Dallas Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Blog

As a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer and parent myself, I understand the importance of using a booster seat when driving with my child in the car. I’m sure most of you do too, but have are you similarly concerned when your son or daughter gets a ride from another relative or a friend’s parent? Unless your child is a toddler requiring an infant car seat, it’s probably not something you think too much about.

In fact, according to a study published by the magazine Pediatrics, roughly 45 percent of parents do not require their kids to use potentially life-saving booster seats when riding with another motorist. What’s more, 30 percent of parents admitted that when they are giving a lift to someone else’s child who does not have a car seat in their vehicle, they allow their own child to not use their own booster seat even though it is there in the vehicle.

The study also points out that since up to 70 percent of all parents utilize a carpool to some degree, this could be a very big problem not just if the car in question was involved in a collision, but even if the driver was forced to make an emergency brake. An adult seat belt can cause significant injuries to a young child in such an occasion. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that all children use a booster seat until at least they reach 57 inches of height, at which time they can probably transfer safely to a full-size adult seat.

If your child is injured in a traffic wreck it is important that you are fully briefed on your legal rights. Even if your child was a passenger when you were driving, there may be an option for you to claim compensation from the insurance company. To speak with a board certified child injury and auto accident attorney today, please call the Anderson Law Firm toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally at 817-294-1900.

While Dallas-Fort Worth has yet to experience ice and snow like we did during Superbowl week last year, other parts of the country have been hard hit by adverse weather conditions which makes the simple act of driving down the street extremely dangerous. As a DFW personal injury lawyer, I know that auto accidents caused by icy roads can result in serious bodily injuries and property damage.

Check out this viral video of cars attempting to drive down a snow-covered residential street in Bountiful, Utah (just north of Salt Lake City). Be warned though, it’s nail-biting stuff as vehicle spin out of control, slide sideways along the roadway and either crash or narrowly avoid a collision:

Just in case North Texas is suddenly subjected to similar conditions as last February, here are some quick tips for driving in snow and ice:

• If you can avoid driving, then don’t do it. Stay home. Stay warm. Stay safe.
• Be prepared before you go out. Make sure your car battery is in good condition and that all your engine fluids are full. Also be sure that you have plenty of gas in the tank as it will take you longer than usual to reach your destination – and you’re going to need the heat on.
• Drive slowly. You never know when you’re going to hit a patch of ice which will send you spinning.
• Pay attention to hazards up ahead. Since slamming on your brakes on a snowy road will undoubtedly make you lose control of your vehicle, it’s more important than ever to watch out for potential obstacles and slow cautiously in plenty of time.

Some of the most devastating personal injury and wrongful death cases I have handed as Fort Worth trial attorney are auto accidents caused by drunk drivers. Alcohol-related car wrecks typically result in catastrophic property damage and life-threatening injuries because the intoxicated driver is nowhere near capable of safe driving. Drunk drivers speed, they get too close to other vehicles and their reaction time is severely impaired. They are among the most dangers drivers on DFW roads. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), more than one third of all traffic fatalities in Texas last year were the result of drunk drivers.

Despite constant reminders of how much damage you might cause both to yourself, your loved ones and complete strangers anytime that you get behind the wheel after drinking, people continue to do it. You can’t tell yourself that you’ll be fine, that you won’t cause a crash, that you won’t hurt anyone. If you’re attempting to drive drunk, then there is a very high probability that you will kill someone.

A Texas woman who got in the driver’s seat with a blood alcohol level of .11 percent (above the legal limit of .08 percent) has been sentenced to 55 years in prison by a judge in San Antonio. Valeri Andrews was charged with four counts of murder after running a red light while drunk, killing Maria Aguilar de Perez, her two daughters and her grandson. As harsh a sentence as this might seem, it’s worth noting that Ms. Andrews could have received a life sentence were it not for the fact she had pleaded guilty to the charges, receiving a reduced sentence as a result.

Please think before you drink and drive. It’s never worth it. Ever.

If you or a loved one is hurt in a collision caused by an intoxicated driver, it is important that you consult with a board certified personal injury and wrongful death lawyer who is experienced in handling cases against drunk drivers. For a free consultation on your case, call toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally in Ft. Worth at 817-294-1900.

As a Fort Worth personal injury and wrongful death attorney, I often hear stories of pedestrian who have either been serious wounded or otherwise outright killed after being struck by a hit-and-run driver on DFW roads. Whenever a local police force appeals for information from the public in an attempt to identify and located a hit and run motorist, I try to help out by spreading the word on my blogs as well as on my Facebook and Twitter accounts. The point is that hit-and-run drivers might flee the crash scene, but they will be tracked down and brought to justice. If they have insurance then their victim (or the victim’s family) is able to make a claim for compensation to cover the medical bills and other costs related to the wreck.

I wanted to share good news of a successful Texas hit and run investigation which was recently concluded in Houston. Last Monday night, a bicycle rider was hit by a drunk van driver who sped away from the scene. The cyclist died at the scene. Fortunately, however, the investigating offer recovered the van’s license plate which fell off in the collision. Police tracked the vehicle to its registered owner, who told them a friend had borrowed it. Officers found the suspect at his home with the keys to the vehicle on his person. He was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated and failing to stop and render aid after an accident.

If you or a loved one have been injured due to the negligent actions of a hit and run driver, it is important that you are aware that you do have legal rights. Even if the police are unable to find the guilty party, you may still be able to recover compensation. To find out more, call our auto accident attorneys today. Call toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally in Ft. Worth at 817-294-1900.

According to Travel and Leisure magazine, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is ranked as the sixth rudest city in the USA. As anyone who spends any amount of time dealing with the congested traffic on DFW’s highways and city streets, that is entirely believable. Dangerous drivers who weave between traffic, cut off other vehicles and tailgate incessantly are a dime a dozen. Couple that with the fact that last year, Men’s Health Magazine ranked Dallas as the seventh angriest city in America, and it is no surprise that DFW is holds the title of second worst city for road rage car wrecks according to AutoVantage.

This is incredibly worrying to me as a DFW personal injury and wrongful death lawyer. I have seen firsthand the very real damage which can be done by unintentionally hazardous driving habits, but when you bring in a high level of fury and a disregard for other people and you’ve got an obvious recipe for roadway disaster. When motorists fall prey to road rage, they are not thinking clearly. They try to intimidate other drivers by cutting too close, jeopardizing everyone’s safety for the sake of trying to make a point.

If you’ve ever been the victim of someone with road rage, you’ll know that it can be an extremely scary experience and it can be very tempting to respond in kind. Doing so would be a huge mistake as the outcome can only be bad. Instead, if you ever find yourself in a position where someone is trying to intimidate you on the road by either following too closely or some other action intended to torment you, then the best thing to do it just take a deep breath and get out of their way. Don’t make eye contact. Don’t challenge them. Take yourself out of that situation. Once they’ve gone past and away from you, I personally find that tuning the radio to classical music helps reduce my blood pressure.

You should not have to tolerate aggressive drivers at all, but unfortunately they are a hazard which you cannot always be avoided. If you have been the victim of a car crashed caused by someone with road rage, it is all the more important that you get justice and recover the full and fair compensation you deserve to cover your medical bills and other costs related to the accident. Call a board certified personal injury lawyer today at 214-327-8000 in Dallas or at 817-294-1900 in Fort Worth for no a fee, no obligation consultation on your situation.

Dallas-Fort Worth area residents who travel Texas 114 and Texas 121 on a regular basis already know what a traffic nightmare those roads can be. Yesterday, the congestion got even worse following an 18 wheeler wreck which subsequently led to the road being closed for an emergency inspection. Just before noon yesterday, a CDL vehicle carrying an oversized load crashed into the Texan Trail overpass bridge in Grapevine. The eastbound section of the highway was reduced to just two lanes yesterday afternoon, while the whole road was closed overnight from 8:00 pm until about 6:00 am this morning. Texan Trail was closed to all vehicles immediately following the wreck as officials were concerned that the accident may have caused significant structural damage to the bridge.

As a DFW auto accident and injury lawyer, I am certainly thankful that no-one was seriously hurt in this incident, but the episode should serve as a reminder of just how significant the consequences caused by negligent truck drivers can be. The reason for the crash was that the trucker was carrying an oversized load which was too tall to pass safely beneath the bridge. According to Grapevine’s commercial vehicle inspection team they “did find violations” which are being blamed for the collision.

The official report regarding the safety of the bridge has yet to be completed, but there is already speculation among Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) officials that Texan Trail may be closed indefinitely until the bridge (which was already scheduled for demolition later this year as part of the DFW Connector project) can be knocked down and replaced.

An 18 wheeler truck crash shut down all westbound lanes of I-30 in Garland this morning after it overturned blocking the roadway. The accident happened at 3:30 am near the Zion Road exit, but it was more than three hours later before emergency responders were able to upright the big rig and reopen the highway to traffic. The wreck is believed to have an issue of negligence on behalf of the truck driver. Authorities reported that it appears the semi drifted across lanes of the interstate, eventually colliding with the guardrail which resulting in the truck flipping on to its side.

Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries sustained in this accident and it does not appear that any cars or other vehicles were involved in the collision. As a DFW personal injury lawyer, I know that large truck wreck typically involve massive property damage and severe bodily injuries, so we should all be thankful that this morning’s crash in Garland merely inconvenienced commuters.

Trucker negligence is a very serious matter, particularly when you consider that truck operators are professionals. I understand that they are often hard workers under a lot of stress to meet time and distance deadlines, but there is never any excuse for jeopardizing the safety of other road users. To illustrate just how serious this problem is, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently revealed that the number of fatalities caused by truck drivers getting behind the wheel drunk increased by 13 percent in 2010 and that the number of injuries caused by tractor trailer accidents rose by 12 percent overall.

If you or someone you loved has been injured in a multi-vehicle accident involving a commercial truck, it is important that you speak with an attorney to make sure you are fully informed of your legal rights. You may be entitled to significant compensation. To talk to a local lawyer today, please call toll free at 800-354-6275 or Dallas 214-327-8000.

Yesterday, Arlington Police Department announced that just four people have been cited for texting while driving since the city’s introduced a ban last November to make the hazardous habit illegal. As a Tarrant County personal injury lawyer, I expect that there are countless other motorists who have similarly broken the law without being caught. Arlington PD need to step up their enforcement of this ban in order to make people realize just how dangerous distracted driving really is.

Also yesterday, Facebook announced that 2013 Mercedes-Benz vehicles will come preloaded with an app for the popular social media site. According to their press release the app will be accessible form the car’s dashboard color screen and will be GPS-enabled to allow drivers to find nearby attractions and friends. As if there weren’t enough distractions for motorists already! This is just too much. When you’re sitting in the driver’s seat, your entire focus should be on operating your vehicle safely. If you’re using Facebook or any other app, that means you are taking your attention off the road ahead and are seriously jeopardizing the safety of everyone else who is driving around you.

I’ve been a personal injury and wrongful death attorney for over 20 years now. I’ve seen firsthand the incredibly serious car wrecks which have been caused by people who talk or text behind from the wheel. Unfortunately, it seems that when it comes to society at large realizing just how fatal distracted driving can be, it’s a matter of one step forward, two steps back.

Since it’s a new year, I’d like to ask you all who haven’t already to sign the pledge that you will not text while driving in 2012 or ever again. Help me spread the word and I’ll help you keep this resolution by sending you a bracelet to wear so you can constantly be reminded of the promise you made. By giving up texting while driving you could well save someone’s life – it could be your own.

Take the pledge here.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a traffic crash caused by a distracted driver or any negligent motorist, call the Anderson Law Firm for a no fee, no obligation consultation on your case. Call toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900.

As a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I know that some of the most serious auto accidents in DFW actually occur in parking lots. The reason is for this is because parking lot collisions aren’t necessarily multi-vehicle crashes, but more often car-versus-pedestrian wrecks. Pedestrians, of course, don’t have any form of protection, so when they’re hit by a sedan or SUV even at very low speeds, they are inevitably going to suffer extremely severe injuries.

Yesterday morning, a bizarre parking lot wreck occurred in Wellesley, Massachusetts. An unnamed driver was pulling into his parking space outside his workplace when he accidently pressed down on the gas pedal instead of the brake. The sudden acceleration launches his car over the curb and into an adjacent parking structure – landing on top of another vehicle. Check out this video of emergency responders examining the aftermath of this wreck:



Wellesley Police cited the at-fault motorist for failure to use care when stopping. Fortunately, the other vehicle was already unoccupied and the negligent driver was not injured in the most unusual crash, however there will still be a property damage claim against the insurance company of the driver responsible for this wreck.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a Texas traffic accident which was not your fault, it is important that you consult with a board certified personal injury or wrongful death attorney to make sure that your legal rights are protected. Failure to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve, could have disastrous financial consequences for you in the future.

To speak to a lawyer today, please call the Anderson Law Firm toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally in Ft. Worth at 817-294-1900.

As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I have helped thousands of auto accident victims throughout Texas since 1991. Car crashes are nearly always caused by a negligent driver. Sometimes the at-fault motorist was texting while driving, sometimes they were speeding, other times they were negligent because they following the vehicle in front far too closely. Early speculation assumed that last explanation was the initial trigger which led to a massive pile-up in Southeast Texas this morning.

It is estimated that more than 50 vehicles were involved in the chain-reaction wreck which occurred at approximately 5.30 am on Highway 73 near Port Arthur. Initial reports from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department said that more than 40 people were being treated following the collision, with injuries including broken bones, abrasions and trauma. Two individuals were rushed to hospital with critical injuries and one man suffered a heart attack.

The poor weather conditions around Port Arthur are being partly blamed for the accident as visibility was significantly compromised due to a combination of early morning fog and smoke from nearby wildfires. These conditions recalling the 34 vehicle wreck in England two months ago which killed seven people and injured 51 other. Fortunately, it does not appear that anybody was fatally wounded in today’s crash.

While it may be another couple of days before more concrete details of this morning’s tragedy come to light, I would encourage all those involved to seek legal advice from a board certified personal injury attorney as full as possible. Once fault is determined, you may be entitled to recover compensation from the insurance company to cover your property damage, medical expenses and other costs related to the accident.

Here at the Anderson Law Firm, we are happy to offer completely free, no obligation consultations to traffic wreck victims. To speak to a lawyer today, please call toll free at 800-354-6275.

Driving while intoxicated is a crime. As a Fort Worth area personal injury lawyer, I have handled my share of auto accident cases caused by drunk drivers over the past 20 years. Such wrecks always anger me because I know they could easily have been avoided. Everyone knows that you should never get behind the wheel after drinking, but still many do so on a regular basis. As a result, innocent victims are badly injured. Many victims lose their lives.

Traditionally, the period surrounding Christmas and the New Year is one of the worst times of year for alcohol-related car crashes in DFW. It’s a time of year when local police forces step up their focus on drink-drivers in an attempt to minimize the pointless deaths which are caused by these reckless idiots who break the law and put lives in jeopardy.

This year, the Tarrant County District Attorney vowed to take things one step further in an effort to further dissuade motorists from getting behind the wheel when they were overly merry. Yesterday, Assistant District Attorney Richard Alpert made good on this promise by publicly naming and shaming all drivers who have so far been charged with a DWI over the New Year’s weekend. According to the website, at least 107 individuals were arrested in Tarrant County for alcohol-related driving offenses over the past weekend and at least 39 of those have been formally charged as of today.

If you or someone you love has been injured due to the negligent actions of a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation. To find out more about your legal rights as the victim of a intoxicated motorist in North Texas, please call 817-294-1900 for a free, no obligation consultation on your situation.

While most of us were celebrating the passing of another year and welcoming the start of 2012 over the weekend, for the family and friends of two North Texas teenagers, the end of 2011 was marred with tragedy.

On Thursday, December 29, Josh Brown, 18, of Weatherford lost control of his pickup truck as he was driving along Midway Road in Springtown. The car veered off the road, colliding with several concrete poles and crashed into a house on Hyde Away Lane, sparking off a huge fire. Fortunately, the residents of the destroyed home were able to escape without injury, but others in Brown’s vehicle were not so lucky.

Brown was pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck, as was one of his passengers, Alex Christian, 14, of Aledo. The two other passengers in the truck, Madelyne Mitchell, 13, of Weatherford, and Halston McCue, 15, of Weatherford survived but suffered critical burn injuries. They are currently being treated for at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth and Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, respectively.

A candlelight vigil was held for those killed in the wreck on Sunday night. I too, would like to voice my sympathies to the families and friends of both Josh and Alex. I would also like to wish Madelyne and Halston a full and speedy recovery.

It is not clear what caused the accident to occur. Shortly after the wreck, Texas Department of Public Safety trooper Lonny Haschel opined that speed may have been a contributing factor, but there has been no clear determination at this time.

Unfortunately, accidents happen. Bad things happen to good people. One never wants anybody to suffer injuries or lose their life, however, when a tragedy such as this occurs it is important that everyone involved is fully aware of their legal rights and responsibilities. Hospitals and doctors are expensive, yet the medical treatment is essential. If the person determined to be at fault by the police was insured, then you may be entitled to compensation to help cover those bills. To find out more information as it may pertain to your personal situation, please call the Anderson Law Firm toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally in DFW at 817-294-1900.

A Sansom Park man was killed in a fatal Lake Worth hit and run accident on Christmas morning. Police say that Heinz Schlotter, 59, was walking across the intersection at Roberts Cut Off and Jacksboro Highway at approximately 6.30 am on December 25, when an SUV made a turning through the same intersection, striking Mr. Schlotter. The driver did not make any attempt to stop and render aid, instead fleeing the scene westbound on Jacksboro Highway.

Mr. Schlotter was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth to be treated for his critical injuries, but died four hours later. Police are currently seeking the negligent motorist responsible for Mr. Schlotter’s death. They believe the vehicle involved in Sunday’s tragedy was a 2005 to 2010 model Ford Explorer which was maroon in color. There is likely significant body damage to the vehicle following the crash. The passenger side mirror was recovered at the wreck scene, but it is also suspected that the car would have damage to the passenger side door, window and windshield.

If you believe you might have any information which could help Lake Worth police track down this dangerous driver, please call LWPD at 817-237-1224.

As a Tarrant County personal injury lawyer and wrongful death attorney, I wish to express my sympathies to Mr. Schlotter’s loved ones at this most difficult time. I know that whenever a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle – regardless of whether it’s a car, truck or motorcycle – the chances of survival are slim. Sadly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that such fatalities increased by 4.2 percent in 2010, showing that this is an increasing problem.

If you or someone you love has been hurt while out walking feel free to call the Anderson Law Firm for a completely free consultation on your situation. You may be entitled to much-needed compensation. Call toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally at 817-294-1900.

Christmas is often considered the most wonderful time of the year, but it can often be stressful too. There are a lot of decisions to make: Should I attend the office party or the family function? Do I get a real tree or fake? Would Uncle Jack prefer slippers or cologne? The most important decision you make this festive season has an easy answer: Take a cab.

Seriously. If you've had a drink, then leave your car or truck where it is and let someone else drive. 'Tis the season for over indulging after all, and while we're not looking to stop you enjoying yourself, it is important to realize that this is when more people than any other time of the year get behind the wheel when they're way too merry.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that deadly collisions involving intoxicated drivers increase from a daily average of 36 fatalities nationwide to 45 per day over the Christmas period. Throughout the closing days of December into early January each year the figure further increases to 54 a day. Happy New Year indeed.

And yet, people just don't get it. Driving while impaired is illegal. Everybody knows this and yet everyday lives continue to be wrecked as the result of drunk driving-related accidents. Accidents which could have been avoided.

As a Fort Worth personal injury and wrongful death lawyer, I would like to ask you all to make a particular effort this Holiday Season to make a firm promise that you will not get behind the wheel after having a drink. Don’t let your friends do it either. Be safe and be sensible – you could save someone’s life. You might even save your own.

As a DFW car wreck injury lawyer, I know that accidents caused by intoxicated motorists often result in some of the most catastrophic bodily injuries. Frequently, drink-driving collisions in Dallas-Fort Worth result in a fatality. Unfortunately, just because it’s Christmas, it doesn’t mean these very serious problem goes away. In fact, it gets even more serious. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) fatal crashes caused by drunk drivers increase by 50 percent between Christmas and the new year.

In an attempt to reduce the number of deaths on Dallas roads this holiday season, the Dallas Police Department is adding an additional 12 new officers to their DWI squad through the first week of 2012. As a Texas wrongful death lawyer, news of the increased police presence will hopefully result in fewer people getting behind the wheel inebriated this holiday season, but of course there are always some idiots. My hope is that criminals (because that’s what they are) who do get into the driver’s seat drunk are caught and prosecuted. Hopefully the DPD will catch these negligent drivers and as a result fewer people will be killed this December.

If you or a loved one has been hurt by a drunk driver or any negligent motorist, I’d like to invite you to call the Anderson Law Firm for a completely free, no obligation consolation on your case. I’d be happy to explain your legal rights and help you understand whether you might be entitled to compensation. Call me at any time, toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally at 214-327-8000.

A traffic accident involving a jackknifed 18 wheeler truck shut down Interstate 30 into Dallas this morning causing a commuter nightmare just four days before Christmas. According to reports, the commercial motor carrier vehicle jackknifed and tipped over, rolling across the eastbound lanes of I-30, before eventually flipping and coming to a stop blocking all eastbound lanes. The trucker was taken to be hospital to be treated for minor injuries sustained in the incident. So far, the cause of the wreck has not yet be determined. As a DFW auto accident and personal injury lawyer, I know that it is very important that any crash involving a CDL driver is thoroughly investigated.

This morning’s crash may have caused a great many people a major headache while heading into work, but we should consider it extremely fortunate that no-one was seriously hurt in the accident. As a Dallas-Fort Worth injury attorney, I know that collisions involving 18-wheeler trucks usually cause a tremendous amount of property damage and bodily injuries – and they are frequently fatal.

If you or a loved one is every hurt in an accident involving a truck or bus, it is essential that you consult with an area attorney as soon as possible so that you can be informed of your legal rights and so that a lawyer can start working on your case immediately. The trucking companies will have their own investigators looking into the cause of the accident within hours – so should you.

For a free, no obligation consultation with a DFW traffic accident lawyer today, call toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally at 817-294-1900. You may also request a complimentary copy of my book, 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case.

One of the favorite Christmas events in the DFW metroplex is driving through Arlington’s Interlochen neighborhood to drive through the streets of festive light displays. More than 200 homes participate in this annual tradition which attracts thousands of families each year - as a result it can take a few hours to actually see all the houses which are lit up.

Unfortunately, visitors to Interlochen found themselves stuck in traffic for a lot longer than expected last night after a multi-vehicle wreck caused some un-festive frustration. The accident occurred Sunday evening at Bowden Road and Westwood Drive. Police believe that one motorist hit a parked car, initiating a chain reaction of fender benders. Fortunately, no-one was hurt in the string of collisions.

As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I think this incident serves to remind us all that even in slow moving traffic, accidents can still happen. It is particularly important that drivers stay vigilant and take care to avoid hazards at night time.

I am glad that no-one was injured in this particular wreck. Unfortunately, I know that there are many others that won’t be so lucky. If you or a loved one are injured as the result of another driver’s negligence this holiday season, you owe it to yourself to learn about your legal right to compensation. To speak to an attorney please call toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally at 817-294-1900.

As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I nothing but respect for commercial truck drivers – I’ve even helped a number of injured truckers get the fair compensation they deserve after being hurt in traffic accidents which were not their fault. Perhaps it is unfair, but truckers generally have a bad reputation as being the bullies of the road. In my experience, the majority of 18-wheeler drivers are honest motorists, who are trying to make a living a living just like the rest of us.

Unfortunately, there are many that are not so honest. In April of last year, for example, the FMCSA decided to crack down on those drivers and companies who routinely falsified their drivers’ logs in an effort to hide hour of service violations designed to keep fatigued drivers off Texas roads. It is now estimated that within the first year alone, 5,700 motor carriers and 128,000 drivers were found to be forging at least 10% of their records. That’s huge public safety hazard!

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by a negligent truck or bus driver, it is critical that you hire an experienced DFE truck wreck attorney as soon as possible. Time is often of the essence in CDL collisions, so the sooner you have a board certified lawyer on your side, the better. It’s also important that the attorney you hire has a proven track record in handling commercial motor carrier cases as they will be aware of the many ways that untruthful truckers attempt to conceal their lies – and will know the best ways to catch them out on their lies.

I’ve been helping truck accident victims across DFW and throughout Texas since 1991. I know what it takes to fight the trucking companies for the full and fair damages my clients deserve. I offer all new clients a completely free consultation on their situation and there is never any fee unless I win your case. To discuss your case today, please call me toll free at 800-354-6275 or call me locally in Ft. Worth at 817-294-1900.

As a DFW personal injury lawyer, I have been helping accident victims pick up the pieces and get their lives back together since 1991. I am well aware that the aftermath of being seriously hurt in an auto accident does not just mean suffering physical and mental scars but also having to deal with a number of financial concerns often involving expensive medical bills at a time when you’re incapable of returning to work and thus losing out on your usual wages.

Even if you haven’t been injured, you still have the headache of dealing with making a property damage claim against the negligent driver’s insurance company. To make matters worse, you might even receive a bill in the mail from the local fire department who responded to your wreck. As a North Texas attorney, I’ve seen these first responders service charge bills become increasingly common throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. However, if you were not the at-fault motorist whose negligent caused the crash in question, then it is not your responsibility to pay.

In order to stop getting bills, however, it's always worth notifying both the person who sent the bill and the person responsible for paying it (the at-fault party’s insurance company). I suggest writing a letter to both of them explaining the situation as soon as possible.

For more helpful tips on dealing with unexpected tasks following an auto collision, you might be interested in a free copy of my book 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case. To request your complimentary copy, please call my office in Ft. Worth at 817-294-1900.

As a DFW personal injury lawyer, I have helped the victims of car, motorcycle and truck collisions throughout Dallas-Fort Worth and the North Texas region since 1991. In that time, I’ve seen some utterly terrible accidents which have caused hundreds of thousands in property damage and medical costs for those drivers and passengers who have suffered terrible bodily injuries. The financial cost of being hurt in a traffic crash means it is critical that you consult with a board certified PI and wrongful death attorney to make sure you are fully aware of your legal right to compensation before it is too late.

Some of the worst car crash injuries are the result of side-impact collisions. These accidents frequently occur at intersections when one driver (often drunk or on a cellphone) ignores a red light or stop sign and plows straight into the side of another vehicle who actually had the right of way.

The reason that such accidents cause such severe injuries or even death is because cars are simply not engineered to absorb side-impact crashes to the same extent that they can absorb head-on or rear-end collisions. Even if you have a SUV or other large vehicle, there is still a risk of suffering awful injuries as SUV are extremely prone to rollover in broadside wrecks. According to the NHTSA, accidents resulting in a vehicle rollover are at increased risk of resulting in a fatality.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a side-impact crash or any other traffic accident, it is important that you are fully informed of your legal rights and obligations. Too many accident victims make critical mistakes before they understand the law, which is why I wrote my book 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case to help the public understand their rights. To order your free copy, please call me toll free at 800-354-MARK (6275).

Following a previous offer to provide concerned Chevy Volt owners with complimentary rental cars following several federal side-impacts tests which resulted in fires, General Motors have now offered to buy back Chevrolet Volt vehicles from any owners who are concerned about the alleged risk of the electric car’s battery to catch fire. GM has been at pains to stress that this is not a recall, but rather an effort to ensure their customers are kept happy.

As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury and wrongful death lawyer, I know the potential bodily injury which could be caused by a defective or unsafe vehicle. While I was initially impressed by the additional safety offered by electric cars since the batteries offer greater front impact absorption than traditional motor engines, this newly discovered potential for combustion is a big worry.

Further tests need to be conducted. General Motors CEO Dan Akerson has promised that when the cause of the fires is clearly established, Chevrolet will retrofit all 6,000 vehicles currently on the road. If necessary, there will be a mandatory recall. For more information, you are advised to contact your local Chevy dealership.

If you or a loved one have suffered injuries due to a malfunctioning car, truck or motorcycle – or any other defective or dangerous device – please contact the Anderson Law Firm for a free, no obligation appraisal of your situation. You may be entitled to compensation. Call us toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000.

On Monday, I wrote about the devastation caused by a reckless drunk driver, Brittany Dawn Burton, 25, of Arlington, which played out on I-35W in Fort Worth late on Saturday night. Ms. Burton was arrested after she drove the wrong way down the interstate, causing a fatal multi-vehicle collision which resulted in the death of one man. To make matters even worse, he dangerous and intoxicated actions were all performed while her six-month-old daughter was in the back seat!

Jeffery Lee Hogan, 47, has been identified as the man killed due to Burton’s hazardous conduct. He had swerved to avoid a head-on collision with Burton’s car, resulting in a fender bender with another motorist who had similarly taken evasive action to avoid a crash with the intoxicated driver. As Hogan and the other driver examined the damage to their vehicles on the side of the road, a third driver was forced to make a sudden turn to avoid hitting Burton’s car, and it was this van which ultimately mortally wounded Hogan, who was pronounced deceased at the accident scene.

Burton was initially arrested on charges of intoxication manslaughter and endangering a child, but prosecutors made the admirable decision to increase those yesterday, upping the charge to murder. As a result, Burton faces a possible life sentence in prison because of her drunken actions. She is currently being held at Mansfield Detention Center. Tarrant County Public Prosecutor Richard Alpert said “People [need to] understand that when they commit this kind of act the highest charge possible will be brought against them, and they’ll be held accountable for it.”

As a Fort Worth personal injury and wrongful death lawyer, I couldn’t agree more. Since I first started helping the victims of alcohol-related auto wrecks in 1991, I have seen firsthand the devastation which can result from accidents caused by DUI drivers. That’s why I always take the harshest stance possible against drunk drivers. There is never any excuse to get behind the wheel after you’ve been drinking. The fact that this woman did so with her infant child in the car – and that a man is now dead because of her stupid actions – is a prime example of the reckless behavior of drunk drivers.

Yet while this one story is getting a lot of attention in the local media this week, the fact remains that drunk driving crashes occur throughout the DFW metroplex almost every single day. If you or a loved one has been hurt because of the actions of an intoxicated motorist, I’d like to offer you a complimentary copy of my book which is designed to help you understand your civil rights to compensation, prior to consulting with an attorney. To request a free copy, please call my office at 817-294-1900.

A suspected drunk driver caused a fatal multi-vehicle wreck on Saturday by driving the wrong way down I-35W – all the while with her six-month-old baby in the back of the car!

Brittany Burton, 25, has been charged with intoxication manslaughter and endangering a child after her suspected drunken exploits led to the death of a man over Thanksgiving weekend. The epic disaster began at approximately 11:30 pm on Saturday night when Burton drove her Jeep Liberty north in the southbound lanes of Interstate 35W in Fort Worth. The driver of a Honda Civic swerved to avoid a head-on collision with Burton’s vehicle, resulting in a collision with another car.

Burton continued to travel in the wrong direction, narrowly avoiding a collision with a Ford work van only because the van managed to swerve out of her path at the last moment. Unfortunately, the driver of the van was unable to miss the two stalled car up ahead and crashed into them, killing the as yet unidentified driver of the second car.

After police responded to a 911 call, Burton was eventually chased down and arrested in the 2300 block of I35W. It was then that police discovered the infant in her car’s backseat.

I am both horrified and disgusted at this reckless woman’s behavior. Getting behind the wheel while drunk is one thing, but to do so with your own child in the car is another matter entirely. The mere fact that she was apparently either indifferent or oblivious to the pile-up she has caused goes to demonstrate just how intoxicated she must have been. An innocent victim is now dead because of her. A family has lost someone dear to them, ruining not just their holiday season, but gravely impacting the rest of their lives.

As a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer and wrongful death attorney, I have a passionate dislike of drunk drivers and have fought on behalf of their victims for more than 21 years. Brittany Burton is without a doubt one of the most irresponsible and dangerous that I have ever encountered. I hope that people hear this story and understand just how serious the results of drunk driving can be. Thanksgiving and Christmas is a time to be merry, but that does not absolve anyone of their responsibilities. There is never any excuse to drive after you’ve been drinking. Bad stuff happens when you do.

In this particular horrific accident, a man’s life has been forever lost, a young child’s life was put in jeopardy by her own mother and tens of thousands of dollars in property damage have been caused. Brittany Burton is currently being held at Mansfield Detention Facility on a $200,000 bond. I hope they make an example of her and deter any other would-be drunk drivers this holiday season and beyond.

Nodding off behind the wheel can be one of the most unnerving things you'll ever experience, but it happens more than you might think.

Here at the Anderson Law Firm we won't judge you if you over-indulge this holiday season. After all, aside from counting our blessings and spending time with loved ones, Thanksgiving is all about eating and drinking far too much! But getting behind the wheel of your car afterward could be a fatal mistake. We all know that you should never drive after you've been drinking alcohol, but if you're as stuffed as a turkey, chances are you'll be feeling sleepy which has its own hazards.

Falling asleep while driving is a very real hazard, particularly after a huge Thanksgiving meal. I know firsthand just how serious an accident caused by a sleepy driver can be - many of the commerical truck wrecks I've handled over the years are the result of overworked drivers trying to operate on far too little rest. Even with Federal restrictions in place to avoid such disasters, many 18 wheeler drivers are forced to brake the rules by their greedy employers who value profits over people.

But of course tired truckers aren't the only motorists who could cause a terrible traffic collision if they fall asleep at the wheel. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) says that every year approximately 100,000 car crashes are the result of drowsy drivers.

So if you know that you're going to have to drive home after your Thanksgiving dinner, please make sure that you plan ahead.

Obviously you need to stay away from any alcoholic beverages. Ideally, allow plenty of time to digest your meal before heading off. If you're able to take a nap before you have to drive, then that's even better. Having a coffee or other high-caffiene drink can temporarily relieve any drowsiness, but this is just a short term fix.

Remember that if you are involved in a wreck which has been caused by a tired driver, you have legal rights just as with any other auto wreck or other kind of accident. If ever you need us, we're here to help you.

A pickup driver was killed and their two passengers were critically injured after their vehicle was hit by an 18-wheeler truck at approximately 1.30 this morning. Regina Duane, 43, of McKinney, was driving a pickup towing a trailer with three sheep inside when she jackknifed on a particularly wet section of I-35 near Saner Avenue in Oak Cliff. A semi-truck driving in the same direction as the pickup came over the rise and was unable to brake in time to avoid a collision.

The commercial goods vehicle crashed into the pickup’s passenger side, killing Ms. Duane and seriously injuring the two unidentified female passengers, whose ages are believed to be 15 and 26. Both were transported to Methodist Hospital in Oak Cliff to receive medical attention for their life-threatening wounds. The unidentified trucker (employed by Freymiller Transportation in Oklahoma City) was not injured in the accident, but according to Texas state regulations had to undergo a mandatory blood draw. It is unclear at this time whether he will face any charges. A section of I-35 was closed overnight but was reopened before the morning commute.

I would like to offer my sympathies to the family and loved ones of Ms. Duane and to the two girls whom I hope will make a full and speedy recovery. As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I know just how devastating a traffic collision involving a large truck can be. Aside from the property damage, they frequently result in bodily injuries necessitating hundreds of thousands in doctors’ fees.

If you are ever hurt in a wreck involving a big rig – even if it is unclear whether the trucker was at-fault – you owe it to yourself to speak to a board certified personal injury and wrongful death attorney to learn about your legal rights. They can help you determine who was negligent and how you can get the full and fair compensation you are entitled to under Texas law. For a free consultation today, call toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally at 214-327-8000.

As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury and wrongful death lawyer, I have a big problem with drunk drivers. I’ve seen firsthand the devastating damages these idiots have caused not just in terms of property damage which is itself expensive, but also the bodily injuries they cause their victims. Some are left with crippling wounds which they will suffer with the rest of their lives. Some require extensive surgery involving amputations. Some are killed outright, leaving their families left to mourn for that person they loved who died simply because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I have no respect for those people who ruin lives through the utterly selfish act of getting behind the wheel after indulging in alcohol. There is no excuse. Ever.

And while DWI wrecks are never a laughing matter, I can’t help but find some amusement in the case of the New York drunk driver who not only managed to collide with a Police Officer’s vehicle while intoxicated, but who also happened to be wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase “I’m a drunk” at the time. Here’s a photo of him. His name is Kevin Daly, 23. He’s currently held on a $10,000 bail facing charges of DWI.

According to reports, the police office whose car he hit suffered only minor injuries. He’s lucky. I’ve seen many drunk driving cases where the results have been far worse. Let’s hope they make an example of this complete and utter idiot.

A multi-vehicle collision on US 287 near Kennedale and Forrest Hill shortly after 8 am this morning caused a traffic nightmare for commuters traveling along I-20 in both directions, as well as those heading into downtown Fort Worth or to the northern mid-cities via I-820. Three lanes were shut down, causing all motorists to funnel through just one lane. Drivers reported it taking 40 minutes or more to travel just one mile.

So far, there are few known details of the crash which involved at least two cars and one pickup truck. Fort Worth Fire and Police Departments were quick to respond to the wreck along with some members of the Tarrant County Courtesy Patrol. Despite the inconvenience caused to DFW commuters, onlookers did not believe the accident appeared particularly serious. There is no word whether any injuries were suffered in the collision.

As a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I hope that those involved in the crash were lucky enough to escape without any serious injuries. Regardless, I would encourage them to see a doctor as soon as possible, just to make sure there are no signs of an injury which may not yet be pronounced. Sometimes whiplash or other common car crash injuries are not apparent until later, especially when you’re still dealing with the shock and adrenaline of being involved in an auto accident.

The section of 287 where this accident occurred is a difficult stretch of roadway as traffic merges from several feeder roads and many vehicles must cross several lanes to ensure they are able to reach their appropriate exit. Motorists who regularly travel this route to work during the week know that fender benders happen on a regular basis. We should consider today’s crash as a reminder to be a little more mindful while dealing with our morning commute. If all road users were a little more patient, such accidents could likely be avoided meaning no lengthy delays or worse.

If you have been unlucky enough to be involved in a Dallas-Fort Worth car wreck – even just a minor fender bender – then you will learn firsthand just how stressful the post-crash experience can be. Even if you’re not seriously injured, you still have the headache of dealing with a property damage claim and other issues which arise because of your collision. It may well be that later in the day after your accident occurred, you start experiencing some muscle aches or other pain. As a personal injury lawyer, I know that not all injuries are immediately apparent after a car crash, but that it is important that you visit a doctor and get yourself checked out anyway – ideally, the same day if possible.

However, it might be that your doctor will refuse to see you if you tell them that you were potentially hurt in an accident. Yes, it does happen; primary care physicians decline to help accident injury victims on a regular basis in North Texas.

Can they do this? Yes. Unless you require emergency medical treatment, your doctor has no legal obligation to help you. Why do they do it? They’re afraid that they won’t get paid. Even if you have health insurance, these doctors are afraid that the insurance company won’t pay them. It is silly that they think this, as they will get paid. I think these doctors are doing their clients a great disservice by mot treating their patients.

So what should you do?

Give me a call. Not only do I know of doctors throughout the DFW Metroplex who are experienced in treating car wreck victims, but I am able to offer them a letter of protection which assures them I will make sure that they get paid as soon as your case against the negligent motorist is settled. For a no obligation, no fee consultation on your situation today, give me a call toll free at 800-354-6275 or call locally at 817-294-1900.

If you have to deal with the nightmare traffic in and around DFW on a daily basis, then it might not surprise you to learn that a recent study has declared Texas motorists as the third worst drivers in the country. Only Louisiana and Missouri drivers are more dangerous than Texans, according to the study conducted by Car Insurance Companion.

One of the main reasons why Texan drivers are considered particularly dangerous is the frequent distracted driving habits of Texas drivers. “Inattentive driving, texting while driving [and] cell phone use” are all major factors, according to Jerry Johns of the Southwestern Insurance Information Service.

As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I have seen firsthand the devastating bodily injury that distracted drivers can cause. The problem is that while most of us understand why it’s so hazardous to use your cellphone or other electronic device while behind the wheel (or eat, or apply your makeup – or whatever), we continue to do it regardless. This is crazy. We know that we’re not just putting other people’s safety in jeopardy – we’re risking our own lives as well!

Distracted driving is dangerous. We all know that. Now we need to actually stop doing it.

I would like to invite you to take a pledge to promise that you will give up texting while driving. Just click this link, take the pledge, and I’ll mail you a free bracelet to wear to remind yourself of the promise you made.

Maybe if we all vow to stop using our cellphone while on the road, Texan drivers can move closer to the safer end of the list the next time around.

As a parent myself, I know that entrusting your child to someone else – whether a babysitter or a daycare facility – can be a very difficult thing to do. It is critical when finding a daycare facility for your children that you do your research and make sure that you are completely satisfied with them before you hire them. After all, you are entrusting your child’s safety with these people!

Unfortunately, not all daycare facilities here in Dallas-Fort Worth take the safety of their client’s sons and daughters as seriously as they should. Accidents can and do happen regardless of how cautious you are, of course, but as a personal injury lawyer, I have handled a number of cases where the negligence of the daycare business and their staff was undoubtedly the cause of some serious bodily injuries.

I recently successfully resolved a claim on behalf of a North Texas family whose child was hurt in an auto wreck when they were riding in the daycare’s minivan. The settlement amount must remain confidential, but the settlement will really help this child later in life as it will fund college and give him compensation when he is a young adult. In this particular case, the extent of this particular daycare’s irresponsible negligence become evident almost immediately. Not only did it turn out that the person driving the van did not have a driver’s license, but they were also speeding – one of the top dangerous driving practice that contribute to fatal crashes. To make matters worse, the van was loaded beyond safe occupancy numbers, meaning there were too many children and not enough seatbelts.

This is an extreme example, but the truth is that things like this happen all the time.

If your child has been hurt while under someone else’s care – or has suffered an injury in any kind of accident – it is important that you get a free consultation with a local child injury attorney to make sure you are aware of your legal rights to damages. To schedule a no fee, no obligation consultation today, give me a call toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally at either 817-294-1900 or 214-327-8000.

A multi-vehicle crash in England on Friday was so large that it has made international headlines. 34 cars and trucks were involved in the collision which killed seven and injured 51 others. The devastating accident is being blamed on a combination of factors including wet roads, excessive speed and poor visibility.

As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I know that the magnitude of this wreck cannot be underestimated. The section of road where the pile-up occurred has never been an accident black spot and it seems that it was simply a deadly combination of environmental factors which caused the crash to occur.

The accident took place short after dusk, so the roads were dark. Suddenly, a dark fog descended over the freeway reportedly reducing visibility to just 100 feet. Crash scene experts believe that some 18 wheeler drivers instinctively began to brake because of the potential hazard. Unfortunately, since the speed limit was 70 mph and the roads were slick with recent rain, many other vehicles behind the trucks were unable to slow in time, setting off a chain reaction of deadly crashes. Many of the semi-trailers and passenger cars burned literally to the ground.

This is an absolutely terrible accident and the pictures of the crash scene are utterly horrific. It should go without saying that my thoughts are with the families and loves ones of those who were killed or hurt in this massive tragedy.

At the same time, however, it is entirely possible that a similar wreck could happen in the DFW metroplex. Speeding is certainly a problem here too, and as the weather turns gradually colder and wetter, our roads are prone to similar conditions which are being attributed to causing the England wreck. Let’s all drive carefully out there. Keep your distance between the car in front of you and be particularly cautious of driving in bad weather or after dark.

Yesterday, the Mansfield News-Mirror ran a story about a local woman who suffered serious property damage to her car in a collision with an uninsured driver. Lauren Middleton, 22, was driving along FM 917 when an SUV pulled out of a gas station without looking. Miss Middleton tried to avoid a wreck, but the two vehicles did indeed crash. Neither of the drivers were injured, but Miss Middleton’s 2000 Pontiac Tans Am’s front driver’s side was smashed up bad.

It was then that Miss Middleton discovered the at-fault driver – an unidentified 20-year-old Alvarado man – didn’t have auto insurance. She called the police – who determined that it was the other motorist’s fault – but the uninsured driver got away with nothing more than a ticket, leaving Miss Middleton with a damaged vehicle she will now have to pay to repair out of her own pocket.

Unfortunately, this is a situation I see a lot as a Dallas-Fort Worth auto accident lawyer. Over the past few years, the number of uninsured drivers in North Texas has increased sharply due to the global recession. People are trying to find ways to save money and many of them are electing to drop their car insurance. While it might not seem so, Miss Middleton is actually very lucky that she suffered no injuries in this crash, otherwise she would be forced to may likely thousands of dollars in medical expenses out of her own pocket.

So what can drivers do to protect themselves from uninsured drivers? You need to make sure you insure yourself. State minimum insurance does nothing to protect your vehicle or yourself if you are injured. You should invest in collision coverage for your vehicle so that if you are hit by a negligent driver you can make a claim against your own insurance (and if the other driver does have insurance, your insurance company will then claim the money back from their provider). You should also invest in uninsured motorist coverage, which is an optional coverage offered by all insurance providers. This coverage will pay any medical costs, loss of income and other damages if you are seriously hurt and need hospitalization if you are hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a multi-vehicle accident anywhere in the DFW metroplex, give me a call today for a no fee, no obligation consultation on your personal situation. Call toll free at 800-354-MARK (6275) or call locally at 817-294-1900.

If you occasionally drive outside of Dallas-Fort Worth down to either Austin or San Antonio, you’ll know what a nightmare it can be on I-35; particularly when the interstate shrinks to just two lanes in each direction between Waco and Hillsborough. I’ve spent many hours in bumper-to-bumper traffic in that area and it is incredibly frustrating. Usually, there isn’t even a collision which has caused the congestion; more often than not it’s one semi truck trying to pass a tractor trailer.

Yesterday morning, however, it was a crash which brought I-35 to a standstill near Waco. Predictably, it was an 18-wheeler truck which was responsible. Police say that the truck, which was carrying a tank-like container was too big to pass beneath an underpass, so the trucker performed an emergency stop. Unfortunately, several other motorists following behind him were unable to brake in time and the result was a ten vehicle pile-up including two trucks and eight other cars and pick-ups.

Texas state troopers are still investigating the accident and in particular are focusing on the tanker truck which caused the wreck and whether its oversize load was illegal. As a Texas personal injury lawyer, I know that overloaded or improperly secured cargo has been responsible for many auto accidents over the years. This is negligence on behalf of the trucker and the motor carrier company they work for. If it is determined that their negligence was responsible for Tuesday’s crash, then they are certainly liable to pay compensation to those who suffered personal injury or property damage in the wreck.

I offer a complimentary copy of my book 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case to all Texas accident victims and their loved ones, because I know that the days following a crash are often very confusing and it’s important that you understand your rights – particularly if you have been hospitalized. To request your free copy, please call me toll free at 800-354-MARK (6275) or locally in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900.

Yesterday, I reported on the Grand Prairie car wreck which claimed the life of one teenage passenger (Carlos Marquez Jr., 15, of Arlington) and injured another three. I am greatly saddened to hear that the driver of the car, Kimberly Pimentel, 17, of Grand Prairie was also pronounced dead yesterday afternoon at Methodist Dallas Medical Center where she had been receiving treatment for her critical injuries.

My heart goes out to the family and loved ones of those involved in the crash. My thoughts are with you at this incredibly difficult time.

The two other passengers in the vehicle at the time of the collision have been identified as Isaiah Rodriguez, 16, of Arlington and Flordeluna Flores, 15, of Grand Prairie. Both remain hospitalized at this time. I wish them a full recovery.

The four friends were all students at Timberview High School in Mansfield. Friends and relatives said that they had performed together in a school play. Police investigating the crash scene believe that Pimentel lost control of her vehicle while passing another motorist on Highway 360, crashing into the median and a tree. The police have ruled out alcohol as a factor in this tragic collision.

A Grand Prairie car wreck claimed the life of one teenager and left three others injured this weekend. The accident took place at approximately 11:30pm on Saturday night on South Texas 360 near New York Avenue. The four Mansfield Timberview High School students were riding in a Lexus driven by Kimberly Pimental, 17, of Grand Prairie. Police believe that Pimental lost control of her car as she attempted to pass a slower vehicle, ultimately crashing into the median and colliding with a tree.

Carlos Marquez Jr., 15, of Arlington, was pronounced dead at the accident scene. Another passenger, Isaiah Rodriguez, 16, of Arlington, was ejected from the car and is currently being treated for critical injuries at John Pere Smith Hospital in Fort Worth. Pimental is also believed to be in critical condition and is currently receiving treatment at Methodist Dallas Medical Center. The third passenger, Flordeluna Flores, 15, of Grand Prairie, is believed to be in a stable condition.

Police have made it clear that they have no reason to suspect that alcohol was a factor in this tragic accident.

As a Tarrant County personal injury lawyer, I wish to express my most sincere sympathies to the loved ones of Mr. Carlos Marquez Jr. I am very sorry for your loss. I would also like to let the families and friends of the three children still in hospital know that our thoughts are with you. We wish you all a speedy and full recovery.

I know that the students and faculty at Mansfield Timberview High School will be devastated by this terrible news. Last week the school’s head football coach, Cody McCarthy, 29, died of an apparent heart attack. Grief counselors will be at the school today to help the high school community in this awful period of mourning.

Ever heard that rear-end accidents are always the fault of the driver hitting the other car? Yeah, we’ve hear that too and although that is the case 95 percent of the time, there are also those incidents where the car accident isn’t the fault of the behind driver. In Texas there isn’t automatic fault in rear-end accidents.

To explain this a little more, we filmed a video with our personal injury firm’s founding attorney, Mark Anderson. Watch the video and see if you understand how fault is determined in rear-end car accidents.

Following in the footsteps of Fort Worth and Arlington, the city of Dallas is now considering ways to improve the downtown area for pedestrians and cyclists in addition to cars, trucks and motorcycles. There are no solid plans so far, however, and early ideas have included a variety of different approaches. One council member suggested the extreme (and ultimately unhelpful) idea of shutting Main Street to motor vehicles entirely to create a single pedestrian zone, while others favor the more useful and cost-effective idea of creating new special-use lanes throughout the city as part of scheduled repaving construction.

The proposals are the result of Dallas receiving an $800,000 grant intended to be used to improve city roads to make them safer for bicycle riders and pedestrians.

As a Dallas County personal injury lawyer, I think this is a great idea. Having dedicated bicycle lanes can really make a difference to cyclist safety – particularly in busy urban areas such as downtown Dallas. Pedestrian safety is also of major concern in DFW, especially since the recent spate of hit-and-run accidents which have occurred in the downtown area.

I look forward to learning how Dallas council decides to use the grant money to make the city streets safer for all road users. In the meantime, it’s important that both pedestrians and cyclists realize that if they are ever injured in any kind of traffic accident, they do have a legal right to compensation, just like any other motorist. If you or a loved one has been injured, call me today and I’ll send you a free copy of my book 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case. Call me locally at 214-327-8000 or toll free at 800-354-6275.

Shortly after midnight on Sunday, a hit-and-run driver crashed head-on into a Dallas police officer at the intersection of Inwood Drive and Forest Lane. The police officer, Sr. Cpl. Charles Fleming, was in his squad car heading west on Forest Lane when the suspect ran through a red light and hit him.

The police car was crushed in the front but the suspect’s car, a solid blue pickup truck made in the late 90s, was also severely damaged. The police officer was taken to Baylor Hospital but has already been released and is recovering after this hit-and-run car accident.

Dallas police now need our help in locating the hit-and-run driver. Police said they are looking for a black male that is about 50 years old and driving a blue pickup truck. If you know anything about this car wreck, police are urging you to call DPD at 214-670-5817.

As a Weatherford personal injury lawyer, it never ceases to amaze me how often celebrities, athletes and other public figures are busted for drunk driving. I’m sure they realize how dangerous it is, so do they think that just because they’re rich and famous the law doesn’t apply to them? The latest person of interest to be arrested for driving while intoxicated is Walmart Heiress Alice Walton, 62, Parker County.

According to the Texas Highway Patrol, Walton was pulled over on I-20 in a construction zone near South Main Street in Weatherford shortly after 10pm last night. She was initially stopped for a traffic violation but when the arresting officer suspected that she might be over the legal alcohol limit, he administered a field sobriety test. She failed.

This is not the first time that Walton has been in trouble for her hazardous driving. In April 1989, she killed a pedestrian, Oleta Hardin, 50, although no charges were ultimately filed. In 1998, she was again driving under the influence of alcohol when she crashed her car into a gas meter. She is alleged to have told the responding officer, “I’m Alice Walton, bitch!” She got off with a fine.

Seeing people like this – regardless of who they are - who have repeatedly gotten behind the wheel when they know full well they are not capable of safely operating a vehicle should be penalized to the fullest extent of the law possible. Walton has already gotten off easy on two prior dangerous driving incidents, this is strike three. It should not be tolerated.

There is never any excuse for drunk driving. It doesn’t matter who you are. If you want to put your own life at risk, fine. But by getting in the driving seat after drinking you are jeopardizing other people’s safety too. That is inexcusable. Whenever someone hires me as their attorney after being injured by a drunk driver I do not hesitate to pursue their claim for compensation as aggressively possible. Drunk drivers need to be taught a lesson.

Three of the victims of yesterday’s fatal car wreck in Arlington have been identified as twin brothers Michael and Stephen Eckles, 21 (one of whom was driving), and Danielle Ruthstrom, 19. It is believed all three attended Seguin High School in Arlington. Two other victims who are still in critical condition at JPS Hospital in Fort Worth have not yet been publically identified.

Police still do not know what exactly caused the car in which the group was riding to go off the road and crash into a tree, splitting it in half before becoming engulfed in flames. There was speculation that alcohol was a factor as a liquor bottle was found at the accident scene, although a close friend of the Eckles brothers whose home they had left just prior to the collision reported that he noticed nothing unusual about either of them.

The deadly accident happened at approximately 3:00 am yesterday morning at the intersection of Southeast Green Oaks Boulevard and Yaupon Drive, close to Ferguson Junior High School.

I wish to offer my most heartfelt condolences to the families of Michael, Stephen and Danielle. I cannot even imagine the grief you must be experiencing right now. What happened with a tragedy. On behalf of everyone here at the Anderson Law Firm, and I’m sure across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I want you to know that our thoughts are with you.

To the loved ones of those still in hospital: I wish your children as full and speedy recovery as possible. Our thoughts are with you also.

It’s only Monday morning, and already a disastrous single-car accident which occurred in Arlington in the early hours has cost three people their lives and left another two hospitalized in critical condition. At approximately 3:00am this morning, an Arlington patrol officer witnessed a flash of light on Southeast Green Oaks Boulevard between Cravens Park Drive and Yaupon Drive. A Honda Accord carrying four passengers in addition to the driver crashed into a tree. No other vehicles were involved in the collision.

According to the police, the driver and a passenger identified as his brother were pronounced deceased at the wreck scene. A third person, a female, died shortly thereafter at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth. Another two individuals, both passengers in the car, remain in critical condition and are being treated for serious injuries. No names of the accident victims have been released, although police have confirmed the ages of all five individuals range from 17 to 21.

At this stage, a police investigation has not determined what caused the driver of the Honda to lose control, although it is believed that speeding was a factor. Given the rain we’ve had over the weekend after a month-long drought, the roads around DFW are particularly slippery right now, causing hazards for all motorists. Police also reported that a liquor bottle was recovered from the destroyed vehicle, and have noted that alcohol could possibly have been a factor although they cannot confirm whether the driver had indeed been drinking.

Regardless of the causes of this crash, the fact that it is a tragedy is undeniable. I would like to offer my most sincere and heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of those whose lives were lost in the accident. I am very sorry for your loss. I would also like to offer my thoughts and hopes for a full recovery to those who remain under the doctors’ care.

As a Dallas-Fort Worth auto wreck personal injury lawyer, I have long campaigned North Texas motorists to switch off their cellphone before getting behind the wheel of their car, truck or motorcycle. Distracted driving is a potentially fatal hazard. If you’re not paying attention to the road ahead – to driving safely – then you are risking your own life, the life of your passengers and anyone else who is unfortunate enough to be on the road near you at that time.

Think about how long it takes you to look down and read or send a text message. Now think about what potential danger you might miss or fail to notice in time: the 18 wheeler ahead of you breaking, for example; or a child running across the street. If you’re not paying attention, the results can be devastating. I know because I’ve helped the personal victims of people injured in such accidents, and the relatives of those who’ve lost someone to a distracted driving wrongful death collision too.

A new study by the Texas Transport Institute (TTI) has found that distracted driving is even more dangerous than previously thought. In fact, a distracted driver’s response time is double the reaction time of a focused, concentrated driver; taking up to five seconds longer. To put this in context, at 30 mph a vehicle will travel 220 feet in five seconds. At 60 mph, it will travel 440 feet. That means a huge risk for a major crash.

In 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 5,500 people were killed in wrecks attributed to a distracted driver. A further half a million were injured. Remember too, that a large proportion of distracted driving victims are actually the distracted drivers themselves.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in accident caused by a distracted driver, it’s important that you consult with an experienced trial attorney to make sure you are fully aware of your legal responsibilities and your right to compensation to cover any medical expenses or other costs which you have incurred following your run-in with the negligent driver. For a free, no obligation consultation, please call me toll free at 800-354-MARK (6275) or call locally at 817-294-1900.

If you’re in a car which is involved in a multi-vehicle traffic collision, the chances are high that you’re going to suffer some very serious injuries and need the services of an experienced Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury attorney. Imagine then, how much worse your injuries might be if you were riding a motorcycle or a bicycle with virtually no protection, let alone such luxuries as safety belts or air bags. North Texas motorists are notorious for not paying attention or taking proper care when driving around motorcyclists, and as a Tarrant County accident and injury lawyer, I am concerned about the safety of regular cyclists too as their number is expected to rise with the increased number of bike lanes in both Fort Worth and Arlington.

Perhaps the greatest challenge is educating drivers of cars and trucks not only on how the importance of remaining highly aware of their two-wheeled fellow road users, but also on cyclists’ right to be on the road in the first place. Unfortunately, when it comes to city streets, bike riders are often treated as first class citizens. Drivers think nothing of driving too close for comfort to cyclists, speeding past or even of parking or otherwise blocking the designated bike lanes. This is not just a problem in Dallas-Fort Worth, but in all American cities.

The video below shows perhaps the worst example of a motorist who not only fails to respect a cyclist’s right to be on the road but who actually intentionally hits him then drives off. The video, which was shot in Washington DC, clearly shows that the cyclists is passing a series of parked vehicles when a pickup driver verbally and physically assaults him, resulting in the cyclist crashing to the road and the hit-and-run driver disappearing into the distance.

Unbelievably, despite the video evidence of the assault and an independent witness who confirmed the wreck was intentionally caused by the pickup driver, no assault charges were brought against the dangerous motorist. That is ridiculous, disgusting and absolutely absurd!

As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I’ve warned numerous times of the very real danger posed to cars and motorcycles alike by the huge 18-wheeler trucks which travel throughout the metroplex in ever-increasing numbers. A smaller vehicle doesn’t stand a chance against a much larger commercial truck and it’s inevitable that significant property damage and personal injuries are going to result.

Yesterday, however, a professional truck driver lost his life in a single vehicle wreck in Arlington. Police report that at approximately 4.15pm, a semi was driving west on Interstate 20, near Texas 360 when, the big rig somehow drifted off the highway and crashed on the roadside, apparently suffering severe damage to the cab portion of the truck. Authorities have not yet publicly identified the deceased trucker nor the cause of the crash.

While I would like to express my sympathy to the family and friends of the driver whose life was lost, I think we should also be thankful that no one else was injured in this terrible accident. This terrible tragedy serves to remind us all that despite their giant trucks, these men and women are just as vulnerable as the rest of us in the event of a collision.

It comes to no surprise to my employees at the Anderson Law Firm and anyone else who works in the Metroplex that DFW has the fifth worst traffic congestion in the United States, just look at the roads every morning! In terms of fuel waste and time lost by commuters, North Texas has the fifth worst traffic congestion in the country as calculated by the 2011 Urban Mobility Report.

What makes traffic in DFW so annoying is that it’s not just during rush hour anymore – it feels like it’s all the time! If you drive north on Interstate 35 around Western Center Blvd there is always some delay. In fact, this new study noted that 40 percent of all traffic congestion happens during midday and at night.

We all know that traffic increases road rage and the possibility of a car accident. It’s a no brainer – people are agitated, their running late and they forget to pay attention or they make sudden movements that hurt others around them. Just remember, the next time you’re in traffic in DFW to stay calm and avoid making the mistakes that could cause you to wreck. It will only hold you up even more.

So what cities beat out DFW as having the most traffic congestion? I’ll bet you can guess.
Metro areas that wasted the most fuel in traffic, 2010:

City, million gallons

1. Los Angeles, 278
2. New York, 190
3. Chicago, 184
4. Washington, 95
5. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, 81

Need a car accident lawyer in Fort Worth? Contact the Anderson Law Firm to get in touch with a top-rated personal injury attorney.

A garbage truck traveling northbound on the Sam Rayburn Tollway in The Colony hit and killed a stranded motorist that was trying to cross the highway. The motorist was hit around 6 a.m. after he attempted to cross Highway 121 between Main and Paige Road.

The truck accident caused a traffic nightmare for those driving the tollway as they had to use the highway’s frontage road during morning rush hour.

Unfortunately, stranded motorists are injured or killed all the time in DFW while changing tires, or like in this case, attempting to cross the road. Remember – there is an emergency number on the back of your Texas driver’s license you can call for roadside assistance. If you are stalled on an especially busy road or highway, call the police station and request that a squad car with warning lights wait nearby. These accidents are far too common, but can be avoided – especially if you use the resources available to you.
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The Anderson Law Firm and it’s team of top-rated Fort Worth personal injury lawyers are ready to help you after your car wreck, motorcycle accident or other personal injury claim. Contact us today to set up a free case consultation.

For many years, sexual and erectile dysfunction has been listed as one of the side effects of taking a hair-growth drug finasteride, commonly known as Propecia. But according to a study in March by the Journal of Sexual Medicine, erectile dysfunction and sexual problems can last long after you stop taking the medication. These sexual dysfunctions can even become permanent.
Already, lawsuits have starting piling up all over the country from men who claim that Propecia has caused them permanent sexual dysfunction. These claims state that Merck, the maker of Propecia, failed to adequately warn consumers about the risks and side effects associated with the drug.

To learn more about Propecia lawsuits in Texas, visit our website our contact the Texas Propecia lawsuit attorneys at the Anderson Law Firm. If you think Propecia caused your erectile dysfunction, it’s important that you investigate your legal rights by contacting a dangerous drug lawyer.

Car accidents are never funny, but one Arizona man’s description of his wreck will have you in a fit of giggles. Last Thursday, George Lindell from Phoenix was rear ended by a motorist who lost control of their vehicle due to a medical condition. The car then struck a power pole and became trapped under the live power lines.

Watch below as Lindell describes the wreck. Its ok, you can laugh – all of the drivers involved in the car accident are recovering just fine, thankfully.

If you’ve been hurt in a wreck not quite as comical as this one, give the Fort Worth personal injury lawyers a call at the Anderson Law Firm. We can help you recover compensation for your injuries.

Most of us don’t even think about how dangerous it is to get in the car and head out somewhere. We just don’t think about it. We do it every day, and yet we rarely stop to think that we’re really putting our lives at risk every time we are either a passenger or a driver on the roads of Dallas-Fort Worth. As a North Texas personal injury lawyer, I know that deadly wrecks happen throughout DFW on a daily basis. Some are caused by drunk drivers, but not every crash is the cause of such gross negligence.

On Saturday afternoon, for example, Juana Mancilla, 71, of Grand Prairie, was killed in a fatal two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Dickey Road and Texas 161 in Grand Prairie. Mancilla was a passenger in an SUV which allegedly ran a stop sign putting in the path of a van which hit its side. According to police, Mancilla was ejected from the SUV which then rolled over, landing on top of her. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Both the driver of the SUV, Jose Cruz Mancilla, 41, and the driver of the van, Billy Bannister, 71, as well with four additional passengers in the SUV were taken to hospital by ambulance to be treated with what were described as non-life threatening injuries.

I don’t want to speculate on the cause of this terrible accident, since clearly as a passenger in the SUV, Mrs. Mancilla had no control over the vehicle she was riding in at the time of the collision. Naturally, my thoughts and sympathies go out to all those who were hurt in the wreck, as well as their loved ones.

Unfortunately, while it does not appear that there was any significant negligence prior to this accident taking place, it goes to show just how suddenly and without warning an auto accident can occur. We should all realize that getting behind the wheel is the most dangerous thing we do every single day. And we should all resolve to take much greater care while driving around DFW.

Due to increased medical costs and new minimum limits for liability coverage, auto insurance rates have increase for many Dallas, Fort Worth and Arlington drivers by 8 percent, according to the Dallas Morning News. Although the insurance industry claims that rising medical costs and the increased liability limits have caused the price hike, consumer advocate groups think that it’s all due to the greed in the insurance industry.

When comparing the average auto liability insurance premiums in North Texas, the Dallas morning news found that those in Arlington saw their premiums go from an average of $496 annually in 2010, to an average annual rate of $536 in 2011. In Duncanville, it went from $562 in 2010 to $608 in 2011, and Irving went from $545 in 2010 to $591 in 2011.

As a personal injury attorney in Fort Worth, I see the benefits of having good auto insurance on a daily basis and want you to know that now is not the time to cut back on insurance just because of a price hike. I know that times are tough for many Texans, but trust me, you cannot afford to go without auto insurance – not to mention, it’s against the law. You must protect yourself and your family members by having auto insurance because car accidents in Tarrant County generally happen when you can least afford to have one.

Even if you are worried about how you will pay for your auto insurance, there are still plenty of things you can do to cut costs. Shop the best rates by using the Texas Department of Insurance’s website, www.helpinsure.com. Compare insurance costs before buying a new car – certain cars are accident prone, which will increase your insurance premiums. Haven’t had any accidents or moving violations? You can seek discounts from some insurance companies that why.

While you have insurance on the brain, now would be a good time to learn about why personal injury protection is the best insurance to have. Remember in hard economic times, many people cut costs they don’t think are necessary to everyday life, like auto insurance. If one of these uninsured people hits you in a car accident, you will be out of luck unless you have the right amount of insurance coverage to pay for your vehicle repairs and medical bills. If anything, now is the time to buy even more insurance.

If you have any questions on the insurance policies involved in your car accident claim, feel free to contact my accident and injury law firm in Fort Worth.

A six vehicle accident shut down multiple lanes of Northeast Loop 820 near Rufe Snow Drive and Meadow Lakes Drive in North Richland Hills this morning. While the full details of the multi-vehicle wreck have not yet been made public it is understood that an 18 wheeler tractor trailer was involved in the collision. At least one injured person was rushed to hospital in a critical condition. The crash happened around 5.40 this morning, although eastbound lanes remained closed for several hours while authorities investigated the scene.

While my thoughts are with the family of the hospitalized motorist, as a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury attorney, I am surprised that just one individual was hurt badly enough to need immediate medical attention. Traffic accidents cause devastating injuries in any situation, but whenever a commercial truck is involved, the injuries are likely to be so much worse. If you or a loved one was involved in this morning’s crash, I would encourage you to go see a doctor as soon as possible – today if you can – just to get yourself checked out in case. It would be awful if you discovered you had a serious problem a few days or weeks later, but neglected to seek treatment right away.

Since I’ve been practicing personal injury and wrongful death law throughout North Texas since 1991, I know that there are many mistakes which traffic accident victims are prone to make – many within the first 48 hours – which could seriously ruin their chances of recovering the full and fair compensation they deserve later on! For a free no obligation consultation on your personal situation, or to request a complimentary copy of my book 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case please call 800-354-6275.

Technical difficulties happen to the best of us. We’ve all experienced the so-called “blue screen of death” when our PC crashes, or else some other computer-related frustration. Viruses are also a big deal and it seems that nary a week goes by without one of my Facebook friends passing on a warning about some new Trojan or worm that some malicious hacker has set loose on the internet. So, as a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I was naturally intrigued by a report by antivirus software maker MacAfee which suggest that our cars will be hacker’s new targets.

The report, titled Caution: Malware Ahead, suggests that since automobiles have evolved in recent years they have become increasingly dependent on their on-board computers they could become targets for anarchist technical wizards. The potential problems this could create for people like you and I range from theft since hackers could easily unlock doors and even start engines remotely, to wrecking a car’s computer system so completely it creates a variety of dangers such as brakes not working and other faults which could potentially cause fatal accidents.

Don’t get too concerned just yet though, as The Car Connection points out, the reward for hackers to go after our cars is currently minimal. For starters, in order to access a car’s computer they would actually have to be inside the vehicle. It’s not easy, not quick and results in little benefit. However, as the technology continues to develop and presumably become more integrated between different vehicles and other devises, such a problem could become a genuine problem.

For now, however, this is nothing to worry about. Certainly not in comparison to the very real danger of drunk or distracted drivers.

Surprise, surprise: Interstate 35W, north of downtown Fort Worth during rush hour is the most stressful road to travel on in Texas, according to the Texas Department of Transportation’s 2011 edition of the 100 most congested roadways. This comes as no surprise to everyone at my personal injury law firm in Fort Worth, or the thousands of other Texans that drive this highway every day.

With constant construction, distracted drivers, truckers and more cars that can seem to fit – it’s no wonder car accidents are a daily occurrence on I35. It seems I35W isn’t just stressful; it also ranked as the 5th most congested road in the state according the calculations by the Texas Transportation Institute. What are the most congested roadways in Texas? Look at the list here - the top three are all in North Texas.

Have you been in a car accident on one of these busy roadways? If so, call one of the accident and injury attorneys at the Anderson Law Firm – we’re here to help.

As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury and wrongful death lawyer, I know that it is always important to take mass vehicle recalls seriously. It is never good publicity for a car, motorcycle or truck manufacturer to announce a nationwide recall of one of their models due to a potentially life-threatening defect, so if there are announcing it to the world, you should assume that it is serious enough that you should get your vehicle inspected at your local dealership immediately.

Yesterday, Honda Motor Company announced a recall of their Fit subcompact, CR-V crossover and Fit Aria models which were sold in North America, Asia, Europe and Africa, as well as their CR-Z compact hybrids globally. This recall affects a total of 962,000 vehicles worldwide. Honda says that there have been no injuries or fatalities which have prompted the recall of any of the affected vehicles. The Fit, CR-V and Fit Aria models are being recalled due to the risk of a fire from defective power windows installed in these vehicle necessitate the mass recall. The CR-Z is believed to have programming problems with the computerized engine control unit.

If you believe that your vehicle is affected by either of these issues, you should contact your local Honda dealership immediately. Do not wait for an official notification letter from Honda, because there is usually a delay in manufacturers mailing out such letters, and even then not all owners will receive one.

Last year, almost 20 million cars, trucks and motorcycles in the US were affected by manufacturers’ recalls, yet the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates as many as 6 million of affected owners failed to get their vehicle inspected and repaired. Since such repairs are necessitated by a recall, there should be no charge to you as the vehicle owner, so there is really no excuse not to get your car checked out and fixed.

Despite numerous protests and evidence presented to lawmakers in Austin that distracted driving is an incredibly dangerous epidemic that is rapidly growing out of control, Governor Rick Perry vetoed House Bill 242 that would have made texting while driving illegal in Texas. In his official response, Perry said, “Texting while driving is reckless and irresponsible. I support measures that make our roads safer for everyone, but House Bill 242 is a government effort to micromanage the behavior of adults.”

Perry claims that HB 242 would have been an overreach of government, but it confuses me as to how he got to this conclusion. How does a law that would protect the well-being of the public equal tyranny of the state? If Governor Perry is against laws like HB 242 that “micromanage” us, then he must also be against DWI laws, drug laws and driving without insurance laws. We shouldn’t need laws to tell us not to drink and drive or text and drive but we do.

It seems to me that Governor Perry is out of touch with the state of Texas. There was little opposition to this law in its required committee hearings; in fact, telecommunications giants, such as AT&T, actually support a ban on texting while driving. Not only did this bill have both Democrat and Republican support, but the majority of Texas drivers polled in a survey by the Texas Transportation Institute last year favor a cellphone ban while driving.

Politics aside, anti-texting laws don’t burden you unless you’re texting and driving and if they can save one life, they are worth it. If I was grading Rick Perry on his decision to veto this much needed anti-texting and driving bill, we would give him an F.

So many auto accidents occur throughout the North Texas region that’s it’s easy to become somewhat complacent about them. For most people, the worst you are ever affected by a rollover wreck is that it causes you to take twice as long to get home as usual. As a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, however, I see things rather differently. Every day I work for those people who have been seriously injured in such collisions. I also work for the families of those whose loved ones were not lucky enough to survive.

Fatal traffic accidents are on the rise. It doesn’t matter if you ride a motorcycle or drive a truck. Statistically, getting in your vehicle and setting out on the road is the most dangerous thing you will do today.

I was upset to hear of two tragic crashes which occurred yesterday:

In Weatherford, three people died in a head-on collision on Farm Road 2421. Police believe that Jorge Flores, 16, lost control of his car, which veered into the oncoming lane of traffic, hitting a pickup driven by William H. Morris, 53. Both drivers, along with Flores’ passenger, Alexandra Hernandez, 13, were pronounced dead at the crash scene.

In Arlington, police believe alcohol was a factor in an intersection wreck caused by Walter Tendi Chiyausiku, 29. Chiyausiku failed to stop at the four-way intersection, causing his SUV to strike a car driven by a mother and her child. Chiyausiku was arrested at the scene. The mother and son were taken to Cook’s Medical Center in Fort Worth. The boy died this morning.

If someone you loved has been taken from you by a negligent motorist, it’s important to understand your legal rights and to consult with a wrongful death attorney. I offer no fee, no obligation consultations. Call toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally at 817-294-1900.

Despite Gov. Rick Perry’s inexcusable vetoing of a bill which would have outlawed texting while driving in Texas, some good did come out of the most recent state legislative session - at least as far as traffic safety is concerned.

As a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I have a big problem with drunk drivers, so I’m glad to see there are two new laws aimed squarely at those irresponsible idiots who put the lives of others at risk by getting behind the wheel intoxicated. One law makes it easier for local police to obtain a warrant to perform a mandatory urine analysis on suspected drunk drivers if they’ve already refused a voluntary breathalyzer test. Another increases a drunk driving charge from misdemeanor to felony if the injuries resulting from the accident involve traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

I truly hope that these new laws will act as a strong deterrent to anyone who is considering driving home after a night out at the bar. By doing so you are jeopardizing not only your own safety, but also the wellbeing of anyone else who is unfortunate enough to share the road with you. Even if you’re fortunate enough not to cause a wreck, if you get caught these new measures mean you will seriously be damaging your future.

Don’t drink or drive. Arrange a designated driver beforehand, or plan ahead to take a taxi home.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash caused by a drunk driver, it’s important that you consult with an experienced accident and injury attorney with a record of taking a firm stance against intoxicated drivers and their insurance companies. Call the Anderson Law Firm for a free, no obligation consultation on your case today. Call toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally at 817-294-1900.

Don’t worry Bieber fans; Justin is going to be fine. The teen sensation was involved in a minor fender bender on Tuesday in San Fernando Valley when a Honda Civic hit his black Ferrari. Nobody was hurt in the accident and Justin’s hair remains intact, as do both cars.

I bet the person driving the Honda was certainly surprised to see Justin Bieber in the driver’s seat; I wonder if they got his autograph after the car accident? I don’t think Justin was texting and driving – he has his own iPhone app just to prevent distracted driving.

Justin, I’m very glad you weren’t hurt – but give my personal injury law firm a call if you’re ever in a car wreck in Texas. I’d be happy to represent you, but only if you promise to give my daughter an autograph first!

The man responsible for the death of 17-year-old Francisco Reyes has been caught by Irving police. Last week, we wrote about the hunt for the man responsible for this fatal hit-and-run car accident.

In the early morning hours of Aug. 14, Reyes was walking on the Highway 183 south service road when he was hit from behind. From debris left at the scene of the accident, police were able to conclude that it was a 2010 or 2011 Dodge Challenger that killed Reyes and fled.

Police got a tip that a Dodge Challenger matching the vehicles description was in a Denton body shop for repairs. From that tip, authorities were able to arrest 29-year-old John David Wright and charge with a third-degree felony for leaving the scene of the accident.

At the Anderson Law Firm, we are glad to see this investigation come to an end – there are too many criminals responsible for fatal car accidents that never get caught in Texas. We’re happy to see that this man will have to face the music and pay for his actions.

Are trucks in New York too big for their bridges? It seems to be the case in one town in particular where large commercial trucks simply can’t clear the overpass. In the town of Binghamton on Tuesday, a tractor trailer hit a railroad bridge and got jammed underneath it as the truck was simply too tall to pass underneath. It’s the third truck accident in two months at the same bridge.

In the video shot by TV station WBNG, you can see how the bridge crushed all the cars the tractor trailer was carrying. Drivers are warned of the bridges low clearance, but either they aren’t paying attention or just can’t find another route to get where they’re going.

This got me wondering about the bridges in Fort Worth and the rest of DFW. Do we have bridges that eat trucks like this in our area, too? As a personal injury attorney in Fort Worth, this makes me question the bridges structural integrity. It’s been hit so many times; can it support the train that drives over it? Obviously, the truck drivers in Binghamton need to pay more attention to low bridges like this and the city needs to ensure all motorists that the bridge is safe to drive under.

Over the years I’ve heard every excuse possible from distracted drivers who’ve crashed into my personal injury clients. Usually it’s something along the lines of “I had an important work email” or “I didn’t want my friend to think I was rude by not picking up.” My answer to those pleas is that a) no email is more important that the safety of you, your passengers and other road users, and b) I’m sure if you called your friend back later and explained that you’d been driving, there would be no problem.

As a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I firmly believe that there is never an excuse to use your cellphone while driving: not to text, not to call someone, not to email. Fortunately, as the dangers of distracted driving become more prolific, more cities (such as Arlington) are cracking down on drivers who use their cellphone while behind the wheel.

Simultaneously, new technology is helping to put an end to the distracted driving epidemic as well. One new app which could really help those people who don’t want to miss a thing, is Text ’n Drive which was even featured on CNN. It’s a voice-operated app, which means you can use it hands free, and it will read you your emails and your text messages while you’re on the go. Even better, it will send an email or SMS to your contact to let them know you’re driving but that you’ll respond to their message as soon as you’ve reached your destination! How good is that? Not only does it keep you from appearing rude, but it also reminds others that using a cellphone while driving is dangerous. Fantastic!

Truck accidents in Texas usually happen on the ground, but that wasn’t the case today in New York when a Department of Sanitation truck crashed through the third floor of building in Queens.

The driver of the truck was literally left hanging from the third story in the cab of the truck until emergency teams could rescue him 30 minutes later. The driver was taken to a local hospital with neck and back injuries, but no word yet on what caused the wreck.
Crazy to look at huh?

I’ve said it hundreds of times before, and it seems that certain idiot drivers are determined for me to say it several hundred more times: don’t drink and drive. There is never an excuse. Since I first started helping personal injury victims throughout Dallas-Fort Worth 20 years ago, alcohol-related traffic accidents have caused far too many pointless injuries and fatalities throughout the metroplex. I have helped many of those people who have been injured by a drunk driver as a Texas car crash lawyer.

Yet people continue to wreck both their lives and the lives of others by making to inexcusable decision to get behind the wheel after having a drink. At approximately 1:45 this morning, for example, a woman suspected of drink-driving drove the wrong way down I-20 in Arlington and sideswiped an 18-wheeler. Both drivers were transported to John Peter Smith Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. As a result of the collision, police were forced to close the westbound lanes of I-20 near Green Oaks Boulevard for several hours, interfering with the morning drive for thousands of commuters.

As if that wasn’t enough, Arlington emergency services were already busy dealing with the aftermath of two other fatal accidents which occurred within the previous few hours:

At 10.30pm yesterday a lone driver was speeding down Eden Road near Kennedale when he lost control of his vehicle and flipped off the road. The deceased was a 30-year-old male. His name has not yet been released by authorities.

Later, at approximately 1.30am, a passenger riding in pickup was ejected and killed after the pickup was struck from behind by a hit and run driver. Police are still searching for the driver responsible for the collision, whom they believe was driving a white Nissan truck. Anyone who may have any information is asked to contact Arlington Police Department at 817-459-5635.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by a negligent motorist, regardless of whether alcohol was a factor, you are invited to call the personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at the Anderson Law Firm by calling toll free at 800-354-6275.

School’s around the corner for kids in Fort Worth and Dallas and for parents that means preparing our children for the new school year. We get them ready with new school supplies and clothes, but if you have a teen driver – you may want to put them through a refresher course on how to be a safe driver. You see, even though teen drivers only represent 7 percent of the licensed population, they are involved in 20 percent of all fatal car accidents.

Car accidents are the leading killer of teenagers in America, and as personal injury attorney in Fort Worth, I can tell you that almost all of these accidents in DFW could have been avoided. If your teen is preparing to drive to school for the first time this year, or even if they drove last year, take the time to go over some basics of the road and set down some ground rules that could potentially save their life.

Teen drivers in Texas have a high rate of car crashes because they simple don’t have that much driving experience. They get distracted easily, have trouble spotting driving risks and fail to choose the appropriate speed. Here are some easy ways to protect your teen driver:

•Limit or restrict completely the number of friends they are allowed to drive: studies show that by just adding 1 teen passenger, the fatal crash risk nearly doubles.
•Limit their driving at night and on the weekends
•Remind them to always where a seatbelt and put down their cell phone: Distracted driving and not wearing a seat belt are some of the leading killers of teens. As a parent you are part of the solution! Lead by example: put your seat belt on and don’t mess with your phone while you drive. Also, don’t add to the problem by calling your teen while you know they’re driving. Set up a plan with your teenager to have them call you as they about to drive to and from places – not while they are in the act.

Car accidents are avoidable when you follow the basic safety rules, even for teens. Use this time to remind your teen about safe driving habits and also what to do if they get in an accident. As always, you’re better safe than sorry.

It was a ride young Gatlin Jeter will never forget – and it was all caught on camera. Last Saturday, Jeter was on his way to get something for his grandmother when he could not get the cruise control on his Ford F-150 to disengage. Jeter was going 60 mph headed toward what he thought was an imminent car accident.

"I went to slow down, when I hit the breaks, the breaks wouldn't go in. The breaks wouldn't move at all. So at that point I realized that something's wrong. I tried turning the keys. I tried using the gear shift. Nothing worked. Nothing moved,” Jeter said.

He frantically called 911 and told them what was happening. Officer Rocky Carrell got the call and was able to track down the speeding truck in the nick of time. Just a few streets from crowded downtown Huntsville and a busy intersection, Carrell was able to use his police SUV to stop the truck.

I heard this story on the Today show this morning. Terrifying, to say the least. Here’s the video of how the police officer was able to stop the truck:

Is there a product liability issue with the truck’s stuck cruise control? It could’ve been possible if the run-away vehicle wasn’t stopped, although Ford said they can’t comment on the incident and aren’t aware of any safety issues with the truck’s cruise control system.

I’m just glad that everyone was safe and that they driver of this rogue vehicle knew what to do – call the police. On my personal injury blogs, I write about negligent drivers causing car wrecks a lot, but for once I’m able to write about one that was prevented.

We’ve written several times throughout the year our personal injury law firm’s stance on red light cameras at Texas intersections, but now a new study really proves what we thought all along. In the first statewide study of its kind, the Texas Transportation Institute found a 25 percent drop in crashes at intersections with red-light cameras.

Critics of the cameras say they are an unjust way for the city to make money and discount the cameras accuracy; however our Fort Worth car accident attorneys say numbers don’t lie. In the report released Monday, Dallas had a 38 percent drop in red-light crashes at intersections where cameras had been up and running for two years and Fort Worth saw a 24 percent drop in collisions where cameras had been installed for one year.

Sure, nothing is perfect. These cameras can make mistakes, but you can always contest your red-light camera violation. In our opinion, anything that deters red-light violators from cause accidents is a good thing. We are glad to see that this program is working and hope that it continues to deter people from speeding through intersections when they shouldn’t.

Although the Anderson Law Firm doesn’t handle traffic tickets, we can help you in other areas of personal injury law like car accidents, truck wrecks and child injury cases.

We’ve all heard the PSA “Drink, Drive, Go To Jail” from Texas law enforcement agencies, but for people in San Antonio, it’s not just jail time that will get you. Digital billboards in the San Antonio area will now feature the names and photos of suspected drunken drivers who are sought.

It’s a new effort by police and Bexar County authorities to get felony offenders and people sought for charges like intoxication assault or vehicular manslaughter to surrender. The program is supported by Mothers Against Drunk Driving and use of about a dozen electronic billboards has been donated by Clear Channel Outdoor.

What would it take to get these billboards in North Texas? I think this is a great idea, and not just because I work as a personal injury attorney who handles drunk driving accident cases. To me, anyone who would drive drunk and completely disrespect the law should be publicly humiliated. Not only would more of these criminals get caught, but I think it would also deter people from drinking and driving. Whatever works to make our streets safer is ok with me – and I never mind a really funny mug shot either.

What do you think? Would you like to see these types of billboards in Fort Worth? Do you think it would help make people smarter drivers?

As a Fort Worth commercial truck accident lawyer I know that auto collisions involving big rigs are always extremely serious and frequently fatal. A young couple were killed in a deadly 18-wheeler crash in Fort Worth early this morning. Police report that the wreck occurred on westbound I-30 near Las Vegas Trail around 2.30am. The driver of a Suzuki Forenza, identified as Antonio Andrade (22) and an unnamed female passenger (20) died after crashing into the back of a stopped 18-wheeler. The trucker – who has also not yet been identified - was not injured in the wreck.

Early reports suggest that the commercial truck was completely stopped when the car ran into the back of it, although the police investigation is ongoing. Thorough investigations are always essential whenever someone is injured or dies in a collision with a trucking company vehicle. This is because trucking companies and their insurance providers do whatever they can to protect their profits, so they want to avoid paying out claims for compensation in instances when someone was hurt due to their employee’s negligence, if that was the case.

Whenever someone is injured in a commercial truck crash, it is essential that they hire an experienced truck accident injury attorney as soon as possible so that you have someone who understands the legal process making sure that your rights are respected and protected, and to make sure that you get the full and fair damages you might be entitled to. For a free consultation on your Texas truck wreck claim, call toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally at 817-294-1900.

Even though Governor Rick Perry didn’t seem to think that texting and driving was a safety concern in Texas, the city of Arlington does. This Tuesday, the Arlington City Council will discuss a proposal that would ban using a hand-held cell phone to talk, text or send emails while driving in Arlington. Although nothing is not on the agenda to be voted on at this week’s city council meeting, it’s a step in the right direction.

"Ultimately what we are trying to do is create a safer city, an environment where the road is used for driving -- not gaming, texting and looking at videos and messing with the phone,” said District 3 Councilman Robert Rivera, who is a main supporter of the new ordinance.

Every day car accident victims call my personal injury law firm in Fort Worthhttp://www.maafirm.com for help. And every day more and of those car wrecks are caused by distracted drivers. From May 2010 and May 2011, 824 of the 6,094 traffic wrecks reported in Arlington were caused by distracted drivers. These accidents are completely avoidable and I’m glad the city of Arlington is prepared to do something about it.

Texting or talking on your hand-held cell phone is so dangerous. Is it really worth your life or someone else’s to take the call or reply to a text? If you have to get a blue tooth device—they aren’t that expensive and much more comfortable to talk on anyway. If you have teenagers, urge them to put the phone down. There are iPhone apps designed to help them do this or tell them to take my Teens Against Distracted Driving Pledge. It’s just not worth your life to mess on your cell phone.

As a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, one of my greatest concerns for public safety is the distracted driving epidemic. I am far from alone in my concern as celebrities such as Justin Bieber and the Texas Rangers’ Derek Holland have also spoken out against texting while driving. You may have seen the results of a survey published this week by GMAC Insurance which suggest that the number of people using a cellphone while behind the wheel is on the decline. As fantastic as this news is, however, I am skeptical of the study’s findings.

From a total of 5,130 drivers surveyed nationwide, 75% of drivers aged 16 and 17 claim they never use their smart phones while driving. GMAC attributes this apparent result to increasing parental pressure not to use handheld devices while driving. I certainly agree that family and social pressure not to use a phone can help reduce the number of young drivers, but I think GMAC’s assertion that distracted driving is declining is more than a little optimistic.

According to the same survey, nearly 66% of all age groups said they regularly make phone calls while driving and 80% admit to reading and sending text messages while stopped at traffic lights. In my book, that’s still considered distracted driving. Any time you take your attention off the road you are impairing your ability to safely operate your vehicle.

I’m glad that the dangers of distracted driving are getting more publicity, but it is still a big problem. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, give me a call for a no fee, no obligation consultation on your personal injury claim: call toll free at 800-354-MARK (6275) or call locally at 817-294-1900.

As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I know that it’s important to stay with your vehicle – but not in your vehicle - if your car stalls or if you are stranded at the side of the interstate. Nowadays, the majority of people have a cellphone with them at all times which is useful for calling roadside assistance.

A lot of the time, police departments have regular courtesy patrols which travel throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex offering assistance to motorists who need help changing a tire or who have run short on gas, among other problems. The important thing is that you should avoid attempting to walk along a busy highway or to cross the road at all costs because the freeway is simply not a safe place for pedestrians. Drivers don’t expect to see people walking across the road so they are not watching out for pedestrians.

Unfortunately, a DFW woman was killed in a collision which happened on Texas 121 in Grapevine early yesterday morning. The victim has not yet been named but police report that her car was found along the median of the road, just north of Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, and deduced that she had been attempting to cross the road when she was struck by an oncoming Hyundai Elantra. No charges are being pursued against the driver who hit her and the death is being ruled accidental.

As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I know that it is not always a negligent driver which is the cause of a fatal traffic collision, but sometimes other factors such the road itself. I was saddened to learn of a fatal single car accident which occurred last night, about 40 miles north of DFW in Leonard in Fannin County.

Brandon Richards (19, of Dodd City) was driving the car as it crested a hill and became airborne. According to the police investigation of the crash scene, Richards then lost control of the vehicle which flipped and rolled over several times before coming to a stop. Both Richards and one of his passengers, Brian Hilliard (15) were taken to Parkland Hospital by helicopter with critical injuries. Their current conditions are unknown. The two other passengers in the car, Alexandria Hilliard (16) and Zachary Kelton (19, of Ector) were pronounced deceased at the site of the wreck.

My thoughts are with the families and friends of all of these young victims. This is a terrible tragedy which has occurred.

The crash happened on FM 896 which local residents describe as narrow and hilly. This latest disaster is the latest in a number of fatal accidents which have occurred in this same stretch of road. As a Texas car wreck wrongful death attorney, I hope that the local authorities in Leonard are prompted by this seriously poor record to review the allegedly hazardous road conditions where this wreck occurred and take whatever action is necessary to ensure that more lives are not needlessly lost.

Maybe if we had more Amish in Texas there would be less fatal drunk driving accidents. At least in Cattaraugus County in New York, some of the driver’s boozing on the road are riding dirty in a horse and buggy, not cars and trucks. Yes, today’s weird legal news comes right out of the Old Country where a 17-year-old Amish boy has been charged with resisting arrest and unlawful possession of an alcoholic beverage by a person under 21 after police saw him with an open container of beer in his buggy.

The young man took police on a short chase when they attempted to pull him over and ask about the open container of alcohol. Not to self: when evading arrest, horse and buggy is not the best option. Eventually police caught up with the teen and arrested him for driving under the influence.

As a personal injury attorney in Fort Worth, if there had to be drunk drivers I’d much rather them be driving horses than cars with horse power, but the law is the law. It’s illegal to operate any motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol – including horse and buggy.

As a Dallas-Fort Worth motorcycle accident & injury attorney, I know that motorcyclists are the most vulnerable motorists on our road, and the most likely to suffer life-threatening injuries in the event of a highway collision. Such accidents are rarely the fault of the bike rider. Rather, it is the fault of truck and car drivers who fail to give motorcyclists the respect they deserve to the point of negligence.

I am greatly saddened to hear that Jason Wakeford (30), a motorcyclist from Keller, Texas, was killed in a traffic wreck in far north Tarrant County in the early hours of yesterday morning. A Jeep being driven by a suspected drunk driver, Cristan Jerri Melancon (18), also from Keller, turned on to Wall Price Road and crashed into Mr. Wakeford’s bike. Mr. Wakeford was transported to John Peter Smith Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries shortly afterwards. Ms. Melancon is being held at Tarrant County Jail on suspicion of intoxication manslaughter. She was uninjured in the crash.

The poor judgment – or rather, inexcusably bad decisions – by drivers who decide to get behind the wheel after drinking causes a great many deaths in the DFW metroplex each year. It seems that not a week goes by without another fatal alcohol-related car wreck. It genuinely makes me angry. There is no excuse to attempt to drive if you’ve been drinking. I hope that Ms. Melancon receives the harshest punishment for her crime and the devastation she is responsible for in causing this fatal accident.

My thoughts go out to the friends and family of Mr. Wakeford. I am deeply sorry for your loss.

Although I have practiced personal injury law in the DFW area for 20 years, I am always upset to learn that someone has lost their life in a car crash. Wrecks happen every day, of course, but we should not forget that these are people who have lost their lives. They leave behind many loved ones who must now move on without them.

One such tragedy occurred on FM 1417 on Thursday night. Taylor Williams, 17 from Sherman, Texas, was killed in a traffic collision. She was a passenger in a car which was t-boned by a pickup truck. Police say that Williams died at the scene. One other girl who was riding in the vehicle was careflighted to a hospital in Dallas. The driver of the car, another passenger and the driver of the pickup truck were also all taken to local hospitals with non-life threatening injuries. Police are still investigating the conditions that caused the fatal accident to occur.

I would like to offer my condolences to Taylor’s friends and family. This is undoubtedly a most difficult time for you all. My thoughts are with you.

As a Richardson personal injury lawyer, I know that distracted driving accidents are on the rise. Although texting while driving is by far the highest contributing factor, other common examples include eating while driving or having a loose pet in the vehicle with you, as is the case in a tragic hit and run accident which occurred in Richardson yesterday, seriously injuring a child pedestrian.

An 11 year old boy was hit by a vehicle while playing on the sidewalk near his home in Richardson, Texas yesterday. The boy was riding a go-cart near the intersection of Twilight Trail and Floyd Road when a dark-colored sports utility vehicle mounted the curb and struck him. According to witnesses, the SUV (possibly a Toyota 4Runner) was either black or dark blue and was driven by a woman who had a small white dog on her lap. The boy, who has not been named, was rushed to Children’s Medical Center in Dallas where he received surgery for his serious head injuries suffered in the collision.

The distracted driver apparently fled the scene in her vehicle, leaving the injured child lying at the side of the road, witnesses said. Police are now looking for her as she could face hit and run charges for failing to stop and render aid. I sure hope the police are able to find this woman is caught and prosecuted for her crime.

If you or a loved one has been injured in any kind of traffic accident, whether you were a driver, passenger or pedestrian, you may be entitled to compensation to cover your medical costs and other expenses related to the crash. For a free consultation on your personal situation call a DFW personal injury attorney toll free at 800-354-MARK (6275) or locally at 214-327-800 in Dallas or 817-294-1900 in Fort Worth.

As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer with 20 years’ experience in dealing with fatal 18-wheeler wrecks, one of the new Texas laws due to come into effect on September 1, 2011 has me concerned for the safety of driver and passengers traveling throughout our state. House Bill 1353 will increase the speed limit on both state and US highways outside urban areas to 75 mph. The reasoning behind this is that it will reduce the traffic collisions caused by aggressive drivers that either recklessly change lanes or tailgate other vehicles that are driving slower. While I can certainly sympathize with the frustration of being stuck behind a slow-moving semi-trailer truck, I have to question the logic of legislation seemingly designed to accommodate dangerous drivers.

Perhaps most worryingly, HB 1353, neglects to recognize the additional hazards created by increasing the speed limit at night for commercial trucks. Already, 410 Texans are killed each year in big rig accidents, according to data compiled by the Department of Transportation. The Texas Commercial Driver’s License Manual acknowledges the very real danger of a big rig driving too fast as even at 55 mph a tractor trailer will take at least 290 feet to come to a stop. The problem is that trucks’ headlights only illuminate 250 ahead of the driver. Meaning if a car stops ahead of the truck, then that truck is going to crash right into it, causing massive injuries.

This legislation seems incredibly ill-conceived to me. I cannot see how it could make Texas roads safer at all.

Mark Anderson is a board certified personal injury and wrongful death attorney who has been fighting for the rights of individuals injured or killed in Dallas-Fort Worth trucking accidents since 1991. If you or someone you love was injured in a traffic collision involving a commercial truck, you deserve an experienced lawyer with a proven track record. Mark Anderson offers free no obligation consultations, so don’t delay. Call toll free at 800-354-MARK (6275) or locally at 817-294-1900 in fort Worth or 214-327-8000 in Dallas.

Some of the very worst auto accidents I have encountered in my 20 years as a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer have been caused by drunk drivers. According to MADD, more than 11,000 people die in alcohol-related traffic collisions each year, and many thousands more are injured. Fort Worth drunk-driving wrecks cause devastating injuries, which is why I support the use of a new technology called the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) which aims to prevent such tragedies by automatically detecting whether the driver is intoxicated when they get behind the wheel. If the driver’s alcohol limit exceeds the legal limit of .08, then their vehicle becomes inoperable – forcing them to take a cab home and potentially save someone’s life.

Congress is currently considering the Roads Safe Act which would make the DADSS technology mandatory in every new vehicle. I believe this technology could really make a difference and make our roads safer for everyone. I’ve seen accidents caused by a drunk driver who was driving on the wrong side of the road, who ran a red light, or dozens of other idiotic scenarios. Driving while intoxicated is a crime – it is deadly. To make sure your voice is heard on this subject, you can email your Representative and Senators in support of the Roads Safe Act.

Mark Anderson is a board certified Tarrant County personal injury and wrongful death attorney. If you or a loved one have been injured in an auto accident caused by a drunk driver, we would like to offer you a complimentary consultation on your personal situation to discuss your legal right to compensation. We can help you get the compensation you deserve and can also help you cooperate with the criminal justice system to make sure the drunk driver is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

For a free consultation call today at 817-294-1900.

A charter bus owned by Dallas-based Mares Bus Lines swerved off the road and flipped in San Marcos early Friday morning, sending all 21 passengers and the driver to the hospital. Although there were no fatalities in the charter bus crash, the severest injury belonged to a 4-year-old girl who had to have her leg amputated. Other injuries from the bus wreck ranged from head trauma and broken bones to cuts and bruises; one woman even had to be put on life support.

The bus was heading to Dallas from Laredo on I-35, when investigators said the driver over-corrected and flipped the bus. The bus wreck blocked the highway on both the north and southbound lanes near San Marcos for several hours.

Investigators don’t believe there were any mechanical issues that led to the accident. The Dallas company who owns the charter bus, Mares Bus Lines, has had five violations for unsafe driving and 12 violations for driver fatigue in the past two years according to the Department of Transportation. Six months ago, another bus in the company’s fleet was involved in a wreck that injured three people.

My background as a Fort Worth personal injury attorney and bus accident lawyer tells me that bus wrecks like this usually don’t end well. When I read this headline I was actually surprised and thankful that more people weren’t seriously injured. I’m left wondering, what happened to cause the accident? The spokesperson for the Dallas bus company said that although they have had minor incidents in the past, they’ve received favorable ratings and the bus driver involved in this wreck has not every had any problems. But I did a little digging on this charter bus company in records from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and in the last two years, their bus drivers have received five violations for unsafe driving and 12 violations for driver fatigue. Was this accident caused by a bus driver falling asleep at the wheel? All the signs are there that it could’ve been: it was 4 a.m. and the driver veered off the road although there was no obstruction that would have made him do that.

If the bus accident was caused by driver fatigue, these bus passengers could file a personal injury claim for their damages. Bus companies and their drivers must adhere to certain driving rules and are held to a higher standard than regular motorists. Driving more than the mandated hours allowed is a clear sign of negligence and if investigators find that this bus driver did violate those driving rules, the passengers injured in this wreck would definitely have a right to pursue a claim against the bus line. For more information on how to get a personal injury claim started, visit my website where you can learn all you need to know on the ins and outs of making a claim.
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This commentary was provided by accident and injury attorney, Mark Anderson. If you’ve been injured in a car, truck or bus accident in the Dallas Fort Worth area, call the Anderson Law Firm at 817-294-1900 for a free case review. Our injury lawyers can help get you the compensation you deserve for you accident injuries.

To celebrate the Fourth of July, I thought it would be an appropriate time to share some fun facts that you may or may not know about Independence Day and our nation's history. On behalf of everyone at the Anderson Law Firm, I'd like to wish you a safe and happy Fourth of July!

1. Fourth of July was first declared a national holiday in 1941.

2. Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national animal but was outvoted by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson who chose the bald eagle.

3. In 2010 alone, the US imported fireworks from China worth an estimated $190.7 million.

4. The first White House Fourth of July party was in 1801.

5. More than 150 million hot dogs will be enjoyed on Fourth of July. That's about one frank for every two people in the US!

6. Interestingly, the majority of flags and other Fourth of July gear are actually made in China. Nearly $349 million worth of patriotic paraphernalia such as flags, banners and decorations are
imported each year.

7. The 13 stars on the original American flag were arranged in a circle to ensure that all colonies were considered equal.

8. Teddy Roosevelt was the first president to ride in an automobile (I wonder if he ever got in any car accidents?)

9. There are 30 places nationwide with the word “liberty” in their name. Some examples include Liberty, MO and Libertyville, IA.

10. Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on the 50th Anniversary of Independence Day in 1826.

11. John Hancock was the only person to actually sign the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The other 55 signers did not sign it until August 2nd or even later.

12. When the Declaration of Independence was signed, there were 2.5 million people living in America. Now there is an estimated 310 million people living here.

13. In 1989, a bargain hunter bought a painting at a flea market for $4 and found that it had an original copy of the Declaration of Independence stuck between the canvas and the frame! He
later sold that same copy for $8.14 million!

As a Tarrant County personal injury lawyer, one of my greatest hates is reserved for drunk drivers. There is no excuse to drive drunk. Never. Regardless of whether you’re merry, tipsy, buzzed or smashed, there is no distinction. You’re not fit to drive. Period. Plan ahead: either arrange a designated driver for the evening, or make alternative plans to get home, either a cab or a ride from a friend. If you’re going to be drinking you should know that you shouldn’t be driving home. Fatal traffic accidents involving alcohol are far too common in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex as it is. Please don’t add to the death toll.

Watauga police are awaiting the results of a blood-alcohol test performed on suspected drunk driver Billie J. Miller (27) who is responsible for a fatal car wreck which occurred on US 377 early Sunday morning. Miller is expected to have been over the legal limit for operating a motor vehicle when he crashed his pickup truck into a car being driven by Amanda Beasley (25) of Fort Worth. Ms. Beasley was transported to John Peter Smith Hospital where she dies several hours later. Miller was not injured in the collision. He is currently being held in the city and will likely be charged with intoxication manslaughter.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, truck or motorcycle accident caused by a drunk driver, it is important that you consult with a board certified personal injury and wrongful death attorney to be informed of your legal right to seek compensation for your medical bills, loss of income and any pain you have suffered. I have been fighting for the rights of drunk drivers’ victims across North Texas since 1991. I despise drunk drivers and I will fight aggressively to make sure you receive the damages you deserve. Call me today for a free no obligation consultation at 817-294-1900 or toll free at 800-354-MARK (6275)

You read that right. According to a new survey by GMAC Insurance, almost a third of all Texas drivers and one in five Americans would fail if they took a national driving test today. One in three Texans would fail a driver’s test? Crazy—maybe that’s why there are so many car accidents in Fort Worth and Dallas.

Even though I see the stupidity of driver’s every day in my line of work as a Fort Worth car wreck and personal injury lawyer, it’s shocking to me that these numbers are so high. Do you realize that if this study is truly accurate that means 18 percent of people would not meet the basic requirements to get a driver's license?

This news is especially terrifying considering the amount of distracted drivers who cause car wrecks because they text and talk on their cell phones on the roads in Fort Worth and Dallas. Think of just how terrible they are behind the wheel just by messing with their phone and driving. Then add the fact that one in three of them can’t pass a simple driver’s test? It’s almost too scary to think about.

Fortunately, the survey found that Texans weren’t the worst drivers in America at passing the test—that honor goes to the northeast region of the country.

Do you think you can pass the driver’s test? Visit nationaldriverstest.com to find out.

And if you’ve been the unfortunate victim of a car accident in Fort Worth or Dallas caused by a negligent driver, give my law firm a call at 817-294-1900. At the Anderson Law Firm, our accident and injury attorneys handle all kinds of car accident and other injury claims and are ready to set up a free case review with you to go over your legal options.

It’s a good day for America, everybody! The US House of Representatives has introduced a bill designed to prohibit texting while driving nationwide. This is especially good for Texans as it means distracted driving could be outlawed despite Rick Perry’s backwards philosophy. As a Fort Worth accident and injury lawyer, I think this is great news. Car wrecks caused by drivers who were using a handheld cellphone are on the rise and studies have proven the bad habit is just as dangerous as drunk driving.

According to the Transportation department, more than 5,400 fatalities were attributed to traffic collisions where distracted driving was a factor, so it is extremely encouraging to see that some lawmakers are taking the epidemic as seriously as it deserves. The so-called Safe Drivers Act of 2011 will enforce the ban thanks to an inspiring clause which threatens to withhold 25 percent of a state’s federal highway funding if the state does not enforce the law. I think that demonstrates loud and clear just how serious distracted driving is and that it is unfortunately a much-needed law which has the very real potential to save lives.

Mark Anderson is a board certified personal injury and wrongful death attorney who has been helping car crash victims throughout Tarrant County and across the DFW Metroplex since 1991. The Anderson Law Firm is the proud sponsor of Teens Against Distracted Driving (TADD); an organization which educates high school aged student of the dangers of texting while behind the wheel.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, call for a free consultation at 817-294-1900.

Every car crash I’ve seen in the past 20 years as a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer has been preventable. They might be accidents, but someone is always at fault. People don’t intentionally get into a wreck, but through some act of negligence – no matter how small – someone is responsible. The five most common causes of wrecks in Texas include speeding, right-of-way violations, driving while intoxicated, disregarding traffic signals and tailgating. In each and every one of these cases the negligent driver should know better and realize the danger that they pose both to themselves and anyone else who is unfortunate enough to be on the road at the same time as them.

However, a special category of hate is reserved for those idiots who make the incredibly poor decision to get behind the wheel after they’ve been drinking. I’d wonder what on Earth they were thinking, but that’s the whole problem: they weren’t thinking at all. Some good news has (finally) come out of the recent Texas legislative session; drivers guilty of intoxication assault now will face harsher punishments. Good enough for them.

The Abdallah Khader Law (House Bill 1109) is named after a five year-old child left severely brain damaged after a repeat drunk driving offender, Stewart Richardson of Arlington, collided with the Khader family’s car. The law means that for certain offenses the prison time will double. The maximum penalty for drivers who have left their victim in a vegetative state will jump up from 10 years imprisonment to 20 years.

This is great news. While, as a personal injury attorney, I am able to help auto accident victims recover the costs of their medical bills and other crash-related costs from the insurance company, I think it is incredibly important that the criminal law system suitably punishes those who caused the wreck in the first place. I hope that these stricter penalties will send a strong message to anyone contemplating making the worst mistake of their life.

It’s just a shame Rick Perry doesn’t see the very real hazard that texting while driving poses also.

A very sad day for the MTV family and “Jackass” lovers everywhere as one of the founding members of the popular stunt show, Ryan Dunn, was killed early this morning in a Pennsylvania car accident.

According to CNN, Dunn and another passenger in his 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 were killed in the fiery crash on State Route 322 in West Goshen, Pennsylvania. At this time, authorities say speed may have been a factor in the car accident, although they are still investigating the cause of the wreck at this time.

Unfortunately, there could be another reason Dunn crashed his car. Just hours before the accident, Dunn posted a photo of himself and two friends drinking at a local bar. It’s unclear yet whether alcohol played a role in the car accident, but witnesses at the bar said Dunn seemed to be intoxicated when he left.

Only time will tell if Dunn’s car wreck was caused because he was drunk driving, speeding or if it was just an absolute accident. But what is important to remember from this story is that car accidents can happen to anyone. It’s crazy to think that after all the dangerous acts Dunn attempted on Jackass, that he would lose his life in a car wreck.

Car accidents can happen to anyone at any time. Don’t take your life for granted and always be cautious when you get behind the wheel. Our hearts go out to Ryan’s family. We will surely miss laughing at his insane stunts on Jackass.
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This commentary was provided by Texas Board Certified personal injury attorney, Mark Anderson. If you have been hurt in a car accident in Fort Worth, call our DFW car accident lawyers at 817-294-1900.

As we all know, Governor Rick Perry is growing increasingly out of touch with average Texans’ wants and needs. Another example of this is his veto of House Bill 242 which would prohibit texting while driving. This is despite numerous protests and evidence presented to lawmakers in Austin that distracted driving is an incredibly dangerous epidemic which is rapidly growing out of control.

In his official veto statement Governor Perry states that while “texting while driving is reckless and irresponsible” he believes the proposed law is a step to far as it could be seen as “a government effort to micromanage the behavior of adults.” Well, yes, that’s the point of laws isn’t it? Driving while intoxicated is illegal too. Drunk drivers might be in the privacy of their personal vehicles, but while they’re on public highways they are a danger to everyone. I believe that distracted driving should viewed similarly.

The irony of Perry’s statement is that rather that outlawing texting while driving, those who recognize the practice is dangerous should focus instead on educating the public rather than lobbying lawmakers. I think the general public is mostly already aware of how dangerous using the cellphone can be while behind the wheel. In fact, by rejecting this bill, Perry has sent a blatant signal which undermines all those efforts.

What do you think? Let me know on my Facebook page or on Twitter.

Coming from a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, this may come as a shock to you but I want to put this piece of advice out there: you don’t need to hire a lawyer for all DFW car accidents. In fact, most car wreck insurance claims can be handled completely on your own. In minor car accidents and fender-benders, it’s perfectly fine to exchange insurance information and go through the claims process without hiring an accident attorney.

But when the car accidents is more serious in nature, say with thousands of dollars in medical bills things get tricky, especially if multiple insurance policies are involved. Oh yes, in Texas you can make a claim against multiple insurance policies if they are available, but you will probably be in need of a Board Certified personal injury attorney to help you.

At the Anderson Law Firm in Fort Worth, we handle claims against multiple insurance policies most commonly in the following scenarios:

• If you were injured at work by someone other than your employer or a colleague
• If you were hurt in a car accident and make a claim against the other driver’s auto liability insurance, but you also have personal injury protection (PIP) and/or uninsured motorist coverage
• Or if you were a passenger of a vehicle involved in a car accident where you can make a claim against the other driver’s insurance, your PIP/uninsured motorist protection and if you could also use the PIP of the driver of the vehicle in

Dealing with multiple insurance policies can become confusing quickly. It’s important that you have an accident attorney on your side that knows how to go after the right policies to ensure that you get fair compensation for your injuries.

If you think multiple insurance policies could come into play in your car accident claim, give the personal injury lawyers at the Anderson Law Firm a call at 817-294-1900. We’ll set up a free case consultation to go over all the facts of your accident and see what we can do to help.

On Wednesday, the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals overturned an earlier decision by Austin, Texas US District Judge Lee Yeakel concerning solicitation rules for chiropractors and personal injury lawyers, such as myself. The legal battle goes back to a law which was introduced in September 2009 which made it illegal for medical professionals to contact accident injury victims within the first 30 days following their accident. A Houston-based chiropractor filed a lawsuit to challenge the new regulation and in March 2010 the law was overturned under the ruling that it violated free speech rights. Back then, I said that I thought an appeal by the Texas Attorney General’s office was a necessity. To my mind, this is a reasonable restriction on free speech. Even though the most unethical attorneys and chiropractors engage in such shady habits, they give the wider community of decent professionals a bad reputation. We have all been tarnished by the “ambulance chaser” perception. Now that the earlier decision has been superseded the law is clear: you cannot contact car wreck survivors or relatives of deceased individuals until 30 days after the crash.

I think that is absolutely correct. Injured people need that time to properly recuperate. If you’ve been in a catastrophic accident which has potential life-changing consequences, you need time to get your head straight. The problem is that the law does nothing to prevent the at-fault driver’s insurance company from visiting you in your hospital room and coercing you into signing away your legal rights for a quick $4,000 check when your medical expenses will likely run in excess of $20,000 medical bill (not to mention all those lost wages, a totaled car, etc.) Tighter rules also need to be enforced to protect injured people from these ruthless insurance adjustors who consistently put profits above people.

My hope is that personal injury victims are smart enough to know how to protect themselves. You don’t need to sign anything the insurance adjustor gives you – in fact you’re not obliged to talk to them at all. You can refuse outright if you want. You have no legal right to discuss your case with them whatsoever. Of course, you can hire a PI lawyer to represent you immediately following your accident if you so wish. There are many lawyers situated throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. At the very least, you should get online and do some research into your rights so that you can confront the situation informed. My website is a comprehensive resource for you regardless of whether you’ve been injured in an auto collision, pedestrian accident, animal attack, or any other situation.

Please concentrate on getting well, but don’t be naïve. It’s important that you know your rights. If you decide that you would like to speak to a board certified attorney with 20 years’ experience, then you can give me a call at your convenience. Call toll free at 800-354-6275 or call locally in Fort Worth at 817-29-1900 or Dallas 214-327-8000.

As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury attorney, I know that traffic wrecks can produce devastating and life-changing injuries. Sometimes they can be deadly. They are always preventable.

There is no more upsetting story than a fatal car crash, particularly when the person who loses their life is a kid. A deadly freeway collision occurred in Plano last night. 9-year-old Marcie Hooton from Carrollton was riding in a car with her mother and sister on State Highway 121 off southbound Sam Rayburn Tollway when they experienced engine trouble. Their stopped car was hit from behind by a tow truck, killing Marcie.

Marcie’s mother and sister were taken to the Medical Center of Plano. Both are expected to survive, both their conditions are described as serious. Frisco Police Sgt. Adam Henderson said it was not likely that charges would be brought against the driver of the tow truck sine he was neither impaired nor distracted at the time of the crash, according to the Dallas Morning News. The cause of the accident in still under investigation at this time.

Based on the initial report it seems spectacularly clear to me that the tow truck driver is clearly at fault for causing the wreck which led to the wrongful death of this young child. You don’t have to be drunk or texting behind the wheel to be a negligent driver. Speeding, failure to observe the road ahead of you, and failure to act to prevent a collision are all negligent actions. In my mind the tow truck driver is certainly the one at fault in this tragic accident.

My thoughts are with the Hooton family and their friends at what must certainly be a most difficult time. I wish Marcie’s mother and sister and full and speedy recovery.


Mark Anderson, Personal Injury Lawyer. Toll free: 800-354-6275. Local: 214-327-8000.

As a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer I’ve seen all sorts of unusual auto accident cases over the past 20 years. A fatal collision which occurred in Grand Prairie last week is proving to be one such case which has no shortage of twists. The wreck occurred on Friday night on I-30 near Highway 161. Gustavo Camacho (31, of Arlington) crashed his truck into the back of a car, starting a multi-vehicle pileup. Shun Jerome Williams (32) was in the car rear-ended by Camacho and was killed in the accident. Several others were injured including members of the Lara family who were riding in the third vehicle.

Camacho was charged with Intoxication Manslaughter and Intoxication Assault. Police report that he was also driving without a valid license and that he had two prior drunk driving convictions. Now it turns out that he might have been in the country illegally. Camacho is currently being held at Dallas County Jail under a federal hold order from customs and immigration officials.

I have helped clients before who have been injured by illegal aliens and who are rightly concerned whether they can still pursue a personal injury claim for compensation even though the negligent driver was not lawfully in the USA. The answer is that if they have an American insurance policy, then of course you can. Insurance providers are not required to obtain proof of citizenship or even legal residency in order to insure someone.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a traffic accident and you believe the at fault driver is in Texas illegally, then it is critical that you contact an experienced car wreck attorney as soon as possible as in these cases time is often of the essence. Call me toll free at 800-354-MARK (6275) or locally at 817-294-1900 and I’ll be happy to discuss your personal situation and explain your legal rights.

An 18-wheeler accident is causing traffic delays of over an hour in Dallas today. The accident occurred around 5.30 this morning which has meant a nightmare commute for thousands of motorists. The big rig was headed west on I-30 when the truck overturned. The wreck happened near I-635 in Mesquite, closing the ramp from southbound I-635 for several hours. Currently there is no information regarding the cause of the collision or whether other vehicles were involved. I certainly hope not, because as a Texas personal injury lawyer I know that passengers in car which are involved in large truck accidents often suffer terrible injuries.

The fact that the road is still closed suggests that the police are conducting a thorough investigation of the crash scene and the circumstances leading up to the wreck – as they should. This is particularly important in a commercial trucking accident if anyone has suffered life-threatening injuries as big truck companies are notorious at trying to delay or deny payments to innocent victims injured due to the negligence of a truck driver.

That is why if you or a loved one have been hurt in an 18-wheeler collision it is essential that you consult with a board certified PI and wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible following the accident. At the Anderson Law Firm we have our own in-house investigator who is able to visit the crash scene and gather evidence to support your claim for compensation. Without an attorney on your side, it can be incredibly difficult to recover the damages you deserve to cover your medical bills, loss of income and pain and suffering caused by the truck wreck.

For a no fee, no obligation consultation on your big rig accident injury case, call me toll free at 800-354-MARK (6275) or locally at 214-324-800. Alternatively, you can contact me online and my office will get back to you straight away.

A new study on cell phones is making some major buzz in the news today. According to the World Health Organization, radiation from cell phones can possibly cause cancer.

Of course everyone is up in arms at the idea of cell phones and the big “C” word, but I ask you, aren’t cell phones already killing people?

As a personal injury lawyer in Fort Worth, I know that my biggest worry isn’t whether or not a cell phone is going to give me cancer; it’s that I’m going to get in a car accident because of someone TALKING on a cell phone.

I think that distracted drivers, people talking and texting while operating a vehicle, are much more dangerous than radiation from cell phones that could “possibly cause cancer.” Why is it that this issue gets all the buzz when distracted driving has already killed 5,474 people in 2009 alone?

All I’m saying is that we have a lot more pressing cell phone safety issues to worry about than just the possibility of them causing cancer. But, that’s just my two cents.

If you would like to learn more about my law firms distracted driving initiative for teens, please visit my Teens Against Distracted Driving page and get the teen driver in your house to sign up today.

There has been a lot of high-stakes drama surrounding the final weeks of the current legislative session in Austin, and while I am a strong opponent of some of the new laws, as a Texas personal injury lawyer I am very happy that tighter restrictions on distracted driving are now just waiting Governor Rick Perry’s signature.

In its original incarnation, House Bill 243 would prohibit texting while driving, while still permitting drivers to read text message while operating their vehicle. Fortunately, that ridiculousness has been erased from the new version of the bill which passed the Senate on Sunday. Distracted driving is a serious hazard to all road users now more than ever. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2005 distracted driving accounted for 10 percent of all traffic wreck deaths nationwide in 2005. By 2009, that figure had doubled to 20 percent. It is a major cause of fatal collisions and tighter laws such as this are a big step forwards.

The new bill would mean a statewide ban on sending and reading texts, emails and other instant messages while behind the wheel of a car. This is great news. As a Fort Worth auto accident attorney, I have long supported tighter restrictions on texting while driving. The problem is that most people are so used to using their cellphones and other electronic devices while driving, that it has become a hard habit to break. Hopefully a $200 fine will deter those who continue such dangerous habits.

If you have been hurt in a car wreck involving a distracted driver, it is very important that you consult with a board certified car crash and wrongful death lawyer to understand your legal rights to seek compensation for you medical bills and other damages. Please call us toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally at 817-294-1900.

Today marks the beginning of the 10th annual Texas "Click It or Ticket" seat belt enforcement campaign. Now until June 5, Texas law enforcement officers will increase the enforcement of seatbelt and booster seat laws.

Since “Click It or Ticket” started in 2002, the Texas Department of Public Safety says that seat belt usage in Texas has increase from 76 percent to 94 percent and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that there have been 2,800 fewer traffic fatalities and 48,000 fewer severe injuries in Texas since 2002.

At the Anderson Law Firm in Fort Worth, we greatly commend the combined law enforcement efforts behind the “Click It or Ticket” campaign.

Our personal injury lawyers see far too many car accidents result in serious injuries because people aren’t wearing seatbelts or are doing something else careless behind the wheel, like texting and driving.

To all the Fort Worth or Dallas drivers out there, remember to buckle up – or be prepared to open your wallet.

We hope “Click It or Ticket” has even more success this year and hope even more lives are saved by this fantastic initiative.

Although no terms have been released, a lawsuit against former Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Tom Phillips has been settled.

An alcohol-related lawsuit accused Phillips and his wife of allowing minors to drink alcohol at their home, thus causing the car accident that killed 17-year-old passenger Audrey King. The young girl had been at a party at the ex-judge's residence that was allegedly hosted by his son before the accident. Phillips and his wife said that they had no idea King was at their home, nor that any minors were drinking.

Last summer, a wrongful death lawsuit was filed by the girl's parents, Cheryl and Bobby King.

Unfortunately nothing can bring Audrey back to her parents but hopefully with this wrongful death settlement reached, the King family will feel that a little bit of justice has been done.

I’ve been keeping up with this case not only because my practice handles wrongful death claims but also because I can’t believe a former judge would be so careless in his actions. Judge Phillips and his wife said they didn’t know their son was hosting a party, but that excuse really doesn’t fly with me. It’s their house! How do they not know who’s there and what they are doing?!

Nobody is above the law. Not even a judge. If the Phillips really didn’t know who was in their home then they shouldn’t have been so negligent with their front door. To me, the facts are pretty clear in this case: their house, their booze, their fault.

This commentary was provided by Mark Anderson, a personal injury trial lawyer practicing in Fort Worth, Texas. If you think you may have a wrongful death claim on behalf of a loved one, call the Anderson Law Firm at 817-294-1900 today for a free case consultation.

At my personal injury law firm in Dallas, we take a variety of truck and car accident cases. With as many 18-wheelers driving around DFW and Tarrant County, it’s only natural that some accidents occur and when they do, they can have catastrophic consequences.

But today there was a story on the channel 8 News that really caught my attention – for all the wrong reasons.

Truckers carrying dangerous, not to mention illegal chemicals are driving all throughout Texas. It took News 8 only 10 minutes with a Dallas County Sheriff to pull over an 18-wheeler carrying illegal corrosives right through the center of Dallas.

As frequently as truck accidents occur in the Metroplex, it’s absolutely absurd that these trucks are driving through our cities, breaking the law and carrying substances that could harm so many people if they were to wreck!

I’m glad the Dallas Sherriff’s department is on the lookout for truckers driving hazardous material through Dallas.

This commentary was provided by Mark Anderson, a Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. If you or a family member was injured because of a truck accident or 18-wheeler wreck, give my law firm in Dallas a call at 817-294-1900.We can set up a free meeting to go over the events of your accident and talk about your legal options.

As a Tarrant County personal injury attorney I often speculate that passengers in a bus or train are far more vulnerable in the event of an accident as they have no control over the vehicle and are powerless to avoid any hazard. Their life is entirely in the hands of the driver. Such a situation would be bad enough – but imagine if you were handcuffed at the same time?

That’s exactly what happened to a truckload of paroled inmates from Mineral Wells minimum-security prison as they were traveling along I30 in Fort Worth yesterday. The van they were riding in blew a tire, causing it to roll over and land on its side. Fortunately, passersby took quick and decisive action and rescued the driver, the guard and the parolees from the wreckage. The driver and two of the passengers were treated for minor injuries, but all others are reportedly okay.

I’d like to salute the good Samaritans who stepped in to help out, and I wish those injured speedy recovery from their injuries. From the report it seems this accident could have been much worse than it actually was, and for that we should all be thankful.

Mark Anderson is a board certified Texas traffic collision lawyer and author of the book 15 Mistakes That Could Wreck Your Texas Accident Case. If you or a loved one have been hurt in a car crash which was not your fault, call now for a free, no obligation consultation on your case. Toll free 800-354-6275. Fort Worth 817-294-1900.

Slow your speed or get a ticket is what Grapevine Police are warning drivers along the DFW Connector between sections of Highways 114 and 121.

The speed limit has decreased from 60 mph to 50 mph as parts of the DFW Connector are under construction. Police are in full force to give speeding tickets to anyone going over the legal limit. They said the reason for the decrease in speed is because too many accidents have been caused in the area by distracted drivers.

I know from my experience as a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer that it doesn’t take much to cause a car accident and speeding, especially in a construction zone can do just that.

It’s tempting to speed on Texas Highways especially during rush hour when everybody else is speeding too. But, for the safety of yourself, other drivers and your pocket book – ease up on the pedal and follow the posted speed limits.

Call the Anderson Law Firm if you were hit by a distracted or speeding driver. You might be able to pursue an insurance claim for lost wages, medical expenses and the pain and suffering caused by preventable collisions. To set up your free consultation, just by call us at 817-294-1900.

The AAA recently announced a couple of shocking statistics about drunk driving: Firstly, nearly 11,000 people were killed in the US last year as a result of drunk drivers – that’s almost one third of the total of traffic accident fatalities; Secondly, 1 in 10 drivers surveyed admitted getting behind the wheel when they either knew or suspected they were over the legal limit. As a Watauga personal injury lawyer, these revelations aren’t really shocking. I know that drinking and driving accidents are extremely dangerous. Texans at large seem aware of the problem, but yet people continue to get in the driver’s seat after drinking, and inevitably get in a wreck.

You might have heard about the sentencing of Christopher Elton Campbell in Fort Worth last week. He pleaded guilty to intoxication manslaughter related to a car crash he caused in August 2009, killing Renee Danielle Horton. I did not represent Ms. Horton’s family, but am familiar with the case as I represented her fiancé who was seriously injured in the wreck as well. It was an absolutely horrible wreck.

As part of the plea bargain, approved by Horton’s family, Campbell must wear a bracelet with Horton’s name on it as a constant reminder of the death he caused. He must also spend every Christmas, Thanksgiving, Fourth of July for the next ten years in the Tarrant County Jail – in addition to the anniversary dates of both Horton’s birth and death. This is all in addition to spending the next 30 days in prison and refraining from drinking alcohol. As part of the 10 years’ probation, he is also required to wear an alcohol-detecting ankle monitor and have a Breathalyzer installed in his vehicle.

Certainly, Mr. Campbell will not forget the grief he has caused by his reckless activities almost two years ago. My hope is that this sentencing causes us all to stop and think. Someone lost their life because of this drunk driver. Put yourself in the shoes of Horton’s family – her mother has lost a daughter. My client lost his finance. Now put yourself in the shoes of Campbell – imagine the guilt, imagine having to spend the next ten Christmases away from your own family, explaining to your kids why Daddy can’t be there to open gifts around the tree Christmas morning… Drunk driving ruins many, many lives every single year. It is never worth it. Ever.

Mark Anderson is a board certified auto wreck and wrongful death attorney who has helped the victims of traffic collision accidents across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex for 20 years. If you or a loved one have been hurt due to the actions of another driver, call Mark for a free consultation on 800-354-MARK (6275).

Just a few short weeks after Texas legislators put ink to paper on a new bill that potentially will outlaw texting while driving, Fort Worth is singled out as a test city for new smartphone apps designed to help drivers find available parking spaces quicker and easier. While I can appreciate the convenience such services would provide Tarrant County motorists, as a personal injury attorney, I am more concerned about how they are likely to increase distracted driving on our streets.

One app, Parking In Motion (PIM) is allows drivers to access up-to-date information such as occupancy, rates and hours of operation for more than 80 parking lots and garages in Fort Worth. The other, an iPhone app called Parker, is oriented towards parking meters. Sensors have been placed at metered parking spots along Fourth Street which can detect whether someone is already parked there, or whether the space is available. That information can then be accessed by people using the app.

The CEO of the company behind Parker, Zia Yusef, defended the app claiming that it could actually help reduce inner-city congestion since 30% of downtown traffic is people looking for parking spaces. It might, but if those who are driving are more focused on tapping their touchscreens than on their surroundings it seems like a bad trade-off to me. Each year in Texas, 3,300 auto wrecks are caused by distracted driving. The average number of annual fatalities from such crashes is 408. Anything that takes a driver’s attention off the road is bad.

Mark Anderson is an experienced car wreck lawyer who has been helping accident injury victims and their families across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex for 20 years. If you or a loved one have been hurt as a result of someone else’s negligence, call Mark for a free consultation on your personal situation. Call toll free on 800-354-MARK (6275).

As a Dallas-Fort Worth auto accident attorney, I like to keep my finger on the pulse of local traffic news such as recent motor vehicle wrecks, or upcoming road construction. Recently I heard that an electric car charging company, NRG Energy Inc., planned on installing 70 such vehicle recharging stations throughout the DFW area by the end of next year. I’ll admit it; I scoffed a little when I heard that news. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for reducing our reliance on oil and helping ease climate change, but it just didn’t seem feasible.

It appears I was wrong… Electric cars are catching on – and what’s more – they could make us safer. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released the results from their inaugural tests on electric cars this week and reported that both the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf got top safety ratings. Since both vehicles have heavy battery packs the cars actually have the weights similar to typical sedans rather than the small cars they actually are. That extra mass can really help in the event of a collision, and both the Volt and the Leaf earned top marks for front, side and rear-impact crashes, as well as for rollover protection. That certainly sounds promising to me – maybe electric cars have arrived after all. Now what about those hoverboards…?

Mark Anderson is a board-certified personal injury trial lawyer who helping injured drivers and passengers for over 20 years. He is also the author of the book 15 Mistakes That Could Wreck Your Texas Accident Case. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car crash call for a free consultation at 817-294-1900 in Fort Worth, or 214-327-8000 in Dallas.

Although the price of gas continues to dominate headlines and many people are focusing more on fuel-efficiency or even trading in their cars and trucks for motorcycles, as an Arlington personal injury lawyer, I still think that the safety ranking of a new vehicle still trumps all other concerns. After all, no-one plans on being in a crash, but accidents do happen. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently revamped their star safety ratings for 2011 in order to make the rankings easier to understand for consumers. The idea behind the new system is to rank cars across a broader spectrum allowing for a clearer differentiation similar to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) good/acceptable/marginal/poor scale.

Even though technology constantly advances, there are still numerous wrecks on the roads around Fort Worth and Dallas every single day. So it’s a good thing that NHTSA’s ratings have become far more stringent with the new system. Therefore it’s important to recognize that although the simplistic 5-star rating chart appears simple and similar to hotel and restaurant ratings, they are actually the result of intense testing designed to provide precise data on how safe a given vehicle actually is. The ranking system then shows how different cars and trucks compare their ability to protect their driver and passengers from injuries and prevent auto collision fatalities.

Mark Anderson is a board certified PI attorney who has appeared on CBS 11, NBC 5, WFAA 8 ABC and The 33 News. He is also author of the books 15 Mistakes That Could Wreck Your Texas Accident Case and Roadmap To Winning Your Texas Motorcycle Accident Case. If you or a loved one have been hurt in a crash that was not your fault, call now for a free consultation on your case at 800-354-MARK (6275).

There have been several serious drunk driving traffic wrecks in and around Fort Worth over the past few weeks, which is particularly worrisome to me as a Tarrant County personal injury lawyer. Getting in the driver’s seat after drinking is incredibly dangerous – if you’re not sober enough to calculate your bar tip or walk to the door in a straight line, then what on Earth makes you think you’re capable of operating a 3+ ton vehicle at 60 mph?

One drunken idiot showed just how stupid drinking and driving was on Saturday night. At about 7pm, a drunken motorist crashed into two parked police cars on I-20 near the Highway 360 exit in Arlington. Police officers were investigating an earlier collision when the drunk’s car smashed into two unoccupied squad cars and flipped upside-down. The driver of the car was rushed to hospital although his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. Fortunately, no police officers were injured in the wreck. Reports state that the driver was driving while intoxicated and was speeding.

Texas has more alcohol-related auto accident fatalities than any other state. I’m a proud Texan, but that’s one honor I think we can all agree to be ashamed of. Based on statistics, four people die every single day as a result of drink driving crashes. That is simply not acceptable, and that’s why I continue working for the rights of those people who suffer as a result of other’s negligence and recklessness. As a board-certified personal injury and wrongful death attorney I offer free, no obligation consultations of accident victims and their family members, so give me a call toll free at 800-354-MARK (6275) or locally at 817-294-1900.

Just one day after Texas legislators announced House Bill 243 would prohibit texting while driving (but not reading text messages) one North Texas city has decided that the regulations are not enough. On Tuesday, Arlington City Council took the first steps to implement a blanket ban on using cellphones while driving unless they either can be operated entirely hands-free, or are voice-activated. As a Tarrant County auto accident lawyer, I wholeheartedly support this decision and I’m glad to see Arlington take such a definitive step in outlawing distracted driving.

As cellphones have become prevalent throughout our culture - making it possible to email, tweet, read the latest news headlines and even play games on the move - so more people have been tempted to pick up their cellphone while behind the wheel of their car. Big mistake. In 2009 alone, TxDot attributed 408 traffic wreck fatalities to distracted driving. The problem isn’t going away, and while it’s encouraging to see the city of Arlington take the lead in imposing regulations, we must all take responsibility for our actions. That’s why I’ve visited high schools across DFW, asking students to sign a pledge to not text and drive. In exchange, they get a bracelet to wear and remind them of the promise they made to protect their life and the lives of others. To sign the pledge yourself, click here and I will mail you a bracelet.

Mark Anderson is a board certified personal injury attorney with 20 years of success in protecting the rights of car crash and motorcycle collision victims across Texas. If you or a loved one has been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, call 817-294-1900 to set up a free no obligation to discuss your personal situation and understand your legal rights.

As a Dallas-Fort Worth car wreck injury lawyer, I am amazed at this video of a graphic traffic accident - filmed from inside the damaged car - which has already had more than 800,000 views on YouTube since it was posted over the weekend. It shows a 2x4 plank of wood fly up from the roadway and smash through the windshield, barely missing the driver. It is miracle that she escaped unscathed. Be warned before you watch it: it is not for the faint of heart.

There is already significant controversy surrounding this video online, not least among distracted driving opponents since the driver filmed the incident while the car was in motion - meaning that she was clearly not giving her complete attention to the road ahead. The driver, Wendy Cobb, from Shelby, North Carolina, has defended her actions, saying that she was trying to capture a dangerous game of “cat and mouse” between two trucks, with the intention of turning the tape over to the companies the drivers worked for. Some of this is evident from the first part of the footage, and particularly poignant to truckers in the DFW area following all the 18-wheeler collisions we’ve seen recently.

If you are like me, however, you were probably most startled by the sheer speed and force with which the 2x4 smashed through the windshield. Even though Cobb herself was not injured, it’s incredible that she didn’t lose control of her vehicle. This startling footage should serve as a vivid reminder that cars, trucks and motorcycles alike should all be vigilant and paying attention when out of the roads. You never know what debris or other hazards you might encounter, and not everyone will be as lucky as Ms. Cobb.

Mark Anderson is a board-certified personal injury trial lawyer, and author of the book 15 Mistakes That Could Wreck Your Texas Accident Case. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car crash that was not your fault, call the Anderson Law Firm for a free consultation on 817-294-1900.

Although there have been a spate of hit and run accidents across the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex recently, I was particularly upset to hear of once such incident which occurred early Saturday morning in Grand Prairie. The victim was a three-year-old boy named Hiram Cobos Jr. The good news is that Hiram is reported to be recovering and is currently being treated in Cook Children’s Medical Center’s Intensive Care Unit.

Hiram’s father, Hiram Sr., and mother, Connie Cobos, said that they were pulled over on Highway 360 close to Post and Paddock Lane because they had been experiencing engine trouble. As the family walked towards the frontage road a white two-door pick-up truck with an extended cab struck Hiram Jr., knocking him down. His father said the truck, believed to be either a GMC or Chevy, seemed to break momentarily following the collision, but did not stop. He ran after the truck but could not catch it. Hiram Jr. was rushed to hospital with a broken leg and swelling in the brain.

My thoughts are with the Cobos family at what must be a most difficult time, and I hope that young Harim will make a full recovery. As a father myself, I cannot even imagine what emotional turmoil Harim’s parents must be going through right now. It doesn’t even bear thinking about. As for the driver that knocked down the 3 year old, I am utterly disgusted. While most accidents are preventable, they do still happen, but fleeing the scene as this driver did is unbelievably cowardly. I cannot begin to fathom what sort of person would knock down a young child and just keep on driving. Please, if you believe you have any information regarding this hit-and-run, I urge you to contact Grand Prairie Police Department on 972-237-8790.

As a Fort Worth personal injury attorney, I know that drunk driving is always incredibly dangerous, but it is rare that one drunk driver brings upon himself the wrath of an entire city… Following the fiery wreck in the early hours of yesterday morning, more details have emerged about the pickup driving the wrong way down I-30 which collided with a fuel-carrying tanker truck, causing a massive explosion which killed the driver of the 18-wheeler and shut down the westbound lanes of the interstate for the entire day. The driver of the pickup has been named as Louis Nieves, 23, who has been arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and intoxicated manslaughter.

I’ll come back to Mr. Nieves in a moment, but first an update on how this crash continues to affect Fort Worth commuters: it’s not good – and it doesn’t look like it’s going to get any better any time soon. TxDot has announced that two of the westbound lanes will be shut down “indefinitely” while essential repairs are made to the bridge where the big rig burnt out. As the semi was transporting a large amount of gasoline at the time of the accident, much of the fuel ran down the interior of the bridge where it continued to burn causing massive structural damage which could take several months to repair.

The death of the truck driver, who has still not been named by authorities, is enough to condemn Louis Nieves; but due to the severity of the wreck he caused, Nieves has inconveniences thousands of people due to the increased congestion on all routes heading westbound into downtown Fort Worth. Already this morning, commuters experienced sever delays on I-20, East Loop 820, Texas 287 and Texas 121. But while the traffic mayhem will surely become the eventual focus of the local media as the chaos continues, let us not forget that this whole mess is because one idiot decided to get behind the wheel after drinking. Many people are experiencing inconvenience due to his actions, but one family is mourning the loss of a loved one. Most drunk driving accidents do not get this much attention, but they always end in serious injury or death. Driving while intoxicated is inexcusable, and given the attention he is getting, I hope that Nieves is made an example of.

Mark Anderson is a Tarrant County auto accident and wrongful death lawyer, and author of the book 15 Mistakes To Winning Your Texas Accident Case. He is board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and has been helping injury victims across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex since 1991. To arrange a free, no obligation consultation on your case, call 817-294-1900.

As a Fort Worth personal injury attorney, I was shaken by the news that commuters faced another traffic nightmare this morning a following an explosive truck crash which occurred in the early hours of the morning. At approximately 2.30 am Monday a pickup truck was driving the wrong way along I-30 westbound and collided with a gasoline tanker truck just west of Beach Street in Fort Worth. Emergency officials report that the big rig came to a stop over Sycamore Creek, where it burst into flames. By the time fire crews arrived on the scene the fuel-carrying 18-wheeler was engulfed in flames. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the trucker died in the wreck, while the driver of the pickup was transported to hospital to be treated for injuries. The accident caused significant delays for motorists heading into downtown this morning as a large portion of the interstate was shut down, forcing commuters to find alternative routes. TX DOT is anticipating two lanes of Interstate 30 to be closed for up to a month as repairs are made to the bridge.

This tragedy is particularly disconcerting as it comes so soon after the drunk driving accident which caused the truck wreck which shut down I-35W last week. Although it is too early to speculate on the causes of today’s wreck, I have to wonder whether alcohol was yet again a factor since the pickup driver was driving in the wrong direction. If so, it demonstrates just how dangerous it can be to get behind the wheel after hitting the bars. One person is already lost their life and a massive hazard and inconvenience has been created to the public at large. I will be paying close attention to further details as they emerge.

One thing is for certain: we must all remind ourselves to be cautious when driving around large trucks. Although neither of these wrecks were the fault of the truckers, it is important to remember that due to their sheer size and the weight they carry, trucks take a lot longer to stop than other vehicles. If a car were to cut in front of a semi, for example, then the car driver is endangering both their own life and that of the semi driver. Even though a truck driver might perceive a hazard up ahead, their truck may not be responsive enough to avoid it in time, as appear to be the case here.

I’m sure there will more on this story to come…

Mark Anderson is a board certified auto accident and wrongful death lawyer who has worked on truck wrecks across the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 1991. His book, 15 Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Texas Accident Case is available for fee to injured motorists and their families. For a free consultation on your case call 817-294-1900.

As a Tarrant County personal injury lawyer, I have seen firsthand the horrible injuries suffered by people involved in a distracted driving-related traffic collision. According to the NHTSA, 20% of all auto accidents resulting in injury or death in 2009 involved some form of distracted driving. Far too many lives have been unalterably changed, damaged or lost as a result of this antisocial behavior. So it is no surprise that public awareness has increased and new laws are even being proposed in an aim to reduce the amount of dangerous driving on our roadways.

In Texas, the most prominent speakers are Johnny Mac and Jeanne Brown of the Remember Alex Brown Foundation in Lubbock. You may have seen them featured on TV already, but in case you don’t know the story, please allow me to indulge you…

Johnny Mac and Jeanne’s teenage daughter, Alex, used to text and drive. Her parents knew that it was unsafe to do so, but didn’t realize just how dangerous it was until Alex failed to turn up to school one day. Panicked, they set out to look for her, fearing that something had happened on her way to school. Jeanne found Alex’s car – totaled – having crashed head on into a utility pole on a rural road. There were no other vehicles involved in the wreck. Alex was already dead when Jeanne found her. She had been texting.

Today, Johnny Mac and Jeanne travel to high schools across the state trying to increase awareness of the dangers of texting while driving. They take Alex’s ruined car with them as a poignant visual aid which really makes the message hit home. They have declared March 21 2011 as a National Day of Awareness and will be hosting live presentations on their website throughout the day. Please join the Anderson Law Firm in supporting this important cause and spread the message to make our roads safer for everyone.

Mark Anderson is a board certified PI and wrongful death attorney who has helped many victims of car crashes across the Dallas and Fort Worth metroplex since 1991. If you or a loved one have been hurt in a traffic wreck, call the Anderson Law Firm for a free consultation toll free on 800-354-MARK (6275) or locally on 817-294-1900.

Continental Tire has announced a recall of 390,000 tires used in Ford F-250 and F-350 trucks due to a fatal auto accident which occurred earlier this year as a result of the defective tires. Continental reports that approximately 330,000 of the tires were used on new trucks, the other 60,000 were to be sold as replacement tires at various outlets, including some in Fort Worth and Arlington. The affected product numbers are LT275/70R18 and ContiTrac size LT275/70R18 125/122S.

It seems like there have been a lot of recalls involving the safety of vehicles on our roadways recently, and while I’m sure the financial cost of this recall will hurt Continental to an extent, I’m sure that they’re getting off lightly considering the tires have already been found responsible for at least one death – but who knows how other lives they have already put in danger, or how many other wrecks they played a part in?

From my perspective as a Texas personal injury and wrongful death lawyer, these tires should never have been released to the public marketplace. If the evidence is clear enough that the tires are defective then why was production not halted in the first place? I am fed up of recalls of dangerous products which are rushed to stores before the proper safety checks have been completed. Big companies need to slow down and curb their desire for a quick buck and actually make sure that what they’re selling is safe. It might mean it takes a little longer for them to see a profit, but even if it means one death can be prevented, then I think it’s worth it.

Mark Anderson is a board certified PI attorney in Fort Worth. To arrange a free consultation on your car crash or truck collision, call toll free on 800-354-MARK (6275).

As a Tarrant County personal injury attorney, I have written before that I believe red light cameras can dramatically reduce the number of fatal car accidents on our roadway, and now the evidence is in that I was correct… North Richland Hills has reported that the number of wrecks causing injuries has fallen from 269 in 2007 to just 30 in 2010 – a 64% reduction - even though the city’s population has continued to increase. A lot of that has to do with the increased use of red light cameras throughout North Richland Hills, mainly along congested routes where most accidents have occurred in the past.

The improved safety on the streets is being attributed to special traffic enforcement programs as many residents have said they consciously focus on good driving habits - including staying within posted speed limits and not running red lights – as they know there are motorcycle cops out there keeping an eye out for anyone driving dangerously and who might pose the threat of a collision with another vehicle. North Richland Hills also has red light cameras at a total of 7 of the town’s busiest intersections. Although these extra measures to improve traffic safety have resulted in an increase in citations (27,067 tickets were issued in 2010, up from 19,787 – a 36% rise) the increase is far less dramatic than the decrease in auto accidents. It really does seem that NRH Police Department’s tactics are working, and I wouldn’t be surprised if eventually the number of citations decreases as people fully embrace safe driving habits.

I hope that other cities across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex will learn from North Richland Hill’s experiment. According to the latest census bureau figures, the number of people – and vehicles – continues to rise across North Texas, which means the need for safer roadways is increasingly important too. Most drivers are focused simply on getting wherever it is they’re going, but really they should pay more attention to other road users and focus on their own safe driving to make sure that we can all reach our destination safely.

Mark Anderson is a board certified PI and wrongful death attorney who has helped victims of truck and motorcycle wrecks across the DFW area since 1991. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a traffic collision, call the Anderson Law Firm for a free consultation on your case. Call toll free on 800-354-6275.

Yesterday afternoon, an SUV rear-ended a school bus on Fort Worth Highway in Weatherford, Texas. By all accounts the wreck was certainly dramatic. The driver of the car, Becky Clark, had to be rescued from her vehicle which was wedged beneath the back of the bus. She was rushed to John Peter Smith Hospital in Ft. Worth and is currently reported to be in fair condition. Two students were injured as they exited the bus and were taken to Weatherford Regional Medical Clinic as a precaution but have since been released to their parents and were fortunately well enough to attend school today. The 47 other students from Boase Ikard Elementary School aboard the bus reported no injuries.

A press release from Weatherford ISD stated that the school bus was propelled forwards 15-20 feet due to the impact of the collision. Immediately following the crash, the driver of the bus thought she saw smoke and ordered an emergency evacuation of the bus. Weatherford ISD Superintendant, Dr. Deborah Cron, has applauded the quick thinking and responsible actions of the Durham School Services’ bus driver and I would absolutely have to echo her praise.

As a father, hearing news of an accident involving kids or a school bus always makes my heart leap up into my throat. We should all be thankful that none of the children on the bus were seriously harmed. I also hope that Ms. Clark makes a full and speedy recovery. Although the cause of the crash is not yet known, it should certainly give us all cause to pause for thought and remember the importance of basic safe driving practices such as focusing our attention on the road ahead and being aware of our surroundings.

Remember as well that it is illegal to pass a school bus which stops to pick up or drop off passengers. This law applies to drivers approaching from either direction. You must wait for the bus to pull off again unless the driver signals it is okay to pass or turns off his stop signals.

Information and commentary provided by Mark Anderson, Board Certified Personal Injury Lawyer.

According to a news report earlier this week, McKinney City Council will likely reject a proposed auto accident response fee when it comes to vote. The idea is to charge a fee to those at fault in a car wreck, motorcycle crash or truck collision for the services they use: police, fire crew, tow trucks, etc. Under the proposal, negligent drivers responsible for a crash would be charged $215 for a wreck that caused an injury and $110 for one that did not. As a Board Certified Personal Injury Lawyer with 20 years experience in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I am definitely opposed to the idea.

I believe that there are some essential services which individuals should not be made to pay for. Whatever is next? Charging people who call the fire service because their home is burning down? It's a bad government decision to try and make money however they can by capitalizing on other's misfortunes. If anything the money should go to the victims of the traffic accidents to assist in paying for their medical bills and vehicle repairs.

Fortunately, it seems that most members of McKinney City Council have seen sense and even spoken out about their intent to vote against the proposal. “I’m afraid the times are too tough and the PR too bad for the amount of money we’d get out of it,” Mayor Pro Tem Pete Huff said. “I think people are sensitive to what appears to be government trying to squeeze out every dollar they can.”

This information and commentary is provided by Fort Worth Personal Injury Lawyer Mark Anderson. Contact Anderson Law Firm for a free consultation on your case or call locally at 817-294-1900 or Toll Free at 800-354-MARK.

Yesterday, Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief hosted an event at the downtown Convention Centre to officially declare Fort Worth ready for the Super Bowl festivities. The mayor was joined by former NFL players Walt Garrison of the Dallas Cowboys and Fort Worth native Mike Renfro.

Although the big football game between the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers will actually be played in Arlington, Fort Worth will very much play a big part in the action over the next week leading up to kick off. The Steelers will be staying at the Omni Hotel downtown and practicing at TCU’s indoor facility. ESPN will be broadcasting live from Sundance Square. Overall, the city is expected to host hundreds of thousands of people who will generate a huge economic jolt for the local community.

But what does this mean for those of us who live in Fort Worth year round?

Obviously with so many visitors in town, the roads are going to be busier than ever. We all need to remember to be extra cautious and mindful of other road users. More than ever it is important that we aware and focused on the road when driving around town. This means no texting, no talking on the cell phone, and ladies… how about you apply your makeup before you get behind the wheel?

Research has shown that any form of distraction can be critical when it comes to affecting a driver’s ability to safely operate their vehicle. The cognitive distraction whether using a handheld or hand-free device is enough that the driver would miss essential visual and audio cues needed to avoid a collision. At any given moment during the daylight hours, over 800,000 vehicles are being driven in the US by someone using a hand-held cell phone. Other handheld gadgets commonly distracting Texas drivers include music players, GPS and other navigational tools. My advice is to simply switch it off before you get on the road. If you’re driving – drive. Get where you’re going safely.

We Texans are known for our sense of Southern Hospitality and we should exude that same attitude while driving too. Let’s all work together to keep the roads around the DFW metroplex as safe as possible for both our guests and the home fans!

The State of Oregon is considering fining pet owners who have unrestrained animals in their car while driving. Currently, Hawaii is the only state that has legislation that does not allow pets to be on a driver's lap while the vehicle is moving.

It is easy to see how having an animal of any size on your lap or in your car could lead to distracted driving or a car crash. Distracted Driving is a very hot button topic right now, with crash statistics significantly rising from cell phone use and drivers being distracted by other kinds of electronic equipment as well.

The National Highway Traffic Administration found that in 2009, almost 5,800 people were killed in distracted driving related accidents. Though the NHTSA does not specifically note accidents that are caused by pets moving around the vehicle, the accidents could be similar to having disruptive passengers or children moving around to different seats in the car.

I know that I often bring my dogs in the car with me without really thinking about the distraction that they could bring. It will be interesting to see if this becomes a national trend related to the distracted driving trend that is happening all around the country.

This information and commentary is provided by Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached at 817-294-1900 or Toll Free at 800-324-MARK. If you have additional questions about distracted driving, or have been injured in a car accident, please fill out our contact form online.

Have you ever been driving on a perfect day and a sneaky storm appears out of nowhere? Weather can change without warning, which is why it’s important to prepare yourself for driving on all types of road surfaces and in all types of conditions. The best advice is to check the weather ahead of time and avoid driving if there is a chance of snow, ice, heavy fog or rain. But, if you’re already on the road, here are a couple tips to get you to your destination safely.

•Slow down! Stopping takes longer on slippery roads so increase your following distance.
•If your windshield wipers are on, your headlights should be on. While you’re at it, turn your defroster on too.
•If you start gliding or hydroplaning, take your foot off the gas and slowly press the brake, making sure not to turn the steering wheel. Also, watch for other gliding cars and give those drivers plenty of room to correct themselves.
•Flash floods can strike without warning and before signs can be posted and roads can be closed. If you see running or standing water over the road, avoid it and find a higher route.
•Drive in the path of the vehicle in front of you. Their tires help melt snow and push water out of the way, giving you a cleaner and safer path to drive.
•Be aware that bridges and overpasses ice first. Again – slow down!
•Trucks and SUVs are not weatherproof. In fact, the heavier weight means it will take longer to stop than a smaller vehicle.

The more driving experience you have in all conditions will prepare you for future situations. I recommend asking experienced drivers for help and drive together so they can provide instructions and help you spot dangers. If you find yourself in a scary situation or have problems seeing the road, find a safe place to pull over, listen to a local AM weather station and wait it out if you can.

Information and commentary provided by Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney Mark A. Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be contacted in Tarrant County at 817-294-1900. If you or a loved one has been injured in a auto collision, please fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

Parts of the Fort Worth and Dallas area are expecting freezing temperatures and rainlater today. The Anderson Law Firm has some advice that can keep you warm and to save some money, we ask that you take the following precautions to help reduce the potential for damage to property as well as personal injury.

*   Turn on the water faucets in your kitchens and baths so that water drips slowly. By doing this, the water in the line will not freeze, which will prevent any damage to your house and personal property.

*   Before leaving water running, make sure that your drains are functioning properly and are not clogged.

*   Open the cabinet doors under your sinks to expose warm air to your pipes and supply lines.

*   Keep your thermostat set to at least 65 degrees at all times, including when you go out of town. The temperature inside the walls where the pipes are located is much colder than the walls themselves.

*   In the event of precipitation, pay attention to your surroundings and conditions when walking and/or driving. Use caution at all times.

*   Watch for “black ice” – an area of pavement that only looks wet but has a fine layer of ice on it.

*   If you notice a dangerous condition, please avoid the area.

*  Allow the appropriate distance on roads, highways, and freeways to prevent a car accident.

These are simple steps that can protect you and save you some money. Sometimes people forget the basic steps associated with cold weather so hopefully this can serve as a reminder. Have a great weekend and drive safe!!!

Information and commentary provided by DFW Car Accident Attorney Mark A. Anderson. IF you or a loved one has been injured in an auto collision, please contact the Anderson Law Firm at 817-294-1900 or fill out our contact card for a free consultation.

Everyday there are numerous car accidents in Fort Worth. Chances are you are reading this because you yourself are the victim of a vehicle wreck and you are taking the first step of looking for a reputable lawyer in Fort Worth. There are a few points one needs to consider before their case is turned over to an attorney.

Look for a specialist. This is very important because you do not want to get a lawyer who thinks he knows everything about every law. If you were attacked by a dog would you hire a divorce attorney? No, that is ludicrous; you would hire a personal injury lawyer. Look for the right lawyer for your case.

Look for a Board Certified Lawyer. What is a Board Certified Lawyer? It is an attorney who has meet rigorous, objective standards and has demonstrated knowledge in a specialized field. In Texas there are over 80,000 lawyers and about two percent of those are Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law.

Look for an attorney that you are comfortable with. I like to talk with my clients and make sure they are comfortable with me and I am comfortable with them. Typically you only have one shot at hiring an attorney. I challenge you to do your homework, simply reading billboards or looking at yellow pages does not give you the information about the lawyer that will be representing you.

Information is provided by Board Certified Fort Worth Attorney Mark A. Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached at 817-294-1900. If you have any questions about hiring the right lawyer, please fill out our contact form online or call for a free consultation.

A 23-year-old Arlington man died Wednesday after he was involved in a motorcycle accident in Arlington, Texas. Hung Dang Pham was driving south in the 6100 block of New York Avenue at about 10:40 a.m. when he lost control of his motorcycle in a curve in the roadway and he smashed into a brick wall. Pham was taken by ground ambulance to Mansfield Methodist Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead about 11:40 p.m., according to the Tarrant County medical examiner's website. The motorcycle was a 2010 Kawasaki Ninja and the driver was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, police said. This is the 14th traffic fatality in Arlington this year.

This is truly a sad story. Many times when one dies in a motorcycle accident the driver is usually drinking and driving, not wearing a helmet, speeding excessively, or because another driver did not see them. It sounds to me that Pham was not doing anything wrong. While driving a motorcycle it can be very easy to lose control, the top 5 most common types of motorcycle accidents are: 1) Accidents that happen on bends in country roads, 2) Crashes that happen in intersections, 3) Wrecks that occur while overtaking slower vehicles, 4) Loss of control while riding, and 5) Poor road surface conditions. Please be careful when driving a motorcycle.

Information and commentary provided by Dallas-Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Mark A. Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions regarding a motorcycle accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

A man was killed Sunday when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed in Grand Prairie. The motorcycle accident happened about 3 p.m. in the 6000 block of Lake Ridge Parkway. Jerry Glenn Riddle, 63, was riding a 2008 Harley-Davidson motorcycle for the first time near Lynn Creek Marina, police said. He was riding next to his brother when he fell and slid 100 yards, striking his head on a guardrail post. Riddle had no motorcycle license and was not wearing a helmet, he died at the scene, police said.

Whether you are riding down the street or around the world, it is very important that you wear the proper helmet. Motorcycle crash statistics show that helmets are about 37 percent effective in preventing crash fatalities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates an unhelmeted rider is 40 percent more likely to suffer a fatal head injury and 15 percent more likely to incur a nonfatal head injury than a helmeted motorcyclist. The smallest motorcycle accident can still cause a fatality if you aren’t wearing a helmet, so please take one minute to put your helmet on before you get on a motorcycle.

Information and commentary is provided by Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorney Mark A. Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a motorcycle accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

A Dallas police officer was hurt Thursday morning when his squad car was hit by a drunk driver in far North Dallas. The officer was southbound on Montfort Drive shortly after 1 a.m. when a woman driving east on Belt Line Road ran a red light and struck him. The impact spun the officer's squad car into a pickup and another vehicle stopped at the intersection. Neither those drivers nor the woman were hurt. The officer, who was not identified, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment. His condition is still unknown. The woman, identified as 29-year-old Melinda Barbara Rodriguez, faces a charge of driving while intoxicated (DWI), which could be upgraded depending on the officer’s injuries.

I’m very glad to hear that they’re was non life-threatening injuries to the police officer and hopefully he has a swift recovery that will allow him to get back to work. About 21 percent of driving-age Americans reported they had driven after drinking in the past year, making about 950 million drinking-driver trips. In about 9 percent of these trips, or about 80 million, the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was 0.08 or above. With this statistic your chances of getting involved in an accident are high even if you have not been drinking. An important tip is to try minimizing your driving late at night when many drunk drivers are out.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas and Fort Worth Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Mark A. Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If you have any questions about a drunk driving accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Dr. Gary Purdue, chief of the burn section at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and co-director of the Parkland Memorial Hospital burn unit in Dallas for 22 years, has died in a motorcycle crash. Police said he was riding north in the 10400 block of Webb Chapel Road at 7:20 a.m. when the driver of an SUV ran a stop sign, hit him and knocked him through a backyard fence. Even though Purdue was wearing a helmet, he was pronounced dead at Parkland Memorial Hospital this morning. Police arrested the SUV's driver, Justin Heaton, and charged him with intoxication manslaughter.

Purdue was a past president of the American Burn Association and a burn specialist who was instrumental in leading the Parkland burn unit to national prominence. The unit is one of the nation's largest and treats almost 1,000 burn patients a year. Purdue is survived by his wife, daughter, three sons and a grandson.

This is truly a tragic, senseless loss for his family, friends, and citizens that he has touched the past 22 years. Wearing a helmet, not riding when roads are slick, and making yourself visible to other cars, is all good advice when riding a motorcycle. However, even though Purdue was abiding every rule in the book, there was nothing he could do to stop an intoxicated, reckless driver from slamming into him. Justin Heaton’s myspace page says he likes to “party, party, party,….and that I am reckless.” Justice will be served on Justin, but I am sad that North Texas lost Purdue, such an outstanding citizen.

Information and commentary is provided by Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorney Mark A. Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If you have any questions about a motorcycle accident or a drunk driving accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Ah, yes the Red River Rivalry has come. For many Tarrant and Dallas County residents this is the biggest game of the year. However, with a big football game comes many people and many drunk drivers. In anticipation of the thousands of fans from the universities of Texas and Oklahoma, the Department of Public Safety will be stepping up patrols along the major interstates feeding the Cotton Bowl. Troopers will patrol IH-35, IH-45 and IH-20, and will be looking for drunk drivers, speeders, aggressive drivers and those not wearing safety belts. The increased patrols will run from Friday morning through Sunday night.

I’m sure fans are ecstatic about this weekend. If you are going to be drinking this weekend, please plan ahead. Take a cab or public transportation. Or make sure you have a designated driver. Whatever you do, just don’t drink and drive.

Ross Jurewitz, a San Diego Injury Lawyer and avid UT fan, has entered into an interesting bet about the game with a friend or his who is a OU fan. The loser must display the other team’s logo on their Facebook profile for a week. Click to read about the Texas-Oklahoma Facebook Bet.

Information and commentary is provided by Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney Mark A. Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

If you text while driving, you may be DOA (dead on arrival) instead of BRB or LOL. Texting or talking on a cell phone while driving killed about 16,000 people in the U.S. from 2001 to 2007, according to a report published last week by a pair of Fort Worth researchers. It is no surprise that cell phone use is now the most common distraction among drivers involved in fatal accidents. Fatalities as a whole have decreased, but the bigger share of deaths is caused by distracted driving.

The number of text messages sent in the U.S. increased from about 1 million per month in 2002 to about 110 million a month in 2008. Since cell phone companies are producing better phones and unlimited text messaging plans, the number of texts per month is projected to keep increasing. Overall 33,963 people died on American roads in 2009, the lowest level since the 1950’s. But despite crackdowns on alcohol abuse and better safety features on cars, motorists don’t feel safer. More than half of drivers feel less safe today than five years ago and distracted driving is the main reason. Drivers who text are considered a very serious threat! The AAA is currently promoting Heads Up Driving Week now through Saturday, to encourage distraction-free driving.

Mark Anderson believes in educating people and is a true advocate of distracted driving. He is currently supporting a campaign to eliminate texting and driving in high schools, it’s called Teens Against Distracted Driving (TADD). In exchange for signing a pledge to not text and drive, local high school students will be given an orange bracelet with I PLDG 2 NT TXT N DRV on it and the high school with the highest percentage of petitions signed wins $500.

Information and commentary are provided by Tarrant County Personal Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If you have questions about a Personal Injury Claim, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation. Mark Anderson has also written a book 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case that is free of charge and will help your claim.

Zachary Presgrove, 38, was speeding north near Walnut Hill Lane about 3:45 a.m on his motorcycle when he struck the back of a car that had just changed lanes to avoid another vehicle parked in the right-hand lane. The impact threw Presgrove from his motorcycle and through the back window of the car into its passenger compartment, police said. He was declared dead 15 minutes later. A witness told police that Presgrove was traveling at 115 mph just before the crash.

I have a great deal of sympathy for Presgrove’s family and friends, but the main factor in this accident was that he was driving too fast. I’m sure this accident could have been avoided if he was following the law and driving the speed limit. An estimated 4,810 people die every year from motorcycle related deaths and over 88,000 motorcycle injuries are reported. I am an advocate for motorcycle riders, but also a huge advocate of safe driving.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas and Ft. Worth Motorcycle Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Ft. Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a motorcycle accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

As a father and Child Injury Attorney at Anderson Law Firm one of the toughest things I deal with on an almost daily basis is child injury accidents. As parents we are always concerned about the safety of our children when they are not in our care. With the recent beginning of a new school year, thousands of kids all over the country are embarking on the old tradition of walking to school.

I wanted to share with you some information I found recently in an article titled, “Back to School in Kansas City: Child Pedestrian Safety Tips for a Safe and Happy School Year”. It’s written by James Roswold, a Personal Injury Attorney at Roswold Law Group in Kansas City, Missouri.

Before you let your kids go walking to school by themselves, sit down with them and go over these helpful tips that will make them more aware of what to do when making that trek every morning and afternoon.

Make sure they know the number one rule, which is to always look both ways before they cross. Teach them to look left-right-left and to always be aware of any traffic on the road. Next, make sure they always walk on the sidewalk. If there isn’t a sidewalk on their route, teach them to walk on the left hand side of the road facing oncoming traffic.

Everyone should always cross streets at designated crosswalks and pedestrian crossings. This goes especially for our children. See to it that they know to follow the rules of traffic signals and signs and always pay attention to their neighborhood crossing guard.
The best way to cement these rules into your school aged child is to walk to school with them the first few times and set a good example of pedestrian safety.

If you have a child who has suffered a serious injury in an accident in the Dallas or Fort Worth Area, call my office immediately. Anderson Law Firm has over 19 years of experience in Child Injury Accident cases.

In the past doing something about drunken driving mostly meant imposing more prison time and higher fines. But Texas still leads the nation in alcohol-related fatalities with 1,269 in 2008, the latest year for complete data. Legislators will reconvene in January and several ideas already have been bandied about, from sobriety checkpoints to requiring more use of restrictive car devices.

Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Lewisville believes in the 2 strikes, you’re out rule. Her goal is to help repeated violators to stay out of trouble. She is proposing to automatically revoke the license of anyone convicted of a second DWI offense-permanently. Currently under Texas law, licenses are suspended for various time periods typically one year for your first conviction and two years for your second conviction.

Hypothetically, if Sen. Nelson’s proposal were taken into effect, it would lead the defendant or drunk driver to drive without a license or insurance. Many uninsured and unlicensed drivers do not think about driving from one point to another, they just simply do it. Sen. Nelson would need to tighten restrictions on drunken drivers by having sobriety checkpoints and mandatory interlock devices for first time offenders.

In 2007 nearly 13,000 people were killed in drunk driving related crashes. Drunken Driving collisions are the cause of 50% of the fatal wrecks that occur on the weekends. Remember that even if you are not drinking and driving you can still be affected by it. Dallas and Fort Worth are taking many steps in order to get drunk drivers off the road. Please think about the consequences before you drink and drive.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/ Fort Worth Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. For more information about drunk driving accidents, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Tim Hay, a drag racer from Burleson, TX died Saturday night after a car accident at a racetrack in Iowa, where he was competing in an event he had won last year. Hay, 49 years of age, lost control of his car, on the 1/8th-mile dragway during the finals of the World Fuel Altered Nationals at Eddyville Raceway Park in Eddyville, Iowa. Track co-owner Scott Gardner said Monday. The vehicle hit the safety wall and rolled. Rescue personnel pulled Hay out of the car and stabilized him at the track medical center, but the wreck resulted in his death Hay is survived by his wife of 23 years, Candy, three grown children and two grandchildren. Gardner said Hay's wife and one of their sons were at the track when the crash happened.

Hay had competed at Eddyville the past four years and was a well-known veteran of the sport. Tim Hay been racing since the late '70s or early '80s. The nitro methane altered car is one of the toughest to drive in the sport of drag racing. It's sort of a blend between a top fuel dragster and a nitro funny car. It's similar to a funny car, but it's not a full body.

This sport is pretty safe, but there are occasional accidents that unfourantely happen. This is a tragic circumstance for the Hay family and I send my condolences to their family and friends. I assume that an investigation will follow of what went wrong with the car.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you questions about a car accident resulting in injuries, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

A Louisiana man will face a jury on manslaughter charges after more than two years after a horrific car crash in Plano killed a family of five.

David Calhoun Jones was driving in a rented Pontiac when he ran a red light on Legacy Drive on June 22, 2008. His car was going nearly 100 mph when he struck a curb and fire hydrant before going airborne. He collided with a Ford Winstar minivan carrying the Hart family and their two foster children.

Geoffrey Hart, 41 and his wife, Laura Christine Hart, 41 were killed instantly, along with their 12-year-old daughter, Rebekah. Two foster children in the family's care died later at area hospitals. Raven Lucas was 5; and her sister, Kevinnesha Palmer, was 6.

A criminal trial has been delayed several times because of Jones' extensive injuries. The crash left him a paraplegic. If convicted of the second-degree felony, Jones' punishment ranges from probation to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 for wrongful death.

The trial is set to begin this morning in Collin County before Senior District Judge Quay Parker.
Our sympathies go out to the friends and relatives of the Hart family for this tragic accident that could have been prevented. If Jones had obeyed the posted speed limit or made sure to stop at the red light, these lives could have been saved.

On an average each year, there were 5,589 fatalities to occupants of vehicles and 794 fatalities to nonoccupants in intersections controlled by traffic signals and stop signs. It is unclear as to whether he was driving while intoxicated, but either way his exessive speed was inexcusable. Hopefully, this trial will bring justice to the Hart family.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/ Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. For more information regarding car accidents, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

As a Texas personal injury attorney, I am frequently exposed to severe motorcycle collisions and faced with the vast injuries of their victims. The injuries are usually quite traumatic and victims are often unable to ever fully recover from the motorcycle collision. The motorcycle means freedom and fuel efficiency to over 4 million riders throughout the United States, but without the security of airbags, and thousands of pounds of metal protecting the occupant, motorcyclists increase their risk of death by 16 times.

Motorcycle collisions and injuries are triggered by several common factors, the use of drugs or alcohol, excessive speed, improper helmet usage, weather conditions and road conditions can all play a significant role in a motorcycle accident. A lot of incidents, however, can be attributed to a fellow motorist’s inattention. Though the fault in these incidents has nothing to do with the motorcyclists driving there are ways to protect yourself on a bike. Studies suggest that 92% of accidents involving a motorcycle were with informally trained riders. These riders were either self-taught or trained from friends or family and did not undergo defensive driving training. Through formal training riders not only dramatically reduce their likelihood of instigating an accident- they also reduce their chances of falling victim to another motorist as they are trained to navigate through all types of difficult situations. Formal motorcycle training also reduces the occurrence of injuries as the bikers learn how to pay attention and navigate through rough driving scenarios and fall with a little more finesse.

Though training may reduce the chance of being involved in a motorcycle collision – accidents are always a possibility. In the case of an accident Seattle motorcycle accident lawyer, Jason Epstein, has written a book: The Truth About Washington Motorcycle Accidents. This book addresses all of the common questions associated with a motorcycle collision- what information you need to collect of other drivers, what steps you need to take in filing a claim and whether or not you need an aggressive Seattle motorcycle attorney to defend you. This book is FREE to Washington State residence through the link above.

If you do require legal representation for your motorcycle accident and are in the Texas area, the Anderson Law Firm can help you. We can be reached at 877-294-1115. If you are in the Seattle area, contact Jason Epstein with the Bellevue Law Firm, Premier Law Group.

Last week I blogged about a fatal hit and run accident that killed a motorcyclist in Lewisville, Texas. While police have impounded a late-model SUV with front end damage, no arrests have been made yet. This was the second hit-and-run accident the late Ray Torres, 42, according to local news reports.

Ray Torres was struck by a hit-and-run driver a little over a year before this crash, on August 1, 2009. At that time, he was left lying on a street in Arlington with an injured leg that required six months of rehabilitation. Tragically, Mr. Torres did not survive the second hit-and-run crash. He died at the scene, becoming one of nearly 500 people who die every year in Texas in motorcycle accidents.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, in 2008, 480 motorcycle riders were killed. 62% of those riders weren’t wearing a helmet. Mr. Torres usually didn’t wear a helmet, and he wasn’t wearing one when he died, according to news reports. In 2007, the NHTSA determined that a motorcycle rider was 37 times more likely to die in a crash and nine times more likely to be injured than someone inside a vehicle.

This is such a sad story, and really shows the dangers that motorcycle riders face on our roads. I always emphasize the importance of wearing a helmet, as it is often truly the difference between life and death. The NHTSA statistic that 62% of those riders killed in 2008 doesn’t surprise me at all.

Information provided by Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorney Mark A. Anderson, who can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000, in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900, and across Texas at 877-294-1115. Click here to contact a Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney today.

After being thrown from his car after it rolled several times on Texas 183, a Farmers Branch man was killed early Sunday.According to police, his vehicle failed to negotiate a curve on the highway and crashed.

The Dallas County medical examiner’s office identified the victim as Bipin Thapa, 26, who was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger was in good condition Sunday. Police still have yet to identify the man, who was taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas.

The accident was reported about 1 a.m. Sunday in the westbound lanes of Texas 183 in Irving. Thapa was driving a gold 2000 Honda Civic at a high-rate of speed when he attempted to exit the highway. He lost control of the car, and it slid off the highway. His vehicle rolled several times.

Thapa did not appear to be wearing a seat belt even though his passenger was.

It is always a tragic circumstance when these kinds of accidents happen, especially when the accident may have been prevented. There is the issue of not wearing a seat belt. In 2008 alone, the nighttime period with the highest percentage of unrestrained fatalities (72 percent) was midnight to 3 a.m. Wearing a seat belt while driving is still the single most effective thing drivers and passengers can do to save lives. There is no debatable reason why a person shouldn’t be wearing a seat belt so suck it up and buckle up.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions regarding a car accident of any kind, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Early Monday morning one person died in a Fort Worth automobile wreck, according to the Tarrant County medical examiner’s office.

Initial reports showed that a major crash happened 2:31 a.m. and that a vehicle had hit a pole and overturned.

Additional details on the crash were unavailable at 9 a.m. Monday morning, but KDFW Fox 4 has reported that the wreck took place in the 2400 block of Joel Road.

A spokeswoman for MedStar stated that an ambulance was sent to the location, but no one was transported from the scene.

Hopefully throughout the next couple days we will receive more information on this fatal car accident. Accident investigation plays a very important role when trying to find answers to why and how the accident happened. In cases where the cause of the wreck is disputable or the injuries are going to be disputed, it is absolutely imperative that a complete and thorough investigation be conducted. Our deepest sympathies for the family and friends of the victim.

Information and Commentary is provided by Car Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. If you or a loved has been in a car accident, call the Anderson Law Firm for a free consultation. We can be reached toll free at 877.294.1115 or you can contact us online.

The woman killed in the fiery crash on I-20 yesterday morning in Arlington, Texas has been identified.

Lauren Price, 21, was identified by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s office after her car crashed into a pole off the highway. There is no information on where she resided or what she was doing on the road at 3:30 in the morning.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Lauren’s family and friends. This type of tragedy is a hard obstacle to overcome, and we hope that they eventually find peace after mourning. I assume an investigation is to follow as to what caused the accident.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. For more information about car accidents, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

A motorist was killed early Thursday morning on Interstate 20 near the Collins Street exit.

Witnesses told police that the car was westbound on I-20 at about 3:30 a.m. when the vehicle drove off the highway and struck a pole of a message board on the shoulder. According to police, the vehicle then caught fire, killing the driver at the scene.

It is unclear whether drugs, alcohol or speed played a role in the wreck. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s office has yet to release the name of the driver.

What saddens me the most about this is that this is the 10th traffic fatality in Arlington this year. No matter what the cause of the accident was, I’m sure it could have been prevented. I see the results of automobile accidents every single day, and I always analyze them on how they could have been prevented. Hopeful a full investigation will reveal how this wreck could have been avoided.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. If you have questions about a particular car accident case, the Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. Fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

A Plano teen, 16-year-old Nicole LeGrow, was killed in an afternoon accident Thursday on Highway 121 in The Colony.

LeGrow, a student at Jasper High School in Plano, died in the collision. She was a passenger in a sedan that lost control and crashed in the northbound lanes of hwy 121 near Plano Parkway.

The driver, 16-year-old Alexandra Hays, was airlifted to a Dallas hospital. She remains in critical condition.

The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.

Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to Nicole LeGrow and Alexandra Hays’s friends and family. We wish a speedy and healthy recovery for Hays. Accidents involving loved ones are always a tragic situation. Hopefully the accident investigation will show more insight into what happened Thursday afternoon.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a car accident, please fill our out contact from online for a free consultation.

A Fort Worth police officer, critically injured Thursday afternoon when his patrol car slammed into a tree during a pursuit, remained in a hospital intensive care unit Friday morning, but medical evaluations overnight showed some "positive results," police officials said.

The injured officer, Richard Lambing, 37, is a 15-year veteran of the department. He was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth with life-threatening injuries. The officials noted that the officer was stabilized and moved to a private room in the ICU.

The wreck occurred about 1:50 p.m. as Lambing joined in the high-speed pursuit of a motorcyclist whom Tarrant County sheriff's officers had tried to pull over as he left a suspected drug house in Mansfield.

The officer had just taken an exit ramp from East Loop 820 to eastbound Interstate 30 when he lost control of his car, which hit the tree in a grassy area beside the freeway.

Police said they will investigate the cause of the crash, road conditions and whether policies and procedures were followed.

Investigators would also look into the origin of the chase and the involvement of Fort Worth police.

Our prayers go out to Officer Lambing who was just doing his job. We hope he will be able to stabilize so he can get out of ICU. Remember, high speeds are dangerous and can cause accidents. He had a reason for doing so, but the motorcyclist did not which was irresponsible and hazardous. High speed chases may seem like a thrilling idea, but in reality, someone usually gets hurt.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. For questions regarding car accidents, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Deion Jackson-Houston, rated as one of the top basketball recruits in the Class of 2012, died over the Fourth of July holiday weekend when a train crashed into a car he was driving in Duncan, Okla. Jackson-Houston, a talented point guard from Duncanville, Texas, was the leader of Texas Bluechips-Navy, an elite Amateur Athletic Union 17-and-under basketball team. He was considered the main attraction for college scouts at this week's summer showcase tournament that will start play Friday in Duncanville.

Duncanville boys basketball coach Eric McDade says he is still in shock. “You don't think about this kind of thing happening and when it does, you just realize how precious life really is,” McDade said.

Jackson-Houston was on a trip to a local Family Dollar store while visiting relatives when a train hit the back passenger side door of the automobile he was driving at about 7 p.m. on July 3rd. According to reports, he was driving up onto the tracks and slowed down before he proceeded on. I guess he just didn’t see the train. I wonder whether the intersection had lights and gates? Was a horn blown? The news reports did not mention this, but it makes me wonder if this death could have been prevented.

The train reportedly dragged Jackson-Houston's car almost two blocks before it pushed the automobile off the tracks. Jackson-Houston did not have a pulse when he was placed in an ambulance but later regained one at Duncan Regional Hospital.

Two hours later, Jackson-Houston was flown to OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City where he died after 11 p.m. His father says that while he looked fine from the outside, his internal injuries were just too severe.

Last season, Jackson-Houston was a starter for Duncanville and played next to three highly-regarded players in Perry Jones, an All-American forward/center, Julian Washburn and Luke Mergerson. According to his father, Jackson-Houston had scholarship offers from Southern Methodist, Florida International, Baylor, Old Dominion, San Jose State, North Texas, San Diego State and Bradley.

These types of accidents are always tragic, but this is especially hard to write about because he was a young kid with a bright future. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Jackson-Houston family. There are over 6 million auto wrecks each year, with almost 3 million resulting personal injuries and approximately 42,000 crash related deaths.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. For questions concerning a car accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

The Interstate 35 corridor runs from Laredo through North Texas to Gainesville, and it is known as one of the most important links for business in the state.

But state and local leaders agree that the highway is not ready for what the future holds: More traffic and more commerce. The city is designing a new approach to develop plans for improvements called My 35.

The idea behind it is to involve local leaders and citizens at every segment of the interstate across Texas. I-35 is more than just a highway; it's one of the state's primary routes for freight and passenger cars and trucks. Improving it is a huge issue.

Segment committees are meeting across Texas. One of those panels will gather in Arlington Wednesday morning to discuss Segment One of the highway, which runs through 11 North Texas counties.

Those counties and seven local cities — including Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton, McKinney, Rockwall and Weatherford — will all be represented.

Everyone seems to agree that I-35 needs more room for traffic and improved safety. The challenge is coming up with a plan that does exactly that — from South Texas to the Oklahoma border.

Keeping roadways as safe and traffic-free as possible is important, especially in an area as busy as the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. I think it’s great that the city is willing to include its’ citizens in this planning, because they are the people who utilize the highway most frequently. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were over 37,000 deaths in the United States this year from fatal car crashes. A roadway that is more open and less congested might prevent some of these accidents from happening.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions, fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

A wrong-way accident on I-30 at Ferguson Road Sunday morning left one person dead and three injured. The Sheriff’s Department said that a woman driving a pickup truck with two passengers was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes and crashed head on with another vehicle.

The female passenger in the front seat, identified as Ana Tello, was pronounced dead at the scene. The pickup driver and the male passenger who was in the backseat were taken to Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas in serious condition. The driver of the Tahoe was taken to a local hospital in good condition.

The names of the injured victims have not been made public, pending notification of family members.

This is a serious accident that could have been prevented, and The Anderson Law Firm sends their sympathy to Ana Tello and the other victims. As drivers, please remember to follow all roadway signs, because the driver would have likely been able to see that she was going the wrong way. The public almost becomes numb to the fact that traffic wrecks happen to other people. But the national statistics show that we are all likely going to become involved in a traffic incident at some time or another—there are over 6 million auto wrecks each year, with almost 3 million resulting personal injuries and approximately 42,000 crash related deaths. Make sure to pay attention while driving to prevent accidents like these.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a car accident, please fill our out contact from online for a free consultation.

A man died Friday afternoon after his motorcycle collided with a Nissan Cube on Blue Mound Road in north Fort Worth. The motorcyclist has been identified as William Copeland, 51, of Haslet.

Police have said the driver of the Cube was pulling away from a stop sign on the northbound access road to U.S. 287 about 2:30 p.m. Friday when the collision occurred. Copeland was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said that after the collision, the motorcycle continued on Blue Mound Road about 120 feet and then burst into flames. The driver of the Cube was not injured.

The Anderson Law Firm sends out condolences to the Copeland family. Hopefully, the police will be able to find out who was at fault in this fatal car crash. It is important for motorcyclists to remember either way that the most common cause of wrecks involving motorcycles is inattention of the other driver. Many times, drivers just don’t see the motorcycle. This accounts for about 70 percent of all wrecks. On the other hand though, motorcyclists need to be extra cautious when riding because they don't have the protection that cars, trucks and other vehicles have while on the road.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth motorcycle and car accident lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. For questions regarding a motorcycle accident or questions about a car accident, please fill out our contact from online for a free consultation.

Two Fort Worth residents were transported to Texas Health Harris Fort Worth hospital on Wednesday after they crashed their Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

According to the Cleburne police the driver lost control in wet sand and gravel. The man claims he lost control of the motorcycle while trying to avoid a pot hole. The accident occurred around 8:45 a.m. near U.S. 67 and Nolan River Road.

Reports indicated that the 46-year-old woman was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Reports are unclear whether the 46-year-old male driver was wearing a helmet. A Harris spokeswoman confirmed that the couple’s injuries were nonlife-threatening. The couple was treated and released by Thursday.

Unfortunately when an accident involving a motorcycle occurs, the results are usually not good for the rider as they just don't have the protection that cars, trucks and other vehicles have. Many of the accidents involving motorcycles result in very serious injuries and even death. Fortunately in this case, the couples’ injuries were not life threatening.

In Texas, 346 motorcycle riders died in 2006 and only one-third of those riders were wearing helmets. The benefits from wearing a helmet are so numerous that there is no reason a rider shouldn’t wear one. Finding the right type of helmet can be hard, but in the end it could save your life.

This information and commentary is provided by Texas Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If you have questions about a motorcycle accident please fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

Last weekend the Republic of Texas Biker Rally took place in Austin, TX. Officials said there were at least two biker deaths over the weekend, and at least three more serious accidents involving motorcycles. Police and Rally officials are not sure if all of the accidents were connected to the event, which draws tens of thousands of visitors each year.

Police say they do not have the total number of motorcycle wrecks for this past weekend because not all of the officers have turned in reports. In Austin, during the 2009 and 2008 ROT biker rally weekends, there were 22 and 16 motorcycle crashes respectively. 2009 also included one fatality.

ROT 2010 rally weekend already has two fatal motorcycle crashes documented. One fatal crash early Sunday morning killed 36-year-old motorcycle passenger, Barbara Ann Garza. The driver, Daniel Rios Ortega, 28, crashed his bike in Northeast Austin and fled the scene. He was arrested and charged with failure to stop and render aid in the incident.

The second fatality happened in western Travis County early Monday; when El Paso resident, David Torres, 44, crashed into a median.

My condolences go out to the families of the two victims, Barbara Ann Graza and David Torres. Crashes like this can be prevented by paying more attention to the road. By being aware and by adhering to road safety rules many accidents can be avoided. These rules really need to be followed when attending biker rallies like this on. A motorcycle rider is 37 times more likely to die in a crash than automobile driver. So please pay attention while driving and follow the road safety rules, doing so can save lives.

This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident and have questions please fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

In the south side of Fort Worth, a fatal wreck on Interstate 35 W backed up traffic for miles.

The accident happened on Wednesday night around 8:20 p.m. in the southbound lanes near Garden Acres Boulevard.

At least one person is believed to be dead. There has been no further information on how many other vehicles were involved.

Southbound traffic on I-35W was still being shuffled to service roads more than two hours after the crash.

So far there is no evidence to explain why and how this crash occurred, but hopefully after a thorough investigation those questions will be answered. Through reconstruction of the accident, police may be able to tell what happened. Our sincere condolences go out to the victim’s family.

National statistics show that we are all likely going to become involved in a traffic incident at some time or another—there are over 6 million auto wrecks each year, with almost 3 million resulting personal injuries and approximately 42,000 crash related deaths. By following road safety rules the probability of a being in a car accident is greatly reduced.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a car accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Loya Insurance is one of two large auto insurers that had a complaint record well above the state average in 2009, according to a new listing of “justified” complaints handled by the state Insurance Department.

One driver, Larry Randall, was sideswiped in May 2009, and the driver who was at fault had an insurance policy with Loya Insurance.

““They tried to ignore me from day one, and then they finally sent me a check covering a fraction of my claim. When’s the last time you heard of major damage to the side of a car being fixed for $300?” Randall said, noting he has not cashed the company’s check.

An analysis of the Insurance Department figures by The Dallas Morning News showed that 10 of the 25 largest auto insurers in the state, which are those with more than 100,000 policies, had below average customer service records.

Loya, one of the top companies at the top of the list, is now being investigated by the Insurance Department for violations of state regulations. Loya Insurance is countering back though, arguing that their company serves a unique customer base, typically lower-income drivers who have trouble obtaining insurance.

The Insurance Department Agency is limited in how it can respond to consumer complaints because the department cannot force a company to pay a disputed claim if there is no violation of the law. The agency can also not determine who was at fault in the specific accident. However, the customer complaints do help the Insurance Department Agency with identifying issue of concerns that would otherwise be neglected.

You cannot trust insurance companies—don’t be fooled. The truth is all they really want is for you to sign up with them and make your premium payments on time. When it actually comes time to paying money out on a claim, you can forget all of those friendly slogans. These self-proclaimed “good neighbors” can quickly become your worst nightmare. These insurance companies will not pay you a single dime more than they want to and they don’t pay until it benefits them. They are not looking out for the policyholder’s best interest; they are looking out for their best interest.

Because it’s an adversarial process, the at-fault person’s insurance company has no duty to treat you fairly. So what should a person do if they are injured in an accident? They should at least speak to a Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney about their case. Not all cases need lawyers, but we think all serious injury cases sure do, and the victims need a good lawyer who will fight for their needs so they get proper compensation.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a car accident or questions about an insurance claim, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Jadarion Montez Taylor, a Texas truck driver, died in Converse, Louisiana early Saturday morning. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

According to the Times of Shreveport, the native of Longview, Texas entered a slight left hand curve in the highway, ran off the road to the right and began traveling in the ditch. Montez, 26, was ejected from his diesel fuel 2010 International truck when it flipped several times.

The crash was reported about 7:40 a.m. Saturday morning. The tragedy forced closure of one of the lanes of the highway for several hours as cleanup crews tried to clean the spilled diesel fuel. Taylor was hauling 5,000 gallons of fuel.

I am very saddened to hear of this tragic crash. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Jadarion Montez Taylor. In wrecks involving 18-wheelers, 44% of people injured in a truck accident suffer incapacitating injuries. Tragically, approximately 9% die. This means that 53% of people driving other vehicles in truck-related accidents suffer an incapacitating injury or death as a result of a truck accident. This is an absolutely staggering number, and is exponentially higher than all other types of motor vehicle injury statistics. Fortunately, in this case, there were no other cars involved in this accident.

Information and commentary are provided by Dallas/ Fort Worth Truck Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817.294. 1900 or in Dallas at 214.327.8000. If you have questions about a truck accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

A new traffic signal at Interstate 35W and the Basswood Boulevard overpass is confusing motorists, some of whom wonder why lights are pointing in both directions of a frontage road that they think is one-way. Apparently there is a not very well-marked stretch of two-way frontage road at that intersection. This could potentially cause serious car accidents.

Texas Transportation Department officials, who installed the signals late last month, said that they will take a look at the intersection to see whether there are safety concerns. They have received no complaints, and no major accidents because of the configuration have been reported, although drivers who use the area regularly see the danger.

Many northbound motorists, preparing to enter I-35W, mistakenly use the southbound side of the two-way frontage road, not realizing they're on the wrong side of the road. This is probably because the only warning of this two way frontage road is an orange highway sign on the frontage road north of Basswood about 30 feet after the two-way traffic begins.

Hopefully, the Texas Transportation Department can fix this minor problem before it becomes a major problem. Luckily, there have been no major accidents, but it is still something that needs to be fixed, especially if it’s confusing motorists. Drivers could potentially get distracted by the idea of a two-way frontage road, which could indirectly cause an accident. The most common cause of car accidents is not paying attention. And the problem here is that drivers might be paying attention, and that could get them further confused because the roadway signs are confusing.

Information and commentary is provided by the Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a car accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Two children were hurt in a wreck involving ejected people on U.S. 287 Thursday morning in northwest Fort Worth. The children went to Cook’s Children Medical Center and two adults were also taken to other area hospitals.

Police and ambulance crews responded at about 8:35 a.m. to the wreck in the 12100 block of U.S. 287. The area is a short distance northwest of the highway's intersection with Blue Mound Road. There have been no further reports about the extent of injuries.

It is important to remember that most of these motor vehicle accidents happen because a driver make reckless mistakes, like not paying attention. I also hope that everyone was wearing a seatbelt, because that could make the injuries far less severe. Among fatally injured passenger vehicle occupants, more than half (55%) of those killed in 2008 were unrestrained. I hope everyone involved in this accident is okay, and I hope that they can figure out what the cause was.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions concerning a car accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Late Thursday, in Pleasant Grove, TX three children were hospitalized after a hit-and-run.
The children were riding in a white Plymouth minivan. The minivan was traveling south on Masters Drive a little after 11p.m. when a silver Lincoln Navigator ran a stop sign at Muskogee Drive and hit them.

The driver on the minivan was unharmed, but four members of his family were taken to various hospitals. The victims include: his wife, an 8-year-old boy, a 3-year-old girl and an 11-year-old girl. His youngest daughter, 3-years-old, suffered the most serious injuries out of the group and was taken to Children’s Medical Center in Dallas. None of their injuries are thought to be life threatening.

The driver of the Lincoln Navigator fled the scene after the accident. He still remains at large. Police later found the vehicle abandoned in a backyard of a house nearby. Anyone with information can call Dallas Police at 214-670-5817

Hit-and-runs are one of the worst types of accidents to hear about. In this case, a driver of a sports utility vehicle made a mistake by running a stop sign. Mistakes happen, but running away from accident you caused, especially when there are multiple children involved, is despicable. Hopefully the police will be able to track down this reckless driver and bring him to justice.

Most motor vehicle accidents, including this one, happen because driver's make reckless mistakes, like running a stop sign. They can either be simply not paying attention, or it could be the driver was talking on a cell phone, texting, or eating. By following road safety rules the probability of a being in a car accident is greatly reduced. If you have any information about this accident please call the Dallas Police at 214-670-5817. Making a mistake is one thing, running from it is another.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a hit-and-run accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Early Thursday a Dallas teen drove the wrong way on Airport Freeway and collided with a vehicle. The teen is suspected of drunken driving. After the crash the teen fled on foot before he was caught by the Irving police.

Irving patrol officers responded to the accident around 2:30 a.m. in the 2200 block of Texas 183. Witnesses informed police that the 2002 Land Rover was heading east in westbound lanes when the collision happened.

The 16-year-old was taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas due to minor injuries. The driver of the other automobile was also taken to Parkland with foot and arm injuries. The current condition of the victim are unavailable.

It’s hard to hear about a 16-year-old boy being suspected of drunk driving. Not only has he just gotten his license, but he is also 5 years shy of legally being able to drink alcohol. Luckily no one was seriously hurt in this unfortunate crash. Hopefully this crash will be a teaching tool for all young drivers on Texas roads.

Drunk Driving is a factor in over 45% of the car accidents that occur on Texas roads. To help ensure your safety on the road, The Anderson Law Firm has traffic safety and preventative tips to make sure you are not a victim of a drunk driving accident.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a drunk driving accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Under a measure approved by a Senate Committee Wednesday, States would be rewarded for cracking down on distracted drivers.

The bill will now head to full Senate. If passed the bill would create a $94 million program to give out grants to states that prohibit texting and talking on the phone while driving.

This measure is different from competing bill because it would not punish states for failing to enact distracted driving laws.

Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson agrees that distracted driving poses a serious threat to all drivers, passengers, and pedestrians on the road. Hutchinson favors this new piece of legislation over the competing bill because it respects state rights.

This bill would set a high standard for receiving federal dollars. States would have pass a laws against texting and using phones while driving. The federal dollars would come from surplus cash flow in another highway bill.

Under the bill, law enforcement can pull over drivers for not following the measures. A corresponding house bill has not made it out of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee subpanel

After reading in the paper yesterday that Arlington stopped a bill that would prohibit texting while behind the wheel, I find this national news very uplifting. The nation is seeing distracted driving as a problem and is finely taking a stand against it. The giving of federal dollars is a great way to get states to create these laws.

One question I’ve heard is: Is the spending of federal dollars on this program really worth it? Twenty-eight states plus the District of Columbia have laws against texting while driving. Seven States and D.C. also prohibit using phones on the road. Clearly States have already seen the importance of prohibiting distracted driving, is the money worth it? Whatever happens, money or no money, it’s great to see the nation take a stand and something as dangerous as distracted driving. The teens of Fort Worth took take a stand in my Teens Against Distracted Driving program, it will be interesting to see what the Capital does.

Information and Commentary are provided by Dallas/ Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817.294. 1900 or in Dallas at 214.327.8000. If you have questions about car accidents or distracted driving please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Yesterday the Arlington City Council shut down the proposal that would have banned texting while driving.

Robert Rivera, The Southeast Arlington representative, recommended the ban. Rivera states that reports show that texting while driving is more dangerous that drunken driving. Unfortunately most of the Council refused to discuss it.

Other Texas Cities, such as Austin and Galveston, have banned texting while driving. Even though the motion came to a halt, Rivera insists that just having the conversation was beneficial. It has heightened awareness even if Arlington doesn’t move forward with the ordinance.

If you support this ban, Rivera encourages all residents to contact their council representatives.
Arlington recently prohibited drivers from talking on cell phones in active school areas. That was a step in the right direction. I hope Arlington can go back and look over the ban to try and get it to pass. It is great to see councilmen like Rivera try and take a stand against distracted driving. Through my program, Teens Against Distracted Driving, I was able to see just how many teens were willing to take a stand against texting and driving and I hope Arlington City Council can represent their wants. Great job Rivera, at least there is more awareness now, and hopefully in the near future the idea will be revisited.

Information and commentary are provided by Dallas/ Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817.294. 1900 or in Dallas at 214.327.8000. If you have questions about car accidents or distracted driving please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Police say that wearing seat belts may have prevented serious injury in a van wreck involving children. The Children’s Academy Daycare van was on Highway 360 Monday morning when the brakes locked.

The van tumbled down an embankment on Highway 360 and hit a sign. The six kids and the driver suffered cuts and bruises and were taken to the hospital to be checked out, but wearing a seat belt likely protected them from any severe injury.

These are the blogs I love writing about because it shows the good that can happen when you follow the rules of the road. Wearing a seat belt is important, especially since, among fatally injured passenger vehicle occupants, more than half of those killed in 2008 were unrestrained. Putting on a safety belt is a simple action that could save your life, so suck it up and buckle up. You won’t regret it.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a car accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

The ever-present ankle monitors will make people and violators think twice about drinking and driving. The SCRAM committee- Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor- has been used in Texas since 2003, and it measures alcohol consumption by reading vapors given off in perspiration. And since you can never take it off, it’s a constant reminder that you are not supposed to be consuming alcohol.

The bracelets cost almost $400 a month, not including the counseling fees, court costs fees, and fines that have to be paid after a DWI conviction. Many people simply cannot afford the bracelet. However, judges agree that it is the most efficient method, but sometimes judges will also make the convicted put an interlock device on their car to prevent drinking and driving and sometimes even order the use of a drug that will make the person sick if he or she drinks alcohol.

I agree that more needs to be done to both educate and prevent drinking and driving in Texas. While the ankle monitor is a step in the right direction, it is not the final solution. People need to learn to be more responsible when consuming alcoholic beverages, especially if they are not of the drinking age and considering driving. There are approximately 12,000 fatalities annually due to drunk driving in the United States. Those 12,000 deaths could have easily been prevented. Drinking and driving will get you a DWI, but even worse you could injure or kill someone else or yourself.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a drunk driving accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

With the enactment of the new booster seat law, many low-income parents are worried about how they can afford booster seats in their cars for kids up to 8 years old. These booster seats will help prevent injury in the case of a car accident. For parents who can't afford a booster seat, the Texas Department of Health Services gives away free car seats to low-income families through its Safe Riders program.

In the past four months, Safe Riders has given away 540 booster seats and 2,613 car seats to parents across the state. The program has distributed an additional 5,000 car seats to be given out at events around the state.

This is such a great way to ensure that all kids ride safe while in a motor vehicle. It would be hard for all families to obey the law, because some families are unable to purchase a car or booster seat with the income they make. It is estimated that approximately 47 percent of the fatally injured children in the 0 through 9 years old are generally unrestrained. I think it is a great program that is watching out for the safety of children from all types of families, which is always important. Not only will these families follow the law, they will help protect their kids from serious injury.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a car accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

A Pepsi products 18-wheeler overturned going southbound on the Dallas Tollway at Beltline yesterday morning.

The tractor trailer truck was traveling southbound when another vehicle cut him off. When he over-corrected, he crossed the median and ended up in the northbound lane of the Tollway. Six vehicles were involved in the accident, and at least two have been towed.

While it was not reported that anyone was hurt, it is important to remember to be cautious when driving next to a large vehicle, like an 18-wheeler. You're looking at a vehicle weighing more than 10,000 pounds; the injuries sustained in a semi-truck wreck are far more severe than a regular car accident. One out of every nine traffic fatalities in 2007 was caused by a tractor-trailer or other large truck. Following the rules of the road could have prevented this accident, so make sure to be attentive and courteous while driving.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Truck Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions involving a truck accident or a car accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Authorities were forced to shut down LBJ freeways southbound lanes for hours after a tractor-trailer crushed another vehicle earlier this morning.

One victim died at the scene and the other two members in the wreck were sent to the hospital. Their names and conditions have not been released.

Authorities reopened the freeway about 6 a.m. Authorities are still trying to identify what caused the accident. More details will be released later.

In wrecks involving tractor-trailers, 44% of people injured in a truck wreck suffer devastating injuries. Tragically, around 9% die. This means that 53% of people driving other vehicles in truck-related accidents suffer an incapacitating injury or death as a result of a tractor-trailer crash.

At The Anderson Law Firm we want to help those who have been injured in a truck accident. With investigating and reconstructing the accident, we work to immediately uncover and collect all the facts pertinent to your case. We do this to help those injured get the best possible compensation for their injuries.

So far there is no evidence to explain why and how this crash occurred, but hopefully there will be a thorough investigation. Through reconstruction of the accident, police may be able to tell what happened. Our condolences go out to the family of the deceased victim. We wish for a speedy recovery to the two injured still in the hospital.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a truck accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

An on-duty Dallas police officer, driving a marked squad car, was the victim of a hit-and-run accident Sunday morning while traveling westbound on C.F. Hawn Freeway. Matje collided with a vehicle after the driver of another vehicle sideswiped the police car and then took off.

Police said they have no description of the driver, but said that the hit-and-run vehicle should have heavy front-end damage. Matje was taken to Baylor Medical Center Dallas by ambulance and is in fair condition. Police are asking people to call Dallas Police Traffic Unit at 214-670-5816 with any information regarding the incident.

We hope the police are able to find the driver of the other vehicle, because hit-and-runs are a serious issue, especially when it involves a police officer. We also trust that the police department will do all that they can to solve this investigation, to give justice to the innocent officer. Hit-and runs is a traffic accident that can cause injury, so it is important to try and get the license number or make and model of the car if it’s possible.

It is also likely that an injured person might want to make a claim even if he or she gets hit by a driver that flees the scene.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas as 214-327-8000. If you have questions concerning a car accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Late Wednesday afternoon four people were injured in a head-on collision on C.F. Hawn Freeway in South Dallas. The Eastbound lanes of the freeway were close for three hours after the wreck. Kim Leach, a Dallas County Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman, said one of the two automobiles was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes at around 5:15 p.m.

The four injured partiers were taken to Baylor University Medical Center for treatment. No further details have been released.

Several wrecks occur in the Dallas/Fort Worth area each year from wrong way driving crashes, only a small, but preventable, percentage of the total amount of automobile accidents. There were 6 million reported car accidents in the United States last year. It is vital to always follow road safety rules to avoid injury while driving. My hope is that by informing people about easy tips to stay safe while driving, there will be less preventable traffic accidents in our area.

This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If you have questions about a car crash, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Streets will be filled with dozens of bicyclists around North Texas and throughout the nation on Wednesday in support for the ‘Ride of Silence’. The Ride of Silence is a silent, slow procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured on roadways.

A local event will be held in Willow Park County this Wednesday starting at 7 p.m. The ride will begin at Ranch House Road and Interstate 20, in remembrance of where bikers Larry McQuien and Thomas Hollrith Jr. were killed. McQuien and Hollrith were killed in separate accidents in the same place in the past two years.

Other rides will take place in Fort Worth, and in Arlington, Coppell, and Dallas.
According to local organizers, the ‘Ride of Silence’ is being held during National Bike Safety Month to raise awareness to motorists, police, and city officials that bicyclists have a legal right to the roadways. Every year, over 600 cyclists die on American roadways.

Cyclists have always had a legal right to share the roads, but automobile drivers aren’t always aware of the rights. Hopefully this ride, along with the publicity of National Bike Safety Month will help inform motorists of biker’s rights and increase their knowledge of what to do when encountering a bicyclist.

Come out and join north Texas cyclists in remembering Larry McQuien and Thomas Hollrith Jr. and other riders who have been hurt or killed on American roads. It will be a memorable ride for a great cause.

This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident and have questions please fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

Two Dallas police officers are on administrative leave today after they were arrested of driving while intoxicated last week. The two will be on leave pending administrative and criminal investigations.

The officers and are involved in two different units of the Dallas Police Force, and were at two different locations when they were found drinking and driving. The officers were identified as Patrol Officer Manuel Romani and Sr. Cpl. James Rucker of the department's helicopter unit. Romani, a four-year-veteran, was arrested in Forney on Saturday, and Rucker, who has been on the force for 26 years, was arrested in Rockwall on Sunday.

Drinking and driving is inexcusable under any circumstance, and the fact that two people who are supposed to enforce this law were caught doing so makes the offense even more disappointing. By learning how to avoid drunk driving risks in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, we can make the community roads much safer to drive on. And with about three in every ten Americans assumed to be involved in alcohol-related crashes in their lifetime, police officers need to be more responsible in practicing what they preach and following the laws they themselves insist upon.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions concerning a drunk driving incident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Fred Krusemark of Dallas, an 87-year old World War II Navy veteran, was given a drive around the Texas Motor Speedway on Saturday when the car crashed. He was being honored by Carter BloodCare for years of making blood donations.

After the accident occurred, Krusemark died of blunt force trauma to the head and neck, the Denton County Medical Examiner's Office said Tuesday. Texas Driving Experience was renting the track, and the company offers what it describes as safe, educational, and fun programs and extreme racecar rides and drives for individuals and corporate groups.

Krusemark was the passenger in a Corvette that hit the wall during a turn on one of the laps and ended up on the infield. Krusemark was taken to a hospital by helicopter and was taken off life support Monday morning. The driver of the car, Andre Vandenberg, 53, is said to be in critical condition.

Krusemark's parents both lived to be 100, and he had been heard saying that he planned to have the same luck. He was not only a doting husband, but also a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

This is a tragic accident that is hard to write about because what was supposed to be a joy ride turned into a devastating loss for a family. Our hearts go out to both the victim and the victim’s family, especially since he was known to be such a giving person. It is important to remember that any car is dangerous when it drives at high speeds, even the professional race cars that ride around the Texas Motor Speedway Track.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a car accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

On Tuesday afternoon, five people were injured in a two-car crash in west Arlington. The accident took place at the intersection of Pioneer Parkway and South Davis Street. The intersection was close shortly after the crash around 12:00 p.m. and was not reopened until 3:15 p.m.

Four of the injured victims were taken to local hospitals, while the fifth victim was taken by helicopter ambulance to a further hospital. An Arlington Police spokeswoman, Tiara Ellis Richard, said none of the injuries seemed to be life threatening.

There is no current information on how the automobile accident happened. Luckily no one was killed; hopefully all injured parties will have a speedy recovery.

There are more than six million car accidents each year in the United States. Most of these motor vehicle accidents happen because driver's make reckless mistakes. They can either be simply not paying attention, or it could be the driver was talking on a cell phone, texting, or eating. By following road safety rules the probability of a being in a car accident is greatly reduced.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal injury Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a car accident, please fill out a contact form online for a free consultation.

The Arlington School District is taking a harsh reality approach in showing students the dangers of texting and driving. District officials are requiring that all nine schools watch a video of an explicit, staged car accident caused by texting and driving.

After seeing the three-minute video, which is a localized version of the popular YouTube video, students are asked to sign a pledge that promises to refrain from texting while driving. The campaign is called, "txtN n drivN. it cn w8." This is texting shorthand for “texting and driving, it can wait.”

The video depicts a teenage girl who causes a three-car wreck that involves more than one fatality. Arlington officials downloaded the video and added statements from state and local elected officials, a Dallas Cowboys player and others who have taken similar anti-texting pledges.

Government agencies and advocacy groups are turning up the heat on drivers who text, citing studies that show that cell phone distractions are as detrimental as driving under the influence of alcohol.

I have been working on a similar campaign called TADD, which stands for Teens Against Distracted Driving. I go to local schools and ask them to sign a pledge card that’s says that will not text and drive. If they sign these cards, then they get an orange bracelet to remind them of the oath they took.

It is important to educate children, teens, and adults alike about the dangers of texting and driving. And while the video may be graphic, it gets the message across. Any distraction from driving can cause accidents, and often times those accidents can prove fatal. I want to encourage the Dallas/Fort Worth area to start being more attentive, and wait until after they get out of a car to write a text. In 2008, 11% of fatal crashes involved a distracted driver.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a car accident or about the TADD campaign, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

On Monday morning, a jailer with the Dallas Sheriff’s Office was involved in a motorcycle accident on his way to work. The crash happened shortly before 6 a.m. under Interstate 30 on South Riverfront
Boulevard.

The unidentified motorcyclist suffered multiple broken bones, but none of the injuries were thought to be life threatening. The news reports do not say how the accident occurred.
In the past I have represented many motorcycle riders and based on experience, my guess is that a driver of a car did not see the biker and either pulled in front of him or turned into him. Failing to see a motorcyclist is the number one cause of wrecks involving bikes. That does not mean that motorcyclists are never in the wrong, as sometimes they are, but the odds are that the automobile driver didn’t see the motorcycle.

This information and commentary is provided by Texas Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If you have questions about a motorcycle accident please fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

On Sunday Evening a Seminole man was rushed to the hospital after his motorcycle accident in Midland, TX. The 41-year-old man was admitted to Midland Memorial Hospital with serious injuries at around 6:30 p.m.

According to police he was traveling east on Hwy 191 at high speeds when he hit a curb, causing him to lose control of his bike. This caused him to roll several times before finally coming to a crash.

The biker was not wearing a helmet, causing him to sustain more serious injuries that he would have, had he been wearing the proper equipment. The injuries and fatalities of motorcycle riders are unfortunately, on the rise. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics, in 2008, there were over 5,290 deaths and over 96,000injuries involving motorcycle riders. These injuries and deaths are even more likely when one does not wear a helmet.

Our firm is a friend and advocate of motorcycle enthusiasts, having successfully represented many injured riders in the past. We encourage all riders to wear helmets, so please choose the right gear to protect you in an accident. A helmet can never hurt.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. If you or someone you love has suffered personal injuries or been killed as the result of a motorcycle accident, please contact Texas Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about motorcycle crashes, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

A Fort Worth man died on Sunday after being involved in a traffic accident in Fort Worth. The victim, Sri Vempati, died at Texas Health Fort Worth hospital at around 4 in the afternoon, shortly after the car crash.

The wreck happened at Forest Park Boulevard, around the intersection where Forest Park meets West Rosedale Street. Fort Worth police did not release details on the accident, but confirmed that Vempati was the driver.

My condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr. Vempati. Hopefully, the accident investigation by the Fort Worth Police Department will reveal the cause of this tragic wreck.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a car accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

On the morning of May 9th a tragic car accident occurred in Fort Worth. The driver, Livita Simms, was driving north on the I-35 service road when her car went over the curb, hit a medium and burst into flames. Four members in the six person car were killed. The wrecked killed Simms, her five year old daughter, and two thirteen year old boys identified Elijah Drisdle and Deguone Matlock Jr.

There is confusion as to whether a seventh person was in the car when the automobile crashed at 1:30 a.m. Simms was said to have dropped off Jamie Muriel at her house minutes before the wreck took place. One of the two boys who survived said there was a seventh person who grabbed the steering wheel during an argument and fled the scene after the accident. Muriel however denies being in the car at the time of the incident.

Our hearts go out to those involved in the accident. It’s unfortunate to hear of an accident of this severity. Our condolences to those families involved. We hope the police will be able to sort through the facts to find the missing pieces in this case.

This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If you have questions about car accidents, please fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

The City of Dallas will soon enact the 2011 Bike Plan to increase the amount of people riding bikes but reduce the number of bicycle accidents. Other parts of the plan will focus on education, culture, signage, funding, connectivity and routes.

The plan hopes to ensure safety on the main roads so more people will use their bikes as a source of transportation.The plan will include the 450 miles of roads in the Dallas area.

As always, it is important to be aware of the bicycle safety concerns in the Dallas and Fort Worth area. The U.S. Department of Transportation has a policy on bicycle accommodations to make certain that the public is aware of the danger that comes with riding on a main street. 44,000 cyclists are hurt annually in traffic crashes, and Dallas is doing a fine job in attempting to lessen the chances of these accidents.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a bike accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

The Food and Drug Administration has recalled over 40 medications for children earlier this week. The list includes Children’s Zyrtec, Benadryl, Motrin, and Tylenol. The FDA said that they are not too concerned with serious side effects occurring from the recall; however, they do recommend that any medication that is on the recalled list be stopped immediately.

The FDA also said that there are generics for almost all of the medications, so children will not have to go without their meds. The issue with the medications is that they may contain too much of an active ingredient, or may not meet quality control standards.

As always, it is important for parents to stay up to date with children’s products that are being recalled. Just last week hundreds of thousands of Graco and Simplicity cribs were recalled for children. It is important when picking out toys or other equipment for your child that you always research toys before you buy.

This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a personal injury or car accident case, please fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

With the recent flooding problems in Nashville, Tennessee, and tornadoes already affecting many areas of the country, I thought it would be good to review some basic driving safety tips in the case that you are in the car during a flash flood or tornado.

The following are safety tips from The Weather Channel’s Weather Ready Checklist to help prevent you from being in a car accident:

Flash Floods:
•Turnaround –If you don’t know the depth of water before crossing.
•Abandon stalled vehicles immediately and seek higher ground.

Tornadoes:
•Never try and out drive a Tornado.
•Leave your vehicle, and go to a concrete shelter.
•If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch with your hands shielding your head.
•Be alert for rapidly rising waters in the ditch.
•Do NOT seek refuge in an overpass where winds can be magnified.

The Weather Channel also recommends keeping the following items in your car at all times in case there is an emergency:

•First aid kit
•Fire extinguisher
•Matches
•Compass
•Jumper Cables
•Properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack
•Bottled water
•Critical Prescription Medicine
•Blanket/sleeping bag
•Non-perishable, high-energy foods
•Flashlight with extra batteries
•Cell phone charger
•Reflective triangles and brightly-colored cloth

I hope this helps you prevent having a car accident in the situation that you are driving during severe or hazardous weather. This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000.

A man in a wheelchair was hit and killed by an SUV on Sunday at the intersection of Pemberton Hill Road and Loop 12. The fatal pedestrian accident occurred around 10:30 p.m. The man was in a motorized wheelchair and thought to be homeless.

The man was pronounced dead at Baylor Medical Center. His name has not been released. The Dallas Police Department said that no charges are expected to be filed.

The SUV was driven by a 21-year-old, whose name has not been released. He did stop after the accident occurred.

It is unfortunate to hear about a disabled man being killed in this kind of accident. Almost 70,000 pedestrian accidents occur in the United States every year. Of these accidents, 73% of them happen in urban downtown areas, like this fatal accident did. The Anderson Law Firm has several resources about pedestrian safety and pedestrian accident prevention.

This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If you have questions about your personal injury case, please fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall on Simplicity and Graco cribs saying that there is a risk that infants could suffocate or be strangled while in the cribs. The CPSC released the recall this morning.

The Graco recall is for approximately 217,000 cribs. The recall is associated with a “drop side” that can break or detach, causing a dangerous gap between the mattress and crib. There have been 99 complaints about problems with the “drop side” portion of the cribs.

The Simplicity recall is for all full sized cribs with tubular metal mattress support frames. There is a problem with the frame that can cause the mattress to collapse, and the baby could end up being trapped or suffocate in the mattress. There has been one death from this issue with the Simplicity cribs.

It is very important that parents stay up to date with the latest list of safety recalls released by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The Anderson Law Firm has several resources on what to look for when purchasing toys for your child and child injuries that can be attributed to recalls.

This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. Mark can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If your child has been injured and you have questions about their injury please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

A car wreck involving four vehicles and a horse happened around 5:30 a.m. this morning on I-20 near St. Augustine Road in Dallas. A horse had walked onto the highway and caused the accident between the four cars.

The horse was killed in the accident. No one knows who the horse belongs to or where it came from.

One of the four cars had to be towed, and a passenger from one of the cars had to be taken to the hospital. The man is said to be injured, but in stable condition. Several lanes of the highway were closed after the accident.

I can’t imagine seeing a horse on the highway at 5:30 in the morning. That must have been quite a shocker for the driver’s of the four cars involved in the wreck. Though I do not know if a wreck could have been avoided in this case, following road safety rules and regulations is the key to avoid being involved in a car accident. I am sorry to hear that an animal has been killed this morning, but glad that no one was more seriously injured in the wreck.

This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If you have questions about a car accident, please fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

The U.S. Coast Guard has a Boating Safety Center that has all kinds of helpful tips on how to stay safe on the lake or ocean this spring and summer.

Many of the tips cover always wearing your life jacket while boating. Here are their tips on life jacket use:

•Certain life jackets are designed to keep your head above water and help you remain in a position which permits proper breathing.
•To meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements, a boat must have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, III, or V life jacket for each person aboard. Boats 16 feet and over must have at least one Type IV throwable device as well.
•All states have regulations regarding life jacket wear by children.
•Adult-sized life jackets will not work for children. Special life jackets are available. To work correctly, a life jacket must be worn, fit snugly, and not allow the child’s chin or ears to slip through.
•Life jackets should be tested for wear and buoyancy at least once each year. Waterlogged, faded, or leaky jackets should be discarded.

The boating safety center also covers why boaters should not “BUI” (Boat Under the Influence).

Here are a few statistics and safety tips about alcohol use while on the water:
•A boat operator is likely to become impaired more quickly than a driver, drink for drink
•The penalties for BUI can include large fines, revocation of operator privileges and serious jail terms
•The use of alcohol is involved in about a third of all recreational boating fatalities

I know summer is one of my favorite times of the year. It is important to always be aware of how to avoid boating injuries while on the water. I hope these tips help you and your family to have an enjoyable time while at the lake! This information and commentary is provided by Texas Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000.

Eastbound I-30 was completely shut down after a tractor-trailer collided with a Dodge Durango around 6 a.m. The Durango was initially caught underneath the semi-truck and the passengers were rescued around 7:15 a.m.

The trailer of the 18-wheeler was completely blocking all eastbound lanes of traffic because it was lying across the entire highway. The truck driver and two passengers of the Dodge Durango were taken to the hospital.

Details on what caused the accident and the current condition of the passengers and truck driver has not been released.

It will be interesting to see if further details of this 18-wheeler wreck will be released. The Dallas Morning News reported that the details of the cause of the accident are “sketchy.” Any car accident involving an 18-wheeler is usually a pretty serious one. Almost 500 tractor-trailer accidents happen in Texas each year. Of all fatal car accidents, 18-wheelers are involved in 8% of the wrecks. I am glad to hear no one was killed in this particular accident. My thoughts are with the two passengers and truck driver while they are in the hospital.

This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Mark A. Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If you have questions about your car accident case, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

A Ford F-150 ran into a home on Thursday morning in Hurst. The car accident occurred on Brown Trail near Shady Lake Drive.

The Hurst Police Department said that no one was injured inside of the house. However, there were three passengers in the pickup truck; two were injured, and one was killed.

There is currently an accident investigation taking place surrounding the cause of the car wreck.

The man who died was identified as Steve Manisela.

I am curious to see what the finding is on the cause of the car crash. The police will look into all aspects, as it is unusual for a truck to run off of the road. I did see that another wreck occurred in Fort Worth yesterday involving an off duty FWPD officer running off a road and into a house. In that case, it appears that drinking was involved.

This information and commentary is provided by Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a car accident investigation and would like a free consultation please fill out our contact form.

It’s time again for the Mothers Against Drunk Driving, or MADD, Walk Like Madd fundraising event. MADD provides a great public service to the community, educating people about the dangers of drinking and driving as well as offering support to families of drunk driving victims. As a car accident attorney I see firsthand the devastating effects of drunk driving every day, so I wholly support MADD and the Walk Like Madd event. The event will be held at 1800 N. Pearl Street in Dallas, and will start at 8:30 a.m.

This year’s Fort Worth walk on April 5 was a huge success, raising over $48,000! The walk in Dallas will take place this Saturday, April 24, and I hope it will be as successful as the walk in Fort Worth. I’ve recently supported Dallas Assistant District Attorney Jamie Bagnall who is half-way to his goal of $5,000.00. Please consider supporting a walker, or Walk Like Madd yourself this weekend!

Information provided by Dallas Fort Worth Personal Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson, who can be contacted in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. He can also be reached by clicking here.

Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, wants to change Texas legislation so that DWI offenders with 2 or more convictions will lose their driver’s license forever.

The current law states that a license may be suspended for a maximum of two years.

Nelson was motivated by the John Patrick Barton case, which took place Easter Sunday. To read about Barton’s DWI conviction please read our blog from last week.

The law she wishes to create would implement a “two strikes and you’re out” policy that would also make a DWI conviction a first degree felony. First degree felonies carry a 5-99 year sentence and a fine up to $10,000.

Nelson believes that the penalties for driving while intoxicated are not great enough to influence DWI offenders to change their behavior.

I applaud Nelson for wanting to make a major change in the penalties for drunk driving. With all of the recent wrecks involving drunk driving in the Fort Worth community, something has to be done to get DWI offenders off the road. I don’t know if the loss of a driver’s license will motivate all DWI offenders to stop driving under the influence completely, but it is at least a step in the right direction.

Information and commentary provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-327-1900. If you are the victim of a drunk driver and have questions about your case please fill out of contact form online for a free consultation.

It has only been two weeks since John Patrick Barton ran into the Hull family and killed Candace and Autumn Hull. A grand jury indicted Barton with 2 counts of murder on Thursday. The jury also charged him with 3 counts of intoxication assault.

This particular DWI car wreck as caused a lot of media attention as Barton had 3 previous DWI convictions. To read about the details of the drunk driving wreck read our blog from a few weeks ago.

The Denton Country First District Attorney Jamie Beck stated that “This is as serious as a DWI conviction can get.” Barton remains jail in lieu of $1 million bail and is being held without bond because of a parole violation.

I think that the jury made the right decision to indict Barton with both the murder and intoxication assault charges. I sincerely hope that this case makes other DWI offenders aware of the extreme consequences of getting behind the wheel after drinking any alcohol. The Hull family had no choice in the actions Barton made.

The Anderson Law Firm has resources to help keep you and your family safe from drunk drivers. With all of the drunk driving crashes that have occurred in the past few weeks, you can never be too safe before heading out on the road.

This information and commentary is provided by DWI Accident Victim Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have been a victim of a drunk driver and have questions about your wreck please fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

A North Texas man died on Thursday on North Stemmons Freeway when he slammed his motorcycle into a guard rail. He was riding alongside another motorcyclist when the wreck occurred.

The Dallas Police Department identified excessive speeding as the cause of the wreck. The motorcycle flew over a guard rail and flipped several times.

The motorcyclist, who was identified as Brian Ballew, was declared dead at the scene. He was riding a 2003 Suzuki Hayabusa.

My sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Brian Ballew. Motorcycle accidents often have some of the most serious outcomes from even the most minor driving error. There are many things that motorcyclists can do to increase safety by following a few motorcycle riding tips and using protective motorcycle gear.

This information and commentary is provided by Texas Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If you have questions about a motorcycle accident please fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

Everyone has heard the phrase: “accidents happen.” Unfortunately, what many people fail to realize is that car crashes do not “just happen.” Every Dallas/Fort Worth car wreck has a cause, and that cause can typically be traced back to someone failing to follow highway laws or operate their vehicle properly.

Car Accidents Have Causes
Car accidents don’t “just happen.” In the vast majority of motor vehicle collisions, either you or the other driver is at fault. Not paying attention is one of the leading causes for car wrecks; people texting, or eating, or talking on the phone, or fiddling with the radio often are not looking at a key moment and run into someone.

In other cases, people look the wrong way when accidents happen – a driver paying attention to the left, for example, when someone comes from the right. Either way, someone is at fault for those accidents, and the at-fault party is responsible for the accident.

I hope that you see the point that someone is always at fault in any kind of accident. It is important if you are involved in some sort of accident that you investigate the scene of the accident so that the cause of the wreck can be determined.

This information and commentary is provided by Texas Board Certified Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-1900 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If you have questions about your car wreck case, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

As the weather gets warmer in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, it is important to take note of several simple safety tips surrounding your car tires. Though it is important to check your tires regularly, the warmer weather puts extra pressure on your tires throughout the spring and summer months.

Here are some tips from weather.com to ensure that your tires are not the cause of a car accident:

•Check your tires regularly to be sure there are no visible signs of wear or damage.
•Be sure your tires are properly inflated. Check your tire pressure often with a gauge, especially on long trips. Measure when the tires are cold, before you drive on them. You can find the recommended inflation pressure in your owner's manual, on a label frequently found in the glove box, near the door latch on the driver's side, or other locations on your vehicle. The recommended inflation pressure is not to be confused with the maximum inflation pressure shown on the side of the tire. At the recommended inflation pressure, tires will last longer and be less likely to fail, and the car will use less fuel. Serious injury can result from tire failure because of under inflation or overloading.
•Never overload your vehicle. Your car and tires are designed to operate safely only up to their load limits. These limits are shown in your owner's manual and on the certification plate on the edge of the driver's door.
•Make sure there is enough tread on the tire to operate safely, and make sure the tires are wearing normally. All grooves should be visible and deep enough to at least touch the top of Lincoln's head on a penny inserted head first in the tread. Low tread or bald tires are unsafe and need to be replaced.
•If some spots on the tire seem to be wearing faster than others, see your service station or mechanic. You could have misaligned wheels, worn shock absorbers, or other potential problems. Make sure your tires are aligned and balanced properly.
•Don't drive at a high rate of speed for a long time, particularly in hot weather. Obey posted speed limits. Lower speeds also mean better gas mileage.

I hope this helps inform you on a few important things surrounding the safety of your vehicle’s tires. I know I hadn’t thought of a few of these things until reading them. The Anderson Law Firm also has safety tips to help you avoid car accidents and keep your family safe on the road.

Information and commentary provided by Dallas Area Personal Injury Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. For a free consultation with the Anderson Law Firm regarding your personal injury or car accident case, please fill out our contact form online.

If you have hurt in an automobile accident in or around Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas and are trying to handle your case on your own with the responsible party's car insurance company, you might find yourself in a very common predicament. Many car insurance companies, such as USAA, Geico, Allstate, State Farm and Farmers, like to offer very low and insulting "nuisance" value offers upfront. Sometimes these offers are as low as $500 but they are more common around the $1,000 level. The offer comes from a message from the insurance company adjuster that your case has low or little value due to (insert your own crazy excuse here) and that you're lucky to be receiving this offer. Car insurance companies just don't treat injury victims right! At that point, an injured person has two options: They can either accept this low offer and be stuck paying the medical bills on their own or they can fight for what is right.

The only way to fight for fair compensation is to file a lawsuit. A lawsuit is the great equalizer. No longer does the big 800 pound gorilla (i.e. the insurance company) have the upper hand. They have to play fair as in the end of a lawsuit there is a jury trial facing them where someone else determines the value of the case, but not them.

Just last week I resolved a motor vehicle collision case where my client had received a very low-and insulting- offer prior to me filing a lawsuit on his behalf. After the attorney hired by the insurance company deposed (a formal interview) my client, he was able to realize that my client would make a very credible witness and would present well in front of a jury. By that, I think the jury would believe him when he relates the medical treatment he received directly to the accident. Ultimately, the automobile insurance company paid what was fair. But what was fair was much, much more than the initial crappy offer they sent to him. Last week's case was just another reminder about how bad and unfair insurance companies can be. After all, they care about their profits, not about the wellbeing of the people who are injured as a result of their own insured's reckless driving.

If you have been injured in a car, truck or motorcycle wreck, sometimes you just got to fight for what you believe is fair. The Anderson Law Firm specializes in helping those individuals who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents. We also work on other types of personal injury claims. Mark Anderson is Board-Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law and has been helping the injured his entire career. To discuss your situation confidentially, please contact the Anderson Law Firm at 1-877-294-1115. You can submit your question online by clicking here to reach Personal Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson.

The month of April is Alcohol Awareness month, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving wants to make the public aware of the alcohol dependence and abuse problems in the United States. MADD is all about awareness and understanding of the horrific statistics surrounding alcohol abuse and drunk driving related fatalities.
Here are a few key points MADD would like to educate America on this month:

•A drunk driving traffic fatality occurs every 30 minutes in the United States.
•Every month, more than 1,000 families have a loved one killed by drunk driving, and even more have someone injured.
•One out of three Americans will be impacted by a drunk driving crash in their lifetime.
•At any given moment, American families share the roads with an estimated 3 million drivers who have been convicted of drunk driving at least three times – and with 600,000 drivers with five or more convictions.
•As many as 75% of drunk drivers continue to drink and drive even when their licenses have been revoked.

The Anderson Law Firm also has many resources related to staying safe on the road and avoiding drunk driving related car accidents. Education is often the key to prevent tragedies involving drunk driving in our communities. The Anderson Law Firm also sponsors a Ride Safe, Ride Sober towing service that will tow impaired motorcycle riders free of charge.

This information is provided by Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions related to a drunk driving accident you can fill out a contact form on our website for a free consultation.

A motor vehicle crash that included an 18 wheeler, a work truck, and a pick-up completely shut down Highway 121 in Lewisville Thursday afternoon. The wreck occurred when an 18-wheeler slid about 50 feet running into a NTTA dump truck and causing 3 vehicles to catch fire.

All three vehicles were completely decimated, and miraculously all of the passengers escaped their vehicles and were not injured.

The actual accident happened when the three vehicles collided and slammed into a guardrail on an overpass. Four northbound and two southbound lanes were shutdown for most of Thursday afternoon.

Engineers will have to inspect the overpass for structural integrity before the toll road can reopen.

It is so fortunate that no one was injured or killed in a wreck such as this one. Usually, when you hear or read about such a massive wreck involving fire, someone is always injured to some degree. Texas leads the nation in tractor-trailer accidents that result in fatalities. Luckily, in this case, no one has become a part of that horrific statistic. The pictures really speak for themselves on this particular tractor-trailer wreck. It is important as a driver to be aware of semi-truck wreck statistics and know what you can do to avoid being in a wreck with an 18-wheeler.

Information and commentary provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney Mark A. Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If you have questions about a trailer-truck or car accident the Anderson Law Firm has free consultations by filling out a contact form on our website.

Courtney Moss, 17, of Joshua, Texas, died on Tuesday when her Mazda Miata crashed into a Dr. Pepper truck on Farm Road 917 west of Joshua. After discovering a suicide note left at her house, authorities believe Mrs. Moss intended to kill herself.

At 12:56pm one of Mrs. Moss’s friends notified the police that she had received messages indicating Mrs. Moss wanted to take her own life. Five minutes after receiving the call, police were notified about the collision on FM 917. When police arrived at Mrs. Moss’s home they found her suicide note. Mrs. Moss was married with a 3 month old baby.

Ron Lane II, 26, of Watauga was driving the big rig that the Miata crashed into. He was travelling eastbound on FM 917 and had just topped a rise when the crash occurred, according to police. According to local news reports, he did not sustain serious injuries but was taken to the hospital to be evaluated.

This sure is a sad situation. I feel bad for Mrs. Moss’s family and friends. I wonder if she intentionally ran into the 18 wheeler or if she was just despondent and suicidal and was driving recklessly. If she did intend to drive into the 18 wheeler (thereby putting Mr. Lane in danger), it clearly is an intentional act and legally, Mr. Lane might have issues recovering from any car liability insurance as these insurance policies typically exclude intentional acts. I have represented people before in these types of situations and know from experience how difficult—and terribly sad—these cases are.

This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. You can reach the Anderson Law Firm in Dallas at 214-327-8000 and in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If you have questions concerning any type of personal injury case you may also fill out our contact form on our website.

The United States Transportation Department is pursuing a $16.4 million dollar fine against the Toyota Corporation for not properly notifying the government about problems with accelerator pedals. This is the maximum fine allowed.

Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, stated that “We now have proof that Toyota did not live up to its legal obligations.” The Transportation Department released that Toyota knew about the potential problems with accelerator pedals as early as September 29.

The only recall that was issued in the fall pertained to floor mats, not accelerator pedals. A recall was not issued for accelerator pedals until the end of January.

Toyota has two weeks to contest, and if they do, it will be the largest fine the government has ever issued to a car manufacturer.

The Toyota Motor Corporation has issued many apologies about the recalls and safety problems.

The $16.4 million is the largest fine the US government can pursue per recall under the Tread Act. The Tread Act was created as a result of problems with Firestone Tires.

I am personally very happy to hear that something as serious as this fine has resulted from the safety problems with Toyota vehicles. Every time I read or blog about a wreck involving a Toyota, I have to wonder whether there was some kind of malfunction with the car that caused the accident. Hopefully this fine will warn all automakers that safety and quality should be there number one priority, and realize that there are large repercussions for not following the law.

This information and commentary is provided by Texas Board Certified Personal Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson. Contact the Anderson Law Firm in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. For a free consultation with the Anderson Law Firm about a personal injury case please fill out our contact form online.

John Patrick Barton, who was on probation for three DWI convictions, now faces two counts of murder after slamming into the back of a sedan in Lewisville early Sunday morning.

There were five passengers in the red Nissan Sentra that Barton ran into around 2:17 a.m. on I-35. Kandace Hull, and her 13 year old daughter, Autumn, were both killed in the accident.

The Lewisville Police Department stated that Barton was traveling at a high rate of speed and struck the rear of the Nissan when changing lanes, which caused both vehicles to spin.

Hull’s two other children and husband were still hospitalized on Sunday from injuries sustained in the fatal car crash.

Barton has a long history of criminal charges dating back to his teenage years. He turned 30 years old today. Barton was taken to a hospital for a mandatory blood test and was then taken to jail. He was arrested for intoxication manslaughter.

It makes me so angry to hear about a repeat offender like Barton continuing to violate his parole and cause a tragedy such as this one. My sincere condolences go out to the Hull family. Unfortunately, statistics show that it is often the passengers in vehicles hit by drunk drivers that are injured or killed more often than the drunk driver themselves. There are many driving safety tips that you can follow in order to avoid being the victim of a drunk driver.

This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. You may contact the Anderson Law Firm in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. For a free consultation about your personal injury or car wreck please fill out our contact form.

The car wreck happens and then you report the claim to the insurance company for the driver who caused the auto accident. Often times, the adjuster for the bad driver’s insurance company will request a recorded statement. The reason given is usually that they need to “investigate” the accident. However, my experience says that most of the time there is really no need to investigate the accident, as the insurance company adjuster knows what caused the accident. Instead, the adjuster uses the information as a “fishing expedition” to find out more about the injured party.

Questions asked sometimes relate to prior medical history, which obviously has nothing to do with what caused the motor vehicle accident. This is just one example of the ways the insurance company adjusters use the recorded statement to gain information which can possibly help them – and hurt the injury victim’s case.

It is my experience that recorded statements are rarely used for what the insurance company says they are to be used for. Accordingly, I do not believe it is in the best interest of the injured party to give a recorded statement. Why there are exceptions to that general rule, most of the time I do not feel that a recorded statement is necessary. And why give a recorded statement when it can't help your case, it can only hurt it.

If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident and are concerned about giving a recorded statement, it is probably a good idea to contact an experienced injury attorney to help you with the decision of whether to give a recorded statement. If the decision is made to indeed give or provide a recorded statement, then the scope and detail of the recorded statement should be limited to what is in dispute, the liability (or cause) of the car crash.

This information is provided by Fort Worth Accident Attorney Mark A. Anderson, who can be contacted online at MAAfirm.com or by phone at (817) 294-1900. All initial consultations are free, and it costs nothing to give The Anderson Law Firm a call to discuss your personal injury legal matter.

A Blue Ford Mustang collided with a tractor-trailer around 7:30 a.m. Tuesday morning. The fatal car accident occurred on an exit ramp off of I-30 at Westmoreland Road in Dallas, TX.

The exact cause of the crash remains unknown. The driver of the blue Mustang was declared dead at the scene. The Dallas Police Department stated that the female passenger in the Mustang was rushed to Methodist Charlton Medical Center. Her condition is currently unknown.

The semi-truck collision occurred in the middle of Dallas rush hour traffic, causing the entire surrounding area to be at a standstill for several hours.

The information does not conclude whether both vehicles were on the exit ramp or not. Could the accident have occurred because either the Mustang or the semi did not yield to whoever was exiting the freeway? Approximately 9% of all wrecks with semi-trucks end with fatalities. It is very unfortunate that this statistic holds true with this accident. I am interested to see if further information is released about the cause of this accident.

This information and commentary is provided by Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson. Mark can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or online by clicking here.

The Mesquite Police Department reported that a two-car collision occurred early this morning when a driver crashed into a pickup when driving the wrong way. The car accident was located off of I-30 in between Big Town and Marley roads.

According to the Mesquite Police Department, a Black Ford Pickup that was on the wrong side of the road ran into another pickup truck. The driver of the Black Ford Pickup was taken to the hospital and is listed in critical condition.

The driver and passenger of the other pickup truck suffered broken bones, and have non- life threatening injuries.

Whenever you read about anyone driving the wrong way, you always have to question whether drunk driving could be involved. It is possible that the driver of the Black Ford Pickup was just unaware of the roadway. However, I am interested to see what new information is released with this accident, to see if further explanation as to what happened is disclosed.

Information and commentary provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000, in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or online by clicking here.

Car wrecks happen every single day here in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. And days like today cause even more where the wet roads create dangerous conditions. After the motor vehicle accident, many people will end up needing an injury lawyer to represent them when they seek fair compensation for their accident related injuries to their bodies.

There are a million ways that people find their injury lawyer to represent them after they have been injured in a car accident. Some injury victims ask their friends and families for a referral to a personal injury lawyer, but this oftentimes ends up a dead end as either they have never had a reason to hire an injury attorney before or they didn't like the one they did indeed hire.

Another common way that people who have been hurt in accidents find a lawyer is through some sort of advertising. It is just easy to call the lawyer they see on TV or in the yellow pages. But I think you have to beware of attorneys who advertise on television as they usually run what is called personal injury mills and the clients are totally devoid of any personal attention from real lawyer.

A good way to find a lawyer, in my opinion, is to gather a list of potential lawyers from an internet search and then do your research to check out the prospective lawyers’ credentials. One way to look into the background and experience of an injury attorney is to look at the lawyers own website and read all about him or her. Another thing to do is to look up the rating received by the lawyer. Two popular rating services are Martindale Hubble and AVVO. You should also check out the State Bar of Texas Website, as it has important information on lawyers such as license status and Board Certifications.

Click here for some more information about Finding The Right Lawyer For You.

If you have been injured in a car accident in the Fort Worth Dallas Arlington area, you deserve the best representation you can find. The Anderson Law Firm will be happy to discuss the facts of your specific case and will give you a quick and confidential evaluation of your rights to recover. We have convenient offices in Dallas and Fort Worth. To speak with the Board Certified Personal Injury Lawyer Mark Anderson, call us in Dallas at 214-327-8000, in FW at 817-294-1900 or in Texas toll free at 1-877-294-1115.

At the end of February, MADD released a statement of their support for new legislation introduced by Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) and Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) called the ROADS SAFE Act. It stands for Research of Alcohol Detection Systems for Stopping Alcohol-related Fatalities Everywhere.

The legislation supports research for technology that would prevent motor vehicles from being able to operate if a driver tries to operate the car while under the influence of alcohol. The bill would provide funding of $12M a year for 5 years to make technology that would accomplish this goal.

The technology would have to be reliable, non-intrusive, and be able to unobtrusively detect if the driver had a BAC of .08 or greater. The technology would hopefully be so non-intrusive that a sober driver would be completely unaware of the device’s existence.

This sounds like really awesome research and a step in the right direction to end drunk driving altogether. It is amazing to me the kind of technology that is possible to help make our roads safer. If this bill is passed, MADD and the US government would be making gigantic strides to show the American public the importance and attention this issue should receive.

To see the press release please click here.

Information and Commentary provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. Mark can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900, Toll Free at 1-877-294-1115, or online by clicking here.

The Texas Department of Transportation recently released new data supporting evidence that cell phone usage while driving is increasing the number of car accidents on our roads and highways.

In the last five years in Texas, over 1,700 wrecks have been caused by drivers who are on their cell phones. Before the release of this data, it was almost impossible to tell the impact of distracted driving on our roads.

AAA is pushing for legislation that bans texting nationwide for the next 3 years. In addition, the study also shows that any kind of cell phone usage, not just texting diverts the attention of the driver from the road.

If you think about how much is already going on in the car while you’re driving, the addition of looking down at a key board for extended periods of time does not make logical sense. It seems that we continue to text and drive even though we know it is not safe. We need to stand up for what we know is right to promote safety in our communities.

I have recently partnered with 10 other attorneys from around the country to help educated and make middle and high school aged students aware of the dangers of texting and driving. The campaign is called TADD (Teens Against Distracted Driving), and encourages students to sign a pledge to not text and drive. In gratitude for signing the pledge, we are giving each student who signs a free wrist bracelet.

It is my hope that new statistics such as these and awareness programs like TADD will help end the problem of car wrecks associated with being distracted with your cell phone while driving. There are so many new technologies to help aide this problem so that your cell phone is “hands-free” every time you are in your car.

This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-800, in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or online by clicking here.

On Sunday afternoon, Wesley Paul Hahs, was test driving a 2007 Honda Shadow when he crashed head on with a Chevy Tahoe. The motorcycle crash occurred when Hahs passed over a blind hill in a no passing zone and then ran into the Tahoe in front of Pollok Baptist Church. The Lufkin, Texas Police Department said that Hahs died upon impact with the SUV.

The owner of the motorcycle, Marion Webb, was also present during the motorcycle wreck. The Tahoe was driven by Jane Chambers of Nacogdoches. Chambers and her husband, who was also in the Tahoe, were not physically injured.

Webb contacted Hahs’ parents after the wreck. Hahs’ father said that he leaves behind a 7-year-old son, and was going to turn 28 in late April.

This is truly a tragedy. I do not think anyone ever goes to test drive a motorcycle thinking that they will be in a wreck before they ever purchase their new ride. My sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Paul Hahs.

I think this accident shows the true importance of making sure every single motorcycle driver has proper motorcycle safety training and understanding of the rules of the road. There are several programs in Texas that provide motorcyclists of all levels with fun and easy courses to keep them up to date with the latest safety precautions.

This information is provided by Texas Personal Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson. Mr. Anderson can be reached Toll Free at 1-877-294-1115 across Texas or online by clicking here.

I’m sure you have noticed the increase in cameras at stoplights in and around the Fort Worth area. I think many of us are unaware exactly what the automated enforcement laws are in Texas, and how they can impact you.

As the law stands in Texas currently, violations are only issued for red light violations. However, the use of automated enforcement for speeding and other citations are increasing. It may be only a matter of time before this becomes permitted in certain communities around North Texas.
I know the first thing every person thinks when they get a ticket is, “How much is this going to cost me?” For a red light violation in Texas the ticket can cost up to $200 if traditional enforcement is used, and is a standard $75 if auto enforcement is used.

Red light camera systems are triggered when a vehicle enters an intersection after the light has been red for a predetermined period of time. The citation is issued to the registered owner of the car after 2 or more pictures are taken of the vehicle and license plate. The purpose of these cameras is to prevent car accidents in intersections, though some people question whether it is solely a revenue generator.

It was surprising for me to learn that the majority of the US public supports the use of red light cameras, even with the speculation of the true purpose of the cameras. The National Highway Safety Administration found that 75% of drivers support camera enforcement. The highest support comes from residents of large cities, with a much lower percentage of support from suburban areas. I hope this helps clear up any questions about what the cameras are at many intersections, as well as the consequences of running a red light.

Information and commentary provided by Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. Mark can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or online by clicking here.

With all of the rainy weather we have had in North Texas, I thought it might be appropriate to list a few tips to help you avoid a car accident in the bad weather. Though rain is something we deal with frequently, there are several ways to help avoid skidding or hydroplaning while driving.

The Weather Channel has a list of driving safety tips on their website ranging for what to do in a bad thunderstorm, to what to do in a tornado. Here are a few of their tips to help you avoid getting into a wreck on the wet roads:

-To prevent skidding, never brake hard. It is important to keep a light foot on your brake pedal. The same goes with steering, do everything lightly and do not make any swerving movements if at all possible.

- If you do find yourself hydroplaning, it is important not to brake. Instead, you should “steer into the skid” to get the front of your car aligned with the back of your car.

-Hydroplaning often occurs from something being wrong with your tires. Make sure your tires are inflated correctly and have good tire tread

-Drive Defensively. Adjust your speed to the road conditions and the other drivers around you.

Hopefully, the rain will eventually let up. I feel like we may live in Seattle instead of Dallas. I know I felt a shimmer of hope when we finally had a sunny day this past Saturday, but it seems that the rain has come back for today. I hope that if these safety tips weren’t new to you, that they at least reminded you of what to do if you have a problem with hydroplaning or skidding while driving in the rain.

Information and Commentary provided by Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson, who can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900, in Dallas at 214-327-8000, Toll Free at 877-294-1115 or online by clicking here.

A new Texas law is in effect today requiring new drivers between the ages of 18 and 24 to take a driver education course before receiving their license. Though most young drivers register for their license before they are 18, there is an increasing number of people who are waiting to get their license in order to avoid the costs of the courses and training required for new drivers under 18.

That option will no longer be the case. The course is now required for anyone between 18 and 24 applying for a license for the first time. Based on a check of several driving school websites, the course will cost anywhere from $35 to $100.

The topics are similar to the ones covered in the course for drivers under 18. They include things like drunk driving, rules of the road, insurance issues and defensive driving. There is also a written test that must be passed to complete the course and receive your license.

Target areas for the new course include areas with large immigrant populations. Over 150 driving schools have already signed up to have the program as part of the curriculum.

In 2008, 20% of car accidents involved 18 to 24 year olds. Perhaps targeting this age group will decrease the number of motor vehicle accidents on our roadways. We are so focused on making sure first time drivers under 18 are educated, but we often forget that there are other new, young drivers as well. I think this is a great step to help educate another age group on safety precautions to take while driving. However, you have to wonder why the course is not required for all new drivers regardless of their age.

Information and commentary provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Lawyer Mark Anderson. Mr. Anderson can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or online by clicking here.

An 18-wheeler was involved in a fatal car accident with a pickup truck early this morning in Denton County. A 25-year-old Bridgeport man, whose name has not been released, was killed when his pickup crashed into the 18 wheeler head on.

The driver of the 18 wheeler was not injured. The Bridgeport man was westbound on 380 around 3:30 a.m. when his truck crossed the center line and made contact with the 18 wheeler.
The entire highway has been shutdown since the accident, and is expected to have heavy traffic being diverted to other access and side roads until late Friday morning.

My condolences go out to the Bridgeport man’s friends and family. The results of many semi accidents are absolutely devastating. Unfortunately, the great state of Texas leads the nation in semi-truck accidents. 10% of the nation’s fatal wrecks occur in Texas, which is double or triple the rate of most states. When a motor vehicle is involved in a wreck with a semi weighing in excess of 10,000 pounds, the injuries sustained are much more severe.

This information and commentary is provided by Board Certified Personal Injury Lawyer Mark Anderson. Mr. Anderson has successfully helped with many semi accident victims and their families in the past. Mark can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or online by clicking here.

Last December I blogged about a Fort Worth police officer who was twice over the legal limit when he crashed a city truck and killed a Fort Worth mother. Later it was determined that he was drinking with other police officers before the crash. Now an investigation reveals that Jesus Cisneros had started drinking while still on duty.

An internal investigation found four violations against Cisneros: 1) he consumed alcohol on duty without necessary supervisor approval; 2) he drove a city vehicle off duty without authorization; 3) he was intoxicated while off duty; and 4) he drove a city vehicle while impaired in such a manner that resulted in a fatal crash. The investigation shows that Cisneros had up to three beers while on duty as part of an unauthorized undercover bar detail. Then off duty, Cisneros attended a birthday party at The Pour House where he consumed about four more beers and four shots of alcohol. He left the bar around 2 a.m. the next morning when he crashed a city vehicle into Sonia Baker’s PT Cruiser, killing her. He was driving at twice the posted speed limit.

Cisneros resigned on December 21 but the FWPD suspended him indefinitely on February 18 to ensure the suspension would appear in his civil service record. Cisneros, who is currently free on bail, was charged with intoxication manslaughter on February 10.

This is not Cisneros’s first alcohol related offense as a Fort Worth police officer. In March 2006, Cisneros fired a single shot from the sunroof of his own car. He was alone and intoxicated. In April 2006 Cisneros allegedly drove a city vehicle to an Arlington pub then drove an unauthorized female passenger to a home in Mansfield. These two incidents culminated in a 20-day suspension in August 2006, where Cisneros promised to undergo counseling and clean himself up.

This tragic story keeps getting worse. It is absolutely unbelievable that he was drinking while on duty. I am glad the Fort Worth police department is continuing to investigate. But the question remains whether this man should have still been an officer? Weren’t the incidents in 2006 enough?

Information provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson, who can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000, in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900, and toll free at 877-294-1115. He can also be contacted by clicking here.

A Dallas veteran police officer died 2 years ago while escorting a motorcade for then presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton. The family of police officer, Victor Lozada, filed suit this week indicating that the city of Dallas failed to train him properly for this kind of high stress assignment.

The City of Dallas, Clinton, Clinton’s campaign, and the Super Seer Corporation (who manufactured Lozada’s helmet), are all named as defendants in the case.

The deadly motorcycle accident occurred when Lozada failed to negotiate a curve on Houston Street and slammed into a guardrail, flinging his body onto the roadway, and forcing his helmet off. The motorcade was headed towards a rally for Clinton in Oak Cliff.

Lozada was a 20 year veteran of the Dallas Police Department.

This is not your typical motorcycle wreck. It is way more than that. With the named defendants, it will be a hotly contested lawsuit focused on who was at fault. Plus, the addition of the helmet manufacturer throws a product liability case right in the middle of the “negligence” lawsuit. This will be very interesting to see how this lawsuit plays out over the next year or two.

Information and commentary provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson, who can be reach in Dallas at 214-327-8000, in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900, or online by clicking here.

In my book, 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case, I spend some time going over many reasons why you can’t trust the at fault party's insurance company. One of them is that insurance companies like to delay your claim as long as possible because they are in no hurry to resolve it.

There is truly only one way to fix this problem, and that is to have a lawyer on your side that can aggressively approach the insurance company to resolve your claim. When a jury is close to awarding you compensation for your injury, the insurance company feels pressure to resolve your problem. Which brings up the point that sometimes the only way to get your claim resolved is to bring the case in front of a jury. Often times even the threat of a trial will help the insurance company to pay you the money that you deserve.

My hope is that by educating people about problems you may encounter with insurance companies, you will be better prepared if you have to file a claim. This is just one of many helpful pointers that are highlighted throughout my book. To obtain your free copy of 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case please click here.

This information is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson. Mr. Anderson can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000, in Fort Worth at 814-294-1900 or by clicking here.

There are many different types of programs available to the public involving motor cycle safety and accident prevention. In Texas, several government agencies have put a lot of effort into making our highways safer for motorcyclists to enjoy their preferred choice of transportation.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclist fatalities have increased for the 10th year in a row. Mr. Ken Copeland, Regional Program Manager with the NHTSA stated that now is the time more than ever to increase motorcycle safety because motorcycles are becoming an increasingly popular form of transportation. Registration has gone up 141% in the past 8 years.

There are several programs in place that riders can take advantage of in Texas in order to further their personal safety while riding. One program is called the Motorcycle Operator Training and Safety Program. It started in 1983 and has trained 317,160 students as of February 2009. The program involves a rider/coach segment where an instructor helps to instigate up to date safety advice and requirements to the students. It is available through the Texas Department of Public Safety’s website.

There are also non-government sponsored programs that help improve safety. One is called “A Crash Course for the Motorcyclist” sponsored by Accident Scene Management. It is available in 26 states and has trained 12,000 students. The program involves teaching people what to do before help arrives at an accident, what to do to help prevent further injury, and also instructs what to do if you are a bystander of a motorcycle accident.

I hope if you or someone that is close to you drives a motorcycle, you will encourage them to take advantage of one of these programs to help make their ride safer. Whether riding a motorcycle is something you just do for fun, or it is your transportation every day, it is important that safety be your number one priority.

This information is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Board Certified Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. Mark has represented many motorcycle riders in the past and is an advocate for motorcycle safety. He can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or online by clicking here.

Around 1 a.m. this morning, construction workers were fixing a pothole on Southbound 1-35 E at Royal Lane in Dallas, Texas, when an off-duty police officer offered to block the lane off for them with his truck.

Shortly after, a suspected drunk driver crashed his gold pick-up into the police officer’s truck that was blocking the lane for the construction crew. The officer, who works for the Hubbard Police department suffered only minor injuries. The offending driver was not injured, but was cited for DWI according to Dallas officials. Another passenger in the gold pick up was brought to Parkland hospital for an injured arm.

Drunk Driving accidents are a huge problem here in Texas. Each year, we lose more than 1,400 Texans as a result of DWI crashes. Thankfully, the off-duty officer was not seriously injured. Imagine the catastrophe that could have occurred if the police officer had not blocked the lane for the construction crew. We are so fortunate to have people in our community like this police officer. He went above his call of duty, even when it is not required of him.

Information and commentary provided by Dallas Injury Lawyer Mark Anderson who can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or online by clicking here.

In my book, 15 Mistakes that will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case, I highlight 15 different mistakes that are of the utmost importance to be aware of in the case that you are in a car crash. If someone's carelessness causes you to be seriously injured, you must make sure you don't make mistakes that could wreck your own claim.

Mistake No. 1 is: Failing to call the police and failing to document everything you observe at the scene

If you have been in an automobile accident, there are several things which absolutely need to be taken care of with regard to your potential claim.

1) Immediately following the accident, your first priority is getting yourself out of harm’s way and then calling 9-1-1 to ask a police officer to be sent to the scene of the accident so the officer can assess fault and write a report.

2) If your injuries are such that you need to go to the hospital, make sure to ask for an ambulance when you call 9-1-1. If you are physically able, try and collect the name, phone numbers, and insurance information of all the drivers involved in the crash.

3) It is also extremely important to collect the names and numbers of all witnesses. Witnesses do not usually stay at the scene for very long, so it is vital that you get their information quickly.

4) Document the scene by writing down all relevant information. This could include the street names, weather, the time of day, lighting, and the types of cars involved.

5) Finally, if possible, take pictures of the damaged vehicles and the accident scene with your cell phone or camera.

I hope this gives you a better idea of the procedure you should go through if you are involved in a car wreck. It is my hope that by informing people of the proper steps to take, their claims can be resolved as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Please click here to get your free copy of the 15 Mistakes that will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case.

This information is provided by Dallas Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson, who can be reached at 214-327-8000 or contacted by clicking here.

To celebrate the record breaking snowfall in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, I thought it would be appropriate to go over some basic winter driving tips for the current road conditions. I know sometimes we all need a refresher on how to avoid a car crash in winter weather, since we are not used to having snow in North Texas.

Here are some Winter Weather driving tips from the Texas Department of Public Safety:

•Remember that ice forms first on bridges, overpasses and shady areas. If you hit a patch of ice, stay off your brakes and decelerate slowly, holding the car steady as you go over the ice.

•Speed is the main problem with driving on ice. Adjust your speed to fit the weather conditions. Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you.

•If your car goes into a skid, take your foot off the gas pedal but don’t hit the brake. Steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go. As the car straightens out, you will be able to regain traction and control.

•Check your car battery before cold weather sets in. Battery power dips in cold weather.

•Keep the gasoline level as high as possible to prevent water condensation in the tank.

It is also important to stay updated with your local news station about changing road conditions. I hope everyone is having fun and taking advantage of the winter wonderland around the DFW metroplex. Be sure to stay warm and follow these tips to avoid a car accident while driving on the snowy roads.

This information is provided by Fort Worth, TX Injury Lawyer Mark Anderson, who can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000, in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900, or by clicking here.

On Tuesday, Toyota added yet another recall to what seems to be an advancing list of complaints of safety issues for the car manufacturer. Now, in addition to the Corolla, Toyota has recalled 400,000 Priuses. This puts the number of recalled vehicles to over 7 million globally.

This new recall is happening at the same time the U.S. Transportation Department is investigating hard-to-handle steering complaints on the 2010 Toyota Corolla. The Prius recall is due to braking problems which cause both brief and prolonged delays when braking.

Most hybrids, like the Prius, use regenerative braking that uses wasted energy from braking to help recharge the car batteries. In heavy braking situations the vehicle switches from regenerative to standard hydraulic braking, which is when the delay in braking occurs.

Toyota is making significant efforts to make sure that the braking problems are fixed and that no more recalls occur in the future. However, the question remains whether or not this really is the last recall for Toyota, and if the company is committed to renewing their reputation of safety and quality in the future.

I wonder how many motor vehicle accidents have been caused by the floormat and braking problems? I own a Toyota and had at one time felt I owned a safe car, but not anymore.

This information is provided by Fort Worth Injury Lawyer Mark Anderson, who can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000, in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900, and toll free at 877-294-1115. To contact Mark Anderson online, please click here.

If you have been injured in a car accident, truck wreck or motorcycle accident in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas area, you might be considering making a personal injury claim against the person responsible for your injuries. If so, you have probably noticed that all injury lawyers offer free initial consultations. If you decide to take advantage of those free meetings, you should be prepared when you attend the meeting. I think it is a great idea to bring with you ALL (and I mean ALL) documents you have regarding your accident, your injury and your medical treatment. This includes the following:

*Any notes from the accident scene
*Any medical bills (ambulance, hospital, doctors…)
*Any medical records or discharge papers
*Any receipts from pharmacies
*Any notes regarding insurance (your policy as well as info on the other person’s insurance)
*The police accident report

And most importantly, any pictures you have regarding the claim (this means the accident scene, the injuries, the vehicles…). Even if you do not have the pictures printed out yet, bring your cell phone or camera so the pictures can be downloaded onto the attorney’s computer. If you have not taken photos of the damage to the vehicles, then take those photos before the first meeting.

Stated simply, if you have something that is related to your car, truck or motorcycle accident or injury in any way, make sure you bring it to the first attorney meeting.

Sometimes the injury victim deals with the insurance company on their own and then gets frustrated with the way they are being treated and calls an injury attorney. (Click here on information on why you can't trust insurance companies). If that is the case with you, then you need to bring all documents related to your communications with the insurance company. This includes all letters, e-mails and notes regarding telephone conversations.

The more documents you bring to the initial meeting, the more productive the meeting will be. The attorney will be better able to evaluate your claim and offer you advice on how it is best to proceed.

Dallas Fort Worth Board Certified Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson offers free consultations. To set up a meeting regarding your injury claim, please call us in Dallas at 214-327-8000, in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or toll free in Texas at 1-877-294-1115. Or please click here to schedule an appointment online.

An article in the New York Times today explores the dangers of highway construction zones due to unregulated safety standards. Focusing on pavement edge drop-offs, the un-smoothed edge that occurs when only one side of the road is paved at a time, the article mentions dozens of deaths in Texas due to negligently managed work zones.

Seven people were killed when a car slipped off the edge of one of the pavement drop-offs on 1-20 near Dallas and over-corrected into an oncoming car. In 1998, six people died in nine separate drop-off accidents in Tarrant County due to the repaving of a five mile stretch of 1-35. Justifiably, there were lawsuits filed for these wrongful deaths and court records show that contractors and safety officials knew these pavement drop-offs were dangerous but arguments over the cost of fixing them inhibited any real action being taken. These lawsuits eventually settled for $25 million. In 2005, a motorcycle slipped off the edge of a drop-off along Highway 51 in North Texas and the rider fell off of the bike and was killed by an oncoming car.

These construction zones are dangerous because while the federal government provides safety guidelines, there are few laws and regulations, and these guidelines are enforced differently in different states. Now, with the government’s new stimulus package giving $27 billion in federal funding for statewide highway projects, construction zone accidents may greatly increase.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one as a result of an injury in an accident which occurred in a construction zone and you think that the area was unsafe in any way, you need to contact an experienced injury lawyer as soon as possible. It is important to make sure that the area is properly investigated, photographed, measured and documented. These zones change very quickly after an accident, as the general contractor sometimes sees the faulty design only after a wreck has occurred.

Information provided by Texas Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson, who can be reached toll free at 877-294-1115, or contacted by clicking here.

According to a figures released by the Texas Department of Insurance, nearly 270,000 driver in Texas don’t have insurance on their vehicles. This 21% figure for Fort Worth is slightly lower than the statewide average of 22%-but that’s still a lot of uninsured drivers.

The percentage of vehicles believed to be uninsured has dropped, however, from 25% in June 2008. This is when Texas launched the TexasSure database, a way for police officers to verify insurance coverage. With this database, officers can check after an auto accident to see if the driver who claims to have lost or forgotten his or her insurance card is really covered.

The Dallas/Fort Worth area is certainly more insured than some places in Texas. In Kennedy County, south of Corpus Christi, nearly 50% of its residents are believed to be uninsured. Cameron County, near Brownsville, comes in at nearly 38% uninsured.

I have blogged before (and written in my book 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck your Texas Accident Case) about the need to purchase UM insurance. This type of insurance is the best kind to buy. When you are in a car wreck and the other driver had no insurance (or not enough), then UM/UIM is the insurance which will compensate you for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. So don’t delay—pull out your policy now and check to see if you have it. If you don’t, call your insurance agent now.

Information provided by Texas Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson, who can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000, in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900, and toll free anywhere in Texas at 877-294-1115. He can also be contacted by clicking here.

Every year, I get a lot of calls from people who have been hurt in a car wreck but have waited too late to make claim. Sometimes the calls come to me right before the deadline and the caller thinks all they have to do is let the insurance company know about the claim and that by doing so all deadlines are complied with. However, that is wrong. The law in Texas is that you must either resolve the car accident claim or file a lawsuit within two years of the wreck. This is called the Statute of Limitations and it is very strict. Even if you have been talking to the insurance adjuster, thinking everything will work out, and you let the two year anniversary pass you by, you are out of luck. If you, or your attorney, actually files the lawsuit two years and a day after the accident, that is too long and you have lost your right to seek any compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.

But even though you have two years to file the lawsuit, that does not mean you should put off making a claim or hiring an attorney. Most attorneys, including myself, are hesitant to make a claim unless we can have time to investigate whether the claim will ultimately be successful. I usually need to see the police officer’s accident report and evaluate the medical records, which is impossible to do prior to filing a suit if I am contacted right before the two year deadline. So do yourself a favor and contact an attorney as soon as you have decided to make a claim. Or if you are going at it alone, make sure to save some time to find an attorney in case your attempt to settle your claim pre-suit is unsuccessful.

Information provide by Dallas Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Mark A. Anderson, who can be contacted in Dallas at 214-327-8000, in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 and toll free in Texas at 877-294-1115.

Contact the Anderson Law Firm Online by clicking here.

Dallas Fort Worth injury lawyer Mark A. Anderson has recently authored a book on the injury claims process in Texas. The book, 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case, addresses all parts of the injury claim process. The consumer guide provides information such as whether an accident victim even has a viable injury claim, whether they should make that claim, why the injured party cannot trust insurance companies. A detailed explanation is provided as to the legal process, written in plain words.

A large part of the 15 Mistakes book is a listing of all the things that an injury victim must watch out for in order that they don’t wreck their own injury case.Additional information provided in the book is some of the basics on insurance policies and how an injured party might go about selecting the right attorney for their injury case.

Another chapter is devoted to how an injured party can go about to try to determine the value of their accident case, with an explanation of the real factors looked at by lawyers, judges, juries and insurance companies. The book, 127 pages in length, is designed for the accident victim who has not yet made a decision on whether to make a claim or which attorneys to hire.

The 15 Mistakes book is offered free to Texas residents as a public service. Out of state individuals interested in the book can order it for $16.95 at www.amazon.com. Those in Texas who are interested in the book can order a copy or a downloadable version for immediate review at www.dontwreckyourcase.com.

About the author: The 15 Mistakes book is written by Dallas Fort Worth injury lawyer Mark A. Anderson, who has been practicing injury law in the State of Texas since 1991. Mr. Anderson is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and devotes his entire practice to representing those who’ve been injured by the result of someone else’s negligence. A large part of the Anderson Law Firm’s practice is devoted to helping those injured in motor vehicle accidents of one kind or another, including car accidents, bus and truck wrecks and motorcycle accidents.

Mark A. Anderson can be contacted at 817-294-1900 in Tarrant County, 214-327-8000 in Dallas County and 1-877-294-1115 across Texas.

Recently I wrote about the investigation into the causes of at 2008 deadly bus wreck in Sherman that left 17 dead, which I blogged about here and here. Now, three employees of the inspection company that looked at the bus prior to the deadly accident are being charged with tampering with a government document.

The inspection company, 5 Minute Inspections in Houston, was allegedly issuing hundreds of stickers a month to vehicles that had not been properly inspected, according to investigators. The Texas Department of Public Safety, who filed the charges, did not provide information on whether or not the bus involved in the crash was properly inspected, as the investigation is still ongoing.

This type of conduct is horrible. It puts all of us at risk each time we get in our cars. Without proper inspections, certain companies are going to use trucks and buses that have bad tires, bad brakes….Allowing these dangerous buses on the roads is criminal and I am glad to see that charges have been pursued.

Information provided by Texas Board Certified Personal Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson, who can be reached toll free at 877-294-1115, or contacted by clicking here.

In what would have to be considered good news, according to the Texas Department of Insurance, the workplace incidence rate of nonfatal illness and injury dropped in 2008 for the sixth consecutive year.

For private industry workplaces in 2007 the incidence rate was 3.4 cases per 100 workers; in 2008 the incidence rate was 3.1. This is below the national rate of 3.8 for 2008. For public sector workplaces, the incidence rate was 5.8 cases per 100 workers, lower than the national rate of 6.3. This is the first year the public sector data has been collected and released.

Click here to go to the Texas Department of Insurance website to see the specific incident rates by industry.

It is interesting to see of all the various private sector industries, that the highest incident rate of injuries is for courier and messengers. Maybe these folks are always in a hurry and that is when accidents happen. Or maybe it’s just because they are on our roads more than other people and are more likely to be involved in car accidents.

Information provided by Texas Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson, who can be reached toll free at 877-294-1115, or contacted by clicking here.

Car and truck accidents happen every day here in the Fort Worth Dallas area. When you’re injured in an accident, the goal is always recovery. You want to get back to the point you were at before the accident happened, or as close to that as possible. Unfortunately, in some cases, it’s not possible to fully recover from an injury. Some injuries leave permanent scars or long-term repercussions that will affect you for the rest of your life. How do you live with a long-term injury?

Provide for ongoing medical care
If your injury is a result of someone else’s negligence, that person should be responsible for providing for ongoing medical care. If you’re injured in a car accident, for example, you can make a claim for not only the existing injury and medical bills to date, but also future medical care expenses.

In the event of a serious, long-term injury, you’ll potentially need intermittent medical care for the rest of your life. Your injury case should include this “element of damages.”

Seek counseling for a change in the quality of life
Sometimes it can be hard to adjust to a change in your quality of life. Say you’re an avid runner prior to an accident, but a knee injury changes that forever. It’s natural to feel angry, resentful or unhappy about the change in your circumstances. Depression is a very real possibility in these circumstances.

Seek counseling if you’re having trouble to adjusting to a long-term injury. There’s nothing unusual in having these feelings, and outside help can give you the tools you need to deal with them constructively. Don’t let a physical injury stunt you emotionally. Find ways to deal with the repercussions, and that may mean getting help from a professional.

Get an advocate on your side
Finally, having a strong advocate on your side can help you pursue your personal injury case and let that aspect of your life take a backseat to learning to live with your life changes. An experienced personal injury attorney understands that these changes affect you for life, and know how to make arrangements for long-term care as a part of the case.

Mark A. Anderson is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law and has successfully represented many injury victims over the past 18 years. For a free, no obligation consultation with Mark, just call 817-294-1900 in Fort Worth, 214-327-8000 in Dallas or toll free 877-294-1115, or contact us online.

In a move that I very much agree with, the Texas Transportation Commission voted yesterday in a meeting in Fort Worth to remove phone numbers from the standard form used by police officers after an accident. This change goes into effect January 1, 2010.

I recently blogged about this topic (read it here) and said that removing the numbers is a great move. The way things happen now, if you are in an accident there is a good chance you will get called from a “marketer” offering the services of an attorney or a chiropractor. Sometimes these “marketers” are not so honest and represent themselves as being from an insurance company. This leads to all kinds of confusion and irritation to the car accident victims. By removing the phone numbers, it will make the marketer’s job extremely difficult. The harassing won’t stop, but it will definitely slow down.

I also recently was interviewed by Channel 11 News about this topic. Here is a link to the article from their website.

To contact Mark A. Anderson, call toll free 877-294-1115 or click here.

Lerado is issuing a recall of certain Mia Moda child restraint seats. The Viva and Viva Supreme models are affected in the recall. Lerado will notify registered owners of the seats and is offering a full refund.

There are a couple of problems with the seats. The harness splitter plate, located on the rear of the seat, has sharp edges that can cut the harness and leave the child unrestrained. Also, the base of the seat could crack in a crash.

We all know how important it is to secure young children in safety seats. In fact, the Texas Legislature just tightened up on the child safety seat laws, which I blogged about here. That is why it’s so important to make sure the seats we do use are working correctly.

For more detailed information about the seats affected in the recall, click here.

Information provided by Texas Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson, who can be reached toll free at 877-294-1115, or contacted by clicking here.

Over 100 bicyclists gathered outside of Dallas City Hall on Wednesday to push for safer and more accessible roadways for cyclists and pedestrians.

The event was organized by Bike Friendly Oak Cliff, and supported the decision of the city council to endorse the policies of the National Complete Streets Coalition. The Coalition supports city planning with bicycle and pedestrian safety in mind, such as creating or enlarging bicycle lanes, making physical barriers between bicycle and car lanes, and adding signals and signs to improve traffic control. Although Dallas has not yet created a specific policy, the city supports making changes in line with the Complete Streets initiative.

I really do hope the city can make some of these changes. I have written several times about tragic bicycle accidents that could have been prevented by things just like this. It’s good to hear that Dallas recognizes the need for bike safety measures.

Information provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Accident Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson, who can be reached toll free at 877-294-1115, or contacted by clicking here.

When people hear of ambulance chasers, they usually think of those unscrupulous injury lawyers who track down injury victims after a car accident and offer their services. Such conduct is against the law and I applaud any effort to prevent this practice from happening. And it’s not just the lawyers who do the ambulance chasing—but also body shops and medical facilities like chiropractors.

The most common way the “chasers” get their information is through police generated “crash reports” which are filled out after most automobile accidents. The “chasers” buy the crash reports from the police department (sometimes out the back door) for $6 and call the injury victim directly. So last year the Texas Department of Transportation removed the phone numbers of the parties from the reports. This made it much harder for the chasers, as many people either have unlisted phone numbers or they only have cell phones, and those numbers are not publicly available. But the Texas Department of Transportation wanted the phone numbers put back on the reports to help with their investigations, so they were put back on this March—so the calling and chasing resumed.

This summer, our Texas Legislature passed a law making it illegal to directly contact a person involved in a wreck in the first thirty days after a wreck. That law supposedly had already applied to lawyers, but now it applies to everyone. Unfortunately, a lawyer and a chiropractor have filed a lawsuit challenging that constitutionality of that new law. Who knows what the outcome will be—but I hope the law will be upheld. And more importantly, I hope the law will be enforced.

But I think the best way to stop the chasing is to stop the access to the information. I understand that both the Dallas and Fort Worth Police Departments have now restricted the availability of reports to those that either (1) know the actual report number (which is given to the parties involved in the accident at the scene) or (2) know the date of the accident and one of the names of the drivers involved in the crash. This restriction is a good idea and I hope it keeps the reports out of the hands of the chasers—whether they are lawyers, chiropractors or auto body repair shops. And for those who ge the info somehow and still chase, let’s hope the law enforcement officials are willing to prosecute those who violate the law.

Commentary provided by Dallas Fort Worth Accident and Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson, who can be contacted online or at 877-294-1115, in Dallas at 214-327-8000 and in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900.

With all the rain we’ve been getting lately, it’s no surprise that Dallas/Fort Worth area firefighters have had to make some daring rescues in deep, fast moving water.

Sunday morning, firefighters rescued Marie and Joann Reynolds from their car on Oak Grove Road. The women were going to church when they drove through some unexpected water than swept them into the trees. Firefighters had to use a boat to rescue the women as freezing floodwater washed through their car.

Burleson has had several floodwater rescues as well. Firefighters rescued a person stranded in a car at Lakewood Drive and Wilshire Boulevard early Sunday morning, and two people were rescued from vehicles in high water at Wicker Hill and Wilshire Boulevard. Some residents on Bowden Circle even had to be evacuated. The city put up barricades at some crossings to prevent further accidents.

Thank goodness nobody has been hurt. Several days of heavy rain like this can be dangerous because people mistakenly think water isn’t very deep, or in some cases they don’t see the water at all, and drive into it and get stranded or washed away. If it looks like you’re about to drive through deep water, turn around and take another route. Even if it takes you a few extra minutes, it will be worth it in the long run to avoid getting washed away and stranded by floodwater.

Information provided by Fort Worth Accident Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson, who can be reached at 817-294-1900, or who can be contacted by clicking here.

Photo from The Fort Worth Star Telegram

Various cities in North Texas are introducing a flashing yellow arrow signal for unprotected left turns.

Currently, if a driver sees a green light at a left turn, it means he or she should yield to oncoming traffic. A green arrow means the driver making the left turn has the right of way. The flashing yellow arrow would replace the green light and city officials think more people would understand that they need to yield to oncoming traffic instead of just driving through.

Richardson has put up several flashing yellow lights, mostly along Coit Road, and one at Renner Road and Routh Creek Parkway (as shown above). Irving has been using the signals for the past three years. The changes were implemented in 2006 after a study indicated that drivers understood the flashing yellow arrow better than the solid green light. For now, instructional signs accompany the flashing yellow arrows.

I’m very curious to see how this turns out. Turning on an unprotected green light directly into oncoming traffic can cause a serious accident. I wonder if people will recognize that they need to stop and yield, or if some will mistake the flashing yellow arrow for the steady yellow arrow, which simply means the light is about to change to red. It will be interesting to monitor the number of left turn car accidents as these lights become more prominent.

Information provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Accident Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson, who can be contacted toll free at 877-294-1115 or by clicking here.

Photo from The Dallas Morning News

Dozens of new laws go into effect today across Texas. Please take note of some of the changes and make sure you are still driving safely and in compliance with these new rules.

Starting today, all occupants in a vehicle must wear seat belts, no matter how old they are or where they’re sitting in the car. It is important to take note of this change because adults sitting in the backseat could previously choose not to wear a seat belt. Now, everyone must do so.

Several changes in child safety laws went into effect today as well. A motorcycle rider cannot have a passenger on his or her bike under the age of 5 unless the child is seated in a sidecar attached to the motorcycle. You don’t see many motorcycle sidecars these days; I wonder if this law will change that?

The law has also changed for small children in the car. Now, all children younger than 8 years must sit in an approved child safety seat. Children under age 8 but who are at least 4’9” are exempt from this rule. Although the law goes into effect today, police officers cannot issue citations for violations until June 1, 2010, so you have plenty of time to find the right seat for your child. The law also creates a new court cost for conviction of this offense which will go toward buying safety seats for low income families. Although some parents might see this law as a pain, remember that securing a child in a safety seat can be the difference between life and death in an auto accident.

Information provided by Texas Board Certified Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson, who can be contacted toll free at 1-877-294-1115 or by clicking here.

Dallas police arrested a 39-year-old woman Sunday on charges of driving while intoxicated with a child passenger and endangering a child. A DWI with child passenger is always a felony offense.

Maria Elizabeth Rendon was arrested on Webb Chapel Extension near Love Field in Dallas, Texas after repeatedly ramming her car into another vehicle. Although the police did not report why, they did note there was an unused child safety seat in the back of Rendon’s car, and her 11-month-old grandchild was sitting beside her in the front seat. In Texas, it is illegal for a child under age five and less than 36 inches tall to ride in a vehicle without a safety seat. Not only could Rendon have caused a drunk driving accident, but she put a child in danger of injury as well.

Information provided by Texas Board Certified Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson, who can be contacted at 817-294-1900 or by clicking here.

As children across the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex go back to school this week, there are some important safety factors to remember when driving in school zones.

Use of hand-held cell phones is now banned in school zones across Texas. This means no calls and no texting. Texas implemented this ban in the hopes of reducing car accidents and injuries to children. While the ban will not go into effect until September 1, signs displaying the new rule are already appearing in many local school zones. Violators will face a citation with a $50.00 fine.

There are some exceptions to the new ban, however. Hands-free phones are still allowed, and a stopped vehicle may use a hand-held cell phone. Emergency calls are, of course, exempt from the ban.

Information provided by Texas Board Certified Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson, who can be contacted at 817-294-1900 or by clicking here.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission released three bicycle recalls this week.

The 2009 d’lite ST and Solo ST Child Trailers, designed to carry children behind an adult bicycle, pose a risk in that one wheel can separate from the trailer and cause a bicycle accident. Owners of models D939 or D948 should contact manufacturer Burley for a free repair. Click here for the complete report including pictures of the trailer.

The 2007/2008 Felt F1X Cyclocross Bicycles have a defective fork steerer tube than can break and cause a rider to lose control of the bicycle. Six bicycle accidents have already been reported. Owners should contact a Felt Bicycle dealer for free inspection and repair. Click here for the complete report including a picture of the bicycle.

The “Chopper” model Cannibal Bicycle has been recalled due to a bicycle stem that can crack and cause the rider to lose control. Owners of the Nirve Sports brand bike should return the bicycle to the place of purchase for a free repair. Click here for the complete report including a picture of the bicycle and detailed views of the flawed bicycle stem.

Information provided by Fort Worth Dallas Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson, who can be contacted at 877-294-1115.

I often get asked by injury victims how I am paid. They are very concerned that they cannot afford the high hourly rate they hear that attorneys charge. But they soon learn from me that hiring an injury attorney takes no out of pocket money. That is because I work on (and also all injury attorneys I know also work on) contingent fee contracts. What that means is that no money is paid to me up front or as the case progresses. Instead, the contracts signed by my clients spell out that I am paid a percentage of the recovery once the case is finally resolved, either by settlement or by trial. At that time, I receive a portion of the proceeds. The standard attorney’s fee contract also calls for the injury attorney to be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the attorney in the case.

So basically, the attorney does not get paid until the end of the case, and the client never has to write a check to the attorney, as it is just deducted from the overall settlement proceeds. At my firm, we provide a detailed settlement breakdown so the client can see and understand all fee and the expenses.

So what happens if the case is lost for some reason and no money is ever recovered? In such instance, the attorney is simply not paid anything for his services and the expenses are just written off. Said another way, the client will owe the attorney nothing.

Because it is never guaranteed that the client will be able to win the case, each case must be evaluated closely and the attorney must decide on his own if the case is worth pursuing. I limit my practice to serious injuries where there is a likelihood of success.

Contingent fee contracts are a wonderful way for everyone to access the civil justice system. Without these types of contracts, it would be difficult to retain an attorney to fight for your rights.

If you would like to discuss hiring the Anderson Law Firm on a contingent basis for a serious injury claim, please call the firm at 214-327-8000 in Dallas, at 817-294-1900 in Fort Worth or toll free at 1-877-294-1115.

I often get asked by injury victims how I am paid. They are very concerned that they cannot afford the high hourly rate they hear that attorneys charge. But they soon learn from me that hiring an injury attorney takes no out of pocket money. That is because I work on (and also all injury attorneys I know also work on) contingent fee contracts. What that means is that no money is paid to me up front or as the case progresses. Instead, the contracts signed by my clients spell out that I am paid a percentage of the recovery once the case is finally resolved, either by settlement or by trial. At that time, I receive a portion of the proceeds. The standard attorney’s fee contract also calls for the injury attorney to be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the attorney in the case.

So basically, the attorney does not get paid until the end of the case, and the client never has to write a check to the attorney, as it is just deducted from the overall settlement proceeds. At my firm, we provide a detailed settlement breakdown so the client can see and understand all fee and the expenses.

So what happens if the case is lost for some reason and no money is ever recovered? In such instance, the attorney is simply not paid anything for his services and the expenses are just written off. Said another way, the client will owe the attorney nothing.

Because it is never guaranteed that the client will be able to win the case, each case must be evaluated closely and the attorney must decide on his own if the case is worth pursuing. I limit my practice to serious injuries where there is a likelihood of success.

Contingent fee contracts are a wonderful way for everyone to access the civil justice system. Without these types of contracts, it would be difficult to retain an attorney to fight for your rights.

If you would like to discuss hiring the Anderson Law Firm on a contingent basis for a serious injury claim, please call the firm at 817-294-1900.

Three people were killed and three were injured when a pickup truck hit motorcycle riders head-on during a charity ride in Corsicana Saturday.

The ride was held on a rural highway outside Corsicana, which is 65 miles south of Dallas. Apparently the driver of the pickup truck swerved into the oncoming lane of parading cyclists, striking two motorcycles before it flipped and hit two more.

Among those who died were 34-year-old Leslie McCluney, a teacher at Corsicana High School who was riding on the back of a motorcycle with her father, 61-year-old Terry Nelson, who was also killed. David Coley, 54, was the third motorcyclist who died at the scene. The three were among the first two motorcycles hit by the truck and all were residents of Corsicana.

Two other drivers were taken to Dallas hospitals and were last known to be in fair condition. The driver of the pickup who caused the crash was William Lindsey Jr, 54, who was taken to the hospital, treated and released.

The cause of the motorcycle accident is unkown at this time as an investigation is being conducted.

The ride was a charity event to benefit the Corsicana High School's drill team.

Information provided by Dallas Fort Worth Accident Attorney Mark A. Anderson 817-294-1900.

An accident in South Fort Worth this morning had traffic backed up during the majority of the morning rush-hour.

A garbage truck popped a tire on Interstate 20 and hit the guardrail before flipping over. No word on whether or not anyone was hurt. Traffic was backed up at Grandbury Road and the Grandbury Road exit was closed during the morning commute to clean up the scene.

Dangerous truck accidents like this happen all the time in North Texas due to the high volume of heavy trucks and 18-wheelers passing through the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. If you have been injured in a wreck involving a tractor-trailer, dump truck, garbage truck, or any other type of large commercial vehicle, usually the injuries are life-altering. Please contact the Anderson Law Firm to learn your rights if you've been affected by an accident like this by calling 817-294-1900 or Contact Us Online.

A 13-year-old boy and his grandfather died Sunday from injuries they received in a multi-vehicle car accident just south of Gainsville, Texas.

Gervious Hinkle and his grandson Casey Hinkle, both of Fort Worth, were traveling northbound on Insterstate 35 around 2:30 p.m. when they were forced to slow for traffic and road construction in front of them. All of a sudden, an 18-wheeler came barreling up at a high rate of speed and crashed into the slowed cars, causing a 9-vehicle chain reaction auto accident.

Hinkle and his grandson were driving a Ford Explorer when they were hit. Hinkle died at the scene. Casey was taken to JPS Hospital in downtown Fort Worth where he was pronounced dead an hour later from his serious injuries.

Casey's mother and sister were also in the SUV and were hospitalized for injuries, but their conditions are unknown at this time.

The driver of the big-rig, Randy Crume, was from Harrah, Oklahoma. He was issued a citation by highway patrol for failing to control his speed.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed in a vehicle crash, please contact the Anderson Law Firm to learn your rights by calling 817-294-1900.

An Oklahoma Turnpike accident has claimed 10 lives--some of which were residents of North Texas. The crash happened Friday and is still under investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Cars were stopped on the turnpike due to another accident up ahead when an 18-wheeler crashed into the vehicles in front of it, causing a chain-reaction wreck involving several cars.

Among those killed were the Hayes family of Frisco, Texas--Randall Hayes, 38, Ethan Hayes, 7 and the most-recent person to die from her serious head injuries, 35-year-old Shelby Hayes.

Others who died were residents of Oklahoma including: Oklahoma City residents Oral Hooks, 69, Earlene Hooks, 63, Antonio Hooks, 42, and Dione Hooks, 41 and Crossroads Oklahama resident Cynthia Olson, 55.

The driver of the big-rig was 76-year-old Donald Creed of Willard Missouri, who is reportedly in good condition after being treated for head injuries in a Missouri hospital.

Reports say some of the victims were trapped in the accident wreckage for almost 9 hours before they were able to get out.

This tragic case of several wrongful deaths is so devastating because with a little better driver attention, this crash might have been easily preventable. My heart goes out to the families effected by this huge accident.

If one of your loved ones has died due to the negligence of another person or company, please contact Board Certified Texas Wrongful Death Attorney Mark A. Anderson for a free consultation by calling 817-294-1900.

Around 1 p.m. yesterday, police attempted to pull over a man during a routine traffic stop on I-635 and I-35 in Mesquite, Texas. The driver of the pickup truck did not stop, instead, forcing police on an hour and a half chase of the driver from Mesquite, south to downtown Dallas and back up north on the busy Interstate 635.

The chase ended when the pickup T-boned a compact car at a very high rate of speed as police looked on. Watch the crash in the video as recorded by nbcdfw.com. The two-vehicle wreck happened in Garland at the busy intersection of Plano Road and Buckingham Road.

Why did the pickup truck driver flee from police? Apparently he was wanted for drug violations, but thanks to the devastating accident the driver caused, he or she will now face much worse.
The injuries of the T-boned car driver are unknown—that person was taken to a local hospital in unknown condition. The pickup truck driver appeared to be uninjured when he or she emerged from the truck.

If you have been seriously injured as the result of someone’s negligence—and in this case, gross negligence, please contact the Anderson Law Firm to learn your rights by calling 817-294-1900.

Southbound traffic on Interstate 35 in Carrollton, Texas was shut down for the afternoon, continuing through the evening rush hour after a multi-vehicle wreck around 1 p.m. involving a tractor trailer and two cars.

The two cars were parked on the shoulder of the southbound lanes near the George Bush Turnpike when an 18-wheeler crashed into the cars, jackknifed, rolled over and then burst into flames.

A woman in one of the parked cars died from her injuries. She was 52, but her name has not been released.

The cab of the semi-truck immediately caught fire while its 64-year-old male driver was trapped inside. Another motorist stopped and pulled the truck driver out of the burning cab. Both of those men were rushed to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas and the big rig driver was reportedly in critical condition.

Apparently three police officers were treated for heat exhaustion.

If you have suffered serious injuries in a vehicle wreck, please contact Texas 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Mark Anderson for a free consultation.

Photograph from wfaa.com.

A construction worker died yesterday when he was run over and dragged by the truck he was repairing.

The vehicle accident happened at 9:30 in the morning at a city pump station on 4100 Main Street in The Colony, Texas. The victim, who remains unidentified, was underneath a truck working on it when another worker got in the truck and drove off.

It appears the worker who drove the truck did not know anyone was underneath it and the incident is being investigated as an accident. No charges have been filed and The Colony Police Department does not anticipate filing any.

The worker who was killed was not employed by the city who owned the pumping station, but instead, contracted out by a construction company to add more lines to the pump station.

Many times, when people call my office, they are confused when I tell them I cannot take their “worker’s comp case” because I don’t go after the employer or co-employees who are liable for accidents. In this instance however, the construction worker’s wrongful death was caused by the negligence of another person (employed by the city).

It can seem very complicated, but the point is, this man’s death was caused by the negligence of a third party and therefore his family has the right to bring a claim for damages on his behalf based on the negligence of the driver. As the driver was employed by the city, the doctrine of Sovereign Immunity will come into play, which limits the amount of compensation one can recover against a governmental entity.

If you have questions about wrongful death claims or making a claim for injuries sustained in a car wreck, please contact the Anderson Law Firm by calling 817-294-1900.

Two 23-year-old women were seriously injured when a man who was driving the wrong way on the Dallas North Tollway crashed into their car early Sunday morning.

Ryan Matthew, 27, of Dallas was driving south in the northbound lanes of the Tollway for nearly 10 miles before colliding with the car carrying the two women. He started driving the wrong way at Cotton Gin Road up in Frisco.

Before crashing into the women, Matthew narrowly missed striking a police cruiser head-on. Shortly after, around 1:45 a.m. he slammed into Hannah Jung and Hannah Hong of Plano and Richardson. The car wreck happened near the exit for the George Bush Turnpike.

Matthew, Hong and Jung were all rushed to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas and treated for serious injuries. Hong was released, but Jung remained in the intensive-care unit and Matthew was in fair condition as of yesterday.

What caused Matthew to drive the wrong was is under investigation; it is unknown whether alcohol or drugs were a factor.

Strangely, three people called 9-1-1 between 11:16 and 11:22 p.m. Saturday night to report a separate driver going the wrong way on the Tollway. This motorist was driving the opposite direction as Matthews between Lovers Lane and Wycliff Avenue, but fortunately no accidents were reported and no one was caught.

Alarmingly, four people have been killed since April in wrong-way crashes on the 33-mile Dallas Tollway; I wrote about a man who worked for the Dallas Morning News who died driving the wrong way. Due to the astounding number of wrong-way incidences, there’s been a cry to do more to alert drivers of going the wrong way, instead of just posting signs on entrance and exit ramps. There’s even been talk of adding road spikes by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

Whether these are drunk-driving related accidents, or due to confusion late at night, something needs to be done to prevent more from dying in these tragic crashes.

If you’ve been seriously injured in a vehicle-related wreck, please call the Anderson Law Firm for a free consultation at 817-294-1900.

The cause of an Arlington vehicle accident is being investigated after a pickup truck collided with an ambulance carrying a patient.

The crash happened at approximately 1:45 this morning at the intersection of South Collins Street and East Arkansas Lane. The ambulance had gone to pick up a female with a pregnancy-related emergency before it wrecked with the pickup truck. The driver of the truck was not injured.

All of the occupants of the ambulance, including the two paramedics and the woman patient were taken to the hospital to be treated. There is no word on any of their conditions or the severity of their injuries.

An accident investigation is being conducted to determine how the car crash happened.

If you’ve been injured in a car, truck or motorcycle collision, contact the Anderson Law Firm to learn your rights at 817-294-1900.

A new survey out today by AutoVantage ranks Dallas-Fort Worth as the second most “unfriendly” city to drive in. Apparently, North Texans have close to the worst road rage. Not surprisingly, New York takes the top spot, however Miami has claimed the title the past four years. The top five “least courteous” cities according to the study are:

1) New York
2) Dallas-Fort Worth
3) Detroit
4) Atlanta
5) Minneapolis/St. Paul
The “most courteous” cities are:

1) Portland
2) Cleveland
3) Baltimore
4) Sacramento
5) Pittsburgh

The study is used to determine the habits and attitudes of drivers.

Information provided by North Texas Motor-Vehicle Accident Lawyer Mark A. Anderson. Contact the Anderson Law Firm with questions at 817-294-1900.

It’s only 9 a.m. and already there have been two significant Dallas-Fort Worth vehicle wrecks during this morning’s commute, among the usual daily incidences.

In Haltom City, Texas on eastbound Loop 820, traffic is backed up all the way to Interstate-35W because of an overturned car near the center median.

The blue Dodge Neon flipped around 7:30 this morning and it’s unclear what caused this accident or whether anyone was hurt.

And a little earlier, around 7 a.m. an 18-wheeler accident blocked three westbound lanes of Interstate 30 between Westmoreland Road and Cockrell Hill Road/Chalk Hill Road near Grand Prairie, Texas.

Two lanes continue to be blocked and traffic is backed up all the way to downtown Dallas. There’s also no word on whether anyone was injured in this crash, but if it caused three lanes to close during the busiest hour of the day, my gut tells me it was a serious accident. An accident investigation will ultimately determine what happened.

Besides being a nuisance to other drivers, car and truck wrecks are extremely inconvenient for those involved—especially when accident victims suffer serious injuries and incur large medical bills as a result. Board Certified Texas Car Wreck Lawyer Mark A. Anderson knows how frustrating it can be for people after an accident and wants to help take the stress away. For information or a free consultation, please contact the Anderson Law Firm online or by calling 817-294-1900.

Photo courtesy of star-telegram.com.

A 14-year-old boy is in more than a little trouble this morning after taking his mother's car for a joyride late last night and crashing it into a canal in Irving. The car wreck happened at 2:20 a.m. on MacArthur Boulevard North.

After crashing the car, he left the scene and was found a little while later, sopping wet, walking down a street in nearby Coppell, Texas.

When investigators questioned the teen, he initially told them he had been kidnapped, but later told the truth. As of this morning, no charges have been filed.

Since no one was at fault for this crash other than the boy for acting negligent, if he was hurt, he would not be able to make a bodily injury claim for damages. And unfortunately, the teen's mother will not be able to make a claim to get her car fixed since the wreck wasn't caused by anyone other than her own son.