The Law Offices of Locklin & Coleman, PLLCThe Law Offices of Locklin & Coleman, PLLC2024-03-18T14:00:02Zhttps://www.locklincolemanlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1303295/2022/11/Locklin-Coleman-favicon.pngOn Behalf of The Law Offices of Locklin & Coleman, PLLChttps://www.locklincolemanlaw.com/?p=513642024-03-06T21:55:43Z2024-03-18T14:00:02ZChilling speeding statistics
This blog previously spoke about how serious speeding accidents can be. Despite that, the incidents of speeding continue, with increases in the number of fatal speed-related accidents from 2018 to 2022.
Motor vehicle crashes involving speeding increased by 1.0% in 2022 compared to the previous year, with a total of 24,877 speeding-related crashes. These statistics underscore the importance of drivers taking caution on the road and obeying speed limits to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
Speed management etiquette
Proper speed management etiquette can help avoid speeding and keep roads safe. Drivers should adhere to speed limits and adjust speed according to road, weather and traffic conditions. For example, drivers should slow down in residential areas where pedestrians and children may be present. Similarly, they should reduce speed when roads are curvy or during adverse weather conditions.
In areas that lack posted speed limits or if drivers cannot recall the speed limit, they should use common sense and judgment to drive at a safe and reasonable speed.
By practicing responsible speed management, drivers can help prevent accidents and reduce the severity of injuries in the event of a collision. Slowing down and obeying speed limits not only improves safety but also promotes a culture of respect and consideration on the road.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Locklin & Coleman, PLLChttps://www.locklincolemanlaw.com/?p=513652024-03-06T17:33:24Z2024-03-06T17:33:24Zcar accidents happen every single day in the United States. One thing that can differentiate one car accident from another is how well a person reacts after the accident and what they do to document it.
Documenting the accident
Documenting an accident is important, especially if you are not at fault, or if you might have to end up seeking compensation for an injury, lost wages or pain and suffering.
It is critical to know that no matter how small you think the accident is, document it. The reason for this is that not all injuries are immediately obvious and sometimes it may take a while to see the entire picture.
Safety and medical care
The very first thing you should do is seek safety, which may include:
Assessing the situation to see if anyone is injured and how badly they are injured
Calling 911 and seeking medical attention and treatment immediately
Moving your vehicle to a safe location where you and the other driver can exchange information
After you call the police and move your vehicle to a safe place, consider:
Never admitting fault or blaming others
Explaining to the police what happened
Exchange information with the other driver
Take photos and videos of the scene and all vehicles
Look for witnesses and gather their information or statements
After getting medical care, the above five steps are the most important because these steps can help you if you end up in court trying to recover compensation for injuries or harm.
Witnesses
Having witnesses and getting both their contact information and statements of what they witness can be very helpful later.
In addition, documenting other things, such as
Traffic signs
Traffic signals
Road markings
Skid marks
Debris
Property damage
If you choose to work with an attorney, contact your attorney as soon as possible.
Personal injury claim
Once you contact your attorney, you should hand over all information so they can begin working on the case, which will include contacting the insurance company to report the accident.
Properly documenting a car accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of a personal injury claim. Remain calm, be methodical in your actions, and gather as much information as possible. Your future self will thank you for being diligent and thoughtful during this stressful time.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Locklin & Coleman, PLLChttps://www.locklincolemanlaw.com/?p=513532024-01-30T21:25:01Z2024-01-31T15:00:37ZSnow and ice
Winter weather transforms the roads we drive on daily. Snow and ice create slippery surfaces, making it essential for drivers to adapt their driving style to accommodate the challenging conditions.
Slower speeds, tricky traffic
To be safe, some drivers adopt slower driving speeds during the winter. While it may seem like a responsible choice, it can lead to trickier traffic conditions on busy roads. It is crucial for high school students to be aware of the potential hazards associated with slower-moving traffic.
Risk of sliding
One of the most significant winter driving hazards is the increased chance of cars sliding out of control. Ice and snow buildup on the roads makes it easier for vehicles to lose traction, resulting in potentially dangerous situations.
When cars slide on ice, the risk of veering into other lanes becomes a genuine concern. Maintaining control of your vehicle is vital and can keep you from crashing into another vehicle or hitting a pedestrian.
Legal implications of winter accidents
In the unfortunate event of a winter-related accident, legal implications may come into play. Drivers who cannot adjust their speed and driving behavior to match the winter conditions may be negligent, potentially leading to liability for any resulting harm.
Slow and steady wins the race
It is always best to prioritize safety over speed, but this is especially true in winter. Slowing down and allowing for increased braking distances can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
The winter season brings unique challenges for drivers. While there are beautiful aspects to the season, it is critical to exercise caution and adapt your behavior according to the weather and traffic conditions.
Be mindful of the legal implications, which could be serious if you are negligent and fail to take the steps to protect other drivers. Last, it is not only other drivers that are at risk; you are too. Make sure you keep yourself and your passengers safe by adopting safe driving techniques during the winter.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Locklin & Coleman, PLLChttps://www.locklincolemanlaw.com/?p=513352023-12-21T21:36:17Z2023-12-21T21:36:17ZTroubling trends
Despite awareness campaigns to educate parents on the need for car seats to restrain their children while traveling safely, many mothers and fathers fall short in protecting their kids. Many still go without restraints, holding children in their laps to share a seatbelt or allowing them to travel in the cargo areas of a larger vehicle. Other parents use second-hand car seats that are six years old or more, and some following accidents, a dangerous “cost-saving measure.”
Getting children to buckle up every time they are in a motor vehicle helps to underscore the importance of seatbelts. Car seats should be chosen based on the child’s age, weight, physical growth, and maturity. Parents should research the history of the company and any past or current recalls.
Proper installation
When installing the seat, follow instructions to the letter and install the seat with the safety belt or LATCH (Lower Anchor and Tethers for Children). Follow the instructions to the letter and ensure that it fits in the vehicle. Ideally, the seat should be placed in the back. Cars that do not have rear seating must have airbags turned off.
Ensure the harness is strapped on the child’s shoulders and chest, making it flat across their body. Harness straps must be snug to minimize slack. Rear-facing car seats should have harness straps through the slots at or below the child’s shoulders. Ensure that the clip is at the armpit level. Finally, ensure the safety seat does not move more than one inch forward or side-to-side.
Motor vehicle accidents can happen in a split-second, changing, if not ending, lives. Protecting all occupants, particularly children, is of paramount importance.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Locklin & Coleman, PLLChttps://www.locklincolemanlaw.com/?p=513162023-09-07T14:13:36Z2023-09-07T14:13:36ZNot seeking medical attention
Some people assume that if they feel fine, they are medically cleared and can go home immediately after a car accident. However, that is a common misconception and a dangerous one, too.
Many conditions that involve symptoms that develop later or over time can stem from car accidents, so seeking medical attention immediately after a car accident is critical, even if you feel like you can tough it out.
Not calling the police
People sometimes think that if the accident is minor, it is not necessary to call the police. However, it is almost always necessary to call 911 after an accident. While the other parties may apologize and promise to take care of things, their stories often change in the coming days.
It is not unusual for victims of car accidents to discover property damage or, even worse, health conditions resulting from the accident in the following weeks and months. Filing a police report and ensuring that law enforcement was present serves many necessary purposes.
Not gathering evidence
If you can gather evidence while on the scene, it is wise to do so. If your case ends up in court, having proof could be the determining factor in the outcome of your case. Almost all cellphones have cameras and they should be used to document the damages and scene conditions.
While it is critical to prioritize your health and ensure that you first seek medical attention and reach out to law enforcement as soon as possible, gathering evidence can be extremely helpful and valuable if you can do it.
Car accidents are jarring events for anyone who goes through one- whether minor or significant. It is critical, however, to remember that no matter the type of accident you think you experienced, it is crucial to follow specific steps for your safety, the safety of others and your legal protection.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Locklin & Coleman, PLLChttps://www.locklincolemanlaw.com/?p=513142023-08-07T21:19:20Z2023-08-07T21:19:20Zin a total of 160 bicycle accidents. With "only" four deaths last year at the same time of year, Virginia has seen a 125 percent in fatalities in collisions between cars and bicycles year-over-year.
Protecting yourself from negligent Virginia drivers
Without knowing the details of any of these tragic incidents, it is likely that at least some of them were the result of driver negligence. Motorists who change lanes or turn without signaling or looking out for bicyclists are at high risk of running into one. So are speeders, distracted drivers and drunk drivers. There is nothing you can do to stop a dangerous driver from being on the same road you are riding on, but you can help reduce the risk of injury to yourself by doing the following:
Wear a properly-fitting helmet and equipment that makes you more visible to motorists
Check your equipment before starting your ride
Stay with auto traffic, not against it
Follow traffic signs, signals and lane markings
But as we said, these tips only reduce the risk of serious injury in a bike accident. Even experienced riders cannot always avoid getting hit by a reckless driver. The injuries are often severe, and the implications for your life profound. You could be unable to work, support yourself and your kids, or enjoy the activities and hobbies you did before your accident. A bad driver who caused your injuries should be the one to pay your medical bills, lost wages and more damages.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Locklin & Coleman, PLLChttps://www.locklincolemanlaw.com/?p=513122023-08-08T18:41:58Z2023-07-17T20:58:23ZThe old rule for UIM insurance compensation
Before the new law, if you were injured in a collision with a driver who was at fault but whose insurance coverage wasn't enough to compensate you for damages, the amount your own UIM insurance coverage would provide you was subtracted by the amount the other driver's insurance would cover.
For example, say a drunk driver hits you and causes $50,000 in medical bills and lost wages. The driver's liability insurance only covers up to $30,000 – the current statutory minimum coverage. Under the soon-to-be old system, you would file a claim under your insurance's UIM coverage and receive $20,000 ($50,000 minus $30,000). Since Virginia motorists are required to purchase UIM coverage, they are essentially paying for more insurance than they are receiving. It also would sometimes lead to innocent accident victims receiving less compensation than they deserved.
The new law, and how insurance companies are reacting
That goes away starting July 1, 2023. Under the new law, you are entitled to as much of your UIM coverage as you can claim in damages, regardless of how much the other driver's insurance can provide. Insured drivers will be better protected from financial damages and get better value for their premiums.
This is where the letter from your insurance company comes in. Many insurance companies are asking their customers to reduce their UIM coverage in exchange for lower premiums. Whether you do so is up to you, but be aware that if an uninsured or underinsured motorist injures you or a loved one, you might not receive as much compensation if you choose the reduced coverage.
Compensation after a terrible car accident
After a major car accident, you might have a hard time getting rightful compensation taking on the insurance company by yourself. A skilled personal injury attorney who knows how auto insurers operate can help you reach a reasonable settlement figure or trial verdict.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Locklin & Coleman, PLLChttps://www.locklincolemanlaw.com/?p=513042023-07-17T20:54:19Z2023-07-17T20:54:19ZWhy is summertime so dangerous?
Studies have shown for years that summertime is the peak time for roadway fatalities overall in the United States. There are many reasons for this, as noted above, many people are traveling and on the road more in the summertime. A lot of construction also takes place during the summertime, as the weather is more conducive for builders, and this can create hazardous road conditions.
Additionally, more teenagers are driving in the summertime while they are out of school, and as more inexperienced drivers they are more prone to accidents. Another reason why it is more dangerous to drive around in the summertime is that the deadliest day to drive during the year is Independence Day. With so many people celebrating the holiday, drunk driving is a common result, with tragic results.
How to stay safe while driving during the summertime?
#1 Drive safely and cautiously.
The best way to stay safe on the roads this summer are to be careful whenever you are driving, taking care to remain aware of your surroundings and a safe distance from other vehicles. While this may sound obvious, you can prevent many accidents through safe driving habits. You can also do this by researching your route beforehand for hazards, or planning your trip so that you avoid poor weather or night driving.
#2 Be sure your vehicle is in good shape.
Keeping your vehicle maintained is another way you can help stay safe while driving. Make sure that your tires are in good shape, your vehicle fluid levels are correct, and that any repairs are made before you go on a long trip.
#3 Take breaks or share the drive with someone else.
Driving can be tiring, and when you are more tired you are more likely to be slow to respond to roadway hazards. Taking breaks during your trip or swapping the driving responsibility with another person can help to keep you refreshed and alert while you are driving.
]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Locklin & Coleman, PLLChttps://www.locklincolemanlaw.com/?p=513002023-05-30T21:34:07Z2023-05-19T19:55:57ZWhat is a permissive user?
Depending on the policy, driving an insured vehicle with the owner’s permission may or may not involve insurance coverage. Most car insurers mandate that family members and those using the vehicle regularly be listed on the insurance application. Permissive users are usually not a member of a household.
A majority of insurers will provide coverage for permissive use. However, if the permissive user lives with the owner or is a family member, they have to be added. Post-accident, insurers may deny the claim if it was a family member or co-tenant who had regular access to the vehicle, but was not listed on the policy.
Increased risks and premium costs
If a permissive user or listed driver causes an accident it could cause an increase in premiums. Traditionally, multiple motor vehicle operators are considered more of a risk to insurance companies. Policyholders should attend to every detail in reviewing documents, particularly the policy declarations page that lists who is covered. Insurance companies can deny coverage if they find out that “permissive user” had regular access to the vehicle, but was not listed on the policy.
Ultimately, vehicle owners can also be held liable in certain circumstances that involve negligent entrustment. This would involve allowing somebody to drive your vehicle who you know is an unfit driver. In other words, be very cautious when allowing somebody to use your vehicle.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Locklin & Coleman, PLLChttps://www.locklincolemanlaw.com/?p=512962023-04-27T16:06:42Z2023-04-27T16:06:42Zinformation and guidance you need to help you navigate this difficult situation.
The consequences of drunk driving accidents
Drunk driving accidents can cause serious and even life-threatening injuries. You may experience physical injuries such as broken bones, lacerations and head trauma, as well as emotional and psychological trauma that can last long after the accident. In addition to the physical and emotional toll, drunk driving accidents can also result in financial hardship due to medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
Seeking compensation for your injuries
If you've been injured in a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. In Virginia, victims of drunk driving accidents can seek damages from the at-fault driver's insurance company or through a personal injury lawsuit. Damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and property damage.
However, seeking compensation can be a complex and challenging process, especially if you're dealing with injuries and medical treatment. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies and fight for your rights in court if necessary is essential.
Gathering evidence and building a strong case
To successfully pursue compensation for your injuries, gathering as much evidence as possible to support your case is essential. This may include police reports, witness statements, medical records and any other relevant documentation.
Navigating the legal process
Navigating the legal process can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries and medical treatment. Your attorney can handle negotiations with insurance companies, file legal documents and represent you in court if necessary. They can also provide guidance and support throughout the process, helping you understand your legal rights and options every step of the way.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident in Virginia, it's important to seek legal guidance and representation as soon as possible. With the right legal support, you can seek justice and move forward from this traumatic experience.]]>