Author: MichaelEhline

Joseph Zhou Arrested in Accident on 8 Freeway – Felony and Civil Action?

Written by MichaelEhline on February 12, 2023. Posted in MMA.

On November 20, 2022, police arrested a San Marcos man involved in a fatal DUI accident in El Centro, California, on Interstate 8. Let’s explore the details of the news with Ehline Law and our car crash personal injury attorneys.

Fatal Collision Between Kia Forte and 2022 Toyota Tacoma in El Centro Leaves One Dead and Two Injured

When he entered the center median, Joseph Zhou, a 24-year-old man, was driving his Toyota Tacoma westbound on 8 Freeway west of Mile Marker 20 at about 5:53 PM.

Slowly, Joseph Zhou transitioned to the eastbound lanes of the freeway, west of Dunaway Road, where he crashed into a Kia Forte driven by a woman.

Zhou Moved to Desert Regional Medical Center after Sustaining Major Injuries

According to the California Highway Patrol, the 20-year-old woman from Rahway, New Jersey, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the accident scene, while Zhou sustained major injuries. The firefighters requested an air ambulance to move Joseph Zhou to Desert Regional Medical Center for medical treatment.

Another passenger suffered minor injuries, and the emergency crew transported them to a nearby hospital.

Zhou Charged with Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated and Felony DUI, California Highway Patrol States

Following his treatment, the police arrested Zhou for driving under the influence and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

The medical examiner’s office has not released the woman’s name in the fatal accident on Interstate 8.

Is It a Felony, Driving under the Influence, in California?

Under California law, DUI can either be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on prior DUI history. The first three DUI charges are a misdemeanor.

However, DUI is a felony if:

The defendant has had four DUIs in the last ten years
The defendant has a previous felony DUI
The defendant drove under the influence, causing injury
The defendant was driving under the influence with a minor in the car.

Joseph Zhou, arrested in an accident on 8 Freeway, was charged with a felony DUI causing injury and vehicular manslaughter.

Can the Deceased Person’s Estate Pursue Compensation for the Death of Their Loved One in the El Centro DUI Accident?

Although the prosecutors will proceed with the criminal case against Zhou, the deceased person’s estate can also bring a civil action against the drunk driver to recover compensation.

Typically, the recoverable damages in a wrongful death suit include funeral and burial expenses, lost income, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Ehline Law

If you lost a loved one in an accident due to another’s fault, contact us at (833) LETS-SUE for a free consultation.

A civil action may not bring back your loved one, but it can hold the accountable party responsible and get you compensation to pay for the expenses.

Conor McGregor Accused of Attack – Compensation for Intentional Torts

Written by MichaelEhline on February 7, 2023. Posted in MMA.

There have been many domestic violence incidents involving UFC fighters, but this latest one is shocking as it involves a UFC fighter and a guest. Let’s explore the details of the news with Ehline Law and our personal injury attorneys.

Conor McGregor Accused of Attacking Woman on Private Yacht on His 34th Birthday Party

Recent allegations of a victim made headlines as the alleged victim claimed physical assault perpetrated by the legendary UFC champion Conor McGregor when McGregor celebrated his 34th birthday.

McGregor’s Representative Defends All the Accusations Made by the Guest on His Boat

According to ESPN, the unidentified woman was a guest on McGregor’s boat in Spain in 2022 when allegedly Conor threatened to drown her after punching her. Soon after the allegations surfaced, McGregor’s representative, Karen Kessler, denied all the accusations made by the alleged victim and stated that he remained steadfast in his denial. She said that after a police review six months ago, law enforcement authorities did not pursue the matter of the unnamed woman.

Conor McGregor Attacked Her on His Boat after Constant Humiliation, Victim Claims

The original news came in a Spanish publication, “Ultima Hora.” When translated, it reveals that the woman claims she knew Conor from a neighborhood in Dublin.

According to the victim, Conor invited her to his 34th birthday weekend party in Ibiza on his private yacht on July 17, 2022, where McGregor’s girlfriend, Dee Devlin, was also the guest of honor.

When Devlin was asleep, McGregor, the alleged victim, and two others stayed on the yacht’s deck late at night. According to the complaint, McGregor insulted her and continued to criticize her appearance.

The Majorca Daily Bulletin reported that the alleged incident happened when the victim called her friend to help her with the aggravating situation. However, it turned worse instantly, and McGregor’s attitude immediately changed.

The woman stated that McGregor suddenly became more aggressive than he usually is, kicking the woman in the naval and then proceeding to punch her in the face.

Victim Jumps off Conor McGregor’s Yacht to save Herself

The complaint doesn’t stop there, stating that McGregor degraded the alleged victim and threatened to drown her, forcing the woman to jump into the waters to escape the altercation. Eventually, the Red Cross boat was able to rescue the unnamed woman.

According to the report, the woman immediately filed a complaint of the alleged attack with the law enforcement authorities when she returned to Ireland, naming the police officials to substantiate her claim. The woman reported to the Irish police that she feared losing her life, which prompted her to leave the boat.

Talking about jumping into the water, what’s fishy about the whole incident is that the woman initially did not blame McGregor for the alleged assault. However, in the news report, she claims she was in a bikini and wanted to end the night and avoid further problems with the UFC star.

Not the First Time McGregor Was Accused of Attacking or Sexually Assaulting a Woman

The incident wouldn’t be the first time McGregor got slapped with assault allegations. Since 2019, McGregor has faced three sexual assault complaints.

Previous Lawsuit in France Dismissed

The Irish professional mixed martial artist, who lost a fight to Dustin Poirier, faced a lawsuit in 2020 in France. Still, due to a lack of evidence, the officials in the city of Bastia on the French Island of Corsica dismissed the complaint. Conor McGregor, accused of the attack, claimed victory after the suit’s dismissal.

McGregor Remains a Subject of a Lawsuit Filed in 2021

In January 2021, the Irish sports star faced a multimillion-dollar lawsuit alleging the UFC star sent a flirtatious text to the victim in 2018, leading to a McGregor’s driver picking her up and taking her to his hotel room where she thought there was a party.

Upon arrival, the complaint alleges that McGregor forced himself upon the woman, asking her to carry out “lewd” acts and eventually raping her. After the incident, the woman’s mother took her to a hospital where the sexual assault treatment unit examined her and determined bruising and abrasions. A month later, she filed a complaint with the police about the alleged rape.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Ehline Law

Assault and battery fall under intentional torts, and under personal injury law, injured victims may pursue a personal injury claim to recover damages. If you’ve been a victim of sexual assault, contact us at (833) LETS-SUE for a free consultation, as you may be able to seek compensation.

Dog Bite Lawyer Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer Los Angeles

Dangerous Dog Breeds: Rottweilers

Written by MichaelEhline on December 29, 2022. Posted in Dog Bite Blog.

Rotties – Second Only to Pit Bulls in the Number of Attacks?

Yep. Rotties are rated number two behind Pits. Like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers have been specifically bred as guard dogs over thousands rather than hundreds of years. Rottweilers, like Pit Bulls, have been explicitly bred as guard dogs and working dogs for thousands of years. Similarly, the Akita had been bred to fight against bears.

Were you or a loved one attacked by an out-of-control Rottweiler? Unfortunately, some dog owners teach their Rottweilers to be attack dogs, which often has severe consequences for society, kids, and strangers.

Additionally, owners need to train their drover dogs properly in certain instances. As a result, these Mastiff-like dogs may rely on instinct in some situations, and it can result in a dog bite. Females will protect male owners more, and males will guard females owner more, to death. Furthermore, most Pit Bulls are lean animals and great for bull baiting, bear hunting, and Akitas. These canines are very adorable and can show affection.

However, many Pit Bull owners alter their pups to give them a vicious look and abuse them, starting as puppies. Therefore, these highly clever dogs may be more likely to attack than other breeds if they lack a responsible master, especially while they eat. No two dogs of any breed are of the exact nature, despite being the second-smartest breed after German Shepherds.

However, statistically, the breed significantly impacts the number of dog bites by humans. And even the likelihood of a fatal attack is more common than the capable, more affectionate German Shepherd. The truth is that this fact remains a constant even with proper care over an extensive period. This is why a rescue dog is only sometimes the best choice to try and socialize.

True, properly cared-for dogs tend to take on calm characteristics shared by their owners. But like wolf hybrids, protecting and being dominant appear hard-wired in these animals. So a screaming toddler can be killed if the dog is mistreated or even during playful circumstances. Some dogs think victim fear means a fight is prone to begin, especially when in packs or a female dog is in heat.

Pit Bull Is Just One Dangerous Dog Breed That Can Cause Serious Damage

The stocky Pit Bull, wiry Doberman, and muscle-bound Rottweiler breeds, among other dogs, are often included on lists of “dangerous dog breeds.” Hence, many people prefer not to adopt them as a family dog and opt for other animals as they pose a threat. The Rottweiler is particularly harmful to frail adults and young children because of its long line of breeding and its powerful jaws and claws. A Forbes article claims that Rottweilers are the second-deadliest breed of dogs involved in attacks in America, including to their dog owner.

Rotts Take Two in Life Lost?

Between 2005 and 2017, according to statistics compiled by the CDC, the breed was accountable for 29 fatal dog attacks across the country, classifying it among the most dangerous breeds of aggressive dogs. Additionally, throughout this time and beyond, Rottweilers, even the family pet, have been involved in hundreds of non-fatal incidents, especially from a very young age, mainly male Rottie dogs.

The Rottweiler, usually known as a “Rottie,” is a large to medium-sized dog with great strength and great to protect livestock. The shiny black coat of this dangerous breed, which has rusk patterns, adds to the impression of power. Like a Wolf Hybrid, Rotties are loyal dogs and faithful to their owners, yet these strong dogs tend to be a little distant from others without proper socialization, exercise, and training.

Does Training Still Play a Major Role in Keeping Rotties Calm?

Undoubtedly, proper training is important. Well-maintained dog breeds often adopt the positive, composed traits of their owners. There is, however, one thing that these large fighting dogs in serious injury cases have in common.

Rottweilers tend to be aggressive herding animals. And Pit Bulls that have been bred initially to attack or serve as security dogs for criminals are highly excitable and far more likely to attack or kill a person or other dog over their lives. The Rottweiler breed is a typical companion dog among drug dealers, who are more inclined to act in a dangerous manner commanding large dogs.

Territorial behavior is precisely what drug dealers want in a dog breed to attack intruders like cops, giving them an unpredictable, bad rap. This helps explain why many neglected dogs often end up in dog shelters, becoming a nightmare to their newly adopted families and the police. Because of this, they often get shot by police due to their aggressiveness.

Pit Bulls, Rotties, and Other Guard Dogs Are Used as Fighting Dogs

Even while law enforcement works very hard to stop dogfighting, it still occurs and is impossible to stop. Size and power are two characteristics that dog fighters want, which is why there is a long history of using Rottweilers alongside Pit Bulls, with many deaths. Anyone would feel threatened by this combination, let alone two Rottweilers or more. The hospital statistics have taught us that genetics and breed play a role.

It’s worth noting that, like the Presa Canario, these dangerous dogs are often raised in appalling conditions and are trained in terrible ways. This makes them bite more, extremely aggressive (precisely what the dogfighters want), and not ideal family pets. It doesn’t help this breed’s reputation that many individuals have witnessed or at least heard about violent Rotties being used in dogfighting rings and to pull carts during Roman times.

Are Rotties as Dangerous as Other Dogs? | Bottom line

Consider how often this fighting dog breed has been misunderstood through the ages and in movies the next time you see one. It makes sense that some individuals think Rotties are dangerous, given their impressive size, intelligence, and body type. However, the reality is that male Rottweilers are calm, brave, and independent dogs with a self-assured aloofness inherited from their Bullmastiff origin. Are Rottweilers dangerous, then? The simple answer is that it depends on the owner and the dog’s bond. But yes, generally, exceptions do apply, and the prevention of attacks is never proven to be guaranteed.

Conclusion

If you encounter a Rottweiler, stay calm and remember that this dog breed and its ancestors are often misunderstood if not properly socialized. It’s natural to consider all strange dogs, including Rotties, human threats, especially to kids. Although Rottweilers can be calm and protective, you must ensure you are not a threat. Even if you love dogs, you need to find out if some Rotties are properly trained or if they are even appropriately treated to have the proper, intelligent temperament.

Be mindful of its muscular body and its fame for instigating fatal attacks, including many scenarios where a baby died at an early age as the animal/puppy was subject to constant physical punishment, making it a stubborn, deadly threat.

If you wish to learn more about dog bites, dangerous breeds, and the law, dial (213) 596-9642 to speak with a courageous, multi-million dollar dog bite lawyer familiar with behavioral problems like violence owners, families, and victims face in certain situations. Let a friend at Ehline Law Firm assist you, so you don’t blow the statute to receive a giant compensation award for the harm suffered after being bitten, knocked over, or scratched.

What is the Average Settlement for a California Dog Bite Claim?

Written by MichaelEhline on December 23, 2022. Posted in Dog Bite Blog.

Ultimate Guide to Understanding Dog Bite Settlements

They are understanding California Settlements for Dog Attacks. Remember that no two dogs, bites, or victims are the same. The average dog bite settlement reported in the United States 2015 was $32,000. Some states are more expensive than a negligent dog owner or controller must pay. A few years later, in 2019, in California, the average dog bite payout was $51,264.60, with 2,396 reported insurance claims. This cost figure means that CA paid over $122.83 million in damages on behalf of the victims. (Source: State Farm and the Insurance Information Institute.)

The average dog bite settlement numbers for other states vary significantly, but the data trend towards larger dog bite settlements over time. For more information, contact our local dog bite lawyers in Los Angeles to learn how much you can expect for an average dog bite payout after forming an attorney-client relationship.

An Underlying Concern

We tend to think of dogs as man’s best friend. In many ways, this remains true. However, there are severe concerns about dog bites and the lack of discipline some owners instill in their pets. Poorly trained or untrained dogs can present a significant issue for owners and the general public. There are far too many dog bites and dog scratches annually. Attacks like this happen in California especially. Since the Golden State is the most populous, it has the most significant number of dog bites. Below, we will discuss some key issues surrounding a dog attack, specific dog bite cases, and how to handle dog bite claims.

By the end of the article, you will know more about the role of the dog bite victim and the dog owner, how to hire a dog bite attorney, and some critical info about dog bite settlements.

Common Issues with Dog Discipline

Dog bites happen every day. Each case is different and often requires a specialized personal injury lawyer. Furthermore, the average dog bite is still distinct from any other and sometimes results in severe issues.

First, we must understand the roles within a specific dog bite case. The dog bite victim and the dog owner often have different roles. In many cases, dog bites are caused by a lack of training and discipline. Without the proper training, the chances of a dog attacking a person increase dramatically.

Unfortunately, dog attacks are more likely to affect young people, especially children. In these dog attack cases, the injuries tend to be more severe. In some cases, they are even life-threatening. Bite victims are not all the same. However, more information is necessary to understand the role of dog owners and bite victims.

Types of Dog Bites

There are different types of dog bite attacks. Such dog bite cases are other, depending on the circumstances. Among the most common types of such dog bite cases, we have the following:

Laceration is a common type of severe dog bite injury. It often follows a combination attack of both paws and the mouth. Such lacerations can be minor enough to cause severe blood loss and visible scarring.
Puncture wounds: These are dangerous for a number of reasons. Puncture wounds from dog bites often break deep into the skin, causing several severe issues, including tissue damage and bleeding. In other cases, this often causes rabies and other infections that can take weeks or months to heal. In some cases, such poor health conditions can cause a risk of losing a limb.
Rabies remains the most significant concern people have about dog bite attacks. In cases such as this, the risk of rabies cannot be intelligently dismissed. Rabies is a fatal disease that causes severe trouble. According to the CDC, immediate rabies vaccination is necessary; between one and two people die in the United States annually from the disease (Source CDC).
Tearing Injuries are among the most concerning injuries and are more common in children. This type of injury combines the risks of the above injuries and dog bites.

Dog Bite Statistics

According to the CDC, almost five million Americans face dog bite injuries annually. About 42% of these cases are among children under 14. This severe risk of both dog attacks, multiplied by damages caused by age, is high. Furthermore, the risk for children is the reason for dog bite laws. California dog bite cases are especially concerning, especially considering the role of serious injuries.

First Steps after a Dog Bite

It would help to consider what to do after a dog bite attack. There are cases in which the dog owner is cooperative. You may likely need immediate medical aid. This fact remains mainly true whecasesnine bite case may sprebies.

If in doubt, get the rabies vaccine and get immediate care from a doctor. Contact your insurance company and learn more about the role of treatment after such a dog bite.

Medical care is evident. Waiting even a day for the proper care may be a severe issue. The risk of rabies is significant. The risk of infection is also a serious concern. The latter may not show up immediately but is far more likely if you cannot get the bite cleaned out and treated.

Do not skimp on medical care. Ensuring that you or a loved one receives the care you or they need is crucial. It will significantly affect the healing process after a dog bites. It could make a considerable difference in the case of medical bills and a personal injury lawsuit.

Contacting a Legal Expert

You may have plenty of questions in the aftermath of such an accident. This may be the first time you have faced such emotional distress or had to contact local animal control. Perhaps you are concerned about the role of the dog’s owner or medical expenses.

You may be recovering from severe injuries and handling everything while seeking medical attention and facing emotional trauma. We can help with your health insurance and other issues. All of these issues are challenging in themselves. You need to understand the entirety of personal injury lawsuits and the role of personal injury and negligence laws.

Different Factors

There are many factors at play. An attorney can determine whether further medical treatment is necessary or how to compensate victims. The correct personal injury attorney can offer a free consultation. It cannot be just any attorney.

Only specialized injury lawyers with experience in canine attacks can help you in your time of need. They will determine the limit of your injuries, including potential nerve damage or broken bones, and gather time-sensitive information.

They can determine whether or not the victim provoked the attack or the other factors’ roles.

Contact the Best California Dog Bite Attorney

If you have been reading through the role of dog, bite attorneys and how to handle dog bites, now is the time to understand what to do next. Even if you or your family are in emotional anguish, the Ehline Law Firm APLC is here to assist.

We understand the role of such attacks– including such viciousness, free case evaluations, and how much compensation you or your family may be entitled to. There are more than several factors at play.

Experienced Dog Bite Attorneys

The Ehline Law Firm will determine whether or not you have additional care through your medical insurance or existing renters insurance.

The experts can determine the exact amount of punitive damages– which only an experienced attorney can choose in a dog bite lawsuit. We have handled many such dog bite attacks in the past.

Our experience allows us to determine the dog’s viciousness, potential history of attacks, and who or what should be held strictly liable. We’ve handled many dog-bite lawsuits, and no dog bite lawsuit in California is too complex for us.

We have a combination of lawyers who can address strict liability issues and a wrongful death claim.

Understanding the Context of Dog Bite Attacks

According to California law, dog owners only have one shot to train their dogs and prevent further attacks properly. The one-bite rule is central to several major dog bite cases. In such cases, the owner’s knowledge is key to a dog bite lawsuit, which is often based on various dog bite laws.

Together, these will determine the correct amount for a dog bite settlement. The average dog bite settlement varies by state but often covers medical bills and future costs. An experienced dog bite lawyer understands dog bite cases from both the victim and the dog owner.

The Costs Caused by Dog Bite Injuries

Several factors influence the average expenses. Such costs will also affect the role of your insurance company and strict liability. In fact, in many cases, the medical costs for the average victim have to do with the severity of the injury.

In such cases, the expenses taken on by any family will vary. In some cases, the bites will require a rabies shot. In other cases, the injuries caused will cost lost wages. In others, extensive treatment and physical therapy will be needed.

Whom Do I Call After a Dog Bite Case?

If you are the victim, your first call should be to the doctor’s office. Dog owners should secure their animals, and if the owner knew the dog was dangerous, they had better get a criminal defense attorney. Victims will need to take an ambulance to the hospital in some cases. Make sure that medical professionals properly treat you or your loved one.

Your second should be a bite injury attorney whounderstands such a personal injury case and tcanrecover punitive damages. An attorney like the Ehline Law Firm APLC would be the best example. Our dog bite attorney can help get you an above-average settlement or verdict. We will fight hard until we win your case.

Contact Information

If you have any questions or want to learn more about the average dog bite payout in Los Angeles for your case, Ehline can be reached at info@ehlinelaw.com and discuss forming an attorney-client relationship for your settlement or trial. Call us today at (213) 596-9642.

Legal References:

Insurance Information Institute –

“Dog Bite Liability Claims By State – Interactive Map,” “Spotlight on Dog Bite Liability.” California Civil Code 3342 CC. See, for example, Borns v. Voss, 70 P.3d 262 (Wyo. 2003). See, e.g., Coutlakis v. CSX Transportation, Inc., 796 S.E.2d 556 (2017). Li v. Yellow Cab Co., 13 Cal.3d 804 (1975). Florida Statutes 768.81. 735 ILCS.

UFC’s Matt Hughes Years after Violent Train Brain Injuries

Written by MichaelEhline on December 15, 2022. Posted in MMA.

This article represents an example of Axonal shearing and the types of cases we help celebrities win in court. One of the greatest UFC fighters and fan favorites, Matt Hughes, became the target of media attention when TMZ Sports and other tabloids started reporting on his violent behavior following his serious train wreck accident. His alleged hostile actions towards his twin brother and his now-estranged wife accusing him of abusive behavior made headlines throughout 2018 and 2019. The gloves are off with his detractors, with some calling him a sociopath and others accusing him of public urination, skipping college classes, etc.

Matt Hughes Train Crash Update

GOAT Brain Injury Updates

Learn about the GOAT, his legal troubles, and his chances of full recovery. As a member of Ehline Law, a leading personal injury law firm in Los Angeles, California, we must shed light on various legal matters. We want to discuss with you and other motorists how injuries can alter a person’s life. Our attorneys understand the physical, mental, and financial toll serious brain injuries can have on an injured victim’s quality of life.

In this article, we will explore the rise of Matt Hughes and how his life crashed following his brain injury caused by a devastating train accident that nearly killed him. We will discuss his behavior following his accident and how it may be a long-term effect of his brain injury.

The UFC Hall of Famer’s Ladder to Success

In 1999, Hughes made his promotional debut by participating in UFC 22, winning against Valeri Ignatov after three rounds by a unanimous decision. Matt Hughes was just getting started in his MMA fighting career. Matt returned to UFC 26; this time, he faced Marcelo Aguiar, a Brazilian mixed martial artist. Hughes threw some really heavy elbows at Aguiar during the match, cutting him open in the fight. The doctors had to stop the battle around four minutes and 34 seconds into the first round to prevent any severe damage to Aguiar. Hughes had defeated Aguiar, and a silent message was sent to all the wrestlers looking to pick up a fight with him.

On December 16, 2000, Hughes participated in UFC 34 and had a rematch against Dennis Hallman, the fighter who had given Hughes his first-ever professional defeat. Adamant about vengeance, Hughes brutally slammed Dennis to the floor. However, a severe miscalculation during the move caused Hughes to end up in a submission. The fight lasted 20 seconds, and Hughes submitted to the armbar technique locked in by Dennis. This was another defeat Hughes had faced by the same man, but that wouldn’t stop Matt from securing his first-ever welterweight championship the following year.

Hughes Reign as the Welterweight Champion

Here are some highlights of Hughes’s wrestling matches and his reign as the welterweight champion:

In 2001, at UFC 34, Hughes delivered the most excellent slam in the history of MMA to Carlos Newton, rendering him unconscious and winning the match.
Hughes had to defend his championship against Hayato Sakurai in 2002 at UFC 36 and won the fight.
In 2002, Hughes fought against Carlos Newton in a rematch at UFC 38, and he won after an onslaught of ground and pound punches.
In 2002, Hughes faced Gill Castillo, an American mixed martial artist, at UFC 40. He dominated the wrestler and cut him open, forcing the referee to stop the fight and declare Hughes the winner.
In 2003, at UFC 42, Hughes took on Sean Shrek and was the first man ever to defeat Shrek.
In December 2003, Hughes fought with a former UFC welterweight champion, Frank Trigg. Frank became a victim of a rear chokehold and tapped out, resulting in Hughes winning the fight and receiving the “Tapout of the Night Submission” award.
At UFC 46 in 2004, Hughes lost his title for the first time after B.J. Penn got Hughes in a rear chokehold during the fourth minute of the first round, forcing Hughes to submit and lose his title.
At UFC 50 in 2004, Hughes faced Georges St-Pierre and completely dominated him, winning his title again.
Hughes faced Frank Trigg in an anticipated rematch during UFC 52 in April 2005, where the audience saw the most remarkable comeback in UFC history after Trigg submitted to Hughes.
In 2006, Hughes defeated Royce Gracie, a UFC Hall of Famer, by landing a couple of blows and quickly locking Gracie’s arm in a submission hold.
At UFC 63, Hughes defeated B.J. Penn and won against the only man who had beaten him so far.
At UFC 65, Hughes fought Georges St-Pierre and lost. He continued wrestling, but he was never the same after this match.
Hughes defeated Chris Lytle at UFC 68 in 2007.
Hughes verbally submitted to Georges St-Pierre at UFC 69 in 2007.
Hughes lost to Thiago Alves at UFC 85 in 2008.
Hughes won against Serra at UFC 98 in 2009.
Hughes defeated Renzo Gracie at UFC 112 in 2010.
Hughes made it to the Hall of Fame in 2010 and, during the same year, defeated Ricardo Almeida.
Hughes lost to B.J. Penn within 21 minutes of the fight at UFC 123 in 2010, his second loss to the American mixed martial artist.
Hughes lost to Josh Koscheck’s power punches at UFC 135 in 2011.

Of the 54 MMA matches Hughes participated in, he won 45 matches with just nine losses throughout his professional wrestling career. Hughes announced that he would be taking a break after his last UFC fight with Josh Koscheck, but in 2013, UFC announced Matt Hughes’ retirement, bringing an end to the legendary reign of arguably one of the best welterweight MMA fighters.

Life After Retirement

After retirement, Matt Hughes wrote an autobiography. He became a host on many TV shows, including Trophy Hunters TV, Uncaged with Matt Hughes, and The Takedown with Matt Hughes. Life seemed to work out just fine after Hughes retired from UFC until 2017, when he was involved in a devastating train accident. The perfect life that he had built started to crumble away slowly.

The Downhill of UFC Legend Matt Hughes: The Train Accident That Changed Everything

On June 16, 2017, UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes got into a near-fatal train accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury, causing his life to spiral downhill. On the morning of June 16, 2017, Matt Hughes was helping a farmer by taking diesel to his farm and filling up the farmer’s tractor. On his way back from Montgomery County, Matt Hughes tried to make it across the railroad track, but a train hit his pickup truck on the passenger side.

In his recent interviews, UFC legend Matt Hughes explained how the accident occurred. The GOAT UFC Hall of Famer stated that the bad angle of the track and the corn vegetation made it difficult to spot an oncoming train. He also said there were no railroad crossing signs or lights to warn drivers of an approaching train. Defense lawyers have been overly critical of his claims about the cause of the crash. But the plaintiff’s lawyers were on his team.

As emergency services arrived at the accident scene, his pickup truck was completely crushed from the passenger side. He had no apparent injuries or broken bones but was unconscious. Medics airlifted the UFC Hall of Famer to a hospital in Springfield, where doctors feared that he had a severe brain injury and had to put him in a medically induced coma for 19 days to protect his brain.

In an interview, Matt recalled that he had no recollection of the day of the accident. Whatever he knew about the accident came from the people with him during hospitalization. The force from the train accident was so severe that it tore away the axon from the brain.

Hughes was suffering from grade 3 diffuse axonal injury, one of the worst kinds of brain injuries, and no one was sure if he would ever wake up from the coma. From the MRI, it didn’t look like he was going to make it, with many doctors referring to his state as “locked-in syndrome” or “brain dead.”

Hughes woke up after 19 days in a coma, and the outlook for returning to everyday life looked grim. He had lost his motor skills and could not speak. The doctors started his physical therapy treatment and cognitive therapy to help Matt Hughes start all over. The UFC hall of Famer had to learn to walk and talk again.

After a year had passed following his brain injury accident, Hughes did not show any big improvements. He was taking small steps but wasn’t showing any significant improvement with his ongoing treatments. He recalled how his outlook on life had turned bleak and that he had lost faith. Hughes slowly spiraled into depression from his brain injury, which eventually took a toll on his family.

Suicidal Thoughts Following the Accident

Depression had taken over Hughes completely, and the former UFC fighter stated that he felt worthless at the time. He wanted to finish his life by committing suicide and ending all the pain. Although he may have lost his old life, he still had his fighting spirit, and he constantly fought the depression and went to the gym every day to better himself.

Allegations of Domestic Violence

His recovery from the train crash and depression was a miracle. Still, his life turned ugly soon after his wife, Audra Hughes, made serious allegations of domestic violence against the former UFC welterweight champion. This moment was extremely sad for Matt and all his fans out there.

The aftermath of his serious brain injury resulted in a lack of impulse control and violent outbursts, classic after-effects of a traumatic brain injury. Although the aftermath of the brain injury was unfortunate, what followed next was even sadder as the story started to make the rounds on national TV.

Audra Hughes approached the court in 2017 to get a restraining order stating that her husband’s violent outbursts seriously affected her and her children’s life. Audra said in court documents that Matt Hughes allegedly attacked and choked her multiple times. He had once hurt her in the shower and even threatened to shoot her dead.

During one incident, she claimed that Matt asked her for his pickup truck keys, which she had refused to give because of his brain injury. In response, Matt choked Audra and asked her to provide him with the code to the gun vault where he stored his guns. Upon refusing to give that, an angry Matt snapped and smashed her head in the shower against the shower wall.

In 2018, Audra took away Matt’s phone, alleging that he was communicating with multiple women, to which he told her, “I am going to f**king shoot you.” A few months later, following this incident, Audra alleges Matt hit her in front of her kids for accusing him of chatting up other women. When Audra claims that Audra refused to give Hughes his truck keys, he choked and smashed her head against the wall.

After reviewing the documents filed in court, the judge held some claims by Audra had merit and allowed restraining orders whereby the former MMA fighter must always stay 500 feet away from Audra and her two daughters.

Many sources allege that Audra filed for divorce from Matt because he liked to pick up arguments daily and was emotionally unstable. However, it has not yet been confirmed by any TMZ report, although he has not shared any pictures with Audra or the daughters on social media sites like Instagram in a long time.

Matt and His Dispute with His Twin Brother

In 2019, Matt had a dispute with his twin brother, Mark Hughes, where things turned more than a little sour. Mark filed a restraining order against Matt, stating that his brother had assaulted his 15-year-old son over a tractor issue. Mark said that his son was driving the family’s tractor, and when Matt saw that, he erupted in anger, rushed over there, and violently started shaking his nephew.

According to the documents filed in court, Mark came across the tractor completely soaked in gasoline and the ground around it a week later. He believed that Matt was trying to destroy the tractor. The court immediately granted a restraining order, ordering Matt to stay away from Mark and his family.

Did the Brain Injury Affect Matt Hughes’s Personality?

So far, no medical tests have been conducted to prove the personality change as witnessed by his incidents with his wife and twin brother, post-traumatic brain injury. However, that does not mean that the UFC legend Matt Hughes isn’t suffering from cognitive impairment or a personality change.

We introduced Matt’s UFC fights in this article to give an idea of what kind of a man he is. Matt was one of UFC’s beloved, and fans from around the world would go berzerk after Matt entered the ring with his entrance song “country boy can survive” blasting in the background.

When Matt entered the ring, he had one mission on his mind, and that was to win. His determination and dedication to being the best in the ring and among his fans made him a UFC favorite. However, unlike other UFC fighters after losing, he was far from a sore loser.

Although Matt had more wins than losses, he would treat his losses as a learning curve to improve. After every loss, he would congratulate his opponent on being a better fighter. His humble attitude in the UFC ring made him different from most fighters.

That said, Matt Serra went on an interview in early 2019 and ranted that Hughes was always nasty. Serra stated that the only side-effect of the accident was that it exposed Matt’s real personality, which he said was nasty. However, we should also not forget that Matt Hughes beat Matt Serra in a fight in 2003. But Hughes made an effort to strike a friendship that soon fell apart as Serra did not have a liking for Hughes’s “dry sense of humor.”

Personality Changes After a Brain Injury

It is common for personality changes to occur after a brain injury. Even a concussion can negatively affect the brain long after the brain heals. How an individual processes information after a post-brain injury also changes, affecting emotions.

After a brain injury, there are chances that a person will suffer from social anxiety, anger, mood swings, irritability, and other emotional changes. However, these symptoms only make the person seem different, but in reality, their personality remains intact but suppressed under all these emotional symptoms, making it challenging to handle.

Usually, mood changes do not last that long. Still, after an injury, there is a serious tendency that drags mood swings over a few days or even weeks, which is why many believe that the person is facing a personality change.

Why Is There a Perceived Personality Change after a Brain Injury?

Physiological changes and emotional changes following the changes in life post-injury are two primary sources from which personality changes originate.

The most basic concussions can alter the connection between neurons and blood vessels in the brain. Normal connection is often restored in most patients after a few weeks of concussion. However, in almost 30% of the cases, the altered link can produce undesirable long-term effects, leading to the brain inefficiently processing information.

Where the brain sustains an injury can affect an individual’s ability to evaluate emotional reactions, assess the situation around them, and respond accordingly. An injury damaging the connection between the cerebral cortex and the limbic system can cause disruptions in emotional responses that are not in sync with the current situation.

A brain injury can alter a person’s ability to process information and emotions, causing mood changes in many ways. However, these emotional disruptions do not last forever unless the person has irreversible brain damage.

What Are Some of the Post-Brain Injury Emotional Symptoms?

A brain injury can cause some parts of the brain to be hyperactive while others become hypoactive, causing the brain to work overtime to process information and register emotions. This makes it very easy for the person with the brain injury to feel overstimulated after coming into contact with noise, light, conversations, and even work.

Overstimulation can lead to many symptoms, such as anger and irritability, anxiety, depression, emotional irritability, impulsivity, and social struggles.

Anger and Irritability

The majority of the patients feel irritated quite quickly post-brain injuries which then results in anger. In 2019, Anthony Loubet, a deputy country lawyer in Utah, was a victim of a severe car accident when a semi-truck and a Dodge car caused a collision with his car, rendering Loubet unconscious.

After gaining consciousness, Loubet felt serious pain in his neck region, but the medical tests did not report any bleeding or internal damage. However, slowly, it became difficult for him to read, and he could not form his words properly during the conversation.

He went to the ER the second time, where the doctors diagnosed him with a concussion and asked him to rest at home for a couple of months. Loubet faced extreme mood changes during this period, especially when he exploded on his family members after failing to fix the broken ice maker.

It’s easy to overreact or react dramatically after a head injury, as the person is already dealing with a lot. To the brain, even minor incidences feel like major emergencies post-brain injury. Most people often have unresolved anger because they think they didn’t ask for the injury, thus contributing to confusion and frustration.

Anxiety

After a brain injury, a person may worry about the smallest things. If the person already had anxiety issues prior to the injury, it may get exacerbated after one. The person may experience sleepless nights, feeling on edge, and a rush of constant thoughts arising.

Depression

Depression is one of the most common symptoms following a brain injury, especially if one already has a history of depression. Recent studies point out a higher risk of suicidal thoughts, poor mental health, and self-harm after sustaining a brain injury. Evidence suggests that the suicide rate is twice as common among people with traumatic brain injuries than those without one.

Emotional Ability

It’s common to shed tears due to the grief from experiencing a traumatic brain injury—still, those sustaining a TBI cry over petty matters for no reason whatsoever. Emotional lability is when a person experiences crying or laughter without cause, especially during an inconvenient situation.

This state might be one of the ways a body copes with overstimulation, as the brain does not know how to react in any given situation.

Impulsivity

Head injuries affect memory loss, brain control, and impulse control. Impulse control disorder causes a person to disregard societal norms by exhibiting adverse behavior or emotions. Impulsivity can occur for many reasons, and fortunately, it is treatable if the person knows the root issue.

Social Struggles

The majority of people, after a brain injury, struggle socially and then don’t find themselves interested in going out or conducting activities they used to enjoy before the injury. This may be because the individual cannot maintain conversations or are tired. It may also be because of the noise and lights, which cause overstimulation and frustration.

From reading the incidents with his twin brother and wife, Matt Hughes seems to be exhibiting frustration and depression. He even mentioned having suicidal thoughts after being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Perhaps he is experiencing the symptoms of a brain injury and is unintentionally hurting those around him.

Brain injuries can have serious, life-altering consequences. It’s not fair that the victim suffers while those responsible are off the hook. If you suffered a brain injury due to another’s negligence, contact us at +(833) LETS-SUE for a free consultation with our legal experts.

Citations:

Matt Hughes Train Crash