Samaritan Comes To Rescue in Fiery Crash

The northbound lanes of I-35E have reopened this morning after a crash earlier in the day shut them down because of a fiery semi-truck crash.

Around 4:30 a.m, the driver of this truck lost control and consequently slid off the road where he and the truck went through a guardrail and tumbled down an embankment.  Upon being trapped in the cab of the truck, which was at this point up in flames, the driver was thankfully rescued by a good Samaritan who witnessed the Dallas truck accident and pulled over to see if there was any assistance she could provide. The Samaritan rushed down the hill where she then lifted the driver out through the window because the door was jammed shut.

Terry Sims, the hero of the day, recalls the situation saying, “I saw flames coming from underneath the trailer. The door wouldn’t open so we had to pull him through the window.”

At this point, it is still unclear whether or not the driver is hurt. However, it is clear that the good deed of this woman has saved him from any further injury.

Accidents are common nature of the road, and when it is raining, such as it was in this particular case, the frequency of accidents is heightened. Knowing this, one should be prepared so that in the unfortunate event you do fall victim to such mishaps, you know how to respond, who to call, and can quickly initiate the process of recovery/compensation.

Being unaware and unprepared of adverse realities can increase the pain they cause in the event they do interrupt your life. Get in touch with an experienced, expert truck collision attorney in Dallas, TX who can be there for you in your time of need and help you get past this tragedy and on with your life.  Here is a list of Texas hospitals to look at if you or a loved one is injured in a truck accident:

7 out of 10 truck drivers going Mobile

If you or a loved one were injured by a big rig or a large commercial vehicle and you suspect the driver was being negligent, call a Texas trucking attorney skilled in Texas personal injury law to discuss your case.

Recent studies have shown that mobile is changing the way consumers and industries do business. One particular survey hosted by shipping company Uship noted that now more than 7 out of 10 truck drivers use mobile devices for business purposes.

26,000 truck drivers were surveyed, some interesting facts include:

  • 26% use their phones for social media
  • 25% use a basic phone
  • Android phones are used more than twice as often as iPhones
  • >50% said that the national ban on texting didn’t change their behavior on the road

Although we undoubtedly live in a world that continues to thrive through mobile devices, it is important to remember that vehicular safety is always strictly adhered to. Whether it be commercial truck driver or commuter vehicle, distracted driving caused more than 18% of all vehicular accidents this past year alone. Driving while texting increases your chance of crashing 23 times, and is similar to having multiple alcoholic beverages in your system.

Bayard Man Killed in Texas Accident

A Bayard City Councilor and active community member was killed in a 5 car pile-up just outside of Pecos.

The accident happened last Friday afternoon when a dust storm created low visibility along I-20. A dodge truck towing a horse trailer was accidently rear-ended by a semi which forced several cars in an attempt to avoid an accident collide with one another.

In the end, 79 year-old Louis Baum was pronounced dead on the scene and four others were severely injured.

Baum was the owner of a popular local coffee shop called A.I.R Coffee in Bayard. Friends, family, and patrons of the community described him as an energetic and genuine person who welcomed everyone in to his shop with a caring smile.

As a minister and city councilor who organized many of the great events Bayard had to offer he will be deeply missed.

If you or someone you know is injured in an accident, please contact an injury and car accident lawyer as soon as possible and get the justice you deserve.

Woman Files Multiple Lawsuits After Being Injured In An Intersection Accident

A woman is taking recourse after she was injured in a car accident in which she is claiming a truck driver ran a red light and hit her vehicle.

Amy Wysocki has filed a federal lawsuit against the driver, David Wayne Tackett and the company employing him, H.O.T. Express Inc. The facets of the suit against Tackett involve negligence and negligence for violating the transportation code by failing to yield the right way, failing to keep a proper lookout, failing to timely apply his brakes, failing to control his vehicle, failing to act and respond in a reasonable manner and for failing to control the speed of the vehicle. As for the company, Wysocki is accusing them of negligence for entrusting the truck driver or hiring and retaining an “unlicensed, incompetent and/or reckless driver.”

The cause of the grievances took place on April 10th as Wysocki was driving her 2001 Ford Explorer westbound on Jefferson Street in Gilmer. While going through an intersection, her vehicle collided with a truck who she says disregarded the red light that would have prevented the accident.

Whether or not Wysocki’s claim is true about Tackett’s alleged negligence, the reality is that accidents happen all the time with and without drivers acting carelessly. Since driving is undoubtedly a necessary risk that we all engage in, we must prepare cautiously in the event we do fall victim to such probabilities.

One way to do that is by retaining a skilled personal injury attorney who understands the pain you are going through and can help to ease that. This sort of misfortune can carry on past the physical hardships and become financial if not handled properly. The right attorney can prevent that and make sure you and your family are taken care of. 

Accident Leaves Truck Dangling Over Bridge

No it was not a scene from a movie being filmed on location, this was the real deal.

This is the 18 Wheeler Semi-Truck that was left hanging off of an I-30 Bridge over Trinity River just miles west of Dallas yesterday.

The Dallas trucker Accident happened at around 7:30 a.m. leaving all west bound lanes closed during peak morning traffic hours.

Though police reports have yet to release any information about what caused the accident, six people in total including the driver of the 18 wheeler were taken to the hospital and treated with non life threatening injuries.

The view from up top as crews clean up the wreck.

To add more complications and frustrations for drivers stuck on their way to work, ever dangerous and hazardous diesel fuel was said to have spilled everywhere from the the accident which force the closure to extend for over 5 hours.

If you or someone you know are injured in a trcuk accident or any other kind of vehicular collision, contact a personal injury and accident attorney in Dallas immediately.

Having the right representation ready from the start can make a big difference in getting the resolution you deserve.

Truck Driver Health in Texas

Truck Driver Health in Texas

The profession of truck driving is one of the unhealthiest in today’s working class. The work is sedentary, the hours are long and the locations are typically inconvenient for those who want to embark on a healthy lifestyle.

The health structure and routine of the average healthy American is illogical and unavailable for truck drivers. Most people hit the gym and cook health-conscious meals at home in order to stay fit, but truck drivers don’t have that luxury. Only 8% of truck drivers exercise regularly, compared to 49% of the general population. Affordable dining on the road is almost always high in calories, fried and filled with preservatives.

86% of the estimated 3.2 million truck drivers who are working today in the U.S. are overweight or obese. In 2007, 12% of truck driver accidents that were caused by driver error occurred because the driver was experiencing a health problem.

Brett Blowers, director of marketing and development for the Healthy Trucking Association of America conducted a blood pressure screening of more than 2,000 drivers and sent 21 of them directly to the emergency room. One of them had a heart attack on the way there.

Multiple programs are popping up that are attempting to tackle the truck driver health problem. Lindora Clinic recently launched their “Lean for Life On-the-Road” exercise and nutrition program for the trucking community. Travel Centers of America/Petro has built locations that are equipped with fitness rooms, walking trails and healthier food available at their stops.

Regular health visits are difficult for drivers to maintain because of their long hours and ever-changing schedule. However, trucking companies that require regular doctor visits are not only seeing healthier employees, but are also saving money. Trucks Inc. has saved $250,000 in medical insurance costs since mandating annual physicals rather than biannual physicals.

Organizations like the Trucking Solutions Group and Healthy Trucking Association of America are working with diet and exercise programs and truck stop businesses, and are taking steps to promote a healthier lifestyle among the trucking community.

If you are involved in a truck accident in the state of Texas it is important to contact an experienced and knowledgable truck accident attorney in your area to legally represent you.  Parker McDonald is a Dallas personal injury law firm with some of the most successful truck accident attorneys in the state of Texas.  Contact for a free legal consultation.

 

Traffic Fatality Rate Drops in Texas, but State Remains Above National Average

Traffic Fatality Rate Drops in Texas, but State Remains Above National Average

Texas traffic fatality rates have dropped nearly 15% since 2006, according to a state audit of the Texas Department of Transportation released on Wednesday.

Improvements in roadway conditions and vehicle safety have contributed to this decline. Public awareness campaigns regarding drug and alcohol use, and the infamous “Click-it-or-Ticket” seat belt campaign have helped educate drivers about hazards that they can avoid. Improved enforcement like red-light cameras and higher frequency of sobriety checkpoints have made Texas roads safer.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration uses a formula that compares the number of traffic fatalities to hundred million miles driven. In 2006 in Texas there were 1.5 deaths per 100 million miles driven, and in 2010 the ratio dropped to 1.29 deaths per 100 million miles driven. However, national figures show a more dramatic difference as well as lower numbers. In 2006 there were 1.42 deaths per 100 million miles, and in 2010 there were 1.11 deaths per 100 million miles. Although numbers are down both statewide and nationwide, these numbers beg the question as to why Texas remains above the national average.

Doug Shupe, a spokesman for AAA Texas, says “Drinking and driving, distracted driving, speeding, red-light running, drowsy driving and not wearing seat belts are among the most common factors for traffic fatalities in the state and the nation.” A bill last year that would have banned texting while driving was vetoed. “Although we may be moving in the right direction in some areas, there are still far too many people dying on our roadways,” Shupe added.

The Dallas auto accident attorneys at Parker McDonald, P.C. have many years of experience practicing injury law and handling a wide range of different automobile accident cases.  These accident lawyers specialize in the following types of cases:  Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful deaths, and more.  If you or someone you love have suffered serious injuries in an accident caused by the negligence of someone else, contact an experienced injury lawyer for a free legal consultation.

Head Injuries from Dallas Car Accidents

Auto accident victims who have suffered serious brain or head injuries require extensive rehabilitation and personalized treatment. In most circumstances, a lifetime of nursing care is required.  Your that Dallas personal injury lawyer that specializes in handling brain injury cases will consult with medical specialists, long term care specialists, life planners, accountants and others in order to prepare the most comprehensive case possible.

Personal Injury Compensation:

A personal injury claim will seek compensation for damages and injuries, often including:

  • Intensive care expenses
  • Lost income from the time of the accident
  • Hospital bills
  • Pain and suffering
  • Future medical treatment
  • Medical treatment incurred
  • Automobile repair or replacement
  • Punitive damages, when applicable
  • Projected lost income

Car accidents can cause serious brain and head injuries to the victims of the auto accident. When the brain injury is really serious, it can also be called a catastrophic injury. These serious or traumatic brain injuries include but not limited too:

  • Brain hemorrhage
  • Seizures
  • Brain stem injury
  • Closed head injury
  • Concussion
  • Occipital lobe injury

Most serious or traumatic brain or head injuries need expensive, long term, medical treatment and immediate attention.  A serious head injury not only alters the life of the victim but also of the victim’s friends and family.  Sometimes extensive treatment and rehabilitation can help the victim and the victim’s family’s future but not always.  If you have suffered a brain injury it is important to get on the road to recovery.  Visit the Texas Brain Injury Recovery Center for more information on brain injury recovery.