Firm News Archives - Cruz & Associates

Ruben Cruz to Receive Prestigious HNBF 2025 Law Firm Leadership Award

Washington, D.C. — The Hispanic National Bar Foundation (HNBF) is proud to announce that Ruben Cruz, Founding Partner of Cruz Firm, has been named the recipient of the 2025 HNBF Law Firm Leadership Award.

This distinguished honor recognizes Mr. Cruz’s exceptional professional accomplishments and his steadfast commitment to uplifting Latino youth through education, leadership development, and scholarship opportunities. His enduring dedication to community advancement and legal excellence exemplifies the values of the HNBF and the future of inclusive leadership in the legal profession.

Mr. Cruz will be formally honored at the HNBF Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, July 17, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The event brings together leaders from across the legal, nonprofit, and civic sectors to celebrate individuals who are shaping a more equitable and empowered future for the Latino community.

For more information on the event or to support the HNBF’s mission, visit www.hnbf.org.

What If My Car Accident Causes a Ruptured Spleen?

Bone fractures are some of the most common injuries in the United States, and there are many types of fractures. Two of the most common are simple and compound, and each requires specialized treatment depending on its severity, the overall medical status of the victim, and the location of the fracture on the body. Simple fractures tend to heal more easily and with less invasive methods than compound fractures, and it’s possible for a compound fracture to cause additional medical problems.

Simple Fractures

Mild bone fractures generally fall under the category of “simple” fractures. A simple fracture is any broken bone that does not penetrate the surrounding tissues. This can happen in many different ways, such as:

Stress fractures. These are hairline cracks in the bone resulting from repetitive motions, overuse, or old injuries.
Pathologic fractures. These result from diseases like osteoporosis that weaken bones and leave them susceptible to breakage.
Comminuted fractures, in which a bone breaks into several shards.
Greenstick fractures. These describe cases in which a bone bends but does not completely break. Much like a branch from a young tree is difficult to break due to the green, fibrous wood under the bark; young children’s bones are more pliable than adults, so these fractures are common in very young children.
Transverse fractures, which cross the bone perpendicular to the shaft or long portion of the bone.
Oblique fractures, which run at an angle across the bone.

Any of these types of fractures could qualify as “simple” fractures if the affected bones do not break the skin. Each type requires specialized treatment, but they do not pose the same risks as compound fractures. The recovery time for a simple fracture will vary based on its severity, location, and the overall health of the victim.

Compound Fractures

The defining factor of a compound fracture is when the broken bone protrudes through the skin. Compound fractures are emergencies requiring immediate medical attention. They are open wounds, so a victim of a compound fracture is susceptible to infections in the deep tissues of the affected area. An unaddressed compound fracture may become infected or gangrenous, and such an injury in one of the extremities could necessitate amputation.

A compound fracture will require surgery to correct. Depending on the location of the fracture, the patient may require steel plates, screws, or steel rods to keep the bones in the correct places so they heal as well as possible. Many compound fractures will lead to chronic pain and leave victims more susceptible to future injuries. It’s important to remember that it may be difficult to identify a compound fracture at first. For example, a compound fracture in a leg may not leave much of a visible mark on the exterior of the skin, but the victim is still highly vulnerable to infection and shock. Compound fractures are also incredibly painful both initially and during recovery.

Legal Concerns for Bone Fractures

If you or a loved one suffered a bone fracture due to the negligence of another party, you can recover compensation for your damages through a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. The jury takes the pain and suffering involved in an injury into account when deciding compensation for plaintiffs, so a compound fracture that was likely very painful and required much more extensive corrective treatment than a simple fracture will likely yield much more in pain and suffering damages.

It’s important to remember that any type of bone fracture can lead to secondary medical complications, long-term disability or impaired range of motion, and may interfere with the victim’s ability to work. In these cases, a personal injury lawyer will be a tremendous asset for recovering compensation after a bone fracture injury.

How Do I Know If I Have a Punctured Lung After an Accident?

Punctured lungs are serious injuries that restrict the person’s ability to breathe. Beyond oxygen deprivation, a punctured lung can lead to many other serious conditions without treatment. However, medical care can eliminate most of the future health complications of punctured lungs with quickly administered treatment.

Because it is an internal injury, recognizing that you have a punctured lung can be difficult. When you take the time to learn the warning signs, you can improve your chances of receiving proper treatment and making a proper recovery. If you’ve suffered a punctured lung after an accident, talk to an Atlanta personal injury lawyer after seeking medical attention.

What Is a Punctured Lung?

Punctured lungs are also known as collapsed lungs or pneumothorax. They occur when air starts to fill in between two layers of your lung’s tissue lining. The air puts pressure on the main lung, restricting how much it can expand and results in trouble with breathing.

Most often, punctured lungs occur due to trauma on the chest. Any sort of accident, from motor vehicle to slip and fall, that results in a hard impact may potentially lead to a punctured lung. In some cases, the outside trauma will open a tear in the lung. In others, a broken rib will puncture the tissue lining. Sometimes, punctured lungs can develop without any direct cause.

A punctured lung can also lead to other medical conditions, such as inflammation, shock, and fluid in the lungs.

Symptoms of a Punctured Lung

Because of the potential risks associated with punctured lungs, it is important for you to recognize any potential symptoms. The easiest indicator to notice is chest pain. Even slight pain that seems like general soreness may be an indicator of a punctured lung after an accident. You should report any signs of chest pain to a paramedic, especially if you only feel pain on one side.

Other symptoms can include:

Chest pain that sharpens when you inhale, cough, or take deep breaths
Chest tightness or discomfort
Difficulties with breathing
Dry cough
Fatigue
Fever
Increased heart rate or weakened pulse
Pale or blue skin

While many signs of a punctured lung exist, not all injuries are immediately apparent. Sometimes adrenaline may dull your recognition or symptoms, or the signs may start to show late. Because of the potential risk for punctured lung and other conditions, such as traumatic brain injuries, you should always seek medical treatment after any accident. If you are exhibiting symptoms, seek immediate medical help.

Treatment for a Punctured Lung

The severity of the injury will affect the exact treatment approach taken. Some possible treatments involve using a needle to release unwanted air pressure, draining the air with a tube in the chest, surgery to repair damaged lung tissue, and supplying oxygen while the lung heals itself. With prompt medical attention, most punctured lungs will heal within six to eight weeks.

A punctured lung may reoccur if you are in another accident or put too much strain on yourself. As you recover, you will need plenty of rest. Most likely, you will need to take time off from work. Other recovery steps can include taking medication, wearing loose clothing, avoiding driving, and sleeping in an elevated position.

If you have suffered a punctured lung or similar injury in an accident, then you may be eligible to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, disability, and pain and suffering. Contact the attorneys at Cruz & Associates for a free consultation. We can help you determine liability, understand your rightful compensation, and fight for your case in court so that you can focus on recovery. We’ve been helping clients for more than 25 years. Let us do the same for you.

The Importance of a Law Firm’s Involvement in the Community

Empowering Clients: The Impact of Law Firm Community Involvement

Serving as trusted advisors and legal representatives, lawyers play a crucial role in society for individuals seeking guidance and recourse. Their profession may often be demanding and complex. However, attorneys still find fulfillment in assisting their clients navigate legal matters and attain favorable results.

Beyond their professional duties, lawyers can have a profound impact by actively engaging in their communities. This article will explore how their efforts ultimately benefit their clients in various ways.

Fulfilling Social Responsibility

By engaging in volunteer work, supporting charitable organizations, or participating in local events, law firms can contribute positively to society. Such involvement reflects a commitment to making a difference in the community, which aligns with clients’ values and expectations.

Sharing Expertise and Knowledge

One of the primary advantages of law firm community involvement is the opportunity for attorneys to share their legal expertise and knowledge with others in the community. Through educational programs, workshops, or speaking engagements, lawyers can empower community members to understand their legal rights and take appropriate actions to protect them.

Expanding Networks and Resources

Engaging in community events allows attorneys to form connections with other professionals who are equally invested in making a positive impact in the community. These connections can result in collaborations, partnerships, and opportunities for cross-referrals. By expanding their professional networks, lawyers can provide clients with broader resources and legal expertise.

Creating a Client-Centric Approach

Attorneys who are actively engaged in the community often develop a deeper understanding of the challenges and issues faced by their clientele. This firsthand experience allows them to better empathize with their clients and approach their legal matters with more dedication and commitment.

By being involved in the community, lawyers gain insights that enable them to provide more tailored and effective legal solutions.

Takeaways

The involvement of law firms in the community helps the firm and its members and brings significant advantages to clients. These benefits align with clients’ expectations for legal representation, ensuring they receive comprehensive and effective support.

Need Legal Assistance in Phoenix, Arizona

Cruz & Associates is committed to providing comprehensive legal services tailored to your needs. Our experienced personal injury lawyers understand the importance of community involvement and its impact on client satisfaction. Contact us today to learn how our client-centric approach, informed by community engagement, can help you find the best possible legal solutions for your unique situation.

What Happens After You Win a Personal Injury Case?

What’s Next After You Win Your Personal Injury Claim?

With the help of your lawyer, you have won your personal injury case, either through a settlement agreement or a court verdict. You even have a signed document to prove it. So, what’s going to happen after this?

If You Won a Settlement

As far as collecting your compensation, entering into a settlement agreement is the best-case scenario, as it leads to a quicker and less complicated disbursement process. The other party, usually an insurance company, has accepted liability and agreed to compensate you. Most insurers pay settlements within weeks of reaching the agreement, with a specific due date.

You will sign a release once your attorney notifies the court that the case has been settled.

If You Won a Court Verdict

The judge has ruled in your favor, declaring that the other party is legally obligated to provide compensation for your losses. Once the trial is over, some defendants voluntarily pay. In many cases, however, there are still hurdles to overcome.

The Other Party Files an Appeal
The only difference for you is a delay in receiving your final payment if the court continues with its initial decision. The insurance company might be using an appeal to get you to settle for a reduced amount instead of waiting for the process to finish. An appeal could also lead to a retrial, creating further delay.
The Other Party Refuses to Pay
Most insurers comply with settlements and court orders. However, if your final payment is above or outside the defendant’s insurance coverage, it may become a challenge to recover your damages. Fortunately, your lawyer can use post-judgment remedies to get the liable party to pay.

Your Potential Financial Obligations

Before you receive any funds, you may have some financial responsibilities, including:

Contingency Fees
You will owe a part of your award as legal fees if your attorney took your claim on contingency. If your lawyer advanced the expenditure of your case, you will also need to pay these back out of your compensation.
Medical or Government Liens
Your healthcare provider may have placed liens on your recompense based on treatments that need to be paid. If you used Medicare or Medicaid to pay your medical bills, you will be required to pay them back out of the proceeds of your settlement.
Taxes
Most personal injury court awards and settlements are not subject to tax. However, specific damages may be taxable, including:
- Awards for lost income
- Interest on your settlement
- Previously deducted medical costs
- Punitive damages

In any case, your attorney can assist you in understanding your obligations and ensure you meet them after you win your personal injury claim.

Let Our Legal Team Review Your Case

A personal injury victim’s journey to recovery can take a long time, but justice is achievable. Our experienced lawyers at Cruz & Associates in Phoenix, Arizona will help you move forward and make the right decision in your case. Contact us today for a consultation.

Misrepresentation of insurance coverage resulted in a $10.1 million reward for our client, the victim of a pedestrian accident involving a commercial vehicle. Is this common practice when it comes to Hispanic accident victims?

Monday, June 17, 2024

Cruz & Associates and Cook Law Group, LLC, have successfully negotiated a settlement in a case involving a pedestrian struck by a commercial vehicle while crossing the street on her way to work. The accident resulted in permanent injuries to the pedestrian’s right leg.

The case is notable for two reasons: first, the settlement amount is substantial despite the incident not involving a fatality; second, the settlement was reached after a motion for sanctions was filed, highlighting the concealment of the actual insurance coverage available to the client.

For almost a year, IRG Ventures, represented by Hall Booth Smith, claimed that their insurance policy covered only $1 million. “Given the size of the Defendant’s business, we were suspicious of the low coverage, so we decided to file suit,” stated Ruben Cruz of Cruz & Associates. Again, the defense requested all insurance policies, only to receive the same representation that only $1 million of coverage existed.

However, when the plaintiff’s trial team began requesting and scheduling depositions of the roofing company’s executives, the narrative shifted: after months of discovery asserting there was only $1 million in liability coverage, the defense finally admitted there was actually an additional $10 million excess policy covering the plaintiff’s injuries.

Given the numerous requests made to the company and Hall Booth Smith, P.C., the plaintiff filed a Motion for Sanctions, asking the court to hold a hearing to investigate why the policy was not disclosed and to determine if similar “mishaps” had occurred in other cases involving the same parties.

The filing for the hearing triggered Hall Booth Smith’s departure from the case, resulting in the cancellation of the hearing. The firm was replaced by Dave Dial and Brannon Arnold of Weinberg Wheeler Hudgins Gunn & Dial, who settled the case for $10.1 million, just under the total $11 million policy limit.

“This case is a prime example of why thorough and complete discovery is essential,” said Matt Cook, lead attorney for the plaintiff. “Without pursuing full discovery and depositions, our client could have easily been misled into accepting what she believed was the full extent of the available insurance and would have never known about the excess policy.”

Josh Bearden of Cook Law Group, LLC, who authored the motion for sanctions, stated, “When such concealments are uncovered in litigation, we have no choice but to turn to the courts for answers regarding why the information was hidden and what other critical details might still be undisclosed.”

Matt Cook further added, “Had we trusted the opposing counsel’s statements about coverage, as we are entitled to do, our client would have been deprived of a just recovery. This kind of misconduct is particularly egregious because concealing coverage in cases involving substantial injuries harms the most vulnerable and deserving clients. The conduct is shameful.”

“The vast majority of my clients are Hispanic, and I’ve noticed there is a tendency for insurance companies and defense firms to lowball Hispanic cases. They try to take advantage of them because they think they’re going to settle for less … And that’s something I’m always very vigilant about and I’m always suspicious about whether we have all the coverage that’s really out there,” Cruz said, recounting that when he first saw the company only had $1 million in policy limits “it didn’t look right” and he enlisted Cook’s firm in the case.

The case was Prieto v. Burkett, et al. and was pending in Gwinnett County State Court.

For further information contact: Ruben Cruz at 404.316.9288

Employee vs. Independent Contractor Under Workers’ Comp Laws

An independent contractor is different from a full-time, part-time or seasonal employee. While contractors tend to have more independence when it comes to the work they do, being an independent contractor also comes with a few risks. One of them is that you are not guaranteed workers’ compensation paid by the employer. At Cruz & Associates, we can help you get the settlement you need if you’re a contractor who’s been injured by the negligence of an employer.

What’s the Difference Between an Employee and Independent Contractor?

An independent contractor is typically someone contracted to perform services without being an employee. An employee is a person who is under service of an employer in return for compensation. This may seem confusing, but there are a few notable differences between the two when it comes to legal work requirements.

Tax Forms

The biggest differentiator between an employee and contractor is that the employee has a W-2 tax designation, while a contractor has a 1099 tax designation. This means that the employer is not responsible for payroll taxes on the independent contractor; the contractor pays those taxes themselves.

Hiring and Payment

Employees are typically paid by hourly or salaried wages, while independent contractors are most likely paid by the job. Independent contractors may also have subcontractors who work under them and are, by default, hired by the employer to help the contractor complete the task.

Project Control

If you’re a full-time employee, you are expected to complete tasks in a certain way as directed by your employer. Independent contractors are typically expected and trusted to carry out projects on their own time, with their own subcontractors, and with minimal direction from the employer.

Nature of Work and Employer Relationship

Independent contractors usually have one highly specialized skill and are hired to perform that skill on one specific part of a large project. For this reason, independent contractors are able to work for more than one employer at a time.

Workers’ Compensation Policy

Employers are not required to provide workers’ compensation for independent contractors. Typically, independent contractors are responsible for securing their own workers’ compensation policy. If an independent contractor has subcontractors under them, they are responsible for the subcontractor’s workers’ compensation as well.

Injured as an Independent Contractor? Here’s What to Do Next

If you’re an independent contractor who was injured by the negligence of an employer on the job, you may feel powerless. First, clarify that you were rightfully classified as an independent contractor. Many employers wrongfully label their employees as contractors under the table to avoid carrying workers’ compensation insurance. If there’s been a misclassification, this is higher grounds for a lawsuit.

However, even if you were rightfully classified as an independent contractor, there is still hope for your workers’ compensation. Employers are expected to provide safe working environments and clear instructions. Failure to do so is grounds for a lawsuit.

Contact Cruz & Associates in Phoenix Today

If you were injured by employer negligence, the experienced team at Cruz & Associates is able to help you get the settlement you deserve. While there are detailed ins and outs of working as an independent contractor, you can rest assured that our attorneys are skilled in these nuances. Don’t suffer alone—talk to a trustworthy legal representative about your case. You can give our Phoenix office a call at (602) 777-6666 or fill out our online contact form to get started.

Can You Resign While on Workers’ Compensation?

Many clients ask our workers’ compensation attorneys what the rules are when it comes to quitting a job while on workers’ comp. The simple answer is yes—you can quit your job while receiving workers’ compensation benefits.

However, just like leaving any job, your paychecks stop once you resign. In this case, that means workers’ compensation checks, too. Your employer is only required to provide benefits to their employees. Once you’re no longer with the company, those benefits typically end.

If you’re unsure about what resigning means for your specific situation, give Cruz & Associates a call. Our experienced workers’ comp attorneys in Atlanta and Phoenix are here to help. We speak English and Spanish and are committed to giving you the facts before you make any life-changing decisions. With decades of experience helping injured workers, we’ll make sure you’re prepared to choose what’s best for you and your family.

What Happens After Quitting a Job While on Workers’ Comp?

Quitting your job while receiving workers’ compensation changes your legal relationship with your employer—and with it, your eligibility for ongoing benefits. In most cases, once you resign, you’re no longer entitled to:

Weekly wage replacement through temporary total or partial disability
Paid medical care related to your workplace injury
Ongoing vocational rehab services or other recovery support tied to your claim

It’s important to understand that workers’ compensation is employer-based, meaning the benefits are extended to active employees recovering from a job-related injury. If you voluntarily leave the company, your employer may have no legal obligation to continue paying for your recovery.

There are exceptions in rare cases, such as if you’ve already been approved for a permanent disability or are under long-term treatment, but these situations can get complicated fast. Speaking with a lawyer before quitting can help you determine how resignation might affect your current and future benefits.

Things to Consider Before Resigning While on Workers’ Compensation

At Cruz & Associates, we understand that life keeps moving even after a workplace injury. Maybe your job no longer feels like the right fit. Maybe you’re exploring other opportunities. Whatever your situation, quitting a job while on workers’ comp deserves careful consideration.

Here are a few key things to think through:

Make Sure You’re Fully Healed First

Your health comes first—always. If you’re still under medical treatment, resigning could cause you to lose access to continued care through workers’ compensation. That means you’d need to cover your own doctor visits, rehab sessions, or surgeries out of pocket.

Ask yourself: Have I reached maximum medical improvement (MMI)? If you’re not fully recovered, quitting could cut your treatment short—and possibly delay your healing. You’ll also want to be sure your injury won’t interfere with any future job duties, especially if your new role involves physical demands.

Will You Have a New Job or Income Source?

It’s also important to consider your financial situation. Workers’ comp benefits help replace part of your income while you recover. Once you quit, those payments may stop. So before resigning, ask yourself: Do I have another job lined up, or another way to support myself and my family while I transition?

Even if you’re feeling ready to move on, quitting without a backup plan can lead to financial strain, especially if your recovery takes longer than expected.

Prepare for the End of Medical Coverage

Workers’ compensation usually covers all medical care related to your injury, from hospital visits and medications to follow-up treatments. Once you resign, your employer may no longer be responsible for those costs.

Ask yourself: Can I afford ongoing treatment if my workers’ comp coverage ends? It’s crucial to review your benefits and speak to a lawyer before stepping away. If you’re still undergoing care, resigning may shift the entire burden of cost onto you.

Why You Should Speak to a Workers’ Compensation Attorney First

If you’re thinking about quitting your job while receiving workers’ compensation, don’t go it alone. The legal and financial implications can be significant—and every situation is different.

At Cruz & Associates, we take the time to understand the full picture of your case. Our team can evaluate where you are in your recovery, what benefits you’re entitled to, and how a resignation might affect your rights. We’ll help you avoid unexpected consequences and give you a clear understanding of what to expect moving forward.

Even if you feel certain about your decision, having an experienced workers’ comp attorney on your side helps protect you from unexpected setbacks, like losing medical coverage, wage benefits, or running into issues with your claim.

Need Advice About Quitting a Job While on Workers’ Comp?

Still wondering, “Can I quit my job while on workers’ comp?” The answer is yes—but the better question is whether you should.

Every decision about your job, your benefits, and your recovery deserves to be made with full knowledge of your rights and responsibilities. At Cruz & Associates, we’re here to help you navigate those decisions with clarity and confidence. Our bilingual team has over 30 years of experience handling workers’ compensation cases across Georgia and Arizona. We’ll help you understand what’s at stake, what your options are, and what path is best for your unique circumstances.

Call us today for a free consultation. We’re here to protect your health, your rights, and your future. Hablamos Español.

Atlanta: 404.444.1111

Phoenix: 602.777.6666

Understanding Workers’ Compensation After Job Loss in Atlanta: Cruz & Associates

Losing your job in the midst of a work-related injury can add extra stress on top of an already stressful situation. If this has happened to you, don’t worry. Just because you are no longer employed does not mean you automatically lose your benefits. While navigating workers’ compensation after job loss can be complicated, the skilled attorneys at Cruz & Associates are here to walk you through the process.

Do I Lose Workers’ Compensation Benefits After Job Loss?

No, in most cases, you will not lose workers’ compensation after job loss. If you were injured while performing a task at work, you are still likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits from that employer. However, the process could be a bit more complex. The attorneys at Cruz & Associates can help you navigate workers’ compensation if you are no longer employed, regardless of your particular situation.

If You Quit

It can get complicated if you’re injured at work, quit your job, and then file for workers’ compensation. You might not have noticed the severity of your injury when it occurred but now genuinely need compensation, but it may look suspicious to the ICA. If possible, you will need some proof of the incident, like first-hand witness accounts or video footage. Most states also have a statute of limitations for up to 30 days in which you can notify your employer of an injury. If you’ve passed this time frame, this could be a barrier as well.

If You Are Fired or Laid Off

It is possible to lose your job while on workers’ compensation for something unrelated to your injury. However, that doesn’t mean your employer is no longer responsible for covering your workers’ compensation. Your benefits should not be affected upon losing your job, unless you have performed an act that justifies loss of benefits, such as failing a drug test.

If You Choose Not to Return to Work

If your doctor has cleared you to return to work but you opt not to do so, this also may be justification for loss of benefits as well as job termination. If you believe you are still physically unfit to perform your job duties, you may file an appeal and have the doctor reconsider.

The Workers’ Compensation Process

Having a legal team on your side as you file a workers’ compensation claim ensures that your process will move efficiently. A claim must be filed within one year of your injury, so don’t hesitate to contact us as soon as possible. The general steps to filing a claim are to first notify your employer of the incident. They will then report the injury to the insurance company as well as the ICA to begin the claims process.

If your injury has resulted in an emergency, visit the doctor immediately. If not, it’s still essential to visit your physician soon after the incident. Your claim likely won’t be considered without a valid doctor’s visit. At the doctor, you can opt to fill out a Worker’s and Physician’s Report of Injury as opposed to an individual Worker’s Report of Injury form. Your doctor will submit this form to the ICA.

After your claims have been filed, you will receive a letter of acknowledgement from the ICA within two weeks. Your employer’s insurance company will then decide whether or not to grant or deny your benefits, which typically takes up to 21 days.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

Don’t take this journey alone. The top workers’ compensation attorneys at Cruz & Associates have years of experience helping our clients keep benefits after job loss to help pay for medical bills and cover lost wages. We are proud to serve the Atlanta area with legal representation in English and Spanish.

Your first consultation is always free, so don’t hesitate to get started today. Contact us by filling out our online contact form or calling our Atlanta office.

Big Rig Accidents in Atlanta and Phoenix: How Cruz & Associates Can Help

A big rig is an 18-wheel semi truck most often used to transport cargo across the country. Because it is such a popular means of transportation and employment, it’s likely that you pass a number of big rigs on the highway everyday. Unfortunately, that also means there’s a high number of big rig accidents.
The number of big rig accidents in America has gone up 52% in the last 12 years. If you’ve fallen victim to a big rig accident in Georgia or Arizona, the experienced attorneys at Cruz & Associates can help.

Causes of Big Rig Accidents

Big rigs are notorious for being prone to accidents because of their size and weight. However, it’s not always simply the truck itself that causes issues. Driver error, company negligence, cargo issues and more can also contribute to a big rig accident.

Driver Error

Big rig drivers endure long hours on the road. Oftentimes, this means they’re extremely tired and easily distracted. Drunk driving also contributes to big rigs accidents on the road. If you’ve been injured at the hands of a bad driver, Cruz & Associates will work with you to hold the guilty party accountable.

Company Negligence

Drivers may make a grave error while operating a big rig, but it’s not always solely their fault. The trucking company is also responsible for errors made by their drivers. They might have made a negligent oversight during the hiring process, placed the driver in a faulty vehicle, given the driver an unrealistic schedule, and more. At Cruz & Associates, we don’t let negligent companies get away with harming our clients.

Improper Loading

It’s possible that loose cargo was the cause of your big rig accident. Trucking companies are responsible for the safe, sensible loading of their cargo, so this is absolutely a cause for legal action. If you’ve fallen victim to an improperly loaded big rig, our team will help you put together a case for settlement.

Defective Truck

It could be that the truck itself malfunctioned on the road and led to an accident. In fact, 30% of big rig accidents stem from defective tires. Again, the trucking company is responsible for ensuring their fleet is fit for operation, so the attorneys at Cruz & Associates are here to help you get compensation for accidents caused by a defective truck.

Have You Been in an Accident?

Being involved in a collision with a big rig can lead to many unfortunate consequences, including medical costs, physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost income, lost earning capacity, property damage, and more.
Sustaining injuries from big rig accidents can be life altering or even fatal, with 74% of fatal vehicle accidents involving a large truck. Injuries can include broken bones, brain trauma, back and neck injuries, internal bleeding, whiplash, and more. If you’ve suffered an injury like this, our team of attorneys are guaranteed, trusted legal counsel.

Speak With an Experienced Big Rig Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a big rig, don’t delay in calling our office today. We’ve helped thousands of accident victims near Phoenix and Atlanta get the settlement they deserve. Accidents happen, unfortunately, but with our attorneys on your side we’ll help you make the best of a bad situation. To set up your free consultation with us, fill out our online contact form or give us a call today.

Social Media and your case: What you need to know

Can social media impact your case? In the following video, attorney Ruben Cruz informs us about this important topic.

Today, using social media is very common. According to Statista, nearly 77% of all Americans have at least one social media profile. However, using social media can bring along some unforeseen risks. With regard to filing a claim, there are some precautions one may have to take during the process.

It is important to remember that social networks are public forums. An innocent comment or photo on Facebook can be misunderstood and derail your workers’ compensation or personal injury case. If you are filing an accident claim, do not upload photos that are open for misinterpretation. Insurers monitor the activity of your various social accounts. It is advisable to deactivate such social accounts during the time of your pending claim.

Be smart about how you use social media! You never know the unforeseen effects it may have.

5 Myths about Auto Accident Claims

In the United States, more than 35,000 fatal auto accidents occur each year. Despite this staggering number, people are still unsure of the rights they are entitled to and the actions they must take when involved in an accident. What’s even more nuanced and tricky? Filing an auto claim.

These are the Five Myths About Auto Accident Claims:

– If you don’t feel hurt at the time of the accident, then you can’t file a claim if you begin to feel pain later on.

– I am obligated to answer questions if an insurance agent calls me to give my my version of the accident.

– The police determines who is at fault.

– If the accident was my fault, I cannot file a claim.

– If I file a claim, the price of my insurance will increase.

Knowing that these 5 things are false will help you navigate the auto claim process to the best of your ability.

Stay informed and stay safe!