Car Accidents

Published on: September 15, 2020

Accident Victims Should Anticipate Defenses in a Texas Weather-Related Accident Claim

pexels-blue-ox-studio-1686961-300x225 Everyone has heard a friend or loved one jokingly claim that everyone forgets how to drive when it rains. However, inclement weather or slippery and wet conditions can be a major danger to motorists, especially if there are many cars on the road. Every driver knows that when weather conditions are poor, driving with extra caution is crucial to ensuring your safety and the safety of others. Unfortunately, even with the utmost of caution, sometimes accidents inevitably happen.

In a recent news report, a tragic weather-related car accident left two Texans dead and one injured. The young driver and her passenger were both killed when their vehicle was hit head-on by a pick-up truck. According to officials on the scene, the pick-up truck was driving when it began to hydroplane and was sideswiped by another large vehicle, causing the pick-up truck to hit the deceased’s vehicle head-on. The driver of the pickup truck was taken to a local hospital on an ambulance because an air ambulance and helicopter was unable to fly due to the inclement weather. Officials on the scene reported that the accident was both a result of the weather and because of the hydroplaning of the responsible party’s pick-up truck.

In Texas, the weather is notoriously unpredictable. If you are involved in a vehicle collision, there are certain legal defenses that you should be aware of before initiating a claim. Some potential main defenses include:

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Published on: September 8, 2020

Tragic Texas Car Accident Leaves Local Sheriff’s Deputy and Fiancé Dead

By Carabin Shaw

pexels-mike-192364-300x225 For many, a car serves as the primary method of transportation on a daily basis. However, no matter how careful someone is while on the road or how skilled they are at driving, other motorists who do not follow the traffic laws pose a significant threat. When others are careless and cause accidents or even fatalities to occur on the road, those who are responsible can be held accountable for their actions through a Texas personal injury lawsuit.

In a recent news report, a young Sheriff’s Deputy and his fiancé were killed in a tragic car accident. Officials say that a tanker truck may have run a stop sign and crashed into the deputy’s vehicle, which killed his fiancé on impact. He passed away shortly after and his brother, who was also a passenger, was airlifted in critical condition to a local hospital with spinal, facial, and arm injuries.

In Texas, cases like these can often pave the way for potential wrongful death claims. To file a wrongful death claim, one must first ensure that the circumstances surrounding their potential case fall within Texas’s definition of wrongful death. Claims can be filed by specific parties if the death is caused by a wrongful act involving carelessness, unskillfulness, or neglect. Thus, potential plaintiffs could have a claim if their loved ones die because of the negligence of others, such as during a major car accident, or a vehicle collision involving distracted driving.

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Published on: August 31, 2020

A Fatal Accident Caused by Distracted Driving May Result in a Texas Wrongful Death Claim

By Carabin Shaw

pexels-acharaporn-kamornboonyarush-1028742-300x200 We’ve all been distracted while driving at some point while navigating our vehicles. Whether it’s exhaustion from a full day of work causing you to doze off or an urgent phone call out of nowhere from the office, we’ve all had a moment where we’ve zoned out while driving. However, not everyone is fortunate enough to emerge from these situations safe and sound. Often, accidents occur as a result of drifting off or distracted driving, and can have enormous, disastrous impacts. When such accidents occur and tragedy strikes, those who cause them can be held responsible for their actions.

In a recent news report, local authorities say that five people were killed, including three young children, in a major vehicle collision in West Texas. The Texas Department of Safety said that a young individual was driving an SUV when it drifted into a lane and collided with a pickup truck. The SUV driver and the pickup truck driver were both killed as a result of the crash, as well as the three children who were riding as passengers in the SUV. Officials say that the crash is still under investigation and that weather conditions were clear.

In Texas, filing a wrongful death claim can be complex. The state defines that such actions can be brought if someone’s “wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default” results in another person’s death. Additionally, only certain parties may bring a wrongful death claim. For example, in Texas, the children, parents, and surviving spouse of the deceased may file such claims. Any number of qualifying parties can file a claim on their own, or they can choose to file all claims collectively. Adult children may also file wrongful death claims over the death of a parent in Texas. However, the law does not permit siblings to pursue wrongful death claims after the loss of a sister or brother.

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Published on: March 17, 2020

An Accident is Never Good News –But Help is Available During Stressful Times

By Carabin Shaw

car-crash-cartoon-pictures-19 An accident is always inconvenient, and costly, as well as dangerous. If you’re in an accident, it’s important to first call 911 immediately for anyone who is injured. Your next step? Call Carabin Shaw for a lawyer who is committed to making your bad situation better. And to prevent it from costing you more money and time.

We offer free phone, Facetime or in-person consultations so you can call us from the road or while at home. And for the convenience of our clients, we provide E-documentation options which save you time. We’re able to deliver your case documents straight to your phone. No travel time, parking issues or the added hassle of calling all the separate services for the help you need. We offer you immediate peace of mind by providing you with total accident assistance with one easy quick call to Carabin Shaw.

For your added convenience, we will arrange for a rental car to be delivered right to your front door. When an accident suddenly leaves you struggling with a need for cash, we are here to help arrange emergency cash loans for unforeseen expenses.

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Published on: January 3, 2020

Accident Injury Report- Combination Motorcycle Crash/Drunk Driving Incident Kills Man in Pasadena

By Carabin Shaw

Photo Credit: KPRC News

PASADENA, Texas (Jan 3, 2020)– A Motorcycle Crash in Pasadena kills one man and lands another in custody. Police said the crash happened around 3:40 a.m. on Genoa Red Bluff Road between Space Center Boulevard and Red Bluff Road. A speeding motorcyclist heading westbound on Genoa Red Bluff T-boned the passenger side of a small, four-door sedan. The impact caused the sedan and motorcycle to spin and catch on fire. The motorcyclist was thrown from his bike and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the car — 30-year-old Stephen Dario Rodriguez — was transported to a hospital and is expected to survive.

Investigators determined Rodriguez had been driving under the influence and was charged with his third DWI. The victim of the crash has been identified as 24-year-old James Hubbs. The incident is still under investigation.

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Published on: December 28, 2019

Carabin Shaw is Top-Ranked in San Antonio

By Carabin Shaw

December 2019 – The Carabin Shaw Law Firm is proud to be named Best Car Accident Lawyers in San Antonio for 2019. The award, presented by Expertise.com, recognizes Carabin Shaw for the firm’s outstanding experience and professionalism in providing Personal Injury legal services to their clients across the U.S. The EXPERTISE AWARD was presented this month.

Published on: December 12, 2019

Accident Injury Report – Mother and Son Fatal Crash El Paso

By Carabin Shaw

Las Cruces, NM (December 7, 2019) Mother and son, 25 year-old Elide Garcia and 6 year-old Jose Luis Wences were killed by a suspected drunk driver on Saturday night December 7th. The Las Cruces residents were struck head on by an SUV going the wrong way on Loop 375 near Bowie High School in El Paso on their way home to Las Cruces. Jose died upon impact while his mother, Eldie, passed a short time later at the hospital. Eldie Garcia’s boyfriend, Alberto Cuellar was also in the vehicle and remains hospitalized in serious condition.

The suspected drunk driver of the other vehicle, Juan Martinez, was also hospitalized and will be booked and charged with 2 counts of intoxicated manslaughter when released. Martinez, was driving his SUV eastbound in the wrong direction on Loop 375 west when he hit the other car Saturday night.

This photo comes from Google Maps

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Published on: December 12, 2019

Accident Injury Report – Two Pedestrians Thrown off Overpass In El Paso

By Carabin Shaw

El Paso TX (December 9, 2019) Two pedestrians were thrown off an overpass and fell approximately 4 stories, one to his death and the other in serious condition Monday evening. The accident happened when the 2 victims, Carlos Lechuga (35) and Hector Martinez (33) were assisting a driver of a stalled 18-wheeler. The truck was stopped on the ramp of 375 and I-10 near the Americas interchange. The 2 men had pulled their GMC Sierra in front of the semi truck and were out of their vehicle at the time. An Escalade driven by a Martin Castaneda (22) struck the rear of the semi and then the rear of the GMC Sierra pushing the men off the overpass and onto the highway 40 feet below. Both men were taken to Del Sol Hospital with serious injuries where Mr. Lechuga later died. The driver of the Escalade was also hospitalized with minor injuries. At this time the accident is still under investigation as per the El Paso police.

Pedestrian Fatalities In 2018 there was a total of 5,684 pedestrian related accidents in Texas with 617 of those resulting in deaths. (TXDot) The Governor’s Highway Safety Association estimates that Texas is one of the 5 states that has the highest number of pedestrians killed along U.S highways. Pickups, SUVs and crossover utility vehicles are responsible for the increased severeness of injuries to these pedestrians. As a result, people who are hit by one of these larger and more powerful vehicles are more likely to suffer serious injuries or death. Pedestrian fatalities involving SUV’s jumped by 50% between 2013 to 2017. (GSHA.org)

For more information about the specific statistics for your city, visit the Texas Department of Transportation.

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Published on: December 9, 2019

What to Do after a Texas Car Accident

By Carabin Shaw

Getting involved in a Texas car accident is a stressful experience that no one ever plans on encountering. However, recent government statistics show that an average of 265,000 Texans are injured each year in car accidents. Of those, about 17,500 motorists will be seriously injured and another 3,500 will lose their life. Thus, while no one counts on being involved in a Texas car crash, every motorist should be prepared in the event an accident occurs.

The moments flowing a Texas car accident are often described as a blur. However, there are some very important things that accident victims should keep in mind to preserve their rights during what can be a crucial time.

Remain at the scene: Leaving the scene of an accident, even if it was not one that you caused, could be considered a Texas hit-and-run. Motorists are legally required to provide their information to other motorists involved in the accident and, if necessary, arrange for medical treatment.

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Published on: November 15, 2019

Head-On Car Crash in Texas Sends Four to Hospital

By Carabin Shaw

Earlier this month, a deadly car crash in Spring, Texas, sent four individuals to the hospital, one of whom tragically died shortly after arrival. According to a local news report covering the accident, the two vehicles involved were driving opposite ways on a street at around 10 o’clock in the evening. One of the vehicles, an Infiniti coupe driving eastbound, failed to stay in their appropriate lane and drifted over the center turn lane, ultimately striking the westbound pick-up truck head-on.

Emergency officials responded quickly to the accident, and all the occupants were sent to the hospital. In the worst condition were those in the Infiniti coupe that had crossed lanes; the passenger was transported to the hospital via helicopter in critical condition, but ultimately died. The at-fault driver was taken to the hospital in serious condition where he underwent surgery. The couple in the pick-up truck, on the other hand, were fortunately in stable condition when they were brought to the hospital, although they likely still experienced injuries. Police reported that they suspect the driver of the Infiniti coupe was under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident, adding another tragic layer to this accident.

While many accidents are unavoidable, drivers have a duty to drive carefully and to take steps to avoid risk factors that contribute to an accident. This duty includes not driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Intoxicated driving is incredibly dangerous, and places all those on the road with the driver in danger. Texas law allows individuals injured in a car accident to submit a claim to recover monetary compensation from another driver if that driver failed to operate their vehicle with due care —by driving under the influence, for instance. Even if the victims did not undergo major surgeries and were in stable condition after the accident, as is the case in the tragic accident discussed above, smaller injuries resulting from car crashes can plague accident victims for years. Too many of these victims do not consider pursuing claims against the driver at fault because of misinformation they receive from insurance companies or other biased sources. Texas accident victims are encouraged to consult with a Texas personal injury attorney, who can help them figure out if they have a claim for compensation.

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