Houston Personal Injury Attorneys – Smith & Hassler

Police are looking for the driver of a champagne-colored Chevrolet Tahoe involved in a collision with 67-year old Harold Williams, who died in hospital of his injuries this past Sunday. The collision between the Tahoe and a bicycle happened just south of downtown two weeks ago when Mr. Williams, who liked to ride his bike and even ran in marathons, left his home to ride to a nearby Walgreens. It was on the way home while crossing the busy intersection of Southmore and Highway 288 that the champagne-colored Chevy Tahoe hit Mr. Williams.

Eyewitness Tina Betts was driving behind the Tahoe that hit Mr. Williams. Realizing the accident was serious, Ms. Betts called 911 and remained on the scene to render aid. The woman driving the Tahoe stayed on the scene also, along with her young daughter who was riding with her. With all the attention focused on the injured Mr. Williams nobody thought to get the license plate of the Tahoe. The driver then told the witness and some bystanders that she had to leave to follow the ambulance to whatever hospital Mr. Williams was being taken to. Unfortunately that didn’t happen: the Tahoe driver just drove away and has not been heard from since.  13-days after the accident Mr. Williams died in hospital from his injuries. The Tahoe driver is facing serious criminal charges, including failure to stop and render aid.

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, Smith & Hassler’s experienced Houston personal injury attorneys are available to provide a free consultation and explain your legal rights. Bicycle versus car accidents often leave the bicyclist with painful road rash that may turn into permanent scars: take good quality, well-lit photographs that document your injuries. A Smith & Hassler personal injury attorney can use those pictures when negotiating a settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

Fortunately terrible bicycle accidents like this one are not common, but when they happen usually result is very serious injury to the bicyclist.

ABC Local News 13 is reporting that one person was injured last night when an 18-wheeler crashed into a car. The collision happened at the intersection of Westgreen and Park Row in West Harris County. Deputies say a car pulled out in front of the 18-wheeler at the intersection, and the 18-wheeler veered off the road and hit a chain link fence. Because the fuel tank ruptured on the big rig, a hazmat crew was called on to clean up the accident scene.

Fortunately it sounds like this incident did not result in serious injuries. Sadly serious injury, and sometimes death, are the result of 18-wheeler versus car accidents largely due to the size and weight difference between the vehicles. Being hit from behind at 50MPH by a vehicle similar in size and weight to the stopped vehicle is bad enough, so when the rear vehicle outweighs the stopped vehicle more than 10-to-1, the potential for injury is very high. The U.S. Department of Transportation establishes size and weight limits for trucks and trailers assembled in the U.S., the current weight limit is 80,000lbs but individual states have the right to issue temporary oversize or overweight permits. If you have been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident, contact the Houston personal injury lawyers at Smith & Hassler for a free consultation.