Houston Personal Injury Lawyers Blog

Know How Fire Works!

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Each year over $7 billion in property damage through house fires happen in the United States alone. It kills more than 5,000 people and injures countless annually, yet it is one of the most preventable accidents that we can avoid.

If you ever experience the horror of a house fire, you MUST know how fire works!

It is always good to KNOW your enemy, the case remains the same here.

How does Fire Work?

QUICKLY! In just two minutes, fire can create black smoke which will engulf your entire house. In five minutes, your entire home can be in flames. Since most home fires happen when the inhabitants are asleep, it is important to know that time is crucial! The only thing you must do is escape. Do not try and collect valuable things, the smoke enough will weaken you in the process.

HOT! Believe it or not, the heat is more threatening than the flames itself. At eye level, the room temperature will reach around 600 degrees! Inhaling the hot air will scorch your lungs the longer you stay. During a process called flashover, your entire room may get so hot that instantly everything will ignite at the same time.

SILENTLY! Flames, ironically, are the least of your worries when dealing with a house fire. Through a process called Asphyxiation, the fire will quickly use up all your oxygen and leave you only with poisonous gasses - like carbon monoxide - which will kill you. When sleeping, these poisonous gasses may take you to a deeper sleep, creating a bigger fight for you to escape.

When you are trapped in a house, it is no time to be a hero and rescue that fancy chair that your grandmother gave you. Your life is at stake and time is not on your side!

The lawyers at V&B have dealt with multiple clients who have had negligent house fires and brought millions of dollars in settlement. For more information, visit our case results page.

If you have been injured in a negligent house fire, we have created our website with you in mind. Countless amounts of free information have been loaded into our site and are constantly being updated daily. Do some research and educate yourself on your current situation.

For a free consultation, contact our offices today. Toll free: 888-473-1258.

Prevent Your Car From Catching On Fire!

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Did you know that standard auto insurance companies do NOT cover vehicle fires?

Many people have horrific stories of vehicle fires. In fact, in the United States, 33 car fires are reported every hour! One person a day dies – that is one too many.

If you have been injured in a car fire, it could very well be nothing to do with you, but everything to do with the manufacturer! It seems every time you turn your head there is a new recall with auto makers due to negligent equipment that may result in an accident.

In case this happens to you, we want you to be aware of how you can save yourself and prevent future mishaps.

A FEW TIPS:

• If you smell burning rubber or plastic, pull over and investigate. Do NOT try and make it home before seeing what the problem is.

• You MUST get in the habit of taking in your car for a tune up at least once a year. They should also check for gas and oil leaks.

• If you suspect a leak in your car, put a newspaper underneath during the night. In the morning, come back and check to see if there are stains.

• If a fuse keeps breaking, it is electrical trouble! Don’t let it keep happening without an investigation. It could very well be the source of a fire.
If your car catches fire while you are driving, it is important to know to remain calm. There are certain situations that require you to take action. For example:

• If there is smoke coming from under your hood, but no flames, you may crack the hood slightly and spray an extinguisher from a few feet away. Do NOT open the hood all the way as this can bring more oxygen (which fire feeds on) and can create a bigger issue.

• If the fire is near the gas tank, you must not try and take it out. Instead, you have to call the fire department.

• If suddenly your car catches quick fire, you must pull over immediately, get all passengers out, stay at least 150 feet away, and most importantly warn ALL who pass that your car is on fire and may cause an explosion.

If you have been injured due to negligent car fires, we urge you to do some research on our website. We have loaded it with free information that you will find helpful. You have a right to recover damages if the manufacturer is at fault for you injury!

For a free consultation, contact our offices today. 888-473-1258.

Dover Air Force Base Punished Workers For Being Whistleblowers

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Dover Air Force Base supervisors retaliated against four civilian whistleblowers that worked at the mortuary after reporting several wrongdoings to higher authorities.

According to the whistleblowers, they were extremely concerned with what they were told to do to the returning corpses of dead veterans, like dumping incinerated partial remains in a Virginia landfill after setting them on fire. At one time, a worker was asked to cut the arm off of one of the dead – which he refused, saying it was not his decision to make, but the family’s.

After witnessing gory and vulgar scenarios, the workers decided to report to higher authority. For this action, supervisors at Dover tried to fire two of them and placed others on suspension and indefinite leave.

One worker, Trevor Dean, was the top civilian at the mortuary. Dean was transferred to a lesser, non-supervisory position. Quinton “Randy” Keel was a division director at the mortuary and was demoted in August.

After an 18-month investigation, the Air Force finally announced that they had disciplined the top supervisors that tried to fire the outspoken workers, but were not fired. Senior Air Force officials claimed that there was no evidence the supervisors broke any rules.

The case went all the way to congress, bringing criticism to many of its members towards the Air Force’s way of “discipline”, suggesting a tougher punishment. Two of the supervisors are still working at Dover.

Col. Robert Edmondson, the mortuary commander, was reprimanded for “failure in leadership.” Edmondson is still on active duty, but reassigned.

The Office of Special Counsel, an independent agency specializing in whistleblower complaints, said it would give the Air Force one month to take action. Last year, the agency had reinstated two other civilian mortuary workers who were fired at Dover.

If you feel that you have been blackballed or punished for being a whistleblower, you have legal rights! Research our website which is full of free information that can help you answer all your questions.

Contact our offices for a free consultation today. Toll free: 888-473-1258.

Two Workers Critically Injured in Sacul Power Plant Explosion

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

A Sacul work accident has left two power plant employees in critical condition after an electrical fire broke out yesterday morning.

The accident was reported at about 8:00 a.m. at the Southern Power biomass generating plant in East Texas. A Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Office dispatcher said that an electrical explosion sparked a fire, seriously burning two of the workers. The two workers, whose names have not been released, were taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

The rest of the plant’s employees were evacuated and waited in the parking lot until the all clear signal was given. No other injuries have been reported.

Dispatcher Jerry Heilmann told reporters that the fire was contained and extinguished, and that the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation.

The general contractor of the site, Fagen Inc. of Granite Falls, MN, says the accident does not pose a threat to future construction. CEO Evan Fagen said the Nacogdoches Generating Facility is still expected to be ready for commercial operation later this year. However, the site will be temporarily closed for investigation of the incident.

A Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital spokeswoman had told reporters that both of the injured workers were rushed by ambulance to the burn unit of Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas for treatment. There has been no further word on their condition.

The attorneys and staff at Vujasinovic & Beckcom are keeping the injured workers in their thoughts and hope the victims return to their families as soon as possible.

Work Injury Causes Severe Burns in East Texas Plant Accident

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Earlier today, we reported on the biomass power plant explosion that critically injured two workers in East Texas. The men suffered severe burns and are listed in critical condition.

Our Houston work accident attorneys want to express to our readers that while these accidents are tragic, they are unfortunately quite common. Industrial workers are at a constant risk of electrical burns on the job in Texas, whether from a workplace safety violation, faulty wiring or environmental factors that cause a fire to spread.

Severe burns can cause extensive damage to the body. The layers of skin may be damaged beyond repair, requiring skin graft surgery. Your muscles can release toxins into the bloodstream after a burn, causing organ damage to bodily systems that may have already suffered lost blood vessels. In many cases, burn victims suffer infections, further extending a costly hospital stay.

Our attorneys have experience representing injured Texas plant workers who have suffered complex on-the-job injuries. We are familiar with workplace safety laws, and we know when employers have taken risks or ignored rules that would have protected their workers from harm. In addition, our board-certified Texas injury attorneys often consult with safety experts to prove liability in work injury cases, resulting in considerable compensation for our clients.

If you have suffered a burn or other Texas work accident injury, we can help you get payment for your medical costs and more. Fill out our online contact form today to set up your free consultation.

Preacher Killed in Texas Parking Lot Accident Minutes Before Evening Service

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Dayton police were saddened by the loss of their local pastor; the reverend was killed just moments before service in a Texas parking lot crash.

On January 8, 77-year-old retired preacher Lonnie Gruver was traveling west in his Chrysler Sebring on FM 1960 when he took a left turn into the Grace Community Church parking lot. At 6:50 p.m., 76-year-old Alceuse Jackson crashed his Lexus into Reverend Gruver’s vehicle, forcing both cars along a ditch and into a light pole before skidding to a halt in the church parking lot.

Dayton Fire Department and Liberty County EMS attended to the victims, but Reverend Gruver was pronounced dead at the scene. Jackson received treatment for broken ribs at Northeast Hospital, where he was last listed in stable condition.

Police do not expect charges to be filed in the case, since Reverend Gruver is believed not to have used his left-turn signal prior to the accident.

Ten minutes before evening service, Pastor Wayne Hardin of Grace Community Baptist Church was alerted to the crash by several children. Upon discovering his friend and church member in the wreckage, Pastor Hardin immediately canceled services in lieu of an emergency prayer meeting.

The attorneys and staff at Vujasinovic & Beckcom wish to extend their sincere condolences to Reverend Gruver’s family and to the community who will dearly feel his loss.

Driver of Pickup Truck Killed in Texas Rollover Crash

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

An unidentified man was killed in a Houston rollover crash this weekend when he was ejected from his vehicle in Harris County, police say.

According to the Harris County Sheriff's Office, the man was driving his Ford F150 pickup truck near the 2100 block of Westgreen around 3:00pm on Sunday, January 8. The pickup driver was speeding when he lost control of the vehicle and slammed into the back of a Chrysler 300.

The impact caused the truck to spin uncontrollably before rolling over multiple times, and the driver was thrown from the vehicle through a window. When the truck stopped rolling, it came to rest on top of the ejected driver and trapped the truck’s passenger.

The truck driver died at the scene of the accident as a result of multiple injuries. The passenger was extracted from his seat and was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital for treatment. Authorities say the passenger was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash, but sustained multiple injuries to the right side of his body.

The Chrysler’s occupants, a 21-year-old man and his wife, had been pushed through a residential fence by the rolling truck. They did not sustain any serious injuries.

The crash remains under investigation by the Sheriff's Office traffic enforcement section.

The attorneys and staff at Vujasinovic & Beckcom would like to extend their condolences to the man’s family as we keep him in our thoughts and prayers.

Houston Man Saves 1-Year-Old Son, Dies in Scooter Accident

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A Texas resident will face charges after causing the death of a man on a motorized scooter in a fatal Houston DUI, police said.

On January 4, 56-year-old Clifford Johnson was driving a motorized scooter along West Montgomery Road while carrying his 1-year-old son in his lap. According to witnesses, Johnson rolled into the roadway around 3 p.m. because debris was blocking the sidewalk. As he crossed into the far right lane of West Montgomery at Ferguson Way, Johnson was hit from behind by an SUV and both he and the child were thrown more than 20 feet.

Johnson and his son were rushed to Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital, where Johnson died shortly after arriving. The 1-year-old was treated for minor injuries sustained in the crash.

Houston Police Sgt. R.A. Gonzales told reporters that Johnson very likely saved his son’s life by holding onto the boy tightly as they rolled after the crash. They were likely headed home when struck.

"We don't know where he was going. But, he was going in the direction of his house," Gonzales said.

The driver of the SUV, 20-year-old Wilmer Farley III, told police he didn't see the scooter. After Farley failed a field sobriety test at the scene, he was handcuffed and taken to Ben Taub General Hospital for blood testing.

Houston police reported that while Farley was not speeding in the 35-mph zone, he did appear impaired at the scene. Farley, who was on probation from a recent theft charge, has been charged with intoxication manslaughter.

The entire staff at Vujasinovic & Beckcom wishes to extend their condolences to the victim’s family and friends and is praying for his child’s full and speedy recovery.

Texas Woman Seeks Damages after Losing a Leg in Motorcycle Accident

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A Galveston motorcycle crash has led to a lawsuit after the bike’s passenger sustained serious injuries last year.

Krystle Durrett is seeking compensation from a Louisiana motorcycle driver after the driver "accelerated his speed at a high rate and popped a wheelie," causing an accident that resulted in the loss of her leg.

The suit, filed against Westlake, LA resident Mike A. Prudhomme, states that Durrett was riding on the back of Prudhomme’s bike on June 27, 2010 when the defendant “attempted to pass another vehicle and in the process of doing so lost control of the motorcycle, causing the motorcycle to leave the roadway.”

According to court documents, Durrett “was ejected from the motorcycle and suffered severe personal injuries, including the loss of a leg from the hip, as well as other serious injuries."

Durrett, who underwent leg amputation surgery after the accident, is seeking monetary damages and a jury trial. She believes that Prudhomme was aware of the dangers of his actions, “but nevertheless proceeded with conscious indifference to the rights, safety or welfare of others."

The suit was filed on December 5 in Galveston County District Court. County 56th District Court Judge Lonnie Cox will preside over the case.

Woman and Child Killed by DUI Driver While Changing Tire

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A drunk driver failed to notice a car on the shoulder, causing a fiery Waller County car crash that killed two people.

48-year-old Katherine Ann Addison of Simonton was driving down Interstate 10 with her 12-year-old son to visit relatives in Sealy. At around 2:30 a.m., Addison had a blowout and pulled her Mercury sedan over to change the tire west of Brookshire near Peach Ridge.

According to troopers, Addison used her cell phone to tell her family that she would be late before getting out of the vehicle to fix the tire. Her son, Kendall D. Addison, Jr., remained inside.

Moments later, a Ford pickup truck struck Addison and her car, causing the car to catch fire. Addison and her son were both killed in the accident.

The truck’s driver, 23-year-old Taylor C. McShan, had been drinking with his friend Cody Parachman at a local nightclub. Parachman, the owner of the vehicle and a Katy Police Officer, allowed his friend to drive because he himself was intoxicated.

A Department of Public Safety spokesman said that McShan has been charged with two counts of intoxication manslaughter. He received treatment for minor injuries at a local hospital before arrest.

Although he was not on duty at the time of the accident, Parachman may receive disciplinary action. Katy police officials will hold a press conference Friday morning to discuss his case.

The attorneys and staff at Vujasinovic & Beckcom wish to extend their condolences to the Addison family as we keep Katherine and Kendall in our thoughts and prayers.

Elderly Couple Hit, Husband Killed in Cleveland, TX Car Accident

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

An elderly driver was killed in a Cleveland car accident that left his wife seriously injured, authorities say.

On January 10, 92-year-old Burnes Ray Tindle was driving out of the Salazar Tire Service shop on Washington Avenue and Waco Street with his wife in the passenger seat. As the couple pulled into the street at about 3:30 p.m., their 1996 Lincoln Town Car was t-boned by an oncoming 1997 Ford F-250 going north on Washington.

Burnes Ray Tindle died before he could be transported to a hospital. His wife, 90-year-old Dorothy Gibson Tindle, was flown to Hermann Memorial Hospital in Houston by PHI air ambulance.

The truck’s passengers included Logan Dominy of Tarkington and his wife and child. The family was treated for non-life threatening injuries at Cleveland Regional Medical Center and has since been released.

Dominy said in a statement that he was “shocked” that the Tindles’ car pulled into traffic, and said that there was no way he would have been able to avoid the accident.

Cleveland Assistant Police Chief Darrel Broussard reported Wednesday that Dorothy Gibson Tindle was now listed in stable condition. He also said that police have not issued any citations for the accident, but the case is still under investigation.

“The preliminary investigation seems to show that as Mr. Tindle exited the tire shop on Washington, he pulled into the path of the other driver’s vehicle,” said Broussard. “It does appear at this time that Mr. Tindle may have failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic.”

The attorneys and staff at Vujasinovic & Beckcom are deeply sorry for the Tindle family’s loss and wish to extend their condolences and hopes for Mrs. Tindle’s speedy recovery.

No Fatalities in 79-Car Accident Outside Port Arthur

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Although 79 vehicles were involved in a massive Port Arthur car accident, only four injuries—and zero fatalities—were reported, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff's Office Deputy Rod Carroll said that the three people who were critically injured in the crash itself and the additional victim who suffered a heart attack were all expected to make a full recovery.

Limited visibility was the underlying cause of the accident. Smoke from nearby wildfires mixed with heavy fog on the morning of January 5 set off a string of collisions in the eastbound lanes of Texas 73. By 6 a.m., 22 separate crashes had been reported west of the Taylor Bayou Bridge, including two cars that had caught fire.

Department of Transportation spokesman Marc Shepherd commented on the scale of the accident, stating "This is the first time in 80 years that we've had a situation to this degree.”

Troopers Candace Evans and David Crawford said that eastbound traffic was moving at about 70 mph before the accident despite the adverse weather conditions; westbound drivers were moving more slowly.

Eighteen people received citations, including driving under a suspended license and speeding.

Fifty-four people were taken to local hospitals for treatment. Carroll said Thursday that many people chose to stay in their vehicles after the accident, a major reason no one was killed in the crashes.

The roadway, which has been open for nearly 90 years, was lined with flashing warning signs Thursday night to increase visibility and prevent similar accidents. Patrols by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office will also be doubled as a precaution.

3 University of Texas Alums Killed in Irving Canal Crash

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The bodies of three young men, all former students at University of Texas, have been recovered after they were killed in a car crash in Irving on January 4.

The investigation began on Wednesday afternoon when a maintenance crew reported a broken guard rail in a canal in Irving. When a dive team from the fire department entered the canal at West Northwest Highway near Riverside Drive, they found a 2010 Porsche Panamera under the water with the body of a man and a woman still inside.

41-year-old Ronald Eddins and 21-year-old Kaat Paula Debeuckelaer were seated in the front seats of the vehicle with their seatbelts fastened.

Shortly after the vehicle was pulled from the canal, divers were told that there might have been a third person traveling in the car. The dive team went down again the following day and recovered the remaining victim, 23-year-old Kenneth Joseph Lark.

Officer John Argumaniz of the Irving Police Department said that police believe that Lark and Debeuckelaer were in Dallas for a hockey game on the night of January 3. They were seen after the game at a hotel bar in Southlake, where witnesses saw them talking with a man believed to be Eddins, a Dallas-area lawyer.

Police believe that the couple had never met Eddins before that night, but the three left the bar together around 1 a.m. Wednesday. They were seen at a Dallas strip club, where they remained until around 3 a.m. Shortly afterward, witnesses who lived near the crash site reported a loud noise. Toxicology results are still pending, but police believe speed was likely a factor in the crash.

A spokeswoman for the University of Texas has informed the media that Lark was a former UT student, Debeuckelaer was currently enrolled, and that Eddins was a UT graduate.

The attorneys and staff at Vujasinovic & Beckcom wish to extend their deepest condolences to the families of the victims as we keep them in our thought and prayers.

Houston Woman Sues Drunk Driver for Injuries in Crash

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A woman is seeking damages after a crash with a drunk driver in Galveston left her with serious injuries.

According to court documents, Konnie Schutz was driving her 2008 Honda north on 45th Street in Galveston when she ran a red light. She then struck the front driver's side of Melanie Szabo’s 2005 Toyota Camry, the suit says. The accident occurred around 10:30 p.m. on the evening of July 9, 2011.

Szabo, of Houston, filed the suit against Schutz on December 6 of last year in Galveston County Court at Law No. 2.

Documents in the case state that the police officer who responded to the accident found Schutz “heavily intoxicated” at the scene. He also commented that, in addition to driving under the influence of alcohol, Schutz appeared to be "completely at fault for the wreck."

Schutz was arrested at the scene and was charged with driving while intoxicated. Upon processing, police discovered that the arrest marked the second time in two years she had been charged with drunk driving.

Among other complaints, Schutz will answer to charges of “not keeping a proper lookout” and gross negligence, as the suit alleges that Schutz “was aware of her intoxicated state and chose to drive.”

Szabo is seeking damages for her vehicle, which she says was totaled in the crash, as well as injuries sustained to her back, neck and shoulder. She is requesting $150,000 for injury costs and property damages.

It is unknown whether Schutz suffered injuries in the crash.

Judge Barbara Roberts of Galveston County Court at Law No. 2 will hear the case.

Trucker Drug Use: A Major Cause of Texas Semi Accidents

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A recent study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration revealed a surprising fact about Texas truck wrecks: truckers are more likely to crash due to drug abuse than alcohol abuse, and the drugs most often abused by truckers were over-the-counter.

Over the course of two years, 25,000 truck accidents were caused by truckers abusing over-the-counter medications, accounting for 17% of all large truck crashes. Over-the-counter medicines were implicated in more than five times the amount of accidents compared to alcohol and illegal drugs combined.

Why do everyday medications play such a large role in Houston 18-wheeler accidents?

Sedating Effects. While many sedatives associated with abuse are prescription-only, there are several over-the-counter drugs that can induce a “high” or otherwise intoxicate the user. Simple cough and cold medicines are the most common culprit.

Lower risk of suspension. Truck drivers can abuse over-the-counter drugs with less risk of punishment from the trucking company or the police. However, driving under the influence or while intoxicated does not always mean “drinking and driving”; a trucker is still negligent and vulnerable to punishment if they are abusing any substance while on the road.

Make or Break a Deadline. Trucking life is tough, and its often the case that truckers are rushing to meet a deadline. Over-the-counter stimulants like caffeine pills, psuedoephedrine, and other herbal supplements are often abused in order to keep the trucker on the road longer. Truckers, like everyone else, should get enough sleep so they can be safe on the roads.

The experienced Houston semi accident attorneys at Vujasinovic & Beckcom know that truckers don’t intend to do harm by driving under the influence. Unfortunately, substance abuse by truckers often results in life-altering or fatal injuries to innocent victims... with rarely any serious injury to the trucker.

Call V&B Attorneys today at (877) 724-7800 for a free consultation on your accident case, or fill out the form on the left for a FREE copy of our book, The Insider's Guide to Winning Your Texas Truck Accident Case.

Family Files $4.25 Million Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Toronto Bus Company

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The family of a woman that was killed in a bus accident last year in Toronto has filed a $4.25 million wrongful death suit against the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), the bus driver, the driver of a truck, and Amherst Crane Rentals Limited who owned the truck.

Jadranka Petrova was just 43-years-old when she died on August 30, 2011 due to a multitude of unsafe acts. First of all, the suit alleges that William Ainsworth, the bus driver, was high on marijuana while driving.

Mr. Ainsworth was charged with criminal negligence by Toronto Police last October.

Petrova’s family claim that TTC was negligent for allowing Ainsworth to operate the bus while impaired. To make matters worse, the driver of a truck involved was reported to have slowed down abruptly without warning and didn’t keep a proper look out.

Amherst Crane Rentals Limited’s truck is said to not be mechanically fit to drive and the company should not have permitted an incompetent driver to operate their truck.

Petrova’s family claims $250,000 in special damages; $3-million in general damages; and $1-million in punitive, exemplary and aggravated damages against William Ainsworth.

The death of a loved one can be one of the most stressful and emotional times in one’s life, especially if the cause was because of negligence.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car or bus accident, you have legal rights for damages. Do some research on our website to find free information that will help you answer all the questions you may have.

For a free consultation, contact our offices today. Toll free: 888-473-1258.

Sterling High School Girls Soccer Team Involved In Bus Accident

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

An investigation is currently underway to find the cause of an accident involving a school bus carrying sixteen Sterling High School students.

The school bus was carrying the Sterling High School girls’ soccer team and their coach when a multi-vehicle pile up created quite a stir among parents and students at Sterling.

The accident happened in LaPorte on Highway 146 and Highway 225. Authorities have said that there were only minor injuries reported and none of them were from anyone aboard the school bus.

Many are starting to look at certain issues involving school bus safety. In this particular situation, the students got out extremely lucky. However that is not always the case.

In Texas, most school buses do not have seat belts. Because they don’t have seat belts, it is way more likely that they will be injured if ever there was an accident.

To find out more about why buses don’t have seat belts, click here.

If you have been injured on a bus with no seat belt, you have a legal right for damages. A seat belt can be the only thing in the way of you and death. Visit our website for free information that can help you answer all your questions.

The attorneys at V&B have dealt with many bus accident cases and have settled millions of dollars for our clients. For more information, visit our case results page.

For a free consultation, contact our offices today. Toll free: 888-473-1258.

California Construction Worker Crushed To Death Due To Failed Safety Regulations

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

In Milpitas, CA an unidentified carpenter was working at a construction site. It was a gated community where a crew was building a 5,800-sqaure-foot house. The worker was in a 12-foot-deep ditch when it caved in.

Instantly, he was buried and crushed to death. As of Monday evening, public safety workers have not yet been able to safely remove his body.

California workplace safety regulators are investigating the fatal work accident.

It was discovered that recent rains plus an absence of shoring in the foundation hole made the site unsafe. However, the contractor U.S Sino Investment did not comply with the stop-work order.

When contractors refuse to listen and obey safety regulations, accidents are bound to happen. There’s a reason why we have work safety laws – it’s with you in mind.

For more information on what to do if you have been injured on the job, click here.

The lawyers at V&B have an incredible track record, bringing millions of dollars in settlement for our clients who have had work accidents. Visit our Case Results on our website for more details.

If you have been injured on the job, we want you to know that you have legal rights for damages. We have designed our website for you! Do some research and educate yourself. We have given you free information which is updated every day with the sole purpose to help you with your situation.

Contact our offices for a free consultation. Toll free: 888-473-1258.

Liberty High School Student Killed in Texas Train-Truck Accident

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A Liberty County car-train accident has left a young man dead and another seriously injured, police reported Friday.

About 4 p.m. on January 13, 16-year-old William Hotaling was riding as a passenger in a 2004 Ford Sport Trac truck on FM 1909 in Raywood. The driver, 20-year-old John Kolin Allison, was traveling westbound toward the railroad crossing near Highway 90 when the signal lights began flashing and the train crossing arms came down.

Local law enforcement officials believe Allison may have been trying to beat the train by driving around the crossing arms. The train, which was traveling at around 40 miles per hour, hit the pickup on its side and pushed it nearly a quarter of a mile before coming to a halt. Hotaling died on impact.

Allison sustained serious injuries in the crash and was taken by air ambulance to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston for treatment. His condition is believed to be critical.

Texas Department of Public Safety Sergeant Delvin Davis was able to verify that the crossing arms were down and lights were flashing when the accident occurred.

“It appears that the driver disregarded those warnings and attempted to cross over the tracks,” said Liberty County Sheriff’s Office Captain Rex Evans.

DPS Trooper Chris Richmond will lead the investigation into the crash. Although the police are still evaluating the scene, they do not have any evidence that Allison was intoxicated.

The attorneys and staff at Vujasinovic & Beckcom are keeping the Hotaling family in our thoughts and prayers, and we offer our deepest condolences the young victim’s friends.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Brain Injury?

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Brain injuries bring almost 250,000 patients to hospitals each year and 50,000 of them end up dead. Car wrecks and sports injuries bring up to 90% of these injuries.

It is sometimes difficult to know when to seek medical attention. However, it’s important to make yourself aware of symptoms in case you or a loved one are having discussions whether to seek medical help.

A huge principle to know is that when an injured patient isn’t acting like themselves, chances are they must go to a hospital immediately.

Brain injuries have a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms. Depending on the person, some signs can appear immediately after the traumatic event, while others can appear days or weeks later.

The terms “mild”, “moderate”, and “severe” are used to describe the effect of the injury on your brain. A mild injury is still a serious injury that requires prompt attention and an accurate diagnosis.

A mild traumatic brain injury is usually a concussion. Signs to watch out for are:

Loss of consciousness
State of confusion or disorientation
Memory problems
Headaches
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Blurry vision, ringing in the ears, bad taste in the mouth,
Sensitivity to light
Mood swings
Depression or anxiety
Change in sleeping patterns

Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries can also include a wide variety of signs which may appear within the first hours to days after a head injury:

Profound confusion,
Agitation, slurred speech,
Weakness or numbness
Loss of coordination
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Persistent headaches
Repeated vomiting
Convulsions or seizures
Dilation of pupils of the eyes
Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears

After a severe head trauma, it is often hard to understand that you may be a victim of a brain injury. Stubbornness may be the only thing between you and a serious lifelong issue. Don’t wait to seek out medical help!

The lawyers at V&B have designed this website with free information to help you answer all your questions regarding your injury. We urge you to do some research and educate yourself.
For a free consultation, contact our offices today. Toll free: 888-473-1258.

Signs Of A Spinal Cord Injury And How To Deal With It

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The spinal cord has a very important function to us because it contains the nerves that carry messages between your brain and your body. The spinal cord passes through your neck and back, making it critical if you have had a neck or back injury to know the signs of serious spinal injury.

Anyone who has experienced a significant trauma to his or her head or neck needs immediate attention. In fact, it’s safe to assume that one has a spinal injury until proven otherwise because spinal injuries aren’t always immediately obvious.

Numbness or paralysis (loss of movement) may result immediately or come on gradually as bleeding or swelling occurs around the spinal cord.

The time between injury and treatment can be critical in determining the extent of complications and the amount of recovery!

A spinal cord injury or neck injury can be caused by:

A bullet or stab wound
A traumatic car accident
Diving accident
Electric shock
Extreme twisting of the middle body
Landing on your head from a fall or sports injury

What are some symptoms of a spinal cord injury?

Numbness or tingling that spreads down your arm or leg
Weakness
Difficulty walking
Paralysis (loss of movement) in your arms or legs
No bladder or bowel control
Shock (pale, clammy skin; bluish lips and fingernails)
Lack of alertness
Stiff neck, headache, or neck pain

If you are involved with someone who has just suffered a spinal injury, it is important to know that you must NOT move them, unless it is absolutely necessary.

Hold their neck in the position in which they were found and do NOT try to straighten the neck. Check their breathing and circulation. If necessary, begin CPR.

If you have had a spinal cord injury, the lawyers at V&B designed our website with you in mind. We want our site to answer all the questions that you may have. Do some research and see what you will find. Educate yourself!

For a free consultation, contact our offices today. Toll free: 888-473-1258.

How Do I Deal With Psychological Trauma After A Car Accident?

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

It is no question that car accidents can cause severe psychological effects on those involved. Dealing with trauma is extremely important. Some individuals may go through PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder, especially when they have received serious injuries or witnessed a death brought about by a car accident.

Numerous psychologists will say that PTSD must be treated, especially when the victim is dealing with long episodes of depression.

What are some symptoms of trauma?

Irritability
Extreme anxiousness
Anger
Inability to sleep
Nightmares
Change in appetite (Binge eating or loss of appetite)
Depression
Frequent reliving of accident through thoughts
A constant tendency to feel unsafe.

Individuals who are experiencing such symptoms may feel disconnected from the world and from the people around them. They often lack emotion and sometimes feel numb towards everything.

Those who are suffering from PTSD must learn to face what has happened to them. It is unhealthy to avoid the memory and other triggers that will remind them of the accident.

Children suffering from trauma will have special needs. The most important fact to keep in mind when living with a traumatized child is to make him or her feel your love and support. Children must never feel that they are alone. Communicate with them and reassure them that they are safe. They can really benefit from the extra attention you give them. Never expect children to think and act like adults.

If you have been in a serious car accident that has rendered you with severe trauma, you have legal rights to recover damages. The lawyers at V&B have offered our help by designing our website with you in mind.

Our website is updated every day with free information that will help you answer the questions you may have regarding your situation. We urge you to take time to do some research and educate yourself.

Contact our offices today for a free consultation. 888-473-1258.

Distracted UPS Truck Driver Causes Semi Accident in Conroe

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A distracted truck driver caused an accident in Conroe and lost hundreds of parcels when his rig caught fire, police reported Thursday.

On Wednesday, January 11, a UPS truck transporting packages from Houston to Southern California was traveling north on Interstate 45 near FM 830. At around 11:45 p.m. the trucker reached down to get something which caused him to lose control of the vehicle, according to Conroe Fire Chief Ken Kreger.

The 53-foot truck slid across the northbound lanes of I-45 on its side, catching fire and causing an oil and diesel spill, Kreger said. Firefighters who responded to the call discovered that the UPS truck had been carrying live ammunition, which they heard exploding as they attempted to control the blaze.

Firefighters obtained a water tanker from the North Montgomery County Fire Department and were able to put out the fire, but the truck’s walls and tires had completely melted. Countless parcels had been lost in the fire, and dozens more were scattered on the ground at the accident scene.

The truck driver was taken to Conroe Regional Medical Center where he received treatment for non-life threatening injuries and was released the next day. No one else was injured in the accident.

Debris was not fully cleared from the roadway until early Thursday morning. Packages that could still be identified by their labels were sent back to UPS for reshipment, but most of the truck’s cargo was burned or unrecognizable. Customers can track their packages online to see if their shipment was lost in the accident, and UPS has promised to refund shippers for their lost items.

Is My Family at High Risk of a Texas Trucking Accident?

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

If you're a lone star state resident, you're already at high risk for a semi truck crash. Texas has one of the highest 18-wheeler crash rates in the country with over 200 fatal semi truck accidents reported every year.
According to the latest data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, over 50,000 large truck accidents took place in 2009 in the United States. Nearly 3,000 people were killed as a result, most of whom were passengers in small vehicles that collided with the truck.

The Texas Department of Transportation has narrowed down the causes of these accidents in the hopes of preventing them. They have discovered that over two-thirds of Texas truck wrecks occurred in rural areas, and that speeding, inattentive driving, and driving under the influence were usually factors in the crash.

The National Transportation Safety Board is trying to combat the problem on a federal level and has suggested several ways to improve trucking safety. Their recommendations include:

Requiring the Federal Highway Administration to re-evaluate semi truck rollover potential, including redesigning heavy trucks and identifying hazardous points in the road that can cause rollover accidents
Mandatory use of stability control systems on all tankers, and enforcement of these systems by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Rigorous performance testing for all trucks exceeding 10,000 pounds

Our Houston truck accident lawyers know that it can take years for such standards to go into effect. In the meantime, countless victims will suffer serious injuries after truck crashes—many of whom deserve compensation for their injuries.

Call Vujasinovic & Beckcom today at (877) 724-7800 for a free consultation on your case. When you call, we'll also send you a FREE copy of our book, The Insider's Guide to Winning Your Texas Truck Accident Case.

Red Light Cameras May Reduce the Number of Texas Auto Accidents

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

While many drivers see red light speed cameras as a simple revenue tool for the state, studies have shown that these simple tools may actually save lives.

According to a November 2008 study by the Center for Transportation Safety of the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University, the number of broadside or “t-bone” collisions in Texas went down drastically at intersections where red light cameras had been installed. The data collected from 56 intersections with cameras showed a 43 percent decrease in t-bone collisions over the course of the year.

In addition, a 2007 study by Iowa State's Center for Transportation Research and Education found that the annual "expected average number of crashes per quarter” caused by running a red light went down by 40% after cameras were installed at intersections.

T-bone accidents are the most common type of intersection collision and one of the most deadly for a car’s occupants. Since a car is less equipped to handle impact at the sides than it is at the front and rear, the passengers are more likely to absorb the force of an oncoming vehicle and suffer serious injury.

If you have been injured in a Texas side-impact crash, our Houston car crash lawyers may be able to help you obtain the compensation you need to heal. Call Vujasinovic & Beckcom today at (877) 724-7800 for a free consultation, or fill out our online contact form. We’ll also send you a FREE copy of our book, The Insider's Guide to Winning Your Texas Car Accident Case.