Texas Trial Lawyers » Safety http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog Just another WordPress weblog Sat, 12 May 2012 13:27:38 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 Reporting Drunk Drivers Before They Crash http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/reporting-drunk-drivers-before-they-crash/ http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/reporting-drunk-drivers-before-they-crash/#comments Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:30:10 +0000 texastriallawyers http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/?p=1644 Do you have a duty to report? What do I mean by that? You share the road with millions of other drivers each day and not only is it your responsibility to keep your vehicle in optimum driving order and adhere to safety rules yourself as the motor vehicle operator – but you also have an ethical responsibility to inform law enforcement and regulatory agencies if you witness a violation of any type related to public transport.

So who DO you call if you see an erratic driver on the road? Well, I would not recommend calling 911 as this is not a true emergency – unless it IS a true emergency – like an accident has occurred right before your eyes or something similar. If you do call 911 more often than not they will ask you to hang up and call the non-emergency line or patch you through. If you see a drunk driver weaving all over the road- I would say that IS an emergency requiring action to protect our community.

The better option is to check the local police jurisdiction’s web site and save the number to your smart phone. Some agencies have a traffic complaint page you can fill out and submit. Traffic unit officers generally follow up on these complaints. If there is nothing on the site, you should call NON EMERGENCY and file a traffic complaint as the majority of larger agencies do have a separate traffic division.

In Houston the non-emergency number for HPD is 713-884-3131.

Be sure to have the relevant information available on the car that you are concerned about including license plate, make, model, etc. The police will sort it out from there.

Do not be worried that the police will not respond to your distress call. Typically, the dispatcher will notify all units in the area and someone will be able to track down the errant vehicle. There is no doubt that in some cases reports have saved lives.

Many drunk and drugged drivers have been apprehended because a concerned member of our Houston community took the trouble to call in a report.  Quite possibly saving the drunk drivers life as well as innocent others in Houston.

Greg Baumgartner is a truck crash attorney and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, a Texas personal injury law firm dedicated to helping families of people injured or killed in accidents. For a free no obligation consultation with a truck wreck lawyer call the Baumgartner law firm at 281-587-1111.

]]> http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/reporting-drunk-drivers-before-they-crash/feed/ 0 Preventing Rollover Accidents http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/preventing-rollover-accidents/ http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/preventing-rollover-accidents/#comments Sun, 26 Feb 2012 22:43:04 +0000 texastriallawyers http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/?p=1583 The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration continues to balance consumer safety with consumer demand – a job that they do effectively for the most part.

For instance, they have developed a series of regulations related to Electronic Stability Control Systems. These systems are designed to reduce the serious risk of rollover crashes as well as the risk of death and serious injury in those crashes. To do this they have established the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 126 which requires electronic stability control (ESC) systems on passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks, and buses with a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 Kg (10,000 pounds) or less.

According to the NHTSA reports – ESC systems use automatic computer-controlled braking of individual wheels to assist the driver in maintaining control in critical driving situations.

The NHTSA report continues by stating that it estimates electronic safety control will reduce single-vehicle crashes of passenger cars by 34% and single vehicle crashes of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) by 59%, with a much greater reduction of rollover crashes.

In terms of lives saved – ESC could save 5,300 to 9,600 lives and prevent 156,000 to 238,000 injuries in all types of crashes annually once all light vehicles on the road are equipped with this device.

In an era of “anti Washington” and anti regulation, it is beyond dispute that the Department of Transportation saves thousands of American lives every year through effective safety rules.

Greg Baumgartner is a Texas personal injury attorney and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping personal injury victims seek civil justice. If you would like to speak with a Texas personal injury lawyer call the Baumgartner firm.

]]> http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/preventing-rollover-accidents/feed/ 0 The Case for Banning Cell Phone Use While Driving http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/the-case-for-banning-cell-phone-use-while-driving/ http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/the-case-for-banning-cell-phone-use-while-driving/#comments Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:55:44 +0000 texastriallawyers http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/?p=1563 There are many different approaches to avoid car accidents by distracted drivers. Each state and sometimes even cities and towns within a state seek to reduce car wrecks by regulating cell phone and texting while driving.

Not long ago, the federal government got involved and banned texting while driving for commercial vehicles. Some cities have also enacted legislation designed to make it illegal to text while driving. In Texas, recently our legislature sought to regulate texting while driving but Gov. Perry vetoed the law.

On my way to work this morning I noticed numerous vehicles that were being driven as though the driver was not paying careful attention. In each instance upon close examination the driver was using a cell phone. One driver stopped for a green light, one driver was driving so slow that it impeded traffic such that it created a danger and another just was not paying attention to the roadway while changing lanes.

Well this is not scientific evidence; a certain amount of common sense should prevail in Texas and across our great nation to protect citizens from the explosion in cell phone use. I am all for freedom, and I also believe that one of the most important governmental functions is to protect the public from unreasonable and unnecessary risks.

It is not so much that banning cell phone use while driving is an effort to protect the driver as it is to protect the public that the driver may injure simply because he or she chose to use a cell phone while driving.

Studies have come back inconclusive regarding the use of a cell phone while driving but there is no doubt that reading e-mail, texting or checking stock quotes on your smart phone endangers not only you but others around you. Some studies even suggest that texting while driving or reading e-mail while driving can give up as much as 2 links of safety because of the inattention of the driver.

While it may not be “politically correct” to suggest that we should ban cell phone use while driving, I believe that it is time that we addressed the problem head on not only for adults but for our children who are set to become new drivers. Old habits die-hard and it is time to set a new standard for the safety of our community.

Greg Baumgartner is a Houston wrongful death attorney and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping personal injury victims seek civil justice. If you would like to speak with a Houston distracted driving accident lawyer call the Baumgartner firm.

]]> http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/the-case-for-banning-cell-phone-use-while-driving/feed/ 0 Preventing Heat Related Deaths http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/preventing-heat-related-deaths/ http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/preventing-heat-related-deaths/#comments Fri, 26 Aug 2011 19:22:47 +0000 texastriallawyers http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/?p=1379 As we see every year when a heat wave strikes Texas and elsewhere across the country some people will die from heat. In the desert of Arizona the federal government launched a campaign to get workers and companies to become aware of the dangers of heat related illness and death.

The theme of the campaign is Water Rest Shade. It really comes down to watching your self and to using common sense. Another common attribute is to be aware of how you feel and let someone know if you feel dizzy, nauseous or have a headache. If you’re on the job, tell your employer.

Families should be exercising extra caution with children particularly those participating in sports such as soccer, football or baseball and make sure of the children are adequately hydrated well in advance of the event and also continued to stay hydrated during the day.

It is a good idea to investigate sports drinks and additives meant to rehydrate and add necessary electrolytes in addition to plenty of water. There are ready-made drinks and also several different makers of additives to be put in water solely to help in the rehydration process.

Also remember for these young people to take a break and cool down often. In the news just this week was a football player who died after practice and at this time no one knows if he was a factor or not at this time.

The old saying better safe than sorry comes to mind. No one expects something like this to happen so please use this story as motivation to ensure your children get plenty of water, shade and rest.

Greg Baumgartner is a Houston wrongful death attorney and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping injury victims seek civil justice. For a free no obligation consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Houston call the Baumgartner firm.

]]> http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/preventing-heat-related-deaths/feed/ 0 Buying a New Car–Check Out The Crash Test Ratings http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/buying-a-new-car%e2%80%93check-out-the-crash-test-ratings/ http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/buying-a-new-car%e2%80%93check-out-the-crash-test-ratings/#comments Mon, 08 Aug 2011 19:00:32 +0000 texastriallawyers http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/?p=1362 Consumers today have a wealth of information to make educated choices regarding which vehicle is best for them. Style, gas mileage and practicality for the intended uses are all things most of us consider when selecting a new car or truck.

In addition, I suggest that it is a good idea to look to the crash test rating of the specific vehicle you are considering choosing to determine whether it is right for you.

The crash test data is available to everyone with an Internet connection. You can go to http://www.safercar.gov/ to see the safety rating of new cars and trucks.

Not only can you search for safety data by model but also by the class or manufacture and can even search for crash test data and safety information on used vehicles from 1990 on. For many instead of asking for the Carfax maybe we instead should be asking for the star rating for the vehicle in question.

I encourage all consumers considering a new or used vehicle to check out the NHTSA website before buying a new car or pickup truck.

Greg Baumgartner is a Houston personal injury attorney and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping personal injury victims seek civil justice. If you would like to speak with a Houston auto accident attorney call the Baumgartner firm.

]]> http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/buying-a-new-car%e2%80%93check-out-the-crash-test-ratings/feed/ 0 The Importance of Staying Hydrated http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/the-importance-of-staying-hydrated/ http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/the-importance-of-staying-hydrated/#comments Sat, 16 Jul 2011 22:14:25 +0000 texastriallawyers http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/?p=1353 Most people underestimate the importance of staying hydrated and can end up suffering from a low degree dehydration. Water makes up the majority of the human body and in the heat of Houston in the summertime is critical that you stay hydrated.

Sport studies have long concluded that you must be adequately hydrated to perform at your peak athletic ability. If you do not drink enough water your athletic ability can drop as much as 20% in a short period of time.

Here are a few tips to help you and your family stay adequately hydrated.

1. Start each day with a glass of water–and drink the full amount before drinking any coffee tea or juice. Take bottled water with you in the car or to work.

2. Keep up with your fruits and vegetables and have some in every meal.

3. Replace Cokes and soft drinks with water or fruit juices.

4. When possible cook with sea salt instead of table salt.

These and other tips were provided by care2.com.

If you’re family has children participating in athletic events remember that hydration starts the day before and it is critically important. Here are some signs of inadequate hydration:

*Little or no urine or urine that is darker than normal

*Dry mouth

*Extreme thirst

*Lightheadedness

The best way to avoid dehydration is to stay hydrated and drink substantial water every day during the day. It can be difficult to know when you are dehydrated and an ounce of prevention is the proper remedy.

Greg Baumgartner is a Texas personal injury lawyer and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping injury victims seek civil justice. For a free no obligation consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Houston call the Baumgartner firm.

]]> http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/the-importance-of-staying-hydrated/feed/ 0 Distracted Driving http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/distracted-driving/ http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/distracted-driving/#comments Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:09:08 +0000 texastriallawyers http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/?p=1236 Distracted driving is a major focus of a variety of organizations around the country including textkills and focusdriven.

In a recent year 6000 highway deaths were attributed to distracted driving. The greatest culprit is the driver who attempts to receive and send text messages while driving. This single act has been found to have the same potential for deadly consequences as driving while intoxicated.

Thanks to good old American know-how one gentleman has actually created an application for the cell phone that will prevent a driver from texting or taking a call if they are behind the wheel! His motto is “stop the text killing” and it works this way. Called the SMS Replier, it operates in conjunction with a GPS unit to determine if a person is driving. If your cell phone rings with a call or a text while you are navigating down the roadway the phone is silenced and the caller receives a message that you are driving and cannot be disturbed!

No single subset of the population is more at fault than another. On any given day one can observe teens to ‘middle-agers’ looking away from the road to read or send a message – which, by the way, is becoming an increasingly illegal activity in many areas of the country because it is so deadly.

To learn more go to the website: textkills.com. This organization is devoted to ‘ending the madness’. You can sign a pledge that states you will not text and drive as well as find out lots of other information on the topic. Don’t text and drive. Also look at focus driven’s web site at www.focusdriven.org.

Greg Baumgartner is a Texas accident lawyer and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping injury victims seek civil justice. For a free no obligation consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Houston call the Baumgartner firm.

]]> http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/distracted-driving/feed/ 0 Best Car Tips -Part One http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/best-car-tips-part-one/ http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/best-car-tips-part-one/#comments Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:39:17 +0000 texastriallawyers http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/?p=1095

Men’s Health published a very good story about the 100 best car tips for consumers. The list was so good I thought it was helpful to mention some of the better tips with a few of our own. Here they are — part one:

  • Replace your windshield wipers every three months
  • Reduce distractions — avoid multitasking and concentrate on the road
  • Turn your lights on for a decreased risk of accidents
  • Make sure your seat is properly adjusted
  • Look left and right and left again
  • Check your review mirrors to make sure we have adequate vision.
  • Do not drive in high water
  • Always wear your seat belt

Most of the items on this list are simply a matter of good sense, that is drive safely, drive defensively and keep your car in safe operating condition. A serious personal injury accident can happen in a fraction of a second little things like  those above can help prevent that action from happening in the first place. Remember, always check to make sure your passengers are wearing their seat belts as part of your pre trip routine.

]]> http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/best-car-tips-part-one/feed/ 0 First Aid at an Accident http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/first-aid-at-an-accident/ http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/first-aid-at-an-accident/#comments Sat, 11 Dec 2010 14:49:54 +0000 texastriallawyers http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/?p=1014 If you are in an auto accident or truck accident – or witness one and as a Good Samaritan want to administer aid – then this blog’s for you. Remember, the suggestions that follow are simple and meant to offer immediate and simple help to victims. If you are not a trained medical professional then one of the most important acts you can perform is to call for help as quickly as possible.

The first thing to know is that when you see an accident victim – simply because there may be an absence of a wound does NOT mean that the person is unharmed. Conversely, some minor injuries may bleed profusely (such as the nose or a superficial forehead cut) so don’t panic. If you have a cell phone with internet access you can access important medical help advise quickly. Some new apps have even been credited with saving lives.

In fact, that is the best rule of thumb – DON’T PANIC. That will only complicate an already difficult situation. If you find a victim stuck in the vehicle, check to see if their air passages are constricted – if so then work to clear the airway so that the victim is able to breathe. If a person still does not seem to be breathing then apply mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. This is done by taking a deep breath, pinching the victim’s nostrils and then sealing your lips around that of the victim’s so that no air will be able to escape. Empty the air from your mouth into theirs then remove your hands from the victim and watch to see if he or she begins to breathe on their own – repeat as necessary or until help arrives.

Other life saving help includes simply covering the victim with a blanket or something similar to help prevent shock and pressing a cloth firmly against a bleeding wound to help staunch the flow of blood.

Greg Baumgartner is a Houston truck accident attorney and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping injury victims seek civil justice. For a free no obligation consultation with a personal injury attorney in Houston call the Baumgartner firm at 281-587-1111 for a no obligation consultation.

]]> http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/first-aid-at-an-accident/feed/ 0 OSHA Releases New Construction Accident Standard http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/osha-releases-new-construction-accident-standard/ http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/osha-releases-new-construction-accident-standard/#comments Sun, 21 Nov 2010 17:30:01 +0000 texastriallawyers http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/?p=990 At long last, OSHA has issued a new standard dealing with the use of cranes and derricks in construction projects. The new rules and regulations supplant a standard that had been outgrown by new construction techniques and technologies.

The new rules which recently took effect is designed to prevent fatal construction accidents on projects. Some of the new regulations include certification and licensing standards for operators, additional inspection requirements, coordination with other safety standards and certain powerline guidelines.

The new OSHA standards also make clear that employers must foot the bill for necessary safety training of the equipment operators who are employed at the time the standard took effect.

The Houston and Gulf Coast area has a large number of construction accidents and Crane accidents many resulting in fatalities. OSHA cannot with his current personnel adequately police or enforce its regulations. Normally, it is only after an accident that OSHA will investigate a safety violation. That is not a critique or criticism of OSHA simply the reality of inadequate funding for this necessary workplace safety authority.

Greg Baumgartner is a Houston construction accident lawyer and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping personal injury victims seek civil justice. If you would like to speak with a Houston construction accident lawyer call the Baumgartner firm at 281-587-1111.

]]> http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/osha-releases-new-construction-accident-standard/feed/ 0