Houston Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Road rage is a serious problem in the United States. Traffic jams, road construction, overscheduling, and poor driving behavior on behalf of the other drivers on the road all combine to make even the most sane, calm individual go a little crazy at times. If you have ever suffered an episode of road rage consider the following tips to keep your temper in check the next time someone cuts you off (this advice comes straight from a psychologist experienced in helping people handle their emotions and problems in life).

*Don't get mad - don't get even - get peaceful. Compose yourself and get a handle on your anger by counting your blessings and recognizing the event for what it is - a meaningless moment in time that cannot compare to the great things you have going in your life.

*Take two or three deep cleansing breaths. Inhale deeply, exhale fully. If you're not feeling more serene then take two or three more - eventually your blood pressure will go down and you will feel more relaxed - and you'll be on the 'road to road rage recovery'.

*Take yourself to your favorite place - mentally. Distract your own mind with thoughts of a pleasant evening, the smile of your youngest child, your last golf outing - anything that your treasure. Just don't become so distracted that you forget to watch the road in front of you!

*Turn on the radio or your favorite music. Let the chatter or notes soothe your frayed nerves. And live to drive another day. Road rage - not worth it.

Continue reading "Avoid Road Rage" »

Driving home recently I was watching other cars on the roadways in Houston and noting different models. What came as a surprise to me was the sheer number of cars on the Houston highways that were made in Korea.

Hyundai and Kia make some remarkably attractive cars that apparently are competing very well in the US market and also seem to be very fuel-efficient and economical.

With the rise of the Korean vehicles comes the question of reliability and resale value. It is noteworthy that many of the newer companies in the US market have been successful in obtaining both very good safety ratings and with ratings of value from some credible authorities.

Not only are these new Korean vehicles attractive they have increasingly been considered by American consumers and appear to be gaining a significant foothold into the US market.

One wonders what the impact of these new vehicles are to the US economy and to our current jobs problem. It is apparent that Korea is manufacturing pretty good product and Americans are buying it. It is very doubtful that Koreans would buy very many US-made vehicles to balance out the trade between countries.

You can check the safety rating of vehicles by going to www.safercar.gov.

Continue reading "New Korean Automobiles- a Value?" »

Recent studies have shown that safety and safety rating are among top priorities for consumers considering the purchase of a new car. As a side note it is the top priority followed by quality.

Many different rating organizations have systems where they rate the safety factors for each new model vehicle. Additionally the federal government also provides crash test ratings that tend to be very accurate.

According to Forbes magazine, the safest three vehicles on the road today are the BMW 5 series, the Cadillac CTS and the Subaru Legacy.

The pics from Forbes were based upon a pretty elaborate evaluation included information from the Institute of Highway safety and also testing criteria from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

Generally larger vehicles are picked to be safer for occupants than smaller ones due to the physics of a 3000 pound vehicle running into a 6000 pound vehicle. Consumers are balancing safety factors with the MPG of various models to look for a combination of gas mileage and safety. With gas approaching four dollars per gallon miles per gallon must be consideration on almost any purchase.

In Europe, the trend is toward smaller vehicles and has been that way for a long time. When everyone drives smaller vehicles the safety factor of the smaller vehicle does not get compounded by the risk of running into a larger vehicle.

In other words in Europe everyone buys smaller vehicles and the odds of being struck by a larger car are relatively small. Of course, we in America have gotten used to our larger cars and in Texas, big pickups.

Safety ratings can be obtained by numerous organizations including Consumer Reports, NHTSA and others.

Continue reading "The Safest Cars on the Road" »

So your car needs to be inspected what will they check?

Some of the items on the list include-
1. Horn
2. Windshield wipers
3. Mirrors
4. Steering
5. Seatbelts
6. Tires
7. Brakes
8. Exhaust system
9. Reflectors and lamps
10. Vehicle identification number

In addition to other items routinely checked for a passing grade on a Texas vehicle inspection the consumer must also present evidence of auto insurance that is in force at the time of the inspection.

The inspection requirements are covered by transportation code chapter 548 which provides different criteria for each type of vehicle to be inspected. While inspection license fees have increased it is not expected to have any impact on the cost to consumers of inspections.

Continue reading "Texas Motor Vehicle Inspection Requirements" »

Seniors aged 65 and older currently constitute a significant portion of the driving public (nearly a third) - and their numbers are expected to increase exponentially over the next decade to 40% of drivers on the road.

In light of this information the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted nation-wide research to develop a thoughtful 5 year plan targeting the specific needs and challenges of this segment of the driving population. What follows are some of their findings and suggestions.

*Communication about the challenges of elder driving is vital. As people age they may need to adjust their driving habits. This is a conversation that must take place within family structures.

That does not mean that every individual, aged 65 and older, needs to stop driving immediately. However, those who are medically at risk may consider finding alternative means of transportation.

*In addition, partnerships among states and organizations who focus on creating products and services for seniors needs to be enhanced. This includes materials that will keep the senior driver safe is he or she chooses to continue driving or ensuring that seniors are aware of the transportation alternatives readily available.

*There will be increased pressure to develop and enforce older driver licensing policies. Most legislators would rather avoid this - not wanting to offend a significant portion of the voting population. But the time is coming when it will no longer be avoidable.

If you have an elder driver in your family - initiate an honest and open conversation about driving. It may be the best thing you do this week.

Continue reading "Driving Issues for Elderly" »

The absolute number one proactive safety measure that every individual should take is to buckle your seat belt when you get in your vehicle - and make sure everyone else is appropriately belted in as well. Consider the following statistics about seat belts and their use.

*Survivors of vehicle collision who were wearing seatbelts experience medical costs that are only half as great as their non-seatbelt wearing counterparts.

*Only 85% of vehicle occupants wear a seatbelt during the week and only 80% of vehicle occupants in rural areas wear seatbelts at any time.

*There is only 90% compliance with seat belt use by freeway drivers.

*In one state alone five hundred people died in automobile accidents because they were not wearing a seatbelt - last year alone. One source states that nearly fifteen thousand people across the country died from not wearing their seat belt.

*In states where law enforcement may pull over drivers and ticket them for not wearing a seat belt - there is nearly universal compliance. Other states may only ticket drivers for not using a seat belt if it is a secondary finding after the driver was pulled over for a separate offense.

*Children who were fatally injured in a vehicle accident were improperly restrained or simply not buckled in at all - in 80% of the reported deaths.

Frankly, with the amount of overwhelming evidence to support the proposition that seat belts save lives it is impossible to understand why anyone would get in a vehicle and fail to buckle up.

Continue reading "Buckling Up is Your First Line of Defense in a Car Accident" »

There are a wide variety of trailers that can be attached to cars or trucks for a number of purposes. The more common types are trailers for hauling items such as boats or bikes, horse trailers, trailers for the purpose of moving households from one location to another and trailers for other work such as construction or carnival employment. Many Houston car accidents are caused by trailers.

Trailers are attached to a 'hitch' and these come in various sizes and styles to meet the myriad towing needs of the American public. Some of the more common types include (but are not limited to) standard, ball and front mount. The standard hitch is usually attached to the frame of a vehicle and is used for towing. The ball type of hitch is spherical and most likely found in situations that require bumper pulling. The front mount is attached directly to a truck's framework.

Trailers that have not been attached properly cause hundreds of auto accidents and injuries each year including many wrongful death cases.. Often, these problems arise because the driver has failed to follow the proper safety precautions when attaching and securing the trailer.

For instance, problems may arise if the trailer has not been 'leveled' or the locking mechanism is not secure. Too, if a trailer's tires are in poor condition then the loss of one could cause the trailer to fishtail and disconnect or otherwise lead to an unexpected tragedy.

Finally, if a driver has not properly secured the load he is carrying or speeds and brakes mindlessly he or she is placing themselves in danger as well as the other drivers and passengers on the road.

In a terrible and tragic accident in Houston Monday an unlicensed driver apparently took his parents car and struck some children getting off the bus, according to reports.

At least one of the children it is reported with a broken bone and the other reportedly has nonlife threatening injuries. Most likely, there will be no insurance coverage for the injury sustained the children because the use of the vehicle was reportedly not permissive.

This is an example of why we all need to teach our children about driving and safe driving as soon as possible. I know from first-hand experience that as a teenager my parents could not tell me much. At the same time all children are like sponges and are picking up things each and every day. Often, it is not what we say that matters most to teenagers but what we do.

None of us can anticipate everything our children may do and we can only do the best we can to help protect them and help them make their way in the world. A good way to give them a good start is to preach safe driving from the time that proceeds when they get their license.

Buckle up my example, stop at stop signs completely, and talk to them about evasive actions and appropriate responses as they come up.

It will pay dividends in the end.

Continue reading "15-Year-Old Driver Runs into Two Children" »

Proactive auto care is one sure way to avoid problems with your vehicle in the middle of a traffic jam or while traveling on America's highways. A recent article on a major news site suggested readers need only use their senses to remain apprised of impending concerns with a car or truck.

In other words - if you see, hear or smell something out of the ordinary with your vehicle do not avoid addressing the issue because it is bound to get worse and could put you, your family and other unsuspecting drivers on the road in danger.

For instance, if you see a leak developing under the car and then detect a burning odor emanating from your engine when driving - this is a signal that you need to have your car examined for low fluids and/or cracked hoses.

It is certainly an indication that your car needs to be attended to by a professional mechanic - unless you are qualified to deal with auto problems yourself. Too, if you hear the sound of squeaking beneath you it could be an indication of the need to have your brakes replaced or even something more serious.

Finally, be sensitive to how the car feels when you're driving - or rely on your sense of touch. If your steering wheel begins to shake it could mean you've blown a tire.

Taking your car into an auto shop for regular maintenance can be a lifesaving move for all involved. After all, what is the cost of a tire or other auto repair in comparison to the fallout of an auto accident - that could have been avoided altogether with proper planning?

Continue reading "Proper Auto Maintenance Essential " »

If you are in the market for a new car and safety ranks as your most important consideration over price or even over gas mileage then the following blog is dedicated to your search.

Even as gas prices soar the temptation to purchase a smaller vehicle in order to stretch an already squealing budget should be given a second or third look. Though there have been advances in vehicle construction and safety, small cars in general are more likely to provide the driver and passengers less overall protection in a catastrophic collision.

No matter how safe your own driving record is - you simply cannot account for the driving behaviors of everyone else on the road and that is usually the cause of most accidents - the other driver.

The fact is that smaller cars weigh less and it is this factor that often leads to more severe injuries in an accident - even if the other vehicle is a car of similar size and weight.

However, when a larger car or truck collides with yours injury results rise markedly. In a survey done by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety the number of deaths that occur in small car collisions is 33% higher than in a mid-size car accident. Furthermore, the number of deaths in car and truck accidents drops significantly as the size and weight of the vehicle increases.

Finally, I myself am not an advocate of one car company or vehicle design over another. Rather I am an advocate of anything that keeps Americans safe on the roads.

Continue reading "Buying a Small Car for Mileage or Larger One for Safety?" »

The Texas House has apparently tentatively approved a new bill which would allow for an 85 mph speed limit on some of our Texas highways. The bill would give the TXDOT the authority to raise the speed limit on some highways to be the highest in the country. Reports indicate that similar legislation is pending approval by the Senate. If enacted into law, Texas would have the highest speed limit potential in the country.

Studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between speed and fatal car accidents. Simply the slower people drive the less chance that they will be seriously hurt or killed in a car accident. The higher the speed travelled, the higher the probability of an accident leading to serious injury or death.

Additionally, one of the factors that contribute to many car accidents is a disparity between speeds of vehicles going the same direction on the same highway. If one vehicle is traveling at a speed much greater or lesser than another on the roadway, the potential for accidents increases.

Perhaps there are some compelling reasons for this proposed legislation, however I have yet to think of any. One wonders what the costs of implementing the change will be to the state of Texas should this pass. Changing speed limit signs, the studies and engineering work required of the Texas Department of Transportation and other costs associated with the proposed law.

On the flip side, clearly should 85 mph speed limit be utilized on numerous highways across the state of Texas, our accident statistics are bound to increase. Given the high price of gasoline, our miles per gallon will decline at a significant cost with the increased speed.

Nevertheless, Texans will, should this law pass, be able to say that our state has the highest speed limit in the country. So I guess we may have that going for us.

Lets hope that the law does not pass and if it does that it is utilized only on very open stretches of highway without much traffic.

Continue reading "85 mph Speed Limit in Texas?" »

There is such a variety of circumstances that surround an automobile crash I felt it was time to offer readers a simple question and answer blog. If you have other concerns or queries that require a response - feel free to contact us at your convenience.

*What should I do if I am witness to a car collision?

First, ensure your own safety and immediately dial 911 to enlist the services of emergency personnel. If it is safe to do so approach the car to determine if there is any way in which you can provide help, however, do not take it upon yourself to move a victim as you may unknowingly inflict further damage.

Remain on the scene when police arrive to provide your personal information as well as your eyewitness account of the accident. If the accident appears to be a hit-and-run get the license plate number of the driver but do not engage the person if they stop but then show signs of driving away. This advice is for your own safety.

Continue reading "Frequently Asked Questions About Car Wrecks" »

Rental cars are a popular choice for drivers when it comes to vacations and/or short trips for business or pleasure. Perhaps your employer makes the arrangements for the vehicle you'll be using or you surf the net in search of the best deal - the one that costs the least and in today's market of high oil prices - gets you the most bang for your gasoline buck.

However, there is one more factor to be considered - but rarely (if ever) is - and that is vehicle safety.

According to a recent media expose the same people who spend hours poring over the safety stats and features of a vehicle they are considering for purchase rarely give a thought to the same information when they go to rent a car. A review of the fleets of cars made available to consumers by the top car rental companies uncovers some surprising findings.

First, overall - every newly manufactured vehicle is safer today than ever before. Each year car and truck engineers continue to meet the demand for helping to ensure that drivers and passengers can walk away from collisions with fewer injuries than ever before.

However, that is not to say that every car leased from a rental company rates 'top of the line' in safety. It is up to the consumer to check on the statistics and safety features of the vehicle they rent - and furthermore to inspect the rental.

It is not unheard of that car rental companies or car dealers will send cars out with consumers that have not been properly maintained and - as a result - may cause an injury or fatal car accident.

Continue reading "Rental Car Safety" »

According to SADD.org over thirty percent of people between the ages of twelve and twenty years of age, had their last drink, or binge at another persons home. The parents of these drunken juveniles are usually working, or are more interested in their own personal lives than those of their own children.

Granted there are single parents that work long hours to support their children, and cannot be home when their children are out of school. The fact remains that long distant or absentee parenting is not working with all the temptations of alcohol and drugs currently.

Just like with child predators meeting the sons and daughters of many Houston area families online while the parents are consumed with other activities or work. The lack of supervision lets all non-productive influences move into a pre-teen or teenagers life.

A child left to their own instruction will usually seek the affection of anyone who will show interest in them. Once this transition occurs, the parent loses much or all influence over their son or daughter's lives. This may in the form of a friend's parent allowing them to drink after school, and then allowing them to get back behind the wheel of an automobile and navigate their auto home under the influence of alcohol.

Teen drunk drivers are much more prone to having a drunk driving accident because their reaction times and judgment are more so impaired than that of a 21-50 year old, and are more likely to be involved in car accidents that end in single or multiple fatalities from crashing their vehicles while drunk.

Many parents may read this, and become enraged from being accused of neglecting their kid's while trying to earn a living for the very same children. The fact remains that the mother, and father are responsible for the actions of their children, and it is up to them to make the appropriate changes to prevent teen drunk driving.

Reaching out to Alcoholics Anonymous or another group for guidance on trying to help raise a sober child will be a good solid first step to take, and it might be necessary to change careers in order to be able to supervise, and raise your children in a more healthy, and productive environment.

There are also other non-profit organizations such MADD to get help and tips for parents with teens who may be drinking.

Continue reading "Teen Drivers Usually Drink Alcohol From Neglect Of The Parents" »

Pick-up trucks range in weight from a low of 3700 pounds (empty) to up to 13,000 pounds depending on such things as the manufacturer, year of production and added safety features.

Additionally, their beds provide room to pile on weight that may or may not be secured. Researchers have offered that for the most part today's pick-ups average around 5500 (or five and a half tons) pounds.

On the other hand automobiles are generally of a lighter weight (not including SUVs which will not be considered in this discussion). They weigh in somewhere around 3500 pounds and their weight continues to decline in response to EPA regulations that are requiring greater MPG among other things.

When vehicle manufacturers were challenged to increase the miles per gallon an automobile could get their best response was to decrease the weight of the car. Today's cars have replaced many heavy metal parts with cheaper and lighter plastics.

While this has proved beneficial to increased mileage it is obvious that in a collision between a pick-up truck and an automobile the vehicle with the heavier weight will most likely sustain less damage and offer its driver and passengers more protection.

Of course, all of today's vehicles - both cars and trucks - come equipped with increased and more sophisticated safety systems designed to offer further protection to anyone in an accident - but it is simply pure physics that the object of greater weight will inflict greater damage on an object of smaller weight and size.

Always drive defensively.

Continue reading "Pickup Truck Accidents" »