According to the Insurance Council of Texas, from 2012 to 2015, the number of motor accidents involving injuries and fatalities rose. The council reported that numbers began rising dramatically in 2012 when Texas highway speed limits were increased. Researchers have also suggested that the increase in accidents could be due to the rise in the economy. The most reported accidents have been caused by speeding, negligence and distracted drivers.

Always drive cautiously during heavy road traffic times. If anything should happen, our attorney is ready to hear your story.

Holiday Chaos

The holidays are some of the busiest traffic times of the year. The average number of traffic deaths during the New Year weekend over six years of noted research showed to be 18.2% greater than the average number of traffic deaths compared to off-holiday periods. Basically, the more people on the road, the riskier it becomes to get around, so playing it extra safe is advised.

Drunk Drivers and the Holidays

A study conducted by AAA stated an alleged 27, 900 Americans will be seriously injured and another 250 probable deaths will occur during the end-of-year holiday travel period. That is an alarming number of accidents. With so many people hitting the road, it’s easy to see the types of dangers while traveling.

During holidays like New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, we are more likely to encounter drunk drivers on the road. During the New Year’s period between 2007 and 2011, an estimated 42% of traffic fatalities were the result of drinking and driving.

Use Caution to Avoid a Holiday Tragedy

Despite the posted speed limit, drivers should slow down and use caution in various road situations. If road signs indicate a certain speed limit, we as drivers should always be cautious of our surroundings and dictate when to drive the posted speed and when to slow down. Always be aware of your surroundings and recognize when someone is driving unsafely.

Be Safe this Holiday Season

If you suspect a texting driver, drunk driver or witness someone driving recklessly, report their behavior to police and try to avoid any close encounters. There are a number of unfortunate accidents that can happen throughout the year, so take extra precaution to protect yourself and those you love during the merriest of times. Get in touch with us to explore your options if you’ve been the victim of negligence.

School buses are considered one of the safest forms of transportation. We entrust school districts and their drivers to take the utmost caution when transporting our children to and from school. However, it’s important to remember that there will always be the smallest risk of danger on the road that can result in a car accident. This was the case in Austin where alleged reckless driving resulted in multiple collisions, with one vehicle being a school bus.

Contact our staff of knowledgeable attorneys for a free case evaluation if you or a loved one was the victim of a negligent car accident.

The Incident

The crash happened on the northbound service road of Interstate 35 and south of the U.S. 290 interchange near the Capital Plaza Shopping Center in Austin on the afternoon of December 7^th. The driver of a Chevy Cruze allegedly veered into the bus’s lane and struck the passenger side tire. The collision resulted in multiple involved cars, with six people being taken to the hospital. According to police, the driver allegedly responsible for the accident was said to have been driving unsafely.

A total of four vehicles were involved: the bus, the Cruze, a panel van and another van. Of the 31 students riding the bus, 16 were treated by paramedics for minor injuries. None were taken to the hospital. However, the six injured people from the other vehicles were taken to a nearby hospital and one of them, a child, remains in critical condition.

Victims of Negligent Accidents Deserve Justice

Many parents who send their children to and from school via a bus live in constant fear for their safety. A parent’s worst nightmare is hearing the news that their child’s bus has been involved in an accident. The unfortunate truth is that every year, negligent drivers on the road put people at risk. If you feel that you have a case against an unsafe driver who’s put your child in danger, contact our attorney today.

Alcohol and driving do not mix as impaired judgment increases when a driver is under the influence. Danger can easily appear on our streets when people choose to get behind the wheel after a night of drinking. This action often comes with serious consequences as seen in an accident in Lubbock involving a drunk driver.

If you or someone you love has been the victim of a drunk driving accident, contact our staff of knowledgeable attorneys to find out more about your case.

A Damaging Outcome

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the driver allegedly responsible for the accident had a blood-alcohol level of 0.26, over three times the legal limit of 0.08. The victim in the collision was placed on life support but died a month after the accident, while two other passengers were uninjured.

After the last arrest, a Lubbock County judge ordered the driver to have an ignition interlock device installed in his vehicle. The man was indicted on an intoxication manslaughter charge in mid-November of 2015.

In the State of Texas, a plea bargain for a conviction of reckless driving involving alcohol cannot be reached due to statute. As a result, drunk drivers cannot lessen the offense. First, second and third offenses can range from of a fine of $2,000 up to $10,000 for the third offense with possible incarceration. The consequences for driving drunk is having a driver’s license suspended for up to two years with the driver also being ordered to install an ignition interlock device at their own expense.

Justice for the Victims and Family

If you or a loved one has been the victim of someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve. At the J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys, we know how difficult it can be to overcome drunk driving-related accidents. Get in touch with us today in McAllen to explore your options.

One can only hope to never be involved in a company-related accident as a victim. Unfortunately, these cases often happen with the victim having to deal with the aftermath of the incident. Companies employing drivers are obligated to provide insurance should such an incident take place. Unfortunately, car accidents happen under various circumstances. Such was the case of a company employee who struck a pedestrian in Hidalgo.

Car accidents caused by negligence can be devastating for a victim. Our firm will do its best to ensure that your legal issues are taken care of.

The Incident

The March 2014 accident was allegedly caused by speeding and reckless driving. Security cameras from a business near the accident spotted a van traveling an estimated 56 mph in a 30 mph zone. The driver later admitted to police that he’d been speeding and switching lanes. The camera footage shows the victim crossing the street and being struck by the van as the vehicle was changing lanes. The victim suffered injuries to his head, ribs and back, and died the following afternoon.

The driver who was operating the company vehicle will serve 30 days in jail on the weekends as part of a plea deal for a criminal negligent homicide charge. The company’s spokesperson claimed he was not “content” with the situation but stated they handled the situation as needed. The driver is still employed with the company and a criminal background check revealed prior driving-related incidents going as far back as 1991.

Know that We’re Here to Help

Losing a loved one to reckless driving is an unbearable burden. The J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys is all too familiar with this type of negligence and works hard to help families secure the compensation needed to move on. We understand that no amount of money will brink your loved one back, but it may be the first step in the healing process. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a negligent car accident, visit our office in McAllen to explore your options.

Finding yourself injured on the job can be one of the most helpless and terrifying instances for any employee. Knowing that you could miss weeks or even months of work can be detrimental along with having to deal with medical issues. Workers’ compensation helps ease that burden by providing the monetary compensation needed for your recovery. In this piece, we will discuss what should be done to ensure that the recovery process is an easy one.

It can be difficult to deal with an injury at work. With our legal team at your side, it doesn’t have to be.

Report the Injury

It’s important to report your injury as soon as possible. Failing to do so can lead to possible legal issues down the road. You will find that most employers encourage their employees to file injury claims as soon as possible. Avoid any situation that allows your employer to claim you were injured outside of work by filing correctly and promptly and always in writing with a witness present.

Notify Your Supervisor

It is very important for a supervisor to know the full extent of your injury. He/she may allow you to leave work to visit a doctor or take a leave of absence if the injury is serious. If you feel your boss is not acting professionally about the situation, notify your company’s human resources department or a person in a higher position. When being examined, explain exactly how the injury occurred. Obtain all paperwork, doctor’s orders and/or any medication or treatments.

Obtain and Complete All Paperwork

Once the accident occurs, file a claim with your human resources department. If your place of employment does not have an HR manager, contact your supervisor or manager to ask for all necessary paperwork. Never falsify information in an attempt to make your claim stronger to garner more compensation benefits, as this is illegal. If you feel your injury requires more attention, contact your nearest labor office and an attorney.

Wait to be Cleared by a Doctor

If you cannot return to work and have been given a leave of absence, make sure to visit your doctor as scheduled. Never return to work without a doctor’s written consent. Doing so can lead to issues regarding your worker’s compensation benefits.

Here When You Need Us

Know that you aren’t alone in dealing with your injury. Our personal injury lawyer in McAllen will do what he can to best handle your case. For more information about dealing with work-related injuries, contact the J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys online or at 956.630.6700.

The neglected treatment of elderly persons residing in assisted living homes is an issue that sometimes goes without a fight. Anyone feeling as if they’ve experienced medical misconduct, personal neglect, abuse or any other form of mistreatment regarding aging and disability should know the J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys is here to redirect your concerned emotions into a solid case.

No one should have to worry about elderly abuse. On the contrary, we should all feel assured that our family is in the best care possible while living in a nursing home. Fears of abuse should never be on your mind. Unfortunately, for one family in Brownsville, this has become a long and arduous situation.

Knowing that a loved one is being abused is devastating. Schedule a FREE case evaluation to explore your options.

Denied Visitation

An assisted living home in Brownsville made headlines following accusations that it refused a man from seeing his brother, who was a resident. The man claims that for three years, he was denied visitation rights by the facility’s staff. The man possessed the power of attorney over his brother’s affairs but was ordered to leave when he attempted to relocate his sibling to a different facility.

The brother’s health required medical attention last December, resulting in him relocating to a hospital and then to a different assisted living center. According to the man who made the accusation, his brother’s ID, benefit documents and personal materials are still in possession of the Brownsville facility despite police intervention.

A state investigation later discovered that funds from the brother’s benefits account had been withdrawn. His signature had additionally been forged in a fax sent to another care facility. The facility also allegedly withdrew over $1,000 over a period of time for room and board expenses, an amount that has since been reimbursed.

Your Path to Justice

Elderly abuse and neglect is not limited to just physical abuse or withholding medications and can occur in a multitude of situations. If you feel you or a loved one currently residing or whom has resided in an assisted living facility or adult daycare has experienced mistreatment, please contact our office in McAllen for more information about our comprehensive legal services.

The last few years have seen cellphones evolve into a multifunctional device that begged for a new and hip name. That’s when the famous “smartphone” was born. Their impact on our daily lives is so peculiar that we just can’t seem to put them down. Unfortunately, this has come with a major downside. Car accidents occurring as a result of texting and driving have become far too common and the statistics surrounding the issue show just how dangerous this seemingly harmless action can be.

It’s time to hold the negligent party accountable for the emotional and physical suffering you’ve been burdened with. Contact the J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys today.

Staggering Data

A survey conducted by an American telecommunications corporation revealed that 49% of adults admit to texting while driving even when 98% agree that doing so is highly dangerous. While these numbers are shocking, don’t think they stop there. The following statistics have been gathered from several surveys and research studies:

• Nine Americans are killed each day due to car crashes caused by distractions such as phone usage, texting or eating.
• The likelihood of a car crash involving cellphone usage is one in four.
• A staggering 40% of teens revealed the driver of a vehicle they rode in was using a cellphone while driving.
• In Spain, 15% of drivers admitted to texting while driving. In the U.S., 33% of drivers aged 18-64 admitted to doing the same.
• In 2013 alone, there were a total of 341,000 car accidents where texting was involved.
• Cellphone usage increases the likelihood of a car accident by four times.
• A driver can safely glance away from the road for only two seconds.
• Drivers typically look away from the road for an average of five seconds to use their cellphone.
• Texting is illegal for drivers of all ages in 46 states not including Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• People aged 21-24 are more likely to send a text message or email while behind the wheel.

Representation You Can Count On

Phone usage while driving should never be encouraged. If you or a loved one has suffered emotional and physical pain as a result of an accident caused by an inattentive or distracted driver, know that the J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys is ready to help.

Our personal injury lawyer in McAllen and his legal team will work diligently to bring you closer to the compensation you deserve. We’ll listen to your story and use evidence and data to create a solid plan of action for the most satisfactory outcome. Don’t let a negligent act do away with life as you know it. For more information, give us a call or visit us in McAllen.

Respect and attentiveness are two of the most important factors every driver should keep in mind at all times. Following through with them can help keep you and your loved ones out of harm’s way while on the road. However, there are many drivers who do not share this mentality and put other people in extremely dangerous situations. This was the unfortunate case for a Jefferson County man who was the victim of an alleged negligent accident, but he’s now fighting for the justice he feels he deserves.

It’s time to take a stand against negligent actions on the road. Contact the J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys for a FREE consultation.

Danger on the Road

According to a report, the Jefferson County man has taken legal action against an Orange County woman after a car accident caused by her alleged negligence. The lawsuit, filed in Jefferson County District Court, claims the crash occurred as the man travelled and slowed down for traffic on Interstate 10 in Beaumont. As he decreased his speed, the woman struck his vehicle from behind, causing him to lose control.

The complaint holds the defendant accountable for:

• Failing to operate her vehicle in a reasonable manner
• Failing to keep a proper lookout
• Failing to control her speed
• Failing to apply her brakes in a timely manner
• Failing to avoid the wreck

The claim revealed the man sustained injuries, physical impairment, incurred medical bills and suffered a loss of wages. The plaintiff is now looking for compensation between $100,000 and $200,000 along with attorney fees and court costs.

Let Us Handle Your Case

A car accident, no matter how minor or severe, can leave you and your loved ones with insurmountable financial, physical and emotional worries. However, you don’t have to fix things on your own. While monetary compensation will not erase what you have experienced, it will help you take the first step to the life you once knew.

Let our personal injury lawyer stand by your side and defend you with a professional, effective and aggressive approach. If you’re ready to take a stand for the justice you feel you deserve, contact the J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys in McAllen today.

According to a news report, in 2014 alone, Harlingen police made 285 DWI arrests and reported 54 DWI crashes involving one intoxication assault and one death. Now, the police department is ready to crack down on more cases of drunk driving to help keep the public as safe as possible. With the implementation of the “no refusal” policy, Harlingen police will be able to perform a mandatory blood test to any drunk driving suspects who refuse a breathalyzer test.

Don’t let the loss of a family member due to a DWI accident take a toll on your loved ones. Contact us today for a FREE consultation.

Protecting the Public

Texas law states that any alcohol levels over .08% are considered legally impaired. Some suspected drunk drivers will refuse a breathalyzer test to try to avoid being charged. To put an end to this problem, law enforcement personnel will coordinate with prosecutors and judges to create warrants for blood draws for any driver who refuses to take a breath test.

If a person refuses a test, law enforcement will transport them to a hospital while the initial arresting officer will write a warrant to be approved by a judge and delivered to the suspect upon their arrival at the hospital.

The “no refusal” initiative will be enforced for a year in Cameron County starting on June 1^st. No other counties in the Rio Grande Valley have established this program, although Brownsville police have been testing the new policy for the past year. According to officials, the new initiative will be used to show law breakers that the public and law enforcement are taking a stand for justice.

Fight for Your Compensation

The aftermath of a DWI accident can put a heavy toll on your entire family’s well-being. Don’t let the stress and worry of medical bills, loss of wages and funeral expenses be a burden in your life.

The J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys is ready to act on your behalf and put you one step closer to receiving the compensation you deserve. Contact our McAllen office today to share your story with our personal injury attorney.

Trips to your favorite retailer to shop around can really brighten up anyone’s day. However, while you’re picking out that nice new dress or that set of tools you’ve been wanting, you can potentially be one step away from debilitating injuries. A Humble woman knows how damaging an accidental fall can be, but she’s now seeking what she deserves.

Call us at 956.630.6700 for your FREE consultation.

The Incident

According to a report, the 73-year-old woman filed a claim on April 9^th after she tripped and fell at a popular arts and crafts retailer. The lawsuit, filed with the U.S. District Court in Southern Texas, Houston Division, alleges a dangerous condition was created by the store on its property.

The woman claims she was looking for decorative American flags for her 55^th high school reunion and flowers for her parents’ graves when she fell on a wooden pallet that was left unmarked and unguarded. After her fall, the woman was unable to get up and had to call for help.

While she was helped and left the premises, the pain she suffered in her shoulder proved to be too much and required surgery. The lawsuit claims the store should have taken measures to keep its floors free of dangers. The woman is now seeking $125,000 in compensation for damages, plus interest and court fees.

Take a Stand for Your Well-Being

At the J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys, we know just how difficult the aftermath of a fall can be. The physical pain, stress and financial strain you and your loved ones may deal with can potentially damage your quality of life, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Our personal injury attorney has a reputation for helping victims of negligence obtain the compensation they need to improve their situation. Let’s get started today.