Posts

Body Cams – Bexar County Field Testing New Brand

Image
It was less than two years ago that Bexar County spent nearly $900,000 on body and dashboard cameras for police deputies. However, last month, Sheriff Javier Salazar was granted permission from county commissioners to begin field testing a different brand of bodyworn cameras after stating that the Utility system purchased by his predecessor has “stalled” and of the 300 cameras, only about 50 were in use. Sheriff Salazar believes that switching brands may improve the data transfer needed by prosecutors. Commissioners have approved a 180-day field test with Axon Enterprise at no cost to the county. This test will consist of 5 in-car cameras, 2 on motorcycles, 18 cameras worn by detention officers, and 20 for officers in the field. A cost-benefit analysis on switching systems will be done before any changes are made. In December of 2015, commissioners approved the spending of nearly $900,000 with Utility for 230 in-car cameras and 70 body-worn cameras. In addition, the county sp...
Post a Comment
Read more

Proposed Rule on Speed Limit Devices for Commercial Vehicles

Image
Washington – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have announced a proposed rule that would require the installation of speed-limiting devices on trucks, buses and multipurpose passenger vehicles weighing more than 26,000 pounds. The proposed rule, announced August 26, suggests that capping speeds at 60, 65 or 68 mph could prevent fatal crashes while saving an estimated $1.1 billion in fuel costs annually. The maximum set travel speed would be adjusted after officials weigh public comment on the proposal. “There are significant safety benefits to this proposed rulemaking,” Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx said in a press release. “In addition to saving lives, the projected fuel and emissions savings make this proposal a win for safety, energy conservation, and our environment.” NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind and FMCSA Administrator T.F. Scott Darling III also expressed support for the proposal. “...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Trial Lawyer Nation App is Coming Soon

Image
We are excited to announce the launch of the Trial Lawyer Nation app in January of 2020! Thanks to the feedback of our many fans, it became clear that our listeners crave an app that puts even more power into our podcast… and we’re doing just that! Our New App Will Help You: Listen to episodes straight from the app on your mobile device Get instant access to books and resources mentioned on the show Join the conversation by “liking” or “following” us on social media Easily scroll through our episode library to find new and favorite shows Search episodes based on topics most important to you Submit ideas for guests Interact with the show and see behind-the-scenes images and videos Opt-in for notifications to stay up to date on everything TLN If you haven’t already, be sure to visit www.triallawyernation.com to “Join the Nation” and receive our monthly email. This will allow you to be notified on more app details as they become public and learn when the app will be av...
Post a Comment
Read more

Meet the 79-year-old who writes faster than you talk!

Image
The whole team here at CMB was fascinated when we read this story in the Dallas News, and had to share it with out fellow attorneys. Meet Frank Howell, a Dallas County court reporter that is one of the few people who isn’t letting technology dominate his world! For this 79-yearold, pen and paper continues to suit him just fine – as he can actually write faster than you talk! Howell is fluent in shorthand, which he learned in college. He uses this skill to take down verbatim every single word said “on the record” in the courtroom. Getting down every word is a difficult task, even for those who rely on high-tech keyboards to get the job done. Frank is one of only three remaining “pen writers” in Texas who are active and licensed to do the job by hand. In addition to being both a master and fierce protector of this dying trade, Howell is somewhat of a legal legend in Dallas. He’s been working this job for more than half a century, which is longer than many practicing attorneys h...
Post a Comment
Read more

Off the Record – Final Issue

Image
This month will be the last issue ofOff The Record. After 2 full years of publishing this monthly magazine, we have decided not to continue with it in 2020. In our December 1st episode of Trial Lawyer Nation, Michael Cowen sits down with Delisi Friday our Director of Marketing and Business Development and discusses this decision and how it was determined in more detail. In 2020 our direct mail marketing will be more focused and purposeful. We will continue with our mailer pieces once a quarter, but they will include information for plaintiff attorneys to use on a catastrophic injury or death case. And lastly, we want to end by asking you to call us if there ever comes a time when we can assist you. We accept the following types of cases: Trucking and company vehicle crashes UM/UIM claims with policy limits of at least $300,000 Non-commercial auto cases with policy limits of at least $300,000 Other injury and death cases with a potential value exceeding $1M We are comfor...
Post a Comment
Read more

Cowen’s Big Rig Boot Camp

In October, we held “Cowen’s Big Rig Boot Camp,” a full day of informative sessions focused on trucking litigation for CLE credit. One seminar was hosted in McAllen and the other in San Antonio. Michael Cowen presented on a variety of topics to our sold-out audiences. He covered how to get evidence of corporate wrongdoing admitted at trial, data mining the truck and the driver through cellphone forensics, electronic control modules, GPS and telematics, as well as establishing corporate liability in distracted driving cases. He also discussed federal rules and regulations and how to use them in trucking cases, ways to overcome a case where the police officer blamed your client, and other potential defendants in catastrophic trucking cases when $1M isn’t enough. These events offer a wealth of insider knowledge and advice for attorneys. When we spoke with attendees, they were excited to share how helpful they found the sessions. You can view video of these testimonials on our social...
Post a Comment
Read more

Lithium Battery Product Liability Cases | Product liability Attorneys in San Antonio

Image
This month Samsung announced a recall of every Galaxy Note 7 it has produced to date. This recall includes 2.5 million phones. The recalled phone has a battery issue causing it to suddenly combust into flames. Now many of us have begun to see the lawsuits filed against Samsung for injuries due to this recall. With technology constantly evolving so does the lithium battery. It is used in many products we and the public use on a daily basis. And the Galaxy Note 7 is not the only product with a lithium battery issue. Our office is currently working on two different product liability cases similar to the Galaxy Note 7. One involves a fire from a battery used in a weed trimmer, which resulted in the death of our client. The other involves a fire from a battery used in an e-cigarette, which exploded in the pocket of a client causing serious, life-altering injury to his groin and leg area. Lithium batteries are a luxury for us to have in the devices we use, however they can also c...
Post a Comment
Read more