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Who Is at Fault When an Accident Involves a Pedestrian?

Posted on by Zreyna Law

Most people think that in accidents between cars and pedestrians, the driver of the vehicle must be at fault. We were all taught that the pedestrian always has the right of way; however, from a legal standpoint that may not be true. In a car accident involving a pedestrian, the pedestrian can be at wholly or partially at fault.

How Is Fault Determined?

According to Texas Transportation Code, Title 7 §552, pedestrians do not have legal access to all roadways. In many parts of Texas, pedestrians are not allowed to walk across highways, bridges, and busy roads in high-traffic areas. Roads where pedestrians do have access contain rules, traffic signals, and signs that show pedestrians how and when to cross a street or intersection.

After a car accident that involves a pedestrian occurs, the police / emergency services should be called right away and medical attention should be given to anyone involved in the accident that was injured. The police will speak to all parties involved, including witnesses to the accident, and will put the information obtained into a police report. The police will note if the driver of the vehicle broke any relevant traffic laws and/or if the pedestrian had violated any city or state laws.

If the driver of the vehicle that hit the pedestrian is clearly at fault for the accident, the pedestrian should have no issues receiving fair compensation from the driver’s insurance carrier for the damages caused. The pedestrian may still need experienced legal representation to ensure the insurance company does not attempt to under-compensate them.

A pedestrian may be found partially or fully at fault for the car accident if they were:

  • Crossing an intersection when there is a “Do Not Walk” signal
  • Entering the street while intoxicated
  • Jaywalking (crossing the street outside of a crosswalk)
  • Walking in areas where pedestrian access is prohibited (freeways, bridges, etc.)

In some rare cases, the pedestrian may be fully at fault for the accident and they will not be able to recover compensation for damages that occurred. The driver could turn around and sue the pedestrian for compensation for their injuries and any damages to the vehicle.

Shared Fault in a Car Accident Involving a Pedestrian

Even if a pedestrian does some of the above behaviors to cause a car crash, the driver of the vehicle can also still be partially at fault. If the driver was speeding – even if the pedestrian was jaywalking – the driver would have been breaking a traffic law and would not have left enough time to react to the pedestrian walking into the road.

When both the driver and the pedestrian are found to be at fault, what happens? Texas courts may assign proportionate responsibility and compensation to both sides based on each side’s amount of responsibility. Whether you are the pedestrian or the driver, to receive partial or full compensation for your injuries, the court has to determine that you were less than 50% responsible for the accident.

South Texas Car Accident Attorneys

Car accidents involving a pedestrian can be complex and stressful situations. Whether you were the driver or the pedestrian, you should not have to handle this alone. By choosing experienced legal representation, the victim won’t have to worry about what steps to take to receive fair compensation for the accident. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an auto pedestrian accident, contact the Weslaco car accident lawyers at Ezequiel Reyna, Jr. Law Office today to discuss your case. There is limited time to act following a Texas car accident, so don’t delay.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Posted on by Zreyna Law

Motorcycle crashes can be absolutely devastating and can cause traumatic injuries.  Even at low speeds, motorcycle injuries can be severe. Riding a motorcycle can be a fun, efficient way to get around your city; however, over 80 percent of all reported motorcycle crashes result in traumatic injury or death to the motorcyclist.

Most motorcycle crashes are caused by a car hitting a motorcyclist. Motorcycles are difficult to see on the road and many drivers do not look in their rear or side mirrors to see if a motorcycle is nearby. The motorcycle itself provides absolutely no injury protection for the rider. See below for some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries.

Head Injuries

Many motorcycle crashes involve severe head injuries. When a motorcycle comes to a sudden stop, like in a motorcycle crash, and the rider is thrown from the seat, they may hit objects in their way as well as the ground. If the rider receives a traumatic brain injury from the accident impact, they may suffer from long-lasting side effects that can be life altering and financially costly. Motorcycle accident brain injury side effects can include concussion, seizures, sleep apnea, brain fog, difficulty with memory, and a variety of other issues that can vary depending upon what part of the brain was injured.

Road Rash

When a motorcycle accident happens, and a rider is thrown from their bike, they may slide sideways across the road, receiving an injury called road rash. The pavement will scrape through the rider’s clothing, reaching down to the skin, causing the skin to tear and rip. Road rash is not just a small cut or bruise. Road rash can lead to permanent damage to the rider’s nerves or cause severe skin infections and pain. If the road rash is extremely severe, and the skin has been scraped away down to the muscle, the muscles can suffer severe injuries.

The best way to prevent road rash is to wear thick, protective clothing designed for motorcycle riders. You may see motorcyclists wear thick leather pants, jackets, and gloves – all of which can help protect them and reduce the risk of road rash during a motorcycle crash.

Broken Bones

Another very common motorcycle accident injury is the motorcyclist breaking one or more bones. Hard impacts on the road or against a vehicle can break bones in the rider’s body. Commonly broken bones include the skull, ribs, collarbone, and the bones in the arms and legs. Some breaks may just be minor fractures; however, severe breaks can lead to long recovery times and very high medical bills.

Wearing protective gear can help decrease the severity of bone breaks, but the best thing to do to help prevent broken bones while riding a motorcycle is to ride safely and defensively while on the road. Be aware of all other vehicles around you while you ride and do not speed or cut in front of other larger vehicles.

Spinal Cord Injury

Depending on how the motorcycle accident occurred, there is danger for a severe spinal cord injury to occur. The impact from the accident can send a rider flying off their bike, landing on the road, and/or their bike may land on top of their body. A spinal cord injury can result in paralysis of the rider’s entire body or specific regions of their body. This can devastate the rider’s life and require years of physical therapy and medical treatment.

South Texas Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Motorcycle accidents are traumatic and can be very confusing for the victims and their families. By selecting quality legal representation, the injured won’t have to worry as much about their next steps because they will have the guidance and support of an experienced personal injury attorney. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a Texas motorcycle accident, contact the Weslaco car accident lawyers at Ezequiel Reyna, Jr. Law Office today to discuss your case. There is limited time to act following an accident in Texas, so don’t delay.

Driver Error and Car Accidents

Posted on by Zreyna Law

Car accidents occur every day and are caused by a variety of reasons, including bad weather, road hazards, or mechanical car issues. However, according to the National Safety Council, about 94% of motor vehicle accidents happen purely from driver error. This means that nearly all car accidents are preventable.

While the development and implementation of fully automated cars is on the horizon, drivers are still human and can make errors while driving their cars. Here are some of the most common driver errors that lead to car accidents:

Driving While Distracted

Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention away from driving. There are so many ways for a driver to be distracted while in their vehicle. Cell phones, entertainment and infotainment systems, fast food, and more can take a driver’s eyes off the road. Drivers talking on cell phones, handheld, or Bluetooth miss recognizing up to 50% of the changing environment around their vehicles, including other cars, motorcycles, pedestrians, and bicycles. Drivers who are texting or reading and responding to emails will recognize changes in the environment even less. Sending a text or reading an email can take your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds. When driving at around 55 mph, that would mean keeping your eyes off the road for around 100 yards – or the entire length of a football field. Any non-driving activity engaged in while driving exponentially increases your risk of crashing.

Not Communicating Clearly to Other Drivers

Many drivers fail to use proper signals that are meant to communicate their intentions to other drivers. Using turn signals to indicate the intention to change lanes or make a turn is vital to showing other drivers that you are changing your pattern of driving. Also, making sure that your brake lights, headlights, and turn signal lights are all in working order is essential to driving safely. Without properly working lights, cars behind you and in front of you may not know what your vehicle is doing, and thus cannot prepare for a change you may be about to make. Clear communication through signals and lights can reduce the chance of a car accident.

Violating Traffic Laws

Traffic laws are put in place to keep drivers safe while on the roads. Drivers who do not follow traffic laws are more likely to get into a car accident. One common traffic law violation is speeding. All drivers should obey the speed limit, but many drivers fail to do so. Speeding creates dangerous situations and reduces the amount of time a driver has to react to any changes that occur on the road, including other drivers stopping suddenly, road conditions becoming wet from rain, or the road curving sharply.   Another traffic law that drivers commonly violate is not stopping at red lights or stop signs. Paying attention to and adhering to traffic signals and signs helps prevent car accidents from occurring. Drivers who do not stop at stop signs or who run red lights greatly increase their chances of causing a car wreck that serious injures themselves and others on the road.

Weslaco Car Accident Lawyers

Car accidents caused by driver error are scary, confusing, and stressful, but victims don’t have to handle them by themselves. By selecting knowledgeable legal representation, the injured won’t have to worry as much about their next steps. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a car accident, contact the South Texas car accident lawyers at Ezequiel Reyna, Jr. Law Office today to discuss your case. There is limited time to act following a motor vehicle accident in Texas, so don’t delay.

Tailgating Can Lead to Serious Car Accidents

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Driving on Texas roads is not always a stress-free experience. You may be in a hurry to get somewhere but the driver in front of you is just not going fast enough for you. The temptation to tailgate that car might be very high, but tailgating can lead to serious car accidents and is considered aggressive driving in Texas.

Reaction Time Matters

An average size car going 60 mph requires a minimum of 240 feet to stop safely once the brakes have been pressed. Before you press the brake pedal, it can take 60 feet just for you to realize that you need to stop in the first place, then 180 feet for the vehicle to come to a complete stop. This does not factor in how heavy your vehicle may be, if the road is wet or oily, or if there is debris in the road – all of which can significantly increase the distance required for the car to be able to stop. Wet roads increase the distance to stop by as much as four times.

If you are tailgating the car in front of you and that car suddenly stops or slows down, there will not be enough time to react to that sudden change. The likelihood of crashing into that vehicle is extremely high and could cause horrible damage to your vehicle and injure yourself and those in the vehicle in front of you.  Auto collisions due to tailgating are incredibly common. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 23 percent of all motor vehicle crashes are rear-end collisions, which lead to an average of 2,000 deaths and almost 1,000,000 injuries every year.

Follow Safely

No one likes to be tailgated. It can be a scary experience and can make a driver feel incredibly uncomfortable. When driving, try to keep a good amount of space between you and the driver in front of you. A safe distance would be about 10 feet per 10 mph of speed. For example, if a vehicle is going 45 mph, the driver should maintain 45 feet of distance between their car and the car in front of them. Measuring exact distance is not the easiest thing to do when driving, but there are ways to estimate it, including:

  • Observe cars around your vehicle on the highway and try to stay about five to six car lengths away from a car in front of you.
  • Observe the road markers along your drive. Choose a road marker and watch when the car in front of you passes it. Count the number of seconds it takes between their car passing and then your car passing that same road marker. That time should be at least three seconds. Double that amount of time for wet road conditions.
  • If tempted to tailgate, make the decision to safely pass the car ahead of you instead.

Drive Defensively

If you are being tailgated, stay calm and try to take a few defensive measures to avoid being rear-ended. Stay in the right-hand lanes to allow faster vehicles to pass while driving. If being tailgated in the left-hand or center lanes, safely change lanes to allow the faster vehicle to pass. Leave enough space between your car and the car in front of you so that if there is a car crash, it will not be a multi-vehicle crash. If driving on wet roads, increase that amount of space to allow for increased reaction time if a sudden stop occurs.

South Texas Car Accident Lawyers

Car accidents caused by tailgating can be confusing, complex, and stressful, but victims don’t have to handle it all on their own. By selecting quality legal representation, the injured won’t have to worry as much about their next steps because they will have the guidance and support of an experienced personal injury attorney. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a car accident, contact the Weslaco car accident lawyers at Ezequiel Reyna, Jr. Law Office today to discuss your case. There is limited time to act following a motor vehicle accident in Texas, so don’t delay.

What to Do If You Are Hit By a Drunk Driver

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Drunk drivers are, sadly, a common sight along small town roads and big city highways. Even though drunk, or impaired, driving is illegal, just about every 20 minutes someone is injured or killed in a vehicular accident involving alcohol. In Texas, a person is legally intoxicated and can be arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) with a .08 BAC (blood/breath alcohol concentration). A person is also considered intoxicated if impaired due to alcohol regardless of their BAC. Being hit by a drunk driver is a terrifying experience that no one should have to go through, but being prepared for an unexpected accident can help expedite the legal process and even prevent potential car accidents.

Steps to Take:

The first two steps to take after being hit by a drunk driver are to seek medical attention if needed and call the police. Checking for injuries should happen immediately; and, if necessary, the injured parties should seek medical treatment. If you are unable to move, wait for emergency responders to arrive to help transport the injured to an emergency facility.

Once injuries have been evaluated, if you are able to, call the police. A witness may have already called the police, but make sure to call as soon as possible to report that an accident occurred. Give the location of the vehicles and answer any questions the emergency call operator may have.

If there are no serious injuries, attempt to collect information from the other driver, including information from their driver’s license and their insurance card. If a drunk driver caused the collision, that may make things more difficult. If they are being unsafe or are threatening, do not attempt to speak to them. Wait until the police arrive to get the information you need. Make sure to document and tell the police of any odd behavior or strange smells coming from the drunk driver. The police must be made aware that the driver that caused the accident was drunk when the car crash occurred.

If there were any witnesses, politely ask for their names and contact information, as they may be able to corroborate the details of what happened. Make sure to also take pictures and video of the vehicles involved for future reference. Document any other details from the accident, such as odd swerving by the drunk driver, as quickly as possible so as to not forget that information. If you are injured, recording a voice memo on your phone can preserve your thoughts.

If the drivers are able, all vehicles should be moved out of the flow of traffic. If the vehicles are unable to be moved, wait for tow trucks to arrive. In Texas, cars in a collision that can be moved out of the flow of traffic are legally required to be moved, even before police arrive. If a drunk driver attempts to flee the scene, try to read their license plate and remember it for the police to investigate.

Injuries sustained after an accident may not appear until a few days afterward. After the collision, adrenaline and shock may take over and mask injuries or pain caused by the crash. Seek medical attention immediately if you feel any pain that may have been caused by the auto accident.

South Texas Car Accident Lawyers

Car accidents can be confusing, complex, and stressful, but victims of drunk drivers don’t have to handle it all on their own. By selecting quality legal representation, the injured won’t have to worry as much about their next steps because they will have the guidance and support of an experienced personal injury attorney. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, contact the Weslaco car accident lawyers at Ezequiel Reyna, Jr. Law Office today to discuss your case. There is limited time to act following a Texas car accident, so don’t delay.

What Happens If You Are Hit By A Company Car?

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Our firm handles commercial vehicle accidents – also known as cases involving a company car. Any type of accident involving any type of vehicle – from a car to an 18-wheeler – where one vehicle is owned by a business is more complex than when a collision occurs between two passenger vehicles. A company vehicle is owned by a business and operated by employees or other agents of the company, often to transport passengers or to haul goods. Company vehicles are covered by commercial insurance policies rather than personal ones, and they are subject to specific roadway laws and legal requirements. An accident with a company car is thus different from a regular car accident, and needs to be handled differently.

If you are driving and get hit by a company car, what should you do? Many of the immediate actions to take in the aftermath of a company car accident are similar to those in passenger car crashes – such as seeking medical attention, contacting law enforcement, and noting identifying information of other drivers and witnesses. Things become more complicated, however, when the injured party needs to be compensated by the driver who caused the accident. While it’s always important to gather information if you are able at the scene of an accident, when hit by a company car, you’ll need to find out whether or not the person that hit you was on the job. If possible, find out their employer and who owns the vehicle.

Commercial Insurance For Company Vehicles

Generally speaking, companies are responsible for their employees’ actions while the employees are working or “on the clock.” This means that if the commercial vehicle driver was working at the time of the crash and is found to be at fault, the company that owns the vehicle and/or the company that employs the driver will be held at least partially responsible for the resulting damages.

Commercial insurance companies have vast resources available to protect their interests; and they use them to avoid paying out damages after a company vehicle they insure crashes. If a company car has hit you or someone you love, you must retain a knowledgeable commercial accident lawyer experienced in successfully resolving these matters and securing compensation for all damages.

Causes of Company Car Accidents

To hold an employer liable for the actions of an employee, the employee must be acting within the scope of his or her employment. This means, they must be on the road specifically for a work-related objective, even if driving a personal vehicle. Any number of factors can cause or contribute to a crash with a commercial vehicle. Some common examples of company car accident causes include:

  • Drunk driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding
  • Negligent hiring practices
  • A poorly maintained vehicle
  • An improperly trained driver
  • Unsafe road or weather conditions
  • Failure to verify proper licensing/certification

Texas Company Car Accident Lawyers

If you or someone you care about was injured in a roadway crash with a company car, the lawyers at the Ezequiel Reyna Law Office can help. We have over 40 years of experience successfully handling all types of motor vehicle accidents – whether motorcycle, car, or big rig – and we want to put our experience to work for you. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help.

Truck Driver Safety Tips Every Driver Should Know in 2026

Posted on by Zreyna Law

Commercial truck drivers are a vital part of Texas roads. Driving day and night across busy highways, they follow strict safety protocols to deliver goods safely and efficiently. In 2026, with increasing traffic volume and evolving road conditions, these truck driver safety tips are more important than ever, not just for CDL drivers but for every motorist sharing the road.

6 Truck Driver Safety Tips:

1. Drive Defensively on Texas Highways

Defensive driving remains the foundation of commercial truck safety rules in Texas in 2026. Truck drivers are trained to scan at least a quarter mile ahead on highways or one to two blocks within city limits to spot traffic slowdowns, work zones, or road hazards early.

Every driver should adopt this habit. Anticipating problems before they happen gives you more time to react and dramatically reduces your risk of being involved in a Texas highway accident.

2. Always Buckle Up – Texas Seat Belt Law Still Applies

Under Texas seat belt law, every driver and passenger must wear a safety belt, no exceptions. Truck drivers know seat belts save lives, and so should you.

Wear the lap belt snugly across your hips and the shoulder belt across the center of your chest. A properly worn seat belt is still your single most effective protection in any crash in 2026.

3. Use Your Turn Signals Early and Clearly

Turn signal safety for large trucks is critical because 18-wheelers need far more time and space to change lanes or turn. Truck drivers signal well in advance so surrounding vehicles can adjust safely.

Passenger car drivers should do the same. Signal early, signal clearly, and never cut off a commercial truck after passing trucks need significantly longer stopping distances than cars.

4. Avoid Tailgating – Follow Safe Following Distance Rules

A loaded semi-truck traveling at 65 mph can need up to 525 feet to stop completely. That is why a safe following distance for trucks is one of the top 18-wheeler accident prevention practices in Texas.

TxDOT recommends keeping 20 to 25 car lengths between your vehicle and a commercial truck on the highway. In rain or fog, double that distance. Rear-end collisions involving trucks are among the deadliest crash types on Texas roads.

5. Stay Away from Truck Blind Spots

Semi-truck blind spot awareness is a must-know skill for every Texas driver in 2026. Large commercial trucks have four major blind spots directly in front, directly behind, and along both sides of the trailer.

The simple rule: if you cannot see the truck driver’s face in their side mirror, they cannot see you. Avoid lingering beside trucks, never pass on the right side, and always give trucks extra room when they are turning.

6. Never Drive Distracted

Distracted driving truck accidents continue to be a leading cause of serious crashes on Texas highways. Federal regulations ban commercial truck drivers from texting or using handheld devices while driving, and every driver should follow the same standard.

Distractions include texting, eating, adjusting GPS, and interacting with passengers. At 55 mph, just 5 seconds of distraction means traveling the length of a football field without watching the road. Put the phone down. Every time.

Injured in a Truck Accident in Texas?

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a semi-truck or car accident in Texas, you do not have to handle it alone. Texas has a limited time window to file a personal injury claim, so do not delay.

Contact the experienced Texas truck accident attorneys at Ezequiel Reyna Law Office today. Our team will fight for the big rig accident compensation in Texas you deserve.

Common Threats to Oil and Gas Worker Safety

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Working in the oil and gas industry is no easy feat, especially for oilfield and rig workers. In addition to the work being physically demanding, the environment surrounding oilfield work is full of potential hazards that could inflict serious, life altering injuries and death to workers. Oil and gas workers trust their lives to the safety measures implemented by their employers. When safety regulations are blatantly ignored and heavy machinery and other workplace materials go without proper service and inspection, the odds of an oil and gas worker suffering a catastrophic accident greatly increase. Being able to identify potential hazards and understand the common causes of oilfield accidents, workers can better mind their surroundings and to call out unsafe jobsite practices.

Sadly, many issues of oil and gas worker safety are either overlooked or simply not taken seriously enough considering the nature of the industry. Like construction, energy industry work comes with a notorious reputation for occupational injury and accidents. While fatal workplace accident statistics clearly paint a picture of occupational dangers, there’s still no excuse for the lack of responsibility oil and gas companies take for = worker safety. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), in just four short years – from 2013 to 2017 – a reported 489 oil and gas extraction workers were killed on the job.

Common Threats to Oil and Gas Worker Safety

Ongoing oil and gas worker injuries and deaths signify much needed and critical room for safety improvements. Oil and gas companies can directly affect workers’ safety and improve conditions by following both state law and federal OSHA guidelines. The following are some of the most common threats to oil and gas worker safety:

Vehicle Collisions. Oil and gas extraction and refining requires the use of vehicles to transport cargo, materials, and workers across Texas and beyond. Not only are vehicles heavily relied on for day-to-day operations, but workers must also often be transported between jobsites and travel accommodations. Because of their frequent use, work vehicles require routine maintenance and inspection, especially when hauling cargo loads. Vehicles with mechanical issues present dangers unknown to drivers until it is too late, causing roadway accidents. Additionally, frequent use of work vehicles should prompt oil and gas companies to rigorously train drivers in safety courses, as well as enforce rules requiring fatigued drivers resting and prohibit the operation of vehicle while intoxicated.

Faulty Equipment and Machinery. Just as heavily utilized motor vehicles require routine maintenance and inspection, so do equipment and heavy machinery. When equipment and machinery malfunctions, the consequences can be catastrophic. Workers rely on equipment and machines properly functioning so they can do their jobs safely. Additionally, machines should be outfitted with proper safeguards that provide a barrier between moving parts and workers.

Fires and Explosions. Due to the sensitive materials and hazardous chemicals frequently used in the various phases of oil and gas extraction and refinement, fires and explosions pose a great danger not only to oilfields, oil rigs, and refineries, but also to the surrounding areas. Chemicals and sensitive materials must be properly stored so they do not interact with each other or with other substances that could cause a powerful reaction.

Lack of Training. While mistakes and human error do happen, employees are not responsible for adequately training themselves for complicated energy industry work. Oil and gas companies should provide employees with quality training specific to not only in the scope of their jobs but also in safety. Training should be provided in a language that all employees understand; and, proper safety and warning signage must be placed throughout the workplace.

Rio Grande Valley Oilfield Injury Attorneys

Oil and gas worksite threats are responsible for hundreds of senseless and preventable worker deaths annually. Just because a person’s occupation is potentially dangerous does not mean they should suffer injury. If you or a loved one has been injured while working in the oil and gas industry, contact the Rio Grande Valley workplace accident attorneys of Ezequiel Reyna Law Office today to discuss your case at no cost. There is limited time to act following a work accident in Texas, so don’t delay.

What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident

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Being involved in a motor vehicle accident can be a jarring experience that leaves victims suffering from serious injuries and mental turmoil. When a crash occurs and a driver flees the scene, it’s important to know whether that crash constitutes a hit and run accident and what to do afterward.

A hit and run accident occurs when a motor vehicle strikes an object, person, or vehicle, and the driver knowingly flees the scene of the accident. Under the Texas Transportation Code,  drivers are required to undertake the following actions after being involved in a car accident; failure to do is a direct violation of the law:

  • Immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to the accident as possible (without obstructing traffic more than necessary)
  • Immediately return to the scene of the accident if the vehicle is unable to stop or does not stop at the scene of the accident
  • Remain at the scene of the accident

When a driver fails to take these actions, a collision could be deemed a hit and run accident, and the driver who fled the scene could be charged with a crime.

Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Accident

The most important first step to take after a car accident is to seek medical treatment. Motor vehicle accidents often leave victims with a surge of adrenaline that can easily mask pain – for this reason, hit and run accident victims should seek timely medical care. Since the responsible party fled the scene, it’s crucial that victims document information about the event, including a description of the vehicle and/or driver.

Record important details – such as the year, make, and model of the vehicle, as well as specific details like vehicle color and any unique indicators like bumper stickers or body damage. Victims should also note where the accident occurred, the time of day and the date, and any nearby retail stores or businesses that could potentially have security footage of the event. Take photos of the vehicle damage sustained in the hit and run accident. If the crash involved a pedestrian, cyclist, or motorcyclist, it is crucial to take photos of the injuries sustained including cuts and bruises.

A hit and run accident is a serious offense that often brings about both criminal and civil actions. As such, victims are best served utilizing the knowledge of an experienced car accident lawyer. Sadly, auto insurance providers are not always on their own policyholders’ side – even in a serious collision. Hiring an experienced Texas personal injury lawyer helps ensure victims are justly compensated for their damages.

Weslaco Hit and Run Accidents Lawyers

After the physical pain, mental turmoil, and stress caused by a hit and run accident, the last thing a victim should have to deal with is the pressure of financial repercussions. Drivers who cause hit and run accidents need to be held accountable for their destructive and dangerous actions. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a hit and run accident, contact the Rio Grande Valley trial lawyers of Ezequiel Reyna Law Office today to discuss your case. There is limited time to act following a Texas car accident, so don’t delay.

Why Semi-Truck Accidents Happen More Frequently Than You Think

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The transportation industry is a massive force that quite literally drives commerce in our country. According to Bureau of Transportation Statistics for June 2018, the transportation industry was powered mostly by large semi-trucks, which were responsible for the transportation of $66.6 billion of freight in June 2018, an increase of 5.3% over the previous year, showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.  Considering 62.7% of the country’s freight depends on semi-truck transportation in order to survive, the volume of large trucks seen on roads and highways across the country can be put into perspective. Texas is unique in that it is one of the largest states in the country and is home to five major metropolitan cities. Texas’ major cities are crucial to the supply and demand of goods not only for our state but for the entire country as well. Because of this, a large amount of cargo is transported along Texas roads and highways at any given moment. For Texans, this means learning to share the road with semi-trucks – and their potential for accidents – is a part of daily life.

How Likely Is an Accident?

The likelihood of being involved in a semi-truck accident depends on a variety of factors, and there is no way to predict or guarantee the occurrence of such an event. Drivers can only be prepared and educated on safe driving practices – as well as driving conditions that could increase the potential for an accident such as time of day and weather. The fact is that while driving is routine for many, operating a vehicle should still be taken seriously, regardless of a driver’s age or experience. Understanding the causes of semi-truck accidents gives drivers and passengers greater insight to semi-truck vulnerabilities and how to avoid them.

Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents

Although semi-trucks are large, high-powered vehicles, they remain sensitive to their environment. As the demand for goods increases, so does the need for semi-trucks to transport them. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large truck-related accidents led to 4,102 deaths in 2017 – a 52% increase since 2009. These accidents occurred for various reasons, but the following were reported as most common factors.

Defective tires were cited as a cause of 30% of semi-truck accidents. Although semi-trucks have far more wheels than most vehicles, a defect in a single tire is enough to cause a catastrophic truck crash. When a truck has a blowout or tire mishap, its cabin and cargo load will be disrupted, potentially causing a chain reaction of events that can lead to a semi-truck accident.

Driver fatigue is a major cause of accidents in the transportation industry. Truck drivers are often required to make long hauls on short deadlines, often leaving them without the adequate amount of sleep necessary to safely focus and maneuver a vehicle of that size. Fatigued drivers can function as poorly as impaired drivers when it comes to controlling a vehicle and reaction timing.

Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol causes unnecessary and preventable semi-truck accidents annually. Unfortunately, many truck drivers attempt to combat driver fatigue with illegal substances, which is illegal and highly dangerous.

Regular maintenance and inspection help prevent semi-truck accidents. These big rigs should be subject to regular and routine inspection and maintenance, before and after trips. This ensures a truck is properly functioning and equipped to handle the distance and load it will haul. Although this is a simple step, many transportation companies fail to undertake it, as it requires additional time and cost if repairs are needed. This means hundreds or thousands of unfit trucks hauling cargo are sent out on roads every day.

Rio Grande Valley Semi-Truck Accident Attorneys

The Rio Grande Valley sees its fair share of semi-trucks hauling goods across the Texas, but this should not mean that South Texas drivers have to live in fear of semi-truck accidents. The transportation industry must ensure all vehicles and drivers are fit to safely travel the roads with others, regardless of the cost of driver training and vehicle maintenance. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed in a semi truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Rio Grande Valley semi-truck accident attorneys of Ezequiel Reyna Law Office today to discuss your case. There is limited time to act following an accident in Texas, so don’t delay.