State Highway 130 Reports its First Fatal Accident


The newly opened SH130 claimed its first life in Mustang Ridge over the weekend.

60 year-old Martha Harris was pronounced dead on the scene after her Honda Civic collided with a Chevy Tahoe Sunday afternoon. Though this was not the first accident since the road opened on October 24, it is being considered the most tragic.

The highway, also known as the Pickle Parkway, is a 45 mile stretch of road that is more infamously known for having the highest speed limit in the country at 85 MPH.

Police are still investigating what exactly caused the accident and have yet to release any information as to how fast the vehicles were traveling at the time of the accident.

Luckily the passengers in the Tahoe were reportedly okay and suffered only minor injuries that were treated on site by paramedics.

Though accidents are obviously a common occurrence between vehicles on any stretch of road, the 85 MPH limit does raise questions as to whether the road is too dangerous for drivers to handle.

Governor Rick Perry has hailed the new highway as a “historic” accomplishment for the state of Texas. Additionally, supporters claim that the new speed limit will lead to higher productivity and offer drivers less time on the road giving them more time to spend with their families.

Regardless of the rewards, it goes without saying that this new experiment from Texas officials is adding even more dangers for drivers in our great state.

Be prepared and always have a personal injury and accident attorney in Dallas ready should you ever need legal help.

 

 

 

 

Red Light Running Causes Four Car Accident

Authorities are still investigated what may have happened when a four car accident left three hospitalized in Lufkin Sunday afternoon.

Officers report that the Chevy Truck and a Jeep that were involved in the accident were sitting at the stop light on North Raguet awaiting to get on the 103 highway. The multi car collision occurred when a Gold Aztec SUV, coming from the 103 off ramp, was hit by a Scion traveling South at the intersection.

The collision sent one of the vehicles into the direction of the Chevy and Jeep where significant damage occurred to all vehicles involved.

Police know that someone ran the red light, but conflicting reports from the drivers all point the finger at one another claiming they themselves had the right of way.

Ultimately police will sort it our once those who were taken to the hospital can be questioned.

If you or someone you know is involved in an accident, contact an accident and personal injury lawyer immediately.

Don’t get caught in a he said she said battle, get the justice you deserve and the represention by one of Dallas’ many premier Personal Injury Law Firms.

 

 

 

Typing and Driving, a Policeman’s Kryptonite

Typing and Driving, a Policeman’s Kryptonite

Police officers are undeniably and rightfully given rights that the normal citizen does not have so that they can better protect and serve their communities. However, when these additions conflict with their ability to protect and serve, when do we say enough is enough?

As technology, and more directly, phones, become a daily necessity, new laws are being written and enforced that react to this new obsession. One of those is texting while driving in which more and more people are receiving citations of breaking such a law that indisputably distracts a person’s ability to safely drive. Without directly declaring hypocrisy, an Arlingon, Texas news station has investigated and published results declaring 18 accidents in the last year which were the results of police officers typing in their on board computer while driving. Texting is scary enough, but typing demands even more attention and thus less ability to carefully drive. One woman driving with her child reports sitting at a light where she saw the policeman clearly distracted on his computer as he was driving towards her car. She tried to stop him by waving her hands but was unsuccessful in her efforts as the policeman’s car collided into hers. Luckily no one was hurt, but in other cases the victims have not been so fortunate.

While police departments and even the Mayor of Arlington maintain that this is not an issue to be concerned with, national police trainer Keith Wenzel argues differently stating, “I mean every police department that says they don’t have a problem with driving – distracted driving – or crashes has their head in the sand – every single police department has an issue.”

Though measures have been taken to find a solution to this problem, with the Chief of Police making changes to the department’s written department that will now require policeman to pull over and stop when they use their on board computers, it is undeniable the reality of this issue. No one argues that it was never any policeman’s intention to collide with someone while typing and driving, just as no one argues that it is never someone’s goal to collide with someone while texting and driving, but the truth of it is that if a trained policeman can fall victim to an accident, so too can just about anyone at probably even a greater likelihood.

If you or someone you know has recently been involved with such careless and negligent actions, get in touch with your attorney now so that the healing can begin and the maximum compensation can be attained. You may have just fallen victim to an accident, do not let yourself fall victim to the insurance providers as well.

Fort Hood Soldier Killed in Motorcycle Accident

Fort Hood Soldier Killed in Motorcycle Accident

Timothy Laurence Singleterry was pronounced dead at 2:41p.m. at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center after a tragic motorcycle accident in Dallas, TX.

The accident occurred a little after 2 p.m. in the 400 block of south Fort Hood St. last Sunday.

Reports say the 37 year-old was riding his motorcycle northbound when a white Dodge Charger making a left onto southbound traffic unknowingly crossed paths with his motorcycle Singleterry’s Motorcycle clipped rear end of the Charger sending him off his bike and into oncoming traffic. Authorities say that the driver of a Honda Civic was unable to avoid the motorcyclist and tragically ran him over.

While the Killeen Police Department is still investigating the accident, our condolences go out to the family he leaves behind.

If you or a loved one is injured or even worst killed in a motorcycle accident, contact an accident and injury lawyer who specializes in motorcycle accidents in the Dallas, TX area immediately. While nothing can bring back the memory of a family member, holding the guilty party accountable can at the very least put you one step closer to closure.

 

2 Car Crash in Forsyth County Killed One

2 Car Crash in Forsyth County Killed One

Monday night, a devastating car accident involving two cars in Forsyth County killed one person.

The N.C. Highway Patrol reported that a 2002 Honda Sedan veered right off Mountain Street near Doe Run Drive around 10:15 PM. The car lost control and then spun back across the roadway and crossed the center line hitting a passing 1993 Honda Sedan.

The driver of the passing struck vehicle, Dallas Cade Hunt, 19 was taken to the hospital and treated for serious but non life threatening injuries.

The driver’s car however continued down the embankment and flipped over killing the driver that has not yet been identified by police. The Highway Patrol reported that there was no indication of speed or alcohol but investigators are still looking into what could have been the exact cause of the accident. The family of the victim is still trying to be properly located and no charges have been filed.

If you or a family member suffers an injury in a Texas auto accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney in the Dallas area.  The Parker McDonald, P.C. law firm is a personal injury law firm located in Dallas, TX with some of the most dedicated and successful injury attorneys in the city of Dallas.

Victim of Car Accident Couldn’t Get Through to 911

A Dallas resident, Kelvin Crowe made multiple attempts to reach 911 after his fiancé was injured by a car rear-ending their vehicle on Interstate 45. He reached busy signals and never got through to the call center after 4 attempts.

Crowe proceeded to get out of the car to flag down a vehicle when he was hit by a passing car and suffered a broken arm and severely bruised leg. Seeking medical attention, Crowe finally reached 911 from another passing car’s cell phone.

Dallas City officials say that it is not possible to reach a busy signal and there was no record that his call ever got to the call center. A city statement expects that it was a problem with Crowe’s cell carrier, however T-mobile denied that there was a problem.

It is unsure as to as to the exact reason why the calls placed to 911 were never successfully made.  All victims of auto accidents caused by the negligence of another driver in the Dallas area should contact an experienced Dallas car crash attorney for a free legal consultation.

2 Killed in Car Racing Accident

A racing accident gone wrong leaves 2 dead, multiple injured, and a 7 car pile up.

The incident happened early tuesday on the southbound 35E interstate. Witnesses say that a Chevrolet Chevelle and another car begin racing and swerving throughout the lanes of the freeway. A red Cadillac had inadvertently got in the way of the racers causing a fiery wreck that split the Chevelle in two as it hit the back of a big rig. Seven cars got caught in the wreckage as the other car involved in the race is believed to have gotten away.

Unfortunately the two passengers in the Cadillac were killed. Those in the Chevelle were rushed to the hospital to be treated for serious injuries. Officials are not releasing any information as to the driver of the vehicle, but are saying that alcohol may have been involved and that the driving will most likely be facing murder charges for his involvement.

If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in an automobile accident, contact a personal injury or wrongful death attorney immediately. While nothing can truly help with the pain or grief you may be feeling after an accident, holding individuals accountable for their actions can obtain you any financial compensation you are entitled to and make sure the guilty never harm another family again.

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.

Dallas Watercraft Accidents

Personal Watercraft Accidents

With over a million personal watercraft in use today, the number of personal watercraft accidents is at an all time high. Fun activities and water sports such as waterskiing, wake-boarding, swimming, jet skiing and using a personal water craft have become extremely popular pastimes on the nation’s waterways. Unfortunately, with so many people using these devices, many of them inexperienced or intoxicated, roughly 5,000 personal watercraft accidents happen every year; involving over 2,000 injuries and close to 100 deaths. What are your rights in personal watercraft accidents?

Liability in Personal Watercraft Accidents

First and foremost, you have a right to operate your personal watercraft or boat safely in our nation’s waterways. You shouldn’t have to worry about inexperienced or intoxicated individuals causing personal watercraft accidents by crashing into you, causing you to tip over or be literally mowed down in the water.

Unfortunately, the laws relating to watercraft vessels are extremely complex. They require an intensive knowledge of specific state laws governing boating accidents, and they also require expertise with maritime law and international waterway laws. Determining liability and legal action if you’ve been injured in a personal watercraft accident requires the expertise of a savvy lawyer.  Visit the Dallas personal injury attorneys at Parker McDonald, P.C. website for more information on what to do if involved in an accident.

Jet Ski Accidents and Other High Speed Personal Water Crafts

Jet skis and other high-speed personal water crafts are small, fun, fast and inexpensive. As a result, they’ve been adopted by more and more people annually as a fun pastime. These quick, nimble watercraft can be extremely dangerous in the hands of an inexperienced, negligent or intoxicated driver. Jet Skis make up only 6.5% of boating vessels owned in the United States, but they’re involved in 55.6% of collisions and 33% of overall accidents. This is a disproportionate number given the quantity of Jet Skis to boats.

A Jet Skier is 7.2 times more likely to get hurt than a motor boater, and the injuries can be severe. Jet Skiers face the risk of drowning, carbon monoxide poisoning, burns, hypothermia, amputation, disfigurement, head injuries, soft tissue injuries and broken bones. People operating a Jet Ski have a duty of care to exercise caution and operate their equipment responsibly, and if they cause an accident, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them.  If you have suffered a serious injury in a watercraft accident in the state of Texas make sure to visit the Texas Medical Center for information on recovery and rehabilitation.

Texas Aviation Accidents

Aviation Accidents

Statistically, flying is one of the safest forms of travel. There are far fewer accidents than driving every year, and fewer fatalities. However, due to the nature of aviation accidents, when they do happen, they’re usually catastrophic. Most airplane accidents result in the fatalities of everyone onboard. Some aviation accidents strike without warning, but many accidents are negligence-related.

Failure to properly maintain an aircraft, failure to respond appropriately to an aviation emergency, poor training and pilot error can all cause fatal aviation accidents. Preventable aviation accidents form the basis for liability, and may warrant personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits against the airline and responsible parties.  Contact a Parker McDonald, P.C. Dallas attorney with extensive experience handling accident cases for a free legal consultation if you or someone you love have suffered serious injuries in a personal injury accident.

Causes of Aviation Accidents

Airplane accidents may be caused by many things, some of which are unfortunate tragedies and some of which are preventable. Aviation accidents aren’t common, but there are many common factors in the accidents that do occur:

  •  Collisions with other aircraft;
  • Engine problems, including detached engine and engine failure;
  • Damage to the wings;
  • Collisions with mountains or other fixed objects;
  • In-flight fires;
  • Terrorist bombings;
  • Erroneous military action.

In many of these cases, aviation accidents could have been prevented. Collisions with other aircraft and fixed objects is often the result of pilot error. Engine problems may be preventable with proper maintenance. In some cases, the causes of aviation accidents is external, such as terrorist bombings or erroneous military action. However, in each of these actions, you have a right to a recovery on behalf of your deceased family members.

Liability in Aviation Accidents

Liability in aviation accidents can be a very difficult thing to determine. Liability can rest with the airline, a third-party responsible for design or defective products, or even a third party who took direct action against the airplane to cause a crash. In cases such as terrorist bombings, the airline could also share liability due to a failure to prevent the terrorist act from occurring. Aviation accidents fall under a completely different set of laws than most personal injury law, so if you’ve got a loved one who was injured in an aviation accident, it’s important to consult an experienced aviation attorney.  The state of Texas has many experienced and knowledgeable doctors who specialize in handling serious injuries.