One person was killed in an accident caused by a wrong-way driver in Buda on September 15. Keep reading to learn more details about the event, and to learn more about wrong-way driving accidents from car accident lawyers in Austin.

The Wrong-Way Car Accident

Authorities say they responded to a call about a wrong-way driver on I-35 in Buda at around 4 a.m. on Friday, September 15. While the police were responding, the driver struck four vehicles on the interstate. The driver was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of I-35 when he was involved in a multi-vehicle collision near Main Street. 

Two of the vehicles struck were semis. A Jeep was also involved in the collision, though it’s unclear whether it was the wrong-way vehicle or one of the vehicles struck. Following the accident, the Jeep was resting on the median and caught fire, according to police representatives.

Officials also reported that the highway was littered with debris and hazardous materials after the crash, leading to a road closure. The interstate was reopened as of 8:30 a.m. on Friday.

A 55-year-old female driver was killed in the crash, two others were left injured but not in critical condition, and the wrong-way driver was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The condition of the other drivers involved is unknown.

It’s unknown why the wrong-way driver was in the wrong lane prior to the crash, and police report that it’s unclear how the driver gained access to the wrong lane. Authorities say there is currently no indication that alcohol played a role in the crash.

Police representatives said that no charges are currently being filed, but charges could be filed in the future in relation to this incident. An investigation into the crash remains ongoing.

Wrong-Way Crashes in Texas: What You Need To Know

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reports statistics on many different aspects of car accidents in the state, including their contributing factors. According to this data, there were 1,240 accidents caused at least in part by wrong-way driving on one-way roads in Texas in 2022. That’s more than three wrong-way crashes every day.

Of those accidents, 92 resulted in at least one fatality. That means that roughly 7% of all wrong-way accidents lead to a fatality. For reference, less than 1% of all car accidents result in a fatality. In fact, wrong-way crashes are roughly ten times as deadly as the average Texas car accident.

All of this goes to show just how important it is to understand and avoid the top causes of wrong-way accidents. Check out the top causes below and do your part to prevent wrong-way crashes on Texas roads:

• Intoxication
• Distraction
• Drowsiness
• Bad weather
• Poor signage
• Insufficient lighting

Never drink or use drugs and drive, put away distractions while you’re driving, only drive when you’ve had enough rest, and avoid driving in poor conditions.

If you’ve been involved in a wrong-way crash, an Austin car accident attorney can help you find the path forward.

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Source: KXAN, FOX7

Twenty-three people were injured on Labor Day when an SUV drove into a Denny’s restaurant in Rosenberg. Read the details of the incident and learn more about car-building crashes from your Austin car accident attorneys at Ramos James Law. 

The Car-Building Collision

At around 11:22 a.m. on Monday, September 4, the Rosenberg Police Department received multiple 911 calls about an accident at the local Denny’s restaurant. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found that a Jeep SUV had been driven inside the building.

During the Labor Day lunchtime rush, the vehicle drove through the Denny’s south-facing exterior wall, destroying several booths inside the building. The Denny’s is located about 35 miles southwest of Houston on a Southwest Freeway frontage road in Rosenberg.

Victims reported hearing a loud bang before the car suddenly appeared inside the building, pushing debris in every direction. Photos of the scene show a black SUV driven fully inside the Denny’s.

A total of twenty-three people were injured in the crash, and all were taken to various hospitals in the area. The injuries ranged from minor cuts to severe damage, but none appeared to be life-threatening, according to authorities. None of the victims were rendered unconscious during the crash.

Initial reports stated that the victims’ ages ranged from 12 to 60 years old, but later reports stated that an 8-year-old, 77-year-old, and 79-year-old were hurt in the crash.

The 30-year-old driver of the SUV was unharmed in the crash. An investigation into the cause of the incident remains ongoing. 

It’s unclear at this time what caused the SUV driver to collide with the restaurant, but Rosenberg Police say wet road conditions may have contributed. Victims told reporters that the driver did not appear to be intoxicated at the time of the crash, but details have not been confirmed.

Car-Building Collisions: How Common Are They?

Once you’re inside a building, you probably take it for granted that you’ll be safe from pedestrian-auto collisions, but the fact is that cars do crash into buildings every day in the U.S. In fact, the country sees an average of 100 vehicle-into-building collisions every single day. This includes collisions with restaurants and storefronts and collisions with apartments and homes. 

According to the experts with the Storefront Safety Initiative, the top cause of car-building crashes is accidental acceleration: the driver thinks their foot is on the brake when it’s actually on the gas. Similar collisions can also occur when drivers think their car is in drive but it’s actually in reverse, or vice versa. 

It’s also possible that the number of vehicle-into-building collisions may be underreported. That’s because if the vehicle involved collides with another vehicle before striking a building, that collision may not be recorded as a vehicle-building collision at all. This means that vehicle-building collisions may be an even greater problem than we think.

If you’ve been injured in an Austin car-building collision, the Austin car accident attorneys at Ramos James Law can help you find a path forward.

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Source: CBS Austin, USA Today, ABC13

At least two serious pedestrian-car accidents happened in Austin over the course of less than 48 hours, starting late Saturday, August 19. Learn about the details of the crash and tips for staying safe as a pedestrian on Texas roadways from your Austin car accident attorneys at Ramos James Law. 

The Saturday Night Crash

According to Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS), one person was struck in an auto-pedestrian accident in Austin at around 11 p.m. on August 19. The collision occurred in the 100 block of North Lamar Boulevard, just north of the Colorado River bridge.

ATCEMS reports that the pedestrian was transported to a nearby hospital with critical, life-threatening injuries.

Information about the details of this crash is limited at this time.

The Monday Morning Crash

Drivers were told to expect delays and seek alternate routes after a deadly pedestrian-car accident on Interstate 35 in Austin on Monday, August 21. Authorities with the Austin Police Department (APD) responded to the incident at around 6 a.m., but the time of the initial collision has not been determined or confirmed.

According to the APD, a driver stopped to render aid after striking a pedestrian while traveling northbound on I-35 near exit 238B. Authorities report that the victim may have been struck by several other vehicles before the driver stopped to help.

Several lanes of I-35 were closed for hours following the deadly collision. Some parts of the interstate remained shut down as of 8:30 a.m. on Monday.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Due to the extreme forces put on the body during a collision with a vehicle, these incidents can be incredibly dangerous. Based on data from the Texas Department of Transportation, you are more than 10 times more likely to be killed in a pedestrian-car accident than in an average car accident. That goes to show just how important it is that we all take care when walking in areas where traffic is also present.

While drivers have a huge responsibility to drive safely near pedestrians, there are also steps that you can take as a pedestrian or bicyclist to keep yourself safe:

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

• Obey road signs and signals
• Use sidewalks when they’re available
• In areas without sidewalks, walk facing traffic, as far from traffic as you can
• Use crosswalks and intersections for crossing
• Look both ways before crossing streets
• In areas without crosswalks, cross in clearly-visible, well-lit spots
• Watch for cars entering and leaving driveways
• Avoid walking in heavy-traffic areas while under the influence

Safety Tips for Cyclists

• Obey traffic signs and laws
• Ride with the flow of traffic, not against it
• Yield to cross-traffic
• Stay alert
• Watch for people leaving and moving parked cars
• Look both ways before turning
• Ride in a straight line
• Signal before changing lanes or turning

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian-car accident, a personal injury lawyer can help you find a path forward.

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Source: KXAN, CBS Austin,

A six-year-old girl was injured in a drunk driving accident in Round Rock on August 6. Learn details about the crash and the dangers of drunk driving in Texas from your Austin car accident attorneys at Ramos James Law, PLLC.

The Drunk Driving Crash

At around 6:45 p.m. on August 6, a drunk driver caused a collision on I-35 near State Highway 45 in Round Rock. The three-vehicle crash left a six-year-old girl in critical condition. A dash cam from a nearby vehicle caught footage of the incident.

Just before the collision, a white Dodge pickup truck can be seen traveling north at a high rate of speed on I-35. Traffic in front of the truck had reduced speed nearly to a stop, but the drunk driver failed to respond. 

The truck is shown slamming into the back of a black passenger car, crumpling the smaller vehicle into the rear end of a semi-truck trailer. The pickup was pushed on top of the passenger car by the force of the crash.

Traffic on the interstate came to a standstill with bystanders exiting their vehicles to render aid. Bystanders directed the drunk driver to back the truck off of the passenger car and the driver was removed from the vehicle. The distressed driver alerted bystanders that her daughter was still in the now-crushed car.

Bystanders told reporters that the vehicle was so crushed, it seemed impossible that anyone could still be inside, but they were able to spot the girl. Rather than attempt to remove her from the vehicle, the bystanders waited for emergency assistance, directing traffic around the crash in the meantime.

Once emergency crews arrived on the scene, the six-year-old girl was removed from the vehicle and taken to a nearby hospital where she underwent emergency brain surgery. News sources report she suffered a fractured skull and spine, a traumatic brain injury, and damage to her optic nerve.

The driver of the Dodge pickup has been charged with intoxication assault. An investigation into the event remains ongoing.

The Dangers of Texas Drunk Driving Car Accidents

Drunk driving accidents are a serious problem in Texas. In fact, Texas comes in third place in the country for alcohol-related car accidents. Texas is actually the state in the country with the highest number of drunk drivers under the age of 21 involved in fatal crashes. Texas also came in second place for the highest number of fatal drunk driving accidents per capita. 

Unfortunately, drunk driving crashes are also far more dangerous than other types of crashes. While less than 1% of all Texas car accidents result in a fatality, roughly 3% of all drunk driving crashes result in at least one death. This means drunk driving crashes are more than three times deadlier than other types of crashes.

If you or your child has been injured in a Texas car accident, an Austin child car accident attorney can help you fight for compensation.

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Source: FOX7

Following a minor fender-bender, you may be able to handle the process of seeking financial compensation on your own. However, if you were injured or involved in a serious accident, you could be facing life-changing challenges. 

But you don’t have to face those challenges alone. An experienced Austin auto accident lawyer can help you defend your rights.

Still, knowing you need a lawyer isn’t the same as knowing which lawyer to hire. If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a car accident in Texas, you can follow the steps below to find the right Austin personal injury attorney for your case.

How To Find an Experienced Austin Auto Accident Lawyer

Before you can decide which lawyer to hire, you’ll need to know about your options, but searching can feel a bit overwhelming. The most important thing is to find lawyers with experience dealing with cases like yours. You can get a robust selection of options by following these simple steps:

1. Ask friends and relatives for recommendations.
2. Use a local lawyer referral service.
3. Search online for lawyers in your area.
4. Ask other lawyers you know for a referral.

Keep in mind that not every lawyer can handle a car accident case. You’ll need to look for personal injury lawyers and car accident attorneys, specifically.

How To Choose the Right Austin Auto Accident Lawyer for Your Case

If you follow the steps listed above, you’re probably going to wind up with a list of potential auto accident lawyers rather than a single option. Now, you’ll need to choose which of those lawyers to rely on for help with your case. 

Keep these things in mind when choosing your car accident attorney:

• Ask About Experience — look for a lawyer with experience dealing with your specific type of case.

• Ask About Costs — most personal injury lawyer charge on contingency, meaning they don’t get paid unless you do.

• Check for Good Communication — make sure the office establishes consistent, clear communication with you.

• Ask for Reviews and Results — ask for testimonials and reviews from former clients, and check their success rate.

• Consider the Size — large firms may have more resources while costing more, and small firms may provide more personal services with less support.

Get Reliable Representation From an Austin Auto Accident Lawyer at Ramos James Law

Auto accidents have the potential to not only cause severe physical and emotional harm but also mountains of expenses. If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by someone else, you deserve the right to seek compensation for the suffering you’ve faced.

At Ramos James Law, PLLC, our clients are more than just a case number. We are dedicated to providing our clients with fierce legal representation, and we would be proud to help you defend your rights.

Have you been injured or lost a loved one in an Austin auto accident? Reach out to the compassionate personal injury lawyers at Ramos James Law, PLLC, to protect your rights.

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Being involved in an auto accident can come with both physical injuries and financial problems — especially if your damages leave you unable to work. 

If you’ve lost wages from a car accident, you don’t just have to bite the bullet and soldier on. By filing an insurance claim — or lawsuit if necessary — you can recover lost wages and other damages to help you recover from your financial losses. 

Learn more from the knowledgeable attorneys at Ramos James Law. 

What Kind of Lost Income Can I Claim After a Car Accident

Lost income from a car accident typically covers any compensation you would’ve received had you been able to return to work following the incident. In some instances, this can also include vacation time you were unable to accrue and even lost promotions or raises. 

Those who are self-employed can also claim missed meetings and deadlines along with lower paychecks.

If you’ve permanently lost earning potential, you can also have your Austin car accident attorney help you seek compensation for this loss. Be aware that this is highly variable as it depends on your current position at work and your own life circumstances to determine the amount you’re owed.

Please note that not all insurance companies in Texas cover lost wages. An experienced attorney can help you figure out the best course of action if you’re facing this situation.

How To Make an Insurance Claim Following a Car Accident

If the person who caused your accident has insurance, you will need to file a claim with their insurance company. However, if the person was uninsured or underinsured, you may have to file a claim with your own insurer. 

In some instances, if the insurance company doesn’t offer a settlement that meets your needs, you may need to file a lawsuit. If you were injured and want to claim lost wages from a car accident, it’s best to speak with a lawyer first about seeking compensation. 

What You’ll Need To Prove Lost Wages in Texas

You will need documentation to prove lost wages from a car accident. For the most part, the goal is to show you were injured, that another party is at fault, and that you’ve lost wages. 

Here are a few documents you may need; your lawyer will know what other proof you may need to obtain: 

• Medical records to show you can’t work
• Employment records
• Pay stubs
• Tax returns
• Letter from your employer
• Proof of lost business opportunities

Do You Want To Claim Lost Wages From a Car Accident? Get in Touch With Ramos James Law

Let the experienced attorneys at Ramos James Law, PLLC, help you get back lost wages from a car accident. Whether you want to make a strong insurance claim or you need to go to court, we’ll be by your side every step of the way.

Reach out today and get a FREE consultation!

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Just after 9:15 p.m. on June 13th, there was a two-vehicle crash in Manor on North Farm to Market Road 973 close to Gregg Lane. Medics from Austin-Travis County EMS responded to the scene.

One passenger was pinned in their vehicle and had to be freed. Tragically, one adult was pronounced dead on the scene. No other individuals involved in the accident were identified.

There were traffic delays at the scene until the wreck was cleared. The accident is still under investigation.

Motor Vehicle Crash Fatalities: The Facts

While car accidents are not the most common cause of death, they still account for a high percentage of deaths. Despite modern safety features, the lifetime odds of dying in a motor vehicle crash is 1 in 93, according to the National Safety Council.

In addition, drivers and passengers riding in the front row of a vehicle are most at risk of dying in a crash. Passengers riding in the second or third rows made up only seven percent of deaths in 2021, according to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS.) 

2022 was less deadly in Texas than in 2021, but the state still saw many fatalities and injuries:

• 1 person was killed every hour and 57 minutes
• Someone was injured every two minutes and nine seconds
• There were 4,481 deaths compared to 4,497 deaths on Texas roads in 2021
• There were 244,092 people injured in 2022 and 18,880 people suffered severe injuries
• 636 people died in head-on collisions

Were you in a car accident? Reach out for a free consultation and see how the team at Ramos James Law, PLLC, can help. 

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Source: KXAN

Being in an Austin car accident can leave you feeling lost. Everything can happen so fast without giving you a chance to stop and consider the situation.

If you’re thinking of filing a car accident injury claim, you may face challenges along the way, making it difficult to secure the compensation you are owed. That’s when hiring a determined and experienced Austin car accident attorney, like those on our team at Ramos James Law, can be exactly what you need for a successful claim. 

Here are some benefits of hiring an attorney to guide you during this difficult time. 

Find Out if Your Car Accident Injury Claim Is Worth Filing

It takes a lot of experience to know what a car accident injury claim is worth. That’s why it’s worth consulting an Austin car accident attorney. They can answer your questions, tell you what to expect, and let you know what the best course of action is for your case.

They can also make sure you know your rights and protect you from saying anything that can damage your case. An Austin attorney can also let you know about critical deadlines, so you don’t miss important dates for submitting paperwork that can negatively affect your claim. 

Securing ongoing legal representation while you deal with your claim can help you secure the compensation you are owed.

Gather Evidence To Prove Your Car Accident Injury

You need to be able to prove your damages if you want to get the maximum amount of compensation. An Austin car accident attorney will know what evidence will help bolster your claim and will thoroughly investigate the incident to gather the evidence needed.

Negotiate With the Insurance Company After Your Austin Car Accident

It’s important to remember that insurance companies are businesses, and their focus is on profiting, NOT paying out to clients. When you’ve been involved in a serious accident and are facing substantial money problems as a result, insurance companies will try and pressure you to take the first settlement offered, even if your case is worth much more. This is another instance when the support of a lawyer can be essential. 

Your Austin car accident attorney will recognize a bad settlement and know how to negotiate for a better deal.

Determine What Car Accident Injury Compensation You’re Owed

It can be difficult to secure a fair settlement if you don’t know exactly what your injuries are worth. While most people know that medical bills are covered in insurance claims, they may not realize that additional damages, like pain and suffering, and other long-term problems may also be eligible for compensation. 

Filing for the right value gives your case the best chance to succeed and working with a qualified attorney will ensure you get an accurate estimate for your damages. They can help make sure you have a strong case to get what you deserve after your car accident injury.

Use Legal Experience and Knowledge of Austin Car Accident Cases

There’s a rat’s nest of laws around car accident injury claims. It takes years of study to get an accurate handle on these regulations and laws and how they can be applied in a legal case.

Undoubtedly, your Austin car accident attorney has put in the hours to effectively handle cases just like yours. 

They know all the common pitfalls that can sink your case and can look at your car accident injury claim to spot any potential problems early. Experienced lawyers know all the legal arguments and they’ll have an answer for each before your negotiation or trial even starts.

Let an Austin Car Accident Attorney Fight for You

Don’t try to go at your situation alone. If you want an experienced Austin car accident attorney, you can’t go wrong with Ramos James Law, PLLC. We have years of experience and a proven track record of success. Want to see what we can do for you? Contact us to schedule your FREE consultation today!

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A fatal crash was reported by the Round Rock Police Department’s Twitter account in the early morning of Friday, June 2. An overnight crash between a motorcycle and a passenger car resulted in the death of the motorcyclist. 

The accident happened in front of the Holly Brook Apartments on the 2400 block of Pflugerville Parkway. The portion of the road was closed at 2:49 a.m. but reopened by 5:36 a.m.

No further information is available at this time.

Motorcycle Accidents: The Statistics You Need To Know

The dangers of riding a motorcycle are well known. Two-wheeled vehicles are inherently less stable than four-wheeled vehicles while offering less visibility and protection for riders. Combined with unsafe riding practices, like weaving between cars, and the hazards of motorcycle riding become evident. 

According to an analysis by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there were 523 fatal accidents involving motorcyclists in Texas in 2021 alone. This means that a total of 12% of all fatalities in the state involved motorcycles. 

While helmets can help prevent injuries and fatalities, they aren’t perfect. A helmet reduces the risk of death from head injury by 37% while being about 67% effective at preventing brain injuries.

However, Texas does not legally require helmet use. 

Important Safety Tips for Drivers and Motorcyclists

• Stay alert while you’re on the road at all times, don’t answer calls, and avoid other distractions
• Always watch out for vehicles when making a left turn
• Pay extra attention when you’re approaching an intersection
• Give motorcyclists extra room
• Motorcyclists should avoid weaving through traffic or sudden speed changes
• Keep extra distance between you and other vehicles
• Follow the posted speed limits and slow down if conditions limit your vision or make the road slippery
• Watch your blind spots, check mirrors, and use signals when changing lanes
• Signal lane changes or turns early enough for others to react

If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident, Ramos James Law is here to help.

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Source: Round Rock Police Twitter, CBS Austin

After most Austin car accidents, you’ll need to file a claim with your insurance. Once that’s done, you’ll be answering a lot of questions and doing plenty of waiting around. There’s so much waiting that you may even worry about when you’ll actually get your settlement.

The good news is that most car accident injury claims don’t drag on forever. In most cases, you’ll negotiate and secure a settlement you’re happy with. If that isn’t the case, you’ll need to file a lawsuit with the help of an Austin car accident attorney. 

This is the timeline you can expect for most cases.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Simple Insurance Payout?

If your car accident injury claim is simple, you can usually expect a fast payout. Most people will get the first settlement offer 15 to 45 business days after the claim is submitted. Once you accept the settlement for your car accident injury, you can typically expect to be paid after five business days.

How Long Does It Take To Negotiate a Higher Settlement for a Car Accident Injury?

If you feel that the first offer was too low, you should work closely with your Austin car accident attorney to negotiate better terms for you. They will work to determine a reasonable counteroffer that best meets your needs and then work out a settlement with your insurance company on a number that both parties can agree on. 

This process can take several months depending on the specifics of your case. Be aware that insurance companies want to pay as little as possible, so they may put up a fight. If you do accept an offer, it will typically take five business days to get your money for your car accident injury claim.

How Long Does It Take To Settle a Car Accident Injury Suit?

If you can’t reach an agreement, or the insurance company refuses to negotiate, you will need to file a personal injury lawsuit. From here, most cases take around a year to settle. However, the specific time frame will depend on a number of factors, including the value of your evidence.  

In some instances, it can take longer than a few months. For instance, if there were multiple vehicles involved or if there were severe injuries, a car accident claim can take years to play out in court.

How Long Do Personal Injury Trials Take?

If you still haven’t reached a settlement during the pre-trial phase or your case is complex, you will need to go to trial to continue your fight. Waiting for your trial can take one or two years.

The insurance company still has the option to offer you a settlement. If you accept this offer, you can no longer bring your case to trial. Filing a lawsuit can be the nudge you need to get the insurance moving. Still, there’s no guarantee that they’ll offer you a fair deal, so it is best to trust your car accident injury attorney to help you decide. 

An experienced attorney should have the knowledge and skill set to help you secure a fair settlement. 

If no settlement is reached before the trial date, it typically takes a few days to a week to finish a trial. Be prepared for a longer timeline depending on your case. Strong cases with plenty of evidence can end up being on the shorter end, while complex cases can take weeks to resolve.

Get Compensation for Your Car Accident Injury Claim. Trust the Experienced Attorneys at Ramos James Law.

If you have a simple case, you likely not need to file in court to obtain compensation for the damages you have suffered. However, not all cases are so straightforward. Whether your insurance is stonewalling you or offering too little, you should consider hiring an experienced Austin car accident attorney to help you effectively handle your claim. 

Here at Ramos James Law, PLLC, we use our years of experience to advocate for you. We are here to answer all your questions and guide you during this trying time. 

Do you need legal help? Contact us today to get your FREE consultation!

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