State Sen. Linda "Toddy" Puller, who wants to prevent a repeat of an auto collision and fatal accident that took place in her district February 2008, has introduced legislation to require all police and emergency vehicle operators in the Commonwealth to turn on emergency equipment and slow down when running a red light.
This tragedy that killed Ashley McIntosh has focused the attention of those who believe the State law is flawed and needs to be changed to protect those driving lawfully through heavily used intersections from police and other emergency vehicle drivers who, because of the discretionary language in the Virginia law, may endanger innocent people. Police, sheriff, and other public safety associations view the proposed change as an unnecessary infringement on their ability to perform their duties.
Puller, whose legislative district includes the accident site, said, "I am carrying this bill because I want to prevent unnecessary tragic auto accidents in the future such as the one which killed Ashley McIntosh." Her bill would change the Virginia law to require police and other emergency vehicle drivers to use their emergency equipment — flashing lights, siren, exhaust whistle, or other device designed to give automatically intermittent warning signals — and slow down, when on an emergency call and traveling through a red traffic light.
In the January 2009 legislative session, Puller introduced a bill, SB 847, "Emergency Vehicles Proceeding Past Red Lights," to do this. It was assigned to the Senate Transportation Committee which voted not to report it to the full Senate for a vote. Undeterred, Puller then sent a letter to the State Crime Commission requesting its review and comment on her proposed changes to the Virginia law governing police and other emergency vehicle operator driving requirements. The commission, an advisory body of 13 members appointed by the governor and the state legislature, held a public meeting in May 2009 to hear testimony and discuss Puller’s bill. On Dec. 15 the commission will again meet to assess testimony and forward its views to the respective Courts of Justice Committees in the House and Senate.
Mark Hubbard, a registered lobbyist with McGuireWoods, Consulting, which is providing pro bono assistance to Puller on this matter, said, "We believe the Puller bill should be enacted. … With the congested traffic situation in urban areas of the Commonwealth changes in the emergency procedures language in Virginia law are needed to protect the public from unnecessary accidents such as that which resulted in the fatal accident in Northern Virginia. … We are hopeful that the commission will support the Puller legislation."
Del. David Albo (R-42), chairman, House Courts of Justice Committee, and former co-chair of the State Crime Commission, said, "Senator Puller clearly believes that there is a flaw in the current Virginia law governing emergency operating procedures for police and other emergency vehicle drivers. ... I look forward to assessing Senator Puller’s bill, the State Crime Commission’s comments, as well as the views of public safety organizations and others when the bill comes before the Courts of Justice Committee."
The president of the 900-member Fairfax Coalition of Police, Marshall Thielen does not support the Puller legislation: "The changes proposed would place an unnecessary burden on public safety personnel. … Police must be free to make split second decisions and not be restricted by a requirement that may not fit the emergency."
Thielen pointed out that in addition to the Fairfax County Police Coalition, the State Association of Chiefs of Police, the State Association of Sheriffs, and the Virginia State Police Association oppose Puller’s bill.
ACCORDING TO Cindy McIntosh-Colasanto, mother of the victim, 26 other states require the use of emergency equipment at all times when traveling through a red light. This past spring she testified before the State Crime Commission, urging that they support the bill. At that time she said: "Ashley had just left a polling place after doing her civic duty and voting in the Presidential Primary Election, but the laws of Virginia let her down. … More than half the states in the U.S. require police officers to use both lights and a siren and to slow down when driving through red lights. This includes Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York, and California. I hope you commissioners will agree that it is time the Commonwealth of Virginia does the same. ... It is too late for Ashley. But it is not too late to protect other daughters, and everyone in Virginia. … Thousands of petition signers also agree with me."
McIntosh-Colasanto has been able to obtain the support of over 3,000 petition signers.
Tappy Phillips, one of the supporters of a change in the Virginia law, said: "It is a very simple issue: when my family enters an intersection in Virginia with a green light, I expect them to make it to the other side alive, not be crushed by a speeding police car."
When asked her views about the prospects for passage of the bill next year, McIntosh-Colasanto said: "I am cautiously optimistic; the members are discussing it, and they are now aware that half the states in the U.S. have language similar to Senator Puller’s. For the next several months I will be working to generate letters from the public to write to the State Crime Commission and to Virginia legislators across the Commonwealth to support this legislation that would indeed save lives."
In addition, she plans on returning to the State Crime Commission for their regular meeting on Dec. 15 to again testify, answer questions, and personally urge members to back the change in Virginia law.
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Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Automobile Accident Lawyers
Every day in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania and Virginia, there are thousands of accidents where serious personal injuries are sustained as a result of a careless or reckless driver. When an accident is caused by another driver's negligence, the auto accident lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. can help you through the process and make sure that you obtain all of the benefits and money you are entitled to.
For over 35 years, the attorneys at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. have represented accident victims throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, Virginia and the mid-atlantic region. Following an accident, it is important to protect your family and make sure that you get what you deserve for your injury, not just what the insurance company tells you they will pay.
Before talking to an auto accident insurance adjuster, request a free consultation and claim evaluation to make sure you understand your legal rights. The negligent driver who caused the accident is protected by their insurance company, and it is important to have a qualified personal injury lawyer on your side to protect you.
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For over 35 years, the attorneys at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. have represented accident victims throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, Virginia and the mid-atlantic region. Following an accident, it is important to protect your family and make sure that you get what you deserve for your injury, not just what the insurance company tells you they will pay.
Before talking to an auto accident insurance adjuster, request a free consultation and claim evaluation to make sure you understand your legal rights. The negligent driver who caused the accident is protected by their insurance company, and it is important to have a qualified personal injury lawyer on your side to protect you.
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Monday, August 10, 2009
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Pierce & Thornton will handle all aspects of your motor vehicle accident claim from the initial investigation and preservation of evidence to the recovery of compensation from all available sources. We will conduct a thorough investigation of your motor vehicle accident claim. Interviews of witnesses and investigating police officers, photographs of the vehicles involved in the accident, as well as photographs and diagrams of the accident scene and roadway are necessary to preserve vital evidence for your claim. All available insurance will be explored to insure that all sources of coverage are paid to you. There are many sources of coverage available when someone causes an accident including the other driver's policy, members of the other driver's household's policies, employers' or lessor's policies and your own policy, even if you did not cause the accident. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters are not required by law to advise you of all coverage available and they seldom do so. We will find the coverage.
Having a full understanding of all medical issues related to your injuries is essential to maximizing your recovery. Pierce & Thornton will obtain your medical records and bills and organize and summarize them for the proper presentation of your claim to the insurance adjuster or at trial if necessary. More importantly, Pierce & Thornton will discuss the nature and extent of your injuries, all past and possible future treatment and any resulting disabilities with your treating physicians so we can communicate effectively with the insurance company or jury about your claim. By obtaining cooperation and understanding from your physicians, we can maximize your chances of obtaining a full and fair recovery for your injuries. We will also fully investigate all economic loss in addition to your medical bills including past lost wages, future lost wages and any reduction in your earning capacity. We will vigorously pursue each and every element of damages available to you.
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Having a full understanding of all medical issues related to your injuries is essential to maximizing your recovery. Pierce & Thornton will obtain your medical records and bills and organize and summarize them for the proper presentation of your claim to the insurance adjuster or at trial if necessary. More importantly, Pierce & Thornton will discuss the nature and extent of your injuries, all past and possible future treatment and any resulting disabilities with your treating physicians so we can communicate effectively with the insurance company or jury about your claim. By obtaining cooperation and understanding from your physicians, we can maximize your chances of obtaining a full and fair recovery for your injuries. We will also fully investigate all economic loss in addition to your medical bills including past lost wages, future lost wages and any reduction in your earning capacity. We will vigorously pursue each and every element of damages available to you.
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Monday, August 3, 2009
Car Accident Information & Car Accident Lawyers In Virginia
Traffic statistics report that in 2004, 922 people were killed in Virginia car accidents and more than 78,000 people were injured in car accidents in this state. The statistics break the numbers down further to tell how many of these Virginia car accidents were the direct result of drunk driving or excessive speed. If you have been injured in a Virginia car accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation to pay your medical bills and for your pain and suffering.
In any case involving a Virginia car accident, you do have to prove that the other driver was at fault or negligent. In this state, you must be free of any fault in the Virginia car accident in order to bring a lawsuit against the insurance company of the other driver. This is why you do need to consult with a lawyer to find out what your legal rights are in the case of a Virginia car accident. Even if you are found to be at fault, there many be some circumstances of the Virginia car accident that were the fault of the other driver, and this bars him/her from recovering any damages in this state.
You may need to have expert testimony when you proceed with a lawsuit in a Virginia car accident case. In most cases the other driver will countersue, which means that you not only have to prove the other driver caused the Virginia car accident, but you also have to prove that you were completely innocent. If you are involved in a Virginia car accident, make sure you get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. This will help your case immensely.
When preparing your case in a Virginia car accident, your lawyer will need to obtain copies of your medical report. At the same time, the insurance company will try to prove that the injuries you received in the Virginia car accident are not as serious as you claim them to be. Trying to recover from a Virginia car accident and deal with these issues at the same time can be both traumatic and frustrating. When you have an experienced lawyer, you can leave all the details of the Virginia car accident is his/her hands and concentrate on getting better.
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In any case involving a Virginia car accident, you do have to prove that the other driver was at fault or negligent. In this state, you must be free of any fault in the Virginia car accident in order to bring a lawsuit against the insurance company of the other driver. This is why you do need to consult with a lawyer to find out what your legal rights are in the case of a Virginia car accident. Even if you are found to be at fault, there many be some circumstances of the Virginia car accident that were the fault of the other driver, and this bars him/her from recovering any damages in this state.
You may need to have expert testimony when you proceed with a lawsuit in a Virginia car accident case. In most cases the other driver will countersue, which means that you not only have to prove the other driver caused the Virginia car accident, but you also have to prove that you were completely innocent. If you are involved in a Virginia car accident, make sure you get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. This will help your case immensely.
When preparing your case in a Virginia car accident, your lawyer will need to obtain copies of your medical report. At the same time, the insurance company will try to prove that the injuries you received in the Virginia car accident are not as serious as you claim them to be. Trying to recover from a Virginia car accident and deal with these issues at the same time can be both traumatic and frustrating. When you have an experienced lawyer, you can leave all the details of the Virginia car accident is his/her hands and concentrate on getting better.
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Monday, July 27, 2009
Automobile & Motorcycle Accidents
Injuries suffered as a result of automobile, motorcycle or truck accidents can be catastrophic and life changing. Most of these accidents occur because of someone's negligence. We represent clients who have suffered personal injuries as a result of automobile, motorcycle and truck accidents. These accidents often involve drunk drivers, hit and runs, uninsured or underinsured drivers as well as accidents involving tractor-trailer collisions and rollovers.
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Monday, July 20, 2009
Car Accident Lawyer Washington DC, Maryland & Virginia
A car accident can ruin a person’s life. One minute, you are driving down the road, minding your own business; the next minute, you’re a victim of someone else’s mistake or inattention.
Whether in Maryland, Washington DC, or Virginia, the lawyers at Cohen & Cohen, P.C. help injured people who have been involved in car accidents. From the moment the collision occurs, the clock starts ticking, and it is important to take charge of the situation. Below are four basic tips on what to do when involved in a car accident.
1. Call the Police
Quite often after a car accident the parties involved in the collision refuse to call the police. The sense is often one of immediate reconciliation. Most clients explain that they never called the police because they did not think the situation would be “a big deal,” and the person that caused the accident admitted fault at the scene. This view is shortsighted. If you are involved in a car accident, you should immediately call the police. The police will help you obtain valuable information and will document how the accident occurred by getting the names of witnesses and insurance information. Sometimes the police will draw a scene diagram documenting the area where the accident occurs. The police will usually issue a ticket to the at-fault driver. All of this will help later with successfully resolving your case.
2. Exchange Information
Immediately exchange information with the other driver. This means getting the other driver’s (a) name, (b) address, (c) telephone number, (d) tag number, (e) insurance company, (f) make and model of vehicle, and (g) the name of the owner of the car if it is owned by someone other than the person driving. It is also important for you to get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses. Make sure to get witnesses first and last names if possible.
3. Take Photographs
Take photographs of your vehicle, and, if possible, of the other vehicle involved in the accident. Perhaps the old saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” is never more appropriate than after a car accident. Pictures help show where the property damage is on each vehicle, and this can become excellent evidence in the case. Quite often property damage photographs make the difference between a successful versus an unsuccessful case. You should also take pictures of any injuries you sustain in an car accident, such as bruises or swelling. Scene photographs are also important. Take pictures of the area where the accident occurs, including photos of the intersection, road surface, stop signs or lights. A photo of skid marks, for example, may help show a car’s speed. Make sure to take plenty of photographs and keep your negatives in a safe place. In short, photographs help to preserve evidence, and it is critical that they be taken very early on in the case.
4. Obtain Medical Care
Unfortunately, car accidents often result in physical injury. If you are injured in an accident, it is crucial that you obtain medical care immediately. The adrenaline rush after an accident often masks pain. This can be very dangerous for an injured person because there may be a serious underlying problem that needs to be addressed quickly. Similarly, if a person has complaints of pain or soreness but does not seek prompt medical care, it will be hard to later prove the injury. It makes good medical and legal sense to seek prompt medical attention if you are injured in a car accident.
Source
Whether in Maryland, Washington DC, or Virginia, the lawyers at Cohen & Cohen, P.C. help injured people who have been involved in car accidents. From the moment the collision occurs, the clock starts ticking, and it is important to take charge of the situation. Below are four basic tips on what to do when involved in a car accident.
1. Call the Police
Quite often after a car accident the parties involved in the collision refuse to call the police. The sense is often one of immediate reconciliation. Most clients explain that they never called the police because they did not think the situation would be “a big deal,” and the person that caused the accident admitted fault at the scene. This view is shortsighted. If you are involved in a car accident, you should immediately call the police. The police will help you obtain valuable information and will document how the accident occurred by getting the names of witnesses and insurance information. Sometimes the police will draw a scene diagram documenting the area where the accident occurs. The police will usually issue a ticket to the at-fault driver. All of this will help later with successfully resolving your case.
2. Exchange Information
Immediately exchange information with the other driver. This means getting the other driver’s (a) name, (b) address, (c) telephone number, (d) tag number, (e) insurance company, (f) make and model of vehicle, and (g) the name of the owner of the car if it is owned by someone other than the person driving. It is also important for you to get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses. Make sure to get witnesses first and last names if possible.
3. Take Photographs
Take photographs of your vehicle, and, if possible, of the other vehicle involved in the accident. Perhaps the old saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” is never more appropriate than after a car accident. Pictures help show where the property damage is on each vehicle, and this can become excellent evidence in the case. Quite often property damage photographs make the difference between a successful versus an unsuccessful case. You should also take pictures of any injuries you sustain in an car accident, such as bruises or swelling. Scene photographs are also important. Take pictures of the area where the accident occurs, including photos of the intersection, road surface, stop signs or lights. A photo of skid marks, for example, may help show a car’s speed. Make sure to take plenty of photographs and keep your negatives in a safe place. In short, photographs help to preserve evidence, and it is critical that they be taken very early on in the case.
4. Obtain Medical Care
Unfortunately, car accidents often result in physical injury. If you are injured in an accident, it is crucial that you obtain medical care immediately. The adrenaline rush after an accident often masks pain. This can be very dangerous for an injured person because there may be a serious underlying problem that needs to be addressed quickly. Similarly, if a person has complaints of pain or soreness but does not seek prompt medical care, it will be hard to later prove the injury. It makes good medical and legal sense to seek prompt medical attention if you are injured in a car accident.
Source
Monday, July 13, 2009
VIRGINIA PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
Sometimes when you’re hurt you need help from a Virginia personal injury lawyer. Getting the help you need, however, may not be easy. But at Geoff McDonald & Associates, it’s our goal to make getting the legal assistance you need after a Virginia accident easy and convenient.
Our mission is to help the disabled and injured put their lives back together. So if you or a loved one is suffering after a Virginia auto accident or you feel you’re not getting fair treatment with a Virginia workers’ compensation claim, let us stand by your side and fight for your rights. We consider each case an honor and a privilege, and we take care to treat every client with utmost compassion and professionalism.
If you’re worried about cost or the hassle of pursuing a lawsuit, let us put your mind at ease. At Geoff McDonald & Associates, our Virginia personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe no attorney’s fees unless we get compensation for you—and then, the fee is just a percentage of your compensation. Also, getting a Virginia personal injury lawyer on your side doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to go to court. Often times cases can be settled before a lawsuit is even filed. The necessary actions will depend on your case and what’s best for you.
Our mission is to help the disabled and injured put their lives back together. So if you or a loved one is suffering after a Virginia auto accident or you feel you’re not getting fair treatment with a Virginia workers’ compensation claim, let us stand by your side and fight for your rights. We consider each case an honor and a privilege, and we take care to treat every client with utmost compassion and professionalism.
If you’re worried about cost or the hassle of pursuing a lawsuit, let us put your mind at ease. At Geoff McDonald & Associates, our Virginia personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe no attorney’s fees unless we get compensation for you—and then, the fee is just a percentage of your compensation. Also, getting a Virginia personal injury lawyer on your side doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to go to court. Often times cases can be settled before a lawsuit is even filed. The necessary actions will depend on your case and what’s best for you.
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