North Texas Accident Blog

The most up-to-date information regarding personal injury law and cases happening in North Texas. Blog posts cover information regarding Texas car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle pedestrian accidents, plus work injuries and slip and fall cases. Posts also include news about changes in personal injury, drunk driving, or seat belt laws. Read this information to protect yourself and your family in the Dallas -Fort Worth metroplex.

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Dallas Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Motorcycle Officer Injured in Presidential Motorcade in Dallas, Texas

08/10/2010

A Dallas Police Department motorcycle officer was injured while riding in President Barak Obama’s motorcade in Highland Park, Texas on Monday afternoon, according to police. The president was in Highland Park for a private Democratic fundraising event.

The accident occurred when Senior Cpl. Michael Mannis’s motorcycle tumbled over in the 2900 block of Wycliff Avenue at Hartford Street in Dallas. Mannis hit his head and suffered abrasions to his hands and elbows. He was taken to Parkland Hospital, where doctors ruled out a concussion.

Mannis’s motorcycle fell while the officers were performing an “advanced leapfrog” formation, where officers trade positions while leading the motorcade through intersections. Witnesses say as Mannis tried to perform this maneuver, his bike flipped. A doctor in President Obama’s motorcade stopped to help after the crash.

This is not the first instance of a Dallas police officer becoming injured while leading a motorcade. In 2008, Senior Cpl. Victor Lozada was tragically killed while participating in a motorcade for Hillary Clinton, then a senator from New York campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination. After Lozada’s death, the Dallas Police Department implemented new rules for motorcades, requiring officers to practice the route prior to riding in the motorcade.

I am glad that Officer Mannis did not sustain worse injuries. I’m sure the Dallas Police Department’s requirements for practicing the route beforehand contributes to better awareness of the route, which is imperative when performing motorcycle maneuvers like “advanced leapfrog” which requires skill and practice.

Information provided by Board Certified Personal Injury Lawyer and motorcycle rider advocate Mark A. Anderson. He can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000, in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900, and toll free across Texas at 877-294-1115. He can also be contacted by clicking here.

Photo from nbcdfw.com

Lewisville Police Hunt Down Dark SUV Which Killed Motorcyclist

08/09/2010

The Lewisville, Texas Police Department is looking for the driver and a passenger of a dark gray or black Chevrolet Tahoe or Suburban that fled the scene of a fatal car/motorcycle accident which occurred early Sunday morning. According to the Lewisville Police, at about 4:00 a.m. Sunday, the SUV collided with a motorcycle at the intersection of State Highway 121 (business) and Bellaire Boulevard in Lewisville. The driver of the motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene and a passenger on the motorcycle was taken to a local hospital.

According to police, the dark Chevrolet should have significant damage to its front end. The fog light housing that was mounted below the front bumper was torn off and left at the scene of the fatal accident. The housing still contained one fog light. Plus, the Chevrolet “bowtie” logo was also broken off from the grille of the SUV and left at the scene. Anyone with any information on the identity of the driver and the passenger of this Chevrolet, please contact the Lewisville Police Department at 972 219 3600.

I hope these criminals who fled the scene are found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. It is against Texas law to be involved in an accident and flee the scene. This is such a tragic accident-and one that was definitely preventable. My thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of the unidentified motorcyclist. I also hope the passenger of the motorcycle has a speedy recovery.

Information and commentary provided by Mark Anderson, injury attorney. The Anderson law firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000, in Fort Worth at 817 294 1900 or across Texas at 877 294 1115. They can also be contacted by clicking here.

Man Dies After Being Ejected From Car In Irving Wreck

07/26/2010

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.

One Dead in Fatal Fort Worth Crash

07/20/2010

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.

Update: Arlington Accident on I20

07/16/2010

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.

Fort Worth Injury Lawyer Blog

Tragedies of Drunk Driving

08/09/2010

Though it may be because of my career as a injury lawyer, I can’t help but feel defeated every time I see another life torn apart by a drunk driver. Those killed in fatal drunk driving accidents are often commemorated along the road side with a plaque reading “please don’t drink and drive.” Yet, in spite of the dire consequences witnessed through these roadway signs and frequently covering the news headlines, 65% of fatal car accidents every year are at the hands of drunk drivers.

With all of the drunk driving laws and knowledge of the dangers the facts continue to shock me. Though you may feel the percentage of drunk drivers on the road is minimal- in actuality, 80% of alcohol-consuming adults admit that they have drove under the influence before. With these numbers it is safe to say the roads from dusk ‘til dawn are never without drunk drivers. In fact, between the hours of 7 pm and 3 am, an astounding 10% of drivers on the road are over the legal limit of 0.08. That means 1 out of 10 drivers you encounter on the roads are not fit to drive. Out of these intoxicated drivers most of them are driving with a BAC double the legal limit.

Though from 1991 to 2008 drunk driving accidents had decreased by 38%, drunk driving is still the cause of some 12,000 deaths every year. And despite drunk driving laws there is still a 60% chance that any one person will be involved in a drunk driving accident. With these types of numbers- how are you to protect yourself from the careless and irresponsible behavior of others? Seattle car accident attorney, Jason Epstein, has provided some tips in his article: Top Ways to Spot a Drunk Driver. These tips will help you identify drunk drivers and can help you avoid being involved in a potentially fatal accident.

If you have been injured as the result of the reckless behavior of a drunk driver I encourage you to speak with a lawyer. If you are in the Dallas Fort Worth area, feel free to call the Anderson Law Firm at 817-294-1900 or at 214-327-8000 with any questions regarding your case. If you are located in the Seattle area, you can contact Jason Epstein of the Bellevue personal injury law firm, Premier Law Group.

Mother Of Injured Mansfield Toddler Arrested

07/29/2010

The mother of a 2-year-old Mansfield girl who arrived at an Arlington hospital unconscious earlier this month has been arrested. Ryka Hopper is in the Mansfield Jail where she faces a charge of injury to a child by omission. Her bond had been set at $100,000.

Hopper's live-in boyfriend, Adam Carroll Palmer, 27, was arrested earlier this month. He faces two counts of causing serious bodily injury to a child and an aggravated-assault charge and his bond was set at $450,000. Hopper and her two daughters, ages 5 and 2, arrived at an Arlington hospital on July 12 with bruises and other injuries to their bodies.

The 2-year-old was unconscious and had injuries to the brain, including blood and contusions. She was later taken by air ambulance to Medical City Hospital in Dallas, where she remains in a coma.

Hopper said she had arrived home and found the 2-year-old unconscious on the floor, according to the affidavit. She said Palmer told her that the toddler had a seizure. She then stated that the child remained on the floor for more than 16 hours before she finally regained consciousness and started crying. Because the crying awakened Palmer, he picked the 2-year-old up "like a rag doll and threw her to the floor and told her to shut up," Hopper told police.

The toddler whimpered on the floor until she went to sleep, according to the affidavit. After the incident, the girl could not walk or use her right hand and had trouble speaking, the affidavit says. According to court records, Palmer was given deferred adjudication on an injury-to-a-child case that occurred in 2003, but that probation was revoked in 2008 and he was sentenced to prison.

The fact that a mother can sit there while her child is unconscious for over 16 hours without getting worried just shows an extreme amount of recklessness and irresponsibility as a parent. This kind of child abuse should not be tolerated. Parent negligence is usually the cause of child injury, and this woman was aiding in this criminal act by not saying anything or reporting the abuse to the police.

I hope this investigation gives justice to a toddler that was critically injured for no apparent reason. As a parent myself, I find this kind of act despicable. It just shows cowardice and ignorance on the guardians’ part.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Child 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. For more information on child injuries, fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Fatal Motorcycle Crash in West Fort Worth

07/15/2010

A motorcycle rider, Geoffrey Daily, was fatally injured Wednesday in an early-morning accident on the west side of Fort Worth. Daily, 32, of Fort Worth was identified by the Tarrant County medical examiner.

According to Sgt. Pedro Criado, police spokesman, the wreck happened 7:19 a.m. on the exit ramp leading to eastbound Interstate 30 from southbound West Loop 820. The biker was riding in the right-hand lane, when a red Ford Escape ahead of him changed lanes from left to right, Criado said. The motorcyclist took an evasive action, Criado said, but the bike struck the protective metal railing and crashed. Daily died 12:25 p.m. at the intensive care unit of Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital, the medical examiner reported. No other information has been released.

Our greatest sympathies go out to the friends and family of the Fort Worth resident Geoffrey Daily. Injuries and fatalities of motorcyclists are, unfortunately, on the rise. There were 4,810 deaths and over 88,000 injuries involving motorcycle riders in 2006 alone. This is more than a 5 percent increase from the previous year.

The most common cause of wrecks involving motorcycles is inattention of the other driver. This accounts for about 70 percent of all crashes. This is the most likely reason for Daily’s death. The driver of the red Ford Escape was probably not paying attention or he “just didn’t see him.” Everyone on the road needs to make sure that they are alert and paying attention to the other drivers. Whether they are in a four-wheeler, 18-wheeler, or a bike they all have rights.

Information and Commentary is provided by Motorcycle Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. If you or a loved has been in a motorcycle 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.

Alvarado Man Killed At Arlington Drill Site

07/14/2010

The worker who was fatally crushed Tuesday afternoon by drilling equipment at a gas well site in Arlington has been identified as 34-year-old Nabor Alvarado of Alvarado.

Alvarado is believed to be an employee of Trinidad Drilling, a Canadian company working for Chesapeake Energy, which owns the pad site in the 5700 block of U.S. 287 near the Kennedale border.

Alan Kassen, Arlington assistant fire chief, said it appeared that a large piece of drilling equipment fell on the worker about 4:15 p.m., killing him instantly, during assembly of the rig.

This is a terrible thing to happen to someone while on the job, and our hearts go out to Alvarado and his family.

Hopefully, an investigation will uncover the reason for this tragic accident. While accidents are common on drill sites, that does not mean they should happen. Something went wrong here—either equipment malfunction or human error. Either way, the accident should not have occurred.

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. For more information regarding construction or oil rig site injuries, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Football Player Hurt In Cowboy’s Indoor Field Suing For Injuries

07/13/2010

A former Dallas Cowboys player claims he suffered a career-ending injury in the team's indoor practice facility when it collapsed last year. He is seeking damages from the builder and companies operated by team owner Jerry Jones.

The victim, Jamar Hunt, says in a court filing that he suffered serious, disabling and permanent injuries in May 2009 after the structure fell.

Hunt was a rookie free agent from the University of Texas at El Paso trying to make the team as a tight end and deep snapper at the time.

Michael Guajardo, Hunt's attorney, said the player suffered a herniated disk in his neck when a steel support fell on him.

Cowboys spokesman Rich Dalrymple said the team isn't commenting on Hunt's claim.

Hunt is making the same allegations against the companies that special teams coach, Joe DeCamillas, and team scout Rich Behm, made earlier this year.

DeCamillas suffered broken vertebrae and Behm was left paralyzed from the waist down. Both filed identical lawsuits in separate Dallas courts that alleged negligence by the company that built the facility, Summit Structures LLC, and cite three entities controlled by Jones for improperly supervising repairs.

Last month, Behm and DeCamillas reached settlements with Summit and its Canadian parent, Cover-All Building Systems Inc. after a Canadian court lifted a stay blocking legal proceedings against the failed company and allowed the two Cowboys employees to collect proceeds from its insurance.

If the tent-like structure was poorly designed and made (as it appears), then Hunt has every right to sue for damages caused by poor construction. I wish Mr. Hunt and Mr. Guajardo luck on this serious injury case.

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.

Car Accidents

7/27/2010
Ashley Iovine
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Mansfield Man Dies In Head On Collision

The driver of a 2004 Pontiac Bonneville was killed Sunday in a head-on collision with an SUV in southwest Mansfield, police said.

Kelly House, 33, of Mansfield, was pronounced dead at a Mansfield hospital shortly after the 4:30 p.m. wreck, police reported. House's wife and 6-year-old son and the driver of a GMC Yukon were injured but their conditions could not be learned Monday.

The Pontiac was westbound and the SUV was eastbound when they collided in the 1000 block of East Broad Street west of U.S. 287, said Officer Thad Penkala, a Mansfield police spokesman.

Car accidents happen every day here in the DFW metroplex and sometimes when we read these news reports we forget that this was somebody’s husband, somebody’s father. Our deepest sympathies go out to the House family and those involved in the accident. Remember to always practice defensive driving, as sometimes that can save your life.

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, fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Labels: Accident attorney automobile car crash Dallas death fort worth injury lawyer wreck

7/12/2010
Ashley Iovine
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Fort Worth Man Accused Of Stealing Truck, Kidnapping Boy, And Causing An Accident

A man steals a truck, kidnaps a child, and then injures an innocent civilian in a car crash in the Fort Worth area.

Labels: Accident attorney automobile car fort worth injury kidnapping lawyer motor vehicle pickup truck steal

7/1/2010
Ashley Iovine
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The Anderson Law Firm’s Distracted Driving Campaign: Haltom High School Wins Contest

Haltom High School in Fort Worth, Texas wins the Anderson Law Firm's Teens Against Distracted Driving Contest.

Labels: Accident car distracted driving drunk fort worth injury lawyer Shattered Dreams TADD teens

Truck and Bus Accidents

8/23/2010
Ashley Iovine
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Dallas County To Get Seat Belts In Busses

Dallas County is adding seat belts to ensure safety for children in school busses.

Labels: attorney Bus Accidents Bus Crash Bus Wreck Dallas/ Fort Worth lawyer Seat Belts

7/22/2010
Jackie Wheeler
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California Bus Crash Leaves 6 Dead and 34 Injured

Early Thursday morning a crash involving a Greyhound bu s and two other vehicles on a highway in Fresno, California, killed 6 people and left 34 injured.

That accident happened around 5:15 a.m. eastern time on northbound California Highway 99. According to highway patrol spokesman, Officer Kirk Arnold, the bus apparently struck an overturned SUV that was in the highway’s fast lane, and then struck a second vehicle before going off road and slamming into a large eucalyptus tree.

Timothy Stokes, a Greyhound spokesman, said the bus was en route from Los Angeles to Sacramento with 35 people on board. Arnold said the bus had apparently made a stop in Fresno. Stokes said in a statement the bus was en route to its next stop, Madera, California, when the wreck occurred.

Authorities are still trying to piece everything together. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Six people sustained severe injuries in the crash, and another 24 had minor injuries.
Even thought this accident took place in California, it could have easily been a reality here in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area. Due to their sheer size, buses are extremely dangerous in any collision. Passengers on buses are typically unrestrained, and have virtually none of the protection that passengers in other motor vehicles utilize.

From Greyhound to local bus agencies, you may experience a host of potential safety issues, including poorly-maintained buses, bus drivers without enough experience, or even a bus driver who has been driving too many long shifts. Because of the safety issues the FMCSA, or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association, implemented a new list of federal regulations to protect bus passengers and ensure bus agencies are complying with federal safety laws.

Our condolences go out the families of the victims in this deadly California bus crash. A thorough accident investigation will be able to give us more information on how this wreck happened and hopefully advice on how to keep collisions like this from happening in the future.

Information and commentary provide by bus accident attorney Mark Anderson. If you have been in a bus collision and are in need of legal advice call the Anderson Law Firm today. We can be reached toll free at 877.294.1115 or you can contact us online for a free consultation.

Labels: Accident bus California crash fatal greyhound

7/16/2010
Jackie Wheeler
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Safety problems Found On 1,700-plus Texas Trucks

Earlier this week, more than 1,700 trucks were taken out of service because of safety violations during a three-day road check 2010 program conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety. DPS troopers checked 6,909 commercial vehicles statewide. Out of that 6,909, 1,738 or 25% were taken out of service because of safety violations discovered that required critical maintenance. In addition to the truck violations, 160 drivers were fired for breach of protocol, including not properly tracking hours, and driving with suspended or expired driver license.

The breakdown of the violations during the June 8-10 road check are as follows:
- five tickets for seat belt violations
- 900 brakes out of adjustment
- 702 brake system problems
- 283 tire or wheel issues
- 322 light malfunctions

The results of this DPS road check are frightening and alarming Commercial vehicles are out on the roads more than the typical driver. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, in 2007, the national total of crashes involving large trucks was 4,808--over 400 of which occurred here in Texas.

18-wheelers can be very dangerous. The fact that over 25% of the trucks inspected were in violation of safety codes is very scary. It makes you wonder everytime you are next to a big rig on the road if it is one of the ones that should not be out on the road. Hopefully, the DPS will crack down on these discretions and help keep the roads safe.

Information and commentary is provided by Truck Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. If you have questions about truck accidents please call the Anderson Law Firm for a free consultation. We can be reached toll free at 877.294.1115 or contact us online.

Labels: Accident attorney DPS safety truck

Motorcycle Accidents

8/19/2010
Mark Anderson
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Fort Worth Teen Killed in Motorcycle Wreck

Austen Ussery, a Keller High School recent graduate, Killed in tragic motorcycle accident in Fort Worth, Texas

Labels: Accident death fort worth Fort Worth Attorney motorcycle accident

6/29/2010
Ashley Iovine
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TERRY'S BIG ADVENTURE AND RIDING FOR A CURE-MAY 23, 2010

Terry Purdom rides his motorcycle across the country to raise money and awareness for cancer research.

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Drunk Driving Accidents

7/9/2010
Ashley Iovine
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Former Weatherford Football Star Gets 15 Years For Drunk Driving Manslaughter

Former Weatherford football star killed a man driving while intoxicated. He receives a sentence of 15 years in prison.

Labels: Accident attorney car death drug drunk driving football fort worth lawyer prison star weatherford

7/1/2010
Jackie Wheeler
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Tarrant County Targets Drunk-Driving With 'No Refusal' Weekend

Today in Fort Worth, the Tarrant County district attorney’s office announced a “no refusal” period for blood-alcohol tests beginning July 2nd until July 5th.

The police in Tarrant County are trying to make this Fourth of July weekend safe for all drivers on the road. According to Assistant District Attorney Richard Alpert the extra law enforcement is meant to let drivers know that they can safely get from Place A to Place B with less fear of drunken driving.

Nearly 30 law enforcement agencies throughout Tarrant County will participate in the effort to cut down on drinking and driving during the holidays. Anyone suspected of driving under the influence that refuses to take a blood-alcohol test will have blood drawn under a search warrant.

Drunken driving accidents cause over 1,500 fatalities each year in Texas. That's over 45% of all driving fatalities on our Texas roads. Drunken driving wrecks are even more common during the holidays, which is why I think Tarrant County’s “No Refusal” weekend policy will benefit all drivers on the road.

Drunken Driving collisions are the cause of 50% of the fatal wrecks that occur on the weekends. Unfortunately, even if you are not the party drinking and driving you can still be affected by it. You can take a few simple driving safety precautions to drastically reduce your chances of being involved in a drunken driving accident.

Stay safe this July 4th. Tarrant County is doing everything it can to help clear the roads of drunken drivers, by designating a sober driver you can make sure you have a safe, fun independence day.

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 drunken driving accident, please fill our out contact from online for a free consultation.

Labels: car crash Dallas drunk driving DUI Tarrant County under the influence

Pedestrian - Crosswalk & Bicycle Accidents

7/28/2010
Ashley Iovine
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Woman Fatally Struck By T Bus In Downtown Fort Worth

An XTO employee was killed Tuesday afternoon when she was struck by a T bus in a downtown crosswalk. Judith Peterson, 61, of Haltom City was pronounced dead at the scene just before 2 p.m. Peterson had been walking west on the sidewalk along Sixth Street; the bus was also headed west on Sixth. As Peterson crossed Houston Street, the bus turned south onto Houston.

Charlotte Timms, who said she has been a bus rider for 30 years, said, "I was just sitting at the back of the bus and felt a thud. The driver hit the brake. Then she started screaming. She was having a meltdown." Timms said she couldn't see the traffic light but was sure it was green because other vehicles were going through the intersection. The bus hit the pedestrian as she was walking the crosswalk.

Police placed tarps to block the view of onlookers. But one woman said she saw a body under bus wheels. Members of the Police Department's traffic investigation unit interviewed witnesses to try to determine who had the right of way. Two passengers were on the bus, Neal said. The bus driver — a 10-year veteran of the Fort Worth Transportation Authority — was visibly upset and taken to a nearby hospital to be checked out, but was not physically injured. Two passengers on the bus were also unhurt.

Hopefully the Police Department will be able to put together the missing pieces and figure out what went wrong in this accident. It is hard to imagine an incident like this taking place in the middle of a downtown area, and our hearts go out to the victim’s family and friends. Although it is unclear who had the right of way, remember to follow all traffic signals and signs so events like this can be prevented. There is a pedestrian related traffic accident every 8 minutes and a fatality less than every 2 hours.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Pedestrian 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 more information about pedestrian accidents, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Labels: Accident attorney crosswalk death fort worth lawyer pedestrian T bus

7/20/2010
Jackie Wheeler
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Pedestrian Fatally Hit By Car in Euless, TX

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7/1/2010
Ashley Iovine
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Dallas Bike Plan 2011: Paving The Way To Share The Road

Dallas will be taking it's bike plan into effect in 2011 to increase the number of people riding bikes, but reduce the amount of accidents.

Labels: accidents accommodations attorney bicycle bike Dallas fort worth lawyer plan safety

Injuries to Children

9/1/2010
Jackie Wheeler
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Congress Urged to Up Child Safety In Automobiles

Congress is being urged by child safety advocates to add language into legislation that would force automakers to place technology in new cars that would inform the driver when a child is being left in a hot car. If you live in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area and have questions about child safety, call the Anderson Law Firm today.

Labels: child death Child Injury Dallas/ Fort Worth fatalities Fort Worth Attorney heat risk hot car

7/14/2010
Jackie Wheeler
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Possible Correlation Between Suicide and ADHD drug

Last January, nine-year-old Montana Lance took his own life in a school bathroom. Since that day, many have asked the same question: why?

It's a hard question to answer, but the little boy’s family can't help but wonder if a drug he was taking for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Vyvanse, had something to do with it.

The prescription drug Vyvanse, also known as lisdexamfetaminem, is an amphetamine used to treat ADHD.

So were at least two other children who have also taken their own lives.

It’s hard to conceive the idea of a nine-year-old boy taking his own life by hanging himself in a school bathroom.

When Montana was found dead at Stewart’s Creek Elementary School, no one could believe that a nine-year-old boy would take his own life by hanging himself in a school bathroom.

The autopsy report said amphetamines were found in his blood. Montana's parents declined to go on camera, but confirmed to News 8 that Montana had been prescribed Vyvanse.

Vyvanse went on the market in 2007. In a three-year span there have been more than 130 reports to the FDA concerning correlation between Vyvance and suicide. Reports had been filed by people ranging in age from as old as 54 to children as young as 6.

In 2007, only four people under age 10 committed suicide in the United States. The FDA says 37 of the Vyvanse patients who considered suicide were younger than 10. Two of those patients were seven-year-olds who completed the act.

Dr. Syed Quadri of Texas Health Springwood Hospital prescribes Vyvanse for some of his pediatric patients. He states there is a known risk for all stimulants and ADHD drugs — especially if there are symptoms of bipolar disorder or depression.

"When you don't treat that and you're just treating ADHD, yes, you are going to have somebody who is depressed and irritable, and can commit suicide," Dr. Quadri said.

Shire, the manufacturer of Vyvanse, would not comment on the death of Montana Lance, but sent News 8 this statement:

"It is important to note that simply because there is a specific medication present in a person's system at the time of their passing, it does not mean the medication had any correlation with the cause of their passing."

FDA warns consumers of new psychotic symptoms linked to amphetamines, and tells patients and to tell their doctor about any family history of bipolar disorder, depression, or suicide.

Montana's mother told News 8 she suspected her son was bipolar, but his condition had never been diagnosed.

The FDA says its data on drug reactions are based on reports from doctors. The agency cannot determine that a drug is unsafe based solely on those reports.

The Lance family still believes Montana was bullied into suicide. But they continue to search for other reasons why a nine-year-old would end his own life.

While it seems the FDA currently does not have enough data to declare Vyvance an unsafe drug, I would suggest they start researching the effects more intensely. You never want to hear stories of people taking their own lives, especially children. I believe any drug that has a high correlation with suicide should be looked into further.

ADD and ADHD medications are very serious. If your child is going on these medications make sure you see a child psychiatrist as well as a pediatrician. Drugs can be dangerous and there is no limit to the precautions you should take for your children’s health.

Hopefully the FDA will take a further look into Vyvanse and its effect on children. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Montana Lance as well as the friends and family of the other children who have taken their own life.

Information and commentary is provided by Mark Anderson Child Injury Attorney. If you have questions about dangerous drugs or injuries to children please contact the Anderson Law Firm. We can be reached toll free at 877.294.1115 or you can contact us online for a free consultation.

Labels: child death Child Injury dangerous drugs FDA suicide Vyvance

6/30/2010
Ashley Iovine
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Drowning In DFW Leaves 1 Child Dead, 1 On Life Support, And 1 Miraculously Alive

Three children are involved with a drowning incident in Fort Worth/Dallas area. Learn how to prevent these accidents from happening to your kids when playing in a swimming pool. Call the Anderson Law Firm today if you have been involved in a drowning accident.

Labels: Accident child death fatalities injury kids pool prevention summer swimming water

6/29/2010
Ashley Iovine
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Two-Year-Old Dies When TV Falls On Her

Two-year-old girl is crushed under a television. Learn about how you can prevent these types of accidents and injuries from happening.

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Wrongful Death

8/30/2010
Mark Anderson
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Hit And Run Kills Lady On Airport Freeway In Bedford, Texas

Woman from Bedford Texas was killed from a hit and run auto accident that took place early Sunday morning.

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7/15/2010
Ashley Iovine
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Coppell Mayor Murder-Suicide Sends Shockwaves Throughout The City

Coppell Mayor murders her daughter then commits suicide. This haunting case is currently under investigation.

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Other Injury Claims

8/31/2010
Kyle Roberson
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Lawsuit Settlement For Dallas Cowboys

Employees for the Dallas Cowboys recieve $34 Million in Lawsuit.

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7/15/2010
Jackie Wheeler
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Panel Decides Avandia OK To Stay On The Market

Federal health experts voted Wednesday that GlaxoSmithKline's drug Avandia should stay on the market, but the much-debated diabetes medication will have new restrictions due to uncertain heart side effects. A panel of Food and Drug Administration advisers voted 20-12 to keep the pill available for diabetics. However, 10 panelists also called for limiting who can receive and prescribe the controversial drug.

The vote favors the British drug company Glaxo, which is facing thousands of lawsuits from patients who say Avandia caused their heart attacks or strokes. While the ruling may help the company in court, sales of Avandia are expected to drop drastically.

In the past the FDA has followed to advice of the panelists, however the FDA is not required to do so. FDA officials said they would review the recommendations and make a decision on Avandia as soon as possible. In an earlier ruling Panelists voted 21-4 that Avandia is more likely to cause heart attack than its closest competitor Actos. Eight panelists said there was not enough information to make a decision.

Ultimately though, panelists said the risks were not severe enough to justify removing a pill used by hundreds of thousands of patients.

The FDA first approved Avandia in 1999 and it quickly became the top-selling diabetes drug in the world. Recently U.S. sales have plummeted from $2.2 billion in 2006 to $520 million last year as safety risks began to be publicized.

The drug works by increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin, a key protein that diabetics don’t adequately produce.

While there are more than a dozen diabetes drugs on the market, only Actos from Japan-based Takeda Pharmaceuticals works the same way as Avandia. U.S sales of Actos have risen steadily — hitting $3.4 billion last year — as Avandia's name has been questioned.

Critics of Avandia say there is no reason to leave the medication on the market when Actos provides the same benefits without the potential heart risks.

FDA is requiring GlaxoSmithKline to conduct a definitive study comparing the safety of the two drugs, but patient enrollment has been slow due to Avandia's negative reputation.

The FDA panel said the study should proceed, though results will not be available for at least five years.

While, originally I had hoped they would vote to remove Avandia from the market, I am still happy about the outcomes of the drugs hearing. The panel acknowledged that Avandia has risks; they just couldn’t find enough evidence and data to remove the drug from the market. With their decision to conduct a comparison study they will get the information they need to make an informative decision.

I wish the study would have been started earlier so we could the results sooner, but I am willing to wait five years to get the correct information on this controversial medication.

Information and commentary is provided by Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. If you or a loved one has experienced side effects of Avandia call the Anderson Law Firm today. We can be reached toll free at 877.294.1115 or you can contact us online for a free consultation.

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7/13/2010
Jackie Wheeler
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FDA Hearings on the Drug Avandia

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration opens hearings into the safety of the diabetes drug Avandia on Tuesday after a strongly worded report that suggested the drug may be more dangerous than previously reported.

An FDA advisory panel will hear two days of testimony about the drug, and will end up voting whether or not to remove the drug from the market.

Avandia is used to control blood sugar levels in diabetics.

Its manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, says several trials have shown the drug is safe. However its usage has fallen drastically since a 2007 study concluded that Avandia raised the risk of heart problems, proving otherwise.

FDA released a report Friday, sharply criticizing a Glaxo study released, known as RECORD, which painted a more reassuring picture of the drug. RECORD found no increased risk of heart problems.

But the FDA found that Glaxo researchers repeatedly submitted poor data and failed to follow up on reports of problems in patients -- including reports of patient deaths.

The author of the FDA analysis, Dr. Thomas Marciniak, called the study's engineering "inappropriate and biased."

Glaxo's vice president for clinical development, Dr. Murray Stewart, said last week that six clinical studies -- not just the one criticized by the FDA -- "show that this medicine does not increase the overall risk of heart attack, stroke or death."

In May of 2007 the FDA issued a safety alert for heart attacks and cardiovascular events for those taking Avandia. In August of 2007, the FDA made Glaxo issue a Black Box Warning about Congestive Heart Failure, which is a very serious warning aimed at informing the public and prescribing doctors of problems associated with the drug.

Clearly the FDA realized there was a problem with the drug in 2007. Hopefully this year when they vote, they will vote to remove Avandia from the market.

Our firm has been reviewing cases where people have suffered health problems due to taking the diabetes drug Avandia. If you or a loved one has experienced side effects of Avandia call the Anderson Law Firm today. We can be reached toll free at 877.294.1115 or you can contact us online for a free consultation.

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7/7/2010
Ashley Iovine
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Ranger Fan Falls From Second Deck Tuesday Night

Ranger's fan falls from the second deck of the Arlington ballpark Tuesday night after trying to catch a ball. See what Fort Worth Attorney Mark Anderson has to say about it.

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