The car drove into one home, through the guest bedroom, then leaped over a ditch before it landed in the basement of a home on another street. The owner of the first home was sleeping in her house when the crash occurred at approximately 6:00 a.m. Neither she nor anyone in the second home was injured. She was informed by a neighbor that a car had driven through her home.
]]> Police stated that the driver had a medical condition that caused him to pass out. He suffered minor injuries. The man did not remember how the accident occurred and reported being dizzy. It took rescue workers several hours to extricate the vehicle from the second home.Any person who causes property damage while driving may be liable to the owners of the property for the cost of repairs. The law requires a person who is driving to operate the vehicle carefully so as not to cause harm to others or their property. A person who has a known medical condition that may make driving unsafe or dangerous has an obligation to refrain from driving. Damages may include the cost of repairing both the exterior and interior, as well as any personal items that were damaged. A local personal injury attorney may be able to help persons who have suffered injury to their homes negotiate a settlement with negligent drivers or their insurance companies.
Source: ABC -13 WSET-TV Website, "Resident Recounts 'Bizarre' Morning After SUV Crashes Into Roanoke Co.", May 10, 2013
]]>Police say that a Chrysler station wagon hit into the back of a vehicle that had stopped because of traffic in a northbound lane of the interstate near the Quantico exit in Stafford. The drama continued as a Harley-Davidson motorcycle then hit the Chrysler, causing the motorcycle to enter another lane and tossing its driver up against a tractor-trailer. Three cars ended up crashing in their efforts to avoid hitting the Harley-Davidson.
]]> The driver of the motorcycle was treated for life-threatening injuries at Inova Fairfax Hospital. No one else is believed to have been injured in the crash. Police charged the 47-year-old woman who was driving the Chrysler.Interstates like I-95 in Virginia are dangerous roads, and the high speeds traveled on them can result in accidents that lead to catastrophic injuries and death. The day before this incident, two people were killed in separate accidents on the same road. When a driver is negligent, speeding or following too closely on the highway, the results can be devastating to victims and their families.
Investigators sometimes perform a crash reconstruction to determine exactly what happened. This might help a victim to uncover who was at fault in a particular accident. In these cases, personal injury attorneys may assist in the process of seeking compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering.
Source: Fredericksburg.com, "Crashes create I-95 nightmare", Scott Shenk, May 01, 2013
]]>According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, motorcycle deaths increased 9 percent in 2012. However, some states saw even more dramatic increases. Motorcycle deaths in Oregon, for instance, rose an astounding 32 percent last year.
]]> Officials believe that more people are riding motorcycles because of high gas prices and an improved economy. In addition, more deaths may be a result of fewer states having helmet laws.Like anyone who is driving a motor vehicle, motorcyclists can reduce their risk of being involved in an accident by following posted speed limits and avoiding alcohol before they hop on a bike. However, other drivers must also do the same.
Car accidents can lead to serious injuries. However, motorcycle accidents are often more deadly because riders have less protection.
When a motorcyclist is injured or killed by a negligent driver, legal action may be appropriate in order to hold the reckless driver accountable for his or her actions. While nothing can change the past, victims and their family members may be given peace of mind knowing that a negligent driver is being held responsible.
In order to successfully hold a negligent driver accountable, though, certain information may need to be collected. In those instances, victims and their family members may find working with an experienced attorney highly beneficial.
Source: The Los Angeles Times, "Motorcycle deaths spike in 2012," Charles Fleming, April 25, 2013
]]>A 47-year-old man in another state was recently killed in a car accident. His truck was hit by a vehicle being driven by a member of the band 3 Doors Down. Authorities believe the 41-year-old musician was under the influence of both alcohol and drugs at the time of the crash. He has been charged with vehicular homicide by intoxication.
]]> Police say that the band member was speeding when his Cadillac CTS "clipped" the victim's pickup truck. The truck reportedly went into a ditch before overturning. The victim was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown from the vehicle.According to police, the musician appeared impaired. He admitted to drinking alcohol and taking prescription medication. In addition to criminal charges for the fatal accident, the musician also faces charges for allegedly bringing controlled substances into jail. Law enforcement officers allegedly found a variety of prescription pills on the 41-year-old when he was brought into custody.
When someone is killed in a drunk driving accident, surviving family members may wish to seek justice through a civil lawsuit against the negligent parties. It is important that drivers who break the law are held responsible through criminal proceedings. However, further legal action may help surviving family members move forward with their lives.
Source: Reuters, "3 Doors Down bassist charged in fatal crash in Tennessee," Tim Ghianni, April 20, 2013
]]>A 20-year-old Harrisonburg woman was recently charged with reckless driving and child endangerment after she drove her car into a home. The woman's 3-year-old daughter was in the car at the time of the crash. She reportedly suffered minor injuries.
]]> Fortunately, the residents in the home were not injured.It is not clear what caused the woman to crash into the home. Crashes of this nature can be caused by a variety of factors. People who are speeding may lose control of their vehicle. Others who are distracted by an electronic device may veer off the road. These kinds of crashes can also be caused by drunk drivers.
Thankfully, no one suffered serious injuries in this crash. However, that is often not the case. People in Virginia and beyond who are involved in car accidents can suffer severe injuries that may require surgery and hospitalization. Sadly, many people suffer fatal injuries.
When reckless drivers harm others they can be criminally charged, as was the case for the woman in this most recent crash. However, they may also be held responsible through civil lawsuits. People should not have to face financial hardships as a result of high medical bills. A civil lawsuit may provide them with much needed compensation and a sense of relief that a negligent driver has been held responsible.
Source: NBC29, "Harrisonburg Mother Crashes Car into Home," April 14, 2013
]]>A man in another state was recently sentenced to 10 years behind bars. He was involved in a fatal drunk driving accident in 2011. He had a blood alcohol level of 1.8 when he drove his vehicle into the back of a large SUV. Six people were in the vehicle. Two of the passengers were ejected from the vehicle and died. The man was reportedly driving around 100 mph when the accident happened.
]]> The drunk driver was 20-years-old at the time of the crash. In November, he pleaded guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter and five counts of second-degree assault.This horrific story shows what can happen when people choose to get behind the wheel of a car after they have been drinking. In an instant, two lives were lost. However, many others were likely affected by the fatal accident.
People who drive drunk and hurt others in the process are often held responsible through criminal proceedings. However, victims and their surviving family members can also hold drunk drivers responsible through civil lawsuits. No amount of money can change the past. However, victims and their family members may be given peace of mind knowing that a drunk driver has been held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
Source: CBS St. Louis, "Man Gets 10 Years for Drunk Driving Accident That Killed 2," April 3, 2013
•· Our firm works with car accident victims and their families. For more information, please see our Harrisonburg car accident.
]]>The first collisions occurred around 1:15 p.m. Ninety-five vehicles in total were involved in the massive pileup. The northbound lanes of the interstate were closed. Backups in the southbound lane spanned eight miles.
]]> More than two dozen people were injured. Three people died.The area where the crashes occurred is known for having heavy fog at times. This isn't the first time that a major pileup has led to injuries and deaths. Fatalities resulted after major pileups in 2000 and 2010.
Authorities say that signage in the area warned drivers of foggy conditions. However, conditions in that area can be quite variable. Visibility may be fine in one spot and suddenly minimal in another.
Part of being a safe driver means adjusting to changing weather conditions. When people encounter foggy conditions and wet or slippery roads they should adjust their speeds. As always, people need to be sure they are paying close attention to the road.
While it may be difficult to determine who was at fault in this recent chain-reaction crash, people in Virginia and beyond may be able to hold negligent drivers responsible through civil lawsuits. Obtaining compensation can be helpful in order to pay for medical expenses and to make up for lost wages when an injury prevents someone from working.
Source: CBS News, "95-car wreck leaves 3 dead at Va.-N.C. line," March 31, 2013
•· Our firm works with people who have been injured in a crash. To learn more please see our Harrisonburg car accident.
]]>People know not to drive after they have been consuming alcoholic beverages. However, some people don't think twice about getting behind the wheel of a car or other motor vehicle after they have had little to no sleep. Just like drunk driving, fatigued driving can slow a person's reaction time. The consequences of driving fatigued can be devastating.
]]> One study, however, has shown that people who drink caffeinated beverages, like coffee, are less likely to be involved in a crash. Researchers looked specifically at truck drivers and found that those who drink caffeinated beverages are more than 60 percent less likely to be in an accident.Despite this information, caffeinated beverages should not be a substitute for sleep. Caffeine may help boost people's energy for a short period of time, helping them become more alert. However, when people are sleep deprived they should remain off the road.
Car accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Sadly, they are often preventable. People may fail to realize how powerful and dangerous a car can be until they are involved in a serious accident. Drivers in Virginia and others elsewhere should make safety their number one priority every time they get in the driver's seat.
Source: The New York Times, "Caffeine May Boost Driver Safety," Nicholas Bakalar, March 21, 2013
]]>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in 2010, close to 3,000 teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 died in car accidents. Those crashes injured another 282,000 people.
]]> Sadly, many crashes involving teenage drivers can be prevented. Like other drivers, teenagers need to be sure they are paying attention to the road. No text message or email is more important than a human life. Teenagers should always be focused on the road and what is happening around them.It is also best for teenagers to drive with few people in the car. Teenagers are more likely to be involved in a serious accident the more teenage passengers they have in the car with them. The driver involved in one of the fatal crashes last week allowed eight people into their SUV that typically only fits five people. Six of the passengers were killed.
People in Virginia and others elsewhere have to understand how dangerous a motor vehicle can be. When people fail to use caution, terrible accidents are more likely to occur. One way to prevent accidents is to hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions through a personal injury lawsuit. Legal action could deter other people from driving recklessly.
Source: CNN, "Fatal wrecks underscore risks for young drivers," Tom Watkins, Mar. 13, 2013
]]>Authorities in one Virginia town are investigating whether or not alcohol was a factor in a recent pedestrian accident that proved to be fatal. Around 1 a.m., a 23-year-old Virginia resident was struck by an SUV. The man was taken to the hospital after the crash and recently succumbed to his injuries.
]]> Criminal charges have not been filed against the driver of the SUV. However, an investigation by police could reveal criminal wrongdoing.We highlighted the dangers of drunk driving on this blog last week when we discussed a recent drunk driving accident that left one man dead. In addition to driving while impaired, authorities believe the driver in that accident was speeding before he drove off the road and into several trees.
People in Virginia and others elsewhere may not realize how much of an affect alcohol can have on a person. However, a night of fun can turn to tragedy if people don't plan ahead. Choosing to drink and drive puts individual drivers and other motorists in danger.
Even if the driver in this most recent crash was not drinking and driving, they could still be held responsible. The victim's family may decide to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. Families are often left shattered after a loved one is killed in a traffic accident. Surviving family members may be given a sense of closure by pursuing a lawsuit against a negligent driver.
Source: NBC12.com, "Pedestrian dies after being struck by SUV in West End," Ashley Monfort, March 11, 2013
]]>Authorities believe the 35-year-old man was speeding. He reportedly drove off the road and hit several trees.
]]> The driver and a passenger suffered injuries in the crash. However, they do not appear to be life-threatening. A second passenger was pronounced dead at the site of the crash.In the blink of an eye, one man's poor decisions have left the family of another man torn apart. Losing a loved one in a drunk driving crash is devastating because of how preventable these kinds of accidents are.
Drivers have a responsibility to do what they can to keep themselves, their passengers and other motorists safe. Driving drunk is extremely dangerous. Drunk driving accidents frequently lead to severe injuries and death.
The alleged drunk driver is facing serious criminal charges as a result of the recent crash. He could also face additional legal problems if the family of the victim chooses to pursue a civil lawsuit. Nothing can be done to bring back the family's lost loved one. However, they may gain peace of mind through a successful civil suit.
Others who have been harmed by a drunk driver in Virginia and beyond may also choose to pursue legal action. After all, drunk drivers should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
Source: WAVY.com, "DUI suspect charged in deadly crash," Rachel West, March 4, 2013
•· Our firm works with drunk driving accident victims and their families. Please visit our Harrisonburg car accident page for more information.
]]>The National Safety Council recently released some disturbing numbers. They found that the number of traffic fatalities increased 5 percent in 2012. It is the first increase in traffic deaths in eight years. In total, more than 36,000 people died in crashes last year.
]]> Officials say that the mild winter is a likely cause of the increase. While people assume more accidents occur when bad weather hits, the opposite is true. People tend to drive less when weather conditions are poor.In addition, more people are on the roads as a result of the improved economy. More cars means there are more opportunities for accidents to occur.
State officials are doing what they can to make roads safer. Car manufacturers are also introducing new technologies to make cars safer. However, drivers must do their part. People need to put their cell phones and other electronic devices down. Drivers must obey the speed limit and avoid drugs and alcohol before they get behind the wheel of a car.
When people are negligent and harm others in the process, they can be held responsible through criminal penalties as well as civil lawsuits. Families who lose a loved one in a crash may be given a sense of justice through a successful wrongful death lawsuit.
Source: Los Angeles Times, "Crash-related deaths up for the first time since 2005, report says," David Undercoffler, Feb. 20, 2013
•· Our firm works with car accident victims and their families. Please visit our Harrisonburg car accident page to learn more.
]]>One teenager in another state knows first-hand the kind of devastating injuries that people can suffer when they are involved in a distracted driving crash. The 18-year-old was hit by a distracted driver in front of her home. Authorities also believe alcohol was a factor in the crash. The girl was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
]]> Authorities say the driver was sending his wife a two-word text message when he crashed into the teenager."Taking your eyes off the road for two seconds, that's why this happened to me," the teenage victim said.
A distracted driving accident can leave people with devastating injuries. Sadly, many people die as a result of injuries sustained in a crash.
Drivers in Virginia and others elsewhere need to remember that a car is not a toy. Drivers need to be sure they are paying attention to the road and following traffic laws.
When distracted drivers injure others in accidents they can face criminal charges and penalties. In addition, they may be held responsible through a civil lawsuit. Victims and their family members may be able to obtain compensation through a successful lawsuit. Innocent people should not have to face financial difficulties because of another driver's negligent actions.
Source: KSL, "Victim of distracted driving: 'two seconds' changed my life," Mike Headrick, Feb. 19, 2013
]]>A man in another state was recently involved in a motorcycle accident with a pickup truck. The driver of the truck reportedly turned in front of the motorcycle. The driver of the motorcycle sustained serious injuries in the accident and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The driver of the pickup truck received a citation for violation of right of way.
]]> It is not clear what caused the driver of the pickup truck to turn in front of the motorcycle. However, as we discussed last week, distracted driving can have devastating consequences.People who are involved in a motorcycle accident can suffer severe injuries including head trauma and damage to their spinal cord. Sadly, motorcycle accidents can cause permanent injuries.
When people in Virginia are injured in motorcycle accidents as a result of a negligent driver, they may choose to pursue legal action. They may be able to obtain compensation to cover medical expenses and lost wages through a successful civil lawsuit. An innocent victim should not have to face financial difficulties as a result of another driver's reckless actions.
Motorists in Virginia and others elsewhere need to be sure they are cautious around other cars. However, they should use even more caution when they are around motorcycles. That's because a motorcycle offers driver's minimal protection.
Source: The Florida Times-Union, "Kentucky man injured in Macclenny motorcycle accident," Dan Scanlan, Feb. 8, 2013
]]>Under current laws, police can only fine drivers for texting and driving if they are pulled over for another offense. Under these newly proposed laws, drivers could be pulled over and ticketed simply for texting and driving.
]]> As mentioned in a previous post, more than 400,000 people were injured because of distracted driving in 2010, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That same year, 3,000 people died as a result of distracted driving.A car is not a toy, and when accidents do occur, people can be left with devastating injuries. People may suffer broken bones and bruises or even more serious injuries such as head trauma. People who are involved in a car accident may be forced to endure surgery, extended hospital stays and rehabilitation, which could result in high medical bills.
When Harrisonburg residents are harmed by a distracted driver, they may be able to pursue legal action. A driver that is found to have been texting and driving could face criminal penalties as well as civil lawsuits. A successful lawsuit may alleviate financial burdens that resulted from a serious accident.
Every driver should make safety their number one priority. After all, a life-changing accident can happen in the blink of an eye.
Source: WHSV.com, "House, Senate Pass Bills on Texting while Driving," Feb. 5, 2013
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