Texas Cop Saves Woman from Intoxicated Driver
Most Americans expect that police officers will arrive soon after a car accident to help care for any victims and restore order to traffic. Recently, however, one Texas police officer responding to a minor fender-bender went above normal expectations and saved a woman from serious injury in another consecutive car accident. The police officer was speaking to that woman about the earlier incident when danger threatened a second time.
As they were talking, another car was speeding along the roadway. That vehicle struck a parked police car and sent it hurling toward the officer and woman. The police officer fortunately reacted quickly and he pushed the woman out of the way just in time.
Thanks to his quick action, the woman suffered only minor scrapes and bruises in the incident. The police officer received more serious injuries that required hospitalization. Fortunately, he survived and has since been released from the hospital. Texas authorities believe that the man who struck the police car that injured the officer was not only driving too fast, but also intoxicated.
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The woman was extremely fortunate that she made it through not just one but two car accidents relatively unscathed. The police officer who pushed her out of harm’s way in the second car accident was not lucky enough to escape from injury. He may face medical bills and time off work due to this incident. Texas law provides people who are injured in car accidents like this one the opportunity to seek financial damages in civil court. They must show evidence that another person negligently caused or contributed to an accident resulting in injury. If they are able to establish liability, a court will consider damage claims in order to arrive at an appropriate award to reimburse the victim.
Source: New York Daily News, “Texas cop saves woman seconds before horrific crash,” Anthony Bartkewicz, Sept. 20, 2012
Durant Bus Crash Kills 3 Senior Citizens
Americans often take modes of mass transportation like trains and buses for granted. Unfortunately, sometimes a bus accident can turn from ordinary to tragic in the blink of an eye. One such accident proved fatal for three elderly Texas residents when the bus they were riding from their senior citizens facility was struck by two separate semis before rolling onto its side off of the highway.
The fatal collision occurred on Texas Highway 69/75 just after 3 p.m. The bus was headed southbound when a semi truck entering the highway struck it. The force of that collision propelled the bus into a second semi, and at that point the bus left the highway and then rolled over.
Two of the slain senior citizens perished at the scene of the accident. A third lost his life before emergency responders were able to get him to an area hospital. State troopers revealed that four other people suffered serious injuries in the collision.
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Texas officials closed the southbound lanes of traffic for several hours so they could investigate the fatal bus accident. A representative for the senior citizens facility expressed sympathy for the patients and employees involved in the accident, along with their families. At last report, it wasn’t immediately clear exactly what might have caused the fatal accident. Surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit should it be revealed that actions of another party rose to the level of negligence in causing or contributing to the fatal accident.
Source: Durant Daily Democrat, “Three killed, several injured in senior citizen bus crash,” Matt Swearengin, Sept. 21, 2012
San Marcos Police Promote Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian safety is apparently becoming a bigger concern for Texas law enforcement officials. One particular police department hopes to promote pedestrian safety after two auto-pedestrian accidents injured four people and killed a fifth over Labor Day weekend. Both the driver in the fatal pedestrian accident and the one involving injuries are facing criminal charges stemming from each collision.
Police plan to more heavily patrol a particular area of popular downtown bars. They further hope to educate bar goers on the dangers of drinking heavily and then walking out into city streets, especially in light of the fact that drivers on the road in that area may well be intoxicated. One police representative said that officers will be keeping an eye out for both intoxicated drivers and pedestrians who cross against the light.
This focus on cracking down on drunk driving and drunken pedestrians comes in the wake of five pedestrians losing their lives in San Marcos, Texas so far this year. The fifth was killed over Labor Day weekend in a hit-and-run accident. The woman reportedly driving the vehicle in that fatal pedestrian accident has been charged with felony failure to stop and render aid.
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The other serious Labor Day weekend hit-and-run collision did not result in any fatalities; however, three people were injured. Two of those people suffered serious injuries in the accident. The injured parties may be able to file personal injury lawsuits, based on proof of negligence, against the allegedly drunk driver who struck them in order to seek compensation for their medical bills and any time they must miss from work, among other claimed damages. Additionally, the survivors of the man who lost his life in the fatal pedestrian accident may be able to pursue a wrongful death suit against the driver involved in that collision, again based on proof of negligence that either caused or contributed to the tragic fatality.
Source: kxan.com, “San Marcos promotes pedestrian safety,” Brittney Vaughn Frank, Sept. 7, 2012
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Corpus Christi Man Dies in Road Rage Crash
Road rage continues to be a problem across the United States. In such cases, motorists often neglect to consider the safety of others when they are in a dispute with another motorist. In a recent fatal truck accident in Texas, police are pointing to road rage as a contributing factor.
Police say that a 51-year-old man was driving behind a tractor trailer when a car in front of the truck suddenly stopped. The truck was able to stop before hitting the vehicle. However, the man driving behind the truck had to veer off the road and his vehicle tumbled into a ditch. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
Meanwhile, the man who is alleged to have caused the chain reaction fled the scene. Texas police were able to catch up with him later on. No arrests have been made to date, and it is unclear at this time what the underlying cause of the alleged road rage was.
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It is unfortunate that victims who are uninvolved in a roadway dispute have to suffer fatal consequences. Although it is unclear at this time who, if any individuals will face criminal charges, the victim’s family may not have to wait for these charges to be filed to pursue a wrongful death claim in a Texas civil court for the damages suffered as a result of this truck accident. If the family is able to document that the fatal crash occurred due to the negligent actions of others, they may be able to achieve financial reimbursement for their loss while possibly also sending a message that drivers owe a duty of reasonable care to all who are using our roadways.
Source: kristv.com, “Corpus Christi Man Dies in Road Rage Related Crash,” Sept. 5, 2012
Houston Police Search for Hit-and-Run Suspect
Hit-and-run car accidents can be particularly traumatic for both victims and their family members, especially when they result in fatalities. One recent hit-and-run car accident took the life of a Texas man who was walking along the side of a road. Both he and a companion traveling with him were struck by a driver who did not stop to render aid. Now authorities are seeking the public’s help as they try to track down the responsible driver.
While the slain man’s companion survived, he did suffer injuries after being struck by airborne vehicle parts. Investigators reported that the vehicle they’re searching for is most likely a Ford pickup truck. The vehicle should have some sort of passenger side mirror damage as well as front-end damage.
Texas residents should be on the lookout for this type of vehicle, especially if they know it was driving in the vicinity of the accident near 2:30 a.m. on August 18 in Harris County. Crime Stoppers of Houston is offering a reward for information about the suspect’s identity, should a tip lead to the filing of felony charges or an arrest of the suspect in this hit-and-run car accident.
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While this investigation is ongoing, the family of the victim may now be seeking answers of their own for why their loved one is now gone. The surviving companion is likely facing recovery from the injuries sustained in this car accident, not to mention potentially significant medical bills for those injuries. Texas law provides the opportunity for such individuals to pursue civil lawsuits based on evidence of negligence against an allegedly responsible driver, especially in the case of hit-and-run accidents like this one.
Source: Cypress Creek Mirror, “Police search for driver involved in Cypress Creek Parkway hit-and-run,” Aug. 27, 2012
Possible Drunk Driver Injures 3 on Ennis Joslin
Driving drunk can be a serious criminal offense and can result in civil lawsuits as well. It can also endanger the life of the driver and others on the road. A drunk driver is more likely to cause a car accident, since his or her judgment and ability to react are diminished. Police suspect this may have been what happened in a recent crash in Texas, which left three injured. One of the drivers involved is suspected of being intoxicated.
The suspected drunk driver was driving a black truck which collided with a Volkswagen trying to cross the road. Several witnesses claim they saw the black truck speeding down the street just before the collision occurred. One neighbor reported that he heard the crash from inside his home but came outside to see if he could be of assistance.
After the crash, a woman in the Volkswagen was trapped in the wreckage. Crews had to use the Jaws of Life to free her from her car. It took longer than usual to free the victims, though there were no apparent life-threatening injuries. The police claimed the truck driver seemed drunk, but there was no report of a Breathalyzer or any other testing the driver’s level of intoxication. The driver, who police say had fractured his ankle, will face speeding charges and potentially other charges.
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There has yet to be reports of any civil lawsuits filed as a result of this Texas car accident. However, those injured in the crash may have the option of doing so, based upon any evidence of negligence by other parties to the crash. Whoever is deemed at fault for the collision could be held liable for paying an injured party’s medical expenses and possibly more, depending upon the proof adduced in a civil courtroom. In the end, a court of law may determine who can be legally held liable for damages caused by the crash.
Source: kristv.com | “UPDATE: Three Injured in Wreck on Ennis Joslin,” Morgan Frances, Aug. 19, 2012
Houston Commercial Truck Accident Takes Life
A recent commercial trucking accident seems to illustrate just how much the oil boom has changed the landscape of South Texas. The commercial trucking accident reportedly occurred when a tanker truck driver failed to yield to a second truck driver. The two tanker trucks apparently collided, and the second truck driver tragically lost his life in the collision. The other driver apparently suffered injuries from which he was expected to recover.
Reportedly, the Eagle Ford Shale energy boom has brought new jobs and prosperity to the region, but it has evidently led to not-so-positive changes as well. Apparently this part of Texas has also seen a noticeable increase in commercial trucking accidents. The number of such accidents has purportedly jumped tenfold in the past few years, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.
Those accident statistics may only increase if companies keep flocking to take advantage of the energy boom. State authorities are reportedly doing what they can to increase public safety. Unfortunately, however, for some the damage is already done.
The family of the trucker killed in this commercial trucking accident, for instance, is now left to carry on without their loved one. He may have been the provider for dependent family members, and likely there have been funeral and other expenses associated with his untimely death.
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While workers’ compensation death benefits from the victim’s employer may be of some help, it may also be appropriate for surviving family members to research the possibility of pursuing a wrongful death claim against any third party whose negligence is deemed to have caused or contributed to the fatal commercial trucking accident.
If the evidence discloses that the trucker lost his life due to the negligence of the other trucker, Texas courts will consider claims for monetary relief to cover damages sustained, including any pain and suffering engendered by the tragedy.
Source: The Houston Chronicle, “Traffic, tragedy come with Texas shale boom,” Jennifer Hiller, Aug. 16, 2012
Mineola Car, Motorcycle Crash Sends 2 to Hospital
Many people often have a knee-jerk instinct to blame motorcyclists whenever a motorcycle versus car accident occurs, but drivers of cars can be just as often to blame as motorcyclists. One such Texas motorcycle accident recently sent both the car driver and motorcyclist to the hospital. Initial police reports seem to indicate that the driver of the car may have been the one at fault.
The motorcyclist was reportedly traveling along a highway when the woman driving a four-door vehicle pulled out of a driveway directly in his path. He was apparently unable to stop his motorcycle in time and struck the rear left-hand door of the woman’s car. The force of the impact sent him flying some distance from the motorcycle.
Reports indicate that the man was wearing a helmet but weren’t so clear on whether the woman was wearing a seatbelt. Both were transported to area hospitals, although the motorcyclist evidently had to stay in the hospital longer than the driver of the car. At last report, the motorcyclist was reported to be in fair condition.
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The man injured in this car accident may now face extensive medical bills in the wake of this incident. Texas law does provide the opportunity for those injured in such accidents to possibly recoup their medical expenses and other damages in the event that another driver is found culpable in the accident. If the initial evidence related to this particular accident holds true, the motorcyclist involved may have the right to pursue such possible remuneration at a later time based upon allegations of negligence against the car driver.
Source: The Mineola Monitor, “Car, motorcycle crash sends two to hospitals,” Aug. 6, 2012
South Texas 18-Wheeler Accident Kills 3
Driving on the roads can be an especially dangerous proposition when vehicles are trying to move around an existing car accident. A non-fatal car accident turned into a fatal truck accident when a tanker truck driver allegedly hit two people who stopped to help a driver in the original car accident, along with that driver. The driver of the original car had reportedly been heading the wrong-way down a Texas Interstate and struck an SUV.
That woman was allegedly driving southbound along a northbound lane of traffic. Two good Samaritans were in the process of assisting her after the initial accident when the second collision apparently occurred. The tanker truck was supposedly trying to bypass the accident when it struck and fatally wounded all three people.
According to authorities, five occupants in the SUV suffered what were initially characterized as minor injuries. Investigators were reportedly still looking into whether alcohol may have played a role in this accident. Regardless, the tanker truck driver duty to exercise reasonable care was perhaps heightened due to the dangerous conditions caused by the initial accident.
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Now, three families will be left to wonder how to proceed without their loved ones. They may look into the possibility of seeking civil action against the tanker driver in this truck accident or any other party whose negligence is determined to have caused or contributed to the fatal collision. Similarly, the five people injured by the wrong way driver who tragically lost her life may find themselves facing medical bills which may necessitate looking into filing personal injury claims as well. The law does provide options for those injured in truck accidents like this one, which can make it a good idea for injured parties to research what their circumstances might permit in the state of Texas.
Source: The Sacramento Bee, “3 die in I-35 wrong-way wreck in South Texas,” July 30, 2012
Houston Man Tries to Break Up Fight, Hit by Car
A Texas man who reportedly tried to do a good deed in breaking up a fight between two groups of bickering sisters was reportedly run over for his trouble. The hit-and-run car accident was said to have occurred outside an Irish pub in the wake of a yelling and screaming match between two groups of women. When the man reportedly attempted to put the fighting to an end, one of the women who was driving a vehicle supposedly backed up over his foot and ankle.
Witnesses say the driver then hit a parked vehicle as she drove away from the scene. They also say she returned to the scene of the accident but drove off yet again. The owner of the parked vehicle, which was reportedly hit, followed the suspect vehicle and recorded the license plate number of that car.
The man whose foot was run over was transported to an area hospital to be treated for his injuries. Authorities reported that one of the women from the other group of sisters claimed that she was knocked down to the ground by the alleged suspect driver’s vehicle. Though she complained of ankle and knee pain, she refused a medical transport to the hospital.
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Any Texas resident who is injured in a hit-and-run car accident like this one may have the right to pursue a civil lawsuit against any individual whose negligence caused or contributed to the injuries suffered. If it is proven that a perpetrator was negligent in a manner that caused a serious injury, the victim would then have the opportunity to offer proof of damages, such as medical bills incurred, other expenses and lost income from work. A successful personal injury claim could also include monetary damages for pain and suffering occasioned by the injuries sustained.
Source: KiiiTV3.com, “Man Tries to Break Up Fight, Gets Run Over,” July 17, 2012