October 12th, 2010
If you are involved in an accident with an 18 wheeler, it is imperative that you consult with an attorney experienced in handling commercial trucking accidents. This should ideally be done before you give your statement to the insurance adjuster. A skilled Houston truck accident attorney will be able to help you win your case and make a successful claim.
Accidents can happen to anyone at anytime. In the unfortunate event that you are involved in an accident with an 18 wheeler, there are certain steps that you must take. These steps will help an attorney with making a claim.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Preserve Evidence.
- Consult a Houston Personal Injury Attorney
One of the first steps to take after a collision with an 18 wheeler is to check if you or any of the passengers are hurt. Seek immediate medical attention. If you do not seek medical examination right after the accident, you may not get a chance to document the source of your injuries caused by the accident. This, in turn, would make it difficult for a Houston truck accident attorney to prove that the injuries were caused by the collision.
The more evidence there is, the easier it is for a Houston truck accident attorney to make a claim. Hence, it is important that you preserve evidence of everything that happened at the scene of the accident. If you have access to a camera, and if you are able to, you should take as many pictures of the accident as you can. A Houston truck accident attorney will need all the clues that can be used from the photos, especially when it comes to reconstructing the scene of the accident. Your attorney, the judge, and the jury might have to rely heavily on these clues to know exactly how the accident happened and what happened after the accident.
- Consult an experienced Houston truck accident attorney.
When it comes to making claims after an accident, your attorney is the key. It is important that you select someone who is competent and has relevant experience, especially someone who has handled accidents involving 18 wheelers.
If you are involved in an accident with an 18 wheeler, a skilled and experienced attorney is the only one who can help you win your case. I am a Board Certified Houston Personal Injury Attorney with over 25 years of experience helping injured victims seek justice. If you are seeking professional representation, contact me by filling out the “Tell Me About Your Case” form or call me in the office today at (713) 861 – 9966.
Tags: 18 wheeler accidents, commercial trucking accident attorney, personal injury attorney
Posted in Truck/18 Wheeler Accidents | Comments Off
October 12th, 2010
TEXTING WHILE DRIVING
Texting while driving has become a huge issue for Houston auto accident attorneys. Everyone seems to have a cell phone and use it constantly. The dangers of using a phone while driving are becoming more apparent in every city. Attorneys are seeing an increasing number of cases of negligent and reckless driving due to texting.
Texting while driving takes your eyes off the road. Even if only for a second, you are driving blindly. You wouldn’t put a blindfold over your eyes and get in the car, and you certainly wouldn’t drive with something covering your windshield. The effect of texting is the same: you cannot see what is happening. Many cases involve drivers who simply weren’t looking, and either hit another car or drifted into a different lane.
SLOWED REACTION TIME
Texting and driving slows down your reaction time remarkably. As an experienced Houston car accident attorney, I can relate a number of stories in which a driver failed to respond correctly to their surroundings because they were distracted by their cell phone. Much like driving under the influence, texting slows down the time your brain has to register and respond to stimuli. Because you’re distracted, you don’t have the time you would normally to get out of the way of another car or stop for an unexpected pedestrian. This has become an increasingly alarming occurrence in and around Houston. Attorneys are seeing more cases in which drivers “just didn’t see that oncoming car” because they were texting.
Probably the most important reason an auto accident attorney would give not to text while driving is the seemingly countless accidents that have already been caused. Each year, millions of people are affected by these accidents. We’ve seen time and time again, lives cut short because of a text message. The number one reason not to text and drive: we know from experience that it kills.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured dues to someone else’s negligent driving and are seeking a personal injury attorney, contact me by filling out the “Tell Me About Your Case” form or call me in the office today at (713) 861 – 9966.
Tags: auto accident attorney, personal injury attorney
Posted in Auto Accidents | Comments Off
October 12th, 2010
If you have been the victim of an accident, a Houston personal injury attorney can help navigate the legal issues while also helping you get access to maximum compensation. The funding for a pre-settlement lawsuit occurs through cash advances of a non-recursive nature. These advances are paid to the victim in advance with a promise from the victim to repay the total amount once the case is won in court. There are significant risks associated with such a non-recourse type of funding, which is why it is all the more important to select a lawyer that you have complete faith and trust in. An experienced, reputable attorney can help you make the best decision when thinking about pre-settlement lawsuit funding.
How Pre-Settlement Lawsuit Funding Works
If you have been offered funding before your case has come to a resolution, it’s important to understand how it works. Your attorney may have relationships with financial institutions that offer such funding. The institution will contact the lawyer and collect the requisite case details. Depending on the information on the case, the financial institution will make an estimate of the overall verdict or settlement value and will provide cash advances to the victim based on this estimate. The applicable fees could be variable or flat, and once the case is won in court by your personal injury attorney, the loan amount along with associated fees is paid to the financial company. It’s important for you to know if you are required to repay the loan if there is a lawsuit loss. The extent of the loan amount provided will vary based on the case’s nature. This is why it is crucial to leverage the services of a qualified attorney who can bring the case to conclusion.
Why Hiring an Attorney Will Help You
Using a Houston personal injury lawyer will ultimately give the insurance company more faith in the case since you have legal representation. The financial institution is much more likely to advance a higher loan amount with a higher success ratio in court.
Pre-Settlement Funding is Tricky
Litigation cases can often to take several years to come to a conclusion. If you decide to take advantage of pre-settlement lawsuit funding, it’s imperative that you understand all the facts. Know what the interest rates are and if they apply to your funds. Know if you are required to pay back the funds if your case results in a loss. Know what strings are attached if you do decide to accept any funds. Don’t let anyone persuade you into taking money unnecessarily. It can be easy to accept this funding especially when times are tough financially or if your accident has left you out of work with medicall expenses stacking up. In such cases consult your attorney before taking any pre-settlement funds and understand all of the available options to you.
Even before you contact any insurance adjuster, seek professional representation. An experienced attorney can present a strong case with your best interests in mind. Remember, the financial company as well as the defendant party has access to professional lawyers. If you are seeking professional representation, contact me by filling out the “Tell Me About Your Case” form or call me in the office today at (713)861 – 9966.
Tags: personal injury attorney, pre-settlement lawsuit funding
Posted in Pre-settlement Lawsuit Funding | Comments Off
October 12th, 2010
For anyone involved in a mishap with an 18 wheeler, a truck accident attorney plays a key role in making a claim. 18 wheeler accidents are extremely dangerous and if you are involved in one, you will need an attorney who has experience handling such cases.
A typical fully loaded 18 wheeler truck can weigh over 80,000 pounds. On the other hand, an average automobile weighs around 3,000 pounds. Unlike other vehicles, it is not easy for an 18 wheeler to come to a halt. They need more time to stop, have larger blind spots on either side and mostly carry heavy cargo. The load these trucks carry can leave debris all over the road which can contribute to more injuries or damage. Also, because of their higher center of gravity, 18 wheelers are likely to turn over. The result of what happens when something of this size and capacity collide is anyone’s guess. The treatment for injuries caused by such an accident can be extremely expensive and the assistance of an experienced 18 wheeler accident attorney will help you make a claim.
Vehicular Accident Statistics:
- In the United States, there were approximately 6,570,000 accidents involving all vehicles in 2002.
- Texas alone saw 5,040 fatal traffic accidents, of which 438 were fatal accidents involving trucks.
- 59 percent of those killed had not worn seat belts and 17,419 of the fatalities were alcohol related.
- Statistics show that about 10 percent of those involved in accidents become disabled.
This leads to an important question. What causes so many 18 wheeler accidents and how can an attorney help? The Houston metropolitan area can be taken as an example because it sees some of the highest volume of commercial transportation traffic in the United States. The common causes of accidents and collisions involving 18 wheelers are tire blowouts, loads that are not safe and violation of traffic rules.
18 wheeler accidents result in a huge number of personal injury and wrongful death claims and without a good 18 wheeler accidents attorney, making a successful claim can be difficult. This is especially true given the fact that most truck drivers are trained on what they should say and how they should react after an accident. This is one of the reasons why you need an experienced truck accident attorney who can get the job done.
I am not just an 18 wheeler accident attorney. I am a board certified personal injury specialist with over 25 years of experience. If you are seeking professional representation, contact me by filling out the “Tell Me About Your Case” form or call me in the office today at (713) 861 – 9966.
Tags: 18 wheeler accidents, commercial trucking accident attorney, personal injury attorney
Posted in Truck/18 Wheeler Accidents | Comments Off
October 12th, 2010
Each year, hundreds of people die because of 18 wheeler accidents and if you are a victim, consulting an experienced, board certified, 18 wheeler accident lawyer can prove invaluable.
Common Causes
There are several reasons why 18 wheeler accidents are so common. These reasons include:
- Brake failure
- Improper accommodation of blind spots
- Articles and debris lying on the road
- Driver fatigue
- Driving at high speeds
- Tire failure
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Unsecured freight or cargo shifting inside the payload area
- Following unsafe practices while driving
- Texting while driving
Whatever the reason maybe, it is wise to consider investing in an 18 wheeler accident lawyer can help you get the maximum benefits and reparations required in your case. If you’re a Texas resident and have been the victim of an 18 wheeler accident, be sure to consult an experienced truck accident lawyer.
Proving Fault
Proving the driver’s fault is a vital issue in winning the case and maximizing reparations for the victim and a good attorney will assist in proving fault on the part of the driver. I have experience meticulously scrutinizing drive logs and records that could have led to the accident. These records are crucial as evidence to prove the fault of the driver. If you have been a victim of such an accident, you need the services of a qualified lawyer.
Escalating Bills
If you are a victim of an accident, you have suffered enough. Apart from the physical injury you may have sustained, there is also the pressure of escalating medical bills and subsequent depletion of finances. In such a scenario, your truck accident lawyer can assist you in reclaiming the maximum compensation that you deserve and qualify for. I fight for each case I take on aggressively to ensure that you are compensated properly.
I am a Board Certified personal injury specialist with experience spanning 25 years. When it comes to traffic accidents involving an 18 wheeler, I am among the most qualified and trustworthy attorneys you can find in Houston. I have handled more than 2,000 personal injury cases and acted as lead counsel to 60 personal injury trials. If you are seeking professional representation, contact me by filling out the “Tell Me About Your Case” form on my homepage or call me in the office today at (713) 861 – 9966.
Tags: 18 wheeler accidents, commercial trucking accident attorney, personal injury attorney
Posted in Truck/18 Wheeler Accidents | Comments Off
October 12th, 2010
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PREMISES LIABILITY LAW & PRORPERTY DAMAGE CLAIMS
In my 25 years as a Houston premises liability lawyer, I’ve tried over 2,000 cases, many of them involving vehicle accidents. The sheer number of drivers on Texas roads places motorists in one of two positions; having needed the services of an attorney after an accident, or needing one in the near future. In addition to the services that an attorney can provide, there are 10 important rules that every driver needs to be aware of.
- Rule #1 – Report the accident to police. Obtain the other party’s information and go to a police station. Call your lawyer ASAP.
- Rule #2 – The tow truck driver is not your friend. Tow truck drivers may have deals with certain body shops and pass hidden costs on to you. Have your vehicle towed to the body shop you normally use or tow it to your home.
- Rule #3 – Store your car where you intend to repair it. If your car is left at a shop you do not intend to use, you can pay up to $15 per day for storage.
- Rule #4 – Report the accident to your insurance company, who should liaise with the other party’s insurance company.
- Rule #5 – Car dealerships do better work, cost more, and use more brand name parts than independent body shops.
- Rule #6 – Insurance companies will only pay $18 to $20 per day for a rental car. Regardless of the type of vehicle you drive, the insurance company is not bound to offer anymore than this unless set out in your policy agreement.
- Rule #7 – Insurance companies will pay for rentals for a very limited time. This is typically as long as it takes them to finish their investigation and as long as they think it should take to repair your car. Their investigation will include assessing both cars and estimating time for repairs. If repairs take longer than the company believes is reasonable, they will likely refuse extra days of rental car use.
- Rule #8 – Not all damage is visible. Insurance adjusters are not mechanics. If you believe there is a mechanical issue with your car, have it assessed by a certified technician.
- Rule #9. Go to the doctor. If you are involved in a high-speed or high-damage collision, get checked out by your doctor, and let your Houston premises liability lawyer know the results.
- Rule #10 – Find a reputable Houston premises liability lawyer.
Property damage law represents a significant portion of the work I accept, and has led to some of the most complex court cases I’ve seen in my over two decades of practice. Knowing the “Big 10” rules of property damage claims and hiring a Houston premises liability lawyer can go a long way to streamlining any property damage settlement. If you are seeking professional representation, contact me by filling out the “Tell Me About Your Case” form or call me in the office today at (713) 861 – 9966.
Tags: personal injury attorney, premises liability
Posted in Presises Liability Law | Comments Off
October 12th, 2010
No amount of money could ever make up for the loss of your loved one, but with the help the right Houston wrongful death attorney, you can reclaim some of the financial stability that perished with your loss. There are many factors to consider when determining what to expect regarding compensation for your loss including your relationship with the deceased, the amount lost in support, and the way in which your loved one passed on. With the help of an experienced, supportive wrongful death attorney, your departed loved one can still provide for the security of your family’s future.
The first thing to consider is the relationship of the plaintiff to the deceased. With a child there is loss of companionship and mental anguish to consider, as well as possible medical or funeral costs. If the deceased was a parent or spouse, your attorney will need to consider other factors concerning the loss of support caused by the death of your loved one.
There are many variables concerning the loss of support that must be considered by your Houston wrongful death attorney, such as the loss of earnings, loss of services, and any loss prospect of inheritance. The loss of earnings is often the most significant financial loss when a parent or partner dies. Your lawyer will fight for the amount of your loved one’s salary at the time of death (with possible allowances for lifetime increases) multiplied by the expected lifespan they would have anticipated if not for their tragic death.
Your lawyer will also take into consideration the loss of retirement income, medical insurance, and any pension or other income lost by their untimely death. In addition, it is important to consider non-paid losses that will lead to additional expenses such as child care, cooking, repairs, and other household chores. Finally, an experienced Houston wrongful death attorney will take into consideration any lost prospect of inheritance for you or your family due to the wrongful death of your loved one, as well as any medical or funeral expenses that need to be reimbursed. These damages will also include the interest that would have been accrued from the date of death.
The other category of compensation available can be dependent on the circumstances of your loved one’s death. Your Houston wrongful death lawyer will advise you on the possibility of asking for general and punitive damages, the purpose of which is to punish those who caused the death of your loved one.
I am a professional, experienced, board certified personal injury specialist who will help you fight for your family. I have over 25 years of experience as a wrongful death attorney in Houston. You can rest assured in my credentials while being comforted by my caring, open, and honest concern. Call me now at (713) 861 – 9966 or fill out the “Tell Me About Your Case” form on my homepage.
Tags: wrongful death attorney
Posted in Wrongful Death | Comments Off
October 12th, 2010
If you have been injured in an accident caused by another’s carelessness, you should seek the assistance of an experienced lawyer. There are many things that require time and attention following any serious accident, but your main focus needs to be your recovery. An experienced Houston personal injury lawyer can step in and investigate your case and handle all the legal matters to ensure that you receive fair and adequate compensation.
An attorney will be able to review your case and take care of any necessary details while you recuperate and heal. For your best outcome, it is essential that you seek out a lawyer with a successful track record. Knowing that you have competent legal representation will allow you to focus on getting well without worrying about the details of your case. Your lawyer will be able to attend to any of the legal matters and assure that the defendant’s insurance company treats you fairly.
With 25 years of experience as a personal injury specialist, 20 of which have been as a Board Certified personal injury specialist, and over 2,000 personal injury cases tried to a conclusion, I have the experience to represent you and your loved ones. I have been lead counsel in over 60 personal injury jury trials and I am an adjunct professor at the University of Houston law center.
There’s no reason you should worry over the legal aspect of your accident while you are recovering from your injuries. Let me take the worry away from you so you can focus on regaining your health. I will work relentlessly to assure that the insurance company makes a fair settlement or I will file a lawsuit and litigate the case in your behalf.
If you have been injured in an accident and are dealing with an insurance company, contact a Houston personal injury lawyer you can trust at (713) 861-9966 to discuss the details of your case, or fill out the “Tell Me About Your Case” form. I will review your case and be open and honest as I explain what you can expect.
Tags: personal injury attorney
Posted in Personal Injury | Comments Off
