PERSONAL INJURY
If you are visiting our website, it is because you or a loved one has suffered an injury or death due to someone else’s negligence and are seeking the advice of a skilled attorney. At our Law Firm, we understand how difficult and frustrating it can be to deal with insurance adjusters, injuries, increasing medical bills, car repairs, or losing a loved one. Allow our Laredo auto accident lawyer to handle all your problems and answer any questions. Our attorneys will always be available to help you through these difficult times and help you to obtain the settlement that you deserve.
The insurance companies have a team of attorneys who want to minimize your recovery and defend your rights. You should have your team on your side to fight for your rights and maximize your recovery. Level the playing field and hire our firm today. We believe developing a close relationship with our clients is the key to a successful outcome. We believe each case deserves the same attention, whether a minor accident or a wrongful death claim. Our philosophy is that each client is important to us, and communication is the key to a successful recovery. Speak with our attorneys and see firsthand the special attention you will receive when contacting our office. More info on this website
AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS
are the leading cause of injury and death in the United States. Americans collectively drive almost 3 TRILLION miles annually, and 3 million people were injured or killed on our roads last year alone. NHTSA (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration) compiles statistics regarding motor vehicle accidents; some results are alarming. For example, in one year alone, 3,000,000 people were injured in motor vehicle accidents. Forty-one thousand three hundred died in motor vehicle accidents. 40% of the fatalities were alcohol-related. Two thousand six hundred children under 15 were killed in motor vehicle accidents. Seven thousand five hundred young drivers (16-20) were involved in fatal crashes. Three thousand motorcyclists were killed. Four thousand seven hundred pedestrians were killed. Improper use of seat belts accounted for 63% of the fatalities.
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
According to the US Department of Transportation’s motorcycle accident statistics and rates, a motorcyclist is 16 times more likely to die in an accident than a motor vehicle occupant. According to the same motorcycle accident statistics, motorcyclists are also three times more likely to be injured than people driving in cars. Over half of all motorcycles involved in fatal crashes collided with another motor vehicle in transit. Motorcycle accident statistics and rates show that one of the best ways to prevent severe injury or death is by using safety equipment such as helmets and defensive driving practices. More motorcycle accident statistics from the US DOT: Motorcycle accidents and injuries are more likely to occur at night-with an increased number of fatal crashes occur after dark as well (motorcycle accident statistics show that 60% of all fatalities happened at night). Nearly half of all motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes exceeded the speed limit. Around 80% of all motorcycle accidents end in injury or death. Motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes had higher intoxication rates than drivers of any other vehicle involved in a deadly accident.
WRONGFUL DEATH
Wrongful death term “wrongful death” means that a person’s death was due to another party’s negligence. A claim for wrongful death can be filed against another individual, group, or company. Wrongful death claims are commonly filed due to an accident but may include criminal acts, work-related, and professional negligence. To collect damages, you must prove that the other party was, in fact, negligent and that their negligence caused the death. In most cases, a wrongful death claim must be filed by a relative of the person who died, and, in some states, you must first show the courts that you have the legal right to seek damages against the negligent party. Filing a wrongful death claim is extremely difficult for families because they must deal with grief over the death and a complicated legal situation. It is important to remember that the death was caused due to another’s negligence, and the family has the right to be compensated for their loss. A claim for wrongful death may include compensation for the following:
Reimbursement for all medical expenses incurred due to the negligence.
Reimbursement for the loss of any future income.
Reimbursement for property damage, if applicable.
Reimbursement for any future services typically provided to you by the person who has died.
Reimbursement for loss of consortium, meaning a spouse’s right to the companionship, help, and affection from the person who has died. Reimbursement for any punitive damages if the negligence was found to be criminal.
BICYCLE ACCIDENTS
Over the past ten years, bicycling has become extremely popular in the United States. It is a convenient and inexpensive method of travel, especially in large cities where traffic is congested, and parking spaces are difficult to find. High-tech materials and fabrication have now made bicycle riding virtually effortless and many families enjoy exploring the countryside on bicycles. Many cities now recognize the increase in bike traffic and have constructed special bike lanes. Parks have now made trails accessible to bicycles. Even some vehicle manufacturers are now offering bike racks as standard equipment. Sadly, however, many automobile drivers do not respect the bicyclists’ rights to share the roads. More importantly, young bike riders haven’t been educated on legally and safely sharing the roads with automobiles.
CELL PHONE DISTRACTION CAUSING ACCIDENTS
Cellular phones have become increasingly popular over the last few years. You may find it difficult to find a person who does not have one. In a recent Harvard study, the number of cell phone subscribers has grown. The latest data reveal that more than two-thirds of the world’s total population now uses a mobile phone, with the number of mobile users reaching 5.48 billion in October 2022. With so many cell phone users, it is not difficult to imagine how many people talk on the phone while driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that 85 percent of all cell phone customers talk on the phone while driving. It has been estimated that 6 percent of auto accidents yearly are caused by drivers talking on their phones. This means 2,600 people will be killed and 330,000 will be injured in cell phone-related car accidents this year.
SLIP AND FALL ACCIDENTS
Premises liability action, commonly known as “slip and fall,” is a claim brought against a negligent property owner. Most slip-and-fall accidents happen in commercial locations, such as grocery stores, gas stations, office buildings, etc., but can also occur on private property. Examples:
You are shopping at your local grocery store and sustaining an injury from a “foreign substance” left on the floor. You are invited to a residence and sustain an injury resulting from a broken stair. Slip and fall claims can be tricky because you must show that the owner’s negligence caused the damage. To prove negligence, it must be determined that the owner knew there was a dangerous condition or should have known by the nature of his operation. Although not as expected, you may also have a claim against a property owner for any injury you sustain due to his failure to provide adequate security on the premises. Property owners generally anticipate hazards and should be responsible for keeping their beliefs safe. However, they often clean up or fix the danger after you are injured, thus removing the “evidence.”
PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS
Over 110,000 pedestrians are injured annually in the United States, and almost 60,000 pedestrians are killed. These staggering statistics affect people of all ages, but school-age children and the elderly are the most vulnerable. 41% of pedestrian fatalities nationwide occur between 3:00 and 4:00 in the afternoon. Motor vehicle operators are responsible for adhering to the laws of the road and driving safely and observably at all times. Pedestrians are injured and killed every day due to a driver’s negligence. A few of the most common factors contributing to driver negligence are:
An inattentive or preoccupied driver.
A driver’s failure to observe posted speed limits.
A driver’s failure to yield the right of way to pedestrians at marked crosswalks.
A driver negligently turned at an intersection.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
DOG BITE VICTIMS
Many Americans have dogs as pets. Dogs are friendly and make good companions to many, but dogs can hurt someone when they get scared or try to protect their owner, puppies, or food. Your dog may be gentle and welcoming 99% of the time, but the possibility of him or her biting another person is always there. Over 330,000 people are treated in emergency rooms annually across the country after being attacked by a dog. In Texas, the dog owner is liable for dog bite lawsuits. It does not matter if the owner did not know the dog would attack another person. The owner must pay for all medical bills and property damage imposed on the victim. To ensure a strong case, try to do the following four things as soon as possible after being attacked:
Identify the dog and its owner and get the address and phone number of the owner.
If another person witnessed the attack, get that person’s contact information.
Photograph the wounds and bloody clothes.
Return to the attack scene and talk to nearby residents and businesses.
Victims of dog bites often suffer more than just the physical harm caused by the dog. Emotional damage is also a factor when dogs attack; your compensation should reflect this. The right attorney can help you get the money you deserve on top of medical bills or time off work.
SPINAL CORD INJURIES
An injury to your spine, back, or neck can be excruciating and may affect you for the rest of your life. The severity of the injury depends on how you were hurt and your age. The damage is usually more severe for older people because older spines are less elastic, and the injury may not heal as quickly in older patients. Even in young patients, however, the pain and duration of the injury may be significant. It is essential to identify the location of the injury to receive the correct treatment. How the injury occurred is the best indicator of how to correct the damage. The most common causes of the spine, back, and neck injuries are
Car Accidents
Violent Attacks
Slips and Falls
Sports-related Accidents
Lifting.
The most common types of injuries inflicted by such incidences are:
Spinal Cord Injury – The spinal cord is severely injured in the accident and may result in loss of motion or feeling to the lower extremities or permanent paralysis.
Slipped Disc – The cartilage pads between each vertebra in your spine can be damaged or become herniated.
Compression Fractures – The bones of the spine break due to severe trauma.
Whiplash – The most common neck injury after a car accident, the neck can snap and become overextended.