Time Saved Means Lives Lost When It Comes to Drowsy Driving With nearly 328,000 drowsy driving related car accidents each year, the facts speak for themselves. When you look at the loss of life and the nearly 109,000 injuries that come from these accidents, the cost of drowsy driving is too high. Making the change to save lives means knowing what happens to the brain when fatigued, taking action when driving, and committing to better sleep. A Slow Brain Means Poor Driving The body is hardwired to get what it needs whether that means food, water, or rest. Sleep deprivation…

Victims of bicycle-car collisions are more susceptible to catastrophic injuries Being the victim of a collision between a bicycle and car can be a harrowing experience. Whether you’re on a steel or aluminum bicycle, or (especially) an ultra-light carbon bike, does not matter. The car always wins in a collision between and bicycle and a car or truck. For this reason alone, it’s important to always be particularly alert when riding on an open roadway. Whether you are (1) clipped while riding on the shoulder, (2) t-boned while crossing an intersection with the right-of-way, or (3) hit head on by…

Ever wonder how many attorneys there are in the United States? Or how many licensed attorneys there in a particular state? Here is a really cool interactive map that we found: http://www.denniswpottslaw.com/united-states-attorneys-map/

Should I get an attorney after my car accident? In some cases, an attorney is absolutely necessary. In other cases, your claim may be resolved quicker and with fewer steps by not getting an attorney involved. Many attorneys—including the Joe Lopez Law PC, where I practice personal injury litigation in Austin, TX—do offer free consultations to evaluate the prospects of your case with you. This blog post serves to give a general understanding of how to evaluate your options. I only feel like I sustained minor injuries along with the damage to my vehicle. Should I get an attorney? Whether…

Imagine going in for a routine ultrasound only to discover a birth defect like spina bifida or a heart condition. Now imagine never knowing about such a condition – or even the possibility of any malformation – until a baby is born. Are doctors responsible for reasonably informing you of such conditions? And is failing to provide this diagnosis negligent? Wrongful Birth in Texas If you are not sure about these answers, you are not alone. Such issues can be morally or socially difficult to answer, but it is especially challenging to hammer out concrete laws that all healthcare providers…

Working under contingency fee agreement may seem too good to be true. A lawyer simply agrees to represent you at no upfront cost, only collecting if you win the case – right? Though this is a bit basic, there is some truth to this definition. Like everything else in the legal field, however, each case is unique. There are some facts about contingency in Texas that may make your case not worth pursuing, even if your lawyer agrees to start for free. How Contingency Works in Texas When a lawyer agrees to work on contingency, which is common in personal injury…

Dash Cams in Cars Are dash cams in cars gaining popularity with American drivers? Do they serve a good purpose for civilians? Last year, a new client at our law firm brought in the footage of his collision the car next to him captured. To say it’s compelling evidence is an understatement. So the question remains, why are dash cams gaining popularity in the United States? A few weeks, a serious crash involving a runaway dump truck was captured on video in Austin, Texas.   As seen within the link below, this footage is absolutely profound and can definitely provide concrete…

Texas leads the nation in wrong-way crashes, which are one of the most serious collisions a person can experience. Sadly, they are also frighteningly common in the US. From 2004-2009, 2,139 fatal wrong-way crashes were reported. Wrong-Way Crashes and What Causes Them Wrong-way crashes are collisions involving cars traveling the wrong way on any road. They are especially common on highways and access ramps. Accidents in these areas are dangerous in general, but when a vehicle travels over 70 mph in the incorrect direction, a lot can go wrong. There are a few basic causes behind these horrific collisions. The…

Texas has had its share of horrifying accidents over the years. From unexpected explosions to natural disasters, the worst incidents destroy communities, homes, and lives. Accidents are a terrible part of life, but they also show the true strength of Texans who come together to help those in need. Here are some of the worst incidents in our state’s history: 1. The Texas City Disaster (1947) On April 16, 1947, the SS Grandcamp exploded while moored in Texas City. The French ship’s cargo included ammonium nitrate, a fertilizer and highly explosive substance. The entire ship, dock area, and 1000 nearby…

Pflugerville, Texas, just 30 minutes outside of Austin, was under a red flag warning for wildfires at the beginning of February. A red flag warning indicates conditions that may rapidly increase the risk for wildfire activity. Many residents in the area thought the rain in recent months would reduce the risk of wildfires, but any dry periods with high winds can easily turn into out-of-control wildfires. Texas consistently ranks as one of the top states in the country for the number of wildfires that occur every year. As of February 12, Texas has fought 5 wildfires and lost 8,549 acres…