6 Signs Your Ride-Share Driver Is A Zombie

When you’re stepping out to enjoy Halloween this year, in addition to all the ghosts, ghouls and goblins, there’s one more thing to keep away from: zombie ride-share drivers.

If you’re taking an Uber or Lyft on Halloween, the last thing you need is for your driver to be a zombie.

“Zombie-behavior from a ride-share driver won’t just take a chunk out of your evening,” says Gregory H. Herrman, Managing Partner at Herrman & Herrman. “There’s a good chance they will take a chunk out of YOU too!”

With the increasing popularity of ride-share services, Herrman feels it imperative to inform the people of Texas of the danger. “It’s just one more service I want to provide to our local community in Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend,” he said.

“At Herrman & Herman, we are always putting you – our clients and the general public – first. It’s in our slogan. ‘Always Putting You First’. The zombie thing has become so big, I couldn’t ignore it any more. I had to warn people.”

To help you identify whether your ride-share driver IS in fact a zombie, Gregory shares the 6 signs that your ride-share driver is, in fact, a zombie:

1. Muttering

Your driver doesn’t talk to you and instead just mutters to themselves – and if you listen closely, you hear the word ‘Brains’, over and over again

2. Band Aids

Your driver is more interested in your new Band Aid than whatever perfume or cologne or fashionable new clothes you’re wearing.

3. BBQ

No matter how good the smell of the BBQ joint you just passed, your driver didn’t even notice. In Texas.

4. Chicken Bones

Those chicken bones left behind on the back seat by the previous passenger? That’s not chicken, that’s the previous passenger.

5. Slow Shuffle

You have to wait while the driver slowly shuffles to the trunk to help with your bags. Typical waiting time 15-30 minutes. Skip the luggage, it only slows you down in the Zombie Apocalypse in any case.

6. Music

There’s just one song playing on a loop in the car: ‘Thriller’, by Michael Jackson.

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Were you unfortunate enough to be in an accident with a zombie ride-share driver?

Whether or not the third party was a zombie, we can still help you. Let us handle your case – and the walking dead – while you get on with enjoying life. It’s what we’re here for.

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Dia De Los Muertos or Day of the Dead

The holiday Dia De Los Muertos might linger in the ears with an air of spookiness. Contrarily, it is a day of papel picados, flowers, treats and sugar skulls!

What is dia de los muertos?

Dia de los muertos which translates to “Day of the dead” is an annual festival celebrated in Mexico. It is a time to celebrate the dead, a day of remembrance for the dead; friends and loves ones and celebrating those lives and the ones of those that are still living. The celebration involves altars and offering and depicts Catholic and Aztec practices from the Mexican families.

How is it celebrated?

The celebrations span from the 31st of October to the 2nd of November.

• 31st of October – Los Angelitos; the souls of children.
• 1st of November – Souls of the adults.
• 2nd of November – This day it is believed the souls departed.

Although, these are the most recognized celebrations for the day of the dead, the day of the accidentados which happens on the 28th of October is strongly connected to dia de los muertos. It is the day of the souls that died in accidents.

The ofrendas is an altar made for the visiting souls. Food, fruits, drinks, pictures, toys and favorite items of the deceased are placed on the altar. This is just a list of common things, anything can be placed on the altar especially favorites of the deceased. However, the most important item in the altar is the photograph of the dead. The altars are not worshipped.

Decorations are made using skulls made from clay and other suitable materials, papel picados; which are cut paper flags, tombstones, and sugar skulls. Pan de muerto; bread for the dead is made into shapes of skulls and human figures. Traditionally, the bread is made like a human skull with decorations of crossed bones. Traditional foods are made; tortillas, tamales, and tequila. The souls are believed to be thirsty after a long journey so water is always made available.

The stories and experiences of the dead are told. Sometimes, small towns celebrate together holding parties and parades. Families invite people to dine with them and a lot of eating and drinking goes on during the celebrations. Everyone gets to specially express themselves.

 

What is Cempasúchil?

Cempasúchil, the flower of the dead is symbolic to the Aztecs, once cut it dies immediately. It is used for decorations during the celebration together with orange and yellow marigolds, magenta terciopelo (ruby coxcombs) and nube (baby’s breath). Copal, a tree resin is used as incense to signify the transformation of the physical to the supernatural.

What is Calaveras?

The Calaveras are the edible or decorative human skulls made during the festival. They are made from clay or sugar. The edible ones are eaten as a way to associate the sadness of death to pleasantness.

Where else do they celebrate it?

The day of the dead is also celebrated in Latin American countries and other Spanish speaking countries. Latin American populations in other countries also come together to celebrate dia de los muertos.

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Refinery Workers on Job Face MANY Dangers!

The oil and gas sector seems to be an industry with massive growth, and most people are eager to work in that sector. But most people that work at the refineries are putting their lives at risk because there are lots of dangers they tend to face while on the job. Refinery workers risk their lives for the benefits of the community but risk their own lives. However, not only the workers are affected, people who live around the refinery areas are also affected but the workers bear the most risk.

 

Most people are not aware of the kind of danger refinery workers are exposed to on the job, but this article will enlighten you about the dangers so just read further.

 

Air Pollution

Air pollution is very common in the refineries as they tend to release hazardous chemicals like benzene, toluene, xylene, and ethylbenzene, etc. These compounds being released by the refineries can be very dangerous to human health especially if inhaled regularly. Knowing that the refineries are the primary sources of nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide, which can cause harm to the environment. It can also lead to serious health issues on anyone who inhales them regularly, therefore putting the lives of the refinery workers at risk. But most of these refineries go an extra length to lecture its workers about the dangers they might face and also provide safety equipment for them.

 

Acid Risk

Some workers are exposed to a more dangerous risk, like acid risk. They are exposed to more toxic chemicals that are not supposed to come in contact with the skin, thereby putting their lives in danger. Most refineries work with high acidic chemicals like hydrofluoric acid, which is very dangerous hence, they provide their workers with acid gear to reduce the risk.

 

Fire and Explosion

Fire and explosion seem to be the most common type of danger in the refinery sector. This is because most chemicals found in refineries are flammable and can pose a fire risk anytime. These chemicals can cause an explosion if safety measures are not taken, thereby leaving the workers at risk of being killed by fire or severely injured. However, workers need to be aware of the dangers in their job and be exposed to safety measures. They should be aware of the flammable chemicals in the refineries and not allowed to burn anything close to the refineries and also be prevented from lighting cigarettes around the refinery.

 

Conclusion

Refinery workers are exposed to lots of dangers on the job, like the few mentioned above, which can lead to several dangerous medical conditions or even death. That is why most refineries are taking safety measures to protect their workers and reduce the dangers they are being exposed to. The government or owners of these refineries should make sure that every one of their employees who come in contact with the dangerous chemicals, acids, and flammable chemicals are well protected. Using the right protective and safety equipment, also enlightening the workers on the risk and protective measures then the dangers are bound to reduce.

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San Antonio Intersections: Which Are The Most Dangerous?

Commuters and others who regularly drive in San Antonio are well aware of Bexar County’s heavy traffic and the frequency of car accidents. What emerges under closer inspection is that many car accidents occur at intersections, and that some intersections – due to design, traffic volume or other factors – are more dangerous than others.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) says that an average of one-quarter of traffic fatalities and roughly half of all traffic injuries each year are attributed to accidents at intersections. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that, in 2018, 734 fatal accidents in Texas occurred within an intersection or within the approach to an intersection. Of those, 49 fatal intersection accidents occurred in Bexar County. From 2014 through 2018, there were 40 intersection accident fatalities in Bexar County a year.

Our San Antonio car accident attorneys at Herrman & Herrman help accident victims recover compensation for their injuries and other losses suffered in intersection crashes caused by other motorists. If you’ve been injured in a T-bone accident at an intersection or some other type of crash, our law firm has English- and Spanish-speaking staff who can assist you. But we hope the information below can help you avoid an intersection accident.

Most Dangerous Intersections in San Antonio, TX

According to a San Antonio Express News report, the most deadly intersections in Bexar County are:

Loop 1604 and Interstate 10 — 216 collisions in 2017

Northwest Loop 410 and Interstate 10 — 124 collisions in 2017

U.S. 281 and Interstate 35 — 108 collisions in 2017

West Loop 1604 North and Highway 16 — 92 collisions in 2017

Northeast Loop 410 and Interstate 35 — 90 collisions in 2017

North Loop 1604 East and Interstate 35 — 82 collisions in 2017

Alamo Ranch Parkway and Westwood Loop — 79 collisions in 2017

Northeast Loop 410 and Walzem Road — 63 collisions in 2017

Northwest Loop 410 and Wurzbach Road — 61 collisions in 2017

Northwest Loop 410 and San Pedro Avenue — 61 collisions in 2017

Highway 151 and West Military Drive — 56 collisions in 2017

West Loop 1604 North and Culebra Road — 54 collisions in 2017

Northwest Loop 410 and Highway 151 — 52 collisions in 2017

Northwest Loop 410 and Culebra Road — 51 collisions in 2017

Northeast Loop 410 and Rittiman Road — 51 collisions in 2017

Wurzbach Road and Wetmore Road — 48 collisions in 2017

Southwest Loop 410 and Marzbach Road — 48 collisions in 2017

North Loop 1604 East and San Pedro Avenue — 47 collisions in 2017

Interstate 10 and Huebner Road — 46 collisions in 2017

Highway 151 and Potranco Road — 46 collisions in 2017

Southeast Loop 410 and Rigsby Avenue — 46 collisions in 2017

Interstate 35 and McCullough Avenue — 42 collisions in 2017

Interstate 10 and Wurzbach Road — 42 collisions in 2017

Loop 1604 and Highway 90 — 41 collisions in 2017

Loop 1604 and Potranco Road — 40 collisions in 2017

Interstate 10 and Martin Luther King Drive — 40 collisions in 2017

Why Do Most Accidents Happen at Intersections?

If you have multiple cars crossing the same area at the same time in different directions, collisions are bound to happen. By design, an intersection is a place where vehicles travelling in opposing directors may come into conflict.  As the FHA explains: the different approach and crossing movements by motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians make at-grade intersections one of the most complex traffic situations that people encounter.

Add to the complexity of an intersection the wild card of motorists who ignore speed limits, disregard traffic lights and fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and other vehicles that have the right of way.  

Driver negligence and error are big factors in accidents that occur at intersections. A  NHTSA study of intersection accidents said 96 percent of intersection accidents were caused by driver error. The most common errors cited were:

• Not looking before pulling ahead or turning (44.1 percent)
• False assumption of what another driver is about to do (8.4 percent)
• Turning with an obstructed view (7.8 percent)
• Running a red light or stop sign or making an illegal turn (6.8 percent), 
• Distracted driving (5.7 percent)
• Misjudging the gap between vehicles or another vehicle’s speed (5.5 percent)

Types of Crashes at San Antonio Intersections

Car crashes in intersections are typically one of four types:

• Angle-impact crashes, also known as T-bone car accidents, are the most frequent and cause nearly half of fatal intersection accidents (47 percent of intersection fatalities). In this type of collision, one car runs into the side of another. They most often happen when a car runs a traffic signal and hits or is hit by another vehicle crossing an intersection.
• Single-vehicle crashes account for 30 percent of intersection accident fatalities. They often occur at T-intersections when a car runs a stop sign or stoplight and runs across and off the crossing road and crashes.  
• Head-on crashes (15 percent) occur when the fronts of two vehicles collide. This often occurs when one car turns squarely into a lane of oncoming traffic or drifts into opposing traffic, in an intersection typically because the driver has taken a turn too fast.  
• Rear-end crashes, which account for 6 percent of fatal intersection accidents. Rear-end accidents typically occur in intersections because a driver makes a right-hand turn without looking ahead adequately to see the car he or she then hits. 

How Can A Car Accident Lawyer Help Me in San Antonio?

Perhaps you recognize one of the San Antonio intersections listed above where you or a loved one was injured in a collision caused by another motorist. If so, the intersection crash attorneys of Herrman & Herrman may be able to help you. Texas allows two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury claim for compensation to cover medical expenses and other losses in an accident.

If you have not yet accepted an insurance settlement for injuries suffered in a car accident occurring at an intersection in San Antonio or greater Bexar County, let our attorneys review your case and any insurance offers or communications for free. We can review the facts of the accident and discuss your legal options. If you have received a communication from an insurer, we can discuss whether it is a reasonable offer given your injuries and losses. Call us today or fill out our online contact form to find out how.

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Common Back Injuries in San Antonio

Top Causes of Back Injuries in San Antonio

The back including the vertebrae of the spine, the discs, and supporting musculature is extremely fragile considering how much support it provides the body. Pain from lower back injuries is considered the No. 1 medical complaint in America.

While normal wear and tear with aging may lead to back pain, traumatic injuries in car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and falls are common causes of serious back pain, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. San Antonio is one of the most dangerous cities in Texas for motor vehicle crashes.

Will My Back Injury Cause Chronic Pain?

A back injury can cause chronic pain or if the spinal cord is damaged, paralysis. The back injury victim is likely to lose work time and may be unable to return to work, and the pain and loss of mobility may adversely affect their enjoyment of everyday life.

Common Causes of Back Injuries 

The most common causes of spinal cord injuries in the United States, according to the Mayo Clinic, are:

• Motor vehicle accidents. Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are the leading causes of spinal cord injuries, accounting for almost half of the new spinal cord injuries each year.
• Falls. Overall, falls cause about 31% of spinal cord injuries. A spinal cord injury after age 65 is most often caused by a fall.
• Acts of violence. Over 13% of spinal cord injuries result from violent encounters, most commonly involving gunshot wounds. Knife wounds also are common.
• Sports and recreation injuries. Athletic activities, such as impact sports and diving in shallow water, cause about 10% of spinal cord injuries.
• Alcohol. Alcohol use is a factor in about 25% of spinal cord injuries.
• Disease. Cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, and inflammation of the spinal cord can also cause spinal cord injuries.

What if I have Major Back Injuries from the Accident?

A blow to the back can injure tendons, ligaments or back muscles. A traumatic injury may cause the spine to become compressed, which can cause a disc to rupture, putting pressure on nerves in the spinal cord. When spinal nerves become compressed and irritated, back pain may result. Sciatica is pain that radiates from the lower back down a leg.

Sprains and strains account for most back pain. Sprains are caused by overstretching or tearing ligaments, and strains are tears in tendon or muscle. Both can occur from the sudden deceleration of a car during a crash. 

If the spinal cord is damaged or severed in a car accident, the individual will suffer a loss of sensation and motor function, causing partial or complete paralysis.

San Antonio Spinal Cord Injury Attorney

A spinal cord injury causing paralysis is a life-changing injury for the accident victim and his or her loved ones. It can be disastrous financially due to the high costs of medical care and the inability to work.

Doctors describe the extent of a spinal cord injury as:

• Complete. All feelings and the ability to control movement are lost below the point of injury.
• Incomplete. An incomplete injury varies by the degree of motor or sensory function below the point of injury.

The higher up the spine the spinal cord injury occurs, the larger the portion of the body affected. Paralysis is described as:

• Tetraplegia or quadriplegia. This results from a neck injury. The arms, hands, trunk, legs and pelvic organs are all affected.
• Paraplegia. Loss of sensation and movement in all or part of the trunk, legs and pelvic organs.

The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) says there are about 17,730 new spinal cord injury cases each year, not counting those who die at the accident scene. About 291,000 people are living in the United States with a spinal cord injury. 

The Costs of Spinal Cord Injury in 2019 

The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center says the average health care costs and living expenses and the estimated lifetime costs and losses directly attributable to spinal cord injury vary greatly based on the individual’s degree of impairment, education and pre-injury employment history.

The average spinal cord injury victim will initially spend 11 days in the hospital and then 31 days in rehabilitation. About 30% are re-hospitalized one or more times during any given year following injury for an average of 19 days. 

One year after being injured, 17% of people with spinal cord injuries are employed, according to the NSCISC. But the employment rate increases over time to 32% at 30 years post-injury.

The first year’s costs and losses due to a spinal cord injury range from more than $368,500 for some loss of motor function, to $550,000 for paraplegia, $816,000 for low cervical injury tetraplegia and $1.129 million for high cervical injury tetraplegia.

Lifetime costs for a spinal cord injury range from $1.6 million to $5 million for someone injured at the age of 25 and from $1.18 million to $2.75 million for a 50-year-old victim.

Seeking Compensation for Back Injuries in San Antonio

If you suffered a debilitating back injury in an accident someone else caused, you may be able to seek compensation for your losses and pain and suffering.

The San Antonio back injury lawyers at Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. seek full compensation for our clients who are living with debilitating back injuries. 

Our legal team investigates the accident to determine who was legally responsible for your injury and documents your symptoms, medical treatment and medical prognosis to build a case for compensation to you. 

Our attorneys take a fact-based approach to presenting your story by teaming up with medical experts and documenting the impact of your injuries through a day-in-the-life narrative.

The compensation available for a back injury may include:

• Payment for past and future medical expenses. Most back injury victims recover after medical treatment and physical therapy, but spinal cord injuries lead to lifelong medical needs that include medication, assistive devices and possibly continual personal assistance or nursing care. We calculate paid and outstanding bills and project future costs to determine the scope of your losses.
• Lost income and lost earning capacity. A back injury may limit your ability to handle the physical demands of your job and force you to change your occupation or prevent you from returning to work.
• Pain and suffering. Texas law allows you to seek compensation for the physical pain that a back injury has caused you.
• Mental anguish. A serious back or spinal cord injury may cause emotional distress, anxiety, and depression for the victim who must confront physical changes, chronic pain and adapting to a new lifestyle. You may be entitled to compensation for the mental anguish you have suffered.
• Loss of consortium. Paralysis from a spinal cord injury may include loss of sexual function. If your accident leaves you disabled and unable to enjoy intimate relations with your spouse, you may experience a reduction in the enjoyment of life. You may seek compensation for loss of marital relations as part of your legal claim.
• Exemplary damages. In some accident cases, we may be able to seek punitive damages, which is extra compensation awarded to punish a defendant for outrageous behavior.

Compensation for economic damages is calculated from receipts, bills, past income, etc., and economic analyses to project future costs. Noneconomic and exemplary damages awards are based on the picture we paint for a jury or in negotiations with insurers.

 Our attorneys at Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. match their aggressive approach to negotiations for damages with dedication, attention to detail and a relentless pursuit of justice as we build your case.

We understand the impact that a serious back injury can have on your financial stability and quality of life. We are committed to helping our clients in San Antonio and throughout South Texas seek full compensation to regain control of their lives.

Contact Our San Antonio Back Injury Attorneys

The San Antonio back injury lawyers of Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. understand the impact a back injury suffered in a car accident, slip and fall or workplace accident can have on the accident victim and his or her family. Our attorneys and staff are focused on helping injured San Antonio residents and their families regain financial stability and move forward.

Hospital Bills from Your Back Injury? Call Our Experienced San Antonio Accident Team

If someone has caused an accident that left you hospitalized with a back injury in the San Antonio area, Call Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. to schedule an appointment with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We can provide a free, no-obligation explanation of your legal options and, if possible, will aggressively pursue maximum compensation for you. We may be able to help you seek compensation for your past and future medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other expenses related to the back injury. Schedule a free case evaluation today. 

Directions to Herrman & Herrman, San Antonio’s Injury Attorneys: 

 

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The Most Dangerous Corpus Christi TX Roads and Intersections

The accident rates in Corpus Christi, Texas are currently at an all-time high. Both motorists and pedestrians are at great risk on Corpus Christi roads. From 2016 to date over 26 pedestrian fatalities have been recorded in Corpus Christi. To help Texas residents remain cautious and avoid accident-prone roads and intersections, we put together this list that is filled with names of the most dangerous intersections and roads in Corpus Christi.

1) Airline Road & S Padre Island Drive (SPID): Airline Road & SPID is a very busy access free road. On this road, motorists can drive at 50mph which is quite a decent speed limit however it is advisable for pedestrians to still be quite careful when walking or crossing the road.

2)Staples Street & Saratoga Boulevard: Among all the roads and intersections on this list, Staples street & Saratoga Boulevard is one of the most dangerous roads for pedestrians. Since 2016, 24 pedestrian crashes have been recorded on this road and during the crashes, two people died. Staples street’s speed limit varies depending on the area however it starts from about 50mph.

3)Highway 286 & Crosstown Expressway: We all know how dangerous highways can be as most vehicles move on these roads at highspeed so pedestrians need to watch carefully while walking and drivers should also drive carefully to avoid having ghastly accidents.

4) State Highway 358: The speed limit on this freeway is way higher than a lot of others on this list. Drivers can go up to 65mph on State highway 358 thus meaning that pedestrians are at more risk on this road. If for any reason you must be around this area, ensure you remain watchful and cautious as this freeway has recorded about 15 pedestrian accidents and about 5 people have died from the accidents.

5) Interstate 37 & Shoreline Boulevard: When driving past Interstate 37 and Shoreline Boulevard, you might be captivated by its beautiful scenery, its perfect for sight-seeing as it is surrounded by mountains. Because of its scenery, there are usually a lot of pedestrians and various cars trooping in and out of this intersection and due to the large influx of cars and people this boulevard is prone to accidents so it’s best to stay alert while driving or walking along this intersection.

A few other dangerous Corpus Christ roads and intersections include SPID and Everhart Road, SPID and Robb Field road, SPID and Greenwood drive, SPID and Kostoryz Road, Leopard street, Staples street, and Holly road, Ayers Street and Cimarron and Saratoga boulevard.

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Burn Injury Recovery Depends on Severity

 What most of us know about burn injuries is only what we have seen on TV or in books. There is already a stereotypical knowledge of what this injury should feel or look like, so when we hear there was an injury, a certain image already plays out in our minds. 

 

Your recovery from a burn depends on the severity of the injury, as not all are severe and require a lot of treatment.

There are four types, or rather four classifications of burns.

Burns are classified by degrees, and these degrees determine their severity. Here are the burn degrees arranged in the order of least severe to most severe.

 

First-degree: This is usually called a superficial burn, and it affects just the outer layer of the skin. This is the kind of injury that happens when you are frying something and a few hot oil splashes on your finger. It is usually not serious, and in some cases requires no treatment at all, as it goes on its own. 

When a first-degree burn happens, there is usually a bit of swelling, redness, and a tingling sensation on the spot where the injury happens. As the injury begins to heal, the dead skin peels off on its own.

 

Second-degree: This injury deeper than the first-degree burn and goes to affect the second layer of the skin, albeit not so much. This usually needs immediate medical attention, unlike the first in which a few home remedies can be used to reduce the effect. This takes longer to heal as well, reaching up to three weeks in some cases. After this heals, it leaves a scar or at least a semi-permanent change in skin pigment.

 

Third-degree: This goes through every layer of the skin, and sometimes the person injured might not feel any pain because the nerves might have been damaged in the burn. They usually begin to feel tremendous pain as they heal. The first thing to do after a third-degree burn is to call 911 immediately. 

 

Fourth-degree: This is worse than the third degree burn and the person involved may not survive this if it goes beyond one part of the body. This injury through the skin deep into the tendons and the bones and the person usually loses that body part completely.

Whichever degree the burn is, get medical attention, especially from the second degree downwards. 

 

Also, try your possible best to stay safe and avoid any kind of fire accident.

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What To Do After A San Antonio Car Accident

A car accident is a traumatic experience, particularly if someone has suffered serious injuries and it can be hard to think clearly. However, individuals in car accidents in Texas need to take certain steps to obtain report the car accident. 

If someone else caused the accident and you or your loved one has sustained injuries, you need to know the appropriate steps to take to protect your rights, including the right to sue the at-fault driver and seek compensation for your losses.

The San Antonio car accident attorneys at Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. help accident victims obtain compensation for medical expenses, lost income due to their injuries, and for their pain and suffering. We have helped thousands of clients across south Texas recover millions of dollars through personal injury claims. 

Steps You Should Take After A Car Accident in San Antonio To Protect Yourself

Report The Car Accident

Phone 911 to report a car accident to the police. You must report the traffic accident to police if there is an injury or death, if the vehicles cannot be moved from the road, if a driver leaves the scene or if you suspect a driver is intoxicated. 

Before calling 9-1-1, assess whether anyone requires emergency medical care. If there are injuries, request an ambulance and inform the dispatcher how many ambulances are needed.

Wait for the police to arrive

Do not leave the scene of a car accident. San Antonio police or the Bexar County Sheriff’s Department may charge you with hit and run if you leave the scene. If the accident wasn’t serious and there were no injuries, move your vehicle to the shoulder of the road and turn on your hazard lights to help alert other drivers.

When the police arrive, answer the officer’s questions with the facts about what happened. Don’t blame the other driver(s) and don’t blame yourself.

If you need medical care, do as instructed by paramedics and/or EMTs who respond to your 911 call, including being taken to the hospital via ambulance.

Document a San Antonio Car Accident and Your Injuries

Take photos of the accident scene while waiting for emergency responders to arrive. Get pictures of the vehicles involved and their damage, and photos of your injuries. Take photos of crash debris, such as broken glass, sheared car parts and skid marks on the road

Take photos of road conditions that may have contributed to the crash, such as construction, potholes, obscured road signs, standing water on the road, or overgrown vegetation that blocked the view of oncoming cars. Photograph anything that might help illustrate what happened and/or why.

Exchange information with the other driver(s)

Get the name, contact information, insurance company name and policy number, and vehicle identification number (VIN) and license plate number from all drivers involved in the accident. Provide your information as well.

If the driver refuses to share registration or insurance information, simply wait for the police to arrive and collect the information. You can obtain the information from the officer.

Get names and contact information for any other witnesses to the crash, including your or the other driver’s passengers. 

Report your injuries to a doctor

If you did not go directly from the accident scene to a hospital, you should see a doctor within 24 hours of the accident for a medical assessment. Make sure the doctor is aware that you were in a car accident. The doctor will evaluate your condition and may diagnose injuries that were not apparent immediately after the accident. 

Medical records will be important evidence if you file an injury claim for insurance or if you have to file a personal injury lawsuit to obtain compensation. A doctor’s report documents your injuries and may support your injury claim 

Contact your car insurance company about the accident

Most insurance companies require a prompt report of an accident, often within 24 hours. Just report the facts. Reporting the accident is not the same as filing a claim. If asked, say that at this time you are simply notifying the insurer of the accident and a potential claim. If your auto insurance coverage includes “medpay” medical coverage for the occupants of your vehicle, report any injuries from the accident.

Be careful to not say anything to anyone about the accident or your injuries that can be held against you or used to deny or reduce your claim later.

Keep a record of the aftermath of the accident

Make notes about the impact of the accident and your injuries on your life. Save receipts for medical care and medication, and make notes about medical exams and how you feel. Save receipts for any costs connected to the accident, from having to rent a car to having to hire help around the house.

Make notes of the progress of your recovery and any setbacks, including physical and mental pain. Note any family functions, special occasions or hobbies that you can’t take part in because of your injuries.

Get a Copy of the Police Car Accident Report

Obtain a copy of the police report about your car accident, known as a Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). A law enforcement officer who investigates a traffic crash must file the report when apparent vehicle damage is worth $1,000 or more, or when the crash caused injury or death. You can get the report online or by mail if you complete a Request for Copy of Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-91).

The fee is $8 for a certified copy, which makes it an official document necessary for a legal proceeding. 

The San Antonio Police Department Records Office sells copies of police reports to the public online and by mail. 

Download the Police Report Request Form at the link above and submit it with a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

San Antonio Police Department Records Office
315 S. Santa Rosa
San Antonio, Texas 78207

You may also request reports in person from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. To contact the SAPD Records Office by phone, call (210) 207-7598. Reports cannot be ordered by phone.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in San Antonio

If you have been injured in a car accident in San Antonio or elsewhere in Bexar County caused by another driver, contact a car crash lawyer at Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. We can schedule a free, no-obligation legal consultation and make sure you understand your legal options for pursuing a car accident claim. If you have a valid claim, we can aggressively pursue full compensation on your behalf.

Our law office has English- and Spanish-speaking staff ready to assist you at our offices in San Antonio and elsewhere in South Texas. Don’t wait to get a clear understanding of your legal rights. Call us today at (210) 405-7039, chat with us live 24/7, or fill out our online contact form today.

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Are Pets Covered in a Car Accident? – It Depends!

Most families in Texas own pets that, aside from being kept in the home or taken out on walks, are also driven about in a car. Unfortunately, car accidents happen, and pets, just like their owners can also get hurt during accidents. During car accidents, it is known that the owner of the car and the passengers are covered by auto insurance. So, what about the pets? What happens if their owners are injured during the accident and can’t care for the pet?

There are many auto insurance companies in Texas that cover pets during accidents, regardless of which party was at fault. Some of these companies have special injury coverage ranging above one thousand dollars for the pets. These are insurance companies that pet owners need to work with before taking their pets out in cars. Without getting this insurance, a pet owner might have to cover the cost of their pet’s injuries even when they are not at fault for the accident.

Pet Auto Insurance

As a pet owner, the best insurance for your pet is umbrella insurance. If you are not at fault for the accident, and if the driver at fault has liability insurance, the treatment of your pet’s injuries will be completely covered. This is because your pet is also personal property. However, in this situation the compensation cost has limits.

In a situation where a pet dies from the injuries occurred in a car accident, the compensation is not defined. You, as the dog owner, can insist that the party at fault pays according to the sentimental value of the pet, the market value of the pet, or for emotional distress. This payment will be decided based on the pet’s breed, health, and age.

For situations where the pet owner is injured in the accident and cannot care for the pet, The Humane Society members will take the pet and keep it for at least three free days until it can be retrieved.

To ensure that your pet is covered during auto accidents, despite the party at fault, make sure you look around for car insurance companies that offer that specific coverage.

Look through the terms of the auto insurance and choose auto insurance with coverage that is befitting for your pet. Keep in mind that most auto insurance companies in Texas do not cover pets, while some do not provide enough insurance. With proper search, you will definitely come across auto insurance companies that will provide your pet the kind of insurance you prefer.

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Drowning Death Prevention in Corpus Christi TX

Corpus Christi, TX is home to a vast number of beaches, pools, and lakes. Most times these places always end up being prime fun destinations for families during summer. As fun as a beach/pool day is, it can also be a dangerous drowning risk.  Children in Corpus Christi are at risk of drowning.

 

According to reports from various sources. The state of Texas is known for reporting a vast amount of drowning deaths yearly. It is said to have a drowning problem, as from the beginning of the year till now over 14 children have died from drowning and even last year Texas and Florida recorded the highest amount of drowning in pools and spas for children under the age of fifteen.

 

With how rampant drowning is, Corpus Christi parents and caretakers are now taking matters into their own hands. Children are now being enrolled for swimming classes at very young ages just so they can get accustomed to water early, however, just learning how to swim is not enough! If you are a parent, sibling, caretaker or if you plan on taking a kid to the beach or pool soon here are a few safety measures we think you should embrace to prevent drowning deaths:

 

1)Never allow children close to water without supervision: We all know how children below the age of 10 act when they are having fun, they wander around and they tend to do risky things without thinking about the consequences so before you allow your child or any child go to the pool or beach make sure there would be an adult present. If there is going to be more than one child there try to get more adults to come so more eyes can keep a close watch on the children.

 

2)Make sure there is a lifeguard present: Even though your child can swim, never let them swim without a lifeguard on the ground as water-related accidents can happen at any time. Also, make sure your child knows and can identify the lifeguard too just so they can signal for help in case you don’t notice on time.

 

3) Make sure your child always wears a safety device while swimming: Safety devices go a long way in preventing kids from drowning. So, on pool days and even beach days make sure your child wears a life jacket before entering the water. You can also get floaters for them too if necessary! Just ensure that they are properly kitted.

 

4)Make sure pools are properly fenced and child- friendly: On pool days, inspect the pool before your child enters just to make sure it is secure and if you have a pool at home put barriers around the water area, fence it if possible and make sure the fence is not too low as if it is your child will climb it.

 

In addition to this, a few other preventive measures you can take to prevent drowning include installing pool alarms, blocking pool access, buying pool emergency equipment’s and learning how to perform Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in case of emergencies.

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JUUL Lawsuit Alleges Company Illegally Marketed to Minors

The lawsuit filed against E-Cigarette Company JUUL
With the fight to curb tobacco and nicotine addiction among teenagers in the society, startup company JUUL an e-cigarette maker aimed to help smokers control their addiction, but get their fill through vaping of e-cigarette.
However, recent health hazard on their vaping tubes is becoming a source of worry as teenagers and minors across the United States are suffering from smoke-related conditions from vaping on JUUL’s flavored brands.
The company is facing numerous lawsuits filed by citizens and users who claim that their product is increasing teen addiction to nicotine. However, that isn’t the only lawsuit filed, as people believe that it uses illegal marketing strategies to sell to teens and also contains harmful chemical that is enhancing the effect of vaping in teens using their products unlike other vaping products on the market.

What is JUUL saying about it?
The company has vehemently denied that they sell their product to underage teens claiming they have a verifiable system on their website that ensures buyers are within the age to purchase the product.
According to the lawsuit filed, the major claims are that it uses illegal marketing campaigns to offer new fruit flavors at a discount on their started kits and uses social media and emails to target underage teens with vaping products that look and smell like candy or a popular cereal.
Aside from the FDA warning that it is illegal to use children’s candy and cereal flavor, three teens from New Jersey are also suing the company on separate lawsuits for using deceptive and unconscionable practices to lure underage teens to becoming addict, and starting an epidemic of people addicted to e-cigarettes and vaping.

Although the company denies all allegations, the evidence before them of teens and minors with lung-related disease due to vaping their product says it all.

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Vaping and All Electronic Cigarettes Banned by Texas A&M System

In a recent move, the Chancellor of all Texas A&M Universities has extended the no-smoking ban to include all electronic cigarettes and vaping. This includes both Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Texas A&M-Kingsville.

With the recent health concerns coming to the forefront with vaping and electric cigarettes and the non-disclosure of side effects the decision is a good one not just for their students, but faculty and staff and anyone visiting or working on the campuses on a daily basis.

Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp said in a memo that he wants the ban to be in place as soon as possible citing not wanting to take any unnecessary chances with the health of the students, faculty, and staff.

The Centers for Disease Control is investigating the nationwide outbreak of lung illnesses and deaths that may be tied to vaping and so far at least 12 people have died and 800 people have gotten sick in 46 states.

What used to be considered as a cleaner and safer alternative to cigarettes, and to many a way to stop smoking, appears to be something that may not be the case and actually may be more harmful than originally thought.

Moving quickly to ban all forms of electronic cigarettes and vaping at all universities of Texas A&M was the right thing to do and here is to hoping that other universities not just in Texas but in other states do the same to help protect their students, faculty, and staff.

The Chancellor wants to see the ban extended to every building, outside space, parking lot, garage and laboratory within the Texas A&M system and extend to every facility of their $950 million research enterprise and all property in the 250 Texas counties in which Texas A&M has a presence.

Public awareness of this new health concern needs to be communicated to the students of all universities.

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