Virginia Injury Law Blog

According to a recent report, Hampton Roads (which is comprised of Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg, Suffolk, and the Eastern Shore) had the highest number of car accidents that resulted in injury or death in Virginia from 2006 to 2008. On average, there was a traffic accident in the Tidewater region every 19 minutes, and every 2.5 days someone died from one of those auto wrecks. Nearly 8 percent of all crashes in Hampton Roads involved alcohol, with 41 percent of fatal crashes involving alcohol. The leading causes of non-fatal accidents were following too closely, distracted driving and failure to yield; while the leading causes of fatal accidents were distracted driving and speeding. Nationally, Hampton Roads ranked 17th among 26 similar-sized U.S. metropolitan areas in traffic fatality rates.

Tragic accidents are an unfortunate part of life. If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious auto or truck accident we can help. The attorneys at Pierce & Thornton have experience and expertise in representing families of those seriously injured or killed by the negligence of car or truck drivers. We can put together a team of qualified investigators and gather the information and data necessary to reconstruct the accident and determine who was at fault. We will consult with all of your health care providers so that we have a complete understanding of the nature and extent of your injuries and how the accident has impacted your life. Call today for an immediate consultation with one of our auto or truck accident attorneys.

Posted by Anthony Gantous | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Auto Accident , Brain Injury , Drunk Driving Accident , Personal Injury , Trucking Accident , Wrongful Death

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On October 20, 2009, authorities in Norfolk and Virginia Beach reported fatalities as a result of a truck striking a woman in Norfolk and a two-vehicle crash in Virginia Beach. In Norfolk, a Dominion Virginia Power truck struck a woman crossing Little Creek Road near Granby Street. The woman later died of her injuries at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. In Virginia Beach, a mother and her daughter died after being involved in a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Dam Neck Road and Corporate Landing Parkway. They were ejected from the car as it overturned several times. The daughter died at the scene, while the mother succumbed to her injuries after being taken to Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital. The Virginia Beach Police are still unclear as to who had the right-of-way.

Tragic accidents such as these are an unfortunate part of life. If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious auto or truck accident we can help. The attorneys at Pierce & Thornton have experience and expertise in representing families of those seriously injured or killed by the negligence of car or truck drivers. We can put together a team of qualified investigators and gather the information and data necessary to reconstruct the accident and determine who was at fault. Call today for an immediate consultation with one of our auto or truck accident attorneys.

Posted by Anthony Gantous | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Auto Accident , Trucking Accident

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Virginia drivers who want to lower their chance of being in a crash should take note of a government study that found that 80% of vehicle accidents are caused by distracted drivers. Another compelling statistic reveals that drivers between the ages of 18 and 20 are four times more likely to be involved in an accident compared to other drivers. For this reason, Virginia has enacted a law prohibiting drivers under the age of 18 from using a cell phone or other wireless device while behind the wheel. Some jurisdictions, such as Washington, D.C., have enacted local ordinances prohibiting the use of handheld phones or devices while driving. Despite the recent legislation, it is common to see young and older drivers with their heads down, in the “texting position”, while driving down the interstate. The idea that someone can safely operate a vehicle and keep a proper lookout while punching small buttons on a keypad is ludicrous. The Virginia legislature considered a bill earlier this year that would have banned texting while driving for all ages, but the bill died in committee. It seems that such a law would make sense for everyone, but especially for the age group most likely to text while driving.

Posted by Jonathan L. Thornton | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Auto Accident

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Two sisters who died in a Virginia car crash on Tuesday were wearing their seatbelts and alcohol was not a factor. In other words, the two main elements of most auto fatalities were not present.

A recent study published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that more than two-thirds of young drivers and passengers killed in nighttime car crashes were not wearing seatbelts. Although seatbelt use nationally has risen to an average of 81% (with 12 states having seatbelt usage of 90% or better), almost 7 out of 10 young people killed in car crashes in 2006 were unbuckled. With Memorial Day weekend here, police and public safety groups are launching a national campaign to increase seatbelt usage over the holiday weekend. Young drivers already bring a dangerous combination of inexperience and fearlessness to the highway, and not wearing a seatbelt only adds to the likelihood of serious injury or death when an accident occurs. Add in the final element of alcohol, which is common in fatal crashes involving drivers under age 30, and one readily understands why young motorists are at greater risk than older drivers. All Virginians should buckle up this weekend and make sure that our children and their friends use their seatbelts as well.

Posted by Jonathan L. Thornton | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Auto Accident

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