Fort Worth Injury Lawyer Blog

Many people dread the start of the week in Fort Worth and the only thing that comes to mind is how much longer until Friday? Well folks, Friday is here and with it being a weekend that means more drunk drivers on the road. An estimated 17 million people have driven while drunk at least once on U.S. streets and highways in the course of a year, according to a government study released Wednesday. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration survey conducted in late 2008 found that 20 percent of those 16 and older reported driving within two hours of drinking alcohol. Estimates show that that 8 percent of all drivers, or 17.2 million people, have driven at least once over the course of a year, even though they thought they were drunk. Additionally, 8 percent said they got a ride from a driver they thought was drunk. This was a particular problem for males between 21 and 24 years old. In this age group, 24 percent reported riding with a driver they thought had consumed too much alcohol.

On the positive side, the message about the dangers of drunken driving is widespread, with 81 percent of those surveyed seeing it as a serious public safety threat. The only problem is the statistics are still high. We have got to do more, as a country, to close the gap between believing that drunk driving is a threat and actively doing something about it, to warn motorists about the dangers of drunken driving, the government is spending about $13 million for an advertising campaign to publicize increased enforcement through Labor Day weekend.

Even if you are being the responsible one to drive your friends around you still have to worry about the idiots roaming the street. The time of the day does not matter for intoxicated drivers and that is the scary part. Enjoy yourself this weekend, but be smart about it!

Information and commentary is provided by Fort Worth DWI Victim Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. . If you have any questions related with injuries from being hit by a drunk driver, please fill contact us or fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

A Haltom City father whose 2-month-old infant died from head injuries was arraigned this morning on a capital murder charge. Alfonso Contreras Jr., 24, and the girl’s mother, 20-year-old Ashley Nicole Massey, were arrested Monday evening, several hours after police and fire officials responded to a report of an unresponsive child at the Ponderosa Mobile Home Park in the 6000 block of East Belknap Street.

When paramedics arrived around 1 a.m., the parents were performing CPR on the infant. The girl was transported to Cook Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth, where she died around 2:30 p.m. Monday. It was unclear how the girl was injured, but police described her injuries as nonaccidental. Massey faces a charge of injury to a child and is being held on $250,000 bail. Contreras’ bail for the murder charge is set at $500,000. Both remain in the Haltom City Jail.

This is a tragic event for family and friends that knew the young infant. My thoughts and prayers go out to them. The 2-month-old baby had a right to live and was helpless in this horrific tragedy. Unexpected acts happen daily and it saddens my heart to hear another story like this. Speaking as a parent I have no insight of how one could do this to anyone, nonetheless, an innocent infant.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/ Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. For more information regarding wrongful death, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

San Diego injury lawyer Ross Jurewitz filed a claim against the City of San Diego on August 19 on behalf of the family of 29-year-old Virginia Ortega, who was killed when she was struck by a San Diego Seal Tours bus. The accident occurred as she was crossing the street at Pacific Highway and West Harbor Drive near the Seaport Village Shopping Center on March 18, 2010.

Ms. Ortega, of Glendale, Arizona, was struck by the front of the Seal Tours bus as it made a right turn. The impact caused her to be pulled underneath the bus’s front axle and crushed as the vehicle completed its turn. According to Mr. Jurewitz, this is the third accident at this intersection where a pedestrian has been seriously injured or killed by a vehicle making a right turn onto northland Pacific Highway. A bus from the same Seal Tours also injured a pedestrian just six months prior to Ms. Ortega’s tragic death.

According to Mr. Jurewitz, the city knew this was a dangerous intersection. The only warning sign they placed near the intersection is out of sight of pedestrians. This is a high traffic pedestrian area as many tourists walk to nearby Seaport Village or nearby hotels.

Not only is Ms. Ortega’s family seeking damages of $10,000,000.00 from the city, but they also want the intersection fixed. “They want to make sure that nobody ever again loses a loved one because of this intersection,” said Mr. Jurewitz.

What a terrible tragedy. It is astounding to me that this is the second time in six months a pedestrian was struck by one of these tour buses. It is even the same tour company! The City of San Diego certainly has a responsibility to protect its pedestrians, especially in a high traffic tourist area. I look forward to seeing the city make the necessary changes to make this intersection a safe place for pedestrians.

The attorneys at the Jurewitz Law Group represent people seriously injured as the result of the negligence and carelessness of others in the San Diego area. The Jurewitz Law Group can be reached at 619-233-5020 or www.Jurewitz.com.

Information provided by Texas Board Certified Personal 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. You can contact a Board Certified Personal Injury Lawyer now.

Dr. Frank Ryan, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon most recently known for performing ten procedures on Heidi Montag in one operation, has died at the age of 50. The Jeep Wrangler he was driving plunged off a cliff along the Pacific Coast Highway near his Malibu home. People magazine, among other news sources, reports that he was texting while driving and accidently veered off the road. His Jeep tumbled down a rocky embankment toward the ocean and landed on its roof. He died of blunt force head injuries.

According to People magazine, the Los Angeles police told Dr. Ryan's family that at the time of his death, Dr. Ryan was sending a Tweet about his dog. What was so important about his dog that it couldn’t have waited until he made it back home? The answer is nothing. It has been proven that distracted driving causes thousands of deaths and injuries every year. While more laws and acts are passed to restrict people from texting while driving, it doesn’t seem to deter them, as seen from the numerous deaths caused by driver distraction. Hopefully the senseless death of a famous plastic surgeon will open people’s eyes to the fact that distracted driving can effect anyone, and can have fatal consequences.

Information provided by Texas Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson, who can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000, in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900, and toll free across the state at 877-294-1115. You can click here to contact a Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney immediately.

Bobby Joe Stovall of Round Rock was sentenced to life in prison on Tuesday for a 2009 drunk driving accident that injured his passenger. In that DWI crash he had a blood alcohol level of four times the legal limit.

His previous eight DWI convictions were in Collin, Dewitt, Nueces, Galveston, Jackson and Goliad counties. Stovall also has convictions for burglary, credit card abuse, possession of a controlled substance, theft, and making alcohol available to minors, according to authorities. He is 52-years-old.

While I agree that this man deserves life in prison, I am shocked that it took nine DWI’s to make that happen! Why wasn’t he put in jail long before this? How does one even accumulate that many drunk driving convictions? Not to mention his colorful criminal history. While I am relieved that this person is behind bars permanently, I am disappointed he had to cause this much trouble before he was put away.

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

Peyton Hood of Pflugerville, Texas, who would have been 2-years-old on September 1, died tragically Tuesday after being bitten by a rattle snake near Possum Kindgom Lake. The girl was bitten at the south side of the lake, in northwest Palo Pinto County.

The girl’s grandmother called 9-1-1 and reported that her granddaughter had been bitten on the ankle. A helicopter ambulance took Peyton to Cook Children’s where she died early Wednesday morning in the intensive care unit. Details about how the child came upon the snake are not available yet, according to news reports.

This is such a tragic story. My heart goes out to Peyton’s family. Although we don’t hear about snake bites very often, they can be deadly, especially to small children. Snake bite deaths are not very widespread in Texas, averaging two to three per year, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. In this case, Peyton’s family did exactly what the Parks and Wildlife Department recommends when dealing with a snake bite, which is to call authorities immediately. They say that under no circumstances should one try to cut or suck out the venom.

The Parks and Wildlife Department has several suggestions to keep yourself safe from snakes. Don’t put your hands or feet someplace into which you can’t see. Don’t step over a log without looking on the other side first, and if you have to move a log, do so with a stick or a tool. If you come upon a snake, stand still. Allow the snake to retreat first, and if you must move, back away slowly and carefully.

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

Though it may be because of my career as a injury lawyer, I can’t help but feel defeated every time I see another life torn apart by a drunk driver. Those killed in fatal drunk driving accidents are often commemorated along the road side with a plaque reading “please don’t drink and drive.” Yet, in spite of the dire consequences witnessed through these roadway signs and frequently covering the news headlines, 65% of fatal car accidents every year are at the hands of drunk drivers.

With all of the drunk driving laws and knowledge of the dangers the facts continue to shock me. Though you may feel the percentage of drunk drivers on the road is minimal- in actuality, 80% of alcohol-consuming adults admit that they have drove under the influence before. With these numbers it is safe to say the roads from dusk ‘til dawn are never without drunk drivers. In fact, between the hours of 7 pm and 3 am, an astounding 10% of drivers on the road are over the legal limit of 0.08. That means 1 out of 10 drivers you encounter on the roads are not fit to drive. Out of these intoxicated drivers most of them are driving with a BAC double the legal limit.

Though from 1991 to 2008 drunk driving accidents had decreased by 38%, drunk driving is still the cause of some 12,000 deaths every year. And despite drunk driving laws there is still a 60% chance that any one person will be involved in a drunk driving accident. With these types of numbers- how are you to protect yourself from the careless and irresponsible behavior of others? Seattle car accident attorney, Jason Epstein, has provided some tips in his article: Top Ways to Spot a Drunk Driver. These tips will help you identify drunk drivers and can help you avoid being involved in a potentially fatal accident.

If you have been injured as the result of the reckless behavior of a drunk driver I encourage you to speak with a lawyer. If you are in the Dallas Fort Worth area, feel free to call the Anderson Law Firm at 817-294-1900 or at 214-327-8000 with any questions regarding your case. If you are located in the Seattle area, you can contact Jason Epstein of the Bellevue personal injury law firm, Premier Law Group.

The mother of a 2-year-old Mansfield girl who arrived at an Arlington hospital unconscious earlier this month has been arrested. Ryka Hopper is in the Mansfield Jail where she faces a charge of injury to a child by omission. Her bond had been set at $100,000.

Hopper's live-in boyfriend, Adam Carroll Palmer, 27, was arrested earlier this month. He faces two counts of causing serious bodily injury to a child and an aggravated-assault charge and his bond was set at $450,000. Hopper and her two daughters, ages 5 and 2, arrived at an Arlington hospital on July 12 with bruises and other injuries to their bodies.

The 2-year-old was unconscious and had injuries to the brain, including blood and contusions. She was later taken by air ambulance to Medical City Hospital in Dallas, where she remains in a coma.

Hopper said she had arrived home and found the 2-year-old unconscious on the floor, according to the affidavit. She said Palmer told her that the toddler had a seizure. She then stated that the child remained on the floor for more than 16 hours before she finally regained consciousness and started crying. Because the crying awakened Palmer, he picked the 2-year-old up "like a rag doll and threw her to the floor and told her to shut up," Hopper told police.

The toddler whimpered on the floor until she went to sleep, according to the affidavit. After the incident, the girl could not walk or use her right hand and had trouble speaking, the affidavit says. According to court records, Palmer was given deferred adjudication on an injury-to-a-child case that occurred in 2003, but that probation was revoked in 2008 and he was sentenced to prison.

The fact that a mother can sit there while her child is unconscious for over 16 hours without getting worried just shows an extreme amount of recklessness and irresponsibility as a parent. This kind of child abuse should not be tolerated. Parent negligence is usually the cause of child injury, and this woman was aiding in this criminal act by not saying anything or reporting the abuse to the police.

I hope this investigation gives justice to a toddler that was critically injured for no apparent reason. As a parent myself, I find this kind of act despicable. It just shows cowardice and ignorance on the guardians’ part.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Child 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. For more information on child injuries, fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

A motorcycle rider, Geoffrey Daily, was fatally injured Wednesday in an early-morning accident on the west side of Fort Worth. Daily, 32, of Fort Worth was identified by the Tarrant County medical examiner.

According to Sgt. Pedro Criado, police spokesman, the wreck happened 7:19 a.m. on the exit ramp leading to eastbound Interstate 30 from southbound West Loop 820. The biker was riding in the right-hand lane, when a red Ford Escape ahead of him changed lanes from left to right, Criado said. The motorcyclist took an evasive action, Criado said, but the bike struck the protective metal railing and crashed. Daily died 12:25 p.m. at the intensive care unit of Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital, the medical examiner reported. No other information has been released.

Our greatest sympathies go out to the friends and family of the Fort Worth resident Geoffrey Daily. Injuries and fatalities of motorcyclists are, unfortunately, on the rise. There were 4,810 deaths and over 88,000 injuries involving motorcycle riders in 2006 alone. This is more than a 5 percent increase from the previous year.

The most common cause of wrecks involving motorcycles is inattention of the other driver. This accounts for about 70 percent of all crashes. This is the most likely reason for Daily’s death. The driver of the red Ford Escape was probably not paying attention or he “just didn’t see him.” Everyone on the road needs to make sure that they are alert and paying attention to the other drivers. Whether they are in a four-wheeler, 18-wheeler, or a bike they all have rights.

Information and Commentary is provided by Motorcycle Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. If you or a loved has been in a motorcycle accident, call the Anderson Law Firm for a free consultation. We can be reached toll free at 877.294.1115 or you can contact us online.

The worker who was fatally crushed Tuesday afternoon by drilling equipment at a gas well site in Arlington has been identified as 34-year-old Nabor Alvarado of Alvarado.

Alvarado is believed to be an employee of Trinidad Drilling, a Canadian company working for Chesapeake Energy, which owns the pad site in the 5700 block of U.S. 287 near the Kennedale border.

Alan Kassen, Arlington assistant fire chief, said it appeared that a large piece of drilling equipment fell on the worker about 4:15 p.m., killing him instantly, during assembly of the rig.

This is a terrible thing to happen to someone while on the job, and our hearts go out to Alvarado and his family.

Hopefully, an investigation will uncover the reason for this tragic accident. While accidents are common on drill sites, that does not mean they should happen. Something went wrong here—either equipment malfunction or human error. Either way, the accident should not have occurred.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. For more information regarding construction or oil rig site injuries, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

A former Dallas Cowboys player claims he suffered a career-ending injury in the team's indoor practice facility when it collapsed last year. He is seeking damages from the builder and companies operated by team owner Jerry Jones.

The victim, Jamar Hunt, says in a court filing that he suffered serious, disabling and permanent injuries in May 2009 after the structure fell.

Hunt was a rookie free agent from the University of Texas at El Paso trying to make the team as a tight end and deep snapper at the time.

Michael Guajardo, Hunt's attorney, said the player suffered a herniated disk in his neck when a steel support fell on him.

Cowboys spokesman Rich Dalrymple said the team isn't commenting on Hunt's claim.

Hunt is making the same allegations against the companies that special teams coach, Joe DeCamillas, and team scout Rich Behm, made earlier this year.

DeCamillas suffered broken vertebrae and Behm was left paralyzed from the waist down. Both filed identical lawsuits in separate Dallas courts that alleged negligence by the company that built the facility, Summit Structures LLC, and cite three entities controlled by Jones for improperly supervising repairs.

Last month, Behm and DeCamillas reached settlements with Summit and its Canadian parent, Cover-All Building Systems Inc. after a Canadian court lifted a stay blocking legal proceedings against the failed company and allowed the two Cowboys employees to collect proceeds from its insurance.

If the tent-like structure was poorly designed and made (as it appears), then Hunt has every right to sue for damages caused by poor construction. I wish Mr. Hunt and Mr. Guajardo luck on this serious injury case.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth 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.

A motorcycle accident claimed the life of Odessa pastor, Michael Robert Graham, this past Monday.

Graham was driving south on State Highway 17 near Fort Davis when he lost control on sharp curve and was ejected from his bike, a 2008 Suzuki Boulevard.

The accident occurred just after 1 p.m. Graham was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety Graham was not wearing a helmet.

Graham is the second victim this week that I have blogged about who was biking without wearing a helmet. Helmets can save lives. Statistics show that riders wearing a helmet significantly reduce their odds of dying in a crash. Make you sure you are wearing a proper helmet. Here are some guidelines that will help you figure out if your helmet is in accordance with proper safety standards.

Our sincere condolences go out the family, friends, and congregation of Pastor Michael Robert Graham. Hopefully others will take this tragedy as a learning experience and begin to wear helmets.

Information and commentary is provided by Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson. Contact our office if you have questions about motorcycle accidents. We can be reached in Dallas at 214.327.8000 in Fort Worth at 817.294.1900 or toll free at 877.294.1115. You can also contact us online. Call now for a free consultation.

An East Texas father and mother tried to rescue their 7-year-old girl from drowning Monday afternoon in the Trinity River. A passing bicyclist pulled out the girl and her mother, who also was trying to save the girl. Unfortunately, the father was unable to survive.

Richard Walker, 47, of Winnsboro, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Tarrant County medical examiner's office. The names of other family members have not yet been released.

The drowning occurred at a low-water dam between the Interstate 30 and West Lancaster Avenue bridges.

Fort Worth Fire spokesman Tim Hardeman said that the family had been walking across the rocky crossing when the little girl fell in the water. The parents jumped in after her.

The bicyclist, Jeff Harrison, said he was on the 37th mile of a ride that had begun more than two hours earlier at his home in north Fort Worth. Harrison was cycling back home through Trinity Park about 3:30 p.m. when he saw the girl floating with the current and an older woman and man swimming after her.

A teenage boy, Walker's son, was standing on the rocks and appeared frantic, Harrison said. The boy told him that he couldn't swim. There were adult onlookers nearby that didn’t even bother to help.

Harrison saw that the man was caught in a strong current and the mother and daughter had floated farther away. Harrison said he ran along the bank toward them, and he could see the mother's body beneath the water's surface.

He jumped in and pulled them both out of the river. The girl appeared fine, he said, but the mother's body had turned blue.

Harrison did CPR, even though he had not been trained to do so. Luckily it saved the mother’s life. Emergency workers then arrived and revived the woman.

Harrison said the satisfaction of saving the mother and daughter was tempered by sadness and frustration over the father's death. He was still stunned that no one else tried to help.

This heroic effort was shadowed by the fact that a father died trying to save his daughter. The fact that only one man who saw them that day tried to help is somewhat disturbing. We need to celebrate this bicyclist’s bravery in saving a mother and child when everyone else watching seemed to think it was impossible.

Remember that drowning is the second leading cause of death of children ages 1-14. Steering clear of dangerous water, or dangerous pathways over bodies of water, could save your child’s life. And in this case, the poor father was just trying to save his little girl when he was overcome with the strong current and suffered the injury that he thought he was preventing. Our hearts go out to this family and we also want to acknowledge the courage of the bicyclist for risking his own life to save a stranger’s life.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm specializes in personal injury matter. We can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have any questions, feel free to fill out the contact form online for a free consultation.

Early Monday morning a motorcyclist was killed in a crash on a Denton Highway.

The medical examiner’s office reported the victim, William Malmsten of Denton, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash happened around 2 a.m. Monday in the northbound lanes of the 700 Block of Interstate 35E in Denton.

Denton Officer Ryan Grelle, a department spokesman, reported that Malmsten, 47, was driving his 1997 Harley-Davidson onto the highway when he lost control of his bike, was thrown off into light pole. Malmsten was not wearing a helmet.

Our condolences go out to the friends and family members of William Malmsten. It is so distressing to hear of motorcycle fatalities in which the victim was not wearing a helmet. It’s impossible to say if a helmet would have saved this man’s life, but helmets certainly save countless lives in accidents every day.

This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident and have questions please fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

Former NFL quarterback-turned-minister Randall Cunningham is mourning the loss of his son after a hot tub accident at his home. The two-year-old, Christian Cunningham, died late Tuesday night at the family's home in Las Vegas in a backyard hot tub.

Authorities were called to the family's home by an unidentified adult. This adult was reportedly watching several children when the toddler was discovered at the bottom of the hot tub. Efforts to resuscitate Christian failed. The Clark County, NV coroner says the autopsy will probably show the cause of death was accidental drowning.

Randall Cunningham played football professionally for 16 years for the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Ravens, and Dallas Cowboys. He was out of town at the time of his son's death. Christian Cunningham is the youngest of Randall and Felicity Cunningham's four children.

It is hard for any family to get over the loss of a child, but especially hard when you have to do so in the public eye. Our deepest sympathies go out to the Cunningham family, and we hope that they will be able to find some closure despite all that has happened.

Parents can take steps to minimize the chance that an accident like this could happen to their family. Remember to never let your children be unsupervised in a pool. Twenty-five percent of fatal drowning victims were children age 14 and under, so parents need to be sure that they are always within reaching distance of their child if something were to happen.

In 2010, the majority of child drowning deaths have occurred in backyard and residential pools and bathtubs. Also remember that just because you taught your child to swim doesn’t mean he or she is safe from drowning. Swimming pools are fun and popular, but they can become dangerous to children if let unsupervised.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Child 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. For questions concerning child injuries, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Pedestrians walking across the intersection of Allen Street and McKinney Avenue in the Uptown Dallas neighborhood are in danger because of fading street markings.

Numerous accidents have occurred at the intersection, including car crashes and pedestrians getting hit by motor vehicles. Three years ago, the City of Dallas installed signs and marked the crosswalk with white striping. The signs are still visible, but the street markings are fading.

The Uptown Public Improvement District believes more safety measures are needed. The city said they would review the signage and markings at this crosswalk and others in a four-block stretch along McKinney Avenue.

"I'm for a light or a pedestrian light, either one," said UPID Chief Executive Officer Jim Reagan. "If you have to slow down a little bit when you are on McKinney, so be it, if it keeps pedestrians safe."

It is important to look out for pedestrian signs because at crosswalks, pedestrians have the right of way. Of pedestrian fatalities, 73% occur in urban areas like downtown Dallas. While fault is sometimes a tricky thing to establish, with pedestrian accidents it’s pretty clear cut. If you are crossing with the right of way and a driver turns and causes a cross walk accident, the driver is at fault. Hopefully the City of Dallas will be able to fix this problem so that the number of accidents will decrease.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reach in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a pedestrian accident, fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

A 55-year-old man accused of trying to run down a Fort Worth police officer in a Stockyards alley last month was charged Tuesday with aggravated assault of a public servant. Police got an arrest warrant for William "Louie" Melear and found him Thursday morning after receiving a tip that he was at a friend's home.

The officer had been flagged down about 3 a.m. by a businessman reporting a suspicious vehicle in an alley in the 2400 block of North Main Street. About the same time, a caller to 911 reported that two men were "smoking drugs" in a Mercedes behind a bar on North Main.
The officer, unaware of the 911 call, was investigating the businessman's report when the driver of a Mercedes suddenly accelerated toward the officer. He dodged the car and fired several times at the Mercedes.

A civilian who heard the gunfire and thought the officer had been killed got a gun and also fired several times at the Mercedes as it passed him on West Exchange Avenue.

I am currently representing another local officer in a similar case, so I know these situations occur from time to time. Whether insurance will cover this accident will eventually depend on whether the act was found to be intentional or not. Car insurance policies do not cover intentional acts. But I guess that the car driver will not admit to intentionally trying to run over the officer, which will probably help the officer in trying to recover compensation for his injuries from that driver's liability insurance company.

Being a police officer is dangerous enough without someone doing something as crazy as this. The officer could have been seriously injured as a pedestrian. It is important to remember that there are laws that one must obey, and running over a police officer is certainly against the law. In 2007, 70,000 pedestrians were injured in vehicle collisions in the U.S. alone. Even though this accident seems more like a pre-planned attack, it is still a reminder to be aware of your surroundings while driving or walking as a pedestrian.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 and in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have any questions concerning a pedestrian or car accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Vanna M. Smith of Bedford, Texas was placed in jail Monday on suspicion of abandoning and endangering a child.

Smith, age 23, left her 5-month-old baby unattended for four hours in a parked vehicle. A Bedford patrol officer, Lt. Kirk Roberts, found the baby while responding to a report that an infant was left alone in a car in the 2000 block of Natchez Drive. At 8:30 a.m. he found the baby strapped in a seat in the unlocked car with the windows rolled down about an inch.

Smith told the officers she arrived home at around 4:30 a.m., went inside the house and fell asleep.

The infant was taken to Texas Health Hurst-Euless-Bedford hospital in Bedford and then to Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth. Police say he did not suffer life-threatening injuries.

Every day in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, all kinds of preventable accidents resulting in serious injuries happen to children. In this case, the baby’s injuries were caused by the negligence of the mother. In the hot Texas heat mothers have to be more aware of their children. Leaving a child in a car unattended in the blistering sun is not acceptable. Thankfully the baby had no serious injuries.

Information and commentary are provided by Dallas/ Fort Worth Child 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. If you have questions about child injuries please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Early Friday afternoon an 18-wheeler struck a pedestrian on northbound US 75 in Plano. Police say a young woman parked her car on the highway shoulder and began walking up the road.

She stepped into the right lane of traffic just feet from her car. An Atlas moving van hit her, killing her instantly.

The police are unsure whether this is a suicide or accident. The woman was driving alone and she did not appear to have a flat tire.

Stories like this are hard to write about. It was tragic for both the pedestrian and the truck driver. No one can expect an 18-wheeler to be able to stop when a pedestrian walks out on to a highway. Hopefully the police can figure out the details of this unfortunate accident. 4,654 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in the U.S. in 2007; an average of one fatality every two hours. It is important to remember that highways are a dangerous place to try and cross.

Information and commentary are provided by Dallas/ Fort Worth Truck Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817.294. 1900 or in Dallas at 214.327.8000. If you have questions about a truck accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

A 5-year-old boy died Thursday evening after being struck by a vehicle backing out of the driveway of his family's home. Evan Fisher was pronounced dead at 7:22 p.m. at his home on Bowie Road, a rural area in Parker County near Weatherford.

Our deepest sympathies go out to the Fisher family, and we hope time will heal the pain they are feeling. It’s hard losing a loved one, especially a child. It is important to watch your kids at all times so accidents like this can be prevented. Remember also that there are blind spots with any vehicle, so be sure to check those before backing out of a driveway. Statistics show that children are at a high risk of pedestrian-related accidents. In the 5 to 19 age demographic, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death. Many of these accidents involve children as pedestrians. Evan was probably just playing outside when it happened, and because he was only 5 years old, probably couldn’t be seen from the vehicle.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth 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. If you have questions regarding a car accident or a child injury, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Officers at Lake Grapevine were searching for a missing swimmer on Memorial Day when they were suddenly distracted with another emergency just yards away. A pleasure boat with at least five on board began sinking about 50 yards off shore.

Those rescuing the boat said none of the children aboard the boat had been wearing life jackets. Once all returned to shore safely, the owner blamed a powerful wave for swamping his boat.

A short time later, rescue teams returned to their original task of finding the body of a 22-year-old swimmer who disappeared on Sunday evening. Her name was not released. The search was scheduled to continue through Monday evening.

Luckily those in the sinking ship made it out safe, but unfortunately the missing swimmer was not found. The swimmer at Grapevine Lake was one of four killed at three North Texas lakes this weekend- a bleak way to start the summer.

Memorial Day weekend is one of the most dangerous times to participate in water-related activities. Each person riding on or being towed behind a personal watercraft must wear a U.S. Coast Guard Approved personal flotation device, which includes a life jacket. It could save your life, and if those rescue teams had not already been out there that day, it could have been an even more tragic outcome. We send our condolences out to the missing swimmer’s family and hopes that everyone can learn from this. It is important to remember to swim with others, never alone, and make sure you are aware of your surroundings when out in water.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth 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. If you have questions about a water-related accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

After a month of signing pledges, the Teens Against Distracted Driving contest is finally over! Haltom High School was able to get the most pledges signed to not text and drive, with 89.3% of their student body! The other four schools did outstanding as well, with Southwest High School coming in second with 68.5% of their students, Mansfield Summit High School finishing with 41% of their student body, Keller High School with 39.7% of their students, and Boswell High School with 27.2% of their students. Overall, 5, 385 teens signed the pledge.

Congratulations to all the schools that participated for your hard work and dedication! Haltom High School Student Council will be receiving a $500 donation from The Anderson Law Firm for recognition of their achievement. I know they’ll find a good place for the money to go.

I hope this Project will encourage both teens and adults to drive without distractions, remember the average driver will go 200 yards without looking at the road when reading just one text. Stay safe, and congratulations again to all of the high schools that participated in TADD!

Motorcycle Rider, Terry Purdom, is leaving for a big road trip on Saturday. It will consist of a 90-day, 15,000-mile journey that will take Purdom across 15 states and part of Canada on his motorcycle. Terry’s Big Adventure is his dream trip involving him, his tricked out Harley-Davidson, and the open road.

In 2004, Purdom was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable cancer that attacks the plasma cells. He didn't have much hope of survival; he figured he had three years to live. But five years later, he's in remission and wants to share his message with other cancer survivors.

Purdom said that the cancer changed his life for the better because he had always dreamed of taking his motorcycle on the road for a long meandering trip with no schedule or time line. And when he decided to share his idea with that of the Facebook world, the trip went from just 30 days long to 90 days long. Strangers who were his friends on Facebook encouraged him to stay with them.

He hopes to enjoy the ride and is determined to spread the message of never losing hope, even in the fight against cancer. According to Purdom, “If you lose hope, you lose the battle. Hope is what drives everything.”

I think what Terry is doing both inspiring and motivating. I can’t imagine riding that long on a motorcycle, but he is doing it for cancer awareness. It has always been his life-long dream, and I’m so happy that he finally has a chance to fulfill it. Terry and I have worked together for a long time with a program called Ride Safe, Ride Sober. The Anderson Law Firm sponsors this service that allows motorcyclists to call Terry to pick them up, along with their bike, so that no rider is drunk on the roads. Terry has woken up at unimaginable hours in the night to pick up these cyclists, and I know he has saved many lives in the process. Motorcycles can potentially be dangerous, so it is important to be aware of tips that can protect motorcyclists.

I hope Terry has an amazing time on his trek, and I hope it motivates other cancer victims and survivors to do the same. Life is too short to have regrets, so make sure you accomplish everything you want in life before it’s too late. I’ll be keeping up with Facebook to witness this incredible journey! Ride Safe!

Information and commentary is provided Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If you have questions regarding motorcycles or a motorcycle accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

The Anderson Law Firm is sponsoring the Teens Against Distracted Driving Project. We have provided orange bracelets to several Student Councils at local high schools here in Tarrant County. On each bracelet is I PLDG 2 NT TXT N DRV. We have also provided pledge cards whereby each student who receives a free bracelet must first pledge to not text and drive. In addition to providing the bracelets and the pledge cards, the Anderson Law Firm will give $500 to the Student Council who is able to obtain pledges from the highest percentage of their school's student body.

Throughout the month of May, the five high schools have been encouraging students to sign pledges and, so far, Haltom High School is in the lead with 89.3% of the student body pledging to not text and drive. Southwest High School is second with 64.2%, Keller High School in third with 32.8%, followed by Boswell High School with 27.2%, and Mansfield Summit High School with 21.8%. The contest ends May 24, and we will announce our contest winner the next day.. All of our schools need to keep up the good work and push to have the highest percentage of the student body pledge to not text and! Great job guys, keep those pledges coming! Only one week left!

The man who was killed by a hit-and-run driver on Wednesday morning on the Airport Freeway was a Marine. He was on two week’s leave from Afghanistan.

The Marine, Evan Sanchey, 23, was flying home to Washington but had a layover at DFW Airport. The victim was trying to cross S.H. 183 when he was struck in the far right eastbound lane. No one can say for sure why Sanchey was crossing the highway on foot, and no car parts were found that could give the make or model of the car.

What is even more suspicious is the fact that he was booked on a flight for Thursday, which meant that the military would have put him in a hotel overnight. So officials are unsure as to why he was crossing the road when he could have stayed at the hotel.

This is saddening not only because he was killed, but also because he was a man fighting for his country. Our sympathies go out to his family and friends who are dealing with an indescribable loss. I am sure no one thought he would make it through Afghanistan but die from a hit-and-run. Still, it is important to recognize the serious danger involved with pedestrians and a crowded highway. 4,654 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in the U.S. in 2007. And because this death could have been prevented, it is even more important to be informed about cross-walk and pedestrian laws.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a car accident or pedestrian accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Friday, May 21 is Bike to Work Day in Fort Worth, and many cycling devotees are going to be using the cities hike and bike trails to get to work. Many riders say they will use the popular Trinity Trails to get downtown.

Some prominent figures in the Fort Worth community that will be riding their bikes to work are Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley, Tax Collector Betsy Price, and Fort Worth transportation Authority President Dick Ruddell. One group of riders even plans to meet and pedal en masse to the Intermodal Transportation Center to get free coffee and snacks.

While it may take longer to get to work, there are many benefits to riding a bike to work. You don’t experience traffic, you get exercise, and you help out the environment. I think it is a great idea and a way for Fort Worth residents to get outside and get some fresh air. It is still crucial to remember the safety precautions that one must make when riding a bicycle to prevent bike accidents. 72% of bicycle accident fatalities occur in urban areas. Also make sure that drivers can see you as the number one cause of bicycle accidents is the fact that the driver couldn’t see the bike rider.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a bike accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Two people died in an accident around 10:15 p.m. Tuesday night in the southeast Dallas. Police say that Lashon Hudson, the motorcycle, struck a pedestrian, Paul Pellard, while driving in south in the 6200 block of Bonnie View Rd., near I-20 and I-45.

Police say the biker was speeding and doing a wheelie when he hit a man walking across the road. Pellard flew across the medium into oncoming traffic. Hudson then lost control of the bike and ran into a speed limit sign where he was knocked off and fell under a DART bus.

Bellard did not use the crosswalk. Bellard failed to yield right of way to the motorcycle being ridden by Hudson and was hit.

Our hearts go out to the families of the two victims. It’s hard to hear of a tragedy like this that could have been avoided had the motorcyclist not been speeding and if Bellard had used a cross walk and yielded the right of way.

In 2007 there were 4,654 pedestrians killed in vehicle collisions in the U.S. 67% of pedestrian fatalities occur at night. For your safety, always follow pedestrian crossing laws. Cross with the right of way, and cross in crosswalks—where people expect to see you.

This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident or pedestrian accident and have questions please fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

Two teens were riding their bikes on the unlit back road in Venus, a town southeast of Fort Worth, last night when a drunk driver hit them both and then sped off. Seventeen year-old Brandon Simmons sustained fatal injuries, while the other teen, Ian French, sustained only minor injuries.

Donald Cassell III, 47, is the man accused of causing the tragic and preventable crash. He is charged with both intoxication manslaughter and failure to stop and render aid.

This is not only an accident involving drunk driving, but also an accident that involves the dangers of bicycling, especially at night on a poorly lit road. Our sympathies go out to Brandon’s family and hope that this is something that we all can learn from.

It is crucial to remember that drinking and driving is never acceptable, and it causes injury and death. In 2007 alone, nearly 13,000 people died in drunk-driving related crashes. This scenario could have been avoided, and the fact that Cassell didn’t offer aid is disturbing. Then there is the matter of the unlit road that the teens were riding on. Both children and adults should remember that riding a bike at night is dangerous, and if for some reason you have to do it, it is always good to be aware of the safety concerns and wear protective and reflective gear.

Information and commentary is provided by Texas Personal injury Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900, in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or toll free across Texas at 1-877-294-1115. If you have questions about a drunk driving accident or questions about a bicycle accident, please fill out a contact form online for a free consultation.

Last week Charmion Bell, a Dallas woman, was attacked by two pit bulls as she rode her bike. The dogs mauled Bell in her Oak Cliff neighborhood.

Bell was riding her bicycle when the pit bulls assaulted and knocked her from her bike into a ditch. Once in the ditch, the aggressive dogs kept biting. She tried to fend them off but her attempts were ineffective. Covered in blood, Bell had over 60 bites before neighbors came to rescue her.

Bell’s body is now covered in bandages. She has to use a crutch to get around.

Police could not immediately locate the vicious dogs. They are currently in the process of investigating whether the dogs are strays or pets. Neighbors say the dogs have been terrorizing the neighborhood for weeks. Bell hopes that no one else will become a victim to these ferocious dogs, especially a child.

Aggressive and vicious dogs that attack humans can cause many different types of injuries. The most common injuries from dog attacks involve bites which can cause unsightly scarring. These bites can also result in serious tendon tears and ligament damage. Pit bulls, as Bell situation would agree, are some of the more uncontrollable dogs.

A while back I wrote an article about the Post Office’s movement to publicize Dog Biting Prevention week. Stories like Charmion Bell’s just enforce to reality and pain of dog biting. Best wishes to a speedy recovery for Bell. Hopefully her story will help convince the public that dog attacks can happen anywhere and they are a serious concern.

This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. If you have been injured in a dog attack or from a dog bite, feel free to take advantage of the free consultation offered by the Anderson Law Firm. We can be reached in Dallas at 214-328-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900.

Department of Public Safety Authorities are investigating an off-duty trooper reported missing in Burnet County Monday following a boating accident.

The trooper, Wesley Chenault, was a resident of Lakeside Beach, a waterfront community 30 miles northwest of Austin. His wife reported him missing Monday afternoon when she discovered that his boat had drifted ashore on a far northwestern part of Lake Travis. Chenault was heading out around 5 p.m. Monday to check and bait his trot lines. Chenault’s wife found the empty boat at 6:30 p.m. and immediately called 9-1-1.

DPS aircrafts and rescue boats, a DPS dive team, Lower Colorado River Authority Rangers, and a Texas Game Warden water rescue team have joined the search for Chenault. He was off-duty at the time of his accident.

Our hearts go out to Chenault and his family in this time of distress. It is hard to imagine the emotions felt when a loved one goes missing, and we hope that authorities have him home safe sooner rather than later. It is important to remember that boats are just as dangerous as automobiles, but Chenault was well-trained as a DPS, so it’s easy to assume that he knew the ins and outs of boating safety.

Each year at least 5000 people are injured in the United States due to boating accidents. There are many distractions available to a person operating a boat, so it is important to be attentive and focused while operating a watercraft. It is also good to review the Texas Boating Laws.

Information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal injury Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a boating accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

National Dog Bite Prevention Week is an annual event meant to increase the awareness of the health issue while providing everyone with information on how to be responsible pet owner. Over 4.7 million Americans are bitten annually by dogs; over 2,860 of those are Mailmen.

The Postal Service considers the safety of its staff a top priority. Postal Service letter carriers who are afraid of an unrestrained pet may stop delivery and ask the owner to pick up their mail at the nearest Post Office until the carrier can be guaranteed the pet is restrained.

Dog attack is a serious health concern in America. Given the right circumstances any dog can bite. It is very important that everyone be aware of the Typical Scenarios When Dog Bites or Dog Attacks Happen. The Anderson Law Firm has several resources on what Insurance is available to compensate for dog attack or dog bite injuries and damages recoverable in Texas dog bites or dog attacks

This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. Mark can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If you or someone you know has a question on dog biting please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Over 6,000 teens die each year in car accidents. This statistic is staggering, and it is obvious that something has to be changed in the way we teach our teens how to drive. I recently found a website called Teens in the Driver’s Seat, which has many great resources about preventative measures to help keep teens safe while driving.

Here are just a few of the startling facts about teen driving that are listed on the Teens in the Driver’s Seat website:

•Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S.
(National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2006)
•64% of youth aged 15-20 years old who died in passenger vehicles were not wearing seat belts.
(National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2006)
•54% of motor vehicle crash deaths among teens occurred on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
(Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2006)
•One out of every five 16 year-olds will be in a car crash.
(National Safety Council, 2006)
•31% of 15-20 year-olds killed in motor vehicle crashes had been drinking.
(National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2006)
•In 2006, 272,000 young drivers (15-20 years old) were injured in car crashes. This averages to about 745 injuries each day.
•Cell phone distractions contribute to a yearly cost of 2,600 fatalities and 330,000 injuries for all age groups and a total societal cost of $43 billion.

I am currently part of an initiative to stop teens from texting and driving. The program is called TADD (Teens Against Distracted Driving). I have currently partnered with 5 Tarrant County high schools, where their student councils are having pledge drives to have students sign a pledge to not text and drive. In return, they receive a free orange wrist bracelet (as pictured below).

This information and commentary is provided by Texas Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000.

On Tuesday, the Nissan Motor Corporation issued a statement that over 135,000 Infiniti G-35 coupes and sedans will be recalled over a possible problem with air bags deploying upon impact. The coupes are being recalled for the 2005-2007 models and the sedans are being recalled for the 2005-2006 models.

There have been no injuries reported, but Nissan is taking preventative measures to issue the recall before there is a serious problem. Nissan is worried that the air bag’s wire harness could wear down causing it not to deploy in a car crash.

The NHTSA said that Nissan has not proposed a plan to fix the problem.

Hopefully, this recall will be taken care of in a much more responsible manner than what happened with Toyota several months ago. Toyota ended up with a $16.4 million dollar fine from the Department of Transportation. Seeing that Nissan has already released a recall before any accidents have happened, I would say that this looks to be a much different situation.

This information and commentary is provided by Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a car accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

We have all been on the highway minding our own business, when an aggressive driver ruins our day. Drivers that experience “road rage” are very dangerous. Being attacked by an aggressive driver is an easy way to end up in a car accident. Dealing with abusive drivers is not something that happens to us frequently, but it is extremely important to know what to do if an overly aggressive driver is tormenting you on the road.

The National Highway Safety Administration has several tips to help prevent yourself from being a victim of an aggressive driver:

•Make every attempt to safely move out of the aggressive driver's way.
•Do not challenge an aggressive driver by speeding up or attempting to "hold your own" in the travel lane.
•Avoid eye contact with the aggressive driver.
•Ignore gestures, and refuse to return them.
•Report aggressive drivers to the appropriate authorities by providing a vehicle description, license number, location, and if possible, direction of travel. This is extremely important. Reporting the vehicle that is being overly aggressive can prevent the same behaviors from happening to other people.
•If you have a cellular phone, and can use it while driving safely, call the police immediately.

A close friend of mine was recently traveling to Austin on I-35 and had a terrible experience with an aggressive driver. A man and woman in a pickup truck caused my friend to swerve on and off the road because they were hanging out of their car spitting on her windshield, yelling obscenities, and blocking her from exiting the highway. She was in the right lane following traffic laws, and going the speed limit. Thank goodness my friend was able to get away, and report the car to the authorities.

I hope this information helps you know what to do if you are the victim of an aggressive driver. This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000.

A three car accident occurred as the result of a wrong way driver over the weekend in Richardson on North Central Expressway.

The wrong way driver, Jose Sanchez-Quezada, remains hospitalized after the car wreck. No charges have been filed against Sanchez-Quezada, who is suspected of driving while intoxicated. The Richardson Police Department is still waiting for blood test results.

Sanchez-Quezada was driving a Volkswagen Jetta and crashed into a Cadillac and Acura. Two people from the Cadillac and one person from the Acura were hospitalized. Their names have not been released.

Several wrecks occur in the Dallas/Fort Worth area each year from wrong way driving crashes. Many of these do involve alcohol use while driving. There are several things you can do to help protect your family from drunk drivers, including avoiding driving after 9 p.m. and into the early hours of the morning on weekends. Drunk driving kills almost 12,000 people each year.

This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If you have questions about a car wreck, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

There are many things that can be attributed to bicycle accidents in our community. I personally believe that being aware of many of the situations that cause bicycle wrecks will help prevent you from being in a bicycle accident.
Here are a few of the common causes of bike crashes:

•Drivers who are unaware of bicyclists: Make sure that if you are biking on a road that is shared with vehicles that you keep a safe distance from all of the cars around you. It is often difficult for drivers to see where you are if you are not far enough away from their car to see you clearly in their mirrors.
•U-Turns: Be particularly aware of cars that are about to make a u-turn or are in the process of making a u-turn. There is a lot going on that the vehicle driver should be paying attention to when making a u-turn, so keeping your distance from cars that are u-turning. This is a preventative measure to make sure you are not in a bike accident because a driver does not see you when making a u-turn.
•Car Doors: When biking near parked cars, keep enough distance so that if a car door suddenly opens, you would not run into the door with your bicycle.
•Alcohol: In 37% of bicycle accidents either the driver of the car or the bicyclist was driving under the influence. Bottom line: do not drink and drive whether you are driving a car, bike, or any other form of transportation.

I hope being aware of several of the common causes of bike accidents will help you be better prepared next time you are riding to work, working out, or just simply enjoying the outdoors. Almost 700 bicyclists are killed each year. I hope that taking precautionary measures by being aware of possible causes of bike wrecks will help keep you and your family safe.

This information is provided by Fort Worth 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. If you have questions about a bicycle accident, please fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

With car wrecks happening every few minutes around the country, it is important to be prepared in the case that you are involved in any kind of car accident. The following is a basic guideline that will help take care of several things that need to be done in the case that you are in a car crash.

1) Call 9-1-1 and then refer to your accident scene checklist that you should have handy in your glove box. It will help you know exactly what to do, including taking pictures of your accident.
2) Seek Medical Attention. This needs to be done immediately. The longer you wait to be treated, the worse your injuries may get.
3) Contact an experienced accident attorney. We believe that all accident victims need professional help with this process.
4) Investigate your Accident.
5) Have an Accident Report Made. This will be done by the local police department and help the give the insurance company information about the details of the car wreck. Read more on how to obtain a police report.

I hope this outline is helpful and has better prepared you for what to do in the case that you are involved in an auto accident. With over 6 million traffic accidents reported in the United States every year, it is vital to always be prepared. This information and commentary is provided by Fort Worth Personal Injury Lawyer Mark Anderson. Mark can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a car accident, please fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

Oprah has declared this Friday “National No Phone Zone Day.” In 2009, Oprah started an initiative to educate and have people pledge to stop using their phones altogether while driving. Oprah is calling driving and using your phone “America’s New Deadly Obsession.” This year Oprah will air a special live episode on April 30th that will show “No Phone” rallies all around the country.

There are many different campaigns going on around the country to raise awareness of the increasing problem of distracted driving on our roadways. The Department of Transportation has launched distraction.gov, which has all kinds of resources and statistics about distracted driving. To read more information about distraction.gov, read our blog from earlier this month.

I am personally involved in a campaign with other lawyers around the country to stop teens from texting while driving. It is called TADD, Teens Against Distracted Driving. I am currently partnering with local high schools to get students to sign a pledge card that says they will not text and drive. In return, they receive a free wrist bracelet. The student council that has the highest percentage of their student body sign the pledge cards will receive $500 dollars from my office.

I urge you to join Oprah on Friday for “No Phone Zone” day. The more awareness that is raised about this subject the better!

This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth 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. For a free consultation with the Anderson Law Firm please fill out our contact form online.

Fort Worth pedestrian accidents may happen at intersections, in marked crosswalks or on virtually any roadway. Pedestrian accidents can and do occur when pedestrians have the right of way and vehicles are not paying attention, so do not assume that you are safe just because you have the right of way. Always pay attention to oncoming traffic before you step out into the roadway.

Establishing Liability for Pedestrian Accidents
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, one of the first things to do is to establish liability. In order to successfully resolve a pedestrian accident, you must establish whether the motor vehicle operator was at fault in an accident or whether the pedestrian was at fault. Fault depends in part on whether you or the vehicle was in compliance with Texas highway safety laws.

Texas Highway Safety Laws
Section 552 of The Texas Transportation Code deals with various pedestrian crossing rules. The pedestrian laws are listed in further detail on my website. They include information about when a pedestrian does and does not have the right of way. I know it is common misconception that pedestrians “always” have the right of way, but they do not in all cases.

I hope this information helps you understand the rules and your rights as a pedestrian. My hope is that by informing people about pedestrian safety, there will be less accidents involving pedestrians each year. This information is provided by DFW Personal Injury Lawyer Mark Anderson. For a free consultation with the Anderson Law Firm please fill out our contact form online.

A Grapevine, Texas utility worker crashed their city vehicle into a power pole and then fled the scene late Tuesday night. The employee who caused the car accident has not been identified. The Fort Worth Police Department is investigating what could have caused the utility worker to flee the scene in a single vehicle crash.

Bruno Rumbelow, the Grapevine city manager, stated that they had made contact with the employee, and he was meeting with his supervisors this morning. The utility worker also faces any criminal charges filed from the City of Fort Worth.

There is speculation about whether alcohol could have played a role in the wreck, but no official statement has been made.

The wreck left a large area around the Camden Apartments without power.

I think there is a very short list as to the reasons a worker would flee the scene of a single vehicle wreck like this one. Since the worker was driving a city vehicle, he would be easily identified by the City of Grapevine. If drunk driving is the culprit in this case, the worker could have been in an altered state of mind, causing them to flee the scene because they were impaired. There have been many drunk driving accidents in the Fort Worth in the past few weeks. It is very disheartening to continue to hear of such problems week after week.

This information and commentary is provided by Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a car accident or a personal injury case please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

A series of emails between a former Toyota Vice President and another employee show that Toyota knew about the accelerator pedal problems long before a recall was issued in the U.S.
Last week, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, announced that the government was seeking to fine Toyota $16.4 million.

To read about the details of the $16.4 million dollar fine against Toyota please read our blog from last week.

The New York Times reported that Irving Miller sent an email to another Toyota employee stating that they needed to come clean about the accelerator problems and specifically noted the issues with the accelerator pedals.

There are over 70,000 pages of interviews and documents surrounding Toyota’s response to issuing recalls. Toyota issued the recall of floor mats in the fall, and did not issue a recall for the accelerator pedals until January.

James Lentz, the president of Toyota in the United States, stated that he was not aware of the accelerator issues until January. However, Toyota’s own documents show that the engineering department was aware of the problem as early as April 2009.

As this disaster continues to unfold, we have to ask why Toyota was willing to risk safety for all of its customers for almost 8 months before issuing a recall. What will it take for corporations to act ethically? The government will never be able to make laws around every loophole; it is the responsibility of companies, like Toyota, to make sure integrity and concern for their customers are the number one priority.

It is important to know how to protect your family and stay up to date on auto safety recalls. Being informed is the best way to prevent yourself from becoming the victim of a car accident due to an auto part defect.

This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If you have questions about a car wreck that happened due to an auto part defect please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has launched an initiative to increase awareness of the dangers of distracted driving. The website lists numerous campaigns around the country that have started as a result of so many car accidents related to texting and talking on cell phones while driving in the car.

DOT has also launched a “Put it Down” campaign that simply encourages drivers to put their phones down upon getting in their vehicle. They have materials for school and community groups to urge drivers to not be part of over 6,000 people that are involved in distracted driving wrecks each year.

In addition to listing campaigns, the Distraction.gov also has a news ticker that lists all kinds of relevant news articles about laws and tickets involving distracted driving, as well as articles on car wrecks that occur as a result of texting or talking on the phone in the car.

I am part of an initiative to help end distracting driving as well called Teens Against Distracted Driving. It is a program that is designed to have teens sign a pledge to not text and drive and in return they will receive a wrist bracelet that shows that they have signed the pledge. If you would like to help me with this campaign in Fort Worth area schools, please do not hesitate to call me at 817-294-1900.

This information and commentary is provided by Texas Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. You can reach the Anderson Law Firm in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. For a free consultation about a car accident or personal injury please fill out our contact form online.

Gerardo Lorenzo-Moreno was westbound on Main Street in Grand Prairie, when he attempted to make an illegal pass by a 1991 Camaro. The fatal motorcycle accident happened late Thursday evening. Moreno did not have a motorcycle license.

When he attempted to change lanes, Lorenzo-Moreno’s 2005 Yamaha motorcycle slammed into the side of the Camaro, causing him to be thrown from the motorcycle and onto the pavement. Lorenzo-Moreno was taken to Methodist Dallas Medical Center, where he died later that night.

In addition to not having a motorcycle license, Lorenzo-Moreno was also not wearing a helmet.

The driver and passenger of the Camaro were not injured.

The outcome of this motorcycle accident could have been much different had Lorenzo-Moreno been a licensed rider and had his helmet on. It is so important for motorcyclists to be aware of safety procedures so that their favorite form of transportation does not become the most dangerous thing that they do every day. The Texas Department of Transportation has several motorcycle safety programs that are available to riders. In addition, TxDot also has a Look, Learn, Live campaign which makes both motorists and motorcyclists aware of many safety tips that help keep drivers and riders safe.

Commentary and Information provided by Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a motorcycle or car accident, the Anderson Law Firm gives free consultations online by filling out our contact form.

After the deadly car accident that occurred on Sunday, outrage has ensued about 3 time DWI offender, John Patrick Barton, who caused a drunk driving accident killing a mother and daughter.

To read more about the details of the DWI accident read our blog post from Monday, April 5th.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has released information that Barton was in compliance with his parole provisions leading up to the crash on Sunday. However, a stipulation of his parole was that he could not operate a motor vehicle unless it had an ignition interlock device.

Barton does not personally own a car. On Sunday, he was driving his sister’s Mazda, which does not have an ignition interlock device. State parole officials issued Barton a parole violation on Tuesday. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice also stated that because Barton faces two counts of murder, officials will wait to pursue parole revocation procedures.

The Dallas Police Department believes Barton was drunk at the time of the accident. The results of his blood test will not be released for a few more days.

Once again my sincere condolences and thoughts go out to the Hull family. I know nothing can replace the lives lost on Sunday, but my hope is that justice is served and Barton is convicted of the intoxication manslaughter charge he received.

Drunk driving accidents cause about 1,500 fatalities each year in Texas. Most alcohol related accidents occur on the weekend, particularly Friday and Saturday night. You can drastically reduce your chance of being involved in a DWI accident by avoiding driving during high risk times.

This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If you have questions about a drunk driving or car accident case please fill out our contact form on our website.

Sisters Wynesha and Wykeila Deanes were Eastbound on Lancaster Avenue when the vehicle lost control and ran into a utility pole on Friday night. The two sisters, ages 16 and 20, were pronounced dead around 11:00 p.m.

A front seat passenger was taken to the hospital and is listed in critical condition.
According to a report from the Fort Worth Police Department, Wynesha Deanes was driving a green Hyundai Sonata well over the speed limit when she lost control of the car and ran into and broke a utility pole. The vehicle rolled over before coming to a stop.

The sisters are both residents of Arlington, Texas, and were on their way home from a church event when the fatal car accident occurred.

My sincere condolences go out to the friends and family of Wynesha and Wykeila Deanes. This accident is a tragic loss to the community. There were 6 million reported car accidents in the United States last year. It is vital to always follow road safety rules to avoid injury while driving. My hope is that by informing people about easy tips to stay safe while driving, there will be less traffic accidents in our area.

This information and commentary is provided by Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a personal injury or car wreck, please fill out the contact form on our website for a free consultation.

There are many things we do not typically think of when involved in a car accident. It is important to be aware of what you need to do in the case that you are in any type of car wreck. I encourage you to print out the Car Accident Checklist from my website and keep it in your glove box so you are prepared if you have an car accident.

Here are some helpful pointers on the steps to take immediately following a car wreck:

•Call the Police and insist on filing a police report, even if the officer does not want to issue one
•Ask for an Ambulance if there is someone who has been injured
•Talk to witnesses who were there during the car wreck and record their names and information
•Take pictures of the accident with your cell phone or with a camera if you have one
•Record date, time, and location of the wreck
•Use your Car Accident Checklist to fill out all the necessary information about the other parties involved in the wreck
•Report the wreck to your own insurance company
•Research your legal options and Hire The Right Attorney For Your Case
•Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company

These are just a few basic guidelines to help you form a quality accident investigation in the case that there is a dispute about your accident. Obtaining this information will also help you have fewer issues with your insurance company.

This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. For a free consultation with The Anderson Law Firm about your car accident case please fill out our contact form online.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Evenflo have recalled their “Top of Stair Plus Wood Gates” due to the slats on the gate detaching. The recall is for about 150,000 units in the United States and includes model numbers 10502 and 10512.

The product can be purchased for around $40 dollars at mass retailers, including Toys R’ Us, Kmart, and Amazon.com. The recall occurred after about 142 reports of slats breaking from the gate. Several injuries to children occurred including bruising and bumps to the head, as well as a few more minor personal injuries.

For more information on this recall please contact Evenflo at 800-233-5921 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

It is so important for parents to be aware of updates on recalls in order to keep their children safe and out of harm’s way. Unfortunately, something as simple as a slat breaking from a baby gate could severally injure a young child. It is my hope that all parents stay as informed as possible by checking the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s list of recalled products.

Information and Commentary provided by Fort Worth Personal Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a car accident or personal injury case you may also contact us online.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

It may be interesting to find out that teenagers are actually less likely to drive after drinking than adults are. I think a major reason why teens are less likely to drive under the influence is that they are aware that it is first, illegal for them to be driving, and second, have been educated relentlessly over the consequences of drinking while driving.

However, if a teen does decide to drive under the influence, they are at a much higher risk to crash than adults are. According to research done by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, it is the combination of teens’ inexperience of driving, paired with alcohol use that makes driving under the influence so dangerous for teenagers. Interestingly, males are 17 times more likely to crash if they have a BAC between .05-.08 than if they were driving sober and females are 7 times more likely to get in a car accident than if they were driving sober.

Fortunately, all of the drunk driving awareness programs have made progress in lowering drinking related accidents among our youngest group of drivers. I think it is so important to continue to educate middle school and high school aged students on not only drunk driving safety, but general driving safety tips as well.

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

A high speed police chase started in Arlington and ended in a car crash in Ft. Worth, Texas late Tuesday afternoon. The chase started in Arlington on I-20 near the Parks at Arlington shopping center.

The chase started because the suspect ran into another vehicle with their pickup truck, and fled the scene when police were investigating that incident. In the process of fleeing the scene, the suspect ran over a police officer’s foot. The suspect’s name has not been released.

The chase was very brief, and concluded when the pickup truck climbed an embankment on the service road, hit a utility pole, and then flipped on its side. After the car flipped, the driver tried to escape on foot but was apprehended by police officials and taken to John Peter Smith Hospital for treatment.

The Arlington Police Department found open containers of alcohol in the vehicle.

According the Mothers Against Drunk Driving, about 3 in every 10 Americans will be involved in an alcohol related crash at some time in their lives. It is so important to educate drivers of all ages about the dangers and the consequences of driving under the influence.

I assume that various criminal charges will be brought against the suspect, including some sort of assault case as he ran over the police officer’s foot. I have a similar case pending now where I represent a local police officer. In my case, the “suspect” is charged with an intentional act of running into my client, and this affects the officer’s ability to recover compensation from the suspect’s liability insurance company (as the insurance policy does not cover “intentional” acts). My case has a ways to go, so we will see how it plays out.

Information and Commentary provided by Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. Mark can be reach in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or online by clicking here.

66 year old Juan Martinez died last Friday morning at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth. Martinez received severe injuries by being hit by a school bus while riding his bicycle on the Northwest side of Fort Worth.

The bicycle accident occurred on January 19 at 2:33 p.m. on the 800 block of West Northside Drive. Martinez and the school bus were driving parallel when Martinez suddenly turned in front of the bus.

The school bus was operated by the Fort Worth Independent School District. No students were riding in the bus at the time of the wreck.

My condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr. Martinez. It is always hard to hear about a tragic accident such as this one happening in our community. 72% of bicycle accidents occur in urban areas like Fort Worth. Pedestrians and bicyclists are particularly vulnerable to traffic accidents, with over 44,000 reported in 2008. The unfortunate reality is that bicyclists, like Mr. Martinez, have to share the road with all kinds of motor vehicles. Perhaps if bike lanes would be instated in the US like other parts of the world, we would see a change in the amount of bicycle accidents.

This information is provided by DFW Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. Mr. Anderson can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or online by clicking here.

There is a campaign going on today through Sunday focusing on enforcing Texas’ seat belt laws with young drivers. The Texas Department of Transportation’s “Click it or Ticket” campaign has decided to quite literally “buckle down” on making sure new drivers are following the seat belt laws.

Though the campaign focuses on young drivers, police officers will be looking for anyone not wearing their seat belt. In Tarrant County, the cities of Fort Worth, Arlington, and North Richland Hills are participating in the campaign.

In Texas, it is required that all drivers and passengers wear their seat belts at all times or risk a fine up to $200. TxDot has recently been to high schools with materials to help teens be motivated to buckle up when driving or riding in a car. The incentives have included everything from Valentine’s Cards to Whataburger coupons.

With February’s theme of “Love,” the campaign is being nationally marketed by the saying “When you love somebody, everything clicks.” In Texas, 47% of young drivers killed in motor vehicle accidents did not have seat belts on. Many of these deaths could have been prevented had a seat belt been used.

I sincerely hope that this will help make teens, and everyone for that matter, more aware of the importance of wearing a seat belt. Even in the most minor collision, a seat belt can make the difference between minor and serious injuries. In serious wrecks, seat belts can make the difference between life and death.

This information is provided by Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. Mr. Anderson can be reached at 817-294-1900 or online by clicking here.

The Look, Learn, Live campaign was launched last year to help improve motor vehicle driver’s awareness of motor cycle safety for both themselves and for the motor cycle rider.

According to TxDot, Texas has over 431,000 motor cycle riders. Unfortunately as the amount of motorcycle riders increase, so do crashes. The message of Look, Learn, Live is to make both motorcycle riders and vehicle drivers aware that 50% of motorcycle wrecks involve a motor cycle and a vehicle.

The “Look” portion of Look, Learn, Live is for motorists who share the road with motorcyclists. There are several key safety tips TxDot emphasizes for motorists:

-Look twice for motorcyclists —at intersections, entering
highways and whenever turning or changing lanes. The small size
of motorcycles often makes them hard to see, and motorcyclists can
get lost in blind spots.

-Always maintain a safe following distance. Motorcycles can stop
more quickly than passenger vehicles.

-When passing a motorcyclist, move to the other lane and allow a
full lane for the motorcycle. After doing so, avoid re-entering the
lane too quickly.

The “Learn” portion of Look, Learn, Live is a course for motorcyclists that goes over everything from the basics to defensive driving skills that can help you in a number of situations. The course is primarily for inexperienced riders who are under 18, riders who have just purchased a motorcycle, or riders who are unaware of new legislation pertaining to motorcycles.

The “Live” segment challenges motorcyclists to “Ride sober, not impaired.” Over half of motorcycle crashes involve alcohol or drugs. Of this 50%, most of the crashes involve impact with an off-road object such as a tree or other roadside hazard. To show its support for the motorcycle riders, the Anderson Law Firm sponsors a free motorcycle towing service for impaired riders called "Ride Safe, Ride Sober."

I applaud TxDot for challenging the entire driving population to increase motorcycle safety. Awareness is often the best form of education. I know after reading this I will think twice before changing lanes, and I will surely “look twice” for motorcyclists.

Information and Commentary provided by Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson. Mark has represented many motorcycle riders and is an advocate for motorcycle safety. Mark can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or online by clicking here.

Four people died in a car wreck the day after Christmas in Southlake due to alleged acceleration problems with a Toyota Avalon. A lawsuit was filed on Thursday against the Japanese automaker for the death of one of the four passengers of the car. I blogged about this accident here.

This is at least the third law suit filed against Toyota in Texas. All suits involve the vehicle speeding or accelerating out of control. For more information about the recalls specifically please click here or here.

According to the Southlake Police Department’s report, Monty Hardy was driving the car on Lonesome Dove Road and failed to stop at a T intersection with Burney Lane. The vehicle crossed the road, went over an embankment, went through a mental fence, and ended up being up-side-down in a six foot deep pond.

My deepest sympathy goes out to all four lives lost in this tragic accident. I sincerely hope that these recalls are resolved and taken more seriously before there is even more of a problem with fatal accidents around the country. It seems like every day there is a new problem involving Toyota. I hope justice is served in their case, and can help bring the families some closure.

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

Around 8 am Wednesday morning a 14 year old girl was struck by a pickup truck in North Fort Worth while skating. The pedestrian accident occurred at the intersection of Basswood Boulevard and Buttonwood Drive.

The girl is a student at Fossil Hill Middle School; she was one her way to school when the accident occurred. She was taken to Cook Children’s Hospital with non-life threatening injuries, according to Fort Worth police.

She was hit by a 35 year old man driving a Nissan Frontier. The man said that he could not see her after going through an intersection because the sun was partially blocking his view.
Officers chose not to issue a citation.

According to the Pedestrian Safety Guide, an estimated 70,000 injuries occur to pedestrians in motor vehicle accidents each year. Of these accidents, they typically happen during rush hour traffic periods in the morning and early evening. My thoughts are with the victim and her family, what an unfortunate accident to happen to such a young girl on her way to school. I am glad to hear that her injuries are not too serious.

Commentary provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Area Personal Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson. Mark can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or online by clicking here.

There is now a possibility that Toyota will be recalling its popular Corolla due to growing power steering complaints. This is now the third car on the list of safety recalls for the Japanese based automaker.

President Akio Toyoda has not disclosed which model years would be affected by the recall, but he did say that there have been less than 100 complaints. Toyota sold over 1.3 million Corollas last year.

It is also unclear why drivers felt as though they were losing control of the steering. Mr. Toyoda stated that it could be to underlying break or tire problems.

Toyota’s once flawless reputation has now been damaged, with no sign of returning to its former glory anytime soon. For the first time since 1998, Toyotas total monthly sales plummeted to below 100,000 vehicles.

US Federal Safety officials are currently examining the complaints about the steering in the Toyota Corolla. It remains questionable whether another recall will take place.

I think it is safe to say that if you own a Toyota, you should be very cautious when driving. With the increasing list of recalls and reports of safety problems I not only question Toyota’s promise of high quality automobiles, but their sincerity in fixing these problems as well.

If you would like more information on other Toyota recalls please click here.

Information provided by Texas Board Certified Personal Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson, who can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 and in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. He can also be contacted by clicking here.

In my book 15 Mistakes that Will Wreck your Texas Accident Case, I address some of the most important issues I have observed over the years while helping thousands of injury victims. I believe that with this information, you can take control of your unfortunate situation.

Mistake No. 2: Failing to promptly obtain medical treatment

If you are hurt in an accident, it’s absolutely crucial that you seek medical attention immediately. If you do not seek medical treatment soon after an accident you probably will not have a viable injury claim. Insurance companies and juries assume that if you are hurt you would have gone to the doctor.

It is vital that you do not try to “tough it out” or “hope it gets better” because it not only delays your recovery from the injuries but it negatively affects the success of your personal injury claim. Depending on the extent of your injuries, your initial treatment might very well be taking an ambulance ride to the hospital or visiting the emergency room on your own.

Do not let a lack of health insurance stand in your way to cause you to endure pain unnecessarily. A good place to start is by visiting an urgent treatment car facility near you. You can also rely on the local public health system.

Another option is to contact an attorney who specializes in injury cases. When requested, I will happily provide the names of various doctors who will provide proper treatment and delay billing patients until their case is resolved.

No matter which option you choose, it is extremely important that you seek medical attention promptly. Failing to do so will almost certainly “wreck” your case.

Hopefully, this helps to educate and inform you about how and when to seek medical treatment after an injury. I hope this makes you more aware of how important it is to not make a mistake that can “wreck” your case!

Information provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson, who can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000, in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900, or toll free across Texas at 877-294-1115. He can also be contacted by clicking here.

In the spirit of the snow day in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, I thought it might be useful to share a few tips for avoiding car accidents in the snow. The best advice is to avoid driving all together, but if you must face the weather, it is important to have some basic knowledge about how to alter your driving habits for the winter weather.

Here are some winter driving tips from AAA:

Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don't try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.

Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, and turning - nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.

Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.

Don't stop if you can avoid it. There's a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.

Don't power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill as slowly as possible.

Don't stop going up a hill. There's nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.

Stay home. If you really don't have to go out, don't. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don't tempt fate: If you don't have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.

I hope everyone is enjoying the break from the typical North Texas weather pattern. I think snow days bring back many great memories. Stay warm and stay safe!

Information provided by Texas Board Certified Personal Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson, who can be contacted in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or online by clicking here.

Street racing is the culprit of a deadly car accident in Fort Worth, TX. Two maroon Chevrolet Avalanches were racing when one suddenly lost control and swerved into the retaining wall on the service road killing one man and severely injuring the other. Carlos Jimenez-Cano, 20, was pronounced dead at 10:41 p.m. Tuesday night by the Fort Worth Medical Examiner. The driver of the Avalanche, who has not been identified, remains in critical condition at John Peter Smith hospital.

Alcohol use is suspected in the cause of the accident; however, no further information is available at this time. The other Avalanche fled the scene and turned west back onto Bolt Street near the access road. Fort Worth police are still looking for the second maroon Avalanche.

Street racing is an increasing problem in our communities. With celebrities and Hollywood endorsing this illegal activity, it is no wonder that more often than not the younger generations are the ones becoming victims of the consequences of street racing. It is unfortunate that the media makes such a dangerous activity look so appealing.

Information and commentary provided by Texas Car Accident Lawyer Mark A. Anderson of the Anderson Law Firm. The firm specializes in representing those seriously injured as a result of the negligence of others. Mark Anderson can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or online by clicking here.

Police have determined that suspect Jeffery Drew Lamar, 34, is believed to be responsible for causing a car wreck around 10:30 pm on Saturday night. The crash occurred on the 6900 block of Robertson Road, in Northwest Tarrant County. Witnesses say that Lamar lost control of his BMW and collided head on with Fort Worth resident Larry Thompson. According to Fort Worth Police, Lamar is believed to have been driving while intoxicated.

Thompson, 63, was the Executive Director of the Northwest Tarrant County Chamber of Commerce and also worked in hospital administration for 35 years. He was pronounced dead at the scene according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner and police reports. Lamar, the alleged drunk driver, still remains at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth.

Drunk driving still remains a huge problem. Despite all the awareness of its dangers, it seems that we see weekly reports of another senseless death as a result of someone’s reckless decision to get behind the wheel of a car after they have had too much to drink. According to MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), someone is killed by a drunk driver every 45 minutes here in the US. In 2008, 11,773 people died from drunk driving related crashes, a decline of 9.8% from 2007.

My sincere condolences go out to the Thompson family. When you hear of tragedies such as this one, we must be reminded to be responsible before we get in our cars.

Information and commentary provided by Tarrant County DWI Accident Victim Lawyer Mark A. Anderson, who can be reached at 817-294-1900 or by clicking here.

On Monday night, we received another call to take an intoxicated motorcycle rider home. And we happily got the rider and his bike home safely. This time, it was the actual motorcycle rider who gave us a call. He had got our information from a local motorcycle dealer. We are excited, as this means the word is getting out about our program.

Here is some info about the Ride Safe Ride Sober free motorcycle towing program. If anyone sees a motorcycle rider who is impaired/intoxicated, all they have to do is call Terry Purdom at 817-319-2222. Terry will make sure the rider and his motorcycle get home safely. It sure beats driving while drunk and possibly being involved in a motorcycle wreck. The best part: the tow is free to the rider, as it is being paid for by the Anderson Law Firm. This free service is only available in Tarrant County, Texas.

About the Anderson Law Firm: We specialize in helping those injured as a result of the negligence of others. We routinely handle accident cases involving motorcycle riders, as well as other motor vehicles. We offer free consultations by phone or in person. To see if we can help you, just call Board Certified Personal Injury Lawyer Mark Anderson at 817-294-1900 or contact Fort Worth's Motorcycle Lawyer online.

Additionally, all accident victims should read Mark's book 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case. It is free to all Texas residents. To order, just click here.

I recently blogged about Toyota’s 4.2 million vehicle recall after concerns that the floor mats were getting caught up beneath the accelerator pedal; this defect causes uncontrollable acceleration which caused several wrecks and killed four people in San Diego. Now, they are recalling 2.3 million vehicles due to a similar problem; however, this time, the defect is in the pedal itself, not the floor mat.

The cars affected in the recall:

2009-2010 RAV4
2009-2010 Corolla
2009-2010 Matrix
2005-2010 Avalon
2007-2010 Camry
2010 Highlander
2007-2010 Tundra
2008-2010 Sequoia

The cars affected by this recall AND the floor mat recall:

2005-2010 Avalon
2007-2010 Camry
2007-2010 Tundra

According to Toyota, these vehicles are at risk for the accelerator pedal to become stuck even without a floor mat present. The problem is that the pedal mechanism can wear down and in some cases causing the accelerator to become harder to press, slower to return, or even stuck. Toyota thinks the problem is caused by build-up of condensation on sliding surfaces in the accelerator system.

Unfortunately, the company does not yet have an actual fix for the problem, although they say they are working on one. The company will be contacting drivers affected by the recall immediately.

According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, problem is "a serious safety issue and we are pleased Toyota is taking immediate action to address it."

Information provided by Texas Board Certified Personal Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson, who can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000, in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900, or toll fee anywhere in the state at 877-294-1115. He can also be contacted by clicking here.

I was in Court yesterday in Tarrant County, Texas and the hearing before mine was about a lady who wanted to sell her structured annuity to one of those companies you see on TV, JG Wentworth. I don’t know the full history, but what I gathered is that she had been injured on the job with the railroad and had received a structured annuity as part of her personal injury lawsuit settlement. The lady was there alone and the only lawyer present was representing JG Wentworth. I learned that the lady received around $500 a month from the settlement (tax free) and that she was due to receive a lump sum payment of around $30,000 in 2017. Including that lump sum payment, she would receive a total of $72,000 over the next seven years. But in all her wisdom she had decided to sell her annuity for the whopping sum of $29,000. Wow, that was less than 50% of its present value.

The Judge quizzed her on her needs and it was not very clear why she needed the money. She had a job, had a car and had a house. The Judge made it very clear to her that he thought she was making a huge mistake. And he was absolutely right. She was truly making a horrible mistake and just giving away half her money. But ultimately, the judge approved it as she was an adult and if she wanted to make huge mistake, then that is her right.

My advice is to stay away from these type of companies. If you own a settlement and also need more money than the settlement stream provides, then do everything in your power to not sell the annuity—as you will lose over half its value in a sell. What can you do? Borrow money from others. Put a second lien on your house. Just don’t sell the annuity.

As an aside, I think structured annuities are great as they help make sure that the settlement money will still be there later. I encourage my clients that are receiving large settlement to at least consider the benefits of annuities. I refer them to Dirk Weeks at Structured Annuities, Inc. Dirk is extremely knowledgeable on these products and can provide lots of options depending on the future financial needs of the injury victim.

On a related topic, click here for my thoughts on Lawsuit Loan Companies.

Information provided by Texas Board Certified Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson, who can be contacted at 817-294-1900 in Fort Worth, at 214-327-8000 in Dallas and at 1-877-294-1115 across Texas. Also, please click here to contact online.

New Year’s resolutions are oftern focused on improving one's health through exercise. And riding a bike is a fantastic form of exercise. I personally love riding one of my bikes, even though I enjoy riding on a trail as opposed to a road for safety reasons. I do this as I know that bicycle accidents happen on a regular basis. While many people choose bicycles as an eco-friendly means of transportation over short distances, and a wonderful form of relaxation and exercise, riding a bicycle isn’t all nice views and good exercise. What’s the biggest danger to bicycle riders? Other vehicles sharing the road.

Bike statistics reveal dangers.
A motor vehicle accident involving a bike can be deadly. These accidents injure 52,000 people every year, and kill 700 bikers annually. Urban areas are particularly hazardous for bike riders, but bicycle-car accidents happen practically anywhere. As a bicyclist, you must be extra vigilant in order to effectively protect yourself.

How to protect yourself while biking.
Helmets exist for a reason. They’re not particularly glamorous, but helmets can save your life and help prevent extremely dangerous brain injuries. Make sure you always wear a properly fitted helmet for your own protection.

The biggest cause of vehicle-bicycle accidents is drivers not seeing a biker. You must be extremely vigilant and defensive when you’re biking around cars. Never assume that a vehicle can see you while you’re out biking. Signal properly before turning, and make sure vehicles are responding to your signals before you turn. Even if you do everything right; if a motor vehicle driver isn’t paying attention, it’ll be you suffering the injuries. You have to pay enough attention for everyone.

When riding at night, always wear reflective gear on both you and the bike. Having reflective gear only on your bike can expose you to a potentially dangerous situation; most drivers are accustomed to looking at eye-height for obstacles, and may not look carefully enough to notice your bike’s reflective gear before they encounter you. Also, a flashing red light affixed to your bike is a great safety item. These are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at your local bike store.

At the Anderson Law Firm, we represent bicycle accident victims and always offer free consultations. So if you have been injured in a bike accident and you want to know your legal rights, feel free to contact us at 1-877-294-1115. With offices in Dallas and Fort Worth, we represent bicycle wreck victims all over the North Texas area. Click here to contact us online.

This is an off topic post for me, but I thought that this is a story worth sharing. I had a most disturbing encounter the other night. I was at a local Black Eyed Pea restaurant for dinner with my wife and daughter when we were approached by a very gentle, unassuming older man who had the booth next to us. He complimented my nine year old daughter then complimented my wife. He then began to charm us with stories of when he was a pediatric neurosurgeon here in Fort Worth. The conversation continued, the stories were engaging and it all seemed normal, even though as I type this I wonder why I thought it was normal as we had never seen this man before. On the way home, it started to click—why was this nice older man so interested in us? Or, upon reflection, so interested in my daughter.

Within a minute of getting home, I had googled him and found out I had just introduced my innocent daughter to a convicted child molester. His last (known) victim was a nine year old girl. He had lost his medical license when he received two convictions years ago. My wife called the molester (he had given us his number) and gave him an earful. The Fort Worth Police were sympathetic, but he had broken no laws.

Our kids are great at following the rule of not talking to strangers. I know my daughter is. But now I am acutely aware of how I need to do a better job of screening who enters my daughter’s life through me. I am telling you, this guy was smooth. The internet is such a great resource for quick investigations. The Texas Department of Public Safety’s Sex Offender Registry can be searched many ways, including by name or zip code. The DPS’s site can be found at https://records.txdps.state.tx.us. This site has all sorts of information, including name, address, current picture and basis for sexual conviction. I was surprised to learn that there are 82 registered sex offenders in my home zip code and 98 such perverts in my work zip code.

This world has all kinds of people. These bad guys use the internet to their advantage. Believe me, I am going to use the internet to my advantage as well and know who I meet from now on, and be much more careful about to whom I introduce my daughter. I encourage all parents to become familiar with this site.

Information provided by Fort Worth Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson.

Recently I’ve blogged about Jesus Cisneros, the off-duty Fort Worth police officer who drove drunk in an unmarked police vehicle and caused a car accident that killed Sonia Baker, a mother of two. [see here, here and here] New details continue to be released from the ongoing investigation. Now, 20 other FWPD officers are being investigated after reports indicate they were drinking with Cisneros prior to the accident. It’s also been reported that Cisneros was driving at twice the posted speed limit of 35 mph.

The investigation is looking into 20 other officers who were apparently drinking with Cisneros at The Pour House on West 7th Street. Three off duty officers who were working security at the bar, including two sergeants, are included in the investigation.

According to police, Mrs. Baker was not at fault in the crash. Cisneros was traveling at such a high rate of speed that Mrs. Baker wouldn’t have even seen him as she tried to turn her vehicle onto Columbus Trail from Evening Star Drive.

Cisneros is not the first FWPD officer to drive drunk; this year three other officers were suspended and later fired after being arrested on DWI charges.

As the FWPD is releasing results of their investigation, it seems to answer some questions but raises many others. So how many other officers were driving drunk that night? How many were driving city vehicles? I would find it unusual that Cisneros was the only one out of 20 that had drank too much. And unrelated to the city, what about the Pour House? At some point the cops need to be cut off and not served anymore.

I agree with our Police Chief Jeff Halstead when he says that officers have a duty to step in and help out another officer that might have had too much to drink

I look forward to hearing more about this from our city’s investigation and am glad that the city and the FWPD are releasing information they way they are. This investigation must reveal what really happened and serious changes need to be made to make sure nothing like this happens again. This whole thing makes me sick. And embarrassed for our city and its police force.

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

Sonia Baker

Jesus Cisneros

Photos from The Fort Worth Star Telegram

As an accident and injury lawyer, I see all the time the unfortunate results of someone driving while talking on the cell phone. We all know we aren’t as attentive when we have that ever-present cell phone up to our ears. Well, for those of you who want to do something about it but just don’t have the self discipline to turn off your phone, I now have a solution for you. I read about an interesting new technology yesterday in the New York Times: You can subscribe (for a cost) to a service which monitors your GPS signal on you cell phone and if it shows you are moving at driving speeds—it shuts your phone off. So it takes the decision away from you—if you are driving, you won’t be talking on your cell phone! And there is less of a chance you will cause a car wreck.

So who is using this new technology? The Times reported that some businesses with delivery drivers put the service in place on all of their phones. One such company, Community Coffee out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has implemented this service after its “no talk” policy was not really being followed by its 400 drivers. They have seen their accident rates drop by about 30%.

So are car insurance companies taking notice? Sure, as anything that decreases accidents is good for their business. Nationwide Insurance Company offers a 5% discount to drivers who sign up for this service with Aegis Mobility, which is one of the companies offering this new technology. State Farm Insurance Company is looking into this and considering offering discounts. I am sure other insurance carriers will soon follow and offer discounts.

I think this service is a good thing. I don’t really see individuals forking out money for the service (it costs about $85 to set up, then $5 a month). Most people just are too attached to their cell phones and want to be accessible. But for those companies that have delivery drivers, this service makes a lot of sense. Having a corporate policy about talking on the cell phone while driving just doesn’t quite do the trick. I see all the time cases where there is a company policy that isn’t followed.

Mark A. Anderson is a Board Certified Injury Attorney who handles Texas Accident Cases. He can be contacted at 877-294-1115 or online by clicking here.

Easton Sports recalled all of their EA30 bicycle stems last week because the stem can crack and cause the rider to lose control of the bike and fall. Already one cyclist has been injured as a result of these faulty stems.

Bikes with this stem were sold from August 2007 through August 2009. Aftermarket stems were sold through September 2009. The EA30 is black with white and gray graphics and a four-bolt stem face cap. “EA30” is printed on the stem.

Easton Sports is providing a free replacement stem for the EA30’s involved in the recall. For more details, call Easton Sports toll free at 1-866-892-6059, or click here to read their recall notice. Click here to read the entire notice on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.

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.

Popular British baby stroller and accessory company Maclaren, which promotes itself as being stylish, innovative, and safe, issued a huge voluntary recall yesterday of close to one million folding strollers.

The stroller involved in the recall is the single and double umbrella style stroller, which includes models Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, TechnoXLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno, and Easy Traveller. The stroller poses a danger to children because the folding hinge can cut or even amputate children’s fingers. The recall comes after 12 reports of fingertip amputation in the U.S.

According to Maclaren’s website, owners of these strollers can obtain a free repair kit to cover the stroller’s hinge mechanism. To find out more from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, click here.

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

Here in the Dallas Fort Worth area, you hear about it in the news every now and then: a drug is recalled because of potentially dangerous or fatal side effects. What they typically don’t tell you about is how the FDA comes to the conclusion that a drug is dangerous enough to call for it to be “pulled off of the shelves.” It usually isn’t because of theoretical case studies. Drug recalls are usually a result of a pattern of injuries, sometimes fatalities, which are reported to the federal database. Unfortunately, those people who suffered the consequences wrongly, but justifiably, believed they were taking a safe drug.

Legal remedies for drug-related injuries
If you follow my blog, you’ll notice that I’ve posted a couple of articles about the Vermont woman who sued Wyeth over a drug injected for anti-nausea that ultimately led to losing her arm. Wyeth appealed her lawsuit all the way to the United States Supreme Court, citing a federal preemption that could potentially ban patients from suing pharmaceutical companies at all. Fortunately, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the patient’s right to sue, overturning the ban and making it possible for patients to seek legal remedies in the event of a drug injury.

Thanks in part to that federal ruling, patients have the right to pursue legal remedies in the event of a botched or dangerous drug case. As information about dangerous drugs becomes more publicly available, patients may find that even though they didn’t think they had a case, they can pursue legal action against a drug company for their injuries.

Don’t let a drug company get away with putting potentially dangerous drugs on the market. If you’ve suffered a drug-related injury, contact a personal injury attorney to find out whether you’re eligible to pursue a legal case against the drug company. You’re not only advocating for yourself; you’re potentially protecting anyone else who might ever use the drug and find themselves injured or killed.

Currently, the Anderson Law Firm is reviewing cases involving the dangerous drugs Reglan (or Metoclopramide), Avandia and Chantix. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of taking these drugs, contact us online or at 877-294-1115.

Who can resist a good deal? Buying refurbished products can help you save hundreds of dollars over buying products new (or maybe even more). However, buying refurbished can also cost you a lot in the long run, so think twice before you jump on that good deal when it could affect your safety.

Don’t buy refurbished when your safety is at risk.
Saving $50 could make a product a great deal, and help you decide to make a purchase when you’re considering refurbished products. However, buying refurb when your safety is at risk is a bad idea.

Consider the example of a refurbished car seat for your child. I hear that many refurbished car seats come back to the manufacturer after a car accident and are‘re-certified’ and then sold again. There is no legislation in place governing how refurbished car seats are inspected or tested to determine their safety. After the stresses of a car accident, you could buy a refurbished car seat on the verge of failure and you’d have no way to know it.

Follow safety checklists to determine whether a product is safe.
In many cases, there’s nothing you can do to determine whether or not a refurbished product is safe. In the car seat example, though, you do have a few options to check for safety before you use it.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has guidelines for when car seats need to be replaced, and when it’s safe to continue to use them after an accident. CPSafety has a checklist you can use to look for common issues and determine whether or not the car seat is safe for reuse. Neither of these can tell you for sure that the car seat is safe, but they can help you make an informed decision about whether or not to buy a product that has been refurbished for resale.

Information provided by Tarrant County Personal Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson, who practices injury law throughout Tarrant County, and can be reached at 817-294-1900.

Motor vehicle accidents range from minor to severe. If another car taps your car at a stop sign going five miles per hour, and doesn’t leave a scratch on either vehicle, you probably aren’t hurt and, therefore, don’t need to seek medical treatment. But if you’re involved in a more serious accident with injuries, don’t try to ignore them; get medical treatment as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, it’s a fact that many people refuse medical treatment after an auto accident. Sometimes they think that they pain will go away. Sometimes they are worried about the huge hospital bill that they would incur. The bottom line is that your health is extremely important and should be a top priority.

Seeking medical treatment right away isn’t just a matter of taking care of your health, although that’s certainly the most important thing to consider after a car accident. It’s also about documenting your medical problems in the event that you need to prove they’re related to the car accident. If you have back problems after a car accident but wait two weeks to go to the doctor, it’s much more difficult to prove that it’s related to the car wreck than if you go the next day.

I have seen it time and again when folks tried to “tough it out” and they accomplish nothing. They endure pain unnecessarily and they “wreck” their potential insurance claim. Bottom line: seek medical treatment ASAP after a car accident. Not just for your case, but for your health.

Information provided by Fort Worth Texas Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson, who discusses this topic and many others in his book, 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case. This book is available for free to Texas Residents at www.DontWreckYourCase.com.

About 300,000 robes have been recalled, including full length robes, jackets, lounge jackets and tops. The chenille items were sold in Blair stores in Pennsylvania and Delaware and nationally in Blair catalogs from 2000-2007.

Most of the deaths linked to the robes occurred when the victims were cooking; the chenille proved highly flammable when it came into contact with the cooking flame. Most of the victims were in their 70s and 80s.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Blair LLC initiated the recall of the items that were made by A-One Textile & Towel, of Karachi, and were manufactured in Pakistan.

For more information, visit the Blair recall website.

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

This is a question I get from some of my new clients after they have been in some sort of an auto accident somewhere here in the Fort Worth Arlington area. The short answer to that is: yes, you absolutely should. PIP insurance is No-Fault insurance which you carry on your own automobile policy and it provides reimbursement to you (and any passenger in your car), for medical expenses and for documented wages up to the amount of the PIP coverage. In Texas, each insurance company must offer at least $2,500.00 in PIP coverage, but you can buy more. In order to turn down this coverage, you must reject it in writing.

The reason that PIP coverage is so good is that you are not penalized in any subsequent claim against the responsive party if you use PIP coverage. In other words, you can recover from the responsible party’s insurance company (if they were indeed at fault) and you can also recover on your own policy. You can also even use health insurance to pay for your bills, therefore utilizing yet a third type of insurance.

Some people are reluctant to make a PIP claim on their own policy, but it is against the law for an insurance company to raise your rates or drop you solely because you make a PIP claim. The reason, this is a no-fault claim. You can make this type of claim regardless of whether you were at fault or somebody else was responsible for your injuries.

So to me, a lawyer who focuses solely on personal injury, this is a no brainer. If you were fortunate enough to pay for the PIP coverage (and it is very cheap), you should definitely use it if you have been in an automobile accident.

Information provided by Fort Worth Arlington, Texas Board Certified Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson, who can be contacted at 877 294 1115 or by clicking here.

If you have been involved in an automobile, truck or motorcycle accident in Fort Worth, Texas, you must make some decisions to protect your potential insurance claim or you could suffer the consequences of a “wrecked case.” Fort Worth’s Board Certified Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson has recently authored a book which goes over the many ways an accident victim can destroy their own case, therefore making it harder to recover fair and reasonable compensation. This book, entitled 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case, is for sale on Amazon.com, but is made available for free to Texas residents at www.DontWreckYourCase.com.

In this book, Mistake No. 2 is the failure to obtain prompt medical treatment. Insurance companies and juries tend to operate under the assumption that if you are hurt, then you need to go to the doctor. And that makes sense. But the problem I see often is most people try to tough out their pain and not go to the hospital or doctor unless it is absolutely necessary. If you have a broken bone or are bleeding excessively, you will go to the hospital. But it is human nature to try to tough it out if you have a less obvious injury. You might take over the counter pain medications and see if the injury will heal on its own. You might wait an entire month before you go to the doctor.

The problem with this approach is that without good medical documentation, it may look to an outsider like you weren’t really hurt. So in order to not hurt your ability to recover fair compensation, you will need to seek medial treatment within the first few days after an accident. This will allow you to get on the road to recovery much faster and will serve as proper documentation of your injury.

Fort Worth Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson can be contacted at 817-294-1900 or at www.maafirm.com.

It isn’t just Texas lawmakers who are concerned about texting while driving; now, the Obama Administration is taking steps to prevent distracted driving accidents by banning texting while driving for bus drivers and truckers. It will also push states to pass their own laws against distracted driving.

According to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, President Obama recently signed an executive order banning texting while driving for all government workers while on government business, in government vehicles, or using government equipment. The administration is also trying to disqualify for a commercial driver’s license any school bus drivers who are convicted of texting while driving.

Driver distraction, which often involves texting, killed 5,870 people and injured 515,000 last year, according to the Transportation Department. Lawmakers across the country have placed restrictions on texting while driving, including the District of Columbia, where it is illegal to drive and text. Washington D.C. and seven states have even banned handheld cell phone use completely while driving.

One group of people these changes will affect most is truck drivers. Truckers frequently use computers to communicate with their company dispatchers, and often use this technology while driving. The American Trucking Association said they will work with the Transportation Department to reduce driving distractions, although Mississippi personal injury lawyer Robert Kisselburgh wrote an interesting blog recently exploring the Association’s financial interest in keeping these laws from going into effect.

I think this new law is great. Anything to make the roads safer. And if it makes the truckers a little inconvenienced, then so be it. What is more important—saving lives or texting your dispatcher?

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.

Toyota Motor Corp. issued a warning on Tuesday that the floor mats found in many popular models of Toyota and Lexus cars may cause the accelerator to become stuck and could potentially lead to dangerous accidents. The warning came after a crash near San Diego in August which killed four family members when their Lexus ES 350 sped out of control, flew off of an embankment, rolled over several times and burst into flames.

Toyota and government officials recommended owners remove the floor mat from the driver’s side of their vehicles and not replace it. Toyota has not said how many complaints they’ve received about this issue, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it has received reports of 102 incidents where the accelerator may have been stuck on Toyota vehicles.

Toyota advises that if the accelerator appears to be stuck and the driver can’t remove the floor mat, to step on the brake pedal with both feet to slow the vehicle and then try to put the car in neutral and switch the ignition to accessory power.

This can be a huge problem if not fixed, so I encourage all owners affected to make sure they get replacement mats.

The following is a list of vehicles that will be affected in the floor mat recall:
2007-2010 Toyota Camry
2005-2010 Toyota Avalon
2004-2009 Toyota Prius
2005-2010 Toyota Tacoma
2007-2010 Toyota Tundra
2007-2010 Lexus ES 350
2006-2010 Lexus IS 250 and IS 350

For more information consumers can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236, Toyota at 1-800-331-4331, or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

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.

Photo from NHTSA

The Fort Worth police department will have as many as 16 officers per night looking out for drunk drivers this Labor Day weekend. If you’re going to drink and travel, they recommend getting a cab.

Last Labor Day weekend 196 people died in drunken driving crashes across the country and 27 people were killed in Texas. Fort Worth police hope to prevent any fatalities this year. When they took similar measured during the July 4th weekend, no one died in traffic accidents. Police did arrest 43 people that weekend on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

A new law that went into effect on Tuesday will make it even easier to make drunk driving arrests. Now mandatory blood tests to determine blood alcohol content can be performed on anyone with felony DWI cases, suspected drunken driving crashes where someone is injured and goes to the hospital, and DWI arrests with a child younger than 15 in the car. Police will get search warrants to perform blood tests on suspected drunk drivers who don’t already fall into those categories.

Drunk driving is always stupid, and your chances of getting caught will increase this weekend.

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

Photo from The Fort Worth Star Telegram

The Consumer Product Safety Committee recalled millions of window blinds and shades Wednesday because of their danger to children. The recall includes blinds and shades sold at Pottery Barn Kids and IKEA as well as many brands sold at retailers like Target.

Three children have died as a result of becoming caught and strangled in the exposed cords that move the blinds up and down. Two of the blinds that caused deaths were the Lewis Hyman roll-up blind, sold at retail stores from 1999-2003, and the Woolrich roman shade, sold at Target from 2006-2008. Customers should contact the company for a free repair kit. A Vertical Land blind, sold in Florida from 1992-2006, caused the third death. Customers of this product should contact the company for a free retrofit kit.

Roman shades were recalled from Pottery Barn Kids and William Sonoma after six children were found with cords wrapped around their necks. Fortunately, none of these children died. Roman Melina blinds were also recalled from IKEA after a child was found hanging from the cord nearly strangled to death. Customers of these blinds should return them to Pottery Barn Kids, Williams Sonoma, and IKEA for a refund.

The problem with these types of shades is the exposed cord that moves the blinds up and down. A child playing with or near the blinds can easily become entangled in this cord and die of strangulation if not found and disentangled immediately.

For a complete list of the recalls and more details about the types of blinds involved, click here.

Information provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson, who can be contacted at 817-294-1900, or by clicking here.

Despite overwhelming support from the House and Senate, Governor Rick Perry vetoed a bicycle-safety measure in the last legislative session that would require motorists to give cyclists and other vulnerable road users at least 3 feet of clearance when passing. The proposed law would have fined drivers $500 if they did not provide runners, motorcyclists, bicyclists and tow truck drivers at least 3 feet of clearance.

Gov. Perry apparently feels that there are already plenty of laws that protect cyclists and other non-motorists on our Texas roadways. This has undoubtedly irked many cyclists and organizations that support the shared use of our roads.

In an incident that occurred June 8, 2008, a young gentleman named Kenneth Bain stands accused of hitting and killing two cyclists in Duncanville. Meredith Hatch, 38, and Michael Alfaro, 36, were hit from behind and killed on Camp Wisdom road when Bain’s Lincoln Navigator struck them.

When a cyclist or pedestrian accident occurs on Texas roadways, liability insurance policies should be in place to punish careless drivers and provide compensation for the victims of such accidents. These accident victims are often left with incredibly high medical bills and are forced to miss work as a result of their injuries.

Information provided by Texas Board Certified Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson, who can be contacted at 817-294-1900 or online by clicking here.

Most injury attorneys use a very similar contingent fee contract. It will call for the attorney to be paid 1/3 of the recovery if the case can be settle prior to litigation and a higher fee of 40% of the recovery if the case has to be litigated in the court system. And all out of pocket expenses are usually reimbursed to the attorney as well.

This fee structure is used by all injury attorneys. Whether the lawyer is just out of law school and couldn’t find the courthouse with a map or whether the attorney is an experienced attorney who is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law—they both charge the same percentage. But it is likely that the inexperienced attorney will not be able to recover as much money for you. Is it better to receive 2/3 of a lower amount or 2/3 of a higher amount? It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out!! So why do injury victims settle for less experienced lawyers when it would cost them no more to high a more experienced lawyer who is Board Certified? I have no earthly idea.

Mark A. Anderson is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and has been since 1999. He is based out of Fort Worth and handles cases all over Texas. He only takes on cases on a contingent basis. To discuss a serious injury claim with him, please call the Anderson Law Firm at 817-294-1900 or Contact the Firm Online.

An 11-year-old boy is in "very critical condition" this morning after he was struck by a car in east Fort Worth around 5:30 a.m.

The boy and three other children were playing with shopping carts on the access road of East Loop 820 in between Ellis Road and Meadowbrook Drive when the pedestrian-auto accident happened.

A 31-year-old woman in a Dodge Stratus said the boy ran out in front of her and she was unable to stop in time before hitting him. He was rushed to Cook Children's Hospital where he is currently being treated for his serious injuries.

Investigators said they were called to the area because they had gotten reports of children out past curfew. They also said the day before, the boy who was hit and another kid who was out were reported as runaways.

This is a sad story--especially if the child is a runaway. I can only imagine a parent's worry over their child missing, let alone finding out from authorities that their child has been critically injured. I hope FWPD will be able to locate the boy's family and that he is able to recover from his injuries.

Pedestrian accdidents can have devastating effects since people have no protection against the force of a car hitting them. If you or a loved one has been hurt by a vehicle, please contact Board Certified Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson by calling 817-294-1900.

Yesterday I wrote about the three-vehicle crash which happened Sunday night on the exit ramp of I-30 and Cherry Lane near downtwon Fort Worth. That wreck claimed the life of 78-year-old Floyd Boortz and last night, a second victim died from his critical injuries.

Adrian Boortz, 20, was taken to Texas Health Harris Hospital Sunday night after the 10 p.m. accident and was pronounced dead last night around 7 p.m. from his injuries.

Adrian and Floyd Boortz were putting gas in their van on the access road when a 35-year-old driver of a Kia SUV crashed into them and their van as the motorist was exiting the freeway. A 20-year-old woman in the van was not injured and a 2-year-old toddler was taken to Cook Children's Hospital to be checked out but did not seem to be injured. The Kia went on to slam into a Dodge sedan in front of the parked van whose driver had stop to help the men fill their vehicle with gas.

Neither the driver of the Dodge or the Kia were injured.

An accident investigation has revealed alcohol or drugs were not a factor in this accident. Unfortunately, it has turned into two wrongful death accidents. This family seems to have been in the wrong place at the wrong time. My heart goes out to whom I assume is the wife or girlfriend of the second victim--the 20-year-old woman and the child in the van.

Wrongful death claims can be brought by relatives left behind by victims of tragic accidents like these. If you have questions about wrongful death claims in Texas, please contact the Anderson Law Firm to learn your rights by calling 817-294-1900.

A 78-year-old man died last night and a 20-year-old is in critical condition after the two were involved in a vehicle-accident on an Interstate 30 access road in Fort Worth.

Floyd Boortz and an unidentified 20-year-old were stalled on the Cherry Lane exit ramp filling their van with gas when a Kia SUV hit them as it was exiting the freeway. The auto accident happened around 10 p.m. and Boortz died from his injuries shortly after at Texas Health Harris Hospital in downtown Fort Worth. The 20-year-old man is still being treating at Harris.

A two-year-old toddler and 20-year-old female were in the van when the Kia struck the two men outside, as well as the van, and then went on to hit a Dodge sedan parked in front of the van whose driver had stopped to help put gas in the men's van.

Police did not release the name of the 35-year-old driver who casused the accident, but investigators don't believe alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash. An investigation will further reveal what happened.

This is a devastating wrongful death case because there were so many people involved in the accident who witnessed the Kia striking the two men. Fortunately, the woman and her baby were not injured and I hope the 20-year-old man's injuries heal quickly.

If you or someone you know has been injured or killed as the result of someone else's negligence, please contact Board Certified Fort Worth Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson for a free consultation by calling 817-294-1900.

Litigation is about to begin surrounding the collapse of the Dallas Cowboys practice facility which happened back on May 2. The collapse injured 11 people and permanently paralyzed Cowboys scouting assistant Rich Behm.

Behm has hired Dallas-based injury lawyer Frank Branson who has already deposed the president of the company who built the structure—Summit Structures. Branson has also asked for company records; apparently, the Cowboys were aware of a previous structure failure constructed by Summit Structures, but chose to go with them anyway when building the practice dome.

Behm will not be suing the Cowboys, however, since Behm was covered by worker’s compensation, which bars him from filing suit against the organization.

Instead, Behm will go after Summit Structures for the poor building quality which left Behm with permanent life-changing injuries. According to Irving building code, the practice facility was supposed to have been able to stand wind gusts up to 90 mph. The day of the storm, winds were between 70 and 85 mph according to the National Weather Service.

Apparently, Summit Structures President, Nathan Stobbe is basing his defense on the severe weather and “downdraft” of wind that fateful day. A civil proceeding to allow for pre-lawsuit discovery has been filed. A lawsuit will no doubt follow soon.

Information provided by Fort Worth Board Certified Personal Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson 817-294-1900.

One person died and five or six were injured in a crash on the monorail train system in the Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World over the weekend.

The accident happened at 2 a.m. early Sunday morning in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 21-year-old Austin Wuennenberg died at the scene. He was the driver of one of the wrecked trains. The driver of the other train was not injured.

This is the first monorail-related fatality at Walt Disney World in Florida; there has been one at Disneyland in California. The Florida monorail has been in operation for 38 years.

The transit system--which carts thousands of people around the Disney parks each day--was shut down Sunday while an accident investigation was conducted. There's been no word yet on what caused the crash.

Information provided by Fort Worth Board Certified Accident Attorney Mark A. Anderson.

A car lost control and slid into the side of Brett Michaels' tour bus on Saturday, July 4th.

The VH1 Rock of Love star and his band, Poison, were traveling from Canada to St. Paul, Minnesota for a concert when the bus accident happened in Toronto. Five vehicles were involved in the pile-up, including the band's tour bus, but fortunately, no one suffered serious injuries.

Michaels was able to perform today in Minnesota. He plans on re-joining Poison in Connecticut or a concert Monday.

Information provided by DFW Personal Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson. Mark can be reached for a free consultation by calling 817-294-1900.

A University of Texas linebacker suffered a concussion last week after his car crashed into an Austin apartment building on June 24.

Sergio Kindle of Dallas and a senior at UT this year, was either sending or receiving a text-message when he slammed into the building, causing $8,700 in property damage. He was able to get out and pull the car back onto the street and fortunately, no one inside the building was injured.

Kindle was examined by team doctors who diagnosed him with a concussion, however he did not have to go to the hospital. According to his attorney, Kindle plans on paying for the damage himself, or through his car insurance if it will cover the accident.

An accident report was filed through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), but no charges were filed since no one was injured and it was an accident.

Kindle had a successful season last year, but in 2007, he was forced to miss the first 10 games for suspension relating to a drunk-driving arrest.

Since Kindle was at-fault for this accident and he hit a stationary object, there is no room for him to make a personal injury claim if he suffered long-term injuries. Unfortunately, he will just have to pay the property damage and any medical bills with his own insurance, or out-of-pocket.

If you have questions about personal injury accidents in Texas, contact Board Certified Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson online, or by calling 817-294-1900.

June and July are officially designated National Fireworks Safety Months. Each state has differerent laws regarding the use of fireworks based on factors determined by the state fire marshalls. Texas, like most Midwestern states, allows the use of all consumer fireworks and requires those who operate special effects to have a permit and be at least 21 years of age. You must be at least 12 years old to purchase consumer fireworks.

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind as the 4th of July holiday weekend approaches. Information provided by the National Council on Fireworks Safety:

* Use ALL fireworks and sparklers outside
* All users should be at least 12 years old
* Obey all local laws and bans
* Do not alter fireworks--use them only as intended
* Designate a "shooter" as you would a designated driver--alcohol and fireworks do not mix
* Use common sense and always use extreme caution when lighting fireworks

The Anderson Law Firm wishes everyone a fun and safe Independence Day!

Another “celebrity” has died this week. TV pitchman Billy Mays was found unresponsive in his Tampa home this morning by his wife. A fire rescue crew pronounced him dead. Mays was only 50 years old. He is best known for his loud style as he was hawking such products as Orange Glo and OxiClean. He was known as the "Infomercial King."

His wife told investigators that Billy mentioned he didn’t feel well when he went to bed about 10 p.m. Saturday night. He had just returned home on a U.S. Airways flight that had experienced a rough landing Saturday afternoon at Tampa International Airport. The plane left debris on the runway after blowing tires upon landing.

The Fox affiliate in Tampa interviewed Mays after the landing and he told reporters about the hard hit and that things from the ceiling started dropping. He said “It hit me on the head, but I've got a hard head.”

At this point, it is unknown whether the hit on the head caused an injury that lead to his death—like the one recently suffered by Natasha Richardson when she fell on a ski slope and died as a result of her brain injury. Ms. Richardson was not immediately rushed to the hospital, which might have saved her life.

So if the hard landing and hit on the head did indeed cause the untimely death, does that mean U.S. Airways is liable? No, not necessarily, but it probably does mean that there will be some sort of investigation into the cause of the bumpy landing. Was it a hard landing that was due to pilot error? Was it mechanical error? Answers will surface, but it could take a long time.

Information provided by Fort Worth, Texas Wrongful Death Attorney Mark A. Anderson, 817-294-1900.

A 41-year-old Arlington man lost control of his motorcycle and was ejected over an overpass yesterday afternoon.

The motorcycle crash happened around 2 p.m. when Douglas D. Trimm was driving on the Texas 360 overpass from northbound I-20. He suddenly lost control of his bike and was ejected off of it falling off the pass onto the westbound lanes of I-20. Trimm’s bike skidded all the way down the overpass before coming to rest in the median.

Trimm was rushed to Methodist Medical Center in Dallas where he died an hour later.
This is one more of a handful of motorcycle-related accident fatalities this spring and brings Arlington’s traffic fatality count to 18 this year.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle wreck, contact Board Certified DFW Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson for a free consultation by calling 817-294-1900.

Photograph from www.star-telegram.com.

In a second tragic water-related accident death over the weekend, a 16-year-old Carroll Senior High School junior died after drowning in the pool at the Omni Hotel in downtown Fort Worth.

Winston Ward of Southlake went to the Omni Hotel Saturday night to eat dinner and swim with his friends. Around 7:20 p.m. he did a somersault and hit his head before an adult saw him at the bottom of the pool. No one knows how long he was in the pool before he was found, but witnesses said it wasn’t long.

There were no lifeguards on duty but the pool depth was only 4-foot-6-inches deep. Ward was 6-feet tall. Attempts to resuscitate him failed and he died at the scene.

The pool is on the third floor of the new Omni Hotel and is closed until further notice while an accident investigation is conducted.

Sadly, already 50 children have drowned in Texas and summer only officially started this past weekend. That’s more than half of the total number of child deaths from drowning in 2008. Last year, 89 children died by drowning in Texas.

If one of your loved ones was wrongfully killed in an accident that was the fault of another person, please contact Board Certified Accident Lawyer Mark A. Anderson to learn your rights by calling 817-294-1900.

Photo courtesy of www.star-telegram.com.

An unidentified 11-year-old boy died Saturday when the inner tube he was being pulled on collided with a personal watercraft (or Jet Ski) on Lake Worth.

The boy was riding on the tube with another boy and they were being pulled by a boat. Coincidentally, the watercraft they ran into was also pulling two boys on a rubber tube.

The 11-year-old was CareFlighted to Cook Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth where he died. The boating accident happened at 3:45 p.m. No one else was hurt and no charges were filed. The accident was still being investigated over the weekend.

This was the first of two water-related accidents which killed kids over the weekend, and unfortunately, they probably won’t be the last. With summer officially underway and temperatures consistently topping 100 degrees, North Texans are heading for water to cool down. Annually, hundreds of Texans are killed in boating-related accidents as the number of boats in Texas waters increases. The good news is, the number of water-related fatalities has consistently decreased over the years, but this isn’t a perfect world and accidents still happen.

To prevent boating and other watercraft-related accidents, Texas Parks and Wildlife recommends following these four principles of safe boating:

1) Wearing life jackets
2) Being educated on boat safety
3) Operating safe boats and equipment
4) Boating sober

Information provided by Texas Boating Accident Attorney Mark A. Anderson: 817-294-1900.

It's barely 4 p.m. and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is already reporting two major wrecks which are blocking lanes and backing up traffic.

The first accident is blocking two lanes on Interstate 20 at the Grandbury Road exit. The left southbound lanes are blocked off and the impact is being reported as severe. No details of the crash or those involved has been releasd yet.

An even worse accident is being reported on Westbound Interstate 35 in Fort Worth approaching Airport Freeway/Highway 121 where an 18-wheel tractor trailor crash has left the big rig overturned. All lanes are blocked and only the left shoulder is getting by. There have also been no reports of injuries in that accident.

For the latest traffic reports, visit wfaa.com for a full list. And remember to contact the Anderson Law Firm if you've been injured in an auto accident by calling 817-294-1900.

The city of Fort Worth will be adding 10 more red light cameras around town. Currently, 17 intersections have cameras and 25 cameras are in use. Adding 10 more will make the count 35 total cameras—all of which were added in just the last year.

Nearly half of the people who run red lights and get tickets have not paid them, so the city has hired a collections agency to go after them. Approximately 4,000 people per month are ticketed for running lights with cameras and the fine is $75.

While adding cameras may make some intersections safer, many argue the threat of a ticket increases the chance for car accidents like rear-end collisions when people slam their brakes to prevent running red lights.

Fort Worth isn’t the only Metroplex city installing cameras. Several North Texas cities have joined the trend and turned on cameras to catch bad drivers.

Good or bad, drivers take caution when approaching red lights anywhere in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Here’s a list of the six intersections which will get new cameras:

1) Hulen Street at Loop 820 (north and southbound)
2) Trinity Boulevard at Texas 360 (east and westbound)
3) Altamesa Boulevard at McCart Avenue (south and westbound)
4) Ashland Avenue at Interstate 30
5) Berry Street at Interstate 35 (east and westbound)
6) Belknap at Henderson Street

Information provided by Board Certified DFW Accident Attorney Mark A. Anderson 817-294-1900.

General Motors and Chrysler have thrown in the towel and after taking billions of our tax dollars, they have filed for bankruptcy. This means that the company stockholders and a whole lot of other people are left with nothing. The focus in the news has been on the dealers who have lost their dealerships and on all of the job losses. But there has been little mentioned about the affect the two bankruptcies will have on the victims of defective vehicles that were produced by the two manufacturers.

People are injured all the time by defects in these cars and trucks and I sincerely believe that the past lawsuits against the manufacturers have forced the companies produce safer cars. Sometimes, fear of litigation is not such a bad thing. But those poor folks who have suffered the loss of a loved one or who were seriously hurt because of a defective Chrysler or GM vehicle, have just seen their lawsuit go away. There is virtually zero chance that these victims will ever recover a dime in either of these two very complicated bankruptcies.

It also appears that the bankruptcies will forever extinguish the rights of people who are injured in the future as a result of defective cars which were manufactured before these bankruptcies were filed. Sound crazy? Absolutely! Unfortunately, if you become injured in 2010 as a result of a known defect in your 2008-model GM or Chrysler car that exploded upon impact and paralyzed you, it means you will have no right to sue the maker of the car for the known defect.

It doesn't seem fair at all, but that's exactly what all the smart bankruptcy lawyers are saying. They are aware of this fact and it might have even been one of the multiple reasons for the comanys' decision to file in the first place.

Arguably, there should be a way to set aside some money for the potential future lawsuits, or make Fiat or the New GM somehow responsible when these suits arise. But that's just not going to happen, which is too bad for us consumers.

Mark A. Anderson is an injury attorney based in Fort Worth, Texas and can be reached at 817-294-1900 or contact him online.

If you have been injured in an automobile wreck, truck collision, motorcycle crash, or any other type of accident which causes personal injuries in Texas, you must be aware of the relevant law called the Statute of Limitations. This law requires you to file a lawsuit at a local Texas Courthouse within two years of the date of the accident. If you have not resolved your injury case before then, it is absolutely imperative that this very strict two-year deadline is complied with. Failing to file a lawsuit within the two-year time frame eliminates your right to pursue a claim forever.

And it's imporatant not to wait until the eve of your two years to think about purusing an injury claim. If you've been injured as the result of another person's negligence, you should consider hiring a Board Certified Injury Attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Sooner is better because crucial evidence must be collected before it disappears. Plus, it's very common for injured parties to make mistakes on their claims if they don't have the guidance of an experienced personal injury lawyer.

The common mistakes injury victims make are discussed in detail in the newly released book by Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson. It's appropriately titled, 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case. This informative book is available for FREE to Texas residents who may order it by calling 817-294-1900 or by visiting: www.DontWreckYourCase.com.

In Texas, it’s the law to carry liability insurance on your car. This type of insurance covers (or pays for) the damage you cause to someone else in an accident. In a perfect world, everyone would carry liability insurance as required by law. But this isn’t a perfect world. Here in Texas, it’s estimated that over 20% of the cars on our roads carry no liability insurance at all. So what happens if you get in a wreck with someone who has no insurance? Well, you are probably out of luck and will be stuck with huge car repair and medical bills, unless you carry the right kind of insurance yourself.

I highly recommend to all of my clients that they carry uninsured motorists’ coverage (UIM). This insurance covers YOU if you are injured in an accident that was someone else’s fault and he or she doesn’t have insurance. It also covers you if the other person caused you damage which exceeds the insurance coverage that they had. The way this comes about is if they have only a minimum limits policy (currently $25,000) and your damages exceed that amount. If you have UIM coverage, then your own insurance will pay for all damages that exceed the other persons insurance, up to the amount of insurance you purchased.

This is relatively cheap insurance to purchase, so I strongly recommend it to protect yourself. Just one trip to the hospital can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Whether or not you have health insurance, these bills can cause an incredible strain on your finances. With all of the uninsured drivers, and with all of the ones who only carry the minimum limits, it makes sense to safeguard yourself.

This issue is discussed in depth in Mark A. Anderson’s new book 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case. This book is available for FREE to Texas residents and can be obtained by calling 817-294-1900 or by filling out an order form at www.maafirm.com.

Dallas resident Neil Russell Murphy, 66, was killed Thursday morning in a bike accident with a car. A 57-year-old Lake Dallas driver in a 1992 Chevrolet was behind Murphy and collided with the back of his vintage Western Flyer Bike (see picture). Murphy was taken to Methodist Dallas Medical Center where he later died.

The bicycle pedestrian accident happened in the 1200 block of North Cockrell Hill Road in Dallas at approximately 9:30 a.m. The driver of the Chevy stopped and charges weren’t filed, however, the case has been referred to a grand jury since it’s being investigated as a criminally negligent homicide.

When vehicles collide with bicyclists or pedestrians, the results are almost always tragic or life-changing. Even though Mr. Murphy was wearing a helmet, it wasn’t enough to protect his body from the force of the car. Drivers need to be extra cautious of pedestrians during these summer months and likewise, pedestrians need to use sidewalks whenever possible.

Wrongful death Attorney Mark A. Anderson is happy to offer free consultations to those who have been hurt in pedestrian accidents or to families who have lost loved ones in such circumstances. Contact the Anderson Law Firm online for further information.

I get this question often, as a lot of injured people don’t want to run out and hire an attorney right after they are hurt. Sometimes, they want to see if their injuries heal on their own and sometimes they want to see if they can handle their claim by themselves. All of that is understandable, but one must be careful not to wait too long, as delaying hiring an experienced injury attorney can end up hurting your own case.

Mark Anderson discusses all the various ways injured parties “wreck” their claims in his new book, 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case. One sure fire way is if the injured party tries to handle a serious injury claim on their own, without the assistance and guidance from a personal injury attorney. They injury claim process is slanted in favor of the insurance company and hiring a good lawyer is the only way to level the playing field. Knowing how to present a claim and pursue a lawsuit is not something that can be learned overnight.

For a free copy of 15 Mistakes, call the Anderson Law Firm at 817-294-1900 or order it online at www.DontWreckYourCase.com. The book is free only to Texas residents.

Of course, the Anderson Law Firm provides free consultations and a free case analysis for all callers. Check us out online or give us a call.

If you have been injured in an auto accident, or any other type of accident for that matter, you have a ton of options when it comes down to hiring a lawyer for your Texas accident claim. Hiring an attorney is a very important decision and it's sometimes very difficult to try and weed through all of the attorneys out there who hold themselves out as being “injury attorneys.” So how do you know you're making the right decision? The best thing to do is to limit your search to only attorneys who are Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This is a designation held by only 2% of the roughly 80,000 lawyers who practice law in Texas.

What does it mean to be Board Certified? It means that the attorney has passed a rigorous test on injury topics, has tried a certain number of cases to a jury, has been recommended by local attorneys and judges and has been practicing a certain number of years. There are plenty of qualified attorneys in Texas who are Board Certified, so there's no reason that an injury victim should settle for a lawyer who is not Board Certified.

The importance of hiring a Board Certified Injury Attorney is discussed in Mark A. Anderson’s new book, 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck your Texas Accident Case. This book is full of information which is helpful to accident victims. The Anderson Law Firm is offering a copy of the book FREE to Texas residents. To order your free copy, please call the firm at 817-294-1900. The book can also be ordered online at www.DontWreckYourCase.com.

Utah-based company, Skywalker has recalled 60,000 tramplines due to 250 reports of straps breaking. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported and Skywalker is voluntarily recalling the trampolines, which were made in China. The reportedly broken straps help hold up the top portion of the trampoline enclosure, and broken straps could make it easier for users to fall off the equipment.

The products were sold as Trampoline and Enclosure Combos between January 2007 and February 2009 in stores nationwide for $400-600. They are 13 square feet. Skywalker is advising consumers to stop using the trampolines and to call 866-603-5867 for a repair kit.

If you've been injured by a product which has been recalled, please contact Texas Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson for a free consultation at 817-294-1900.

A general rule is that all injury claims must either be resolved or a lawsuit filed at the Courthouse within two years of the date of the accident or the claim is forever barred. This is the Statute of Limitations in Texas. An exception to this rule is in the cases of minors. If a child is injured as the result of the negligence of another person or company, then the minor has up until two years after the time the child turns "majority" (or, 18-years-old) to bring a claim. Basically, the child has up until he or she turns 20 to bring a claim.

But parents must be aware that the medical bills incurred by a child are the parents' legal responsibility. As such, the parents must make sure they bring the initital claim within required two-year period to recover compensation for medical bills. The parents' right to recover damages for the medical bills they have to pay is still governed by the two-year Statue of Limitation deadline.

Board Certified Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson discusses all the typcial mistakes made by injury claimants and how to avoid them in his new book, 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case. This book is free to Texas residents and can be ordered by calling the Anderson Law Firm at 817-294-1900 or visiting www.DontWreckYourCase.com.

The Texas House of Representatives has given preliminary approval to a bill which would enforce harsher penalties to those caught drinking and boating. The Texas Senate has already given its approval to suspend licenses of those who choose to drink and operate boats whether those caught take a breath test or not.

Currently, like driving a car, it’s illegal to operate a boat if a person has a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher. And if caught drinking and boating (as in DWI accident cases), refusal to take a Breathalyzer test results in suspension of an offender’s license. But right now, even if people do take the test and fail, they don’t necessarily lose their license. The new law would change that. It would also create a new offense for minors who drink and boat.

Last year in Texas there were 61 boating-related deaths, and this year is already stacking up to surpass that statistic. Already in 2009, 12 people have died in boating accidents, however, not all have involved alcohol. North Texas is not exempt from this either. There are many lakes around the Dallas-Fort Worth area, one of which—Lake Lewisville—consistently ranks as the state’s most dangerous for boating incidents.

With the holiday weekend approaching and summer just around the corner, legislators feel compelled to take preventative safety measures.

If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of another person’s negligence, contact Fort Worth Boat Accident Attorney Mark A. Anderson for a free consultation at 817-294-1900.

A family outing to the beach quickly turned tragic Sunday after a car collision struck a family on Galveston’s seawall sidewalk, killing a man and two children.

A sport utility vehicle was speeding and rear-ended a car, coming to rest upside down on the sidewalk next to the beach near 12th Street in Galveston. The crash happened around 10:30 p.m.

25-year-old Tremane Albert, his 10-year-old stepson Alan Meredith and a child from another family, Isaiah Barnett, 3, were all struck by the vehicles and killed. Albert’s wife and another child were close by at the time of the pedestrian accident, but were fortunately, unharmed. The families at the beach were from Houston.

Police confirmed that in addition to speed, alcohol was a contributing factor to the crash. The driver of the SUV was taken to a Houston hospital where he was tested for alcohol in his system. No charges have been filed yet.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed as the result of another person’s negligence, contact Texas Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson for a free consultation at 817-294-1900.

A vehicle wreck on Interstate 35 in Lewisville left one dead Sunday night.

Darla Dale, a 39-year-old woman from Lake Dallas died at the scene after she lost control of her Pontiac Sunfire, hit a wall and then spun out, crashing into two more vehicles. This accident occurred on I-35E just after 9 p.m. near the exit for FM 407 in Lewsville.

The occupants of the two other vehicles Dale hit—a Chevy Impala and a Pontiac G6—fortunately did not report any injuries.

An accident investigation is still underway to determine what caused Dale to lose control of her car.

If you have been in a car crash and sustained injuries due to the result of someone else’s negligence, please contact the Anderson Law Firm at 817-294-1900.

A 47-year-old woman was killed early Thursday morning when a car hit her around 12:30 a.m. The pedestrian accident happened when Lora Wallace was crossing the street at 7000 Keller Parkway and a car struck her, causing serious injuries. Wallace was taken to John Peter Smith (JPS) Hospital in Fort Worth where she died shortly thereafter of head trauma. No citations were given to the driver of the car who said he or she didn’t see Wallace in the crosswalk.

If you have been injured in a crosswalk-pedestrian accident, or other accident involving personal injuries, please contact Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson at 817-294-1900 for a free consultation.

Police in Cleburne are still looking for the driver of a dark-colored Dodge pickup truck, who was involved in an accident with a motorcycle early Monday Morning.

According to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, an 18-year-old man was driving his Kawasaki motorcycle in the 3600 block of Texas 174 when he lost control of his bike while trying to pass an 18-wheeler and crashed into oncoming traffic. He was killed as a result.

It is believed that the Dodge pickup hit the bike at one point and might have damage to its back quarter panel. The truck departed the scene before police or an ambulance arrived around 6:15 a.m.

The motorcycle crash happened just south of Cleburne near County Road 1205. The victim’s name has not been released yet. If anyone has information about the missing truck, please call the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office at 817-556-6060.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle crash, contact the Anderson Law Firm for a free consultation on your rights.

80,000 children who attend the 140 schools which make up the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) were told to stay home today to avoid spreading the Swine Flu.

The announcement came last night that FWISD, along with other districts, including private schools like Trinity Valley, will be closed until at least May 8. This is in addition to many other area schools closing, including the entire Cleburne district. This means countless Metroplex parents are scrambling around trying to figure out what to do with their children.

Undoubtably, businesses are suffering today as parents call in to take off work to stay with their children if childcare isn't readily available. It will be interesting to see how businesses are affected by the closings in this upcoming week.

The Swine Flu alert was elevated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to a level five alert, which is just one level away from a full-fledged world pandemic.

Texas already has 16 confirmed cases and the first U.S. death from the flu was a young child in Houston earlier this week.

A man was died yesterday in southeastern Robertson County when the rig he was working on leaked and blew out. The oil field accident occurred just after 3 p.m. off FM 1940, 10 miles east of Franklin, Texas near Camp Creek Lake . This gas well site is 30 miles north of Boston, Texas.

When the blast happened, the man was hit by a piece of pipe. He later died at St. Joseph Regional Health Center in Bryan. He remains unidentified until relatives are notified of his death.
The well is operated by EnCana which is a Canadian company.

WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIMS

In instances like this, there is potential for the family of the man who died to make a wrongful death claim on his behalf. If the man was employed by EnCana (the rig owner), in order for it to be a valid claim, the blow out would have to have been caused by a third party—or another company’s—negligence. Determining fault (or liability) would be the key factor in a case like this. Basically, if the man’s death resulted from the negligence of someone other than his employer or a co-employee (who is not covered by the same Worker’s Compensation as him), then there is the potential to make a valid wrongful death claim.

If you have questions about wrongful death or oil field accident claims, please contact Board Certified Texas Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson for a free consultation to learn your rights.

A 24-year-old man was killed today around 4 p.m. when his motorcycle ran into a parked car. The motorcycle accident happened in the parking lot of the Pepsi-Cola bottling plant parking lot in Mesquite. Albert Castillo hit the parked car at a high rate of speed. He was taken to Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas where he died shortly after. The company has not released whether or not Castillo was an employee of Pepsi-Cola. It was also unclear if he had been wearing a helmet.

The crash happened in the 4500 block of Interstate 30 in Mesquite.

If you have suffered personal injuries or know someone who has died as the result of someone's negligence, contact the Anderson Law Firm at 817-294-1900 to learn your rights.

The National Safety Council has declared this week (April 5 through April 11) National Window Safety Week. The purpose of of this week is to promote safety as it applies to windows, drawing attention to the many hazards which arise from somthing as normal as household windows. The main issues the council wants to focus on are preventing falls by children out open windows and keeping windows accessible for exits in case of fire. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the No. 1 cause of all non-fatal injuries to children.

In an effort to help the NCS out in drawing attention to these issues, I'd like to provide the following things to consider:

Falling Hazards
*Keep windows closed and locked when children are around to prevent them from falling out a window.

*Use higher windows if you must open one for temperature control or fresh air.

*Do not keep furniture near windows, as children can climb on it and use as access to open windows.

*Keep in mind that insect screens do not prevent children from falling out an open window.

*There is no substitute for adult supervision when children are playing at home.

Fire Safety
*Windows serve as the best secondary escape in a fire. Remember to teach children how to safely open and exit a window in case of a fire.

*Do not nail or paint your windows shut--check periodically to make sure they open properly.

*Do not install window air-conditioning units in windows that might be needed for escape in case of a fire.

Keeping children safe is every parent's top priority. That's why knowing how to make your windows safe is so important!

This announcement provided by the Anderson Law Firm--a personal injury law firm based in Fort Worth, Texas. We handle all types of personal injury claims, including those involving injuries to children. Please contact our office for a free consultation at 817-294-1900.

Police had to shoot and kill two pit-bulls in San Antonio, Texas Tuesday after they mauled an infant to death before attacking their owner. A woman left her 7-month-old grandson, Izaiah Gregory Cox alone for a minute while she went to retrieve him a bottle from her kitchen. When she walked away, the dogs attacked the baby and killed him. When the woman tried to free the baby, the dogs attacked her also.

It always amazes me when people keep dangerous dogs in their homes with young children. It's one thing when a dog injures a child after jumping a fence or getting loose from its leash, but it's another to own and keep threatening dogs--like Rotweillers and Pit Bulls, in your home with kids around. This was just an accident waiting to happen. And now that poor woman has to live with the guilt from her grandson's tragic and untimely death.

If you or someone you know has suffered severe injuries or has died as the result of a dog bite or some other type of personal injury accident, please contact the Anderson Law Firm at 817-294-1900 for a free consultation on your rights.

Wednesday around 4:30 p.m. a 10-year-old boy was impaled by a crowbar after the pickup truck he was riding in was rear-ended in Ennis, Texas. The car accident—which happened at the intersection of Highway 287 and Highway 34, caused an inch-in-diameter crowbar from the bed of the truck to be thrust into the cab. It impaled the boy’s lower back and leg and continued on to pierce his 38-year-old mother’s back, who was seated in front of him in the front passenger seat.

It took fire and rescue crews almost two hours to cut the boy out of the truck; rescuers said he was alert, oriented and talking throughout the process. He was taken to Medical City Children’s Hospital in Dallas and his mother was taken to Parkland Hospital. Miraculously, neither suffered life-threatening injuries.

The woman who hit the Ford Ranger pickup truck, causing the accident will not be charged. The wreck happened yesterday during the severe thunderstorm weather that hit North Texas.

If you or your child has suffered bodily injuries as the result of someone else's negligence, in a car wreck--or any other type of personal injury accident, please contact the Anderson Law Firm for a free consultation on how to recover damages.

Photo courtesy of NBC-Dallas.

If you’ve ever tried to leave Northeast Mall during rush-hour, then you know just how awful the traffic is in Hurst, Texas, right there where the three major North Texas highways interchange. Well it’s official—the interchange where Loop 820, Highway 121 and Airport Freeway (Highway 183) all intersect has been given the title: “Most Congested Area of the Metroplex.”

This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who’s been stuck in traffic in that area—at any time of the day, really—whether driving to or from work, or just taking someone to the airport. The area has been officially rated by a traffic company as the worst bottleneck in North Texas.
I can’t tell you the number of calls we get from those who have been in truck accidents, car wrecks and motorcycle collisions in Hurst and along that whole stretch of Airport Freeway into Euless and Bedford.

Luckily, the $2 billion North Tarrant Express is aimed to alleviate much of the stress on that particular area, however it’s not expected to be completed until 2015. And I don’t even want to think about how much worse traffic will be when the construction begins (it’s projected to take five years). The Texas Department of Transportation is going to have to do something to keep that bottleneck moving or North Texans will have to put up with the ever-growing congestion for six more years until the Express is finally complete.

If you have been involved in a vehicle-related crash on that stretch of road, or any other in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, please call the Anderson Law Firm to learn how you can recover compensation for your injuries.

Many motorcycle riders love it for the inherent risk, and the adrenaline rush of driving fast with nothing between you and the road but the bike between your legs. Unfortunately, because motorcycle riders lack the inherent protection of a ton of steel between themselves and the point of impact in a collision, motorcycle accidents often have tragic endings.

Motorcycle accidents typically result in serious injury
With over 5,000 motorcycle fatalities annually, motorcycle riders are far more likely to experience a serious injury or even death than people involved in an automobile accident.

The instances of motorcycle riders colliding with stationary objects, such as guardrails, trees or walls, is significantly higher than that of automobile accidents, and can cause significantly more damage due to the nature of motorcycle riding. Crushing, throwing or pinning injuries are far more serious than the typical whiplash injuries of a car accident, and motorcycles don’t have a seatbelt to protect you.

The best defense is a good offense
Because motorcycles can be so potentially dangerous, and so many things can cause motorcycle accidents, the best defense is a good offense in a motorcycle accident case. If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident with another vehicle, such as a car or SUV, the vehicle’s insurance company is going to try to find a way to make you responsible for the accident. They may accuse you of driving unsafely or speeding—or whatever excuse they want to make.

In the event that you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, you should consult an experienced personal injury attorney to help you prepare a good offense against the liable party. Don’t give an insurance company the chance to brush you off; you deserve a favorable recovery if you’re injured in a motorcycle accident that was due to the careless actions of another driver.

Free Consultation
Board Certified Injury Lawyer Mark Anderson had represented motorcycle riders for years and is experienced in these types of cases. For a free consultation on your rights, please contact the Anderson Law Firm at 817-294-1900 or Contact Us Online.

LEGISLATURE OPPOSES SPEEDING CAMERAS

About a month ago, the state announced it was changing various Dallas-Fort Worth speed limits on different interstate stretches, effective as soon as new signs were posted. This mostly meant reducing speeds from 65 to 60 miles per hour on roads like Loop 820 and Interstates 30 and 35 in and around the Metroplex. At the same time, state legislators have been discussing a bill which would implement the use of cameras to take pictures of speeders and send them tickets in the mail to enforce local speed limits (much like red-light cameras do for those who run them). Luckily for speeders, Thursday’s legislature opposed the idea presented by the Department of Public Safety and area counties who proposed it.

UPDATE ON MEXICAN TOUR BUS WRECK

The company who owned the Grupo Sendo bus which was demolished Monday after a drunk driver in an 18-wheel tractor trailer crashed into it in Mexico announced it will cover the funeral costs, medical bills and transportation expenses for the 11 victims of the wreck. Seven of the 11 killed were Americans. The Mexican company, based out of Brownsville, Texas has offered to help out—even though it wasn’t at-fault, because the driver of the semi-truck was uninsured.

Uninsured drivers are a huge problem and cases like this prove why. The number of injured and wrongfully killed parties on that tour bus who could make personal injury claims is huge, and there’s no insurance to cover their medical bills and pain and suffering, unless they use their own coverage (assuming they have it).

Please take this tragic situation as a lesson and look into getting yourself uninsured motorist coverage, so that if you’re in an accident with someone who’s uninsured, you’ll have something to fall back on. I think the bus company is extremely generous for helping out.

Please contact the Anderson Law Firm if you have questions about the different types of insurance coverage or if you’ve been injured in a truck/bus accident.

Construction work can be dangerous. Construction work presents many potential causes for injury. Workers are injured in construction accidents every day here in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Construction accidents shouldn’t be a fact of life, but they are. If you have been injured in a construction accident, you might have a personal injury claim on your hands in certain circumstances.

If a construction accident occurs because of negligence, it might warrant a personal injury claim.
Accidents happen. But when accidents happen because someone didn’t do his or her job properly, it can become a personal injury claim. When the negligence of one of your co-workers causes your injury, both that co-worker and your employer may be at fault for your injury. Consider an example where a co-worker fails to assemble a piece of scaffolding correctly. If you’re up on that scaffolding, it falls and you become injured, you might have a personal injury claim against the co-worker who assembled the scaffolding, your employer and even the scaffolding manufacturer.

Construction accident claims can get complicated, so consult a lawyer.
Construction accidents can have their roots in a variety of causes. If you’re using a piece of equipment that fails and injures you, you could have a product liability case contributing to your construction accident. If you’ve got a piece of equipment that someone else failed to operate properly, then that person and his employer could be at fault for your accident.

A personal injury lawyer with experience in construction accidents can help you figure out what caused your accident, and whether it’s a product liability case, a personal liability case or something else entirely. In some cases, a personal injury crosses the boundaries of several types of cases, so an experienced lawyer can help you sort it out and pursue the correct parties to get you a remedy for your injury.

For a free consultation on your rights if you have been injured in a construction accident, please contact the Anderson Law Firm at 817-294-1900 or Contact Us Online.

Area ambulances are trying to fund a new fleet of vehicles to decrease the time the injured have to wait for help. The only problem is, ambulance services like Medstar, are using patients to foot the bill.

Lately, Medstar has made changes to try and get to accident scenes quicker—their goal is to reach 90 percent of patients in less than nine minutes. To do this, they have recently started stationing their ambulances around the mid-cities area near places where personal injury accidents, like car crashes, commonly occur. Medstar services to 15 cities in Tarrant County and wants to add at least five more working ambulances, per day, to the current system.

Right now, Medstar has proposed the cities it serves to foot the bill for new vehicles and if they refuse to pay, the burden will fall onto the citizens. It seems to be putting city council members in tough positions. Some say that they’d be willing to pay for new vans if Medstar can prove its goal of reaching 90 percent of injured people within nine minutes. Those with critical injuries—usually from vehicle accidents, can’t wait much more than that for help.

Helping injured people receive quicker treatment is great, but many are worried about the cost—and for good reason. Currently, for a Medstar ambulance to pick a patient up, it charges about 1,200 dollars. On top of that, the company charges an extra fee for millage. Before a person even gets to a hospital, they’ve already racked up over a thousand-dollar bill. So obviously increasing this amount worries many people.

It will be interesting to see who ends up having to pay for this, and if it ends up being Dallas-Fort Worth Cities, how they’ll prove whether their money is being put to good use or not.
If you or someone you know has suffered bodily injury as the result of another person’s negligence, please call the Anderson Law Firm at 817-294-1900 for a free consultation.

The driver of an 18-Wheel Tractor Trailer faces homicide charges after his semi truck crashed into a Mexican tour bus on Monday, killing 11 and injuring many more. Investigators are still waiting on toxicology results to show the truck driver’s blood alcohol level which many suspect was over the limit. The Grupo Senda bus tour, which was hired out by McAllen, Texas-based Viva Mexico Tours was headed to Zacatecas in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, which was just one stop along the four-day tour of the area.

The semi-driver apparently lost control and swerved to overcompensate before crashing into the driver side of the tour bus. The truck had been traveling in the opposite direction of the bus. One of the bus passengers who escaped death said the first six rows of the tour bus were completely crushed. The driver of the tour bus, Cesar Garcia of Mexico was killed on impact.

Passengers on the bus included Mexicans, Americans and even Canadians. Among them, seven Americans were killed—including two Brownsville, Texas school teachers, as well as three Canadians and the Mexican driver. Sixteen people were injured—many seriously, but all are said to be in stable condition now.

The driver who caused the accident was hurt, but not critically, and now faces potential involuntary homicide charges due to the severity of the wreck and the number of those killed. His name has not been released yet as the accident investigation continues.

If you or someone you know has been injured or wrongfully killed in a truck, bus, car, motorcycle, or other vehicle-related accident, please contact the Anderson Law Firm at 817-294-1900 for a free consultation on your rights.

Yesterday evening, in the 3000 block of Las Vegas Trail, a toddler was injured when a group of teenagers threw rocks at the car she was riding in. The two-year old had a contusion and swelling to her right cheek, but did not suffer any life-threatening injuries. The girl’s mother was driving and noticed a group of teens throwing rocks from the sidewalk as her car approached them. One of the teens then threw a rock which flew through an open window and struck the girl as she drove by. The culprit was a 15-year-old girl who admitted fault and was taken to the Tarrant County Juvenile Detention Facility. This personal injury accident happened around 6 p.m.

The Anderson Law Firm handles all types of injury accidents, and most times, they result from vehicle accidents like car, truck and motorcycle wrecks. Occasionally, we get calls about dog bites and other common accidents. But there are so many ways a person can be injured as the result of someone else’s negligence that it’s too hard to categorize them all. This is the perfect example of a freak accident which cannot be categorized, but it’s also a case I might be able to take after some investigation.

If you or someone you know has been injured as the result of another person’s negligence, please contact the Anderson Law Firm to discuss your rights at 817-294-1900.

I came across a story today on the Internet that I found very interesting. As reported in law.com, a California lawyer has been disbarred for his conduct on a jury panel. The lawyer, Francis Fahy, was one of 12 jurors in a medical malpractice case tried in San Francisco in 2004. Medical malpractice cases generally take a long time to try, and this one was going on for nearly a month, including ten days of deliberations, when Fahy changed his vote to break a deadlock. At the time, there was an 8-4 deadlock in favor of the doctor who had been accused of negligence while performing a laser eye surgery. Apparently during the deliberations, Fahy had felt that the doctor had been negligent, but decided to change his vote because the long trial was hurting his law practice. With his changed vote, the jury was finally able to render a verdict in favor of the doctor and the trial was over.

After the trial, one of the jurors brought the vote change to the attention of the judge, who then inquired as to Attorney Fahy. In response, Fahy said that he had only acted within the court’s instructions and trial evidence. When the matter was turned over to the California State Bar, an investigation came to the “inescapable” conclusion that Fahy had violated his duties as a juror. As such, they disbarred him, which means he is no longer eligible to practice law in California. He cannot resume practice in law until he undergoes a formal reinstatement proceeding that proves by clear and convincing evidence that he has been rehabilitated, that he has the appropriate moral fitness and he has retained the ability to practice law.

As a trial lawyer, you always wonder how jurors come to their conclusions. Sometimes I have been very puzzled by a jury’s decision. You always wonder what goes on behind closed doors. Sometimes certain jurors will tell you things after the trial that make you very uneasy. Reading this story, it makes me wonder how many people reach a decision just to hurry the trial process along. I hope this is an isolated incident and it doesn’t happen very much. But you have to wonder.

This information provided by Fort Worth personal injury attorney Mark A. Anderson. Contact information: 817 294 1900 or contact Mark A. Anderson Online. Cases handled include car accidents, construction accidents and defective product claims, and other personal injury actions.

Tractor-trailer accidents are some of the most serious accidents waiting to happen on the roadways. Semi-truck-related deaths are estimated at over 5,000 per year, and 98% of fatalities in tractor-trailer accidents are the drivers of the other vehicles; not the drivers of the 18 wheelers. Defensive driving is vital to keep you out of harm’s way and out of the way of the tractor-trailers with whom you share the road.

Look out for blind spots when driving near tractor-trailers.
18 wheelers have two big blind spots; along the side of the trailer, and very close to the rear of the trailer. If you’re passing an 18 wheeler, you’ll spend much of the trip in its blind spot, which can result in the semi-truck trying to merge and potentially pushing you off the road. If you drive too close to the rear of a semi-truck, it may stop suddenly and you could find yourself under the truck, in a potentially serious or fatal accident. Avoid blind spots when driving near tractor-trailers for your own protection.

Don’t drive right in front of a semi-truck.
Tractor-trailers take a long time to stop. National highway associations estimate that it takes tractor-trailers over 300 feet to go from 55MPH to a complete stop. Because semi-trucks are so large, bulky and difficult to maneuver, it’s vital to stay far ahead and give them plenty of room to stop. If you’re too close to the front of a semi-truck, let it pass you or speed up and pass other traffic to get you out of harm’s way.

Don’t be afraid to drive off the road to drive out of the way of a tractor-trailer accident.
Brakes fail. Semi-trucks jackknife. If you’re driving near a tractor-trailer, always keep one eye on it to make sure it’s driving normally. If an 18 wheeler begins driving erratically, do whatever you have to do to get out of the way. Drive onto the shoulder or off the road entirely to get out of the way of a semi-truck accident. Driving off the road may damage your car, but it’ll be less damage than if you’re involved in a tractor-trailer accident.

Information provided by Fort Worth, Texas based personal injury lawyer Mark A. Anderson.

Free Consultations. Please call at 817-294-1900 or Contact Mark A. Anderson Online.

People panic when they’re in an automobile accident. All the rules you’ve ever heard for what to do in an accident fly right out the window when an accident occurs. To make sure you’re prepared if you’re ever in an accident, make a list of procedures (or print this one out!) and keep it in your glove compartment with your registration so you’re sure to follow the right steps.

Call the police if you’re in an accident.
Call the police – no ifs, ands or buts. Let the police determine whether the accident warrants a written report, and let the police collect insurance information from the other driver. If you’re unable to retain the other driver at the scene of the accident, make sure you get a thorough description of the vehicle, including the license plate number, color make and model of the car. Also get witnesses’ information if they need to leave before the police arrive.

Seek medical treatment sooner rather than later.
Sometimes it’s readily apparent when you’re in an accident that you need medical assistance. Other times, it doesn’t seem obvious until the next day, or even a week later, that something isn’t right because of the accident. Seek medical treatment sooner rather than later. If nothing else, go to the ER and follow up with your doctor a week or two later. If you don’t seek medical treatment right away but develop complications later, it’s more difficult to tie your injuries to the accident if you didn’t seek medical assistance quickly.

Get photos of the scene, if possible.
The best thing you can do for yourself if you’re in an accident is to get photos of the accident scene, if possible. Get photos of your car, the other car and the surrounding area. Take photos from multiple perspectives to capture all the relevant details from the accident. If you can’t get photos at the time of the accident, return as quickly as possible to the scene to get photos of the area.

Consult a personal injury attorney.
Insurance companies can be quite a hassle if you’re involved in an auto accident. If you don’t want the hassle of dealing with the insurance companies, contact a Board certified personal injury lawyer if you’re involved in an accident. Let the lawyer be your advocate and deal with the insurance companies directly.

Information provided by Mark A. Anderson, Fort Worth, Texas
Contact: 817-294-1900 or Contact Mark A. Anderson Online

It seems that I am always reporting about bad news. But today, I have incredibly good news to report about a decision issued by the U.S. Supreme Court. Back in September, I wrote about the Levine vs. Wyeth lawsuit. In that case, a Vermont lady had sued Wyeth and won a $6.7 million jury award based upon her losing her arm because of a botched injection of an anti-nausea medication. The manufacturer of the drug, Wyeth, appealed the jury’s award all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court and relied on a federal governmental ruling which essentially barred any lawsuit against a pharmaceutical company as long as the drug was approved by the Food & Drug Administration. This was just one of the many anti-consumer rulings set forth during the Bush administration.

The U.S. Supreme Court in a 6-3 ruling rejected Wyeth’s interpretation of the Bush administration’s ruling and said that the federal law did not prevent Ms. Levine from suing Wyeth. This is great news for Ms. Levine who has to live with one arm for the rest of her life due to the defective drug manufactured by Wyeth. I am very happy for her. I am also happy for all of America as the threat of litigation keeps these pharmaceutical companies somewhat honest. When they do not have the fear of lawsuits, they are truly able to disregard patient safety and focus only on profit.

See a full copy of the opinion here.

Information provided by Fort Worth Injury Lawyer, Mark Anderson.

Contact number: 817-294-1900

Location: Bowie County, Texarkana

Type: Motorcycle/Car Accident

Outcome: Two Hospitalized

Two people are injured after a motorcycle accident in the Bowie County area of Texarkana, Texas. A 25-year-old man on a motorcycle was hit by a 52-year-old woman who turned in front of him. The motorcycle rider struck her car and flew up over it. He was taken to the hospital with critical injuries. The driver of the car was treated and released with minor injuries however, charges are now being pressed.

These types of accidents occur all too often when drivers don’t see or anticipate the speed of motorcyclists. If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle crash, please contact the Anderson Law Firm to learn your rights at 817-294-1900.

2-year-old Abdallah Khader remains on life support at Cook Children’s hospital in Fort Worth after his car was hit by an alleged drunk driver. Stewart Richardson is in jail on $100,000 bond. He has been charged with intoxication with serious bodily injury and DWI felony repetition. Richardson has outstanding drunk-driving charges in Iowa, Colorado and Utah.

The car crash happened in Arlington. Richardson rear-ended the Khadar family after he’d been drinking at two bars—Applebee’s and Mr. B’s, both in Mansfield. His blood alcohol level was more than three times the legal limit at the time of the wreck at .25. Witnesses say he showed no remorse and when he heard of Abdallah’s condition, he said, “that sucks.”

Since Abdallah is Muslim, religious beliefs are preventing his family from taking him off life support even though 80 percent of his brain is damaged. If he lives, he will have severe brain injuries and if he dies, it will be unfacilitated. The family has filed a civil action suit as well and investigators are looking into the two bars which served Richardson the night of the wreck.

If you’ve been injured in an accident as the result of someone else’s negligence, please contact the Anderson Law Firm for a free consultation on your rights at 817-294-1900.

A man killed in a motorcycle accident Sunday night on Airport Freeway in Haltom City, Texas remains unidentified. The driver of the bike had been wearing a helmet when his motorcycle ran into the back of a pickup truck in the 6100 block of Highway 183. He had been riding with at least two other bikers around 7:45 p.m. when the wreck happened. The man died at the scene after his Suzuki GSXR 600 speed bike struck the back of a 1995 Ford F-150. The impact threw the man from his bike and police are saying speed was a factor contributing to the accident.

Sport bike racing and riding has become a popular sport in DFW in recent months, but a handful of young men have died as the result of dangerous riding. If you or someone you know was injured as the result of someone else’s negligence while riding a motorcycle, sport bike, or any other type of vehicle, please contact the Anderson Law Firm at 817-294-1900 to learn your rights.

Personal injury law covers many different practice areas. Basically, a personal injury claim may arise when you are injured as a result of someone else’s negligence. This can take the form of an auto accident, a construction accident, a product liability case or any number of other potential injuries. If you’ve been injured, you may want to seek the assistance of a personal injury attorney to help pursue your personal injury claim.

Personal injuries could be avoided.
One key characteristic that all personal injury claims share is that they could have been avoided. If the liable party had behaved in a responsible manner, most personal injury cases would never happen. Common examples of personal injuries that could be avoided include: auto accidents caused by negligence, an accident at work caused by unsafe work conditions, or a defective product that the manufacturer should have foreseen as a potential issue. In each of these cases, if the liable party had behaved differently, the personal injury would never have occurred.

What should you do if you’re injured?
If you’re involved in an accident, you should consult a personal injury attorney to determine if you’ve got a personal injury claim on your hands. In some cases, injuries are unfortunate but not caused by negligence; accidents do occur. In many cases, however, those accidents could have been prevented with a certain exercise of due care, and a personal injury attorney can help you follow up on your claim and get compensation for your injury.

Should you need a free consultation on your legal rights, feel free to contact Board Certified Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson at 817-294-1900 or contact him online.

Date: February 15, 2009

Location: North Park Boulevard in Grapevine

Type: Rollover Wreck

A 21-year-old man was killed after the car he was riding in flipped several times before hitting a 5-foot-10 Grapevine, Texas church sign Sunday night. Michael Bentley was taken to JPS Hospital where he was pronounced dead after the car accident.

Now, the driver of the Ford Focus—a 20-year-old man whose name hasn’t been released yet, has been arrested on suspicion of intoxication manslaughter. He and another passenger, a 19-year-old female, were treated for minor injuries and released. The accident happened at 9 p.m. Sunday night near First Presbyterian Church of Grapevine. Charges have yet to be filed.

Date: February 15, 2009
Location: LBJ Freeway
Type: Car Accident
Outcome: One Dead

A man was killed overnight when his car rolled off of an embankment in Coppell, Texas on LBJ Freeway. His car rolled 40 feet and landed upside down in a creek between Royal Lane and Freeport Parkway. His body was recovered by divers but he has yet to be identified. An accident investigation will hopefully reveal what caused the wreck.

Duncanville, Texas residents are outraged by the red light cameras in their city which capture traffic at four intersections on eight different cameras. People in the town are being ticketed for turning right on red, including council member Paul Ford, who doesn’t think he did anything illegal. Apparently, cameras flash if drivers approach and cross the “white line”—even after making complete stops, to see if it’s clear to make a right turn.

Duncanville isn’t the only North Texas city to install red light cameras. Fort Worth now has over 20 cameras and the city of Garland was the first to implement cameras almost six years ago. They too, have recently started giving citations for turning right on red.

But Duncanville’s implementation of excessive ticketing for right-hand red light turns is raising a few eyebrows. Last year, Duncanville issued 44,000 tickets, while the much larger Fort Worth issued less at 42,000.

Duncanville lawmakers say it makes larger intersections safer and prevents car accidents. Concerned citizens think it’s more like a money trap.

We don’t handle traffic tickets, but if you’ve been injured as the result of someone else’s negligence in a car crash or other vehicle-related crash, please contact Fort Worth Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson for a free consultation.

Over the weekend a tragic one-car accident in Bowie, Texas killed young Allison Hammer on her sixth birthday. The wreck occurred when the van she was riding in veered off the road, and rolled after the driver tried to over-correct. The van was driven by her aunt and unfortunately, Allison was not wearing a seatbelt.

Texas law requires the use of child safety seats if the child is less than five years old and less than 36 inches in height. But those are the minimum standards, and it is recommended that all children be in child safety or boosters seats, or at the very least, have seat belts on. Since it was Allison’s sixth birthday, no law was broken by her not being in a car seat. But it is illegal to not wear a seat belt. Seatbelts do save lives.

According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, the leading cause of death or injuries to children is auto accidents. Approximately seven children are killed and 700 are injured every day in the United States in car crashes.

Information provided by Texas Accident Attorney Mark A. Anderson.

An Arlington, Texas man is in the Grand Prairie jail today awaiting potential intoxication manslaughter charges after he killed a 17-year-old Arlington student in a car wreck Friday. 20-year-old Adrian Quezada Jr.’s bail has been set at $30,000 after he was arrested Monday on suspicion of intoxication assault just after he was released from the hospital.

Investigators are awaiting the results of a blood-alcohol test—they suspect alcohol was a factor in the crash, as well as speeding.

The wreck happened Friday in Arlington when Quezada’s GMC pickup truck hit 17-year-old Robert Joslin’s 1977 Chevy Malibu as he sat at a red light. The impact caused Joslin’s car to then crash into an SUV which was also stopped at the light. Joslin and his passenger were taken to Dallas Hospitals; he was taken off life support yesterday. His passenger was treated and released along with two injured people in the SUV.

Joslin was the starting center fielder for Sam Houston High School’s football team.

Ironically, just last week, a plan was announced to try and reduce the number of severe car accidents in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. In just over one month of the New Year, there have already been six accidents in Arlington involving fatalities and two in Grand Prairie.

Information provided by Arlington DWI Car Accident Lawyer Mark A. Anderson. Photo courtesy of star-telegram.com.

Date: February 3, 2009
Location: Airport Freeway and Industrial Road
Type: Truck accident
Outcome: Wrongful Death

A woman is dead after an 18-wheeler big rig rolled onto her car, crushing her. The accident happened late this morning at 11 and police are still investigating the woman’s identity. Her body wasn’t recovered from the wreckage until two hours later. She had been driving on Industrial Boulevard in Euless, Texas (also known as Farm Road 157) when the rig driver—carrying a large load of sand, attempted to turn southbound onto Industrial from the Airport Freeway (Hwy 183) service road. He turned right into her Chevrolet.

Date: February 1, 2009
Location: Cass County, Nebraska
Type: car accident
Outcome: one dead, two critically injured

A Weatherford, Texas woman is in critical condition after a wreck early Sunday morning. 44-year-old Karen M. Frank was ejected from a vehicle in Cass County, Nebraska over the weekend. The driver, from Plattsmouth, Nebraska lost control of the vehicle, rolling it several times. All three occupants, including Frank, were ejected. The driver was killed. Frank was taken by helicopter to the Creighton Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska with critical injuries. None of the three occupants were wearing seatbelts at the time of the wreck and an accident investigation is being conducted to determine whether or not alcohol was a factor.

Date: January 30, 2009
Location: I35E and Saner Ave.
Type: truck and car accident

A man was critically injured Friday after a rock-hauling 18-wheeler crushed his Toyota Corolla on Interstate-35E at Saner Avenue in Dallas, Texas. Somehow, the large truck wound up with its rear wheels on top of his small car and several firefighters had to extricate the man before he was quickly transported to Methodist Hospital in Dallas in critical condition. The man’s passenger, a woman, was able to escape the vehicle and was not injured. The wreck, which happened right around 2 p.m., shut down the interstate until 4:40 p.m. when everything was finally cleared. An accident investigation is being conducted to determine how the wreck occurred. The driver of the rock-hauler was not injured.

Information provided by Texas Board Certified Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson. Photo courtesy of NBC5.com.

Last Wednesday, 16-year-old Chelsea Lunt was texting on her way to Decatur High School just before losing control of her pickup truck. The truck flipped five times after she tried to overcorrect it before landing in the ditch on U.S. 81/287, just short of the FM 730 exit. Lunt was killed instantly in the car accident. Although she was wearing a seat belt, her body was partially ejected and she suffered major head injuries.

Lunt was on her way to track practice and had been texting a boy during the drive. 11 messages had been sent to the boy on her drive to school—the last was at 6:51 a.m.—the time of the accident, which was called in two minutes later.

Witness statements revealed that the sophomore had been swerving in her lane, an indication that she might have been distracted by something. An accident investigation, which will continue for weeks as police await test results, revealed that texting was the absolute cause of the tragic wreck.

According to an article published a year ago in U.S. News and World Report, approximately 20 percent of people on the roads were texting while driving. I’m sure that number has increased in the last year. Already, texting and driving has been banned in New Jersey and Washington, and 16 other states were considering legislation that would ban the distracting activity. Most of these states are in the Midwest and on the East Coast, but unfortunately, Texas is not among them.

The good news is Texas does recognize texting—and using a cell phone in general, while driving as dangerous. Already, several cities in North Texas ban the use of cell phones, including texting, in school zones. Hopefully, our state will jump on board soon as far as extending the ban to major roads and highways.

Funeral services for Lunt—a star athlete in volleyball and track, were Saturday in Decatur, Texas.

Information provided by Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson.

Southlake, Texas is the latest city in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas area to ban car cell phone use in school zones. The city is just one of many to jump on the bandwagon in the last few months making it illegal to talk or text near schools. The ban will take effect just as soon as signs can be posted. If caught, violators face a $200 fine. The new law, like the ones in nearby Texas cities—Dallas, Denton, Hurst, Flower Mound, University Park, Watauga, Irving, Duncanville and Rowlett, not only bans people from talking on their hand-held devices, but also from sending and receiving text-messages. Drivers are allowed to talk on hands-free devises, however.

I think these bans are great ideas. It is really a minimal intrusion on the rights of people to stop talking on cell phones for a moment. This law can really save lives and prevent injuries to children. The Texas Legislature is currently I session. I’ve heard that a state-wide ban on talking or texting in school zones is up for consideration. I say let’s do it! Protecting our kids has to be a higher priority than that one phone call or text.

For more information on bans, car safety, accident prevention and cell phone statistics while driving, visit the National Highway Safety Web site.

Information provided by Fort Worth Accident Attorney Mark A. Anderson.

Just after 9 p.m. last night, two motorcyclists on separate bikes were killed in the westbound lanes of Highway 183 just past Loop 12 in Irving, Texas. Apparently road debris caused portions of the busy road to be temporarily closed, resulting in back-ups and heavy traffic. Witnesses said they saw the two cyclists weaving in and out of traffic to avoid the congestion just before the motorcycle crash. The accident facts are still unclear, but the cause of the wreck happened when both bikes collided into the back of a minivan.

The wreck, which happened near Texas Stadium, closed down Highway 183 for hours Sunday night as an accident investigation was conducted. Traffic was diverted off of the westbound lanes onto Loop 12 and a service road.

News reports have not revealed what type of bikes the 21-year-old woman and 42-year-old man were riding at the time of the wreck. Last year, sport bike riding at high speeds was the cause of several Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas deaths. An investigation will further reveal the facts of this tragic accident.

For the full story, watch WFAA Channel 8’s live coverage.

Contact Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Attorney Mark A. Anderson at 817-294-1900.

Just after 3 p.m. yesterday, U.S. Airways flight 1549 taking off from La Guardia Airport in New York and heading to Charlotte, North Carolina was forced to make a crash landing into the Hudson River. Miraculously, all 150 passengers and five crew members survived and only suffered minor injuries. Shortly after take-off, the plane ran into some birds which got stuck in the engines, causing two of them to fail. The SAS Airbus A320 was brought down so carefully and at such an angle, that pilot, Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger kept the plane from submerging. Nearby ferries in the river were then able to arrive quickly and rescue the passengers from the wings of the plane. The temperature outside was 19 degrees Fahrenheit and the water was 40 degrees. Thanks to a quick rescue, few passengers suffered minor hypothermia and most just walked away with bruises.

Photo courtesy of ABC News

The pilot is now being hailed as the Hudson River Hero because of the incredible way in which he averted crisis and stayed calm while keeping everyone safe. Sullenberger has had many years experience and training in air crisis management and was able to put his skills to good use. Many are saying the plane was extremely lucky to have the pilot it did in that particular situation as he was highly trained and prepared for an accident such as this.

While some might see this as an opportunity to make a claim against U.S. Airways for recovering damages and pain and suffering, it is my opinion that those on board should be grateful to be alive. It appears that the circumstances which caused the engines to fail were completely out of the airline’s control.

In the past, I have written about freak accidents like the military jet that crashed into the San Diego home or the helicopter that fell into a Wisconsin home as the family slept, and in cases like those where people were killed or could have been killed innocently in their homes, a wrongful death claim might be more appropriate. The people on the airbus yesterday are undoubtedly thankful to walk away unharmed and with a heck of a story to tell.

If you have been personally injured as the result of someone else’s negligence, I’d be happy to talk to you about your rights. Contact Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson at 817-294-1900.

In a massive recall which will surely send concerned parents scrambling to see what kind of crib they own, the Canadian company Stork Craft has recalled over a half a million cribs due to defective metal brackets. These brackets are now known to sometimes break, causing the mattress to collapse and possibly cause an injury to a child who might become entrapped and suffocate.

The recall was announced yesterday by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission. It involves all Stork Craft Baby Cribs with manufacturing and distribution dates between May 2000 and November 2008. The cribs were sold by major retailers including J.C. Penny, Wal-Mart and K-Mart and online at Babiesrus.com, Costco.com, Sears.com and Walmart.com.

The CPSC urges parents to immediately stop using the cribs in the recall. You can contact the company for a replacement kit. Their site is www.storkcraft.com, but I tried and could not log on to the site, presumably due to heavy traffic. Their toll free number is 866-361-3321.

Click here for a copy of the Recall Notice

Information provided by Fort Worth Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson

A 44-year-old woman was killed early this morning on Highway 175 and Malloy Bridge Road in Seagoville, Texas when her car flipped and ejected her. She died at the scene. Fortunately, the passengers in the car accident—the woman’s daughter and two grandchildren, ages 6 and 2, were taken to the hospital with minor injuries and are expected to be released later today.

A Dallas County Sheriff’s spokeswoman said that water from nearby sprinklers may have been the cause for the slick road, which in turn caused the rollover, resulting in death.

So that raises the question of whether or not it is negligent to allow your sprinklers to hit the road when it’s below freezing. In my opinion, I don’t think you should be running your sprinklers in the winter when temperatures might drop below 32 degrees. But what’s potentially negligent is allowing water to fall onto the road. It is my understanding that most cities have ordinances which prevent excess water on the streets. If that’s true, then there is definitely a possibility that someone was negligent in breaking a city ordinance which, not only resulted in an injury to a child, but also in the wrongful death of an innocent person.

If you have questions regarding an injury claim, feel free to contact Fort Worth Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson online, or by calling 817-294-1900.

Yesterday during the morning rush hour, local news stations were reporting over 200 car accidents which were all causing problems around the DFW Metroplex at the same time. Luckily for me, I don’t have to take an interstate or major highway to get to work, but hundreds of thousands of people were affected by the weather-related wrecks.

Most Texans, including myself, don’t really know how to drive when the roads get icy or snow packs the ground. But with the always unpredictable and ever-changing climate, it seems to me all of us should jump on the bandwagon and learn how to safely maneuver slick roads and poor weather conditions while driving.

On the Fort Worth National Weather Service Forecast Web site, every major snow or ice storm has been documented, amazingly since as far back as 1879. Not only is the site helpful for forecasting inclement weather and offering predictions for the upcoming winter’s climate, but it also gives information on bad weather awareness and how to prepare for when it strikes North Texas.

While searching through the site, I couldn’t help but notice a pattern amongst all the major storms. It seems that every year as far back as anyone can remember, North Texas has experienced a snowfall or poor weather event about twice a winter season. Each winter we have experienced a storm once between late November and December and then another one in either January or February. The record shows at least two storms a year for the last 50 years, so why aren’t we prepared when bad weather hits?

I’m not saying we all need to go out and buy chains to put on our tires, but we could learn not to follow too closely and to pump our brakes instead of slam on them if we need to stop on ice. And maybe stay off the roads completely unless it's absolutely necessary to go somewhere (as all meteorologists tell us).

If you are injured as the result of someone else’s negligence (ice or not), then please call Fort Worth Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson at 817-294-1900 for a free consultation.

Yesterday, Senator Grassley issues a letter to Wyeth, the large pharmaceutical company, requesting information on its role in ghostwriting articles later published in medical journals supporting the safety of one of its drugs. One of the articles in issue was published in The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and supported the safety of the best selling drug Prempro. Through litigation, Plaintiffs’ lawyers had discovered the trail of the long suspected ghostwriting theory. What they had found were documents which showed that Wyeth came up with the ideas for the medical articles, drafted outlines (even came up with the titles), recruited authors, picked the eventual publications to use---all without ever disclosing to the public that they had a role in the articles.

Sure does make you wonder about the accuracy of the articles. Clearly the drug companies want favorable articles published so they can sell their drugs. The worst part is the articles are relied on by the prescribing doctors in making their decisions.

I wrote a few months ago about the “seeding” or marketing studies done by Merck with regards to Vioxx. Yesterday’s news is just another example of what can happen when companies put profits first above safety. Stay tuned as for the result of this Congressional inquiry.

If you have a question regarding a dangerous prescription drug, please call Fort Worth, Texas Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson. His firm is currently accepting cases regarding Heparin, Avandia and Chantix and reviewing the safety of other prescription drugs. Please call the Firm at 817-294-1900 or Contact Mark A. Anderson Online.

This morning in Carrollton, Texas, an elementary school crossing guard was hit by a passing car. The car accident happened around 8 a.m. at L.F. Blanton Elementary School on Scott Mill Road. Since it happened just three hours ago, no more information has been released on the people involved or their injuries.

I recently just settled a pedestrian injury case exactly like this. My client in that case was working as a crossing guard at a local Fort Worth, Texas elementary school. It was a cold morning and there was a small layer of ice on the windshields of the cars. Unfortunately, one idiot didn’t take time to scrape the ice off his windshield and chose to drive with an obscured view. He didn’t see my client and ran him over. We were able to obtain the full insurance policy limits for my client on that case.

Injuries happen every day in Fort Worth and many people don’t immediately think to make personal injury claims on pedestrian accidents or other types of accidents that are not car wrecks, truck accidents or accidents that are work-related like oil field injuries, for example. Sometimes in automobile wrecks or truck accidents, a “he said, she said” debate arises over who was at fault—especially if there is no police report to show who was at fault. But the truth is, accidents like a crossing guard struck by a car make the most compelling cases. A man or woman helping children cross the street at a school is just doing his or her job in a school zone where the speed limit is only 20 miles per hour. There is no disputed liability if they are hit by a car. The driver of the car is clearly at fault.

If you or someone you know has suffered personal bodily injuries as the result of someone else’s negligence, even in the strangest of ways—car accident, pedestrian accident, ATV accident or other type of accident which may not even be classified, please call me to discuss your rights at 817-294-1900 or feel free to Contact Mark Anderson Online.

Remember when I wrote about the helicopter that crashed into the roof of a residential home in Wisconsin while a family slept inside? Well a similar thing happened yesterday in San Diego, California and unfortunately, some residents were just as unlucky.

Several people were injured and three people were killed when a military jet crashed into a home in a residential area of San Diego and at least two homes burnt to the ground. Twenty more homes were evacuated Monday due to the dangerous fumes the explosion emitted. The aircraft was a F/A-18D Hornet fighter jet and it crashed into the University City neighborhood which sits just about two miles from the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

Early accident investigations have not revealed the cause of the crash but apparently, jets like this one have been recently grounded by the military for repair. The pilot ejected safely before the crash and did not appear to be injured. He was found hanging by his parachute in a tree nearby.

The three people who were killed included a baby, its mother and a grandmother—all of which were in the house the jet crashed into.

Yesterday, when I wrote about a girl killed in a Beaumont, Texas parade over the weekend, I mentioned that the viability of a wrongful death claim in that case will depend on the accident investigation. In this case, however, the people in the home who were innocently killed by the jet crash were most definitely wronged. By no fault of their own, an accident took their lives. Their families will most likely make wrongful death claims against the military or the jet manufacturer for the deaths of their loved ones.

If a loved one has been killed wrongfully or personally injured as the result of someone else’s negligence, please call me to discuss your rights at 817-294-1900 or Contact Me Online.

Just days after a Cub Scout troop was hit by a reckless driver in an Overton, Texas parade, another freak parade accident over the weekend left a 10-year-old girl dead. The girl was riding in the back of a pickup truck and had been hopping on and off the slow-moving vehicle during the parade. At one point, she was scolded and told not to hop around for safety reasons. Then, in front of the Beaumont, Texas crowd of a couple hundred people, the girl jumped off the truck and hit her head just before a trailer full of children ran her over. The girl was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Ironically, the annual parade was put on to bring the community together in a positive way after the devastation caused by Hurricane Ike in September.

As I view each wrongful death and tragic incident I read about through the eyes of an injury lawyer, I always wonder if a claim will be pursued. While I don’t know many of the facts of this case except what I have written above, I do not know whether an accident investigation will reveal that anyone, other than the young girl, was responsible for her tragic death. That is what investigations are for. I would look at the reasonableness of the actions of the event organizers and whether the adults on the truck in which the girl was riding took reasonable precautions to prevent her from jumping out. I would also look at the distance between the truck and the trailer vehicle that ran over her to make sure that a safe distance was between the two vehicles. And like I have said before, investigations are key and sometimes unveil surprising results in personal injury cases.

At the Anderson Law Firm, we investigate all of our clients’ claims to make sure that all possible evidence is found and used to support each claim. If you have questions regarding a personal injury claim or would like to set up a free consultation with Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson, please call 817-294-1900.

A tragic and bizarre pedestrian-truck accident has spiked my interest. An 82-year-old Troup, Texas man was released on bail from the Rusk County Jail yesterday after he drove his pickup around a barricade and crashed into a Cub Scout troop at a Christmas parade in downtown Overton, Texas Monday night. It’s hard to tell whether the man intended to hit the troop or if the Cub Scouts were just collateral damage. Either way, ten children and two women suffered injuries. The injured scouts were 7 to 11 years old and all but two were treated and released.

Unfortunately, two of the kids were not so lucky. One was taken to the Children’s Medical Center in Dallas and is in good condition while another child—a 7-year-old boy from New London, Texas, is in serious condition and being treated at Mother Frances Hospital.

The 82-year-old, Charles George, lost his license and has been charged with reckless driving. Overton, Texas is located about two hours southeast of Dallas.

As a parent, I would be outraged if this happened to my child. Maybe some sort of injury to a child charge would be more appropriate. The man should have never driven around a barricade. I sure hope this man had sufficient insurance to cover all the medical bills being incurred by these unfortunate families.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact me at 817-294-1900 or Contact Me Online to discuss your rights.

A teenage boy whose name and age are still unknown is at John Peter Smith Hospital (JPS) this morning after he was hit by a truck last night in east Fort Worth, Texas. Witnesses say the boy appeared to be frightened by some dogs being walked on the same sidewalk he was on and jumped in to the street to avoid them. That’s when a passing truck struck the boy and stopped to help him.

The teen had no form of identification on him but was rushed to JPS with critical injuries. As of this morning, the only clue in his identification is that he may attend Eastern Hills High School. An update on his condition cannot be made without knowing his name.

The accident occurred on Meadowbrook Drive just after sunset.

If you or a loved one has suffered personal injuries from a pedestrian, truck, car or other vehicle-related accident, contact Attorney Mark A. Anderson at 817-294-1900 to learn your rights.

New information has been released regarding the investigation of a Euless, Texas woman who injured eight teenagers in a car accident back on October 25th. I wrote about this accident when it happened—the lady was the mother of twin daughters who were out at the movies with six of their friends. At 10 p.m., the woman was called to go pick the teens up in her 2002 Trailblazer. On the way home she hit a curb and flipped the vehicle several times. All of the kids were taken to hospitals in nearby Irving and Grapevine and luckily none of them suffered life-threatening injuries. On a subsequent blog, I wrote that evidence was released revealing that the woman’s blood-alcohol level was .13, which is .05 over the legal limit.

After having been arrested Nov. 6, the woman has since posted $20,000 bail but is being indicted on charges of driving while intoxicated (DWI) with a child, endangering a child and injury to a child. DWI with a child carries a larger penalty than a normal DWI.

A new article out today gives more detail on what happened, including witness accounts. Apparently, the woman told the kids she only had three beers and when the accident occurred, she said she swerved so as not to hit a dog. However, witnesses told police it was a parked car she swerved to miss just before hitting the curb and flipping. Also, a trailblazer has at most, 5 to 8 seats. The woman, plus the eight kids makes nine people riding in that car and none of the kids in the back seat were wearing seatbelts when the car flipped several times.

Apparently, during the drive home, the woman drove up to 95 miles per hour on an interstate.

Reports also allege that the woman asked her daughter to lie to police as well as the passengers and their parents about her drinking and driving. The sad thing about it is that the group of teens had gone to the movies to celebrate the twin daughters’ 15th birthday.

From a legal perspective, this case presents many issues. Clearly, the mother was negligent in driving while intoxicated. Did she have liability insurance? If so, does she have enough insurance to cover all of the teenagers’ personal injuries? In an injury case, the parents of the teenagers can recover for the medical bills and pain and suffering of their children. If the total amount of all those claims exceeds the limits of the mother’s policy, then each person must take a reduced settlement. The parents could then look to their own insurance policies, and if they had underinsured motorists coverage, that could help recover compensation for their children’s injuries.

When an accident occurs, there are many different ways to make a claim. If you were injured in an accident and would like to find out more about your rights, please call me at 817-294-1900 or feel free to Contact Me Online.

Photo courtesy of www.star-telegram.com

Just two months after a fatal car accident, changes have been made and upgrades implemented at a dangerous intersection. River Park Drive off Bryant Irving in Fort Worth, Texas curves just before the entrance to a gated subdivision at River Park Circle. A wall and trees along the street previously made the road difficult to see—especially at night. But now, the far eastbound lane, closest to the wall and trees, has been closed and new signs warn of the poor visibility.

A Fort Worth man, Rick Kubes, owner of Kubes Jewlers, began petitioning for safety upgrades at the neighborhood entrance in August. Ironically and tragically, a month later, his son Jeff, sustained fatal injuries at that exact intersection.

Luckily, Mr. Kube’s efforts continued and now the area is much safer for its residents. This just goes to show that persistence pays off. We should all be thankful for people like Mr. Kube who are helping to improve our city living standards.

If you or a loved one has suffered personal injuries and you have questions regarding your legal rights, please contact me at 817-294-1900 or feel free to Contact Me Online.

This past summer and into the fall there has been what seems like a story a week in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram about a tragic motorcycle accident in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex? Well, the Arlington Police Department and other DFW-area law enforcement agencies teamed up this week to teach these riders the “SMART” way to ride. I think this is a great idea.

SMART is one of the courses developed from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) which was founded in 1974 to educate riders about safe driving and proper licensing. S.M.A.R.T. is an acronym for: Smart Motorcyclists Attend Rider Training. The course was developed for riders specifically in Topeka, Kansas, however its message is the same one DFW law enforcement is trying to relay here.

Apparently, since 2006, the number of motorcycle-related fatalities in Arlington has tripled. And as early as two months ago, a study was done on the sport bike trend and how racing such bikes is compromising the safety of riders and fellow motorists. That study came just one month after the Irving accident that killed two young men when they lost control of their bikes and were flung off a ramp on the George Bush Turnpike.

It’s time something be done and I’m glad our area is taking steps to educate inexperienced riders on sport bike and motorcycle safety. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot more programs and classes like the one they put on in Arlington this week.

Of course, motorcycle accidents are not always the fault of the riders, but instead, accidents are caused by other car and truck drivers. Another good thing about these motorcycle safety courses is that they teach riders how to be defensive and watch out for mistakes made by other motorists.

If you have suffered bodily injuries as a result of a motorcycle-related accident, please call injury attorney Mark A. Anderson for a free consultation at 817-294-1900 or Contact Me Online.

A few weeks ago I wrote about a Euless, Texas woman who injured eight kids (including one of her own) when she drove them home from the movies while she was drunk. Here's an update on what’s developed.

Last night, the 37-year-old was arrested and her bail has been set at $75,000. She’s being charged with endangering a child and the obvious DWI. The blood alcohol test showed she had been driving her Trailblazer at .05 over the legal limit of .08 when the car hit a curb and flipped. The car accident sent all eight teens and herself to the hospital. Luckily, no one was killed.

Dog bites are relatively rare personal injury cases. However, when they happen, the damages are usually pretty bad. Not long ago, I wrote about the law regarding dog bite cases, and yesterday, the two came together, literally, when a judicial candidate who was out campaigning was attacked by a pit bull.

Former Dallas Democratic Party head, Ken Molberg, was walking door-to-door Monday on a sidewalk when a pit bull came running up and attacked his leg. The dog bit him near his groin on his upper leg and Molberg sustained 11 puncture wounds, causing him to have 17 stitches.

The dog hadn’t had his rabies shots either. Part of the law surrounding dog bites requires owners of dogs designated as “dangerous” to stay current on vaccinations, including the rabies vaccination. That dog chose the wrong person to attack.

Molberg didn’t give up, though. He will continue campaigning through today by phone and email. He is running for Judge of the 95th Civil District Court. Click here for a link to his Web site, which has a nice video clip explaining his philosophy and credentials.

For information on injury cases or dog bite claims, feel free to call me at 817-294-1900, or Contact Me Online.

**Photo courtesy of kenmolberg.com

A 70-year-old man was tragically killed yesterday near the Stockyards in North Fort Worth. What started out as a pedestrian/car accident, quickly made a turn for the worst in just a matter of minutes. The incident happened on Northwest 25th Street at 7:30 p.m. when a woman driving an Oldsmobile hit the elderly man as he was walking. She pulled over while another car traveling behind her narrowly missed running into the man as he was still in the road. Then, a pickup struck the man and ended up dragging his body for three blocks. The man was pronounced dead at the scene at the intersection of Ross Avenue and Northwest 24th Street.

The driver of the pickup truck drove on and has yet to be caught. He or she was said to have been driving an extended-cab, gray Chevrolet pickup, according to witnesses who saw the elderly man dragged. Reports also said drag marks were visible along the route.

This wrongful death case makes my stomach churn. Certainly the driver of the pickup knew he had hit and dragged the man. The law (not to mention human decency) requires that he stop. Sometimes I just can’t understand the way people act. Hopefully an investigation into the accident will determine who committed this horrible crime.

If someone you know or a loved one has been tragically killed or seriously injured, you may have rights regarding their wrongful death or personal injuries. Please contact me for a free consultation to discuss your rights at 817-294-1900.

I received news of an important recall that I’d like to share because I think it applies to many people. Some 140,000 Bridgestone/Firestone tires are being recalled today. The tires were manufactured between June 4 and September 8, 2007. Another 27,000 larger Lemans Champion tires which were manufactured between June 4 and September 2, 2006 are also being recalled. The reason is the same for both types of tires—they were all produced with insufficient tread base guage.

The cause may sound complicated, but the potential negative effect from these faulty tires is simple: car accidents. Driving with the recalled tires can lead to vibration and groove cracking, which eventually may lead to distortion of the tire tread, resulting in loss of vehicle control. If your tire tread falls apart, you will undoubtedly lose control of your car and wreck. It would be similar to the feeling of popping a tire, but imagine doing that at high speeds on an interstate or in any other dangerous situation.

Bridgestone/Firestone is supposed to be contacting owners of such tires and replacing them free of charge. If you think this may apply to you, call 1-800-465-1904 or visit the Bridgestone/Firestone Web site for more information.

To see the official recall and any other car-related recalls, visit safercar.org. And remember, if you’ve been personally injured in a car accident, feel free to contact me at 817-294-1900 for a free consultation.

Another drunk-driving car accident in the Metroplex injured eight teenagers Saturday night. One of the teen’s mothers picked up her daughter and seven other kids from the movies in Euless, Texas and was driving the kids while under the influence. On the way home, she served because of a dog in the road and hit a curb, causing the SUV to flip. Everyone was transported to hospitals in nearby Grapevine and Irving.

The accident investigation is still pending, but the woman faces several counts of driving while intoxicated, or DWI. A first offense can mean a jail stay, suspension of one’s license and up to a $2,000 fine. After the first time, jail time increases, as well as the length of license suspension and the amount of the fine.

Not long ago I wrote about the unfortunate weekend when two separate drunk-driving related incidences killed three people in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. I just hate to see when intoxication is a cause for a wreck or accident because such incidences are 100 percent preventable.

For more information on the DWI laws in Texas, visit www.texasdwi.org. If you’ve suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence, please call me to discuss your rights at 817-294-1900 or feel free to Contact Me Online.

Early this morning a car crashed through the home of a Haltom City couple, driving into their bedroom where they were sleeping. Upon impact, the car flipped the mattress they slept on and ran over it as the couple lay beneath. It came to a rest on top of them. Although the 54-year-old husband and 45-year-old wife were treated at Harris Hospital in Fort Worth, both were able to get up and walk around, seemingly unharmed. Miraculously, they were only banged up with scrapes and a few bruises.

The driver on the other hand, ran from the scene. A bloody trail led police to the 30-year-old driver who was then also taken to Harris and treated for head trauma. Oddly, alcohol is not suspected to have been a factor in the car accident.

Posted on the Houston Chronicle’s Web site, this story got so many hits and had people making many light-hearted and often “colorful” remarks about the situation. One commenter writes, “SERTA-fied lucky!” and another, “I bet that’s the most their mattress has moved in years!” Others wrote faux advertisements for life-saving mattresses.

Either way, I don’t doubt that couple knows how lucky they are. And now they have an incredible story to tell. I can’t help but wonder what kind of mattress it was. If the brand name was released, something tells me profits will increase after this incident.

A new Texas dog bite law was put to good use recently when the owners of four dangerous killer dogs were sentenced to seven years in prison. Back in May, their four pit bulls were found surrounding the dead body of a 7-year-old boy in a ditch near the couple’s house. Two of the dogs were killed by police at the scene; the other two were taken away by animal control at the reluctance of the owners.

The new Texas law states that unsecured dogs that attack are the responsibility of their owners, holding the owners liable if the dogs injure or kill a person.

In this case, a Texas jury found the couple guilty of the second-degree felony (a dog attack resulting in a death), which means a maximum of 20 years in jail. Since this sentence was for less than 10 years, the two were each up for $150,000 bail, but neither has posted it yet.

About two weeks ago, a Rotweiller attack in Fort Worth prompted me to examine the law surrounding dangerous dogs. Under the new (and much stronger) dog laws, owners of “dangerous dogs” are required to carry liability insurance for their dogs, keep rabies and other vaccines current, make sure their dogs are secure at all times and pay an annual fee for keeping a dog designated as “dangerous.”

I applaud our state legislature for strengthening these dog laws. The change came at the urging of the family of an elderly lady who was killed in a dog attack as she was gardening over the Thanksgiving holiday back in 2005. The new law has been referenced to as “Lillian’s Law” after this lady.

I represent people who have suffered personal injuries as a result of a dog bite or attack. Should you have any questions about a dog attack, please give me a call at 817-294-1900.
Dog attacks are always preventable, which is what makes the resulting deaths so tragic. So if you’re going to own an aggressive-by-nature dog, please, do everyone else around you a favor and keep it secure.

Texas Highway 121, just west of DFW Airport in Grapevine, was shut down until about noon today due to a tragic motorcycle accident involving an already crashed car.

Early this morning, a woman suspected of drunk driving wrecked her car on 121 and then got out. She was standing next to it as a 32-year-old man on a sport bike motorcycle slammed into her crashed car. The man died at the scene from his injuries. His impact was so hard that it flipped the woman’s Honda Civic over onto its roof.

The man had been riding with another guy who was also on a motorcycle. Luckily, the other rider was able to avoid the accident and is unharmed. Coincidentally, just last week I wrote about the dangers of riding sport bike motorcycles, but in this particular scenario, the biker wasn’t the one guilty of dangerous behavior. It’s tragic that the man came up on the scene at precisely the wrong time.

An investigation is still pending, but if it is determined that she was intoxicated when she crashed, causing a dangerous road-block for other drivers and killing one, then she will be facing charges for intoxication manslaughter.

Drunk driving is a serious problem. As I mentioned in a recent blog about drunk driving accidents, every five hours someone is killed in Texas in a drunk-driving wreck. That is just ridiculous.

If one of your loved ones has suffered injuries or a wrongful death due to a motorcycle collision, please give me a call to discuss your rights. I can be reached at 817-294-1900 or Contact Me Online.

It seems that the Fort Worth/Dallas newspapers always contain stories about motor vehicle accidents, including car wrecks, 18-wheeler accidents and motorcycle wrecks. It seems like there is at least one tragic story reported a day. I sometimes write about these events, but I think it’s also important to write about what things are being done to prevent accidents.

Have you ever noticed those stretches of highway that have a wire fence barrier down the median? Those barriers are being built all around Texas to prevent drowsy drivers or out-of-control vehicles from crossing the median and hitting on-coming traffic head on. It’s no secret that highway accidents are the most deadly and cause the worst injuries due to high speeds at impact. Even though these new barriers don’t look that sturdy, it has been reported that some 700 miles of the wired median on Texas highways have helped to prevent almost 20 deaths and about 30 serious injuries in the last year.

The barriers are made of cable wire held up by metal poles every few feet and are easily repairable after accidents. The only downside is that they are more expensive than the usual concrete barrier eyesores. I think the injuries and deaths the barriers are preventing, along with their subtle look, makes them a welcome addition to our dangerous roadways.
Unfortunately, these safety nets can’t stop all personal injuries.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a vehicle collision, feel free to contact Mark A. Anderson, Fort Worth Injury Attorney for a consultation at 817-294-1900 anytime.

A charter bus swerved off a rural two-lane highway Saturday night, killing 10 people just 10 miles short of the casino resort it was heading to. The bus, which departed from Sacramento, California flipped at least once, tossing passengers around and crushing some, eventually coming to rest right side up in a ditch.

The injured were taken to many hospitals in the surrounding area, and as of today, 11 were still in the hospital—all with varying conditions ranging from critical to fair. Many of the passengers on the bus were from Laos and did not speak English.

The weird part is that the bus said “Greyhound” on the side, which is a Dallas, Texas-based company. However, spokespeople from Greyhound said the bus had been sold years before. And that was just one of the bizarre factors surrounding the wreck. Among other problems: the bus had an invalid, Texas license plate, the driver was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of prescription or non-prescription drugs and the driver might not have even had the proper permits to have been driving a charter bus in California.

This entire situation is strange-sounding to me. I feel terrible for the victims and their families and am anxious to find out the story behind who owns the “Greyhound” bus. As I have blogged about several times before, many of the bus accidents are easily preventable. Who knows? A little better screening of bus operators might have saved 10 lives here.

If you or a loved one has suffered bodily injuries in any type of bus or other vehicle-related accident, please call Fort Worth Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson at 817-294-1900.

Photo by wfaa.com

On Saturday, a grandmother and her baby granddaughter were hit by a drunk driver in Dallas when they were walking together on East Overton Road in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas, Texas. The 54-year-old man who hit the two is currently in a Dallas jail, facing two counts of intoxication manslaughter. He and his passenger (who was also arrested for public intoxication) hit the woman and her 1-year-old granddaughter, then carried them 20 yards before the two finally fell off the car. Both died of blunt force trauma at the hospital.

Then, just a few hours later, a 12-year-old Dallas, Texas boy was killed when he was riding as a passenger with two teenagers when the car he was riding in hit another car and a utility pole. The car accident happened at the intersection of Lemon Avenue and Lovers Lane. The boy died at the hospital of his injuries and the other two were last heard to be in stable condition. Alcohol is suspected to also be the cause of this accident.

Drunk driving is a huge problem in Texas. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, every five hours, someone is killed in Texas in an alcohol-related traffic crash. Unfortunately, Texas ranks second only behind California in drunk-driving deaths.

If you have been seriously injured or a loved one has died as a result of a drunk-driving collision, you may receive a free consultation from a Board Certified injury attorney by calling Mark Anderson at 817-294-1900.

Not long ago, I wrote about about a motorcycle accident that killed two teenagers. Now, just a few weeks later, a story has turned up in the Dallas Morning News about the culture surrounding sport bikes—riding them and showing off tricks.

Sport bikes are different than “cruiser” bikes like Harleys in that their low weight allows them to reach speeds up to 185 miles per hour. They are also capable of going from zero to 60 miles per hour in just three seconds.

Another problem with the sport bikes is that they are very affordable. This means teens and young twenty-somethings are able to purchase racing bikes a lot easier. Some of the riders of these bikes do it for the thrill; many popping “wheelies” and racing on interstates and highways all around Dallas-Fort Worth. Not only does going double (or more) the speed limit on Airport Freeway, for example, greatly endanger the driver of a speedy sport bike, but just think of all the other vehicles on the roadways who aren’t looking to get into a deadly collision with a motorcycle. Statistics show those who ride sport bikes are far more likely to be killed than those riding cruiser motorcycles.

And that seems to be what happened with the wreck I previously wrote on. Even though the speed the teens were going when they crashed has not been determined, fellow racers who knew the two who were killed reasoned that they were following each other too closely and maybe going too fast to prevent the deadly wreck. They had been riding on a ramp from the George Bush Turnpike to Highway 161 in Irving, Texas, when one hit a wall, flying over the side of the ramp and falling to his death, and the rider behind him ran into the first bike, also being thrown over the wall of the ramp. The two were both 18-years-old; one was from North Richland Hills and the other was from Bedford, Texas.

If you have been injured riding a motorcycle and someone else caused your injury, you may have a claim for your personal injuries. Please call Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Attorney Mark A. Anderson at 817-294-1900 of Contact Me Online.

A great video has been released by Texas Watch on the anti-consumer bias of the Texas Supreme Court. The video sarcastically highlights the fact that an analysis of the Court's opinions reveals:

* 86 percent of the Court's decisions are anti-consumer

* The Court uses "anonymous" opinions 57 percent of the time

* The Court has a 328 percent increase in case backlog

* It takes an average 2.3 years for the Court to decide each case

These facts are disturbing. The increasing trend to favor big business and insurance companies over individual Texans is terrible.

Texas Watch is a non-partisan advocacy group that works to improve insurance and consumer protections for Texas families. Texas Watch is about to embark on a 16-city "Fix Texas Insurance RV Tour," where it will highlight the unfair advantages handed over to big insurance companies by the Texas Supreme Court.

For more information about Mark A. Anderson, Fort Worth injury attorney and an advocate of individual consumer rights, please visit his website at maafirm.com, or contact him at 817-294-1900.

An amazing story of greed in my profession came to surface yesterday. Trey Allen, P.C., a Dallas law firm, has pled guilty to a federal conspiracy charge relating to its role in a broad scheme to defraud insurance companies. The employees of the firm were somehow enticing individuals to stage car accidents. Then the firm would send theses supposedly injured clients to chiropractors, who would forge medical records and bills. After “treatment,” the firm would present their fake clients’ claim to the insurance company of the party who supposedly caused the collision. After the claim was resolved, the chiropractor would get paid, the “hurt” individual would get paid and the law firm would get their share. Then the chiropractor would “kick-back” some of his or her profits to the firm’s legal assistants who spear-headed the scheme.

This fraudulent scheme started back in 2000 and continued through 2007. It is absolutely unbelievable that this firm and these chiropractors got away with it—and for so long! The chiropractors including one in Arlington, Texas and one in Haltom City, Texas are now under indictment. So far, 27 people have pled guilty to fraud in this matter.

Click here to view the “Factual Resume” filed in the federal court case. This document contains the details of the offense of conviction.

I am disgusted by this conduct. My profession, especially those like myself who are dedicated to helping injured individuals, faces a huge public relations battle every day against our main foe: the big insurance companies. This type of illegal conduct makes all injury lawyers look horribly sleazy, not to mention, it gives the insurance companies ammunition in the PR battle. I believe this ends up hurting our profession and, as a result, the value of our clients' claims. But just as there are bad cops, bad doctors—even bad priests, there are ultimately bad lawyers. I just hate to see it.

Not long ago, I wrote “Texas Supreme Court Declines to Hear Case on Malpractice Caps,” which is ironic, considering today’s news.

Today, Medicare announced that it will stop paying medical bills for 10 preventable conditions in a congressionally-mandated attempt to save millions. Among those conditions are:

* Bedsores
* Infections after surgeries
* Incompatible blood transfusions
* Urinary tract infections caused by catheters
* Operations to remove sponge left from first operation
* Injuries from falls while at the hospital

Amazingly, out of the 12.5 million people covered by Medicare, cutting these corners could prevent several hundred thousand hospital stays a year.

On the positive side, doctors will stop getting paid for medical errors and this major change will hopefully encourage better medical practices.

But I also see this as bad news for consumers. I wonder if the patient will get billed for the doctor’s mistakes instead? I would hope not. And worse than that, I wonder if the remedial procedures or treatment will ever even occur? Take for example, a piece of sponge left in a body after surgery. That’s about the clearest example of a medical error that exists. So if Medicare doesn’t pay for the second (and necessary)sponge-removal surgery, will the doctor just do the surgery for free? Probably not.

If a doctor has the fear that goes along with the threat of a medical malpractice case, then a necessary second surgery might be possible. But here in Texas, doctors received a “free pass” by our state government with the so-called Tort Reform of 2003. In the new law, there have been unreasonably low caps placed on recoverable damages, which has led most attorney’s (including myself) to refuse to take medical malpractice cases. Since doctors are basically shielded from lawsuits, their incentive to “do the right thing” and fix their errors is nonexistent. With no fear of litigation and no payment from Medicaid, there will be outrageous numbers of medical errors which will unfortunately go untreated.

If you have questions about a personal injury claim, please call Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson, or feel free to Contact Me Online.

The Levine v. Wyeth case before the United States Supreme Court could effectively end the chance to litigate against a pharmaceutical drug company if that company produces a harmful drug when it had previous knowledge that the drug was dangerous. These types of cases are called “product liability” lawsuits and the general theory asserted is that the drug manufacturer “failed to warn” about the drug’s dangerous (and oftentimes fatal) side effects. Over the years, these types of cases have helped flush out many dangerous drugs, and thousands of victims of these drugs have been able to recover compensation for their injuries.

The drug manufacturers have complained that the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approval process is strict enough, and if the warning label meets the FDA’s approval, then the drug is good enough to market. These drug companies have been arguing that federal law “preempts” a person’s right to sue in a state court action. Stated another way, the drug companies say you can’t sue them if they have obtained FDA approval. Since no drug can be sold without FDA approval, this means there would not be any way to sue a drug company if it put out a dangerous drug. Besides the drug companies, this position of “federal preemption” is supported by the Bush Administration (no surprise there—he hates plaintiff lawyers) and by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (which lobbies hard against all types of lawsuits).

Is federal preemption a good thing? Absolutely not. There have been countless drugs sold in America which should not have been on the market. For example, American Home Products (now Wyeth) sold Fen-Phen and Redux despite having knowledge that the drugs caused valve problems and deadly primary pulmonary hypertension. Thousands of innocent people were hurt by those drugs and Wyeth did nothing but continue to rake in the profits until the FDA stepped in. Other drugs, like Vioxx, have similar stories. There are currently several other drugs in the early stages of litigation, building up to be more claims of profits over people. (Examples of such drugs include: Avandia, Chantix, Digitek and Heparin).

So, is it just the supposedly “greedy” plaintiffs lawyers who want to be able to continue bringing lawsuits? No. All consumer groups are strongly against federal preemption. Even the editors of the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine realize the good that comes out of lawsuits against bad drugs, and they have filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court asking for the court to rule against federal preemption.

Oral arguments in the Levine v. Wyeth case are set for November 3, 2008. This case is extremely important to the safety of the American public. Last term, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision finding federal preemption in cases of FDA approval of medical devices (Reigel v. Medtronic, 128 S. Ct. 999 (2008)). Let’s hope that the court departs from its inclination to help businesses at the cost of injured parties and rules that federal preemption does not apply. If the court rules in favor of Wyeth and applies federal preemption in all “failure to warn” drug caes, it will be a sad day for the safety of Americans.

For more information about federal preemption or your rights to bring a claim for a dangerous drug, please contact Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson at 817-294-1900 or Contact Me Online.

Saturday night an Arlington, Texas woman was killed when she was struck by a car on Interstate-20 in Arlington. The woman’s car stalled so she got out to push it to the shoulder when a 21-year-old man driving a Jetta was unable to swerve around the woman and hit her. The woman died at the scene while a young girl who was in the car steering it to the shoulder was taken to Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth with injuries. The driver of the Jetta also suffered some minor injuries.

This extremely tragic accident is a prime example of wrongful death. While the lady was doing what she believed was the right thing to prevent an accident, it turned out to be just too dangerous. If her car was still able to drive on its own power, it would’ve been better to drive it off the roadway before calling 9-1-1. If a car ever stalls and you can’t get it to the shoulder of the road (which was the case here), it’s safer to turn on the hazard lights, exit the car immediately, and head to a safe area to avoid a car accident.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may have a legal right to compensation. For answers to your questions, you can call Fort Worth, Texas Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson at 817-294-1900, or feel free to Contact Me Online.

A 78-year-old Fort Worth, Texas man was attacked by three Rottweilers in his front yard last weekend after they escaped through the fence of their nearby backyard. The man was luckily able to scare the dogs off with a stick after running into his garage, but he didn’t escape personal injury.

The man suffered dog bites to his hands and wrist and bled all over the driveway. He said he was lucky because it could have been a lot worse.

There has been some recent strengthening of the criminal laws regarding dangerous dogs. First, the dog (or dogs, in this case) must be designated as “dangerous dogs” by the local municpatity. This finding also mandates that the owner of the “dangerous dog” register the dog with the local animal control authority and provide proof of liability by: (1) carrying at least $100,000 of liability insurance to cover any injuries suffered by a dog attack; (2) have current rabies vaccine of the dog; and (3) have a secure enclosure in which the dog is kept. The owner must also pay an annual fee for keeping a dangerous dog.

If a dangerously-designated dog makes an unprovoked attack causing bodily injury on another person outside of the pet’s secured enclosure, then the dog owner can be charged with a Class C Misdemeanor (Texas Health and Safety Code § 822.44). Also, if a person is found guilty under this law, then the court may order the dangerous dog to be destroyed.

I handle dog bite cases and I know that vicious dogs are something to take very seriously—especially Rottweillers, which are known to be an aggressive breed. And three of them all attacking at once?? It’s very fortunate that this man’s dog bites weren’t any worse.
In the present case, I have no idea if Fort Worth had already designated these particular dogs as dangerous. But that designation does not address whether the owner can be held civilly liable for the damages. That is a completely different standard.

If you have questions regarding civil liability on a dog attack, please call Fort Worth, Texas Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson at 817-294-1900, or feel free to Contact Me Online.

A bizarre truck accident in Benbrook, Texas left one man dead when the 18-wheeler he was driving swerved off of Southwest Loop 820 and unded crunched up under a bridge. The truck was carrying water bottles. The accident happened at 7:15 p.m. Thursday evening under the Winscott Road bridge. Three other cars driving the same direction as the semi-truck were involved and one man was taken to the hospital with injuries.

The bridge was closed last night until early this morning so it could be checked for structural damage.

As of now, no facts have been released which would reveal the reason for the accident. A thorough accident investigation might turn up what happened. The best source of facts for this investigation will be witness interviews and collection of the scene evidence, like skid marks, for example. The truck should also be equipped with an Engine Control Module (ECM) which may give useful information such as how fast the truck was going at the time of the crash.

A 66-year-old Fort Worth, Texas man is dead after injuries he sustained last Friday afternoon when his bike collided with a car. The accident happened at the intersection of South Drive and Inwood Road, near Interstate 20. The man died yesterday at JPS Hospital from his critical injuries. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that this is the 53rd death related to a motor-vehicle accident. Last year at this time, there had been 60 fatalities relating to car and/or bike crashes.

In July, I wrote about a Weatherford, Texas man who was killed riding his bike when a car hit him near Willow Park on an I-20 access road. In that post I discussed the danger most people don’t associate with riding a bike. At that time, I stumbled upon an excellent website on bicycle safety. Check it out before you hit the streets on your bike, and don’t forget your helmet!

Yesterday, I wrote about a Fort Worth, Texas Woman Killed at the Railroad Crossing on Galvez Avenue, where it intersects Riverside Driver near downtown Fort Worth. The 21-year-old woman who died was riding passenger to a 23-year-old man who is expected to survive, but suffered major bodily injuries when he decided to drive around the gates, as the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) came crashing into the passenger side of his car. The woman's two-year-old daughter was also in the car, and suffered injuries.

A similar car/train accident injured another woman at the same crossing just last year.

Now, just two days after the most recent accident, there's already talk of improvements to be made at the crossing as soon as February, 2009. So why wasn't this addressed sooner?

The hold up was due to a battle of control of the project to improve many Tarrant County crossings between TRE officials and the City of Fort Worth, so funds were dispersed between the competing groups. In 2005, government officials put the money together and approved $384,000 for improvements to be made as early as 2009.

Improvements suggested at the particular intersection of Galvez Avenue and Riverside Drive include installing "quad gates" to block access to the tracks completely from the road so impatient drivers won't be able to go around them. There's even been talk of cutting Galvez Avenue off completely just before the tracks and turning it into a cul-de-sac.

No matter what it decides to do, let's hope the city does something sooner, rather than later. But it's important to remember that no matter how many improvements a city can make, nothing beats common sense, and there's a big lesson to be learned from fatal accidents like this one.

In an attempt to get information to the public at an earlier stage than ever before, the Federal Drug Administration (“FDA”) has announced that it will post a listing every three months of the prescription drugs which are being investigated by the FDA. The listing will be posted on the FDA’s Web site. The first list can be found below.

While inclusion on the listing will not mean that a drug is dangerous, it does mean it is under investigation and this step of informing the public is quite an improvement in open government. People should not panic if they are taking a drug that is on the list, but they should be aware of the reported side affects and talk to their doctor about it. Plus, each person should monitor their own health closely if they are taking a drug on this list or any future list published by the FDA.

I know all too well from representing many families where a loved one was injured or died from taking a dangerous drug that sometimes the risk benefit of taking these drugs is just not worth it. I don’t trust drug companies and I know first hand that they can sometimes put profits over people. Just recently I wrote in Dangerous Drug Vioxx Had Misleading Study about the initial Vioxx study that was for marketing purposes instead of safety reasons like Merck had reported.

Here is the first listing of drugs under investigation and the potential problems of the drugs:

Arginine Hydrochloride Injection (R-Gene 10)---Pediatric overdose due to labeling / packaging confusion
Desflurane (Suprane) Cardiac arrest
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Urinary retention
Etravirine (Intelence) Hemarthrosis
Fluorouracil Cream (Carac) and Ketoconazole Cream (Kuric) Adverse events due to name confusion
Heparin---Anaphylactic-type reactions
Icodextrin (Extraneal)---Hypoglycemia
Insulin U-500 (Humulin R)---Dosing confusion
Ivermectin (Stromectol) and Warfarin---Drug interaction
Lapatinib (Tykerb)---Hepatotoxicity
Lenalidomide (Revlimid)---Stevens Johnson Syndrome
Natalizumab (Tysabri)---Skin melanomas
Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)---Overdose due to labeling confusion
Octreotide Acetate Depot (Sandostatin LAR)---Ileus
Oxycodone Hydrochloride Controlled-Release (Oxycontin)---Drug misuse, abuse and overdose
Perflutren Lipid Microsphere (Definity)---Cardiopulmonary reactions
Phenytoin Injection (Dilantin)---Purple Glove Syndrome
Quetiapine (Seroquel)---Overdose due to sample pack labeling confusion
Telbivudine (Tyzeka)---Peripheral neuropathy
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Blockers---Cancers in children and young adults

In a continuing effort to curb the running of red lights, the City of Fort Worth, Texas has announced that it will install nine more red light cameras. These additional cameras will be turned on October 1 and will double the number of red light cameras in the city. As I talked about last month in Fort Worth, Texas Turns On Another Red Light Camera, I think these cameras are a great idea. I have represented a lot of automobile accident victims who were seriously injured by someone running a red light. The results can be horrible and any efforts to stop red light runners should be applauded.

The intersections where the new cameras will be installed are:

• Eastchase Parkway and Meadowbrook Boulevard
• East Long Avenue and Deen Road
• South Hulen Street and Bellaire Drive South
• McCart Avenue and Westcreek Drive
• Bryant Irvin Road and West Vickery Boulevard
• Eighth Avenue and Elizabeth Boulevard
• North Beach Street and Western Center Boulevard
• Lancaster Avenue and Riverside Drive
• Lancaster Avenue and Sandy Lane

Related topic: Products Aimed to Avoid Fort Worth’s Red Light Cameras

It's been in the news a lot this past year, but back to school has meant that many more cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are jumping on board: Banning cell phone use in school zones to prevent accidents. The first city in Texas to implement the new policy was Highland Park earlier this year. Since then, Dallas, Duncanville, University Park, Flower Mound, Denton, Rowlett, Sachse, Wylie and Irving have all approved the ban in their school districts, and just today, Mesquite approved the ban, adding itself to the growing list.

Because the laws which regulate the speed of motorists fall under the jurisdiction of cities, the bans are voted on and passed by city councils. The bans prohibit the use of handheld cell phones and PDAs, including text-messaging and dialing, however, hands-free devices are still acceptable. If caught, violators usually face a fine up to $200. The bans will hopefully make drivers more careful in areas where many children are present.

But the bans have become rather controversial. Some argue that talking on a cell phone is no different than drinking a cup of coffee, eating a sandwich or applying mascara. Others are curious as to how effectively the bans will be enforced.

Being the parent of an eight-year-old, I understand the importance of the bans and I am happy to know that DFW cities are taking the initiative to prevent car accidents in school zones. According to the City of Fort Worth website, there seem to be no immediate plans of a ban here. We all talk on our cell phones too much as it is. And a little extra precaution to make school zones safer sounds like an excellent idea to me.

The news surrounding our charter bus industry here in Texas seems to get worse every day. It all started with the tragic Sherman, Texas bus wreck which killed 17 innocent churchgoers from Houston. Soon thereafter, we started to learn about how the bus was operating illegally and how that horrible accident was easily preventable. Then, this week it came out that over the last 24 months, over 200 motor coach operators have had their authorizations to operate on Texas road revoked, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (“TXDOT”). That is an amazing 40% of all bus companies operating in Texas. Now, there are about 300 companies currently authorized to carry customers in Texas.

But the question remains: How may operators have resurfaced under another name, thereby disregarding the fact that their license has been revoked? That is what happened with the owner of the bus involved in the Sherman wreck. A company called Angel Tours lost its right to operate, so the owner reformed the company and called it Iguala BusMex. As I wrote about in Dallas Bus Company Ordered to Quit Operating, Green River Buses of Dallas was order to quit operating in April, so the owner renamed the company Autobuses Rio Verde, and started operating buses again. I know the government and the several federal and state agencies that deal with road safety are working on this "resurfacing" problem, but it has to be solved, and soon.

For some of my other thoughts on how to make traveling on buses safer, read Predictable News: Tragic Sherman Bus Wreck Easily Preventable.

Last week, I wrote about the City of Fort Worth, Texas turning on its 9th red light camera. I think that if these cameras get people to stop running red lights and lower the number of dangerous car accidents, then they are a great idea. The statistics from other North Texas communities that are using red light camera show that they do indeed work.

Today, I read in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that there are products out there which consumers can buy to help them not get ticket as a result of these cameras. One product is good and the other should be criminal. The first is a GPS receiver which can be programmed to alert the driver if he or she is approaching a red light camera. I think this is good as it will only encourage the driver to slow down and be cognizant of the approaching light. In fact, the intersections have signs that tell you ahead of time that it is a camera monitored intersection. So this is a good product.

The other one is a spray you can use on your license plate which will supposedly obscure the plate so that the camera will not be able to read the license plate number. So if this product were to work as intended, it would allow the driver to run the red light and get away with it. This encourages red light running—so it should be illegal. The good thing for us citizens of Fort Worth is that this spray does not work on the high quality cameras our city uses.

Late this week, the Federal Drug Administration informed healthcare professionals that an ongoing study has uncovered a possible link between the cholesterol lowering drug Vytorin and various forms of cancer. The study, called Simvastatin and Ezetimibe in Aortic Stenosis (SEAS) trial, is designed to see if the drug will reduce the risk of heart problems in people with narrowing of the arteries. The results of the study will not be ready for 3 more months and it will take the FDA another 6 months to evaluate the results. In the meantime, there is no one calling for patients to stop taking the drug, but patients and doctors are encouraged to monitor and report any side effects.

In related news, other researchers who last year said there may be a link between statins (including Vytorin and Zocor) have now said additional work has shown that there is no such link. This report is found in the Journal of American College of Cardiology.

So what should you do if you are on Vytorin, Zocor (or its generic simvastatin) or another statin? I say keep an eye on your health and talk to your doctor if you are concerned. I am taking simvastatin and I plan on keeping track of the results of the study. I know from handling many cases involving dangerous drugs that you have to keep an eye on these things and don’t be afraid to ask questions. As I wrote about earlier this week, you can’t always trust what the pharmaceutical companies are telling you.

Harley-Davidson just announced it is recalling all of its 2008 Touring models due to a finding that the fuel-filter shell may crack. This could cause the motorcycles to slow or stall and could then lead to a motorcycle accident. This is a voluntary recall and affects almost 50,000 of these motorcycles. According to the company, which is based in Milwaukee, no accidents due this defect have been reported.

So if you own a 2008 Harley with a FL designation, call your local dealer or call the company at 1-414-343-4056. This is not something you want to put off. For a copy of the official recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, click here.

As we are in the midst of an economic downturn, two of the largest and most profitable insurance companies operating in Texas (Allstate and State Farm) have filed rate requests with the Texas Department of Insurance. Allstate filed for an increase of 3.6% for Allstate Indemnity (affecting 694,000 drivers) and for 5.5% for Allstate County Mutual (affecting 435,000 drivers). State Farm’s hike in rates will be 2.4% for State Farm Mutual and a whopping 7.3% for State Farm County Mutual. Ouch!!!

I am skeptical of the stated reasons of a greater frequency of claims and rising costs of bodily injury claims. Having been in the business for 17 years, I certainly don’t see it. I think this is just another example of corporate greed. And as the leader of Texas Watch (the consumer protection group) said, this comes “at a time when Texans are struggling to keep up with the rising costs of gasoline, food and housing.” Great going, Allstate and State Farm.

The City of Fort Worth, Texas turned on its ninth red light camera today. This one is at the intersection of East Lancaster and Sandy Lane. These cameras take still pictures of the front and back of your car if you run a red light. You then receive a $75 citation in the mail. While they obviously collect revenue for the City, the main purpose is to discourage people from running the red lights and causing accidents. The other intersections where cameras currently operate are:
• Eastchase Parkway and Meadowbrook Blvd
• E. Long Avenue and Deen Road
• S. Hulen Street and Bellaire Drive South
• McCart Avenue and Westcreek Drive
• Bryant Irvin and West Vickery Blvd
• Eighth Avenue and Elizabeth Blvd
• N. Beach Street and Western Center Blvd
• East Lancaster and Riverside Drive

As a lawyer who handles car accidents, among other cases, I am acutely aware of the dangers caused by running a red light. The impact is often in the side of one of the cars (called a T-bone) and results in horrible injuries as there is not much protection on the side of your car. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has reported that in 2006, in the United States alone, there were 171,000 crashes, 144,000 injuries and 887 deaths related to red light running.

So, do these cameras work? Yes, they do. Like everyone else, I try not to run red lights. On my way to and from work, I go through one of the intersections with a red light camera. I must say that I am a lot more careful and aware at this intersection. More important than my personal observations are the statistics. The statistics also show that these red light cameras definitely help to reduce accidents. Many cities across Texas and the United States have installed them and have reported a large decrease in both red light violators and crashes. Other local cities that have them include Arlington, Grapevine, Southlake and Dallas. There has been a reported 20% to 50% in crashes at these intersections. Sounds like a good thing for the local cities to do.

Yesterday, the Federal Drug Administration (“FDA”) issues a warning about the use of Simvastatin and Amiodarone together. The FD warned that these two drugs used together can cause a muscle injury called Rhabdomyolysis, which can lead to kidney failure of even death. This wrning, which is issued to healthcare professionals, says the risk is dose related and increases when the dose of Simvastatin is greater than 20 mg per day.

So who is taking these two drugs together? Simvastatin is used to lower cholesterol. It is marketed under the trade names Zocor, Simvastatin, Simlup and Simcard. It is designed to decrease the user’s LDL level. Amiodarone is a medication used to treat irregular heart beat.

So if you are being treated for high cholesterol and irregular heart beat, take a look in your medicine cabinet. If you are taking these two drugs, call your prescribing doctor and talk about this new warning. They should know about the new warning, but it is good to bring it to their attention. And don’t underestimate the problem of Rhabdomyolysis just because it is defined as muscle injury. It can indeed be minor soreness, but I know from first hand experience the dangers of “rhabdo.” A few years ago I represented many individuals (and their families) who had rhabdo which lead to kidney failure and death after they took the cholesterol lowering drug Baycol. That drug caused so many problems, it was taken off the market. So again, I stress, don’t be a victim, take matters in your own hands and talk to your doctor about your medication options.

Today, the New York Times had an article on a soon to be released study which analyzes the decision to settle of go to trial. The study, which will be published in the Journal of Empirical Legal Studies, is based on over 2,000 cases which have recently gone to trial. It found that plaintiffs made the wrong decision to proceed to trial in 61% of the cases and that the average difference between the rejected pre-trial offer and the final award averaged $43,000. On the other hand, the study found that the defendant was wrong to go to trial in 24% of the cases, but the consequences were much worse, as the difference between the rejected offer and the final award averaged $1,140,000. The study found that in 15% of the cases both sides were right to go to trial, which means the defendant paid less than the plaintiff wanted but the plaintiff was awarded more than the amount of money offered by the defendant.

So, what does this study tell us? In my opinion, very little. First of all, each case is different and to base a settlement decision on a study is flawed reasoning. Each litigant must rely in large part on the advice of their attorney. The parties have to hope they have retained an experienced litigator who fully understands their case. The attorney must understand the good and the bad parts of the particular case, and believe me: all cases have strengths and weaknesses. Many factors go into a case evaluation: witness credibility, evidentiary evaluation, venue considerations (how do juries in your locale look at your particular case) and the tendencies of the particular judge hearing the case. These are just a few of the many, many things an experienced litigator must take into account in coming up with his or her recommendation on whether to settle the case or to pitch it to a jury.

Another problem with studies such as this is they do not take into consideration the settlement discussions of the parties. Sometimes one side or the other makes no reasonable attempt to get the matter resolved. If the plaintiff hangs the fruit too high, so to speak, then the defendant is not inclined to make a reasonable offer as it will be thought of as useless. Or if the defendant only is offering a token amount when the case is worth much more, then the plaintiff will not be inclined to make a demand in the “range of value.” So how does a case get productive negotiations going? Usually it takes lawyers on both sides who understand the case and it usually takes a good mediator who will take the time to understand the case and help the parties see if a settlement can be reached. The statistics here in Texas show that most cases settle at mediation or soon thereafter.

This study reinforces two things I already knew. One, the parties must make sure they hire the right kind of lawyer for their case, which usually means an experienced specialist in the field that their case involves. The other thing that this study reinforces is that the lawyer needs to make sure he or she does everything they can to properly evaluate the case and prepare it for trial. If the attorney does their job properly, then there is a good chance the value of the case will be properly targeted. And if it settles and that is what the client wants, then that is good—and if it goes to trial, the attorney will be ready to put on the best case possible

I recently posted a page on my website about Texas’ new policy of installing computer systems in police cruisers which are capable of verifying, with the click of a mouse, whether or not a driver is insured. I think this is a really important topic for people to know about. The new policy took effect about two months ago on a temporary basis in Travis County. With the new program, police can check at the scene an insurance database to see if drivers have the required auto liability coverage of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage. If a driver is found without insurance, he or she will be ticketed, and if it happened more than once, his or her license may be revoked.

Well, the trial run is almost over now and the policy will eventually be used state-wide, but the trial period grossed some really scary numbers. One in four drivers are uninsured in Travis County—and that the number may be higher in other parts of the state. Even though it may not be surprising, to me that is a wildly alarming statistic. I hear too often cases made by those who were in a wreck with an uninsured driver. What a bind someone is in when they’ve been hurt, they have medical bills and property damage and the responsible party does not carry insurance. Being in a wreck is burden enough. Get insured people—it is the law! Because so many people are uninsured, I think it is a great idea to carry uninsured motorists coverage on your own car. I encourage all of my clients to do so.

A Fort Worth, Texas two-year-old was seriously injured yesterday when a television fell on his head at his home. The television had been on top of a four-foot tall dresser. The child was alone in the room and it is unknown how the television actually fell on his head. The child was transported to Cook Children’s Hospital where he is in critical condition.

This case should send an alarm to every parent who has young children. While most might think something like this would never happen to their own child, it certainly can if you are not careful. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that at least 3,000 young children are injured every year due to T.V. “tip-overs.” Worse yet, between 2000 and 2005, there were 36 deaths caused from TV tip-overs. I assume there were probably many more injuries and deaths which were not properly reported. This is absolutely a common occurrence.

So are “tip-overs” preventable? Most are, if the following (easy) precautions are taken:

1. Identify furniture and T.V. stands which are susceptible to being pulled or tipped over and attach them to the floor or wall using brackets or screws.
2. Place all T.V.s on low-rise furniture or on furniture which is not too small for the T.V.
3. Place the T.V. as far back on the furniture as possible.
4. Put the electrical cords out of reach.
5. Don’t put tempting toys or remotes on the top of the T.V. or the furniture.
6. Teach your kids the dangers of climbing or pulling on the cords, T.V. or furniture.

These suggestions are easy to follow and make absolute sense. If you are a parent (or grand parent or if you watch young children in your home), then do the kids a favor and “tip-over”-proof your home.