What to Do After a Work Accident In Texas

Workers' compensation is a state-regulated system that provides certain benefits after a workplace accident. The benefits received may include medical, disability, or death benefits. Employers who are not subscribed to workers’ compensation insurance lose certain protections, such as immunity from liability in lawsuits. If you’re living in Texas, then you may be surprised to know that Texas does not require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. However, employers in Texas are required by law to tell you that they do not provide workers’ compensation. This may leave you in a difficult situation, especially if you’re hurt on the job. A workplace accident may require you to file a lawsuit against your employer to be compensated for any medical care and lost income due to the injury.

Important Steps to Take if You’re Hurt on the Job

These are some essential steps to take if you sustain an injury in your workplace.

• Medical attention. If you’re hurt on the job, seek medical attention first. Keep all documentation from your visit. It’s essential to get the doctor’s opinion on physical activity and how long it should take to recover properly.

• Per Texas law, you have 30 days to report any injuries to your employer. Then your employer must submit a report within eight days of the injury. These regulations are required under the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act.

• You may be able to receive medical and income benefits regardless of fault.

• Going back to work. Make sure to inform your employer of your physical limitations if the doctor approves your return to work.

Questions About a Work-Related Accident?

The Texas work accident lawyers at Mike Love & Associates, LLC want to protect your rights. If you have questions about your insurance policy or what to do after an accident, then we are here to help. Call (936) 632-2000 for your free consultation.

How To Check for Recalls on Bicycles, ATVs, and Motorcycles?

Manufacturers recall millions of motor vehicles each year. These vehicles may contain safety defects that could put your life at risk or cause severe injury. Additional car models are subject to recalls for the same reason. Bicycles, ATVs, and motorcycles can also contain dangerous manufacturing or design defects. You can check for recalls on bikes, ATVs, and motorcycles. However, several federal agencies coordinate with manufacturers on recalls for these products. Our blog will walk you through how to use the resources provided by these agencies to determine the recall status of a bicycle, ATV, or motorcycle.

Step #1: Checking on Recalls for ATVs and Bicycles

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) coordinates recalls for defective ATVs and bicycles. Unless you receive a recall notification directly from the manufacturer, you must use the CPSC’s website to check the recall status for these products. The CPSC’s website has a search bar at the top that lets you search for specific manufacturers of ATVs, bicycles, and related products. You could enter the manufacturer and product name to check its recall status. In addition to using the search bar, you can also sign up for email notifications whenever recalls are issued for these products. There are also regular recalls for bicycle helmets and other safety equipment.

Step #2: Checking on Recalls for Motorcycles

Federal laws require motorcycle manufacturers to notify you of recalls. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) coordinates motorcycle recalls. If you already know how to check for vehicle recalls, then it will be easier to check the recall status of your motorcycle. Like regular vehicles, you can check your motorcycle’s recall status by using NHTSA’s website. You will need to grab the motorcycle’s vehicle identification number (VIN) before you can search. The VIN is typically located on the steering neck or near the cylinders. Recently announced recalls and recalls conducted more than 15 years ago may not be on NHTSA’s website. Foreign vehicles may also not be in the recall search results.

What If My Bicycle, ATV, or Motorcycle Has an Unfixed Recall?

You can receive free repairs or a replacement if you own a bicycle, ATV, or motorcycle with an unfixed recall. However, you would need to contact the manufacturer or dealership to schedule an appointment for repairs. These businesses may not always have the parts required to conduct repairs. Mike Love & Associates, LLC is a Lufkin personal injury law firm. Our attorneys accept product liability cases. You can speak to one of our attorneys during a free consultation if a defective product caused you or a loved one harm. To schedule a consultation, call (936) 632-2000 or use our online case review form.

Do Texas Drivers Rank Among the Worst Aggressive Drivers?

A new study claims that Texas drivers are among the angriest in the country. According to GasBuddy, which conducted a national survey on aggressive driving, Texas motorists are the 4th most aggressive in the country.GasBuddy, a company that operates apps for finding fuel prices, conducted its research by compiling data from its Trips feature. The feature provides motorists with assessments of their driving habits. Trips allows users to assess their aggressive driving habits, such as hard braking, speeding, and rapid acceleration. Hard braking was the most common aggressive driving habit reported by Trips users. The survey’s findings indicate that aggressive driving occurs most often in densely populated cities with lots of congestion. While this means you are more likely to encounter aggressive drivers in nearby Houston, it does not mean Angelina County is immune to road rage. There are steps that you can take to reduce your chances of being in an accident or other confrontation with an aggressive driver.

Warning Signs You Are Dealing with an Angry Driver

Angry drivers can put you and others at greater risk of harm in a car accident. You should never escalate the situation if an angry driver confronts you. In some cases, it may be necessary to drive to a safe (populated) area to contact the police. Some road rage incidents involve violence or firearms. Be aware of the warning signs of aggressive driving that include, but are not limited to:

• Speeding. Angry drivers are more likely to speed. Unfortunately, speeding is a significant cause of car accidents in the US each year.

• Tailgating. If another driver is upset with you, then they may drive very close to the rear of your vehicle. Tailgating could lead to a rear-end accident.

• Unsafe lane changes. Angry drivers may make quick, aggressive lane changes. Some drivers may shift to the shoulder lane to pass other motorists.

• Failing to follow traffic signals or signs. Aggressive drivers who are short on patience may run red lights or stop signs.

Of course, there are other warning signs of angry driving that most of you are familiar with. Angry drivers may use honking or hand gestures. The Texas car accident lawyers at Mike Love & Associates, LLC, encourage safe driving. For future updates on our blog, continue to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. If you have questions about your rights after a car accident, call us at (936) 632-2000 or use our online contact form.

Federal Government Blocks Sales of "Autopilot Buddy" Systems

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a cease-and-desist letter to a company responsible for creating the Autopilot Buddy. Autopilot is a semi-autonomous driving feature that is found in Tesla vehicles. Autopilot Buddy is being sold to Tesla drivers to disable the safety function that recognizes when both hands are on the steering wheel. Tesla’s Autopilot is not a fully autonomous self-driving system, and it will alert the driver to return both hands to the wheel. Autopilot Buddy overrides the system by attaching a magnetic piece to one side of the steering wheel, causing it to believe that both hands are in place. The maker of Autopilot Buddy has until June 29, as demanded by NHTSA, to cease all U.S. marketing, selling, and distribution of their product. NHTSA says that this product could jeopardize the safety of Tesla customers and other motorists. In light of recent automobile accidents involving self-driving cars, NHTSA is cautious about what is deemed safe and unsafe. Driver-assistance technology is becoming more complex, but it can be dangerous if the driver overestimates the vehicle’s abilities. Tesla agreed with NHTSA’s decision to block the sale of Autopilot Buddy. The company selling the product has complied with NHTSA’s demands by posting on its website that it no longer sells the product in the United States.

Questions About Product Liability?

Defective products are capable of causing injuries and deaths. Consumers who are harmed by these products may be able to recover compensation for injuries or losses by filing product liability lawsuits. The Texas product liability attorneys at Mike Love & Associates, LLC can help you determine whether it would be possible to recover compensation for harm caused by a defective product. Contact us for more information about faulty products and obtaining compensation for your injuries.

What Are Common Mistakes People Make After a Car Accident?

Car accidents can cause severe emotional and financial disruption to your life or the lives of loved ones. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes after a car accident that can worsen their situation. Our blog will help you identify some common mistakes. Some of the most common car accident mistakes include:

1. Not understanding your auto insurance policy. The first common mistake occurs before an accident. Nonetheless, it is a mistake that must be covered. You should understand who and what is covered on your auto insurance policy. Do you have PIP and UM/UIM coverage? These are essential factors to determine before you are ever involved in an accident.

2. Failing to seek medical attention. We recently published a blog that discussed delayed injuries after a wreck. Some life-threatening or disabling injuries may not show symptoms right away. You should seek medical attention after an accident to protect your health, but also to establish a record of any injuries you or other passengers sustained.

3. Talking about your case. You should avoid discussing your case on social media or with insurance adjusters working for the other parties involved in the wreck. In fact, you may seriously limit your options for compensation if you make this mistake.

4. Not taking photographs or collecting other evidence. We understand that there are cases where you will be unable to take photos of an accident scene. If you are able and it is safe to do so, photographs could help your case. You could also help your case by writing down the names and contact information of any witnesses.

5. Settling right away. Taking the first settlement offer can be a significant mistake. Remember, insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind. They are in this business to make a profit, not to ensure that you are well compensated.

6. Admitting fault. Saying “I’m sorry” after an accident could cost you in the long run. Admitting fault after a car accident could jeopardize your ability to recover adequate compensation.

7. Failing to retain an attorney. It is very easy to make mistakes while seeking compensation from a car accident claim. An attorney could recognize these mistakes and help protect your ability to recover compensation for your injuries or loss.

Call Our Texas Car Accident Lawyers with Questions About Insurance

The Texas car accident lawyers at Mike Love & Associates, LLC want to protect your rights. If you have questions about your insurance policy or what to do after an accident, then we are here to help. It costs nothing to speak with one of our attorneys.