There are many factors to a motor vehicle accident, and not every type of accident should be handled the same way.

The circumstances of your accident can have a huge impact on how the case should be handled, as well as your ability to recover compensation. To discuss your options with us (for free) today, call (214) 617-1886.

Most of us don’t prepare for an auto accident, simply because on some level we believe that they won’t happen to us. Unfortunately, we live in an imperfect world, and human behavior is largely unpredictable. Motor vehicle accidents are responsible for tens of thousands of deaths on our roads every year. These figures, according to statistics, show no signs of abating.

Today we'd like to discuss the different types of motor vehicle accidents, and how they differ from one another. No two accidents are ever the same, but certain types of accidents (and accidents involving certain types of vehicles) must be handled much differently than normal passenger-car accidents if you want any chance at successfully recovering fair compensation for your injuries.

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The most common types of passenger car accidents.

1. Rear-End Collisions — These types of accidents involve one car colliding into the back side of the car in front of it. Most rear-end accidents can be attributed to following too closely, but there may be other factors at play as well, such as distracted driving. Many people mistakenly believe that, according to the law, the rear-ender is automatically at-fault, but this is simply not true. Sudden deceleration may contribute to these types of accidents, as well as vehicles making unsafe lane changes or entering the roadway.
2. Head-On Collisions — This is one of the most-dangerous types of car accidents simply due to the force with which the two cars collide. These types of accidents involve the front face of one car ramming into the front of another vehicle, often caused by a driver traveling the wrong way. Airbags do offer some kind of cushioning from the shock, and can help prevent occupants from slamming into the interior of the vehicle. That being said, these types of accidents are usually unforeseen, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
3. Vehicle Rollovers — SUVs and pickup trucks are usually designed and manufactured with a high center of gravity. This can make them easy to tip over or violently roll in a serious collision. Accidents of this nature may even lead to a product liability lawsuit against the automobile manufacturer with regard to "crashworthiness" (e.g., roof collapses, doors becoming unlatched, or other ineffective safety features).
4. Side Impact or T-Bone Collisions — Just like it sounds, these accidents involve one vehicle which crashes into the side of another car at a 90 degree angle. These types of accidents often occur at intersections, and usually involve at least one party running a red light, a stop sign, or otherwise failing to yield right of way. The force with which cars involved in these kind of collision experience is often enough to cause serious injuries or wrongful death to the driver being struck, especially motorcyclists.
5. Multi-Vehicle or Pileup Collisions — These accidents involve many cars (usually on a highway) colliding in somewhat of a domino effect. The more vehicles involved in a crash, the more-convoluted the insurance claim process will be (and the more chances you have of being taken advantage). Determining liability could take months, and if you fail to act quickly in filing a claim, the at-fault driver's liability insurance limits may have already been reached. This could potentially leave you with no way to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
6. Hit and Run Accidents — These types of accidents are often the most-traumatic for people, because the victim is left with no clear avenue to pursue compensation for their injuries. There may or may not be witnesses, and it may be difficult to resolve if there were no cameras or witnesses to corroborate personal accounts. That being said, small clues left at the scene (such as parts of the car or tire marks) can all be used by a forensic investigator to track down the perpetrator. Additionally, you may be able to file an uninsured motorist claim with your own insurance company.
7. Sideswipe Collisions — These types of wrecks usually involve two cars traveling in the same direction (sometimes opposite directions), where the side of one car bumps the side of the other. Often caused by an unsafe lance change, sideswipe accidents usually produce minor damages and injuries, but can also result in an underride accident. It's important to understand that if there's ANY doubt regarding fault, the other insurance company will always attempt to blame the accident on you, rather than their insured driver.

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Accidents caused by drunk drivers.

While you might think that a car accident caused by an intoxicated driver would be handled very similarly to a normal car accident, there are some very important things of which to be aware.

If you were hit by a drunk driver and suffered injuries, you need to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. In order to have a strong case, your attorney needs to begin working on your case right away. Evidence needs to be secured, and you need to determine early-on if you may have a potential dram shop claim against the bar or club which over-served the drunk driver.

Texas law allows victims of a DWI accident to pursue a claim against the bar (as well as the drunk driver) if it can be proven that they violated TABC regulations in serving alcohol responsibly. These types of lawsuits are very complex, but our firm has considerable experience and can advise you of your legal options moving forward.

If you were a passenger being driven by a drunk driver, you likely have a claim against the driver's insurance policy, but may also have a valid dram shop claim against the drinking establishment. Even drunk drivers who hurt themselves in an accident after being negligently overserved at a bar may be able to recover compensation through a first-party dram shop claim.

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Accidents involving commercial vehicles.

Commercial vehicles (such as 18-wheeler trucks and buses) can cause serious accidents owing to their sheer size, mass, and potential energy. These types of vehicles use our roads on a daily basis and are responsible for moving both people and cargo from one city to another within as short a time as possible. The problem, however, is when transportation companies push their drivers to a point of exhaustion.

When drivers are allowed (or forced) to drive for extended periods of time, they put other drivers at risk. If your attorney discovers that the company had violated federal hours-of-service rules, you could potentially recover significantly more compensation through a punitive damages award.

The most-important thing to understand about accidents involving a commercial truck (18-wheeler, semi-trailer, big rig or tractor trailer) is that you are going to face an uphill challenge. Semi trucks are often have over $1 million in coverage, and the insurance company is already building their case against you from day one. The insurance company's commercial adjusters and on-staff lawyers have a vested interest in denying your claim or settling for pennies on the dollar before you've completed medical treatment, which is why it's so important to hire your own attorney.

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Accidents involving pedestrians.

A car-vs-pedestrian accident can result in life-changing injuries to those who survive, but oftentimes prove fatal. Resulting injuries can require a lifetime of rehabilitation, and may lead to disfigurement, amputation, or permanent disabilities such as nerve damage, brain injury or paralysis.

In order to recover enough compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future income, pain and suffering and more, you will need to build a strong case against the at-fault driver. Understand that you only get one shot at a lawsuit, so it is very important to hire an attorney in your area who has experience with these type of cases, and who has proven experience in court.

Car-vs-bicycle accidents are said to account for about 600 deaths on our roads each year. While motorists can rest easy in their cars, cyclists usually have no form of protection from these metal machines in comparison to their tiny bikes. Common injuries faced by bicyclists include broken bones, road rash, whiplash, internal organ damage, as well as head injuries.

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Accidents involving motorcycles, scooters or ATVs.

Motorcycle and scooter accidents account for a good fraction of all accidents on our roads, and victims often suffer serious leg and head injuries that can permanently alter their lives. While surprising to many, statistics show that most motorcycle accidents involving other vehicles are caused by the other driver.

ATV accidents are more-common in rural areas, but liability generally works the same way. If someone's actions led to your accident, they are still liable for your damages. Additionally, if the accident occurred on private property, you could have a valid premises liability claim. If the accident was caused by a vehicle defect or poor design, your attorney may be able to pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

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Car-vs-train accidents.

Train accidents usually tend to be in a special section due to the fact that the're relatively uncommon. It’s estimated that there are about 3,000 of these accidents every year, and that 1,000 people lose their lives as a result.

Victims usually include drivers, passengers, bystanders, railroad workers (FELA), and even pedestrians. The laws regarding railway crossings, trespassing, and right of way can be very complex, but an attorney should be able to explain the legal options available during your free over-the-phone consultation.

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Accidents on the water.

Watercraft accidents are unfortunately common in Dallas-Fort Worth due to the popularity of our area lakes. Accidents on the water can involve vehicles such as jet-skis and boats, and are often caused by substandard safety training, operating watercraft while under the influence, and sometimes due to poor maintenance or defective parts.

Injuries to jet-ski riders can include whiplash, broken limbs, head injuries, internal organ damage, and drowning. Boat injuries, on the other hand can run the gamut and include things like slipping and falling on wet surfaces, suffering burns, lacerations, and spinal cord injuries.

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The most important thing to remember, regardless of what type of accident you were involved in.

No two motor vehicle accidents are alike, and most people don't realize how much work and preparation goes into a successful personal injury claim. It's not as simple as showing the other motorist was at-fault. In fact, the insurance company legally owes you nothing unless a court of law rules otherwise.

At Rasansky Law Firm, it's our job to prove up your damages and compel these companies to compensate you for your losses. If we cannot negotiate a fair settlement, we are more than willing to take them to court and fight for what you truly deserve.

If you'd like to speak to us about your case for free, call us at (214) 617-1886 and learn exactly how we can help.

Answer:

Unlike many states, Texas does not require cyclists of any age to wear helmets while riding their bike. However, some individual cities in Texas have instated bicycle laws for kids and teens. For example, bicycle helmets are required for children when riding their bikes on public streets, sidewalks, or park property in Arlington, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Benbrook, Bedford, Coppell and Southlake.
Until June of 2014, Dallas required all bike riders to wear a helmet, now the law only applies to those under the age of 18. In Dallas, it even used to be illegal to "remove both hands from the handle bars or feet from the pedals, or practice any acrobatic or stunt riding upon any street," or to "participate in any race for speed or any endurance contest." That's right, it was actually illegal to pop a wheelie!
Twice in recent years, Texas lawmakers have attempted to institute a statewide law that would require minors to wear helmets while riding a bike, but both laws failed to pass.
Even though bike helmets are not required by law for most Texans, it is always a good idea to wear a properly fitted and buckled regulation helmet while riding your bike. Ask anyone who's been in a bicycle accident and they'll tell you the same. While helmets do not completely prevent head injuries or traumatic brain injuries, they greatly reduce damage done to the head during bike accidents and minimize injury. Very simply, regardless of the law, bike helmets save lives.

Answer:

If you or were seriously injured in a Texas bicycle accident, you may file a lawsuit in order collect damages from the person or entity that was at fault for your accident. Damages could include medical bills, lost wages, loss of future wages, pain and suffering, and mental anguish.
Before filing a lawsuit, it is key to determine what caused your accident and who was at fault for your injuries. While the driver of the vehicle that struck you is often at fault in a car-vs-bicycle accident, other factors may have been at play. For example, your bike accident could have been due to poor road design, a malfunctioning traffic light, a mechanical problem, a bike manufacturing error, or due to premises liability issues. Even if you believe that you were at fault for your bike accident, it is important to speak with an attorney and have an expert fully investigate the actual cause of your wreck.
Are you considering a bike accident injury lawsuit in Dallas? Speak with our Texas personal injury attorneys today by calling (214) 617-1886.

Answer:

Yes, it is possible that your accident was caused by poor road design, dangerous road conditions, or an improperly maintained property. Whether or not you have a valid personal injury claim after a bicycle or motorcycle accident depends on a number of factors related to your specific incident.
Here are just a few important questions you should ask if you believe your accident was caused by a problem with the road:

• Should my bike/motorcycle accident have been prevented by the entity that maintains the road?
• Did the entity that maintains the road know about the issue that caused your crash?
• Did other accidents take place in the past in the same area and for the same reason?
• Was the road hazard an obvious danger?
• Could it be argued that you should you have seen the danger and avoided it on your own?
• Do you fear that other riders will suffer accidents and injuries in the same place in the future?

Cities, towns, and counties have a responsibility to keep their roadways reasonably safe and free from hazards. In addition, private property owners have a similar responsibility. If you've been injured and would like to learn more about your legal options, call Rasansky Law Firm at (214) 617-1886 today.

The weather is getting warm again and that means that people are going to be heading out and about on foot. Many people will also be taking their bicycles out of their garages and starting a routine of regular rides to stay in shape or just to cut down on the gas bills. Either way, there are some significant hazards that go along with being a pedestrian in Dallas. Some basic safety rules, most of which we learn in elementary school, oftentimes need to be reviewed during these times of year to ensure that people stay safe.

Don’t Trust Drivers

Remember that the drivers on the road, even if they seem to be going slow enough to see you, maybe utterly unaware of your presence when you’re about to cross an intersection. Distracted driving is becoming a serious hazard and has contributed to many fatal pedestrian accidents. Whenever you are about to cross the road, go ahead and do a few head checks in both directions to make certain that nothing is coming. If you’re not sure about the speed of a vehicle, wait for it to pass before crossing.
If you happen to be crossing a busy intersection, remember that you have to check in four directions, not just right and left. Check behind you, to make certain that nobody is about to make a fast right turn that could endanger you when you are crossing in the crosswalk. Also be wary of situations when the left turn arrow has turned on for the lane coming toward you and when you may not be able to see that looking at the traffic lights from your direction.

Blind Spots

If you are on a bicycle or on foot, remember that vehicles have blind spots alongside them. It’s very easy for a driver making a right turn to not notice that you are approaching on the right on a bicycle or on foot and to actually crowd you off of the road. In the worst-case scenario, they may actually sideswipe you, causing serious injuries.
Even though many drivers do drive in a way that puts people at risk, they are responsible for their actions. The fact that many people do it doesn’t make it any less negligent.
A Dallas personal injury law firm can help both pedestrians and bicyclists that were injured by motorists seek the compensation they deserve following such an injury. Call us today at (214) 617-1886 for a free consultation.

A man on a bicycle was killed over the weekend of October 13 in Austin after being struck by a drunk driver. According to reporting in Fox News, the intoxicated driver kept going for some distance before finally coming to a stop. The report goes on to detail that this marked the second cyclist/car fatality of the year.
Accidents involving pedestrians and motor vehicles and accidents involving bicyclists and motor vehicles are very common. In many cases, it's because the bicyclist's or pedestrian's right-of-way is not honored by a motorist. In other cases, it is because somebody is behind the wheel after having had too many to drink.
In some cases, the families of survivors will sue over a wrongful death car accident. One common misconception is that people get sued when they manage to escape criminal charges. This is not true. Somebody can be sued for the damages that they caused, in addition to being charged criminally.

Criminal Charges

Drivers who end up taking someone's life oftentimes do end up facing criminal charges. They may be charged for things such as manslaughter, intoxicated manslaughter and under other parts of the law. These criminal charges neither negate nor confirm your right to sue. A personal injury attorney can file a wrongful death lawsuit against somebody who has taken one of your loved ones, whether or not that person is facing criminal charges and whether or not they are convicted of those charges.

Contacting an Attorney

It's best to contact an attorney right away if you believe you may have cause to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If your loved one was a pedestrian or on a bicycle and if they were struck by a motorist, there is a chance that the motorist may have been at fault. Aside from the criminal investigation, an attorney can investigate the matter to determine if negligence played some sort of a role in your loved one losing their life. If it did, you may have cause to sue.
Talking to an attorney for a consultation is generally free and you can oftentimes get these cases taken on contingency. Working on a contingency basis, an attorney will only get paid if they manage to win compensation for their client. If you do not get compensation, you will not owe the attorney any money for their services. This is the best way to pursue one of these lawsuits against a negligent driver.
RASANSKY LAW FIRM
2525 McKinnon Street
Dallas, Texas 75201
(877) 405-4313

This week we covered the story of a 70-year-old cyclist in The Woodlands who died of a severe head injury following a collision with a vehicle at a signed intersection. An investigation into the fatal Texas bike accident revealed that the man was biking on the wrong side of the road and not wearing a helmet. After the accident, many bike-safety advocates in the area stressed the importance of knowing the basics of cycling laws – whether you are a biker or a motor vehicle driver.
 

 
What are the basic rules of the road for bicycle riders in Texas that everyone should know? Here we explain them.
 

• Ride in the right lane – and never against traffic. While you should walk against traffic, bicycles are considered vehicles and always follow the flow of traffic. Stay in the right lane and stay to the right of traffic if you are not traveling as fast as other vehicles.
• Obey all rules of the road that cars and trucks follow. This includes obeying all signs, traffic signals, and road markings.
• Use hand signals when turning or stopping. Since bicycles do not have turn signals or brake lights, hand signals are vital to letting other vehicles know when you are slowing, turning, or stopping.
• When biking at night, use a headlight and rear reflectors. A bright, white headlamp or mounted headlight allows you to see where you are going and alerts oncoming traffic of your approach. Red rear reflectors or lights alert vehicles behind you of your presence.
• All bikes should have functioning brakes. All bikes in Texas must be equipped with brakes that allow the bike to skid on dry, even pavement.

 
Bike accidents are far too common in Texas, and it is sad to think about how many of these accidents and injuries could have been prevented if everyone – cyclists and drivers alike – understood and followed Texas bicycle laws and regulations.
 
If you were injured in a Dallas bike accident and need the help of a personal injury lawyer, call the Rasansky Law Firm today. Our Dallas bike accident lawyers can examine your case, collect evidence, and explain your best options for legal action. Contact us to schedule a free, private consultation – and learn whether or not you deserve compensation for your bike accident.

In the days and weeks after a fatal Texas bicycle accident, area bicycle safety advocates are stressing that all Texans should understand the rules of the road when it comes to cycling – whether they are cyclists or motorists who share the road.
The deadly bicycle accident took place in The Woodlands on May 23 when 70-year-old Jack Elstone was struck by a vehicle while traveling north on Sterling Ridge at around ten in the morning. The car was stopped at the intersection of Sterling Ridge and Bantam Woods – when, the driver states, she looked both ways and then left again before beginning through the intersection. When Elstone, who was traveling on the wrong side of the road, appeared in front of her car, she accidentally hit the brake and accelerator at the same time, striking the biker.
Although Elstone was conscious and speaking after the accident, the first responders at the scene asked him to ride to the hospital for treatment since he struck his head on the pavement. He died at the Hermann Memorial The Woodlands Hospital of head injuries three days after the incident.
The man wasn’t wearing a helmet and was riding his bike on the wrong side of the street – two basic mistakes that may have cost him his life. Bike-safety experts say that while The Woodlands has made significant progress when it comes to bike safety (the city is a bronze Bike Friendly Community winner), many of those on bicycles lack knowledge on the rules of the road. At the same time, many drivers don’t understand when a bike has the right of way.

This week, following a fatal bike accident in The Woodlands, we’ve been focusing on Texas bicycle rules, laws, and regulations. However, while we’ve covered all of the official rules of the road for cyclists, we haven’t talked about strategies that bikers can use to help prevent bike accidents and injuries. Below, we’ve shared three vital tips for cyclists who wish to stay safe on Texas roads:

1. Make predictable moves. Far too many bicycle accidents take place when a cyclist does something that a vehicle isn’t expecting. Being predictable consists of following all of the rules of the road, always using hand signals when stopping or turning, and never making sudden movements into traffic.
2. Make sure you can be seen. Bikes are smaller than almost any other vehicle on the road. Because of this, bikers are often blocked from view by other vehicles. During the day, make sure to wear bright clothing and reflectors. At night, equip yourself with a headlight or headlamp and red lights or red reflectors on the rear of your bike.
3. Ride defensively. Never, ever assume that a car or truck knows that you have the right of way – or that you are even on the road. Unfortunately, many drivers of motorized vehicles aren’t familiar with bicycle laws – and this unfortunate fact often leads to serious accidents.

Were you or a loved one seriously injured in a Texas bicycle accident? You may deserve compensation for your injuries and other damages. To learn more about your case and your rights, speak to a Dallas bike accident attorney at the Rasansky Law Firm today. We offer accident victims a free, private consultation with an experienced lawyer.

This week, we covered the story of a deadly bike accident in The Woodlands that took the life of a 70-year-old cyclist. The man, who was not wearing a helmet, was conscious and talking after the accident, but died of severe head injuries related to the collision three days after the crash. Sadly, a number of serious bicycle accident injuries and fatalities could be prevented if cyclists were sure to invest in basic bicycle safety equipment.

• Helmet. If you don’t buy or use any other bicycle safety equipment, buy a safety helmet. Make sure that it fits your head securely and that it is not old, damaged, or cracked.
• Reflectors and reflective tape. Bikes can be difficult to see. Reflectors on all parts of your bike, even your helmet and clothing, can increase your visibility during all hours of the day and night.
• Headlight or headlamp. It is the law in Texas for all bikers to use a headlight or headlamp when cycling at night. These devices make it easier for bikers to see and be seen.
• Bright clothing. Serious bikers who spend a lot of time on the road should consider brightly colored cyclist shirts that make you more visible to drivers. The fact that they are designed to keep you cool during your ride is an extra bonus.
• Bike gloves. Gloves protect your hands and allow you to grip your handlebars tighter. Gloves with reflectors also make it easier for cars to see your hand signals in low-light situations.
• A bell. A bell or horn on your bike can come in handy in the same way that they can protect drivers of cars and trucks. Sound your bell if you aren’t sure a vehicle or pedestrian is aware of your presence or if you are worried about a potential collision.