Blogs

Driving While Distracted Kills

I've blogged about the dangers of driving while sending text messages and that Virginia passed a law that went into effect in July that made texting while driving an offense that carries a monetary fine with it.

Now, there have been hearing in Congress,and President Obama issued a Presidential Order banned texting while driving for Federal employees who are on Federal business, whether driving government-owned vehicles or their own vehicle.

Although young drivers used to be the ones who sent text messages, more and more older adults have begun this dangerous habit.  What in the world makes people think they can drive down a highway doing 55 - 65 mph and look down at a handheld device and send a text message at the same time? 

For teens, texting while driving is especially dangerous, because they are already driving under the disability of being among the most inexperienced drivers on the highway.  I posted a Contract on our website for parents and their teen drivers to discuss and sign.  It won't cure the problem all by itself, but it gives parents an opportunity to have frank talks with their teen drivers about what is expected of them and the consequences of their actions.

If you or someone in your family has been seriously injured by a driver who was texting while driving, we can answer your questions.  Call 703-273-9500, send an email to srohrstaff@wrsattorneys.com, or contact us through our website, www.WRSattorneys.com.  We also have a book full of information for Virginians who have been injured in an accident, Five Fatal Errors That Can Ruin Your Virginia Accident Case -- And How to Avoid Them.  It's free and available for the asking.

How does bankruptcy affect a personal injury claim?

Things don't happen to us one at a time, and when two important areas of the law collide, you can be left without full justice.  If you have filed for bankrtupcy relief either before or after being in a car accident, you and your bankruptcy lawyer must review and understand all the facts and the law about how  your personal injury claim affects your bankruptcy and vice versa.  

The bankruptcy code provides for several kinds of assets that are exempted from the bankruptcy procedure, and you and your lawyer must know what they are and how they affect you.

Always, always, always tell both your bankruptcy and your personal injury lawyer all the facts.  Put them in touch with each other, so they can figure out how to maximize your remedies in both your bankruptcy and in your personal injury claim.

If your bankruptcy lawyer does not know that you have a personal injury claim -- or the facts about your medical bills and injuries -- then s/he cannot properly protect you from your debtors.  On the other hand, if you file for bankruptcy without telling your personal injury lawyer, you may not be able to recover the full damages that you would otherwise be entitled to recover.

Be sure to explore these exemptions with your bankruptcy lawyer if you have a personal injury claim.

We are not bankruptcy lawyers.  However, this issue is very important.  If you have been injured in an accident and are thinking about filing for bankruptcy relief, give us a call, 703-273-9500, or contact us through the website, and we will refer you to an experienced bankruptcy lawyer.

Virginia Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice Lawyers Serve Up Some Chicken Soup

We're proud of our personal service to our clients and to our community. We think it's one of the important things that sets us apart from other lawyers. After all, our clients could choose from many lawyers who handle serious personal injuries, wrongful death or medical malpractice cases, and we hope that one reason they choose us is that we're known for our excellent service. We make the bold statement that if you need chicken soup, we'll make it for you.  But, if you don't have time to wait for us to make you some chicken soup, here's Ed Weiner's mother's mother's recipe. (It's also in the General section of our website Library.) Let us know how you like it!