Fort Worth Injury Lawyer Blog

James Cantrell died in a fatal crash Tuesday afternoon at Davis Boulevard and Maplewood Avenue in North Richland Hills. His wife was driving the couple’s Toyota going Northbound when they collided with a BMW traveling Southbound.

Cantrell was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital by helicopter and died shortly after. Cantrell’s wife suffered serious injuries, but her condition is unknown at this time.

My sincere condolences go out to the friends and family of Mr. Cantrell and his wife. I truly hope that there was no malfunction on the Toyota’s part that caused the deadly car accident. I wish it was not the case that every time a car wreck is reported involving a Toyota that you question whether there was some kind of malfunction with the car.

This information is provided by Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson, who can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-257-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about your personal injury or car accident case you may also contact The Anderson Law Firm online.

On Sunday morning, Patricia Godwin, a 45-year-old woman from Weatherford, Texas, died in a car wreck which occurred on Texas 171, nine miles south of Weatherford. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Ms. Godwin was southbound on Texas 171 in a 2008 Jeep Patriot when she was hit by a pick-up truck heading southbound which veered out of its lane. The collision caused Godwin’s Patriot to roll over and come to rest on its roof. The driver of the Ford pick-up truck is from Cresson, Texas. He was taken to a hospital in Fort Worth.

My sincere condolences go out to Patricia Godwin’s friends and family. It does not appear that she did anything wrong and instead, she lost her life prematurely. This type of accident is very common where one vehicle veers, sometimes only slightly, outside of its lane causing a head-on collision. Oftentimes, the reason for veering is driver distraction, such as cell phone usage. I have also seen cases of vehicle malfunction and of the driver. Hopefully, a complete investigation will determine the cause of the wreck.

Information and commentary provided by Fort Worth Auto Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. For information regarding the legal process, please visit Mark’s Injury Lawyer Website or call 817-294-1900.

There are several companies starting to come up with ideas of how to warn or block drivers from using their cell phones while driving. The programs range from producing a simple warning stating the dangers of being on the phone while driving (similar to a seat belt warning light), to more complex technology that actually quarantines text messages when the car has reached a certain speed. The software companies are hoping to prevent car accidents associated with distracted driving.

Though the ideas behind the applications are for safety, there are several problems with these new software programs. The first is that there is no way to tell if the person is the driver or passenger of the car, or if they are a passenger on a train or bus. Due to the applications being activated by sensing a certain speed, the program could mobilize on a person’s phone that isn’t even driving.

The second problem that has been noted about the new technology is the price. Some applications cost as much as $40, plus a monthly fee that may cost about $4. Critics say that the importance of price may depend on the price parents are willing to pay to ensure safety and security of their newly driving teen.

For right now, there is not a clear solution to the problems associated with being on the phone while driving. These new software companies are on the right track to figure out a solution to a growing problem. It is obvious that there are still a few problems that have to be figured out before the technology can be widely implemented and accepted. I applaud these technology companies for their efforts.

I am currently part of an initiative to stop texting and driving. The program is called TADD (Teens Against Distracted Driving). I am encouraging teens to get online and sign a pledge to not text and drive, and in return will receive a cool wrist bracelet! I feel as though the movement to stop distracted driving is growing, and I am glad I am a part of it.

Information and commentary provided by Board Certified Personal Injury Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. You may also contact us about your personal injury or car accident case online.

Last year, our Texas Legislature passes a new law that prohibited medical professionals from contacting people who have been injured in an accident for at least 30 days after the accident. The law was aimed at a few unscrupulous chiropractors who would call and mislead people who had been injured in car wrecks. Usually, the marketers, as they are called, working on behalf of the chiros would obtain the information from the publically available crash reports completed by the local police department. The marketers would then call the injury victims and mislead them that the insurance company had authorized a medical visit.

A chiropractor from Houston filed a federal lawsuit challenging the new law and on Friday, a federal judge from Austin overturned the law saying the law violated the chiropractor’s right to free speech. The Texas Attorney General’s office has 30 day to decide if it wants to appeal this ruling. I certainly hope the AG’s office files an appeal, as this law seems to me to be a reasonable restriction on free speech. After all, it is done to protect the consumers from this misleading conduct while they recover or possible grieve the loss of a loved one.

On a related topic, The Texas Department of Public Safety recently enacted a change in the way crash reports are written in order to address this issue. No longer are phone numbers included on the accident reports. While this is a small deterrent, it has caused some marketers to resort to going to the home of the accident victims. While that makes the marketers’ job harder, ultimately it makes the contact more invasive.

I think the best way to handle this is to make the crash reports unavailable to anyone accept the people involved in the accident. That way, the reports could never get into the marketers hands and the phone calls (or door knocks) could never happen. Of course, there is always the possibility of someone selling the reports out the back door of the police station, but that is a whole different problem.

Commentary by Fort Worth Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson, who can be contacted at 817-294-1900 or through his website at www.maafirm.com.

Hung Nguyen, 22, died tragically Sunday as the result of a multi-vehicle car accident in Fort Worth, TX, after a car struck him and knocked him off a bridge onto the highway below.

The wreck occurred on the bridge from southbound Loop 820 to eastbound East Freeway (I-30). Initially two vehicles had collided on the bridge due to icy conditions. A tow truck had stopped to help, and Mr. Nguyen crashed into the back of the tow truck. Another vehicle then hit Mr. Nguyen’s 2001 Honda. When Mr. Nguyen walked to the back of his vehicle to inspect the damage, a sixth car hit him and knocked him off the bridge. A seventh car then hit the sixth car involved in the accident.

According to police investigators, Mr. Nguyen fell several hundred feet to the highway below, where he was pronounced dead. My condolences go out to Mr. Nguyen’s family. This winter we have had an inordinate amount of wet and icy weather and it has caused more fatal accidents than normal.

Information provided by Fort Worth Accident Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson, who can be reached at 817-294-1900 or contacted by clicking here.

On Monday a Georgia Supreme Court removed limits on the amount of money a medical malpractice victim can win in that state. Tort reform passed in 2005 had placed a $350,000 cap on noneconomic damage, otherwise known as compensation for pain and suffering. The Georgia Supreme Court deemed that previous tort reform unconstitutional.

The previous law capping damage awards "clearly nullifies the jury's findings of fact regarding damages and thereby undermines the jury's basic function," Chief Justice Carol Hunstein wrote for the court. "The very existence of the caps, in any amount, is violative of the right to trial by jury."

Too bad we live in a State where there is ZERO chance that out Supreme Court would ever issue such a ruling. The right to trial by jury here in Texas does not mean as much as in other states. According to our Texas Supreme Court, it is only about what is best for the insurance companies. And my experience is that what is best for the insurance companies is always bad for the consumers.

Information provided by Texas Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson, who can be reached toll free at 877-294-1115 or contacted by clicking here.

Paul Smith, 36, of Haltom City, Texas died in a motor vehicle accident Sunday morning around 6:30 a.m. on I-30 in Arlington, Texas.

Two other cars were involved in an initial wreck when, according to the Arlington Police Department, subsequent crashes occurred because of slick conditions on the westbound side of I-30. In all, the accident involved five cars, two 18-wheelers, and two pickup trucks. The westbound lanes of Interstate 30 were closed for several hours while authorities investigated the cause of the multi-vehicle crash.

My sincere condolences go out to Mr. Smith’s family. Undoubtedly, they are going through an extremely difficult time now as Mr. Smith was a young man who apparently fell victim to a weather-related accident. This winter we have had an incredible amount of rain, snow and ice. It appeared to the Arlington Police Department investigators that ice on a highway was a factor in causing the accident. It is the sixth traffic fatality in Arlington this year.

Information provided by Tarrant County Accident Attorney Mark A. Anderson, who can be contacted at 817-294-1900 or by clicking here.

Graco Children’s Products, a popular brand of children and baby products, has recalled 1.2 million Harmony highchairs.

These highchairs pose a danger due to two defects that can cause the chair to tip over unexpectedly. The screws holding the front legs in place can loosen and fall out, and the plastic brackets on the legs can crack and cause the chair to tip over without warning. So far these defects have resulted in 464 reports of chairs falling over, with 24 reported cases of injuries to children, including everything from minor bumps and bruises to cuts and even a fractured arm.

The Harmony highchairs are no longer in production, and were manufactured from November 2003 to December 2009. If you have one of these chairs, you should stop using it an once and contact Graco for a repair kit, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

For more information, contact Graco at (877) 842-3206, or visit their website, www.gracobaby.com.

Information provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson, who can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000, in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900, and toll free at 877-294-1115. He can also be contacted by clicking here.

A man was struck by a pickup truck on Loop 820 late Monday evening. The man, who was identified as Aaron Smith, died at the scene.

His car had broken down and ran out of gas so he pulled over to the shoulder of the road. Smith was hit when he tried to cross the highway in order to get gas. He left his girlfriend in the car while he attempted to cross the highway.

The driver of the pickup truck stopped and no charges are expected to be filled. Witnesses also say that Smith was hit by an 18-Wheeler; however the Fort Worth Police Department states that this is not the case.

My sincere condolences go out to the friends and family of Aaron Smith. It is terrible to hear about such a tragic accident happening in our community. This pedestrian accident goes to show that you must be extremely careful in all situations involving motor vehicles, even if it is just something like crossing the highway to get gas for your broken down vehicle.

Information and commentary provided by Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900, in Dallas at 214-327-8000, or online by clicking here.

On Sunday afternoon, an Amtrak train was in a collision with a semi-truck due to the truck being stuck on a railroad crossing. The truck accident occurred in the 1000 block of Erie Street in Fort Worth, Texas around 3 p.m.

The truck driver was not inside of the truck at the time, so he was not injured. However, one passenger in the train was injured, but is considered to have non-life threatening injuries. The name of the passenger has not been released.

The Fort Worth Police Department stated that when the train hit the 18 wheeler, it split the trailer in half, and dispersed the insulation it was carrying on the roadway.

In Texas, tractor-trailer accidents are a major problem. Last year, 10% of all fatal accidents involved semi-trucks. Nationwide, almost 5,000 people are killed each year in accidents that involve trucks. In this particular case, it is very fortunate no one was more seriously injured. I wonder why the truck got stuck? Is it something the truck driver did wrong? Was there something wrong with the tracks or the crossing? Could a passenger car have also got stuck? It is still scary to think how much worse the accident could have been if the train had been moving faster, or if more passengers would have been on board.

This information and commentary is provided by Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. Mr. Anderson can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000, in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or online by clicking here.

The US State Department has created a website called Students Abroad that goes over general safety tips to help keep you safe while on spring break. Whether you are staying in the United States, or traveling internationally, it is important to take precaution in order to avoid injury and have the most enjoyable vacation possible.

If you are traveling internationally here a few important tips to remember:

-Register Your Trip: In the case that you are a victim of crime while abroad, you should register your trip before you leave so the US Embassy knows where you are and who to contact in the case of an emergency. Registration is voluntary and free, and will only promote safety for your trip.

- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption: It is important to always be aware of your surrounding when you are abroad, and unfortunately excessive alcohol consumption can hinder your ability to make wise decisions. Alcohol is one of the leading causes of arrests and accidents for Americans while they are abroad.

-Obey Local Laws: This should be a no brainer. However, local laws in foreign countries may be very different to what you are accustomed to. Refrain from doing anything you even think may be illegal.

-Only use licensed or registered taxis: Using a licensed taxi is one way to avoid becoming the victim of crime while you are abroad. If you are at a hotel or resort, ask the front desk to phone a local taxi service to ensure they are licensed.

-Be conscientious: Being aware of what is going on around you is probably the most important thing you can do while abroad. Always notice who and what are around you, and remove yourself if something looks suspicious

If you are traveling domestically many of these same rules apply, but there are a few other tips to take into consideration:

-Take Warning Flags on Beaches Seriously
-Do not think that just because you are on vacation you can drive while impaired
-Listen to boating and water sport safety tips from operators to avoid personal injury

I hope this helps you to be more prepared for any number of situations while on Spring Break. When you are prepared and aware, you do not have to worry about as many things, and can have a more fun and much deserved break!

This information and commentary is provided by Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or online by clicking here.

The family of Fort Worth, Texas resident, Sonia Baker, who was killed in a car accident in December, filed suit against The Pour House, where Officer Jesus Cisneros was drinking. Cisneros drove his unmarked city vehicle to the Pour House when he was off-duty. He was meeting other officers for a birthday celebration.

At about 2:25 a.m. Cisneros left the bar after reportedly having four beers and four shots of alcohol. He then proceeded to drive his city vehicle and then crashed into Sonia Baker’s PT Cruiser.

Baker had been driving to a fast-food restaurant to pick up breakfast for her family before work when the wreck occurred. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Cisneros was taken to the hospital where his blood tests showed that he had a .17 BAC, which is more than twice the legal limit. Cisneros has been charged with intoxication manslaughter, and also quit his job with the Fort Worth Police Department on December 21.

The issue is that the Pour House should be held accountable for “over-serving” Cisneros, and letting him leave the bar and drive. The family’s lawyer, Jeff Rasansky said that the Baker family wants The Pour House to be held accountable for their actions. I applaud Jeff for his efforts to hold the bar responsible. Jeff is a very good lawyer who will make sure that the true story is out in the open.

Besides the bar’s responsibility not to serve an obviously intoxicated individual, I think the other police officers celebrating with Cisneros have a moral and ethical duty to stop him from getting into his car. The entire wreck and the life of Sonia Baker could have been spared if the officers would have been responsible enough to stop their friend and colleague from leaving the bar.

To read more about the accident please click here.

This information and commentary is provided by Board Certified Personal Injury Lawyer Mark Anderson. Mr. Anderson can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900, in Dallas at 214-327-8000, or online by clicking here.

Tri Tran, a 52-year-old Fort Worth, Texas resident, died from work related injuries on February 19th. He was injured on February 13th from being pinned near the ceiling by a scissor lift, which is typically used for changing light bulbs at the Dannon Yogurt Plant in Fort Worth, TX.

A Dannon spokesman stated that they are not exactly sure what happened at this time, and are still investigating the situation. Mr. Tran died from head and chest injuries related to the accident. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is also conducting an investigation.

The possible options for the accident include equipment malfunction or Mr. Tran falling on the controls of the machinery.

Mr. Tran moved to the United States from his native country of Vietnam as a young boy. He leaves behind a wife and three children.

My sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr. Tran. The unexpected and tragic loss of a loved one is something we all wish no one had to go through. There are so many awful injuries that I hear about each and every day. Hopefully, OSHA will be able to uncover the true cause of this death and precautions can be taken to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again at the plant.

This information is provided by Fort Worth Accident Attorney Mark Anderson, who can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or online by clicking here.

The Texas Department of Public Safety said that a mini-van heading East on Highway 290 near Bastrop, Texas collided with a pickup truck, when the driver of the mini-van did not yield the right of way to the pickup truck.

Three children, all under the age of 9 were killed in the accident. None of them were wearing seatbelts. Two other children were also injured. The two adults in the van have non-life threatening injuries.

The van flipped whenever the pickup hit them. Paul (9), Noel (8), and Leah (5) Gonzalez were all killed in the car crash and were declared dead at the scene. Angie Gonzalez, who is 6-years-old, is listed in critical condition at a local hospital.

A 19-year-old, Texas A&M student was the driver of the pickup truck. Bastrop area police officials say he is not at fault for the accident because he had the right of way.

Any accident involving children is absolutely heartbreaking to hear about. My heart goes out to the families of the children killed and injured in this tragic accident. The other true tragedy in this case is that the children could have possibly been saved if they had been wearing their seatbelts. It is imperative that we make sure everyone is buckled up in the car before you even put the car in reverse. For a list of driving safety tips please click here.

Information and commentary provided by Texas Car Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. Mark can be reached Toll Free across Texas at 1-877-294-1115 or online by clicking here.

Seattle accident attorney, Jason Epstein founded TADD (Teens Against Distracted Driving) to educate teens of the dangers of texting and driving, and hopefully put an end to the problem all together. Click here for a link to the TADD website. Teens are invited to sign their name on the pledge online, and in return receive a free wrist bracelet. Jason had no idea how much energy and enthusiasm would be generated by this program, but he has seen the commitment teens have to making a change.

I have teamed with Jason, along with ten other attorneys from around the country, to build awareness of the problem of teens texting and driving in our communities. Jason has been asked to speak at schools in his community and has encouraged me to do the same.

The program is in its critical growth stage and is expected to continue to grow exponentially and gain more support in the next few months. The idea is that if you can educate teens and stop the habit early, we can help save many young lives.

I will do my share in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Please call my office if you or someone you know would be interested in arranging a speaking engagement anywhere in the DFW metroplex. After being a personal injury lawyer for 18 years, I have seen my fair share of tragedies caused by things just like texting and driving.

Take a stand and pledge not to text and drive!

Mark Anderson is a Personal Injury Attorney in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. He can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000, in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or online by clicking here.

A car wreck involving 77-year-old Waynoka Ricord happened right before 1:30 a.m. on Sunday morning. The accident occurred near the 1800 block of Shady Oaks Drive in Southlake, Texas. Ricord was on her way home from work at the DFW Airport hotel.

Police are still investigating the cause of the wreck. Ricord’s car, a Toyota Corolla, is on the list of over 8.5 million recalled in the past month. It is possible that the car wreck is related with the accelerator pedal problems associated with Corollas; however it could also have been a driver error.

What is apparent is that something happened to make her lose control. When her car veered off the road it hit a tree, then repelled off and hit another tree. The cause of death was from blunt-force trauma to her chest.

This is not the first car accident in Southlake involving a Toyota. A driver and three passengers were killed in December when driving their Toyota Avalon on Lonesome Dove Road. I blogged about this in February and in December, to read more please click here or here.

My sincere condolences go out to Ms. Ricord’s family and friends. The Toyota recall has turned into a giant question mark of the safety of the vehicles, and the car manufacturer’s promise of quality. It seems like every couple of days there is another wreck involving a question about the malfunction of a Toyota or another investigation of a possible new recall.

This information is provided by Board Certified Personal Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson. Mark can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or online by clicking here.