FMCSA Rule Suspension Doesn’t Mean that Hours of Service Rules Are Pointless
A couple of years ago, attorney Michael Grossman wrote about the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate implementation. As you can imagine, there were heated comments from a diverse group of truck drivers, with a range of opinions about the ELD mandate, and ELDs in general. Michael appreciates that people still take the time to respond...
It’s 2020: Why Doesn’t Texas Require Bars to Carry Liquor Liability Insurance?
Texas lawmakers and the public have to make a choice. Drunk driving accidents not only kill and maim, but they leave tremendous financial devastation in their wake. As a community, we must decide who bears that cost. Should drunk drivers and lawbreaking bars pay or victims and the general public? The answer seems obvious to me.
What Is Missing from the Discussion of Deadly West Texas Oil-Field Truck Crashes?
Out of the half-dozen outlets that filed reports on this incident, not a single one mentions that the pick-up that likely caused the crash is owned by an oil services company. While authorities are aware that Imperative Chemical Partners Inc. owns and operates the offending pick-up, and will likely classify this crash as an oil-field truck accident, it's certainly concerning that skilled reporters missed this crucial detail.
Positive Train Control: What Use is an Inactive or Absent Safety Feature?
The past few months have certainly not been good for trains. Multiple high-profile wrecks--three in as many months--have brought the public's gimlet eye down upon Amtrak, one of the most recognizable names in train transportation. For those who don't follow the news (who could blame you these days?), here's a quick summary of the most...
Who’s Going to Investigate A Semi Truck Crash? Maybe Not Who You Think.
When an accident happens, who's the proper authority to investigate? Check the comments sections of news articles about the wreck and you'll find no shortage of armchair authorities who think they know exactly "who you gonna call." Their ideas on that are often wrong, but they'll treat them as the gospel truth when discussing the...
Astronaut Mark Kelly Doesn’t Seem to Understand How The Law Works
In a recent interview, astronaut turned political activist Mark Kelly sat down with a reporter from Politico to talk about gun regulations. Specifically, Mr. Kelly spoke of the need for tighter restrictions on guns in order to prevent gun violence. When the conversation eventually arrived at the topic of those pesky Republicans in Congress, who...
Mike’s Law: Does the End Justify the Means?
Like most people, I cringe when attorneys evoke a phony "voice of the people" mentality or preach about their practice as if they're the saving grace to humanity. I can't stand when attorneys preach down upon the people their magical wisdom of ethical truths. That said, I quite seriously believe that the service that my...
Fellowship of the Drink: The Expensive Travels of the TABC
Recent audits of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), the state regulatory agency that monitors the distribution and service of alcohol in the Lone Star State, have shown that some of the agency's top brass have been boozing and schmoozing with the liquor industry, paid for by the very industry they are meant to oversee...
A Look at Commercial Truck Emergency Signal Regulations
Just before sunrise, January 9, 2017, Alex A. Ortega was killed in a collision with an 18-wheeler, which was reportedly blocking the intersection of County Road 1160 and Business 20 near Midland, Texas. According to news accounts, the truck stalled, while crossing through the intersection, before being struck by Mr. Ortega's vehicle. Without knowing more...
Should Semi-Truck U-Turns Be Illegal?
It's difficult for a truck accident law firm to ask questions about commercial truck safety without those who drive trucks for a living taking offense and thinking we're "anti-trucker." I'd like to dispense that notion right off the bat. We have the utmost respect for 99% of professional truck drivers who drive their whole careers...