Leesburg - 105 Loudoun Street SE, Leesburg, VA 20175 Midlothian - 13303 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, VA 23113 Hopewell - 222 N. Main Street, Suite 300, Hopewell, VA 23860 Winchester - 14 S Kent Street, Winchester, VA 22601
Burnett & Williams - Experienced Loudoun County Truck Accident Lawyers
In nearly two decades of personal injury specialization, Burnett & Williams has achieved notable verdicts, settlements, and appellate results in cases arising from wrongful deaths, medical malpractice, tractor trailer accidents, traumatic brain injuries, defective products, serious orthopaedic injuries,
and other significant injuries. This specialization and the consequent investment in time and resources in each case have been instrumental in our ability to obtain full compensation for our clients.
How the Process Works
One of the most common questions we hear from people interested in pursuing a personal injury case is, “So, how does this whole process work?” Most people are not familiar with how legal claims work, either because they have never been involved in a legal case before or simply because the process and procedure of the law is complicated, to say the least.
We understand that it is important for you to know what to expect when you decide to pursue a personal injury case. Although no two cases are the same, we have outlined a typical case process to guide you through a typical case. We want you to understand what is happening every step of the way.
If You've Been Injured
Choosing a lawyer can be time consuming, stressful, and confusing. If you've been injured, you need compassionate, experienced legal asistance. The attorneys at Burnett & Williams have extensive experience in all types of personal injury law. Contact us for more information and a free consultation. Having difficulty traveling? We will be happy to visit you at home or meet with you in a location that is convenient for you.
Florida Woman Denied Insurance Coverage For Removal of Ruptured Breast Implant Atlantis, FL—A mother of six who suffers from pain associated with a breast augmentation gone wrong says her insurance company would not cover the cost of implant removal surgery. Ada Serrano works at Subway and makes $7.50 an hour, leaving her unable to afford the much-needed procedure on her own, as reported by WPTV. If [...]
Iraq Veterans Suffer Traumatic Brain Injury With the end of combat operations in Iraq, the need for public attention to traumatic brain injuries will increase. The constant injuries coming out of the war zone may subside but the care and funding these soldiers need will go on for the rest of their lives. What is Traumatic Brain Injury? Traumatic brain injury [...]
Botox Maker to Pay $600 Million to Resolve Allegations of Off-Label Promotions American pharmaceutical manufacturer Allergan Inc. has agreed to plead guilty and pay $600 million to resolve its criminal and civil liability arising from the company’s unlawful promotion of its biological product, Botox® Therapeutic, for uses not approved as safe and effective by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Justice Department announced today. The resolution [...]
Truck Driver Narrowly Avoids Major Train Collision A midday collision between a southbound Norfolk Southern freight train and Conway Freight tractor trailer closed Main Street for two hours on Wednesday. There were no reported injuries and Main Street was reopened at approximately 2:30pm EST. Once the train had finally stopped and the truck driver had an opportunity to assess the location of [...]
Study Finds Annual Cost of Motor Vehicle Crashes Exceeds $99 Billion In a one-year period, the cost of medical care and productivity losses associated with injuries from motor vehicle crashes exceeded $99 billion – with the cost of direct medical care accounting for $17 billion, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The total annual cost amounts to nearly $500 for [...]
Lawyer Who Wore Wire to Build Case Against Claimed Client: ‘I Had to Do It’ Was attorney Terry Haddock acting as Shannon Williams’ lawyer during six months of jail visits in 2009? Or was Haddock, at least as Williams saw it, either representing him or exploiting his attorney status to help his claimed client run a marijuana ring?That appears to be the central issue in a federal court hearing in [...]
Liberty University School of Law Awarded Full Accreditation Liberty University School of Law was awarded full accreditation approval by the American Bar Association during its annual meeting in San Francisco. On August 5, the ABA Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar granted full approval to the law school. The Council is recognized as the accrediting agency of [...]
Husqvarna Professional Products Recalls Riding Lawn Tractors Husqvarna Professional Products Recalls Riding Lawn Tractors Due to Fire Hazard The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. Name of Product: Husqvarna Riding [...]
Baja Motorsports Recalls Mini Bikes and Go-Carts Due to Fire and Burn Hazards The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. Name of Product: Baja Motorsports Mini Bikes and Go-Carts [...]
ATVs Recalled by Suzuki Due to Loss of Control Hazard The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. Name of Product: Suzuki QuadSport ATVs Units: About 1,355 Distributors: American Suzuki Motor Corp., of Brea, [...]
Local News - Winchester, Loudoun, and Fairfax » Loudoun News
Loudoun Department of Economic Development Hosting Redskins Trivia Contest on Facebook The Loudoun County Department of Economic Development is hosting a Redskins Trivia Contest every day for the next two weeks on the department’s page on Facebook.
Loudoun County is the corporate home of the Washington Redskins and the department is encouraging business leaders and residents to take part in the events surrounding Redskins Week, which begins September 7, and ends with the opening game against the Dallas Cowboys on September 12.
Every day for the next two weeks, the department will post three daily questions on its Facebook page. The first person ...
Director of Public Information for Loudoun County to Leave Position – Loudoun News Jim Barnes, Director of Public Information for Loudoun County, announced today that he will leave his position at the end of October, after nearly 22 years of service with the county.
“When I first came to Loudoun County, I never dreamed that I would be in this position for 22 years,” he said. “I have been honored to serve the people of Loudoun County, but now it’s time for me to take on a new challenge.” He said that while he is exploring new opportunities, he will do consulting work for ...
Virginia Regional Transit to End Western Flyer Trolley Service Virginia Regional Transit (VRT) announced today that it will discontinue Western Flyer trolley service on September 3, 2010. The route has gained riders during the trial period, but has not generated enough sustained ridership to warrant the continued funding necessary to maintain service. Passengers will be notified of service termination through postings on the trolleys.
Currently the service runs between Purcellville and Lovettsville and also provides access to the MARC train in Brunswick, MD, with optional transfers to other fixed-route services. Since its inception in February 2009, ridership ...
Town of Purcellville Plans “Rock the Field” The Town of Purcellville and the Purcellville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will once again be offering their free rock music event, “Rock the Field”, on September 12, 2010 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. “Rock the Field” will feature the classic rock groups GSL, Ivy Rose, Not My Finest Hour, The Immortals and Canus Cibus. This free event will be held at Fireman’s Field located at 250 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, in the gazebo area behind the stadium.
A rock wall, moon bounce and slide, temporary tattoos, face ...
Prescription Pill Distributor in Middleburg Va Sentenced to 10 Years – Loudoun News Joseph George Ecker, 53, of Middleburg, Va., was sentenced today to 120 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally distributing prescription drugs he obtained as a Medicare beneficiary.
Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Shawn Henry, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.
Ecker pled guilty on June 16, 2010, to conspiracy to distribute Schedule II prescription narcotic drugs and health care fraud. As ...
Osama El-Atari Sentenced to 12 Years for $53 Million Bank Fraud Osama El-Atari, 31, of Ashburn, Va., was sentenced today to 144 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for operating a fraud scheme that stole more than $53 million from banks throughout the United States.
Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio; Shawn Henry, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office; C. Frank Figliuzzi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Field Office; and Rebecca A. Sparkman, ...
Sobriety Checkpoint in Eastern Loudoun Friday August 27th The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office will conduct a sobriety checkpoint on Friday, August 27, 2010 in Eastern Loudoun County.
The sobriety checkpoint will be held from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. The Sheriff’s Office designed the checkpoints to raise public awareness and to discourage impaired driving.
The sobriety checkpoint follows on the heels of the kick-off for the National Highway Traffic Safety Association’s (NHTSA) annual ‘Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.’ campaign. The NHTSA also released new data this week indicating that eight percent of all drivers, as many as 17 ...
Dulles Motorcars Celebrates Opening of New Leesburg Showroom At 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 28, 2010, Town of Leesburg officials will hold a ribbon cutting for Dulles Motorcars’ new Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge and Ram showroom located at 219 Catoctin Circle SE. Council Member Katie Hammler will be officiating.
“As a Jeep dealership for almost 20 years, we were fortunate to have very loyal customers. Now we are pleased to be able to serve them again, as well as customers for other Chrysler products that are so popular in Loudoun County,” says owner Kevin Saghafi.
Following the ribbon cutting, local professional ...
Second Body Discovered at Balls Bluff is Apparent Suicide On August 25, 2010 at approximately 1:00 AM, Leesburg Police Officers discovered a body in Balls Bluff Park in Leesburg. The body has been identified as that of a Leesburg man. At this time, all indications are that the individual took his own life. Detectives from the Leesburg Police Department are conducting a thorough investigation in conjunction with the Medical Examiner’s Office to determine exact cause of death.
There is no indication of a connection to the homicide that is currently under investigation by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.
The ...
Apparent Homicide Near Balls Bluff Park in Leesburg The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an apparent homicide after human remains were discovered in a wooded area near Ball’s Bluff Regional Park in the Town of Leesburg.
Around 5:47 p.m. August 23rd members of the Leesburg Police Department and the Loudoun County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management responded to the 42300 block of Ball’s Bluff Road for a report of a small structure fire. At the scene human remains were discovered.
The Loudoun County Fatal Fire Arson Task Force (LFFATF) responded to the scene. Members of the Loudoun ...
Auto accident
Every motor vehicle accident case raises at least three questions:
1) Who was at fault?
To be entitled to damages under Virginia law, you must prove that someone else was at fault in causing the accident. Sometimes the question of fault is easily determined, such as when someone for no legitimate reason drives through a red light and collides with someone who is lawfully in the intersection. What, you might ask, could be a legitimate reason for driving through a red light? Well, the answers are endless - mechanical failure, sudden illness, or anything else that the driver is unable to control. Until your opponent concedes liability for the accident, you should take nothing for granted. For example, contrary to popular belief, a driver who drives into the rear of another car is not automatically at fault under the law. Fault is a threshold question without first establishing fault, the case cannot proceed.
2) What are the injuries?
The amount that an injury victim is entitled to recover from a negligent driver is usually determined by the extent of the injuries, although in some cases the defendant’s conduct is so outrageous that the injured victim can also assert a claim for punitive damages. The most common elements of compensatory damages in motor vehicle cases include bodily injuries and their effect, past and future medical expenses, past and future lost wages, future lessened earning capacity, disfigurement, inconvenience, pain, and suffering. Virginia law sets no limit on the dollar amount an injury victim can recover in compensatory damages.
3) Is there adequate insurance coverage to fully compensate you for your injuries?
There are many potential sources of insurance coverage from which you might receive compensation for your injuries. The insurance coverage types (click here for more info) available to automobile accident victims fall into three categories: liability coverage; uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage; and medical expense coverage (also known as medical payments coverage or "med pay"). Sources of potential insurance coverage can be found in some unexpected places, so when you meet with us, be sure to provide us with a copy of every policy that might apply. Because Virginia law sets such low limits on the amount of insurance that motor vehicle owners must have, we see too many people who have cases of clear liability, substantial injuries, but grossly inadequate insurance coverage. To ensure that this does not happen to you, please review your own policies and consider increasing the limits on your uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
Tractor Trailer Accidents
Although we ask the same three questions to victims of tractor trailer accidents as we do to those involved in automobile accidents, the extensive regulation of truckers by the state and federal departments of transportation add a significant layer of complexity to the proper presentation of a tractor trailer claim. Given the size and weight of most tractor trailers, the resultant injuries are frequently much more severe and the issues are often much more technical. We often consult with experienced tractor trailer drivers and accident reconstructionists to assist us in the evaluation and presentation of technically complex evidence.
How safe is your family in your car?
DID YOU KNOW?
Only 10 to 20% of children between the ages of 4 and 7 are properly restrained when riding
in a car? What makes them safe: a booster seat.
A booster seat raises the child up, ensuring that the seat belt fits properly over the chest and
thighs. A standard seat belt, when fastened, falls across the face or neck of a child under
4'9", leaving him/her vulnerable to severe injuries. Tucking the shoulder strap under the
child's arm is not a safe solution to the problem.
So if booster seats are the answer to the problem of safe car travel for these kids, then why
aren't more kids riding in them? Lack of awareness is likely the answer. That's why the
National Highway Safety Administration named this week, February 12th through the
18th, as National Child Passenger Safety Week in the hope of informing more parents and
caregivers of the safe way to travel with small children.
Listed below are four helpful guidelines to help you make decisions about the safety of your
kids. For more information, go toboosterseat.gov.
1. Use rearfacing infant seats in the back from birth to at least one year of
age and at least 20 pounds;
2. Use forwardfacing toddler seats in the back seat from age one and 20
pounds to about the age four and 40 pounds;
3. Use booster seats in the back seat from about age four to at least age
eight unless the child is 4'9" or taller; and
4. Use safety belts inthe back seat at age eight or older or taller than 4'9".
As of February 12th, the Virginia House of Delegates gave their final approval to a bill
requiring children up to eight years old to be restrained in a booster seat while riding in a
vehicle. The bill is now on its way to Gov. Timothy M. Kaine for approval.
US Consumer Product Safety Commission - Recent Sports/Recreation Related Recalls
Sports/Recreation related recalls and product safety news from CPC
Hayes Bicycle Group Recalls Quick-Release Devices for Bicycles Due To Fall Hazard
Wed, Jul 2, 2008 11:00 AM
The quick release devices can unexpectedly fail or break when locked in position on the bicycle, causing the rider to lose control, which poses a serious fall hazard.
Paintball Gun Adapters Recalled by RAP4 Due to Impact and Laceration Hazards
Wed, Jul 2, 2008 11:00 AM
The remote line adapter can burst when over tightened, posing serious impact and laceration hazards to consumers.
E-Z-GO Recalls RXV Golf Cars Due to Fall Hazard
Fri, Jun 27, 2008 12:00 PM
The hip restraints on the cars can detach at the base, posing a fall and injury risk to consumers.
ATVs Recalled By KYMCO Due to Loss of Speed Control
Thu, Jun 26, 2008 2:30 PM
A manufacturing defect in the carburetor can cause the throttle to stick open, posing a risk of serious injury or death to the rider.
ATVs Recalled By Kawasaki Due to Loss of Speed Control
Thu, Jun 26, 2008 2:30 PM
The throttle can fail to return to the idle position when released or could fail to be at idle on start-up. This could result in loss of vehicle control, posing a risk of serious injury or death to the rider.
Arctic Cat Recalls Model Year 2008 50cc and 90cc Youth Model ATVs
Tue, Jun 24, 2008 8:30 AM
The speed controller on the recalled ATVs could fail to return to the idle position when the throttle lever is released, or the speed controller could fail to be at idle on start up. This could result in loss of vehicle control, which could result in serious injury or death to the rider.
Tucker Rocky Recalls Off-Road Motorcycle Clamp Kits; Bolts Can Break Causing Handlebars to Separate During a Crash and Cause Serious Injury
Wed, Jun 18, 2008 9:30 AM
Some of the bolts included in the clamp kits (or sold separately) if installed incorrectly can break under extreme force such as a crash. This can cause the handlebars to separate posing a risk of serious injury to the rider.
BRP U.S. Inc. Recalls Snowmobiles Due to Fire Hazard
Tue, Jun 17, 2008 9:00 AM
Friction between the fuel hose and the cylinder head cover can cause the hose to pierce. This can cause fuel to leak out, posing a fire hazard.
Polaris Industries Expands Recall of ATVs Due to Fire Hazard
Wed, Jun 4, 2008 10:00 AM
The ATVs can have defective Electronic Control Modules (ECM) that overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to riders.
Batting Helmets Recalled by Rawlings Sporting Goods Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
Tue, May 27, 2008 11:00 AM
Surface paint on the helmets contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
BRP U.S. Inc. Recalls Snowmobiles Due to Explosion Hazard
Wed, May 21, 2008 12:00 PM
Under extreme cold and dry weather conditions, an explosion could occur because of sparking in the fuel tank when it is partially filled with gasoline at a low vapor pressure and the engine is left idling. This could cause serious injuries or death.
K2 Sports Recalls Snowboard Bindings Due to Fall Hazard
Tue, May 20, 2008 9:00 AM
The cable that links the toe strap to the binding could break, posing a fall hazard to snowboarders.
Air Pistols That Can Fire Unexpectedly Are Recalled by Umarex USA
Wed, May 14, 2008 9:30 AM
The air pistols can accidentally discharge, posing a risk of serious injury if the air pistol is loaded and pointed at the user or another person when it discharges.
American Honda Motor Co. Recalls ATVs Due to Loss of Steering Control
Thu, May 8, 2008 12:45 PM
The electric power steering shaft of the recalled ATVs could break unexpectedly, resulting in the rider's losing steering control. This poses a risk of injury or death to riders.
TJ Power Sports Recalls Dune Buggies Due To Ejection Hazard
Tue, May 6, 2008 11:00 AM
The seat belt adjustment for the shoulder buckle can break during impact or stress, posing an ejection and injury hazard to driver and passenger.
Analysis of large truck rollover crashes.
McKnight AJ, Bahouth GT.
Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Calverton, Maryland 20705, USA. jimmcknight@comcast.net
OBJECTIVES: Close to a tenth of all large truck crashes result from rolling over during some maneuver. The aim of this study was to identify causes of these serious events as well as preventive measures that could be taken to reduce their number. METHODS: Detailed descriptions of 231 rollovers provided by field investigators were analyzed to identify causes. The descriptions addressed crash location, the nature of the crash, effect upon the vehicles involved, injuries and treatment, and contributing conditions. Causes were inferred from the nature of the crash. RESULTS: Almost half of the rollover crashes resulted from failing to adjust speed to curves, loads, brake condition, road surfaces, and intersections. A second major contributor involved lack of attention, including general inattention, misdirected attention, falling asleep, and distraction. The third major factor involved control errors, including oversteering, understeering, overcorrecting for errors, and minor control errors. The remainder were not driving errors and included those of other drivers, those occurring before the truck took to the road, and the condition of the vehicle before it was driven. CONCLUSIONS: Although they account for but a tenth of all large truck crashes, rollovers result from causes that are relatively unique to the vehicle and where it is driven. Programs could improve safety through the use of video to expose truck drivers to the situations causing rollovers, along with simulation allowing drivers to experience the consequences of errors without the harmful results of actual rollovers.
