Texas Truck Wreck Attorney Blog

If you have a loved one that has suffered a particularly extensive burn injury there are many ways that you can help. I am not talking about how to apply first aid immediately following the accident - but how to behave with them when they are recovering or have returned home.

*First, allow the person to grieve. The experience was most likely traumatic and there may be any number of physical scars that could either be temporary or permanent. Understand that burn victims will exhibit all of the signs of someone who has actually lost a loved one and both the victim and his or her family should seek professional counseling to deal with the myriad emotional problems that are sure to arise.

*Allow the person to resume as many of the normal activities as they are able to undertake. If they are required to help around the house - don't change that policy. If they hold down a job and can return to work - they should do this. No matter how devastating the burns - do not allow them to hide in the house. Require them to get back to life.

*Help them to forge friendships with others who have had similar experiences. This is not as difficult as it may sound with the proliferation of the internet and technology that has all but shrunk the world.

Encourage the person to develop a support system as well - and attend survivor's group meetings or other group events.

Continue reading "Help for Burn Victims" »

Interstate 35 S. was closed today when a big rig had a blowout and caught fire in the resulting wreck. Firefighters battled the flames and officers had to close both North and South bound lanes while the firefighters worked.

According to reports, a witness on the scene indicated someone had information a tire had blown out and saw the truck swerve and strike the median. Another car was also involved in the truck accident and was caught between the semi-and the median wall.

Other reports have additional cars involved in accidents probably stemming from the roadway being closed.

This is the second similar incident in the last few weeks involving a semi truck having a blowout and catching fire. The tractor-trailers have gas tanks which are outside the frame and susceptible to impact and puncturing from medians.

The investigation is ongoing in this recent truck accident. Likely the investigators will be looking at the tire of the tractor-trailer to determine what caused a blowout and set the truck wreck in motion.

Continue reading "I 35 Closed After 18 Wheeler Crashes and Burns " »

It is quite shocking to learn that the average American is more likely to be involved in a car fire than an apartment fire! The statistics related to automobile and other types of vehicle fires is alarming to say the least.

An average of 33 vehicle fires is reported each hour - or one every 96 seconds - with over 500 deaths. Across the country 20% of all fires are vehicle related. In addition, nearly 20% of these fires take place on the highway.

In real terms, a quarter of a million vehicle fires were reported in a recent year! Other facts of interest include the fact that 75% of highway vehicle fires can be traced to mechanical failures or systems malfunctions of some sort. In some cases the vehicles have a design defect or a manufacturing and the manufacturer may be responsible for the fire.

Finally, of all the subpopulations across the country - teenage boys are more likely than any other demographic to experience a vehicle fire and about three quarters of all fires are related to poor vehicle maintenance.

Most drivers do not take the time to realize that there are no less than six flammable liquids underneath the hood of a car, and when the engine heats up any leaks are a potential fire hazard.

Routine maintenance -such as checking that all hoses, caps and filters are in good working order - is the first defense in vehicle fires. Also, having all liquid levels - oil, water, transmission fluid, etc. - checked regularly is also.

If you are driving a vehicle that begins to smoke or flames become visible pull off the road as quickly as possible. All passengers should exit the vehicle and move to at least 100 feet away because of the potential for an explosion.

Most important of all - DO NOT try to put the fire out by yourself but call 911 and wait for emergency responders to step in and help.

Continue reading "Car Fires can be Deadly" »

New Braunfels, Texas, an 18-wheeler went off Interstate 35 at a bridge and killed not only the truck driver but also a passenger. The 18-wheeler accident caused diesel fuel to be discharged and the cleanup has been significant.

At this time, authorities do not know which of the two fatalities were driving the tractor-trailer at the time of the accident. The trucking company identified as Point Dedicated Services out of Detroit employed both of the fatalities.

The reports of the truck accident indicate that the truck caught fire and the fire consumed the tractor-trailer. Traffic on Interstate 35 was stopped dead while the investigation was started and the fire battled.

According to reports, Texas Department of transportation was looking into the integrity of the bridge given the significant fire damage. Once the all clear was given traffic was resumed after about six hours. Authorities ordered autopsies of the truck accident victims.

At this time, authorities have yet to indicate the cause of the truck accident or the cause of the truck fire.