Author Archives: Jay Butchko
I Committed a Hit-and-Run. How Long Will It Take for the Police to Find Me?
More than likely, if you committed a hit-and-run wreck, the police will never find you. Law enforcement investigators solve fewer than 10 percent of hit-and-run cases. Usually, police investigators don’t have very good attitudes about these cases at the start. Many believe a vehicle collision is a civil matter that doesn’t merit police involvement…. Read More »
Breaking Down a Motorcycle Crash Claim in Texas
Automotive design and safety has advanced by leaps and bounds since the 1930s. But today’s motorcycles haven’t changed much since Lawrence of Arabia was killed in a motorcycle crash in 1935. Today’s four-wheel vehicles have seat belts, airbags, and other advanced safety features. Today’s motorcycle is still a frame, handlebars, a seat, and a… Read More »
Proving Foreseeability in a Negligent Security Claim
Foreseeability is a legal word that basically means possibility. Foreseeability is an element in all negligence claims, and it’s a key element in negligent security claims. The duty of care, which applies to property owners, requires them to make the premises reasonably safe. If a lack of care caused a foreseeable injury, perhaps an… Read More »
Basic Elements of a Slip-and-Fall Claim
Falls are the leading source of ER admissions in the United States. Falls send more than eight million Americans to hospital emergency rooms every year. These victims usually sustain serious injuries, such as head injuries, that are normally permanent. In fact, most adults over 65 who slip and fall cannot ever live independently again…. Read More »
The Genetics of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Scientists believe they’ve linked PTSD with ninety-five hotspots in the genome, including eighty that were previously unknown. In what may be the largest PTSD study to date, a consortium of scientists from around the world combined multiple collections of genetic data from more than one million people. The researchers used this huge data collection… Read More »
Deadly Fireball Collision in West Houston
Investigators believe that a man was speeding when he recklessly tried to pass another vehicle and caused a head-on collision that killed two people. Responding officers with the Houston Police Department and the Houston Fire Department found two vehicles on fire with drivers trapped in both respective cars. Investigators said the unidentified drivers died… Read More »
What to Expect in a Wrongful Death Claim
Almost everyone can expect a settlement in a wrongful death claim. About 96 percent of civil cases settle out of court. Usually, settlement is a much better alternative to trial, especially in emotionally-charged matters like wrongful death cases. Emotional courtroom showdowns benefit no one, except lawyers who charge by the hour. Moreover, an out-of-court… Read More »
The Helmet Defense in a Bicycle Crash Claim
About half the states in the Union, including the Lone Star State, don’t have a bicycle helmet law. However, many local municipalities, like cities and counties, have universal or partial helmet laws. Furthermore, the duty of care, which applies to all bikers, requires them to take reasonable precautions and look out for their own… Read More »
The Nuts and Bolts of a Pedestrian Injury Claim
Memorial Day Weekend begins the annual 100 deadliest days for pedestrians. During the summer, more people, especially more children, are out and about. Vehicle traffic usually increases as well. Many of these drivers are in unfamiliar parts of town, visiting tourist attractions, friends or relatives. So, they over-rely on distracting GPS navigation devices. This… Read More »
Multiple Injuries in Jersey Village Car Crash
Several people were rushed to area hospitals after a 76-year-old woman apparently hit the accelerator instead of the brake as she parked, causing her car to crash into a building. Nine people total were reportedly injured and one person was taken to the hospital via lifeflight, authorities say. Officials say three people were taken… Read More »