A tractor-trailer carrying onions rolled over April 10 on FM 493 and the Expressway 83 underpass in Donna, according to Donna Police Chief Gilbert Guerrero.

The chief urged drivers to avoid the area as the rollover was already causing traffic delays and would continue to do so until the wreckage was cleared. No other vehicles were involved in the accident, and no injuries were immediately reported.

This is a developing story at this writing, and no other details are immediately available.

Can commercial truck drivers sue their own company?

Drivers are not always to blame for commercial trucking accidents; they can sometimes be the victim of a negligent or unscrupulous employer.  Texas Workers’ Compensation does provide some coverage for truck drivers who are injured at work, but in most cases the system prevents drivers from suing their employers. Additionally, workers’ comp does not cover contract drivers.

When trucking companies are at fault

It is unfortunate, but there are trucking companies that sometimes cut corners and abuse their workers in the name of increased profits.

If a trucking company engages in any of the following practices, its drivers may have a case against their employer in the event that it leads to an accident:

• Pressuring drivers to violate speed limits or hours of service regulations
• Failing to properly secure cargo
• Installing faulty components in the truck, such as defective brakes
• Failing to maintain scheduled truck maintenance
• Breaking government safety guidelines

Call the J. Gonzalez Law Firm

If your trucking company hid any of these things from you, or put you at risk in some other way, you are a potential victim and deserve strong legal representation.

The J. Gonzalez Law Firm has more than two decades of experience fighting for truck drivers’ rights and for motorists’ rights after they’ve been injured in trucking accidents.  Our team of personal injury attorneys know how the trucking industry works, and they know how the insurance industry works. We want to give you the best legal representation available, and you won’t pay anything unless we win your case.

Contact us right now via this website, or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH!

EDINBURG — Edinburg police say a metal object flew off of a flatbed trailer and struck two vehicles Thursday morning. The incident happened April 11 at approximately 11:30 a.m. in the southbound lanes of Interstate Highway 69C between University Drive and Freddy Gonzalez Drive.

According to a police department news release, the semi-trailer was transporting a large fabricated component when a metal panel dislodged from the cargo and flew into traffic behind the rig. The statement indicates one vehicle sustained only minimal damage, but the panel caused major damage to a second car’s hood, the windshield, and left the roof partially collapsed.

Police say the driver of the heavily-damaged vehicle was transported to a local hospital, but with no apparent major injuries. No identifications were provided on any of the drivers and the investigation was continuing as of this report.

When flying debris from a truck causes an accident

Establishing liability in flying truck debris cases can be complex, and will depend on the specific circumstances of a case.

A number of different parties could possibly be liable, including:

· trucking companies

· truck operators

· cargo-loading companies

· government entities, and more.

If the debris did not fall off the truck and instead was kicked up from the road, pursuing a personal injury claim will be much more difficult.

When dealing with accidents and resulting injuries from flying debris, it’s important to document the incident thoroughly. Collect information about the scene, take photographs, and immediately seek medical attention if you are injured. If a truck is leaving the scene, try to get license plate information or other details about the vehicle, including logos or phone numbers that are visible on the rig.

Call J. Gonzalez

If you are the victim of a truck debris accident, consulting with the experienced personal injury attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm will help you unerstand the legal process of seeking compensation for damages and injuries.

Insurance companies do not always compensate victims if there are ambiguities in a case. The J. Gonzalez Law Firm has a proven track record of winning cases involving falling or flying truck debris.

For a FREE and confidential consultation, call 1-800-CAR CRASH.

Source: https://www.valleycentral.com/news/local-news/large-metal-falls-from-trailer-crashes-onto-cars-on-expressway/

SAN JUAN – A second person is facing criminal charges in connection with a road-rage crash that left one man dead.

40-year-old Carlos Manuel Garcia Sancho was arraigned April 4 on an intoxication manslaughter charge in connection with a three-vehicle crash that resulted in the death of Roberto Carlos Rios Rodriguez of San Juan.

Sancho had been hospitalized since the crash, and was transferred to the Hidalgo County Jail following his arraignment, according to San Juan Police Chief Leandro Sifuentes. According to Sifuentes, a preliminary investigation determined Sancho had a 0.29 blood/alcohol content (BAC), and was under the influence of alcohol and opiates at the time of the crash.

The crash happened March 26 at the 400 block of State Highway 495 following a road-rage incident involving three vehicles. Roberto Victor Sotullo was previously identified as a third driver involved in the crash and was subsequently charged with collision involving death.

According to a criminal complaint, Sotullo claimed he was being chased by the driver of a Chevrolet Silverado (subsequently identified as Sancho) and was traveling at speeds of up to 109 miles per hour prior to the crash.

Sotullo told police he saw the crash happen and “was relieved and went home” without staying at the scene or calling authorities, the complaint states.

Sancho’s bond was set at $75,000.

Degrees of fault in road rage personal injury claims

Establishing levels of fault in Texas road rage crashes hinges on the degree of negligence or recklessness that a plaintiff is claiming. When making a claim of gross negligence or more serious aggression, the plaintiff has a higher burden of proof, which might require proving the other driver’s mental state.

If you believe you have such a claim, the personal injury attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm can investigate the details of your accident to determine what the available evidence supports. If we find that a legal action would most likely be unsuccessful, we can explain why and explore other possible options.

Successful personal injury lawsuits stemming from road rage incidents generally depend on proving the other driver’s fault for negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm. Keep in mind that Texas road rage incident liability can be shared by all drivers in any one incident.

If you can prove you’re no more than 50% responsible, you can still sue for damages. However, any evidence that you engaged with another driver’s rage can reduce the damages you’re entitled to. That’s why avoiding confrontation and reporting safety concerns are crucial for the success of a road rage claim.

Every case depends on the facts specific to the incident. Call the J. Gonzalez Law Firm today for a free assessment of your case. Since we offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, you pay us only if the case we build secures compensation. You can contact us via this website or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/driver-in-fatal-san-juan-road-rage-crash-charged-with-intoxication-manslaughter?

EDINBURG — Police are searching for the driver of a suspect vehicle in connection with a hit-and-run collision that left two motorcyclists injured.

According to Edinburg police, the incident happened about 8:00 p.m. on March 31 at the intersection of northbound frontage road I 69-C and Trenton Rd. A press release states that a motorcycle with two riders on board was struck from behind by a black SUV, possibly a BMW.

The black SUV fled the scene traveling northbound, police added.

The two motorcycle riders, a man and a woman, were transported to DHR Health Hospital with “major injuries,” the release stated. Anyone with information on the driver or vehicle involved in the hit-and-run is asked to contact the Edinburg Police Department at (956) 289-7700.

Compensation for hit-and-run accidents

If you have been injured in a traffic accident by a hit-and-run driver, you might feel as if you will never be able to get compensation for your injuries or for the damage to your vehicle. However, this is not always the case.

As a victim of a hit-and-run crash, you do have options, but it is imperative that you hire an attorney who can help decide the course of action that’s right for you.

The personal injury attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm can help you in a number of ways. For instance, the J. Gonzalez team can:

•      Attempt to find the driver who hit you
•      Help you navigate your own insurance policy regarding uninsured motorist coverage
•      Fight for all financial compensation you legally deserve

Here are just two options that might be available for you.

First, you can file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company if he or she is caught. Sometimes drivers leave the scene of the crime because they are uninsured. If this is the case, you can still file a lawsuit against the driver directly.

If the driver is not found, or they lack the personal resources required to pay, you can file a claim with your own insurance company. According to Texas law, all vehicle insurers must offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage is automatic unless you signed a document refusing it at the time of your policy going into effect. Even if you do have this coverage, your own insurance company can act as an adversary. It might try to pay you less that it is obligated to pay you, or it might even try to deny your claim altogether.

The personal injury attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm are familiar with all the tactics insurance companies will use to diminish claims. They have years of experience negotiating fair and legally binding settlements, and they’ll even litigate your case in court if it becomes necessary.

Seeking advice from the experienced team at The J. Gonzalez Law Firm is your best bet to get the full compensation you deserve. Contact us today via this website or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

HARLINGEN — Harlingen police are investigating a fatal March 26 motorcycle accident. The single-vehicle crash happened around 10:13 p.m. on Loop 499 near Cardenas Motors.

Police say the rider may have hit a curb. The operator was ejected from the motorcycle and was killed.

The identification of the victim had not been released as of this writing and the crash remained under investigation.

Motorcyclists in single-vehicle crashes

When a motorcyclist is injured or killed in a one-vehicle accident, many people assume the motorcyclist must have been speeding. However, this may not have been the case. There are many times when a motorcyclist is injured through no fault of his/her own and may be entitled to compensation. If the operator was killed through no fault of their own, the family may be entitled to compensation.

Common causes of single-vehicle motorcycle accidents

It’s estimated that 25 percent of all motorcycle accidents in the United States are the result of a collision with a stationary object. These objects can include fixed roadway equipment, such as construction signs, navigational signage, orange cones, and other road construction items. These types of accidents might be the fault of public or private road maintenance crews.

When debris or liquids spill onto the roadway from a truck, the owner of that vehicle could be held responsible.

Some one-vehicle motorcycle crashes can be caused by the failure of a brake, clutch, steering, or other faulty mechanism. In these cases, the motorcycle manufacturer could be responsible, or a mechanic failing to fix a motorcycle appropriately, or using defective equipment or parts.

You need the J. Gonzalez Law Firm

The above scenarios and many others are why you need the J. Gonzalez Law Firm on your side. Our expert personal injury attorneys have won compensation from a number of third parties, such as:

• Construction companies
• Motorcycle dealer or manufacturer
• Motorcycle parts manufacturer or distributor
• Another vehicle driver
• Roadway maintenance companies or entities

If you have been injured, or a loved one has been killed in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash, contact the J. Gonzalez Law Firm today. Depending on the facts of your case, you could be due compensation from another party. Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation at 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://www.valleycentral.com/news/local-news/harlingen-police-investigate-motorcycle-fatality/

San Juan Police Chief Leandro Sifuentes says intoxication and street racing may have contributed to a fatal March 26 crash, but Sifuentes added it is too early in the investigation to make any final determination.

“Preliminary investigations by the San Juan Police Department suggest intoxication as a possible contributing factor to the collision,” Sifuentes stated via news release. “Additionally, the possibility of racing involvement has not been discounted. Our officers are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances leading up to this tragic event.”

San Juan police officers responded to the two-vehicle collision in the 300 block of West FM 495 Tuesday at around 6:10 p.m.

According to an earlier news release from Sifuentes, the driver of an SUV — identified as Roberto Carlos Rios Rodriguez of San Juan — was found dead at the scene. The unidentified driver of the pickup truck involved in the crash was unconscious, the release stated. The unknown driver was hospitalized and was last reported in stable condition.

Anyone with information on the crash is urged to contact San Juan Crime Stoppers at 956-283-8477 or the San Juan Police Department at 956-223-2400.

Texas street-racing laws

Although it has not been determined that street racing was a factor in the above crash, it is wise to familiarize yourself with an overview of what Texas law says about contests of speed on public streets.

Texas law Sec 545.420 makes it illegal to engage in racing, contests of speed, drag races, tests of the physical endurance of drivers or vehicle operators, or having any connection to drag races or vehicle speed exhibitions on public roads.

Violators can face legal prosecution for participating, or being affiliated with street racing, but a criminal conviction against street racers will not compensate innocent bystanders who suffer injuries and damages that may have resulted from the illegal action.

For compensation, victims need a trusted and proven attorney to act as their advocate. If the negligent party (or parties) had an active liability insurance policy at the time of the crash, a competent attorney can ensure the issuer of that policy pays for the accident victim’s damages.

Many times insurance companies will try to pay less than they are legally obligated to pay. It’s the personal injury attorney’s job to ensure that his or her clients get the compensation they legally deserve.

Contact J. Gonzalez

Seeking compensation after a street racing collision can be complex, especially if the negligent driver lacks the legally required insurance. The J. Gonzalez Law Firm can navigate those complexities and explore other options victims might not be aware of.

The J. Gonzalez Law Firm has advocated for Texas auto injury victims for decades. Call us to learn how we will put that experience and resources we have earned to work for you. Contact us today via this website or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/intoxication-and-racing-may-have-contributed-to-fatal-san-juan-crash-police-chief-says?fbclid=IwAR1jCm5ugddVvZ4fS-QqMf3EmIUU5qVaFNnHIDngGT6fxYutX6Cg3ZX34yc_aem_AUIDAFiev9c-JUyP7ti0scErWNUcgrzyljNWLg6ahBWI7GZ_WhfZiQUvl1LCZ3zBSTdGCTnEM-vhCF8UcEBDBrdt

HIDALGO COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has released the name of a man who was killed March 16 in a two-vehicle crash near Edinburg.

According to DPS Sgt. Maria Hernandez, the victim was 34-year-old Sergio Alejandro Padilla-Luna. Padilla-Luna was killed when his vehicle slammed into the back of another vehicle that had slowed down to make a left turn. Both vehicles were traveling west on FM 1925 when they crashed at the intersection of Tower Road.

The second vehicle, a Dodge Ram Pickup, was occupied by a man, woman, and three children, according to Sgt. Hernandez, but none were transported to a hospital for medical treatment.

Sgt. Hernandez stated that alcohol may have contributed to the crash, but a toxicology report was pending. The crash remained under investigation as of this report.

Toxicology reports and personal injury cases

The admissibility of toxicology reports is a frequent issue in personal injury cases, and the complications involved can raise more problems than they solve.

For example, urine samples can show traces of drugs and alcohol in a person’s system, but those traces can linger from an earlier instance of intoxication that does not correspond with the time of an accident.

If toxicology evidence is deemed admissible in court, which means it has been found to be relevant to the case. As such, it cannot be considered hearsay or prejudicial, and thus it can be used as evidence of drug or alcohol use can be introduced against a defendant in a case.

However, a presumptive positive test result is when a urine test does not present a definitive finding on the status of the substances in a person’s system at the time of the accident. A presumptive positive, therefore, cannot establish a person’s level of impairment when the accident occurred.

These results, in some cases, can be sent off for further testing if that is available or necessary.

Get expert legal advice

If you have been injured in an accident, and you have reason to believe the responsible party was intoxicated when he or she caused your injuries, you need trusted legal counsel to handle your personal injury claim.

The personal injury attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm have experience in a wide variety of personal injury cases, including ones that involved drug or alcohol abuse by the defendant.

J. Gonzalez attorneys will ensure that reliable and available toxicology reports are presented in your case, and they will put their extensive experience to work for you. Get in touch with J. Gonzalez today via this website, or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Edinburg police have arrested a 32-year-old woman who crashed her vehicle into an Edinburg CISD school bus while allegedly driving drunk.

According to a news release, the crash happened March 3, about 6:50 p.m. in the 3600 block of S. Sugar Road at approximately 6:50 p.m.

A third vehicle was also involved in the accident, but no further details were immediately available.

“The incident included an Edinburg CISD school district bus with four students, a sponsor, and a driver on board,” the release stated, adding that there were no major injuries.

Police arrested Jeanette Reyes Marmolego on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the report said..

The investigation was ongoing as of this report.

Always get medical treatment

Even though no injuries were reported in the above incident, the J. Gonzalez Law Firm recommends that you never take your health for granted. It is not uncommon to experience whiplash or another injury which may not be immediately apparent.

It can sometimes take hours or days for symptoms to arise, and early medical intervention is the best way to avoid further injury. Once you’ve seen a doctor, be sure to follow his or her treatment plan.

Documentation
Keep all receipts, bills, notes, and other documents related to the bus accident organized and safe. This can help your attorney determine the financial damages you suffered because of the collision. These documents should include visits to your doctor, physical therapy sessions, repairs to your vehicle, and any other accident-related costs. If possible, scan them into a computer or take pictures of them with your cell phone.

Contact J. Gonzalez
The J. Gonzalez Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars in damages in all kinds of personal injury cases. J. Gonzalez and his team of expert personal injury attorneys can:
● Maintain communication with the insurance company, the bus company, the police, and other parties.
● Conduct an investigation to determine what caused the accident and who should be held liable.
● Determine the full and fair value of your claim, based on current and future medical bills, lost earnings, emotional trauma, property damage, and more.
● Negotiate a fair settlement or take your case to civil court in order to recover the compensation you deserve.

Contact the J. Gonzalez Law Firm today visit this website or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://myrgv.com/local-news/2024/03/03/alleged-drunk-driver-accused-of-crashing-into-edinburg-cisd-school-bus/

LA JOYA — The La Joya Independent School District has issued a prepared statement in the aftermath of a February 27 traffic accident involving one of its school buses. The accident happened at approximately 2:45 p.m. at the intersection of 3 Mile Line and Bentsen Palm Drive.

According to the district’s statement, a vehicle ran a red light on 3 Mile Line and collided with a La Joya ISD school bus which was traveling north on Bentsen Palm Drive.

“We are relieved to report that no students were on the bus at the time of the accident, and no injuries were reported,” La Joya ISD announced. “The safety of our students, staff and community members remains our top priority, and we are cooperating fully with authorities as they investigate the incident.”

The name of the driver who collided with the school bus has not been released.

Delayed crash injury symptoms

Even if you feel fine after a traffic accident, some injuries that initially might feel like minor bumps and bruises can turn out to be much more serious later on. That’s because a car crash can leave your body in shock, making it produce excess endorphins, which in turn leaves you unable to feel the full extent of your injuries.

Here are three common injuries that can result in delayed symptoms after an accident:

Whiplash

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by the sudden movement of your neck back and forth. Symptoms of whiplash that might not appear for several days after the accident can include:

• Neck pain
• Neck stiffness
• Persistent headaches
• Radiating pain in your shoulders and arms

Concussion

A concussion is a head injury that can affect your memory, balance, and concentration. It results from the movement of your brain inside your skull. Delayed symptoms will include:

• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Ringing in ears
• Nausea/vomiting

Back injuries

Your back may be sore immediately after an accident, but over time it can become intense and persistent. This pain is likely caused by inflammation settling into your muscles following the trauma.

Get medical attention and legal advice

Seeking medical attention even if you feel well after an accident is highly recommended. The main reason for this is to ensure you don’t have a hidden injury that can worsen over time. The second reason is to document your injury and the medical treatment you need in the event you decide to pursue a personal injury claim.

Your doctor can advise you on your recovery. The J. Gonzalez Law Firm is here to guide you toward getting the compensation you’ll likely need to pay your medical bills and household bills should you face a long-term recovery without employment.

The amount of compensation is determined by the facts of each case. After you’ve seen your doctor, call the J. Gonzalez Law Firm to get the peace of mind you’ll need during your recovery. Call 1-800-CAR-CRASH today!

Source: https://www.valleycentral.com/news/local-news/no-injuries-after-vehicle-runs-red-light-hits-la-joya-school-bus-district-says/

ALTON — One person is hospitalized as the result of a February 26 dog attack in Alton. According to a news release, the attack happened at 4:15 p.m. near Los Ebanos Road and 4 Mile Line in Alton.

Alton Police Chief Mark Perez told KGBT-TV that responders had to use a tourniquet on the victim to stop the bleeding. The victim’s identity and medical condition were not immediately known.

The case is being investigated by the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office.

Who can be held responsible for a dog attack?

The party or parties who can be held responsible for a dog bite or dog attack depends on the facts of each incident. Generally speaking, the people who could potentially be held liable for a dog bite include:

• the dog’s owner
• the dog’s caretaker or walker
• a landlord

Home and/or land owners are generally deemed liable for dog bites that occur on their property. Dog attacks on a rental property are typically fall under the responsibility of the dog’s owner and the landlord who allowed the dog to live on the premises. If someone is walking a dog, and that dog attacks someone, the walker bears the liability, even if he/she is not the dog’s owner.

Negligence in dog attack claims

To prove negligence, the plaintiff’s lawyer must show that the dog’s owner or caretaker failed to use reasonable care to prevent the attack. Reasonable care generally includes:

• restraining the dog
• keeping the animal in a safe enclosure
• training the dog
• intervening to prevent an attack

Getting compensation

If you have been attacked by a dog anywhere in Texas, we encourage you to contact the J. Gonzalez Law Firm. Our personal injury attorneys can provide a fair assessment of your potential claim.

At the J. Gonzalez Law Firm, we are skilled dog bite lawyers dedicated to protecting adults and children from vicious animal attacks. Call us at 1-900-CAR-CRASH today!

Source: https://www.valleycentral.com/news/dog-attack-in-alton-leaves-1-hospitalized-police-say/