Archive for the ‘Truck Accidents’ Category

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Nationwide Mobile Texting Ban May Be On The Horizon

Monday, August 3rd, 2009

Car accidents brought about by distracted or reckless drivers cause serious injuries and death every day across the state of Virginia. Lives have been ruined and families devastated by reckless or inattentive motorists.

In the immediate wake of the Virginia Tech University study showing that a texting driver is 23 times more likely to get into an accident than a non-distracted driver, the U.S. Senate may take action to implement a nationwide ban on mobile texting.

On July 29, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and three other colleagues introduced a bill that would ban any driver from texting on a cell phone or other personal electronic device.

If enacted into law, the legislation known as the ALERT Act (for Avoiding Life-Endangering and Reckless Texting by Drivers Act) would require states to prohibit texting or emailing while operating a car or truck–or risk being stripped of 25% of their annual federal highway funds. The states would, however, have two years to comply.

Should the bill pass, the U.S. Department of Transportation would then set minimum standards for state-level compliance.

The ALERT Act would apply to anyone operating a personal car, truck, bus, and most other mass transit systems, including light rail. It would not apply to individuals using mobile devices while their vehicle is stopped, nor would it apply to passengers.

Given the crowded legislative docket on Capitol Hill,  it remains to be seen whether lawmakers will have time to take action on this measure in the immediate future.

If you–or someone you love–have been injured in an automobile accident, do not hesitate to get in touch with the Personal Injury lawyers at the Law Office of Richard J Serpe, PC. Toll Free 877-544-5323

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Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

It is unfortunate, but every year there are thousands of truck accidents from one side of the country to the next. Most of them take place on major highways, but of course, this is not always the case.

There is a cause for every truck accident. Some of the most common include: driver fatigue, ignoring weather or traffic conditions, bad brakes or tires, mechanical failure, reckless driving, cell phone usage, speeding, not obeying the rules of the road, and driving under the influence. As you can see, most of these causes can be avoided by the driver.

If you have been involved in a truck accident you may have the right to receive compensation for your injuries. The only way you can do this is by hiring an attorney that specializes in truck accident cases. Even though it can take many years for a personal injury case to be settled, you don’t want to miss out on your chance to be compensated if you deserve it.

It is true that the majority of truck accidents are unintentional and may not be caused by one of the reasons listed above. But if you are the victim you may be entitled to some sort of payout to help with pain and suffering, medical bills, and regular expenses.

Being involved in a truck accident is a big deal. Find a lawyer with a proven track record for getting the victim monetary compensation.

If you were involved in a Virginia truck accident you need to know your legal rights. Do not hesitate to contact the lawyers at The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, P.C.

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Virginia Think-Tank Confirms Mobile Texting Danger

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

As reported by the New York Times and other media outlets, Virginia Tech University has just announced research findings showing that a texting driver is 23 times more likely to get in an accident than a non-distracted driver,  significantly exceeding the risk of any other mobile wireless activity.

In conducting the study, the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) monitored the cabs of long-haul trucks with video cameras for 18 months and for over six million miles of driving.

The study found that texting drivers took their eyes off the road for about five seconds, the longest duration of eyes-off-the-road time of any cell phone task. This amounts to the equivalent of traveling the length of a football field at 55 mph without looking at the roadway. This greatly increased the chance of the operator getting involved in a “safety critical event,”  such as a crash or near crash. And just the act of cell phone dialing was about six times more likely to lead to an accident.

The Virginia Tech study also suggests that drivers talking on or listening to cell phones may only be slightly more at risk that non-distracted drivers. The Virginia Tech findings are somewhat at odds with various other studies, including the preliminary National Highway Traffic Safety Administration research findings, which concluded that hands-free operation could still pose serious dangers of automobile injury.

The full data will be released once the peer review process reaches completion.

VTTI researchers maintain that the real key to significantly improving safety is eyes on the road. Cognitive distractions (including emotional conversations, books on tape, and other tasks) can have a measurable effect in the laboratory but the actual driving risks are much lower, they claim.  However, headset cell phone use is about as risky as hand-held use for those headset devices that still require answering, dialing, and other manual functions that distract the person behind the wheel.

VTTI also recommends that cell phone use of any kind should be banned for newly licensed teen drivers. According to VTTI studies, teenagers are four times more likely to get into a cell phone-related crash or near crash than their adult counterparts.

VTTI has another study in the hopper for light vehicles; results should be available later this year.

The Commonwealth of Virginia and 13 other states currently ban texting while driving.

 

Unfortunately, car accidents from distracted drivers cause serious injuries and death every day across the state of Virginia. If you–or someone you love–have been injured in an automobile accident, do not hesitate to get in touch with the Personal Injury lawyers at the Law Office of Richard J Serpe, PC.

Toll Free 877-544-5323

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Posted in Auto Accidents, Truck Accidents | 6 Comments »

Truck Accidents

Friday, May 29th, 2009

The Virginia truck accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, P.C. are prepared to immediately investigate injuries and death caused by trucking collisions.  The heavy volume of trucking in our area coupled with the huge weight of a tractor-trailer, result in a significant number of truck accident victims who often suffer from severe injuries including brain damage, spinal cord injuries, and major damage to the vertebrae and discs of their neck and back.  It is important to have a lawyer with experience, and a complete knowledge of your legal rights as a truck accident victim.

If you have been injured in a trucking accident, DON’T speak with an insurance adjuster for the trucking company until you have read my special report.

Special Legal Investigation of the Cause of Truck Accidents

The truck accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, P.C. understand the critical importance of immediate investigation to determine the cause of trucking accidents.  A tractor-trailer and other trucks present special circumstances which many victims (and sometimes investigating police officers) lack the expertise to understand.  For example, the following potential causes must be carefully considered as part of our investigations for our truck accident victims:

  • Truck drivers who have been on the road for too long with inadequate sleep
  • Truck drivers who have become impaired from alcohol and drugs, especially stimulants taken to overcome excessive time on the road
  • Trucks with excessive loads; causing the overloaded truck to become dangerously uncontrollable
  • Oversized trucks which exceed established rules and regulations for the safe length, width, and height for operation
  • Missing safety equipment; including the absence of reflectors, lights, and other warning devices
  • Poorly maintained brakes and tires
  • Excessive speed

Special Legal Knowledge of Trucking Laws and Regulations

The Virginia truck accident lawyers at our firm understand there are extensive rules and regulations unique to truck drivers and trucking companies which operate in our state.  It is critical to hire a lawyer who understands these complex rules and regulations.  A violation of the safety rules or regulations by a truck driver or tucking company results in a special type of liabaility called negligence per se.  If you would like more information about weather or not safety or regulation was violated by the truck which caused your serious injury, contact us immediately for a free, no obligation consultation.

Special Knowledge of Trucking in Virginia

The Hamptons Roads area is home to several enormously busy trucking centers.  Norfolk International Terminal, Portsmouth International Terminal, Newport News International Terminal, as well as commercial trucking centers located in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach and other communities of Tidewater Virginia have generated an explosion of truck and tractor trailer traffic in our area.  The Interstate 95 corridor throught Petersburg, Richmond, and into Northern Virginia hosts a very significant volume of trucks.  Route 460, cutting east to west across the state of Virginia is notorious for fatal trucking accidents.  And, the interstate 81 corridor, which runs through Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, is one of the most notorious for tractor-trailer traffic in the state. The result for Virginia drivers has been devastating.

2006: A Very Bad Year for Virginia Truck Accident Victims

1331 Persons Injured
4366 Tractor-Trailer Crashes
70 Persons Killed in Tractor-Trailer Crashes
2972 Major Property Damage to Automobiles Struck by Tractor Trailers
Source: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

Find the Best Lawyer As Soon As Possible

Immediate investigation often makes the difference between winning and losing a tractor-trailer injury case.  The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, P.C. conducts immediate investigations to identify crucial witnesses and preserve important evidence.  Our attorneys and staff will immediately notify the insurance companies involved to protect you from abusive insurance company tactics.  Delays in an investigation can destroy your case because evidence is often lost and key witnesses can become very difficult to locate over time.

Watch Out for Hidden Deadlines

Under Virginia Law, it is necessary to file a lawsuit within strict deadlines.  In many cases, Virginia provides for a two year deadline also known as a Statue of Limitations.  However, special circumstances apply depending on who owns the truck, and the age or disability of the person injured.  Contact the truck accident lawyers at our firm for a free, no obligation consultation.  We will start working on your case immediately.

Do I Have a Virginia Truck Accident Case?

 

Call Now Toll Free 1-877-544-5323

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