Dallas Car Accident Lawyer Blog

What It Takes to Win a Defective Auto Lawsuit in Texas

Tue, 15 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

It takes a serious amount of confidence to take on the car manufacturing industry. It also takes a good deal of money.

It takes a law office with clout and cash to prove than an accident was caused or made worse by an auto defect. Without the proper resources, it's nearly impossible to represent a client's best interests and to get them him money he deserves.

Do You Have the Right Lawyer for the Job?

Before you hire a Dallas car accident attorney to represent you in your auto defect lawsuit, please ask yourself the following questions:

Does my lawyer have the experience needed to win my case?
Has my lawyer successfully handled other auto defect cases?
Is my attorney an expert in his or her field?
Does my lawyer have the resources—money—to take on the auto manufacturing industry and win?

If you are at all unsure about the answers to any of these questions, we suggest that you search for new attorney.

A Dallas Personal Injury Lawyer With Resources and Skills to Defend Your Rights

Many people don't know this, but if you have been hurt during a car crash in Dallas or anywhere in Texas, you have rights. As an accident victim, you may be entitled to more compensation than you realize. In addition, if you suspect that an auto defect caused your accident or made it worse, the carmaker can and should be held accountable for its role in the crash.

With the resources, experience and results you want, the Dallas personal injury lawyers at Guajardo & Marks are ready and able to help you get the money you need to not only pay your medical bills but to send a clear message to the auto makers: you cannot continue to make vehicles that endanger lives.

Please do not hesitate. Call 877.290.1382 today to schedule a free consultation. Just for calling, we'll send you a FREE copy of our book, Risky Rides: What the Auto Companies Don't Want You to Know, as our way of introducing you to our legal team.

Will You Get the Compensation You Need After a Spinal Cord Injury?

Tue, 08 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

As a Dallas truck accident lawyer, it is my job to ensure that those hurt during an accident with a semi-truck in Dallas or anywhere in Texas get the compensation they need.

While this is true in every case I take, there are instances—such as in the case of a spinal cord injury—where it is crucial that the injury victim and her family get the money they need. The money you need after a spinal cord injury caused by an accident with a semi truck does not just include medical expenses. Medical bills are a huge expense, but there are other costs to consider as well.

Total Cost of Spinal Cord Injury Goes Beyond Medical Expenses

If the insurance company has already contacted you, the claims adjuster may have discussed a compensation package that seemed fair. However, our Dallas truck accident lawyers know all too well that this is almost never the case. For compensation to cover the true impact of a spinal cord injury, the following costs must be included:

Lost wages
Lost earning capacity
Pain, suffering and loss of amenity (ability to participate in activities enjoyed before the accident)
Cost of initial medical care
Cost of ongoing (lifelong) medical care
Cost of assistive devices
Cost of home and car modifications

Figuring out just how much you should be compensated for losses associated with a spinal cord injury can be difficult. Do not settle for less than your case is worth. Call 877.290.1382 today to schedule a FREE, no-obligation consultation with an attorney from Guajardo and Marks. Please do not accept an offer of compensation without first speaking to a Dallas truck accident attorney with the experience and compassion to get you the money you need, both now and in the future.

An Exploding Electric Car Battery? That Can't Be Good

Thu, 03 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

It's not good, not good at all! At a General Motors laboratory, employees were testing a battery for an electric vehicle when the chemicals in the battery exploded, injuring one worker and blowing out several windows and a door.

While officials at the plant assured reporters that the testing was "extreme," we can't help but wonder about the safety of this type of battery. Already there have been two other instances of electric car batteries being flawed in a serious enough manner to make them dangerous. Two different companies made the other batteries, but both carried with them the very real threat of fire and explosion.

Does New Technology Mean New Dangers?

Safety experts are concerned that with new auto industry technology being developed at such a rapid pace, consumers may soon find themselves in cars that are more dangerous than useful. The many recalls and warning over electric car batteries are one example of what some fear could become a terrible new trend.

As a Dallas personal injury attorney, I have seen firsthand the affects that dangerous, defective vehicles can have on accident victims and their families. Too often, we find that the car company put their profits before the safety and wellbeing of the customer. Car defects can and do cause serious accidents.

If you think that your Texas car crash was caused or made worse by a defective vehicle, you have the right to be heard, to stand up for your rights as a consumer and an accident victim. Call 877.290.1382 today to speak with a Dallas car accident attorney with the resources and expertise to help you defend your rights, get the compensation you need.

We would also like to send you a FREE copy of our book, Risky Rides: What the Auto Companies Don't Want You to Know, when you schedule your consultation. Please call today.

Are You Sure That Your Car Has Not Been Recalled? …Really Sure?

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Unlike buying a new car, when you purchase a used vehicle, there is no guarantee that it has not been part of a recall. While you may know this, do you also know that the dealer trying to sell you the car or truck may not tell the truth about dangerous recalls that have affected the vehicle?

According to an investigation done by CBS news, many used car dealers try to cover up the fact that the vehicle a potential buyer is interested in has been part of a recall. Even scarier is the fact that some dealerships may be aware of the defect, yet do nothing to repair it. These dealerships want to get the most money in the shortest amount of time, even at the expense of the safety of the buyer.

How to Avoid Buying a Vehicle With an Unrepaired Defect

Nobody wants to be stuck with a lemon, or in this case, a ticking time bomb. It is recommended that you don't take the dealership’s word for it, but instead get the car or truck’s VIN number and find out directly from the car manufacturer if the vehicle has been recalled. If so, you will also be able to find out if the defect has been fixed. You can do so by visiting the manufacturer's website or calling them directly.

I am a Dallas personal injury lawyer who had handled many cases involving an auto defect. Too many times, people are hurt or even killed because the maker of the vehicle did not ensure the car was safe.

If you have been hurt during an accident in Dallas and you think that an auto defect caused the crash or made it worse than it should have been, call 877.290.1382 to speak with a Dallas accident attorney who has the experience and resources to fight the auto manufacturing industry—and win.

The Silver Lining Behind the Cloud of Dangerous Drivers in Lubbock, TX

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Dark clouds have been hanging over the heads of drivers in the major cities of Texas—and we're not talking about spring thunderstorms.

Men's Health recently released a list of the most dangerous cities for drivers and not one, but four Texas cities are near the top of this list. Lubbock topped the list of Texas cities, with Dallas, Austin and Houston following not far behind. Texans may hang their heads in shame when they hear that, but as a Dallas car accident lawyer, I think that there may be a silver lining to the dark clouds of this shameful driving behavior.

From Worst to Best?

We all know that Texans are proud of their state, and that when we put our minds to it we can move mountains. The news that many of our fair cities were listed as some of the most dangerous for motorists has the power to affect positive change.

By looking at the main causes of these accidents—often drunk and reckless driving—safety experts and state and local officials can find ways prevent them. By indentifying the problem and finding solutions—be it safety campaigns or stricter drunk driving laws—we have the chance to make our city streets safer.

If we all work harder to affect positive change—to stop a friend from driving drunk or working with a public safety campaign—we can help Lubbock and other Texas cities lower their rate of serious car accidents.

If you have been hurt during an accident in Lubbock or anywhere in North Texas, ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. While we can't prevent all accidents, our Dallas personal injury lawyers can fight for the rights of accident victims and help provide information that might just save a life. Please call 877.290.1382 today to speak with a Dallas car accident attorney who truly cares for you and your family.

Hurt During a Wrong Way Crash in Dallas? You Are Not Alone

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

As you can imagine, wrong way accidents—especially on the freeways of Dallas—most often end in serious injuries and deaths.

When a driver enters the highway the wrong way, they often crash head on with vehicles moving at a high rate of speed. Too often, the wrong-way driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and the people in the other vehicles are the ones injured and killed.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), in 2011, 329 wrong-way crashes occurred in Texas. 79 of these accidents happened right here in North Texas; half of them in Dallas County.

What Can Be Done?

Because of two recent wrong-way accidents—one in Fort Worth and one in Irving—TxDOT has announced that it will begin a study to determine what further safety measures can be taken to prevent these accidents. The study, slated to begin in September, will determine the most effective ways to prevent drivers from entering divided highways the wrong way.

One common factor in these accidents is impaired drivers. Drunk drivers are responsible for approximately 75 percent of wrong-way accidents in Texas.

I am a Dallas car accident lawyer, and it does not surprise me to hear that most of these serious accidents were caused by drunk drivers. Hopefully the TxDOT program will be able to find ways to prevent many of these accidents. However, it is clear that stopping drunk drivers is key to preventing a wrong-way accident in Dallas.

If you have been hurt during an accident with a drunk driver in Dallas, call a personal injury lawyer with the experience and passion to fight for your rights and get you the compensation you need to move on with your life. Do not wait; call 877.290.1382 today.

Titanic Example of the Perils of Relying on Government Regulations to Set Standard of Care

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday was the 100-year anniversary of one of America’s greatest tragedies, the sinking of the Titanic. Over 1500 people lost their lives as a result of a number of miscalculations and misjudgments. One of the most egregious errors was the lack of a sufficient number of lifeboats on board the ship. The Titanic had only16 lifeboats on board with a total maximum capacity of 980 people even though the ship carried 2227 people of both passengers and crew. Yet, despite this huge discrepancy, the Titanic was in full compliance with applicable regulations regarding the number of lifeboats it had to carry. The problem was that the British Board of Trade had established the regulation in 1884 when the largest vessel afloat was a quarter of the size of the Titanic. Government regulations had simply not kept up with the current technology.
The Titanic is a tragic example of the perils of allowing Government regulations to set the standard of care. Common sense would command that the lifeboat capacity of a passenger carrying boat should at least accommodate the number of people you have on board the ship. Yet, the arrogance of the Titanic builder in believing that such a foreseeable event would never befall the “Unsinkable Titanic” prevented the use of common sense. Instead, the builder relied upon an outdated government regulation to determine the number of lifeboats needed.
Today, 15,000 people (10 times the number of people who lost their lives on the titanic) are killed every year in rollover accidents. A number of these lives could have been saved by better rollover protection, such as stronger roofs, side air curtains, and rollover sensors. This proven technology has been production ready since the 1990s, yet most cars sold in the Untied States fail to implement these safety measures. Common sense would suggest that safety measures that are both technologically and economically feasible that would minimize the risk of injury or death in the event of a foreseeable crash should be implemented. Yet, most auto manufacturers, instead, choose to rely on an outdated government regulation that is over 30 years old and has failed to keep up with current technology to set the standard of care. At least the Titanic builder believed, however wrong, that his ship was unsinkable. Auto manufacturers do not have that excuse. They know that many of their vehicles will be involved in rollover accidents yet they ignore implementing proper safety measures.
If you are a loved one have been seriously injured as a result of a rollover crash, fight back. Don’t let the auto manufacturers rely upon outdated government regulations to set the level of safety when they know current technology can save lives and prevent serious injury. Contact an experienced car defect attorney. The Dallas Personal Injury firm of Guajardo & Marks, LLP has over 25 years of experience in protecting injured victims of rollover accidents.

You Should be Protected From Common Road Construction Site Hazards

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

If you work in road construction, you know that it's a job that comes with risks. However, as a Dallas construction injury lawyer, I know that there are many things that the contractor you work for and your supervisor or foreman should be doing to protect you from undue risks on the job site.

Before Your Dallas Construction Accident, Did You Feel Unsafe at Work?

If so, there is a good chance that your feelings were valid. Perhaps your boss did not insist on proper safety procedures, or asked you to do jobs that you knew were unsafe. In a rush to get a job done, too many contractors and job site foremen ask workers to do things that they know are unsafe. Under pressure to get the job done or be fired, you may have performed tasks in an unsafe way, or gone ahead working when you knew that the correct safety measures were not put in place.

By making you choose between your safety and your job, they have put money above your safety, your life. Now you are hurt and might never return to the job that you and your family rely on.

You Do Not Have to Suffer in Silence

Too many times our Dallas construction site accident attorneys talk to people who have been hurt at work but are scared to report the accident. They have been made to feel that if they complain, if they file for worker’s compensation or file a personal injury lawsuit, they will lose their job. This is not only unfair, it is often illegal.

You do have rights. Do not let your employer take away your rights as an injured worker. Call 877.290.1382 to speak with a Dallas construction accident lawyer who is ready to defend your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Please call today.

18 Wheeler Wreck in Ferris, TX Highlights Truck Accident Dangers

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

I am a Dallas personal injury attorney who has been representing those injured during a wreck with a semi-truck for many years. If there is one thing I have learned about 18 wheeler accidents it's that the effects of the crash last long after the initial impact.

In fact, the initial impact often sets off a chain of events that can affect more than the vehicles that collided. For example, during a recent semi-truck accident in Ferris, Texas, two semis collided—but this was not the end of the accident. A pickup truck came onto the scene and struck one of the semis. In addition, the load of grass on one truck was scattered across the road, leading to a lengthy clean-up.

Sometimes, the loads that semi-truck spill contribute to further accidents and injuries. Other times they impact the environment, such as when an oil tanker truck crashes, spilling fuel and oil onto the roadway, into nearby streams and rivers and into the ground water. There are no two ways about it; when semi-trucks crash they do serious damage.

Lessening the Impact of Your Dallas Car Accident

If you have been hit by a semi-truck or have been involved in an accident with other vehicles, our Dallas personal injury attorneys want to ensure that you and your family get back to your lives sooner rather than later.

Our experienced team of lawyers know the games that insurance companies play and are very successful at beating them at their own game, often getting our clients much more than the insurance company initially offered.

Do not settle for less than your case is worth; do not allow the insurance company to bully you into a too low settlement. Please call 877.290.1382 to schedule your free consultation with a Dallas truck accident attorney who truly cares for you and your long term health and happiness.

OSHA Investigates Construction Site Accident- Too Little Too Late?

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

As a Dallas construction site accident attorney, news of a construction accident is always upsetting. I know from experience that too many construction accidents are caused by dangerous working conditions.

A recent Travis County construction accident is being investigated by OSHA. The accident occurred on the future site of the newest Formula-One racetrack. During the accident, a worker was trapped under a piece of heavy machinery. The worker was seriously injured, and only time will tell if he is able to recover from the multiple injuries he sustained.

Employers Should do the Right Thing, before an Accident Happens

When OSHA is called out to investigate a workplace accident, they often find that the construction site was not being run in a safe manner. Contractors, subcontractors, and site foremen are often concerned with getting a job done as quickly as possible; not protecting their employees.

This is wrong. It is wrong for you to be injured because of undue pressure to finish the job as quickly as possible. It is wrong that anyone should put profits above your safety.

If you have been hurt during an accident on a construction site in Dallas or anywhere in Texas, you are likely worried about your future and the future of your family. Will you have enough money to pay for medical bills? What about the money you lose as you recover from your injuries? How will you and your family survive without a steady paycheck?

You do not have to go through this alone. Call 877.290.1382 today to speak with an experienced, aggressive Dallas personal injury lawyer at Guajardo & Marks. Let us shoulder your burden while you focus on what matters; resting and recovering from your injuries.

Injured on a Construction Site by an Electrical Burn?

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

If so, you are not alone. Electrical injuries, to include burns and shocks, are a risk to all construction workers who work with or near electricity. As a Dallas construction site accident attorney with extensive experience in defending the rights of injured construction workers, I have seen just how much damage an electrical injury can do.

Injuries May Impact You for Life

When an electrical burn occurs, the damage done to the body is often more than skin deep. In fact, this type of injury can do serious damage to internal organs, muscles, and ligaments. These injuries can lead to extensive internal damage, even amputation.

If you have suffered an electrical accident on a Dallas construction site, you may be dealing with the fact that life after the accident looks much different than before.

The Dallas construction site accident law firm of Guajardo & Marks wants to make sure that you have the money you need to pay for all of the expenses and losses associated with your injuries. Often, workers are unable to return to their job, or they have lost so much money in unpaid wages that they are struggling to keep afloat.

We urge you to never sign anything without the advice of an experienced, aggressive Dallas construction site accident lawyer. Even if the amount offered sounds fair, it may be much less than you and your family will need to get your life back on track; to recover from your injuries.

You do not have to fight this battle alone. Please call 877.290.1382 today to schedule your free consultation.

It's No Myth: 18 Wheelers Are Dangerous

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

An episode of the popular show, MythBusters, is always entertaining. One episode was particularly interesting to me, as an experienced Dallas auto accident attorney. The episode proved that a semi-truck with a low or flat tire has the potential to cause a serious, even deadly accident.

The team at MythBusters showed that an exploding semi-truck tire has enough velocity and force to not only smash a car's windshield but to kill the person behind the wheel. In the experiment, the piece of shredded tire flew through the window with such speed that it decapitated the dummy. While this scenario seems farfetched, the truth is that mechanical error is a leading cause of accident with semi-trucks. This kind of thing can and does happen.

When the Driver of the Car, Not the Truck is at Fault

While it is certainly true that large truck drivers cause many accidents in Dallas and across the nation, there are times when, as a Dallas auto accident lawyer, I have seen drivers of the cars around them make bad choices and cause a crash.

The MythBusters also investigated claims that following closely behind a semi-truck can help reduce gas mileage. While they proved that this was true, they also pointed out that following close enough to a semi-truck to get the gas saving benefits was decidedly dangerous.

Follow too closely and the truck driver might not know you are there. In addition, following closely dramatically increases the chance of you running into the rear end of the truck.

The take away? Keep an eye out for flat tires on trucks, but also work to ensure that you are being as safe as possible when driving near a semi-truck.

If you have been hurt during an accident with a semi-truck in Dallas or anywhere in Texas, call 877.290.1382 to speak with a Dallas truck accident lawyer with the experience and results to get you the compensation you deserve. As an accident victim you do have rights; protect them.

NHTSA FINALLY REQUIRES AUTOMAKERS TO PROVIDE SOME PROTECTION IN ROLLOVER CRASHES

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) just announced a new rule that will require automakers to take steps to prevent passengers from being ejected from side windows in rollover crashes. The rule will be phased in beginning 2013. All new vehicles must meet the standard by model year 2018. While the rule does not dictate how manufacturers are to meet the mandates, the most common method most likely will be side air curtains.
Even though the new rule is expected to save 373 lives per year and prevent 476 serious injuries per year at a low cost of $31 per vehicle, auto manufacturers still complain that the safety regulation is too burdensome and that the mandate will be ineffective at saving lives and reducing injuries. But is that really surprising? Auto manufacturers complained that the requirement of having seat belts in a vehicle was too burdensome and that such a requirement would be ineffective.
The fact is, the NHTSA has been slow to implement any type of effective safety standards with respect to providing occupant protection in rollover accidents. The only standard that existed for almost 40 years with respect to rollover protection was a “watered down” roof strength standard. While that standard, FMVSS 216, has recently been increased from a 1.5 times curb weight to 3 times the curb weight, the requirement is still not at a level it should be. Furthermore, roof strength is only one part of the safety systems needed to protect occupants in rollover crashes.
Over the last 35 years, deaths and injuries from frontal crashes has dropped significantly. But deaths and injuries caused by rollovers have not dropped at all. 10,000 deaths and 18,000 serious injuries occur as a result of rollovers every year. An occupant of a vehicle is 14 times more likely to die in a rollover accident than in a frontal crash. I applaud the NHTSA for taking this long awaited step to reduce the catastrophic injuries and deaths that occur in rollover crashes every year.
The Dallas, Texas personal injury law firm of Gaujardo & Marks, LLP has over 20 years of experience in representing victims of rollover crashes. If you or a loved one has suffered as a result of a rollover accident, contact an experienced auto defect attorney.

Texas Car Recall Attorneys to Toyota: Enough is Enough!

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

After yet another round of auto recalls from Toyota our attorneys have had enough. How is it that the Toyota name, once known for safety and efficiency, is now synonymous with dangerous recalls?

We can’t help but wonder if the car maker has been cutting corners, buying cheaper and cheaper parts to save the company money. While there are many reasons why this is a terrible idea, as a Dallas personal injury attorney I am primarily concerned with the accidents that dangerous car defects often cause.

Toyota is not the only car manufacturer to issue multiple recalls in a short amount of time. In fact, it seems that car recalls are no longer the exception but the rule. Is there any way to ensure that the car you buy is safe and will never be recalled? No. But there is a way to make sure that you know about a recall on your vehicle as soon as it’s issued.

Keep Track of Auto Recalls for Your Car

Even with nearly 20 years of experience in auto defect cases, it’s sometime hard for our Dallas car defect attorneys to keep up with the seemingly daily auto recall announcements. One way to ensure that you know of any recalls that affect your vehicles is to sign up for automated e-mail alerts through safecar.gov. The government run agency will send you an e-mail or a text alert if your car or truck is part of a recall.

Too often, recalls only happen after the safety issue has caused injuries or deaths. The only way to force car manufacturers to work harder to produce safe, defect-free vehicles is to hit them where it hurts. If you suspect that your Dallas car accident was caused or made worse by an auto defect don’t delay, send a message that the car manufacturer can’t ignore; call 877.290.1382 to file a personal injury lawsuit against the car maker.

Even the Best Drivers in Dallas Could Use a Little Help

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Perhaps you have never been in an accident before, or if you were hurt during a Dallas car crash and it wasn't your fault. You think yourself an excellent driver and perhaps you are; however, all of us could use a little help now and again.

One example of this is rear-end crash avoidance technology. A recent study, performed by researchers and students at Georgia Tech, found that drivers cannot detect a difference in speed between their car and the car in front of them unless the difference is greater than 8 MPH. In addition, in the time it takes a driver to register the slowed car ahead of them and apply the brakes is often too great to avoid causing a rear-end accident.

A Helping Hand, Right When You Need It

Though the technology is still under development, there is a chance that very soon new cars could come equipped with a sensor that notes the speed of the car in front of it. If that car is traveling slowly or if it suddenly slows, the system can either apply the brakes or send a warning signal to the driver.

Rear-end accidents are not the only target of onboard safety technology. Safety innovations include warning signals that would help drivers avoid:

Blind-spot accidents
Head on accidents due to passing
Intersection accidents

As a Dallas car accident lawyer, I know that all drivers make mistakes. I can only hope that these innovations will help reduce the number of car accidents in North Texas and across the nation.

Even if you are a careful driver, you may be involved in an accident. If so, please call 877.290.1382 to speak with an experienced Dallas personal injury lawyer. Get the help you need; call today.

Winter Weather Plays a Role in Serious Dallas Car Accident

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In the early morning hours, a Dallas police woman was pulling onto Loop 12 by way of Country Creek Drive when she was hit by a pickup truck. At the time of the accident, a winter storm was affecting the area. The slick roads, combined with the dark morning, are said to have played a role in the Dallas car accident.

Officer Tinisha Blanton was taken to an area hospital where she was evaluated and released. The driver of the pickup truck was uninjured during the crash and was neither cited nor arrested for his role in the accident.

Winter Accidents All Too Common

As a Dallas car accident lawyer, I know all too well that winter weather plays a role in hundreds of North Texas car accidents each year. In Dallas we grow accustomed to dry weather and when Mother Nature hands us rain, snow, and sleet we get a little confused!

Knowing that the number of car crashes in Dallas skyrockets during winter storms, our Dallas personal injury lawyers ask that you adjust your driving during wet or snowy weather. The following common sense driving tips can help you arrive to your destination safe and sound, no matter how wet the roads:

Leave earlier than you usually would
Drive at or below the speed limit
Watch the cars around you carefully for signs of sliding or skidding
If it is snowing, use roads that have been cleared if at all possible
When roads are icy, avoid driving if possible
Always break gently on wet or snowy roads

The staff and attorneys at the Dallas car accident law firm of Guajardo & Marks hope that the information we have provided will help keep you safe this winter and spring. If, despite your best efforts, you are involved in an accident, contact an experienced Dallas car accident lawyer at 877.290.1382 for your free consultation.

What Can the City do to Prevent a Dallas Car Accident?

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

As a Dallas auto accident attorney, I have spoken with thousands of people who have been hurt during a car crash in Dallas. Every accident has its own unique set of circumstances. All accidents have one thing in common, however: someone or something caused the crash.

There are very few true "accidents" and as a Dallas personal injury attorney dedicated to fighting for the rights of those injured in car crashes, it is my job to find out who was at fault for your accident.

Recent Dallas Car Crash Blamed on Missing Signage

When two women recently made a wrong turn and ended up in Lake Ray Hubbard via an unmarked boat ramp, many jumped to conclusions, assuming that the driver was impaired. However, the Rockwall County Sherriff's Department had been concerned about this particular road and boat ramp for some time. They had asked the city of Dallas to remedy the situation, to add appropriate signage and road markers, but the city never listened. In fact, after the accident, crews discovered that the lone sign announcing the boat ramp was buried along the side of the road.

Fortunately, the recent accident at Lake Ray Hubbard did not cause any serious injuries or deaths. It was severe enough however to prompt the city of Dallas to take the matter seriously. They are currently considering adding reflective signs, pavement markers, road bumps, and barricades.

Too Little, Too Late?

For the motorists who ended up in the lake, any new roadside warnings came too late to prevent their accident. Our Dallas auto accident attorneys have found that many times a lack of proper roadside warnings is the primary cause of an accident. When city officials refuse to take roadway safety seriously, drivers and pedestrians pay.

If you have been hurt during an accident in Dallas or anywhere in North Texas, contact an attorney with the experience and expertise to defend your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Please call 877.290.1382 to speak with an attorney at the Dallas personal injury law firm of Guajardo & Marks.

What Can We Learn From Large Truck/School Bus Crash in Temple, TX?

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Recently, a terrible accident involving a large commercial vehicle and a school bus occurred. Police believe that the driver of the commercial vehicle ran a stop sign before colliding with the bus at the intersection on Farm-to-Market Road 93 in Temple, TX.

The Long Lasting Impact of the Truck/Bus Accident

While the majority of the children were treated and released from the hospital, three of them, along with their bus driver, were listed in serious or critical condition. All of the children and the driver are expected to live; however, their injuries may very well have a serious impact on their lives. As a Dallas personal injury attorney I have seen too many kids hurt during either a bus accident or a crash with a large truck.

If, in fact, the truck driver did run the red light, then fault clearly lies with him. But no matter who caused the accident, the number of injuries sustained during the crash have many thinking about how we can better protect our children when they ride the bus to school.

The Long Battle Over Seatbelts in School Buses

For many years now, safety advocates, school districts and the NHTSA have been embroiled in a battle over the potential benefits and costs associated with requiring that school busses be equipped with seatbelts.

The NHTSA has long believed that "compartmentalization" is enough to keep kids safe in most accidents. This safety feature involves high padded seatbacks found on buses and relies on the seats to soften the impact on the child during a front impact accident.

Others argue that in other types of accidents, such as the recent crash in Temple, TX, seatbelts would better protect the children onboard the bus. They are argue that the seats "compartment" is of little use when the bus is hit from the side or rolls over—the exact manner in which the recent crash occurred.

Above all, the staff and attorneys at the Dallas 18 wheeler accident law firm of Guajardo & Marks hope that the children recover from their injuries and that school districts nationwide will further investigate the best way to keep the children in their care safe.

Should You Allow a Dallas Personal Injury Attorney to Roll the Dice?

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

You have been involved in a car accident in Dallas. The insurance company, either yours or the company of the other driver, seems genuinely concerned about your health and about getting you the compensation you need. But are they, or are they just playing a game they know they can win?

Playing the Game

Too many times, we have seen insurance companies playing a game that's not fun for anyone. They want to get you to accept the lowest possible offer for compensation. They want to see just how low they can go and just how little money you will accept. They use industry tricks to get you to sign before you speak with a Dallas personal injury attorney.

The agent you speak with may seem concerned about your well being, the cost of your injuries, and your losses. They may also go the other route and try and pressure you into signing, perhaps even trying to trick you into admitting fault. This game is unfair and the injured party almost never wins.

The Consequences of Losing

When accident victims choose to play this game—a game where the odds are stacked against them—they often come out the loser. Losing at this game does not mean losing a few bucks; it means not getting the money you need to pay for:

Medical bills
Ongoing medical care and therapy
Repair or replacement of your car
Loss of wages
Loss of earning capacity
Loss of life and companionship

Changing the Game for the Better

The game is not fair, but there is good news. By refusing to play the game, by consulting with a Dallas auto accident lawyer before you speak with the insurance company, you have a much better chance of retaining your rights and getting the money you know you deserve.

Allow our Dallas personal injury attorneys to stack the odds in your favor. Contact an experienced, uncompromising defender of the injured at 877.290.1382 today. You have rights, let us defend them.

What You Can Do After a Drunk Driving Accident

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

If you have been hurt during an accident with a drunk driver in Dallas you know that this is not a typical car crash. On top of dealing with your injuries and the possible loss of a loved one, you are confronted daily with the knowledge that the other driver made the decision to drink and drive and that their decisions forever changed the course of your life.

"If Only"

Many of our clients who have been hit by a drunk driver speak to us about the “if onlys” of their crash.

"If only the driver would have stayed home."
"If only the server at the bar would have refused to serve them."
"If only the driver would have taken a different road that day."

As a Dallas personal injury lawyer there is nothing I can do about the if onlys of your accident. I cannot change the past or prevent the driver from making the terrible choice he did. However, with a level of compassion uncommon in the personal injury field, I can listen. Listen to your side of the story, to the very real and terrible impact the accident has had on your life.

Treating Accident Victims With the Respect They Deserve

After hearing your story and all you have been through I can help determine the best way for you to get the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Nothing will make up for the losses you have experienced. But a successful lawsuit, against either the driver's insurance company or the bar that served him, can send a powerful message.

If you have been hit by a drunk driver in Dallas or anywhere in Texas, you have options. Do not hesitate to call an experienced, compassionate Dallas car accident lawyer at 877.290.1382 for your free consultation. You are hurting; let us help.