Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Legal Issues in Wrongful Death Matters
Car crashes, falls, and poisonings, usually drug overdoses, account for almost 90 percent of the wrongful deaths in the United States. Property owner negligence usually causes falls and driver negligence usually causes car crashes. Several layers of negligence, like medical, shipping, pharmacy, and manufacturer negligence, usually cause drug overdose deaths. In all three instances,… Read More »
Starting and Ending a Distracted Driving Wreck Claim
Distraction at work or home is a way of life. A friend once claimed that she could simultaneously feed her infant, pour a glass of milk, cook dinner, talk on the phone, and yell at her older kids. Knowing her, that claim is probably true. Distraction behind the wheel is deadly. Operator distraction causes… Read More »
Motorcycle Wreck Seriously Injures Sheriff’s Deputy
In July 2023, an off-duty Harris County law enforcement officer nearly lost his leg in a Houston motorcycle crash. Houston Police Department investigators said the off-duty deputy was riding his motorcycle when he hit a black Chevrolet Tahoe. The deputy’s motorcycle is marked in county colorings, but it’s a personal bike, according to HPD…. Read More »
Top Three Wrongful Death Causes
For the second year in a row, life expectancy in the United States dropped in 2021. Coronavirus deaths, which might not be random accidents, fueled much of the decrease. Employers, homeowners, and public facility owners all have a duty of care to provide safe and sanitary environments. Other common causes of premature death are… Read More »
Legal Options in Bicycle Crash Cases
Bicycle wreck victims badly need financial compensation. The average injury-related medical bill usually exceeds $40,000. Furthermore, since many of these victims are unable to work for months, their financial situations get worse every day. The financial and emotional stress lengthens the time required for, and the expense of, injury recovery, and the downward spiral… Read More »
What Causes Motorcycle Wrecks?
Negligence usually causes motorcycle wrecks and motorcycle wreck injuries. These injuries usually include severe broken bones. A double-impact wreck, a collision with a vehicle and a fall off the bike, usually shatters bones. As a result, doctors must use metal pins, screws, and other parts when they surgically reconstruct these bones. Advanced bone reconstruction… Read More »
What Are the Rules for Crosswalks in Texas?
The Lone Star State has very unusual pedestrian crosswalk laws. In some cases, pedestrians have the right of way even if they don’t have the light. Regardless of the light’s color, the duty of care applies at all times. This legal responsibility requires drivers to avoid accidents, whether a pedestrian crosses with or against… Read More »
Getting Around the Graves Amendment
Although most car crash victims have never heard of the Graves Amendment, this federal law could significantly affect the amount of compensation they receive, especially if the tortfeasor (negligent driver) was operating a U-Haul truck, Avis rent-a-car, or other rented vehicle. 49 U.S. Code § 30106 restricts the negligent entrustment rule, which usually applies… Read More »
Wrong-Way Drunk Driver Kills Motorcyclist
Charges are pending against a man who was allegedly intoxicated when he went the wrong way on the Southwest Freeway and struck a motorcyclist head-on. Police said there were two people inside the SUV when it collided head-on with the motorcycle. Both vehicles then caught on fire. The SUV occupants weren’t seriously hurt, but… Read More »
The Inside/Outside of a Nursing Home Fall Claim
Each year, the medical bills alone in elderly fall injury cases total more than $50 billion. These economic costs are only the tip of the iceberg. The noneconomic costs are much higher. Many elderly fall victims are so afraid of repeat falls that they withdraw from family, friends, and social activities. The resulting isolation… Read More »
