Attorney Blog

Earl Straight Retained For Accident at Cameron Road and Hwy. 183 in Austin

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Straight Law is proud to announce that GV has hired Earl Straight to represent them for injuries received in an accident on February 14, 2012 in Austin. The accident happened when the client was rear-ended while stopped for traffic on southbound Cameron Road at Hwy. 183. The Austin Police Department investigated. GV is currently undergoing treatment for their injuries.

Everyone at our personal injury law office wishes a speedy recovery to GV and anyone else injured in this accident.

Earl K. Straight serves victims of Texas car and truck accidents in Austin, Round Rock, Bastrop, Cedar Park, Buda, Kyle, Taylor, and elsewhere in Travis County, Williamson County, Hays County, Lee County, and Burnet County, including accidents on I-35, Highway 1 (Mopac Expressway), Highway 183, and other Texas roadways. If you or a loved one has been killed or injured in an auto accident in the Austin area, please order your free copy of my book, Texas Accident Law and You, 8 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Making Them, which will give you inside tips on how to handle the aftermath of your Austin area wreck.

One Killed, One Critically Injured in Auto/Pedestrian Accident

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

One pedestrian was killed and another critically injured as they stood on the sidewalk in front of Wheatsville Co-op at Guadalupe Street and 31st Street in central Austin. According to police, the driver of a Lexus SUV was travelling south on Guadalupe about 7 p.m. Sunday night when it rear-ended another vehicle, then swerved across the northbound lanes and onto the sidewalk, where it continued southbound, striking several signs, bike racks, a bench and the pedestrians. The SUV kept going for another block before it finally crashed into a traffic light pole. The driver appeared to be heavily medicated, and had been released from the hospital earlier that day. She has been charged with intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault. Dik Van Meerten, age 61, died from his injuries. Sarah Lee Parker, age 21, was transported to University Medical Center Brackenridge with critical injuries.

The SUV driver’s physical condition and negligent driving may have led to this tragic accident. As a result, the pedestrian’s family members should immediately seek counsel from an experienced Austin car accident lawyer who can educate them about their legal rights to get compensation to cover funeral and burial costs, loss of anticipated earnings, loss of love, care and companionship, and other accident-related damages.

The injured pedestrian may also file a personal injury claim to obtain compensation to cover medical, hospital and treatment cost, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related damages.

Everyone at our personal injury law office sends sincere condolences to all the victims, their family members and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ms. Parker for a swift and complete recovery.

Earl K. Straight serves victims of Texas car and truck accidents in Austin, Round Rock, Bastrop, Cedar Park, Buda, Kyle, Taylor, and elsewhere in Travis County, Williamson County, Hays County, Lee County, and Burnet County, including accidents on I-35, Highway 1 (Mopac Expressway), Highway 183, and other Texas roadways. If you or a loved one has been killed or injured in an auto accident in the Austin area, please order your free copy of my book, Texas Accident Law and You, 8 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Making Them, which will give you inside tips on how to handle the aftermath of your Austin area wreck.

UT Soccer Player Injured in Austin Car Wreck Shows Improvement

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

University of Texas Austin soccer player Kylie Doniak, who was injured in an Austin hit-and-run accident on February 3^rd, has recently started to show improvement.

The hit-and-run occurred early in the morning at 2 a.m. Nicholas Ray Colunga allegedly hit Doniak while she was walking in a crosswalk.

Colunga was witnessed running a red light and not yielding to Doniak. Colunga was then reported to have sped away, without slowing down. This left Doniak with serious injuries, including lacerations on her back, broken bones, a punctured lung, and a major head injury.

A witness of this Austin car wreck chased after Colunga on his motorcycle. When Colunga tried to abandon his truck and run, the witness was able to wrestle him to the ground.

Colunga is currently being held in Travis County jail with a $60,000 bail. He is being charged with two counts of failure to stop and render aid and with intoxicated assault.

Those in the room with Doniak reportedly said that she has moved her fingers, opened her eyes, and blinked several times. This was said to be especially significant because of the powerful paralytic medicines that have been administered to her.

Her family, who are from Chino Hills, California, are providing updates of her condition at CaringBridge.com. They have said that they expect a long but full recovery. Recently, at the University of Texas campus, a prayer vigil was held for Doniak.

The Austin car wreck attorneys at Straight law hope for a continued and full recovery.

Earl Straight Retained For Accident at Hwy. 620 and Anderson Mill Rd. in Austin

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Straight Law is proud to announce that DP has hired Earl Straight to represent them for injuries received in an accident on November 23, 2011 in Austin. The accident happened when the client stopped for traffic on Hwy. 620 near Anderson Mill Rd., when they were struck from the rear with enough force to knock them into the vehicle in front of their car. Travis County Sheriff's Office investigated. DP is currently undergoing treatment for their injuries.

Everyone at our personal injury law office wishes a speedy recovery to DP and anyone else injured in this accident.

Earl K. Straight serves victims of Texas car and truck accidents in Austin, Round Rock, Bastrop, Cedar Park, Buda, Kyle, Taylor, and elsewhere in Travis County, Williamson County, Hays County, Lee County, and Burnet County, including accidents on I-35, Highway 1 (Mopac Expressway), Highway 183, and other Texas roadways. If you or a loved one has been killed or injured in an auto accident in the Austin area, please order your free copy of my book, Texas Accident Law and You, 8 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Making Them, which will give you inside tips on how to handle the aftermath of your Austin area wreck.

How to Keep From Getting Into a Wintertime Austin Car Wreck

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Conditions on the roadway can worsen at any time, but in the winter they can be especially hazardous. Shorter days and colder temperatures can lead to freezing conditions. While snow and ice conditions are not as common as in more northern climates, they still occur in Travis County. As a result, you should be prepared and understand the ways to avoid a wintertime Austin car wreck.

First, you will want to check your car over to see if it can adequately handle winter conditions. Many auto repair shops can look over your vehicle and provide a general checkup. Make sure to check your vehicle over for any necessary repairs.

You will also want to alter your driving behavior, once conditions worsen on the roadway. This includes slowing down, paying attention, and observing other safe driving rules.

A wintertime Austin car wreck can happen to anyone, even to the most alert and prepared driver. If you or someone you love has been in a Travis County car accident, we can help. At the Straight Law firm, we have extended experience in Austin car accidents.

Contact Earl Straight today by calling 512.454.1331. One of Mr. Straight’s areas of expertise is car and truck accidents in the Austin area. He is available for a free consultation.

Through Mr. Straight’s extended experience, he has observed many key pieces of information and tips on what you should do after being in an accident. He has condensed this into a free online book that you can download from his site, called Texas Accident Law and You: 8 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Making Them.

Thieves Target Large Pickups In Austin

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

The Austin Police Department has warned that auto thieves in the Austin area have been focusing on larger pickup trucks, especially larger Chevy, Ford and Dodge trucks. A reported 61 such trucks were stolen in the first five weeks of 2012. Most of them have been recovered along the Mexican border, leading police to believe they are being used for drug trafficking and human and weapon smuggling.

Always lock your vehicle and don't leave the keys behind. If your car or truck is stolen, notify the police immediately, then notify your insurance company. If the stolen vehicle is later involved in an accident, you will not be liable for any damages.

Earl K. Straight serves victims of Texas car and truck accidents in Austin, Round Rock, Bastrop, Cedar Park, Buda, Kyle, Taylor, and elsewhere in Travis County, Williamson County, Hays County, Lee County, and Burnet County, including accidents on I-35, Highway 1 (Mopac Expressway), Highway 183, and other Texas roadways. If you or a loved one has been killed or injured in an auto accident in the Austin area, please order your free copy of my book, Texas Accident Law and You, 8 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Making Them, which will give you inside tips on how to handle the aftermath of your Austin area wreck.

Williamson County Accident Leaves Two Children Dead

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

A car accident in Williamson County has left two children dead. The accident occurred at Texas 29 and Water Valley Road, about six miles east of Georgetown. The car in which the children were riding was rear-ended as it attempted to make a left turn. Both children, Jisaia Bell, age 1, and Jhi Bell, age 4, were pronounced dead at the scene. The two drivers were taken to Seton Medical Center Williamson. State troopers have stated they will seek charges against Blake Dowd, the driver of the vehicle that rear-ended the other car.

It appears that Mr. Dowd's negligent driving may have led to this tragic accident. As a result, the childrens’ family members should immediately seek counsel from an experienced Georgetown car accident lawyer who can educate them about their legal rights to get compensation to cover funeral and burial costs, loss of anticipated earnings, loss of love, care and companionship, and other accident-related damages.

The injured driver may also file a personal injury claim to obtain compensation to cover medical, hospital and treatment cost, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related damages.

Everyone at our personal injury law office sends sincere condolences to all the victims, their family members and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with the childrens' family.

Earl K. Straight serves victims of Texas car and truck accidents in Austin, Round Rock, Bastrop, Cedar Park, Buda, Kyle, Taylor, and elsewhere in Travis County, Williamson County, Hays County, Lee County, and Burnet County, including accidents on I-35, Highway 1 (Mopac Expressway), Highway 183, and other Texas roadways. If you or a loved one has been killed or injured in an auto accident in the Austin area, please order your free copy of my book, Texas Accident Law and You, 8 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Making Them, which will give you inside tips on how to handle the aftermath of your Austin area wreck.

Earl Straight Retained For Accident At N. Lamar And Parmer Lane

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Straight Law is proud to announce that SW has hired Earl Straight to represent them for injuries received in an accident on February 9, 2012 in Austin. The accident happened when a vehicle travelling eastbound on Parmer Lane at the intersection with N. Lamar Boulevard failed to yield the right of way when turning left, thus striking a vehicle travelling westbound on Parmer Lane and knocking that vehicle into SW's car. The Austin Police Department investigated. SW is currently undergoing treatment for their injuries.

Everyone at our personal injury law office wishes a speedy recovery to SW and anyone else injured in this accident.

Earl K. Straight serves victims of Texas car and truck accidents in Austin, Round Rock, Bastrop, Cedar Park, Buda, Kyle, Taylor, and elsewhere in Travis County, Williamson County, Hays County, Lee County, and Burnet County, including accidents on I-35, Highway 1 (Mopac Expressway), Highway 183, and other Texas roadways. If you or a loved one has been killed or injured in an auto accident in the Austin area, please order your free copy of my book, Texas Accident Law and You, 8 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Making Them, which will give you inside tips on how to handle the aftermath of your Austin area wreck.

Austin Car Accident Dos and Don'ts

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Being in a car accident can be very stressful. After an Austin car accident, one of the most important things that you can do is think clearly. This clarity of thought will help you remember what to do and what not to do following a car crash:

What to Do

DO call police and file a police report. Police reports are vital documents in Austin car accident cases. Without the police report, it is the other driver’s word against yours.
DO take pictures of any damages that may have occurred. Also, take pictures of the entire accident scene. These photos may act as evidence and may help prove your case.
DO seek professional medical help. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. So, it may be worthwhile for you to get checked out by a doctor.
DO report the accident to your car insurance company.

What Not to Do

DON’T drive or walk away from the scene of the accident. Call and wait for the police to arrive. Once on the scene, the police will let you know when it is okay to leave.
DON’T take responsibility for causing the accident. The accident could have been caused by elements that you were not aware of. So, only provide the facts of what caused the accident.
DON’T post details of the accident on social networking sites or discuss any details in public. These public disclosures may be used against you later in a court case.
DON’T sign any legal documents or provide recorded statements. If you are asked to do so, you can contact an Austin car accident lawyer first.
DON’T forget to contact qualified Texas car wreck attorney, Earl Straight, at Straight law by calling 512.454.1331. To also help with your case, Mr. Straight has written a book which is available for you to order online for FREE, Texas Accident Law and You: 8 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Making Them.

Two Men Die In Head-on Collision On Highway 290 Near Dripping Springs

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Two men have died from a two-vehicle head-on collision on Hwy. 290 just east of Dripping Springs in Hays County. The accident happened on Sunday morning before 8 a.m. when a car driven by Bobby Fisher, of Bastrop, travelling westbound, crossed the center line and collided with a car driven eastbound by David Galle, of New Ulm, according to officials. Fisher was pronounced dead at the scene, and Galle died later at University Medical Center Brackenridge. Burnie Galle, a passenger and the brother of David Galle, is currently in critical condition with internal injuries, according to Department of Public Safety officials. DPS is still investigating how and why this accident occurred.

Unfortunately, Bobby Fisher’s negligent driving in crossing the center line may have led to this tragic accident. As a result, David Galle’s family members should immediately seek counsel from an experienced Austin car accident lawyer who can educate them about their legal rights to get compensation to cover funeral and burial costs, loss of anticipated earnings, loss of love, care and companionship, and other accident-related damages.

The injured passengers may also file a personal injury claim to obtain compensation to cover medical, hospital and treatment cost, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related damages.

Everyone at our personal injury law office sends sincere condolences to all the victims, their family members and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with Burnie Galle for a swift and complete recovery.

Earl K. Straight serves victims of Texas car and truck accidents in Austin, Round Rock, Bastrop, Cedar Park, Buda, Kyle, Taylor, and elsewhere in Travis County, Williamson County, Hays County, Lee County, and Burnet County, including accidents on I-35, Highway 1 (Mopac Expressway), Highway 183, and other Texas roadways. If you or a loved one has been killed or injured in an auto accident in the Austin area, please order your free copy of my book, Texas Accident Law and You, 8 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Making Them, which will give you inside tips on how to handle the aftermath of your Austin area wreck.

Austin Car Accident Hit and Run Injures University of Texas Student

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Early in the morning on February 3rd, a University of Texas student and soccer player, Kylie Doniak, was seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident in downtown Austin which left her in critical condition.

This Austin car accident occurred at the intersection of Eighth Street and San Jacinto.

Doniak was waking with a friend at 2 a.m—a time when many bars in the area were closing. Witnesses of the accident said that, while crossing the street in the crosswalk, Doniak was struck by Nicholas Colunga, 22.

Colunga was seen running a red light at the intersection, hitting Doniak, and not stopping or slowing down.

Another witness of the hit and run, Sisto Perez, followed Colunga’s truck on his motorcycle. He caught up to Colunga on Rio Grande Street, where Perez wrestled him to the ground. Perez was able to reach Colunga after he allegedly tried to leave his vehicle and run.

Colunga has been arrested by police and is being charged with assault, intoxication, and failure to stop and render aid.

Doniak was a 2009 Academic All Big 12 first team recipient and is currently a senior midfielder for the Bevos. During last year’s season, Doniak was the second highest scorer for the team with 13 points.

The Austin car accident lawyers at Straight Law hope that Doniak has a speedy, full recovery.

Woman Struck By Capital Metro Bus Has Died From Her Injuries

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

A Cedar Park woman, Amanda Louise Dewey, who has been hospitalized since January 30 after being struck and pinned under a Capital Metro bus, has died. The accident happened on Jollyville Road and Braker Lane in north Austin. The bus was turning left when it struck Dewey, and she was pinned underneath the bus for almost 30 minutes before being rescued. She was taken to University Medical Center Brackenridge. According to an investigation by the Austin Police Department, both parties had a green light, but Dewey had the right of way as a pedestrian. The bus driver was cited for failure to yield the right of way to a pedestrian.

Based on the results of the investigation, the driver’s negligent driving may have led to this tragic accident. As a result, Dewey’s family members should immediately seek counsel from an experienced Austin wrongful death lawyer who can educate them about their legal rights to get compensation to cover funeral and burial costs, loss of anticipated earnings, loss of love, care and companionship, and other accident-related damages.

Everyone at our personal injury law office sends sincere condolences to the victim, her family members and friends.

Earl K. Straight serves victims of Texas car and truck accidents in Austin, Round Rock, Bastrop, Cedar Park, Buda, Kyle, Taylor, and elsewhere in Travis County, Williamson County, Hays County, Lee County, and Burnet County, including accidents on I-35, Highway 1 (Mopac Expressway), Highway 183, and other Texas roadways. If you or a loved one has been killed or injured in an auto accident in the Austin area, please order your free copy of my book, Texas Accident Law and You, 8 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Making Them, which will give you inside tips on how to handle the aftermath of your Austin area wreck.

Hit And Run Accident In Downtown Austin Injures Pedestrians, One Critically

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

A suspect alleged to have been drunk told police he was "nowhere near sober" when he ran a red light at 2 a.m. Friday morning at East Eighth Street and San Jacinto Boulevard in downtown Austin, striking a group of pedestrians with his car. One of the pedestrians, University of Texas student Kylie Doniak, was critically injured and remains in critical condition at University Medical Center Brackenridge. According to an arrest affidavit, Ms. Doniak suffered a significant head injury, multiple rib fractures, a punctured lung and multiple fractures in her right leg. The driver of the car has been charged with intoxication assault and two counts of failure to stop and render aid. It appears his negligence is what led to this tragic accident. As a result, the injured pedestrians and their family members should immediately seek counsel from an experienced Austin car accident lawyer who can educate them about their legal rights to get compensation to cover medical, hospital and treatment cost, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related damages.

Everyone at our personal injury law office sends sincere condolences to all the victims, their family members and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ms. Doniak for a swift and complete recovery.

Earl K. Straight serves victims of Texas car and truck accidents in Austin, Round Rock, Bastrop, Cedar Park, Buda, Kyle, Taylor, and elsewhere in Travis County, Williamson County, Hays County, Lee County, and Burnet County, including accidents on I-35, Highway 1 (Mopac Expressway), Highway 183, and other Texas roadways. If you or a loved one has been killed or injured in an auto accident in the Austin area, please order your free copy of my book, Texas Accident Law and You, 8 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Making Them, which will give you inside tips on how to handle the aftermath of your Austin area wreck.

Single Vehicle Rollover Accident In Austin Kills Driver, Injures Passenger

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

The driver in a single vehicle accident on Shoal Creek Boulevard between Shoalmont Drive and RM 2222 was killed and a passenger was injured when the truck rolled over early Sunday morning, February 5, 2012.

It is unclear as to what led to this serious rollover truck wreck. Unfortunately, the driver’s negligent driving may have led to this tragic accident. As a result, the passengers’ family members should immediately seek counsel from an experienced Austin car accident lawyer who can educate them about their legal rights to file a personal injury claim to obtain compensation to cover medical, hospital and treatment cost, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related damages.

Our personal injury law office sends sincere condolences to victims’ family members and friends. We also pray that the injuries suffered by the injured victim heal soon and do not leave any long-term effects.

Earl K. Straight serves victims of Texas car and truck accidents in Austin, Round Rock, Bastrop, Cedar Park, Buda, Kyle, Taylor, and elsewhere in Travis County, Williamson County, Hays County, Lee County, and Burnet County, including accidents on I-35, Highway 1 (Mopac Expressway), Highway 183, and other Texas roadways. If you or a loved one has been killed or injured in an auto accident in the Austin area, please order your free copy of my book, Texas Accident Law and You, 8 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Making Them, which will give you inside tips on how to handle the aftermath of your Austin area wreck.

Single Vehicle Truck Rollover Accident In Austin Kills Driver, Injures Passenger

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

What Is GAP Insurance?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

If you have a loan on your vehicle, gap insurance can be invaluable if your vehicle is badly damaged and deemed a total loss after an accident. Due to rapid depreciation, a vehicle’s fair market value is very often less than what is owed on the note. Just as you would be upside down on a trade, so would you owe more than the vehicle is worth in a total loss situation. Gap insurance makes up that difference, or pays the “gap” between what you owe and what you get. For example, if your vehicle has a fair market value of $10,000, but you still owe $12,000, gap insurance would pay the additional $2,000 to your lender to pay off the loan. Otherwise, you could find yourself making monthly payments for a vehicle you no longer own. For a more detailed discussion, click here.

Hospital Liens In Texas and How They Affect Personal Injury Settlements

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

If you have been in an accident that was the result of another person’s negligence and you received treatment at a hospital in Texas, the hospital has the right to file a lien for payment of their bill against your claim. The hospital will put the other party's insurance company on notice of their lien, so that when your claim settles, the hospital will be paid first out of the settlement proceeds. Sometimes when you arrive at the emergency room you do not yet know the other party's insurance information, so the hospital cannot give notice. Not having notice of a lien does not relieve you of the obligation to pay the hospital lien out of your settlement proceeds. Your attorney will check for liens when your case has settled, but if you are handling your claim yourself, be careful, not knowing that a lien was filed is no excuse should the hospital come after you for payment sometimes months or even years after your case has settled. For a more detailed discussion, please click here.

Potential Tax Consequences For Personal Injury Settlements

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

With tax time quickly approaching, an issue that always crops up is whether personal injury settlements are taxable. For the most part they are not. It is the position of the IRS that as long as the settlement is primarily for the injury, and not some other claim for damages such as lost wages, the client's portion of the settlement is not subject to federal taxes. This will apply to approximately 99% of personal injury claims, especially claims arising from car and trucking accidents. Settlements are based on lump sum amounts, it would be extremely difficult to assign a dollar figure to each element of damages (so much for pain and suffering, so much for lost wages, etc.) and probably impossible to have everyone agree on those figures. So unless a claim, say for lost wages, is such a huge part of an injury claim that the settlement is more about the lost wages than the injuries, as in a case with a permanent disability or wrongful death, there are no tax ramifications. Always consult with your attorney if you are unsure about potential tax liability for your personal injury settlement. For a more detailed discussion, please click here.