At 3:28 p.m. in Travis County, Texas, one person died after a two-vehicle crash occurred on FM 812 Road.

Details About the Car Crash

According to authorities, the crash occurred a mile east of the Circuit of Americas, and one of the cars involved did catch fire. The accident actually closed off FM 812 temporarily.

One individual died as a result of the collision, and two others were taken to St. David’s South Austin Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

The accident is still under investigation.

Eye-Opening Statistics Tell a Tragic Story

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 2020 was a year that saw an increase (208,000) in auto accidents. This is a telling statistic when you consider that there was a 50 percent reduction in traffic volume for several months because of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

One report revealed:

• A 7.54 percent increase in motor vehicle traffic fatalities between 2019 and 2020.
• 12,107 auto accidents that caused 14,656 severe injuries.
• Traffic crashes in rural areas accounted for 51.03 percent of all accidents in Texas in 2020.
• 368 people perished in a distracted driving-related auto accident.
• 958 individuals killed in accidents involving drunk driving.
• 717 pedestrians were killed that same year.
• Texas roads saw no deathless days in 2020.

Ramos James Law, PLLC: Guiding and Supporting Victims of Car Crashes in Austin, Texas

With the experienced Austin car accident attorneys of Ramos James Law, PLLC on your side, you will get a legal team that will fight for what you deserve, no matter the type of accident you’ve been injured in.

After a major car accident, you shouldn’t have to worry about the technicalities and complex nature of the law. It is a time to be with your loved ones while you recover, and that’s why you need an attorney to do the heavy work for you and process your car accident claim.

If you or someone you know has been in a car accident, contact your Austin car accident attorneys at Ramos James Law, PLLC today

Book a Free Consultation Now

Source: KXAN

On September 12th, one person was killed after a rollover crash in SE Travis County. 

Detail Surrounding the Accident

The incident occurred on FM 812 near Mustang Ridge and Cedar Creek. 

The medics arrived at the scene performed CPR and other life-saving procedures on one of the victims but were unsuccessful in the efforts and the individual died on the scene. Another victim was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. 

The road in which the accident occurred was closed for hours as city personnel cleaned the site and investigated. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, car accidents occur every 60 seconds, which equals to 5.25 million car accidents every year. Because of how frequent they happen, it is important to stay vigilant and understand that the road is a place where we need to practice patience, safety, and cautionary measures. 

Your Austin car accident attorneys are here to provide you with a few tips to keep you safe should you be involved in an accident.

What to Do Following an Accident

It is best to know what course of action to take following an accident so you will know what to expect and will be prepared. Here are some universal steps to take when involved in an auto accident:

1. Ensure Your Safety

At the moment an accident occurs, your safety – and the safety of your passengers – is what is most important. First, make sure that you and your passengers are okay.

2. Look for Injuries and Call the Police

Next, it is best to assess the severity of any injuries if you or your passengers have suffered any. Many injuries can be life-threatening and it is essential to seek the care of medical professionals if needed.  

If you or any passengers are severely injured, stay in the position you are in and out of harm’s way until help arrives. A misstep or awkward movement can increase the damage caused by the injury.

Following the assessment, call an ambulance if necessary, as well as your local law enforcement agency. Please note that it is Texas law that you report a collision. Additionally, accident reports must be filed within 10 days when there is more than $1,000 in property damage or injuries. 

3. Get Medical Treatment

Remember that your health comes first in any car accident. Get medical treatment right away if you are dealing with any sort of pain. Do not hesitate to seek out a doctor even if you believe you have not suffered any permanent damage, as some injuries may not become symptomatic until days after the incident.

Additionally, getting medical treatment for any needed injuries will provide you with the documentation needed for when you file an insurance claim.

4. Gather Information

Your insurance company will need specific information to file your claim. If you are safely able to do so, secure the following information from the other parties involved: 

• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• Email address
• Make, model, and year of car
• License plate number
• Insurance carrier
• Insurance policy number
• Name and contact information of any witnesses

It is also helpful to write down contact information for any of the police officers on the scene, including: 

• Name
• Badge or ID number
• Phone number
• Police report number

5. File Your Insurance Claim

To file your claim, you can call your insurance provider. They should have a 24/7 number you can call. Once you make your claim, a representative will contact you within 24 hours to go over the details of your claim. 

Austin Car Accident Attorneys Here for You

Anytime a car accident occurs, it can be daunting and overwhelming to know what will happen next, but by being prepared, you can make the best out of a bad situation.

But you don’t have to face the situation alone. Your Austin car accident attorneys at Ramos James Law are here to protect your rights. Contact us today for a FREE consultation.

Schedule a Free Consultation Now

Source: Fox 7 Austin

Early Friday morning, just before rush hour, a recycling truck turned over and closed one lane on Loop 360.

Details of the Austin Truck Accident

The northbound lane in Loop 360 in Austin was closed off when a recycling truck overturned and posed a dangerous risk to other drivers by obstructing both lanes, just as rush hour began. By 7:20 a.m., however, the lane was reopened.

Local authorities have limited details regarding why the accident occurred, but from what they do know, the recycling truck crashed into the grassy median when approaching the MoPac Expressway ramp.

How to Stay Safe When Dealing With Road Obstructions

All types of road obstructions pose some level of danger when passing by them, no matter if it is a partial obstruction like a stalled vehicle or an obstruction you don’t want to be near like a downed power line.

What happened Friday morning, however, was a full-on road obstruction. In order to stay safe during something like this, we should employ safe driving techniques, mainly driving the speed limit and leaving enough space between you and vehicles in front of and behind you.

Doing so gives you, and them, plenty of time to slow down, stop, or avoid the obstruction altogether. At the same time, you avoid a car accident.

Dependable Austin Truck Accident Attorneys Eager to Help You Recover

Truck accidents are life-threatening. These metal giants are heavy, making impacts with them devastating no matter if they are in motion or at a complete stop. While drivers should remain vigilant and practice safe driving techniques, negligence happens and may cause a crash.

If a truck driver acted negligently–either through failure to maintain the truck properly, distracted driving, fatigue driving, or drug/alcohol use–you have options to file a truck accident claim with an experienced truck accident lawyer.

Let Laura Ramos James and her team represent you in your claim. We will lead you through the process from start to finish so that you receive the compensation you need to recover from such a traumatic experience.

Reach Out to the Austin Car Accident Attorneys of Ramos James Law, PLLC Today for Your FREE Consultation.

Schedule My FREE Case Review

Source: KXAN

On the early morning of Sunday, March 28th, a rollover accident near the 500 block of Cameron Road and Springdale Road in Austin led to a fatality. 

Austin-Travis County EMS arrived at the scene at approximately 3:00 a.m. and are still trying to determine what factors caused the accident. No other parties were involved.

Rollover Accidents Explained

Rollover accidents, by nature, can be some of the most catastrophic types of accidents that occur. The larger and narrower a vehicle might be, the higher the likelihood it may rollover due to a high center of gravity. 

These types of accidents are responsible for 35% of all annual fatalities on U.S roadways, while approximately 85% are classified as single-vehicle accidents.

Rollovers can occur for a variety of different reasons, including speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, or awkward, untimed swerves.

Shocking Austin-Based Statistics to Be Aware Of

The City of Austin sees plenty of dangerous car accidents daily.

According to the latest annual fact sheet developed by the Texas Department of Transportation, Austin experienced 20,458 car crashes in 2019.

Of these reported incidents, there were:

• 4,264 accidents that led to 6,528 individuals suffering possible injuries.
• 3,743 accidents that led to 5,129 individuals suffering non-incapacitating injuries.
• 626 accidents that led to 742 individuals suffering serious injuries.
• 120 accidents that led to 123 individuals losing their lives.

Austin Personal Injury Attorneys Ready to Fight By Your Side!

When a catastrophic accident destroys your life, you have every right to seek justice and recovery for the pain and suffering you have had to endure.

The Austin car accident attorneys of Ramos James Law, PLLC, will guide you through the necessary steps to seeking justice for your physical and emotional damages.

Do not hesitate to seek help! Contact Ramos James Law, PLLC, today for a FREE, no-obligation virtual consultation!

Request FREE Case Review

Source: KXAN 

On February 11th, a massive pileup occurred on Interstate 35-W in downtown Fort Worth as a result of slippery roadways.

Details About the Incident 

According to reports, the accident occurred at around 6:00 a.m at I-35W. The severity of the pileup led to the highway closing down. 

Paramedics and local law enforcement agencies arrived on the scene and began rendering aid to victims. Current reports state that 36 individuals suffered injuries and 5 individuals lost their lives.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster declaration the following day and urged fellow Texans to stay inside due to the unprecedented cold front.

Weather-Related Accidents Stats to Be Aware Of

When driving in severe weather conditions, such as single-digit freezing temperatures, you put yourself at a tremendous risk as the roadways may be filled with black ice, which can cause major vehicle stability issues.

According to the United States Federal Highway Administration, each year 24% of weather-related accidents occur on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement. Over 1,300 people lose their lives and more than 116,800 people are injured in crashes on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement annually. There are also 900 fatalities and 76,000 reported injuries as a result of sleet and snowy conditions.

Texas saw a total number of 560,952 weather-related accidents in 2019, of which 268 were a result of hail/sleet. 3,288 individuals lost their lives as a result of these accidents.

Tips for Driving in Severe Freezing Conditions

When preparing to drive on icy or snowy roads, it is important to keep the following in mind: 

• Have an emergency kit: You can never be too careful when driving during hazardous conditions. Consider carrying an emergency pack that contains jumper cables, ice scrapers, anti-freeze, and blankets. 
• Check vehicle for any faulty components: Before heading out, make sure your brakes are working properly, ensure that the air pressure of your tires are at normal rates, and that lights are bright and functional.
• Clean/defog your windshields: Lack of visibility tends to be one of the biggest factors in snowy weather accidents. Utilizing your vehicle’s windshield wipers and defogger can be your best tools to combat any visibility issues.
• Drive slowly and proceed with caution: When driving on snowy or icy roads, it is crucial to drive with extreme caution as the roads may be unreliable and slippery. If possible, you should also avoid any sort of sudden braking as it can lead to losing control of your vehicle. 

Austin Personal Injury Attorneys At Your Service

Even if you take the necessary precautions when driving in severe weather conditions, there will always be other drivers who do not.

When you or a loved one are involved in a weather-related accident as a result of another’s recklessness, it is in your best interest to get in touch with the Austin personal injury attorneys of Ramos James Law, PLLC, in order to seek justice for your injuries.

Contact Ramos James Law, PLLC, today for a FREE no-obligation virtual consultation!

Request FREE Case Review

Source: CBS 21 DFW

Thanks to advancements in medicine, it’s uncommon to worry about death as a side effect of a common illness. Yet, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, where there is no vaccine or cure, people have been nervous about their own health and that of their loved ones. Governor Abbott is enforcing social distancing amongst all Texans, but the luxury of working from home doesn’t apply to everyone, essential workers included. 

The team at Ramos James Law, PLLC, knows you are doing what you can to keep yourself and your family healthy and safe during these unprecedented times. This is why we want to assist you in filing a claim if you have suffered as the direct result of a negligent employer failing to prevent the spreading of COVID-19 at your workplace.

Personal Injury Lawsuits Involving COVID-19

The family of a Walmart employee who passed away from coronavirus is suing the corporation for its failure to act responsibly when the decedent began to show symptoms. Wando Evans worked at the Chicagoland Walmart for 15 years before dying at age 51. Evans’ family alleges that Walmart required its workers to come into work but failed to enforce social distancing standards, failed to provide proper protective wear, nor did they offer sufficient sick leave so workers could stay home when sick. 

Costa Cruise is another large entity currently facing a lawsuit in which it is alleged that they allowed thousands of passengers aboard a cruise ship shortly after at least one passenger had tested positive for COVID-19. According to the suit, the decision to carry on with the voyage resulted in hundreds of passengers being forced into quarantine while onboard. One of the passengers, Paul Turner, a golf professional from Wisconsin, alleges the company did not properly inform passengers of the situation before the virus started to spread. 

Ramos James Law Is Here for You

The number of coronavirus cases in Texas and the rest of the United States are being updated daily by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Processing the data can be hard to comprehend, but it becomes more than just numbers when someone you know contracts the virus and begins their battle with the illness. 

While many of those who contract COVID-19 recover, it can still be scary to see the ever-rising number of cases across the state and nation. During these uncertain times, it can be a comfort to think of those still working to keep you, your family, and everyone else safe. Ramos James Law would be proud to stand by your side during this fight against the virus; you don’t have to face this alone.

It can be disappointing and frustrating to find out your employer could have gone to greater lengths to protect you but chose not to. People who are neglected by those in power over them deserve justice. 

Each coronavirus lawsuit is unique, meaning you need an attorney who will give your case the attention it needs. Our team of personal injury lawyers would be proud to advocate for you and your loved ones and will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you need.

The team at Ramos James Law is available 24/7 to help you with any legal problems or questions.

Contact us today at (512) 537-3369 to learn more about how we can help you today! 

With most of the country still under lockdown and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommending social distancing measures, you might expect there to be a decrease in car accidents. Unfortunately, this HealthDay News reports a rise in reckless driving all across the country.

These statistics are just the tip of the iceberg. Commercial vehicles, which weren’t mentioned, may be among those most affected during this time. Our team at Ramos James Law, PLLC is committed to advocating for those who have been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, and if you or a loved one were recently involved in a crash with a commercial vehicle, we can help you get back on your feet. 

1. Increased Commercial Shipping Activity

Our reliance as a society on commercial vehicles has increased since the coronavirus pandemic began. With shortages of cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper common in stores across the country, trucks making deliveries to help restock these items are having to work longer, harder hours. 

These drivers are aware of the pressure surrounding the situation of getting people the items they need. Because of this, they may be pushing through fatigue in order to meet the high demands stores are facing. This could cause them to be less careful on the road. 

2. Increased Hours for Truckers

Because of the heightened need to provide for communities right now, the U.S. Department of Transportation released an emergency relief declaration that states truck drivers can work longer hours. The declaration expands upon relief meant to address national emergency conditions and the need to transport essentials quickly. 

The declaration lays out exactly what qualifies as essential and includes equipment meant to treat COVID-19. The declaration explicitly states that drivers who are fatigued still may not be required or allowed to drive commercial vehicles.

3. Social Distancing’s Impact on Trucking

Another reason drivers of commercial vehicles may not be operating as safely on the road is because of the reduced places for rest along their routes. In efforts to maintain social distancing rules, gathering centers within truck stops and the option to dine-in at restaurants are no longer available to drivers, giving them fewer ways to relax during breaks. 

These are not excuses for negligent driving but factors that may come into play when on the road. The reality of being a driver of a commercial vehicle has changed drastically since the COVID-19 pandemic reached the U.S. 

Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents

While the COVID-19 pandemic means there are additional concerns for commercial drivers, the old concerns still remain. The following are examples of truck driver negligence that could lead to severe accidents:

• Failing to inspect the vehicle before driving
• Driving more quickly than advised on bad roads or during inclement weather
• Driving without sleeping the night before
• Having poorly secured cargo
• Driving distracted
• Speeding
• Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication

Ramos James Law, PLLC: Ready to Defend Your Rights

Here at Ramos James Law, PLLC, we know you don’t have control of how other people drive on the road. What you do have control over, however, is how you choose to respond to a truck accident. Our truck accident attorneys here in Austin are dedicated to helping those who have been harmed by negligent trucking corporations and the insurance companies that protect their own interests.

Your voice matters. If you or a loved one were involved in a commercial vehicle accident, contact us now.

Schedule a FREE Consultation

With the current shelter-in-place orders happening all over Texas, and many businesses closing or working remotely, it is normal for injured victims to wonder whether their accident cases will be able to continue. Even though the uncertainty surrounding daily events is normal, the Austin personal injury attorneys at Ramos James Law, PLLC  have some helpful thoughts to guide you during this time.

1. Delays Are Expected

If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence and you have a personal injury lawyer working on your case, you do not have to worry. Your case will not be dismissed due to the ongoing health crisis. If the case is not in court–meaning, if there is no litigation–then your attorney may be communicating only with the insurance company for the person at-fault, your own insurance, and/or the person or entity at fault.

Most communications have remained open during this time, as the majority occur via telephone, e-mail, or fax. Even when physical offices are shut down, most people are working remotely. Your case may experience a slight delay, as everything will, but that should not prejudice your right to recover in any manner.

If you case is already in court, know that delays are likely to be expected. Most courts are closed except for emergency proceedings. But even then, your case will continue, and you should not be unduly prejudiced or unfairly punished in the legal system based on events that are outside your, or your attorney’s, control.

If you do not have a personal injury lawyer, we advise you to contact one immediately. Our office is in full operation during this time, taking telephone and video calls, and we are able to send and sign documents electronically. We are open 24/7 and offer FREE consultations. Call us at 512-537-3369. 

2. Medical Providers are Considered Essential Businesses

When people are injured in an accident, they need access to medical care. If you live in a place in which a shelter-in-place order has been put into effect, know that for the most part, medical providers are allowed to continue operations. Read the shelter-in-place order in your particular locality, and call your medical provider to confirm if they are open and able to continue providing you with medical care. Most providers have put in place stringent health safety protocols to protect you, the patient, as well as their staff. 

3. If You Are Injured, Do Not Wait

If you were injured in an accident and are waiting for the health crisis to pass before pursuing your legal case, we strongly advise you against it! Delays that are within your control should be avoided at all costs in order to eliminate the risk of insurance companies taking advantage of you or critical evidence disappearing. Don’t forget that our office is in full operation during this time, taking telephone and video calls and sending and signing documents electronically 24/7. Call us today at 512-537-3369 for a FREE consultation.

4. Do Not Try To Handle Your Own Claim

Like many of us, you may have some extra time on your hands. Unless you have already consulted with a personal injury attorney and have been advised by them or have decided yourself not to hire a lawyer, we do not recommend that you try to handle your own case. You could inadvertently volunteer information that is confidential or could prejudice your case. You could miss important deadlines and incorrectly handle payment and reimbursement of certain medical providers and liens. You also may not know what evidence is relevant in your particular case or how to preserve it.

Let us handle your case for you while you protect yourself and your loved ones from this illness. Our office is in full operation during this time, taking telephone and video calls, and we have the capabilities to send and sign documents electronically. We are open 24/7 and offer FREE consultations. Call us at 512-537-3369. 

To many drivers, insurance is there to bring peace of mind should the unthinkable happen. If it does, your insurer has a duty to help you cover the expenses associated with your car accident, so long as you continue to pay off your monthly premiums.

But what happens when your insurance chooses to neglect its duty to you and instead leaves you fending for yourself? How will it affect your personal injury claim?

 Today, our Austin personal injury attorney at Ramos James Law, PLLC, Laura Ramos James, wants to bring awareness to how insurance companies practice in bad faith and how it could affect your personal injury claim.

 What Is Bad Faith?

Bad faith occurs when an insurance company denies a claim in the absence of any reasonable grounds. In essence, an insurer has acted in bad faith if it does not follow the obligations stated in the policy or does not follow the state laws where the claim is made.

To illustrate this example, let’s say a drunk driver hits your parked vehicle, and instead of immediately calling a personal injury attorney like Laura, you file a claim with your auto insurance provider.

Your insurer then denies your claim, stating that your vehicle sustained those damages prior to the accident. The adjuster failed to review any estimates or repairs made to the vehicle and denied your claim.

While this may seem like an unlikely scenario, it is something that happens quite often. Other examples of bad faith may include: 

• ◘ Denying a claim without offering a sufficient or valid reason.
• ◘ Refusing to pay the insured for a claim that is owed.
• ◘ Failing to perform a proper investigation on a claim.
• ◘ Intimidating or threatening a policyholder.
• ◘ Failing to pay a claim in a timely manner.
• ◘ Requiring unnecessary documents and paperwork to process a claim.
• ◘ Failing to settle a claim made against you in a timely manner.

Should an insurance company deny your claim in bad faith, you may not be able to recover the compensation you need to cover the expenses you’ve incurred through no fault of your own. 

How to Protect Yourself From Bad Faith Insurance Practices

The best way to prevent yourself from falling victim to bad faith insurance practices begins right after your personal injury occurred.

It is imperative that, after you have sought out medical treatment for your wounds, you contact an experienced personal injury attorney to act as your liaison before dealing with insurance companies, or any other party that is involved in your personal injury claim, on your own.

In actuality, just the mere presence of an attorney on the line with you and your insurance company may thwart off any attempts at bad faith insurance practices.

An experienced Austin personal injury attorney like Laura has extensive knowledge into Texas personal injury law and can accurately represent your claim. Your insurance company has an obligation to serve you, and at Ramos James Law, PLLC, we will make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Contact us at (512) 537-3369 to schedule your FREE legal consultation today.