Barcus & Cantrell PLLCBarcus & Cantrell PLLP2026-05-28T13:32:02Zhttps://www.bctexaslawyers.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1404188/2023/11/cropped-Barcus_Cantrell_PLLC_3880761_Site_icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Barcus & Cantrell PLLC<![CDATA[Teen driving in summer: Freedom that should be treated with caution]]>https://www.bctexaslawyers.com/?p=477042024-06-11T15:59:42Z2024-06-11T15:59:42ZDoes your teen understand the risks?
Does your teenager know that the duration between Memorial Day and Labor Day has been dabbed the 100 Deadliest Days? This is because of the spike in teenage car accidents on the roadways throughout the country.
One of the factors that contribute to this spike is teenagers’ temptation to engage in risky behavior while driving. This is especially likely if they have teenage passengers in the vehicle with them. Their peers can dare them to compete with other vehicles on the road or accelerate to an unsafe speed as a flex.
Furthermore, most teenagers behind the wheel during summer break are new drivers who are still developing their driving skills and judgment. Being an inexperienced driver in such a high-pressure environment can be a recipe for disaster.
Assessing your teen’s readiness
Before you decide to give your teenager the car keys, you should assess their readiness for the madness on the roads. First and foremost, your teen should have aced their driver’s education course. The more supervised driving hours they logged during the course, the better. To ascertain their competence, you might want to conduct driving practices in different road conditions.
Additionally, you should observe your teen’s general behavior and decision-making in daily life. Are they showing responsibility and the capability to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations? These traits may be crucial for safe driving during summer break.
Deciding whether to let your teenager drive unsupervised this summer requires a careful balance between granting independence and working to ensure safety. By thoroughly assessing their readiness and helping them understand the dangers on the roads, you can help your teen navigate the busy summer roads responsibly. Should your teen get in a collision through no fault of their own, you can hold the at-fault party accountable with appropriate legal support.]]>On Behalf of Barcus & Cantrell PLLC<![CDATA[Should you let your attorney deal with the insurance company after a collision?]]>https://www.bctexaslawyers.com/?p=477002024-06-05T20:19:28Z2024-06-05T20:19:28ZInsurance policies can be complex. An attorney can help.
Insurance policies are laden with complex legal terms and clauses that can be difficult for most people to fully understand. An experienced attorney can decipher the nuances of these policies, ensuring that you are fully aware of your entitlements. This knowledge is crucial, especially when you are navigating the claims process and seeking fair compensation.
An attorney can negotiate for you.
After an accident, you will typically interact with an insurance adjuster whose primary role is to evaluate the claim and minimize the payout for the insurance company. Adjusters are seasoned negotiators armed with tactics that might lead to a settlement that is less than what you deserve.
You may not have the negotiation skills you need to push back against these challenges. However, experienced attorneys are skilled negotiators who can advocate on your behalf.
An experienced lawyer can help you get a full picture of the damage caused by the accident.
Car accidents can be costly. In fact, the average claim in 2022 totaled 24,211 dollars if that crash resulted in a bodily injury.
While physical damages to your vehicle are obvious, you may overlook other damages such as medical expenses, lost wages and emotional distress. If you experienced harm like a traumatic brain injury, you may not see the symptoms of your injury appear for days or even weeks. An attorney can help identify and quantify these damages to ensure that your claim encompasses all potential impacts of the accident.
The right guidance can help you protect your rights.
Perhaps the most critical reason to hire an attorney is to protect your legal rights throughout the claims process. Insurance companies might propose settlements that are not in your best interest, especially if there are legal nuances that you might not be aware of. An attorney will ensure that your rights are not infringed upon and that the settlement reflects the true value of your claim.
While it is possible to handle insurance claims on your own after a car accident, the benefits of allowing your attorney to deal with the insurance company can be significant. By entrusting this complex task to a knowledgeable professional, you can enjoy peace of mind as you focus on your recovery.]]>On Behalf of Barcus & Cantrell PLLC<![CDATA[5 common catastrophic injuries caused by car accidents]]>https://www.bctexaslawyers.com/?p=476982024-05-28T15:46:43Z2024-05-28T15:46:43Zmost commonly injured body parts:
Head and back injuries: These injuries are among the most severe outcomes of car accidents due to their potential long-term effects. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) or spinal injury can cause severe conditions like paralysis and diminished cognitive function.
Facial injuries: Facial injuries, such as scars and broken bones, from car accidents can range from minor to severe and often require medical treatment.
Neck and chest injuries: The force of a car accident can cause significant injuries to the neck and chest area. Whiplash is a common car accident injury, as are broken ribs, which can lead to internal injuries.
Soft tissue injuries: Injuries like sprains and strains might not seem severe but can cause long-term discomfort and complications.
Arm and leg injuries: Crushed or amputated limbs can affect your mobility or self-sufficiency. Broken bones and dislocated joints can also vary in severity.
Seeking help after an accident
If you've been hurt in a car accident that wasn't your fault, it's important to know that you have options. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can provide you with information about your rights and potential compensation. Remember, the impact of a car accident can be profound, and you don't have to face the aftermath alone.]]>On Behalf of Barcus & Cantrell PLLC<![CDATA[3 ways transportation companies can reduce semi-truck crash rates]]>https://www.bctexaslawyers.com/?p=471702023-09-26T13:24:48Z2023-09-26T13:24:48ZAbiding by the spirit of the law rather than the letter alone
Many commercial crashes occur because of known and easily-preventable safety issues. Truck drivers who have been on the road for too long will experience fatigue that affects their ability to be safe at the wheel. Drivers may also feel pressure from their families or their employers to take phone calls or respond to written messages while operating a commercial truck. Employers sometimes exacerbate these existing risks by having policies that require drivers to bend or break traffic safety rules. Making safety and compliance top priorities within a company's culture can go a long way toward reducing the likelihood of a severe collision.
Investing in proper maintenance and equipment
Commercial transportation companies typically have to inspect and repair the trucks in their fleets to keep them safe for the road. However, a significant percentage of the reported collisions involving commercial trucks each year occur because of an issue with the vehicle itself. Many of the worst collisions, specifically underride crashes, would be preventable or at least less serious if transportation companies invested in better underride guards instead of only paying the minimum amount possible for the cheapest guards available.
Maintaining strict training and performance standards
Companies cannot necessarily control what their individual employees do on the road, but they can maintain standards regarding personal habits and behavior on the clock to diminish the likelihood of a company vehicle causing a major wreck. Drivers who know they are subject to a zero-tolerance policy for blood alcohol levels, for example, are more likely than others to avoid having a drink before getting on the road. Companies can reduce the likelihood of one of their drivers causing a crash by consistently enforcing high standards and either retraining or terminating those who display unsafe behaviors at the wheel.
Recognizing when a transportation company may have contributed to a recent wreck could help a crash victim to pursue compensation from the right party. All too often, it is the employer of a truck operator that is to blame either instead of or in addition to that truck operator themselves.]]>On Behalf of Barcus & Cantrell PLLC<![CDATA[The terror of being trapped under a truck]]>https://www.bctexaslawyers.com/?p=471642023-06-19T16:16:28Z2023-06-19T16:16:28ZCommercial truck accidents can take many forms. One of the more terrifying scenarios involves underride crashes where s smaller vehicle will move partially or entirely under the truck. In addition to the sheer terror, serious and potentially fatal injuries can result.
Simple solutions?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) claims that installing side underride guards could save more than ten times as many lives. Current standards only mandate tractor trailers to operate with underride guards on the back of their trucks, not the sides.
Installation is a costly undertaking. The initial cost-benefit analysis of such a mandate that would equip large trucks in fleets nationwide is between $973 million and $1.2 billion. Per year, accident forecasts see it stopping 17 deaths and 69 personal injuries.
However, statistics do not reveal other crashes that could benefit from the increased protections, precisely more than one single-passenger vehicle and tractor-trailer. Also not accounted for are crashes that happen when vehicles travel more than 40 miles per hour.
A separate study saw promising numbers, with 159 to 217 fatal accidents depending on protections forward of the rear axle or along the entire trailer’s length. In addition, fatalities involving bicyclists and motorcyclists would also be reduced.
While motor vehicle accidents are frightening, the notion of being trapped under a semi-tractor trailer represents pure terror. Simple steps to prevent those catastrophic events continue to be how scarce.]]>On Behalf of Barcus & Cantrell PLLC<![CDATA[What constitutes a wrongful death under Texas law?]]>https://www.bctexaslawyers.com/?p=471622023-03-27T19:31:57Z2023-03-27T19:31:57ZFailures and misconduct can lead to claims
The Texas wrongful death statute actually includes a relatively robust definition of the types of actions that would lead to a lawsuit. Misconduct or regulatory rule-breaking is one reason to pursue a claim. Neglect is another. Unskillfulness, carelessness and defaults are also grounds for wrongful death claims in Texas.
The law specifically allows for a claim based on an individual's actions or the actions of others acting on their behalf. People could potentially pursue a claim against an employer if someone causes a death while working. In addition to having some kind of provable misconduct or negligence involved, wrongful death claims also require some kind of provable economic impact.
Provided that someone can prove another party did something inappropriate and there were financial consequences, they may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit under Texas law that can lead to financial compensation.
Wrongful death claims create consequences for misconduct
Especially if the state did not prosecute the person or business that caused someone's death, surviving family members may feel as though they did not receive justice. A wrongful death lawsuit can lead to financial justice by forcing one party to compensate the surviving dependent family members for the financial impact of losing a loved one. Additionally, many people find closure in a court order acknowledging that another party was responsible for the death of their family member.
Understanding the approach that Texas takes in regard to wrongful death claims is necessary for families that are hoping to pursue justice in civil court after losing a loved one due to another’s actions or inactions. Speaking with an experienced legal professional can provide surviving loved ones with that clarity.]]>On Behalf of Barcus & Cantrell PLLC<![CDATA[Why trucking accidents happen]]>https://www.bctexaslawyers.com/?p=471552022-12-27T23:01:15Z2022-12-27T23:01:15ZThe mental and physical strain when trucking
Truck drivers have a very intensive job. This may seem strange to many people who believe trucking is a relaxing job where people sit all day and get paid for it. This misconception is often caused because few people spend as much time on the road as truckers and, as a result, don’t realize that truck drivers face a lot of mental and physical difficulties by staying in their line of work.
First off, sitting for hours without stretching has been linked to many health problems such as high blood pressure, reduced blood circulation, excess body fat and diabetes. Truckers likely won’t develop these medical issues early, yet, many truckers never leave their line of work, which can lead to the development of these conditions.
It doesn’t help that truckers also don’t have the time to spare for three meals a day, let alone one hot meal a day, and may have to drive on an empty stomach. Truckers that do eat while driving, not that it’s considered safe, are likely eating high-carb fast foods that may increase the likelihood of developing a serious medical condition.
Then, many truckers don’t have time to sleep long. They’re often held to short deadlines and may have to skip sleeping. A lack of sleep can lead to physical and mental problems such as drowsiness and headaches or depression and insomnia.
Truckers may face strain when they develop mental conditions. Many truckers suffer from depression. This may be a result of the physical strain from the job, but also as a result of constant isolation and their separation from family and friends.
If you were in an accident where a truck hit you, you may need to understand your legal rights to seek out the responsible party for your injuries and losses.]]>On Behalf of Barcus & Cantrell PLLC<![CDATA[The frequency and gravity of trucking accidents]]>https://www.bctexaslawyers.com/?p=471532022-09-22T19:45:07Z2022-09-22T19:45:07Z2019 study, there was a reported number of 37.9 million registered trucks with just over 20% of the trucks used for commercial purposes. Of the 20% of commercial trucks, nearly 175.3 billion miles were driven. The risk factor of a truck causing an accident increases as the number of trucks on the road rises and the number of miles driven.
From this 2019 study, trucking accidents caused injuries to around 130,000 individuals and fatal injuries to nearly 4,000 people. Nearly 25% of all fatal accidents from semitrucks occur on highways. Because of the dangers trucks pose, this line of work is considered one of the most dangerous lines of work in the United States.
How dangerous are big rig collisions?
Trucks deliver extremely heavy and often hazardous goods. Because of this, the injuries from one accident to the next may vary.
A truck that is only delivering large shipments may pack a punch to other vehicles in an accident. While, a truck delivering flammable, toxic or explosive goods can impact immediate victims and anyone around the accident. Injuries from a big rig may include:
Severe burns
Concussion and whiplash
Head and spine injuries
Broken bones
Internal bleeding
Even if someone was only hit by a semitruck in a minor way, they shouldn't dismiss their injuries. Bruises and stiffness may be early signs of severe medical problems.
If you know someone who was injured in a trucking accident, then you may need to reach out for legal help who can provide more options.]]>On Behalf of Barcus & Cantrell PLLC<![CDATA[Ask for the black box after a trucking accident]]>https://www.bctexaslawyers.com/?p=468882022-06-21T16:06:18Z2022-06-17T21:23:25Ztruck crash from it.
Getting a truck’s electronic logging device
Since there is no federal law requiring the logging device, it won’t automatically be evidence in your case. It’s a good idea to talk to your attorney immediately about getting that information. They will petition the court and ask to get that data, so you can use it in your case.
What will the data include? That will depend on the specific model of electronic logging device held within the vehicle. Some of them have simple data like the speed the truck was going a few moments before the crash. Others will have more detailed information like if the driver was using cruise control or if they had a seatbelt on.
These boxes don’t always maintain information for very long, so it’s essential that you take steps to get the data as soon as possible. Some hold data for 30 days or longer, but others start recording over themselves within hours, days or weeks. Your attorney will take action to prevent the company from overwriting the information or altering it in any way, but they do have to act quickly to have an opportunity to do so.
Depending on the model of the black box, you might be able to get plenty of information to show that the driver was not being safe behind the wheel. If so, it can only bolster your case and help you on your way to a successful claim.]]>On Behalf of Barcus & Cantrell PLLC<![CDATA[You deserve support for broken bones after a car crash]]>https://www.bctexaslawyers.com/?p=468872023-11-21T12:59:29Z2022-03-25T18:41:51Zchronic pain and disability.
While many people don’t think that broken bones are very serious, the reality is that broken bones can be catastrophic to a person’s life. Depending on how they’re broken, some broken bones may be unable to be healed and could lead to amputations as well.
How do broken bones happen in auto accidents?
It’s common for broken bones to occur in crashes. Some of the most common reasons for broken bones include:
Bring thrown from the vehicle
Being thrown backward or forward within the vehicle
Being hit by debris or objects
Being compressed or crushed during the collision
Being hit by the other vehicle directly
Hitting hard objects with force, such as if you hit your steering wheel
Twisting or bending your limbs in an unusual way
These and other reasons for broken bones can lead to serious breaks that require emergency medical care.
Understanding your broken bones
Depending on the kind of break you’re dealing with, you may need different kinds of treatment. For example, crushed bones may require surgery to get pins or plates installed to help them stay in position and heal. If that’s not possible, the limb may need to be amputated.
If you have a compound break or a break that has come through the skin, you will likely need it to be set and could require surgery or physical therapy.
Even if you have a minor fracture, you may still not be able to use the limb or body part for some time.
All of these issues could lead to you missing work or being in pain. You could end up with a disability, too, under some circumstances. As a result, if you’re hurt, it’s wise to look into seeking compensation from the at-fault party, so you can focus on your health and recovery rather than lost wages, medical expenses or other costs.]]>