NEWS FLASH: There is a Richmond, VA accident injury lawyer that talks to his clients! Call 804-643-4343 and you can talk directly to Attorney Wayne O'Bryan about your case. Avoid the middleman and actually talk to a real live lawyer!
NEWS FLASH: There is a Richmond, VA accident injury lawyer that talks to his clients! Call 804-643-4343 and you can talk directly to Attorney Wayne O'Bryan about your case. Avoid the middleman and actually talk to a real live lawyer!
According to Virginia’s financial responsibility laws, you need to have car insurance before to buying a vehicle. Drivers don’t always know exactly when they should purchase car insurance, so here are a few tips
Get your FREE book! Call 643-4343 and we will mail your FREE copy of the best Richmond, VA accident injury lawyer book today, written by Attorney Wayne O'Bryan.
I posted a new article about National Drowsy Driving Prevention Week and a few warning signs and tips on how to recognize the signs of driver fatigue.
Make sure that you don't drive when you are sleepy. It is better to pull off the road and take a nap than to risk wrecking your car. Sleepy drivers cause thousands of accidents each year and it can be worse than driving drunk.
Last year Virginia DMV suspended the licenses of over 432,000 Virginia drivers for not being able to pay fees related to driving fines. Many of these people have not stopped driving, which means that more and more Virginia drivers are driving without any kind of insurance.
Many people are losing their jobs and are unable to pay the fines they get for traffic tickets. A lot of them are still driving to look for work or keep the jobs they have and thus there are more uninsured motorists on the road now. The problem is getting worse every day and is leading to an increase in hit-and-run accidents.
Last December, Annie Roach and her nine-year-old son Jarod Roach were injured in a car accident when their 2003 Mitsubishi Galant was struck by a 1993 Ford Explorer being driven by a drunk driver named Helen Jewel Ward.
Jarod suffered a broken pelvic bone and bruises on his face. His mother fared much worse with a collapsed lung, broken jaw, torn aorta, broken kneecaps, internal bleeding and a crushed ankle. At one point her heart stopped and had to be shocked back into working.
The family's life still hasn't returned to normal over nine months after the accident. The family is survivng on an insurance settlement and the future looks uncertain. The family spends $650 a month on Annie's physical therapy and medicine, and they have yet to pay any hospital bills as the father of the family has been unable to find a job.
I don't know how much they got for their accident injury claim settlement, but whatever it was, I'm sure it was inadequate to compensate the family for their pain and suffering.
The fatal car crash of July 7 that led to the death of a passenger in a 2000 Ford Crown Victoria that hit a flatbed wrecker truck making a legal turn has led to the arrest of the car driver who caused the accident.
Cordell Hall has been charged with manslaughter for the death of Dennis Smith, who died at the scene of the accident.
Investigators found that Hall drve through a red light at a high rate of speed and hit the truck making a legal turn from Hull Street onto Belt Boulevard in Richmond, Virginia.
Another sad example of a wrongful death caused by somebody else's fault.
There was a wreck last Thursday around 5pm in Southside, VA on Route 138 near routh 649. Four people were hurt and taken to local hospitals, according to Virginia State Police.
The accident happened when a 1997 Ford Explorer driven by Latisha Farrar of Victoria, VA crossed the center line, sideswiped a 1989 GMC andura and hit a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix, driven by Daniel Nowlin, head-on.
Nowlin and his passenger, Melissa Garrison, were both airlifted from the scene of the accident to an unspecified hospital.
There are a lot of bad wrecks in southside Virginia because there are so many two-lane roads with no median. This leads to a lot of head-on collisions which are the worse type of wreck.
A good Virginia accident lawyer can help you recover the most money for your accident case. A study done by the Insurance Research Council found that accident victims with lawyers got an average of three-times as much money then those without.
Another head-on collison in southside Virginia last Thursday sent two people to the hospital. The wreck happened on Route 92 near route 600 just after noon, according to Virgina State Police.
A 1991 Toyota Camry driven by Elizabeth Hatcher of Victoria, VA crossed the center line and hit a 2006 Hyundai Sonata driven by Regina Smith of Red Oak, VA head-on.
Hatcher was charged with failure to maintain control.
Another example of what was probably a small error or lapse in attention leading to a severe accident and personal injury for a couple of unsuspecting people. Those two-lane country roads in rural Virginia are unforgiving and dangerous.
We try a lot of accident claims from southside that are similar to this one. If you've been in a similar wreck call us for a free no-obligation consultation at 1-800-372-4099.
Every year hundreds of people are killed or injured on Virginia's roads and highways. According to the Accidents.com website, there were 963 people involved in fatal accidents in Virginia during 2006. Of these deaths, 17 were killed on expressways or freeways in Virginia while 144 fatalities involved local Virginia roads.
In order to help prevent an increase in these statistics, we'd like to share some tips on how to prevent auto accidents: • Make sure your car is properly maintained on a regular basis. Inspect your tires weekly and change the oil according to the manufacturer's recommendation. • Always, always, always wear your seatbelt. Even if you're just going around the block or down the street, put on that seatbelt. They say that most car accidents happen within 1.4 miles from the home. • Get plenty of sleep before taking a road trip. If you plan on driving a long distance, take frequent rest breaks. • Know what the road conditions are before you drive and plan accordingly. • Do not drink and drive. Period. • Do not use your cell phone while driving. If you absolutely must use your phone, make sure to use a hands-free device. • Do not speed in order to get somewhere on time. Other people can get over you being late. Wouldn't you rather get there late than not at all?
One of the best ways to prevent car accidents in Virginia (or anywhere else, for that matter) is to create awareness and educate people, especially young drivers, about driving safe. Do everyone a favor and pass on this article to friends and family!
Nowadays text messaging has become a common way for people to communicate. But did you know that text messaging while driving is widely considered one of the most dangerous things to do while operating a motor vehicle? In fact, The Transport Research Laboratory in the UK found that drivers who send text messages while driving dramatically increase the likelihood of collision. Their reaction times decreased by 35%, which is worse than those who drank alcohol at the legal limit. Teens say that texting is their No. 1 driving distraction, according to a 2006 study from Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD).
Earlier this month Virginia Governor Timothy Kaine signed into law a ban on text messaging while driving. The new law will take effect on July 1, 2009. Virginia will become one of many states that have banned texting while driving. The ban will include text messaging while driving a car, bicycle, motorcycle, moped or even an electric wheelchair.
The bill, sponsored by Del. John A. Cosgrove, would make texting a secondary violation. This means that a driver could get only a $20 ticket for the offense if pulled over for another reason. Second and subsequent texting-while-driving offenses would result in fines of $50.
Virginia and Maryland have considered banning the use of cellphones for adult drivers almost every year since at least 2001. Maryland banned cellphone use for teens with learner's permits in 2005, and Virginia made it illegal for drivers younger than 18 in 2007.
This unfortunate accident brings up some important things to consider when carrying items on top of a car or in a bed of a truck: • Nothing can be too secure. Check, double-check, and then triple check to make sure items are secure and stable on the outside of a vehicle. • Tie a warning flag (in a bright color) to items that extend beyond the back of your car. • Carry extra rope or bungee cords at all times. • If you're going to carry luggage on top of your roof, make sure to invest in a luggage rack. Do not put luggage directly on top of the roof! • Always have flares handy to slow down traffic if you must go out onto the highway.
If you've been involved in an auto accident in the Richmond, Virginia area, make sure to contact an experienced auto accident lawyer.
If you're involved in an auto accident, it helps if you're prepared and know what to do. Sure, we don't like to think that an auto accident would happen to us, but things will go smoother if you know what or what not to do. This is especially important if you feel that you're the victim in the accident.
1. Exchange information with the other driver. Get their name, address, phone number, driver's license number, the car's license, and their insurance information.
2. Call the police and have them review the scene of the accident. This is an important step especially if there are any injuries or misunderstandings as to who was at fault. Officers may not respond if there are no injuries, so take a picture of the accident scene instead.
3. Report the accident to your auto insurance company. Even if you're not at fault, it's good to review what your policy covers just in case the other drive does not have insurance. Remember that it is legal for a motorist to drive in the state of Virginia without auto insurance.
4. See a doctor or chiropractor. Perhaps you think the accident was minor and you didn't experience any pain, but it's still important to see a doctor. People's bodies handle car accidents in different ways. Once your body gets over the initial shock of the accident, there could be physical ramifications that may have gone unnoticed you but can be seen by a doctor.
5. Hire an auto accident lawyer. You can save yourself the headache of dealing with the other driver's insurance company when you hire an auto accident lawyer. Keep in mind that the insurance company's job is to give you as little money as possible, so not hiring an auto accident lawyer would be an unwise decision.
My client Janice R. was a passenger in a vehicle that was hit by an uninsured motorist while driving down Chamberlayne Avenue in northside Richmond, Virginia. Janice had $100,000 in uninsured motorist coverage under her own auto policy. Her own insurance company was being difficult about paying Janice for her injuries even though her medical bills exceeded the coverage they afforded her.
She came to see me and I took over negotiating Janice’s claim. I had a real advantage over Janice when it came to negotiating with her insurance company – I have handled thousands of cases and, of course, this was Janice’s first claim like this.
After wrestling with the adjuster until she realized I was not going to give in to her tricks, we were able to settle the claim for the full $100,000.00 due Janice. Needless to say, she was thrilled with that result. See her video here.
I just posted a new library article about uninsured motorist coverage. Virginia is one of the states that does not require drivers to have insurance. What would you do if you were injured in an accident by a driver with no insurance? Could you afford the medical bills that even a minor injury can cause?
You should make sure you have enough uninsured motorist coverage, I urge you to review your policy and get as much UM coverage as you can afford. Higher coverage is not much more expensive and you may need to use it someday.
According to DailyPress.com, a southbound tractor trailer had slowed down because of the fog and was hit in the rear by another tractor trailer. The car slowed because of the collision and was hit in the rear by the third truck. One of the trucks was carrying corrosive materials that caused the fire.
Fog can reduce visibility to 1/4 mile or less and accidents can occur regardless of your driving experience. If you have to drive through dense fog, follow these tips: • Slow down. Drive at a speed that feels comfortable to you. • If you have to drive through very dense fog, keep your low beams on. Do not drive with the high beams on because this can blind other drivers who are coming from the opposite direction. • Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you. • If the fog becomes too dense, pull over to the side of the road and wait until the fog clears up a little before proceeding. • Avoid passing other cars. • Do not drive with your hazard lights on. This can be distracting to other drivers. We highly recommend not driving at all if it’s foggy outside. No trip is worth a car accident.
Attorney Wayne O'Bryan has more information about Virginia tractor trailer accidents and truck wrecks available on this site. Trucks are very likely to cause wrongful death when involved in an accident with a car.
If you have a personal injury claim make sure to read our book and avoid misinformation about accident injury cases.. We will send it to you at no charge.
Check out my new article about tractor trailer trucks and how dangerous they are. Any automobile that is involved in an accident with these monsters is sure to be wrecked.
Stay focused and careful around them. Here in Virginia we have one of the most dangerous interstate highways in America for tractor trailer accidents. If you are involved in a big rig wreck in Richmond or southside Virginia make sure you get our free book for more information on your injury claim.
Richmond VA Lawyer Wayne O'Bryan's Accident Injury Book is helpful to a Virginia resident who is trying to deal with the insurance company on her own. Get your copy now!
In the last 15 years more than 76,000 American pedestrians have been killed, mostly children, the elderly and ethnic minorities. Most of these accidents happened on roads that were not designed for pedestrian traffic. People that get hit by cars often die and rarely escape serious personal injury.
Transportation for America has released a new study last Monday called Dangerous By Design that looks at ways to fix problems in pedestrian transportation infrastructure.
Richmond, VA was the most dangerous city in the commonwealth for pedestrians, ranking 24 out of 52 cities in the US with a population of a million or more. Richmond also spends less money than any of the cities on infrastructure for pedestrian and bicycle use.
This is easy to see in the Richmond area. There are many roads with no sidewalks at all and very few bike paths. It is no wonder that it is so dangerous to walk in Richmond. I frequently see pedestrians and bicyclists in the street because there is no where else for them to travel.
Instead of dumping more money into supporting cars, it is time to start thinking of alternatives. There are more people than ever looking for a different way to travel. It is time to sttart spending money on their safety.
FREE Book for Virginia residents Hidden Inside Secrets Big Insurance Companies Don't Want You to Know About Your Injury Claim. Call 804-643-4343 or 1-800-372-4099
UPDATE: Charges filed in deadly crash on I-95 in Hanover. An accident on Interstate 95 in Hanover County near Kings Dominion resulted in the deaths of two men. The wreck happened in a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero driven by Teresa Bridges. Apparently Bridges ran off the road, overcorrected and then hit a tree. The two back [...]
Ever wonder why your car has air bags or seat belts? lawyers helped to get them on every vehicle. Read Driven to Safety (pdf) on the site of Richmond Va lawyer Wayne O’Bryan for more free information.
FBIC has compiled a list of what they think are the best and worst insurance companies in America. Topping the list for the worst are: Hartford Allstate State Farm I highly recommend that if you have one of those companies you try to switch immediately. FBIC lists the best insurance companies as: Chubb Amica Allianz [...]
UPDATE: Driver killed in accident on I-64 identified. A tractor trailer lost some of its wheels this morning while driving down Interstate 64 near Staples Mill Road in Richmond, VA. As the huge tires went careening over the highway, they hit a van and killed the driver. Luckily no other vehicles were hit by the [...]
UPDATE: Accident closed Route 288 southbound this morning – NBC12 News, Weather Sports, Traffic, and Programming Guide for Richmond, VA |. If you are a passenger in a car that is in an accident you are entitled to make a claim against the insurance of the driver who caused the accident. This includes the driver [...]
I have a client now who tried to settle a case by herself and waited for over a year to call us. She was trying to deal with Allstate and they were trying to give her a poor settlement. This poor woman missed a lot of time from her work because of her accident injuries, [...]
Closure. Getting on with your life and over the hassle. Not being a victim anymore. Evidence may be destroyed or discarded. Now it is available to help you win your case. Witnesses may disappear, die or forget important details. Adjuster may get harmful statements from witnesses. Gaps in medical treatment may hurt case. Insurance companies [...]
Little property damage, but motorist suffers mild brain injury – $1,250,000 Settlement « Virginia Lawyers Weekly. Here is an interesting case that was mediated to a settlement in northern Virginia. For more information about mediation check out my article Case Mediation in Virginia accident injury cases. Apparently, the plaintiff was rear-ended and the car suffered [...]
On the best Virginia lawyer website there is a new article discussing Virginia dog bite laws from the Code of Virginia. Check it out and call Wayne at 643-4343 if you have any questions or for a FREE copy of our book Hidden Inside Secrets Big Insurance Companies Don’t Want You to Know About Your [...]
I just got a nice email from Bobbie P. about my book Accident Injury Book: Hidden Inside Secrets Big Insurance Companies Don’t Want You to Know About Your Injury Claim. You should read all about it on my best Richmond, Virginia lawyer website, and while you’re there get yourself a copy of my FREE book.
Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli says district courts have the same authority to impose sanctions as circuit courts under both Virginia Code § 8.01-271.1 and their inherent authority to protect the public and the judicial process.
Cuccinelli reached that conclusion in an opinion requested by Barbara J. Gaden, chief judge of the Richmond General District Court.
Gaden expressed [...]
Roanoke Valley lawyers used to reminding clients to turn off their cellphones when they go to court soon will have to tell the clients to leave the phones at home.
A new policy for the 23rd Circuit (Roanoke City, Roanoke County and Salem) bars possession and use of electronic devices for the general public. The previous [...]
Mark Rubin, a senior advisor to former Gov. Tim Kaine, yesterday became the chief lobbyist for Virginia Commonwealth University.
Rubin’s official title is executive director government relations, slightly different than that of his predecessor, Don Gehring, who was vice president for government relations, but VCU spokeswoman Pam Lepley said Rubin’s duties will be essentially the same.
She [...]
The Supreme Court of Virginia today selected Justice Cynthia D. Kinser to be the first woman to serve as chief justice of the court.
Kinser is third in seniority on the court to the current chief, Leroy Rountree Hassell Sr., and Justice Lawrence L. Koontz Jr. Hassell will step down on Jan. 31 after eight years [...]
Altria spent the most in the last legislative year in lobbying Virginia public officials, according to the annual report by the Virginia Public Access Project. The holding company that has Philip Morris USA as its principal asset spent $328,848, according to VPAP.
A name that isn’t but so well known, the Northern Virginia Technology Council, was [...]
Virginia State Bar disciplinary charges against former York County assistant prosecutor Cathy Krinick have been dropped in the wake of dismissal of a companion case against commonwealth’s attorney Eileen Addison.
VSB Counsel Edward Davis confirmed the head of a three-judge panel has signed the order dismissing charges against Krinick, who is now in private practice in [...]
A group of Richmond music lovers charged with violation of the city’s new noise ordinance are willing to risk conviction to get a ruling on their claim that the law is unconstitutional.
“What happened in this case was inexcusable,” said Steven Benjamin, attorney for the defendants, who were charged after six police officers allegedly “raided” a [...]
Retired Albemarle County Circuit Judge Paul M. Peatross Jr. has sided with the University of Virginia in its effort to block Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli’s investigation of records from a climate change researcher.
In a letter opinion today, Peatross finds the attorney general failed to set forth an objective basis to support his issuance of [...]
A second panel of the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit today upheld a special master’s finding that there is no connection between autism and a mercury-based preservative in the measles-mumps rubella vaccine.
The first panel issued its opinion in May. Judge Pauline Newman was the only judge on both panels, but she was [...]
A group of tenants attacked in a letter from Roanoke white supremacist Bill White has won a jury verdict against White and his American National Socialist Workers Party in a federal civil trial. The jury awarded compensatory damages of $265,000 against White and $280,000 against the party on Aug. 27.
Based on a jury finding, the [...]