The number of hit-and-run car accidents has been on the rise in Austin. In fact, 2012 was a record-breaking year for Austin, with reports that 12 people were killed as a result of hit-and-runs. The most recent accident happened when a pedestrian, a man approximately 50 years old, was crossing the street around 10:00 pm.
]]> In this particular case, the pedestrian died after he was taken to the hospital. Witnesses were unable to offer much information to police, and the investigation is still ongoing. One witness did indicate that he thought the driver was in a white car with tinted windows.In 2013, hit-and-runs continue to be a problem. In fact, the city of Austin has developed a special task force for the purpose of handling these types of car wrecks. The hope is that by utilizing a specific unit for hit-and-runs, police will be able to close investigations much more quickly, and find resolutions for the families of the victims.
As a part of the solution, many police officers have been reassigned to the more dangerous intersections of Austin. These reassignments were made after studying accident statistics from past years to determine what areas of the city need to be patrolled more heavily in an effort to reduce these sorts of accidents.
Source: KXAN-TV, "Man killed in North Austin hit-and-run," Jackie Vega, May 8, 2013
]]>However, over the last decade or so, fatal accidents in Texas and around the country have been on the increase. In fact, motorcycle deaths have gone up by 56 percent around the country since 2004.
]]> It isn't clear what is causing these numbers to trend in a negative direction. However, researchers did note that more than half of all crashes involving a motorcycle in addition to another vehicle, that other vehicle's driver didn't see the motorcycle until it was too late.More than half of the fatalities were suffered by riders who did not have a helmet. It wasn't clear how many of them might have survived their crashes had they been wearing a helmet, but it seems likely that more people would have been killed had they not been donning protective headgear.
The study also found that most fatal accidents happen within city limits as opposed to rural areas. This underscores the fact that many crashes are not simply caused by motorcyclists taking unneccessary risks but that drivers in urban areas with lots of traffic don't pay as much attention to their surroundings as they could.
Even though the numbers are down from the previous year that data was collected, concerned riders say that those traffic fatalities are still too many -- still 460 in 2012.
Source: The Dallas Morning News, "Texas motorcycle, scooter deaths down in 2012 but still higher than a decade ago," Jeff Mosier, May 5, 2013
]]>1. Conocer el proceso de mediación
Comprender el proceso es un elemento clave de mediación exitosa. A veces es bueno saber por qué están allí y que estará a su disposición, y el proceso real. No puede haber un número de personas que acudían a mediación, entre ellos:
•1. Su abogado, su abogado estará presente con vosotros, os acompañe en el proceso y responder cualquier pregunta que usted pueda tener.
•2. Un mediador - Esta es la persona designada como una tercera parte neutral para actuar como un facilitador para el acuerdo. El mediador no toma la decisión final. Una vez más, se trata de un acuerdo.
•3. Compañía de Seguros Abogado - a veces la empresa de seguros abogado es el que tuvo su deposición ante mediación o que ha tratado directamente con un abogado para tratar de resolver la reclamación.
•4. Compañía de Seguros Ajustador - a veces, un representante de la compañía de seguros se harán presentes en la mediación. Si los hay, es probable que la persona que la decisión final en la solución del caso (cantidad, etc.)
5. El demandado o acusado parte adversa.
6. Subrogado Parte - un representante de la compañía de seguros puede asistir a la
mediación. Si su compañía de seguros ha pagado los gastos o daños a la propiedad los
pagos médicos que tienen el derecho a ser pagado por la adversa.
2. Hable con su abogado acerca de la altura de sus expectativas
Mediación puede ser un proceso confuso y llegar preparado es muy importante. Hable con su abogado acerca de lo que será el proceso, sus expectativas de una solución, y lo que se puede esperar.
]]>There are a number of things that should be considered when preparing for this process.
•1. Know the Mediation Process
Understanding the process is a key element to making mediation successful. Often times it is good to know why you are there, who will be there, and the actual process. There can be a number of people attending mediation, including:
•1. Your Attorney - Your attorney will be present with you, accompany you through the process, and answer any questions you may have.
•2. A mediator - This is a person designated as a neutral third party to act as a facilitator to the agreement. The mediator does not make the final decision. Again, it is an agreement.
•3. Insurance Company Attorney - Often times the insurance company attorney is the one that took your deposition before mediation or who has directly dealt with your attorney to try to resolve the claim.
•4. Insurance Company Adjuster - Occasionally a representative of the insurance company will be present at the mediation. If present, they will likely be the person making the final decision in settling the case (amount etc.)
•5. Defendant - The defendant or adverse party.
•6. Subrogated Party - A representative from your insurance company may attend the mediation. If your insurance carrier has paid out property damage expenses or medical payments they have the right to be paid back by the adverse carrier.
2. Talk to Your Lawyer About Your Expectations
Mediation can be a very confusing process and arriving prepared is very important. Talk with your attorney about what the process will be like, your expectations for a settlement, and what you can reasonably expect.
]]>For one young family, an accident allegedly caused by a suspected drunk driver has irrevocably changed their lives. The family, two parents, a boy and a girl, were en route back to Arlington, Texas, where they had lived until a recent move to Tennessee, for a Thanksgiving visit.
]]> Fortunately, the father and the son walked away from the accident basically unscathed. However, the mother was killed in the crash and the daughter was critically injured. Her survival was in doubt for an extended period of time.The daughter, 11, was in the hospital for about five months, being released only recently. With a little assistance, she was able to throw out the first pitch at a baseball game in which her brother was playing. She still walks haltingly and gets around mostly in a wheelchair; she will need countless hours of therapy to rebuild her cognitive and social skills.
As this case shows, a car accident can have an instant and permanent effect on innocent people. When Texans are injured in a motor vehicle accident, they can consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to determine their options and seek compensation.
Source: NBC DFW, "11-Year-Old Makes Unexpected Recovery After Deadly Crash," Mola Lenghi, April 30, 2013
]]>There was so much damage caused by this tragic accident, that although most residents survived with no injuries, almost everyone knows someone who died, was injured, or lost a home.
Dorothy Zahirniak was one who experienced both severe injuries and a loss of her home. She remembers, "When I heard the blast, I thought ' My God, what was that?' and then the ceiling fell down on me."
Another resident of West, Texas, Jean Smith, was allowed back to her home on Saturday morning. The first thing she did when being allowed to return to her home was call for her missing cat, Draco. However, it didn't take long before Smith notice the devastating damage to her home of 25 years. Smith said it feels so surreal, stating, "I'm wanting somebody to please wake me up from my nightmare, and et back to normal."
Unfortunately, Jean Smith and her husband, Dr. George Smith won't be waking up from this nightmare caused by the fertilizer plant accident, but will have to start rebuilding their lives again. Their wooden front door - white with rose trim and lead glass panels - was blown 10 feet into the entrance way and all the windows in the house were shattered. Portraits and paintings were all scattered around the floor in pieces.
The Smith's house was located in what area authorities dubbed Zone 3 - the region closest to the explosion. Despite being so close, the Smith's are lucky. Fifteen people were killed and the explosion injured another 200. As for the 157 houses in Zone 3, 70 are uninhabitable and another 84 are significantly damaged.
Many do not blame the fertilizer plant owner for the terrible accident, but others are seeking redemption for their injuries that the accident caused. When Donald Adair bought the plant in 2004 - to prevent it from closing - some residents expressed concern whether the plant was being properly supervised. Adair focused his attention on his farming operation, but left the General Manager, Ted, Uptmore - 80 years old - and other staff in place.
Law suits are beginning to pile up against Adair. Bridgett and Roger Bowles are among those claiming damages against Adair. According to their lawyers, Jason Gibson, the roof of the Bowles' house had been blown up and then slammed back down onto the house during the explosion. As a result, Bridgett suffered a broken jaw, a concussion, and a blown out eardrum.
Among the lawsuits filed thus far, two have accused Adair Grain Inc., a parent company of West Fertilizer Co., of negligence.
]]>Esta decisión vino de Missouri caso donde un hombre desafió a la extracción de la sangre sin orden judicial que vino después de que se negara el test del aliento, diciendo que se trata de uno inconstitucional registro e incautación en virtud de la Enmienda IV de la Constitución de los Estados Unidos. El Tribunal Supremo falló 8-1 que los funcionarios no siempre toma muestras de sangre sin una orden judicial. El problema surge porque los jueces no estuvo de acuerdo y cuando una orden judicial podría no ser necesario. En los 48-página opinión, los magistrados declararon que existen algunas circunstancias donde la policía puede tomar sangre sin una orden, sin embargo, estas excepciones no están definidos.
Texas actualmente tiene excepciones en la ley estatal permite que los agentes de policía para recuperar una muestra de sangre sin una orden judicial. Con esta nueva decisión de la Corte Suprema de Justicia, excepciones actuales de Texas puede ser borrada. Entre estas excepciones son, por ejemplo, cuando una persona es: En caso de accidente con lesiones graves o muertes; cuando los niños están en el vehículo; cuando el sospechoso tiene dos o más condenas por conducir borracho; o cuando el sospechoso tiene una sola condena anterior por intoxicación por agresión, homicidio o intoxicación por conducir en estado de embriaguez con un niño pasajero.
Ley de Texas puede ser modificado, los funcionarios y los fiscales deben investigar el efecto de la decisión del Tribunal Supremo. Sin embargo, Austin, Jefe de la Policía Arte Acevedo, ha emitido una declaración en la que, "a partir de un exceso de precaución, me envió un mensaje a todos los miembros de la mesa que, con efecto inmediato, no dependen de (ley de Texas). Trataremos órdenes de cateo en todos los casos hasta que podamos evaluar la decisión del Tribunal Supremo y nos encontramos con una formación complementaria sobre en qué circunstancias pueden beneficiarse de "circunstancias apremiantes." Sin embargo, Austin y de muchas otras ciudades suelen requerir órdenes. La tendencia reciente es a un oficial de la policía a omitir una orden en los casos de delito, pero todavía buscan un juez la aprobación de un examen de sangre en los casos menores.
Texas también tiene una excepción que fue puesto en vigor hace casi dos años que las prácticas no-negativa iniciativa durante acontecimientos de gran repercusión y los fines de semana. Durante estos períodos, la policía busca una orden de búsqueda en caso de que se sospeche que se niegan los conductores en estado de ebriedad un soplo o un análisis de sangre. El juez de guardia durante toda la noche para aprobar las peticiones recibidas de los agentes de policía en estos hechos. Acevedo, "que la gran mayoría de extracciones de sangre de Austin para conductores ebrios son de no rechazo las iniciativas".
Al igual que la incertidumbre que depende de la ley de Texas, no está claro lo que sucederá en pendiente conducir en estado de ebriedad sin orden judicial los casos en que una prueba de sangre ha sido administrado sin consentimiento. Estos casos se han de examinarse caso por caso para determinar si la búsqueda sin orden judicial constituye una violación de la Cuarta Enmienda.
]]>This ruling came from a Missouri case where a man challenged the warrantless blood draw that came after he refused the breath test, saying it constituted an unconstitutional search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution. The Supreme Court ruled 8-1 that officers cannot always take blood samples without a warrant. A problem arises because the justices disagreed on when a warrant might not be necessary. In the 48-page opinion, the justices stated that some circumstances exist where police can take blood without a warrant, but these exceptions were not defined.
Texas currently has exceptions in state law that allows police officers to retrieve a blood sample without a warrant. With this new ruling from the Supreme Court, Texas' current exceptions could be erased. Among these exceptions are when a person is: in a crash with a death or serious injury; when children are in the vehicle; when the suspect has two or more drunken driving convictions; or when the suspect has a single previous conviction for intoxication assault, intoxication manslaughter or drunken driving with a child passenger.
Before Texas law can be changed, officials and prosecutors must research the effect of the Supreme Court's decision. However, Austin Police Chief, Art Acevedo, has issued a statement saying, "Out of an overabundance of caution, I sent out a message to all of our officers that, effective immediately, we will not rely on (Texas law). We will seek search warrants on all cases until we can further evaluate the Supreme Court's decision and we come up with additional training on under what circumstances qualify for 'exigent circumstances." However, Austin and many other cities typically require warrants. The recent trend is for a police officer to skip a warrant in felony cases, but still seek a judge's approval for a blood test in misdemeanor cases.
Texas also has an exception that was put into affect nearly two years ago that practices a no-refusal initiative during high-profile events and weekends. During these periods, police seek a search warrant for suspected drunk drivers who refuse a breath or blood test. A judge is placed on call throughout the night to approve the requests received from police officers in those incidents. Acevedo states, "that the vast majority of Austin's blood draws for drunken drivers are during no-refusal initiatives."
Just like the uncertainty that rests in Texas law, it is unclear what will happen to pending drunken driving cases where a warrantless blood test has been administered without consent. These cases will have to be examined on a case-by-case basis to determine if the warrantless search was a violation of the person's Fourth Amendment right.
]]>According to authorities, the contributing factor to the accident was that the bus failed to stay in its lane -- not that it blew a tire as initially speculated. Instead, officials believe the bus driver may have blacked out, leading to the motor vehicle accident.
]]> Already, lawsuits have been filed alleging negligence on the part of the bus driver and the bus company. Two women -- an 81-year-old and a 69-year-old -- died as a result of the accident, in which the bus flipped over after striking a concrete barrier. A third woman, 83, appeared to be recovering from the crash but passed away a few days later.According to reports, the bus driver was involved in a fatal accident 15 years earlier when he struck a pedestrian at the scene of an accident on the side of the road. However, investigators said that incident wouldn't have any bearing on the current case.
When people are injured or killed as a result of the negligence of others, there may be a desire to recover compensation as a result. Personal injury attorneys can help evaluate the case of someone who has been hurt, or work with a family who has lost a loved one, to determine the next steps.
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram, "Bus driver may have blacked out before fatal crash, report says," Terry Evans, April 22, 2013
]]>Esta prueba será obligatoria para los solicitantes de condenas por tráfico de estupefacientes delitos anteriores o realizar un resultado positivo en un control de dopaje. Este es el de certificar que los recursos del estado no son utilizados para apoyar los hábitos de drogadicción de sus ciudadanos, al tiempo que se garantiza que los niños sigan recibiendo los beneficios que en la actualidad tienen derecho a. El proyecto de ley se designe a una persona para recibir los beneficios en nombre del niño, si el niño la matriz resultado positivo en la prueba para las drogas. El niño beneficiario, también estarán sometidos a estas pruebas de detección de drogas.
Aunque algunos han expresado preocupación por el hecho de que este proyecto de ley crea un "tres huelgas, su" modelo, el proyecto de ley ha asegurado un montón de oportunidades para obtener beneficios. El proyecto de ley requiere de un período de seis meses de espera para la primera vez que un solicitante no pasa una prueba de drogas. Después de esos seis meses, el solicitante podrá aplicar. Sin embargo, si el solicitante no una segunda prueba de drogas, hay una 12-meses de espera antes de que otro aplicación puede ser presentada. Si el solicitante que tienen un resultado positivo en la prueba de la droga el segundo tiempo, el proyecto de ley permite al solicitante para solicitar los beneficios después de seis meses si no matriculado o completado un programa de tratamiento contra las drogas. Este proyecto de ley incluye 300 millones de dólares para aumentar la disponibilidad de dichos programas.
No es esta la primera vez que una ley ha sido propuesto que requeriría pruebas para detectar el consumo de drogas por los beneficios, tales como el desempleo y Asistencia Temporal para Familias Necesitadas. De hecho, en este período de sesiones sólo ha producido decenas de proyectos tratando de lograr. Sin embargo, el Proyecto de Ley 11 ha hecho más progresos hasta la fecha.
En los dos últimos períodos de sesiones legislativos, cinco proyectos de ley relacionados con las pruebas de drogas se presentaron programas de beneficio. Ninguno logró salir del comité.
Proyecto de Ley Senatorial (SB) 11 van ahora a la Cámara para su aprobación.
Origen: http://www.statesman.com/news/news/senate-passes-bill-to-drug-test-welfare-applicants/nXHsb/
]]>In order to help keep some smaller rural hospitals in business, federal exemptions are in place to enable them to receive higher Medicare payments and exempt them from some public reporting of patient recovery rates. However, a recent study shows that death rates at these hospitals are higher than at other hospitals, raising questions of potential medical errors or medical malpractice.
]]> There are dozens of hospitals like this throughout Texas. According to the study, mortality rates at these facilities, which are known as critical-access hospitals, have been going up steadily while the rates have been falling at other hospitals. On average, the rate has been rising by 0.1 percent annually while it decreases by about 0.2 percent annually at other hospitals.Over time, this amounts to a big divergence. A decade ago, mortality rates were largely the same in both groups of hospitals. Now, however, the rate is about 2 percent higher at critical-access hospitals than at other facilities.
In addition, these critical-access hospitals were found to be less likely to use electronic health records, an important tool in making sure patient care is up to date. Additionally, many of these hospitals lack intensive care units and specialists who are equipped to deal with the needs of rural patients -- many of whom are elderly.
Source: The Lincoln Journal Star, "Death rates rise at geographically isolated hospitals, study finds," Jordan Rau, April 7, 2013
]]>This testing will be mandatory for applicants with previous felony drug convictions or a prior positive drug test. This is to certify that state resources are not used to support the drug habits of its citizens, while ensuring that children continue to receive the benefits that they are currently entitled to. The bill will designate another person to receive the benefits on the child's behalf if the child's parent tests positive for drugs. The child's payee will also be subject to these drug tests. This child provision is the reason it was passed unanimously, with bipartisan support.
Though some have expressed concerns that this bill creates a "three strikes, your out" model, the bill has ensured plenty of opportunities in order to obtain benefits. The bill requires a six-month waiting period for the first time an applicant fails a drug test. After those six months, the applicant may reapply. However, if the applicant fails a second drug test, there is a 12-month waiting period before another application can be filed. If the applicant who tests positive for drugs the second time, the bill allows the applicant to reapply for benefits after six months if they enrolled in or completed a drug treatment program. This bill includes $300 million to increase the availability of such programs.
This is not the first time a bill has been proposed that would require drug testing for benefits based programs, such as unemployment and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. In fact, this session alone has produced dozens of bills trying to accomplish just that. However, Bill 11 has made the most progress so far.
In the last two legislative sessions, five bills relating to drug tests for benefit programs were filed. None made it out of committee.
Senate Bill 11 will now go to the House for further approval.
Source: http://www.statesman.com/news/news/senate-passes-bill-to-drug-test-welfare-applicants/nXHsb/
]]>El alcohol juega un papel un 50% del tiempo en todos los accidentes por andar en canoa, según nos BARCO. Muchas veces las muertes son causadas por una negativa a llevar un chaleco salvavidas. Durante un accidente de bote, un pueblo sin chaleco salvavidas a menudo obtener arrojados por encima.
Un típico accidente de bote se produce en el fin de semana entre el mediodía y las 7 de la tarde. Las víctimas son generalmente entre las edades de 26-50 y son de una lancha.
Puesto que el alcohol desempeña a menudo un papel importante en estos accidentes, un paseo en bote en estado de embriaguez (BWI) ley se ha puesto en marcha. Guardafaunas y de la seguridad marina Los funcionarios encargados de la aplicación hacer un merecido lo posible para garantizar que este cumplimiento de la ley. Cualquier persona que se encuentre con un nivel de alcohol en la sangre de 0.08 o superior o parece verse afectada mientras se maneja un barco pueden ser arrestados por WOODS. En caso de ser arrestados, una persona puede ser encarcelado por hasta 180 días, se le impuso una multa de hasta $2.000 , y puede tener su permiso de conducir suspendida.
Toda persona nacido después del 1 de septiembre, 1993 es necesario para tomar navegantes educación para operar una moto acuática (PWC) con un motor superior a 15-caballos de fuerza (hp). Los boteros Texas Programa de Educación enseña en bote seguridad y responsabilidad.
Este programa incluye consejos sobre cómo elegir el barco adecuado, los requisitos legales para su barco, navegando las reglas y el sida, poniendo en marcha, acoplamiento, delimitación y arrastre, manipulación los accidentes y emergencias, el clima, y a los servicios básicos de agua seguridad, los incendios a bordo, deportes acuáticos, y mucho más. Estos cursos son impartidos por Guardia Costera de EE.UU. Auxiliar de Escuadrón, voluntarios capacitados instructores, profesores, y los guardabosques.
Todos los niños menores de 13 años están obligados a llevar un chaleco salvavidas mientras se encuentra en un barco menos de 26 pies de longitud que está en marcha. Esta navegación recreativa seguridad es la principal responsabilidad de Texas los guardafaunas. Se debe emitir un ticket para las embarcaciones que no tienen suficientes chalecos salvavidas a bordo y los niños menores de 13 años que no lo lleve puesto un chaleco salvavidas.
Si usted se encuentra involucrado en un accidente barco, es responsabilidad de el operador de la lancha para contactar con el Departamento de Parques y Vida Silvestre de Texas o el organismo de aplicación de la ley más cercana dentro de los 30 días después del incidente. Si el accidente dio lugar a una muerte que debe ponerse en contacto con el organismo dentro de 48 horas. También se debe poner en contacto con la agencia si el accidente ocasiona lesiones a una persona que requiere tratamiento médico más allá de los primeros auxilios y si el accidente ocasiona daños en barco(s) o propiedad de más de 2.000 dólares.
Para informar de un accidente póngase en contacto con el juego local warden, departamento de policía local, o llame al Departamento de Parques y Vida Silvestre de Texas 24 horas policía operador de comunicaciones al (512) 389-4848.
]]>Alcohol plays a role 50% of the time in all boating accidents, according to BOAT US. Often times, the fatalities are caused by a failure to wear a life jacket. During a boating accident, people without a life jacket often get tossed over board.
A typical boating accident occurs on the weekend between Noon and 7 p.m. The victims are usually between the ages of 26-50 and are on an open motorboat.
Since alcohol often plays a significant part in these accidents, a Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) law has been put in place. Game Wardens and Marine Safety Enforcement Officers make a dutiful effort to ensure this law is enforced. Any person found with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher or appears to be impaired while operating a boat can be arrested for BWI. If arrested, a person may be jailed for up to 180 days, be fined up to $2,000, and may have their drivers' license suspended.
Anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 is required to take boater education to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) with a motor greater than 15-horse power (hp). The Texas Boater Education Program teaches boating safety and responsibility. This program includes tips on choosing the right boat, legal requirements for your boat, navigating rules and aids, getting underway, docking, anchoring and trailering, handling accidents and emergencies, weather, basic water safety, fire on board, water sports, and more. These courses are taught by US Coast Guard Auxiliary, US Power Squadron, trained volunteer instructors, teachers, and game wardens.
All children under the age of 13 are required to wear a life jacket while in a boat less than 26 feet in length that is underway. This recreational boating safety is the primary responsibility of Texas game wardens. They must issue a ticket for boats that do not have enough lifejackets on board and children under 13 that are not wearing a life jacket.
If you are involved in a boat accident, it is the responsibility of the boat operator to contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department or the nearest law enforcement agency within 30 days of the incident. If the accident resulted in a death you must contact the agency within 48 hours. You must also contact the agency if the accident causes injuries to a person that requires medical treatment beyond first aid and if the accident causes damage to vessel(s) or property in excess of $2,000.
To report an accident contact your local game warden, local law enforcement agency, or call the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 24 hour police communications operator at (512) 389-4848.
]]>The accident occurred when an SUV ran a red light at an intersection. It was not immediately clear what caused the driver to ignore or disregard the signal; no charges, including driving while intoxicated, were filed in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
]]> When the SUV was running the red light, two vehicles -- a small car and a second SUV -- were turning left in front of each other; both had a green arrow enabling them to proceed through the intersection.However, the first SUV came barreling through the intersection, striking the car. The force of the impact then pushed the car into the second SUV. The passenger in the car, a 22-year-old woman, was killed; both the driver of the car and the passenger in the second SUV were injured and taken to separate hospitals. The driver of the second SUV was not hurt.
According to reports, the driver of the SUV that ran the red light exited the vehicle and was located nearby behind some bushes. It is not clear if the driver was attempting to flee the scene or was stunned by the events that had just occurred.
In any case, it seems fairly clear that the driver of the first SUV was at fault because of the missed red light and the fact that the other two vehicles had green arrows. It may be inevitable that the family of the woman who was killed seeks compensation from the liable party.
Source: Houston Chronicle, "HPD: Missed red light leads to fatal 3-car wreck," Robert Stanton, March 27, 2013
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