Texas Injury Law Blog http://www.maafirm.com/blog/ Anderson Law Firm Blog en-us 2012 Anderson Law Firm, All Rights Reserved, Reproduced with Permission http://www.maafirm.com/blog/ Fri, 18 May 2012 04:47:45 GMT Texas Injury Law Blog http://www.maafirm.com/images/logoprint.gif http://www.maafirm.com/blog/ <![CDATA[Traumatic Brain Injuries Linked to Suicide and Other Acts of Violence]]> Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are perhaps one of the most serious kinds of auto accidents commonly suffered by drivers and passengers involved in Dallas-Fort Worth area car, truck and motorcycle crashes. As a North Texas personal injury and wrongful death lawyer, I have long known the serious implications a TBI can have on an individual and their family members. In the most serious cases, the victim can be left paralyzed and in need of constant and life-long care. Even in cases of mild or moderate TBI, the victim can still suffer severe impairment to their memory, behavior and emotional abilities.

It is not just traffic wreck victims who are likely to suffer from a TBI. Stories about military veterans and high school, college and professional athletes have been in the news a lot recently. There are currently scores of former football players pursuing legal action against the NFL.

Two new studies published by the journals Science Translation Medicine and Neurology (conducted by researchers at the Boston University of Medicine and the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, respectively) have revealed worrying new information about what has long been referred to as “the invisible disease.”

That nickname is certainly apt. The studies found that mild and moderate brain injuries do not show up on traditional CT or MRI scans. Researchers examined cadaver’s brains as part of their research and found that for all intents and purposes a TBI brain appeared striking similar to a brain taken from healthy bodies. It was only when the doctors used electron microscopes that the extent of the damage become apparent: axons, neurons and blood vessels within the brains were all damaged in a manner similar to how conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) affect the human brain. CTE is known to cause aggressive behavior, depression, impulsiveness, poor judgment and memory loss.

These new findings go some way to explaining the worrying trend of violent and suicidal tendencies among soldiers and football players who have suffered even mild TBI. Most recently, of course, was the suicide of the former San Diego Chargers linebacker, Junior Seau, who took his own life just two weeks ago. Tens of thousands of U.S. troops who have committed suicide or other acts of extreme violence are also believed to have suffered traumatic brain injuries.

Unfortunately, despite this progress, TBI remains a largely misunderstood medical condition. Even mild concussions can have devastating consequences.

If you or someone you love has suffered a head injury of any nature in any kind of accident, it is incredibly important that you speak with a doctor experienced in handling traumatic brain injuries and follow up with a personal injury attorney experienced in handling such claims. For more information or to discuss your unique situation with a board certified Fort Worth personal injury lawyer today, please call the Anderson Law Firm toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally at 817-294-1900.
]]> http://www.maafirm.com/blog/traumatic%2Dbrain%2Dinjuries%2Dlinked%2Dto%2Dsuicide%2Dand%2Dother%2Dacts%2Dof%2Dviolence%2Ecfm www.maafirm.com-81936 Thu, 17 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Walk, Text Get a Ticket: One New Jersey City Takes a Stand]]> Here in DFW, we don’t have too many cell phone laws. Sure, Arlington passed a city law earlier this year that bans texting while driving in city limits, but other than that North Texans are allowed to talk and text while doing almost anything. But that’s not the case in Fort Lee, New Jersey where police are starting to issue $85 jaywalking tickets to pedestrians caught texting while walking.

"It's a big distraction. Pedestrians aren't watching where they are going and they are not aware," said Thomas Ripoli, chief of the Fort Lee Police Department.

We’ve all seen the viral YouTube videos that show people like “Fountain Lady” falling into and off of things because they were walking and texting and while the videos are funny – there is a serious problem associated. People cause car accidents all the time because they are too busy to pay attention to the road. Is walking and texting really any different?

It’s pretty sad when we have to implement laws to keep people from making decisions that are obvious no-brainers.
]]> http://www.maafirm.com/blog/walk%2Dtext%2Dget%2Da%2Dticket%2Done%2Dnew%2Djersey%2Dcity%2Dtakes%2Da%2Dstand%2Ecfm www.maafirm.com-81730 Tue, 15 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Is Cowtown Becoming Bike Town? Omni Hotel in Fort Worth to Offer Free Bike’s To Guests]]> addition of new bike lanes in downtown. The Omni Hotel in Fort Worth is attempting to jump on the bike train and have announced a plan to offer free bikes guests older than 18 would be able to check out during their stay at the hotel. The Omni is calling it the Trinity Trails Bicycle program and the hotel is still in talks with a local bike shop to see that they get it off the ground and running – or wheeling?

At the Anderson Law Firm in Fort Worth, we’re happy to see all of the changes the city has made to make it a safer and more accessible city for bike riders. From my perspective as a personal injury lawyer, bike lanes like the ones that have recently graced downtown, will greatly improve the safety of bike riders. It will also make it easier for car drivers to navigate the roads because they can anticipate the part of the street bike riders will be.

We’ve represented many Texans who have been hurt in bike wrecks in DFW. Hopefully with new efforts by the city of Fort Worth, we’ll have a lot less clients who are hurt this way. If you’re a bike rider – look out for cars that aren’t looking out for you. If you’re a driver – look out for the guy on the bike; they have a right to be on the road too.
]]> http://www.maafirm.com/blog/is%2Dcowtown%2Dbecoming%2Dbike%2Dtown%2Domni%2Dhotel%2Din%2Dfort%2Dworth%2Dto%2Doffer%2Dfree%2Dbike%2Ds%2Dto%2Dguests%2Ecfm www.maafirm.com-81312 Thu, 10 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[His Lucky Day: UT Student From Rockwall Gets Hit By A Bus – And Walks Away]]> Hit by a bus and live to tell the tale? That’s exactly what happened to Cyril Yannick Engmann after he was hit by a 40-foot-long bus last Friday. The UT freshman from Rockwall was participating in an annual end of school foam sword fight on Guadalupe Street in Austin when he stepped in front of a Capitol Metro bus.

As a personal injury lawyer, I can tell you that not many people who get hit by a 25,00 pound bus can walk away without any serious injuries, which is what makes this story so incredible. According to police the bus ran a red light and you can see video of the vicious hit below. Engmann is hurled several feet into the air and you can feel the panic of the crowd around him.

I’m not sure what the odds are of surviving getting hit by a bus, but I don’t think they’re on the pedestrian’s side. Usually in my line of work, bus accidents don’t end without serious injuries and we’re glad for this young man’s resilience. As for the bus driver who ran the red light, the official word from Capital Metro is that the driver was cited for running a red light and has been put on administrative leave.

Watch the video of the bus accident here, but be warned – it’s pretty disturbing:

]]> http://www.maafirm.com/blog/his%2Dlucky%2Dday%2Dut%2Dstudent%2Dfrom%2Drockwall%2Dgets%2Dhit%2Dby%2Da%2Dbus%2Dand%2Dwalks%2Daway%2Ecfm www.maafirm.com-81125 Tue, 08 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[St. Jude Riata Defibrillator Malfunctions]]> St. Jude Medical has confirmed 671 cases of worn-through insulation on Riata defibrillator leads. The FDA recalled the Riata leads in December 2011 although St. Jude had stopped selling the leads in 2009 due to increasing reports of patients experiencing insulation abrasion (when the coating on the lead wire fails to cover the lead). Deaths have been caused by erosion of the wires and short circuits on the device that is meant to protect and help its user.

Even though the product has been recalled, there are still many people with Riata defibrillators. If you or someone you love has been injured due to a defective St. Jude Riata Defibrillator, you should contact a dangerous drug and devices attorney to find out about your legal rights.  At the Anderson Law Firm, our lawyers are experienced at handling medical claims.  Our attorneys are ready to talk with you and help you make important legal decisions about how best to handle your potential claim.
]]> http://www.maafirm.com/blog/st%2Djude%2Driata%2Ddefibrillator%2Dmalfunctions%2Ecfm www.maafirm.com-80923 Fri, 04 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[More Players File Lawsuits Against the NFL]]> The list of players taking legal action against the NFL for hiding the health risks of concussions is growing. More than 100 former professional football players, including former Atlanta Falcons Jamal Anderson have added their names to the list of more than 1,500 other players suing the NFL for giving players misleading information about head injuries and concussions.

In our April issue of Law Talk, our Fort Worth personal injury law firm’s newsletter, we had an article about the lawsuits against the NFL for head injuries.  As a personal injury lawyer, I can tell you from experience dealing with clients who have suffered head injuries that they are no joke. Even something very minor like just bumping your head can have catastrophic effects on the body.

If what these players are saying is true – that the NFL knew the effects of concussions and failed to take the proper methods to inform and protect their players – then I think these guys should be compensated for their injuries. Everyone knows football can be a dangerous sport. But knowingly hiding how dangerous some injuries are – now that’s just wrong. Especially after the Saints bounty program, I’m sure the league was less than thrilled to find out even more players are suing them. What do you think – do these players have a valid claim or should they have just accepted the dangers of the sport?
]]> http://www.maafirm.com/blog/more%2Dplayers%2Dfile%2Dlawsuits%2Dagainst%2Dthe%2Dnfl%2Ecfm www.maafirm.com-80843 Thu, 03 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[‘My Kid Would Never Do That’ – Teen Driving Profiled On NBC’s Dateline]]> As a parent of a fifth grader – I am constantly trying to teach my daughter how to make the right choices, which is why a new NBC Dateline series, “My Kid Would Never Do That” caught my attention this weekend. In this four part series, NBC’s Natalie Morales profiles a hidden camera report that observes the decisions teens make when faced with tough choices. Sunday’s episode was all about teen driving which is why as a Fort Worth personal injury attorney and father, it caught my attention.

Statistics tell us that teen drivers are four times as likely to get in a car crash. As parents, we instruct our kids what to do when they hit the road: don’t text or talk while driving, don’t drink and drive and don’t let a drunk or drugged driver take you anywhere. But what are our kids really up to when they are behind the wheel, without our supervision? The results in this Dateline episode were shocking. Check out the video below:


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What do you think your kid would do? I hope that by the time my daughter is of driving age, using a cell phone to talk or text will be against the law nationally. In my line of work, I see car accidents in DFW that are caused daily because another driver was texting. Show your child this Dateline special and open up a dialogue about safe driving habits. You may sound like a broken record, but they’ll thank you later.
]]> http://www.maafirm.com/blog/my%2Dkid%2Dwould%2Dnever%2Ddo%2Dthat%2Dteen%2Ddriving%2Dprofiled%2Don%2Dnbc%2Ds%2Ddateline%2Ecfm www.maafirm.com-80234 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Fort Worth's Original Mud Run Turns Deadly]]> A fun mud run in Fort Worth turned into a nightmare over the weekend after one of the participants died during the events. During Fort Worth's "Original Mud Run," 30-year-old Tony Weathers passed away on Saturday. Weathers was in elite physical condition and was participating in the competitive portion of the race, which is why it’s hard to comprehend exactly what went wrong.

Since the incident, other Mud Run participants have claimed that negligence on the part of the event organizers is what led to Weathers death. According to several Mudders, the part of the race where participants had to cross the Trinity River was extremely dangerous and terrifying. So many people were crossing the river at once it was mad chaos and not enough life guards were on duty to stop people, one runner said in a YouTube video about the event. I am sure more information will come to light over the next few days.

Some questions that I hope get answered are:
  • How many medics were on site?
  • How many “spotters” were at the river crossing?
  • What was the plan as to how many participants could be in the water at any one time?
  • Was that plan enforced?What did he Waiver/Release say?

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Mr. Weathers. I hope you find answers to these questions and others you may have.
]]> http://www.maafirm.com/blog/fort%2Dworth%2Ds%2Doriginal%2Dmud%2Drun%2Dturns%2Ddeadly%2Ecfm www.maafirm.com-79545 Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Texan Couple Sue Justin Bieber After He Tweets Their Phone Number]]>

Although I reluctantly like Justin Bieber both a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer (he helps to spread the word about the danger of distracted driver) and as a father (my daughter is a huge fan of the Biebs), I think even I would be incredibly frustrated if 1,000 bielibers called my home phone at all hours of the day and night.
 
That’s exactly what happened to one Texas couple after the Boyfriend singer tweeted their phone number. Or rather, he almost did. As a prank, Justin tweeted his 19 million followers a message which said “Call me right now” followed by a nine digit phone number. Bieber fanatics frantically dialed, trying each of the possible tenth and final digits until they got through – not to Beiber – but to a couple identified just as Kent and Dilcie who were understandably very surprised and frustrated to be undated by a thousand screaming tweens asking them if Justin was there. Justin later removed the tweet.
 



So it was a prank gone badly wrong, but is it really necessary to take legal action against the child star? Kent and Dilcie are now attempting to sue Bieber and have some rather novel ideas as to what might constitute fair compensation including concert tickets for Dilcie's grandchildren, an apology, an endorsement for Kent's upcoming online project and, of course, money for their legal expenses. I’ll admit I can see the funny side to this story, but the fact that this couple are now attempting to seek what really amounts to very petty compensation means that the public once again think that all lawyers chase frivolous lawsuits for people who want to quickly and easily profit at someone else’s expense.
 
Please rest assured that here at the Anderson Law Firm we do not want to have any part in any frivolous lawsuits. We only represent clients who have a legitimate claim against an insurance company. Frivolous lawsuits give the legal profession a bad name, when the truth is that without personal injury attorneys such as myself, many injured people would not get the compensation they need to pay for the medical treatment and long-term care they desperately need. It’s incredibly unfair that an innocent motorists should suffer severe injured after a drunk driver crashes into them. It’s even more unfair if they go bankrupt and lose their home as a result, due to the expensive doctor bills which they can’t afford because the insurance company cheats them out of a fair settlement.
 
Personal injury and wrongful death lawyers provide a valuable and necessary service to accident victims. Frivolous lawsuits concerning Justin Bieber’s tweets or the glass walls of an Apple store just make us all look bad.
]]> http://www.maafirm.com/blog/texan%2Dcouple%2Dsue%2Djustin%2Dbieber%2Dafter%2Dhe%2Dtweets%2Dtheir%2Dphone%2Dnumber%2Ecfm www.maafirm.com-78261 Tue, 27 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[St. Paddy’s Day Festivities in DFW in Full Swing - Just Watch the Green Beer & Driving]]> Drunk drivers are unlucky drivers so either keep the beers to a minimum or find another way to get to your destination.  The cops will be out and St. Patrick’s Day is no day to have a drunk driving accident. Have a plane before you go out and pre-save some taxi cab companies in your phone before you start drinking.  If you’re planning on heading out to the Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Dallas, police are suggesting parade goers take the DART to Mockingbird Station and walk to the event. Public parking will be at a minimum and towing will be enforced. 
If you’re the designated driver this weekend, remember to be a defensive driver and look out for those around you. If you see someone swerving, call 911 – it could save their life, your life and the lives of others around you. The only sure fire way to be unlucky this weekend is by drinking and driving. Watch the green beer intake and whatever you do, don’t drive drunk because if you do, it won’t be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow – more like a jail cell.
]]> http://www.maafirm.com/blog/st%2Dpaddy%2Ds%2Dday%2Dfestivities%2Din%2Ddfw%2Din%2Dfull%2Dswing%2Djust%2Dwatch%2Dthe%2Dgreen%2Dbeer%2Ecfm www.maafirm.com-77459 Fri, 16 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[How do I find if a hospital lien has been filed against me?]]> If you believe a hospital lien has been filed against you after you sustained car accident related injuries, you can check for a lien on the count clerk’s website for Tarrant County.  By going here and clicking on ‘online searches’ you can search for your lien a variety of ways like by your last name or hospital where treated.

If you find out you have a hospital lien against you after a car wreck you didn’t cause in DFW, one of your best options is to hire a personal injury attorney to handle your claim. Hospital liens can complicate the claims process, but an attorney will be able to take the stress off your shoulders and handle all of the proceedings with the hospital and insurance companies involved.

If you are interested in learning more about how a hospital lien affects your injury claim, contact the Anderson Law Firm in Fort Worth to schedule a free case consultation with one of our injury attorneys. During this consultation, the lawyer will discuss the claims process; reasons why hiring a lawyer to represent you will benefit your case and the best ways to respond to the insurance company.
]]> http://www.maafirm.com/blog/how%2Ddo%2Di%2Dfind%2Dif%2Da%2Dhospital%2Dlien%2Dhas%2Dbeen%2Dfiled%2Dagainst%2Dme%2Ecfm www.maafirm.com-77322 Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[March Mandess Contest Deadline is Tomorrow!]]>

The deadline for entries in our 2012 March Madness Bracket Contest is fast approaching – at 11:00 am sharp tomorrow morning in fact! Don’t put it off any longer. Register now and you stand a chance of winning your choice of a Wii Fit, Kindle Fire, Dallas Mavs Tickets or a Six Flags Season Pass for your whole family. The choice is yours!
 
We’re also giving everyone even more chances to win this year by running a Bonus Contest which operates similar to a sweepstakes drawing. Entering the Bonus Contest is simple and takes only 30 seconds. Register by connecting to the contest widget below using Facebook. For each step you complete, you’ll earn a giveaway entry:
 
1. Follow the Anderson Law Firm on Twitter (+1 entry).
2. Tweet about our March Madness contest (+1 entry).
3. Become a fan of the Anderson Law Firm on Facebook (+1 entry).
4. Like our website on Facebook (+1 entry).
5. Like our website on Google+ (+1 entry).
6. Unlimited bonus entries by pasting your invite link everywhere you can. For example:
  • For every friend who clicks the invite link you Tweeted in step 2, you’ll earn +1 entries.
  • For every friend who then joins the giveaway, you’ll earn +5 entries.
 
You can complete as many or as few of these steps as you like. But the more entries you have, the better your chance of winning the Bonus Contest!
 
An added benefit to competing in our Bonus Contest is that while the March Madness Bracket Contest deadline is tomorrow, you can keep earning new entries in the Bonus Contest right the way through the March Madness tournament – right up until April 3, 2012 at 1:00 am CST.
 
So play along and spread the word! The more friends you get to join in on the fun, the better your chance of winning!


]]> http://www.maafirm.com/blog/march%2Dmandess%2Dcontest%2Ddeadline%2Dis%2Dtomorrow%2Ecfm www.maafirm.com-77163 Wed, 14 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[What Is Leap Day and Why Do We Have Leap Year?]]>
Ancient Egyptians were the first to discover that the solar year was not divisible by whole days, so they decide to compensate by adding an extra day into their calendar every few years. However, it was the Romans who began the practice of adding the extra day at the end of February. When the Gregorian calendar was developed in the 16th century, the official formula was adopted where every fourth year would be a leap year which contained an extra day – February 29th. The exception to this rule is that years devisable by 100 can only be leap years if they are also devisable by 400. Even with all the mathematics involved, however, the man-made calendar and the solar orbit do not match up completely. However, it would take 3,300 years for the two to be off by as much as a day.

The chance of someone being born on “leap day” is approximately 1 in 1,600. Out of a total US population of roughly 312,931,000 there are just 187,000 people who were born on February 29th.

Perhaps the most famous tradition associated with February 29th is that it is the day when women are allowed to propose to men. This custom originated in Ireland in the 5th century.

Despite the fact our current calendar has been working well enough for centuries, a new calendar is currently being promoted by its designers, John Hopkins University professors Steve Hanke and Richard Conn Henry. Their proposed Permanent Calendar would replace our calendar, splitting the year into four quarters of three months. The first two months in each quarter would have 30 days, with the third having 31. Instead of having an extra day at the end of February, however, there would be an entire extra week at the end of December every five or six years. Proponents of the calendar say it would things easier in terms of economics and business contracts since quarters would all be the same length, but opponents point out that the addition of an extra week will actually make things far more complicated in the long run… in addition to the face that no one really sees any need to make a change. If the Permanent Calendar did get adopted, it would mean that dates would fall on the same day of the week year after year; Christmas Day would always fall on a Sunday, and Fourth of July would always fall on a Wednesday.
]]> http://www.maafirm.com/blog/what%2Dis%2Dleap%2Dday%2Dand%2Dwhy%2Ddo%2Dwe%2Dhave%2Dleap%2Dyear%2Ecfm www.maafirm.com-76299 Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[The Most Important Movie of the Year Isn’t Oscar Nominated]]>

Since the annual Academy Awards are happening this weekend, I thought I’d take the opportunity to talk about one of my favorite films of 2011, a documentary titled “Hot Coffee,” directed by Susan Saladoff. Sadly, the film isn’t nominated for any Oscars, although as a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I think that it should be as the issues it deals with are extremely important for all of us.
 
The film examines (among other things) the infamous personal injury case against McDonald’s by a customer who suffered third-degree burns from spilled coffee which was handed to her through a drive-thru window at one of the fast food chain’s restaurants. The victim was a 79-year old woman who suffered devastating injuries and physical pain, and was required to undergo two years of expensive medical treatment as a result of her burn injuries. McDonald’s was clearly shown to be grossly negligent for serving coffee which was far too hot for human consumption.
 
The movie “Hot Coffee” details the case and accurately explains the injuries experienced by the innocent victim and how McDonald’s was at fault. However, for those not fully aware of the facts, the case is still thought of as an example of a frivolous lawsuit. Nothing could be further from the truth. The reason most people think this cases was ridiculous is because of the punitive damages ordered against McDonald’s because of their gross negligence. The jury decided that McDonald’s should be punished by paying $2.7 million (roughly what the company makes from one day of coffee sales). This amount was later reduced by the judge, however, and a confidential settlement was eventually reached.
 
Unfortunately, those who are not fully aware of the facts often believe that this case is evidence that the legal system is broken. It is not. Punitive damages exist not to reward the accident victim, but rather to punish the at-fault party for actions caused by an attitude which were entirely indifferent to any harm they knew would inevitably occur.
 
I urge you if you can to track down this thought-provoking film and watch it. Here is the trailer:




]]> http://www.maafirm.com/blog/the%2Dmost%2Dimportant%2Dmovie%2Dof%2Dthe%2Dyear%2Disn%2Dt%2Doscar%2Dnominated%2Ecfm www.maafirm.com-75943 Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Fort Worth Toddler Attacked by Four Dogs]]> An 18 month old child was severely injured yesterday after being mauled by four vicious dogs in his family’s back yard on Eastland Avenue near Lake Worth. The boy was rushed to Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth by Eagle Mountain Fire Department where he was treated for what are believed to be extremely serious injuries. It is understood that the toddler crawled out of the house while his parents were sleeping and he was attacked by the boxers in the back yard. He suffered multiple bites around his face and neck. Witnesses report him being covered in blood when emergency services arrived at the scene.
 
This terrible attack deeply upsets me not just as a Fort Worth child injury lawyer, but also as a father and an animal lover myself. While, as a personal injury attorney, I know that children are the group most at risk of suffering critical injuries in a dog attack, it is still horrible to hear of such an incident. Sadly, according to the Centers for Disease Control, almost half of dog bite cases involving children younger than four occur at the child’s home. In 90 percent of those cases, the attacking dog is a family pet.
 
According to neighbors of the family involved in yesterday’s attack, the family kept a total of seven dogs on their property which have attacked neighborhood children on repeated occasions in the past. Neighbors described that the dogs regularly escaped from their yard and that they were regarded as dangerous by those living in the community. Tarrant County Police have responded to animal control calls in the past, but nothing has ever happened. When one of the family’s neighbors spoke out against the animals outside the house yesterday, the child’s own grandmother attacked her and was subsequently arrested. Fort Worth Animal Control removed the four dogs believed to be involved in the attack from the property. It is not thought that the other three animals were involved.
 
These unbelievable events certainly drive home the fact that while we often think of dogs as man’s best friend, the truth is that primal animals first and foremost, guided by their inhuman instincts and not above seriously harming an innocent child. My thoughts are with this poor boy’s family and a wish him a full and complete recovery.
]]> http://www.maafirm.com/blog/fort%2Dworth%2Dtoddler%2Dattacked%2Dby%2Dfour%2Ddogs%2Ecfm www.maafirm.com-74215 Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Even Heavier Trucks Could Be Driving on Texas Highways Soon]]>
Supports of the bill say that trucks with heavier loads will reduce traffic, decrease fuel use and could even keep the price of goods down for consumers. On the other side of the argument, those against the proposal say heavier trucks will damage roads and bridges that are already crumbling around Texas and the rest of the USA. Driving safety is also a concern, as heavier trucks need 25 percent more room to stop and could cause even more Texas truck wrecks.

As a personal injury lawyer in Fort Worth, I can see both sides of the argument. I’m all about less 18-wheelers bulking up our highways and causing wrecks, but I’m also concerned about the additional weight being added to these big-rigs. I see clients who have been severely injured in truck accidents all the time at my law practice. I can only imagine their fate if they had come into contact with a semi-truck weighing 97,000 pounds.

What do you think? Will an increased weight limit decrease the amount of trucks we see on the road or will it just decrease our safety driving in Texas?
]]> http://www.maafirm.com/blog/even%2Dheavier%2Dtrucks%2Dcould%2Dbe%2Ddriving%2Don%2Dtexas%2Dhighways%2Dsoon%2Ecfm www.maafirm.com-74159 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Evening Safety Tips for Cyclists, Joggers and Pedestrians]]>

It’s that time of year when everyone is reinvigorated with the promise of their new year’s resolutions, which for most people usually involves something along the lines of losing weight, fitting into those old jeans or simply just feeling healthier. Since the ball dropped in Times Square, I’ve seen a lot of my folks out about, walking, jogging and cycling around my neighborhood. The only problem is that since it still gets dark so early, there is a very real danger – even on quiet residential streets.
 
About a month ago, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released some startling statistics concerning pedestrian fatalities. In 2010, 68,895 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents throughout the United States. That’s an increase of 19 percent from 2009. (2011’s figures will not be released until December this year).


 

 

While exercising around your neighborhood is great, it’s also important that you’re aware of the hazards so that you can avoid them. Dusk is a particularly dangerous time to be on the roads since the contrast between a dark road and bright oncoming headlights significantly impairs a driver’s ability to see clearly. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, roughly 39 percent of bicycle fatalities occur at nighttime.
 
Regardless of whether you’re out cycling or running, it’s important that you take precautions to make sure that you can be seen by motorists. Wear high visibility clothing which is reflective if possible, but always choose lighter colors over darker ones. If you’re cycling, make sure that you have light fixed on to your bike and that they are working. You should also wear a high visibility helmet. If you’re jogging or walking, it is wise to take a lightweight flashlight with you to alert oncoming traffic to your presence.
 
I hope these safety tips help you to stay safe out there. Good luck with your new year’s resolutions!
 
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian or bicycle accident, call the personal injury and wrongful death lawyers at the Anderson Law Firm for a free, no obligation consultation on your situation. Call 817-294-1900 in Fort Worth, Arlington and Keller, or 214-327-8000 in Dallas.
]]> http://www.maafirm.com/blog/evening%2Dsafety%2Dtips%2Dfor%2Dcyclists%2Djoggers%2Dand%2Dpedestrians%2Ecfm www.maafirm.com-73050 Sun, 15 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Gene Hackman Hit by Car in Cycling Accident]]>

Hollywood legend Gene Hackman was injured in an auto accident in the Florida Keys today. The 81-year-old actor famous for his roles in such films as The French Connection, The Royal Tenenbaums and the original Superman movies was apparently out cycling when a motorist crashed into his bike. Mr. Hackman was airlifted to a nearby hospital and was released several hours later. According to reports he suffered only minor injuries in the accident.


While I’m certainly glad that the famous star is apparently doing okay, as a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I know that most bicycle-car collisions do not end so happily. In fact, many such incidents often end in tragedy. Since cyclists have absolutely no protection to prevent serious injuries in the event of a wreck, the result is frequently extremely severe injuries such as broken bones, blunt force trauma and traumatic brain injury. Fatal bicycle accidents happen far too often for this particular case to simply be a matter of it being Friday the 13th.
If you or a loved one is ever injured in a traffic accident which is not your fault, it is important that you speak with a board certified personal injury and wrongful death attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights and responsibilities. For a free, no obligation consultation on your case, call 817-294-1900.
]]> http://www.maafirm.com/blog/gene%2Dhackman%2Dhit%2Dby%2Dcar%2Din%2Dcycling%2Daccident%2Ecfm www.maafirm.com-73068 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Truckers Losing Weight To Prevent Fatal Wrecks]]> Vowing to lose weight is a common New Year’s resolution for many of us, but for some it is quite literally a matter of life or death. I’m talking about commercial truck drivers – and the lives at risk are not just their own, but other motorists who travel the same roads as them.

As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I have helped thousands of people who have suffered terrible injuries as a result of being in a wreck involving an 18 wheeler. As you might imagine, whenever a semi-truck crashes into a car or motorcycle, the injuries caused are usually going to be incredibly significant – and often result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses alone.

So why is weight loss a public safety issue? According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), approximately 12 percent of tractor trailer collisions are the result of the trucker’s health. Heart attacks and diabetic shocks which occur behind the wheel are worryingly common considering that the average CDL driver travels up to 4,000 miles a week. The Journal of the American Dietetic Association estimates that 86 percent of professional motor carrier drivers in the US are overweight or obese, which presents a significant risk of accident-causing health problems while in the driving seat. One of the conditions most closely associated with obesity is sleep apnea which is a major concern considering truck drivers permitted to spend up to 11 consecutive hours driving under current US law.

Fortunately, the trucking industry recognizes this is a growing problem and some companies are now taking steps to improve the health of their drivers in an effort to both retain experienced drivers while lowering insurance costs. This January, 60 drivers and 60 trucking company office workers divided between ten individual fleets will take part in a New Year weight loss challenge by following a low-carb, low-fat diet and increasing their exercise. The contest is the result of a dual effort by the Truckload Carriers Association and the Lindora Clinic, a company which operates weight-loss centers throughout the US.

I would like to wish all those truck drivers taking part in this challenge the best of luck. Like millions of other people, I too am hoping to eat better, exercise more and ultimately lose weight in 2012.

As a board certified truck accident attorney, I know how high the stakes are if you or a loved one has been injured in a big rig crash. It is important that you seek legal advice as soon as possible to make sure your rights are protected. Since you are likely entitled to significant compensation, it is important you don’t make any mistakes which might wreck your case as the financial implication could cost you dearly. For a free, no obligation consultation with a lawyer today, please call me toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally in Ft. Worth at 817-294-1900.
]]> http://www.maafirm.com/blog/truckers%2Dlosing%2Dweight%2Dto%2Dprevent%2Dfatal%2Dwrecks%2Ecfm www.maafirm.com-72595 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Injured in A Tarrant County Car Wreck? We’ll Get Your Accident Report For Free]]> Your crash scene report has valuable information related to your car accident. It will have the other party’s contact and insurance information, as well as the officer’s opinion as to who was at fault for causing the wreck. The accident report written by the responding police is one of the first places to look whether you intend to pursue an injury claim or if you just want to handle the issue on your own. You can read more about accident reports and their effect on your claim on our website.
If you have been hurt in a car, truck or motorcycle accident in Tarrant County and are interested in a free crash report, contact the Fort Worth personal injury lawyers at the Anderson Law Firm today.
]]> http://www.maafirm.com/blog/injured%2Din%2Da%2Dtarrant%2Dcounty%2Dcar%2Dwreck%2Dwe%2Dll%2Dget%2Dyour%2Daccident%2Dreport%2Dfor%2Dfree%2Ecfm www.maafirm.com-72260 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT