Brain injury research shows that trauma to the brain can begin a process of disease that can detrimentally affect someone's cognitive function, their physiological process and also reduce their life quality. These types of injuries sometimes cannot be reversed and could ultimately lead to a premature death.
]]> Traumatic brain injury has been link to serious neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's dementia, Parkinson's disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. UTMB researchers believe that a brain injury is not only an acute process but something that could potentially cause many other chronic disorders.Researchers at UTMB are hopeful they will be able to discover new treatments for brain injuries by involving 'adult circulating progenitor cells' and also examining certain genes and proteins which may have been altered due to a traumatic brain injury.
They are hopeful that examining them will help researchers identify new treatments that could decrease the trauma of a serious brain injury. This study could offer hope to those suffering from a brain injury and also help those in the future who may be subjected to one. The University of Texas study may allow researchers the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those affected and also to the families who have been affected by traumatic brain injuries.
Source: Galveston County Daily News, "$9M grant to UTMB supports brain injury research," University of Texas Medical Branch, May 8, 2012
]]>When her crash was investigated, the Houston Police Department found the car accident was caused by the officer. However, the cop did not receive a ticket and was only reprimanded in writing. And statistics show this particular officer is not a minority in this regard. Research between 2008 and 2012 documented that Houston police officers were found to be at fault in 155 major car accidents. Some of the reasons involved were not stopping for lights or signs, speeding or not using caution, but the one common thread in all of these accidents was that no officer received any type of citation for causing the collision.
]]> Another individual was struck by an officer who ran a red light but was not even responding to an emergency at the time. The victim suffered injuries, racking up $60,000 in medical bills and $6,000 in damage to his vehicle. The officer was suspended for one day after causing that accident. After involving an attorney, the city of Houston only paid $5,300 for the damages to his truck. He rejected the medical settlement after it was deemed a "low-ball offer," but one issue that many victims run into is the city often interjects immunity as a means of defending against these types of claims.Texas citizens are concerned about the treatment of its citizens after being involved in a car accident under these circumstances. They are demanding answers and many believe officers deemed at fault should be penalized like regular citizens would be. While the majority of accidents officers are involved in are said to be minor, the question remains: Should the fact that they are a police officer excuse them from liability after they have harmed someone or caused property damage due to their own negligence?
Source: KHOU, "Crashes caused by cops leave victims wanting justice," Jeremy Rogalski , April 26, 2012
]]>A neighbor who witnessed the crash attempted CPR on the motorcyclist but he had already passed away. The neighbor reported the man was lying face down wearing a backpack and assumed the man had been on his way to work. The owner of the damaged home was pinned by a table once the truck came through the wall. She was transported to the hospital but her injuries are not considered life threatening. There was no word on whether the pickup driver sustained injuries relating to this crash.
]]> The homeowner's daughter, who had been sleeping at the time the crash occurred, was physically uninjured but transported to the hospital as a precaution because of her reaction to the crash. The homeowners involved in the crash stated they have owned the house and an adjacent one since the 1950s. They report the home has been hit four other times since they've owned it. Residents blame the accidents on speeding drivers. They are now looking into the possibility of a barricade to prevent future accidents.The Texas truck accident highlights the dangers of speeding and the importance of alertness while driving. The people involved in this accident may have the ability to file a personal injury claim seeking financial compensation as a result of this accident, and the motorcyclist's family may have legal grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim against all parties whose negligence caused or contributed to the fatality. They would do well to stay involved in this accident report process as they attempt to decide what, if any, legal actions to take.
Source: KHOU, "Police: Pickup truck hits, kills motorcyclist before crashing into north Houston home," Sherry Williams, April 24, 2012
]]>The woman and her husband were celebrating her birthday at a bar and just as they were walking out, they began to argue. She exited the vehicle near West Mount Houston Road near Ella, walking in the far right lane. Her husband followed behind the woman, also on foot. The victim was hit by someone driving a white pickup truck, and she passed away at the scene of the accident. The driver who hit her never stopped.
]]> Understandably, the family wants justice to be served in this horrendous accident and is pleading for the responsible party to come forward. They indicated that the truck that hit her sustained front end damage and a headlight on the passenger side was missing. Once apprehended, the pickup truck driver faces serious felony charges in this incident for failing to stop and render aid.A chain of seemingly unrelated events led to this Texas tragedy. However, the driver who hit the woman may face more than criminal charges for leaving the scene of an accident. The surviving family will likely want to understand exactly what occurred as they come to terms with the fact that their loved one was killed in an accident. This seemingly senseless death may also form the basis for a wrongful death claim should the relevant facts and circumstances indicate that the woman's death was caused by the negligent act of another. While nothing can bring the deceased woman back to her family, a successful claim may help ensure that those who acted negligently are held accountable while also providing reimbursement for damages suffered as a result of the tragic event.
Source: KHOU, "Mother of 5 struck, killed by hit-and-run driver in Harris County," April 15, 2012
]]>Late on a Saturday night, around 11:30 p.m. on April 14, a sports utility vehicle that was reportedly driving at high speeds was traveling northbound on Highway 6 when it inexplicably veered from the left lane in which it was traveling. From there, the SUV operator lost control and proceeded across the median strip into oncoming traffic, where it crashed head-on with a southbound car.
]]> Right now, authorities are uncertain as to why the SUV crossed into oncoming traffic, but police are likely still investigating the late night crash. While the driver of the car that was struck is supposedly in stable condition after being taken to a local hospital by LifeFlight, police say serious injuries resulted from the car accident. The SUV driver was taken to a local hospital by ground transportation, though serious injuries were not suspected.The car driver will likely want to be informed of all police findings in regard to the car accident. With this information, a determination may be possible about the viability of pursuing a personal injury claim against any party deemed negligent in causing or contributing to the collision. If successful, this Fort Bend County personal injury claim may provide the injured driver of the car with remuneration for medical expenses and lost wages as well as any consequential pain and suffering occasioned by the crash.
Source: KHOU, "SLPD: Head-on 2 car crash near Sugar Land airport under investigation," April 15, 2012
]]>Authorities say the pedestrian was walking along the right edge of a road when the SUV, traveling in the same direction, struck him. Witnesses saw the SUV leaving and turning onto a different road. The man died at the scene.
]]> One of the witnesses attempted to assist the fatally injured man. He heard the impact of the accident and ran over to help him. After checking his pulse, he realized the man had died.The impact of the crash caused portions of the man's SUV to fall off and were said to be part of the crash scene. They may provide important clues as authorities seek to locate and apprehend the hit-and-run driver. They are looking for a metallic green or silver Ford SUV that apparently sustained front-end damage.
A wrongful death suit may be appropriate in this case, and the man's family may have the basis to file a legal claim seeking monetary damages against any negligent party who caused their loved one to be killed in an accident. While there have been no charges and the driver has not yet been apprehended, he or she may be liable for their actions if it is determined that they negligently or intentional caused the man's death in this seemingly senseless Texas accident. While a successful claim will not diminish the tragic circumstances, it may result in holding negligent parties fully accountable for their actions.
Source: KTRK, "Pedestrian killed in hit-and-run crash," April 2, 2012
]]>The woman was traveling eastbound in her vehicle when the collision occurred at about 9 p.m. Another driver traveling westbound made a U-turn, intending to pull into a parking lot. The accused female driver struck the other woman's passenger side door of her vehicle at a high rate of speed, causing the vehicle to spin and strike a Ford pickup that was properly parked on the seawall.
]]> The car accident caused three injuries, although the driver responsible for the crash was uninjured. The second driver, who was found unconscious, was transported to the University of Texas Medical Branch. Reports show that none of the injured people were listed as patients on the Monday following the crash.The driver has been accused of driving without her headlights on and was apparently angry at being arrested. Police say the woman kicked the windows of the police cruiser. She was taken to the hospital and blood was drawn to determine her blood alcohol level for use in connection with the criminal charges and perhaps any other related proceedings.
Driving while intoxicated or under any sort of impairment is a dangerous cocktail. This woman was fortunate that everyone survived the car accident and the injuries did not appear to be life threatening. However, she may still be held liable civilly for her part in causing this Texas car accident. The injured parties may seek to file a legal claim against her and any other party whose negligence caused or contributed to their injuries. A successful claim often includes reimbursement for medical expenses and other damages incurred, including pain and suffering occasioned by the injuries sustained.
Source: The Daily News, "Driver charged with intoxication assault," Chris Paschenko, March 27, 2012
]]>A police officer stopped to assist the man, turning on her vehicle's overhead lights and parking behind his vehicle. When the officer exited her vehicle and approached the man, a silver Toyota Corolla struck the back of her police cruiser.
]]> The impact of the car accident caused the cruiser to lurch into the driver's car. He had unfortunately been standing between the cruiser and his own vehicle, and both of his legs were crushed. He was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital, where he was reported to be in serious condition.The woman was arrested and is now facing charges of intoxication assault stemming from the car accident. Although she is facing criminal charges and will have to answer for her actions in court, there is a real possibility that the victim may lose both of his legs and could have lost his life. The seriously injured man may have the legal basis under Texas law to file a personal claim against all parties determined to be negligent in causing his injuries. While financial compensation will not undo what happened to him, it can help cover the likely substantial medical costs incurred and may serve as a sense of justice by holding negligent parties accountable for their actions.
Source: KTRK, "Man seriously injured by suspected drunk driver," March 24, 2012
]]>The SUV was traveling north over a driveway that runs through a field at about 3:15 in the afternoon when it turned into a lane traveling eastbound in Houston. The vehicle crashed into the right passenger side of the car occupied by the girl. The force of the crash caused the car to strike a stopped SUV, and in turn caused that SUV to hit another parked vehicle.
]]> The little girl, a front-seat occupant, died hours later at a local hospital. Initially, there were no other reports of injuries as a result of this crash. Investigators have not elaborated on the underlying cause of this crash or whether the driver had been impaired in any way. No reports of charges or arrests pending in the case were noted in the immediate aftermath of the collision.The family of the girl will likely want to know all of the facts and circumstances surrounding the details of this traffic accident. For such a young child, being killed in an accident seems a horrible fate and the pain the family must feel is unimaginable. They may have the right to file a wrongful death claim against any party whose negligence was deemed to have caused or contributed to the girl's death. While nothing will bring their daughter back, seeking compensation against the person that wronged them may serve as some small measure of justice and a way to ensure that all negligent parties are held responsible for the actions that led to the death of the young child.
Source: Houston Chronicle, "4-vehicle crash kills 11-year-old girl sitting in parked SUV," Anita Hassan, March 10, 2012
]]>The accused man was said to be driving northbound when he struck the motorcyclist. The biker was sitting on his motorcycle and talking on his cellphone at the time of the fatal crash. He reportedly died at the scene from the injuries he sustained in the collision. The accident shut down the highway for approximately four hours, backing traffic up for miles.
]]> It is likely that the family of the man killed will be very interested in the official report of the accident so as to know all of the facts and circumstances that caused the death of their loved one. In Texas, wrongful death occurs when the negligent or reckless actions of another party are responsible for a person's death. It remains to be seen what legal action, if any, the family will take following their loss. In a situation like this, the family may want to ensure that all culpable parties are held fully accountable.Source: KHOU, "HPD: Charges filed in fatal crash on 288," March 5, 2012
]]>Police have stated that the as yet unidentified truck driver left his vehicle and fled the scene of the accident. The family in the Impala included three children, their mother and her boyfriend. All were hospitalized and sustained injuries from the truck accident, though the children were said to have escaped with what were termed minor injuries. On the other hand, the mother broke her nose, while the boyfriend fractured his knee and broke his hip.
]]> Texas authorities announced they have a man in custody who they have described a person of interest as authorities seek to determine exactly how the truck accident happened. Other witnesses are also being interviewed, although no word was immediately available concerning any arrests or pending charges. While it is fortunate that everyone survived the crash, there are still bound to be questions from the family about what happened. They will likely incur medical costs due to their injuries, and the adults may have to miss work during their recovery time.The family may wish to monitor the ongoing progress of the Houston accident investigation. Depending on the results of the police investigation, each injured individual may have the right to pursue personal injury claims against any party deemed negligent in the accident. Although receiving a monetary settlement cannot take away the pain they may have suffered from the truck accident, it may help with reimbursement for expenses and other damages such as lost wages as well as any consequent pain and suffering.
Source: ABC 13, "Five injured in hit-and-run accident," Sonia Azad, Feb. 20, 2012
]]>The driver who struck the pickup truck is under suspicion of being intoxicated. No further information was immediately available describing the specifics of either collision or whether the suspected drunk driver was in custody. In any case, the family members of the deceased victim will likely want to learn all of the facts and circumstances surrounding the tragic crash. The emotional toll his death will have on the family is difficult to imagine, and they are now forced to grieve a life cut senselessly short. They may also want to make sure all negligent parties are held accountable for their actions.
]]> Texas law provides for the right of a victim's family to pursue a legal claim of wrongful death. Such an action is appropriate when a fatality occurs through the negligent or reckless conduct of another party. It is a civil action which is in addition to any criminal charges brought for drunk driving or other alleged violations of state laws. While a wrongful death claim can never atone for a life lost, it may help the family by providing financial remuneration to cover medical expenses and other damages. It also may serve as a plea for caution on the roadways in order to avoid serious injuries or even a tragic death such as occurred in Montgomery County.Source: Houston Chronicle, "Driver gets out after wreck, is killed by oncoming truck," Dale Lezon, Feb. 23, 2012
]]>The teenage driver apparently lost control at the curve of the road and swerved into an oncoming truck. Both vehicles ran off the road, landing in a ravine. The truck driver survived and was taken to the hospital listed in stable condition. Neighbors raced to the scene of the accident to offer assistance, but it was too late to save the girls. Both passed away inside the car.
]]> Neighbors state that there are on average 60 car accidents a year on the road where the teenagers were killed, and there have been several incidents where cars slid off of the road into yards and ditches. Neighbors are requesting that the county post warning signs about the number of fatalities that have occurred at the curve, detail police officers to enforce the speed limit and also improve the condition of the road.The neighborhood believes the one small sign in the area calling for drivers to slow down is not enough to prevent a future car accident. They were sickened to see the senseless deaths of the two girls and note that even walking on the road after a rainfall can cause people to slip and fall. They hope the county will heed their requests so fatal accidents there will be drastically reduced.
The emotional toll on the surviving families is difficult to imagine. They will likely want to know the details of the accident investigation. While it is too early to conclude who was at fault in the collision, Texas law provides for the right of those injured to pursue personal injury claims for damages against all negligent parties. The same right exists for the surviving family of deceased victims in the form of a wrongful death action. While such a claim cannot bring these young girls back to life, perhaps it will offer the families some measure of justice and also serve as a warning that operators of motor vehicles owe a duty of reasonable care to passengers and others in the roadway.
Source: My Fox Houston, "2 Teen Girls Die in Crash Near Magnolia," Sally MacDonald, Feb. 10, 2012
]]>Many have lost family members to distracted driving and officials and community members are trying to do something about it. Distracted driving took the lives of two parents and paralyzed their young children after the driver of an oncoming sport utility vehicle swerved into their lane. The family was heading home to Houston from a vacation. The SUV driver, who had his wife and a 1-year-old in the car at the time of the crash, lost his wife in the accident. Police say he was trying to find a DVD while he was driving.
]]> According to the U.S. Transportation Department, drivers are 23 times more likely to have an accident if they are texting while driving. In 2010, there were more than 3,000 deaths in accidents that involved distracted driving. Officials are setting up campaigns, such as a website called distraction.gov. Families have also launched nonprofit groups such as FocusDriven in order to bring more attention to the dangers of using cellphones while driving.Officials say although cellphones have been the symbol of distracted driving recently, the issue has always been a top priority on roads and did not appear simply because of cellphones. People can be distracted in various ways, from eating and drinking while driving to playing with the radio. The issue remains that when people make the decision to not pay attention to the road, it can devastate lives forever.
Source: MySA, "Distracted driving gets attention," Michelle Koidin Jaffee, Feb. 13, 2012
]]>The mother and her 12-year-old son were driving on Interstate 10, near Brookshire, when they needed to pull over to fix a flat tire. As the 48-year-old mother was changing the tire she and her car were struck by a truck. Soon, the woman's car erupted into flames. The horrific collision caused the deaths of both the mother and son.
]]> The owner of the truck, who was a local cop, was a passenger in the vehicle as his friend drove. Both men were apparently intoxicated, which is considered to be the primary cause of the accident. Those close to the victims insist that the cop should have had better judgment than to allow his friend to drive. The driver is facing two counts of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.Emotion has flooded through the small Texas town. Those who knew the young boy remember him for his kindness and athletic ability. His football teammates are still trying to figure out how they will deal with their loss and remember their friend.
The family of the victims will have very difficult days ahead. Not only are they mourning the loss of their son, but they also lost a mother of four children. Both people had a lot to give to their family and community, but their lives were cut short due to the negligence of fellow motorists.
While a family friend was reflecting on the accident, he commented, "It was just a shock, still hard to believe."
Source: KTRK-TV, "Community remembers mom, son killed in crash," Jessica Willey, Jan. 21, 2012
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