Houston Injury Lawyer

Father Killed, Baby Injured in SUV-Pedestrian Crash

2010-10-27T15:53:00.000-07:00

A father and his 7-month-old son were struck by an SUV near a bus stop on West Little York Road at 9 a.m. this morning, police said. Theodore Jones was pushing his son in a stroller when an out-of-control SUV jumped the curb and hit them. The driver did not stop, but continued down the road until rear ending another vehicle a few miles away. The SUV she was driving rolled over. Police are investigating the cause of the crash. Jones' pregnant wife was only a few feet away and witnessed the tragedy. Jones died from his injuries. His infant son was rushed to Texas Children's Hospital for treatment of a broken arm. He is listed in good condition.

Unfortunately, accidents such as this one often result in death or serious injury to pedestrians. If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in a pedestrian accident, contact the Houston accident lawyers at 1-888-839-8879 today to explore your legal options. Palermo Law Firm handles auto accident cases in Houston and the surrounding suburbs, including Bellaire, Brookside Village, Channelview, Crosby, Deer Park, Dyersdale, Galena Park, Houmont Park, Jacinto City, Kinwood, Meadows Place, Meyerland, Missouri City, North Hudson, Park Place, Pasadena, Pearland, Satsuma, South Houston, Stafford, and Sugar Land. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you won't pay an attorney's fee unless your receive money in your case.

Driver Arrested in Fatal Drunk Driving Accident

2010-10-11T16:01:00.000-07:00

The driver responsible for killing one person and injuring another in a drunk driving crash on Sunday has been arrested and charged with intoxication manslaughter. Nicholas Jared Mereles, 24, was driving a Toyota Camry on North Eldridge Parkway on Sunday evening, when he began tailgating another vehicle. The vehicle pulled to the side of the road to let Mereles pass, when he crossed the center line and sideswiped a Toyota Avalon, then hit a Toyota Corolla head on while fleeing the scene of the accident. An occupant in the Corolla was killed and another passenger was injured in the crash. Passengers in Mereles' car were also injured.

Drunk driving accidents continue to be a major cause of auto accidents in the U.S. In 2009, there were 10,839 alcohol-impaired fatalities on the nation's highways. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident caused by a drunk driver, contact the Houston accident lawyers at 1-888-839-8879 today to explore your legal options. Palermo Law Firm handles personal injury and auto accident cases in Houston and the surrounding suburbs, including Bellaire, Brookside Village, Channelview, Crosby, Deer Park, Dyersdale, Galena Park, Houmont Park, Jacinto City, Kinwood, Meadows Place, Meyerland, Missouri City, North Hudson, Park Place, Pasadena, Pearland, Satsuma, South Houston, Stafford, and Sugar Land. Our Houston personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay a fee unless you recover money for your loss.

Study: Texting Bans Ineffective

2010-09-29T10:54:00.000-07:00

A recent Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) study found that the number of texting-related crashes did not decrease in states that passed laws banning texting while driving. In fact, texting bans are associated with an increase in the number of insurance claims filed for collision damage in vehicle crashes during the months after the laws were passed, according to statistics released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in Virginia. The HLDI study compared collision claim rates in the months before and after laws were passed that banned texting while driving in California, Louisiana, Minnesota and Washington with the rates in nearby states without texting laws.

The studies do not mean that texting while driving is safe. Rather, the evidence may indicate that texting laws are ineffective and that other measures to cut down on texting while driving should be explored. A previous study by HLDI uncovered similar results for bans on talking on a hand-held cell phone while driving. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, a Houston Auto Accident Attorney can help you get just compensation for your injuries.

If you or someone you love has been injured in any type of accident, contact the Houston accident lawyers at 1-888-839-8879 today to explore your legal options. Palermo Law Firm handles personal injury and auto accident cases in Houston and the surrounding suburbs, including Bellaire, Brookside Village, Channelview, Crosby, Deer Park, Dyersdale, Galena Park, Houmont Park, Jacinto City, Kinwood, Meadows Place, Meyerland, Missouri City, North Hudson, Park Place, Pasadena, Pearland, Satsuma, South Houston, Stafford, and Sugar Land. Our Houston personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay a fee unless you recover money for your injuries.

Gulf Platform Fire Raises Safety Concerns

2010-09-03T13:18:00.000-07:00

A massive fire on a production platform in the Gulf of Mexico on Thursday prompted an evacuation of the platform, news reports say. Thirteen employees, who had to jump into the Gulf to escape the flames, were all rescued with no injuries. Although the platform, owned by Mariner Energy of Houston, is not an oil drilling platform, the incident has raised concerns about the safety of lifting the moratorium on drilling in the Gulf. In the wake of the Deep Horizon catastrophe, all drilling-related accidents are under public scrutiny, according to experts. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Fortunately, no one was hurt in this platform fire. However, platform accidents like this one can be tragic, potentially resulting in serious, catastrophic injuries and death to workers. In particular, burn injuries can leave a worker in need of painful skin grafts and rehabilitative therapy for years to come. In addition, burn victims typically suffer substantial scarring that will serve as a permanent reminder of their physical pain and emotional trauma.

If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in an oil rig or production platform accident, contact the Houston accident lawyers at 1-888-839-8879 today to explore your legal options. Palermo Law Firm handles oil rig and refinery accident cases in Houston and the surrounding suburbs, including Bellaire, Brookside Village, Channelview, Crosby, Deer Park, Dyersdale, Galena Park, Houmont Park, Jacinto City, Kinwood, Meadows Place, Meyerland, Missouri City, North Hudson, Park Place, Pasadena, Pearland, Satsuma, South Houston, Stafford, and Sugar Land.

Toyota Recalls Over 1 Million Vehicles

2010-08-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

Toyota announced this week that it is recalling over one million of its 2005-2008 model Corolla sedans and Matrix hatchbacks due to issues with engines stalling while the vehicles are in operation. Corolla and Matrix vehicles equipped with the 1ZZ-FE engine contain a defective engine control module (ECM). Soldering on the ECM may develop cracks which can cause the engine to fail to start or to stall while the vehicle is in motion. To date, at least three accidents are believed to be related to defective ECMs in Toyota Corolla and Matrix models.

This latest recall comes in the wake of a series of Toyota recalls for unintended acceleration and braking problems with several other Toyota models, including the Camry, Prius, and Lexus hybrid. This current recall brings Toyota's total recalled vehicles to over 9 million since last September. Toyota will begin repairing the faulty ECMs on the recalled vehicles in September.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident caused by a defective Toyota vehicle, contact the Houston accident lawyers at 1-888-839-8879 today to explore your legal options. Palermo Law Firm handles personal injury and auto accident cases in Houston and the surrounding suburbs, including Bellaire, Brookside Village, Channelview, Crosby, Deer Park, Dyersdale, Galena Park, Houmont Park, Jacinto City, Kinwood, Meadows Place, Meyerland, Missouri City, North Hudson, Park Place, Pasadena, Pearland, Satsuma, South Houston, Stafford, and Sugar Land. Our Houston personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay a fee unless you recover money for your injuries.

Third Teen Dies After Drunk Driving Crash

2010-07-12T15:09:00.000-07:00

A third teen died early Sunday morning as a result of a suspected drunk driving crash on Friday. The suspected drunk driver ran a red light on the Highway 59 North feeder when his Toyota Camry crashed into a Ford Excursion SUV carrying a man, a woman, and five teenage girls. Three of the teens were not wearing their seatbelts and were thrown from the SUV during the crash. Two teens, Avaianca Cortez, 13, and Rashaunda Raleigh, 17, were pronounced dead at the scene. The third, Detrihanna Davis, 13, died Sunday. The driver faces intoxication manslaughter charges if found to have had a BAC over the legal limit at the time of the crash.

If you or someone you know has been injured by a drunk driver, contact the Houston accident lawyers at 1-888-839-8879 today to explore your legal options. Palermo Law Firm handles personal injury and auto accident cases in Houston and the surrounding suburbs, including Bellaire, Brookside Village, Channelview, Crosby, Deer Park, Dyersdale, Galena Park, Houmont Park, Jacinto City, Kinwood, Meadows Place, Meyerland, Missouri City, North Hudson, Park Place, Pasadena, Pearland, Satsuma, South Houston, Stafford, and Sugar Land. Our Houston personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay a fee unless you recover money for your injuries.

Possible Wrongful Death Suit in Louisiana Oil Rig Explosion

2010-04-23T10:22:00.000-07:00

Seventeen workers were critically injured and eleven others are still missing in an oil rig explosion off the coast of Louisiana on Tuesday. The explosion occurred at the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico in the early morning hours. Lawsuits will likely be filed by the families of some of the missing victims. The families still hold out hope, however, that their loved ones will be found. Nearly 100 oil rig workers were rescued by a supply boat.

Oil rig accidents such as this are tragic, resulting in serious, catastrophic injuries and death to workers. If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in an oil rig accident, contact the Houston accident lawyers at 1-888-839-8879 today to explore your legal options. Palermo Law Firm handles oil rig and refinery accident cases in Houston and the surrounding suburbs, including Bellaire, Brookside Village, Channelview, Crosby, Deer Park, Dyersdale, Galena Park, Houmont Park, Jacinto City, Kinwood, Meadows Place, Meyerland, Missouri City, North Hudson, Park Place, Pasadena, Pearland, Satsuma, South Houston, Stafford, and Sugar Land. Our Houston personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay a fee unless you recover money for your injuries.

Drunk Driver Charged in Death of 17-Year-Old Passenger

2010-04-12T14:24:00.001-07:00

An alleged drunk driver has been charged with manslaughter involving an accident on the Eastex Freeway Sunday afternoon. The driver of a Ford F-150 pickup truck hit a center concrete divider and lost control of the vehicle. The truck rolled several times, throwing the 17-year-old passenger in the backseat from the vehicle. She died at the scene. Another passenger and a child were rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. The 26-year-old driver has been charged with intoxication manslaughter.

Passengers injured or killed because of a driver's negligence have a right to recover money for damages they suffered as a result of the accident. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, contact the Houston accident lawyers at 1-888-839-8879 today to explore your legal options. Palermo Law Firm handles personal injury and auto accident cases in Houston and the surrounding suburbs, including Bellaire, Brookside Village, Channelview, Crosby, Deer Park, Dyersdale, Galena Park, Houmont Park, Jacinto City, Kinwood, Meadows Place, Meyerland, Missouri City, North Hudson, Park Place, Pasadena, Pearland, Satsuma, South Houston, Stafford, and Sugar Land. Our Houston personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay a fee unless you recover money for your injuries.

Girl Injured in Hit-and-Run Incident

2010-03-23T14:02:00.000-07:00

A 7-year-old girl was seriously injured in a hit-and-run incident in west Houston Monday night. The girl was playing soccer at Bear Creek Park when an SUV hit her. The driver of the SUV reportedly exited the vehicle to ask if the girl was alright before getting back in her car and speeding off. Police are still searching for the driver. The girl was airlifted to a local hospital and is listed in critical condition.

Drivers are required to exercise extreme caution when driving near an area, such as a park or playground, where kids are likely to be playing. Failure to exercise extreme caution may constitute negligence on the part of the driver. If your child has been injured by a negligent driver, you should contact an experienced Houston personal injury lawyer immediately to discuss your case.

If your child has been injured by a negligent driver, contact the Houston accident lawyers at 1-888-839-8879 today to explore your legal options. Palermo Law Firm handles personal injury and auto accident cases in Houston and the surrounding suburbs, including Bellaire, Brookside Village, Channelview, Crosby, Deer Park, Dyersdale, Galena Park, Houmont Park, Jacinto City, Kinwood, Meadows Place, Meyerland, Missouri City, North Hudson, Park Place, Pasadena, Pearland, Satsuma, South Houston, Stafford, and Sugar Land. Our Houston personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay a fee unless you recover money for your injuries.

Tour Bus Rollover Accident Kills 2 in South Texas

2010-03-16T10:58:00.000-07:00

A tour bus headed from San Antonio to Matamoros, Mexico, rolled over at around 10 a.m. this morning, killing two passengers and injuring several others. The bus, carrying 35 passengers, was traveling south on Interstate 37 near Campbellton when the accident occurred. No other vehicles were involved in the crash. Police are still investigating the cause of the crash.

Bus accidents are often caused by negligence on the part of the bus driver or bus company. When a loved one dies due to the negligence of another, family members may not know where to turn to seek justice for their loss. If you have lost a loved one in any type of accident, you should seek the advice of an experienced Houston car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.

If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in a bus accident, contact the Houston accident lawyers at 1-888-839-8879 today to explore your legal options. Palermo Law Firm handles personal injury and auto accident cases in Houston and the surrounding suburbs, including Bellaire, Brookside Village, Channelview, Crosby, Deer Park, Dyersdale, Galena Park, Houmont Park, Jacinto City, Kinwood, Meadows Place, Meyerland, Missouri City, North Hudson, Park Place, Pasadena, Pearland, Satsuma, South Houston, Stafford, and Sugar Land. Our Houston personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay a fee unless you recover money for your injuries.

Parents of DUI Victim Sue Bar

2010-02-19T10:17:00.000-08:00

The parents of a woman who was killed in a DUI crash last year are suing the bar that served alcohol to the drunk driver. The parents of Michelle Red, and 18 year old killed by drunk driver Lakedra Franklin, are suing Pompeii, the night club that served Franklin alcohol last February before she got behind the wheel and killed their daughter. Red's parents contend their daughter would still be alive today if Pompeii had cut off the obviously intoxicated Franklin.

People who serve alcohol may be liable under Texas law for damages resulting from the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Under Texas' Dram Shop statute it must be "apparent" to the defendant "at the time" the alcohol is provided, sold, or served that the person consuming the alcohol is "obviously intoxicated to the extent that he presents a clear danger to himself and others." The "intoxication of the recipient" must also be a "proximate cause of the damages suffered."

If you have been injured in an accident involving a drunk driver, contact the Houston accident lawyers at 1-888-839-8879 today to explore your legal options. Palermo Law Firm handles personal injury and auto accident cases in Houston and the surrounding suburbs, including Bellaire, Brookside Village, Channelview, Crosby, Deer Park, Dyersdale, Galena Park, Houmont Park, Jacinto City, Kinwood, Meadows Place, Meyerland, Missouri City, North Hudson, Park Place, Pasadena, Pearland, Satsuma, South Houston, Stafford, and Sugar Land. Our Houston accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay a fee unless you recover money for your injuries.

Graco Strollers Recalled Due to Finger Amputations

2010-01-20T11:37:00.000-08:00

Graco strollers have been recalled due to several incidents in which children have lost their fingertips. Graco issued the recall in conjunction with the Consumer Products Safety Commission after receiving reports of seven children suffering lacerations to their fingers. The accidents happened when the children's fingers got caught in the canopy of the stroller as it was being opened or closed. Five of the children had their fingertips severed, while two others suffered deep cuts. The recall includes Graco's Passage, Alano and Spree Strollers sold between October 2004 and December 2009. If your child has been injured due to a defectively designed or manufactured stroller, it is important that you contact an experienced Houston personal injury attorney immediately.

If your child has been injured by a defective product, call the Houston injury lawyers at 1-888-839-8879 today. The Palermo Law Firm handles personal injury and auto accident cases in Houston and the surrounding suburbs, including Bellaire, Brookside Village, Channelview, Crosby, Deer Park, Dyersdale, Galena Park, Houmont Park, Jacinto City, Kinwood, Meadows Place, Meyerland, Missouri City, North Hudson, Park Place, Pasadena, Pearland, Satsuma, South Houston, Stafford, and Sugar Land. Our Houston injury lawyers offer a free initial consultation regarding your product liability case.

Woman Killed in Crash with Utility Truck

2010-01-11T12:53:00.000-08:00

A woman was killed in an accident with a CenterPoint Energy truck in northwest Harris County early Sunday morning. The crash occurred in the 20000 block of Becker at FM2920, when the woman, Nancy Wright Hogue, pulled into the intersection in front of the utility truck. The truck driver was unable to stop and crashed into the Hogue's driver side door. She died at the scene of the accident.

Failing to yield the right of way to other drivers and pedestrians causes nearly 15 percent of Houston’s 45,172 traffic accidents each year. These accidents result in severe injuries and even death. If you have been injured in an auto accident, no matter what the cause, contact a skilled Houston accident lawyer to discuss the details of your case. You may be entitled to compensation for your Houston accident injuries from the driver who caused the accident.

If you have been injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver, contact the Houston accident lawyers at 1-888-839-8879 today to explore your legal options. Palermo Law Firm handles personal injury and auto accident cases in Houston and the surrounding suburbs, including Bellaire, Brookside Village, Channelview, Crosby, Deer Park, Dyersdale, Galena Park, Houmont Park, Jacinto City, Kinwood, Meadows Place, Meyerland, Missouri City, North Hudson, Park Place, Pasadena, Pearland, Satsuma, South Houston, Stafford, and Sugar Land. Our Houston personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay a fee unless you recover money for your injuries.

Dallas Woman Injured in Accident Involving Large Truck

2009-12-29T12:39:00.000-08:00

A Dallas woman suffered minor injuries in a 3-car accident in Shreveport, Louisiana, involving a large truck, causing a closure of the westbound lanes of I-20 on Tuesday. The accident occurred when an 18-wheeler loaded with dog food rear-ended the woman's Mercedes, pushing it into another 18-wheeler that was stopped on the side of the road. The woman was transported to the hospital with a minor head injury.

Large trucks may have to stop on the side of the road because of mechanical problems or shifted loads, or even to get some rest in order to comply with hours of service obligations for commercial drivers. However, truck drivers are required under federal law to immediately activate the truck's hazard lights and place warning devices on the traffic side of the truck at distances of 10 feet and 100 feet from the disabled commercial vehicle. Failure to follow these safety precautions may make it difficult for other motorists to see the disabled vehicle.

If you have been injured in an accident involving a large truck, contact the Houston accident lawyers at 1-888-839-8879 today to explore your legal options. Palermo Law Firm handles personal injury and auto accident cases in Houston and the surrounding suburbs, including Bellaire, Brookside Village, Channelview, Crosby, Deer Park, Dyersdale, Galena Park, Houmont Park, Jacinto City, Kinwood, Meadows Place, Meyerland, Missouri City, North Hudson, Park Place, Pasadena, Pearland, Satsuma, South Houston, Stafford, and Sugar Land. Our Houston accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay a fee unless you recover money for your injuries.

Wife of Man Killed in Plant Explosion Plans to Sue

2009-12-17T13:21:00.000-08:00

The wife of a man killed in a Valero plant explosion in Texas City plans to sue the company for wrongful death. Laura Parker-Manis, whose husband, Tommy Manis, was killed when a boiler exploded, filed suit against the manufacturer and company that provided maintenance for the boiler. According to news reports, she also plans on filing a wrongful death suit against Valero.

When a person dies while on the job, his or her family members may have a claim for wrongful death. A wrongful death suit is intended to compensate family members for the emotional and financial losses suffered after the death of a loved one. When a person dies in a work-related accident, his or her employer may have been responsible for causing the death. An experienced Houston personal injury lawyer can help you determine whether a wrongful death suit is appropriate in your case.

If you have lost a loved one in a work-related accident, call the Houston accident lawyers at 1-888-839-8879 today. The Palermo Law Firm handles personal injury and auto accident cases in Houston and the surrounding suburbs, including Bellaire, Brookside Village, Channelview, Crosby, Deer Park, Dyersdale, Galena Park, Houmont Park, Jacinto City, Kinwood, Meadows Place, Meyerland, Missouri City, North Hudson, Park Place, Pasadena, Pearland, Satsuma, South Houston, Stafford, and Sugar Land. Our Houston accident lawyers provide a free initial consultation regarding your case.

Texas Woman Attacked by Her Own Dog

2009-12-04T12:50:00.001-08:00

A 65-year-old Liberty County woman was attacked by her bull mastiff in her home just outside Dayton Thursday morning, according to news reports. The woman was found unconscious by sheriffs, who arranged for the woman to be flown to Memorial Hermann Hospital. She had bite wounds on her hands, head, and feet. Bull mastiffs are generally considered a very docile breed of dog in spite of their large size.

In general, avoiding the most dangerous breeds of dogs can help prevent dog bites. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics, the most dangerous breeds of dogs are pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Chow Chows, and wolf hybrids. However, even the most docile breeds can attack without warning or provocation, as is evident in this attack. Dog attacks can leave lasting physical and emotional scarring on attack victims. Therefore, it is important to speak with an experienced Houston injury lawyer to fully assess your damages after an animal attack.

If you have been injured in a dog attack, contact the Houston injury lawyers at 1-888-839-8879 today to explore your legal options. Palermo Law Firm handles personal injury and auto accident cases in Houston and the surrounding suburbs, including Bellaire, Brookside Village, Channelview, Crosby, Deer Park, Dyersdale, Galena Park, Houmont Park, Jacinto City, Kinwood, Meadows Place, Meyerland, Missouri City, North Hudson, Park Place, Pasadena, Pearland, Satsuma, South Houston, Stafford, and Sugar Land. Our Houston personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay a fee unless you recover money for your injuries.

Truck Tips Over, Spilling Fuel on Highway Exit Ramp

2009-11-25T09:07:00.000-08:00

A truck tipped over and spilled fuel on the North Loop exit ramp to 59 North early Wednesday morning, causing the ramp to be closed for hours. The 18 wheeler tipped over trying to navigate the sharp curve on the ramp. Fortunately, no one was injured in the accident.

The majority of truck accidents are caused by negligence, either on the part of the driver or of the trucking company. According to a study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver negligence is the critical reason for 87% of truck crashes. In a truck accident causation study involving 120,000 large truck crashes over a two-year period, 87% of the crashes were found to be caused by one of the following types of driver negligence:

Non-Performance: The driver fell asleep, was disabled by a heart attack or seizure, or was physically impaired for another reason.

Recognition: The driver was inattentive, was distracted by something inside or outside the vehicle, or failed to observe the situation adequately for some other reason.

Decision: For example, the driver was driving too fast for conditions, misjudged the speed of other vehicles, or followed other vehicles too closely.

Performance: For example, the driver panicked, overcompensated, or exercised poor directional control.

If you have been injured in a truck accident, contact the Houston accident lawyers at 1-888-839-8879 today to explore your legal options. Palermo Law Firm handles personal injury and auto accident cases in Houston and the surrounding suburbs, including Bellaire, Brookside Village, Channelview, Crosby, Deer Park, Dyersdale, Galena Park, Houmont Park, Jacinto City, Kinwood, Meadows Place, Meyerland, Missouri City, North Hudson, Park Place, Pasadena, Pearland, Satsuma, South Houston, Stafford, and Sugar Land. Our Houston accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay a fee unless you recover money for your injuries.

NHTSA: Teen Driving Deadly

2009-11-10T14:43:00.000-08:00

Auto accidents continue to be the leading cause of death for teenagers in this country. Drivers between 15 and 20 years old are three times as likely to be involved in an auto accident than older drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

NHTSA statistics show that there are several reasons for the high incidence of teen driving deaths, including inexperience, speeding, alcohol and drug use, failure to wear seat belts, and distracted driving caused by texting while driving, talking on a cell phone, or having other teen passengers in the car. The NHTSA recommends that all teen drivers be required to take a driving course before getting a license. In addition, parents should not allow teen drivers to use a handheld electronic device or have other teen passengers in the vehicle while driving. Taking these safety precautions, as well as encouraging them to buckle up every time they drive, can help ensure that your teen driver stays safe.

If you were involved in an auto accident, call the Houston accident lawyers at 1-888-839-8879 today. The Palermo Law Firm handles personal injury and auto accident cases in Houston and the surrounding suburbs, including Bellaire, Brookside Village, Channelview, Crosby, Deer Park, Dyersdale, Galena Park, Houmont Park, Jacinto City, Kinwood, Meadows Place, Meyerland, Missouri City, North Hudson, Park Place, Pasadena, Pearland, Satsuma, South Houston, Stafford, and Sugar Land. Our Houston accident attorneys provide a free initial consultation regarding your case.

Push to Ban Texting While Driving in All 50 States

2009-10-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

Most people agree that texting while driving is dangerous. But just how dangerous? According to a study released in July by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, drivers who text behind the wheel are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash or near-crash event than drivers who are not distracted. That is why the Automobile Association of America, more commonly known as AAA, is meeting with state governments across the nation to push for statewide bans on texting while driving. Currently, only 18 states and the District of Columbia have laws restricting or banning the use of handheld electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle. It is the mission of AAA and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, however, to persuade all 50 states to pass laws banning text messaging while driving by the year 2013. Although Texas has banned talking on cell phones in school zones, there is currently no law banning or restricting text messaging while driving.

There is no doubt that distracted driving can be deadly. Drivers who send text messages behind the wheel take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds - that’s long enough to travel the length of an entire football field! People injured in accidents caused by distracted drivers often suffer serious, debilitating injuries that may prevent them from returning to work for a while or permanently. They may have mounting medical bills and household debt they simply cannot pay. They may not know where to turn for help.

If you are injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, contact the Houston accident lawyers at 1-888-839-8879 today to discuss your case. Palermo Law Firm handles personal injury and auto accident cases in Houston and the surrounding suburbs, including Bellaire, Brookside Village, Channelview, Crosby, Deer Park, Dyersdale, Galena Park, Houmont Park, Jacinto City, Kinwood, Meadows Place, Meyerland, Missouri City, North Hudson, Park Place, Pasadena, Pearland, Satsuma, South Houston, Stafford, and Sugar Land. Our Houston accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay a thing unless you recover money for your injuries.

Toyota to Recall 3.8 Million Defective Floor Mats

2009-09-29T08:49:00.000-07:00

Toyota is set to recall 3.8 million vehicles in the U.S., the company announced in a press release on Tuesday. The floor mats on the affected models may interfere with the accelerator pedal, causing the accelerator to become stuck while the vehicle is in operation. A stuck accelerator can result in high vehicle speed, which may cause the operator to lose control of the vehicle and crash. A California crash that killed three people last month has been attributed to defective Toyota floor mats. Owners may begin receiving notifications of the recall as early as next week.

According to the press release, the following Toyota and Lexus models will be affected by the recall:

2007 - 2010 Camry
2005 - 2010 Avalon
2004 - 2009 Prius
2005 - 2010 Tacoma
2007 - 2010 Tundra
2007 - 2010 ES350
2006 - 2010 IS250 and IS350

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported over 100 incidents in which floor mats in the affected Toyota models caused the accelerator to stick. Owners of vehicles equipped with the defective floor mats are encouraged to remove the floor mats from the vehicle and refrain from installing replacement mats until the company remedies the problem.

If you have been injured in an auto accident caused by a defective product, contact the Houston accident lawyers at 1-888-839-8879 today to explore your legal options. Palermo Law Firm handles personal injury and auto accident cases in Houston and the surrounding suburbs, including Bellaire, Brookside Village, Channelview, Crosby, Deer Park, Dyersdale, Galena Park, Houmont Park, Jacinto City, Kinwood, Meadows Place, Meyerland, Missouri City, North Hudson, Park Place, Pasadena, Pearland, Satsuma, South Houston, Stafford, and Sugar Land. Our Houston accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay a fee unless you recover money for your injuries.

3 Teens Injured in Hit-and-Run Accident

2009-09-16T08:50:00.000-07:00

Three teenagers were injured Monday morning when a car sped past a school bus that was stopped with its lights flashing. One victim, a 17-year-old boy, suffered serious injuries in the accident. Two other students, another 17-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl, were treated for minor injuries. Fortunately, no one was killed in the incident. The driver, 34-year-old Bob Nichols Norfleet, left the scene of the accident and failed to render assistance to his victims. He is now in police custody.

Pedestrian accidents, like this one, killed over 300 school-age pedestrians and injured another 14,000 more in 2007. Motorists must remember to be extremely cautious if driving in the early morning or late afternoon hours when children are going to and returning from school. Although this incident occurred in the morning, more school-age pedestrians are killed between 3 and 4 in the afternoon than any other time of day. If your child has been injured in any type of accident, the Houston accident lawyers at Palermo Law Firm can help recover money for your child’s medical bills, physical pain, and emotional trauma.

If you or your child was injured in a pedestrian accident, call the Houston accident lawyers at 1-888-839-8879 today. The Palermo Law Firm handles personal injury and auto accident cases in Houston and the surrounding suburbs, including Bellaire, Brookside Village, Channelview, Crosby, Deer Park, Dyersdale, Galena Park, Houmont Park, Jacinto City, Kinwood, Meadows Place, Meyerland, Missouri City, North Hudson, Park Place, Pasadena, Pearland, Satsuma, South Houston, Stafford, and Sugar Land. Our Houston accident attorneys provide a free initial consultation regarding your case.

Beaumont Crash Kills 2 Motorcyclists

2009-08-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

Two motorcyclists were killed and another injured in a Beaumont crash involving 3 motorcycles and a van. The three motorcyclists were heading North on the Eastex Freeway on Thursday morning when one of the motorcycles rear ended a van, causing all three motorcycles to crash. Two motorcyclists were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, and a third was rushed to Beaumont hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the van was not injured in the crash.

Houston motorcycle accident victims tend to suffer more serious injuries than occupants of other motor vehicles when involved in auto accidents. Catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and severe internal trauma, can leave motorcycle accident victims unable to complete routine daily tasks for weeks, months, or even years after the accident. These serious injuries may cause permanent brain damage or result in paraplegia or quadraplegia, preventing accident victims from enjoying the quality of life they had before the accident. The most serious Houston motorcycle accidents often result in death. The experienced Houston motorcycle accident lawyers at Palermo Law Firm are committed to providing aggressive and thorough representation to all motorcycle accident victims.

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, contact the Houston accident lawyers at 1-888-839-8879 today to discuss your case. Palermo Law Firm handles personal injury and auto accident cases in Houston and the surrounding suburbs, including Bellaire, Brookside Village, Channelview, Crosby, Deer Park, Dyersdale, Galena Park, Houmont Park, Jacinto City, Kinwood, Meadows Place, Meyerland, Missouri City, North Hudson, Park Place, Pasadena, Pearland, Satsuma, South Houston, Stafford, and Sugar Land. Our Houston accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay a thing unless you recover money for your injuries.

Worker Killed in Trench Accident

2009-08-19T08:51:00.000-07:00

A construction worker was killed while working in a trench in Conroe on Tuesday. Three men were working when at around 5 p.m. rain water quickly filled the trench. Two of the men were able to escape safely, but the other was washed away in the flood of water. He was swept about 50 feet into a nearby sewer, where firefighters later found his body. The accident is currently under investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Accidents like this highlight the many dangers involved in construction work. According to a study by the National Institutes for Occupational Safety and Health, trench accidents are responsible for approximately 100 fatalities and 1,000 injuries per year. When accidents occur because of unsafe trenching practices that violate OSHA standards, a construction accident lawsuit may be appropriate. Construction workers should contact a Houston accident lawyer immediately if they are injured in a trench accident. Injured workers risk losing the right to sue their employers if they file a workers’ compensation claim, which may leave them with inadequate compensation for their pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages after the accident.

If you have been injured in a construction accident, contact the Houston accident lawyers at 1-888-839-8879 today to explore your legal options. Palermo Law Firm handles personal injury and auto accident cases in Houston and the surrounding suburbs, including Bellaire, Brookside Village, Channelview, Crosby, Deer Park, Dyersdale, Galena Park, Houmont Park, Jacinto City, Kinwood, Meadows Place, Meyerland, Missouri City, North Hudson, Park Place, Pasadena, Pearland, Satsuma, South Houston, Stafford, and Sugar Land. Our Houston accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay a fee unless you recover money for your injuries.

1 Dead, 1 Injured in Houston Rollover Accident

2009-08-06T08:52:00.000-07:00

A man died after the SUV he was driving hit another vehicle and rolled over on the southbound lanes of I-45 in Webster on Wednesday. Police say he was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash. His passenger was airlifted to a local hospital, but her condition was not immediately released. Fortunately, the occupants of the other SUV were not injured in the crash.

Rollover accidents can cause severe injuries, especially if the vehicle occupants are not wearing seat belts. Catastrophic injuries, such as paralysis, brain trauma, and internal wounds are typically more common and more serious in rollover crashes. Rollover accidents occur often with SUVs because their high center of gravity makes them prone to rolling over when involved in accidents. If you have been injured in a rollover accident, you should contact an experienced Houston auto accident attorney to discuss your case today.

If a rollover accident caused your injuries, call our Houston accident lawyers at 1-888-839-8879 today. Palermo Law Firm handles personal injury and auto accident cases in Houston and the surrounding suburbs, including Bellaire, Brookside Village, Channelview, Crosby, Deer Park, Dyersdale, Galena Park, Houmont Park, Jacinto City, Kinwood, Meadows Place, Meyerland, Missouri City, North Hudson, Park Place, Pasadena, Pearland, Satsuma, South Houston, Stafford, and Sugar Land. Our Houston accident attorneys offer a free consultation regarding your case.

Houston Leads Nation in Dog Attacks on Postal Workers

2009-07-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

Houston has more dog attacks on postal workers than any other city in the nation. In fact, according to a recent KHOU news report, Houston has lead the nation in postal worker dog attacks for 8 of the previous 12 years. There were 106 dog bites in 2008 alone. When postal workers are bitten while delivering mail, they are considered “invitees.” An invitee is someone who is allowed onto another’s property for business purposes. Dog owners owe invitees the highest duty of care to prevent a dog attack from occurring.

According to recent statistics, one out of every six dog bite injuries requires medical care and one out of every fourteen requires emergency care. Unfortunately, dog bite injury victims often have to bear the cost of their own medical treatment. If you have been injured in a Houston dog attack, the dog’s owner should be held responsible for the injuries inflicted by his or her pet. The Houston dog attack lawyers at Palermo Law Firm can use our experience and resources to help ensure that you receive full compensation for your injuries.

If you are injured in an animal attack, contact the Houston accident lawyers at 1-888-839-8879 today. Palermo Law Firm handles personal injury and auto accident cases in Houston and the surrounding suburbs, including Bellaire, Brookside Village, Channelview, Crosby, Deer Park, Dyersdale, Galena Park, Houmont Park, Jacinto City, Kinwood, Meadows Place, Meyerland, Missouri City, North Hudson, Park Place, Pasadena, Pearland, Satsuma, South Houston, Stafford, and Sugar Land. Our Houston personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay a thing unless you recover money for your injuries.

Houston Accident Lawyer

2009-07-16T08:53:00.000-07:00

According to Texas Department of Public Safety statistics, almost 4,000 people are killed and another 350,000 are injured in Texas traffic accidents each year. Texas car accident injuries can have a devastating impact on an accident victim’s life. You may be unable to work, require expensive medical care, and be unable to enjoy once loved activities after the accident. If you have been involved in a Texas car wreck, you need an experienced Houston car accident lawyer on your side.

Palermo Law Firm represents Houston accident victims with a variety of different types of injuries. Our Houston auto accident lawyers help injury victims seek compensation to help pay their medical bills, repair their damaged vehicles, and make up for time missed from work. Some common Houston car accident injuries are:

Neck & Back Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injury
Spinal Cord Injury
Scars, Burns, & Physical Disfigurement
Broken Bones & Fractures
Paraplegia & Quadriplegia
Wrongful Death

If you have been injured in any type of accident, contact the Houston accident lawyers at 1-888-839-8879 today. Palermo Law Firm handles personal injury and auto accident cases in Houston and the surrounding suburbs, including Bellaire, Brookside Village, Channelview, Crosby, Deer Park, Dyersdale, Galena Park, Houmont Park, Jacinto City, Kinwood, Meadows Place, Meyerland, Missouri City, North Hudson, Park Place, Pasadena, Pearland, Satsuma, South Houston, Stafford, and Sugar Land. Our Houston accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay a thing unless you recover money for your injuries.