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Texting While Driving Can be as Dangerous as Drunk Driving

The word is getting out there, and people know the dangers but are they really taking it to heart? Thousands of innocent lives have been lost. Set an example by waiting to read and reply to that message, or by pulling over to take that call. If you or someone you know has been injured in a Houston car accident caused by a distracted driver, you should call our office today at (713) 921-4171 or (800) 232-3711.

Negligence and Your Texas Personal Injury Claim

Proving the negligence of the other party caused your injury is important to your Texas personal injury claim. However, there’s a lot more to a personal injury claim than just proving negligence and the Law Offices of Steven Lee, P.C. can help. We have been serving Houston residents with their personal injury case needs for over 35 years - contact us today at 713-921-4171 or 1-800-232-3711.

Factors in the Value of a Texas Personal Injury Claim

Understanding the factors that go into determining the settlement amount of your Texas personal injury claim is important when estimating the value of your case. For help with your personal injury lawsuit, contact the law offices of Steven Lee, P.C. We have helped Houston residents with their personal injury cases for over 35 years - contact us today at 713-921-4171 or 1-800-232-3711.

The Trial Stage of Your Texas Injury Claim

Of the 4 main stages of your Texas injury claim, the 3rd stage of the trial is usually the longest of all. For help with your personal injury lawsuit, contact the Law Offices of Steven Lee, P.C. We have helped Houston residents with their personal injury cases for over 35 years - contact us today at 713-921-4171 or 1-800-232-3711.

Defendant Answers to Personal Injury Claims

When filing a personal injury claim in Texas the defendant must submit an answer to your filed complaint before the claim can continue. For help with your personal injury lawsuit, contact the law offices of Steven Lee, P.C. We have helped Houston residents with their personal injury cases for over 35 years - contact us today at 713-921-4171 or 1-800-232-3711.

Houston Auto Accident Involves School Bus

A Houston auto accident involving a school bus sends 12 to the hospital. There were a total of four vehicles involved in the crash.

The 22 Million Dollar Text – Student Liable for Deadly Texas Accident

Jury orders Texas A&M student to pay $22 million in damages for deadly wreck caused by texting and driving.

How Deadly Are Houston Drunk Driving Accidents?

Drinking and driving is a serious matter. A Houston drunk driving accident can lead to a permanent disability including death. If you or someone you know has been injured in an alcohol-related car accident, you should contact Steve Lee, an experienced Houston car accident attorney at (713) 921-4171 or (800) 232-3711.

Reducing Injuries in Houston Car Accidents

Read this blog to learn about recommendations that were given to reduce the risk of serious injuries in car accidents. In Houston and throughout the state of Texas, countless lives are lost in auto accidents.

How to Avoid a Car Accident this Holiday Season

Follow these travel safety tips to help you avoid a car accident this holiday season. Contact Houston Accident Lawyer Steve Lee if you have been injured in an auto accident.

Many Fatal Car Accidents Involve Young Drivers

Young drivers are involved in one-fifth of car accident fatalities around the country. If you have been injured in a Houston car accident caused by the other driver, you may be able to recover compensation.

Does Cell Phone Use Increase the Chance of Being in a Car Accident?

We see it almost everyday. People talking on their cell phones while operating a vehicle. Is it that surprising, though? A recent study by the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association revealed that as of February 2008, over 254 million people had cell phones.

The problem with cell phones is that studies are showing that there are links between cell phone use and car accidents.

We have all seen it. Drivers become distracted while talking on the phone and are not paying close enough attention to the road. The same studies show that the distraction of a cell phone while driving can impact driving performance and can increase reaction times and travel speeds. How many of us have been behind someone traveling in the fast lane going well under the minimum speed limit? It’s not only frustrating, it is also dangerous.

As a matter of fact, a 2005 study in Australia revealed that drivers using their cell phones while driving were four times as likely to be involved in car accidents injuring themselves or others.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you should contact Steve Lee, an experienced Houston car accident attorney at (713) 921-4171 or (800) 232-3711.

Texas Jackknife Accident Can Cause Serious Injuries

When a large truck jackknifes, it often leads to a multiple car pileup and numerous injuries.  Jackknifing is a term that refers to a situation where the trailer of a large truck swings out to one side, making a 90 degree angle.  This type of accident got its name because this 90 degree angle resembles that of a jackknife in its protective handle.

Jackknifing may be caused from a slick surface, poor weather conditions, downshifting, brake failure, accelerating on a low friction surface or failing to properly negotiate a curve.  The trailer then swings to the side, as the large truck skids along the road.

Due to the nature of Houston truck accidents, these collisions often result in catastrophic injuries.  Neck injury, spinal cord damage, head trauma, broken pelvis, coma, burns and death have been known to be caused by serious 18-wheeler accidents.  In some situations, the trucker, trucking company or other responsible party can be held accountable and you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

A large truck accident in Texas is usually life changing.  If you have been injured in a semi accident, you should contact an experienced Houston truck accident attorney who can explain your legal options.  Contact Attorney Steve Lee today at 713-921-4171 or 800-232-3711 for more information.

Drunk Driving Accidents Claim Thousands of Lives

Getting behind the wheel when you are drunk is dangerous.  Most of us already know this fact, but still, every year thousands of people die in drunk driving accidents across the country. 

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), 8,027 drivers died in drunk driving accidents nationally in 2008.  Driver with blood alcohol levels of 0.08 percent and above were involved in these DWI accidents.

It doesn’t take a lot to reach a 0.08 BAC.  For some people, as little as three drinks can cause them to be too drunk to drive.  Intoxicated drivers are a hazard not just to themselves, but to the other people on the road.  The sad truth is that many deaths could have been prevented.  Alcohol impairment is still a major factor in many car accidents.

Researchers have found that when a person with a BAC of 0.15 or above gets behind the wheel, his or her chance of dying in a collision is extremely high. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Houston car accident caused by a drunk driver, you have legal rights and can hold that person accountable.  Contact Attorney Steve Lee at 713-921-4171 or 1-800-232-3711 for more information.

It Just Got Tougher for Drivers in Texas Drunk Driving Accidents

The law just got tougher for drivers involved in Texas drunk driving accidents.  A new Texas DWI law was just enacted that will require a suspected drunken driver to take a blood test without warrant if he or she was involved in a car accident that caused injuries.

According to the new law, if a police officer feels that a driver may be intoxicated and that driver has children in the car or a history of DWI offenses, the officer can mandate a blood alcohol test.  Before this law was passed, it was estimated that about half of Texas drivers suspected of drunk driving refused blood or breath tests.

Thousands of people die every year in Texas car accidents and many of these collisions are caused by drunk drivers.  Hopefully this new law will crack down on drunk drivers and prevent future drunk driving accidents in Texas.

If you or a family member has been injured in a Texas drunk driving accident, you need to contact a Houston car accident lawyer who will be able to explain your legal rights.  You may be able to obtain compensation for your injuries that resulted from the crash.  Call Attorney Steve Lee at 713-921-4171 or 800-232-3711 today.

A Texas Drunk Driving Accident Can Cause Paralysis & Other Injuries

When a driver makes the decision to get behind the wheel drunk, they not only put their life in danger, but the lives of the other drivers around them.  Too often there are reports of Texas drunk driving accidents that lead to permanent injuries and death.  For those victims who are injured in Texas DWI accidents, their lives are changed forever.  Many accident victims are left paralyzed and forced to face a life of pain.

Paralysis is a reality for numerous victims of drunk driving accidents.  In some cases, the paralysis affects the majority of the body, which is known as quadriplegia.  Sometimes paralysis only impacts the lower region of the body, known as paraplegia, and the victim may not be able to walk as a result.

When someone becomes paralyzed, they usually incur substantial medical expenses in treatment, surgery and rehabilitation.  There are also health complications associated with paralysis, such as bed sores, thrombosis, osteoporosis, frozen joints and respiratory problems.  Medical bills can quickly add up for a person who is paralyzed.

If you or someone you love has become paralyzed from a Texas drunk driving accident, you can and should hold the driver liable.  You may be able to obtain financial compensation that would not only cover your medical expenses and lost income, but also damages such as pain and suffering.  Contact attorney Steve Lee, a Houston car accident lawyer, at 713-921-4171 or 800-232-3711 for legal advice.

Spinal Cord Injury Caused By An Auto Accident

If you or a family member has suffered a spinal cord injury from an auto accident, you need to be aware of your legal rights.  When a spinal cord injury results from an accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation to cover your losses and expenses, including lost income, medical expenses, pain and suffering and other costs associated with your injury.

A spinal cord injury is life changing and often leads to permanent disability or paralysis.  Many victims of spinal cord injuries become quadriplegic or paraplegic, making it impossible to function in the same capacity as before the accident.

Once a patient is diagnosed with a spinal cord injury and issued immediate treatment, ongoing care is needed to help prevent further complications.  Someone who has sustained a spinal cord injury from a car accident is at risk of developing pressure sores (also known as bed sores), pulmonary embolism, breathing problems and autonomic dysreflexia.  Treatment is needed to avoid these health complications.

A spinal cord injury can also impact the family, as there are emotional and financial challenges that frequently arise.  If the spinal cord injury victim had previously worked to support the family, the sudden inability to generate income can place a financial strain on the household.  When someone else is to blame for the spinal cord injury, compensation should be pursued to help cover the costs of care and any losses.

Contact Attorney Steve Lee if you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident in Houston.  Call (800) 232-3711 or (713) 921-4171 today.

Texas Car Accidents and Text Messaging

It is hard to disagree with the belief that text messaging can cause serious car accidents.  Last year, five recent high school graduates were killed when their car hit a tractor-trailer.  Investigators discovered that just moments before the fatal collision, the driver had sent a text message from her cell phone.

Text messaging has become the latest trend and more and more people are using texting as a way to communicate with family and friends.  The problem isn’t text messaging itself, instead it is text messaging while driving.  One study estimates that 20 percent of drivers send or receive text messages while driving and another poll showed that 66 percent of drivers ages 18 to 24 text message and drive at the same time.

Eight states have already banned texting for all drivers, but Texas is not one of them.  In Texas, it is not against the law to send text messages while behind the wheel.  In many of the states that have banned texting and driving, drivers can get pulled over if they are found texting, as it is a primary offense.

Text messaging can create a significant driver distraction which may lead to a serious car accident.  If you have been injured in a Houston car accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation.  Contact Attorney Steve Lee at (800) 232-3711 or (713) 921-4171 for legal advice.

Whiplash Caused by a Rear End Collision in Texas

Whiplash is a term most of us have heard before, but many people do not realize the severity of this type of injury.  A whiplash injury is usually caused by a rear-end collision and can be incredibly painful for the accident victim.  Even though whiplash is not a life-threatening injury, it can cause a prolonged period of pain and discomfort.

A whiplash injury occurs when there is an over-extension of the neck, causing muscles and ligaments to stretch or tear.  It is usually the result of the body being pushed violently forward from a sudden impact from behind.

Those who have suffered whiplash may experience neck pain, neck stiffness, headache, shoulder pain, dizziness, drowsiness, arm pain, arm weakness, problems with vision, ringing in the ears and back pain.  One study has even linked whiplash to TMJ (temporomandibular) pain, which can lead to jaw pain and discomfort.

The recovery time for whiplash varies depending on the victim and the extent of damage to the neck.  Doctors frequently recommend neck rest and may even give the patient a cervical collar, which will help reduce the movement in the neck while it heals.  Occasionally physical therapy will be needed to help strengthen the muscles.  As one might imagine, medical treatment and therapy can be expensive.

If your whiplash injury was caused by another driver who was negligent, you may be able to recover money for your injuries.  Contact attorney Steve Lee today at 800-232-3711 or 713-921-4171. 

The article, “Understanding Whiplash Caused by Car Accidents in Texas,” has more information on this subject.

Car Seats Save Children’s Lives in Texas

Study after study has shown the effectiveness of car seats in preventing serious injuries among children involved in car crashes.  A recent study that spanned a full decade even showed that the use of car seats has actually gone up, which has consequently saved countless lives of young children.

The Partners for Child Passenger Safety study of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and State Farm analyzed insurance claims from 1998 to 2007 and the results from phone surveys on more than 875,000 children in accidents.  The findings of the study were encouraging.  According to researchers, the overall use of car seats among children 8 and younger increased to 80 percent in 2007 from 51 percent 8 years earlier.

The study also found that many children were being placed in booster seats, which help lower the risk of a child suffering serious injuries in a car accident.  A previous study showed that the use of boosters lowered crash injury risk by 59 percent for 4 to 7 year-olds.  A booster seat helps elevate a child so that the lap and shoulder belt fit properly.  Even though booster seats help avoid child injuries in a car accident, the state of Texas has one of the lowest booster seat usage rates in the United States.  Many believe that parents aren’t using booster seats in Texas because the state does not have booster seat laws.

According to the Partners for Child Passenger study, the majority of car crashes involving children happen within 20 minutes of home and 60 percent of accidents occur within 10 minutes of home.

The article, “Use of Car Seats has Gone Up,” has more information on this topic.

If your child has been injured in a Texas car accident, contact Steve Lee, a knowledgeable Texas car crash lawyer, at 800-232-3711 or 713-921-4171. 

Accident Victims Risk Developing Symptoms of PTSD

Over three million people are involved in car accidents each year and between 10 to 45 percent of those injured will later develop symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  According to mental health experts and researchers, car accidents are the leading cause of PTSD.

For most people, they usually associate Posttraumatic Stress Disorder with war veterans.  Stories are told of veterans who experience traumatic flashbacks and develop extreme anxiety that impacts their lives.  However, a car crash can also lead to this debilitating condition.

Two psychologists called Posttraumatic Stress Disorder a national public health problem that is taking a psychological toll on Americans.  Car accident victims who suffer from symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder often find that they have trouble working, going to school, maintaining friendships and interacting with family members.

PTSD is triggered by a disturbing outside event in which the victim fears for his or her safety.  Someone suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder may have trouble concentrating, sleeping and relating to others.  They often feel detached, become irritable, develop a fear of driving and have persistent flashbacks of the car accident.  Accident victims with PTSD continue to be impacted by the condition when they become too afraid to ride or drive in a car, which may keep them from working and enjoying life’s activities.

Treatment is available for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and usually includes therapy sessions and medication to treat the symptoms.

If you have been injured in a car accident and have developed Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, you may be entitled to compensation from the driver who caused the accident.  Contact Attorney Steve Lee at 800-232-3711 or 713-921-4171 for advice regarding your Texas car accident case.

The article, “Car Accidents are Leading Cause of PTSD,” has more information on this topic. 

Bad Numbers for Houston on New Years Eve

From the Houston Fox affiliate website:

HOUSTON  --  Police were out in full force on New Year's Eve to make sure drivers were safe during the late night celebrations.

Houston Police say they made about 45 drunken driving arrests late Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

This is very disheartening news.

It continues to boggle the mind as to how otherwise reasonable citizens of Houston don’t see the dangers of driving drunk, or, even worse, see the dangers but choose to ignore them.

As a law firm that helps the victims of those who have been injured by drunken drivers, we can tell you from experience that the dangers of getting behind the wheel after you have been drinking are very real. Drunk drivers in Houston and all over the country have ruined lives and destroyed families, and the real shame of it all is that these incidents could have easily been avoided if the driver in question had simply exercised restraint, caution and responsibility.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to the actions of a drunken driver in or around Houston, Texas, contact Attorney Steve Lee for a free legal consultation today.

Car Inspections Should Never Be Put Off

Getting your car inspected is usually viewed by most Texans as an inconvenience. You have to wait in line and fork over money that you could be spending on groceries, rent, or anything else. And they always seem to get you on something, so you have to set up an appointment to fix whatever it is that the inspectors found wrong, which means more money and more time.

But believe it or not, getting your car inspected wasn’t something that Texas thought up to torture you. If you had a one lane personal highway that only you were allowed to drive on, then Texas probably wouldn’t care if you failed every safety inspection criteria that exists. But since you have to share the road with the hundreds of thousands of other drivers in Texas, the state government (as well as everyone in the state) has a vested interest in making sure that your car is as safe as it can possibly be.

Don’t forget, your car is made up of thousands of moving parts, and any part of any machine can and will wear down. The last thing anyone wants is for your brakes to give out, or for your turn signals to short out, or for your tires to be incapable of providing you with traction.

Imagine causing an accident because you failed to get your car inspected, or failed to get something on your car repaired when you knew it was broken. That counts as negligence, and that can prove very costly if you end up in court. If that prospect doesn’t move you, then simply reverse it: Imagine if someone else failed to get his car up to inspection standards and then got into an accident with you.

Get your car inspected. Don’t delay.

If you or a loved one has been in an accident in Houston, contact Houston car accident attorney Steve Lee for a free legal consultation today.

Have a Teenage Driver? Don't Opt out of PIP

In Texas, Personal Injury Protection is automatically added  to the policy of any teenage driver, unless the parents opt out of it.

We are urging you to not take that option.

Personal Injury Protection is a smart way for you to protect yourself in the event that you get into an accident that causes serious injury in which you were responsible.

We think that even if you are an adult, having PIP is the smartest thing to have on your insurance. It doesn't matter if your car is brand new, or if your car is fifteen years old. Any time you get into an accident, you are at risk of being found at fault. Personal Injury Protection is just that; It helps protect your finances in the event that you are found liable for injuries to others.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, contact Attorney Steve Lee for a free legal consultation today.

Are Your Teens Wearing Their Seatbelts?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration just released a particularly disturbing report.

It says that 68% of those killed in nighttime accidents between the ages of 16 to 20 weren't wearing their seatbelts.

You have to wonder what the outcome of these wrecks would be if teenagers were taught to automatically put on their seatbelts.

Follow the link for more information about the reports.