Distracted Driving

Texting while driving is distracted driving. In an article entitled “Police Losing Battle to Get Drivers to Put Down Their Phones” the New York Times published that according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, almost 3,500 people died in crashes involving distracted drivers in the United States and Puerto Rico in 2015. The agency estimated that 431,000 people were injured in distracted driving crashes the year before. The number of deaths reported as a direct cause of cell phone distraction in 2015 was 476.

Driving blindfolded

According to the Virginia Tech Traffic Institute, a driver’s eyes are away from the road for an average of five seconds while texting. That’s enough time to cover a football field at 55 mph with your eyes closed. What comes to issue is the fact that accidents involving injuries or deaths due to cell phone use are incredibly unreported. That’s because police are required to rely on a driver’s denial of cellphone use after an accident.

Enter the Textalyzer

Lawmakers in both New York and Texas have proposed providing police with the Textalyzer device that searches a suspect’s phone for activity immediately before a crash. Both legislatures are trying to work through the legal objections to the device.

Enforcement or public awareness?

Louisiana is an example of a state that has raised its texting while driving fine to $500 for a first offense. Other states like New York assess points against a driver’s license. The Harvard School of Public Health is working on a public awareness campaign against distracted driving that’s much like the successful designated driver campaign to deter drunk driving.

Legislatures and law enforcement aren’t making much progress in their campaigns against distracted drivers.Your business or personal life can be put on hold by ignoring these facts. Also be conscious about the people around you on the road, they deserve that. If you or somebody close to you was hurt by a distracted driver, call an Austin car wreck attorney from Terry & Kelly at 512-900-9000.

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Tips For Driving In The Rain In Austin

Driving in the rain is a necessary skill for Austinites, especially these last 2 years that we’ve gotten heavy rain for extended periods. Have you observed all the accidents on the freeways in Austin during storms?

People simply do not know how to drive in inclement weather. Here are some ways for you to perfect your driving when it’s pouring outside.

Always Turn on Your Headlights
Even if it is in the middle of the afternoon, be sure to turn on your headlights. When your wipers are going, your headlights should be on. The lights do little for you, but they make you visible to other drivers. This is especially helpful when the rain is coming down in buckets.

Reduce Your Speed
Sure, you are in a hurry to get to work or wherever else you need to go, but nothing is more important than your life. To drive in the rain, reduce your speed by about 5-10 miles per hour. Since your response times will be slower on slick surfaces, you need to give yourself a few second advantage. If someone in front of you slams on their brakes, you will be glad you had the extra time.

Make Sure Your Wipers Are Replaced Often
While the weather is mostly sunshine and fair skies in Austin, there are always those rainy days. You need to make sure that your wipers can handle whatever Mother Nature throws their way. A fresh wiper will keep the windshield clean, thus increasing your visibility. Poor wipers can contribute to an accident.

Pull Off During Downpours
There are points of time during any storm where driving is no longer safe. Pull your vehicle to the side of the road and wait for the downpour to pass. Driving in rain showers is one thing, but when it is impossible to see, you are better off on the side of the road.

Pass As Little As Possible
While most people love to pass to get around slower cars while it’s raining terribly, attempt to stay where you are. Most accidents in the rain occur from people speeding up and trying to pass. Poor visibility makes passing dangerous. While you will need to pass at some points, slow down and concentrate on the road/weather.

If you are one of the unfortunate ones who has been in a car accident, you need to call us at Terry & Kelly PLLC. We want to help you get through this difficult time. Call today for a free consultation.

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A Drunk Driver Totaled my Car

In the United States, there are over 121 million self-reported incidents of alcohol-impaired driving among adults in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for disease control and prevention. And over 1 million people are arrested in the country each year for driving under the influence of alcohol. These kind of accidents are unfortunately a fairly common occurrence across the country and especially in Austin .

So what can you do if you’re hit by a drunk driver?

If you’ve hit by a drunk driver you’re well within your legal rights to sue the individual who hit you. With the help of an experienced lawyer, you have the ability to sue the intoxicated driver and obtain the compensation to which you are entitled.

Dealing with an Insurance Company

Directly after a collision caused by a drunk driver, you will find yourself dealing with an insurance company. Filing and successfully pursuing an insurance claim as a result of an accident with a drunk driver is challenging. This is an area in which an experienced Austin car accident lawyer can provide you invaluable assistance.

Compensation for Losses

You likely are entitled to different types of compensation for losses sustained because of a collision caused by a drunk driver. These include compensation for your totaled vehicle. In addition, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering and lost wages. Compensation may include not only current but future losses reasonably expected to be incurred as well.

Retain an Experienced Austin Car Accident Lawyer

If you have suffered injuries and property damage because of a drunk driver, you need an attorney that will fight for your rights against an insurance company and in court. The legal team at Terry & Kelly PLLC stands ready to assist you. Call Terry & Kelly PLLC today at 512-900-9000 to schedule an initial consultation. There is no charge for an initial consultation about your case. In fact, Terry & Kelly PLLC does not charge you a fee unless the firm obtains a favorable settlement of judgment in your case.

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A Car Hit My House

It sounds random or perhaps even absurd, but motor vehicles wrecking into homes is more common than most people realize. In fact, a home in Raleigh, NC has been hit by a car a total of 6 times. Shockingly, motor vehicles hitting homes accounts for 5% off all home insurance claims.

So while it’s not as common as a fender bender, it’s still very important to understand the legal aspects of the situation should you ever find yourself in these unfortunate circumstances.

The first thing to do is to call 911 to report the accident. There’s a sense of urgency here because as with any motor and while you have the operator on the phone, the very first thing that you should do is call the police to help you document the incident. Don’t fixate yourself on having the cop determine who’s at fault because it’s more important that the officer documents the accident accurately than anything else. These documents can be used later by your Austin car accident lawyer and insurance.

Once the police have documented the accident, the next thing you should do is call an attorney to represent you with your insurance claim. Insurance companies, even yours, may try to lowball the value of your property and the entire estimate of the damages. An experienced Austin car accident lawyer will ensure that this doesn’t happen, especially if it goes to court. You do not want to waste time at court, and fight for an amount that will not cover your damages.

A good lawyer will not only take the individual to court for damages to your home but also any costs that you incurred as a result of the accident such as you having to stay in a hotel while your home is being repaired or having to order out more often. If you ever find yourself in this type of scenario, call Terry & Kelly PLLC. We are experienced in recovering damages for our clients.

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Austin, Texas $720 Million transportation bond will go before voters Nov. 8

Austin, TX. – The city council, after four hours of deliberation, have decided 8-3 to approve a $720 million transportation bond proposal for the November ballot. The proposal comes from Austin mayor, Steven Adler. The “mobility bond”, if approved, will work to restore many busy and congested roadways ((Airport, North and South Lamar, Burnet Road, Riverside, Guadalupe, and FM 969), as well as local sidewalks, bike trails and such.
The congestion and lack of accessibility on these roads has lead to countless accidents, leaving many individuals looking for an Austin Personal Injury Attorney. City transportation buses must stop in the busy traffic, halting all cars in the outside lines, only adding to the chaos.
The cost of this bond will be paid by “a slight increase” in property tax per year, equating to approximately $60 per homeowner. If approved a general obligation bond will be from the city’s $500 million bond capacity under the existing debt tax rate, and will cover $250 million of the $720 million price tag. The remaining $470 million will come from a debt tax rate increase of approximately two and a half cents per $100 of appraised value.
$482 million will be dedicated to the “corridors” specifically, including, creating pull out lanes for city buses to allow for loading/unloading without stopping traffic. “I would like us to change how Austin measures success when it comes to affordability. And to do that, we need a new vision for reducing traffic congestion that increases housing density along traffic corridors,” said Mayor Adler. “If we’re going to be a better city, Austin needs to be a smarter city.”
The council must make the final decision regarding the ballot by August. Yet there are no scheduled meetings in July. Make your voice heard and cast your vote. Brought to you by Terry & Kelly, PLLC Austin personal injury attorney.

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Austin Police Increase Patrol to Fight Drunk Boating

Austin boating accident attorneys know a thing or two about boating safety. They also know the laws regarding operating a boat after drinking.

Austin police and Texas game wardens have stepped up their patrols on the water in response to a dramatic increase in injuries and deaths on area lakes due to boating under the influence of alcohol. “Operation Dry Water” was launched as a nationwide initiative in 2009 and has seen a 3% decline in deaths on the nation’s waters.

Last year, Austin police saw a decline in BWI arrests as the boating season went on. This is attributed to boaters noticing the increased patrols and arrests. Although BWI carries the same penalties as DWI, boating accidents can be much more dangerous, according to Austin Police Sergeant Glen Kreger. This is because boats are not built to handle impact and do not have safety features such as air bags and seat belts. Landing in water with an injury can be far more serious than being ejected from a car and landing on pavement.

Austin boating accident attorneys have seen some serious injuries that have occurred on the water. Not all boating injuries are caused by alcohol consumption on the water. Many accidents are caused by inexperienced operators. Many injuries and deaths could have been prevented by the use of safety gear and common sense safety practices. Do not operate a boat after drinking. Learn boating laws. Be sure everyone who will be on the boat knows how to swim. Make sure everyone on the boat is wearing a personal life vest rated for their size. And if you need a boating attorney, it is imperative that you contact Terry & Kelly, PLLC immediately. When an accident occurs, time is of the essence. Delay can cost you thousands.

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DWI Arrests Increase After Uber/Lyft Leave Austin

From May 9th to May 31st of this year, Austin experienced an astounding 7.5% increase in the rates of arrest for drunk driving, which meant an increase in accidents. Those were also the dates of Uber and Lyft’s withdrawal of business from that city after Proposition 1 was passed by the city council, discouraging business from Transportation Network Companies (TNCs)and leaving those who were potential patrons staggering in the streets without options.

Thankfully the market has responded with several alternatives to Uber and Lyft, including Fare, another ridesharing service, Fasten, which boasts its policy of charging by the mile and the minute and nothing else, and Get Me, which is not only a ridesharing company but also a delivery service. That response proved too little too late, however, as the gap in available services in the city of Austin put too many drunk drivers back on the road and left a lot of people with no choice but to call an Austin car accident attorney.

There’s no need for the people of Austin to be left helpless and confused by these changes any longer. If you have suffered as so many other residents of Austin have from an accident on the road, whether you were behind the wheel or a passenger, it is imperative that you contact a car accident attorney in Austin to protect your rights. If you are in need of a helping hand after your car incident, Terry & Kelly, PLLC, are lawyers for Texans just like you.

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Boat Accidents on the rise in Austin

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of boat accidents in the Austin, Texas area. As a result, there has been a significant rise in the number of people injured in boating accidents during that same time period. The following are some important steps that can be taken to reduce the possibility of a boat accident:

Eliminate Alcohol
Alcohol is a common denominator in a considerable number of boat accidents. The primary key to reducing the possibility of a boat accident is to eliminate drinking when on the water. The operator of the boat should never drink.
Moderate Speed
Another frequent underlying reason for a boat accident is speed in excess of what water conditions permit. Reducing speed and paying closer attention to water conditions is another step that can be taken to avoid a boat accident.
Proper Maintenance
A recurring cause of boat accidents is the failure to properly maintain a craft. Time needs to be set aside to properly maintain a watercraft. This not only includes appropriate regular maintenance but also safety inspections, including maintenance and safety inspections undertaken by a professional.
Retain Legal Counsel
If a person is injured in a boat accident in the Austin, he or she needs to seek out a qualified Austin boating accident attorney, like a member of the legal team at Terry Kerry PLLC. An initial consultation can be scheduled with an Austin boating accident attorney at our firm and there is no charge for an initial consultation to discuss a boat accident case.
During an initial consultation, an attorney will evaluate your specific case and answer any questions you may have. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating-related accident, call us today.

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Boating Safety A Must When Enjoying Texas Lakes

According to Texas.gov, the most common citations given to boaters are for not having enough life jackets on board or children under 13 not wearing life jackets. Nearly 85 percent of people who drown are not wearing a life jacket.

A typical boating fatality happens on a weekend between the hours of noon and 7 p.m. More often than not, the victim falls overboard and drowns before making it back into the boat. The real determining factor? Fifty percent of all boating accidents involved alcohol consumption.
Any Austin boating accident attorney will state that alcohol and water don’t mix.
Recreational boaters may think they are having fun on the water – in the sun, cruising, skiing and consuming alcohol. However, the effects of alcohol on the body can be magnified by sun and heat, causing individuals to become more intoxicated than they realize.

Coast Guard statistics indicate that most alcohol-related boating accidents involve the inattention of the operator plus excessive speed, drugs, alcohol or both. Usually, the boat operator is 35 or older.
A BUI (Boating Under the Influence) can be just as devastating as a DUI, and more likely to happen. Why? Open containers of alcohol are legal while boating, because boating is recognized as recreational. However, driving a boat will intoxicated is illegal and can lead to the driver receiving a BUI (Boating Under the Influence charge). Such drivers could wind up with a criminal record for drinking and driving a boat. More importantly, they can cause serious injury or death of other individuals.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of the negligent operation of a boat – including BUI – you should contact a boat accident lawyer immediately to protect your interests. Our Austin boating accident attorneys are always available to discuss your case and help you receive the justice you deserve. If you need assistance, please contact Terry & Kelly PLLC today for a free consultation.

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Viral Video Takes Austin On A Trip Down Memory Lane

The changes that can come to a city over the course of two decades can be dramatic as a recent online video showed with respect to how Austin has rapidly expanded. Back on June 9, 1996, a then-law student from Scotland decided to document what life looked like in the city, helping to create a time capsule for that distant era.

Traveling down some of the main city streets brought glimpses of buildings and businesses that are no longer there, gas prices in the range of $1.40 a gallon and traffic on a Sunday afternoon that saw minimal activity. Due to the absence of any heavy influx of traffic, there seems to have been little or no use for the services of an Austin car accident attorney.

Fast forward to the present day and things have drastically changed for Austin, the vast majority of differences being on the positive side. A surge in tech-related businesses and other startups has made the city a magnet for growth, resulting in an economic explosion that continues to offer many benefits.

Accordingly, Austin’s population has surged from approximately 560,000 at the time the video was shot to more than two million as of December 2015. That’s meant more cars on the road, which has increased the potential dangers for all drivers as well as pedestrians. Unfortunately, that’s also made the need for an Austin car accident attorney much more important.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of someone’s irresponsible behavior behind the wheel, it makes sense to get in touch with an Austin car accident attorney like those at Terry & Kelly PLLC. They fight passionately for their clients in the courtroom and have won large verdicts to help those victims achieve justice. Contact them today!

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Overgrown Shrubs Blocking 40% of Sidewalks in Austin

With months of above average rainfall, it’s no surprise that overgrown shrubbery is taking over Austin’s sidewalks. In fact, the city of Austin states that addressing overgrown shrubs is necessary to clear up more than 40% of the city’s sidewalks – making them safer and more accessible to all.

City code requires property owners to maintain trees and vegetation above or near sidewalks within the right-of-way, and for good reason. Shrubs, weeds, and other plants can become a hindrance to those using sidewalks, blocking visibility and creating hazards on the cement path. For those with disabilities who may have difficulty traveling as it is, this becomes even more true. In fact, failure to properly maintain areas around sidewalks can be considered a violation of the Americans with Disability Act.

Once the city finds that a sidewalk is overgrown with shrubbery, they will mail a letter notifying the homeowner who then has 10 days to address the issue. A follow-up inspection is then performed by the city and, if the work has not been completed, the city will again notify the homeowner, this time by certified letter. The homeowner is given an additional 10 days to take care of the issue. If the sidewalk is still not clear after that 10-day period, the city has the right to remove the obstructing growth and bill the property owner for costs. If the overgrown shrubbery is the responsibility of the city of Austin, the homeowner will be notified of the work that will be performed, which will be completed at no cost to the property owner.

Overgrown vegetation can block visibility of motorists and create hazards for pedestrians, vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles. If you have been injured due to obstructed sidewalks or visibility, contact an Austin Premises Liability Attorney immediately in order to preserve certain legal rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Contact Terry and Kelly, PLLC at 512-900-9000 for a free consultation and case evaluation.

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Uber, Lyft Stop Austin Service After May 7th Election

The popular ridesharing services Uber and Lyft have ceased operations within the city limits after the failure of Proposition 1 on the May 7th ballot. The failed proposition would have softened some city regulations, including mandatory fingerprint background checks for drivers.

Both Lyft and Uber say that they will continue to fight for ridesharing in Austin, but talks between either company and the city seem to be futile. A representative for Uber would not state whether the company is in talks with city leaders, but said they look forward to future conversations with the city and “are open to working with elected officials who are interested in modernizing the city’s regulations for ridesharing.”

Although Uber and Lyft are no longer operating in Austin, those outside the city can still take advantage of the ridesharing services. As long as the ride did not originate within the city limits, drivers can take passengers through the city and into the downtown area. There are also a few other ridesharing companies looking to fill the void, such as Dallas-based GetMe and Phoenix-based Fare. Both apps are currently operating within the city and require fingerprint background checks for all of their drivers. Another ridesharing service called Fasten, out of Boston, is also expected to launch this month.

So while Uber and Lyft are no longer operating in Austin, there are quite a few options for those looking to get home safely. Safety on the road, whether behind the wheel or as a passenger, is our top concern at Terry & Kelly, PLLC. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s extremely important to contact Austin Car Accident Attorney immediately in order to preserve certain legal rights. Call us today at 512-900-9000 for a free consultation and case evaluation.

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Austin Still In The Running To Win Smart City Challenge

Motivated by a desire to tackle Austin’s problems with traffic congestion, Mayor Steve Adler has submitted a proposal that could mean a total of $50 million for the city to improve its transportation options. The Smart City Challenge is offering up to $40 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation and up to $10 million from Paul Allen’s Vulcan Philanthropy to the city that will most effectively integrate innovative technologies such as self-driving cars, connected vehicles and smart sensors into its transportation network.

A total of 78 cities submitted proposals. Austin is one of the seven finalists that received $100,000 to refine its proposal. Initially, the 30-page proposal included using drones for package delivery to reduce traffic congestion and use of self-driving cars. According to the Department of Transportation, the winning city will be one with a plan that is both ambitious and detailed. The other finalists are Columbus, OH, Denver, CO, Kansas City, MO, Pittsburgh, PA, Portland, OR and San Francisco, CA.

“No city needs this more, and no city is better situated to take advantage of all the Smart City Challenge offers on mobility. You don’t get opportunities like this all the time, and we are going all out to win it,” Mayor Steve Adler said. “Simply put, mobility is a life or death issue for our city.”

Self-driving cars and other technological innovations are expected to make roads throughout the country considerably safer. Unfortunately, it will be several years before technology and regulations for self-driving vehicles are developed enough to allow them on the road. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s extremely important to contact Austin Car Accident Attorney immediately in order to preserve certain legal rights. Call us today at 512-900-9000 for a free consultation and case evaluation.

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Austin Continues to Struggle With I-35 Rock Throwing

The Austin Police Department and local residents are becoming increasingly frustrated as the number of rock-throwing incidents in the downtown area continue to escalate without any information on who may be responsible or what is being done to keep drivers safe. There were a total of 13 separate incidents reported during the weekend of May 20th alone – leaving 5 people injured and bringing the total number of cases since July 2014 to 83.

The Austin Police Department has determined that the rocks are being thrown deliberately, but stop short of offering any specifics for fear of endangering the investigation. However, many suspect the rocks are being thrown from the upper deck of I-35, off of overpasses or even from a vehicle moving in the opposite direction of the motorists who were hit.

Now the Austin Police Department is looking to create a task force to address the problem. Police have considered placing warning signs along the highway and even closing the lower deck at night, which is when most of the incidents occur. Police hope that the signs will alert out-of-town travelers of the risk and provide drivers with instructions in the event that they are hit by a rock.

If you become a victim of rock throwing along I-35, pull over as quickly and safely as possible, call 911 immediately and do not touch the area of impact or the rock. It’s important for police to know the exact time and location of the incident to help catch who’s responsible. The Austin Police Department also recommends that drivers use the outside lanes from 10PM to 6AM, take the upper deck as opposed to the lower deck, and remain aware of their surroundings. Look ahead and use your mirrors constantly.

Victims of rock throwing incidents should also contact an Austin Car Accident Attorney immediately in order to determine their legal rights. An attorney may be able to help you obtain the financial compensation needed to deal with the physical and emotional trauma you may have experienced. If you have been the victim of a rock attack on I-35, contact Terry and Kelly, PLLC at 512-900-9000 for a free consultation and case evaluation.

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Austin To Add 6 More Pedestrian Activated Crosswalks

The Texas Department of Transportation has confirmed that the City of Austin will install six new pedestrian crossings, or hybrid beacons, by the end of the year (one of those six is pending TxDOT approval). These beacons, also known as PHBs, are flashing crosswalks that stop traffic for pedestrians on a busy street.

The following intersections will have pedestrian hybrid beacons installed by the end of the year:

• Camino La Costa at Calidad Drive
• Red River at Park Street
• 822 Rutland
• North Lamar at Connolly High School
• Manchaca Road and Inverness Boulevard

Many locals living in South Austin are looking forward to a beacon being installed on Manchaca Road. As a four-lane road with popular destinations like the ACC Campus and the 24 hour coffee shop/music venue Strange Brew, it can be difficult to cross the busy road.

Currently, there are about 23 intersections that could qualify for improvements. Last year, four intersections were improved. At 47th Street and Guadalupe Street, the pedestrian beacon has helped many who work in the area feel safer crossing the busy road. Not long ago the U.S. Department of Transportation launched a Safer People, Safer Streets initiative aimed at creating safer walking networks across the U.S. Unfortunately, pedestrian fatalities still account for 14% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S.

Although these crosswalks will provide a safe space, it is important for all pedestrians to be on the lookout for speeding vehicles or drivers who may be driving erratically or not paying attention. We urge all pedestrians to always use the crosswalk and wait for the signal rather than cutting across when it may not be safe to do so. Dim streets, hills, and tight roads often make it hard for motorists to see pedestrians until it’s too late.

If you are ever injured in a collision caused by a careless driver, speaking with an Austin pedestrian accident attorney immediately can be critical in preserving your rights. Contact Terry & Kelly, PLLC at 512-900-9000 for a free consultation and case evaluation.

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Audit Reveals Austin Failed to Use Crash Data to Improve Safety

A recent city audit has revealed that the City of Austin has failed to use important crash information to improve public safety.

Some of the most telling information out of the Transportation Effectiveness Audit includes:

• The city did not coordinate with city departments and external partners on a transportation system, including a failure to connect across various modes of transportation.
• The city’s transportation activities have mainly been reactive, which means they largely occurred after a crisis unraveled.
• The city cites resource challenges, such as limited funding and staff, for its failures.

The report findings go on to note that the city failed to use crash information to improve traffic incident management and to target engineering, law enforcement or educational solutions. Along with this information, it was revealed that traffic-related fatalities have increased over the past four years and that some of these fatalities could have been prevented through education and law enforcement. Specifically, the audit found that drivers without a valid license were an increasing problem around Austin, with about 1/3 of all fatal accidents in Austin involving a driver with a suspended or invalid license.

Robert Spillar, director of Austin’s transportation department, says the department plans to create an engineering division that will focus on traffic safety and work with the Austin Police Department to enhance traffic enforcement. Furthermore, the department intends to address all the findings from the city audit.

We know that for some, this information is just another reminder of the loss of a loved one due to an unlicensed driver, improper engineering at traffic intersections, or other city issues. If you have lost a loved one in a car wreck caused by a careless driver or other issue related to city traffic shortcomings, you may be entitled to compensation. An Austin car accident attorney at Terry & Kelly, PLLC can help you determine your legal options. Call us today at 512-900-9000 for a free consultation and case evaluation.

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Mayor Announces “Austin Don’t Rush” To Help Ease Traffic

Austin Mayor Steve Adler recently announced a new initiative called “Austin Don’t Rush” to help combat traffic congestion and called for Monday, May 11th to be the first public holiday to kick off this initiative. With a decade-long boom in population growth, transportation in Austin is now at a tipping point due to the havoc the rising numbers of automobiles are causing on the city’s streets and highways.

If you live in Austin, Mayor Adler now encourages you to reduce the number of hours you are stuck in traffic by telecommuting or working unconventional hours, when possible. On May 11th, Austinites were urged to avoid rush hour and help ease congested roadways by changing their work schedule, using bikes, working from home, or taking public transit. In honor of this “holiday,” Capital Metro also offered free rides to commuters. By all accounts, it was a success.

The idea of “Austin Don’t Rush” came about when Mayor Steve Adler urged Austinites to work from home back in March when President Obama came to town to give the keynote address at this year’s SXSW. According to the Mayor, travel times during rush hour on MoPac decreased 60%, while traffic on Highway 183 decreased by about 50%. Six major downtown streets also experienced a 22% decrease in travel time as well.

A high number of road accidents including car, motorcycle, bicycle and truck collisions happen during the morning and afternoon rush hour. If you or a family member is injured in a car accident, contact the Austin car accident attorneys at Terry & Kelly, PLLC immediately to preserve your rights and seek the maximum compensation possible. Call us today at 512-900-9000 to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation.

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Motorcyclist Dies In East Austin After Colliding With Car

A motorcyclist in his 30s died in a crash with a car in the 1600 block of Royal Crest Drive by Riverside Drive in East Austin recently. This was the third motorcycle fatality in Austin in a matter of days. Just a few days before, a 57-year old man and a 17-year-old teen both died in crashes involving vehicles failing to yield when exiting private drives.

At Terry & Kelly, PLLC our Austin motorcycle accident attorneys have seen it all – and in many cases other motorists are responsible for these fatal motorcycle accidents. The majority of motorcycle accidents occur when a car or other motor vehicle illegally crosses the path of the motorcycle, particularly when making left turns in front of the bike. Often due to the small frame of a motorcycle, other motorists simply fail to see motorcycles on the road – especially in certain conditions.

Motorcycles also provide very little protection to their riders, making them particularly vulnerable to injury if they are involved in a crash. As we all know, there’s no steel body around riders, no air bags to keep them from being thrown forward or seat belts to restrain them.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused the negligence of another driver, contact the Austin motorcycle accident lawyers at Terry & Kelly today by calling 512-900-9000. We offer all injured victims of motorcycle accidents a free consultation and case evaluation.

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Staying Safe From the Dangers of Summer

An old and well-known saying tells us that “in summertime, the living is easy.” However, it is also important to not underestimate the many dangers we all face in summer. Many people believe that the winter, with its icy roads and severe weather, is the most dangerous time for drivers when in fact more accidents and fatalities happen in the summer.

Visiting tourists, young drivers on the road, and more bicyclists are just a few of the elements that can lead to a car accident disaster in just a matter of seconds. Additionally, the soaring temperatures in summer, especially in Texas, can lead to road hazards such as tire blowouts or road rage in heavily congested traffic areas.

Along with visitors who may not be familiar with area roads and demographics, it is critical to watch for other vehicles, such as motorcycles or bicycles. Warm weather entices more outdoor activity, and as such, many riders may take to the open road at all hours of the day, which can pose a hazard for folks unprepared for these types of vehicles. Motorcycles and bicycles can dart out into oncoming traffic without warning, make sudden turns or stops, or “hide” in a car’s blindspot, which can result in an accident.

No one wants a vacation or a casual trip to be ruined in the terrible event of an accident or injury. Should you find yourself the unfortunate victim of a car accident, it is important to contact an Austin car accident attorney immediately to determine your rights and assist in your recovery efforts. Call Terry & Kelly, PLLC at 512-900-9000 for a free initial consultation and case review.

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Austin DUI Cases Could Be Thrown Out Due To Lack Of Warrants

Until recently, police were authorized to draw a driver’s blood without a warrant in suspected DUI cases. The blood results were then tested for levels of alcohol and for possible drug consumption. The United States Supreme Court recently reviewed this issue and determined that the police must be granted a warrant prior to drawing a person’s blood and due to this recent ruling, as many as 17 DUI arrests in Austin may be thrown out.

DUI blood draws are quite prevalent during dates or events when alcohol consumption is common. There have been approximately 336 DUI arrests during this year’s SXSW/Spring Break alone. During holidays and special event weekends, Austin police officers are on the lookout for intoxicated drivers and now enact “No Refusal Weekends” where police are automatically issued warrants to take blood from drivers who are suspected of driving under the influence.

Car accidents involving drivers charged with DUI also have increased consequences. Those who are injured in DUI related car accidents should be aware that they may be entitled to recover money damages for their injuries. Victims of DUI accidents can receive reimbursement for their out of pocket expenses, as well as compensation for pain and suffering, mental distress, lost wages and other losses.

An Austin car accident attorney from Terry & Kelly, PLLC can assist those who have been involved in DUI and DWI car accidents. Our experienced team is familiar with the complexities of DUI and DWI cases and can help explain your rights. Call Terry & Kelly, PLLC at 512-900-9000 to schedule a consultation.

from Terry & Kelly PLLC http://ift.tt/1UcNnyX