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…

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…

Law enforcement is starting to crack down on distracted driving around the country. While texting is the poster child of distracted driving campaigns, many police officers will pull people over for any activity that may impair driving. Eating/drinking, using a GPS system, watching a video, or adjusting the radio are all viable types of distracted driving. Texas Cell Phone Laws The state of Texas has not enacted comprehensive cellphone laws yet. If you are an adult driving in the countryside, you can still use your cellphone while driving. While there aren’t any specific laws for adults over the age of 18,…

Wrong Way Drivers in Austin Texas According to NHTSA, more than 1,500 crashes involving wrong way drivers occur each year taking nearly 260 lives.  As we all know, 2015 was the deadliest year on the roads in Austin’s history. It seems 2016 is tracking 2015. This week alone there were three separate fatal collisions. Most recently four people were killed on Interstate 35 at the Kyle Parkway exit after a wrong-way driver crashed into their minivan. This preventable crash happened around 1 a.m. Friday morning and authorities believe alcohol could have played a role. The scene was horrific according to…

Playing football is a rite of passage for many American youths. In some states, such as Texas, it’s a way of life. Playing sports in school teaches collaboration, discipline, and strategy, but is there something more sinister lurking under the surface of pep rallies and weekday practices? The Risk of Youth Sports Injuries In 2015, five high school football players died after suffering an on-field injury. From 2005—2014, 92 high school players died from causes associated with the sport. When news broadcasts and physicians warn parents about the risks of contact sports such as football, they’re not exaggerating. Head injuries, heat…

Before starting to bicycle in any urban environment, you should take some time to familiarize yourself with state and local laws. Every state is different, and some counties and cities also have their own rules when it comes to this activity. Here are the laws you need to know before you head out to cycle in and around Austin. Local Bike Laws in Austin These laws apply within the city limits of Austin: Helmet requirement. Every child younger than 18 years old must wear a helmet while bicycling. Riding on sidewalks. Sidewalk riding is banned in most areas of the city. Ride…