San Antonio Trial Lawyers Association (SATLA) Announces 2019 President George Salinas
                                    

The Law Offices of George Salinas, PLLC is proud to announce that George Salinas has been sworn in as the 2019 President of the San Antonio Trial Lawyers Association.

For the past 51 years, the San Antonio Trial Lawyers Association has been a dedicated and active collective of trial lawyers that fight to ensure our courthouse doors remain open in the spirit and letter of the 7th Amendment, Right to Trial by Jury. The association is composed of trial lawyers who represent all segments of our community who have been harmed by the negligence of others and must utilize our civil justice system to address those harms. In addition to fighting on behalf of our clients, the San Antonio Trial Lawyers Association has been active in community service projects and donating to causes, such as raising money to support charitable foundations benefiting members of our community in need of support. SATLA is recognized as one of the nation’s best local trial lawyer organizations. SATLA promotes community service, civil justice, and continuing education for all its members.

George has been a member of SATLA since 2006 and served in multiple leadership positions before being selected as President in 2019. In a ceremony that took place on January 19, 2019, at the La Orilla Ballroom in Downtown San Antonio, George was officially sworn-in and was able to speak about his vision and passion for being a trial lawyer, as well as what he looked forward to in 2019 while leading this strong organization.

                           Be Aware of Drunk Drivers Around Austin This Holiday Seaso                                                               

                                         

Unsurprisingly, driving under the influence (DUI) arrests are higher during the holiday season (Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day) than at any other time of the year. Drivers are typically going longer distances to see family and friends, and to enjoy holiday-related events and activities. There are therefore more cars on the roads, including holiday travelers, party-goers, and shoppers, and there are many more opportunities for drivers to drink before getting behind the wheel. While drunk driving accidents soar during the holiday season, there are steps you can take to try to avoid drunk drivers, and help keep yourself and your family safe.

Pay Attention

Knowing that there is a statistical increase in drunk drivers on the roads during the holidays, it is more important than ever to pay careful attention to what’s happening around you on the roads. Do not engage in distracted driving yourself, and instead be vigilant in watching out for drivers who may be behaving strangely, including drivers who are:

• Driving erratically. If you see a driver who is constantly swerving, or who seems to be struggling to keep their car in its lane, give them a wide berth. The driver may be under the influence.
• Driving excessively slowly. Some slow drivers may simply be attempting to find an unfamiliar location or checking their GPS. However, many drivers who are under the influence actually know that they are not able to drive safely, and as a result, they may drive very slowly. Unfortunately, the reality is this measure may not be enough to prevent an accident. Therefore, always give slow drivers plenty of space.
• Failing to follow traffic laws. Failing to stop for a red light, blowing through a stop sign, or driving on the wrong side of the road are all common traffic violations drivers will make when drunk. You may also see a driver who fails to notice pedestrians, or does not come to a complete stop at a busy intersection. Be extremely cautious and defensive if you see a driver fail to follow traffic laws.

Respond Carefully

If you see a suspected drunk driver on the road, respond carefully. Your first priority should be to get away from any potential harm that may be caused by the vehicle. If it is not possible to pass safely, pull over or take an alternate route.

Next, if possible, note the make, model, and license number of the vehicle and contact police. Share the vehicle’s approximate location and direction with the dispatcher. While it is not always possible for police to find a suspected drunk driver, you can try to help protect others by providing good details and clear information.

Get Legal Help After a Drunk Driving Accident

If you have been involved in a drunk driving accident this holiday season, speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Contact The Law Offices of George Salinas at (512) 851-1004 or online today and schedule a free consultation to learn if we may be able to help you.

                      Fatigued Driving and Why Austin Drivers Should Be Concerned

                                         

No doubt everyone has heard and seen warnings about the dangers of driving under the influence. However, fatigued driving can be equally risky to drivers and others on the roads.

The Centers for Disease Control report the incredible statistic that one out of every 25 drivers admits they have fallen asleep at the wheel in the last 30 days. Additionally, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fatigued driving caused 90,000 accidents in 2015, and claimed the lives of nearly 800 people in 2017.

Austin drivers should be aware of the dangers of fatigued driving, the damage it can cause, and their options if they become the victim of a fatigued driver.

Fatigued Driving Is as Dangerous as Drunk Driving

The risk for accidents, injuries, and fatalities caused by fatigued driving match those caused by drunk driving. Fatigued drivers are compromised, and therefore are more likely to:

• Exceed the speed limit;
• Ignore traffic warnings;
• Fail to see brake lights and other dangers ahead;
• Drift into other lanes of traffic;
• “Zone out” and forget where they are, or how they got there; and
• Have slower reaction times.

The behaviors of fatigued drivers are like those exhibited by drunk drivers. Furthermore, the drowsier the driver, the worse their driving skills. Fatigued drivers lack the ability to compensate for errors, and so the repercussions of fatigued driving are similar to those caused by drunk driving: severe injuries and even death.

Warning Signs and How to Prevent an Accident

Drivers should know the warning signs of fatigued driving, and take steps to prevent accidents from happening. Signs you may be too tired to drive include:

• Frequent yawning;
• Slow blinking;
• Memory lapses; and
• “Foggy” or sluggish thinking.

Commercial drivers are at higher risk for fatigued driving because they are often required to keep demanding schedules. However, anyone can become a fatigued driver, including people who sleep less than seven hours a night or who suffer from restless sleep caused by common health conditions such as sleep apnea, depression, and anxiety.

Alcohol, drugs, and certain medications—particularly when combined—increase the risk of driver fatigue. Drivers should always read warning labels for any substances they consume, and should be aware of potential chemical effects on their driving.

If you are driving and begin to feel drowsy, the best practice to prevent an accident is to pull over at a safe location and stop your vehicle. If you are traveling with someone else who can safely take the wheel, switch drivers. Otherwise, take a nap until you are capable of driving again. Other tactics like rolling down a window, consuming caffeine, or singing along to a radio are generally not effective, and it is best to be abundantly cautious to avoid the risk of an accident.

Were You in an Accident Caused by a Fatigued Driver?

Fatigued driving contributes to thousands of accidents in Texas every year. If you were injured in an accident caused by a fatigued driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to learn more. Contact The Law Offices of George Salinas in Austin at (512) 851-1004 or online to schedule a free consultation.

Types of Injuries in Austin Personal Injury Cases

Everyone is at risk of sustaining an injury in an accident—whether it’s a car crash, slip and fall, or something else. Minor injuries don’t require medical attention and usually don’t force you to miss any work. However, when injuries are serious or catastrophic, they can affect a person’s life on multiple levels. In addition to physical pain and stress, injury victims often amass thousands of dollars in medical expenses, and they may need to miss months of work.

If you have incurred financial and emotional losses due to an injury that someone else caused, you may be eligible to seek compensation. Call the experienced personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of George Salinas, located in Austin, Texas, at (512) 851-1004 today.

What Injuries Are Most Common in Personal Injury Cases?

Numerous types of accidents can result in serious injury, including car crashes, motorcycle accidents, slip and falls, and more. Locations can also differ; victims may sustain their injury while at work, at a neighbor’s house, while shopping at the mall, or at home while using a defective product. The types of injuries in personal injury cases vary just as much as the cause and location. Here are some of the most common injuries:

• Broken bones can be serious in nature, depending on the location and severity of the break. In motor vehicle accidents that occur at high speed—including pedestrian, bicycle, and construction accidents—victims may suffer crushed bones and require multiple reconstructive surgeries.
• Whiplash remains one of the most common neck injuries, especially in motor vehicle accidents. The impact of a collision can cause trauma that damages the soft tissue that supports the neck. The pain and discomfort associated with whiplash often doesn’t show up for a few days after an accident, which is why it is so important to seek medical attention immediately following any accident, even if you don’t think you are injured.
• Lacerations may occur in auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, or truck accidents, and they can occur while using heavy equipment or in a wide array of other scenarios. While many cuts heal, the deepest and most painful lacerations can result in scarring or disfigurement, and they may require cosmetic surgery.
• Burn injuries may occur in fires or explosions that are the result of motor vehicle accidents, industrial accidents, or spills of dangerous substances. Many minor burns heal completely and may not leave any scars. However, serious burns can cause permanent damage to skin, nerves, internal organs, and bones. Major burns often include scarring and disfigurement, which may require multiple skin grafting surgeries.
• Brain injuries include concussions of all severity, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that can have lifelong effects. Individuals who sustain a concussion usually recover quickly. Unfortunately, those who sustain a TBI are at risk for a wide variety of short-term and long-term issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), TBI victims may have problems with memory, logical reasoning, vision, hearing, and communication. Additionally, TBI victims often experience personality changes, like increased aggression, and mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
• Spinal cord injuries fall under the umbrella of back injuries, but the seriousness of spinal cord injuries warrants extra attention. The spinal cord, in conjunction with the brain, composes the largest organ of the central nervous system. Serious injuries that pinch, sever, or otherwise injure the spinal cord can cause partial or complete paralysis, numbness in the limbs and other areas of the body, and loss of control of bodily functions. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke warn that individuals who sustain spinal cord injuries also face a higher risk of lung and heart problems.
• Back injuries remain some of the most common motor vehicle injuries, but victims might also experience a back injury in a construction accident, pedestrian accident, motorcycle accident, or after falling on a wet surface. Minor back injuries typically involve soft tissue damage in the middle or lower back; the most severe back injuries involve bulged or herniated discs and broken or fractured vertebrae, all of which may require multiple surgeries to repair.
• Internal bleeding may occur as a result of very serious accidents. Broken ribs, pieces of metal or glass, or falling debris can puncture organs and result in internal and external blood loss. Victims who internally bleed need immediate medical treatment to avoid permanent damage and death.

What Types of Damages Might Be Recovered in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

The particulars of your accident and resulting injury—such as the extent of your injuries and financial loss that you incurred—will determine the specific amount and types of damages that a court might award you. The most common damages recovered in a settlement or verdict include:

• Medical expenses, including ambulance and emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, radiology, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and more
• Reasonable future medical costs if you sustain a permanent injury or a chronic condition, or if the defense wants to settle before you have recovered from your injuries
• Lost wages for time away from work due to your injuries
• Lost earning capacity if your injury renders you incapable of returning to work
• Pain and suffering for the economic and non-economic losses that you suffered due to your injury
• Loss of consortium
• Funeral expenses in the event of the wrongful death of a loved one

Contact a Skilled Personal Injury Lawyer in Austin

Regardless of the type and severity of your injuries, you should work with an experienced personal injury attorney, who will advocate for you and defend your rights. Your attorney will navigate the complicated legal process that is often involved with personal injury cases, investigate your accident, speak to potential witnesses, and handle all of the details for you. During this difficult time, you need to focus on your health and recovery. Call one of the qualified personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of George Salinas, located in Austin, Texas, at (512) 851-1004—or online—to schedule your free consultation and to learn about how we can help.

Choosing the Right Personal Injury Attorney

After an accident causes you injuries, you likely have a lot on your mind. Your injuries suddenly disrupted your life and you may face financial losses as a result. If you suspect that someone else’s negligence caused your accident, you may feel like seeking justice and compensation from that party. 

However, you may not know just how to go about doing so.

Everywhere you turn, you may hear and see ads for personal injury attorneys. A quick Google search returns thousands of results. So, how should you choose the right personal injury attorney for your case?

First, understand that having the right law firm behind you is essential to both your case and your well-being. A lawyer should never make your situation more stressful and should relieve concernsfor you and your family. The following are only a few factors you may want to consider if you seekhelp from a personal injury lawyer.

Experience Matters

Of course, having an experienced attorney will help. However, you should also realize that not every personal injury case is created equal. An attorney who has handled 100 cases involving fender-benders may not know where to begin when it comes to a serious workplace injury case. For this reason, you want to make sure that your lawyer has experience with the type of claim you need to file. This can include the type of accident that occurred, as well as the type and severity of the injuries that you sustained. In addition, you should hire a lawyer with courtroom experience in case your claim needs to go through litigation.

Exploring All of Your Options

Injury cases can settle in many different ways—for example, through an insurance claim, a personal injury lawsuit, or a workers’ compensation claim, depending on your circumstances. Some attorneys are notorious for pushing clients into accepting insurance offers. These “settlement mills” do not necessarily consider the best interests of each client. You should hire an attorney who knows there is no one-size-fits-all solution to resolving injury cases.

You Feel Like a Person—Not a Case Number

You are a real person facing real injuries and struggles after your accident—and your attorney should treat you like one. Law firms that take on too many cases or are too large may not have the time or level of commitment to treat you like more than merely a case number and keep you fully informed about your case. Note how a lawyer makes you feel in your consultation and do not settle for any attorney who treats you as less than the person you are.

Call for a Free Case Evaluation with a San Antonio Personal Injury Law Firm

The Law Offices of George Salinas is dedicated to helping clients injured in many types of accidents in the San Antonio area. Contact us online or call the office at (210) 225-0909 to learn more about our services for free today.

Even “Fender-Benders” Can Cause Serious Injuries

Rear-end accidents are some of the most common collisions on the roads in San Antonio and throughout the United States. In a single year, there were about 2,101,000 rear-end crashes reported in the U.S., which was more than any other type of collision. Many people refer to rear-end accidents as “fender-benders” because they often cause relatively minor property damage to bumpers and are not considered to be particularly serious events. However, statistics indicate that of the 2,101,000 reported rear-end crashes, an estimated 556,000 resulted in injuries to motorists. It is important to realize that even a crash that may seem minor can cause serious and costly injuries.

Common Injuries in Rear-end Collisions

While there are many different injuries that can stem from a rear-end crash, perhaps the most commonly associated injury is called “whiplash.” Whiplash refers to strains of the soft tissue in the neck and occurs when the neck stretches due to sharp and sudden head movements. When one car hits the back of another car, the occupants of both vehicles can experience a sudden jolt from the impact and often, their heads can snap forward and then back. This motion can easily result in whiplash, which can be painful, limiting, and can require extensive medical treatment and physical therapy.

Whiplash is far from the only injury that can result from a rear-end crash. The following are other common injuries to motorists:

• Concussions 
• Broken bones in the arms or face due to airbag deployment 
• Chest injuries due to seat belts 
• Back injuries 
• Contusions 
• Hip, leg, or knee injuries 

All of the above can result in medical bills, missed work, and other significant losses.

Liability for Your Losses

Many people assume that the rear driver is automatically at fault for a rear-end crash. This is not always the case, however, so it is important to explore your rights to possible compensation even if you were the rear driver. When determining who was liable, the focus is on which driver acted negligently to cause the crash – and this could be either or both drivers involved. The following are some acts of negligence that often lead to fender-benders:

• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Following too closely
• Cutting off another driver
• Speeding
• Failure to yield
• Slamming on brakes

Even if both drivers are partially at fault, Texas law still allows the driver who was less than 50 percent at fault to recover for at least some of their losses. It is important to have an attorney evaluate your rights even if you believe you played some role in causing the crash.

Find Out How a San Antonio Car Accident Law Firm Can Help

The Law Offices of George Salinas handles all types of car accident cases in and around the San Antonio area, including rear-end collisions. If you have been injured, you should always explore your options to recover for your medical costs, lost income, and other losses. Contact us online or call 210-528-1536 for free to discuss how our office may be able to help you.

The Law Offices of George Salinas is a San Antonio-based law firm focused on personal injury law in Texas. We fight to make sure our clients’ voices are heard and their lives are restored. We bring our power of knowledge and experience to handling each case. Whether it’s an injury suffered in a tractor-trailer accident or at the workplace, the law regarding these cases and the issues they present is constantly changing and evolving. Our practice is dedicated to the field of personal injury so that we can remain focused on the law specific to your case and make sure steps are taken to protect your rights.

WHY CHOOSE US?

Accidents can strike at any time, so it’s vital to have a personal injury attorney by your side that you can trust. We are committed to the values of trustworthiness, fairness, and loyalty to our clients. We also feel it is important to give clients complete and total access to an attorney throughout the process to understand the progress of their case.

CONTACT US TODAY

If you have suffered a personal injury through no fault of your own, then contact us today online or call (210) 225-0909 to put our experience to work for you and your case. We offer free consultations and convenient appointment times.

CONTACT:
The Law Offices of George Salinas
6243 IH-10 West, Suite 970
San Antonio, TX 78201
Phone: 210-225-0909
Fax: 210-579-6800