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.
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If you have been involved in an auto accident in winchester va or an accident on a WInchester Rd pplease call us for a free consultation. We are specialists in truck accidents, semi truck accidents and auto accidents. Know your options before you speak to an insurance company. If you have accident reports in winchester virginia pertaining to your car accident, make sure you have them available for our discussion. If you or a loved one has susttained a car accident injury in winchester, va call us at 540) 667-3500 or write Burnett & Williams P.O. Box 3552 Winchester, VA 22604
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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.
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For more tips Car Crash Facts from http://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov
- More than 6.1 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 2005. Almost one-third of these crashes resulted in an injury, with less than 1 percent of total crashes (39,189) resulting in a death. [Crashes : 2005]
- Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour periods throughout 2005, with 1,320 and 1,275 fatal crashes, respectively. [Crashes : 2005]
- Fifty-eight percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 31 percent of injury crashes and 31 percent of property-damage-only crashes. [Crashes : 2005]
- More than half of fatal crashes occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 55 mph or more, while only 23 percent of property-damage-only crashes occurred on these roads. [Crashes : 2005]
- Collision with another motor vehicle in transport was the most common first harmful event for fatal, injury, and property-damage-only crashes. Collisions with fixed objects and noncollisions accounted for only 19 percent of all crashes, but they accounted for 44 percent of fatal crashes. [Crashes : 2005]
- Thirty-nine percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol. For fatal crashes occurring from midnight to 3 a.m., 75 percent involved alcohol. [Crashes : 2005]
- Nearly 6.2 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 2004. Almost one-third of these crashes resulted in an injury, with less than 1 percent of total crashes (38,253) resulting in a death. [Crashes : 2004]
- Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour periods throughout 2004, with 1,174 and 1,277 fatal crashes, respectively. [Crashes : 2004]
- Fifty-seven percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 30 percent of injury crashes and 30 percent of property-damage-only crashes. [Crashes : 2004]
- More than half of fatal crashes occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 55 mph or more, while only 24 percent of property-damage-only crashes occurred on these roads. [Crashes : 2004]
- Thirty-nine percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol. For fatal crashes occurring from midnight to 3 a.m., 76 percent involved alcohol. [Crashes : 2004]
Personal Injury Lawyers - Specialists in Auto & Truck Accident Cases P.O. Box 3552 Winchester, VA 22604
- More than 6.3 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 2003. Almost one-third of these crashes resulted in an injury, with less than 1 percent of total crashes (38,252) resulting in a death. [Crashes : 2003]
- Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour periods throughout 2003, with 1,228 and 1,208 fatal crashes, respectively. [Crashes : 2003]
- Fifty-seven percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 30 percent of injury crashes and 31 percent of property-damage-only crashes. [Crashes : 2003]
- More than half of fatal crashes occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 55 mph or more, while only 25 percent of property-damage-only crashes occurred on these roads. [Crashes : 2003]
- Collision with another motor vehicle in transport was the most common first harmful event for fatal, injury, and property-damage-only crashes. Collisions with fixed objects and noncollisions accounted for only 19 percent of all crashes, but they accounted for 44 percent of fatal crashes.
- Forty percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol. For fatal crashes occurring from midnight to 3 a.m., 77 percent involved alcohol. [Crashes : 2003]
- Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour periods throughout 2000, with 1,271 and 1,218 fatal crashes, respectively.
- Fifty-six percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 30 percent of both injury crashes and property-damage-only crashes.
- * More than half of fatal crashes occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 55 mph or more, while only 22 percent of property-damage-only crashes occurred on these roads.
- Forty percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol. For fatal crashes occurring from midnight to 3 a.m., 77 percent involved alcohol.
- Nearly 6.3 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 1999. Almost one-third of these crashes resulted in an injury, with less than 1 percent of total crashes (37,043) resulting in a death. [Crashes : 1999]
- Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour periods throughout 1999, with 1,215 and 1,182 fatal crashes, respectively. [Crashes : 1999]
- Fifty-six percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 28 percent of both injury crashes and property-damage-only crashes.
- More than half of fatal crashes occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 55 mph or more, while only 22 percent of property-damage-only crashes occurred on these roads.
- Collision with another motor vehicle in transport was the most common first harmful event for fatal, injury, and property-damage-only crashes. Collisions with fixed objects and noncollisions accounted for only 17 percent of all crashes, but they accounted for 41 percent of fatal crashes.
- 1999 Motor Vehicle Crash Data from FARS and GES Thirty-eight percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol. For fatal crashes occurring from midnight to 3 a.m., 75 percent involved alcohol.
- More than 6.3 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 1998. Almost one-third of these crashes resulted in an injury, with less than 1 percent of total crashes (37,081) resulting in a death.
- Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays proved to be the deadliest 3-hour periods throughout 1998, with 1,218 and 1,208 fatal crashes, respectively.
Personal Injury Lawyers - Specialists in Auto & Truck Accident Cases P.O. Box 3552 Winchester, VA 22604
- Fifty-six percent of fatal crashes involved only one vehicle, compared to 28 percent of both injury crashes and property-damage-only crashes.
- More than half of fatal crashes occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 55 mph or more, while only 23 percent of property-damage-only crashes occurred on these roads.
- Collision with another motor vehicle in transport was the most common first harmful event for fatal, injury, and property-damage-only crashes. Collisions with fixed objects and noncollisions accounted for only 17 percent of all crashes, but they accounted for 40 percent of fatal crashes.
- Thirty-nine percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol. For fatal crashes occurring from midnight to 3 a.m., 76 percent involved alcohol.
Were you involved in an accident or crash in the Winchester VA 22604 Area? Burnett & Williams can help. Our experienced staff can assist you in understanding your rights. Accidents on I-81 can have tragic consequences. Contact us today.
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US Consumer Product Safety Commission - Recent Outdoor Product-Related Recalls
Outdoor Product-Related Recalls and product safety news from CPSC
Bush Hog Off-Road Utility Vehicles Recalled Due to Loss of Speed Control
Wed, Jun 18, 2008 9:30 AM
The utility vehicle's throttle cable can freeze in freezing temperatures. This can cause the engine not to return to idle when the driver takes his or her foot off the accelerator pedal.
Sauna By Airwall Recalls Infra-Red Sauna Rooms Due to Fire Hazard
Thu, Jun 12, 2008 12:15 PM
The heating unit and fuse can fail, leading to overheating of the saunas. This defect can result in a serious fire hazard to consumers.
MTD Recalls Utility Vehicles Due to Fire Hazard
Wed, Jun 11, 2008 11:30 AM
Excessive heat can cause the wiring harness to melt. This defect can result in a fire hazard to consumers.
QVC Recalls Tomato Planters Due to Collapse Hazard
Wed, Jun 4, 2008 10:00 AM
The legs on the bottom of the planter can detach when the planter is moved or becomes unbalanced. This could cause the planter to fall and injure bystanders.
Log Swings Recalled by Far East Brokers and Consultants Due to Fall Hazard
Tue, Jun 3, 2008 9:30 AM
A missing nail connecting the back of the log chair to the seat can cause the back to separate from the seat while in use, posing a fall hazard to consumers.
Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores Recall Outdoor Benches Due to Fall Hazard
Thu, May 29, 2008 11:00 AM
The benches can become unstable and break, posing a fall hazard to consumers.
Char-Broil Recalls Two-Burner Gas Grills Sold Exclusively at Mills Fleet Farm Stores Due to Fire, Burn Hazard
Thu, May 22, 2008 8:30 AM
On the recalled grills, the main burner does not fit correctly and does not connect properly to the gas valve which could result in a propane leak. This poses fire and burn hazards to consumers.
Shindaiwa Corp. Recalls Backpack Blowers Due to Laceration and Impact Hazards
Thu, May 15, 2008 3:45 PM
The blower's impeller (fan) can separate from the base and break apart, causing plastic pieces to be blown out of the machine, and pose a laceration and impact hazard to consumers. The flying pieces also can cause property damage and injury to bystanders. Note: These backpack blowers were previously recalled due to a fire hazard.
Fingerhut Recalls Master Craft Pressure Washers Due to Fire Hazard
Thu, May 8, 2008 12:45 PM
The motor on the pressure washer can overheat, posing a fire hazard.
Onward Manufacturing Recalls Gas Grills Due to Fire and Burn Hazard
Mon, May 5, 2008 10:30 AM
The bottom of the cook box that contains the burners can melt or crack as a result of a grease fire. This poses a fire and burn hazard to consumers.
Rio Brands Recalls High-Boy Beach Chairs Due to Fall Hazard
Tue, Apr 29, 2008 9:45 AM
The rear leg of the chair can break, posing a fall hazard to consumers.
Hammocks Sold by LivingXL Recalled Due to Fall Hazard
Tue, Apr 29, 2008 9:45 AM
The metal frame for the hammocks can crack and break, causing a consumer to fall to the ground.
CPSC, Kyodo America Recall LawnBott Lawn Mowers Due to Laceration Hazard
Fri, Apr 25, 2008 7:00 AM
The cutting blades continue to rotate when the mower is lifted from the ground and the spacing on the side of the lawn mower could allow room for a consumer's foot to go beyond the shield and be struck by the blade. Both instances pose a serious laceration hazard to consumers.
Goodman Manufacturing Co. Recalls Heating and Cooling Units Due to Fire Hazard
Thu, Apr 3, 2008 12:30 PM
The serial plates on the units contain inaccurate information that could result in the use of undersized installation wiring, posing a fire hazard.
Cabot Recalls Composite Deck Cleaner Due to Inhalation and Fire Hazard
Wed, Apr 2, 2008 10:00 AM
One of the components of the composite cleaner can react with metal foil residue on the packaging, releasing heat and chlorine gas. This poses a fire and inhalation hazard to consumers.
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Effects of head injury on olfaction and taste.
Reiter ER, DiNardo LJ, Costanzo RM.
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 1201 East Marshall Street, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 980146, Richmond, VA 23298-0146, USA.
Traumatic events such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, or assaults can lead to dysfunction in olfaction or gustation. Mechanisms of posttraumatic olfactory dysfunction include direct injury to the sinonasal tract or olfactory epithelium, shearing effect on olfactory fibers at the cribriform plate, or brain contusion or intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Posttraumatic gustatory dysfunction is rare, but may occur as a result of direct injury to the tongue, injury to cranial nerves VII or IX, or brain contusion or hemorrhage. Evaluation of head-injured patients presenting with olfactory or gustatory complaints should include a thorough history, including assessment for pre-and posttraumatic chemosensory dysfunction and potential mechanisms of injury, complete head and neck examination including nasal endoscopy and cranial nerve testing, and focused radiographic imaging, usually CT of the sinuses and skull base. Formal olfactory and gustatory testing may be performed using various techniques, although in cases potentially involving litigation, methodologies able to detect malingering should be used. Treatable causes of chemosensory disturbance, most notably conductive olfactory losses caused by chronic rhinosinusitis or nasal obstruction, should be ruled out. In the event of neurosensory deficits, recovery may occur up to 12 to 18 months after the traumatic event. All patients should be counseled regarding the risks of their chemosensory deficits, and given suggestions for appropriate compensatory strategies.
PMID: 15563909 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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