An incident that took place in nearby Ellis County on March 24 highlights the unpredictability of the roadways. That day, five people were killed on State Highway 34, close to Bardwell. Among those killed was Bardwell Police Chief Michael Spurgeon and his son, a firefighter with Bardwell Fire Department.
Texas DPS investigators say that a Dodge 1500 traveling westbound crossed into the eastbound lanes and struck a 2010 Ford Crown Victoria head-on. Chief Spurgeon and his son were in the Crown Victoria. A man and his two sons were in the Dodge and they were also killed in the crash.
At the Law Office of Dorothy Hyde, we know that the roadways are unpredictable. If you or a loved one need a Dallas car accident attorney, call us today.
What We Know
As of this writing, we do not know why the Dodge truck crossed into oncoming traffic.
For the latest reporting year in Texas, the Department of Transportation tells us that during the latest reporting year, there were:
- 3,721 car crash fatalities
- Over 250,000 car crash injuries
Today, we want to talk about the survivors of car crashes, those who sustain injuries. Consider the following types of injuries that are common as a result of car crashes:
- Spinal cord injuries (with possible paralysis)
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal organ damage/internal bleeding
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Severe lacerations or amputations
We know that each of these injuries requires medical treatment. In many cases, surgery and rehabilitation are required. In 2017 in Texas, there were over 17,000 people who sustained serious injuries as a result of car crashes. According to state definitions, these are considered “incapacitating injuries,” ones that often leave a person permanently disabled and in need of lifelong care.
How They Happen
We always want to look at why crashes occur. What we often find is that driver negligence plays a part. One of the most concerning things in Texas is the amount of alcohol-related deaths. In 2017, 28% of all traffic deaths were due to someone driving under the influence of alcohol.
Other major contributing factors include:
- Speeding
- Failure to stay in lane
- Talking on the phone while driving
- Texting while driving
- Driver inattention
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to yield
- Defective tires
- Disregard traffic signals
When another driver’s negligence causes injuries, they need to be held accountable for their actions.
What You Can Do Now
We know that you may not know where to turn if you or a loved one are injured in a car crash. At the Law Office of Dorothy Hyde, you can count on having a skilled attorney by your side, ready to fight for the compensation you need. This can include:
- Coverage for all of your medical expenses
- Lost income if you cannot work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Possible punitive damages
When you need a Dallas car accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at (214) 883-1700.