New Year’s Eve will soon be upon us, and the fundamentals of safe driving deserve consideration. The holidays are a time of celebration. When celebrations go overboard, car collisions can result.

The danger of alcohol out on the roads is prevalent throughout the year. Every day in the United States, almost 29 people die in automotive crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. Incredibly, these crashes lead to 28% of all traffic-related deaths. Safe driving is especially key for New Year’s Eve and Day. On New Year’s Day, 50% of fatal crashes involved a driver with a blood-alcohol content of 0.08% or more. Motorcyclists should be especially concerned given the amplification of the hazards they face every day.

Most of the advice related to staying safe on the road for the holidays has to do with avoiding the problem by curbing drunk driving, using alternative transportation, etc. Instead of covering that ground, we will discuss a few defensive driving tips in case you do have to go out on the road. How can you, as a sober driver, steer clear of trouble?

Various strategies can be used to help you avoid crashes by facilitating defensive rather than aggressive driving. These methods can be particularly helpful at the holidays:

#1 – Give ample room.

Avoiding other cars is a simple element of safe driving. Transportation journalist Matthew DeBord noted that tailgating is “[t]he No. 1 problem I see in everyday driving.” Your follow distance should be at least 2 seconds and ideally 4 seconds, particularly if the weather is bad.

Providing significant distance becomes more important at higher speeds. When you are on a highway, you need to give yourself plenty of room to shift lanes. That way you do not activate anti-lock brakes or get in a collision when moving around other cars. DeBord recommended staying back about three car lengths – and two car lengths in traffic jams. Three car lengths could certainly be expanded.

#2 – For safe driving, be smooth.

You want to exert full control over your vehicle when the roads are rough – as on New Year’s Eve. Stability can be evident in an idea from Jackie Stewart, a car racing legend. Stewart suggested filling a bowl with water, putting it on your dashboard, and seeing if you can drive around without it spilling.

A smooth, steady approach will make you more easily predictable to others, improving your safety. Avoid either braking or accelerating suddenly. Look out ahead of you and know what you will do next well ahead of time. Position both your hands on the wheel as much as possible.

#3 – Concentrate.

Control what you can. Put all your attention on the road.

Consider cutting your speed a bit given the climate. Speeding increases damage from collisions and reduces the time you have to avoid one.

Put your phone away. It is a key source of distraction, a nemesis of safe driving.

#4 – Deal with overconfidence

If you make every effort to drive safely, you may start to think you can conduct maneuvers that do not give you sufficient room for safety. This issue is central to drivers failing to be practical when it comes to driving safety, per the IIHS’s Russ Radar. “We all think we’re good drivers and it’s all the other drivers out there that are dangerous,” Radar said. He added that people could become much safer by simply self-examining and improving their own efforts.

#5 – Stay alert, and get sleep.

Sleepiness is a factor behind over 56,000 car collisions each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These types of crashes tend to be patterned as follows: A person is driving alone. It is early in the morning, or late in the evening. A car drives off a highway, resulting in a single-vehicle accident. There is no effort made by the driver to evade the crash.

The people who are at the greatest risk of falling asleep at the wheel are those from 16 to 29 years old, particularly male. Another high-risk group is people whose sleep schedule is often thrown off-course by long or continually changing hours. Your alertness on the road is required for your focus, which can in turn help you maintain safe driving and avoid collisions on New Year’s.

#6 – Be the one who yields.

Crashes often occur when two people want to be in the same place at the same time. Whenever you feel that there is another driver who is challenging the path you are taking, take it upon yourself to yield. Yield regardless if you feel that you have the right-of-way or that the other driver should let you in out of courtesy. Your key concern is that you get home safely. That is driving safety.

Protecting you on New Year’s and every day

Sometimes, despite your best efforts at safe driving, you may get into a traffic collision. Motorcyclists often find these incidents particularly devastating. If you get into a wreck, the legal counsel you choose will help you see just compensation for any injuries or losses you incur. At Farrah Martinez Law Firm, we provide top-notch legal representation to everyday people who have been injured as a result of another person’s negligent acts. See our approach to success.

Know What to Do in the Event of a Motorcycle Accident

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 9,859 injuries and fatalities to motorcycle drivers and passengers in 2016. That’s a significant number and an increase over previous years. It’s also a sign that motorcycle drivers and passengers are less safe than ever before. The drivers of other automobiles typically cause motorcycle crashes.

 

A Lack of Awareness: Motorcycle Drivers Are at an Increased Risk

 

One of the most significant contributing factors in the rise of motorcycle accidents across Texas is negligence on the part of other drivers. With an estimated 500,000 registered motorcycles on Texas roadways now, it’s more important than ever for car, truck, van and 18-wheeler drivers to be observant. That’s the force behind the state’s 2017 DoT campaign – “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles.”

Drivers of other vehicles are urged to be vigilant concerning motorcycles. An accident involving a motorcycle is five times more likely to result in an injury than a car-to-car crash, and 29 times more likely to result in a fatality. Of course, motorcycle drivers and passengers also need to be vigilant. However, you need to know what to do if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident.

 

When You Are Involved in a Motorcycle Accident, Know What to do.

Houston Car Accident Lawyer Answers Questions

Car Accident Lawyer helps Motorcycle Victims

Assess the Damage – First of all, you need to assess the damage, and that includes physical injuries to you and a passenger on your motorcycle. What injuries have you sustained? Are you able to sit up, or stand?

Chances are good that if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident involving a car, truck, van or an 18-wheeler, you have sustained serious injuries. If possible, use your cell phone to call 911 to ensure that help is on its way immediately. If you are able, check the condition of any passengers, and the driver/passenger of the other vehicle.

Move Off the Road – If possible, move your motorcycle off the road. The other driver will also need to move their vehicle out of the flow of traffic. If necessary, move any injured individuals off the road (assuming you’re physically able to do so).   Most of all, do not cause more harm by trying to help.

Gather Evidence

Exchange Insurance Information – If you’re capable, exchange insurance information with the other driver. You should also get their name, phone number, and address. All of this information will be necessary to file a claim.

Take Pictures – If you are physically able, use your cell phone to take pictures of the accident scene before moving the vehicles out of the road. You’ll need proof of who hit whom, the position of the vehicles, and more. If you’re not able to take photographs, try to memorize every detail of the scene possible.

Talk to Witnesses – While not always the case, witnesses are sometimes present. Get the contact information from these individuals.

Don’t Talk about Fault – Whether the motorcycle accident was the fault of the other driver, or you think it was your own, don’t talk about it except with the police. Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver.

Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?

While you may not need a car accident lawyer in all instances, it’s wise to have an experienced professional on your side if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident. Why? Insurance companies are in business to make money.  Consequently, they don’t do that by paying out a lot of cash to those injured in accidents. An experienced car accident lawyer like Farrah Martinez can help ensure that you receive the compensation you need to pay for medical bills, missed time from work and your pain and suffering.

For a free consultation, contact Car Accident Lawyer Farrah Martinez at (713) 853-9296.

Source:

http://www.avrek.com/blog/what-to-do-after-motorcycle-accident/

https://rideapart.com/articles/crash-motorcycle

http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/trf/crash_statistics/2016/01.pdf

http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/trf/crash_statistics/2016/09.pdf

http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2017/04/28/txdot-drivers-motorcycles/

 

Know What to Do in the Event of a Motorcycle Accident

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 9,859 injuries and fatalities to motorcycle drivers and passengers in 2016. That’s a significant number and an increase over previous years. It’s also a sign that motorcycle drivers and passengers are less safe than ever before. While some accidents are the fault of the driver, more are caused by the drivers of other automobiles.  Car Accident Lawyer, Farrah Martinez, explains what to do if the accident is not your fault.

A Lack of Awareness: Motorcycle Drivers Are at an Increased Risk

One of the most significant contributing factors in the rise of motorcycle accidents across Texas is negligence on the part of other drivers. With an estimated 500,000 registered motorcycles on Texas roadways now, it’s more important than ever for car, truck, van and 18-wheeler drivers to be observant. That’s the impetus behind the state’s 2017 DoT campaign – “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles”.

Drivers of other vehicles are being urged to be vigilant concerning motorcycles. An accident involving a motorcycle is five times more likely to result in an injury than a car-to-car crash, and 29 times more likely to result in a fatality. Of course, motorcycle drivers and passengers also need to be vigilant, but in addition, you need to know what to do if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident.

Houston Car Accident Lawyer Explains What to Do Moments After Your Accident

Knowing what to do in the minutes following an accident can make a huge difference in the ultimate outcome, and it might just save your life or the life of someone else. Follow this brief guide.

Assess the Damage – The first thing you’ll need to do is to assess the damage, and that includes physical damage to you and/or a passenger on your motorcycle. What injuries have you sustained? Are you able to sit up, or stand?

Chances are good that if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident involving a car, truck, van or an 18-wheeler, you have sustained serious injuries. If possible, use your cell phone to call 911 to ensure that help is on its way immediately. If you are able, check the condition of any passengers, and the driver/passenger of the other vehicle.

Move Off the Road – If possible, move your motorcycle off the road. The other driver will also need to move their vehicle out of the flow of traffic. If necessary, move any injured individuals off the road (assuming you’re physically able to do so).

Exchange Insurance Information – If you’re capable, exchange insurance information with the other driver. You should also get their name, phone number, and address. All of this information will be necessary to file a claim.

Take Pictures – If you are physically able, use your cell phone to take pictures of the accident scene before moving the vehicles out of the road. You’ll need proof of who hit whom, the position of the vehicles, and more. If you’re not able to take photographs, try to memorize every detail of the scene possible.

Talk to Witnesses – While not always the case, witnesses are sometimes present. Get the contact information from these individuals.

Don’t Talk about Fault – Whether the motorcycle accident was the fault of the other driver, or you think it was your own, don’t talk about it. Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

Call Your Car Accident Lawyer – As soon as possible, call your car accident lawyer. While they might not be able to open a claim without a police case ID or accident report, you can at least get the ball rolling. Once the police have investigated the scene and provided you with a report number, your car accident lawyer can order a copy of the report online.  Accident reports are usually ready within 10 days of the accident.

Do I Really Need a Car Accident Lawyer?

While you may not need a car accident lawyer in all instances, it’s wise to have an experienced professional on your side if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident. Insurance companies are in business to make money, and they don’t do that by paying out a lot of cash to those injured in accidents. An experienced Houston car accident lawyer like Farrah Martinez can help ensure that you receive the compensation you need to cover repair or replacement of your motorcycle, payment of medical bills and the like.

For a free consultation, contact Car Accident Lawyer Farrah Martinez at (713) 853-9296.

 

Source:

http://www.avrek.com/blog/what-to-do-after-motorcycle-accident/

https://rideapart.com/articles/crash-motorcycle

http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/trf/crash_statistics/2016/01.pdf

http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/trf/crash_statistics/2016/09.pdf

http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2017/04/28/txdot-drivers-motorcycles/

 

Do it Yourself?

We live in the age of do it yourself (DIY).  I am all for learning new things, cutting costs, and doing things for myself; however, there are some tasks that require a professional.  This is necessary if you want to achieve the best possible results.   I might watch a YouTube video to learn how to make a school craft project for my four-year-old or even learn to arch my own eyebrows.  I would not Google to learn “how to repair my roof” or “perform a root canal” in hopes that one day I might do these tasks myself. This blog will tackle whether you need a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer like Farrah Martinez to help you with your personal injury claim or car accident case.

In my mind, some tasks are too important, and there is too much at stake to go at it alone.

As a consumer, you must decide which tasks you are willing to learn to do and which tasks you determine that require a professional.

Should I Handle my Personal Injury Claim?

Studies show that individuals involved in a car accident tend to recover more when they hire a lawyer than those claimants who did not hire a lawyer and handle the settlement alone.  Insurance companies are for-profit companies, and their goal is to make money and keep their stockholders happy. Most of us can appreciate that a company needs to make a profit or else they will go out of business.  However, in the state of Texas, drivers are required to carry insurance.  So the majority of drivers, just like you, purchase insurance with the expectation that if involved in an accident the insurance company will cover it.  “Covered” is a broad term when you are dealing with accident or injury claims. Covered is often in the eyes of the beholder.

Every month you pay your insurance with the promise that if something happens to you that your insurance company will pay your medical bills, loss of wages, pain and suffering, and for any other expense or loss you incur as a result of your injury.

Is this a Level Playing Field?

The insurances companies are hoping you do a DIY personal injury claim since studies confirm that the insurance companies win financially when you DIY.  Take note; insurance companies do not go at it alone they have a team of lawyers that work on their behalf to get the best results for them–NOT you.

If you have started your car accident or personal injury claim, it might not be too late to hire a skilled personal injury attorney.  At Farrah Martinez, PLLC, Houston Personal Injury and Houston Car Accident Lawyer, we hold insurance companies accountable. Contact Farrah at (713) 853-9296 for a free consultation and review of your claim.

Accidents and injuries occur in a variety of ways. It is not alway a car accident; sometimes it is a slip and fall at a grocery store, a fall from poorly maintained stairs at an apartment complex, an injury while at work, an animal bite by a neighbor’s dog, a serious chemical burn at a hair salon, or injuries from a recalled products. No matter the injury, these steps will help protect your rights.

1. Report. Always stop and report your injury at the place where the injury occurred. Speak with whoever is in charge. Ask for a manager or the owner.

2. Request a copy. Often companies have their own injury incident report forms. If the person in charge is completing a form detailing the facts of the injury, request a copy.

3. It’s not too late. If you discovered your injury later, call the establishment and make a report with someone in charge. If the injury occurred at work, report it immediately.

4. Get medical attention. If you have been injured, seek medical attention. Most of the time injuries from accidents do not disappear. In fact, as injuries mature, they can become more noticeable. If your injuries are serious, seek emergency care, then follow up with your family doctor. Be sure to tell your doctor how you were injured.

5. Contact a Lawyer. Yes, if you have serious injuries you need to seek the advice of a personal injury lawyer that handles all injury and accident cases. Do not try to do it yourself.

6. Do NOT sign anything. If you are asked to sign a release, waiver or authorization of medical records, say no. Request a copy for review, then take it to your experienced personal injury lawyer, Farrah Martinez.

I am Farrah Martinez a Houston, Texas personal injury and accident lawyer and I hold insurance companies accountable to ensure victims get the compensation they deserve through experienced, aggressive and smart representation. For a free consultation contact me at (713) 853-9296 or visit us online at www.InjuryLawyerHOU.com. Find us on Facebook, follow us on Google+ and twitter.

Disclaimer: The information and materials provided here are for general informational purposes only and are not intended as legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed nor should any such relationship be implied. Nothing on this blog is intended to substitute for the advice of an attorney. If you need legal advice on injury and accident checklist, please consult with a competent personal injury lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.

One of the most frequently asked questions asked of attorneys from potential clients is how much is your attorney fee?  It is common practice for personal injury lawyers to provide free consultations and the vast majority of personal injury lawyers typically advertise with the punch line phrase “I do not get paid unless you win.”

In legal terms, this is called a contingency fee which simply means the attorney agrees to represent you and his or her fee is deferred until the end of the case and the attorney only collects a fee if the case results in a favorable outcome.  The attorney fee is then based upon a percentage of the amount awarded to you.  Legally, a contingency fee agreement is only available in certain types of cases. While in other case types, a contingency fee agreement is absolutely prohibited.

A contingency fee agreement is available in the following types of cases:

  • Personal Injury Cases – car accidents, slip and fall injuries, dog bite cases, and work accidents.
  • Products Liability Cases – defective products that cause harm. A current example of products liability would be the currently litigation surrounding Lumber Liquidators.
  • Certain Employment Discrimination Cases – age or race.
  • Fair Debt Collection Practices Act – violations committed by creditors for harassing debtors.

A contingency fee agreement is NOT permitted in the following types of cases:

  • Criminal Cases –  DWI, Assault, or Public Intoxication
  • Family Law Cases –  divorce, child custody, adoptions, or child support
  • Immigration – application for a work visa or student visas
  • Juvenile Cases – a child accused of illegal behavior such as failure to attend school or possession of marijuana

I did not list every case type.  Also, not all lawyers offer contingency fee agreements, so when you are meeting with a lawyer for the first time, simply ask.

Disclaimer: The information and materials provided here are for general informational purposes only and are not intended as legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed nor should any such relationship be implied. Nothing on this blog is intended to substitute for the advice of a slip and fall attorney.  If you need legal advice, please consult with a competent attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.