Branick & DevenzioBranick & Devenzio2026-07-15T18:05:05Zhttps://www.branickanddevenzio.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1504523/2022/07/cropped-branick-site-icon-image-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Branick & Devenzio<![CDATA[What happens if you were partially at fault for a car crash in Jefferson county?]]>https://www.branickanddevenzio.com/?p=2541862026-07-15T18:05:05Z2026-07-13T08:40:36ZYour rights under the 51% bar rule
When car accidents occur, the courts turn to the modified comparative fault policy to determine each party’s fault percentage and settlement amount. This applies when both drivers failed their duty of care by running a red light, failing to yield the right-of-way or driving while distracted.
If you were partially at fault, you can still recover compensation if your fault percentage is below 51%. However, your final settlement will reduce accordingly. For instance, if the judge awards you $50,000 and assigns you a 30% fault, your total recovered damages will be $35,000. Exceeding the 51% threshold will bar you from recovering anything.
Your words turning into self-incriminating evidence
Filing a claim against the other driver’s insurance policy will trigger calls from their adjuster. They may ask for your side of the story, but it can be a trap that jeopardizes your recovery. Adjusters use this recorded information as a tactic to shift the blame onto you. If successful, you may lose your right to compensation.
What to do to protect your right to recover
The last thing you want after a grueling accident is receiving nothing for your damages. If an adjuster calls you, refrain from explaining anything about the incident. You can also seek legal counsel from a Beaumont personal injury attorney to counter these insurance tactics.]]>On Behalf of Branick & Devenzio<![CDATA[Which roads are the most dangerous in Southeast Texas?]]>https://www.branickanddevenzio.com/?p=2541842026-05-22T13:58:28Z2026-05-22T13:58:28ZSoutheast Texas sits at the crossroads of refineries, ports,and long‑haul freight. That mix brings high speeds, heavy 18‑wheeler traffic, and tight merges where small mistakes turn serious fast.
In 2025, there were 3,769 motor vehicle accident deaths in Texas, according to the state's Department of Transportation. While it was a significant decrease compared to previous years, road accidents remain a major hazard for Texas motorists.
The most dangerous roads in Southeast Texas
These corridors draw frequent complaints from first responders and local drivers because of speed, truck volume, and tough geometry:
I‑10 through Beaumont (Exits 849–855A): Fast interstate traffic meets short ramps and last‑second lane changes near downtown and refinery exits
I‑10 & US 69/96/287 interchange (Beaumont): Complex splits and heavy tanker flow create harsh weaving and failure‑to‑yield crashes
State Highway 347 (Twin City Highway), Nederland: Busy local artery with tankers and oversized loads turning into plants and businesses
US 69 at FM 365 (Mid County): High‑speed junction linking Mid County, Beaumont,and Port Arthur where late lane moves and yellow‑light pushes trigger multi‑vehicle wrecks
If you must use these routes, treat every merge, ramp,and driveway as a potential pinch point and build space around your vehicle.
Safe driving tips for refinery corridors and interstates
Heavy trucks, short ramps,and busy plant entrances reward drivers who plan ahead. You cannot control other drivers, but you can build a margin for error:
Pick your lane early and avoid last‑second crossovers
Leave extra room behind trucks and buses
Pass cleanly and do not linger in blind spots
Slow for rain, glare, work zones,and uneven pavement
Cover the brake near plant gates and busy driveways
Hold a steady line at interchanges and let aggressive weavers go
Keep your eyes up for brake lights, debris,and stalled vehicles Small, steady choices create space and time that prevent surprise moves from turning into crashes.
If a crash happens, focus on safety first, call 911,and move to a safe spot if you can. Then document the scene with photos, exchange information, and seek medical care even if you feel fine. A personal injury lawyer can help you seek the compensation you deserve after a car accident. ]]>On Behalf of Branick & Devenzio<![CDATA[The top 3 reasons for crashes on Texas highways]]>https://www.branickanddevenzio.com/?p=2541652025-12-28T23:47:12Z2025-12-28T23:47:12Z1. Excessive speed
Speeding is a common safety issue on the highways across Texas. It causes many deadly wrecks. Motorists in the left lane often travel at well over 10 miles per hour beyond the posted speed limit. As speed increases, the severity of crashes increases as well. Drivers are more likely to lose control if they must abruptly maneuver or if something goes wrong with their vehicles.
2. Driver distraction and impairment
Most motorists understand that being on the road while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is both dangerous and illegal. Drivers are also aware that they should not text or otherwise interact with their mobile phones while driving.
Unfortunately, impaired motorists are responsible for a large number of major crashes, including many fatal crashes. At high speeds, drivers can travel farther than a football field in a matter of seconds while glancing down at their phones.
3. Vehicle issues
High speeds strain vehicle systems. If drivers don't have their brakes in safe operating condition or if their tires are nearly bald, those maintenance issues can create very dangerous traffic conditions.
Minor vehicle issues can be the difference between safely avoiding a crash and causing one. That’s particularly true when motorists must maneuver abruptly or stop suddenly. When another driver was clearly at fault for a highway collision, the people affected by it may have grounds for a compensation claim.
Requesting reimbursement for vehicle repair costs, medical expenses and even lost wages can be an option after a car crash. Those with major collision expenses can benefit from reviewing their losses, the insurance of the other driver and other details about the situation with a Southeast Texas car accident lawyer to effectively evaluate their options.]]>