Month: January 2017

Tips for Avoiding a Trucking Accident

Being involved in a vehicle accident can be a traumatic experience. The experience can be especially scary if a large vehicle is involved in the crash. Because of this, it is important to do what you can to avoid a trucking accident. Whether as the truck driver or as someone in another vehicle, there are several things you can do to avoid a crash.

Tips for Avoiding a Trucking Accident

Both truck drivers and drivers of other vehicles should make sure to get enough sleep. Getting enough sleep will help to keep you alert, which will help you avoid drifting off while driving and will help you to notice if other vehicles start to drift into your lane. If you are on a tight schedule, it might be tempting to go without sleep or to try to continue driving even as you get tired. This is not a good idea. Do not be afraid to pull off the road and take a quick nap. At least get out of your vehicle to walk around and stretch out your legs if you start to feel tired.

It is also important to be aware of your surroundings. If you are a truck driver, watch for vehicles that might drift into your blind spot. If a vehicle you could previously see seems to disappear, be especially careful if you need to change lanes. As a driver of a smaller vehicle, avoid driving in a truck driver’s blind spot. If you need to pass the vehicle, do so quickly, returning to where the driver can see as soon as possible.

Make your intentions known early, no matter what type of vehicle you are driving. As a truck driver, this can be especially important. Letting other drivers know you want to change lanes will increase the chances that drivers will stay out of your blind spot.

You should also work to be a patient driver. This can especially be a problem for drivers who are behind semis. Do not tailgate a truck driver. Do not get frustrated and try to pass a truck if there is not a lane where you can do so safely. Understand that other driver may drive slower than you, and it is better to get to your destination a little later rather than risking not getting there at all.

Of course, these are not the only things you can do to avoid a trucking accident. Smart, cautious driving, in general, will help you to avoid an accident. Unfortunately, even if you are working to be a safe driver, other drivers may not take the same precautions. If you were injured in a trucking accident caused by another driver, contact us.

Do You Need a Wrongful Death Lawyer?

A wrongful death claim happens when someone dies due to the fault of someone else.  The death is the result of a wrongful act, negligence, carelessness, unskillfulness or default.  Chapter 71 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code addresses wrongful death and allows the plaintiff up to two years to bring an action against the defendant.

Do You Need a Wrongful Death Lawyer?

A wrongful death claim is a civil suit for monetary damages and is brought by the decedent’s family.  In Texas, this means the deceased person’s surviving spouse, children, biological parents and adoptive parents. Siblings cannot bring a wrongful death claim.

In Texas, the plaintiff can receive wrongful death damages for the deceased’s lost earning capacity and his physical suffering and mental anguish before dying. Damages may also be awarded for loss of the maintenance, services, care, support and advice that the deceased person would have provided if he had lived. Funeral costs and medical expenses are also often awarded to the deceased person’s estate.

To receive damages, the plaintiff’s wrongful death lawyer must prove that the plaintiff is a statutory beneficiary of the deceased person and that the defendant’s wrongful act caused the decedent’s death. If the plaintiff can meet this burden of proof and win the case, then the court will award damages.

If you believe that someone you loved has died as the result of someone else’s negligence or carelessness, then contact us.  Wrongful death claims are complex and often involve automobile accidents, defective products or medical mishaps.  Our experienced, dedicated attorneys will review your situation and determine if you have a case or not.