Manassas Virginia Motor Vehicle Accidents Law Blog

Speeding is a dangerous driving habit

On behalf of The Law Offices of Locklin & Coleman, PLLC posted in Car Accidents on Wednesday, October 17, 2018.

It's incumbent upon all Virginia motorists to maintain a safe speed when sharing the road. Failure to do so greatly increases the risk of an accident occurring, especially during inclement weather. The following information illustrates how serious speeding can be, as well as what you can do to be a safer driver overall.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding has a number of serious consequences. For instance, it's far more difficult to handle your vehicle when going over the posted speed limit. If another motorist makes an unexpected maneuver, it will be much harder for you to come to a complete stop if you're traveling at high speeds. If you are involved in a crash because of speeding, chances are any injuries will be far more serious.

Motorcycle safety during the fall

On behalf of The Law Offices of Locklin & Coleman, PLLC posted in motorcycle accidents on Thursday, September 27, 2018.

Riding a motorcycle can be dangerous at any time of the year, but certain seasons are especially hazardous in some parts of the nation. For example, the fall months can bring different types of weather-related road hazards, including strong winds, fog, rain and even ice or snow, in some places. These hazards can be particularly dangerous for those who ride motorcycles and it is paramount for you to focus on your safety if you plan on riding during the fall.

Sometimes, people put their motorcycles away for the year when summer comes to an end. Others, however, enjoy riding during the fall because the weather is not as hot. Riding a motorcycle in the fall can be rewarding, but it is crucial to keep the weather-related risks you may encounter in mind while on the road. For example, wet roads can cause motorcyclists to lose control, falling off of their motorcycle or colliding with a vehicle. Roads can be especially hazardous around sharp turns and in spots where wet leaves have accumulated.

Remember to stay safe after you're involved in a serious crash

On behalf of The Law Offices of Locklin & Coleman, PLLC on Friday, September 21, 2018.

There are dozens of different types of injuries that you could suffer in a car accident. Some of them are obvious, while others will take time to develop. Since there are times when injuries take longer to develop, it is always important to go to the emergency department following a crash, even if you think you will get better on your own.

Injuries that happen right away and are obvious may include broken bones, lacerations and head injuries. Other injuries take longer to appear. These include things such as slow internal bleeds or whiplash. Most of these injuries can be identified shortly following the accident if you see a doctor.

How can drivers safely share the road with motorcyclists?

On behalf of The Law Offices of Locklin & Coleman, PLLC posted in motorcycle accidents on Wednesday, September 19, 2018.

Even the safest motorcyclists in Virginia may run afoul of distracted motorists. Serious injuries can occur as a result, some of which may even cause loss of life. Because it's crucial for both drivers and motorcyclists to coexist peacefully on the road, Esurance.com offers the following advice.

Check your blind spots

Can motor carriers require drivers to use phones while driving?

On behalf of The Law Offices of Locklin & Coleman, PLLC posted in Commercial Vehicle Accidents on Friday, September 7, 2018.

Given all of the awareness raised recently about the dangers of distracted driving, you likely would not even dream of pulling out your phone to send a text or take a call while driving on the roads in Manassas. How unsettling must it be, then, to find yourself a passenger on a commercial vehicle whose driver is indeed using his or her phone while driving? You might ask him or her to stop, only to be answered with the assertion that his or her employer requires him or her to communicate with the company while on a route. Can a commercial carrier really require this of its drivers?

The answer to that question is a resounding no. Under Section 392.80 of the Code of Federal Regulations, commercial vehicle drivers are prohibited from texting while driving, and the motor carriers that employ them cannot require them to do so. Furthermore, a commercial vehicle driver cannot send or receive text messages while operating his or her vehicle, even during temporary stops caused by traffic, traffic control devices or other delays. The only exception to this rule would be if the driver needed to communicate with law enforcement officials or first responders in an emergency situation. It should also be noted that if a commercial motor vehicle is stopped alongside a highway or roadway, the driver is not considered to be operating the vehicle (regardless of whether the engine is running or not).

What are the qualifications to drive a school bus in Virginia?

On behalf of The Law Offices of Locklin & Coleman, PLLC posted in Commercial Vehicle Accidents on Wednesday, August 29, 2018.

Every day during the school year, you and countless other parents in Manassas place the safety of your children in the hands of a small group of individuals selected to drive school buses. Given the precious cargo that they are carrying, you might assume that bus drivers are subject to very strict standards. Yet how correct are you in that assumption, and what responsibility (if any) would a school district have if a bus driver causes an accident?

Per Section 8VAC20-70-280 of Virginia's Administrative Code, those wanting to drive school buses in the state must meet the following requirements:

Pass a physical examination and have a current endorsement signed by a physician or nurse practitioner verifying the driver's capacity to operate a bus
Provide a copy of records confirming that he or she has not been convicted of driving under the influence in the previous five years and has no more than two moving violations on his or her record in the previous 12 months
Provide two letters of recommendation from people living within the school district's boundaries confirming his or her good moral character
Have a current commercial driver's license
Pass alcohol and controlled substance screening tests
Be at least 18 years of age

I'm a bicyclist. Do I have to wear a helmet in Virginia?

On behalf of The Law Offices of Locklin & Coleman, PLLC posted in car accidents on Monday, August 20, 2018.

Bicycling is an excellent option all year round in Virginia. It provides good exercise and allows commuters to get from one location to another.

Just like any other travel-based hobby, it is important to know the rules of the road to help ensure everyone's safety. One such rule to keep in mind is Virginia's law regarding helmet use. Motorcyclists and their passengers must wear a helmet unless traveling at less than 15 mph or in a parade, but what about bicyclists?

Fast food, fast drivers: How fast food causes distractions

On behalf of The Law Offices of Locklin & Coleman, PLLC on Friday, August 10, 2018.

When fast food restaurants first opened, you may remember that they had parking lots and places for people to stop. Instead of going inside a restaurant, waitresses and waiters would come to the vehicles, taking orders and delivering food directly to the car.

These quick restaurants became the basis for today's fast food, but with the way the fast-food chains are set up today, few, if any, people stop after going through the drive through. A shocking number of people grab a bite to eat and continue to eat as they travel on to their next destination not realizing that fast food could cause a crash.

Pedestrian safety is everyone's concern

On behalf of The Law Offices of Locklin & Coleman, PLLC posted in pedestrian accidents on Friday, July 20, 2018.

In Virginia, it's crucial for motorists and pedestrians to coexist peacefully to prevent serious injuries from occurring. However, this often easier said than done, especially in areas with large amounts of foot traffic. In order to ensure the safety of all who share the road, State Farm offers the following tips to help drivers and pedestrians keep a focus on safety.

What Drivers Can Do

3 motorcycle safety tips for new riders

On behalf of The Law Offices of Locklin & Coleman, PLLC posted in motorcycle accidents on Thursday, July 12, 2018.

While riding a motorcycle can be a thrilling experience, keeping safety in account is crucial for new riders. This is because road hazards are far more dangerous for motorcyclists due to lack of protection and in many cases passenger vehicles fail to recognize the presence of motorcycles on the road (which can lead to catastrophe). NapaOnline.com recommends the following tips in this case, which will prepare you for the road ahead.

Always Wear a Helmet