Crandall & Katt, Attorneys at LawRoanoke Personal Injury Attorney | VA Car Accident Lawyer2024-03-15T19:45:18Zhttps://www.crandalllaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1201944/2022/04/cropped-favicon-ck512-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Crandall & Katt, Attorneys at Lawhttps://www.crandalllaw.com/?p=518452024-03-12T19:46:17Z2024-03-15T19:45:18ZRisk factors
When drivers engage in reckless behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving or disregarding traffic laws, they put cyclists at risk of becoming involved in a fatal accident. Cyclists are more vulnerable on the road due to their lack of protection compared to drivers in cars. This makes them particularly susceptible to serious injuries or even death in the event of a collision. Sadly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that almost 1,000 cyclists lose their lives in fatal accidents on an annual basis.
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of fatal bike accidents involving reckless drivers. When drivers use their phones, eat or engage in other activities that take their attention away from the road, they are less likely to see cyclists and react in time to avoid a collision. Speeding is another reckless behavior that can lead to fatal bike accidents. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to unexpected situations and are more likely to lose control of their vehicle. This can be especially dangerous for cyclists, who may not be able to move out of the way quickly enough to avoid a collision with a speeding vehicle.
Safety measures
To stay safe on the road and reduce the risk of a fatal bike accident, cyclists can take several precautions. It is important to always wear a helmet and reflective gear to increase visibility to drivers. Cyclists should also follow traffic laws, signal their intentions clearly and ride predictably to help drivers anticipate their movements. Additionally, cyclists can choose safer routes that have dedicated bike lanes or lower traffic volumes to reduce their exposure to reckless drivers.
By understanding the risks associated with reckless driving and taking steps to stay safe, cyclists can reduce their chances of becoming involved in a collision with a reckless driver. It is vital for drivers to share the road responsibly and respect cyclists' right to safe travel.]]>On Behalf of Crandall & Katt, Attorneys at Lawhttps://www.crandalllaw.com/?p=518412024-03-05T17:19:05Z2024-03-05T17:19:05Z1. Contusion
During a car accident, the brain can strike the inside of the skull, resulting in a contusion. A contusion is a bruise on the brain tissue, typically caused by direct impact. Symptoms may vary depending on the severity and location of the contusion, but they can include seizures, loss of consciousness and cognitive impairments. Treatment may involve rest, monitoring and sometimes surgery to alleviate pressure on the brain.
2. Concussion
A concussion is a common type of injury that happens when the head experiences a sudden impact, causing the brain to jolt inside the skull. Symptoms of a concussion may include headaches, confusion, dizziness and sensitivity to light or noise. It is important to seek medical attention immediately, as untreated concussions can lead to long-term complications.
3. Diffuse axonal injury
Diffuse axonal injury happens when the brain rapidly shifts back and forth within the skull, causing damage to nerve fibers. This type of trauma is often seen in high-speed car accidents. Symptoms may range from mild cognitive impairment to coma, depending on the extent of the injury. Rehabilitation and therapy are necessary for individuals with DAI to regain lost abilities and improve their quality of life.
4. Penetration injury
In some severe car accidents, objects may penetrate the skull and directly injure the brain. Penetration injuries can cause extensive damage to brain tissue, leading to paralysis, cognitive deficits or even death. Immediate medical intervention is a must to assess the extent of the injury and provide the necessary treatment.
Brain injuries resulting from car accidents can vary widely in severity. Prompt medical attention and appropriate treatment are important for minimizing long-term consequences and maximizing recovery.]]>On Behalf of Crandall & Katt, Attorneys at Lawhttps://www.crandalllaw.com/?p=518382024-03-04T21:43:28Z2024-03-04T21:43:28ZDerechos de los inmigrantes en caso de accidente
Antes de todo, es importante aclarar que la ley de Virginia protege los derechos de todas las personas, sin importar su situación migratoria. La ley se aplica por igual a todos los individuos, independientemente de su ciudadanía o estatus legal en el país. Si usted sufrió daños debido a la negligencia de otro, no dude en buscar el asesoramiento de un abogado cuanto antes.
También es importante notar que hay un plazo, establecido por la ley de Virginia, dentro del que la víctima tiene que empezar el proceso legal si no quiere perder el derecho (enlace en inglés). Por eso es tan importante que la víctima actúe con rapidez para contratar a un abogado después de su accidente.
El proceso para la víctima de un choque
Después de un choque, se aconseja buscar la asistencia de abogados especializados en accidentes automovilísticos, quienes pueden guiarle a través de cada paso y asegurarse de que sus derechos estén plenamente protegidos.
Si la víctima del accidente fallece debido a las lesiones que sufrió en el choque, sus familiares pueden buscar la compensación por muerte injusta.
Su estatus migratorio no debería ser un obstáculo para buscar justicia y compensación. Si ha sido víctima de un accidente automovilístico, no permita que la incertidumbre sobre su situación migratoria le impida buscar la ayuda legal que necesita.]]>On Behalf of Crandall & Katt, Attorneys at Lawhttps://www.crandalllaw.com/?p=518372024-03-02T15:45:26Z2024-03-04T15:43:36ZAggressive driving behaviors
Aggressive driving behaviors are common on Virginia's roadways. Many drivers display impatience, hostility and a lack of regard for traffic laws. Tailgating is a frequent sight. So, too, is speeding and weaving in and out of traffic. Road rage incidents, where drivers engage in dangerous behaviors due to anger, are also common. These aggressive driving behaviors escalate tensions on the road and increase the likelihood of collisions.
Other contributing factors
Several factors contribute to the prevalence of confrontational driving in Virginia. Heavy traffic congestion can lead to frustration and impatience among drivers. Long commutes, tight schedules and personal or work-related pressures can exacerbate aggressive driving tendencies. The anonymity provided by being behind the wheel of a vehicle can also embolden drivers to act more aggressively than they might in other situations.
Impacts on road safety
Aggressive driving behaviors reduce the margin for error. It also makes it more challenging for drivers to react to unexpected situations. Confrontational driving can also increase stress levels and escalate conflicts between motorists. These factors create a dangerous atmosphere on Virginia's roads, where even minor altercations can escalate into serious accidents.
According to Fox 5 D.C., Virginia has the nation's fourth-most-confrontational drivers. By promoting awareness of aggressive driving and enforcing traffic laws, policymakers and law enforcement agencies can create a safer driving environment for everyone.]]>On Behalf of Crandall & Katt, Attorneys at Lawhttps://www.crandalllaw.com/?p=518362024-03-02T15:40:02Z2024-03-02T15:38:55ZCollision avoidance and electronic logging
One of the most significant technological advancements in preventing large truck accidents is the development of collision avoidance systems. These systems use sensors and cameras to monitor the truck's surroundings and alert the driver to potential dangers, such as sudden stops or lane departures. In some cases, these systems can even automatically apply the brakes to avoid a collision.
Driver fatigue is a major contributing factor to large truck accidents. To combat this issue, many trucks are now equipped with electronic logging devices. These devices track the driver's hours of service and ensure compliance with regulations that limit the amount of time a driver can spend behind the wheel.
Blind spot detection
Large trucks have significant blind spots that can make it challenging for drivers to see other vehicles on the road. Blind spot detection systems use sensors to monitor these blind spots and alert the driver when there is a vehicle in a dangerous position. Unfortunately, many large truck accidents keep occurring. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration says 119,000 large truck and bus injury accidents happened throughout 2021.
By embracing these advancements and investing in new technologies, trucking companies and drivers can reduce the number of accidents involving large trucks and create a safer transportation network for all road users.]]>On Behalf of Crandall & Katt, Attorneys at Lawhttps://www.crandalllaw.com/?p=518332024-02-28T22:29:44Z2024-02-28T19:31:52Z
This is a map of all Roanoke car accidents in 2023. Data is courtesy of the Traffic Records Electronic Data System (TREDS). Note that the crashes displayed on the map are only those which have validated GPS information. Top accident areas include:
The stretch of Electric Road near US-221 with 97 accidents in 2023
The stretch of Electric Road near US-220 with 92 accidents in 2023
The stretch of I-81 near Electric Road with 91 accidents in 2023
Virginia Ave and Washington Ave in Vinton with 138 accidents combined on both roads in the area in 2023.
In the area surrounding Roanoke, the majority of accidents were along well traveled interstates and highways. More specifically, in 2023 the Department of Motor Vehicles for the Commonwealth of Virginia reported the following accident data:
US-250. The agency reports approximately 700 accidents at US-250 through Richmond. The largest percentage of accidents occurred at the intersection with N. Belvidere St.
I-64. More than 570 accidents along the stretch of the highway that winds through the north end of Richmond. The agency also reported majority of accidents along this stretch of interstate at the intersection with N. Belvidere St.
I-581. 544 accidents along this stretch of highway through Roanoke with almost half near the interchange with Route 460.
I-264. Over 600 accidents throughout portions of this highway that run from Norfolk to Virginia Beach.
It is important to note that this data includes accidents due to drunk driving, speeding, and negligence and range from relatively minor to catastrophic. This information can help drivers plan their travel, sometimes choosing a safer route.
These main thoroughfares are not the only areas to be wary when driving through Virginia. Locals and tourists alike are also wise to drive with increased caution through mountain passes and costal routes. These roadways are just a sample of Virginia's hazardous routes. Drivers must understand that the beauty of a drive does not negate the risks involved. Remember, safety on these roads is paramount. Drive wisely, stay informed, and respect the road.]]>On Behalf of Crandall & Katt, Attorneys at Lawhttps://www.crandalllaw.com/?p=518252024-01-26T11:21:53Z2024-01-26T11:21:53Zdangerous for individuals with compromised immune systems. These individuals include HIV patients and organ transplant recipients.
Haleon would not reveal the nature of the contamination. However, the manufacturer warned that using its products could result in fungal infections. The recalled medicines have expiration dates from October 2025 to June 2026.
Steps to take if you’re affected
If you’ve suffered any injury or illness from taking any of the recalled cough syrups, you’ll have to act quickly and seek medical attention. While recovering, don’t forget to document your medical condition, including your symptoms, the number of hospital visits you’ve had, and any related expenses.
You should also keep the cough syrup that caused your medical complications as evidence. This includes the packaging and receipt.
All these things will become useful if you file a product liability lawsuit.
Legal options
Under Virginia law, you may have the right to seek compensation for your medical condition through a product liability lawsuit. Design defects, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings/instructions can all be grounds for a claim. In this cough syrup case, the defect is likely related to manufacturing.
You can claim damages through a lawsuit, which can cover your medical expenses, lost wages as well as pain and suffering. The lawsuit can also claim punitive damages, depending on whether the manufacturer had committed any wrongdoing.
Product liability lawsuits are complicated and facing them alone is not recommended. You’ll need legal know-how to navigate the process and ensure your case is airtight. Consider working with an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process and protect your rights in court.]]>On Behalf of Crandall & Katt, Attorneys at Lawhttps://www.crandalllaw.com/?p=518232024-01-16T09:28:26Z2024-01-16T09:28:26Za wrongful death lawsuit within Virginia’s two-year allowable period.
However, surviving families can face sensitive and complex information that they may not be familiar with during the process of pursuing compensation for their decedent’s death. So, they can turn to expert witnesses to provide objective and specialized knowledge and skills that can help them establish their case.
Understanding the role of expert witnesses
An accident tends to involve multiple parties with varying perspectives about how the incident unfolded and who bears responsibility. Expert witnesses can be the neutral voice, who can leverage their credentials and experience to shed light on the case.
Medical: Medical professionals can identify how a defendant deviated from the standard of care. They can show a direct link between the breach of care and the victim’s demise.
Financial: Economic analysts can quantify the extent of monetary losses, such as lost income. They can reveal how such losses impact the surviving families’ financial stability.
Psychological: Mental health specialists can determine the severity of emotional distress. Doing so can match an amount to the intangible pain and suffering that the families tackle.
Reconstruction: With the evidence found on the scene, reconstruction experts apply scientific principles to recreate the dynamics of the crash. They can pin down factors, such as a driver’s speeding, which might have triggered or contributed to the tragedy.
This list of expert witnesses can still expand depending on how complex the case is. Their expert testimonies can discover and simplify technical details that can help the court to make well-informed decisions.
Pursuing fair compensation
Expert witnesses are also instrumental in developing a strategic plan to move the case forward. For instance, the family’s legal team can expedite or change a course of action if an expert discovers a crucial detail. Doing so can improve the family’s chances of getting the compensation and closure they deserve.]]>On Behalf of Crandall & Katt, Attorneys at Lawhttps://www.crandalllaw.com/?p=518182024-01-04T10:17:17Z2024-01-04T10:17:17Zlatest in a series of recalls for similar other magnetic ball toys, CPSC warned that these magnets aren’t just small enough to swallow, but are also powerful enough to block, twist and perforate children’s intestines, causing infection, blood poisoning and even death.
The latest recall affects about 4,240 units sold through Walmart.
Why are magnet toys so dangerous?
According to CPSC and other health experts, magnetic toys are strong enough to attract each other even when inside the body. When a child swallows two or more magnets, they can attract each other, pinning digestive tissue in the stomach or the intestines in between. This can lead to the health issues mentioned earlier.
CPSC noted that Joybuy’s magnetic ball product didn’t lead to any injuries. However, it has estimated that hospitals have treated a total of 2,400 magnetic ingestions from 2017 to 2021. The regulator also said that it is aware that these toys have caused seven deaths, including two that have occurred in the U.S.
Seeking compensation for magnetic ingestion injuries
If your child suffered a severe injury from ingesting magnetic toys, you may be able to claim damages from the manufacturer through a product liability lawsuit.
To have a strong case for a product liability lawsuit, you’ll need as much evidence as possible to support your claim. Document everything related to your child’s case, from the medical expenses down to the x-ray scans revealing the magnets inside your child. You’ll also want to keep the toy’s packaging for reference – you may be able to hold the manufacturer responsible if the packaging lacked choking hazard warnings and the like.
Consider consulting a legal professional to learn if you have enough evidence to support your claims. An attorney would also be helpful to you should the manufacturer refuse to settle and take the case to court.]]>On Behalf of Crandall & Katt, Attorneys at Lawhttps://www.crandalllaw.com/?p=518172023-12-22T03:50:53Z2023-12-22T03:50:53Zany action or failure to act that causes injury or harm to another person. Personal injury law protects individuals who suffered injuries or damages due to torts. It provides a legal avenue for them to seek compensation. Even though every state has its own variation of personal injury laws, they are all governed by the same key and basic principles. Understanding how significant personal injury law is for everyone requires a deeper look at those underlying principles.
Accountability
One of the main objectives of personal injury law is to hold those who cause harm to others accountable for their actions. Accountability is when an individual or entity acknowledges that they made a mistake, and they should correct it. It is about being responsible for the decisions made and actions taken.
Compensation
The victims of personal injury suffer unnecessary and avoidable economic and non-economic losses because of the wrongful actions or inactions of another. They will need time and money to heal. Through a personal injury claim or lawsuit, they can seek compensation to help them recover to the position they were in before the injury occurred.
Prevention
Personal injury law encourages people to be more careful when fulfilling their duties to others. It serves as both a punishment for the wrongdoer and a deterrent to prevent similar harmful actions in the future. The threat of legal action can be a powerful incentive for individuals and businesses to act responsibly and take precautions to avoid harm.
Justice
Justice is the principle of fairness. It is about correcting wrongs by holding the wrongdoer accountable and distributing resources to those who suffered losses from the wrongs. Without personal injury law, victims would not have a legal avenue to achieve justice.
Personal injury law gives every single person a legal obligation and a social responsibility to be careful and avoid harming others. In Virginia, people must take that responsibility very seriously because if they contributed in any way to an accident or incident that caused their injuries, they may not be able to collect compensation.]]>