Houston Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Conroe is a small suburb outside of Texas. According to the most recent census data, it has a population of about 40,000 people with a median age just shy of thirty years old - evenly split among males and females. It is a predominantly white population that falls between the ages of 18 and 61. In other words, most of the people in the community are of driving age.

All of this is relevant because - despite its small populace - Conroe is known for the fact that its vehicle fatality statistics soar above state averages. The basic following data was taken from a site that devoted solely to the number of vehicle accidents and fatalities in Conroe Fatal car crashes and road traffic accident statistics for 2009

Fatal accident count: 9
Vehicles involved in fatal accidents: 16
Fatal accidents caused by drunken drivers: 3
Fatalities: 11
Persons involved in fatal accidents: 36

These seemingly small numbers are misleading to the causal reading and the data becomes important when considered both in light of the total number of state drivers and fatalities and : over a ten year period juxtaposed against statewide figures. In that case - Conroe becomes an anomaly that requires serious consideration with regard to what is the root cause of the vehicle mortality rate and how it can be decreased. As a Conroe car accident attorney I see the aftermath of a drunk driving accident both on the victim and the drunk driver.

Conroe has taken some important steps in improving safety in our community recently and should be applauded for such efforts. The recent road construction through Conroe surely has contributed the serious car accidents in Conroe.

When it comes to Conroe - looks can be deceiving. On the surface it appears to be a safe little community - It certainly is one in which the citizens are very friendly and always ready to help-but drive with caution when passing through this town.

Continue reading "Conroe Car Accident Statistics Show Cause For Concern" »

Slippery when wet is a caution we should expect to see regularly over the next few months as inclement weather becomes the norm across the nation. But what are the dangers of slippery roadways? Let's consider these in this article.

*Slippery roads are especially dangerous to drivers whose vehicles have worn tires. When the tread is worn down on a car then it is not able to grip the road as well. When a driver puts on his or her brakes the vehicle will begin to hydroplane across the highway instead of slowing or stopping the car or truck. A hydroplaning vehicle is much like a sled. It is impossible to maneuver - almost having gained a mind of its own. It will slip and slide on the road until coming to a stop - which usually happens in a collision.

*Even if a driver has new tires with thick new tread - on roadways in which the water has built up it can get into the treads of the tires. When this happens the driver is no longer driving on the pavement but on a layer of water instead. Again - as in the case of worn tires - the vehicle can hydroplane when the brakes are applied.

The most valuable driving behavior to adopt when roads are wet is to slow down and leave ample stopping distance between you and the car or truck in front of you. Drive defensively - because you never know when another vehicle will hydroplane on roads that are slippery when wet.

Continue reading "Hydroplaning Vehicles and Car Accidents" »

Personal truck and auto engineers are hard at work regularly designing new technology that will help to prevent accidents and/or keep drivers and their passengers safe(r) in the event of a collision. Let's consider some of the most cutting-edge improvements in this blog. To be sure - there are some exciting design elements around the corner!

New vehicle technology falls into three main categories: warnings that alert drivers to impending danger; interventions that augment the actions of the driver; and controls in which the vehicle actually takes over for the driver in decision making for accident avoidance.

In addition, safety engineers are improving vehicle to vehicle communication - called vehicle to vehicle technology - that utilizes a combination of GPS and WI-FI to warn other cars about sudden braking and other unforeseen hazards and take control of the vehicle through intervention long before a human being can react.

Even these 'milliseconds' can make a difference in the severity of an accident. This technology proved to be helpful when a car was changing lanes and was not aware of a stalled car ahead and in warning a car of a vehicle that was bearing down on it when it ran a red light.

This type of new vehicle technology holds the greatest promise for preventing property and injury accidents. One thing is for sure - safety features combined with this new safety technology is advantageous for future drivers.

Continue reading "New Technology Can Prevent Auto Accidents" »

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.

There are many factors that come to mind when looking for a Houston car accident lawyer and one of the main things is to make sure you are comfortable with the attorney you choose. Make sure he or she is answering your questions and addressing any concerns you may have such that you have confidence in their ability to handle your car accident claim.

Many people have not been required to hire a lawyer in the past but find themselves injured in a car accident and requiring a lawyer to deal with the insurance company and legal issues.

It is a good idea to conduct research on the attorneys you are considering and look to personal references as well as the lawyer's reputation in the community. There are many organizations that rank attorneys and some of them are quite good, particularly those that use peer review ratings by other lawyers.

Selecting a Houston car accident lawyer can sometimes involve interviewing several different lawyers to find the firm you are most comfortable with. A car accident victim should be concerned about the recovery process and not have to worry about an automobile insurance claim.

Finally, it is usually a good idea to look for those attorneys who specialize or whose practice is limited to one particular area such as personal injury when making your final selection.

News reports from KHOU Houston indicate that a HPD officer was recently towards with DWI after a crash with a school bus. Apparently the officer was injured in the crash which occurred earlier in April and he has been relieved of duty with pay.

Fortunately there were no other injuries and the school bus was not carried children at the time of the accident. Initial reports seem to indicate that HPD initially felt like the accident was the bus driver's fault, however that seems to have changed.

The reports go on to indicate that the bus driver felt like the officer had been drinking and apparently there is an allegation of open containers in the vehicle. It is unfortunate that this occurred and although we rely upon officers to protect us they are only human and can make mistakes. I'm not condoning any actions simply pointing out that good people sometimes can make poor choices. Hopefully regardless of the result in the DWI investigation and lesson will have been learned.

Texas has recently considered several actions aimed at combating the rising drunk driving accidents in Texas. Some are aimed at the punishment phase and others are directed at preventing repeat offenses. I urge everyone to support organizations such as mothers against drunk driving and also the Houston 100 club which provides benefits to officers who lose their lives in the pursuit of their duty. Numerous officers have been killed in the Houston area by drunk drivers.

Continue reading "Houston Police Department Officer Charged with DWI After Accident" »

Over the years I've seen literally thousands of car accident victims and watched their recovery. Many have what is known as "whiplash" or as I prefer to call it soft tissue injuries that are adequately treated by rest, medication (including muscle relaxers and pain medication) and physical therapy.

Sometimes however, the injury is more severe and involves what is known as a ruptured or herniated disc.

People sometimes mistakenly assume that once they are released from the emergency room they will be okay without further issues. Most emergency room visits after car accident does not include what is called an MRI and only involve x-rays. X-rays are wonderful for showing fractures and dislocations but they do not show problems with your discs.

If you have had recent trauma such as from a car accident or a truck wreck and have tingling in your arms or legs there is a good chance you may have a disc injury. Disc injuries include not only a herniated disc but also bulging or protruded discs. Each of these conditions can be extremely painful and ongoing for some time.

If surgery is called for the cost can add up quickly sometimes entering the six-figure range depending on the type of procedure necessary for treatment.

If you have been in a car accident and your symptoms are not resolving or are getting worse you may want to talk to your physician about obtaining an MRI to rule out a serious disc injury.

Continue reading "Herniated Discs from Car Accidents" »

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 " »

As if our roadways aren't dangerous enough with cars and trucks making unexpected moves that endanger drivers - imagine driving down one of the busiest highways in the Houston area and a guy appears in front of you running full-tilt on the roadway with a cop in close pursuit. It is a recipe for disaster not unlike high speed police chases that also put innocent lives in jeopardy.

According to reports the pursuit began when police attempted to pull a vehicle over and the passengers began tossing what appeared to be narcotics out the window. That was it - the chase was on and it went through some of the most heavily traversed areas in the city.

Before the incident ended the suspect jumped from behind the wheel of his moving vehicle - let it continue on the roadway without a driver - and ran off into traffic on the Loop. He was apprehended by the police - but not before some harrowing close calls occurred.

Now, far be it from me to second guess the police but let us say - for instance - that the event had resulted in a catastrophic accident (not unlikely in the least) that caused grave injury or death to a loved one. Would the pursuit have been worth it? Certainly I am against crime and drugs - but I am FOR common sense decision making that does not further (needlessly?) endanger the public.

I always look at it from the point of view of - what if it were your child?

PROTECT and serve, fellas, PROTECT and serve.

Continue reading "Houston Police Chase" »

One thing I have learned in many years of personal injury law practice is that emergency rooms are for emergencies. They are not for treating non-emergency situations. Many car accident victims are transported to the emergency room, checked out given x-rays and told to follow up with their personal physician or a recommended physician.

The victims mistakenly believe they are fine only to find out down the road that x-rays do not reveal serious disk issues such as a herniation or disc bulge and sometimes requiring surgery.

That is not to say the hospital is in any way at fault only that to be released from an emergency room does not mean you don't need further treatment. Additionally, there is an expectation once x-rays were taken that everything is okay, and that is not always the case. X-rays are great for showing fractures and breaks but not spinal cord injury involving the discs of the spinal cord, which are not reflected on x-rays.

The point of the story is, follow-up on your doctor's advice and if you're emergency room physician tells you to follow-up with a physician do so. And follow your doctor's advice.

Continue reading "Emergency Room Treatment After an Auto Accident" »

Frequently in my Texas personal injury law practice I receive calls from folks involved in a car accident who at the request of the other party did not call the police and simply exchange information at the accident scene, only to then have the negligent party suddenly claim the car accident was the victim's fault.

This happens almost every day and is a prime example of why the best thing you can do after car accident is call the police. The police will take statements, look at the physical evidence and report what they find. Many people are shocked after they do a kind favor of not calling the police and end up suffering for their graciousness.

If you are in a auto accident, call the police and have them make a report. At the minimum, if you do not call the police make sure you take photographs of the location of the vehicles before they are moved and obtained name address and telephone number of any and all witnesses. You will be shocked at some of the stories that get told after the cars are moved.

Do not be a victim twice, call the police.

Continue reading "Why You Need to Call the Police After a Car Accident" »

Some days there are more injury and fatality accidents than others on local Houston roads.

Yesterday seemed to be one of those days. In one accident that occurred in the early morning hours - a man was driving the wrong way along the East Loop and was killed when he crashed head-on into another vehicle.

The driver of the second vehicle is in critical condition. No indication as yet of whether or not alcohol played a role.

In a second accident at nearly the same time on another part of the Loop a female lost control of her vehicle while crossing some railroad tracks. Her car rolled several times and because she was not wearing a seat belt she was ejected from the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene and, in this case, alcohol has not been ruled out having played a role in the crash.

Meanwhile, on the West Loop a police officer was chasing a vehicle that had refused to pull over.

Gunshots rang out from the fleeing car causing the officer to swerve and then lose control of the cruiser. It ended up crossing the median before coming to a stop as it struck a tree. The police officer received minor injuries.

What can we learn from these accidents? Drinking and driving don't mix. Wearing a seatbelt can actually save lives and even the most seasoned drivers can lose control of their vehicles at a moment's notice.

Continue reading "Houston Area Accidents" »

A winter storm that wreaked havoc across a large portion of the country - and the impact it had on drivers everywhere is reason enough for me to offer caution to people who would consider venturing out onto public roads when warned off by authorities.

To begin with - in today's environment of 24 hour news - coupled with technological advancements in weather forecasting - only a hermit would be unaware of an impending storm well in advance.

News announcers drone on and on about expected snow fall levels and ice and sleet hazards. The reason I bring this up is that when a person gets into their car to drive after a storm has been predicted to begin and continue over a certain time period - is gambling (with their life and others).

Take, for instance, those drivers along Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. Dozens and dozens of cars were left abandoned as police and emergency personnel worked to rescue drivers whose cars became stuck thanks to a foot or more of snow that fell in a short period of time.

This identical scenario was repeated on highways across the country. There's no doubt in my mind that those drivers wish they would have heeded the warnings of local and state officials who repeatedly stated that people should stay home.

Inclement weather is an expected part of the winter season. But when weather experts are all but begging states to close down all public buildings and advising people to remain in their homes - this is more than a little rain and snow - and the smart person listens to the advice of the experts.

Continue reading "Driving in Bad Weather" »

The ability to detect alcohol on a person's breath actually dates back to the late 1800's but the first real breathalyzer came into use right around the 1940s - it was called (appropriately?) the drunkometer.

Most people don't realize that a breathalyzer doesn't actually measure the amount of alcohol in a person's bloodstream - to do that you need to take a sample of a person's blood - it estimates the blood alcohol content (BAC) instead.

There are a number of breathalyzer machines on the market today - and just like the brand ''Kleenex' has come to be used interchangeably with all tissue products - so too has the brand "Breathalyzer" come to represent the variety of machines that perform the same type of assessment.

Most states have legislated the exact machines that law enforcement is able to use. One could assume from this that somewhere along the line there has been a study or two that has confirmed the effectiveness of the chosen breathalyzers - but that is actually not always the case (in one case the breathalyzer brand a state opted for was sold by the spouse of the forensic lab's supervisor)

Today, there are personal breathalyzers available for purchase. They cost anywhere from ten dollars to several hundred - and although their results may not be as reliable as a professionally purchased machine - it's a good place to start.

In the end, the use of the results of a breathalyzer machine are still controversial and tend to be prone to being challanged in court.

This is due to the fact that they are sensitive to such things as atmospheric termperature.- which can impact the results causing a false reading. Newer generations of the machine are expected to provide more accurate information.

Continue reading "Breathalyzer Machines" »

I have a friend who was waxing long over the fact that his neighbor was still driving at the age of 95. He went on to describe at length how he would see the garage door roll open several times a week at all times of the day and night and marvel at how this little elderly woman - nearly impossible to see above the dashboard and behind the steering wheel - would inch her way down the drive and then down the street.

Those who lived close by knew to stay off the road when she set off because she had a habit of forgetting to stop at stop signs as well as driving on the wrong side of the road. Police had been called on several occasions but - as yet - law enforcement had been unable to deny her a driver's license.

This might be mildly amusing if it weren't so potentially deadly. As baby boomers and their parents inch into their twilight years it is difficult to get them to accept what should be considered a natural limit to their abilities. With age comes decreasing eyesight clarity, reflex response times and impaired judgment - such as predicting the amount of time needed to make a left hand turn in front of oncoming traffic.

I am not elder-bashing here. A wealth of studies have been done to support these premises - and the statistics are available to show that aging adults are less capable of handling a several thousand pound machine in increasingly congested traffic situations.

If you have an older parent or family member who is still driving - consider discussing alternative methods of transportation that may keep everyone safer.

News stories in which an elderly driver caused injury and death to others because of incapacitation are difficult to read - and most certainly are even more tragic to experience.

We want to protect elderly drivers from not only contributing to a car accident but getting injured in the process.

Continue reading "When is a Person Too Old to Drive?" »