Houston Personal Injury Law Blog

Depression, anger and other emotions after a car crash

On behalf of Charles J. Argento of Charles J. Argento & Associates posted in car accidents on Friday, October 5, 2018.

The physical toll of a motor vehicle collision can be overwhelming. Some people pass away after being struck by a negligent driver, while others suffer massive injuries that alter the rest of their lives. However, there are many other hardships that auto accident victims may have to work through. For example, some people face a number of difficulties from an emotional point of view after they are involved in a motor vehicle wreck. Stress, anger and depression are some of the emotional challenges that may arise under these circumstances and it is important to address these emotions properly.

Victims of a car wreck may become very depressed for many reasons. They may be sad that injuries have interrupted their lives and derailed plans they had, such as participating in a physical event or activity. Moreover, some people become angry at a driver whose reckless behavior caused all of these hardships, while others also struggle with high levels of anxiety. A car accident victim may be worried about how the accident will affect their career, how they will pay medical bills and other expenses and many other areas of uncertainty.

How do medication errors occur?

On behalf of Charles J. Argento of Charles J. Argento & Associates posted in dangerous drugs on Sunday, September 30, 2018.

While medications are intended to heal, in some cases they actually cause harm. According to the Mayo Clinic, on a yearly basis preventable medication errors affect hundreds of thousands of people, with sometimes serious consequences. The following information sheds light on what medication errors entail and what steps you can take to potentially avoid them.

Medication errors can occur when drugs are being dispensed, prescribed, or taken. If a medication error occurs but causes no harm it’s called a potential adverse drug event, while those that do cause harm are called a preventable adverse drug event. Errors can involve incorrect dosages or even taking the wrong medication altogether. Even if the dose and type are correct, there might be an adverse drug interaction.

How can pedestrian accidents in rural areas be avoided?

On behalf of Charles J. Argento of Charles J. Argento & Associates posted in car accidents on Friday, September 28, 2018.

When people think of a pedestrian accident, they may envision an urban environment, where someone is struck by a car and traffic is hectic. However, these accidents also take place in rural areas and there are a number of ways that communities can work to reduce these accidents. Moreover, pedestrians should be aware of various ways they can stay safe while walking. From reflective clothing to staying off of the road while under the influence of alcohol and being aware of nearby traffic, there are a number of safety tips that pedestrians should keep in mind.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, there are a number of ways in which pedestrian accidents can be reduced in rural communities. For example, the FHWA offers some recommendations which could be beneficial for certain rural communities, such as increasing lighting on dark roads, improving signage, paving road shoulders, adding sidewalks and educating pedestrians as well as drivers. Pedestrians should also avoid darting across the road and understand the risks associated with failure to yield.

What you should know about gap coverage

On behalf of Charles J. Argento of Charles J. Argento & Associates on Monday, September 17, 2018.

Car insurance can seem like a simple issue until you get into a crash and actually have to deal with trying to get a fair settlement. One issue many people have questions about is gap coverage.

Generally speaking, when you sustain a car accident and suffer a total loss to your car, if the other driver was at fault, his or her insurance should pay for your loss. Assuming everything else goes smoothly, the insurer will pay for the total value of the car.

Driving in a new city can be dangerous

On behalf of Charles J. Argento of Charles J. Argento & Associates posted in car accidents on Friday, September 14, 2018.

We have covered so many of the risk factors that often cause motor vehicle crashes, and drivers should definitely keep these concerns in mind while they are on the road. However, there are many other hazards that can increase the probability of a crash, and some may not be so obvious. For example, someone who finds themselves in a new city for the first time may be more likely to collide with another vehicle. Not only do some drivers have a harder time in new cities because they are not familiar with the roads and have to constantly look for directions, but they may also be tired and very stressed out.

Some people drive through new cities on their way to another destination, while others get behind the wheel in a new city for the first time while they are visiting. Moreover, some people find themselves in this position after moving to somewhere new. Regardless, it can be dangerous when a driver does not have a lot of familiarity with local roadways. For example, they may be less aware of potentially hazardous parts of the road and they could be distracted by something that would not have drawn the attention of someone who has driven down the road many times.

When a tire blows out on the road

On behalf of Charles J. Argento of Charles J. Argento & Associates posted in car accidents on Friday, September 7, 2018.

Roads across the country can be hazardous for different reasons. Sometimes, poor weather and chaotic streets due to large events can make driving more dangerous. There are times when an increased accident risk is somewhat predictable, such as expecting an increase in the number of drunk drivers during a holiday weekend. However, some accidents are completely unpredictable, such as those caused by a driver whose tire blew out on the road.

It is essential for you to maintain your vehicle properly and make sure that any areas of concern are addressed before taking to the road. Sadly, some people do not, whether they are experiencing financial problems and cannot afford to fix their vehicle or because they procrastinate and have a tendency to push these types of things off. Sadly, when their poorly-maintained vehicles fail while they are behind the wheel, they pose a serious risk to others around them.

How many older adults are killed and hurt in crashes?

On behalf of Charles J. Argento of Charles J. Argento & Associates posted in car accidents on Friday, August 31, 2018.

If you are an older driver, you may worry about many risks while on the roadway, such as drunk drivers, those who go over the speed limit, distracted drivers using their phones and so on. However, some older drivers also need to keep an eye out for certain risk areas that may involve their driving abilities. For example, issues related to poor vision and other difficulties that have been brought on with age may increase the chances of a collision and drivers should take the appropriate course of action, which may mean staying off of the road in some instances. Sadly, many deaths and injuries involving older adults have taken place.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out that over 260,000 older adults received treatment in an emergency department due to injuries they suffered in a motor vehicle collision during 2015. Furthermore, traffic accidents claimed the lives of more than 6,800 older adults over the course of 2015. To look at these statistics from a different angle, 712 older adults were hurt and 19 passed away in motor vehicle collisions each day during 2015.

Can the economy affect the number of fatal crashes?

On behalf of Charles J. Argento of Charles J. Argento & Associates posted in car accidents on Friday, August 24, 2018.

When it comes to auto accidents, many consequences may arise, but the loss of life is especially devastating. Sadly, fatal accidents happen for a variety of reasons and there are many different factors which can affect the likelihood of a collision occurring. Drivers should be aware of the different hazards they face and recognize certain times when the chances of a crash may be especially high, such as at night. Moreover, there are other considerations when it comes to the prevalence of deadly crashes that drivers should be aware of.

There are many factors which may affect the number of fatal motor vehicle crashes, including the economy, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The NHTSA points out that there are a number of reasons why the health of the economy could influence the number of people who pass away in wrecks. For example, the number of traffic crash fatalities typically declines during a weak economy and increases in a recovery. Unemployment can have an impact on the number of traffic deaths, since people may be less likely to get behind the wheel for recreational purposes and in order to drive to work.

How can bicyclists reduce the chances of a traffic accident?

On behalf of Charles J. Argento of Charles J. Argento & Associates posted in car accidents on Friday, August 17, 2018.

On the road, there are all sorts of dangers and these risk factors can be especially concerning for bicyclists. As a result, it is essential for bicyclists to do all that they can to reduce the likelihood of a traffic accident taking place. Whether you bike to work or regularly ride a bicycle to get some exercise, it is vital to recognize the risks you face and do what you can to stay safe on the road.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has provided a number of tips that can help bicyclists avoid a bicycle accident while on the road. For example, bicyclists should carefully plan their route beforehand and try to find the safest route, which may include riding in a lane that is intended for bikes or off the road altogether. Reflective gear and bright clothes can help make bicyclists more visible to drivers, reducing the chances of an accident. Bicyclists should also make sure they ride bikes that are maintained properly (functioning brakes, etc.) and appropriate for their size.

Big rigs, training, speed and the space cushion

On behalf of Charles J. Argento of Charles J. Argento & Associates on Friday, August 17, 2018.

If you are operating a passenger vehicle on a crowded highway and the grill of the big rig behind you is all you see in your rearview mirror, your anxiety level may rise a bit.

Commercial truck drivers must be well-trained. They must practice safe driving behavior, which means no speeding or tailgating. If you should have to stop suddenly, will that big rig end up in your trunk?