valeria.rodriguez@lawrank.com | December 12, 2017 | Auto Accidents
Drunk driving is an epidemic plaguing the nation. Every day, an average of 28 people die in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers. While we can’t predict run-ins with intoxicated drivers, we can take steps to avoid them on the roads. The best way to prevent collisions with drunk drivers is to learn how to spot them,… read more
valeria.rodriguez@lawrank.com | December 7, 2017 | Bicycle Accidents
In 2016, 65 bicyclists died on Texas’ roadways. This was a 25% increase from 2015. Hundreds more bicyclists in Texas suffered injuries and had to go to the hospital for collision-related harms. When a bicycle crashes into a motor vehicle, other bicycle, or stationary object, the rider can suffer serious injuries. Fractures, head and brain… read more
valeria.rodriguez@lawrank.com | December 4, 2017 | Personal Injury
If someone asked you to put a dollar amount on the pain and suffering you experienced after a devastating car accident, what would you say? It can be impossible to put a value on these intangible harms. For most people, no amount of money is enough to make up for permanent disabilities, psychological damage, or… read more
valeria.rodriguez@lawrank.com | November 28, 2017 | Texas Laws
You most likely know that it is illegal to drive while intoxicated in the State of Texas. “Intoxication” legally occurs when the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of the driver is at or above 0.08%. Did you know that you could get in trouble for containers of alcohol being in the cab of your vehicle… read more
valeria.rodriguez@lawrank.com | November 20, 2017 | Auto Accidents
After a Texas car accident, your conversations with auto insurance companies may involve vehicle inspections, repair estimates, and coverage to repair or replace your vehicle. What you probably won’t hear your insurance agent talk about is your vehicle’s “diminished value.” Diminished value is a valid type of compensation you may be able to claim after… read more
valeria.rodriguez@lawrank.com | October 27, 2017 | safety
Many Americans look forward to Halloween, and kids love going trick-or-treating. While Halloween night can be a lot of fun, it’s vital for parents to recognize the need for safety while collecting candy. Injuries can happen from costume problems, low visibility, road and traffic hazards, and even eating too much. This Halloween, remember the following… read more
valeria.rodriguez@lawrank.com | October 26, 2017 | safety
Halloween is right around the corner and that means costumes, candy, and scary events like haunted hayrides, amusement parks, and haunted houses. While these can be fun and exciting outings for the whole family, it’s also important to remember your rights in the event of an injury. A haunted house attraction owes a duty of… read more
valeria.rodriguez@lawrank.com | October 24, 2017 | Personal Injury, Texas Laws
When injured individuals file personal injury claims, they sometimes face multiple defendants. Several parties may have contributed to an injured plaintiff’s damages, and, therefore, the plaintiff has several potential avenues for compensation. Texas’ dram shop laws exist to protect individuals who suffer injuries and other damages from intoxicated individuals. Not only can an injured plaintiff… read more
valeria.rodriguez@lawrank.com | October 17, 2017 | Texas Laws
Seatbelts are an essential safety feature in passenger vehicles. During a crash, a seatbelt holds passengers against their seat, absorbing some impact and preventing the person from flying through the windshield or front seat. While some people are skeptical of seat belts’ efficacy, it is essential for Texas drivers and passengers to wear their seatbelts… read more
valeria.rodriguez@lawrank.com | October 12, 2017 | Dangerous Products
Fidget spinners are the latest fad for American kids, but these spinning bits of plastic may be more dangerous than most parents realize. In recent tests, researchers found some of the cheaper fidget spinners on the market feature substandard materials and inadequate machining, and some are capable of inflicting serious cuts and eye injuries. What… read more
valeria.rodriguez@lawrank.com | August 14, 2017 | Auto Accidents
Witnessing a car accident can be more than just traumatic – it can also come with legal responsibilities in the state of Texas. As a bystander to a crash, you have a duty to stay on the scene and make sure everyone is okay. You may need to call for help, make victims more comfortable,… read more
valeria.rodriguez@lawrank.com | August 14, 2017 | Auto Accidents, Pedestrian Accident, Personal Injury
It is a common misconception to assume that pedestrians always have the right of way in Texas. Motor vehicles cause much more damage to pedestrians than vice versa in an accident. This fact leads many to believe that motorists must always yield right of way to people walking on crosswalks and in the road. While… read more
valeria.rodriguez@lawrank.com | August 14, 2017 | Personal Injury
Texas is not one of the safest states for pedestrians. In 2016, a total of 678 pedestrians died in the Lone Star State. This is an increase of 21.5% from 2015. Motorists, pedestrians, and third parties have been at fault for these accidents in the past. In the event that a motorist strikes a pedestrian… read more
valeria.rodriguez@lawrank.com | August 14, 2017 | Motorcycle Accidents
“Lane splitting” is the action of driving a motorcycle in between lanes on at least a two-lane highway or urban road. Lane splitting, or lane filtering, has been a long-standing practice by many motorcyclists in Houston, Texas. Those for lane splitting as a legal driving technique believe it increases the safety of motorcyclists by preventing… read more
valeria.rodriguez@lawrank.com | August 14, 2017 | Auto Accidents, Personal Injury
“Whiplash” refers to a specific type of injury to the muscles and ligaments of the neck. When the neck’s soft tissues extend beyond their typical range of motion, commonly in the back-and-forth motion of a car accident, they can sustain injuries. An individual could also get whiplash while playing sports, on an amusement park ride,… read more
valeria.rodriguez@lawrank.com | June 1, 2017 | Auto Accidents
There are many questions you are likely to have after a car accident – not the least of which concerns a potential settlement. If you were not at fault for the crash, the other driver’s insurance company will soon be in contact with you. During this time, it is important to practice smart negotiation tactics… read more
valeria.rodriguez@lawrank.com | June 1, 2017 | Personal Injury, Workers Comp
If you are undertaking a homebuilding project, you may have a significant learning curve in terms of hiring contractors. Houston contractors come with their own rules, insurance policies, and other considerations when they perform work on a private property. As the homeowner, you have specific legal duties toward your contractors and subcontractors. If a contractor… read more
valeria.rodriguez@lawrank.com | June 1, 2017 | Maritime Law, Personal Injury
If you suffer an illness or injury while on a Royal Caribbean cruise, it may be possible to file a claim against the company. This might be the case if your incident stemmed from negligence on the part of the cruise line or one of its employees. Here are three steps to take if you… read more