Texas Injury Law Blog : Dallas Accident Lawyer & Attorney : Fears Nachawati Law Firm : Personal Injury, Wrongful Death : Ft. Worth, San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Texas

A Dallas-area family is searching for answers after their loved one was unexpectedly killed in a hit-and-run accident that occurred in the early morning hours Thursday. The victim literally didn’t know what hit him. A hit-and-run driver travelling at an extremely high rate of speed slammed into the rear-end of his car, pushing him off the road and into a nearby field. Tragically, the driver was ejected from the car and killed.

The Plano Police Department is searching for the hit-and-run driver, however, their search is strictly limited to the suspect’s potential criminal conduct. The grieving family needs an experienced, dedicated attorney to protect their civil law rights.

Legal Commentary – Majed Nachawati – Author

Hit-and-run accidents are all too common in Texas’s cities and towns. Regardless of whether the offending driver was drunk, distracted, or reckless, the reality is that survivors are often left searching for a combination of things, including justice, emotional closure, and financial security.

Our law firm believes that victims should have their day in court—and we fight to make sure that they get it. That’s why the professionals at Fears | Nachawati have devoted our professional lives to defending the rights of people injured in accidents. If you or a loved one have been in an automobile accident, you need our experienced, highly qualified counsel. Whether you’re just coping with a loss or angry and looking for justice, we’re ready to fight on your behalf.

About the Author

Attorney Majed Nachawati, who grew up in the D/FW metroplex, provides experienced, vigorous counsel to victims like you. That’s why Mr. Nachawati has been recognized as a Super Lawyer and Top Lawyer in Wrongful Death and Serious Personal Injury Cases across the nation. He has recovered millions for his clients and is a member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the American Association of Justice. To discuss your case with Mr. Nachawati, contact him by email at mn@fnlawfirm.com or by phone at 1.866.705.7584. His legal background is featured at:

http://www.superlawyers.com/texas/lawyer/Majed-Nachawati/78072729-2862-44a2-bde9-aafdeed8dba0.html

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Helen Boone, 84, died this week in a two-car accident in Lubbock, Texas. An initial investigation completed today revealed that Boone drove her Lincoln sedan onto a busy street without realizing that a GMC pickup truck had the right of way – or that the driver did not expect Ms. Boone to violate his right of way and pull into his lane. By the time Ms. Boone was too far into Indiana Avenue’s oncoming traffic, the driver of the GMC was committed to going through his green light. The accident was catastrophic, and Ms. Boone died at a Lubbock-area hospital soon after the wreck.

As an attorney specializing in automobile accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death, I watch with concern at the growing number of elderly drivers who are involved in serious – and often fatal – accidents. Like very young drivers, older drivers tend to be responsible for a disproportionate share of accidents across Texas. Older drivers don’t intend to create a dangerous situation, but their decision to drive is often reckless, endangering the property and lives of other motorists.

Legal Commentary – Majed Nachawati – Author

If you’ve been involved in an accident with an elderly driver, you need someone who understands the nuances of dealing with an older tortfeasor. Legal actions such as discovery and taking depositions require a particular set of skills when the perpetrator of an accident is a senior citizen. Fortunately, the expertise and experience of our attorneys can help you sort through these particular legal challenges.

About the Author

Attorney Majed Nachawati, who grew up in the D/FW metroplex, provides experienced, vigorous counsel to victims like you. That’s why Mr. Nachawati has been recognized as a Super Lawyer and Top Lawyer in Wrongful Death and Serious Personal Injury Cases across the nation. He has recovered millions for his clients and is a member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the American Association of Justice. To discuss your case with Mr. Nachawati, contact him by email at mn@fnlawfirm.com or by phone at 1.866.705.7584. His legal background is featured at:

http://www.superlawyers.com/texas/lawyer/Majed-Nachawati/78072729-2862-44a2-bde9-aafdeed8dba0.html

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The Texas legal community is mourning the loss of Lubbock County Judge Rusty Ladd. Judge Ladd was on his way to court last Friday when another vehicle slammed into his motorcycle, sending him to the hospital where he died a few hours later. Judge Ladd’s final acts were in keeping with his long-standing commitment to the fair and efficient administration of law. Fighting through intense pain, Judge Ladd instructed hospital personnel to contact his court so that litigants would know of his absence from court.

Judge Ladd’s accident is tragic, but it’s not as uncommon as many would like to think. Motorcycles are dangerous – and reckless car drivers make motorcyclists particularly prone to catastrophic accidents. Whether you’re dealing with an insurance company or a recalcitrant litigant, it’s important to hire an attorney who fully understands the legal challenges you’re facing. Fortunately for you, Fears | Nachawati specializes in motorcycle accidents and the law that governs these accidents. For your free consultation, call us at 1.866.705.7584 or email mn@fnlawfirm.com. We’re ready to fight for you!

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A San Antonio couple awoke with a start early this morning when they heard the sounds of a car ripping through the fence that borders their home and slamming into their garage. The driver was suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and was taken to a local police station for potential DWI charges.

Last night’s accident in San Antonio underscores an important reality of automobile accidents that few people consider: what happens when they cause non-car property damage? Insurance policies cover – and fail to cover – all manner of risks. If you’re not careful, you could be stuck with a damaged fence or garage and a driver without the means to compensate you for your loss.

Have you sustained property damage as a result of someone’s negligent driving? Are you waiting to recover? Don’t wait any longer. Find out everything you need to do to ensure that you’re protecting by talking to the automobile accident experts at Fears | Nachawati today. For your free consultation, call us at 1.866.705.7584 or email mn@fnlawfirm.com.

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A woman pedestrian was walking to work this morning in downtown Houston when a car made a left-hand turn – into her! Fortunately, paramedics were able to respond promptly, securing her head and body and transporting her to a nearby hospital. Still, initial reports suggest that the pedestrian may have suffered a number of injuries, including internal bleeding.

Car accidents involving pedestrians often cause considerable harm and regularly change lives, both the lives of the pedestrian and the driver. Whether you’ve been struck by a car or inadvertently hit a pedestrian, you’re likely facing considerable legal challenges. You need an expert in your corner!

The personal injury attorneys at Fears | Nachawati are prepared to protect your legal interests. For your free consultation, call us at 1.866.705.7584 or send an email to mn@fnlawfirm.com. We’re ready to help!

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Over the weekend, a Houston driver died when his SUV slid onto a grassy median and then into a tree. Accident investigators attributed the accident to high speeds. Unfortunately, the driver perished at the scene of the collision.

The Texas personal injury lawyers of Fears | Nachawati understands that car accidents are more complicated than they often appear. A combination of factors, including speeding, cell phone use, child distractions, and alcohol, typically contribute to most Texas auto accidents. If you’ve been in a car accident, you need a Texas lawyer who understands how these factors influence responsibility and damages. For the information you need to make the decisions that you face, contact a dedicated Texas auto accident lawyer at 1.866.705.7584 or send an email to info@fnlawfirm.com. 

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Last week, a San Antonio motorcyclist travelling at excessive speed clipped a car, lost control, and crashed. Unfortunately, the motorcyclist’s injuries were life-threatening, made much worse by the fact that he wasn’t wearing a helmet. Thanks to an Air Life helicopter ride to University Hospital, the driver had a chance to survive.

Driving a motorcycle is dangerous. Tragically, that danger was amplified by the motorcyclist in San Antonio because of risky choices like speeding, not wearing a helmet and travelling too closely to a car.

Despite its danger, however, motorcycle accidents are often reported as if the risk of driving a motorcycle is the cause of the wreck. In many cases, that’s not the case. Inattentive motorists frequently fail to look for motorcyclists. The result can be catastrophic. Moreover, some insurers are highly critical of motorcyclists’ claims, presumptively acting as if the motorcyclist was responsible.

If you’re a motorcyclist, you should remember two things. First, be safe. Motorcycles are considerably more dangerous than cars. You should take extra precautions. Second, if you’re in an accident, talk to the personal injury experts at Fears | Nachawati. We understand that inattentive motorists and critical insurers are real a problem. We can help you! For a free consultation, call 1.866.705.7584 or email info@fnlawfirm.com. 

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A lawsuit has been filed after a drunk driver smashed his truck into a deli, causing patrons to be hit by flying debris and falling equipment. One of the patrons, a Texas man who lost one of his eyes in the accident, has filed a lawsuit against both the driver of the truck as well as the owner of the deli.

Russell January suffered his eye injury when a meat slicer fell on his head. January and his wife have filed a lawsuit against Rodney Eddie, the intoxicated truck driver, and Gonzuela Williams, the owner of Durham’s Meat Market.

The accident took place on November 14^th at around 5:30 p.m. January was eating at Durham’s Meat Market at the time, which is located in Port Arthur, Texas.

While January was in the deli, Eddie drove his pickup truck into the store, breaking through the wall and hitting several fixtures.

January was struck by a meat slicer, which, according to the lawsuit, caused not only the loss of his eye but also damage to his brain, a fractured skull and a fractured jaw.

In the lawsuit, January is seeking damages for medical costs, lost wages, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement and physical impairment.

January is joined in his lawsuit by his wife who is seeking damages for loss of comfort, solace, care, love and affection because of the accident.

The lawsuit blames Eddie for driving while intoxicated, driving too fast and failing to stay in his lane.

Williams is accused of negligence for having an unreasonably dangerous place of business because of the placement of heavy fixtures. The lawsuit further accuses Williams of failure to provide a barrier to protect his patrons from motor vehicles when it was foreseeable that a vehicle might jump the curb and strike the building.

For more on this Texas personal injury lawsuit, click here to access the complete article.

If you have been injured in an accident, contact Fears | Nachawati today for free legal assistance. To speak with a Texas personal injury lawyer, simply email us or phone us toll free at 1.866.705.7584.

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Mediation in personal injury cases typically occurs after a lawsuit is filed, but before a trial before a jury or judge takes place.  Once an injury suit is filed, mediation is usually your last chance to resolve your case, absent a full-blown trial, and , many cases in fact settle at mediation.  During mediation, the mediator is a neutral arbiter between the parties and their goal is to try and resolve the injury claim in a manner that all parties can live with.  Your lawyer should explain to you how mediation works well in advance.  Typically, mediation lasts a half day or a full day, depending on the complexity of the case.  At the beginning of mediation, parties meet in one conference room where your lawyer makes a short presentation to the mediator and the party being sued concerning the facts of your injury case.  Sometimes, the attorney for the party being sued responds with a brief statement and the parties then break into separate rooms.  The mediator typically goes back and forth into separate conference rooms with monetary offers.  If the parties to the injury suit can come together on a settlement, the mediator drafts a short settlement agreement and the injury claim is finalized usually within 30 days following mediation.  If however, the parties are unable to come together on a fair settlement, the case will go to trial.  It is important to ensure your lawyer is willing to go the distance and take your case to trial if necessary.  Lawyers at my firm, Fears | Nachawati, attend mediation frequently, and more importantly, will absolutely take a case to trial if the negligent party (at fault party) is unwilling to pay a fair and reasonable settlement amount. If you have an injury claim and need legal help or advice, contact me at mn@fnlawfirm.com or by phone - 1.866.705.7584.

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1. Stay alert and relaxed
 If you're tired, don't drive. If you've had a rough day at the office, chill out before you get on the road. Your car drives as you feel, so be nice and stay alert. Keep a firm and friendly grip on the wheel. Avoid clenching and choking; conversely, don't drape a wrist over the top and think you've got control. Most of all, make sure you're comfortable, and that all controls are within easy reach.

2. Use your senses
If you stare at the car in front, chances are good that you'll drive right into an accident. Look around; survey the road ahead so you know what's coming up, and keep an eye on the road behind. If you need to change lanes, try planning your move a few cars ahead so that you have plenty of time to merge. Listen for sirens, horns, or screeching tires. And most of all, use your sense: if you think a driver is going to cut you off, back off a little and let them in. If you see a car coming up fast in the rear view, avoid making sudden moves.

3. Stay put
People who change lanes get into more accidents. What's worse, they make accidents happen. So keep away from the lane fidgets, pick one and drive to your destination.

4. Drive a car, not a cell phone
If the keys are in the ignition, the phone should be powered off. If you're driving with children, keep in mind that kids don't normally disappear into thin air --- so it's okay if you stop looking at them and concentrate on the road instead. No matter what it is, avoid distraction and focus on the task in hand --- driving.

5. Share the road
The Golden Rule applies to driving -- in fact, it should be a law. When you share the road, you put everyone in a good mood, avoid accidents and arrive at your destination in a friendly frame of mind. Try it: the next time someone is attempting a last minute lane change, be courteous and let them into the lane. Not only have you avoided a fender-bender, but you've also done a good deed. 

Provided by: Autobytel.com

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As reported by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, three men died in a crash early Sunday when a car hit a parked 18-wheeler's trailer and burst into flames, police said.

The men were traveling north in a 2002 Subaru Impreza about 3:10 a.m. when the wreck occurred in the 2100 block of Grayson Drive, police spokeswoman Sgt. Kim Smith said. The Impreza was quickly engulfed in flames, she said. 
                         
"The first officer was on scene within a couple minutes," Smith said. "He broke the driver's window to try and get them out, but the car was so badly on fire."

All three men died at the scene. They were Justin Cartwright, 27, of Euless; Corey Pratt, 28, of Bedford; and Aubrey Amado, whose age was not available, of Grapevine, Smith said.

The area near Texas 121 and Mustang Drive has several commercial and industrial properties.

The truck, which was not occupied at the time of the crash, was parked legally, and no criminal charges are anticipated, Smith said.

"We're just getting in touch with the families and making sure they have any help they need," Smith said. 
         

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 This past weekend, the Dallas Morning News reported two different drunk driving accidents that killed a woman and a young child. 

The first drunken driver crushed a 5-year-old boy to death in his car seat early Sunday, Dallas police said.

They said the second caused a pickup to flip over, killing a 47-year-old woman and seriously injuring her husband.

"I can't recall the last time when we had two [such deaths] in one night," said Dallas police Senior Cpl. Kevin Janse. "To deal with a small child like this, it's traumatic even for a veteran police officer."

The crashes happened during a Super Bowl weekend when some area police departments were already on heightened alert for drunken drivers, although there was no indication that either suspect had been at a game-related party.

Police blamed the first crash on Adrian Childs, 28, who Dallas County records say has two convictions for drug dealing. Mr. Childs was driving a Hyundai Sonata at high speed when he rear-ended a Cadillac about 3:35 a.m. on State Highway 310 near Lamar Street in South Dallas, police said. The impact collapsed the Cadillac's trunk and caused the back seat to crush Xavier Williams, 5. His mother, whom police did not identify, was driving and survived, as did two of Xavier's siblings. Mr. Childs' car was then hit by a third vehicle, whose driver was not injured. Mr. Childs was taken to Baylor Medical Center in Dallas for treatment and later jailed on a charge of intoxication manslaughter.

Nearly two hours later and several miles away, Vernie Clark of Ennis was a passenger in a pickup driven by her husband on North Central Expressway at Walnut Hill Lane.

Police said a Toyota 4Runner driven by Patricio Barrios, 63, swerved in front of the Clarks, causing a collision. The pickup then flipped over, pinning the couple inside. Ms. Clark was taken to Presbyterian Hospital, where she died of her injuries. Authorities said her husband was hospitalized and underwent emergency surgery. They did not release his name or condition. Mr. Barrios was jailed on charges of intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault.

Dallas police didn't increase their drunken driving enforcement during the weekend, but Cpl. Janse said police expected to make more DWI arrests than usual Sunday night.

"People don't make the right decisions and don't find other means of transportation," he said.

Other area cities took a more aggressive approach over the weekend, seeking search warrants to draw blood from suspected drunken drivers who refused to submit to breath or blood tests.

 

Being involved in a drunk driving accident not only brings criminal but civil action.  The dedicated Texas personal injury lawyers of Fears & Nachawati offer free consultations 7 days a week & 24 hours a day.

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