Commercial Vehicle Black Box Data: What Does It Record and How Can It Help Your Texas Case?
Quick Answer Commercial vehicle black box data may show speed, braking, throttle position, engine RPM, gear selection, fault codes, and other vehicle inputs before a crash. An electronic logging device, or ELD, is different: it records information such as time, location, vehicle miles, engine hours, and driver-duty events. The exact information depends on the truck, […]
Common Car Accident Injuries That Don’t Show Up on X-Rays
Quick Answer A normal X-ray after a car accident does not rule out whiplash, a herniated disc, ligament or tendon tears, concussion, nerve injury, or internal trauma. X-rays are best at showing bones and alignment, while MRI, CT, ultrasound, physical examinations, and neurocognitive testing may be needed for other injuries. TxDOT reported 251,977 people injured […]
I-35 and I-10 Interchange Wrecks: What San Antonio Drivers Should Know
Quick Answer After an I-35 and I-10 interchange wreck in San Antonio, move to safety if possible, call 911 when anyone may be injured or a vehicle cannot be safely driven, and record the exact direction, level, ramp, and nearby exit. Fault is not automatic in a merge crash. Texas law asks whether each driver […]
Who Pays When Three or More Drivers Are Partially at Fault in a Texas Crash?
Quick Answer When three or more drivers share fault for a Texas crash, each liable driver generally pays the percentage of damages equal to that driver’s responsibility. Your recovery is first reduced by your own percentage of fault, and you recover nothing if you are more than 50% responsible. A defendant found more than 50% […]
Who Is Liable for a U-Haul or Rental Truck Accident in Texas?
Quick Answer The negligent driver is usually the first person liable after a U-Haul or rental truck accident in Texas. Depending on the facts, responsibility may also reach the renter, an employer, another motorist, a loading or repair company, or the rental company for its own negligence. The federal Graves Amendment generally blocks liability based […]
Should I Call the Police for a Minor Fender Bender in Texas?
Quick Answer Usually, yes. You should at least contact law enforcement after a minor fender bender, although Texas law does not require a 911 call for every collision. Under Texas Transportation Code § 550.026, immediate police notice is required when someone is injured or killed, or when a vehicle cannot be normally and safely driven. For […]
Can the Other Driver’s Lawyer Use My Social Media Posts Against Me in Texas?
Quick Answer Yes. In a Texas personal injury case, the other driver’s lawyer may seek relevant posts, photos, videos, comments, messages, check-ins, tags, and other account data. Properly authenticated content may be used during a deposition, mediation, motion hearing, or trial. Stop posting, preserve what already exists, and let your lawyer evaluate any social media […]
Why Is the First Settlement Offer Often Too Low After a Texas Car Accident?
Quick Answer An insurer’s first settlement offer after a Texas car accident is often low because it may be made before the full medical, wage-loss, liability, insurance-coverage, and lien picture is documented. Accepting the offer usually requires a release, and the Texas Department of Insurance warns that this release promises that you will not bring […]
What Happens When Multiple Insurance Companies Are Calling After a Wreck in Texas?
Quick Answer Multiple insurance companies may call after a Texas wreck because different policies could cover different parts of the loss. The callers may represent the other driver, the vehicle owner, an employer, your own collision or PIP coverage, or a possible UM/UIM claim. Do not give every adjuster an immediate, unscripted statement. Identify the […]
The Insurance Company Said My Injuries Are “Pre-Existing”: Now What?
Quick Answer An insurance company’s claim that your injuries are “pre-existing” does not automatically defeat your Texas personal injury claim. You may still recover damages if an accident caused a new injury, aggravated an existing condition, or made a previously asymptomatic condition painful. The next step is to document your medical condition before and after […]