Enriquez Law Firm PLLC

7 Safety Rules All ATV Drivers Should Practice

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 20:55:00 GMT

The city of El Paso is known for being vast with open lots of desert and sand dunes. It has become a rather popular fad for families and friends to celebrate holidays and special events by riding ATVs and four-wheelers deep in the desert. As thrilling and exhilarating as four-wheeling can be, it can also be a gamble with your safety. According to studies, states with the highest fatality rate record approximately 20 ATV-related deaths annually. The numbers have more than doubled since the 1990s. Luckily, we have been able to note a small decline in these ATV-related deaths over the past decade.

The best way to prevent any further injuries or deadly results is by helping people stay aware of safety rules and regulations. If you find yourself or your loved ones avidly passing the time by four-wheeling in the back roads, we’ve provided some safety guidelines to keep in mind.

Stay In Close Contact with Friends, Family, and Passengers

It is important to always let someone know where you will be and when you expect to return after four-wheeling. This applies to any and all areas you might find yourself in. It has become too common that people get stuck or lost in relatively easy terrain. Just imagine how much worse and frightening the situation would be if someone was seriously hurt or injured concurrently. Should something happen and you are unable to leave the area or call for help, your friends and family will know to call authorities.

Keep Transportation Available

It is best that you always have at least one other vehicle close by or within the area. This is to ensure that you will transportation out in the event that your ATV or four-wheeler becomes stuck, damaged, or cannot be fixed in that specific time and place. In addition, the extra vehicle can help with providing manpower for heavy-duty fixations.

Pack Survival Gear and First-Aid Kits

You never know when an adventurous evening or weekend can turn or sour, so it is best to always have special gear on hand. Pack the proper items to get you through a fun, but tiring evening and to handle any medical emergencies that may occur.

Tie Everything Down

Four-wheelers may not be as large in size as the typical American-make of a truck, but they are still to be tied down accordingly. Your gear and ATV can be sent flying if you roll over or lay the ATV on its side. Loose items within your ATV can become missile-like and can cause serious injuries inside the four-wheeler.

Stay Strapped with a Seatbelt

Much like the seatbelts we use in the vehicles we take to work and school, it is also important that you stay strapped in and secure with a seatbelt in an ATV. You and your passengers will get jostled around quite a bit on many of the trails you find yourself passing through. Plus, the possibility of a crash or of rolling over can take place at any time. The big rock you try avoiding, yet hit, can suddenly cause you or your passengers to go flying out. Wear a seatbelt at all times.

Keep Arms and Legs Within the Four-Wheeler

If you’ve gone four-wheeling before, you’re more than aware of how narrow the passageways can be. Any arms or legs hanging outside of an ATV can easily be injured by trees, cliff walls, rocks, or large plants that surround you. If an ATV begins to tip over, the natural instinct is for someone to reach their hand out, which is the exact opposite of what you should do. There is no way you’ll be able to stop an ATV from rolling over, but you can decrease the chances of getting hurt or seriously injuring a limb by keeping your body within the ATV.

Do Not Hang or Rest Your Weight on an ATV

If your ATV gets stuck in a precarious position, it is not recommended that you try to pull it down or tip it by hand or weight. It is also best to not climb on the ATV. Use the proper tools and materials to haul the four-wheeler and to always be a safe distance away. A vehicle can crush you if given the chance.

Stay Protected and Represented with the Enriquez Law Firm

At The Enriquez Law Firm, we take all accidents very seriously, especially those including four-wheeling. There are several laws that surround the use of ATVs and they are only enforced for the safety of all. If you or a loved one has been in an ATV-related accident or has injuries, contact us today to help you cover damages and medical expenses.

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What to Do if You Are Injured on the Job

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 21:32:00 GMT

Countless workers constantly face dangerous situations. If an injury were to take place while on the job, what is the employee to do? This is where workers’ comp comes into play. Every states’ laws vary, but they are similar in the fact that they require all businesses to carry workers’ compensation. Workers’ comp was established to protect employees who suffer from work-related injuries or illnesses. The insurance also covers and pays for medicals expenses and provides cash benefits, no matter who or what was at fault, although it is not a fail-proof system and there might be times where you will need legal representation to protect your rights. The Enriquez Law Firm is here to help you determine if worker’s comp applies to you and how to guide you through your case.

What Classifies as a Workplace Injury?

Falls are a common occupational hazard for construction workers resulting in broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Repetitive motion injuries result from performing the same movement over and over again for an extended period of time. This can result in bursitis, carpal tunnel, and tendonitis. These are the most commonly reported work injuries in the United States alone.

How Do I Know If I Am Eligible?

There are specific requirements that must be met in order to draw out worker’s comp benefits. Firstly, your employer must carry the worker’s comp insurance program. The requirements also vary based on the number of employees, the type of business, and the job responsibilities of all employees. You are also eligible if you were injured during the performance of your job-related duties. The benefits do not apply if you were injured outside of work and come into your shift with having proper medical attention.

What to Do After an Injury

Your supervisor has to be notified immediately about your injury whether it comes directly from your or from the help of your coworkers and colleagues. The reporting requirements, of course, vary from state to state. Failure to report a workplace injury or illness within the state-mandated time can result in forfeiture of your right to file a workers’ comp claim. Once your employer is notified about your injury, they are required to ensure you receive all the necessary medical attention. In addition, employers and supervisors must notify their insurance carrier and file a claim to be submitted to the state workers’ compensation board.

Stay Protected with the Help of The Enriquez Law Firm

Workplace injury cases don’t always go as planned, which is why it’s important that you have an attorney to defend you. Get the care and attention you need by calling The Enriquez Law Firm today!

The post What to Do if You Are Injured on the Job appeared first on Enriquez Law Firm PLLC .

Motorcycle Driver Tips For Safe Riding

Sat, 14 Sep 2019 19:34:00 GMT

Riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience, but comes with obvious dangers. The decades of airbag and crash optimization technology that cars enjoy can’t be transferred to bikes, so riders have to rely on preparation, awareness, and good habits to stay safe. In this article, we’ll discuss just a few ways to make sure you stay safe on the streets of El Paso.

Wear the Right Gear Every Time

How often do you see someone riding with no helmet, a short-sleeve shirt, and shorts? This is the exact wrong way to ride and can make an accident far more costly. It’s important to have a DOT-certified helmet, preferably with a face shield. You also need to have a motorcycle jacket and riding pants that have added protection. A regular jacket and pair of jeans will not suffice—a high-speed crash will rip those to shreds in seconds and cause you to lose a lot of skin and potentially cause critical damage.

Ride Defensively

One tip that many motorcyclists give is to pretend you are invisible to other motorists. Because, oftentimes, you are invisible to motorists and you’ll have to adjust for them not seeing. Try to have a wide berth between your bike and other motorists, and stay alert at all times. Since millions of people drive while looking at their phone, it’s important to pay attention to what other drivers are doing.

Check Your Bike Before Every Ride

You should inspect your bike before every ride. Check your oil levels, chain, mirrors, tires, and all other parts of your bike before you leave for your ride.

Consider Reflective/High Visibility Mods

If you plan on driving at night, you should wear reflective clothing and add reflective elements to your bike. Improving your headlights would also be a worthwhile investment that you could keep you safe at night.

Choose the Enriquez Law Firm, Today!

With the booming motorcycle scene taking over El Paso, motorcyclists need representation they can trust and rely on. For years, Enriquez Law Firm has served the motorcyclists of El Paso, and will work for you too! For questions, contact us today!

The post Motorcycle Driver Tips For Safe Riding appeared first on Enriquez Law Firm PLLC .

Advice for Dealing With a Construction or Oil Field Workplace Injury

Sat, 10 Aug 2019 19:27:00 GMT

Outlining the Oil Industry in Texas

In Texas, the oil industry is essential for the economy and employs a lot of people across the state. In 2015, some statistics showed that about 1.39 million people were employed by the oil, gas, and petrochemical industry. This accounts for related occupations, as only a smaller number of these are out on the field every day. Nevertheless, in Texas, there is a large number of people working in these jobs.

An investigative report done by the Houston Chronicle in 2014 showed that there were some issues still to be addressed in these worksites. Since then, there have been some changes but accidents still occur on a daily basis. The study found that the federal government was behind in implementing safety standards and procedures for onshore and offshore drilling. When OSHA investigated many of these oil-field related incidents, it found safety violations in 78 percent of Texas accidents.

How a Lawyer can Help

So how can a lawyer help you? Below are just a few of the reasons:

A Few Key Facts to Take Into Consideration

In the Houston Chronicle investigation, it was found that OSHA is only required to investigate accidents that kill workers or that cause three or more to be hospitalized. This can affect the way that safety standards are implemented, as it might not take a solitary accident into consideration.

Report Your Injury and Get Us On Your Side

According to the 2017 numbers, 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported by the private sector. For many, this is likely an inaccurate number as so many of these injuries slip through the cracks and are not properly documented.

Have you been injured at work on a construction site or in the oil fields? Don’t wait around. Call us today and see how the Enriquez Law Firm can help you receive the proper attention and compensation for your injuries.

The post Advice for Dealing With a Construction or Oil Field Workplace Injury appeared first on Enriquez Law Firm PLLC .

Summer Road Trip Safety: Tips for Avoiding an Accident

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 17:07:00 GMT

According to the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), car accidents spike during the warmer months of the year. With more cars on the roads, an increase in motorcycles, and an increase in teenage drivers, summer tends to see more auto accidents. August is in fact considered the deadliest month for car accident fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

In data collected from 1975 to 2002, the NHTSA found that there was a spike in car accidents fatalities in July and August followed by a gradual decrease the proceeding months. The conditions of the road during these months such as more vehicles and an increase in motorcycles are part of the reasons behind summer car accidents.

Don’t worry! There’s no need to cancel your summer road trip plans, but there is a need to take caution before and during your commute. We’ve mapped out a couple of key tips that you and your family can practice this summer, which will help eliminate the possibility of an accident.

Things to Do Before Your Road Trip

Before hitting the road, have your vehicle inspected. A mechanic will ensure your vehicle is safe enough for the road. This includes checking your oil, rotating tires or looking at their pressure level, fixing your cooling system, checking your fluid levels, inspecting your engine, and other key components to a healthy vehicle. You’ll also want to invest in an emergency roadside kit if you haven’t already.

If your group includes small children, make sure you have the proper seating for them, that includes ensuring seat belts are intact. Also, be sure to inform your children that if at any point they’re not feeling well to let you know. It’s not uncommon for children to experience feelings of fatigue from the heat or even stomach aches from foods that maybe didn’t sit well. In these cases, you may want to pull over.

Things to Do While on the Road

Once your vehicle is ready for the road and you make your way out, there are a couple of safety practices to keep in mind. For one, you should avoid distracted driving. Your phone calls and text messages can wait. Even if you have cruise control on and there aren’t any vehicles around you, there is always the possibility of an object appearing in the middle of the road out of nowhere! Keeping your eyes on the road is critical for avoiding an accident.

We see those highway signs all the time, “Share the Road” and “Look for Motorcycles” but how do you respond to them? It’s easy to feel like you and other drivers are somehow in competition and therefore want to cut them off; however, this type of aggressive driving is what tends to cause accidents. Sharing the road means practicing friendly driving habits even when the other driver is going 40 MPH on the fast lane. Politely pass the driver, don’t tailgate them. And if you come across motorcycles, always keep a safe distance.

Dealing With Road Rage

The heat causes people to be more irritable. As a driver, it’s critical to do your part in remaining healthy and focused while behind the wheel. There’s no doubt that from time to time you will experience a form of road rage, especially when it’s hot out and even blasting the AC to the max isn’t doing justice. The term “temper tantrum” can be used in a literal sense to describe what happens when you’re hot and acting out in defense of these raging emotions. Add traffic congestion to the mix, and suddenly your road rage is on a whole new level. To avoid feeling irritable from both the heat and traffic, do the following:

If You’re in an Auto Accident This Summer, Contact the Enriquez Law Firm

Summers are supposed to be a time for relaxation and enjoying the company of a loved one. A serious auto accident can change that.

If you or someone you know is involved in a car accident , contact our law firm in El Paso right away. We’ll ensure any damages that resulted from your accident are adequately compensated. Do not delay protecting your health and finances; contact us today.

The post Summer Road Trip Safety: Tips for Avoiding an Accident appeared first on Enriquez Law Firm PLLC .

Distracted Walking? How Cellphones are Linked to the Rise of Pedestrian Accidents

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 15:16:00 GMT

Time is precious. Whether you’re a student, stay at home parent, full-time worker, or someone who is simultaneously running three startups, managing time is a struggle. With a busy schedule comes the desire to multitask. It’s no wonder you find yourself brushing your teeth while brushing your hair and somehow turning the knob of the shower all in an attempt to get the day rolling. Another common way you may be attempting to spare a couple of minutes of your already hectic day: checking your phone while walking.

There are numerous compilation videos online of accidents that happen to people who are a bit too busy to keep their eyes on the path. “Funny Phone Accidents – Texting While Walking Fail!” – that’s the title of one YouTube video that showcases an entire three minutes of men and women stumbling into water fountains at shopping malls, bumping into vans, hitting walls, missing a glass door, and the worst and certainly not the funniest are those victims who nearly get run down by moving vehicles. In this specific video, none of the pedestrians were harmed but it’s likely due to the fact that all the drivers slowed down as soon as they noticed the distracted pedestrian.

Even if you’re familiar with the path and you’ve walked it countless times, there are reasons to avoid distracted walking at all cost.

What the Latest Research Says About Distracted Driving

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), roughly 5,000 pedestrians were killed in 2012 while an estimated 76,000 were injured in traffic collisions that same year. One interesting statistic that came out of a University of Alabama at Birmingham study was that distracted driving began to rise in 2010, three years after Apple released the first iPhone. Moreover, a 2012 study from New York’s Stony Brook University found that people who walked and texted were 60% more likely to veer off the path than non-texters.

In psychology, the term “inattentional blindness” describes the phenomenon where people are only able to focus on one thing at a time. One way of thinking about this concept a bit deeper is that as humans, we are programmed to focus on the important things, so we often miss the details of what’s around us, we fill in the blanks so to speak. We see this playing out firsthand in distracted walking. You may think you’re paying attention to the pathway and moving vehicles but since your attention is not truly on the path, but rather your phone. That’s why you may fail to notice a car turning into the normally empty parking lot you’re about to enter. With inattentional blindness, you miss a new movement because of your preset expectations. In this case, the normally empty parking lot.

The True Dangers of Walking and Texting

Being a responsible pedestrian, especially here in the Sun City where pedestrians are often treated as second-class citizens matters to your safety. Unfortunately, not all drivers will slow down or come to a stop before damage is done. They may be distracted as well!

The dangers of distracted walking often result in a variety of injuries, including:

-Broken bones

-Spinal cord injuries

-Cuts

-Fractures

-Sprains

-Brain injuries

-Fatality

If You’re Hit While Walking and it Absolutely Was NOT Your Fault, Contact Our Law Firm Right Away

Being hit by a moving vehicle can result in life-altering complications, especially if that vehicle happens to be a commercial truck. If fatal, the accident may be a wrongful death suit. Here at the Enriquez Law Firm, it is our goal to provide you and your family with the legal help needed to secure the compensation that reflects injuries and other damages. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can get to work on your case and provide you the peace of mind you need to move forward in life.

Please do not delay seeking help from an experienced pedestrian accident attorney today.

The post Distracted Walking? How Cellphones are Linked to the Rise of Pedestrian Accidents appeared first on Enriquez Law Firm PLLC .

Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer? When and Why You Will Need a Lawyer Following an Accident

Thu, 09 May 2019 15:10:00 GMT

If you were recently injured in an accident, one of the first things you should do is seek medical care. The next step is to contact a personal injury lawyer. Why? If you were injured due to the negligence of someone else, you need to secure compensation for your medical bills and other losses caused directly by the accident. So this answers your question then, right? Yes, but there’s more to it than that! Read ahead to ensure you take all aspects of hiring a personal injury lawyer.

You Are Not Legally Required to Have a Lawyer But if You’re Planning to File a Personal Injury Claim, Think Otherwise

As we mentioned in our opening paragraph if your accident was a direct cause of a person or entity’s negligence such as reckless driving or allowing their aggressive dog to wander the streets, then you should file a personal injury claim. Additionally, if you were injured on the job , know that it is your responsibility to hold your employer accountable. Filing a personal injury claim can be complicated. Understanding who you are seeking compensation from is unfortunately not as easy as writing down a name and expecting the court to hold them accountable. If you are going after another individual, they will likely bring in their lawyer. If you are going after an entity, you best believe they will be prepared to fight the charges.

The main reason you need a personal injury lawyer is to secure a positive outcome. Your attorney’s number one priority is to seek compensation reflecting your injuries. And since no two accidents are like, the damages you sustain will require their own careful examination. There are layers to filing a personal injury claim and unraveling them should be your lawyer’s job.

Benefits of Having a Personal Injury Lawyer By Your Side

Recovering from your accident should be your main priority. This is important to your health and your livelihood. The stress of filing a personal injury claim can delay your ability to recover and may even worsen your condition both physically and mentally. Symptoms of stress have been proven to negatively affect the body in more than one way. Including heightening sadness or depression, increasing blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and a whole host of other health-related complications.

Your personal injury lawyer will do all the heavy lifting. From filing the hefty paperwork to gathering key evidence to piece together how the accident unfolded to prove your case and representing you in court if the case goes in that direction. Additionally, dealing with insurance companies is one of the most painstaking tasks in the whole process. Insurance companies are concerned with one thing: making sure you get the least compensation possible. An experienced personal injury lawyer knows all the potential ways the insurance company will deny your claim. Negotiating a fair claim is your attorney’s main objective and when you choose the right lawyer, you can be confident knowing they won’t settle for anything less than what you deserve.

Here’s a summary of everything your personal injury lawyer will handle:

-Explaining the nature of your case

-Listening to your concerns and addressing them quickly

-Accurately filing insurance claims, court documents, and other paperwork

-Gathering key evidence of the accident

-Interviewing witnesses

-Negotiation with insurance companies

-Representing your best interests

-Ensuring fair compensation

For the Best Legal Services in El Paso, Contact The Enriquez Law Firm

Attorney Humberto Enriquez has almost 30 years of experience representing individuals in El Paso and Las Cruces. As a dedicated personal injury lawyer, he’s seen the most complicated accidents and assisted the most vulnerable people including victims of 18 wheeler accidents . His dedication to you and your case will be evident from beginning to end.

We cannot stress the importance of a good, hardworking attorney enough. Allow The Enriquez Law Firm to piece your life back together. Connect with us today .

The post Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer? When and Why You Will Need a Lawyer Following an Accident appeared first on Enriquez Law Firm PLLC .

Can Social Media Affect My Personal Injury Case?

Thu, 04 Apr 2019 19:02:00 GMT

We share just about everything on social media these days. From writing about the details of our trips to Starbucks on Facebook to a play-by-play of vacation pics on Instagram. And then there’s the desire to vent about work and life in general on Twitter; it’s all out there for the world to see. While the majority of what we share is either for entertainment or for personal desire, there comes a time when you need to step back and ask yourself, “Is this safe to share?”

Following an accident, whether it be work-related or a personal injury case, you must consider how sharing the details of your accident on social media will affect the outcome of your case. Even the slightest mention of the accident can impact how your case is perceived in a court of law.

Social Media and Your Personal Injury Claim: What Should Know

Just a couple of years ago it required private investigators and detectives to physically follow a person in order to learn key details about their life. Today, the majority of what investigators need to know is available online and a large amount of what their looking for has been made available by us.

If you have a Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat, or any online social media account, it is likely that the details of your life are somewhere to be found on the internet. Be it your current occupation, where you live, your marital status, how many children you have children, or what you had for dinner on March 18, 2015 — there is some level of detail about your life that is public.

When you become injured following an accident, it is critical to refrain from sharing any type of information that relates to your accident. Why? As you pursue legal action, the entity or person you are suing will be examining every detail of your life. From whether you returned to work following your injuries to any details as to how the accident unfolded — this information matters when it comes to your personal injury case.

For example, you could have injured your leg and been unable to return to work. Let’s say a week later you post a picture of you at your granddaughter’s birthday party and in the picture that was sharing with your friends and family via Facebook it appears that you’re standing perfectly fine, uninjured. However, what the photo does not reveal is that your arm was clenched tightly on the table as you pressed down to hold yourself up just to snap a quick ten-second picture of you and your four-year-old granddaughter.

Take Precaution and Speak With an Attorney

Your desire to share details of your accident on social media may come from a place of sincerity and as a coping mechanism. Unfortunately, when you’re going after a large trucking company and its’ driver, it’s easy for them to use any details of your accident and turn them around. For these and other reasons, it’s best to seek legal assistance and guidance from a personal injury attorney.

Our experienced personal injury attorney, Humberto Enriquez, will guide your case and advise you as to what you should and should not do following your accident. Mr. Enriquez knows that cases involving large corporations or private businesses can be extremely complicated, which is why he will provide the dedication your case needs in order for you to receive compensation that reflects your injuries and other damages.

Consult With an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in El Paso Today

Following an accident comes one of the most difficult times in your life: the recovery phase. Not only will you need to recover physically but you’ll need assistance returning to life as normal. Don’t face these challenges alone!

Contact The Enriquez Law Firm today. Our firm represents victims in El Paso and Las Cruces.

The post Can Social Media Affect My Personal Injury Case? appeared first on Enriquez Law Firm PLLC .

Why So Many Car Accidents? The Rise of Accidents and What Can Be Done to Prevent Them

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 20:10:00 GMT

Texting and driving. Driving while intoxicated. Driving through an unpaved road. Speeding. The list goes on and on. These days, car accidents across the city of El Paso appear to be multiplying. Does it feel as though you drive past an accident at least every couple of minutes? The exaggeration of the number of car accidents is nothing we’re proud to report. But the reality is, across Texas and the rest of the nation as a whole, the number of accidents has been rising.

In a report from Motus (a company who helps employers calculate their mileage) titled “2018 Distracted Driving Report”, it found that distractions including eating, changing the music, or making phone calls has been the cause of several accidents. In addition to distractions, speed has been a major contributing factor.

The National Transportation Safety Board found that the reason for the rise of fatal car accidents is speed. One automaker is tackling this reality head-on. On March 5, the Swedish carmaker Volvo announced that it would be reducing all models the speed capacity of 112MPH. The goal for the company as a whole is to see that no one is killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo by 2020.

What Can I Do As a Driver?

It’s 2019 and yes, life is moving fast but we can start implementing better driving habits in order to minimize accidents. Driving is a privilege and a responsibility. As drivers in an often chaotic city such as El Paso whose construction never seems to end, there are small but impactful, life-saving really, changes that we can begin doing starting today.

No one wants a high insurance premium and no one wants to find him or herself on the news because of a tragic car accident.

Here is what you can do to help make the road a safer place:

Your Safety Is Our Priority — Contact the Enriquez Law Firm Today

We know that driving can be challenging and extremely stressful, which is why we make it our goal to help you with these types of complications quickly and effectively! If you’re involved in a car accident , contact the Enriquez Law Firm. Our lawyer will ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your vehicle and physical injuries.

The post Why So Many Car Accidents? The Rise of Accidents and What Can Be Done to Prevent Them appeared first on Enriquez Law Firm PLLC .

Post-Accident Anxiety: How to Get Behind the Wheel Again

Wed, 06 Feb 2019 23:38:00 GMT

Post-accident anxiety is a real issue that numerous drivers face following a car accident. However, it’s not as widely discussed. Since this form of anxiety can prevent someone from leading a normal life, it’s important to discuss what can be done.

Let’s first take a look at what post-accident anxiety may look like.

Understanding Post-Accident Anxiety

There are different forms of fear when it comes to being in a vehicle. If you’re afraid of driving, you are dealing with a phobia known as “vehophobia.” This fear often stems from a car accident, no matter how minor or severe the accident was. Technically, vehophobia is a form of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It tends to cause one to relive the accident in their minds, often picturing the accident happening again.

In a similar sense, if you have the fear of being in a moving vehicle, this is known as “amoxophobia.” Perhaps you were sitting in the backseat when the accident occurred. You might feel the urge to vomit or you could be dealing with shortness of breath every time you get in a car. Other symptoms include excessive sweating, irregular heartbeat, inability to speak, or uncontrollable shaking.

Forms of Treatment to Overcome Anxiety

Dealing with both the fear of driving and being in a car is critical to leading a healthy life. These forms of anxiety will hinder your ability to do the things you once enjoyed.

So how can you overcome these fears? Here are a couple of suggestions:

Psychotherapy . Treating your anxiety through psychotherapy involves incorporating lifestyle changes that make your fears more manageable. A therapist will often focus on what behaviors can help alleviate these fears.

Medication . Taking prescribed medication for a short period of time may be one of the initial treatments recommended to help you control symptoms such as increased heart rate, a shaking body, and high blood pressure. Ultimately, your doctor will be able to source a medication that relaxes you or helps reduce your symptoms.

Other forms of therapy . Other forms of battling your anxiety include meditating, which can help you focus on positive thoughts and drown-out negative emotions in return. Today, you can find online podcasts and apps that are specifically devoted to meditation. Additionally, speaking to someone about your fears can help open a deeper conversation. This can result in facing these fears more openly.

The Enriquez Law Firm, PLLC. Handles Vehicle Accidents of All Scopes

Whether you were the passenger of the vehicle or the person behind the wheel, recovering from a car accident comes with a unique set of challenges. Often times those challenges may feel exclusive to your situation. It’s important to discuss these issues with a professional as anxiety can easily hurt your quality of life.

At the Enriquez Law Firm, PLLC., we place a strong emphasis on protecting drivers of all types of vehicles (cars, trucks, motorcycles, commercial trucks, buses, and bicycles). Receiving the help you need to piece your life back to together requires legal assistance. With the compensation you receive as a victim of someone’s reckless driving, you’ll be able to secure medical and psychological assistance, which is a must for regaining health.

Our law firm will fight on your behalf to ensure you receive the help you deserve for emotional, physical, and financial needs. Please call today to schedule a consultation.

The post Post-Accident Anxiety: How to Get Behind the Wheel Again appeared first on Enriquez Law Firm PLLC .

I Was Hit by a Driver Who Doesn’t Have Insurance — What Are My Options?

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 23:43:00 GMT

One of the ongoing pieces of advice that any driver who’s been in a car accident will tell you is make sure you collect the other driver’s insurance information. Whether the damage was done to your vehicle, to you physically, or both, having the information of the person who hit you is extremely important. Following an accident, you should always report the incident to your insurance company. After they’ve gathered your information, the next thing they’ll request is the other driver’s insurance information. But what do you do if the other person doesn’t have insurance?

As a personal injury lawyer whose helped numerous El Paso drivers following a car accident, attorney Humberto Enriquez can assist your case and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. Our law firm won’t let these irresponsible drivers get off easy.

Getting Compensation For the Damage

In Texas, by law, all drivers are required to have some form of auto insurance. Unfortunately, many choose to ignore this law creating significant trouble for victims. Perhaps you’ve been hit by an uninsured motorist in the past but the damage wasn’t severe so you did nothing about it. When you report the accident to your insurance provider, you will be offered to use your uninsurance motorist coverage (if you have this in your policy) to cover the damage done to your vehicle. The reality is, in most cases, this coverage won’t cover the true cost of damage.

Gathering Key Information — Why Details Are Critical

One of the first things you should do in a car accident is to call the police. Having documentation is essential. The police report will say who was at fault in the accident and provide all of the details needed to determine your compensation. Most importantly, police will be able to issue a ticket to the uninsured driver. Even if you don’t require medical assistance, call 911 and wait for a police officer to arrive. As you wait for the police to arrive, gather the other driver’s name, phone number, the license plate of the vehicle they were driving, and if possible be sure to take photos of your vehicle as well as the other vehicle and other details of the scene such as street signs or nearby objects. These details will be critical in proving your innocence in the case. Many times insurance companies don’t offer the true value of the damage. So before accepting their offer, speak with a personal injury attorney.

Speak With a Reputable Personal Injury Attorney in El Paso, TX — Call The Enriquez Law Firm

It’s never clear or easy to know what steps are necessary following a car accident. That’s why the Enriquez Law Firm is here. When you reach out to us, we’ll provide you with answers right away. We know that your health and wellbeing are on the line, which is why we act fast! Uninsured motorists should face the consequences of driving irresponsibly, especially when their negligence has had such a large negative impact on your life.

Give us a call today at 915-351-4331.

The post I Was Hit by a Driver Who Doesn’t Have Insurance — What Are My Options? appeared first on Enriquez Law Firm PLLC .

Common Workplace Injuries That Take Place During the Holiday and How You Can Avoid Them

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 22:16:00 GMT

The holidays are generally a time where the days feel short but our minds feel jammed packed. We’re consumed with shopping lists, baking, and planning for the arrival of our relatives; the ability to focus at work is quite impossible. Though we can hardly wait for Christmas Day and maybe a planned vacation away from the city, we must not forget to focus on the tasks at hand i.e. our work.

If you’re fortunate to work in an office that turns into an everyday festivity then working through the holidays isn’t so bad. The downside to all the commotion? The workplace can suddenly turn into a danger zone.

As an attorney who represents injured workers, we know that this time of the year tends to result in a high amount of on the job accidents. The reason? For one, everyone is in a rush, whether it’s to meet deadlines, leave the office early, or they have mentally checked out. Though accidents vary, there are workplace accidents that occur year after year. Knowing what they are can help you avoid them this holiday season!

Lifting Heavy Objects

From helping bring in the office Christmas tree to moving furniture or shifting desks, if you are asked to lift heavy objects do so with caution! You might not think a 100 lbs box is heavy until you are asked to carry up the stairs. With no prior experience of doing this, you could easily give out your back. Workplace injuries related to setting up office decorations, maneuvering a tree, or carrying boxes are quite common.

Slip and Falls

Imagine this: you’re walking down the hall to use the restroom and you slip and fall because of a decoration that fell from the ceiling. The result is a bump on your head and a sprained ankle. While it may not seem like it at the time, hitting your head from a fall can easily result in worse complications. These range from foggy vision, memory loss, and even changes in mood. Even if you feel better within a couple of days, it’s best to seek medical care.

A Lack of Training For New Employees

It’s quite common for workplaces to hire temporary employees during November and December as the workload picks up. However, the rush to get these employees to do the actual job doing is prioritized, which often results in poor training and a lack of safety. New employees may not be familiar with proper protocols. This tends to lead to a host of issues, from failing to place items where they go to working with tools they’re not familiar with, all of which can result in an injury.

When You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer, Contact the Enriquez Law Firm

Someone else’s negligence can easily ruin your holidays. If you become injured at work because of someone else’s failure to enact safety measures, don’t suffer the consequences. Connect with our law firm today. We can help determine if you have an eligible case and what steps are necessary to secure compensation. The Enriquez Law Firm is dedicated to you!

The post Common Workplace Injuries That Take Place During the Holiday and How You Can Avoid Them appeared first on Enriquez Law Firm PLLC .

3 Common Factors for 18 Wheeler Accidents

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 22:05:00 GMT

Any car accident is bad, but when a semi-truck is involved, the damage is statistically worse. If you have been involved in an accident with a semi, then you need an 18 wheeler accident attorney. In El Paso, that legal help is the Enriquez Law Firm. We understand the common factors surrounding semi-truck accidents and know what to look for following an accident.

Here the three common factors we examine:

1. The Weather

Bad weather is still one of the leading causes of accidents on the road. It’s no wonder that this would also be a factor in semi-truck accidents. Consider how difficult it can be for you to control your car during snow, or rain. Now imagine hauling a truckload behind you. Every turn becomes a tricky one, and if visibility is low, it is even worse. Many truck drivers will simply pull over and wait for the weather to clear. Breaking alone on a wet road can be nearly impossible. Hiring an 18 wheeler accident attorney can help you determine if the poor weather was a factor in your case.

2. The Driver

Fatigue can happen to any driver, but it is especially dangerous for a truck driver. While there are laws and mandates that allow for periods of required rest, it may not be enough. Hours on the road can wear on anyone. This can result in the driver not seeing a car in time, or having a delayed response. If the driver has been poorly trained, or worse, lacks training then an accident is bound to happen. A truck driver without proper training may brake too late, or misjudge the distance. This can cause very bad accidents. An experienced 18 wheeler accident attorney knows what questions to ask the driver involved in the accident.

3. The Semi-Truck Itself

The maintenance of a semi truck is paramount to road safety. Tires and brakes must be inspected on a regular basis. This is because it is virtually impossible to stop an accident from happening if one of these parts malfunctions. An 18 wheeler accident attorney understands how the poor condition of the truck can be proof of company negligence.

For the Best 18 Wheeler Accident Representation, Contact Us Today

Being in a car accident is scary but dealing with the aftermath is downright daunting. Allow an experienced lawyer to help you get through this complicated process. Attorney Humberto Enriquez at The Enriquez Law Firm is an experienced 18 wheeler accident attorney who can help guide your case. Our team can help you get the funds you need to safely recover. In El Paso, there is no one better to help you! Call us today to schedule an appointment.

The post 3 Common Factors for 18 Wheeler Accidents appeared first on Enriquez Law Firm PLLC .

The Importance of Motorcycle Safety in El Paso

Tue, 23 Oct 2018 20:10:00 GMT

There are a number of ways that can help keep you safe on the road while driving a motorcycle. This is especially true considering the lack of protection a cyclist faces while on the road. Crashes are a reality of driving, however, the chances of dying from a crash are much higher for motorcycles than cars. According to NHTSA in 2016, a little over 5,200 motorcyclists were killed in fatal street accidents. Keeping your attention on the road is one thing but what about the eyes of other cars? Sometimes accidents are unavoidable — this is when you want a good motorcycle accident attorney on your side. The Enriquez Law Firm has served the El Paso area by providing expert motorcycle accident attorney services.

Motorcycle Safety

Staying safe on the road while on a motorcycle really comes down to awareness and proper gear. Not only do you need to be cautious of all the cars around you but you also need the right protective gear. Wearing helmets and leather help keep you when it comes to protection from the weather and possible falls. If driving at night, wearing bright colors can help other motorists see you better. It also goes without saying that obeying all the laws and rules of the road will help keep any motorcyclist safe. Despite all of these simple precautions, however, you may still find yourself in need of a motorcycle accident attorney following an unpredicted accident.

Getting Help After an Accident

Even the safest driver can still find themselves in an accident. You could be obeying all of the laws but someone else might not be. Or someone may misjudge the distance between you and them, or you could find yourself on the wrong side of the speeding car. In such cases, being able to walk away from an accident is very fortunate. However, walking away from an accident can often require a good deal of therapy and medical care. Hiring a good motorcycle accident attorney is the best way to ensure that you get the funds you need to recover and pay for those expensive medical bills.

How A Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help

If you have found yourself in the aftermath of a motorcycle crash, then you need a motorcycle accident attorney. The laws surround driving accidents are slightly different for motorcycles. There is also specific information required to prove culpability in a case involving motorcycles. Hiring a lawyer that does not have a lot of experience with motorcycle claims may not get you what you need. Hiring an attorney who is specialized in motorcycle accidents will help you get the specific help you need.

Contact the Enriquez Law Firm Today

If you have suffered through a motorcycle accident that took place in the El Paso area, then you need an attorney who can and will help you through. Enriquez Law Firm qualified and ready to serve the El Paso area. Contact us today and get the help you deserve!

The post The Importance of Motorcycle Safety in El Paso appeared first on Enriquez Law Firm PLLC .

Hiring a Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 19:31:00 GMT

Collecting Evidence and Building a Case

When it comes to pedestrian accidents it is vital to place the fault where it belongs. It is one thing to get into an accident because of jaywalking. But, when it comes to negligent driving, the results can be awful. A pedestrian accident attorney will take the time to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and even conduct an investigation if necessary.

Negotiating a Settlement

If the person who caused the accident decides to hire a lawyer you may be in for a fight. What happens most often is that the insurance company will provide a settlement claim that is low in comparison to damages. A pedestrian accident attorney will help you understand the terms of the settlement. They will provide advice on taking or turning down the settlement. They will also provide assistance in negotiating the price and terms. Your attorney will ensure that you don’t get taken advantage of by the insurance company.

Get Strong Representation in Court

If you don’t come to a fair settlement, a pedestrian accident attorney will represent you and make a strong case in court. They will provide the best chance at receiving compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, lost work days and wages and any other expenses that happened because of the accident. It is best not to attempt to go to court on your own. Having a qualified expert by your side will increase your chances of a favorable outcome.

Hire a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been hurt due to someone’s negligent driving, don’t hesitate to contact us at Enriquez Law Firm PLLC . We are more than ready to represent your case and provide you with expert counsel. Give us a call today to get started with a consultation.

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