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Should I Settle My Personal Injury Claim?

Posted on Friday, March 17th, 2023 at 12:00 am    

If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, it can be hard to know what you should do next. Car accidents can happen quickly with the consequences occurring just as fast. 

When you’ve suffered serious damages as a result of an accident, you’ll need compensation to help you get back on your feet. As most insurance companies will offer you a quick settlement, you may be tempted to take their first offer immediately. 

The problem is knowing if this is the right choice for you. Depending on your specific situation, you could be entitled to far more, especially if you’re dealing with a wide range of damages.

While you should seek out the guidance of an Austin personal injury attorney for answers on your case, here’s a general overview to help you better understand whether or not you should settle your personal injury claim. 

Should You Settle or Go To Court?

This is the first big decision you’ll need to make; settlements are typically much faster and less expensive than going to court, but there is a high likelihood you will NOT recover all the compensation your situation warrants. 

It is important to note that the majority of personal injury cases are settled before they go to court. In many instances, the insurance company will offer a similar amount of compensation to what a judge would decide on.

However, the best step to take is to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney to determine whether you should settle or go to court.  

How Long Does It Take To Settle a Car Accident in Texas?

In general, the process of settling will be much faster than taking your claim to court. If you have plenty of quality evidence, an attorney can help you obtain a reasonable offer within a few weeks. However, because every situation is unique, the timetable will vary from claim to claim. 

In some instances, settlement can take months before you obtain any form of compensation. It’s also worth considering that insurance companies are businesses and are motivated by profits, meaning they may take an unnecessary amount of time to offer a settlement in hopes of making you desperate to accept anything. 

Should I Settle My Personal Injury Claim?

Most lawyers will only advise that you go to trial if your case is particularly valuable and the insurance company isn’t willing to give you a fair settlement. When taking your claim to court, you should be aware that it can take over a year to get a judgment and that there’s always the potential you will not obtain any compensation.  

To ensure you have a strong claim in court, you should speak with a lawyer immediately after your personal injury accident. They’ll be able to review your case, determine the quality of your evidence, and provide you with a general idea of the outcome you might expect.  

Even if they advise you to settle, however, the right attorney will still work diligently to make sure you get a fair offer. 

If the insurance company kicks up a fuss or denies your case even when you have strong evidence, it may make sense to go to trial.

Why Do Insurance Companies Want To Settle?

Insurance companies want to settle quickly for a few reasons with the biggest being that they want to save themselves money. A severe car accident or personal injury can put many people in a financial bind, and insurance companies know they can take advantage of the situation by offering a quick settlement worth the minimum amount. 

A quick settlement also means they can avoid having to pay out for medical bills from injuries that have not made themselves fully known. For instance, psychological trauma may not become apparent for weeks or months to come following an accident. 

There are also other considerations. If the case is likely to damage their reputation, they are more likely to offer a settlement early to try to get ahead of the problem. 

In some cases, they are also trying to avoid a trial. If their client is obviously guilty, such as a distracted driver, they will likely admit it and try to settle.

Trust the Experience of Ramos James Law

An experienced attorney will be an asset even if you’re certain you will settle. Having legal representation will ensure the insurance company deals with you fairly. 

At Ramos James Law, PLLC, our team has the experience and knowledge to make sure you get the justice and compensation your situation is worth. We always fight to make sure every client gets what they deserve. 

Contact us right now for a FREE consultation so you can learn what steps to take next. 

Schedule Your FREE Consultation Today


3 Adults and 3 Children Injured in Travis County Multi-Vehicle Accident

Posted on Monday, February 20th, 2023 at 12:00 am    

Six people were taken to local hospitals by Austin-Travis County EMS after a crash on Sunday, February 19, that took place around 7 p.m. The accident occurred near FM 812 and US-183 and involved multiple vehicles. 

Three ATCEMS ambulances responded to the scene to assess the six who were injured in the accident. Out of the six, one adult patient was taken to St. David’s South Austin Medical Center with potentially life-threatening injuries.

Three children were also injured in the collision. One suffered minor injuries while the other two sustained serious injuries. The children were taken to Dell’s Children’s Medical Center along with two other adults with minor injuries. 

There were still significant traffic delays in the area around 8 p.m. according to the Travis County Sheriff’s Office.

Auto Accidents Involving Children

Out of all unintentional injury deaths to children in the United States, one out of every four fatalities is caused by a crash. In 2020, 63,000 children under the age of 12 were injured in motor vehicle crashes, including 607 deaths. 

Unfortunately, children are more likely to suffer serious injuries or die in motor vehicle crashes because of their small size. Around 38% of the fatalities that occurred in 2020 involved children who were not properly restrained with approximately 46% of all car seats being misused.

Children require special restraints to stay safe since they are too small to be protected by a standard seat belt. Most car seat belts don’t properly fit until a child is between 9 and 12 years of age. Until this age is reached, all children should have restraints appropriate for their size. 

While car seats are legally required in Texas, booster seats are only required until a child is over eight years old. The only exception is if the child is taller than 4 feet 9 inches; most standard shoulder and lap belts should fit when a child reaches this height.

How To Keep Your Children Safe

A properly installed car or booster seat can help protect your child during a crash. Shockingly, up to 85% of child safety seats have been found to be improperly installed when vehicles are checked.

Texas does offer free virtual car seat checks that also teach you the right way to install a child safety seat. You can also ask about how to make adaptations if your child has special needs. 

Here are the most important areas to check to ensure your child’s safety seat is installed correctly:

  • The safety belt isn’t holding the seat in tightly or isn’t locked. A safety seat shouldn’t move more than an inch in any direction.
  • Harness straps aren’t tight enough or are routed incorrectly. Always read the manual for the car seat and remember that if you can pinch the straps, your harness isn’t snug enough.
  • The harness retainer clip isn’t at the armpit level.
  • The locking clip isn’t used correctly.
  • The car seat has been recalled and not repaired.
  • A rear-facing seat is placed in front of an active airbag. Airbags can injure or kill a child in a rear-facing seat. 
  • Safety belts are allowed to rest on a child’s stomach or neck. A seat belt should sit on the lap with the chest strap properly settled across the chest.
  • Children are placed in front-facing car seats too early. Children under 20 pounds and two years old should be in a rear-facing seat that fits.
  • The car seat doesn’t fit the car or child. Some vehicles can’t accommodate some seats. Always test the fit in the vehicle before purchase. It should also fit your child properly.

Get the Compensation You Need After an Auto Accident

If you or your child have been injured in an auto accident, you don’t need to deal with the situation on your own. You deserve compensation that will help cover current and future damages caused by the accident. 

The team at Ramos James Law, PLLC, is here to fight to get you the compensation your case is entitled to. We have years of experience and know exactly what your case will need. 

Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options. 

Schedule Your FREE Consultation Today

Source: KXAN Austin


Loss of Consortium: What It Is & How You Can Get Compensation

Posted on Thursday, February 16th, 2023 at 12:00 am    

After a loved one is injured or killed as a result of an auto accident, you’ll be feeling the effects for years. Even if your loved one survives, permanent disabilities can result in a massive shift in your relationship. 

Texas allows for the family of a victim to bring a suit for loss of consortium. These types of personal injury lawsuits allow you to recover from both financial and emotional damages. 

Your Austin attorney at Ramos James Law wants to inform you about the concept of loss of consortium and how you may be able to receive personal injury compensation via this form of legal compensation following a personal injury lawsuit. 

What Is Loss of Consortium in Texas?

Loss of consortium in Texas refers to the loss of support in personal relationships between specific family members. Loss of support can refer to financial and emotional support.

In loss of consortium claims, individuals can also sue for damaged relationships, which can be the result of death or severe injury.   

The main standard in this type of claim is that the relationships between the victim/decedent and their family members have changed, affecting the parties negatively.

Who Can Claim Loss of Consortium?

In Texas, only limited family members have the right to file this type of personal injury lawsuit. Generally, those who can claim loss of consortium include:

  • a spouse can file if the victim suffered an injury that affects their relationship or if there a was loss of life
  • children can also sue for loss of consortium to recover the loss of protection and care provided by the parent 
  • parents can also sue for the loss of a child, but only under a wrongful death lawsuit

How To Calculate What’s Owed

It can be hard to put a number on the loss of a loved one and, unfortunately, the court system does not have a great methodology by which to compensate families for the loss of a relationship.

Compensation can be more readily determined for real damages like medical costs, funeral costs, and lost wages. These can be more easily calculated as the numbers are much more available to the courts. 

However, family members can also receive compensation for intangible factors, such as emotional and mental damages caused by the situation. For instance, a spouse can file for loss of consortium if they can’t enjoy the same level of intimacy or if the personal injury accident resulted in a divorce. 

If you aren’t sure what you will be able to recover, it is in your best interest to reach out to an Austin lawyer for guidance.

Loss of consortium compensation is ultimately meant to help you recover after the loss of a loved one. Having stable finances can help you recover and move forward.

How Our Austin Attorneys Can Help

It isn’t easy to navigate the legal system at the best of times. It only gets worse when you’re in mourning or trying to adjust to your loved one’s new normal. 

But you don’t have to go at it alone.

An experienced personal injury attorney can help you get the justice and compensation your case deserves. If you didn’t know that your case could fall under loss of consortium, you may not calculate this into your lawsuit. Contact Ramos James Law to learn more about loss of consortium and to get started on your claim.

Schedule Your FREE Consultation Today


One Person Transported to the Hospital After Four-Vehicle Crash

Posted on Monday, December 26th, 2022 at 12:00 am    

A multi-vehicle collision in the early morning of Saturday, December 24, resulted in one person being transported by Austin Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) to a local hospital. 

The accident occurred at around 3:30 a.m. in the area of the 1000 block of Hwy US 290 service road eastbound. 

The four-vehicle collision resulted in at least one adult being trapped in their vehicle. ATCEMS assessed the other people involved in the accident while they extricated the trapped individual.

One adult was transported to Dell Seton with non-life-threatening injuries. The other people all refused transport. It is unknown if any were injured.

Driving Safely at Night

Any time of the day that it is difficult to see the road only increases the likelihood of being involved in an accident. For instance, while we may not consider it so, driving at night can be very dangerous. You can’t see as far and it is generally harder to see anything beyond the periphery.

If you want to stay safer while you drive after dark, here are some important tips.

1. Clean and Align Your Headlights

Even the best headlights won’t do you any good if they’re covered in dirt. Additionally, your headlights can also end up in a position where they don’t illuminate the road ahead of you properly. Make sure you add headlight alignment to your regular maintenance.

2. Don’t Drive Tired

Driving tired can greatly reduce your reaction times; it can be so bad that you are just as affected as an intoxicated driver. It’s also possible to fall asleep at the wheel. 

If you feel tired or start drifting off, find a safe place to pull over as quickly as you can. Even a bit of rest can perk you up enough to continue driving. 

You should also try to plan for more breaks during late or long drives.

3. Reduce Your Speed

Speeding — whether during the day or night — gives you less time to react to sudden obstacles ahead of you. Now, add poorly illuminated roads and you may miss a danger until it’s too late to avoid it. 

Drive slower and stay alert for the conditions of the road around you.

4. Drive Defensively

While distracted driving can happen at any time of the day, the odds of running into a drunk driver increase after dark. Look out for any erratic behavior and be ready to react. 

5. Clean Your Windshield

A dirty windshield can make it harder for you to see the state of the road. Make sure you clean off all your windows before hitting the road. 

Many gas stations have the supplies you need to clean your windows as a courtesy.

6. Watch Out for Wildlife

While most local animals aren’t large enough to harm you or your vehicle, deer most certainly are the right size. Make sure you check the sides of the road as travel for any deer that may be trying to cross the road. 

You should also take corners more slowly. You never know what will be on the road if you can’t see ahead.

7. Avoid Two-Lane Highways

The lights of oncoming vehicles on two-lane highways can blind you on narrow roads. Try to leave before dark or be prepared to pull over until things calm down.

Did You Get an Accident? Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

Even if you try to be safe, you may still be the victim of an accident. If you want to make sure you receive the justice you deserve, you’ll need an experienced car accident attorney. 

Ramos James Law, PLLC, is here for you!

We can help you get the settlement your case deserves. Don’t wait, we offer FREE consultations so you can understand what to expect if you pursue a legal claim against the party that caused you harm.

Schedule Your FREE Consultation Today


Talk to Your Loved Ones About Safe Driving This Christmas

Posted on Friday, December 23rd, 2022 at 12:00 am    

Since so many people will be driving to visit family over the winter holidays, hitting the road safely is essential. No one wants to spend the holidays at an automobile repair shop, an Austin truck accident lawyer’s office, or in the hospital because of a crash. 

If you are worried about whether your family drives safely, it can be hard to bring it up without a fight. However, if you approach the topic in the right way and with the right information, your loved one may be more willing to listen.

Your truck accidentally lawyers in Austin at Ramos James Law want to do our part to keep Texans safe throughout the holiday season.  

How to Politely Bring up Safe Driving

Some people take anything they view as criticism poorly. If that sounds like your loved ones, there are ways to bring up safety without stepping on any toes. 

First and foremost, try to focus the conversation around safety and how poor weather can make driving even more hazardous. If you happen to see news about a crash caused by unsafe driving, it can be a good way to bring the topic up. Phrase things generally like, “Oh, I wonder if they weren’t giving that truck enough space. They have such huge blindspots you really need to hang back.” 

You can also gently ask if they know how to stay safe or the common causes of accidents and how to avoid them. 

Driving safety can be an easy topic to share without making someone feel attacked. 

The Common Accidents That Can Interrupt Your Holidays

Knowing how to react in dangerous situations can help save you or a loved one from needing to contact an Austin truck accident lawyer. While some accidents are caused by the actions of drivers, others are caused by the conditions on the road.

1. Save Dreaming of Sugarplums for Home

If you’re making a long drive to see family, you may be tempted to keep going even if you’re tired. Driving drowsy is incredibly dangerous! 

If you start feeling like your reaction times are slowing or you nod off, immediately find a safe place to rest. Drunk, drowsy, and distracted driving cause a huge amount of accidents every year in Texas.

2. Don’t Let Frustration Ruin Your Cheer

The stress of the holidays can lead to frustration, which can easily bleed over into driving and result in aggressive driving. If you feel yourself losing your temper, take the time to calm down.

3. Don’t Go Dashing Through the Snow

The faster you drive, the less time you have to react to dangers. Try to keep to the speed limit or a speed safe for the weather conditions you’re driving in. 

If you’re visiting family in colder areas, be cautious of speeding on roads that may have black ice.

4. Make Sure Your Sleigh is in Good Shape

If your car fails on the road, you won’t be able to enjoy your holidays. Always have your car checked by a mechanic if you have a big trip planned. You should also make sure your tires are in good shape and that the manufacturer hasn’t recalled any parts.

Got Into an Accident This Holiday Season? Ramos James Law, PLLC, Is Here for You

Even if you decided to be a better driver this year, sometimes accidents still happen. If you or a loved one have been injured or died in an accident, Ramos James Law, PLLC, can help. 

We have the experience to get you the justice your case deserves. We offer FREE consultations so you can learn what to expect from your case.

Schedule Your FREE Consultation Today


Rollover Collision in East Austin Leaves Two Seriously Injured

Posted on Monday, December 12th, 2022 at 12:00 am    

Two adults were transported to an Austin hospital with serious injuries after a rollover collision that occurred in the 6600 block of Farm to Market 969 Road on Monday, December 12, at 4:14 pm.

Austin-Travis County EMS reported that the victims were taken to Dell Seton by ambulance.

What You Need To Know About Rollover Collisions

Rollover collisions are any accident that results in a vehicle landing on its roof or side. This can be an untripped accident, which is when a vehicle tips over while turning a corner.

Tripped rollovers are when an outside force causes the rollover. Soft ground, a curb, or a collision with another vehicle or object can all be causes.

All vehicles can tip over, but certain factors make this more likely. Vehicles with a lower center of gravity and wider axles tend to roll less often. On the other hand, driving fast or quick turns can increase the risk of vehicle tipping. Additionally, inexperienced drivers can lose control of powerful vehicles with quick acceleration or sensitive steering.

Tall vehicles with a lot of surface area are more likely to tip in high winds. Commercial trucks, vans, and cargo vehicles are tall enough to catch a lot of force from the wind and flip over.

SUVs, vans, and trucks equipped with large or heavy suspensions are also likely to tip over due to their increased height. Carrying cargo on the roof makes a rollover much more likely during turns. 

Important Safety Tips

While you can’t do much about another vehicle hitting you, you can reduce your risks of a rollover collision by following these safety tips:  

  • take turns slowly, particularly while in large vehicles or poor weather
  • be careful on slopes and go back down if it is steep
  • know how your vehicle reacts loaded and unloaded
  • drive more cautiously in unfamiliar vehicles
  • be aware of the road, obstacles, and where your wheels are

Have You Been in an Auto Accident? Contact an Experienced Lawyer

If you’ve been in an accident, it can be hard to get the compensation you need to recover. This is where an experienced auto accident lawyer can help. 

Here at Ramos James Law, PLLC, we know how to give your case the best chance. We can give you a FREE consultation to help you better understand your options.

Get Your FREE Consultation Today

Source: CBS Austin


Multi-Vehicle Crash in East Austin Results in Two Injuries

Posted on Monday, November 21st, 2022 at 12:00 am    

Just before 4 p.m. on November 20th, there was a collision on Manor Road close to Susquehanna Lane in Austin.

Austin Police and the Austin Fire Department responded to the scene of a three-vehicle crash that resulted in two people needing treatment. One adult with minor injuries was taken to Dell Seton Medical Center while the other person refused transportation.

The crash resulted in a temporary closure of the southbound lane of Manor Road.

What To Do if You’ve Been in a Multi-Vehicle Crash

A single-car accident is bad enough, but multi-vehicle crashes bring new dangers. If your car can still move, try to drive to the shoulder if it’s safe. If your vehicle is stuck or too damaged to work, here’s what to do:

1. Stay in the Vehicle

If you’ve been in a multi-vehicle accident, it’s safest to stay in your car. There may be more cars that will add to the crash and you will be hurt far worse if you are hit while out of your vehicle. The only exception is if your vehicle is on fire or some other immediate danger.

2. Avoid Moving if You Can

The shock of an accident can cover up injuries. Spinal injuries are very common after a crash, so try to keep your head still. If you are a bystander, don’t try to move someone unless there is an immediate risk, like a vehicle fire. 

3. Call For Help

911 should be the first call made after an accident. Even if there are no injuries, a police report can still help with all the legal issues later on. Your Austin truck accident lawyer will want to see a police report as part of the evidence in your case.

4. Get Medical Treatment

Even if you aren’t in pain, it’s still important to be examined after a crash. Some injuries will only show symptoms in the days or weeks that follow an accident. 

Documentation of your injuries will help if you choose to bring up a claim. Most insurance companies will also want any medical records you have obtained, so make sure to secure these whenever you attend an appointment. Additionally, always make sure to have an extra copy for your own records. 

5. Contact an Austin Car Accident Attorney

A crash can leave you facing financial struggles, so having a car accident lawyer in your corner will give you the best chance to obtain justice and compensation.

Ramos James Law, PLLC, Is Here for You

After an accident, you are likely to see your bills piling up as you try to remedy the situation. An experienced attorney can help you get the results you need to get your life back on track.  

The Austin car accident lawyers at Ramos James Law, PLLC, have years of experience helping victims receive the help they deserve. We offer FREE consultations, so you can know what to expect from your case without having to pay a penny. 

Contact us today and get the help you need.

Schedule Your FREE Consultation

Source: CBS Austin


Three-Vehicle Crash in NE Austin Results in Two Injuries

Posted on Saturday, October 1st, 2022 at 7:45 pm    

Two people sustained injuries after a three-vehicle collision in Northeast Austin on September 28th. The accident occurred at approximately 4:10 p.m. just north of the intersection of Dassau Road and East Braker Lane.

Seven people were involved in the crash, but only two adults needed transportation to the hospital according to Austin-Travis County EMS. One had potentially serious injuries and was taken to St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center. The other adult had non-life-threatening injuries, but it was not reported where this person was taken to.

According to the ATCEMS Twitter account, one person was entrapped and a second ambulance was called to the scene.

Understanding Road Safety

Driving safely every time you are on the road can help protect you from the risk of being in a multi-vehicle accident. While these types of crashes are dangerous, you can stay safer with some helpful tips:

  • avoid aggressive driving – 66% of fatalities occur due to aggressive driving
  • keep your distance and maintain at least four car lengths between you and large trucks
  • keep your movements smooth; sudden lane changes or quick turns can cause a crash
  • don’t drive intoxicated, tired, or distracted
  • stick to the posted speed
  • slow down in bad weather, congestion, and construction zones
  • move over if you see an emergency vehicle or drop down 20 m.p.h. below the posted limit if you can’t safely move over
  • use your signals for every turn and lane change
  • always stop at stop signs and red lights
  • look both ways before you enter any intersection

Trust Ramos James Law, PLLC, if You Have Been Injured in a Collision

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident or if a loved one was killed in an Austin crash, you need help. Ramos James Law, PLLC, has experience in fighting to get you the compensation your case deserves. Whether it was a commercial vehicle, a drunk driver, or a pedestrian collision, we are here for you. We offer FREE consultations so you can learn what to expect with your case.

Get Your FREE Consultation Today

Source: CBS Austin


Two-Vehicle Rollover Crash Results in 1 Airlifted, 2 Taken to Hospital

Posted on Friday, September 16th, 2022 at 2:33 am    

At around 8:36 a.m. on September 14th, a two-vehicle collision resulted in multiple injuries that required hospitalization. The accident occurred across the street from Texas Service Road 30, at the 11414-11419 block of Maha Loop Road.

Austin-Travis County EMS responded to the scene to find one person unconscious and pinned in their vehicle. This person was freed and airlifted to Dell Seton by Travis County’s Starflight.

A second patient with potentially serious injuries was taken to St. David’s South while the third patient was taken to Seton Hays County with minor injuries.

There were traffic delays on the north frontage road until the scene was cleared. 

Rollover Crash Prevention Tips

Rollover crashes are some of the scariest types of crashes you may experience. The forces involved can deform the vehicle and leave you trapped until help arrives. While modern cars have better passenger compartments to protect you, a rollover can still cause serious injuries.

For instance, even with a seatbelt, you will experience a great deal of impact and force on your body. On the other hand, failure to wear your seat belt can result in you being thrown around or even ejected from the vehicle. 

Many rollover crashes have contributing factors that make a rollover more likely. For instance, a top-heavy vehicle is more likely to roll. Poor maintenance can also contribute to a serious accident. 

If you want to stay safer, there are some basic tips you can follow. Some tips include picking a safe vehicle, knowing how your vehicle reacts on the road, and learning how to react in the case of a rollover. Make this list part of your daily habits to stay safer.

  • Never drive distracted or drunk. Distracted or intoxicated driving will make your reaction time much slower. Stay awake, sober, and focused on the road every time you are behind the wheel.
  • Drive carefully around turns. Taking a turn or off-ramp quickly can make your vehicle tip over. Take turns smoothly and reduce your speed.
  • Don’t speed. Speeding makes your vehicle less stable and makes any crash more severe. You are more likely to tip over at higher speeds.
  • Always wear your seat belt. Seat belts help keep you remain in your seat during a crash. If you have a rollover without wearing a seatbelt, you are more likely to have serious injuries or even die.
  • Don’t overload your vehicle. If you overload your vehicle, it is more likely to tip over. 
  • Keep your tires in good condition. Your tires need to have enough tread and pressure or you are more likely to lose control of your vehicle. Always have your tires inflated properly and maintained.
  • Stay calm and don’t overcorrect. When attempting to avoid an accident, individuals will often jerk their steering wheel to try and avoid the other vehicle. However, this can cause your car to become unstable. Stay calm and try to keep control of your vehicle.

If you have been the victim of a vehicle rollover crash, you may need help to get your life back to normal. Ramos James Law, PLLC, is here for you. Our Austin lawyer has over a decade of experience and will give you the support you need in a difficult time. We offer FREE consultations, so do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us online.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

Source: CBS Austin


One Dead After Collision With a Traffic Light

Posted on Wednesday, August 31st, 2022 at 10:21 pm    

A deadly collision with a traffic light occurred on Sunday, August 28, at around 10:20 pm. 

The accident took place in North Austin at North Lamar Boulevard and West Yeager Lane.

One adult was trapped in the vehicle before the arrival of paramedics, according to Austin-Travis County EMS. The individual was taken to the hospital with critical injuries.

The currently unidentified man died in the hospital as per the Austin Police. As of August 30, nothing else has been revealed about the identity of the victim. 

This single-vehicle collision is the latest traffic death this year. This crash puts the total number of victims at 70 from a total of 69 crashes. 

Understanding Fatal Single-Vehicle Collisions

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there were a total of 3,520 total fatal crashes with 3,874 deaths in Texas in 2020. With Texas’ population at 29,217,653, this means that there were 13.3 deaths per 100,000 people.

That same year, there were 2,017 single-vehicle collisions. That means that 52% of all traffic fatalities in 2020 involved just one vehicle. Something to note is that collisions that involve pedestrians or bicyclists are counted as single-vehicle collisions. 

The most deadly types of single-vehicle collisions involve pedestrians and hitting solid objects, like trees. This contributes to the high fatality and injury rate. 

The biggest factors that contribute to single-vehicle collisions are drowsiness, driving under the influence, and inattention. 

Inattention is any time the driver takes their eyes off the road. Cell phone use, grabbing things from the floor or back of the vehicle, or other distractions are frequently cited examples of inattentive driving.

Common safety procedures to best protect yourself and others on the road include:  

  • Never drive intoxicated. 
  • Avoid driving while tired. If you are nodding off, pull over somewhere safe to rest.
  • Always keep your eyes on the road. 
  • Don’t focus on crashes or things on the side of the road. Most people will tend to guide your car toward where they are looking. 
  • Don’t reach for things in the back of the car. If you have children, make sure what they need is within their reach. If you need to attend to the children, pull over. 

If you have been the victim of an auto accident, you may need legal help. Ramos James Law, PLLC, is here for you. We have experience with auto accident cases and we can help you obtain the justice you deserve.

Get Your Free Consultation

Source: KXAN Austin