Can You Blame a GPS for a Fatal Car Accident? | Richmond Personal Injury Lawyer

Do you always do what your GPS says? If it told you to make a left turn, but there were stop signs and clearly visible“Wrong Way” signs posted, would you still make that left?

For a driver from Richmond, this miscommunication from her GPS system caused a fatal accident that left a 23-year-old Chase City man dead. She claims that the GPS told her to make a left, which turned out to be a one-way street. Apparently, she’s not the only one who has made this mistake. Troopers and people living in the area have witnessed drivers going the wrong way in that same area just off Route 460.

So, who is responsible for this accident? Is it the GPS company or the driver? That would probably be up to a judge to decide.

Keep in mind that you cannot always depend on a GPS system to provide accurate directions as sometimes the software is not up-to-date. Although you can usually trust what the system does tell you, you should always be aware of road signage and be more alert in areas that are not familiar to you.

Has your loved one been involved in a fatal car accident? Contact an experienced Virginia personal injury lawyer who specializes in car accidents to help you get through this trying time.

Source: WSET.com – ABC 13

Teen Deaths From Car Crashes Increase in Virginia | Richmond Personal Injury Lawyer

According to an article published over at the WSLS10 website, there has been a surge in the number of teenage deaths in Virginia due to car crashes. During the first three weeks of 2012, there were 11 teens who were killed, whereas only 3 died during the same period in 2011.

Reports from the incidents say that the majority of the crashes were caused by speeding, distractions, and going off the road. Because cell phone use is so high among teens, it would be interesting to find out if any of the teen drivers involved in these crashes were talking on the phone or texting while driving.

Safety organizations in Virginia have taken notice and are now on a mission to spread the word about safe driving among teens.

If you’re looking for helpful safety driving tips, read our article about keeping your teen safe on Virginia roadways. Another tip we would add is for parents to write up a teen driving contract that outlines safe driving practices and other car-related issues. This contract should be signed by the teen and the consequences of not abiding by the contract should be stated clearly. This lets your teen know how serious you are about their safety.

At O’Bryan Law we specialize in auto accidents in Virginia. Before talking with any insurance adjuster, it’s recommended to consult with an attorney to find out what rights you have as a victim of a car crash.

Richmond Bus Accident | Virginia injury lawyer

Bus accident victims recovering; truck driver charged.

A box truck ran a red light and hit a Boys and Girls Club bus full of children on the way to the Virginia Holocaust Museum.

Thankfully none of the children were seriously hurt, which is a real miracle considering the bus was flipped on its side. The lack of major injuries is probably due to the fact that the driver of the bus made sure that all the children were wearing their seat belts.

The top lesson from this accident is to always wear your seat belt when you are in  a car. It could save your life.

Distracted Driving Report | Hanover Car Accident Attorney

How important is that email or text you just received on your smart phone? Is it more important than being safe while driving on the road? Well, it seems like more and more people have given priority to texting over safety nowadays. As much as technology has given us access to quicker communication, it also has caused much headache for those who have been involved in car accidents because they felt the need to multitask.

An article on NBC29.com says that distracted driving deaths has increased 22 percent in the state of Virginia. Distracted driving is anything that takes your focus off of driving – whether it’s changing the channels on your radio, eating, applying makeup, or talking on the phone. However, we could assume that the increase in distracted driving deaths is probably due more to texting or talking on the phone.

So, what can we do to get people from not touching their phone while they are driving?

In the 80’s there was a famous public service announcement that featured an egg with the famous line: “This is your brain. This is your brain on drugs.” People would see that commercial or ad at least once a day on TV, on a billboard, or in a magazine. I think a similar PSA would work to get people to not text while driving. People need to see a message over and over before it registers in their mind. If people get consistent messages that texting while driving is dangerous, then more likely people will start to pay attention and take heed.

If you’ve been in an accident with a distracted driver, contact an experienced Virginia car accident attorney.

Underage Drunk Drivers in Virginia Face Harsher Penalties | Chesterfield Wrongful Death Lawyer

Drunk driving is a serious issue that claims thousands of lives each year. This past holiday weekend Virginia State Police beefed up patrols in order to control the increase in traffic and keep an eye out for drunk drivers. Last year there were 152 arrests related to drunk driving and 744 car crashes during the 4th of July weekend in Virginia.

With tougher underage drinking and driving penalties that went into effect at the beginning of the month, hopefully the incidences of drunk driving will go down. Underage drinkers in Virginia who are convicted of drunk driving will lose their drivers license for a month plus a $500 minimum fine or 50 hours of community service. Previously the fine was no more than $500 and a loss of license for six months.

Not only will guilty parties face these harsher penalties, but there is also the chance that they could face a lawsuit if they are involved in a car accident that causes injury or death to another person. Last year 1,285 underage drinkers were convicted of a DUI in Virginia. Is it really worth it for a few hours of fun?

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident with a drunk driver, you may want to consider consulting with a Richmond personal injury attorney who will protect your rights and make sure you get the help you need to recover from any injuries and damages.

Tragic Car Accident on I-64 Serves as a Reminder | Richmond Auto Accident Attorney

Spending time with your grandmother can be fun, especially if your grandmother is your best friend. Imagine waking up excited to go spend the day with your best friend. You had just graduated from high school on Sunday and now you’re looking forward to some time off before heading off to Virginia Commonwealth University for college.

For Shekinah Parker it was probably one of those days. Summer vacation just started and she was out and about with her grandmother enjoying the day. Shekinah and her grandmother, Pennie Hampton, were on I-64 when Pennie slowed down to avoid another car. Suddenly, Shekinah and Pennie were struck from behind by two other vehicles.

Neither one survived the event and the drivers of the two vehicles have been charged with reckless driving.

It’s tragic how lives can change in an instant. Shekinah Parker, who was only 17, had so much to look forward to. Her life as an independent adult was just starting. Pennie Hampton was 71 and is survived by her four children.

If only the other drivers had been more careful. If only…

Our prayers go out to the families of Shekinah Parker and Pennie Hampton. At least they will be together in peace now.

So think about this story as you’re out and about enjoying your summer vacation. Think about how you can be more careful driving on the highways. There’s no rush to get where you need to go.

It’s important to consult with a Richmond auto accident injury lawyer if you or a loved one is a victim of a tragic accident. A good lawyer can handle all the details so you can recuperate during this time.

Source:  Daily Press

 

Update: Fatal Bus Crash Involving Sky Express, Inc. | Richmond Accident Injury Lawyer

Earlier this month we talked about the fatal bus crash involving Sky Express Inc., a charter bus company that was transporting passengers from Greensboro N.C. to New York City. The crash occurred on I-95 in Virginia. Since the accident, the driver of the bus, Kin Yiu Cheung, of Flushing, NY has been charged with four charges of involuntary manslaughter and can face up to 10 years of in prison for each charge.

Despite the government’s attempt to shut down Sky Express for safety violations, the company continues to operate under a new name with newly painted buses. The company had a poor record in “fatigued driving” over the past two years, with a total of 46 violations of federal regulations.

Because of all the recent bus accidents, the New York state senate recently passed legislation requiring all bus drivers to submit to a criminal history check. Drivers will have to go through a 90 day conditional period while the background check is being undertaken.

This Sky Express bus accident in particular has raised concern about the low fare bus industry and their lack of concern about safety. If you are someone who travels by bus frequently, it may be in your best interest to do some research on the bus companies you travel with. If anything, paying the extra fare on a Greyhound or Amtrak train could be better for the sake of safety.

At O’Bryan Law Firm we help victims of bus accidents, truck accidents, or car wrecks. As a Richmond personal injury lawyer, I am dedicated to protecting your rights and making sure that you are justly compensated because of a negligent driver.

Tractor Trailer Accidents Common on Interstate 64 | Richmond Truck Accident Lawyer

Interstate 64 has seen its fair share of car wrecks over the years, especially collisions involving tractor trailer trucks. It is one of the most dangerous highways in the state of Virginia. Just recently an accident took place on I-64 involving a tractor trailer and a car which shut down the highway for several hours.

The driver of the car, Jessica Aguero, 22, of Langley Virginia was flown to the hospital by helicopter while the driver of the tractor-trailer, Douglas Hartwill, of Richmond, Virginia was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries. Virginia State Police has cited Hartwill with following too closely.

Aguero currently has charges pending against her. Allegedly she had slammed on her brakes to avoid traffic. Her car skidded and ended up in a perpendicular angle to the traffic. Hartwill then slammed into Aguero’s car.

Tractor trailers are very common on Virginia highways. Unfortunately because of their size, many accidents involving tractor trailers are fatal.  Make sure you are aware of the dangers of driving around large tractor trailers trucks.

At O’Bryan Law we represent people who have been involved in an accident with one of these trucks.  It’s important to seek the help of a good Richmond tractor trailer accident lawyer who specializes in these types of accidents because there are many variables involved.  An experienced lawyer is well aware of the specific laws associated with tractor trailers in the state of Virginia and can do a thorough investigation.

School Bus Accident in Richmond Leaves Two Injured | Richmond Accident Attorney

On May 31st Richmond fire fighters were dispatched to a school bus accident on Commerce Road.  The bus driver swerved to avoid hitting a man on a moped.  The bus then hit a power pole and a truck parked in a parking lot.  Fortunately, a police officer witnessed the accident and was able to catch the man on the moped.

Fire fighters worked to remove the two injured people from the bus, but one person had to be transported to the hospital.

Fire fighters across the nation risk their lives everyday to fight fires and respond to emergencies, including vehicle accidents.  The reason why a fire unit will go to a scene of an accident is because rescue trucks are equipped with extrication tools and other special rescue equipment in case the vehicle catches on fire.  If there is a life or death scenario, you want all the equipment available immediately.

Fortunately the bus accident was not extremely serious, but regardless of how serious any accident is, it’s highly recommended to consult with a Richmond accident attorney  – especially if you are injured.

We’d like to recognize and pay tribute to all the fire fighters in Richmond who work selflessly so that people can be safe, especially the seven Virginia fire fighters who died in the line of duty this past year.  They were honored at the 14th annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service in Richmond.  

Fatal Bus Crash Calls For Reform | Accident Injury Lawyer Richmond

Whenever people ride on a bus – whether it’s the regular city bus system, a school bus, or a tour bus – they put their trust in the driver.  That driver has a responsibility to get everyone on that bus to their destinations safe and sound.  In light of a recent deadly accident 30 miles north of Richmond, people are becoming more aware of crashes involving buses and are pushing for more regulation.

The bus accident occurred on Tuesday, May 31st in which 4 people died and 54 people were injured.  The bus driver, Kin Yiu Cheung, 37, has been charged with reckless driving.  Police say that Cheung may have been experiencing driver fatigue at the time of the crash.

It’s even more disturbing that the bus company, Sky Express Inc., had been given an “unsatisfactory” rating by The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.  Instead of being shut down, Sky Express had been given a 10-day extension.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008 there were 307 fatalities involving buses in the state of Virginia and 24,000 more people were injured.

Let’s hope that changes to bus regulations will take place sooner than later.  Some changes that have been proposed include stronger roofs, emergency exits, higher standards for passenger seating compartments, and seat belt requirements.

At O’Bryan Law Firm we represent people who have been involved in all types of vehicle accidents in the Richmond, Virginia area.  You are entitled to compensation for damages and injuries suffered because of another person’s negligence.  Get more information about auto accidents in Virginia.