Texas Lost Wealth Information: Seeking an Investment, Savings, and Wealth from Financial Professionals by Texas Lost Wealth Lawyer

Texas Lost Wealth Information: Seeking Back an Investment, Savings, and Wealth from Financial Advisors, Investment Brokers, Wealth Managers and other Financial Professionals by Texas Lost Wealth Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

It is a common occurrence, a family decides that they want to invest or protect their wealth and seeks assistance from a financial professional.  As such, they go to a financial advisor, wealth manager, investment broker, or other financial professional for advice and to invest their wealth.  After receiving several statements regarding their investments, they notice that a significant amount of wealth is missing or even worse their investment is gone.  In other situations, the family is no longer to obtain information regarding the account because the wealth is transferred to a new financial professional, new security protocols are put in place by the financial institute, or the family member who invested the money has passed away.  In many of these situations, the bank, financial advisor, broker, wealth manager, or other financial professional starts acting like it is their wealth and not the wealth of your family.

What do to When Wealth is Taken by a Financial Professional?

The first step in reclaiming wealth is to gather proof of what wealth existed in the past, what wealth should currently exist, and who owned the wealth.  The best evidence to prove the existence and ownership of wealth are typically copies of past account statements or inventories.  These account statements or inventories can be hard copy or sometimes can be obtained electronically.  Though commonly difficult to read, these account statements are usually a great starting point to prove the existence of wealth.  Communications with and any contracts with financial professionals as well as transfer documents are also important and can be useful. 

The second step is to make copies of these documents.  The copy will be a working copy that can be highlighted and written on to identify important information and proof.  Overall, the goal is to keep the original documents clean from highlighting and writing as they may be needed for future litigation.  Further, it is extremely important not to send original documents to anyone else while seeking back your wealth.  A common trap is for companies is to request documents to prove ownership and then when the original documents are sent the original documents are lost and the person seeking wealth no longer has proof of ownership or existence.

The third step is to determine what wealth was taken.  Sometimes it is clear what wealth has been taken such as two statements that show 10,000 shares of stock are missing from a transfer and from the statements a specific date, time, and amount of lost wealth can be determined.  At other times it is not always clear how much wealth has been taken.  It is typically best to make two categories of missing wealth including 1) the wealth that can be shown was clearly taken and value that can be easily determined and 2) the wealth that might have been taken or may be difficult to determine value.  For the each category, it is best to tally the amounts. 

The fourth step is to contact the bank, financial advisor, wealth manager, or investment broker for an explanation as to the status of the wealth.  It is often best to make sure that there is a record of all communications that are made.  For telephone communications, it can be helpful to write down the date, telephone number, and full name of the person that was involved.  It is often also beneficial to obtain an e-mail address, fax number, and address for follow up communications.

The fifth step is to obtain an explanation from the financial professional.  A written explanation is best as you have a record as to what happened to the wealth. If the financial professional will not provide a written explanation, it can be helpful to send a follow up written communication that on X date X advised that this is what happened to my missing wealth. 

The sixth step is to determine if the explanation is reasonable or if a formal demand and potentially litigation is necessary.

Texas Investment Fraud Lawyer and Texas Wealth Management Fraud Lawyer

Sometimes there is a simple explanation for missing wealth, however, at other times wealth is taken by financial professionals and financial institutes when they believe that they can get away with the theft.  If you believe you or your family has lost significant wealth through investment fraud, financial professional fraud, negligence, or breach of fiduciary duty, it is important to gather and review your financial records to determine what has happened to your family's wealth.  If you are unable to obtain a satisfactory explanation, it may be time to contact a lawyer to explore potential litigation to reclaim your family's wealth.  For more information on Texas Investment Fraud Lawsuits and Texas Financial Professional Fraud Claims, please go to the following web pages: Texas Wealth Manager Fraud Lawyer, Texas Investment Fraud Lawyer, and Texas Elder Financial Fraud Lawyer.

 

Texas Inheritance Law Information For Families Unfamiliar With Texas Probate Law by Central Texas Inheritance Lawyer

Texas Inheritance Law Information For Families Unfamiliar With Texas Probate Law by Central Texas Inheritance Lawyer Jason Coomer

Texas Inheritance Law for families unfamiliar with probate can be extremely difficult.  Not only have they lost a loved one, but they also often have to navigate Texas courts, financial records, insurance companies, deed records, and banks.  Further, some have to deal with upset and sometimes aggressive family members as well as other greedy people who are attempting to claim wealth from the deceased loved one.  Understanding the basics of Texas Inheritance Law and when it is time to call a lawyer can be extremely helpful in navigating this difficult time.  Below are a few basic concepts and answers to basic questions that can helpful.

Common Texas Will and Probate Questions

What is a Will and is it necessary?

A Will is a document which states the intentions and wishes of a person to take place after their death including what happens to and who gets their wealth.  A Will is not necessary under Texas law, but if you do not have a Will and you die, your wealth is distributed according to Texas law and this can sometimes result in increased legal costs to determine heirs and unintended estranged heirs or laughing heirs receiving large amounts of inheritance.  If you have significant wealth, want specific loved ones to receive it, and want your loved ones to have fewer legal expenses after you pass; it is best to have a Will.

Should I write a Will myself or use a "do it yourself" Will kit? 

The complexity of a Will can very greatly from a short hand written Will called a "Holographic Will" to a several page complex Will that creates testamentary trusts and has several contingencies.  Overall, if you have significant wealth, it is often best to contact an estate planning attorney to answer questions, draft the Will, and explain specific options and potential traps.  In handling probate cases, I have run into several "do it yourself" Wills and Holographic Wills that have caused 1) significant controversies in families resulting in legal battles, 2) unintended consequences caused by transfers to minors, wards, or persons on social security disability, and 3) complete legal messes and trapped wealth requiring several attorneys and court appointed ad litems to resolve.  In short, be careful if you have significant wealth and decide to do it yourself.  Saving money in the present can cost significant amounts to your loved ones in the future.  

Does a Will need to be filed? 

No, if the person who passed has little to no wealth or all their wealth has passed through a Trust, non-probate assets, or other means, there may not be a reason to probate a Will.  However, if a person has a valid Will and wealth in their estate including real property their Will should typically be filed for probate.

Does a Reading of the Will need to take place?  

No, this is a Hollywood myth.  Normally, there is no reading of a Will.  The Will be filed for Probate and all beneficiaries in the Will should receive a copy of the Will pursuant to Texas law.  An unnecessary reading of a Will can result in some extremely difficult and awkward situation.  That being said, many family members review Wills together and can cooperate in agreeing how to handle the probate process.  

What is an Executor? 

An executor or executrix is a person who is named in a Will to manage the deceased's estate, fulfill the deceased's wishes, and follow Texas legal requirements regarding legal notices and inventories.  An executor or executrix will not be appointed until a Will is probated and letters of testamentary are issued.  In other words, a person named as executor has no power or authority until a Will is probated and they are appointed.

An executor or executrix should be a responsible person that you trust.  They do not have to be a resident of Texas, but they have to be a competent person over the age of 18 years of good character who is not a convicted felon.

Most people who are named as an executor or executrix hire a lawyer to represent them in Probate court and to ensure that they comply with legal duties.  The person who serves as executor or executrix can be removed or sued for breach of fiduciary duty if they to not follow the Will or Texas law.  The estate will typically pay the executor's or executrix's attorney's fees and costs.

Contested v. Uncontested Probate 

There are two type of probate lawsuits contested and uncontested.  Uncontested probate lawsuits include Will probate lawsuits and Suits to Determine Heirships where there is no dispute between the heirs or beneficiaries regarding who gets what and the value and validity of estate assets or estate debts.  It is typically best to have a Texas probate lawyer, if you are filing an uncontested probate lawsuit.  Contested lawsuits include Texas Will Contests, Texas Breach of Fiduciary Duty Lawsuits, Texas Real Estate Partition Lawsuits, Texas Financial Elder Abuse Lawsuits, and Texas Inherited Business Lawsuits.  A Texas probate lawyer is almost always needed and highly recommended, if you are in a contested probate lawsuit.

Contingent, Hourly, and Hybrid Attorney Contracts

Most Texas probate lawyers work on hourly contracts where the family of a deceased has to pay the lawyer a retainer and then the lawyer bills against the retainer until it is depleted, then additional money will need to be paid if additional work needs to be done.

However, in some situations family assets cannot get transferred or collected by their rightful heirs or beneficiaries because the heirs and beneficiaries cannot afford the upfront cost of probate and other transfer costs. In these situations, a Texas Contingent Probate Lawyer who works on a contingent or hybrid contract is needed to help heirs and beneficiaries transfer estate property to rightful heirs and beneficiaries.  In these situations, the Texas Contingent Probate Lawyer will typically need to see evidence that there are actual significant assets in the estate and confirm that the potential clients are the rightful heirs and beneficiaries of the estate. In these cases, bank statements, life insurance policies, royalty statements, mutual fund statements, retirement fund statements, real property deeds, property tax information, and other evidence of the estate assets can be useful in determining the approximate value of the estate and if a contingent contract for probating the estate can be viable.  For more information on Texas Contingent and Hybrid Probate Lawsuits, please feel free to go to the following web page:  Texas Contingent Probate Lawyer and Texas Death Benefit Collection Lawyer.

Valsartan Cancer Health Risk: Persons Taking Valsartan Should Be Aware of Several FDA Recalls on Tainted Valsartan Medications that May Cause Cancer by Texas Valsartan Cancer Lawyer

Valsartan Cancer Health Risk: Persons Taking The Generic High Blood Pressure Medication Valsartan Should Be Aware of Several FDA Recalls on Tainted Valsartan Medications that May Cause Cancer and Other Health Issues by Texas Valsartan Cancer Lawyer Jason S. Coomer 

The drug high blood pressure medication, Valsartan, has been under a recall worldwide because it was tainted with a known carcinogen, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).  Persons who have been taking Valsartan since 2012 should be aware of the recall and consult their pharmacist, physician, and/or the FDA if they have any questions regarding the recall or if they think they have a tainted drug.  Additional information regarding this recall is also listed below on this web page.  Further, if you or a loved one has been taking Valsartan and have have been diagnosed with cancer, liver damage, or tumors, you should contact your health care provide to discuss the potential cause of your health issues as well as report the adverse action to the prescribing medical doctor and FDA as soon as possible.  For more information on the recalls, please go to the following web page: Valsartan Cancer Health Risk Information.

Weed Killer Lymphatic Cancer Health Alert: Recent Studies Have Shown Some Herbicides May Cause Lymphatic Cancer by Texas Lymphatic Cancer Lawyer

Weed Killer Lymphatic Cancer Health Alert: Recent Studies Have Show Herbicides including Roundup Weed Killer Are Probably Carcinogenic and May Cause Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma by Texas Lymphatic Cancer Lawyer Jason Coomer 

Recent scientific studies have determined several herbicides including Roundup weed killer and other weed killing products containing glyphosate are probably carcinogenic to humans.  Further, recent civil lawsuits have proven that these weed killers may cause Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and other forms of lymphatic cancer.  For this reason, people who have been regularly exposed to herbicides including  farmers, agricultural workers, horticulturists, groundskeepers, commercial gardeners, ranchers, and anyone else who has regularly used Roundup or other weed killers with glyphosate should be aware of this health risk.  Further, if these exposed people or their families suspect they may have lymphatic cancer, they should contact their health care provider to test if they may have lymphatic cancer.  For more information on this topic, please go to the following web pages: Texas Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Lawyer and Texas Lymphatic Cancer Lawyer.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma NHL and Lymphatic Cancer

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is a term for various different types of cancer of the lymphatic system that results from lymphocytes or white blood cells which have undergone genetic changes. The condition presents as enlarged lymph nodes without pain, abdominal pain or swelling, chest pain, cough, and weight loss.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can cause many symptoms, such as:

• Swollen, painless lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin;
• Soaking night sweats;
• Coughing, trouble breathing or chest pain;
• Weakness and tiredness that don't go away; 
• Unexplained weight loss;
• Fever; and
• Pain, swelling or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen

A physician can typically diagnose lymphatic cancer including Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma NHL with a physical exam, blood tests, a chest x-ray, and a biopsy. Choice of treatment is based on the type, stage, and severity of lymphoma and overall health of the patient.

Loss of Family Wealth in Texas and Throughout the United States is on the Rise by Texas Family Wealth Lawyer

Many Texas Families are Losing a Significant Amount of Wealth Through Elder Financial Abuse and Failed Multigenerational Transfers by Texas Family Wealth Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

A significant amount of family wealth is lost every year through failed multigenerational transfers, lack of information, and financial elder abuse. This loss of family wealth is estimated to be over $50 Billion each year.   This loss of family wealth is especially common in several situations including 1) families who are spread out throughout the United States or the World, 2) families faced with a sudden loss of the person controlling the family's wealth, and 3) families who become victims of fraudsters and ruthless opportunists who take wealth from the elderly or those with diminished capacity.

In many of these situations, an experienced family wealth lawyer can help prevent the loss of wealth and in some situations can help reclaim wealth.  For more information on this topic, please go to the following web pages: Texas Out of State Probate and Inheritance Lawyer Information, Texas Probate and Inheritance Lawyer Information, and Texas Elder Financial Abuse Lawyer Information.

In the State of Texas alone billions of dollars in bank accounts, oil royalties, insurance money, safety deposit box contents, stocks, retirement funds, real estate, and other wealth is stolen, forgotten about, becomes lost, or is unclaimed.

Most Elder Financial Abuse Involves a Family Member, Caretaker, Stock Broker, Financial Planner, or Financial Adviser by Texas Guardian Fraud Lawyer, Texas Power of Attorney Fraud Lawyer, Texas Alleged Elder Financial Abuse Fraud Lawyer and Texas Alleged Elder Financial Abuse Lawyer 

A recent study has found that Financial Elder Abuse and financial fraud against the elderly are on the rise.  Further, that most elder financial abuse crimes involve a family member, financial planner, financial adviser, or caretaker.  This elder financial abuse and fraud is most commonly committed against woman over 80 years old.  This financial exploitation of elderly persons can include changes in investments; buying real property and vehicles for people; large cash withdraws; selling inherited real estate; gifting mineral interests; excessive use of ATM or credit cards; unnatural changes in a will, power of attorney, beneficiary designations or financial documents; documents signed under duress; theft of valuables or money; transfers of money, mineral interests, oil royalties, or assets; forgery of checks, financial transaction documents, or other documents; isolation from family, friends, community, or other stable relationships; and use of medications to subdue the elderly person.

For more information on elder financial abuse, please go to the following web page: The United States of Elder Fraud – How Prevalent is Elder Financial Abuse in Each State? 

Many Families have Spread Out Across The United States and Throughout the World, Therefore it is Often Helpful to Hire a Texas Probate Lawyer to Assist with the Texas Probate Process and to Handle Estate Issues

Many families have spread out throughout the United States and around the World.  For the family member that lives out of state and has never been through the Texas probate process, it can often be challenging to understand what should be done under Texas probate law.  At a time when they want to grieve the loss of their loved one, they are often forced to deal with difficult issues including:

    1) Who should be in control of their loved ones' estate?
    2) What needs to be done to have an administrator or executor appointed?
    3) What are probate & non-probate property?
    4)  What should be done to protect estate property?
    5)  Is a Will necessary?
    6)  What can be done with Estate property?  Can it be sold or transferred?

When faced with these decisions, it is often helpful to speak with and hire a Texas probate lawyer to help take care of probate issues.  A Texas probate lawyer can help "out of state" family members through the probate process and help move an estate through probate.

This unclaimed property often occurs when someone unexpectedly dies or becomes incompetent.  When this person is the head of a household or controls a family's wealth, records can often be lost and assets can often go unclaimed.  This is more common when families do not live close to each other and/or do not communicated about financial issues.  Much of this lost or unclaimed wealth is collected by the states and held for rightful owners including heirs and beneficiaries.  However, it is not uncommon for large corporations including oil companies, insurance companies, brokers, financial advisers, and banks to keep unclaimed assets.  

Texas Partition Action Lawyer Represents Landowners Who Want to Sell or Partition Their Real Property by Texas Partition Action Lawyer

Texas Partition Action Lawyer Represents Landowners Who Want to Sell or Partition Their Real Property by Texas Partition Action Lawyer Jason Coomer

Sometimes co-owners of real property cannot agree on how their property will be used or if it will be sold. In these instances, it is sometimes necessary to file a real estate partition action to divide or sell the property.  This situation often arises when multiple family members inherit real property and when people jointly purchase property.  In these situations, one owner typically wants to keep the property, while other owners want to sell the property.  Further the owner that wants to keep the property often can't afford to buy out the other owners and insists that the other owners pay their share of taxes, maintenance, and insurance year after year.  When this situation arises the best course of action is typically a partition action to force the partition or sale of the real property.  For more information on this topic, please go to the following web page: Texas Partition Action Lawyer Information.

Forced Sales of Texas Real Property

Not all real property can be partitioned or divided, in fact houses, commercial property, lake house, condominiums, and several other types of unique real property cannot be partitioned.  When a Texas court finds that real property in a partition action cannot be fairly divided, the Court will order the real property sold through a forced sale.  The owners then divide the proceeds of the sale of the real property.     

Healthcare Professionals Can Earn Large Rewards By Properly Exposing Fraudulent Misbranding and Off-Label Marketing Schemes by Misbranding Whistleblower Reward Lawyer

Healthcare Professionals Can Earn Large Financial Rewards By Properly Exposing Fraudulent Misbranding of Medical Devices and Off-Label Marketing of Drugs by Misbranding Whistleblower Reward Lawyer and Off-Label Marketing Whistleblower Reward Jason S. Coomer

Many health care professionals have become aware of the strong influence that drug companies and medical device companies now have in determining community standards of care for medication use and medical device use in patients.  These drug companies push drug samples into many hospitals and often use powerful forms of manipulation including fraudulent research, false representations to key medical doctors, and kickbacks to get their drugs placed on hospital formularies and have their medical devices used.

Because of the immense power and influence of drug companies and medical device companies, it is becoming common to have drug marketing executives, medical device marketing representatives, medical device executives, and drug sales representatives influence what drugs and medical devices are used in whole communities.  In many situations the drug companies and medical device companies are more powerful than individual doctors who understand which are the best products for their patients.  This drug company manipulation and medical device company manipulation of the medical community can be extremely dangerous because it takes important medical decisions out of the hands of individual medical doctors and allows the drug companies to push potentially dangerous drugs for off-label drug uses as well as medical device companies to push ineffective or dangerous medical devices for unintended uses. When these fraudulent practices threatens lives, it is important for healthcare professionals to step up and expose healthcare fraud.  For more information on this topic, please go to the following web pages: Off Label Marketing Scheme Whistleblower Reward Lawyer Information and Medical Device False Branding Whistleblower Lawyer Information.

Drug Companies and Medical Device Companies Are Making Hundreds of Billions of Dollars Through Fraudulent Schemes: Successful Whistleblowers Can Receive Large Rewards for Exposing These Fraudulent Schemes 

The drug and medical device industries' main goal is to make a profit.  Each drug company and medical device company is trying to sell as much of their drug or medical device as they can regardless of the potential danger to patients or if there are cheaper more effective alternatives available.  If the marketing executives and sales representatives can get their drug placed on a hospital formulary or make the medical device the standard of care in a community, they are able to make lots of money.  Once this is accomplished there are economic incentives to keep expanding the use of the drug or medical device to new off-label uses.

Recently several large drug companies and medical device companies have been caught fraudulently marketing drugs and medical devices for off-label purposes.  These drug companies and medical device companies have had to pay Billions of dollars for Medicare Marketing Fraud Off-Label Lawsuits, Medicaid Marketing Fraud Off-Label Lawsuits, and other health care fraud lawsuits.   Despite these large fines, Drug Companies and Medical Device Companies have continued this practice because they are making profits of Hundreds of Billions of Dollars.  Thus, more healthcare professionals are needed to expose these continuing schemes.  These healthcare professionals can earn a percentage of the fraud exposed creating financial rewards of hundreds of millions of dollars.  For more information on this topic, please go to the following web page: Whistleblower Reward Lawsuit Information.

Deadly Collisions and Other Fatal Automobile Accidents Should Be Investigated to Prevent Similar Accidents by Texas Fatal Car Wreck Lawyer

Fatal Automobile Accidents Including Deadly Collisions Should Be Properly Investigated To Determine the Cause of the Fatal Accident and Help Prevent Future Similar Fatal Accidents by Texas Deadly Crash Lawyer and Texas Fatal Car Wreck Lawyer Jason S. Coomer  

Automobile accidents are one of the leading causes of death in Texas and in the United States.  What is extremely aggravating is that many of these accidents could have been prevented, if the cause of prior deadly accidents were properly investigated.  Whether an accident was caused by a product defect in a vehicle, dangerous road construction or design, or a drunk driver, identifying the cause of a deadly accident can often help prevent future accidents by removing unsafe vehicles, conditions, and drivers from our roads.

True Investigations of Deadly Accidents Are Rarely Done

Unfortunately, many deadly accidents are only investigated by law enforcement whose main goals are often to safely clear the accident scene and get traffic moving again.  These investigations are typically done very quickly without substantial documentation.  Understandably, many first responders have more immediate concerns than to do a thorough investigation regarding the causes of a fatal accident.  That being said, reviewing the accident report and speaking to first responders can often be beneficial in determining the actual cause of the accident.  

In addition to law enforcement, insurance companies, trucking companies, and other businesses also investigate deadly accidents, but unfortunately their goal is typically to limit their insured's or company's liability for the deadly collision.  These investigators are professionals paid to determine how an accident is not their client's fault.  Some will ultimately determine that their client has some fault, but investigators who commonly determine their company or their insured were at fault for deadly accidents typically do not succeed at insurance companies or in liability departments of large corporations.

Families of Victims Killed in Deadly Crashes Should Have Full Investigations of the Fatal Accident and May Have the Right to Compensation

If a family member of yours was killed in an automobile accident, truck collision, or motorcycle crash, it is important that you have a thorough investigation done of the deadly accident or crash.  It can help prevent future fatal accidents as well as make the responsible parties compensate the family of the victims.  For more information on accident investigations and potential compensation for family members, please go to the following web pages:

• Texas Accident Death Lawyers Help Families Investigate Accident and Claims
• Texas Fatal Road Construction Lawsuit Information
• Texas Fatal Automobile Accident Lawsuit Information
• Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accident Information: Fatal Accident Investigations
• Texas Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit Information
• Trucking Industry Deaths
• Texas Fatal Oil Truck Crash Lawsuit Information
• Texas Fatal Car Crash Fire Lawsuit Information
• Texas Fatal Garbage Truck Accident Lawsuit Information

Texas Pedestrian Fatal Accidents Are Increasing as Distracted Drivers Are Creating Dangers for Pedestrians in Crosswalks by Texas Pedestrain Fatal Accident Lawyer

Texas Pedestrian Fatal Accidents and Texas Crosswalk Accidents Are Increasing as Distracted Drivers Are Creating Dangers for Pedestrians in Crosswalks by Texas Pedestrian Fatal Accident Lawyer and Texas Crosswalk Accident Lawyer Jason Coomer

Across the United States, 6,227 pedestrians died in traffic accidents in 2018, this is the highest number of people killed in pedestrian accidents in nearly 30 years. Texas is one of five states where over half of these fatal pedestrian accidents occurred.  Please see Why Pedestrian Deaths are at a 30 Year High.  The rise in fatal accidents has several potential causes, but distracted drivers and increased traffic are two of the more significant factors.  As such, it is extremely important to protect yourself from distracted drivers when you are walking or running near traffic areas as well as when you are driving, riding a bike, on a scooter, or on a motorcycle.

Texas Pedestrian Accident Claims and Texas Crosswalk Accident Claims

When a vehicle hits a pedestrian, the damage to the pedestrian can often cause serious injuries or even death.  In almost all pedestrian accident cases, the accident causes significant injuries and damages that all insurance and other sources of recovery should be considered.  Having an experienced lawyer review the case and potential sources of recovery is often critical in being able to pay for necessary medical treatment, lost wages, physical impairment, mental anguish, and other damages suffered in the accident.

For more information on Texas Pedestrian Accident Claims, please go to the following web pages:  Texas Crosswalk Accident Lawsuit and Texas School Crossing Accident Lawsuit Information and Texas Fatal Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit Information.

Texas Driver's Handbook (Cautions Drivers that Pedestrians have the Right of Way) 

The Texas Driver's Handbook is very clear that pedestrian's have the right of way on Texas roads.  It warns drivers to avoid turning their vehicles into a deadly weapon and to always be aware of any pedestrians.  This rule is especially true when a pedestrian is in a crosswalk or in a schooling crossing.  In these situations, pedestrians always have the right of way.  Please be aware of pedestrians when you are driving, especially when you are in school zones and around crosswalks.

Rideshare Safety Alert: Texas Rideshare Lawsuits Are on the Rise as Rideshare Drivers Cause Wrecks and Assault Passengers by Texas Rideshare Lawyer

Rideshare Safety Alert: Texas Rideshare Lawsuits Are on the Rise as Negligent and Intoxicated Rideshare Drivers Cause Wrecks and Criminal Rideshare Drivers Assault Passengers by Texas Rideshare Lawyer Jason Coomer

Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services are now common throughout Texas.  Many people use rideshare services for their transportation needs when traveling in Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston.  From using rideshare for a night out on the town to taking an Uber to the airport, getting into a vehicle with the wrong rideshare driver can result in serious collisions or sexual assaults.  Hopefully, you are never in a rideshare accident and you are never the victim of a rideshare crime or rideshare accident, but if you are it is important to understand the basics of Texas rideshare lawsuits and gather information regarding any accident or crime that occurs during a rideshare.  For more information on this topic, please feel free to go to the following web page:  Austin Rideshare Lawsuit Information.

Rideshares Are a Convenient Form of Transportation 

Some of the advantages of taking a rideshare is that you do not have to pay close attention to traveling to a location, parking at that location, or battling traffic.  Moreover, you can even travel after a few drinks or a night out.   However, despite these advantages, it is important to still be aware of your environment including the actions of your rideshare driver.  Below are a few tips in dealing with potentially problematic rideshare drivers.

Negligent and Intoxicated Rideshare Drivers

If you get into a rideshare vehicle and discover the driver is intoxicated, it is import to protect yourself by safely ending the ride as soon as possible.  Likewise, if you experience reckless or negligent driving during a rideshare, it is important to protect yourself and seek to safely limit the danger by ending the trip as soon as possible, then reporting the negligent or reckless driver.

Sexual Assault and Other Crimes Committed by Rideshare Drivers

If you meet or get into a rideshare vehicle and immediately do not trust the rideshare driver, it is important not to get into their vehicle or safely end the rideshare as soon as possible.  This tip is especially important if you are traveling alone, intoxicated, traveling to an unfamiliar place, or are without means of communication to call for help, if necessary.  If a crime has been committed during a rideshare, it is important to get someplace safe and out of the control of the rideshare driver.  It is also important to gather all the evidence you can of the crime and report the crime to law enforcement as well as the rideshare company.  If necessary, a lawyer can often help report the crime and gather evidence of the crime.  

Most Rideshares Are Safe But Remember the Rideshare Driver Is In Control 

Overall most rideshare travel is safe and convenient.  Most drivers want high ratings from their passengers and will work to transport their riders safely to their desired location.  However, when you get into a strange vehicle with a rideshare driver, remember they are in control.  Your safety and life are now in their control.  Be smart and safe while using rideshare services.