, as well as speaking with their children and other young drivers they know about the dangers of distractions on the road will help to set a standard for safe driving.

Companies and schools can reinforce these high standards for both parents and student drivers.

Schools can distribute information about distracted driving and invite students to pledge against it.

J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys encourages everyone to do their part against all forms of distracted driving. If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, we are here to help get you the justice you deserve.

Contact our personal injury lawyers in McAllen today at (956) 630-6700 and let us go to work for you. Our legal team will not stop until you have the justice you deserve and the compensation you need to get your life moving forward once again.

We will not let those who have hurt you get away with their recklessness.[:]

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, August is the most dangerous month for driving, with Saturdays ranking as the most dangerous days to get behind the wheel. Even the time of day plays a huge role when it comes to evaluating fatal crashes, as 49% of these accidents happen at night.

Your team at J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys wants to remind you that driving is a huge responsibility, and that it absolutely vital that we regard our safety, that of our passengers, and that of others drivers with the utmost diligence, especially during these summer months.

Consider the following summer driving tips:

Focus on Driving Safely

• Always buckle up. Regardless of the duration of your trip, buckling up is the best way to keep yourself and your family safe inside a vehicle. You can also influence your passengers when you lead by example. Instill the importance of safety belts into your children and teens so that they always buckle up, even when they aren’t in a family vehicle.
• Refrain from using electronic devices while driving. Don’t text or talk on your phone while driving. Not only has texting while driving become illegal in Texas, but it’s also extremely dangerous. Thousands of fatal crashes related to driving while utilizing electronic devices have occurred in the past few years.
• Avoid DUIs, DWIs, and their expensive consequences. If you know you’ll be drinking, your best move will always be to have a designated driver. The essential cognitive abilities and motor skills needed to operate a vehicle safely are all reduced with the intake of alcoholic substances. Remember to drive sober and drug-free at all times.

Practice Your Defensive Driving Skills

• Driving defensively by no means refers to driving aggressively. According to the standards set by Safe Practices for Motor Vehicle Operations, defensive driving skills include:
  • Driving to save lives
  • Driving to save time
  • Driving to save money

  Always be aware of other drivers around you and what they’re doing, and expect the unexpected.

• Avoid the blind spots of others. This is a very important tip to follow during summertime road trips when you may encounter larger trucks. Always keep a safe distance from them. Most large commercial trucks (semi-trucks) have decals on the back of their containers that read “IF YOU CAN’T SEE MY MIRRORS, I CAN’T SEE YOU”. These vehicles create very large blind spots for their drivers and thus these warnings are placed as a safety precaution to all other drivers on the road.

Plan Ahead

When planning a summer road trip, don’t forget to calculate enough time for stops. It is highly recommended to set aside time to make multiple stops during road trips, especially on long road trips. For instance, when the time comes that you begin to get hungry, the best thing to do is to pull over to eat something. It really only takes a few minutes and you avoid dangerous distractions and driving behaviors. Rest stops are also on the road for a very good reason, so take advantage of them when you need to make phone calls and send text messages.

Stay safe this summer with these driving tips from J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys.

While these driving tips can help to keep you protected, others may not be driving with the same convictions and interests in keeping you safe.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car crash, contact us today at (956) 630-6700. Our team of auto accident lawyers in Rio Grande City, McAllen, and Brownsville has the experience needed to get your life back on track after an accident.

In the world we live in today, driving is an unavoidable necessity. The vast majority of American workers still drive themselves to work, even if the number of eligible drivers who have their license has decreased in recent years.

Many activities – whether for work or enjoyment in our personal lives – still require that we drive to them. Even those using public transportation still find themselves in a vehicle on a regular basis.

At J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys, we know that in any given city, whether in Rio Grande City, McAllen, Brownsville, or any other area throughout the nation, the traffic conditions change continuously on any given day. But not all parts of the day are created equal when it comes to planning your route and different challenges can arise depending on the time of day we find ourselves out on the road.

It’s important to recognize that certain times of the day are just flat-out more dangerous for drivers and your faithful auto accident attorneys at J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys want to make sure you are informed and aware so you can make the best decisions for you and your family.

Not All Hours of the Day are a Hazard

Fortunately, there are times during the day when you can feel more at ease on the road, even if they are not the most particularly enjoyable times. The actually happens to be at 8 a.m., which oddly enough, is also one of the busiest.

Even with a high number of drivers usually out in the early mornings, there are still a number of reasons why this time of the day is one of the safest for commuters. To begin with, the sun has typically already risen by this point in the morning, providing drivers with a better field of vision. Secondly, drivers usually aren’t driving as fast to get to work as they are when headed home.

Afternoon Rush Hour is Not as Forgiving

The morning traffic jam might serve to keep you safe but don’t expect the same security on your drive home from work. The afternoon block, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., is more dangerous mostly because of the rush to get home.

This eagerness can lead many drivers to take risks in order to cut the time it takes to get their after-work destination. During winter, the added factor of an early sunset and/or reduced daylight compounds the risks for everyone on the road.

Regardless of how many times you have driven home on a particular route, it is never a good idea to let your focus slip. Keep an eye out for drivers making risky lane changes and other dangerous maneuvers, and keep your eyes off your phone and other electronic devices – even the radio.

Night is the Most Dangerous

The most obvious thing that makes driving at night more dangerous than the rest of the day is the lack of lighting on the streets as we drive. Compounded with deficiencies in vision, and the fatigue that many people may experience after a long day at work, the dim conditions require that we drive with extra attention and awareness.

A study by the National Sleep Foundation showed that 37% of people interviewed admitted to falling asleep while driving. Nearly 1 out of every 7 of these drivers had it happen at least once a month. Whether the cause is because of the shift they work or sleeping difficulties, these numbers are surprisingly (and dangerously) high and not likely to change in the near future.

Of all night hours, the hours from midnight to 4 a.m. are by far the most dangerous. This is because the number of impaired drivers is most high at this time, as most establishments that offer alcoholic beverages close at 2 a.m.

Even though drunk driving has fallen by over 30% in the last ten years, the incidences of drivers under the influence of another drug have risen. In particular, there has been a spike in prevalence among drivers who had used marijuana in that same time period. Perhaps most troubling is that many states are lagging behind in passing legislative reforms to deal with this change.

Regardless of what time of the day or night you are driving, J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys wants you to remain diligent and safe on the road.  

Whenever we find ourselves on the road, it is our responsibility to drive safely to protect not only ourselves and the passengers we have with us, but all the other drivers who share the road with us. There is never an acceptable moment to take time off from public safety.

Even with the best information and awareness, however, people will still go out and operate a vehicle recklessly. When they injure others, the J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys is here to get the victims of those accidents the compensation and justice they deserve.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car crash, contact us today at (956) 630-6700. Our team of auto accident lawyers in Rio Grande City, McAllen, and Brownsville have the experience needed to get your life back on track after an accident.

There are a number of reasons why we love summer. For one, if you are a student, teacher, work in education, or even just a parent, you usually look forward to having a couple of months off to relax before the hecticness of school and extracurricular activities start up again.

Summer is also the time when many of us find the time to decompress a bit and get away on a nice vacation.

This laid-back feeling we have when it comes to summer is something that a lot of us probably think applies to driving at this time of year also.

After all, rain has slowed down, the sun is bright so you can see clearly, and there’s less of a rush to get to school and other activities.

But here at J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys, we know that sadly this is not always the case, as summer time holds plenty of hazards for drivers. In fact, some of the most dangerous times of the year for driving are the days around July 4th and the beginning of August.

The following are some of the reasons why driving becomes more dangerous during the summer months:

1. Vacation road trips: Roads have more drivers and get backed up because so many people hit the highways for summer breaks. To make things even tougher for everyone, out-of-towners (or individuals from out-of-state) are less familiar with the roads they are on, making the likelihood of accidents higher.
2. Fatigue: On these vacation road trips, motorists usually have to cover long distances, which is usually much farther than they would drive on even the busiest days in their hometowns. If they stay behind the wheel for too long, they may begin to lose their ability to focus and concentrate, and potentially even fall asleep if driving at night.
3. Inexperienced drivers: The fact that school is out increases the likelihood that there will be more teenagers on the road. There are many situations they may not have been faced with, particularly if they travel beyond home, and that uncertainty and inexperience can be dangerous for all other drivers on the road.
4. High temperatures: The heat of summer can affect a driver, especially if they are driving long distances. It may seem strange to worry about dehydration while driving but it is important to have something to drink to avoid the negative effects of not having enough fluids. The heat can also lead to problems with your tires, like blowouts, if they are not carefully monitored.
5. Impaired drivers: The summer is a time for celebration. From Memorial Day to the Fourth and even graduations, there are plenty of times to enjoy an alcoholic beverage with family and friends to commemorate special achievements, or even just get-togethers. However, this also increases the likelihood that more people will be out on the road after drinking.
6. Higher driving speeds: When taking a trip that can last for hours, and sometimes spread out over more than one day if a driver is adventurous, there is always the temptation to “make good time”. This rush goes against the desire to relax and causes drivers to travel at high speeds, often exceeding the legal limit and raising the probability of accidents.
7. More construction: Construction crews are out in force during the summer months and drivers need to be aware of them as their vehicles move slower across roadways. This is especially true as many construction workers are usually on foot.

The fact is that the potential accidents are everywhere during the summer. Beyond the previously mentioned hazards, there’s also the issue of distracted drivers.

It’s important to remember that more people tend to hit the roads on bicycles and motorcycles and that your driving awareness has to be raised when changing lanes and at intersections to keep them in their field of vision.

The J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys encourages everyone who shares the road this summer to take each other’s safety into account whenever they get behind the wheel.

Doing so will help reduce the number of accidents that occur and will allow everyone to enjoy their much-deserved summer vacation.

However, if tragedy does strike and you are injured in a car accident, contact us right away at (956) 630-6700 and let us go to work for you. Our experienced team will make sure that you get the justice you deserve and the compensation you need to get your life back on track.

Spring is here, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that we are clear from dangerous road conditions.

During the winter, we know that icy roads can cause imminent danger and that there is a high risk of having an accident when the road is extremely slippery. Yet, many of us might forget that spring can bring driving conditions that are just as hazardous.

Spring time brings torrential storms and rain, and with it, wet and treacherous roads that are full of all sorts of debris. While drivers may feel confident and safe behind the wheel, it’s important to always remain diligent and refrain from being over confident. This is especially important as the National Center for Environmental Information (NCEI) noted that Texas saw “torrential local downpours and historical flooding events” in the spring of 2016.
At J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys, we want you to be as safe as possible when traveling on the road, whether it be alone or with loved ones. Continue reading for some useful tips and information on how you can keep yourself and your passengers safe this spring.

Water isn’t always a lifesaver.

For many of us, driving in the rain can be a challenge, and especially frightening when it is pouring down to the point of little to zero visibility. It also brings high risks of flooding, which is extremely dangerous to be driving in.

Yet, with the right tips, you can feel at ease on the road as you travel towards your destination.

1. Check your tires on a regular basis to make sure they are not worn out and have plenty of tread. Tread that is worn out offers less grip and a higher potential to slip during heavy rainfall. Replace tires as needed and save yourself from a potential accident.
2. If traveling under treacherous weather, pull over and seek shelter or find a safe place to park – it is better to be safe than sorry.
3. Pouring rain can lead to hazardous conditions such as flooding, so in the event of a flood watch/warning, take caution and stay off the roads. According to the National Weather Service, in the year 2015 Texas, had one of the highest fatality rates due to flooding while driving.
4. Replace your windshield wipers and make sure they are functioning as they should be. It is recommended that they are replaced every year.

Click to Tweet – Stay safe on roads, pull over and seek shelter during bad weather #jgonzalez #cares #safety #weather

Caution: Road Work Ahead

Spring time is usually the startup of many construction projects. Barrels, cones, blockades and many other types of hazards, can be difficult to maneuver around, especially in areas of high traffic. Consider the following safety tips to keep your, your passengers, and construction workers safe:

1. Stay aware and keep an eye out for construction zones. There are usually precautionary signs that work is being done ahead such as orange signage, barrels, cones and construction workers flagging down traffic.
2. Speed limits change in areas of construction, make sure to keep a close eye out on how fast you should be going. Traffic fines usually double up in such areas. Speeding in construction zones can cause unwanted accidents that can leave not only you and your loved ones hurt, but others as well.
3. Watch out for uneven pavement, during construction, roads can be left rough and slanted. Always keep your hands on the wheel and drive at safe speeds.
4. Keep your distance between vehicles, don’t tailgate as drivers can break suddenly, at any given moments.

Share the Road.

With warmer weather comes more individuals taking out their motorcycles and bicycles to enjoy the beautiful sun and blooming flowers. It is imperative to keep those around you in mind and to stay aware of their presence.

1. Pay close attention to bike lanes. If there are bicyclists in the lanes, give them the extra space they need to avoid any accidents.
2. Keep your distance from motorcyclists; same safety rules apply to them while on the roads.
3. Signaling for cyclists is important. Keep a close eye and respect the rules of the road, we all want to have a safe experience while driving.

Keeping these driving tips in mind can help you and others avoid any potentially dangerous accidents from occurring.

J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys cares about you and your loved one’s well-being. If you or someone close to you has been involved in any type of car accident, contact us for a free consultation at 956-630-6700.

In today’s world, the constant stream of information and distraction available to us through our cell phones and electronic devices can make it hard to unplug. The overall effect this has on people can be debated, but the fact remains that there is one time that not being able to put down our phones is always dangerous –  when we are on the road.

Driving a vehicle, of any size, requires our complete and undivided attention, whether here in the McAllen area or anywhere across Texas.

Here at J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys, we understand and see firsthand the damage that distracted drivers can cause on the road. That is why it is our goal to ensure that everyone is aware of the facts about cell phone use and driving.

As lawyers in the Rio Grande Valley, we also want to see that those affected by distracted driving are taken care of, and that those who harm others answer for their negligence.

Help is on the Way

This year House Bill 62 and Senate Bill 31, identical bills banning texting while driving, are again being moved through the state legislature. These bills propose that drivers caught texting can be charged with a misdemeanor. First time fines would range from $25 to $99, with repeat offenses carrying potential fines up to $200.

At the forefront of this effort are Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, and Rep. Tom Craddick, R-Midland. This latest push represents the fifth and fourth time, respectively, that each of them has filed legislation to enact this ban.

There have been efforts here in Texas, as far back as 2011, to pass legislation that would place a complete ban on texting while driving. According to Dallas News, that year the proposed bill was able to pass both house of the Texas congress, but ultimately met its end on the desk of former Gov. Rick Perry.

Perry addressed the legislation by stating that the bill was “a government effort to micromanage the behavior of adults”.

Fortunately, the sentiments of the former governor represent a growing minority. Even though Texas is one of only four states without a total ban, there are already a number of partial bans in effect.

Texting while driving in a school zone is already completely prohibited statewide. In addition, if a driver is under 18 or a bus driver is carrying minors, neither are allowed to use a cell phone under any circumstance.

Ninety-five counties have a ban of some type in place and the website Big Country states that 90 cities across the state have outlawed it entirely.

The Specifics of Being Ahead of the Curve

The best news for local drivers is that McAllen is one of those 90 cities that has already taken it upon itself to ban this dangerous driving habit. An ordinance banning texting while driving and addressing other related activities was passed back in 2011.

According to a report in The Monitor, the ordinance prohibits a driver from sending or reading a text message on their phone. Surfing the internet is also not allowed, but you can still make a phone call while driving with no penalty.

The ordinance was originally proposed by city commissioner Jim Darling, in response to the 8,000 crashes that annually occur in the city of McAllen.

All commissioners who were present at the time voted for the ordinance. Both Mayor Richard Cortez and Police Chief Victor Rodriguez supported their vote.  Rodriguez particularly liked how the new ordinance sent a clear message regarding phone use while driving, making clear what was and was not legal.

While the new ban was in line with certain other trends that were happening across the country, the McAllen measures went further in also forbidding “viewing or accessing other data that uses commonly recognized communications protocol”.

This would extend the ban to various apps whose primary function is messaging, as well as common forms of social media.

The J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys recognizes the measures that have already been put in place right here in the city of McAllen to protect everyone on the road from distracted drivers. We know that the majority of drivers will follow these safety guidelines.

However, our jobs as personal injury lawyers are to step in when someone becomes negligent of these rules and injures somebody else.

If you’ve been hurt by a distracted driver, contact us today at 956-630-6700. We are here to make sure that you and your family have the legal support you need to find the justice and financial compensation you deserve after you’ve been injured in a car accident.

Our lawyers have the experience you need to help you get back on your feet. We will not stop until you have the justice you deserve; let us succeed for you and your family.

As drivers, we are required to share the road with many types of vehicles that are different from the passenger vehicles that the majority of us operate. Few, if any, grab our attention like eighteen wheelers and other large commercial vehicles that drive alongside us every day.

None present as many potential dangers to drivers either.

There are two types of commercial vehicles, Class A and Class B, which are classified by weight. Any vehicles weighing over 26,001 pounds requires either a Class B or a Class A license to drive it. If it has an attached trailer that weighs over 10,000 pounds, then the driver needs a Class A license. Class B vehicles include dump trucks, garbage trucks, passenger buses, and other such vehicles.

There are a number of reasons why driving alongside eighteen wheelers, in particular, can be so perilous:

• According to the Truckers Report, the total weight that one of these vehicles can haul is 80,000 lbs. There are certain overweight and oversize permits that allow the gross weight to be even higher.
• They are, on average, over 13 feet high, 70-80 feet long, and around 20 feet wide.
• It takes semis almost 40% longer than a passenger vehicle to come to a complete stop.
• When bobtailing, or driving without an attached trailer, handling can be significantly different and more difficult for a driver, especially on slick roads.

For a quick comparison, the average passenger vehicle weighs around 5,000 pounds. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, passenger vehicles are also in danger of underriding trucks in collisions due to the higher ground clearance of semis.

Here at the J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys we are well acquainted with the volume of car wrecks that involve CMVs. In December of 2016 alone, the Accident Data Center reported there were 81 reports of fatality crashes involving commercial motor vehicle (semis) in the U.S.

The Texas Department of Transportation, in their 2015 report, documented over 700 crashes involving commercial vehicles in Hidalgo and Cameron counties combined. There were also 16 instances of personal injury resulting in incapacitation and the total number of potential injuries was over 400.

Beyond being lawyers in the Rio Grande Valley, we are also citizens of Texas, and it is our job to know that this is not just a local problem. The total number of car wrecks involving commercial vehicles in 2015 was over 34,000 statewide.

The number of car wrecks was larger in urban areas than rural areas. Bexar and Harris counties reported the largest number of car wrecks.

These counties have San Antonio and Houston, respectively, as their county seats. These are cities that residents of the Rio Grande Valley visit regularly for travel or to see family. It is important to be aware of commercial vehicles when traveling out of town, especially on roads you may not be familiar with and in areas with higher instances of car wrecks involving these larger vehicles.

Being informed and vigilant is the best offense we have against misfortune on the road. However, there is always the possibility that circumstances arise that are beyond our control. Don’t let a car wreck become a tragedy.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident contact the offices of J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today at (956) 630-6700.

Our team of personal injury lawyers will make sure you are able to take of any medical bills and car expenses. We will get you back on your feet and on the road. Let us put our energy and experience to work, so we can succeed for you.

With over 1.5 billion users on Facebook, 400 million viewers on Instagram, and 320 million people on Twitter, it’s safe to say that social media is a way of life for many people.

While you may be tempted to post every detail about your day on the Internet, it may not always be in your best interest to do so. This is especially true if you’ve been in a car accident and are going through a personal injury lawsuit.

Sharing details about a recent auto accident or posting any discriminating pictures in the ensuing days can really hurt your accident claim outcome. At J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys, we work diligently to ensure the best outcome for those we are fortunate enough to represent. That’s why we want to offer you some tips on how to avoid being a victim to your own social media activities.

Defense attorneys and insurance companies can use your social media posts against you, with even the most innocent of pictures or words becoming a topic of discussion during your case.

Do You Really Need to Post?

It is the job of the defense attorney and insurance investigator to find holes in your story. Even a simple update can be skewed to make it seem as if you are the at-fault party. You’ll want to avoid posting details about the accident or any injuries that you received directly as a result of the car crash. Posting any information about the incident that suggests you were being negligent, distracted, inattentive, or drunk while the accident took place, can severely weaken your case.

While Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are the primary sources of online profiles, you’ll want to completely avoid mentioning anything on any platform including LinkedIn, Flickr, Tumblr, or even commenting and blogging. Filing a car accident lawsuit in which you claim personal injury, but then posting a picture of yourself at the gym is going to damage to your argument. Posting any verbiage that suggest disregard for the law or safety will also prove to be detrimental to your case.

Protect Yourself: Tips for Safe Social Media Activity

In reality, the best thing you can do is simply avoid using any social media throughout the duration of your case. Placing yourself in a position where you can air out grievances isn’t the best idea at this point. Plus, friends and families may ask you about the situation and you may be tempted to discuss the accident, your injuries, or the case itself, which can jeopardize your chance of getting compensation.

While you should avoid using social media, if you decide to maintain your profiles, then consider the following tips for protecting yourself:

• Check your security settings to ensure you have the most privacy available. While this doesn’t mean 100% legal protection against defense lawyers, it will limit who can see your information.
• Make any posts brief and factual.
• Don’t post photos or videos and ask your friends and family to avoid tagging you at any events, locations, or in any pictures.
• Do not talk about the case or make any frustrated comments.
• Do not accept friend requests from people you do not know.
• Look over ALL your online profiles and remove content that can be misconstrued.
• Do not post about the other parties involved in the case.
• Google yourself as a precaution. Do an image and web search for your name (in quotes) and see what you find. Try to get anything bad removed.
• Stay away from chat rooms, message boards, and blogs.
• If you post something you think might be misinterpreted, don’t delete it, just make it private and then tell your lawyer about it.

Your team at J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys reminds you to be smart about your social media use.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you need the right team to help guide you through to a successful outcome. Our experienced personal injury attorneys at J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys fight hard to effectively represent clients. Contact us today at (956) 630-6700 for a free case evaluation.

The holiday season can be a great time to gather with friends and family to enjoy some down time in their company. However, there is also increased pressure and stress that holiday travel and shopping bring with them.

At J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys, we understand that you might be tempted to drink and drive. It’s important to remember that one bad decision can change your life and many others as well. That’s why we’d like to remind you that if you plan on drinking this holiday season, don’t forget to play it safe.

As we had mentioned in our “Don’t Wreck the Holidays” blog, during the holidays, 2 to 3 times more people die in alcohol-related crashes, with 40% of traffic fatalities involving a driver impaired by alcohol. There are several reasons why this happens:

• The holiday season causes people to hurry and road conditions are usually more dangerous.
• Many holiday drinkers only drink occasionally and so they have lower alcohol tolerance. Many of these infrequent drinkers underestimate their impairment and get behind the wheel.
• More people are drinking at holiday parties and get togethers.
• Problem drinkers may imbibe and drive more frequently because of all the festivities.

Play it safe and be responsible.

Make the holidays safer for everyone by following these simple tips for consuming alcohol in moderation:

• It’s ok to say no. Yes, the holiday season is all about joy and holiday cheer, but there’s no rule that says you have to drink to have a good time. Don’t feel obligated to drink just because your host offers alcohol to you.
• Remember that alcohol is not the main purpose. We might be tempted to use a holiday celebration as reason to overindulge in alcohol, but remember that the main purpose of a get together is to spend time with family and friends—not get drunk. Drinking is a responsibility, as much as it is a choice, so if you find yourself going too far, stop and ask a friend or loved one to take you home.
• Be responsible and stick to your limit. Responsible drinkers choose the number of beverages they will allow themselves ahead of time and stick with it. Most people find that no more than one drink an hour helps to keep them in control of the situation and avoid drunkenness.
• Eat while you drink. It’s a good idea to eat while drinking because the food helps to slow the absorption of alcohol into your circulatory system. This will also cause you to drink slower and thus avoid getting drunk quicker.
• Skip drinks when necessary. When at a holiday party, consider pacing your drinks by having a nonalcoholic drink between them. Having a glass of water between drinks will help to keep your blood alcohol concentration down.
• Only accept a drink that you want. If someone is trying to force you to take another drink at a holiday party, ask for ice or a non-alcoholic beverage. Do not allow yourself to be forced into accepting something you don’t want – especially unfamiliar drinks that may affect you greatly.
• Do not drink if it impairs your social relationships. Attending a friendly get together means the night should revolve around improving your relationships with friends and family, not simply getting drunk.
• Appoint a designated driver beforehand. Have a friend or family member with you who has not had (and will not have) any alcoholic beverages to be the designated driver to take you home. Aside from not drinking at all, this is the best bet to get home safely.

Responsible drinking means that you never have to feel sorry for the manner in which you behaved while drunk. Make this holiday season better by drinking in moderation and encouraging family and friends to do the same.

J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys wants you to have a safe and wonderful holiday season.

Mistakes can easily happen after having a few alcoholic beverages, that’s why it is better to play it safe this holiday season, rather than becoming a drunk driving statistic.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a car wreck and injured because of somebody else’s negligence this holiday season, let the attorneys at J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.

Our attorneys service the entire Rio Grande Valley with offices in McAllen, Brownsville, and Rio Grande City. Contact us today at (956) 630-6700.