by gma | August 31st, 2011
August 31, 2011
A 17-year-old boy has been found guilty in Chesterfield County of two felony counts of aggravated involuntary manslaughter and one count of driving under the influence for his part in a crash that killed two men earlier this year. The teen could face a maximum penalty of up to 20 years for each count of manslaughter. He could also receive hundreds of dollars in fines and lose his license for up to a year in connection to the charge of driving under the influence.
According to CBS 6 News, the accident happened five months ago, on Saturday, March 19. The drunken teen was driving the wrong way on Route 76, when he collided head on with the car that was carrying the two men. The men, who were life long friends, were wearing seat belts at the time of the collision, but did not survive the crash. The teen was found guilty of the charges today and will be sentenced on December 5.
The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that alcohol is in the top three contributing factors in fatal highway accidents, andhead on collisions are one of the leading types of fatal crashes.
If you have lost a loved one because of another person’s negligent and careless driving, contact the Virginia Wrongful Death Attorneys with Geoff McDonald & Associates. The experienced team of attorneys here may be able to guide you through the claim process and answer any questions you may have regarding your case. Just fill out a free online consultation form today!
by gma | August 24th, 2011
August 24, 2011
In the wake of the earthquake that rattled Virginia this week and Hurricane Irene setting her eye on the coastline, many area residents are rethinking their home emergency kits and evacuation plans. Taking some simple precautions before a catastrophe occurs could save you headaches and injuries in the long run.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) offers this list of items to be kept in a box in cool dry area of your home in the case of an emergency:
Food & Water (enough for 3-7 days)
- Non-perishable packaged or canned food/juices
- Foods for infants or the elderly
- Non-electric can opener
- Cooking tools and Fuel
Other Supplies
- Blankets and Pillows
- Tarp- multi-use
- Clothing-Including raingear and sturdy shoes
- First Aid Kit/ Medications
- Flashlight and spare batteries
- Radio- battery operated with spare batteries
- Telephones- Fully charged with a spare battery
- Cash
Important Documents (in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag)
- Insurance Cards
- Medical records
- Bank account numbers
- Social Security card
Pet Care Items
- Proper identification
- Immunization records
- Medications
- Ample supply of food and water
- A carrier or cage
- Muzzle and leash
The Richmond Personal Injury Attorneys with Geoff McDonald & Associates say the safest thing to do in bad weather is to just stay home and off the road. Their team of lawyers hopes that everyone makes it through the inclement weather okay in coming days.
by gma | August 17th, 2011
August 16, 2011
Four people were hurt in an accident on Route 33 near Topping, Virginia, after a pickup truck ran into the back of a car. As reported by the Southside Sentinel, the accident occurred on August 13th around 9AM as a BMW was turning into a parking lot.
When the car slowed to turn left into the parking lot of The Church of the Visitation, it was rear-ended by the pickup. The accident sent a 5-gallon bucket of asphalt sealer flying through the back window of the truck, covering the driver and a passenger with a sticky, black, tar-like substance. Responding Virginia State Trooper Tommy Hudson stated, “They looked like they’d been double-dipped in dark chocolate.” The two men were transported to Rappahannock General Hospital, where they were decontaminated of the hazardous material. The BMW’s driver and passenger were taken to Riverside Walter Reed Hospital in Gloucester, Virginia and treated for injuries. The driver of the pickup was cited for following too closely.
If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by the negligence of another driver, contact the Virginia Auto Accident Lawyers with Geoff McDonald & Associates. They have vast experience handling claims for the victims of auto accidents and dealing with insurance companies. Founding attorney Geoff McDonald recently discussed the importance of contacting a lawyer if you are involved in an auto accident in a video interview posted to their website. Contact them now to discuss your case.
by gma | August 11th, 2011
August 10, 2011
In association with the National Sleep Foundation‘s declaration of Drowsy Driving Prevention Week this week, Virginia State Police have released new findings regarding the importance of getting enough rest for safe driving. A CBS 6 News report stated that a total of 29 individuals died last year as a result of drivers falling asleep at the wheel.
Statistics also that, in 2010, 3,000 accidents occurred due to drivers dozing at the wheel. In the past two months alone, authorities say a total of seven people have died in three crashes associated with driver fatigue.
State Police offered several tips to keep drivers safe:
- Get a full night’s sleep before traveling.
- If possible, do not travel alone.
- Take frequent breaks by stopping at a rest area, gas station, or restaurant.
- Anticipate needed breaks.
- If you are taking any medication, check whether it causes drowsiness.
- Don’t drink and drive.
- Call your friends or family during your stops to let them know you stopped to rest.
By following these tips, as well as always wearing your safety belt, you can greatly improve your chances of avoiding injuries in a car crash.
If you’re injured in a car accident because of a drowsy driver, the Virginia Auto Accident Attorneys with Geoff McDonald & Associates may be able to assist you with collecting compensation to cover your expenses. Contact them now for a free consultation of your case.
by gma | August 3rd, 2011
August 3, 2011
A Virginia auto accident claimed a 29-year-old woman’s life after she was ejected from her vehicle. Channel 12 News reports that police were called to the accident scene, southbound lanes of Route 288 about a mile north of Route 360, at approximately 7:30 PM.
The crash occurred when the woman ran her Jeep Liberty into the back of a Mitsubishi Outlander. The collision caused her to lose control of the Jeep and careen off the side of the road. Her vehicle struck a guardrail was flipped over several times. The woman was not wearing her seat belt when she crashed, and was ejected from the vehicle. She was transported to Chippenham Medical Center, where she later died from her injuries.All passengers in the Outlander were wearing seat belts and sustained only minor injuries. Authorities believe speed was a factor in the accident, but do not suspect alcohol to have been involved.
Thousands are injured and killed in Virginia auto accidents every year, and victims face overwhelming expenses related to recovering. If you’ve been involved in an accident that was no fault of your own, Virginia Auto Accident Attorneys with Geoff McDonald & Associates might be able to you collect compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Contact them immediately for a free consultation.
