In honor of election day tomorrow, The Benton Law Firm is providing this interactive visualization of voter registration in the state of Texas. Click on the map below to explore voter statistics for the 2018 midterm elections, including the average voter’s age and Hispanic voter percentages for each Texas county.

According to a study conducted by the Center For Disease Control, over 83 million people visit a doctor each year for care following an accident. While some of these accidents are minor, some can cause substantial injuries.

If your injuries are severe enough to seek out medical attention, then you may need to also consult with a personal injury attorney. Accidents caused by the negligence of others can result in lawsuits, which is why seeking out some legal advice is a must.

Before settling on a personal injury lawyer to use, you will have to do some research. One of the best ways to find a great attorney is by scheduling a few consultations. During these consultations, you can get information about whether or not your case is worth pursuing.

The following are some of the signs that is time to hire an accident lawyer to help you out.

1. The Injuries You Suffered Are Serious

Have the injuries you sustained in an accident prohibited you from working or carrying on with your daily life? If so, it is probably time to schedule some consultations with personal injury lawyers in your area.

The last thing you want to do is hesitate in a situation like this due to the statute of limitations that exists for personal injury lawsuits. Presenting a lawyer with the facts of your case will allow you to find out what your injuries are worth.

Each state is different regarding how much they allow accident victims to collect for their injuries. This is why having a legal professional who is familiar with these laws on your side is beneficial.

2. Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney Is Important If Your Injures Are Permanent

In some severe accidents, the injuries a person sustains will be permanent. These types of permanent injuries will usually require long-term care that is extremely expensive.

Instead of having to pay for these treatments on your own, you will need to work with a lawyer to file suit against the negligent party. An experienced lawyer will have no problem helping you get the most out of your claim.

3. You Were Involved in a Car Accident Caused By a Defective Part

One of the most potentially damaging types of accidents you can be involved in is a car wreck. These types of accidents can be caused by a host of different issues.

If the car accident you were involved in was caused by a faulty auto part, then contacting a personal injury attorney is a good idea. The manufacturer of the defective part may be liable for the damage that your body and your car experienced during the wreck.

The only way to find out what your best course of action is in a case like this is by working with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Once the lawyer has the details of your case, they can start to work on getting you the compensation you are owed.

4. You Are Missing Work Without Compensation

Being injured in an accident can turn your life upside down. If the injuries you have sustained in an accident prohibit you from working, supporting yourself and your family can be quite difficult.

When injuries force you to take time off of work, you will have to seek out compensation from the negligent party that caused the accident. If the insurance company representing this person refuses to provide you with pay for your lost wages, you need to hire a lawyer.

A lawyer will work on your behalf to get this money so you can pay your bills and avoid financial hardships. Insurance companies make a lot of money by compensating injury victims. This is why having a legal professional on your side is so important.

5. Problems with the Insurance Company

When an accident is caused by a negligent party, it is the responsibility of their insurance company to compensate the injured party. Most insurance companies try hard to lower the number of payouts they have to make to customers and injured individuals each year.

Trying to negotiate with an insurance company without the help of a lawyer can end in disaster. If you are not familiar with the personal injury laws in your state, you are bound to make costly mistakes.

An experienced personal injury attorney will know how to deal with insurance companies. By letting them handle these negotiations, you can limit the amount of stress and frustration you have during this experience.

6. Exposure to Harmful Chemicals Can Be Dangerous

There are a number of personal injury cases each year that revolve around unsafe working conditions. Some work environments have hazardous materials and chemicals lying around. If you are injured due to the negligence of your employer, then filing a personal injury suit may be your only course of action.

A personal injury lawyer will work hard to build your case. They will use medical records, witness statements and even the help of private investigators to build this case on your behalf.

7. Mounting Car Repair and Medical Bills Following an Accident

The amount of damage that can be done during a car wreck can be quite substantial. Not only will your car take a beating during this ordeal, but your body can also take quite a battering as well.

If you have piles of overdue car repair and medical bills following an accident that wasn’t your fault, now is the time to reach out to a personal injury attorney. They can help you get the compensation needed to pay these bills and get your life back on track following an accident.

Don’t Rush Through the Lawyer Selection Process

The biggest mistake you can make when trying to find a personal injury attorney is rushing through the selection process. Taking your time and weighing all of the options you have is the only way to ensure the right lawyer is hired.

Are you trying to get compensation for injuries you sustained during an accident? If so, contact us now to schedule a consultation.

If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, we know that you’re deeply concerned about getting compensation for your injuries. The same goes for the time you may have had to take off of work.

In short, you know you need an injury lawyer to fight for you.

But before you blindly start typing things like “personal injury attorney near me” into Google, you first need to know exactly what you should look for in order to connect with the best personal injury lawyer in and around the Dallas area.

In this post, we’ll cover the four main things you shouldn’t compromise on when it comes to connecting with a quality accident lawyer.

1. Get to Know Their Specializations

The first step in finding the right personal injury attorney?

Look for a legal professional that has experience with cases similar to your own. Remember that “personal injury” is an umbrella term for all sorts of accidents.

Are you dealing with a slip and fall accident that happened at work? Were you injured on a commercial property? Was the accident a result of a company’s negligence? Are you looking to get a settlement for medical malpractice? Were you injured in a car accident?

As you can see, there are many different ways that your case could take shape. First, figure out if the attorneys you’re thinking of working with have the right experience to help you get the compensation you deserve.

2. Verify Their Credentials

When you’re looking for a qualified accident lawyer, you’ll also need to take a look at their credentials.

Of course, you want to work with a personal injury lawyer who graduated from a top-tier school. But that kind of pedigree is far from the only thing you should watch for.

You should also ask how they further their education. For example, are they a member of any local lawyers guilds? Do they attend law conferences, or submit articles to legal journals? What about local clubs? This isn’t just about how they keep up with changes to the legal system.

It will also give you a better idea of the kinds of connections they have. Remember, when you work with an injury lawyer, you’ll also need to work with the police, medical professionals, and perhaps even seek additional legal counsel.

You need to know that the attorney you’re working with has a strong network of people who could strengthen your case to pull from.

Of course, it goes without saying you should verify their licenses on the Texas State Bar website.

3. Speak with Past Clients

It’s important to know the right questions to ask your potential attorney when it comes to their experience and credentials.

However, it’s just as essential to speak with their past clients directly. While every law firm worth its salt should have a client testimonial page on their website, you’ll need to dig deeper.

When you’ve found a lawyer you connect with, ask if you can have the names and telephone numbers of at least two references. If possible, try to connect with clients who had cases similar to your own.

When you speak with these references, go over the outcome of the case. Was it in line with the client expectations and the conversations between the client and their attorney–or way off base?

What about the legal fee structure? Were their hidden costs that the attorney wasn’t upfront about, or did the billing process make sense? How was the communication between the client and their lawyer? Were they made to feel like a priority, or did things always feel rushed?

Above all, would the reference work with this attorney again in the future? Or, are they telling you to run for the hills?

It goes without saying that if a lawyer can’t or doesn’t seem to want to give you any references, you’re not working with a top player in the legal field.

4. Check Their Recent Case Results

While the recent case results of a personal injury lawyer aren’t a guarantee of future results, they can certainly give you a good idea of what to expect.

They’ll also help you to determine how often the lawyer was able to help a client settle out of court, and how often a case made it to trial. You’ll also be able to take a look at the different settlement amounts past clients won.

Case results should also include a brief summary of the case. As we mentioned in our first point, you need to be certain that the legal professional has experiences with cases similar to your own.

If you feel like the attorneys didn’t fight hard enough for their past clients, or if there is no information about past cases to be found at all, it’s likely time to move on.

Ready to Work with a Top Personal Injury Lawyer in Dallas?

We hope this post has helped you to understand the most important things to look for when you’re on the hunt for a competitive and dedicated personal injury lawyer in Dallas.

Remember to investigate their credentials, connect with past clients, and see how their most recent cases have gone.

Of course, the best way to get to know an accident lawyer decide if you’re the right fit for each other is by scheduling a consultation.

Get in touch with us today to make an appointment with one of our attorneys. We’re looking forward to making sure that, when it comes to your case, justice is served.

It’s estimated that there are over 30.8 million emergency room visits for unintended injuries in the country every year. That’s a lot of harm, and also a lot of potential personal injury cases.

Everyone seems to have a different view of what matters the most in personal injury cases.

There is no universal answer on what’s guaranteed to help you win or lose a case, but there isn’t much debate around what matters the most in these cases.

Are you curious what matters in a personal injury case? Read on to find out.

What Matters In Personal Injury Cases

It’s important to note that anyone involved in a personal injury lawsuit should seek out legal representation immediately. We can give you good advice, but you’ll need a lawyer to help you prepare your case.

Every personal injury case is different, and there are a lot of factors that can determine whether you’ll walk out with a win or loss.

Regardless of how you got injured, know that these factors are some of the most important influences on the outcome of your case.

Fault/Negligence

It’s very rare for personal injury claims to be one party’s fault. Unless there are very special circumstances, the judge will determine some split in responsibility.

As an example, let’s say that you sustain a workplace injury. If the injury occurred because your workplace didn’t have adequate safety measures in place, more of the fault would lie with them.

Now let’s say that a lack of safety measures played a role, but that you were intoxicated when injured. The workplace may not have been safe, but your intoxication can make the judge place more blame on you.

If it’s determined that the claimant is more responsible than the defendant, you shouldn’t expect to win the case.

It’s important to note that the amount of responsibility matters in the case. Being held 60% responsible or 80% responsible could affect the amount of money awarded.

Representation

We mentioned the importance of having a lawyer represent you regardless of what side you’re on in the case. If you don’t think you need a proper lawyer, you will after you read this section.

If you think about it, every personal injury claim and court case is one long bureaucratic process. There is paperwork to file with involved parties and a variety of clerks, lawyers, and judges have to look over it.

Your case isn’t going to be a dramatic court battle. More likely than not, it’ll be one long negotiation.

You’ll need someone that understands everything involved in the legal process to make sure that you file the correct paperwork.

Signing paperwork you don’t understand can be disastrous for your case. You could sign something that waves your right to future claims, admits to certain wrongdoing, or a smaller or worse settlement.

You’ll need a lawyer that has experience dealing with the legal system. Remember, a lawyer is your legal advocate and wants what’s best for you. They’re on your side and can devote the needed time to your case.

Documentation

When you’re dealing with a personal injury case it’s important to be as thorough as possible when it comes to documentation.

Regardless of what occurred, the first step any injured party should take is to file a report with the police.

A report may seem extreme, but getting them involved as soon as possible can help your case. It also lets you create an official record of the incident from a very trusted and credible source.

When involved in an accident, be sure to get a report from your insurance company. Insurance companies are a credible source in court, and they’re known to take extensive notes.

You should also consider keeping a journal so you can accurately document your own experiences and feelings.

Keeping a written record of how you’ve been living your life after your injury can help your case. Showing the judge that you had to miss important family events or are in extreme pain can help your case.

Social Media

Social platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook have changed the way people live their lives. It has also caused a surprising amount of legal issues for people going through personal injury cases.

How hurt can you be if you post pictures of you on vacation? Could you have experienced emotional trauma if you post smiling selfies?

If you’re going through a personal injury case, it’s time to put your social media on lockdown. Refrain from making a lot of posts and ask friends and family to stop tagging you.

Opposing lawyers can use anything against you. A sweet birthday post about your nephew’s birthday could be evidence that your injuries aren’t as bad as you claimed they were since you attended a party.

Next Steps

Now that you know what matters in personal injury cases, it’s time to get you what matters: a good lawyer.

Regardless of what personal injury claims you’re facing, we’re ready to help. Contact us today so we can talk about the best way to handle your case.

And remember, we have a lot of helpful content on our website. Browse our blog so you can educate yourself and prepare for your case.

Sexual harassment is, unfortunately, a common occurrence in modern workplaces and there is still substantial stigma surrounding the discussion of the issue, making matters worse. For a variety of reasons, including fear of retaliation, most instances of sexual harassment are not reported to human resources and the perpetrator feels comfortable continuing their unwanted behavior. No one should have to suffer through sexual harassment of any form, especially in their place of work. There are legal recourses that protect victims from harassment, loss of work, demotions, and any other form of retaliations that employers may use to punish victims for coming forward with harassment. Sexual harassment has many forms in the workplace, including:

1. Lewd Jokes: inappropriate or sexual jokes are a form of harassment that you do not have to endure. Whether they were spoken directly to you or within your vicinity, these type of jokes have no place in the workplace. In addition, any other inappropriate verbal language, such as asking for sexual favors, commenting on a coworker’s appearance, or spreading rumors of a sexual nature, should also be prohibited in the workplace.
2. Physical touch: this may involve butt slapping, another worker placing their hand on your knee, or groping. You have a right to you own bodily autonomy and anyone who chooses to ignore that should be held accountable for their actions.
3. Quid pro quo: also known as “this for that,” this violation involves a coworker asking for sexual favors in exchange for preferential treatment at work, such as promotions or receiving more desirable assignments. This often happens with a boss, which makes victims afraid to come forward. No matter what their status in the company, no one should be able to harass you or make you uncomfortable in any way, and there are legal protections to keep you and your job safe.

Contact Us

If you have been a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, there are legal recourses which can protect you, and you may be entitled to compensation for the suffering you have endured. It is important to have a knowledgeable and compassionate lawyer on your side in these cases, and The Benton Law Firm is dedicated to providing our clients with the utmost compassion and care. It is often difficult for victims to come forward in these cases, but there is help and the people who participate in sexually aggressive behaviors should be held accountable for their actions. If you have any questions or would like to speak to one of our experienced Dallas sexual harassment attorneys, please contact us at (214) 219-4878 today.

A two-vehicle car collision that happened in Longview, Texas resulted in the death of one individual. The accident happened around 12:16 in the afternoon on Wednesday, January 11 in the 3500 block of Gilmer Road, Tucson News reported.

Police identified the victim as 31-year-old Longview resident Brett Alan Crump. According to preliminary investigations, Crump was heading south on Gilmer Road on his 2014 Erik Buell Racing motorcycle. At the same time, 47-year-old Eugene Allen Jones was heading north on Gilmer Road in a 2015 Chevrolet 1500 truck. Jones was trying to turn left onto Wain Drive when he collided with Crump’s motorcycle.

Police pronounced Crump dead at the scene of the accident, a Gregg County Justice of the Peace said. Even though Crump was wearing a helmet as he rode, he sustained critical head injuries after the accident. The driver of the Chevrolet received a citation for failure to yield the right of way.

A 19-year-old individual lost her life while six others were injured after they were struck by a sport utility vehicle on Saturday, January 14 at around 1:30 a.m. on Interstate 45 on the North Freeway at Memory Lane in Houston, Texas.

According to preliminary investigations, a man had been driving an SUV along the highway’s feeder when, in accordance with later evidence that revealed he was drunk, the man veered away form the feeder and pulled into the main lanes of the highway, crashing into the side of a Toyota Rav4 that was headed north along the highway in the process. Both drivers lost control and ended up near the wall. The Toyota was carrying several young women.

The accident closed down the highway to public traffic for a couple of hours.

The drunk driving accident attorneys of the The Benton Law Firm send their deepest condolences to the friends and family of the victim, as well as hope for a speedy recovery for those that were injured.

Lynda Arnold, 68, former mayor of Northlake and a Denton County justice of the peace, lost her life in a vehicular accident on January 5. Arnold wrote Trails, Trials, and Tears: The Life and Legacy of Texas Lil about her ranch, the Star-Telegram reported.

Her death occurred at approximately 11:20 a.m. on U.S. Route 287 near the Blue Mound Road exit in northwest Fort Worth. According to Fort Worth police Sergeant Marc Povero, another southbound vehicle rear-ended Arnold’s vehicle. A Tarrant County medical examiner declared Arnold dead at the scene of the accident.

Arnold owned a successful tourism business, but she faced arrest on a felony charge of tampering with evidence in 2004. Although a grand jury did not indict her, she went bankrupt after the accident. According to her son, Trace Arnold, “She went the way she would have wanted, quick, painless and not long, drawn-out painful illness.” He added “There are going to be some new boots and hats in heaven today.”

The Maine State Police has charged 28-year-old Galveston, Texas resident Aulton Fiegel with driving to endanger, leaving the scene of a personal injury crash, and operating after suspension, in relation to a hit-and-run vehicular accident on Interstate 95 in Smyrna, Maine on Monday, November 21 at around 8 p.m. that resulted in the hospitalization of one woman.

According to preliminary investigations by Maine state troopers, 38-year-old Houlton resident Karen Lewis had been traveling north in a 2007 Toyota Camry when she was rear-ended by Fiegel’s 2016 Ford F-350. The impact caused Lewis to need to be taken to Houlton Regional Hospital to receive treatment for her minor injuries.

Fiegel left the scene of the accident but police found him on Tuesday, November 22 at a hotel in Houlton while his vehicle was found at a local garage.

We at The Benton Law Firm do our best to recover financial compensation on behalf of personal injury accident victims in Dallas or other areas in Texas. If you had been hurt in such an accident because of the negligent actions of other individuals involved, seek our legal assistance today by calling our offices at (214) 219-4878.

Murphy Police Chief Arthur “Trey” Cotten emphasized the dangers of crossing the street without paying proper attention. “Serious injuries can result from carelessness and inattention. People crossing streets can be extremely vulnerable,” according to the Collin County cop.

He also commented on the state’s lack of rules criminalizing distracted driving. “Other than in school zones, we do not have what’s become known as a ‘distracted driver’ ordinance on the books. So while it is not against the law to talk on a phone or interact with a mobile device while driving, we strongly encourage drivers to put away their devices or use a hands-free system while behind the wheel.” Cotten further advised motorists: “attention to surroundings, for both the driver and the pedestrian, will go a long way in preventing accidents. Of course, wearing bright colors while walking during the day, and reflective or light colored clothing at night are extremely helpful.”

Our attorneys at The Benton Law Firm provide legal services for our clients in Dallas and other areas in Texas. We handle personal injury accident cases, such as wrongful death and pedestrian accidents, among others. Call our offices at (214) 219-4878 to speak with a qualified member of our legal team about your case.