Several years ago CBS News published an article titled: “Is driving with a cold as dangerous as driving drunk?” Researchers studied the reaction times and driving ability of participants who were sick with a cold. The study found that those who were sick with a cold had slower reaction times, were more likely to brake suddenly and more often, were less likely to be aware of surrounding traffic, and were more likely to drive erratically. Ultimately, researchers concluded that driving while sick with a cold resulted in a 50% reduction in driving ability. This is the same reduction in driving ability as someone drinking four double whiskeys.

So, what does this mean for those sick with the coronavirus who might be thinking of driving? If you have cold symptoms, don’t get behind the wheel. Given that the symptoms of COVID-19 can be far more serious than the common cold, it is especially important that drivers not get behind the wheel while feeling sick. The Robson Law Firm is a car accident law firm in Austin, Texas that works with individuals who have been hurt in car accidents. There are many reasons why car accidents occur, fatigue and sickness are potentially one of them. What can you do if you’ve been in an accident where the other driver may have been at fault due to fatigue and sickness? First, always call the police, make a police report, and seek medical help. Take photos of the accident scene, exchange contact information with other drivers, and let your insurance company know what happened. Finally, if you have questions about your rights under the law, consider reaching out to the Austin, Texas car accident lawyer at the Robson Law Firm today.

But Can I Sue a Driver Who Drove While Sick with COVID-19?

Can you sue a driver for negligence if he or she drives while sick with COVID-19? There is no law on the books that says that driving with a common cold is against the law. But the CDC has issued guidelines for truck drivers asking that truck companies have a plan in place for what should happen if a truck driver gets sick while on the road. And with public health warnings across the country asking those who are sick to stay home, victims of car accidents who are hurt because another driver was fatigued or negligent while sick may have options when it comes to seeking damages for a car accident. Still, there is no law on the books against driving with a cold. However, driving while impaired is against the law. This means that if you have taken cold medicine that can interfere with your ability to drive, you could be held legally responsible if you end up in an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, common cold medications, sleep aids, and over the counter medicines can lead to nausea, blurred vision, and drowsiness, conditions which can impact a person’s ability to drive safely. If you are already taking other types of medications, some cold medicines can have an adverse effect on individuals when these drugs are mixed. For example, anxiety drugs, antidepressants, products with codeine, sleeping pills, and some types of pain relievers could impact your ability to drive safely, according to the FDA. If you are taking medicines to treat cold symptoms, it might be best to avoid getting behind the wheel. If you are already taking medicines to treat another condition, you might want to speak to your doctor about how these medicines might interact with cold medicine.

At the end of the day, people who are exhibiting symptoms of the coronavirus are being asked to stay home. Given that driving while sick is also risky to others on the road, this is just another reason to avoid getting behind the wheel. But, if you or someone you love was hurt in a car accident where the other driver was at fault, you may have the right to seek damages for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation expenses. Contact the car accident lawyers at the Robson Law Firm in Austin, Texas today. Our attorneys can help you with your case. Or, reach out to USAttorneys.com to get matched with the car accident lawyer at the Robson Law Firm who may be able to help you with your personal injury claim.

The Robson Law Firm is a personal injury lawyer in Austin, Texas who fights for the rights of the injured. Our personal injury lawyers work with injured people and their families to help them seek damages for their lost wages, medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering. If you were hurt in a protest due to the violent actions of the police or due to intentional violence, you may have the right to pursue a lawsuit. Suing the police can be challenging because police are protected under the concept of sovereign immunity. Under this legal doctrine, the police can only be sued if the state consents to the lawsuit. However, as more police officers are being criminally charged for their violent actions, individuals and families may have more options when it comes to suing the police in cases where police officers faced criminal charges and where police violence is reported. There have also been reports of families finding ways to settle with police officers and police forces in private, thus avoiding the cost of going to court. While there have been calls to put an end to police sovereign immunity, it isn’t clear whether this will happen any time soon. However, the reality is that if you have been injured in a protest or suffered police brutality or violence, you may still have the right to seek damages for your injuries under the law. The Robson Law Firm is a personal injury lawyer in Austin, Texas that is here to help you if you were injured in a protest.

Your Rights as a Protestor in Austin, Texas

What are your rights as a protestor in Austin, Texas? The First Amendment protects your freedom of speech and your right to peacefully assemble. However, there are cases where police may be able to take action to disperse a protest or may even take action against protestors. What are your rights?

According to the ACLU, your First Amendment rights are most robust when protesting in a public place, that is, the sidewalk, the street, a park, or in front of a government building. That said, police may still have the right to keep crowds off the street to prevent the stopping of traffic and may be able to take steps to make sure officials have access to the public building. Protestors have the right to film and photograph a protest that takes place in public. Protestors do not need a permit to protest, but if the protest will close the streets, then protestors may need a permit to close the street to traffic.

Occasionally, if the police believe the protest might pose a risk to public safety, might lead to a riot, or is interfering with traffic, the police may break up the protest. Police must do this in a safe and non-violent manner. This means that protestors must be given fair warning that the protest will be dispersed and must be given a clear way to exit the protest. When dispersing protestors, police should never resort to violence. If you have been hurt when police are dispersing a protest, there are steps you can take to protect your rights. Film and photograph the violence, photograph your injuries, write down the names and badge numbers of offending officers, and write down the names and contact information of witnesses. Victims have the right to file a complaint. If you have been seriously hurt by police in a protest, you may also have the right to pursue a lawsuit. Across the nation, victims of police brutality have been fighting back through lawsuits. The Robson Law Firm is a personal injury law firm in Austin, Texas that may be able to help you if you were injured by the police in a protest, or injured by police in another setting. Contact our personal injury lawyer today.

Seek Justice for Your Injuries in Austin, Texas

If you’ve been injured in a protest due to negligence or intentional violence, you may only have a limited amount of time to seek damages for your losses. The Robson Law Firm is a personal injury lawyer in Austin, Texas that may be able to help you. Reach out to our law firm today or connect with USAttorneys.com to get matched with a lawyer at the Robson Law Firm.

Not all personal injury settlement award amounts will lend themselves to the structured settlement model. Smaller personal injury awards will generally always be paid as a lump sum payment. But, if you stand to receive a significant award, a structured settlement may be an option. If you were seriously injured, suffered a spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, back injury, neck injury, or other serious and life-altering injury, your settlement amount may be significant. If this is the case, your long-term needs may be immense. You may need money to cover lost wages due to disability, may need money to cover medical expenses, and ongoing nursing care and other needs. A structured settlement can be an arrangement that ensures that for your lifetime, or for a long period of time, you’ll receive regular payments to cover your costs.

The amount of money you’ll receive regularly with a structured settlement will depend on several factors. It will depend on the settlement amount you received, it will depend on how much money you’ll require on a regular basis to maintain a standard of living, and it will depend on how long you estimate you’ll live. Many individuals hire a financial planner to help them manage their personal injury settlement, especially when the settlement is designed to help a victim cover costs and losses that are likely to last a lifetime.

A structured settlement is a good option for families who are concerned about spending their personal injury settlement too quickly. Another option families might have is to set up a trust or to invest their personal injury settlement, but with financial uncertainty due to COVID-19 families are wise to hire financial planners to help them navigate these issues, if this is the choice they want to make.

The Robson Law Firm is a car accident law firm in Austin, Texas that works with personal injury victims, helping them seek the damages they may deserve under the law following an injury or accident. You may only have a limited amount of time under the law to seek damages for your losses. Reach out to the Robson Law Firm today or connect with USAttorneys.com to get matched with a lawyer at the Robson Law Firm.

With more cars on the road in Texas, the risk of car accidents is likely to increase. If you have been in a car accident, you’ll want to take steps you would take after a car crash at any other time. Call police to make a police report, exchange contact information with the other driver (preferably from a safe distance of at least 6 feet away), and contact your insurance company to report the accident. Seek medical attention after the crash and follow up with the instructions your doctors provide. These are the basics. If you have questions about your settlement or have concerns about the next steps, consider speaking to the car accident lawyers at the Robson Law Firm in Austin, Texas today. Our lawyers can help you navigate the claims process.

Drivers may wonder whether they can still pursue a lawsuit for their car accident injuries. While some Texas courts in some counties remain closed, your lawyer can still file a claim and seek damages from negligent parties through a settlement. Whether you should settle your car accident claim in these times is a matter that car crash victims should discuss with their car accident attorney. Every case is unique and the Robson Law Firm can review the situation and help you with your settlement or court case.

With hospitals and doctor’s offices changing their policies to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, car accident victims will need to remain in touch with their doctors regarding their post-injury medical care. The key thing to remember is to follow your doctor’s instructions and to seek medical care after a crash.

Finally, in these times of financial uncertainty, several factors may play a role in a personal injury claim. One factor will be whether the negligent party can pay for your damages. If the other driver can pay, your car accident lawyer can seek damages. Given current financial uncertainty, this may be a challenge with some car accident claims, especially if the other driver cannot afford to pay the claim. Fortunately, car insurance companies are required to honor their obligations to car accident victims, meaning that even if the other driver cannot pay for your damages, his or her insurance company may be able to cover some, or all of your losses.

Have questions about your car accident claim during these changing times? You are not alone. The Robson Law Firm is a car accident law firm in Austin, Texas that may be able to help you with your car accident claim. Reach out to us today or connect with USAttorneys.com to get matched with our car accident lawyer.

If you have been in a car accident in Austin, Texas and have questions, the Robson Law Firm is a car accident lawyer that is still available to help you. Call us today to discuss your case. We can recommend next steps. If you have a pending court date, or if we are currently handling your car accident case, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Watch for Updates Regarding Court Closures. If you have an upcoming court date or court hearing for your personal injury claim, watch for updates regarding closures and postponements. Schools across the country are closing and many offices are also either limiting the number of people passing through their doors or are cancelling appointments and dates. If you have an upcoming personal injury case or meeting, reach out to the Robson Law Firm. We will stay in touch regarding any closures or changes. If you do feel ill, in the interest of public health, it is important to let the courts and us know so that we can reschedule your court date and take steps to help you move forward with your case in a manner that protects public health while also protecting your rights.
• Be in touch with your personal injury lawyer. If you are not feeling well, let our law offices know, so we can schedule a remote meeting or reschedule. We are here for you and are taking steps to keep everyone safe. Be prepared for meetings to be held remotely or rescheduled if public officials call for more widespread closures.
• If you have concerns, let us know. The Robson Law Firm is here for you every step of the way. In many cases, aspects of your personal injury claim can be handled in writing or over the phone. And not all cases need to go to court. So many aspects of your claim may be able to move forward smoothly, though in these trying times we will all need to be patient as things evolve.

The Robson Law Firm is closely monitoring this situation, watching how courts respond, and will remain in touch with our clients regarding this situation. If you have any questions at all about your court date, court case, or personal injury claim, reach out to us today. We are here for you. If you were recently hurt in a car accident, even in these surreal times, you are not alone. The Robson Law Firm is a car accident law firm in Austin, Texas that is here for you. Contact our car accident lawyer at the Robson Law Firm today or reach out to USAttorneys.com to get connected with the Robson Law Firm as soon as possible.

Determining whether a driver might have been fatigued can sometimes be challenging. After a truck accident, a truck accident lawyer like the attorneys at the Robson Law Firm in Austin, Texas may be able to review the truck driver’s hours of service logs, shipping logs, and other data to determine how long the driver might have been on the road. For other passenger vehicle drivers, police and insurance companies may need to rely on self-reports to determine how long the driver might have been on the road. However, a skilled personal injury lawyer may be able to assess other evidence to see whether a driver might have been driving overnight or may have been on the road for a long time without sleep.

Do you think fatigued driving may have contributed to your crash? If a driver’s neglect or negligence resulted in your accident, you may have the right to seek damages for your medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, and other damages. The Robson Law Firm is a car accident law firm in Austin, Texas that may be able to assist you with your claim.

The Real Dangers of Fatigued Driving

Drowsy driving is incredibly dangerous. In fact, drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving drunk. According to the CDC, a driver who has been awake for 17 straight hours might be just as impaired as a driver with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05. And a driver who has been awake for 24 straight hours may be just as impaired as a driver with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.1, well over the legal limit. The CDC notes that most adults need anywhere from 7 to 9 hours of sleep each day.

Driving while drowsy or fatigued can significantly decrease a driver’s reaction time. It can result in a loss of concentration that can lead to a driver miscalculating how fast he or she might be traveling. Poor judgement and lack of awareness can also be a sign of fatigue and sometimes drivers may even fall asleep behind the wheel, a dangerous situation indeed.

If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash in Austin, Texas, you may have the right to seek damages for your losses. The Robson Law Firm is a truck and car accident law firm that works with victims and their families to help them seek justice. If you have questions about your rights or options under the law, reach out to our attorneys today.

Factors and Circumstances That Can Lead to Fatigued Driving

There are a range of factors and circumstances that can lead to fatigued driving. Driving overnight or for longer periods of time can result in drowsy driving, but there are other situations where a driver could be tired and may not even be aware of it. Sleep apnea can interrupt a person’s sleep in the night. A person may wake up tired, and may not always be aware that they have the condition. Some symptoms of sleep apnea might be waking up suddenly gasping for air, snoring loudly, or feeling sleepy or tired during the day. If you think you might have sleep apnea, you may want to get tested for the condition because there are medical interventions that can be taken to help you get a better night’s rest and make it less likely that you’ll get behind the wheel tired.

Sometimes drivers may not always be aware of how tired they are. When driving long distances, give yourself frequent breaks and try to avoid driving for longer than 8-hour stretches at a time. After longer than 8-hours, the risks of accidents increases.

If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash, the Robson Law Firm is a car accident law firm in Austin, Texas that can take steps to uncover the causes. If another driver was responsible, you may have the right to make a claim under the law. Reach out to the Robson Law Firm today or connect with USAttorneys.com to learn more.

What Steps Can You Take to Protect Yourself After a Hit and Run Crash in Austin, Texas?

The best opportunity you’ll have to preserve evidence is at the scene of the actual crash. Even if the other driver left the scene, he or she could have left important evidence there. This is why it is important to call the police. Police are trained to perform a thorough investigation of the accident scene. They might be able to learn information about the other car based on trace paint that may be on your vehicle, or from tire marks. They might also be able to review street cameras or parking lot cameras, if they are available.

You can personally take steps to record information in addition to calling 911. If you remember the make and model of the vehicle that hit you or remember what it looked like, write this down right away. Memories can fade with time and the best time to record important details is right after a crash. If you got a glimpse of the other driver, or if you have the ability to make a physical description, can you write this down? Did you catch parts or the whole license plate number? Or, were there witnesses at the scene of the crash that saw what happened who may be able to provide you with additional information? In the aftermath of a hit and run accident, information is important.

In addition to calling the police to report the hit and run accident, you may also want to call your insurance company to report the accident. If the other driver is never found, you may be able to make a claim for personal injuries and other damages through your insurance company’s underinsured or uninsured motorist policy. If you have difficulty making a claim, you may have important rights when negotiating with insurance adjusters. The car accident lawyers at the Robson Law Firm in Austin, Texas may be able to help you.

Do you have questions about your options and rights if you have been hurt or suffered losses in an Austin, Texas hit and run accident? The Robson Law Firm is a car accident law firm in Austin, Texas that works with clients facing a range of issues after a crash. Our attorneys can speak to your insurance company to help you get the settlement you may deserve. We can also fight negligent parties for damages if the other driver is identified. Have questions about your rights? The car accident lawyers at the Robson Law Firm in Austin, Texas may be able to help.

How You Can Protect Your Rights After an Austin, Texas Hit and Run

In Texas, if you’ve been in a car accident, you are required under the law to stop, exchange contact information, and render aid. Failure to do so can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on whether other people were hurt in the crash or the crash involved only property damage. Regardless of the seriousness of your accident, it is generally a good idea to make a police report after a crash. You might be required under the law to make a police report if a person was injured or if the accident involved significant damage. However, even a small accident should be reported to the police, because insurance companies might want to review a police report when settling your claim and if you later need to seek damages from negligent parties, having a police report can be helpful.

If you have been a victim of a hit and run crash in Austin, Texas, you may be facing additional stresses and challenges. After a typical car accident, both drivers may be able to make a claim with their insurance companies to cover damages, and the negligent party might be responsible for covering losses. However, after a hit and run accident, you might only have the option of making a claim with your insurance company. Because a hit and run accident is a crime, if you have suffered significant losses, you may also be able to make a claim with a crime victims’ fund. The car accident lawyers at the Robson Law Firm in Austin, Texas may be able to help you. Contact us today or reach out to our lawyers at USAttorneys.com to learn more.

What is Covered by Rental Car Insurance Provided by the Rental Car Company?

Rental car insurance provided by the rental car company can protect you before your personal insurance needs to take effect. If you purchased rental car insurance from the rental car company, this can protect you from facing higher premiums due to making a claim with your insurance company. Rental car insurance usually includes a waiver that is essentially a promise made by the rental car company that they won’t come after you for charges or damages should you get into an accident or should the rental car get stolen. Liability protection offered by the rental car insurance policy can also protect you if you are at fault for an accident that causes damage to another vehicle.

If you don’t have comprehensive insurance coverage on your own car, the insurance offered by the rental car company at the counter may offer you additional protection. The rental car insurance policy could also cover deductibles that you might have had to pay had you used your own personal insurance to cover a loss. If you purchased rental car insurance at the counter, after an accident in a rental car, you may want to call the rental car company first, and then call your personal insurance company second to inform both parties that an accident has occurred. In most cases, your rental car company can take things from there.

Have questions about your rights and responsibilities if you have been in a crash in a rental car? Are you having trouble making an insurance claim? Or, is one insurance policy claiming that the other company is responsible (passing the buck)? The Robson Law Firm is a car accident law firm in Austin, Texas that may be able to help you with your claim.

What Coverage Does My Credit Card Company Provide?

If you rented the car with a credit card, your credit card company may provide additional protection regarding damages and losses pertaining to the rental car—but only after you first make a claim with your auto insurance. This coverage might be useful if you didn’t purchase additional coverage from the rental car company. Your credit card company may be able to pick up the tab for deductibles and additional damages that may not be covered by your insurance policy. However, every credit card’s additional coverage policy is different, so you may want to contact your credit card company first to understand your rights and options. Still have questions about what is covered? The Robson Law Firm is a car accident law firm in Austin, Texas that may be able to assist you. Our lawyers can review the details of your case, hold negligent parties accountable, and fight to help you get the settlement you may deserve from the many stakeholders that might be involved following a rental car crash. Reach out to our attorneys today or connect with USAttorneys.com to get matched with a lawyer at the Robson Law Firm that may be able to assist you.

YouTube has recently updated its policy on dangerous and risky content. According to YouTube, “Challenges that present an apparent risk of death are not allowed on YouTube.” The website also notes that any challenges that seem to pose a risk of bodily injury or harm to a child are also not permitted. Finally, any pranks that can lead to another person’s physical harm, or that can make a person believe they are about to be physically harmed are not permitted. YouTube is clear to differentiate between artistic works and documentaries, and videos that promote violence and deadly-risk taking, or encourage it, or engage in it.

Dangerous driving and viral content has long been a problem on social media platforms and search engines. Vice recently reported that a teenager trying to complete a Bird Box challenge, blindfolded herself while driving and crashed her car. The consequences of these challenges can be very real and serious. The recent Drake challenge in which people jumped out of moving vehicles to dance left some injured and raised concerns that others would be hurt.

The reality is that reckless behavior that puts others at risk can leave victims seriously injured and can leave families with high medical expenses and losses. If another person’s prank, reckless driving, or dangerous behavior resulted in a car accident, consider speaking to the Robson Law Firm, an Austin, Texas personal injury lawyer today. Teens who drive their parents’ cars could be held responsible for their actions, and their parents may be on the hook for any damages they cause. Parents are wise to speak to teens about the importance of safety behind the wheel and about the dangers of risk-taking.

Reckless driving includes driving 25 miles per hour over the speed limit, racing another vehicle, and passing a vehicle on a two-lane highway where there is a risk of a head-on collision. Other risky behaviors, which may not constitute reckless driving, but can also pose a risk to others include distracted driving, speeding, or engaging in viral “challenges” while driving.

At the end of the day, our actions behind the wheel matter. When accidents happen, victims can suffer serious injury or death. If you or a loved one was hurt due to the reckless or careless actions of another person while driving, the Robson Law Firm are Austin, Texas car accident lawyers who may be able to help you seek damages for your lost wages, pain and suffering, medical bills, and rehabilitation expenses. Contact our firm today to learn more.

Robson Law Firm
1114 Lost Creek Boulevard
Suite 440
Austin, TX 78746
Phone: (512) 345-8200

The NHTSA had been in the process of investigating several issues that could potentially pose a risk to the general public. The shutdown could put these investigations on hold. Because of the shutdown, the NHTSA’s website reports that no investigations have taken place in the last 30 days. However, there have been reports of issues that the agency had been investigating before the shutdown. For example, Fox News had recently reported on a “death wobble” that some Jeep drivers experienced when the vehicles reached certain speeds. It isn’t clear whether the wobble poses a risk to public safety, but the NHTSA had been looking into it. NBC News reported that Kia and Hyundai vehicles that had been previously recalled were spontaneously bursting into flames. Consumers had been pushing the companies to recall the vehicles, but the companies were awaiting the NHTSA’s investigation. In many cases, companies wait for the NHTSA to complete an investigation into issues where the origin of the cause isn’t always clear-cut. However, companies may often do this to cut costs, even when there is a known issue. Unfortunately, when companies delay recalls, injuries and accidents can occur.

Have you been injured because of what you believe to be a defect in your vehicle? If you have been hurt, you may have the right to pursue a defective product claim. While the NHTSA isn’t currently on the job, consumers can still report instances or issues they see with their vehicles. The Robson Law Firm are personal injury lawyers in Austin, Texas who work closely with individuals who have been hurt due to another person or party’s negligence or neglect. Our firm can take a close look at your case, help you understand your rights, and fight to help you get the best possible solution permitted under the law. Visit us at https://robsonlawfirm.com/ to learn more. Our attorneys are watching how the NHTSA’s recalls process is working. Already food inspectors have been called back to the job without pay over concerns that the public’s safety can be at increased risk due to foodborne illness. Will the NHTSA safety inspectors be called back to work soon? Only time will tell.

Robson Law Firm
1114 Lost Creek Boulevard
Suite 440
Austin, TX 78746