Our Courts: The Bedrock of Democracy, Episode 2
Our courts are often overlooked and not fully understood, but the work of judges and juries allows us to live in a free, safe, and just society.
Insurance
The Rundown - October 2022
In this month's episode of "The Rundown," Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on a new video series about our courts, what is happening at the Texas Capitol regarding jury service, our latest project to ensure safe repairs to your vehicle, important developments on patient safety and nursing home abuse reporting, and the best resource to help your family compare medical facilities and providers. Be sure to check out the links provided below.
Texas Needs Safe Roads, Not Dangerous Trucking Legislation
We have a safety crisis on Texas roads. Texas has led the nation in the number of large truck crashes for years. Commercial trucks cause many more fatalities in Texas than other large states like California and Florida. Since 2009, the number of truck-related fatalities in Texas has increased an astonishing 105% at a time when our population has risen 18%. House Bill 19 undercuts safety by limiting evidence of corporate negligence in court.
Supplemental Comments on HB 19: Safety Recommendations
On Tuesday, March 9th, our team helped over 20 families tell their stories of commercial vehicle negligence, resulting in death or injury. After the hearing on HB 19, Chairman Leach asked for additional comment on HB 19. We chose to focus our comments on safety because it is so important for saving lives. We gave the committee many actionable items that would demonstrably reduce death and destruction on Texas roads.
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The Blue Tarp Bill Applies to Snowstorms, Too
A bad bill passed in the 2017 Texas legislative session favors insurance companies over policyholders.
In the News: Advice on Insurance Claims After the Storm
Click here to read the Wall Street Journal's coverage of filing an insurance claim, featuring Texas Watch Executive Director Ware Wendell and other leading consumer activists.
#StormHelp
We've compiled resources from across the state to help you protect life and property during this winter storm and in the weeks ahead.
Episode 31: Tort "Reform" in Texas: A Brutal History
In today's episode, Executive Director Ware Wendell takes us through the 25-year history of tort "reform" in Texas and how this corporate campaign has threatened your safety and impeded your constitutional right to trial by jury.
Press Release: Texas Department of Insurance’s Misinformation and Inaction Stall Efforts to Ensure Proper COVID Auto Insurance Refunds for Texans
AUSTIN, Texas — In another setback to ensuring that Texans get appropriate auto insurance refunds due to fewer claims and less driving, the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) released misleading information to public officials. The information asserts an unsupported claim that drivers have seen $1.4 billion in insurance overcharges returned back into their wallets, one that is contradicted by market data.
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In the News
In the News: "The Austin-based consumer advocacy group Texas Watch said the case is just one example of an emerging trend during the pandemic—big insurance trying to capitalize on COVID-19." Story here.