Houston Personal Injury Law Blog

Updated warnings for diabetes medicine Invokana

On behalf of Charles J. Argento of Charles J. Argento posted in dangerous drugs on Friday, June 14, 2019.

There are many prescription drugs Texas residents may take to help manage type 2 diabetes, but not all of them may be as safe as originally thought. Recent studies and public safety announcements have confirmed that the original warnings for the drug canagliflozin may not cover all the associated risks and side effects.

There is a significant need for medicines that help patients with diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are over 100 million American citizens who have diabetes or prediabetes. The statistics show that diabetes rates are growing. This indicates an increasing need for drugs that may help patients who have the disease. Canagliflozin is a diabetes medicine that may exist under several sales names, including Invokana, Invokamet and Invokamet XR.

How overloaded trucks lead to motor vehicle fatalities

On behalf of Charles J. Argento of Charles J. Argento on Friday, June 14, 2019.

As a Texas motorist, you are no stranger to driving beside diverse types of vehicles on the road. You know your safety depends partially on other motorists operating their automobiles responsibly. When it comes to semi-trailers and large commercial trucks, you know many factors can impact road safety. You become apprehensive every time you drive near them. Despite the fact that there are numerous federal and local regulations in place to prevent large commercial and 18-wheeler truck accidents, overload violations still occur that often have catastrophic consequences for car and truck accident victims.

Semi-trucks and tractor-trailers are some of the largest vehicles to grace the roads. They carry huge payloads. Many companies offer truck operators incentives to encourage them to beat or meet delivery deadlines. Some truck operators overload their vehicles and violate other regulations so they can make fewer trips and reap the benefits, not realizing or caring that their actions impact everyone on the roads with them.

Serious penalties for DWI with a child passenger

On behalf of Charles J. Argento of Charles J. Argento posted in car accidents on Thursday, June 13, 2019.

Texas has an unfortunate reputation for a high number of car accidents related to drunk driving. The state has created several laws designed to reduce the number of alcohol-related accidents. Most of these laws have escalating penalties for repeat offenders. However, there are serious consequences for the first offense when a person drives under the influence of alcohol with a child in the car.

The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility provides several facts and statistics about drunk driving in Texas. In 2017, there were 1,468 driving fatalities related to alcohol impairment. This represents a 12% increase in alcohol-impaired driving fatalities over the last 10 years. There were also 64,784 arrests in Texas for individuals driving under the influence.

Do not ignore pain after an accident

On behalf of Charles J. Argento of Charles J. Argento posted in car accidents on Saturday, June 1, 2019.

Drivers who get into a car accident in Texas may not think anything is physically wrong with them, especially if it was a minor fender bender. However, even small car accidents can result in bodily injury, and victims should not ignore symptoms, or else it can lead to major issues in the future. Some symptoms take time to appear, so it is important to handle things correctly with the insurance company and other driver so the proper party pays for injury treatment.

According to KTAR News, there are certain symptoms that commonly occur up to days or even a week after an accident. Stiffness is one of them. It is common for tightness and pain to occur in the neck, shoulders and back. Whiplash is a typical injury after a crash, especially with rear-end collisions. With it, there is damage to the ligaments, nerves and muscles in the neck, and getting treatment right away can minimize pain and other issues. Other common symptoms that may take a little time to show up include:

Numbness in the hands and arms
Headaches
Abdominal swelling or discomfort
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Impaired memory or physical movement

Piecing your life together after a scooter accident

On behalf of Charles J. Argento of Charles J. Argento posted in car accidents on Friday, May 31, 2019.

Traffic accidents happen in many different ways and they involve different types of vehicles. While trucks, SUVs and smaller cars are often involved in wrecks, it is important to recognize that motorcyclists, bicyclists and those riding scooters or mopeds may also be involved in a serious collision. If you have been hit by a reckless driver while operating a scooter, you may be going through all sorts of different challenges. From physical pain due to an injury to mental trauma and financial consequences, these accidents can be overwhelming.

Many people enjoy riding their scooter in the summer months thanks to warmer temperatures and freedom from school and work responsibilities, in some instances. Sometimes, people feel safer while riding a scooter since they may have an easier time operating the scooter. However, scooter accidents can be incredibly dangerous, whether someone rides their scooter at high speeds, or they are struck by a drunk driver who is operating a much larger vehicle.

How can I avoid road rage?

On behalf of Charles J. Argento of Charles J. Argento posted in car accidents on Sunday, May 19, 2019.

Driving angry is never a good thing. Not only can it distract you from the task at hand, it can also result in dangerous altercations with you and other motorists. Knowing how to avoid road rage behaviors, both in yourself and when other drivers display them, will help keep you safe on the road. That's why Geico offers the following tips to Houston motorists.

First, acquaint yourself with all that road rage involves. Maybe you've honked at another driver or made aggressive hand gestures. You might have also yelled, tailgated, stopped another vehicle from merging, or cut off another car. These are all examples of road rage and they can prove deadly in some situations. You may be stressed by rush hour traffic or under pressure because you're late for an appointment. In any case, you must keep your emotions in check when behind the wheel.

Allergies and large truck collisions

On behalf of Charles J. Argento of Charles J. Argento posted in truck accidents on Saturday, May 18, 2019.

Large truck crashes happen for countless reasons, but there are a number of risks associated with certain seasons. For example, inclement weather during the winter (such as ice and snow) can lead to a crash. However, even when weather conditions improve in the spring, there may be other seasonal issues to take into consideration, such as allergies. Many people struggle with seasonal allergies and this can be especially problematic for those who drive large trucks. In this post, we will examine some of these concerns.

Large truck drivers often travel through various parts of the country. As a result, they may find themselves in a rural area or a state with a higher pollen count, which could lead to worsened allergy symptoms. These symptoms, such as sneezing, headaches, a runny nose and difficulty sleeping, can get in the way of driving. Large truck drivers (as well as any driver who suffers from allergies) may be distracted by these symptoms while driving and struggle to concentrate on the road.

What to say to your insurance adjuster after a car accident

On behalf of Charles J. Argento of Charles J. Argento on Tuesday, May 14, 2019.

First and foremost, after sustaining injuries in a car accident, you need to go to a hospital immediately. Three Texans, including an infant, went to nearby hospitals after a recent rollover crash. You need to do the same even if you feel all right after a collision.

After you see a doctor, you need to get in touch with your auto insurance provider. You need to do this within 24 hours of the car crash. With this phone call, you need to be mindful of what you tell your insurance adjuster. Saying the wrong thing can seriously compromise your claim.

What risks do antidepressants carry?

On behalf of Charles J. Argento of Charles J. Argento posted in dangerous drugs on Sunday, May 12, 2019.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a common treatment for depression and other mental health disorders. While these drugs have helped many people lead happy and fulfilling lives, they're not without their risks. Harvard Health Publishing explains some of the most common risks so you can make the best decisions when it comes to your mental health and wellness.

One of the most troubling risks of SSRIs is these drugs may actually increase suicidal thoughts and self-harm. This led to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to include black box labels on certain drugs in 2004. This risk is most prevalent for young people, including kids and teens, which naturally causes concern for parents. While treatment responses are different for every patient, doctors must clearly communicate these risks to patients. They must also monitor patient health closely, especially when first taking the drug.

Big fines for distracted big rig drivers

On behalf of Charles J. Argento of Charles J. Argento posted in truck accidents on Wednesday, May 1, 2019.

Tractor trailer trucks line Texas highways as they deliver goods ranging from produce to cars. Even when unloaded, big rigs can weigh more than 20 times as much as your passenger vehicle. Devastating injuries often result when 18-wheelers and cars collide. At Charles J. Argento, we understand that big truck accidents are different from regular car crashes and fight to get clients the compensation needed to pay for medical bills and long-term expenses.

Trucking Truth reports that distracted drivers are more than 23 percent more likely to become involved in an accident than if they remain focused on the road. The FMCSA prohibits reaching for, holding, dialing texting and reading mobile devices while driving. Hands-free use means that dialing must not require more than a single button press. Although truck drivers must keep in touch with their employers, texting on dispatch devices is not distinguished from other texting devices, which makes it prohibited.