Texas Accident & Injury News

Man Sentenced to 110 Years After Trucking Accident Kills Four

Published on: January 2, 2022 | by Carabin Shaw

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December 17, 2021 – A Colorado truck driver was sentenced to 110 years in prison for a crash that occurred on I-10 in April of 2019 which left 4 people dead. 26-year-old Texas native Rogel Aguilera Mederos pleaded for leniency and the Colorado judge refused, claiming the law prevent such an action. However, as of today, more than three million have signed a petition asking for clemency or commutation for time served from Colorado Governor Jared Polis.

In April 2019, Rogel was driving down I-10 at 85mph during rush hour when his brakes failed, and he collided with dozens of stopped vehicles. The collision sparked a massive fire that shut I-10 down for roughly 24 hours, killing 4 people trapped by the flames. Among the victims was a 24-year-old named Miguel Angel. Rogel had previously failed to utilize one of the state’s runway truck ramps, which the prosecution focused heavily on during his trial. When asked why, he said that he was unaware that his brakes were out, and that he made efforts to prevent the accident.

Auto Accidents happen every day, but when an 18-wheeler is involved the injuries and damage that occurs can be so much greater. It is important to be aware of your rights if you or someone you love is affected by an auto accident involving an 18-wheeler.

Man Dies in Fatal Motorcycle Accident

Published on: January 2, 2022 | by Carabin Shaw

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The miles of beautiful rolling hill country in Texas makes it a very popular state for motorcycles. However, motorcycles come with a number of unique dangers as many people are aware. It is more difficult for a driver to see a motorcycle, especially at night. Additionally, motorcycles offer comparatively little protection against a strike from a motor vehicle, increasing the risk of serious injury or death in the event of an accident. This is especially true when not wearing the appropriate safety gear. According to a recent news report from KTSA News, “A 31-year-old

is dead after crashing his motorcycle on the Northside. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office reports the man lost control of his bike and fell off as he rode near TPC Parkway and Viejas. The man was not wearing a helmet and suffered several serious injuries resulting in his death.” (December 2021) This follows a recent trend of a rise in motorcycle accidents in Texas. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 408 persons were seriously injured or killed in motorcycle accidents in 2020. Additionally, forty-nine percent of persons injured or killed were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash (TDT, 2020). However, it is important to note that a motorcyclist over the age of 21 are not required to wear a helmet if they have completed a motorcycle safety course or have a health insurance plan that covers motorcycle accidents according to Texas law. However, it is true that motorcycle accidents can happen even if the motorist takes every precaution.

Do you need a Texas Personal Injury Attorney?

Major Packaged Salad Product Recall Following Three Deaths and 22 Hospitalizations

Published on: January 2, 2022 | by Carabin Shaw

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When a consumer makes a purchase in the United States, they trust that the companies they are purchasing from offer safe and effective products. However, even with the strict testing and high federal standards, a few dangerous products make their way on the shelves and cause harm to the consumers. This week, Dole and Fresh Express recalled several of their packaged salad products after two separate listeria outbreaks hospitalized 22 and killed three across 18 States, including Texas. Fresh Express is recalling all products with codes Z324-Z350. Dole issued a voluntary recall on all products beginning with lot code “N” or “Y” and have a Best if Used By date between November 30, 2021, and January 8, 2022. Companies may try to avoid liability for their defective products by issuing such recalls. However, a warning may be too broad to void liability, as they must prove that the notice reached the specific customer. If you or a loved one has been hospitalized or killed due to a defective product, it is imperative that you contact the Carabin Shaw law firm right away. 

What is listeria?

           Listeriosis is an illness caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. According to the CDC, an estimated 260 people die from Listeriosis every year (2021). It is more dangerous for those who are immunocompromised, pregnant or the elderly over 65 years of age. Symptoms for pregnant women are flu-like, such as running a low-grade fever and experiencing fatigue or muscle aches. Listeriosis can also cause birth complications or the death of infants. For others, symptoms include muscle aches, headaches, loss of balance, stiff neck, or confusion (CDC, 2021). If you think you may have contracted Listeriosis, contact your doctor immediately. 

ACCIDENT INJURY REPORT – DRIVER OF 18-WHEELER DIES IN FATAL TRAIN CRASH AT HARRIS COUNTY RAILROAD CROSSING

Published on: September 16, 2021 | by Carabin Shaw

Sept. 16, 2021: HUFFMAN, Texas (KTRK) — The driver of an 18-wheeler died Wednesday, Sept. 8 in the morning when a Kanas City Southern train crashed into the big rig at a busy northeast Harris County railroad crossing. The crash happened just after 7 a.m. at FM 2100 and FM 1960. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez confirmed that the driver of the semi-truck was killed in the incident.

Video from the crash showed the train stopped on the tracks. Harris County sheriff’s deputies said the cab of the semi-truck was on the tracks when it was hit by the train, which then pushed it about 30 feet down the tracks. Deputies said the truck was headed northbound on FM 2100 and the train was headed east on the tracks before the crash.

A man who works at a nearby gas station said he heard the collision and saw a fire ignite. “I saw a big fire and heard a big noise. That’s it,” the witness said. “I saw the train go through the big fire. That’s all I saw.”

Fatal 18-Wheeler Accident Claims One Life in Smith County, Texas

Published on: September 14, 2021 | by Carabin Shaw

Recently, one person was killed in a Texas truck accident in Smith County. While details about the accident are still sparse, according to a local news report, the accident occurred on FM 346. The driver of the truck survived the accident with serious injuries. However, an unidentified person was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident is still under investigation, and there is no indication whether criminal charges will be pursued.

Motor vehicle collisions are one of the leading causes of preventable injury in Texas. In fact, according to the most recent data from the Texas Department of Transportation, there are more than 15,800 people injured and another 3,600 killed in Texas car accidents each year. Truck accidents are responsible for a significant portion of these collisions.

Although Texas does not have the highest population of all U.S. states, it does see the highest number of trucking accidents. In part, this is because of the large number of interstate highways spanning the state. However, there also seems to be a certain disregard of the state’s traffic laws and regulations among many Texas truck drivers. For example, the majority of Texas truck accidents are the result of entirely preventable driving behavior, such as distracted driving, drunk driving, and aggressive driving. There is also a portion of truck accidents caused by vehicle and equipment defects.

Texas Multi-Vehicle Accident Claims at Least One Life in Rockwall

Published on: August 25, 2021 | by Carabin Shaw

Recently, a Texas car accident claimed at least one person’s life and injured several others. According to a recent news report, the accident occurred in the westbound Interstate 30 lanes over Lake Ray Hubbard at around 7 p.m. While details about the accident are sparse, authorities noted that the accident involved multiple vehicles.

Initially, law enforcement indicated that no one died in the accident, but several people sustained serious injuries. However, later, they issued a follow-up press release stating that at least one person died in the accident. It is unclear at this point what caused the accident or how many people were involved.

The Challenges of Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Nearly 60 Percent of Child Car Seats Are Misused and Dangerous

Published on: August 17, 2021 | by Carabin Shaw

San Antonio, Texas: It’s back to school and back on the roads in Texas, make sure your children are safely buckled up or strapped in for trips in the car.

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children. While most people believe their children are properly buckled up, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) points out that 59% of all car seats are misused. The best way to keep young children safe in your vehicle is to make sure they’re properly buckled up in a car seat. That means selecting a car seat that’s appropriate for a child’s age and size and installing it correctly.

“We encourage parents to take advantage of car seat safety checks available during Passenger Safety Week (September 19-25^th). With proper car seat, car seat installment, and seat belt placement, children are far safer during a motor vehicle collision,” said Carabin Shaw Attorney Carla Dixon. “Knowing the guidelines for height and weight for your children is also extremely important to ensure your child is in the proper car seat or booster seat. Serious injuries can be greatly reduced as well if we place children rear-facing car seats until ages 2-4.”

Single-Vehicle Accident in South Texas Claims Ten Lives

Published on: August 17, 2021 | by Carabin Shaw

Earlier this month, a Texas car accident involving a van carrying an estimated 30 people crashed, killing ten and injuring twenty others. According to a local news , the accident occurred in South Texas, about 80 miles north of the Mexico border. Evidently, the driver of the van was attempting to make a right-hand turn when they lost control and crashed into a utility pole.

All passengers aboard the van are believed to be undocumented immigrants. The crash occurred less than a week after the Texas Governor issued an executive order preventing private transportation companies from providing transit to migrants. Some believe the Governor’s orders may have limited safer forms of transportation, resulting in the accident victims cramming into the overcrowded van.

Recovering After a Texas Single Vehicle Accident

Two Killed, Four Hurt in Texas Head-On Collision Montgomery County Texas

Published on: August 10, 2021 | by Carabin Shaw

Head-on collisions are some of the deadliest Texas car accidents. These collisions often involve high speeds and direct impact, increasing the chances of all occupants suffering serious injury. Head-on accidents are also almost always avoidable when motorists use common sense when behind the wheel. For example, the most common causes of head-on collisions are impaired driving, drowsy driving and distracted driving. Each of these driving behaviors involved a motorist’s decision to place their own convenience or desires over the safety of others on the road.

Recently, a tragic accident claimed the lives of two women and injured four others. According to a recent news report, the accident occurred around 1:45 am in Montgomery County, TX. The collision occurred near the Rayford/Sawdust exit in Spring.

Evidently, a woman driving a Honda was traveling the wrong way on the North Freeway when she crashed head-on with a Dodge pick-up truck. When emergency responders arrived on the scene, the wrong-way driver was immediately pronounced dead. Shortly after the collision, the pick-up truck caught fire.

Teenager Killed in Texas Construction Zone Chain-Reaction Car Accident

Published on: August 4, 2021 | by Carabin Shaw

Even attentive drivers can be caught off guard by an unexpected hazard on the road. One common type of unanticipated event is a car accident involving other vehicles on the road. Drivers naturally assume that everyone around them is driving safely and will not get involved in an accident. However, once an accident occurs, it puts everyone else on the road, and chain-reaction car accidents are quite common, especially on Texas highways.

A chain-reaction car accident occurs when one accident sets in motion a series of events that leads to several other collisions. Recently, a 13-year-old boy was killed in a chain-reaction car accident in Bell County, TX. According to a recent news report, the boy was a passenger in one of several cars involved in the collision.

Evidently, a driver was heading northbound on I-35, approaching Shanklin Road, when they approached a construction zone. At this portion of I-35, the highway was restricted to one lane, resulting in a significant traffic back-up. The driver failed to notice that traffic was stopped due to the construction and crashed full-speed into the rear-most vehicle.