Posted on October 29, 2018 in Motorcycle Accidents

Residents in Virginia who ride motorcycles deserve to have their rights on the road respected just as much as do drivers of other vehicles. Unfortunately, bikers often end up being overlooked both literally and otherwise by people in standard passenger vehicles. It may also seem as though the larger vehicle drivers act like they have more of a right to be on the road than a motorcyclist.

Among the many common hazards for motorcyclists is the concern about a vehicle that turns into their path of travel. This may happen because the driver is rude or negligent or because the driver simply does not see the biker. Regardless of the reason, the outcome can be tragic.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on October 17, 2018 in Car Accidents

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.

In 2016 alone, speeding was cited in approximately 27 percent of all traffic fatalities occurring that year. Over the last two decades, one-third of all motor vehicle deaths were linked to driving at high rates of speed. When asked why they speed, many drivers point to large volumes of traffic and lateness for work or other obligations. While you can't control the bad habits of other drivers, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of accident and injury.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on September 27, 2018 in Motorcycle Accidents

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.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on September 21, 2018 in Car Accidents

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.

Why is it so important to see a doctor after a crash?

Besides the fact that there are injuries to tend to, it is important to seek help following a car crash because of the documentation a hospital visit provides. You will need this for your claim and to seek compensation. It is always a good idea to have a full medical exam, mental and physical, anytime you have a traumatic incident that affects you.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on September 19, 2018 in Motorcycle Accidents

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

Checking blind spots is crucial when you drive, but it's especially important when you're driving near a motorcycle. Because they're much smaller than cars and trucks, it's very easy for a motorcycle to slip into your blind spot. When checking, be sure to look behind your vehicle and to the sides, as these are the areas you can't see when using your mirrors alone.

Take care when turning

While many people don't realize, motorcycle signals actually work differently than other vehicles. In this case, signals don't automatically turn off after a rider makes a turn. Accordingly, it's crucial that you remain visually aware when you see a rider with a turn signal on to prevent an accident from occurring. The same care should be taken when you're passing a signally motorcycle. It's important to leave enough room to preserve the safety of all involved.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on September 07, 2018 in Commercial Vehicle Accidents

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).

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on August 29, 2018 in Commercial Vehicle Accidents

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

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on August 20, 2018 in Car Accidents

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?

Rules for young riders vary

Virginia code allows the governing body of any county, city or town to require any bicyclist or bicycle passenger who is 14 years or younger to wear a helmet while on a highway, sidewalk or public bike path. Manassas, Manassas Park and Fairfax are among the cities who have adopted this requirement.

No requirement for older riders

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on August 10, 2018 in Car Accidents

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.

Fast food is a danger to drivers

Many people believe that eating fast food while driving should be against the law. Why? Similar to changing radio stations, talking on the phone or texting, it takes your mind — and at least one hand (!) — off the road. In seconds, you could end up in a serious collision. It's not illegal to eat behind the wheel yet, but there are some reasons why advocates want to see it banned.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on July 20, 2018 in Pedestrian Accidents

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

While you can't always prevent accidents from occurring, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of severe injury. For instance, keeping distractions to a minimum will allow you to be alert to the presence of pedestrians when out and about. Also, when driving towards crosswalks be sure to approach cautiously. Remember that pedestrians always have the right-of-way, and never try to go around another vehicle stopped to let a pedestrian cross the street safely. Additionally, if you're driving in close proximity to a school or daycare be extra cautious, as children may dart into the street without warning.

Continue Reading ››