San Antonio Legal Blog

How many hours can a trucker drive in one day?

On behalf of The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C. posted in truck accidents on Tuesday, January 15, 2019.

Hours of service refers to how long a trucker has been on the road, and regulations are in place to prevent tired and fatigued truckers from getting behind the wheel. Operating a large commercial vehicle is no easy feat, and when a trucker is pushed to his or her limit the chance of an accident increases greatly. The Federal Motor Carrier Association explains hours of service regulations, which are crucial to keep everyone on Texas highways safe.

Maximum duty limits vary. The 14-hour driving window means a trucker is able to drive up to 11 hours, provided he was off duty for 10 or more consecutive hours. Once you reach hour 11 you must then take another 10 consecutive hours off duty until the clock starts again. A half hour break is also mandatory, and this must take place at hour 8 of the 11-hour shift.

Gas and oil industries among the most dangerous for workers

On behalf of The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C. on Thursday, January 10, 2019.

You likely knew how dangerous the work was when you accepted a job in the Texas oil or gas industry. Perhaps your family has worked in this industry for generations, and you grew up hearing your parents and grandparents talk about the disasters and near-disasters they witnessed throughout the years. Nevertheless, the money pays the bills and the job itself is a challenge you may enjoy.

Still, you are no stranger to the risks of the job, and you may have coworkers who have suffered injuries or lost their lives in accidents at work. Like any job that has such serious inherent dangers, you must take every precaution to stay safe and rely on your employer to provide you and your coworkers with thorough training and quality workers compensation insurance in case of injury.

How can I avoid distracted driving?

On behalf of The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C. posted in car accidents on Sunday, January 6, 2019.

Distracted driving in Texas can lead to a life-changing collision. As a result, it’s up to every motorist to do his or her part to keep distractions to a minimum. Geico recommends the following tips in this case, which can help you stay focused on the road.

Never drive fatigued

Family mourns the loss of woman killed in workplace accident

On behalf of The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C. posted in workers' compensation on Saturday, January 5, 2019.

For many employers in Texas, the task of protecting their employees is of primary importance. Many companies can agree that their workers are one of their top assets in facilitating the success and longevity of their ability to compete with other organizations. However, there are times when workplace risks and hazards can be overlooked or compromised by certain factors, and the results could end up endangering the safety of the workers.

In a case that has captured national attention, a North Carolina family is mourning the loss of a young, 22-year-old woman who was mauled by a lion that had entered its enclosure while she was cleaning the area. The Conservators Center where the woman had only been interning at for two weeks, had passed a rigorous inspection required by the USDA. The woman was tasked with cleaning the animal's enclosure and in preparation for the process, the lion had been moved to a separate facility that was secured. Investigators were trying to determine how the lion escaped the locked area and made its way back into the enclosure where it ultimately killed the woman.

Accident reconstructionists can determine liability

On behalf of The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C. posted in truck accidents on Wednesday, December 26, 2018.

With an increasing number of vehicles on the roadways, minor automobile accidents are common in Texas. However, when a tractor-trailer is in a crash, there are often multiple cars affected. At The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C., we often represent clients injured in accidents as the result of big rig driver negligence.

Big trucks weigh significantly more than passenger cars and light trucks. When loaded, the trailer’s added weight can make an accident deadly. If the crash occurs on the highway, where speeds are high, it can happen very fast. Even eyewitnesses may have varying versions of what happened. Alliance Marketing & Insurance Services reports that, in these situations, an accident reconstructionist can be invaluable for determining the accident’s cause.

Can a car accident cause PTSD?

On behalf of The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C. posted in car accidents on Sunday, December 23, 2018.

Being involved in a serious car accident can cause significant physical damage. Car accidents can also increase your risk of experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is a condition that affects you mentally and emotionally. Very Well Mind explains the link between PTSD and car accidents, and how you can get help if you’re experiencing any symptoms.

Signs of PTSD

As an O&G worker, exceeding PELs of the DPM in DE can kill

On behalf of The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C. on Saturday, December 15, 2018.

Do you understand what the title of this post means? You should because, if you work in the oil and gas extraction industry (O&G), and your job exposes you to more than the permissible exposure limits (PELs) of the diesel particulate matter (DPM) that is present in diesel exhaust (DE), it could kill you. Employers in the oil and gas industry in Texas must protect the health and safety of employees, but do they?

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health says workers and employers must accept that diesel exhaust is omnipresent because diesel fuels most trucks, generators, compressors and earth-moving equipment. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has no permissible exposure limit for diesel exhaust as such, but rather for the individual components that make up diesel particulate matter. These harmful gases include nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, and only separate measurements of each gas can determine the need to take protective measures.

How to get back to work after an injury

On behalf of The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C. posted in workplace injuries on Tuesday, December 11, 2018.

If you have been unable to work due to a disability and you feel you are ready to get back into the workforce, there are helpful programs to help prepare you. If you live in Texas and are receiving social security disability benefits, you can take advantage of the Ticket to Work Program.

The Social Security Administration outlines five different ways you can learn about the Ticket to Work Program. Some of these include a do-it-yourself tutorial, calling a help line or attending a webinar. Whether you want to learn new skills or you just need help connecting with potential employers, the program assists you at no cost to you. The goal is to equip you with the tools you need for lasting employment and to start a path to financial independence. After you get a job, the program continues to help you in the form of money management and helping you set up a help network at your new position.

What is a repetitive stress injury?

On behalf of The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C. posted in workplace injuries on Sunday, December 9, 2018.

Repetitive stress injuries (RSI) can affect workers in many different industries and professions. Even seemingly safe professions like office work entail a risk of these types of injuries, which can become debilitating over time. Healthline offers the following information so you can take the proper steps to get the treatment you need if you suffer from RSI.

There are a number of risk factors associated with RSI. Repetitive movements are a hazard in many different jobs, such as people who use power tools, dentists and dental hygienists, janitorial workers, chefs, commercial drivers, and even musicians. The reason why these professions have a heightened risk of RSI is because of the movements used during them. This includes holding the same posture for an extended period, using the same muscles repeatedly, and lifting heavy objects.

Tips on highway driving

On behalf of The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C. posted in car accidents on Sunday, December 2, 2018.

When traveling during the holiday season, highway driving is likely to occur. That’s why it’s important for motorists in Texas to take the proper steps to preserve safety while traveling on the highway, both for themselves and others. Highway driving can be challenging no matter your skill level, but with the right preparation, you may be able to prevent a serious accident.

According to Nationwide, lane changes are intimidating when driving at high speeds. Motorists should leave plenty of room between vehicles in this case, which should be at least four to six seconds between their car and the one in front of them. Also, be sure to use your signals to indicate the maneuver and check your blind spots by looking over your shoulder when merging. Blind spots are areas of the road invisible to your rearview mirrors, and this includes areas at the front and rear, as well as both sides.

Contact us for a risk-free initial consultation.