by Keith Adkins | May 15th, 2013
May 15, 2013
The Virginia State Police are asking a driver and witnesses to a Richmond Motorcycle Accident to come forward. Reports indicate the crash happened in the northbound lanes of I-95 on Tuesday, April 30, at approximately 4:30 a.m.
According to an article from NBC 12 News, it was raining as the 68-year-old motorcyclist, from Dumfries, was riding his machine in the left lanes of the interstate. The biker suddenly lost control of his machine though as he approached the Fairfax County Parkway and was thrown into the center lane of the highway. Before he could move, he was struck and killed by a passing tractor-trailer combination.
Witnesses were unable to offer a description of the big rig that was involved in the crash. Now, investigators need the public’s help in determining what may have caused the accident to occur. Anyone who may have witnessed the events of that evening have been urged to call state Police with information.
The accident highlights the need for both motorcyclists and motorists alike to be more visible and aware of their surroundings. All vehicles should utilize lights at all times. Motorcyclists should also consider wearing reflective clothing in low light conditions.
The Richmond Personal Injury Lawyers with Geoff McDonald & Associates understand the devastation that can be caused by the loss of a loved one to a motorcycle accident. The firm would like to send their deepest sympathies to the family of the victim.
by Keith Adkins | May 8th, 2013
May 8, 2013
Car Accidents are currently becoming a major cause for concern in the city of Richmond, Virginia. In order to help curb the growing number of Richmond Car Accidents that occur each day, the city’s police department has released the names of ten of the city’s most dangerous intersections.
According to NBC 12 News, the findings determined the top ten most dangerous intersections to be:
- 18th and Main- 11 crashes in the first quarter of 2013
- Broad Rock and Warwick-13 accidents in 2012
- Cary and Boulevard- 13 collisions in 2012
- Broad and Harrison- 13 accidents last year, 2 in 2013
- Cowardin and Bainbridge- 14 crashes last year, 2 so far this year
- Forest Hill and Chippenham- 14 crashes last year, 3 this year
- Hull and Commerce-14 accidents last year, 4 this year
- Cowardin and Simms- 15 crashes in 2012, 1 this year
- Belvidere and Leigh-15 collisions in 2012, 4 this year
- Hull and Elkhardt- 16 accidents in 2012, 3 accidents in 2013
These staggering numbers have led many citizens to wonder what they can do to help prevent an accident from occurring. Experts say focusing on the road and double-checking for oncoming traffic at intersections are two of the best ways to reduce the chances of being involved in a collision.
The Richmond Personal Injury Attorneys with Geoff McDonald & Associates are hopeful these tips will help to keep motorists safe while behind the wheel of a vehicle.
by Keith Adkins | May 1st, 2013
May 1, 2013
A recent Virginia Truck Accident was responsible for leaving two people seriously injured. Reports indicate the crash happened on the afternoon of Monday, April 13, at miler marker 81 along I-81, near Wytheville, Virginia.
According to a story released by NBC 12 News, the driver of a tractor-trailer was heading north while hauling a 50,000-pound load of strawberries. As he drove though, the driver began to veer the vehicle off the road and into the median. The maneuver caused the vehicle to overturn into the southbound lanes, where it then collided with a pickup truck.
The impact of the collision left the drivers of both vehicles with injuries that required paramedics to transport them to local hospitals for treatment.
While Virginia State Police have stated the accident is still currently under investigation, they have announced that charges have been filed against the driver of the tractor-trailer for driving recklessly and being in possession of marijuana and other narcotics. Investigators are looking into whether drug use may have played a role in causing the crash.
The Richmond Personal Injury Lawyers with Geoff McDonald & Associates point out that the crash highlights the dangers that are potentially involved with drugged driving. The firm asks that each motorist do their part to keep the state’s highways safe by never getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after consuming something that may inhibit your ability to make clear judgments.
by Keith Adkins | April 24th, 2013
April 24, 2013
One of the most common causes of work-related injury that often results in an employee’s need to file a Workers’ Compensation Claim is coming into contact with objects or equipment on a jobsite. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that these incidents account for roughly 15 percent of all fatal workplace accidents.
This was the case when a worker was injured earlier this month at the Vaughn-Bassett Furniture facility in Galax, Virginia. According to an article from WDBJ7 News, the incident occurred at around 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10, when a water tower at the facility collapsed. The impact launched one of the facility’s employees into a creek bed, where he sustained minor injuries.
Accidents like this tend to leave workers wondering what they should do if they are injured while on-the-job.
The Richmond Personal Injury Lawyers with Geoff McDonald & Associates explain that the most important thing to do immediately after an accident is to receive the medical attention you need. Most employers have a workers’ compensation insurance policy that will cover the expenses associated with an on-the-job accident; however, insurance adjustors may not have an injured victim’s best interests at heart.
The firm suggests an individual discuss their legal rights with an attorney if they have been injured through no fault of their own while working. Doing so may help to ensure the person receives fair legal representation in the matter.
by Keith Adkins | April 17th, 2013
April 17, 2013
A growing number of Virginia Car Accidents being attributed to distracted driving prompted state lawmakers to stiffen the penalties for those caught texting and driving earlier this year. However, the law may be less effective than legislators had anticipated.
The Washington Post explains that the law previously made an infraction for texting and driving only punishable by a $25 fine. Furthermore, an infraction was only a secondary offense, meaning a driver would have to commit another more serious infraction before they could be stopped.
In February, legislators made reforms to the law that allows officers to now stop anyone who is suspected of distracted driving with no other reason. The fines for an infraction were also bumped to $125 for a first time offender and up to $250 for every subsequent infraction.
While the new law sounds much tougher, some experts believe there may be several loopholes in the law that could allow motorists to get away with the crime. Drivers are still allowed to use their hands to make calls on cellphones and enter data into GPS units. If pulled over, a driver would only need to say they were engaged in either of these behaviors.
The Richmond Personal Injury Attorneys with Geoff McDonald & Associates recognize the dangers distracted driving can pose. That’s why the firm asks each motorist to put their phones down and focus on the road when behind the wheel of a vehicle.
by Keith Adkins | April 10th, 2013
April 10, 2013
A Richmond Auto Accident involving a school bus and another vehicle was responsible for leaving one person injured earlier this week. Reports indicate the crash happened at around 3:30 on Tuesday afternoon along the on ramp to the eastbound lanes of the Midlothian Turnpike from Belt Boulevard.
According to a story released by CBS 6 News, a Ford Mustang was traveling in front of the Richmond Public School system bus. When the Mustang slowed for a yield sign that was posted along the road, the bus driver failed to recognize the vehicle and plowed into the rear-end of the sports car.
While the bus driver and the children on board the vehicle did not suffer any injuries as a result of the accident, the driver of the Mustang complained of head pain. That individual was transported to a local hospital where they were treated and released a short time later.
While investigators say they are still looking into the cause of the collision, they have stated that the driver of the bus will likely face charges in connection to the incident.
Geoff McDonald & Associates and their team of Richmond Personal Injury Attorneys are aware of the devastating effect a car crash can have on each person who is involved. That’s why the firm encourages anyone who has been injured in an accident that occurred at no fault of their own to discuss their legal options with a qualified attorney as soon as possible!
by Keith Adkins | April 3rd, 2013
April 3, 2013
The family of a man who died while in the custody of the Richmond County Jail filed a pair of Virginia Wrongful Death Lawsuits against the facility and a doctor who oversaw the care of inmates. Each of the suits is seeking $10.4 million in damages.
Reports indicate the victim was booked into the jail on August 23, 2010. During his time at the facility, the victim refused to eat on several occasions. Nearly two weeks later, officers found the victim lying naked in the floor of his cell. He was rushed to a local hospital where he was treated for acute kidney failure; however, the victim’s case was so advanced, doctors had to amputate the victim’s right leg. The 41-year-old man eventually fell into a coma and died a short time later on September 10th, 2010.
According to UPI News, the family filed the suits claiming the doctor and jail staff was directly responsible for the loss of their loved one because they had failed to offer the victim proper treatment of his conditions and had not intervened when the prisoner refused to eat.
The Richmond Personal Injury Lawyers with Geoff McDonald & Associates recognize how difficult the loss of a loved one to an unforeseen accident can be. The firm is hopeful a decision in the cases will bring the family of the victim a sense of closure to their loss.
by Keith Adkins | March 27th, 2013
March 27, 2013
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced earlier this month that Chicago-based, Kolcraft Industries, Inc., will pay roughly $400,000 in fines for failing to report certain Defective Products to the agency.
According to a CPSC Press Release, the company manufactured a product known as the Travelin’ Tot play yard. The product was sold across the United States from January of 2000 to January of 2009.
During August of 2005 though, the company allegedly hired safety experts to examine the product. They found that the side rail of the product may not fully latch and presented a fall hazard to a child who pushed on it. The company made changes to the product, its warning labels, and assembly instruction sheets.
The company failed to report the findings to the CPSC until January of 2009 though, and by that time, the company had received approximately 350 reports of the device collapsing, resulting in 21 children suffering injuries.
On top of paying the fines, the company must also make drastic changes to its internal control and compliance policies. The changes include establishing a system to report problems to the CPSC, implementing a way of documenting reporting systems to the CPSC, and establishing a compliance program.
Geoff McDonald & Associates and their team of Richmond Personal Injury Lawyers hope the penalties will better protect the public from the dangers unsafe products pose.
by Keith Adkins | March 20th, 2013
March 20, 2013
The safety of a road in Henrico County, Virginia, is under scrutiny after a Richmond Car Accident almost claimed the life of a pedestrian several weeks ago. According to CBS 6 News, the incident occurred on Thursday, February 28, along Brook Road in the Richmond suburb of Henrico.
Reports indicate the victim was walking along the side of the road with her fiancé. As she began to approach a bridge crossing, a vehicle struck the victim from behind. The impact of the crash left the woman in serious condition and she was swiftly transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The incident has left many citizens questioning the safety of this particular stretch of road. Many citizens and business owners have called for sidewalks to be installed in the area, considering the heavy foot traffic the road sees; however, the project may be an unattainable goal due to budgetary constraints.
In the meantime, it is important for those walking to keep safety in mind when traveling. Experts say wearing light colored clothing and carrying a reflector or light in the evening will make a pedestrian more visible and less likely to be struck by a vehicle. Adhering to all traffic signals and signs will also dramatically decrease a pedestrian’s odds of being involved in an accident.
The Richmond Personal Injury Lawyers with Geoff McDonald & Associates hope pedestrians find these tips beneficial to improving their safety.
by Keith Adkins | March 13th, 2013
March 13, 2013
A study conducted on the major causes of motorcycle accidents, called The Hurt Report, found that a majority of collisions that involve another motor vehicle are the result of that vehicle turning in front of a motorbike. One such Virginia Motorcycle Accident was responsible for killing a motorcyclist and leaving another motorist injured last weekend.
According to NBC 4 News, the crash occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m., along Route 3, outside the town of Gambrills, Virginia. Police reports indicate a 19-year-old female driving a Chevrolet Cobalt was attempting to turn left off of the highway and into a parking lot of Royal Farms; however, she turned in front of a motorcycle driven by a 30-year-old man and did not allow the bike enough time or space to stop.
The two vehicles collided and the impact ejected the motorcyclist from his machine. He was transported to a local trauma center, but died shortly after arrival. The driver of the Cobalt was also taken in to have minor injuries further examined.
While investigators have determined speed and alcohol were not contributing factors in the crash, they say they are continuing to look into what caused the accident to occur.
The Richmond Personal Injury Attorneys with Geoff McDonald & Associates recognize how devastating the loss of a loved one due to an accident can be. That’s why the firm wishes to send their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the victim.
