Attorney Blog

Pavement Work on I-64 in Hampton

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The lanes, southbound between the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel and Lasalle Aveune, will close tonight and Wednesday at 9pm and reopen at 5am the following mornings.
So plan your route - drivers can use the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel on I664 during the work.
Have a safe week.

Lawrence Land

http://hamptonroads.com

Hampton Roads, Va. - Part of Chesapeake Rd. Closed for Bridge Work Today

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The span will close at 9:30am and also will close Centerville Turnpike between Butts Station and Mount Pleasant roads.
The road and the bridge are expected to reopen about 3:30pm or earlier if the work is completed befor then.
Drivers can use the Cheaspeake Expressway or Kempsville Road as alternate routes.

We hope this helps you to plan your day.

http://hamptonroads.com

Hockey - A Tragic Tale of Head Injuries and a Sport in Denial

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

My name is Lawrence Land, I think this is a very revealing story into the professional rise and fall of Derek Booaard, the former Wild "enforcer" who died of a prescription drug overdose in his Minneapolis apartment last spring at the age of 28.

Written by John Branch http://www.minnpost.com Full article.

I just don’t see how any hockey fan could continue to cheer the sport's on-ice fights after reading Branch’s damning account of the devastating physical toll those sanctioned bare-fisted brawls take on the players.

And, please, don’t tell me that the enforcers are needed because they keep the other players from intentionally hurting each other. If the current rules don’t protect players from each other, then the sport should strengthen those rules with very heavy penalties — and have referees and other officials enforce them. (What a novel idea.)

Particularly upsetting is the fact that hockey players like Boogaard — ones who do not have the speed or the skills to be drafted onto a professional team for their goal-scoring abilities — are groomed from an early age to fight on the ice.

How can any parent, coach or sports official permit — indeed, encourage — a child (Boogaard began his life as a brawler in his mid teens) to become a hockey enforcer? And how can fans cheer them on?

For, as Branch makes painfully clear, those fights are not only crippling the players' bodies (causing many of them, like Boogaard, to turn to addictive painkillers), they are also destroying their brain cells

Starting Again After Brain Injury

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

That evening, I told my friend David about my day’s big discovery. “It’s called gum and you chew it and it’s fun and there’s this one kind that will let me blow bubbles!”

“Yes, it’s called bubble gum, Jane,” he told me, patiently.

Fifty-nine months ago, I was wearing my seat belt and my car was stopped when another vehicle hit me, causing my head to fracture the windshield. That damaged my right temporal lobe, one of my neurologists explained when he told me I had a traumatic brain injury. I lost my long-term memory, and have been a brain injury patient within Harvard Medical School’s teaching hospitals ever since.

At 45, I was jolted into an entirely new existence. Memories that connected different parts of my life fragmented and vanished. It took 26 months before I was able to thread my way back unattended to the house I had lived in for 17 years.

To continue; http://www.nytimes.com

                Jane Rosett is an artist at work on a multimedia project, "Adaptivitudes: Navigating My Brain Injury
                    Rehabilitation," and currently a brain injury patient at Spaulding Rehabilitation.

               A photograph from the writer's multimedia project.

Trooper OK after Being Struck

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

My name is Lawrence Land, I just wanted to post a note to say it is very happy news that Trooper Farlow is expected to recover fully from his injuries. I agree with Sgt. Koushel of the Va. State Police who stated Trooper Farlow is a lucky man and very fortunate to have survived. Best wishes for a speedy recovery from myself and my office staff.

Virginia Accidents - Quickly Clear the Road

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

If there are no serious injuries move the vehicle out of travel lanes.

The idea is to prevent secondary accidents and pileups that can easily occur when pavement is slick and drivers are going too fast for conditions.

About 20 percent of all crashes occur after an initial crash, and secondary crashes are often serious.

“Clearing the road following a minor crash and giving emergency responders plenty of room significantly reduces the chance that another collision will occur,” according to the Transportation Department.

“By minimizing exposure to passing traffic, it’s also a safety measure for victims or witnesses.

Full article; www.spokesman.com

Crossing Guard Killed | Chesapeake, Virginia

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

On October 3, 2011 a crossing guard was hit by a truck in Chesapeake, according to Wavy TV 10.com. The crossing guard, Lovette T. Person, was transported to Norfolk General where she died due to her injuries. She was a crossing guard for only year and a half when the incident occurred. The truck driver has been charged with reckless driving. This is a tragedy that this young woman was just doing her job to have a driver hit her because he might not have taken the necessary precautions.

Virginia Beach | Alcohol | Three deaths

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

This week Craig Watson goes on trial for charges of involuntary manslaughter, according to the Virginian Pilot. On August 11, 2010 Watson drove while intoxicated down Indian River Road when the car he was driving hit a guard rail then went through a group of trees. The blood alcohol levels were taken around the time of the accident showed Watson’s BAC was more than three times the legal limit, according to the prosecution. Speed also was a factor in the crash. The car was reportedly going 110 mph. I hope this is a lesson for everyone that drinking and driving is not the answer it affects more than just the people involved.

Care Giver Tips | Traumatic Brain Injury - TBI

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Caregiver Tips www.traumaticbraininjuryatoz.org

TBI can alter the lives of the entire family, and caring for a TBI patient can be a long-term, even lifetime, commitment. For that reason, learning to manage the stress and frustration of caring for a TBI patient is vitally important. If the caregivers cannot take care of themselves emotionally and physically, they will be not be equipped to provide effective care to the TBI patient.

Although in some cases it may seem difficult or impossible, especially early on after the injury, the following tips can be helpful:

Remember that your friend or family member suffering from TBI often cannot control their behaviors or emotions.
Reward yourself periodically with short breaks.
Take advantage of all available support resources.
Exercise to help relieve stress, improve sleep, reduce depression and increase your energy level.
Get plenty of sleep whenever possible.
Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Remember to take advantage of the resources available to you, such as family and friends offering help, local support groups, and web-based support networks.
Take time to be alone and clear your head.
Make a to-do list of tasks and put them in order of importance. This can reduce feelings of being overwhelmed and aid in helping others to help you.
Talk about your feelings to family and friends.
Do not isolate yourself.
Realize that feelings of sadness and frustration are normal.
Educate yourself about TBI.
If it’s right for you, use prayer, meditation, and other types of spiritual support.
Try relaxation activities such as yoga, warm baths, reading, listening to music, or just spending time with friends.
If necessary, ask your doctor about whether or not medications to treat anxiety or depression might be right for you.

Deer-Vehicle Accidents - Fall is Here!

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The reason is "the rut," the time of year when deer mating occurs.
During this period, deer are restless. Bucks may be active 24 hours a day, constantly on the move in search of receptive females. This pursuit keeps does on the move, too, increasing the frequency of deer crossing roads.

During the rut, deer focus so intently on the opposite sex, they sometimes disregard dangers that would normally make them stop, look and listen. That's why it's important for motorists to be extra alert during this time of year.
Some patterns of deer behavior help motorists avoid accidents. Deer are more likely to be out and about between dusk and dawn. When you drive early or late in the day, you should be aware of the increased danger.

Deer will be more active before a weather change. If “nasty weather” is in the forecast, watch for deer to increase their activity. Usually all animals will be scurrying to gather food before the weather gets bad.
Deer often travel in groups. Seeing one deer should serve as a warning that more may be nearby. If you see a deer, slow down immediately in case others appear.
Deer-vehicle accidents are more likely to occur where roads pass through natural travel corridors, such as streams or wooded valleys.
The Department of Conservation offers the following suggestions to reduce the risk of deer-related accidents:
http://www.republican-times.com

Don't Let Unsafe Products | Put Your Family at Risk

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Items I OwnTM will check your items against thousands of recalls at once.

Items I OwnTM checks your items against the last ten years of CPSC recalls at once. Then, it keeps checking every day. How’s that for saving you time!

Know at a glance which items could be dangerous.

Once Items I OwnTM checks your items, their recall status will appear on your "My Items" page. If Items I OwnTM suspects a problem, just click to review potentially relevant recalls.
If your item was recalled, Items I OwnTM will tell you how to fix it or get a replacement.

No matter where you got it, or how long you've had it, Items I OwnTM Can check it.

You probably don't remember exactly where you got most things in your home, or how much they cost. That's OK. Items I OwnTM is smart!

Just tell us what you do know and, by magic (ok, it's really some complex mathematics), Items I OwnTM will sniff out the recalls relevant to you

For more information go to; http://wemakeitsafer.com/register-products-for-safety-recalls.php

Concussions Sidelining Athletes - Brain Scan

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Instead, much of the attention is fixated on an apparent increase in the number of head injuries, particularly in light of concussions sidelining Cole Harbour’s Sidney Crosby and Halifax Mooseheads star Martin Frk, among others, for extended periods of time.

However, a local company is developing a device that it hopes will be able to reduce the number of future head injuries.

In partnership with the National Research Council’s Institute for Biodiagnostics, Mindful Scientific is planning to release what it has dubbed the Halifax Consciousness Scanner sometime in 2012.

Christopher Barden, COO of Mindful Scientific, is fitted with sensors before demonstrating a prototype device designed to measure brainwaves and diagnose symptoms related to concussions Tuesday at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax. (CHRISTIAN LAFORCE / Staff)

Continue reading; http://thechronicleherald.ca

Head Injury | Chicago Blackhawks Ben Smith Returns

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said he's still "day to day" but could play in Friday's regular season opening game in Dallas.

Smith says he's feeling better but has not been cleared for contact.

"You really have to be honest with yourself and honest with them (the Hawks) about how you're feeling," Smith said after practice Tuesday. "We'll see about Friday."

Smith was hit in the head by Brendan Smith of the Red Wings as he was moving towards the net on a mini-break away early in the third period. Ben Smith intimated he didn't remember much after that until he returned to the dressing room. Knowing how much concussions have been in the news and how many players have been out for long periods of time because of them, Smith feels fortunate it wasn't worse.

Ben Smith/Chicago Blackhawks
Full article; http://espn.go.com

Drive Safely Work Week

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Many employers that are members of NETS are owners of large fleets that travel our roads day and night. The “driving” factor of the message they want to get out is that safety relies on drivers, as well as passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians, who all play an important part in preventing distracted driving. In partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation, NETS wishes to address the safety of all employees, not just those who drive as part of their job. It is hoped to reach one-half of our nation’s population with this important message.

Of the almost 5,000 organizations that participated in the 2010 campaign, it has been reported that 88 per cent of the businesses already had or will have a mobile device policy in place this year. This shows the desire of businesses to not only reach their employees, but families and the communities they serve. October 1^st, Nevada became the 9^th state to ban handheld cell phones while driving.

NETS Drive Safely Work Week has a Toolkit that can educate employees on how to prevent distracted driving – how it affects both those in a vehicle and those sharing the road. You may download it from their website. This Toolkit will benefit:

Those who have a workplace policy by getting tips and activities to reinforce and sustain their policies.
Those who have yet to establish a policy will find plenty of resources.
Those who aren’t interested in adopting a corporate policy but want to educate their employees can find materials on ending distracted driving.

Continue reading; http://www.blog4safety.com

October | Fire Prevention Month

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

All persons working in fire service, as well as law enforcement and first responders, remember the sacrifices of all who lost their lives that tragic day, and they strive to educate the public in ways to prevent further needless loss of life from fire. Later this month, the week of October 9^th through 15^th marks the 88^th year fire departments from around the country have observed this event – making it the longest running public health and safety observance on record. The theme for 2011’s observance is “Protect Your Family from Fire!” We will look into that observance prior to that special week. First, let’s review changes in the NYFD that have been made since 9/11. The following is an excerpt from the NFPA Journal, written by Fred Durso, Jr.:

http://blog4safety.com

"Street Eyes" Films Your Teens Driving

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Car accidents kill more than 5,000 teens across the country every year, but a new Youngstown company hopes to lower those numbers with a program called "StreetEyes."

They will film your teen driving so you can see what they are doing right and wrong.

"An appointment is arranged with the client. Our driver falls in behind with the subject vehicle, follows that vehicle for the specified period of time with the camera. And the cameras capture not only the video, but the speed and the GPS of the vehicle as well," said Jim Lipjanic, StreetEyes founder.

Lipjanic then sends a DVD to the parents showing exactly how their teen drives.

"If the teen did everything right, great, you've got some peace of mind, mom and dad. Your kid did exactly what you want them to do behind the wheel. If you see some problems, here's a chance for you to fix it before something bad happens," Lipjanic said.

But some teens think it's an invasion of privacy and wouldn't be comfortable having someone follow them as they learn to drive. Read more; www.wytv.com

Medical Malpractice Claims on the Rise - Lawrence Land - Personal Injury

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Medical errors that occur while shifting a patient from one physician’s care to another has sparked an increase in medical malpractice claims over the last five years, according to Alan Lembitz, MD, vice president of COPIC, a Denver-based professional liability insurance company. Incomplete patient information, missing test results and poor communication among physicians head the list of errors, as reported in Amednews.com.

To continue this article go to; www.newsjunkyjournal.com

My name is Lawrence Land, I have been helping people with their personal injury claims for 35 years. I strongly feel that it is important to talk to a personal injury lawyer if you or a loved one has suffered an injury or fatality due to the negligence of others. It makes all the difference when you have someone in your corner watching out for you 100%.

I have written a book 5 DEADLY SINS THAT CAN DESTROY YOUR INJURY CLAIM, to help you think more clearly when you are making decisions as to what you should do and should't do. You can sign up for your free copy on our website.

Road Rage and Aggressive Driving, What's the Difference?

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

AGGRESSIVE DRIVING – Usually involves traffic offenses such as following too closely, unsafe lane changes, speeding, failure to signal intent to change lanes, and other forms of negligent or inconsiderate driving, such as yelling, cursing, repeated blowing of the horn, rude or obscene gestures, etc.

ROAD RAGE – Occurs when a traffic incident escalates into a far more serious situation. For example, a person becomes so angry that he or she overreacts and responds with some type of violence, such as getting out of the vehicle and threatening you with bodily harm. These acts may range from verbal abuse to physical abuse, or even to an assault with a weapon or motor vehicle (such as using their car to run you off the road.)

To continue reading; www.blog4safety.com

Malpractice Database - Government Blocked - Journalism

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A few days ago, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) abruptly blocked public access to an online database that anonymously tracks state-by-state records of physician malpractice, medical errors and medical discipline.

Consumer groups protested but three journalism organizations have gone them one better -- by posting the database on a Website maintained by Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE).

“The removal of the Public Use File — whose very name means for public use — eliminates a valuable tool for journalists whose goal is to educate and protect the public. This database has allowed reporters to uncover flaws that have toughened legislation, and without a doubt, saved the lives of patients across the country,” said IRE Board President Manny Garcia.

To continue; www.consumeraffairs.com

Brain Injury - Poetry Provided Catalyst

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

It was the morning of Feb. 14, 2005, and Angela Hunt walked down the sidewalk heading to the staff door of the Chaska Library, where she is a librarian.

“I was due at 9:45 a.m. to open,” Hunt said. “I caught my toe on a brick and tripped. The snow was falling and swirling. It was that dry kind of snow. I don’t remember hitting the ground. I do remember though that I saw a gas engine pickup truck heading down the street toward me right before I tripped. But when I got up, I saw it was an idling diesel-engine truck. I remember thinking that was odd.”

Hunt picked herself up. Her glasses were broken, and her ribs hurt. When she entered the library, she noticed that another li-brary employee had already gotten everything — the computers and equipment — up and running.

“I felt a little shook up,” Hunt said. She’d also skinned her knee badly, but attended to it, and then went on with her day.

It was one month later, when Hunt was opening the library, that she realized she didn’t know how to start up the computer.

Read more: Chanhassen Villager - Poetry provided catalyst in bringing words and thoughts together

                                                                  Poetry helped Angela Hunt of Carver regain her lanugage skills after a
                                                                traumatic brain injury in 2005. She published a book of poetry 'Am I Still
                                                                Me?' Earlier this month, Hunt participated in a Mayo Clinic training
                                                                  program for brain injury patients and their caregivers.

Dinwiddie, Va. | Bryant Neville turns Spinal Injury - Into Motivation

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

But instead of resigning to his condition, the Dinwiddie man has made it his mission to help others who share his fate.

Tomorrow, he will be hosting the event "On a roll" to raise funds and awareness for the National Spinal Cord Injury Association.

Around 12,000 Americans suffer from spinal cord injury every year. To most of them, this life-changing condition comes as a shock - and if often takes them many years to adjust. To Neville, it happened 30 years ago, when he was on his way home from a date.

"I was 17 years old, and it was around midnight when I when I was driving my dad's truck," Neville remembers. Suddenly, he saw a deer in the middle of the road. "I steered off the shoulder and the truck turned into a spin," Neville said. "It began rolling for what felt like years," he said.

Bedford, Virginia Man | Killed in Tragic Vehicle Accident

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

What began as a casual men’s breakfast and prayer session, with a bit of a church workday tacked onto the end, took a tragic turn Saturday.

Now a Bedford County church family is mourning the loss of a longtime member and Sunday school director, who was killed when a truck hauling brush ran over him in the Mentow Baptist Church parking lot.

Paul Linwood Mitchell, 76, died at the scene, off Virginia 43 in Huddleston, state police said. His funeral is today.

In an interview Monday, church pastor Greg Soult said Mitchell and the man driving the truck, 69-year-old Henry Woodford, were good friends and dedicated volunteers.

Soult, who has been pastor there for less than a year, said there were two other men at the church helping to trim shrubbery. Soult had been there, too, but left before the accident occurred.

“They were all very good friends, had known each other for most of their lives,” Soult said of the group.

“They had been pruning shrub bushes and gathering up the little pieces and such like that.”

To continue reading; www2.newsadvance.com

Truck Accidents - Tractor Trailers & Hazardous Materials - Catastrophic Accidents

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Truck Accidents have numerous causes, including driver inexperience, truck driver fatigue, jackknifing, rollovers, and overloaded or improperly load trucks. Other causes of trucking accidents include speeding, reckless driving, and mechanical faults.
www.accidents.com

Regardless of cause, truck accidents result in a significant number of fatal vehicle accidents. Truck Accidents occur when large tractor trailers collide with other motor vehicles or pedestrians. If a truck is carrying hazardous cargo, the danger of the trucking accident is greatly increased. Serious back, neck, spinal cord and brain injuries, fractures, and death can result from Truck Accidents.

Liability in truck accident cases is more complex than other vehicle accidents, such as car accidents or motorcycle accidents. If you have been involved in a truck accident, whether you were the driver or your vehicle was struck by a truck, you may be entitled to compensation for you injuries, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.

My name is Lawrence Land, I have been helping people with their personal injury cases for 35 years. I strongly feel that it is importat to talk to a personal injury lawyer immediately to level the playing field when dealing with the insurance companies. If you decide you want me to help you, I will be looking out for you 100%.

Child Killed | Danville, Virginia

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

This past Saturday a toddler was killed after being hit by his dad’s car while his dad was backing into their drive way, according to GODANRIVER.com. The boy was transported to Danville Regional Hospital where he died. My heart goes out to the family of the father and son. This is an unimaginable accident.

Henrico County, Virginia | Competitive Bicyclist Will be Missed

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Today,Fawell's family and much of the Richmond area's competitive bicycling community will be at Fawell's funeral, an event marking a tragic end to a life in which failure was a rarity.

During a late-afternoon training ride Aug. 25, Fawell, 38, was wheeling toward Rockville in Hanover County on Pouncey Tract Road when his white Cannondale road bike, traveling 30 mph on fresh blacktop within a marked bike lane, collided with an oncoming pickup truck that had turned left in front of him.

The collision marked a rare instance when Fawell was riding alone, and his family said he remained without medical care with two collapsed lungs for as long as 30 minutes.

"It is one of the tragedies about all this," said Lara Fawell, who sells medical equipment and worked with her husband from the couple's home. "Mike never did anything wrong. He was always the one who made a point of being careful, of thinking of others, of doing the right thing."

"To him, cycling was a passion — it inspired him to succeed and provided him an outlet to feel free," Lara wrote of her husband, who grew up in the Chicago suburbs and graduated from Northwestern University.

To continue reading; www2.timesdispatch.com

                                                                                             Michael John Fawell, 38, was a multisport athlete,
                                                                                             triathlete and bodybuilder who turned to
                                                                                             competitive bicycling.

Be Car Care Aware - The Car Care Council's Free Guide to Car Care

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

This first-of-its-kind reference guide for motorists from the Car Care Council is now available to the independent market. Focus group research revealed that shop owners, counterpersons and technicians would find the guide valuable when discussing recommended maintenance and repair to their customers. Consumers interviewed agreed that they would trust information from a credible third party like the Car Care Council.

The successful “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign has demonstrated motorists' interest in vehicle maintenance information and advice. The 56-page guide covers nine major service occasions and 12 component groups of the vehicle, plus service interval recommendations, a maintenance log and much more. Additionally, the guide now contains two new sections on fuel economy and environmental awareness.

To download the guide in English; Be Car Care Aware Spanish; Guia' de Cuidado del Autovil'

Hit and Run Causes Death

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

The wife of former Vikings tight end, Joe Senser, is being sued by the family of a man that was killed during a hit and run accident, according to UPI.com. Amy Sensor told investigators she was driving the Mercedes that hit Anousone Phanthavongon. The impact catapulted the man 40 feet from where he was standing. I hope this issue can be resolved in a timely manner so that the family can have some closure from the accident.

Brain Injury | College Football Fullback |Fatality in Frostburg

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

abcnews.go.com to read full article;

Sheely died Sunday at the University of Maryland's R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore less than a week after he collapsed at football practice between routine drills. The cause of Sheely's death is unclear, but his father Kenneth suspects a brain injury was to blame.

"It doesn't really matter how it happened, personally. It's not going to change the situation with Derek. But I want to let it be known that he didn't have some kind of heart condition or other kind of condition. It was severe head trauma," Kenneth Sheely told the New York Times.

Sheely had uncontrollable brain swelling, the Times reported, which may have been caused by successive concussions leading to second impact syndrome.

Lawrence Land and his staff send their heartfelt condolences to Derek Sheely's family and friends, this is a very emotional and difficult time in their lives. Our thoughts are with you.

Double Accident Deaths | Virginia

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two drivers this past week died in two separate crashes this past weekend, according to the Virginian Pilot. The first crash was in Smithfield and the second crash was in Chesapeake.

Pharmacists Named in Birth Control Pill 'Yaz' Wrongful Death Suit

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

The mother of a recently deceased girl has filed suit against the manufacturer of a birth control pill, alleging her daughter died after developing a blood clot formed while taking the pill.

Dana A. Martin claims her daughter, Sophia Claire Martin, was taking the birth control pill Yaz at the time of her death on July 10, 2009.

When she began taking the pill in June 2009, Sophia Claire Martin had a condition known as an arteriovenous malformation of her right lower extremity -- an ailment that is a circulatory system defect and that affects blood flow, according to the complaint filed July 8 in St. Clair County Circuit Court. Because of her condition, Sophia Claire Martin faced an increased risk of hemorrhage, the suit states.

Despite the arteriovenous malformation, Sophia Claire Martin began taking Yaz after picking it up at defendant Moody's Pharmacy on June 23, 2009, the complaint says.

Before allowing her daughter to take the pill, Dana A. Martin claims she questioned Moody's pharmacists, defendant Seamus N. Kloos and defendant Leslie Sauzek, about the use of the drug for Sophia Claire Martin.

Both reassured Dana A. Martin about the safety of the drug, never telling her of the potential risks it posed to people with blood disorders, such as Sophia Claire Martin, according to the complaint.

Soon after Sophia Claire Martin began taking the pill, she developed a blood clot that traveled to her lungs, the suit states. Directly before her death, she experienced shortness of breath and excruciating pain and suffering that lasted until she lost consciousness, the complaint says.

For the full article follow the www.madisonrecord.com link.

My name is Lawrence Land, I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to the Martin family. They are dealing with the tragedy of losing their daughter to something that should have been prevented.

Spotsylvania County, Virginia - Teen Dies After Tragic Accident

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

fredericksburg.com; Regina Coppage (left) sets up a memorial for Shanta Scott along obblestone Drive in
Holleybrooke subdivision

Basketball was Shanta Scott's first love and what she had hoped would enable her to repay the woman who raised her.

"She said, 'Grandma, I'm going to go to college and be a star and make sure, Grandma, you have everything you need,'" Mozelle Keys recalled yesterday as visitors filled her Spotsylvania County home.

That dream died Saturday when Shanta, known as "Shay," succumbed to injuries sustained the day before.
Shay, 15, was hit by a car as she walked along Cobblestone Drive in the Holleybrooke subdivision just before 5 p.m. on Friday.

Sheriff's Lt. Col. Mike Timm said yesterday that it was a "tragic accident" and he did not expect charges to be brought against the driver.

Both the driver and Shay attended Courtland High School.

Shay was a sophomore who had just finished her first year on the junior varsity basketball team.

Eastern Shore of Virginia | How to Protect a Home From a Hurricane

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

We know hurricane Irene is on the way, but will she actually make it to our doorstep? Hopefully not, but better to
be as prepared as possible. Below is a listing for Things You'll Need and Tips for protecting your home. Here's to weathering the storm and coming out safe and sound. I hope these tips are helpful.   Lawrence Land

Things You'll Need

•    Ladder
•    Tree trimmer
•    Measuring tape
•    Pen
•    Paper
•    Hurricane shutters
•    Plywood (optional)
•    Saw (optional)
•    Screws (optional)
•    Drill (optional)
•    Black marker (optional)
•    Garage door (impact resistant)

• Remove any dead or diseased branches from them or the trees completely, if they are weakened in any way. You can use a tree trimmer and ladder, but be certain to use extreme caution when doing this step. If you are uncertain about it, hire a professional.
•
Ready your home's windows. If your windows break at some point in a hurricane, your house can receive massive damage. You can purchase specially designed hurricane shutters for each of the windows in your house or you can make your own. You will need to have accurate measurements for all windows. Use a measuring tape and make note of each one. Either order the shutters or buy an adequate amount of plywood to make your own. You can have the wood cut when you buy it or if you have a saw, cut it in the needed sizes at home. Use a black marker to note which window the wood is for. It is very easy to get them mixed up when you have several windows around the same size. Use screws and a drill to secure the cut wood to your windows.
•
Secure your garage door. One of the fastest ways for a home to receive damage is from an unsecured garage door. The powerful winds of a hurricane can easily rip it away from your house. Check your door to see if it is up to code. It should have a label with the pressure rating on it. If not, you should either replace the door completely with one that is or use plywood to reinforce it against the wind. It is a good idea to have this done by a reliable professional to ensure it is done properly.
•
Remove items from around your house. This can be done after a hurricane is predicted. Go around your yard and secure or eliminate any objects found. You can store patio furniture in a pool or place it inside. Make sure you also get rid of any trashcans, plants, toys, BBQ items or any thing else that is not wind resistant.

Contributed by ehow.com

Johnstown Road Death | Chesapeake, Va

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Yesterday night two men were injured in an accident on Johnstown Road, according to the Virginian Pilot.com. The driver of the vehicle died due to the accident and the passenger was airlifted to Norfolk General. The accident happened when the Durango went off the road.

Truck Clips Bicyclist | Virginia Beach

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

This morning a truck driver clipped a bicyclist causing the man to be thrown from his bike, according to Wavy.com. The bicyclist suffered road rash on his leg, back, and arm. Luckily the man was lucid after the accident. The truck driver suspected of hitting the man was charged.

Car Strike The Tide

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

This morning a car crashed into the side of The Tide on Brambleton Ave, according to the Virginian Pilot Online. The police are still looking for the car that hit The Tide. Hopefully they find the person who did who hit The Tide. People need to be extremely careful when driving around downtown Norfolk.

Virginia Motor Vehicle Accident Guide

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

www.dmv.org;
Here's what to do:

Stop. Don't flee. Leaving the scene of an accident, regardless if you are innocent, will lead to a migraine of legal hassles.
Try to move your vehicle to the side of the road
Attend to the injured, but do not move unless fire is involved or you are a medical professional

Contact the police as fast as possible. Police are required to file crash reports with the DMV if the accident involves death, injury or total property damage exceeding $1,000. All police-reported information will appear on the driving records of each driver involved.

Hello, I'm Lawrence Land the President of Lawrence Land, P.C. a Personal Injury law firm. I have written a book 5 Deadly Sins That Can Destroy Your Injury Claim to help you think more clearly when you are making decisions as to what you should do and should't do. You can sign up for my free book on our website, you can also follow me on facebook and twitter. If you decide you want me to help you, I will be more than happy to give you free advice concerning your accident.

Chesapeake, Va | Golf Course Death

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

In Chesapeake on the Cahoon Plantation Golf Course a man who took care of the grounds died when using some heavy duty equipment, according to the Virginian Pilot Online.com. The police are still investigating the incident.

What you need to know about personal injury in Virginia

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Personal injuries can be devastating to you and your family, whether you are at fault or you are the victim. Many personal injuries occur during motor vehicle accidents.

If you are suffering from motor vehicle accident injuries that you believe were someone else's fault, you may be able to recover damages (money) to cover:

Past, current, and future estimated medical expenses.
Time away from work, including doctor's appointments or therapy
Property damages, such as your vehicle.
The cost of hiring someone to do household chores when you aren't able to do them.
Permanent disabilities or disfigurements.
Emotional distress
Changes in your future ability to earn money, as a direct result of your injury.
Any other costs that were a direct result of your injury.

My name is Lawrence Land and I have been helping people with their personal injury claims for 35 years. I strongly feel that it is important to talk to a personal injury lawyer immediately to level the playing field when dealing with the insurance companies. If you decide you want me to help you, I will be looking out for you 100%.

Norfolk, Virginia | Girl Dies from Drowning

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

On Saturday a two-year-old girl was taken to the hospital after someone saw her in a swimming pool, according to the Virginian Pilot Online.com. The little girl has died in the hospital a couple days later because of her injuries. There has been no information released as to why she was found in the pool. This is so horrific. This poor little girl will never get to grow up. I hope that this will be resolved quickly.

Pungo | Single Vehicle Crash | One Dead

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

In Pungo last night a man died due to the injuries he sustained in a single-vehicle accident, according to the Virginian Pilot Online. The driver drove off to the right side knocked into a mailbox, over corrected, and then ran off the side of the road. The police are still investigating.

Williamsburg Accident | Two People to Hospital

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A car ran off the road on Penniman Road in Williamsburg, according to the Virginia Gazette Online. The driver and the passenger were transported from the scene to the hospital for injuries. The passenger had to be freed from the vehicle and transported by helicopter to the hospital. The crash is still under investigation. Hopefully both passengers will be ok and the cause of the accident is discovered quickly.

Virginia Beach Bicyclist Struck Again

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

On Thursday afternoon a bicyclist was hit at the intersection of London Bridge and Dam Neck in Virginia Beach, according to Wavy TV 10. The bicyclist was taken to the hospital for their injuries and the driver was charged with failure to yield the right of way to a crosswalk. Yet another bicyclist is injured hopefully the City of Virginia Beach will start to plan more bike friendly routes to prevent bike accidents from occurring.

Rocky Gap, Virginia|South Gap, Va.|Bland County, Va.|Tractor Trailer|Lawyer

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Reported by the Bluefield Daily Telegraph ; According to Virginia State Police, a single vehicle tractor trailer accident occurred around 8:50 am Wednesday morning. The tractor trailer, which was carrying bread, traveled 50 feet over a guardrail into an embackment where it landed in a creek and caught fire. The driver , a 65-year-old man from North Carolina, was transported to Bluefield Regional Medical Center with minor injuries. The Virginia State Police is handling the investigation into the nature of the acciddent.

From the office of Lawrence Land; there could be several causes for this accident, but one of the main causes of trackor trailer accidents is driving while drowsy. Long travel times and boredom are a common factor. I have been helping people with their personal injury claims for 35 years. I strongly feel that it is important to talk to a personal injury lawyer immediately to level the playing field when dealing with insurance companies.

Roanoke, Virginia|Other Va, Area's|vehicle crash|Lawrence K. Land, P.C.

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Reported by Roanoke.com; The driver and passenger of the car were taken by ambulance to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. The Roanoke Police declined to name them pending notification of their families. The driver of the minivan was charged with failure to yield the right of way and was not taken to the hospital.

Hello, My name is Lawrence Land the President of Lawrence Land, P.C. a Personal Injury law firm. I would like to offer my best wishes for a speedy recovery for the victims.

I have been helping people with their personal injury claims for 35 years. I strongly feel that it is important to talk to a personal injury lawyer immediately to level the playing field when dealing with the insurance companies. The claims adjusters/investigators who handle your claim are paid to be nice. Thay want you to think they are your friend, however they are not your friend. They work for the insurance company and are 100% on the side of the insurance company. If you decide you would like me to help you, I will be looking out for you 100%.

Bowling Green, Virginia|Bus Crash|Fatalities|Injuries|Accident|Injury Lawyer

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Reported by Roanoke.com; Kin Yiu Cheung, 37, of New York entered the plea after a grand jury confirmed he would face four felony counts of involuntary manslaughter. Cheubg acknowledged to police that he fell asleep at the wheel.

Sky Express is part of an industry of inexpensive buses that travel the East Coast offering cheap fares, convenient routes and, in some cases, free wireless internet. The industry is in the fifth year of a boom, but a string of deadly accidents has prompted calls for tougher federal regulation.

My name is Lawrence Land, I wanted to express my condolences to the family and friends of the victims. When you or a loved one suffers a tragic accident, it will be one of the most stressful and emotional times of your life. It's difficult to think clearly at a time like this. I have been helping people with their personal injury claims for 35 years. Level the playing field by talking to a personal injury lawyer when you or a loved one has suffered serious injury or a fatality by the negligence of others. Insurance adjusters/investigators are not your friends, they work for the insurance company. If you would like me to help you , I will be looking out for you 100%.

Winchester, Virginia|Frederick County, Va.|Vehicle Crash|Fatality|Injuries|Lawyer

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Reported by nvdaily.com; On Back Mountain Rd., a white pickup lay off the road among some trees. It appeared the vehicle veered off the road and struck a utility pole or tree. Police confirmed one person died as a result of the crash.

Anyone involved in a vehicle accident resulting in a serious injury or fatality, knows what a stressful and emotional time this is in their life.

My name is Lawrence Land and I have been helping and overseeing personal injury claims for 35 years. I have written a free book, 5 Deadly Sins That Can Destroy Your Claim, to help you think more clearly when you are making decisions as to what you should do and shouldn't do. I hope this book is a help to you, let us know if we have answered your questions or of you need further information.

Frederick County, Virginia|Winchester, Va.|Car Wreak|Personal Injury|Attorney

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Reported by nvdaily.com; A second vehicle crash occurred shortly after 5:30pm on Northwestern Pike (U.S. 50) near Back Mountain Road. The driver, the only occupant in the vehicle, ran off the left side of the road, tried to steer back on the road but overcorrected, the car then ran off the road to the right, struck an embankment and overturned. The force of the crash ejected the driver from the vehicle. Rescue workers took the driver to Winchester Medical Center.
Police issued a summons for reckless driving, failing to wear a seat belt and driving on a suspended license.

My name is Lawrence Land, I am the President of Lawrence Land, P.C. a Personal Injury law firm. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or suffered a fatality due to the negligence of another and you would like me to help you, I will be looking out for you 100%. Also get my free book, 5 Deadly Sins That Can Destroy Your Claim, I have written this book to help people think more clearly when they are making decisions as to what you should do and shouldn't do. I really appreciate any feedback you want to give me, such as; did I answer your questions? Are there other areas you would like me to cover. Thank you in advance.

Winchester, Virginia|Frederick County, Va.|Car Crash|Injuries|Lawrence Land, P.C.

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Reported by nvdaily.com; Another single vehicle crash happened at the Va. 37-U.S. 11 interchange shortly after the incident on U.S. 50. Three people who reported minor injuries were taken to the hospital.

Hello, my name is Lawrence Land, I have been helping people with their personal injury claims for 35 years.I have written a book; 5 Deadly Sins That Can Destroy Your Injury Claim to help you think more clearly when you are making decisions as to what you should do and shouldn't do. If you sign up for my free book and you still have questions, please contact my office. The numbers are listed on my website.

Wytheville, Virginia|Other Area's of Va.|Rolling Vehicle|Injury|Charges Pending

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Reported by SWVA Today; The driver, Hazel Perry was driving north on East Lee Highway, when her vehicle drifted off the road. She overcorrected, the vehicle rolled and then slid down a bank onto the southbound interstate entrance ramp. Perry, who was wearing a seat belt, was taken by ambulance to the Max Meadows forehoude and then airlifted to Bristol Rrgional Medical Center. Virginia Police say charges are pending.

My name is Lawrence Land, I am the President of Lawrence Land, P.C. a Personal Injury law firm.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or suffered a fatality due to the negligence of another,
Please signup for my free book 5 Deadly Sins That Can Destroy Your Injury Claim. I have written this book to help you think more clearly when you are making decisions as to what you should do and should't do during an extremely emotional and stressful time in your life. If I haven't answered all of your questions, please contact me through my website or by phone.

Eastern Shore of Virginia|Other Area's of Virginia|Coping| Brain Injury|Attorney

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Reported by the Brain Injury Association of America; The most important things to remember:

A person with a brain injury is a person first
No two brain injuries are the same
The effects of a brain injury are complex and vary greatly ffrom person to person
The effects of brain injury depend on such factors as cause, location, and severity.

For more information read the full article at the injury link above. Also check our Questions concerning brain injuries on our website. Lawrence Land, President of Lawrence Land, P.C. a Personel Injury law firm, has written an informative book titled 5 Deadly Sins That Can Destroy Your Injury Claim. You can sign up for his book on our website and it's free!

Norfolk, Virginia|Other Area's of Virginia|TBI|Leading Causes|Attorney

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to the Centers for Diease Control and Injury Prevention, the leading causes of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are:

Falls (35.2%)
Motor vehicle traffic crashes (17.3%)
Struck by/against events (16.5%)
Assaults (10%)

Eastern Shore of Virginia|Other Va. Area's|Right or Left Brain|Injuries|Lawyer

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Reported by the Brain Injury Association of America;

Injuries of the left side of the brain can cause:

Difficulties in understanding language (receptive language)
Difficulties in speaking or verbal output (expressive language)
Catastrophic reactions (depression, anxiety)
Verbal memory deficits
Decreased control over right-sided body movements

Injuries of the right side of the brain can cause:

Visual-spatial impairment
Visual memory deficits
Left neglect (inattention to the left side of the body)
Decreased awareness of deficits
Altered creativity and music perception
Loss of "the big picture" type of thinking
Decreased control over left-sided body movements

Eastern Shore of Virginia|Virginia Beach, Va.|Diffuse Brain Injury| Lawyer

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Reported by the Brain Injury Association of America; Diffuse Brain Injury means the injuries are scattered throughout the left and the right sides of the brain and can cause the following:

Reduced thinking speed
Confusion
Reduced attention and concentration
Fatigue
Impaired cognitive (thinking) skills in all areas

For more information follow the brain link.

Harrisonburg, Va.|Waynesboro, Va.|Rockingham,|Charolottesville,Va|Accident

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Reported by The Daily News Record; Eddie E. Hammer, 59, was riding his motorcycle Saturday when he verred off the right side of the road and struck a post, according to Virginia State Police. It was unclear what his condition was as of Monday. Alcohol appears to be a factor in the crash, it is unclear if charges will be filed.

My name is Lawrence Land the President of Lawrence Land, P.C. A Personal Injury law firm. I have been helping people with their personal injury claims for 35 years. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or suffered a fatality due to the negligence of another, I strongly feel that it is important to talk to a personal injury lawyer immediately to level the playing field when dealing with the insurance companies. The claims adjusters/investigators who handle your claim, work for the insurance company, they are paid to be nice. They are 100% on the side of the insurance company. If you decide that you want me to help you, I will be looking out for you 100%.

Richmond, Va|Fire Dept. Vehicle|Possible Hit & Run|Children Injured|Lawyer

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Reported by the Richmond Times~Dispatch; The incident occurred at the intersection of Forest Hill Ave. in South Richmond. The injured children were among a group of kids riding bicycles along Westover Hills Boulevard as heavy rains fell. The children were taken by ambulance to Chippenham Hospital with what appear to be minor injuries. Investigators are looking into reports that the RFD vehicle, travelling through the intersection responding to a call, may have come into contacrt with the bicyclists. Anyone who may have witnessed this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or text 274637, using the key word "ITip followed by your tip. For the full article go to the Times link.

Hello, my name is Lawrence Land, I have written a free book"5 Deadly Sins That Can Destroy Your Claim", to help people think more clearly when they are making decisions as to what they should do and shouldn't do. If you decide you would like me to help you, I will be looking out for you 100%.

Richmond, Va.|Fredericksburg, Va.|Brain Damage|Botox|Lawrence Land|Attorney

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Reported byPilotOnline.com; A jury has awarded $212 million to a Fredericksburg man who claims the drug botox left him brain-damaged and disabled. The jury awarded 67-year-old Douglas Ray Jr. $12 million in compensatory damages and $200 million in punitive damages. The verdict against drug maker Allergan Inc. came after a nearly two week trial in federal court. An Allergen spokesperson called the decision disappointing but noted that under Virginia law, the punitive damages will be capped at $350,000. Ray said he will challenge the cap. For the full article go to the Pilot link.

My name is Lawrence Land and I have been representing people with personal injury claims for 35 years. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of another call a personal injury lawyer immediately. If you decide you want me to help you, I will be looking out for you 100%.

Virginia|Eastern Shore|Norfolk|New Port News|Accident|Personal Injury Attorney

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

My name is Lawrence Land I am the President of Lawrence Land, P.C. a Personal Injury Law Firm. I have been helping people with their personal injury claims for 35 years. One of the 5 Deadly Sins That Can Destroy Your Injury Claim as stated in my free book is Hiding the truth ...Don't do it. It is very important to tell the absolute truth about everything in your case. I often tell my clients if you lie you lose. We can handle the truth. It's the lie that is difficult to handle. As you know with the Internet, the insurance adjuster can find out so much information about you with a few key strokes. Once they show that you lied about one thing, they totally destory your credibility. It is very important to be truthful and up-front from the beginning. If you decide you want me to help you, I will be looking out for you 100%.

Virginia|Questions and Answers|Vehicle Crashes|Personal Injury Lawyer

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Do not talk to the insurance company or your insurance agent until you speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. After you have been involved in an accident you are clearly emotionally traumatized. Many people will tell you that you should contact your insurance company. Stop. After you go to the emergency room you should call an attorney immediately. Many times the insurance company will learn about your case and call you for a recorded statement. Do not give them any statement. Do not give any statement until you talk to a personal injury attorney to guide you. For this and other important information concerning serious and fatal accidents sign up for my free 5 Deadly Sins That Can Destroy Your Injury Clain.

Virginia|Vehicle Accidents|Serious Injury|Fatal Injury|Accident lLawyer

Sat, 02 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Hello, I am Lawrence Land the President of Lawrence Land, P.C. a Personal Injury law firm. I have been helping people with their personal injury claims for 35 years. I feel strongly that it is important to talk to a personal injury lawyer immediately to level the playing field when dealing with the insurance companies. The claims adjusters/investigators who handle your claim, work for the insurance company and they are 100% on the side of the insurance company. If you decide you want me to help you, I will be looking out for you 100%. For example, there may be an additional "medical payment benefit" from $1,000 to $100,000 which can be collected for you within 30 days after your accident. Most of the time I can find additional coverage that the claims adjuster will not discuss with you. I have written a book 5 Deadly Sins That Can Destroy Your Injury Claim, to help you think more clearly when you are making decisions as to what you should do and shouldn't do. You can find this free informative book on my website.

Brain Injury|Concussion|Personal Injury Attorney|Accident Lawyer

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

As reported by MayoClinic.com, Traumatic brain injury is damage to the brain as the result of an injury. Mild traumatic brain injury may cause temporary dysfunction of brain cells. More serious traumatic brain injury can result in bruising, torn tissues, bleeding and other physical damage to the brain that can result in long-term complications or death. For more questions concerning brain injuries read our brain injury questions. If my office can be of assistance you can reach Lawrence Land personal injury attornry, 24 hours a day.

Southeast|Norfolk, Va.|Eastern Shore of Va.|Recreational Accidents|Lawyer

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

All of us enjoy some type of recreation, whether it's boating, sking, swimming, riding a bike or going to an amusement park. Unfortunately we sometimes do have accidents while enjoying some of these activities. What to do if it happens to you? After seeking medical attention, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. My name is Lawrence Land and I have been helping people with their personal injury claims for 35 years. If you decide that you want me to help you, I will be looking out for you 100%.

Virginia|Defective Vehicles|Cars|Trucks|Bicycles|Motorcycles|Mo-peds|Accidents

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Whether you're riding a bike, driving a car or truck or any vehicle what should you do if you suffer a serious injury due to a defective vehicle part? First, seek immediate medical attention, then immediately call an experienced accident lawyer. Why do you need to do this? My name is Lawrence Land and I have been helping people with their personal injury claim for 35 years. I feel strongly that ist is important to level the playing field when dealing with the insurance companies. The adjusters/investigators who handle your claim are paid by the insurance company. They are 100% on the side of the insurance company. Do not think for a moment that the claims adjuster who is overseeing your case is on your side. If you decide you want me to help you, I will be looking out for you 100%.

Eastern Shore of Virginia|Norfolk, Va.| Chesapeake, Va|Birth Injury|PI Attorney

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Birth injuries can be caused by complications during the pregnancy or delivery compounded by errors on the part of the doctor or medical staff. As reported by news site Help for Accident Victims; Serious birth injuries can have devastating lifelong effects for infants, including paralysis, brain damage, bone fractures, cerebral palsy, erb's palsy, brachial plexus, and even death.

It must be noted that some birth injuries are not the fault of the medical staff and could not be avoided despite a doctor's skill and good judgment. However , if an injury at birth is due to the negligence of hospital staff, then the doctor or nurse may be liable for the damages and injuries that result, including those for long term care and rehabilitation.

My name is Lawrence Land the President of Lawrence Land, P.C. a Personal Injury law firm. I have been helping people with their personal injury claims for 35 years. If you decide you would like me to help you with your claim, I will be looking out for you 100%.

Gore Virginia|Frederick County|Fatal Truck Accident|Accident Lawyer

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to news site NVdaily.com, Tracy Lee Wise, 38, of Shanks, W. Va. died at the scene as the result of injuries sustained in the crash, according to State Police Sgt. F.L. Tyler, Wise was driving a 2004 Ford F-250 westbound when he apparently crossed the center line and crashed into an eastbound 1998 GMC truck driven by Thomas G. Swisher, 60, of Gore. Swisher was taken to Winchester Medical Center for treatment. If you or a loved one has sustained serious injuries or suffered a fatality due to the negligence of others, call attorney Lawrence Land for a free consultation. Also sign up for my free book 5 Deadly Sins, That Can Destroy Youe Injury Claim.

Fatal Virginia Accident|Bus Involved|Sky Express|Accidents

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

As reported in The New York Times; The Federal Transportation Department said it is tightening it's policies after acknowledging that the bus company involved in a fatal Virginia accident had been allowed to continue operating while it appealed a suspension for safety violations. A compliance review of the company, Sky Express, conducted by the department in April found numerous shortcomings in a varity of areas, including driver training and vehicle maintenance, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which oversees bus safety. The carrier was given an unsatisfactory rating and banned from making interstate trips. Sky Express appealed the ruling and was eventually given an extension of 10 days. Had the department not given the company the extra 10 days to appeal, it's operating license would have been revoked three days before the deadly accident.

Winchester Virginia|Clarke County|Berryville|Accident Victim|Accident Lawyer

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

As reported by NVdaily.com; A Volkswagen Jetta traveling northbound on U.S. 340 shortly before noon veered off the road to the right and went into a ditch just south of Va. 611. The car struck a utility pole and then a fence according to Sgt. F.L. Tyler with the Virginia State Police. The 42-year-old driver Clinton Jordan, was taken by mediacl helicopter to Inova Fairfax Hospital. Jordans condition Thursday afternoon was not known. I am Lawrence Land the President of Lawrence Land, P.C. A personal injury law firm. I have been helping people with their personal injury claims for 35 years. I feel strongly that it is important to talk to a personal injury lawyer immediately to level the playing field when dealing with the insurance company.The claims adjusters/investigators who handle your claim work for the insurance company. They are 100% on the side of the insurance company. If you decide that you want me to help you, I will be looking out for you 100%.

Virginia|Regulation|Children|Bounce Houses|Injuries|Accident Lawyer

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

However as Frank Eltman of the Associated Press explains, it is not so much these inflatable structures themselves which cause the problem, as it is a lack of safety standards.

Inflatable amusement rides, with their hit-and-miss regulation and a lack of industry-wide standards, can endanger lives when not properly installed or operated.

At least 10 inflatables around the country have been toppled by winds or collapsed under too much weight in the last two months, injuring more than 40 people, according to www.rideaccidents.com.

I wish this was a rarity, but it's not. It happens all the time, said Jim Barber, a spokesman for the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials. "These are probably the most dangerous amusement devices they have".

My name is Lawrence Land and I have been helping people with their personal injury claims for 35 years. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or suffered a fatality while using such an amusement ride and you decide you would like me to help you, I will look out for you 100%.

July 4th Weekend Is This Weekend, Here Are Some Driving Safety Tips

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Check the oil - Even if you're a few hundred miles away from your next scheduled change.

Check the Tread on your tires - Make tires more resistant to punctures.

Slow down ! - Drive defensively and drive the speed limit.

Plan ahead - Allow time for heavy traffic.

Plan to stop - Get out of the car for just a few minutes, switch drivers if necessary.

Avoid distracted driving - Avoid texeing, playing with your GPS, adjusting the radio or talking on your cell phone.

Prepare a safety kit - With essentials such as a cell phone, flashlights, jumper cables, a first aid kit and drinking water and snacks.

Buckle up - Always use safety belts and safety car seats for children.

Bayer Disputes Yaz and Yasmin Side Effects

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

As reported on the news site Accidents.com; It is no wonder that we are witnessing hard-fought resistance to anything suggesting Yaz and Yasmin contraceptive pills are a defective product. But several studies imply that they are. You can read the full article on Accidents.com. If you have takenYaz or Yasmin, and have experienced the following side effects, be sure to contact your primary care physician and an attorney iimmediately

Blood clots in the legs
Heart attack
Gall bladder disease
Pancreatitis

Stroke

My name is Lawrence Land, I have been helping people with their personal injury claims for 35 years. If you decide you would like me to help you, I will be looking out for you 100%.

Accident Attorneys Help You Get The Compensation You Deserve

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Thousands of Americans are injured each year as a result of an accident, whether it is work-related, an auto accident, a slip and fall, defective products, or another type of accident, and are left with few options when the aftermath is serious. A life changing accident may require the injured to resort to a lawsuit in order to get the financial help they desperatly need.Insurance companies are typically large organizations with people trained to go through a straight-line process. They aren't trained to think with compassion or interest in paying larger claims no matter how legitimate. Many people who never, ever beleived they would sue another party may feel guilt about a personal injury lawsuit, but must learn to move on from that. In the end, only a personal injury attorney is compensated to get victims what they deserve, and it is in their interest to do so quickly so that their clients can get back on their feet, and so that they can get compensated. Full article posted on Accidents.com.

My name is Lawrence Land and I have been helping people with personal injury claims for 35 years. If you decide you want me to help you, I will be looking out for you 100%.

Two Portsmouth Accidents Caused By One

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Thursday afternoon two accidents back to back caused three people to be sent to the hospital, according to Wavy TV 10. An SUV travelling down High Street hit a gold car then a silver car within three minutes of each other. The first car that was hit the driver and their passenger were taken to the hospital for their injuries. In the second accident only one person was transported to the hospital. The police are still investigating the accident.

Virginia Beach Girl Severely Injured

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last week a kid driving drunk crashed into a tree has been charged with a DUI and illegal possession, according to Wavy TV 10 Online. The passenger, Meaghan Gerety, is still in the hospital for her injuries. The penalties for driving drunk can cost you greatly, especially if the person you are with dies due to your negligence.

2009 Norfolk Crash in Court

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

On July 25, 2009 a ride home ended in two passengers killed and one badly injured, according to the Virginian Pilot Online. The trial for this horrific accident is said to be taking place all this week. The defense is claiming that the driver was hit in the head which caused his vehicle to run off the road. Witnesses said that the car was traveling at a high rate of speed and the driver was supposedly driving under the influence. As an accident lawyer this case piqued my interest because it is very unique in that there are many questionable details that could hurt or help the families if they brought a civil suit against the driver.

Virginia Accident Lawyer|Brain Injuries|Injuries Caused By Accidents

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Once you make a claim for injuries, your life becomes an open book. Again, the insurance company can find out information about any prior accident history, any accidents where you have been hurt, or pre-existing medical conditions. Again, it is very important to be as truthful about your injuries as it is about prior accidents in which you have been involved. It is important to be honest and truthful from the very beginning with regard to the injuries that you have suffered in the past. Sign up for my free book 5 Deadly Sins That Can Destroy Your Injury Claim, to read about the other 4 Deadly Sins. My name is Lawrence Land, I am a personal Injury attorney and have been helping people with their personal injury claims for 35 years. If you decide you want me to help you, I will be looking out for you 100%.

Urbanna, Virginia|Hit and Run|Vehicle Crash|Virginia Accident Lawyer

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to the online news source SSentinel.com., in about 30 minutes on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 21, Middlesex emergency dispatchers received about seven calls reporting a yellow van being driven recklessly in the lower part of the county, said chief dispatcher Lavinia Thorton. A Glouester man has been charged with felony hit-and-run with injury after he allegedly struck a car on Route 3 and then left the scene. Read full article at SSentinel.com. As a personal injury lawyer, Lawrence Land wishes a speedy recovery to the accident victim and family. When you or a loved one is seriously injured or is involved in a fatal accident it is a stressful and emotional time. There are many resources that an accident lawyer can bring to your attention, that most people are not aware of. For answers to your questions order my free book 5 DEADLT SINS, that can destroy your accident claim.

Topping, Virginia|Two Car Collision|Crash Victims|Personal Injury Attorney

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

As reported in the Southside Sentinel online news. According to the police report, the crash occurred on a curve on Rt. 622 about half a mile from Rt. 3. Tashaya N. Brooks of Susan in Matthews County was driving toward Hartfield when a wheel on her vehicle dropped off the right side of the pavement. Her out of control car came back on the road and slid sideways into the oncoming lane, colliding with a car driven by Mary Lowery of Irving. The front of Lowery's car impacted the passenger side doors of Brook's car, which slid a few feet and hit a tree on the driver's door. All driver's and passengers are being treated. Brooks 23, is charged with reckless driving. To read the full article go to the Sentinel link. When you or a loved one is injured in an accident, it is a stressful and emotional experience. Remember your insurance claims adjuster works for the insurance company. Call an experienced accident lawyer and they will guide you through the process.

Va Beach Girl Severely Injured

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

This morning a car crashed into a tree at the 4400 block of Revere Drive, according to the Virginian Pilot Online. The driver of the car and a passenger were taken to the hospital for their injuries. The passenger is still being treated for her severe injuries. The police charged the driver with a DUI and believe speed was a factor. I have a daughter around the age of the girl that was badly injured. I feel for her parents and hope that their daughters recovery is speedy.

Two Carshes on I-64

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

This past weekend there were two crashes both on I-64, according to the Virginian Pilot. One crash was near 15th view and the other crash was near the I-264 interchange. Both crashes caused backups. Hopefully all the people that were involved in the accident are not severely injured.

Another Shore Drive Bicyclist Hurt

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

The second cyclist in over a month to be hit by a vehicle, Monika Glandorff, is now being treated for severe injuries at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, according to Virginian Pilot Online. She is being treated for two fractured vertebrae and a broken leg. Jim Dunham another cyclist who was hit along shore drive has been relearning how to walk. He hopes to be able to ride again in the fall. There should be something done to prevent accidents like this on Shore Drive because the next person could not be as lucky.

Tour Bus Flips on I-95

Tue, 31 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Early this morning a tour bus carrying passengers flipped over on I-95, according to Pilot Online.com. The accident took four lives and left many passengers injured. The accident happened around Caroline County on I-95.

Suffolk Man dead after collision

Tue, 31 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Suffolk man was killed when the car he was driving went into oncoming traffic, according to Wavy TV 10.com. The man's car when it eased into oncoming traffic collided head-on into another car. The man’s passenger was taken to the hospital for head injuries. The driver of the other vehicle is expected to be ok. I hope the head trauma to the passenger is not severe and she will pull through.

Multi-Car Crash on I-64

Thu, 26 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

There was a two-vehicle crash on I-64 near the Military Highway exit this morning, according to Pilot Online.com. There were injuries reported due to the accident.

Crash at Doctor's Office

Wed, 25 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

A man crashed into a doctor’s office in Virginia Beach, according to Wavy.com. Two people were transported to the hospital with injuries.

Northampton Watermelon Truck Crash

Wed, 25 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Early Sunday morning in Northampton County, Virginia a pickup truck hit a tractor trailer, according to Eastern Shore News. The crash caused the watermelon truck to go up in flames.

Accident at HRBT

Fri, 20 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

There was an accident at the HRBT this morning, according to the Virginian Pilot online. There were injuries.

Fishersville Woman Killed by Pickup Truck

Mon, 02 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

In Augusta Circuit Court the attorneys for both sides will be deliberating about the offer from State Farm Insurance Company of $100,000 for the death of a woman from Fishersville, Virginia, according to The News Virginian. Stephen Joel Vance, the driver of the pickup truck, swerved and hit a concrete ditch after his tire blew out. After hitting the concrete ditch he crashed into Lucille Simmons Wheeler as she was mowing her lawn. Her death certificate said she died because of multiple injuries.

When a family member is taken from you it is something that is very hard to overcome. I hope her son will be afforded some closure once both sides come to an agreement. This is such a tragedy.

Three Dead on I-64

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Late Saturday night three young men perished on the side of I-64, according to Wavy TV 10.com. The driver of the vehicle was travelling at a high rate of speed when he lost control of his vehicle. There is one person that is left in critical condition in the hospital. The police are still investigating the accident, but they did find that none of the young men were wearing there seat belts. This shows why it is so important for people to wear your seat belts and not be in a rush to get somewhere. It will possibly save your life.

Cascade Virginia Motorcyclist Hit

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Yesterday Afternoon a man driving a Dodge Spirit struck a motorcyclist, while pulling out of Food Lion, according to GODANRIVER.com. The man driving the Dodge Spirit did not see the man and was charged with failure to yield the right of way. I was glad to see that the motorcyclist was not severely injured by the accident, because it could have been bad.

Norfolk Car Accident

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

On Monday evening a car hit a utility pole with such force that the accident crew had to cut the passengers from the car, according to Wavy TV.com. The driver was severely injured in the crash, but the passenger was ok. There is no information at this time as to what caused the crash. I hope the driver is going to be ok.

Virginia Beach Oceanfront Death

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

This morning Cory James Dyer, 21, was struck by a 2002 Suburban on Pacific Avenue, according to the Virginian Pilot Online. The young man was transported to the hospital, where he died one hour later from his injuries. The driver of the Suburban was charged with failure to yield the right of way while making a left turn. The Police Department’s Fatal Crash team is still investigating the accident. This such a tragedy that a young man that was just doing his job is no longer with us.

SUV plowed into a Sedan

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Yesterday at the intersection of Oceana Boulevard and Bells Road a SUV hit a Sedan during rush hour, according to WAVY TV 10.com. The Sedan flipped over after the impact. The driver was taken to the hospital with injuries. I hope the victim in the Sedan will be ok. It is not fun to be hit so early in the morning.

Old Buckroe Pedestrian Hit

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last night at approximately 9:20 p.m. a car hit a pedestrian crossing Old Buckroe Road, according to dailypress.com. The victim was taken to the hospital for their severe injuries. No other information has been released at this time. I hope that the person will be able to recover from his injuries.

Melfa Tractor Trailer Crash

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Early this morning at 1 a.m. a tractor trailer, while heading south on Route 13, hit a Mexican Restaurant, according to the Virginian Pilot. There is no information yet on what caused the accident. The driver of the truck had minor injuries, but caused thousands of dollars worth of damage.

Woman Killed in Dirt Bike Accident

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

On Saturday at around 4:20pm a woman was killed after the driver of a dirt bike lost control and flipped over. It is crazy how life can change in an instant, one second you are having a good time and the next you are not.

14-year-old Dies from Injuries

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

UPDATE: The child, Daniel Taylor, died on Wednesday due to the injuries he sustained in the accident. The police have not filed any charges because the student had not been crossing in a cross walk. Kempsville High School students are distressed about the loss of this promising freshman. He wanted to join the track team, he was always on honor roll, and looked forward to going to college. This is quite a tragedy to see a young man who is the same age as my daughter die before he reached his full potential. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends.

Car Plummets into the Chesapeake Bay

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

On Tuesday morning Jean Calcagno’s body was found after his car had been reported falling off the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, according to the Virginian Pilot. While rescue crews were searching and cleaning up from the accident a secondary accident occurred that caused minor injuries. This was the first crash like this in five years. The police are still investigating the incident. This is a tragedy that a life was taken from this family. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel can be dangerous on the calmest days, so if you have to go over the bridge just stay alert to any changes in weather, traffic patterns, and speed limit.

Truck Crash in Suffolk leaves One Dead

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Hollyann Heinrich died on Sunday morning after the pickup truck she was driving in flipped over at the 400 block of Glen Haven Drive, according to the Virginian Pilot. The driver of the vehicle lost control when coming around a curve. The driver hit the culvert at the end of a ditch flipping the vehicle twice. The two passengers were thrown from the vehicle and the driver is said to have been injured as well. Hollyann Heinrich was taken to the hospital where she died. The accident is still under investigation by police. It is always such a tragedy to see a person die so young. My hear goes out to the family of the victim and to the families of the other passengers.

Train kills Man in Lanexa, Virginia

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Newport News Waterworks worker was killed last Friday, February 25, 2011, at the intersection of Outpost and Rockahock Road by a train, according to the Virginia Gazette. The train was traveling from Richmond to Newport News at 70mph with 100 passengers aboard. The man did not stop at the railroad crossing nor were there any gates to prohibit travel due to an oncoming train. The man died at the scene of the crime. Lee Ann Hartman stated, “The entire Newport News Waterworks family is grieving the loss of one of our employees today.” The man’s name has not been released yet. I send my sympathy to the family of the victim. It is such a tragedy to hear when a person has died before there time.

Bicyclist killed on Route 199 in James City County

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last night around 10pm a man on a bicycle was struck by an SUV while they were both traveling westbound on Jamestown Road toward John Tyler Highway. The bicyclist died at the scene of the accident. The occupants of the SUV were not injured. The police found that the man on the bike, Elmer Hernandez, was trying to move toward the median when he was struck by the SUV. The police are still investigating the accident and have not given the driver of the SUV a ticket. My thoughts go out to the victim's family. Hopefully drivers and bicyclist in the future will watch the road and take all safety precautions necessary to prevent any future accidents from happening.

Officer down in Chesapeake

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

An officer swerved to miss hitting a car, while en route to a burglary call, according to Wavy TV 10. The officer was taken to the hospital for minor injuries, but the Chesapeake Police Department said he will be fine.

Man eluding police causes 3-Vehicle Crash in Newport News

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

On Monday afternoon a police officer stopped Kurt Edward Fortner of Newport News about a quarter-mile from Exit 258 off of I-64, according to The Virginian Pilot. As the police officer was calling for back up, Fortner drove off the ramp hitting a minivan that flipped over into the median on J. Clyde Morris Boulevard. When the minivan flipped a tire flew off hitting a Nissan Altima. The mother and two children in the minivan and Fortner sustained minimal injuries. The women and her two young children in the minivan were not hurt in the accident. Fortner, once released from the hospital will be facing charges. The Newport News car accident teaches us that running away from the police can have dire consequences.

Virginia Personal Injury Lawyer l Charitable Donations Save Lives

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Ronald McDonald House Charities in Norfolk serves over a thousand families a year from all over the world. It was my pleasure to meet the great staff there and tour the house. Next time you are in ghent or if you are looking for a charity to donate to go to http://www.rmhcnorfolk.com/support/.

Giffords is Speaking Now

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Giffords’ recovery is coming in small increments, but it has been reported by her staff that she has gained the ability to speak, according to National Public Radio. Her recovery is just one of the small steps she will be undergoing as she goes through her extensive treatment. The brain is an interesting organ that scientist are still trying to understand. The brain cannot repair the damage area itself but depending on the size of the injury the neurons in the surrounding areas will sometimes take over the function of the damaged neurons. The road for a brain to repair is long and your life is not going to be the same. Kim Towns, a woman from Chesapeake, Virginia, has been fighting her brain injury for 23 from a gun shot wound. She states, "I can't really concentrate like I used to. I get tired really easily, I get depressed,"..."I have to really just sit down and concentrate on one particular subject." For brain injured patients they are forced to learn how to process and do normal tasks very differently, than before the accident. Currently, there is no information on whether the Congresswoman will be able to go back to the halls of Congress, but she is progressing.

Newport News Woman Dies In Crash

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Jennifer Leigh McIntire, 28, was driving her Chevy Colbalt when she attempted to pass a HRT bus across double yellow lines hitting head on into a black Honda Odyessy at the 100 block of Saunders Road. Jennifer died at the scene of the accident. The driver of the other car was injured and taken to the hospital. The HRT bus had 5 passengers on board, but thankfully none of the passengers were injured. Another accident at this same location happened in November of last year. Brennan Francis Russell, 23-years-old, was taken to the hospital after the accident where he died due to his injuries. All of us are careless in life at one time or another. My daughter is about to start driving and I could never imagine this type of loss. Incidents, like Jennifer, remind me of the importance of driver safety, so just remember to drive the speed limit and be patient you will reach point B in time.

Vehicle not in the Reverse Position in Va Beach

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

A woman thought her SUV was in the reverse position when it went flying forward crashing into the front of a Blockbuster. She injured an employee and one other person. The employee was taken to the hospital for injuries. There have been no criminal charges pressed against the driver. If you or a loved one has died due to another person's negligence call me, Lawyer Land, today for a free consultation at 757-625-1911 or toll free 1-800-800-1911. I hope the two that were injured will be ok.

Fairfax Man Shot by Swat Officer

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

The family of Salvatore Culosi filed a civil suit against Fairfax County, the Fairfax Police Chief, the head of SWAT for Fairfax County, and the officer who shot Culosi for violations of excessive force and violations against the Virginia's Wrongful Death Statute. The family had scientific evidence on their side that proved the statement from the officer was false and that he violated protocol. The family used a a weapon expert, a crime scene expert, and a psychologist to prove that the officer was negligent with his use of a fire arm. Culosi at the time of his arrest for sports betting was cooperating with the police, had no weapon, and was not a flight risk. The officer who shot Culosi had his weapon pointed at Culosi with his finger on the trigger, which went off killing Culosi. The case settled out of court after the officer’s motion was denied to have the expert testimonies excluded from trial. The family of Culosi was awarded $2,000,000 for the damages suffered by the wrongful death of their son and brother.

Virginia Beach Bicyclist Struck By Car

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Today at 10 a.m. a young man was hit by a car, while riding his bicycle through the intersection of Independence and Pembroke Boulevard, according to PilotOnline.com. The man was taken to the hospital for injuries. There is no futher news at this time as to what caused the accident. I hope that the bicyclist is not to severely hurt and will be able to have a speedy recovery.

Two Virginia Beach School Bus Crashes in One Day

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

In Virginia Beach in the early morning hours of Tuesday there were two separate school bus accidents. The first accident occured around 6:15 a.m. at the intersection of Rosemont Road and Lynnhaven Parkway. An ambulance was called to the scene of the accident, but no one was hurt.

The second accident occured around 6:40 a.m.when a bus getting onto Interstate 264 at Lynnhaven Parkway was rear-ended by a car. Marcus Barrington, the driver of the car, was cited for reckless driving. All of the children on board were not hurt and taken to school.

When driving behind a bus carrying children I always try to drive at a distance to ensure that I have enough time to stop. A bus carrying children is not something you want to hit.

Hampton Drivers Beware of Zombies

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Have you ever been attacked by a Zombie while driving? Well in Hampton this past week that is what most drivers feared according to the Virginian Pilot. The caution sign nearest Barron Elementary School was changed to "Caution: Zombies Ahead," after the password was cracked by someone. There have been no charges filed but hopefully the culprit will be found soon.

Greenbackville Benefit to Help Courtney Bloxom Overcome Brain Injury

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Miss America will be attending the Eastern Shore Beauty Pageant in honor of Courtney Bloxom. All proceeds will go toward paying for Courtney to have all the updated equipment she needs to help overcome her brain injury. It is my hope that the event is very successful to help out Courtney and her family. The community has been very supportive of Courtney and her family during this ruff time. As a father of four I could never imagine my child going through this type of hardship. Brain injuries are very serious and require a lot of attention to ensure that the damage caused will not be permanent. When you are out and about make sure to be careful, have enough time to get from point a to b, and be on alert of the people around you. You never know what might occur in the future, so all we can do is plan accordingly to ensure that nothing severe happens.

Danville Boy Is Hit By a Car While Crossing a Crosswalk

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

On January 15, 2011 while a young boy was running across Piney Forest Road collided with a Buick Sedan, according to GODANRIVER.com. The boy was transported to Duke University Medical Center to treat for severe head injuries. The boy is in stable condition at this time. I hope that this boy will have a speedy recovery and overcomes this terrible accident. There are laws in Virginia that protect the rights of those crossing the street and driving through an intersection. The law in Virginia states that the driver of a vehicle must yeild the right away to a pedestrian if a police officer, device, or sign is telling the driver to yeild the right away to the person walking across the street. A pedestrian should not cross the street if cars have the right of way. The law states that pedestrians should wait until the traffic signal, sign, or police officer signals you to cross the crosswalk. Neither party has filed charges against the other for money to resolve the damages caused by the accident at this time.

Gloucester Woman Dies on Route 17

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

I sympathize for the family of Ms. Carey who died on route 17 in Gloucester before her time was up. Accidents happen every day in rural areas like Gloucester on Route 17, the Eastern Shore on Route 13, and Franklin on Route 58. Country roads can be very dangerous for people who live near them because of the volume of travelers. When people drive long distances that take them down rural roads the long stretches of road can cause fatigue, stress, and the driver to lose control. The ways to avoid an accident on country roads is to get a good night sleep before driving long stretches, avoid driving at night after a long day of work (take a rest), make sure to take breaks every two hours during your drive, and be alert in places with a high volume of animals. “To be or not to be” is the question. Do you want to be the cause of another person’s death because you did not take the necessary precautions to drive safely or do you want to be the safe alert driver that can be able to prevent an accident?

Hope for those who Suffer From A Brain Injury

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

In Parksley, Virginia a family continues their struggle over their daughter’s traumatic brain injury. On the night of May 23, 2010 Courtney Bloxom was driving home when she crashed causing the young girl to spend the next seven months in a coma. Courtney was preparing for her high school graduation, which was to take place within the week following her accident. The teen was moved to a nursing home on the Shore on December 13, 2010 to start her long recovery to being her old self. The teen is now experiencing new milestones in her life, like being able to speak and walk again. The community on the Shore has been helpful in raising money, providing a home away from home for Courtney’s mom Becky, and support. There are different ways the brain can be injured, in Courtney’s case her brain, due to the rapid deceleration of her car, hit her skull which can cause problems the nerves in the brain to become damaged. Brain Injuries are different for every victim, hopefully Courtney will be able to have a swift recovery in the nursing home with the help of her loving family.

Inclement Weather Strikes Again in Virginia

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Jack Frost has come to cause terror to Hampton Roads. As families come together this holiday season do not let death from an accident strike you and yours. To ensure the safety of your family update yourself on road closings, inclement weather reports, and always veer on the side of caution to avoid running off the road.

On December 18th, 2010 a man lost his life due to inclement weather and treacherous roads on Route 17 in Chesapeake, Virginia. The police are not sure what exactly caused the man to go over the median, but the police are not ruling out the treacherousness of the roads due to the snow storm on Friday December 17, 2010.

Call Lawyer Land in the event that inclement weather causes you and yours to have an accident at 757-625-1911. He treats all of his clients like they are his own family, so let him work for you.

Death Law in Virginia

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

In September of this year three sisters won a civil suit against their stepmother, who allegedly killed their father. The mediator awarded the sisters their father's estate, Mt. Athos, which will now be a refuge for show horses that are not wanted anymore. After nine years of battling their stepmother in court they finally have closure for the wrongful death of their father, Hamilton Somerville.

A wrongful death case in Virginia can be brought against a person, corporation, or vessel that is responsible for the death of the victim by the surviving member or members. If your loved one has been a victim of someone's negligence then call Attorney Lawrence Land at 757-625-1911 or 1-800-800-1911 for a free consultation.

MRSA in Virgina: Who is at risk?

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

The death of a premature baby from MRSA made Virginia news this week. Many people are confused about MRSA and how it is spread. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

What is MRSA?

MRSA stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It is a type of aggressive staph bacteria that is resistant antibiotics called beta-lactams. Most MRSA infections are skin infections and most people recover. However, severe or potentially life-threatening MRSA infections can occur. More than 85% of MRSA infections are contracted in health-care settings.

In most cases, MRSA infections are treatable. A doctor will drain the infection and prescribe an antibiotic. For severe infections, surgery or strong antibiotics may be necessary. Sometimes, the infection is so strong that the patient dies anyway.

How is MRSA spread?

Staph infections like MRSA are usually spread by having contact with someone else's skin infection or through personal items such as towels, bandages or razors that touched infected skin and have not been properly sanitized.

Is MRSA a risk in Virginia?

From January to October 2010, 851 laboratory-confirmed cases were reported to the Virginia state health department. In 2009, 1,101 cases were reported to the state.

Who is at fault if I contract MRSA while in the hospital?

Hospitals are responsible for protecting the health of patients. If you or a loved one contracted an MRSA infection in a Virginia hospital, nursing home or other healthcare facility, you may have a Virginia personal injury claim. Contact Norfolk medical malpractice attorney Lawrence Land at 757-251-0198 to learn more.

Virginia Warns of Dangers of Caffeinated Alcoholic Beverages

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

The state of Virginia has issued a warning to retailers who sell alcohol about selling alcoholic energy drinks to minors. In addition to the warning, the state is considering other steps to control consumption of high-alcohol, caffeinated beverages.

On Monday, November 15, The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control sent a letter yesterday to more than 17,000 establishments with licenses to sell alcohol. The letter states that "Alcoholic energy drinks when consumed by underage persons are a serious threat to public safety," and is intended to address the state's concerns about the drinks. Caffeinated alcoholic beverages have been linked to the hospitalization of dozens of college students, including the hospitalization of nine students at Central Washington University last month.

As of January 20, 2011, a new law will require that the drinks be placed with beer and wine, and away from non-alcoholic drinks. The agency also is looking at other options for controlling the use of the drinks. The Department are considering labeling requirements or restrictions on content.

Currently, the drinks are regulated as beer, but they have significantly more alcohol.

Learn more about the dangers of alcoholic energy drinks in our article, “Virginia Wrongful Death: The Deadly Effects of Energy Drinks.”

To learn more about wrongful death in Virginia, contact Norfolk personal injury attorney Lawrence Land at 757-251-0198.

What Should You Do If Your Car Becomes Disabled on A Virginia Highway?

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

I just posted an article about the tragic death of a 35-year-old man who became a hit-and-run victim as he was talking on a cell phone beside his disabled vehicle on I-295.

According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about 16% of American pedestrian fatalities occur on freeways. In 2008, 701 pedestrian were killed on freeways, many of these deaths occurred when drivers got out of stranded vehicles.

So, if your car breaks down or you are in a Virginia highway accident, what should you do?

The natural response is to exit your vehicle after a crash, but safety officials suggest that drivers get their vehicle as much off the road as possible and then stay inside the car and activate the emergency flashers.

If you absolutely must get out of the car, do not stand near moving traffic and never stand behind of or in front of the vehicle, just in case the car is struck by another vehicle. Try to be on the other side of your vehicle away from traffic and behind a barrier if possible.

If you have been in a Virginia traffic accident, contact Norfolk traffic accident attorney Lawrence Land at 757-251-0198. Lawrence Land represents victims of traffic accidents and wrongful death throughout Hampton Roads and Virginia. To learn more about personal injury claims, download Mr. Land’s free book, “5 Deadly Sins That Can Destroy Your Injury Claim.”

Doctor Publically Admits to Surgical Mistake : Could this happen in Virginia?

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Boston doctor has publically admitted to a surgical error in hopes that his story will help prevent future mistakes.

Dr. David Ring, a surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital, was to perform surgery on 65-year-old patient with trigger finger in her left ring finger. The doctor went through all the pre-operation steps: he verified the symptoms, the abnormal findings on her physical examination and the informed consent. He confirmed the trigger finger was on the patient's left ringer finger and reviewed the procedure with her. Then he went to perform carpal tunnel surgery on another patient.

When he returned, the patient's arm had been washed with soap, alcohol, and povidone-iodine. The alcohol had caused the surgery site-marking to wash off. Dr. Ring performed carpal tunnel surgery on the patient with trigger finger.

While writing his notes after the procedure, the doctor realized what happened. He immediately told the patient of the medical mistake, and performed the necessary procedure.

Surgical mistakes are not uncommon. According to a 2003 survey by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 21 percent of hand surgeons said they had operated on the wrong site at least once. In fact, 68% of surgical error claims are related to orthopedic surgery.

Learn more about surgical errors in our article, “Surgical Errors in Virginia: Can They Be Prevented?”

Norfolk personal injury attorney Lawrence Land helps victims of Virginia medical malpractice to collect fair compensation for their injuries, pain and other losses. To learn more, contact Lawrence Land at 757-251-0198.

Where do Accidents Happen? Four Dangerous Roadways in Hampton Roads.

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

These intersections and roadways were chosen as the most dangerous by local news reporters and police officers.

1. Interstate 64 at Northampton Boulevard, Hampton
Nearly two dozen Virginia car crashes a year occur on this section of Interstate 64. Officials believe the accidents are the result of too much traffic on the road. Every day about 150,000 vehicles travel on I-64 near Northampton Boulevard to the connection with I-264. Eighty percent of the crashes are rear-end accidents that occur when people merge without looking.

2. Holland Road at Rosemont Road, Virginia Beach
Holland at Rosemont Road in Virginia Beach is the number one crash site in Virginia Beach. Last year, there were 62 crashes at this intersection. The road is narrow and handles a lot of traffic. Drivers get frustrated and impatient and they wait to get through the intersection.

3. Hampton Boulevard at Redgate Avenue, Norfolk
Cars cross the double white lines and cause accidents. Last year, 555 tickets were issued to drivers who crossed the double white lines.

4. Oyster Point Road and Jefferson Avenue, Newport News
This site sees dozens of accidents each year as drivers run red lights. Police plan to install red light enforcement cameras.

Most of Virginia traffic accidents are caused by drivers who are in a hurry and behave recklessly.

If you are injured in a Newport News accident caused by a agressive driver, you have rights. Contact attorney Lawrence Land at 757-251-0198 to learn more.

What is Reckless Driving in Virginia?

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Virginia mother was charged with reckless driving after she drove into oncoming traffic and hit a Toyota Tacoma. The Virginia Beach car accident occurred on Tuesday morning, October19. The woman had two sons with her in the car.

Fortunately, there were no serious injuries. The woman, her children and the Toyota's driver were transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

Reckless driving is a broad term. In Virginia, it includes:

• Speeding in excess of 80 mph
• Speeding 20 mph or more above the posted speed limit
• Racing
• Passing or overtaking an emergency vehicle
• Passing a school bus
• Passing on the crest of a hill
• Passing at a railroad crossing
• Passing two vehicles abreast
• Driving two vehicles abreast
• Driving too fast for conditions
• Failing to give a proper signal
• Faulty brakes/improper control
• Reckless driving on parking lots
• Driving with an obstructed view
• General reckless driving behavior

In Virginia, reckless driving is considered either a misdemeanor or a felony. The maximum penalty is twelve months in jail, six months suspension of the driver’s Virginia driver’s license or six months suspension of the privilege to operate a motor vehicle in Virginia for out-of-state drivers, as well as a fine of up to $2,500.

Victims of reckless drivers are entitled to compensation for their injuries. Norfolk car crash attorney Lawrence Land represents those seriously injured in Virginia reckless driving accidents. Contact Lawrence Land at 757-251-0198.

Brain Injury in Young People – Numbers are on the Rise. Why?

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Two separate studies show that brain injury among young athletes is on the rise. In fact, there has a 70 percent increase in basketball-related brain injuries in the last ten years.

One study looked at youth sports in Minnesota. It found that the occurrence of brain injury is rising in all youth sports.

The most dangerous sports were found to be:

1. Football
2. Boys’ hockey
3. Boys’ soccer
4. Boys’ basketball
5. Boys’ baseball

The other study looked at pediatric basketball-related injuries treated in emergency room departments over the past 10 years. This study found that the number of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) increased by 70% during this period.

Experts are not sure what is causing the rise in sports-related injuries. They hypothesize that increase may be due to more competitiveness in youth sports, better diagnosis, or more awareness of head injury among parents and coaches.

Click here to learn about the symptoms of brain injury.

Lawrence Land represents victims of brain injury in Norfolk and throughout Virginia. If your child sustained a brain injury while playing school sports, you may have a Virginia personal injury claim. To learn more, contact Lawrence Land at 757-251-0198.

Avoiding Dangerous Deer-Car Crashes in Virginia

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

The odds of hitting a deer in Virginia are one in 102. Virginia has more than five and a half million licensed drivers. This means that there will be more than 540,000 deer-car crashes on Virginia highways this year. Most of these accidents will be minor, but many will result in expensive property damage. Others will cause serious injury and even death.

How can you avoid deer collisions while driving?

• Remember that deer are most active between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Slow down, so you can stop if necessary.

• Watch for posted deer crossing signs. These signs mean deer frequent the area.

• When driving on country roads and in isolated areas, use high beam headlamps as much as possible at night to illuminate the sides of the road. Remember to turn them off when other drivers approach.

• Remember deer travel in herds; if you see one, there are likely to be others nearby.

• If you see a deer on the road, slow down and prepare to stop. You can flick your lights until the deer moves away, but don’t honk; a startled deer will often run right into a honking car.

• If a collision with the deer is unavoidable, try not to swerve. Brake and hold the wheel straight. Turning the wheel could result in a more serious accident with another car or may cause your car to spin out of control

No, you can’t sue a deer for damages if you are injured in a Virginia deer-car accident. However, your injuries should be covered under your own insurance policy.

To learn more about what to do if you have been injured in an accident, download Norfolk car crash attorney Lawrence Land’s free guide, “5 Deadly Sins That Can Destroy Your Injury Claim”. If you have additional questions or would like to
schedule a free consultation with Mr. Land, contact our Virginia personal injury law office at 757-251-0198.

Fall in Virginia: It is the Season for Virginia Deer-Car Accidents.

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

The trees are changing color and the sun is setting earlier. It is fall, and that means Virginia deer accident season. October, November and December have the highest number of deer-car collisions.

Growing deer populations and shrinking deer habitat mean that deer-car collisions are on the rise – especially in Virginia. According to State Farm’s insurance statistics, the number of deer-car crashes in the United States has increased by 20% in the last five years. In the last two years, there were an estimated 2.3 million collisions between deer and passenger vehicles!

Deer-car crashes can be serious. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, deer-related accidents cause
about 200 car crash fatalities each year. The average property damage from a deer accident adds up to $3,103.

State Farm looked at the overall number of reported deer collisions in each state and weighed them by the total number of licensed drivers. West Virginia tops the list of states where a driver is most likely to collide with a deer. The odds of hitting a deer in West Virginia are 1 in 42. Virginia is eleventh on the list. In Virginia, the odds of hitting a deer are 1 in 102. This may seem like good odds, but in Hawaii, the odds of hitting a deer are 1 in 13,011.

Use care while driving this fall. Click here for tips to avoid Virginia deer collisions, and if you are seriously injured in a Hampton Roads car accident, contact Norfolk accident attorney Lawrence Land at 757-251-0198.

Early Treatment with Hypertonic Fluids May Not Help TBI Victims

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Doctors who treat victims of traumatic brain injury received disappointing news this week. A procedure thought to improve the outcome of patients suffering from blunt-force traumatic brain injury does not make a significant difference.

Preliminary studies suggested that early administration of hypertonic fluids after a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) may help to reduce intracranial pressure and improve patient outcome. However, a large trial study published in the Oct. 6 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association found this is not the case.

The new large scale study included 1,087 patients with severe TBI who did not suffer shock caused by blood loss (hypovolemic shock). Some of the patients received hypertonic fluids before they arrived at hospital and others received normal saline solution. The patients’ outcome was tracked for six months. At the six month stage, both groups of patients had similar survival and disability rates.

Hypertonic fluid has been used by EMTs as an intervention for patients suffering traumatic brain injuries from falls, sports injuries, and Virginia car accidents. The authors of the study say there is no benefit to continuing that procedure.

Norfolk accident attorney Lawrence Land represents victims of traumatic brain injury throughout Virginia. He understands the challenges and obstacles that TBI victims experience and works hard to get them the compensation they need to pay for their treatment and rehabilitation, as well as damages such as lost income, pain and suffering. To learn more, contact Mr. Land at 757-251-0198.

Subdural Hematoma & Other Brain Injuries in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, & VA

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Among the types of brain injuries suffered by traumatic brain injury victims are subdural hematomas. A subdural hematoma (SDH) is a collection of blood inside the skull, specifically underneath the dura, or outer layer of the skull. In other words, the collection of blood is located between the middle and outermost layers of the skull, most often caused by damage to the brain itself, a vein, or tissue within the dura. A subdural hematoma may result from an auto accident, a fall, or, in the case of children, shaken baby syndrome. The most common incidents of subdural hematomas occur in the elderly, often in the case of a fall, but any traumatic brain injury victim may suffer a subdural hematoma. With the consequences of subdural hematoma ranging from mild to severe, some victims of this type of brain injury may suffer only temporary symptoms while other suffer fatal injuries, depending on the degree and type of brain injury that occurs.

No matter what type of head injury you or a loved one has suffered, seek medical attention immediately. Whether you or a loved one has suffered a subdural hematoma, a concussion, brain damage, or another type of traumatic brain injury, you may be able to file a legal claim for financial compensation, as long as another party was responsible for the injuries. For more information on Virginia brain injuries and legal brain injury claims in Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads, Newport News, Norfolk, Eastern Shore, Portsmouth, and other parts of the state, request your free copy of attorney Lawrence Land's newest book or contact him toll-free at 800-800-1911. Land will answer your questions for free regarding your unique situation and help you recover compensation for medical bills and other expenses.

Crashes With FedEx Vehicles Lead to Hospital Visits & Death | Hampton Lawyer

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

A three-vehicle accident involving a FedEx truck and large bus sent three women to the hospital in Ft. Myers this month, according to the NBC-2 news website. According to authorities, the FedEx truck sideswiped the bus, which caused the bus to travel into another lane and collide with a Dodge Magnum. Before coming to a complete stop, the bus then slammed into a light pole, and it was traveling "on its side on two wheels," said one of the passengers. Although these accident victims reportedly only suffered minor injuries, many auto accidents involving FedEx vehicles, buses, commercial vehicles, and large trucks result in serious injuries. Also this month, for example, a 91-year-old man was tragically killed when a FedEx tractor-trailer collided with his car, according to the WSBTV news source. The man was attempting a left-hand turn when the FedEx truck crashed into him, says the source, and no charges had been filed at the time of the report.

As a wrongful death lawyer serving Hampton Roads, Newport News, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, Eastern Shore, and other parts of Virginia, Lawrence Land is familiar with the life-altering and sometimes fatal consequences of accidents involving larger vehicles, and he expresses his deepest condolences to the family and friends of these crash victims. If you have been injured or lost a loved one as a result of a collision with a FedEx or UPS truck, Tyson or Perdue truck, or another commercial vehicle, special laws may apply to your case. For free information and answers to questions concerning your unique incident, contact Norfolk and Hampton truck accident lawyer Lawrence Land online or toll-free at 800-800-1911.

Brain Damage at Birth Causes Wrongful Death, Couple Awarded $10.2 Million

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

A couple from Miami was recently awarded $10.2 million in connection with the wrongful death of their son, who died at age three after suffering severe brain damage at birth (reports the EagleiOnline site). Baby Kevin, son of Oscar Rodriguez and Raiza Bravo, suffered oxygen deprivation during birth at Jacksonville's U.S. Naval Hospital. According to the couple's attorney, hospital staff failed to notice that the umbilical cord was wrapped around Kevin's neck when Bravo was in labor, causing the lack of oxygen that, in turn, led to serious brain damage. During the few years the child survived, he was unable to speak, sit up, or swallow, and he required a special feeding tube that sucked saliva out of his mouth to prevent choking. Speaking of the couple's pain and grief since the incident, the attorney explained that the couple has been unable to have another baby because Bravo is on anti-depressants. Putting every effort into keeping their handicapped child alive, the couple has suffered enormous grief over Kevin's death, which occurred when he suffered a brain seizure.

When brain injuries occur, whether at birth, in childhood, or later in life, the consequences can be severe, life-altering, or even fatal. As a Virginia brain injury attorney serving Eastern Shore, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and surrounding areas, Lawrence Land is familiar with the indescribable pain of the catastrophic injuries or wrongful death of a loved one. Committed to helping the surviving family members of brain injury and wrongful death victims receive maximum financial compensation so they can focus on healing rather than worrying about how to cover expenses, Land will answer your Virginia and Norfolk brain injury questions for free if you would like more information. For your free consultation, contact Lawrence Land via his confidential contact form or call him toll-free at 800-800-1911.

Virginia & Norfolk Wrongful Death Example: Fatal Dog Bite Incident

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed in connection with the tragic loss of a man who was bitten by a dog in Seattle, according to The Seattle Times. Kenneth Bock went to the hospital with severe pain in his leg after the dog bite incident, and doctors found a blood clot and discovered that he had developed an infection from the bite. Specifically, Bock was diagnosed with Capnocytophaga canimorsus sepsis, a bacterium often found in cat or dog saliva, which led to tissue necrosis and multiple organ failure. According to the Bock family attorney, Chris Davis, the dog bite victim suffered a painful death (he died 10 days after he was bitten).

Attorney Chris Davis and Bock's family members claim that the dog's owner, Konrad Haskins, knew that "Buddy," a Redbone Coonhound, had a history of biting people. Even though Haskins was aware of the dog's tendency to bite people, they claim, he still let the Coonhound roam without a leash. Haskins and his attorney argue that Buddy was on a leash the day of the dog bite. The dog owner also claims that Buddy was in his SUV when Bock reached through the window to pet the dog, prompting the bite. Davis and the Bock family, however, have stated that the dog was wandering the property of the mini storage company when the bite occurred. Davis explains that a dog's owner can be held liable for injuries or death from a dog bite if the owner was previously aware of the dog's potential harm to people, According to Davis, veterinary records revealed that Buddy had bitten people when he was a puppy.

Although this incident occurred in Washington state, fatal dog bites can occur anywhere, including Virginia. As a Virginia wrongful death lawyer serving the families of fatal accident victims in Norfolk, Eastern Shore, Nassawadox, Newport News, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, and other areas in the state, Lawrence Land is familiar with the indescribable pain of sudden loss. At the law office of Lawrence Land, we express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Kenneth Bock. If you have questions about dog bite cases in Norfolk or another part of Virginia, feel free to contact Lawrence Land online or toll-free at 800-800-1911 for free resources and answers to your specific concerns.

Hampton Roads Transit Bus in Virginia Beach Accident on Atlantic Ave.

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Virginia Beach hit-and-run accident involving a Hampton Roads Transit bus and another vehicle last month caused $12,000 in damage to the bus, according to the The Virginian-Pilot and Hampton Roads news source. The crash occurred when a Ford Expedition slammed into the northbound bus on Atlantic Avenue and fled the scene. Only five passengers were on board the bus at the time of the Virginia Beach accident, and no one was said to have suffered injuries.

Although this particular crash involved another vehicle slamming into the transit bus, other accidents involving commercial vehicles have resulted from a bus or larger vehicle crashing into a smaller car. Next year, the new lightrail (The Tide) will begin operation as part of the Hampton Roads Transit system, potentially making transportation easier for some but also posing the risk of serious accidents. When commercial vehicles are involved in wrecks in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton Roads, or other parts of the state, special laws apply. For more information on Virginia bus accidents, Norfolk truck accidents, or other collisions between buses or trucks and smaller vehicles, contact Lawrence Land online or toll-free at 800-800-1911. Attorney Lawrence Land will provide you with free resources and answers to questions concerning your unique situation.

Recovered TBI Victim Authors Book on His Road to Recovery

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Recovered traumatic brain injury (TBI) victim, business owner, and Route 66 enthusiast Dan Rice has authored a new autobiography about his road to recovery after suffering brain damage in a serous 2002 car accident, according to the Business Wire website. The near-fatal crash left Rice with an undiagnosed TBI, significantly altering his perceptions of reality and putting a stop to his Hollywood career and goal of obtaining a Ph.D. in Psychology. In the autobiography, titled End of the Trail, Rice uses the economic ups and downs associated with the famous Route 66 as an analogy for his journey through the psychological pain of undiagnosed injury and final road to recovery. Candidly describing his bouts with depression, anger, mental struggles, and suicidal thoughts, the author aims to raise awareness of traumatic brain injury, the public's misunderstanding of it, and possible treatment options. Now, eight years after the tragic accident, Rice's achievements give hope to other TBI victims: he is the president of retailer 66-to-Cali Inc. and the recipient of the Will Rogers 2010 New Business of the Year Award.

Although Rice experienced significant recovery, many victims of traumatic brain injury suffer life-long illness or cognitive problems as a result of brain damage, especially when proper treatment is not obtained. For help obtaining necessary medical care and financial compensation so you or your loved one can focus on getting better rather than worrying about how to pay bills, feel free to contact Norfolk brain injury lawyer Lawrence Land. Land will provide you with free resources about Virginia brain injuries and answer all your questions at no cost or obligation to you. To speak to Lawrence Land about your specific case, fill out his confidential contact form or call him toll-free at 800-800-1911.

Toddler Left in Van at Day Care, Parents File Wrongful Death Suit

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

The parents of a two-and-one-half year old toddler have filed a lawsuit against the owners of a children's learning center in connection with the tragic loss of the toddler, according to the Palm Beach Post . Haile Brockington reportedly died August 5 after employees at Katie's Kids Learning Center left her in one of the center's vans. The mourning family's attorney explained to the Post that there were clear actions that should have been taken to avoid such tragic loss, such as hiring and training the appropriate employees and personnel and establishing necessary policies and procedures. Not only does the suit claim that the day care center is negligent for leaving the child in the vehicle (a failure to exercise a standard duty of care), but it also claims that drivers of the van had forged Haile's mother's name in the transportation log.

There is nothing more tragic than the wrongful death of a child, and Virginia fatal accident attorney Lawrence Land expresses his deepest sympathies to you if you have experienced such an indescribable loss. When children suffer wrongful death as the result of brain injuries , medical errors , car accidents , or other incidents involving negligence, compensation may be available to help surviving family members financially so they can focus on healing emotionally. If you would like more information on Virginia fatal accidents, feel free to contact Norfolk wrongful death lawyer Lawrence Land online or at 800-800-1911, and he will answer your questions for free at no obligation to you.

Mazda Recalls, Product Liability, & Norfolk Car Accidents From Defective Parts

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced Mazda's recall of approximately 215,000 vehicles (specifically, the 2007-9 Mazda 3 and Mazda 5) due to a steering problem that may increase the likelihood of a car accident, according to the New York Times. The NHTSA describes the steering problem as a "loss of power assist," potentially increasing the risk of car accidents by catching the driver off-guard while attempting to steer in a normal manner. Although Mazda began fixing the vehicles with the same problem in Japan about one year ago, the company claims that the U.S. did not have a high enough "occurrence rate" to justify recalling the vehicles when the problem was first identified. The company claims that the loss of power steering is not a safety risk. If NHTSA determines otherwise, Mazda may have to pay a large fine for violating the federal regulation that requires automakers to inform safety agencies within five days of discovering a safety defect.

When defective vehicle parts do cause harm, as in the case of some car accidents in Norfolk and other parts of Virginia, a product liability claim may be filed. Although most car accident cases in Norfolk, Eastern Shore, Newport News, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, and other parts of the state involve negligence on the part of another driver, some cases occur in which the vehicle manufacturer is liable. For more information on Virginia car accidents and product liability, contact Lawrence Land in his confidential online form or call him at 800-800-1911. He will provide you with free resources and answers to all your pressing questions.

Lou Gehrig's Death: Result of Lou Gehrig's Disease or Repeated Concussions?

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Did Lou Gehrig really die of Lou Gehrig's disease? Recent research on traumatic brain injuries implicitly indicates that the famous baseball player could have suffered from another form of brain trauma caused by repeated concussions, according to the LA Times. In the study, School of Medicine researchers at Boston University found that the symptoms often caused by repeated concussions can mimic Gehrig's namesake disease, formally called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Baseball's "Iron Horse" frequently played while injured, even after suffering from concussions, and the study suggests that Gehrig's symptoms could have resulted from repeated brain trauma rather than ALS. Symptoms that result from both types of brain injuries include muscle weakness, spastic movements, and the loss of muscle control over time, according to the LA Times. The Times also explains that a "growing body of research" is adding weight to the argument that concussions may act as catalysts for a range of diseases of the brain, including dementia, Parkinson's disease, depression and, now, ALS.

How does this research affect you? If you or a family member has suffered from concussion more than once (or even just once), you should be even more motivated to seek medical care. While concussions are often considered mild injuries, they are, in fact, traumatic brain injuries, and they can have long-term consequences. If you would like free information on Virginia traumatic brain injury or brain injury cases in Norfolk, Eastern Shore, Newport News, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, or another part of the state, contact Lawrence Land online or toll-free at 800-800-1911. Land will answer your questions for free and provide you with the resources you need to move forward.

Is Your Vehicle's Manufacturer Liable?: Ford Motor Co. Sued Over Fiery Crash

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Ford Motor Co. is responsible for the wrongful death of Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) trooper who died in a fiery crash, according to the widow of the trooper, who is suing the company for damages (reports the Miami Herald). According to the lawsuit, the tragic accident occurred when a Lexus veered onto the shoulder of the turnpike at full speed and crashed into the back of the police cruiser, which was parked on the side of the roadway. The negligent driver has also been named in the suit, but widow Roberta Ambroise and her attorney are pursuing damages from Ford Motor Co. as well because the Ford cruiser burst into flames when it was rear-ended. The lawsuit claims that Ford is negligent for selling vehicles with "improperly placed gas tanks" that are "prone to rupture" and/or explode in the event of a rear-end collision. As a result of the "poorly designed" vehicle, 35-year-old FHP trooper Patrick Ambroise was fatally injured.

As a Virginia wrongful death lawyer serving clients in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads, Newport News, Eastern Shore, and surrounding areas, Lawrence Land expresses his deepest condolences to the family and friends of Patrick Ambroise, and his thoughts are with them at this difficult time. When truck and car accidents involve defective parts or poorly designed vehicles, as in this case, the car manufacturer or another party may be held liable for resulting injuries or fatalities. If you have tragically lost a loved one in a fatal Norfolk crash or another Virginia accident and have questions regarding liability or how to proceed, feel free to contact Lawrence Land for free resources and answers to questions. He will consult with you for free with professionalism, compassion, and regard for your unique situation. Contact Lawrence Land in his online contact form or feel free to call him toll-free at 800-800-1911.

Common Types of Injuries from Car & Truck Accidents in Hampton & Other Parts of VA

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Although neck, head, back injuries are the most common types of injuries suffered in Norfolk, Eastern Shore, Virginia Beach, and Hampton car accidents (among other wrecks in Virginia), many different types of injuries may result from car accidents, ranging from mild to severe. Among the types of injuries that Virginia or Norfolk truck accidents or car wrecks may cause are the following:

brain injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, skull fractures, or nerve damage in the brain
whiplash, disc injuries in the neck, or other neck injuries resulting in neck pain and limitations in movement
TMJ (temporalmandibular joint) injury, which injures the ligaments and joint that allow movement of the jaw
herniated discs or other disc injuries in the neck or back
compression fractures in the back, which may lead to permanent disability
fractured ribs, broken wrists, fractured arms, fingers, ankles, legs, or other bones
torn spleens or other injuries to internal organs, such as the heart, liver, lungs, or kidneys
torn rotator cuff or other shoulder injuries
hip fractures, ankle sprains, stress fractures, and knee injuries.

If you have suffered any of the injuries listed above or sustained another type of injury as a result of a Virginia crash caused by a negligent driver, feel free to contact Norfolk truck accident attorney and car wreck lawyer Lawrence Land for free resources and answers to your pressing questions. Contact Land online or by phone at 800-800-1911.

Drowning & Near-Drowning Accidents in Virginia Beach

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

A tragic swimming accident resulted in fatality for well-known and respected Lexington, Kentucky, resident Samel G. Barnes, Sr., 63, according to the Fulton Sun. The Fifth Third Bank president was on the beach in St. Simons Island, Georgia, with his wife when he swam out to sandbar, according to police. On his way back to the shore, Barnes went under the water, and emergency crews tried to revive him after the tragic drowning. Despite the efforts of the emergency workers, Barnes was pronounced dead later that afternoon. A preliminary report listed drowning as the cause of death, but the Fulton Sun reported that a family friend suggested the cause may have been a heart attack.

As a Virginia personal injury lawyer, Lawrence Land expresses his deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Samel G. Barnes, Sr. The unexpected loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult tragedies for anyone to bear, and our thoughts are with the family at this most difficult time. When drowning and near-drowning accidents occur, depending on the circumstances, a wrongful death or premises liability claim may be filed. In the case of near-drowning in Virginia Beach or other parts of the state, brain injuries can result, increasing the need for more resources, financial help, and medical treatment. For free information on brain injuries, wrongful death or fatal accidents in Virginia Beach and other parts of VA, contact attorney Lawrence Land in his confidential contact form or by phone at 800-800-1911.

What Can I Do If I'm in a VA or Norfolk Car Accident While On the Job?

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

After suffering serious injuries in a Virginia crash such as a Norfolk, Eastern Shore, Newport News, Hampton, or Virginia Beach car accident, the last thing on your mind may be filing a legal claim for compensation. When medical bills and other expenses arise, however, you may be asking yourself how to receive help paying for these costs so you can focus on healing. In some instances, Virginia truck accident or car wreck victims don't realize that a legal claim is possible, especially when they have been injured in accidents that occurred in the context of work.

Virginia workers' compensation is different from personal injury claims in that it is "no-fault," meaning you may be able to file a legal claim even if no one was responsible for your accident, as long as it occurred while on the job. Since workers' comp. works this way, it does not compensate for "pain and suffering," like other Virginia accident claims. That being said, there are a couple important facts to highlight regarding work-related vehicle accidents in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and other parts of the state:

you may be able to file a Virginia workers' comp. claim as long as your injuries occurred within the context of work
workers' comp. claims from vehicle accidents may result from the following types of collisions: a wreck in a company vehicle, a wreck in one's own vehicle while performing work-related tasks, a wreck in another type of vehicle while traveling on company time (depending on the circumstances)
in some cases, accident victims may be able to file a workers' comp. claim and an auto accident claim, as long as another party was at-fault and directly responsible for the the injuries of the victim (in order to constitute an auto accident claim).

If you've been injured in a Virginia or Norfolk crash while on the job and have questions regarding your particular incident, contact attorney Lawrence Land for free resources answers to your specific questions. Contact Land online or toll-free at 800-800-1911.

Brain-Injured Children Have Difficulty Telling Stories & Performing Other Complex Functions

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

A recent University of Chicago study suggests that brain-injured children lack some of the developmental skills that aid in story-telling, according to Science Daily. While children with brain injuries were found to have similar vocabulary and sentence comprehension to that of non-injured children, those with brain injuries were found to have difficulty forming complex, lengthy stories. Specifically, Özlem Ece Demir and other researchers studied children with brain lesions (areas of tissue damage) and compared them with children undergoing typical brain development. All children in the study were asked to tell a story, prompted by a beginning sentence (such as "once there was a girl who had many dolls") and questions that spurred them to keep narrating. In the analysis of the stories, the researchers found that vocabularity diversity and sentence structure were similar among all children (who were all just starting school), but the narratives of children with brain injuries were shorter and less complex than those of the other children. The ability to tell a story is a complex activity for the brain because it requires flexibility in the use of words, say the researchers. As a result, brain-injured children may suffer developmental delays in the area of creating narratives, raising questions concerning whether other complex brain functions may be affected as well.

If your child or an older family member has suffered a brain injury in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News, Hampton, Eastern Shore, or another part of Virginia, feel free to contact Virginia brain injury lawyer Lawrence Land for free resources, information on the latest brain injury and treatment news, and answers to your pressing questions. Contact Land via his confidential contact form or by phone at 800-800-1911.

Norfolk Accidents From Defective Products: Suzuki Recalls Kizashi Sedans

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently reported Suzuki's recall of 5,107 Kizashi sedans for a problem with a door in vehicles of the model year 2010, according to the Chicago Tribune. Specifically, the hinged door on the dashboard's center lower box poses a risk of injury because it may swing open in the event of a vehicle accident. The defect exists on models built between Oct. 13, 2009, and May 31, 2010, and it is considered a violation of federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 201, which refers to the protection of the occupant during interior impact. If you own a Suzuki Kizashi sedan and aren't sure when the vehicle was built, look at the label on the driver side doorjamb for the manufacture date. If your Suzuki sedan is one of the recalled vehicles, dealers will inspect your car and replace the defective part for free. To find a dealer near you or receive answers to your questions about the recall, contact Suzuki at 714-996-7040, or call the NHTSA hot line at 888-327-4236.

Although most Norfolk car accident cases and other vehicle accidents in Virginia result in personal injury or auto accident claims due to another driver's negligence, some crashes may lead to claims for accidents caused by defective products. When a defective vehicle part causes a Virginia Beach car accident, for example, the manufacturer may be held liable for the resulting injuries of the accident victims. The problem for many Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Eastern Shore accident victims, however, is proving liability (fault) in a car accident case, especially when the at-fault party is not another driver. For help proving liability in your Virginia accident case, feel free to contact experienced Norfolk auto accident lawyer Lawrence Land. He will answer your questions for free and help you recover financial compensation for your pain and suffering, time away from work, medical bills, and other expenses. Contact Lawrence Land online or toll-free at 800-800-1911.

Teens Need More Sleep, Later School Start Times to Prevent Virginia Wrecks

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Later school start times may significantly decrease the risk of teenage car accidents in Virginia, according to a new study (reports the Delaware Online news source). The researchers, who gathered 2008 crash data for Virginia Beach and Chesapeake and accounted for the start times of schools in each city, found that the students with an earlier school start time were more likely to be involved in a car accident than those with later start times. Here are some of the specific details and findings of the study:

Schools in Virginia Beach started classes at 7:20 a.m., while schools in Chesapeake started classes at 8:40 a.m.
When comparing only the car accidents involving teens, researchers found that Virginia Beach teens were involved in 41% more crashes than teenagers in Chesapeake.
Specifically, Virginia Beach experienced 65.4 wrecks per 1,000 teen drivers, while Chesapeake experienced only 46.2 wrecks involving teen drivers.

Medical experts say that teenagers require more than nine hours of sleep per night. Since teens tend to go to bed late no matter how early they get up, starting the school day later would help teens get adequate sleep. One expert explains that teenagers are "biologically programmed" to stay sleepy longer and wake up after adults, and she agrees that later school start times could prevent drowsy driving and decrease Virginia wrecks.

For more information on Virginia car accidents and how to obtain financial compensation for injuries, contact Norfolk accident attorney Lawrence Land online or at 800-800-1911, and he will answer your questions for free.

Newport News Truck Accident Caused by Driver Fatigue

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

A truck crashed into a ditch off I-64 in Newport News when the truck driver fell asleep at the wheel, according to the Daily Press. The Newport News truck accident caused the truck to flip over, and Virginia State Police Sgt. Michelle Cotten said that the trailer would have to be unloaded and cut open in order to remove the large truck from the ditch. After the incident, the truck driver was charged with reckless driving.

Although no injuries occurred and no other vehicles were involved in this Virginia truck wreck, many Newport News, Eastern Shore, Hampton Roads, and Norfolk truck accidents do involve other vehicles, with serious injuries often resulting from them. While the cause of each truck wreck varies, driver fatigue is one of the most common causes of serious truck accidents in Virginia. Truck drivers are required to spend a certain number of hours off duty in order to get adequate sleep and rest before navigating Virginia roadways, and they must keep logs of their time driving and away from the wheel while on the job. In many cases, however, truck drivers submit false logs to their employers so they can meet deadlines or reach destinations more quickly, leading to instances in which the truck drivers fall asleep at the wheel.

If you have been injured in a Newport News truck accident or another Virginia truck wreck, feel free to contact Norfolk truck accident attorney Lawrence Land for free resources, answers to questions, and more information on Virginia trucking law. Contact Land online or call him toll-free at 800-800-1911.

Coup & Contrecoup Injuries in Norfolk & Other Virginia Accidents

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

In Norfolk truck accidents, car accidents, other Virginia wrecks, coup and contrecoup injuries can occur, meaning that individuals involved may suffer serious brain injury. Coup injuries to the brain result from direct impact of an object on the brain, such as the head striking the dashboard in an Eastern Shore car accident. In the case of contrecoup injuries, impact causes the brain to move and strike the opposite side of the skull (the opposite side of the point of impact). When motorcycle accidents result in traumatic brain injury (TBI), the damage is most frequently caused from coup and contrecoup injuries. After a coup or contrecoup injury, the accident victim may suffer a cerebral contusion (bruising of the brain), swelling in the brain, and bleeding or loss of blood flow, all side effects which can cause further damage. Whether a brain injury is classified as coup or contrecoup, the damage is typically irreversible.

Another form of brain damage is a coup-contrecoup injury, which is a combination of both types of injury. In the case of coup-contrecoup injuries, the brain suffers damage at the point of impact, but moves within the skull due to acceleration and deceleration, causing it to bounce off one side of the skull and strike the opposite side. In this case, both sides of the skull suffer injury.

If you or a family member has suffered any kind of brain injury in Norfolk, Hampton Roads, Newport News, or another part of Virginia, brain injury attorney Lawrence Land expresses his deepest sympathies to you. Commited to helping brain injury victims recover financial compensation from negligent parties so the injured can focus on getting better rather than worrying about how to pay for high medical bills, Land will provide you with free resources and answers to all your legal questions. Contact Lawrence Land online or toll-free at 800-800-1911.

Risk of Infection High at Outpatient Surgical Centers in Norfolk & Virginia

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

When you enter an outpatient surgical center in Norfolk or another part of Virginia, you expect to go home with your condition improved, even if you have to take a little time for recovery. Although concerns regarding infection control have been more commonly associated with hospitals in the past, a recent study conducted by researchers at the CDC revealed that the spread of infection is a frequently occurring risk in outpatient surgical centers (according to the Wall Street Journal). In the surveying of 68 ambulatory surgical centers from three states, CDC researchers found that 68% of the facilities failed to meet guidelines in at least one of five areas (among them were injection safety, hand hygiene, and practices in environmental cleaning). Lapses in at least three areas occurred at 18% of the centers. Twenty-eight percent of the facilities were found administering medications in single-dose vials to more than one patient. As a result, 39 of the 68 outpatient centers received state citations for deficiences in infection control, and 20 of them were cited for lapses in medication administration.

With over 75% of operations performed on an outpatient basis, more and more patients are at-risk of infections at surgical centers in Hampton Roads and other parts of Virginia. If you or a family member sustained an infection during surgery, at a hospital, or in another medical facility, you may be able to file a Virginia medical malpractice claim if your infection caused a permanent illness or condition. For more information on Virginia or Norfolk medical malpractice and free answers to your pressing questions, contact Norfolk and Eastern Shore medical malpractice attorney Lawrence Land online or toll-free at 800-800-1911.

Naval Station Norfolk Hosts Fourth Annual Motorcycle Safety Event

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Sailers at the Norfolk Naval Station received free motorcycle safety training this month since more and more sailers are riding motorcycles, according to the WTKR news source. Naval Station Norfolk knows that a shortage of parking spaces and high gas prices have led to more sailers purchasing motorcycles, and this is the fourth year the station has hosted a free motorcycle safety course in an effort to protect its sailers on the roadway. With safety as a top priority to the Navy, the course not only included tips for bike riding, but also how to look out for others on the roadway while on a motorcycle. According to WTKR, the efforts of the Norfolk Naval Station and other motorcycle safety prevention groups are working: between 2008 and 2009, fatalities from motorcycle accidents were reduced in the Navy by 60 percent. In the state, fatalities from Virginia motorcycle accidents have declined for the past three years.

Although the number of Hampton Roads and Norfolk motorcycle accidents have declined, Virginia auto accident lawyer Lawrence Land believes that one serious motorcycle crash is one too many, and he commits a significant part of his practice to helping motorcycle accident victims recover financial compensation for injuries so they can focus their efforts on getting better. For more information and helpful resources on motorcycle accidents, injuries, and how to receive the best medical care and help paying for medical bills, contact Lawrence Land, and he will answer your questions for free. Call Lawrence Land toll-free at 800-800-1911.

Virginia Speed Limit Increases To Take Effect July 1

Mon, 31 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

The Virginia speed limit increases that were voted for in February go into effect on July 1, 2010, potentially putting the lives of Norfolk, Nassawadox, Eastern Shore, Newport News, and other Virginia residents even more at risk of vehicle accidents on the roadway (according to the 24-7 Press Release news source). Passed by the Virginia General Assembly in an effort to improve the state's transportation system, the change will increase the speed limit from 65 to 70 miles per hour on some of the rural highways in Virginia. Although no roadways have officially been named as ones that will undergo the change, sections of Highway 66 and Highway 81 are expected to be on the list. Currently, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is reviewing speed data, crash data, and other statistics to determine which roadways will be included in the speed limit increase.

While some commuters are eager for the change as they hope to reach their destinations more quickly, it is important for all drivers and passengers to understand the risks associated with speed increases on the roadway. Remember to consider all conditions when driving, not only following the speed limit, but sometimes realizing that traveling more slowly that the limit may be necessary in times of inclement weather or other dangerous conditions. If you have been hurt in a Norfolk car accident or another Virginia area crash caused by a speeding or negligent driver, feel free to contact our firm for free resources and answers to all your questions. Contact Lawrence Land online or at 757-251-0198.

Determining Liability in Eastern Shore & Other Virginia Truck Accidents

Sun, 30 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

Although many may think that determining liability in an Eastern Shore truck accident or another Virginia trucking wreck is as simple as reading the police report, some Norfolk trucking accidents and VA truck crashes require further examination. While the police report is a necessary factor in determining who is at fault after a Virginia collision, details such as driver background and behavior at the time of the crash, how the truck was loaded, whether the trucking company followed regulations, and potential errors in manufacturing affect the outcome of a Virginia truck accident case. Below is a list of potential negligent parties in a Newport News or Norfolk truck wreck, along with explanations:

the truck driver (for distracted driving, speeding, DUI, aggressive driving or tailgating, failing to follow regulations, or failing to inspect the truck or trailer, etc.)
the trucking company (for failing to perform a background check on the driver, setting unrealistic schedules, improperly loading the truck or trailer, failing to train or improperly training the driver, etc.)
the manufacturer of the truck (due to defective parts)
the loading company (if there is a loading company involved, they may be held liable for injuries or accidents caused by improper loading, such as overloading the truck or failing to secure the load)
the truck rig owner or truck trailer owner (often the owner is responsible for any wreck caused by the truck, whether from driver negligence or other causes)
government parties (as in the case of some defective roadways).

This is certainly not a comprehensive list, and reading it won't necessarily mean that you can determine who is at fault in your Norfolk or Eastern Shore truck accident case. For free help determining liability and answers to your pressing questions regarding Virginia truck wrecks and related injuries, contact Lawrence Land online or at 757-251-0198.

Norfolk Man Charged With DUI & Hit-and-Run After Serious Crash

Sat, 29 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Norfolk man has been charged with felony hit-and-run personal injury and DUI after striking a utility pole and fleeing the accident scene this month, according to the Hampton Roads news website. The Norfolk car accident occurred on East Ocean View Avenue when 27-year-old driver Dustin Wayne Turner lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the utility pole, injuring all three occupants of the car. While Turner and another passenger suffered only minor injuries in the Norfolk wreck, the third passenger required transportation to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for life-threatening injuries. Speed and alcohol were factors in the crash, and Turner was arrested near the accident scene, which he fled on foot.

The condition of the seriously injured passenger has improved, and Norfolk car accident lawyer Lawrence Land hopes for his fast and complete recovery. Familiar with the tragedy of serious injury caused by Eastern Shore, Norfolk, and Newport News crashes, Lawrence Land devotes his practice to helping car accident victims obtain financial compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering so they can focus on getting better. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a Virginia car wreck, contact Lawrence Land online or by phone for free resources and answers to your pressing questions. 757-251-0198.

Virginia Dental Malpractice: Young Boy Dies After Anesthesia for Standard Dental Procedure

Thu, 27 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

A six-year-old boy tragically died after a dental visit to Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) Medical Center in Richmond, according to the eCanadaNow news source. The child, Jacobi Lewis, reportedly suffered cardiac arrest after anesthesia was administered to him in preparatation for a routine dental procedure. Although the VCU Medical Center is considered by many to be "one of the top dental surgery . . . facilities" in the U.S. and even the world, Crystal Lewis, Jacobi’s mother, has demanded that the VCU staff provide her with answers regarding what happened. According to Crystal, no answers have been given. Dr. Jeff Bennet, though not providing answers, commented that the death of a child from anesthesia, while rare, can and does happen. Although he believes that death from anesthesia is just as likely to happen to a healthy child as it is one who is very ill, the reporters at the eCanadaNow news source state that incidents such as these fall under the medical malpractice category.

Dental malpractice, at times, can be just as serious and life-threatening as other incidents of medical malpractice. As a Norfolk attorney who represents Virginia victims and family members affected by medical errors or negligence, Lawrence Land is familiar with the indescribable pain of loss associated with wrongful death from Virginia dental malpractice, and he expresses his deepest condolences to the family and friends of young Jacobi Lewis. Every case of dental malpractice is Virginia is different and must be examined carefully in order to determine negligence and sort through the intricate details of the procedure in question. For help examining your potential case, feel free to contact Lawrence Land online or at 757-251-0198 for free resources, answers to questions, and compassionate assistance during your time of need.

12-Year-Old Boy Suffers Brain Damage After Hit-and-Run | Norfolk Brain Injury Attorney

Thu, 27 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

A 12-year-old boy suffered brain damage and other serious injuries in a tragic hit-and-run accident in Chicago Sunday, May 23, according to the South Town Star news source. According to police, a white Cadillac Eldorado was traveling south on May St. around 5:35 p.m. when it crashed into the young boy and did not stop. The driver of the two-door vehicle was reported to be an African American man who goes by the nickname "KB" and is somewhere between 20 and 26 years old, and police have asked anyone with information to contact their Major Accident Investigation Unit at (312) 745-4521. Following the terrible crash, the 12-year-old required transportation to the hospital for the injuries to his brain and other accident-related injuries.

Although this accident occurred in Chicago, Virginia brain injury attorney Lawrence Land has seen far too many accidents like this occur in Norfolk, Nassawadox, Eastern Shore, Newport News, and other areas of Virginia. Familiar with the potentially devastating effects of traumatic brain injury, Lawrence expresses his deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the child in this accident, and he hopes for his complete and speedy recovery. If you or your child has suffered brain damage in a Norfolk truck accident, Virginia car accident, motorcycle accident, bicycle crash, or pedestrian collision, feel free to contact Norfolk auto accident lawyer Lawrence Land with your most pressing questions and concerns. Land will answer your questions for free regarding Norfolk brain injuries and other incidents of brain damage in Virginia, and he will provide you with the resources you to need to proceed with the best medical treatment and obtain financial compensation for medical expenses. Contact Land online or at 757-251-0198.

Wrongful Death From Virginia Truck Accidents

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

Tractor trailers, 18-wheelers, semi trucks, and other types of commercial vehicle trucks are perhaps the most dangerous vehicles on Virginia roadways. When a large truck collides with a smaller vehicle, the consequences of the crash can be catastrophic or tragic, with serious injuries or even death occurring as a result. Although thousands of people are killed in fatal truck accidents every year in the U.S., each case is unique, devastating, tragic, and indescribably difficult for the surviving family members. As a Virginia truck wreck lawyer committed to helping family members after the unexpected, painful loss of a loved one, Lawrence Land believes that one trucking accident fatality is one too many. Familiar with the overwhelming trauma associated with Virginia wrongful death, Land devotes his practice to helping families recover monetary compensation after a tragic accident so their financial burdens can be lifted and they can focus on healthy grieving.

If you have lost a family member in a Virginia tractor trailer accident or trucking collision, Lawrence Land expresses his deepest sympathies to you at this most difficult time. The state of Virginia has specific laws for truck drivers, owners, and companies that hire trucks, and Land will use his thorough knowledge of these laws to advise you in your unique situation if you would like to speak with an attorney. Whether the other party's negligence involved in your truck-car accident is on the part of the driver, owner, company, or manufacturer, you may be able to file a legal claim for compensation so you can place financial worries aside. For more information on Virginia wrongful death from trucking accidents or to obtain free answers to your specific questions, contact Lawrence Land confidentially in his online form or call him at 800-800-1911.

Prescription Errors & Wrong Medication in Virginia Medical Malpractice

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

One of the most common types of medical negligence in Virginia is administering or prescribing the wrong medication to a patient, a mistake that can result in serious side effects or even death. Although prescription errors can lead to devastating results, they are among the easier medical mistakes to track, whether the error occurs in a hospital, at a pharmacy, at a nursing home or during an at-home care visit. If you or a family member has been a victim of medication errors, your experience may have been related to one of the following issues:

administration or prescription of the wrong medicine
improper dosage of medication
administration or prescription of a the wrong medicine to a patient with allergies to that drug
administration or prescription of a medicine that, when combined with other drugs taken by the patient, can cause adverse reactions
administration or prescription of the wrong medicine or dosage to a child, which often involves even greater risk.

If you believe that a physician, nurse, or another health care professional was negligent regarding the prescribing or administering of medicine to you or a loved one, feel free to contact Norfolk and Eastern Shore medical malpractice attorney Lawrence Land with your most concerning questions. You may be able to file a Virginia medical malpractice claim for compensation for medical expenses, lost time away from work, disabilities, pain, or other conditions related to the medical mistake. If you are unsure whether your case constitutes a medical negligence claim in Virginia, Lawrence Land will help you determine whether negligence and other essential factors were involved. For free resources and answers to questions, contact Lawrence Land online or by phone at 800-800-1911.

Types of Virginia Nursing Home Abuse | Norfolk Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

The types of nursing home negligence in Virginia vary, but typically fall into two general categories: nursing home neglect and nursing home abuse. In either case, the effects can be devastating, not only on the nursing home resident (the victim), but on the victim's family. Placing a family member into a nursing home in the first place can be one of life's most difficult decisions. When the nursing home, intended to be a safe place of residence for your loved one, fails to provide adequate care to the patient, the emotional, physical, and financial burden on the victim and family members can be tremendous. Knowing that abuse was involved can add weight to such already heavy burdens. Among the common types of nursing home abuse are the following:

physical abuse (such as hitting, striking, pushing, shaking, slapping, or burning the resident)
emotional abuse (such as inflicting abuse through verbal assaults, humiliation, isolation, or threats)
neglect (often placed in its own category, neglect involves depriving the patient of needs)
abandonment (occurs when the nursing home worker leaves or fails to care for the resident)
material or financial exploitation (illegal use of a patient's possessions or money)
sexual abuse (including touching of private areas without consent).

If you or a loved one has been a victim of any of these acts of nursing home abuse or any other act of nursing home or medical negligence in Virginia, feel free to contact Norfolk medical malpractice lawyer Lawrence Land. Compassionate yet professional toward victims (and their families) of medical malpractice, Land will answer your questions for free and provide you with the resources you need. For more information, contact Lawrence Land via his online form or call him at 800-800-1911.

Child Brain Injuries in Virginia: Effects of Damage to the Temporal Lobe

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

After suffering a head injury, a child may be at-risk of suffering a rare brain disorder, called agnosia, that can make it difficult for the child to recognize objects or even people, according to the Associated Content website. Although agnosia can inflict head or brain injury victims of all ages, children who suffer an injury to the brain's temporal lobe may be more likely to develop the condition. Since the temporal lobe is responsible for a variety of functions performed on a daily basis, such as recognizing objects, it is essential that you seek medical care for your child as soon as you realize he or she has suffered a blow to the head. Although there is no known treatment for agnosia, medical options may be available for the treatment of other brain injuries, and brain rehabilitation programs can be helpful.

As an Eastern Shore and Norfolk brain injury lawyer serving various parts of Virginia, Lawrence Land devotes his practice to helping adults and children with Virginia brain injury. For free resources and answers to questions concerning Virginia brain injury in general or your unique case, feel free to contact Lawrence Land via his confidential contact form or at any of the numbers below:

Nassawadox: 757-442-7272
Norfolk: 757-625-1911
Toll-free: 800-800-1911.

Norfolk & Eastern Shore Truck Accidents Caused by Virginia DUI

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

When a truck driver chooses to get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, negligence is a clear factor in a resulting truck accident. Truck drivers under the influence put everyone around them at risk of serious injury or even death, with the potential danger involved even greater than that of a car accident due to the heavy impact of a large semi, tractor trailer, or 18-wheeler on a smaller vehicle. Whether an impaired Virginia truck driver fails to yield, exceeds the speed limit, or simply causes an accident while drunk driving, injured parties may wish to pursue an Eastern Shore or Norfolk truck accident claim.

In Virginia tractor trailer accident claims, those who suffer injuries caused by an impaired truck driver are entitled to financial compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and punitive damages, among other expenses. If it is unclear whether the driver was under the influence in a severe trucking accident, it is important to know that truck drivers are required by federal law to be tested for drugs and alcohol after serious crashes. To learn more about Virginia trucking law, the unique rules that apply to DWI/DUI accidents, or how to receive help after a family member's wrongful death from a truck wreck, contact Norfolk and Eastern Shore personal injury lawyer Lawrence Land. Land will provide you with helpful resources, advice, and answers to all your questions for free at no obligation to you. Contact Lawrence Land via his confidential online form or by phone (toll-free) at 800-800-1911.

Utility work to close part of Va. Beach road This Weekend

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The closure, at Princess Anne Rd., ids expected to begin at 7am Saturday and end at 5am Monday.
Signs will be posted to warn drivers about the closure.

http://hamptonroads.com

One Lane of Chesapeake Expressway Closed for Repair

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The northbound lane is expected to be closed until 3pm, according to the city. The other lane will remain open.
The closure will allow crews to repair the roads expansion joints.

hyyp://hamptonroads.com

Chesapeake Police - Broken Bumper Leads to Hit-and-Run Suspect

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Rhene Carranza, 52, faces felony DUI and hit-and-run charges in connection with the wreck, which took place at the intersection of Indian River and Sparrow roads, police spokeswoman Kelly O'Sullivan said.

O'Sullivan said police who responded to the scene were ablt to trace the driver's tag back to Carranza's home address, where he was arrested.

No one was injured in the accident.

http://hamptonroads.com

Second Fatality After Crash on I-64 | Hampton, Virginia

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Kimberly R. Brin, 17, died Monday morning, according to Sgt. Michelle Anaya, a Virginia State Police spokeswoman. Brin was sitting behind the driver of the Ford Taurus that was hit shortly before 3 a.m. at the Hampton and Newport News city line.

Brin, who was from the Virgin Islands, was not wearing a seatbelt.

State Police said a Chevrolet Tahoe was going eastbound in the westbound lanes when it collided head-on with the Taurus.

Sierra Smith, 19, of 300 block of Nantucket Place in Newport News, also was killed in the crash. She was wearing a lap restraint and was sitting in the middle of the back seat of the Taurus.

Full article; http://hamptonroads.com

Leesburg, Va. | Two Injured in Head-On Crash

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

This happened shortly before 4 p.m. on County Road 600 North near County Road 150 West. Police say Robert P. Ferguson was eastbound on C.R. 600 North and started to slow as he approached his house.

Ferguson told police he was looking at work that had been done to his home when he turned into the path of a car driven by Jacob E. Polk of Warsaw.

Polk had to be extricated from his car and was airlifted to Parkview Memorial Hospital in Fort Wayne with a serious leg injury. Ferguson was taken to Kosciusko County Community Hospital in Warsaw with a minor head injury.

The crash is still under investigation.

http://articles.wsbt.com

I-64 | Hampton, Va. | Head-On Collision

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The crash happened just before 3 a.m. Sunday on I-64 westbound in Hampton near the Newport News city line.

Police say that a car with five people in it was traveling westbound on I-64 when a car going the wrong way struck it head-on.

One female passenger was killed and another sustained life-threatening injuries according to Virginia State Police spokeswoman Sgt. Michelle Anaya. Three others in the car suffered major but non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the car that was going the wrong way also suffered major injuries but they were not considered life-threatening, according to Anaya.

Full article; www.wavy.com

Appomattox, Va. | Fatal Accident One of Nine Over Thanksgiving Weekend

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Chase City man died in a wreck in Appomattox County Saturday, one of nine people killed on Virginia roads over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Paul E. Lynch, 23, died when his Pontiac Grand Prix was hit head-on by a Ford Taurus traveling west in the eastbound lanes of U.S. 460, just outside of Pamplin, State Police said.

Police responded to the wreck, just east of Virginia 628, at about 8:30 p.m.

The Taurus’s driver, Maria L. Souza, 51, of Richmond, was taken to the University of Virginia Medical Center with serious injuries.

Police said charges are pending.

Full article; www2.newsadvance.com

Feds Probe GM Transmission Problems

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Federal safety regulators are investigating problems with the automatic shift levers on several General Motors cars because drivers may think the cars are in park when they actually are in gear.

Seven crashes have been reported because of the problem, including one in which a driver put a car in park, got out and was struck and injured when the car unexpectedly rolled backward, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday in documents posted on its website.

Another car put in park with the engine running reportedly accelerated and ran into a wall after the driver got out.

NHTSA said the protective jacket around cables connecting the floor shift lever to the transmission can deteriorate, exposing the cables to the elements. Cables can corrode and weaken, and the shift lever position can change so it doesn't match the car's gear. That means a driver could put the car in park but the transmission could be in drive or reverse. In some cases, the car may not shift at all.

Mini Cooper S Investigated Due To Engine Fires

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to the NHTSA, the investigation includes about 36.000 units of the 2007 and 2008 model year Mini Cooper S in the US and the agency has decided to keep the vehicles under a close watch after receiving 12 reports of engine fires, including five that resulted in a total loss of the car.

The NHTSA says that out of the 12 reports, eight of them ended up on fire when the vehicles were parked and the engine turned off. The feds didn’t announce yet whether the 2007 and 2008 model year Mini Cooper S will be recalled to fix the issue.

The US division of BMW, Mini’s mother brand, didn’t say anything about the investigation but considering the fact that people’s lives are in stake, the NHTSA might start a recall of the Mini Cooper S and owners of the vehicles will have to take a trip back to the dealership.

Stay tuned for more details

www.inautonews.com

3 Vehicle Crashes Keep Indian River VFC Crews Busy Tuesday

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Crews were first called just after 1pm when someone fell from a moving truck at the Peninsula. Crews were able to find the injured person who was taken to an area medical facility. Just after 5pm Indian River was called for a vehicle crash on Route 24 near the entrance to Shore Plaza. Crews found a multiple vehicle rear end collision with minimal injuries. Just before 6:30 crews were called when an SUV went head-on into a utility pole – shattering the pole. Indian River officials say the SUV was southbound and sideswiped one utility pole – then hit another head on. One person was taken to the hospital. That crash is also being investigated by the State Police.

www.wgmd.com

Subaru Legacy and Outback - Recall Roundup

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Subaru says that the moonroof glass can loosen and detach from the roof during driving and decided to announce the recall after receiving several complaints from customers in the United States.

“The amount and position of the adhesive between the glass and retainer was inadequately applied. The moonroof glass can loosen and detach from the vehicle during driving, resulting in a potential road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash”, as it is written in an official statement of the NHTSA.

To read more; www.inautonews.com

Pittsylvania County, Va. | One Dead In Car Fire

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Brosville Fire Department responded to the site of the wreck to find the vehicle fully engulfed in flames, according to a news release from Assistant Fire Chief J.K. Farrar.

Farrar said once the flames were extinguished, it was discovered that there was body inside the vehicle.

Fire units were at the scene for approximately three hours, Farrar said.

Sunday evening, Sgt. Robert Carpentieri, of the Virginia State Police, said the wreck remains under investigation and will take some time to complete.

“The vehicle was burned pretty badly,” Carpentieri said, adding that investigators could not immediately determine what type of vehicle it was or where the tags were from.

Identification of the victim will be handled by the state Medical Examiner, Carpentieri said.

www2.godanriver.com

Hampton Lawyer | Pedestrian Hit in Accident

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

On Sunday a Pontiac G6 swerved hitting a Dodge pick-up truck and a pedestrian, according to Virginian Pilot Online. The pedestrian was taken to the hospital for serious injuries. She is said to be in a stable condition. The accident happened at the intersection of Floyd Thompson Drive and Magruder Boulevard. The cause is still under investigation by the Hampton Fatal Accident Team.

Norfolk | Bicyclist | Injuries

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A man was hit by a vehicle while riding his bike down Hampton Boulevard, according to Wavy TV 10.com. The vehicle tried to swerve to miss the bicyclist but was unsuccessful. The man was taken to the hospital for his injuries.

Teen Driver Study - First Month of Driving

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A study from AAA shows that teens are 50 percent more likely to crash in their first month of unsupervised driving than they are after a full year of experience.

Nearly 60 percent of those accidents involved three common mistakes: failing to slow down, not paying attention and failing to yield. Researchers found that certain types of crashes--such as crashes involving left-hand turns--quickly declined as drivers gained more experience.

“We know that young drivers’ crash rates decrease quickly as they gain experience. What our new study tells us is that there are a few specific abilities that we could do a better job of helping teens develop before they begin driving independently,” AAA Foundation President and CEO Peter Kissinger said in a release.
The study also found by using in-vehicle cameras to monitor unsupervised teens that behavior such as texting while driving and horseplay with passengers contributed to a number of near-collisions.

Chesterfield County, Va. | Teenage Fatality - Crash

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Chesterfield police are still investigating the crash that occurred near the 6200 block of Qualla Road about 8:10 p.m. Thursday evening.

Police say the 17-year-old was driving south on Qualla when he lost control of his 2003 Nissan 350Z, crossed into the opposite travel lane and hit a 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio.

A passenger in the Nissan and two people in the Volkswagen were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injures.

Police have not yet released the name of the teenager killed in the crash.

http://www.accidentin.com

Two Lawsuits Target Bayer Institute Plant

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two Institute-area residents on Wednesday sued Bayer CropScience, alleging repeated leaks and other accidents at the company's sprawling chemical plant made them sick and put them at risk of future illnesses.

Sue Davis and Donna Willis seek monetary damages, future medical monitoring and a federal court order barring Bayer from making "inherently unsafe" chemicals "in close proximity" to the community.

Tom Dover, a Bayer spokesman, said the company was aware of the suits and does not comment on pending litigation, adding, "but we believe these cases are without merit."

The suits come two weeks after Chief U.S. District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin threw out a case filed by Institute resident Warne Ferguson. The judge said Ferguson had missed the two-year deadline for filing a wrongful death suit alleging Bayer's pollution caused the October 2008 death of his wife, Gail Marie Ferguson.

Continue reading; http://www.wvgazette.com

Nelson County, Va. | Man Killed in Wreck Identified

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Stephen R. Lamb, 57, was killed when his 2007 Toyota Prius ran off the right side of the road on Va. 151 near Pounding Branch Road about 6 a.m. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

Lamb’s car ran off the right side of the road, overturned into an embankment and came to rest in a creek, according to Virginia State Police.

Speed did not appear to be a factor in the crash and Lamb was not wearing a seat belt, according to authorities.

The crash remains under investigation by the Virginia State Police.

http://www2.newsadvance.com

Norfolk, Va. | Man Hit by Train Dies

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Paramedics pronounced the man dead at the scene at 3:22 a.m., according to police.

The body was taken to the medical examiner's office. Police have identified the man, but were trying to contract his relatives, before releasing his name.

A police spokeswoman said that investigators are treating the case as an undetermined death, although his injuries were consistent with an accident involving contact with a train.

Norfolk Southern also in investigating the incident, according to police.

Reported by; http://hamptonroads.com

Martinsville, Va. | Fatality - Single-Car Accident

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Sandra Estes, 57, was driving a 2009 Nissan Versa when the car ran off the road to the left, hit an embankment and overturned, said Virginia State Police Trooper D.W. McBride.

Estes was partially ejected, McBride said. The accident happened at 3:59 p.m., about 1 mile east of Route 650 (Irisburg Road), he said. Estes was not wearing a seat belt, McBride said. She was pronounced dead at the scene. “If she had had her seat belt on, she would not have died,” he said. “... It would have saved her life.”

The car turned over before coming to a rest on its wheels, the trooper said. Estes was in the passenger seat at that point, he said. The vehicle was totaled. McBride said failure to maintain control caused the accident. What caused Estes to lose control is unclear, he added. A passing motorist saw the accident and called 911, McBride said. In addition to the state police, the Axton Fire Department, Stone Ambulance and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office responded, McBride said.

Also killed in motor vehicle accidents in recent days were Daniel Allen DeShazo, 27, of Martinsville, on Saturday on Virginia 57; and Dustin Adam Davis, 19, of Bassett, early Friday in Fork Mountain.

http://www.martinsvillebulletin.com

Jogging Stroller | Choking Concerns Prompt Recall

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says the backing on an embroidered logo patch on the stroller's canopy can come loose. CPSC says the firm has received six reports of children mouthing a detached patch backing. Two cases involved choking and gagging.

Consumers need to remove the embroidery backing patch before they can use the stroller. They can visit the website of B.O.B. Trailers of Boise, Idaho, at www.bobnotices.com for more information.

The recall involves more than 411,000 single and double jogging strollers in the United States and 27,000 in Canada.

The strollers were sold at REI, Babies R Us and other stores nationwide between November 1998 and October 2011.

Embroidery Backing Patch Embroidered Canopy Logo. Includes BOB Ironman

Stroller Strides Logos

Spotsylvania County, Va. | Truck Passenger Injured by Tree

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Silverado was heading south near Belvedere Drive when it struck the tree, which was hanging about five feet into the roadway, according to Sgt. Thomas Molnar. The tree, which appeared to be dead, was knocked out of the road, but the Virginia Department of Transportation was contacted to see if it needs to be completely removed.

The driver, 48-year-old Jose J. Molina of Fredericksburg, suffered minor injuries and was taken to Mary Washington Hospital for treatment. His passenger, Servando Salinas, suffered "life-threatening" injuries and was flown to Mary Washington Hospital, according to Molnar.

Neither man was wearing a seat belt, Molnar said.

Caroline resident Reinhardt Watson was heading to his job in Herndon when he saw the tree "out of the corner of my eye" in the opposite lane about 5 a.m. and called 911 to report it.

It was dark out, but he said the tree looked to be dead and that it was perhaps low enough for a tractor-trailer to hit at that point. He thought about stopping to see what he could do, but he had no flares and said there isn't much shoulder area in that section of the highway.

The crash happened shortly after he passed the tree, which Molina tried to avoid but couldn't because of oncoming traffic, Molnar said.

Continue reading; http://www.fredericksburg.com

Va. | State Police - Fatalities Make the Case for Buckling Up

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Unfortunately, that is not uncommon, according to Virginia State Police 1st Sgt. E. D. Malone.

Last year, Henry County was one of the top four areas in the state in terms of fatalities “as a result of people being unbelted,” Malone said. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, which compiles crash data, there were a total of 68 unbelted crashes, eight deaths and 70 injuries in Henry County last year. Statewide, there were 5,464 unbelted crashes, 370 deaths and 4,342 injuries in 2010. In general terms and based on his experiences when investigating crashes,

Malone said that often people who do not wear seat belts say they don’t like to wear them. Getting drivers and passengers to buckle up is the main objective of strategies aimed at combating fatalities, such as patrols of highways and selective enforcement in certain areas, Malone said. Driving intoxicated, texting or using cell phones, and driver inattention also are contributing factors in crashes, he added. Although none of the recent accidents occurred in Martinsville, Police Chief Mike Rogers said three families are suffering because of the losses.

Full article; http://www.martinsvillebulletin.com

Parksley, Va. | Fire Destroys Eastern Shore Home

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Fire destroyed a home on the Eastern Shore early Tuesday.

Crews from Parksley, Tasley, Onley and Onancock battled smoke and flames at 25518 Parks Road around 5:20 a.m.

A water line had to be run down the long driveway and crews from Melfa and Wachapreague sent tankers to support the water shuttle operation, according to firefighters.

Crews with Eastern Shore Fire shot images of the fire and the firefight.

Va. State Police and local firefighters are investigating.

http://www.wvec.com

Hampton, Va. Man Dies in Crash on I-64 in Newport News

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

About 1:20 a.m., Virginia State Police were called to I-64, near the Yorktown Road exit, and found Adam Joseph Coster of Hampton dead.

Coster had been driving a 2000 Acura Inspire east when it veered off the road. He overcorrected, and the car spun out and struck the guard rail, a Virginia State Police news release said.

http://hamptonroads.com

Portsmouth, Va. | Fatality After Motorcycle Flips

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Police said Keith Barrett Cassell Jr., 23, of Galberry Road lost control of a motorcycle about 8:55 p.m. in the 800 block of Crawford Pkwy.

He was speeding and hit a curb, causing the motorcycle to flip, police said. He was taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where he died shortly before 10 a.m.

Two Navy corpsmen in the area assisted police and paramedics at the scene.

http://hamptonroads.com

Chesapeake, Virginia | Pedestrian Deaths on the Rise

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 25-year-old man struck and killed by a car Sunday became the third pedestrian to die in the city this year, marking a four-year high in pedestrian fatalities.

Joeray L. Suarez’s death on North Battlefield Boulevard in front of a Wendy’s restaurant occurred less than a week after another pedestrian – a school crossing guard – was struck and killed in a Western Branch crosswalk.

In 2007, three pedestrians died in the city, according to figures from the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. But in the past two years, there was just one – in 2010.

In all South Hampton Roads cities, Virginia Beach consistently has had the highest number of pedestrian fatalities for the area: four each year from 2008 to 2010.

Suarez’s death also marked another unfortunate milestone for Chesapeake: His was the 18th traffic fatality this year, a record for the city’s Police Department.

Continue reading; http:hamptonroads.com

Yorktown Naval Weapons Base - Virginia - Marine 's Hit by Car

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The accident happened at 6:45 a.m. on Halstead Road. The Marines were part of the 2nd Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST) Company, Marine Security Force Regiment, based at the weapons station.

The Marines were running in formation as part of physical training, said Mark Piggott, a spokesman at the weapons station. They were wearing reflective vests. Halstead Road is a major thoroughfare on the base.

The identity of the Marine who was killed is being withheld pending notification of his family.

The two injured Marines were taken to Riverside Medical Center in Newport News. There was no immediate word on their condition.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service is investigating the accident. No charges have been filed yet, Piggott said.

http://hamptonroads.com

Accomack County, Va., Fatality on Route 13 - Lankford Highway

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Upon arrival, it was determined that a 2001 Infinity G20 was traveling southbound on Route 13. A 2010 Dodge Caravan was traveling northbound Route 13 when it failed to stop at a traffic light, attempted to make a left turn onto Route 691, causing the Infinity to strike the passenger side of the Dodge Caravan.

The driver of the Infinity, Harry Lionel Killmon Jr, 72 YOA, of Jamesville, Virginia, died at the Peninsula Regional Medical Center. The driver of the Dodge was charged at the scene for Failure to obey traffic signal. Other charges are pending upon the review of the Commonwealth Attorney.

www.ask4direct.com

Tractor Trailer Overturned - Carrying Isopropyl Alcohol |New Church, Va.

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

On Thursday, October 6, 2011 at 2323 hours, Stations 1 (New Church) and 20 (Oak Hall) were dispatched for a reported motor vehicle accident, involving a possible hazardous materials incident at Davis Road, near New Church.

Crews arrived on location to find a tractor-trailer overturned in a ditch. Command was established by Rescue-Engine 1. The driver was not injured and it was determined that the truck was carrying 6,300 gallons of Isopropyl alcohol (80% pure alcohol). Ultimately command requested additional resources including the Eastern Shore Region Hazmat Team, Regional Hazardous Materials Officer, V.D.O.T., and Station 4 to transfer an Engine to Station 1 for standby. Also, a special request was made for alcohol resistant foam.

Continue reading; www.vafirenews.com

Va. Beach, Va. | Crash With Injuries Backs Up Independence Blvd.

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The crash was reported shortly before 9 a.m. and included an SUV and a van, said Grazia Moyers, a police spokeswoman.

The driver of the SUV was taken to a hospital with injuries that weren't believed to be life-threatening. Two people in the van also were believed to have been taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

During the collision, the SUV overturned and was in the northbound lanes, Moyers said.

The details of the crash were not yet clear by 10 a.m.

http://hamptonroads.com

Crash with Injuries Backs up Independence Blvd. in Va. Beach

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The crash was reported shortly before 9 a.m. and included an SUV and a van, said Grazia Moyers, a police spokeswoman.

During the collision, the SUV overturned and was in the northbound lanes, Moyers said.

The details of the crash were not yet clear by 10 a.m.

http://hamptonroads.com

Motorcyclist in Fatal Chesapeake Wreck Identified

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

About 3:15 p.m., Franks was traveling north on Elbow Road near the Virginia Beach line when he veered into oncoming traffic and hit a pickup, said Officer David Balsamo, a Chesapeake police spokesman.

Franks was pronounced dead upon arrival at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

The extent of injuries to the people in the pickup was unknown.

Police said speed appeared to be a factor in the crash.

http://hamptonroads.com

Car Crash - Claims Life of Martinsville Man

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The crash happened about 4:15a.m. on Virginia 57, about seven-tenths of a mile west of Virginia 609. Daniel A. Deshazo was driving westbound in a 2008 Mazda 6 when it ran off the left side of the road, struck an embankment, overturned and rolled several times. Deshazo, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected, police said. He died at the scene.

http://martinsvillemedia.com

Bedford County, Va. - 7-year-old Hit by Car

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

t happened at 6:33 a.m., in the 2000 block of Diamond Hill Road in Moneta according to State Police.

Investigators say the student was crossing the street to board the school bus, when the car hit the student.

EMTs treated the student at the scene, then airlifted the 7-year-old to Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

Troopers charged the car's driver, 31-year-old Nicholas Lawson, of Goodview, with reckless driving.

The investigating trooper who responded to the scene, said speed, drugs, and alcohol were not factors in the crash.

www2.newsadvance.com

Concord, Va. - Hay Fire Snarls Traffic

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Southbound travel north of Exit 16 was shut down for about an hour and a half as fire crews worked to extinguish the blaze.

Timothy Rie, 51, of Epsom was driving the Ford pickup truck hauling the trailer, officials said. He pulled into the breakdown lane after the fire began. While traffic on both sides of I-93 faced major delays, no injuries were reported. No charges have been filed, and the incident remains under investigation.

www.concordmonitor.com

Nordica USA | Agrees to $214,000 Civil Penalty

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that Nordica USA, of West Lebanon, N.H., has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $214,000. The penalty agreement has been provisionally accepted by the Commission (5–0).

The settlement resolves CPSC staff’s allegations that Nordica USA knowingly failed to report immediately to CPSC the safety defect and hazard with the “XBi ALU Skis” binding plates, as required by federal law.

In Fall 2008, Nordica USA discovered that it had about 200 reports of warranty claims related to the XBi ALU Skis’ binding plates cracking and breaking.

CPSC staff alleges that Nordica USA knew that XBi ALU Skis’ binding plates were defective and could cause harm, but failed to report this information immediately to CPSC. The binding plates could crack or break, causing skiers to lose control or fall and suffer injuries.

In February 2009, Nordica USA and CPSC announced the recall of about 4,500 pairs of skis. Neither Nordica USA nor CPSC is aware of any injuries. Nationwide ski retailers sold the XBi ALU Skis between August 2006 and December 2008, for between $800 and $1,000.

Nordica USA denies CPSC staff allegations that it knowingly violated the law. Full article; http://www.cpsc.gov

IKEA Recalls Children's Folding Tent

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: BUSA children’s folding tent

Units: About 58,000; 51,000 in the United States and 7,000 in Canada

Importer: IKEA North America Service, of Conshohocken, Pa.

Hazard: The steel wire frame of the tent can break, producing sharp wire ends that can protrude through the tent fabric, posing a laceration or puncture hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Three incidents were reported, including one injury. No incidents were reported in the US or Canada

Description: This recall involves a cube-shaped children’s folding tent with model number 90192009. The brand name BUSA and IKEA and the model number are printed on a sewn-in label attached to an interior seam in the tent. The tent frame is made of flat steel wire and the tent material is pale green polyester fabric with turquoise, pink and white trim. The tent’s dimensions are: L 28 1/4, W 28 1/4, H 28 1/4.

Full article; http://www.cpsc.gov

Vehicle Crashes - Linked to Marijuana Use

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Senior author Dr. Guohua Li of Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health said the meta-analysis provides compelling evidence for an association between marijuana use and crash risk.

However, "if the crash risk associated with marijuana is confirmed by further research, this is likely to have major implications for driving safety and public policy. It also would play a critical role in informing policy on the use of medical marijuana," Li said in a statement.

"Given the ongoing epidemic of drug-impaired driving and the increased permissibility and accessibility of marijuana for medical use in the United States it is urgent that we better understand the role of marijuana in causing car accidents."

Halifax County, Va. | Former Councilman in Head-On Collision

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Turner, 70, of Chatham, is in serious but stable condition at Lynchburg General Hospital.

Tuesday’s court case stemmed from an August incident in which Turner accidentally cut himself and initially told police that a black man had robbed and stabbed him. He later told police he made the story up.

Turner, who was fined $350 and given a 120-day suspended jail sentence in Pittsylvania County General District Court, filed an appeal the day of the trial.

Turner was heading east on Va. 57 in a 1995 Jeep Cherokee when he veered into the path of a westbound 1999 tractor trailer truck from Chatham-based Southside Timber Co., Inc., driven by an employee, Carl Rigney. Turner’s vehicle struck the tractor’s rear axles before hitting the back two axles on the trailer, Comer said. The Jeep was totaled.

“It looked like he was asleep,” Rigney told The Gazette-Virginian of South Boston. “He drove right into the side of the truck.”

Turner was airlifted to Lynchburg General Hospital after the accident. Rigney, 50, was treated at a hospital in South Boston for non-life-threatening injuries and released.

Full article; http://www2.godanriver.com

Emergency crews from the Halifax County Rescue Squad, Oak Level Volunteer Fire Department and Halifax Volunteer Fire Department place Fred Lee Turner of Chatham onto a stretcher as they remove him from the Jeep Grand Cherokee he was driving. Turner’s vehicle crashed into a tractor-trailer Wednesday on Route 57 near County Line Baptist Church. Turner was airlifted from the crash site by a medical helicopter and flown to Lynchburg General Hospital for treatment. (Joe Chandler/Gazette-Virginian)

Charlottesville and Albemarle, Va. | Vehicle Accidents on Route 29

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Free Enterprise Forum and other organizations and citizens support construction of the U.S. 29 Western Bypass because it will alleviate congestion by taking thousands of vehicles off our community’s main commercial boulevard while increasing safety exponentially.

The new 6.2 mile road features no exits and no intermediate interchanges, merely a northern and southern terminus. This is a true bypass.

Beyond the safety and improvement of freight, the Western Bypass will pave the way (pun intended) for the creation of the new “Business 29.”

Drop-Side Cribs Sold Exclusively at JCPenney - Recalled

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Drop-Side Cribs

Units: About 8,000

Importer: J. C. Penney Purchasing Corp., of Plano, Texas

Manufacturer: Yu Wei Co. Ltd., of Taipei, Taiwan

Hazard: The drop-side rails on the crib can malfunction, detach or unexpectedly fall down, causing part of the drop side to fall out of position. When this happens, a space is created into which an infant or toddler can roll and become wedged or entrapped, which can lead to strangulation or suffocation. A child can also fall out of the crib. Drop-side incidents can also occur due to incorrect assembly and due to age-related wear and tear.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC and the firms are aware of nine incidents involving drop side rails that malfunctioned or detached, including one report of a child who sustained minor abrasions to the arm.

Description: This recall involves Yu Wei full-size cribs sold under the Scroll and Lauren model names. The cribs were sold in antique white, pecan and dark cherry, and have the following model numbers and date codes listed on the inside of the crib’s end panels.

Model #	Description	Date Code Between
343-8225	Scroll Crib	01/2006-12/2010
343-9117	Lauren Crib	01/2007-12/2010

Sold at: jcpenney.com and in the jcpenney catalog from January 2006 through December 2010 for between $300 and $450. To continue reading; http://www.cpsc.gov

Model No. 343-8225 (about 7,300 units produced) Model No. 343-8225 (about 7,300 units

ptoduced)

Kraft Foods Recall - 'Wire Bristle Pieces' - Velvetta Products

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The “possible presence of small, thin wire bristle pieces” led Krafts Foods Global Inc. to announce on Friday afternoon a voluntary recall of approximately 137,000 cases of its Velveeta Shells & Cheese and Velveeta Rotini & Cheese products distributed in the United States.

According to a company statement, no injuries have been reported and there have been no consumer complaints. The press release states that the affected products can be identified by the “best when used by” dates, and it lists the following products as being involved in the recall:

Recalled Items; http://martinsvillemedia.com

Consumers who purchased these products are advised not to eat them, but rather return them to the store where they were bought for a refund or exchange.

Occoquan, Va. | County Supervisors to Seek Truck Restrictions

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The vote is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.

Occoquan resident James Phelps sees the cut-through traffic coming from Tanyard Hill Road firsthand and is happy the supervisors are doing something about it. Phelps lives with his sister and her two school-age children on Union Street – which connects with Tanyard Hill. With all the traffic, Phelps said, his relatives shouldn't even be outside during the afternoon given the number of vehicles and the proximity of his home to the street.

"We are reaching the tipping point here, and we're trying to do something about it," said Phelps, who believes an estimated 2,500 cars and trucks take the route everyday.

Occoquan Supervisor Michael C. May said it's unrealistic to prohibit everyone from cutting through but it's worth making a request to Commonwealth Transportation Board regarding truck traffic. www2.insidenova.com

Warning! Do Not Eat the Mushrooms Growing in Your Yard!

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Frank Constaninopla and his wife picked mushrooms from their yard in Springfield, Va., to cook in a stir fry. Within hours of eating the fungi known as "death cap" mushrooms, they became sick. His symptoms were worse and within days, he was suffering from the early stages of liver failure.

To read the full article; www.ask4direct.com

New Kent County | I-64 Crash Kills Norfolk Woman |Tractor Trailer

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Sgt. Thomas J. Molnar this morning said the crash, which occurred at 10:31 p.m. near mile marker 207, claimed the life of Patrice E. Dilworth, 41, of Norfolk.

Molnar said Dilworth was a rear-seat passenger in a 1995 Honda Civic that was trying to change lanes when it was rear-ended by a 2007 Volvo tractor-trailer.

The crash, which closed the eastbound lanes of the interstate for about six hours, remained under investigation today. Molnar said no charges had been filed.

Chesapeake, Virginia | Crossing Guard Hit by Truck Has Died

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The crossing guard was in the middle of the road directing traffic. She was wearing a reflecting vest.

Police said the woman driving the Toyota Tundra may have been distracted by the sun.

The crossing guard was transported to Norfolk General Hospital, where she later died, according to police spokeswoman Kelly O'Sullivan.

The accident is currently under investigation.

O'Sullivan did not release the victim's name but did confirm that she worked for the Chesapeake Police Department.

Police said charges are pending. www.wavy.com

Woodbridge, Va. - Crash Causes Power Outage - Sudley Rd. Gas Leak

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Woodbridge wreck happened about 8:40 a.m. near Annapolis Way when a car struck and knocked over a utility pole. No one was hurt but Dominion Virginia Power reported 300 customers without electricity in the aftermath. Power crews expected repairs to take six hours.

On the west end, fire officials closed the intersection of Sudley Road and Lee Highway about 9 a.m. after finding a gas leak in the area. Fire officials have reopened the intersection with the exception of the left turn lane to Lee Highway.

Reported by; www2.insidenova.com

Virginia's Interstate 95 - The next Toll Road?

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Gov. Bob McDonnell is turning to tolls to generate $30 million to $60 million a year, which would help cover the $40 million to $50 million the state spends for maintaining I-95 annually. Virginia, then, can redirect the federal highway money it receives for I-95 to other roadwork projects statewide.

"The proposed tolls are user fees that will provide for much needed transportation improvements and projects along the corridor ...," McDonnell spokesman Paul Logan said. "These tolls will also capture revenue from out-of-state tractor trailers and personal vehicles that use the roadway."

However, this amount is a drop in the proverbial bucket to address the state's roadway issues. McDonnell pushed through a $4 billion transportation package last year, which largely depends on borrowing against federal grants and future tax revenue to pay for about 900 projects statewide. Full article; www.leesburg2day.com

Fluvanna, Va. | Man Pleads Guilty to Werck that Injured a Family

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Kevin L. Barnard, 36, pleaded guilty in Albemarle County Circuit Court to two counts of maiming another while driving under the influence and DUI, according to court records.

Barnard was arrested after causing a multi-vehicle crash at the intersection of Richmond and Rolkin roads on Dec. 22.

Witnesses told police that Barnard didn’t stop while approaching a line of four cars waiting at the right light.

A Fluvanna County family is still recovering from injuries they received in the wreck, said Jon R. Zug, assistant commonwealth’s attorney.

Barnard, who will be sentenced in February, could face up to 11 years in prison, Zug said.

Onancock, VA. | Fatility on Bayside Road

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The victim was Everette Summerville, 54 of Onancock.

The pickup was a 1997 Ford operated by Kaleb Parks, 18 of Parksey. Parks originally thought he had hit a deer and left the scene. Parks later returnrd to the scene where is was charged with hit and run.

www.ask4direct.com

Virginia Beach Crash |Police Identify Victim

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Passenger William L, Keipe, of the 2300 block of Pierce Lane, was not wearing a seatbelt, police said in a news release.

Police earlier said they charged Christopher A. Sell, 19, with involuntary manslaughter, driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal possession of alcohol and possession of an ID belonging to someone else. Sell lives in the 2200 block of Rayburn Lane.

Police said Sell was driving a Nissan Xterra carrying three other people at about 1:10 a.m. when the vehicle ran off the road, hit some trees and landed in a ditch.

Sell and a 21-year-old passenger were taken to a hospital. Sell suffered minor injuries and the passenger had serious injuries, according to police.

A fourth person in the car was not injured.

Reidsville, Va. | Two Fatalities in Crash

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to the report, officers observed a vehicle turn around prior to entering the checkpoint and left the area at a high rate of speed in an apparent attempt to elude the checkpoint.

Officers attempted to locate the vehicle and found a red Ford Mustang overturned in the front yard of 13444 U.S. 158 West. The officers were able to extinguish a small fire coming from the motor of the vehicle and attempted to render aid to the occupants. The driver and one passenger were found to be deceased. A third passenger was airlifted to Baptist Hospital for treatment.

The victims were identified as driver Jesse Donnell Harrison, 41, of Ashley Loop Road and passenger April Lourdes Visaya, 24, of South Scales Street in Reidsville. The identity of the injured passenger had not been released as of Saturday afternoon.

The accident is currently under investigation by the N.C. State Highway Patrol.

www2.godanriver.com

Arlington, Va. I-95 - Fatal Single Vehicle Crash

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Jeri N. Roberts was driving a 2010 Mazda MZ3 in the far right southbound lane about a mile south of Va. 123 about 8:45 a.m. when she ran off of the side of the road and hit a guardrail, Virginia State Police spokeswoman Deborah Cox said.

Following the crash, Roberts’ car veered across all three lanes of the interstate, struck a jersey wall on the left side, went back across the three lanes, and then hit the right-side guardrail again before it stopped, Cox said.

Roberts, 29, was taken by helicopter to Inova Fairfax Hospital with life-threatening injuries and died later in the same day, police said. Full article; www2.insidenova.com

Traumatic Brain Injury Technology | Safer and Swifter

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The National Institutes of Health Clinical Center began imaging patients last week on a first-of-its-kind, whole-body simultaneous positron emission topography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device. The Biograph mMR offers a more complete picture of abnormal metabolic activity in a shorter time frame than separate MRI and PET scans, two tests many patients undergo.

The new device makes patient care swifter and safer. The faster turnaround time and more comprehensive results will help diagnose patients at an earlier stage of disease, leading to better outcomes. Additionally, traditional PET scanners combine computed tomography imaging, which uses radiation, while the MRI and PET technology of the new Biograph mMR does not. The risk of exposure to low doses of medical radiation from diagnostic medical-imaging tests is not known, but very high radiation doses have the potential to cause cancer.

Continue reading; www.nih.gov

Chesterfield County, Va. - School Bus Has Near Miss

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

“The bus had its yellow flashing lights on approaching the bus stop and was slowing down, then stopped to pick up my son, and the red lights were on,” said Phyllis Kelchner, the mother of the child. “The cars were in the other lane coming toward the bus, and all of a sudden there was a horrible noise as they crashed. I panicked because I thought they had struck the bus.”

One of the vehicles’ drivers was transported to a hospital for injuries.

Fire and medical personnel from Courthouse Fire Station responded.

The crash is under investigation, and police have not said if charges will be filed.

“I am just so grateful the bus wasn’t hit,” said Kelchner.

www.chesterfieldobserver.com

Winchester, Va. | No Speed Study for Back Mountain Road

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Traffic engineers with the Virginia Department of Transportation performed an analysis of crash and speed data along the Va. 600-Va. 614 corridor from U.S. 50 to Va. 608. Experts analyzed the data at the request of the Frederick County transportation committee after officials heard concerns from residents about vehicles speeding and fatal crashes that have occurred on the heavily used road.

Read more; www.nvdaily.com

Virginia State Trooper W. A. Connelly investigates a single vehicle wreck at 900 Back Mountain Road in Frederick County Wednesday July 6th where a 12-year-old boy died.
(Photo by Jeff Taylor/The Winchester Star)

Greenbay, Va.| Man Walks Away From Cadillac/Tractor Crash

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Greenbay man miraculously escaped serious injury in an accident on Highway 360 on Wednesday morning.

Roy Jefferson, age 44 of Greenbay, was travelling west on Highway 360 near Cloverdale Drive when he was struck from behind by a 1979 Cadillac DeVille.

The impact sheared the rear left wheel from the tractor, a Deutz 70 Series that dates from the late 60’s or early 70’s. The left rear wheel and the Cadillac came to a rest in the lefthand ditch. The now three-wheeled tractor overturned, throwing Jefferson free and coming to a rest facing the opposite direction.

Jefferson suffered some scrapes and bruises and was transported by EMS to Centra Southside Community Hospital in Farmville. Full article; www.southsidemessanger.com

Henrico County | A J. Sargeant Community College Dean - Car Crash

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Robert A. Heinz, 68, died on impact after his vehicle was struck in the driver's-side door as he was moving toward westbound Parham Road from Lydell Drive and the college's administrative offices, police said.

Heinz, a native of Union, N.J., had been at Reynolds for 11 years, his family said; he was dean of the School of Business and Engineering.

Heinz, whose degrees were from Lehigh University and Carnegie-Mellon University, had recently talked about his excitement over the development of automobile safety technology. This summer, the school received an $809,474 grant from the National Science Foundation to develop courses to train technicians to repair cars using advanced technologies.

"He was really looking forward to bringing the electric car to my son's school," Laura Heinz, a daughter, said Wednesday night. Continue reading; www2.timesdispatch.com

Jeep Liberty | Airbag Risk

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a preliminary investigation into select Jeep Liberty sport utility vehicles over concerns that the airbag system could deploy without an impact – a situation that has potential to cause severe injury along with an increased likelihood of a crash should the airbags open while the vehicle is being driven. www.torquenews.com

Head Injury - On Vampire Diaries Set

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

"Still feeling side effects from the concussion I got on set," the 22-year-old actress tweeted on Monday. "Ouchie. Good thing purple is a good color on me otherwise..."

Dobrev's rep said she is doing "fine" now.

View original Nina Dobrev Suffers Head Injury on Vampire Diaries Set at TVGuide.com

www.wqow.com

TVs - Furniture - Appliances |Child-Proofing Efforts

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Between 2000 and 2008, CPSC staff received reports of nearly 200 tipover related deaths involving children eight years old and younger. Nearly all of these fatalities (93%) involved children five years old and younger.

More than 16,000 children five years old and younger were treated in emergency rooms because of injuries associated with TVs, furniture, and appliance tipovers according to CPSC staff’s most recent estimates from 2006.

“Large TVs and unstable furniture can be a deadly combination. Taking simple, low-cost steps to secure furniture and TVs can save lives,” said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. “Parents need to know about this hidden danger and take action now.”

Typically, injuries and deaths occur when children climb onto, fall against or pull themselves up on television stands, shelves, bookcases, dressers, desks, chests and appliances. In some cases, televisions placed on top of furniture will tip over and cause a child to suffer traumatic and sometimes fatal injuries.

To help prevent tip-over hazards, the CPSC offers the following safety tips: Prevention Tips for Tipovers

Continue reading; www.cpsc.gov

Commercial Trucks and Buses | Proposed Ban on Cell Phone Use

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

But the exceptions, unfortunately, prove the need for a rule.

Federal transportation officials are looking at a ban on all cell phone use - both hands-free and hand-held - by commercial drivers except in emergencies. Sending text messages is already prohibited.

The ban on calls was prompted in part by a horrific crash in Kentucky last year that killed 11 people.

Investigators found that the truck driver responsible for the accident had used his cell phone 69 times while driving during the previous 24 hours, including three times right before the crash and once as his vehicle crossed an interstate median and hit a passenger van. Continue reading article; http://hamptonroads.com

Virginia Beach | DUI Wrongful Death Case

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A man serving time in jail for killing a couple while driving drunk just settled a wrongful death lawsuit against him and his insurance company, according to the Virginian Pilot. The insurance company involved with the claim was USAA Casualty Insurance Company. The administrator of the Tonking’s estate, Julie Olszewski, received $100,000 for each one of her parents from the insurance company.

Brandy Station, Virginia | Woman Strikes Tree on Norman Rd.

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Carlee L. Lawson was westbound in a 2004 Nissan when she reportedly crossed the center line and struck a tree on the opposite side of the road around 12:38 a.m., according to Corey Byers, spokeswoman for the Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office.

CCSO deputy Aaron Adams responded to the wreck in the 14,000 block of Norman Road.

Lawson and her male passenger were transported to Culpeper Regional Hospital for minor injuries, Byers added.

Lawson was also charged with driving with no seatbelt.

www2.starexponent.com

Edinburg, Virginia | Motorcyclist Killed in Crash

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

David Richard Boykin, 28, was riding a 2011 Honda motorcycle near Readus Road when he came around a curve on the wrong side of the road, striking a 2003 Dodge Caravan, said Sgt. F.L. "Les" Tyler, a state police spokesman. Boykin died from his injuries at Shenandoah Memorial Hospital around 4 p.m.

The Dodge's driver, Rebecca Holliday, 36, of Edinburg, was not injured, and her car had minimal damage, Tyler said.

www.nvdaily.com

Hampton, Virginia | Fatality after SUV Strikes Ambulance

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Hampton police said the SUV struck the ambulance carrying the critically ill man to the hospital about 8 p.m. Saturday, according to The Virginian-Pilot (http://bit.ly/ohIs3U ). The man died at the hospital.

Several people were treated at local hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries suffered in the crash.

---

Information from: The Virginian-Pilot, http://pilotonline.com

Cardinal's Hall of Famer | Manager Whitey Herzog - Suffers Head Injury

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Cardinals’ Hall of Fame manager was still in the intensive care unit as of Friday morning, and friends and family are understandably concerned.

Whitey’s son, Jim Herzog, provided an update and made a request via email:

“Whitey Herzog suffered a fall at home Monday which caused a head contusion and bruised shoulder. We expect a full recovery. But quiet rest is essential at this time. The family appreciates all your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for respecting his privacy as he takes time to heal.”

A source close to Herzog told us that he’s being examined for a concussion and will probably be hospitalized for another week. Continue reading; www.therepublic.com

Woodbridge, Virginia Woman - Dies in Martland Car Crash

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 29-year-old Woodbridge woman died early Sunday in a car crash in Silver Spring, Md.

Montgomery County police said that Marisol Angela Gutierrez, of the 3400 Vale Court in Woodbridge, died when the 2009 Hyundai Elantra she was riding in crashed into a BMW 325i at the intersection of U.S. 29 and Tech Road at 4:36 a.m.

According to the department's collision reconstruction unit, the driver of the BMW, Dorene Francine Ennels, 49, was travelling west on Tech Road and faced a flashing red light while the driver of the Elantra, Ryan Michael Segretto, 26, of Bristow, was driving south on U.S. 29 and faced a flashing yellow light.

When Ennels, of Baltimore, continued on Tech Road, the cars collided in the intersection, police said.

Police are still investigating and did not say whether Ennels ran the flashing red light.

Gutierrez was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ennels and Segretto were taken to an area hospital with non life-threatening injuries, police said.

www2.insidenova.com

Highland County, Va. | Four Teens Injured in Weekend Crasg

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

The driver was charged with failure to maintain proper control of a vehicle, a form of reckless driving, in connection with the crash shortly after 8 p.m. on Route 644 in Highland County.

To read more; www.therecorderonline.com

Southwest, Virginia | Rural Retreat, Va. Man Hurt in Motorcycle Crash

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to Hillsville Police Department Chief Steven Williams, Donnie Ray Brewster was in critical condition on Friday in Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center after being injured in an approximately 10 p.m. single-vehicle crash on the U.S. 58 bypass.
Brewster and the driver of a 2004 Suzuki motorcycle, 39-year-old Donald Edward Miles II of Rural Retreat, were headed west on the bypass when Miles swerved to avoid a deer in the road and lost control of the bike.
Miles was treated and released at the scene.
No charges were placed, and the wreck remains under investigation, Williams said.

www.swvatoday.com

South Boston, Va. | Driver Flees Scene of Wreck

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to an accident report filed by Officer R. L. Lawson, the driver of a 2010 GMC truck drove off the roadway and struck a utility pole before fleeing the scene at 12:13 a.m.

The truck is owned by Robert Potts of Florida, the report stated.

A 1998 Ford Expedition driven by 56-year-old Margaret Boyd of South Boston ran into the fallen wires of the utility pole causing $1,000 damage to her vehicle, Lawson said.

Boyd was not injured.

The investigating officer estimated damage to the 2010 GMC truck at $12,000 and damage to the Century Link utility pole at $5,000.

An investigation is continuing.

www.gazettevirginian.com

Williamsburg, Virginia | Woman Charged in Fatal July Acident

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Diep Thi Ngoc Le, 36, has been charged with reckless driving. She lives on Conway Drive in James City County.

The accident occured July 14 on Penniman Road. Le lost control of the 1998 Honda sedan she was driving on Parkway Drive, winding up in a field on Penniman Road. The car struck a tree several hundred feet off the road and overturned, trapping Le and 56-year-old Shirley Martin, who was administering the road test.

A helicopter flew Martin to the hospital, where she later died. Le was taken to a hospital by ambulance.

www.vagazette.com

Henrico County, Virginia | Driver Killed in I-295 Crash

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A preliminary investigation found that the driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, may have fallen asleep at the wheel of the Nissan Altima, state police said.

The driver, who was not immediately identified pending notification of family, was pronounced dead at the scene near I-895 about 3:30 a.m.

Police said their investigation is continuing.

www2.timesdispatch.com

Lynchburg, Virginia | Man Critically Injured in Wreck

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Police have identified the man injured in a single-car wreck on Concord Turnpike Thursday.

Eugene Locke, 72, of Gladys, remains in critical condition at the University of Virginia Medical Center following the accident.

Locke was driving a 2009 Hyundai sedan north on Concord Turnpike around 2:30 p.m. Thursday when his car went off the right side of the road, through three fences and rolled several times, hitting three parked vehicles, Lynchburg police said.

Locke, who was not wearing his seat belt, was ejected from the car.

"Excessive speed" was a factor in the wreck, police said, and charges are pending.

Anyone with any additional information concerning this crash is asked to contact the Lynchburg Police Department Traffic Safety Unit (455-6047) or the Central Virginia Crime Stoppers (1-888-798-5900).www2.newsadvance.com

Danville, Virginia | Two Wrecks, Four Vehicles, Eight Charges

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

The man involved in two traffic accidents Wednesday on Franklin Turnpike faces a slew of charges in connection with the wrecks and had a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit for driving, authorities said.

Ethan Aubrey Bliss, 19, of 545 Afton Road, Danville, is being held in Pittsylvania County Jail without bond and is scheduled to be arraigned in Pittsylvania County General District Court this morning.

The charges against Bliss include hit and run, driving under the influence, possession of alcohol while under 21, reckless driving, maiming another while DUI (which is felony DUI in Virginia), two seat belt violations and having no liability insurance. Continue reading; www2.godanriver.com

Fuel Economy Guide - Keep More Money in Your Pocket

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Fuel Economy Guide lists the city and highway fuel economy estimates for all cars and light trucks as well as estimated annual fuel costs. There are also tips for improving fuel economy.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov

Nelson County, Virginia | Driver Sought After Train Hits Truck

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Authorities are looking for a man who fled the scene Thursday after a train struck a pickup truck in Nelson County.

Authorities believe the pickup had been pulling another truck, a white one, from down an embankment, because both vehicles had tow straps attached, Brooks said.

The white truck was reported stolen later that day.

“It’s not a trail that vehicles would normally travel,” Brooks said of the path by the tracks.

The blue truck was not on the train tracks but was close enough to be hit.

The train was damaged but was able to continue on its route, Brooks said.

www2.newsadvance.com

Rappahannock, Virginia |Two Airlifted in U.S. 211 Accident

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two young men extracted by rescuers from a car with Maryland license plates were airlifted to area medical centers just after 6 p.m. Monday, where both were reported Tuesday to be in critical but stable condition in the facilities’ intensive care units.

The driver of the car was identified by Virginia State Police Trooper Don Corbin as Hans Christian Shankle, 24, whose car is registered to a address in Hagerstown, Md., but who Corbin said has family in Sperryville. Shankle was transported by helicopter to University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville.

Corbin identified the passenger as Joseph Anthony Ruffner, whose age was not known, and whom Corbin said was believed to be living in Sperryville. A second helicopter took Ruffner to Winchester Medical Center.

To continue; www.rappnews.com

Culpeper, Virginia | Truck Hits ER Entrance

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Culpeper man is in custody after the truck he was driving struck a wall of Culpeper Regional Hospital’s emergency room entrance around 1 a.m. Wednesday.

John Michael Seeber, 43, of the 2000 block of Birch Drive, was charged with reckless driving and misdemeanor possession of marijuana.

According to Town of Culpeper public information officer, Wally Bunker, around 1 a.m. Officer Eric Grant responded to the scene where a 2005 Ford pickup truck had struck the building. Grant spoke with Seeber in the hospital and took him into custody.

CRH spokeswoman, Molly Mueller, said there was no damage to the hospital in the incident.

www2.starexponent.com

Culpeper, Virginia | Hit and Run Damages Utility Pole - Power Lost

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A hit-and-run vehicle struck a utility pole on the 1200 block of South East Street Wednesday afternoon resulting in about 25 residences and 15 businesses losing power.

According to Town of Culpeper public information officer, Wally Bunker, after the suspect vehicle — a beige Buick four-door sedan — hit the pole at approximately 5:45 p.m. It caused the wires to hang lower than normal and a Ford pickup snagged the low wires resulting in secondary damage to the pole, which was broken into several pieces.

Culpeper Light and Power Personnel were at the scene Wednesday evening and estimated that it would take four to six hours to restore power and install a new pole.

The suspected Buick was later found unoccupied on the 400 block of East Chandler Street. Police said damage on the passenger side of the vehicle was consistent with evidence collected at the scene.

Officer Jason Deal of Culpeper Police Department investigated the incident.

The investigation is ongoing. www2.starexponent.com

Fatal Missouri - Bus Collision

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two school bus drivers involved in a double fatal collision along Interstate 44 more than a year ago were scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday on a misdemeanor charge of careless and imprudent driving connected to the accident last August.

Neither defendant appeared in court today; both were represented by their attorneys, and rescheduled for a December hearing before Judge David Hoven.

76 year old Katherine Shackelford of St. James and 29 year old Kelly McEnnis-Mullenix were both issued a criminal summons on the charge on the one year anniversary of the crash last month.

Missouri State Highway Patrol reports say Shackelford was the driver of a bus that crashed into the rear of a pick-up truck. Patrol reports indicated Shackelford was 'inattentive' when her loaded school bus slammed into the back on the stationary pick-up which was stopped due to a previous accident. Full article; www.ksdk.com

Norfolk, Virginia | Ponding Water Slows Morning Traffic

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

NORFOLK - It was a mess on the roads Wednesday morning, frustrating drivers earlier than usual.

A tractor-trailer jackknifed on the Berkley Bridge around 5:00 a.m., forcing Va. State Police and the Va. Dept. of Transportation to close all but one lane going eastbound.

The driver was treated for non-life threatening injuries, according to Sgt. Michelle Anaya with Va. State Police.

The incident clogged traffic for several miles, backing up traffic through the Downtown Tunnel and for I-464 drivers coming from Chesapeake. Many people decided to take the Midtown Tunnel, which added to the typical back-up.

By 7:30 a.m., the rig had been moved, but the morning rush had started, so vehicles were stacked up more than usual. To read the full article; www.wvec.com

Vehicles involved in the crash on I-264 E near Witchduck Road

Subaru Recall | Outbacks - Legacy's | Loose Moonroof

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

In what has become a very active September for Subaru, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that the automaker was recalling almost 70,000 Outback and Legacy models from 2011 because the glass portion of the moonroof might fly off.

It was the third recall announced by the safety agency involving Subaru this month. Two earlier actions covered almost 500,000 vehicles.

The latest recall was detailed in a letter dated Sept. 9, in which the automaker told the safety agency there wasn’t enough adhesive applied to the glass portion of the moonroof on the vehicles assembled from Aug. 3, 2010 to July 1, 2011. Continue reading; http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com

2011 Subaru Outback

Virginia | Seat Belt Usage Second-Highest Rate on Record

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

This number is up slightly from 2010, when the rate was 80.5 percent, but still hasn’t matched 2009 – the highest recorded rate, 82.3 percent.

In 2008, 80.2 percent were wearing seat belts, in 2007, 79.9 percent were, in 2006, 78.6 percent were and 80.4 percent utilized safety belts in 2005.

These rates are based on surveys conducted by Old Dominion University in Norfolk.

“Seat belts are your best defense during a crash,” said Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb, who is Gov. Bob McDonnell’s highway safety representative. “A crash is always a surprise, so you don’t have to time to prepare or to put on your safety belt at that point. Play it safe and always buckle up, every time.”

To continue; www.loudountimes.com

Playsafe Dartmouth Swing Set | Recalled - Fall Hazard - Sold at Toys R Us

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

This recall involves Playsafe's Dartmouth Swing Set, model number 22-PS340, with date codes FSD0115AA and FSD0315AA. The model number and date code can be found in the owner's manual. The swing set has six metal legs and includes two swings with yellow plastic sling-style seats, a yellow plastic sliding board, a two-person glider with yellow plastic seats, yellow plastic trapeze hanging rings and a four-person lawn swing with yellow plastic seats and footboard.

Sold exclusively at: Toys R Us stores nationwide from January 2011 through May 2011 for about $270.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the sling-style swing seats, remove the seats from the swing set and contact Pacific Cycle to obtain free replacement seats.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Pacific Cycle toll-free at (877) 564-2261 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.pacific-cycle.com or email customerservice@pacific-cycle.com Reported by Consumer Product Safety Commission www.cpsc.gov

Target Stores | Recall to Repair - Embark Resistance Cords

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Target has received three reports of incidents in which consumers were struck in the eye by the door anchor ball. Two incidents resulted in permanent vision loss, and the severity of the injury in the third incident is unknown.

Description: This recall involves Embark brand individual resistance cords and cord kits listed below. The resistance bands are made of green, blue or black rubber with black foam handles and a door attachment. A strap of nylon webbing is looped onto the band with a plastic ball attached or encased that serves as a door anchor. "Embark" is printed on either the black strap attached to the foam handle or on the middle of the rubber cord itself.

Sold exclusively at: Target stores nationwide and Target.com from July 2009 through August 2011 for between $10 and $20.

Style Description:
Embark Light (tension) Resistance Cord (green)
Embark Medium (tension) Resistance Cord (blue)
Embark Heavy (tension) Resistance Cord (black)
Embark Resistance Cord kit (set of 3 cords in green/blue/black stored in a mesh bag)

Midlothian, Va. | High School Students - Texting - Reading Simulator

Sat, 17 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

In less two minutes at the helm, her friend Josh Madison crossed the centerline three times and left the road entirely six times.

"No, no, I'm usually not that bad," Hollyn said on Thursday morning on a sidewalk outside James River High School. "I don't usually run over anything."

Josh said he wasn't usually prone to such poor driving, either, but neither Chesterfield County sophomore could prove the point when given the chance to drive while reading and sending text messages.

"Nobody drives well while texting," said Eli Scheele, one of three simulator experts who tour the country for PEER. "If they're not killing people or themselves, they're slowing down or driving erratically."

For the full article; www2.timesdispatch.com Noah Berry, a James River High School 10th-grader, took

a turn in a simulator that shows what happens

when people try reading and writing text messages.

Prince William County Virginia | Felony Indictments Possible - Fatal Crash

Sat, 17 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Christopher Eduard Suarez, 18, was originally charged with misdemeanor reckless driving for the April 20 crash that killer two of his classmates, 15-year-old Kendra Tucker and 15-year-old Savanna Kidane Mouratidis.

Suarez appeared in Prince William General District Court on that charge Wednesday, but prosecutors declared the charge nolle prosequi, meaning they do not wish to prosecute at this time.

Prosecutors said they plan to pursue felony charges against Suarez in Prince William Circuit Court.

Police said Suarez, of Gainesville, was driving a car carrying four teenaged passengers on Logmill Road in Haymarket when he struck a deer and then slammed into a tree.

Kendra Tucker died instantly; Savanna Mouratidis also died that day and was taken off life support a few days later, after doctors had time to prepare her organs for donation, family members said.

Suarez and a two other passengers, a 17-year-old boy and 14-year-old girl, were also injured in the crash.

Police said speed was a factor in the crash and none of the teens wore seatbelts.

www2.insidenova.com

Delmarva Bike Week - Highway Safety

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

This is Delmarva Bike Week Sept. 15 - Sept. 18, held in Ocean City Md. It's a great time and there are alot of great events. But please driver's of all types of vehicles drive with extra care this weekend. Eastern Shore's Rt. 13 is busy on a regular sunny weekend, much less when you add hundreds of motorcycles. So have fun but have a care.

Enjoy your weekend!

Loudoun County, Va. | Sterling, Va. | Sheriff's Office Seeks Witnesses to Crash

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

At 9:30 a.m., a 2004 Honda Odyssey was leaving Potomac Run Plaza and attempting to head eastbound on Benedict Drive.

The Honda minivan was then struck by a 2004 Honda Pilot traveling northbound on Bartholomew Fair Drive. The impact caused the minivan to roll over on its roof.

No serious injuries occurred at the crash, as both drivers declined on-scene medical treatment.

The Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit has requested witnesses who have not already spoken to law enforcement to come forward. If you happened to witness the crash, contact D. Lake at 703-737-8307.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel | Tractor Trailer Topples

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A few minutes after the restrictions were in place, the tractor-trailer had blown over.

About 5:30 p.m., the tractor came to rest in the passing lane and the trailer was against the guardrail. The driver was taken to a hospital as a precaution, said Tom Anderson, deputy director of the bridge-tunnel.

Emergency vehicles waited in the northbound lanes from Virginia Beach for the storm to pass so they could get to the wreckage. By 9 p.m., wind speeds were still 55 to 60 mph and all lanes remained closed and traffic was redirected to the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel .

Early this morning, all lanes were open and no wind restrictions were in place. www.hamptonroads.com

Tractor Trailers | Non Secured Equipment - Vehicle Crash | I-85 - Petersburg, Va.

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A tractor-trailer crash on southbound Interstate 85 closed the highway in both directions for an extended period this morning near the Squirrel Level Road interchange in Petersburg.

No injuries were reported

Virginia State Police said the crash occurred when a piece of equipment from a flatbed tractor-trailer came off the trailer and came to rest in the right lane of the southbound interstate.

A 2005 International tractor with dual trailers traveling southbound ran over the piece of equipment, went off the left side of the roadway and struck about 200 feet of guardrail, causing the second trailer to overturn.

To continue; www2.timesdispatch.com

Waynesboro, Virginia | Car Crash - $43,000 in Damages

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A business sustained $43,000 in damage and two people were taken to the hospital after a car crashed into a building in Waynesboro on Monday.

Police said a vehicle struck a parked truck, which plowed through the large plate glass window in the front of Jenkins Automotive on West Main Street at 10:42 a.m.

It took about 25 minutes for rescue workers to free a customer, 69-year-old Nancy Ann Carter of Waynesboro, who was pinned under debris, and the driver trapped inside the car, said city police Sgt. Brian Edwards. Both were transported to Augusta Health with injuries not considered life-threatening.

“She was sitting in the waiting area, waiting to have her vehicle worked on,” Edwards said of Carter.

To continue reading; www2.newsvirginia.com

Frederick, Virginia | Two-Vehicle Accident - Sends 2 to WMC

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to Frederick County Sheriff's Deputy Z.R. Fanaro, a 1992 Toyota truck was traveling north on Back Mountain while a 2012 Jeep was headed south.

The driver of the Toyota, Winchester resident Christopher Layton, 29, attempted to turn left onto Rosenberger, crossing in front of the Jeep, which was being driven by fellow city resident Percy Astete, 42.

Witnesses on the scene described the accident.

To continue reading this article; www.winchesterstar.com

                                         One man was injured in a two-vehicle accident on Back Mountain Rd. and Rosenberger Lane in Frederick
                                                       Count Thursday night. (Photo by Adam Van Hart/The Winchester Star

Prince William County Virginia | 2 Vehicle Car Crash - Police Officer

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Prince William County police officer was injured after her cruiser and a car were involved in a t-bone collision on the Prince William Parkway at Lake Jackson Drive Thursday morning.

According to spokesman Officer Jonathan Perok, the officer was on duty and heading westbound on Lake Jackson Dr. just before 9 a.m. in a 2008 Chevy Impala. Tuyen Thi Hgoc Tran, 38, was driving a Kia Forte southbound on the Prince William Parkway. The cars crashed as they came into the intersection at the same time.

Perok said the investigation revealed Tran, of Manassas, had a red light when she entered the intersection. She was charged with disregarding a red light and was released on a summons.

The officer and Tran were the only people in the cars, and both were taken to a local hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries.

Perok said neither speed nor alcohol are factors in the collision.

Chester, Virginia | Motorcyclist Dies - Following Sept. 12 Crash

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Lawrence W. Slater, 36, of the 12300 block Branner Place in Chester, was leaving a parking lot on West Hundred Road when he lost control of his motorcycle at about 8:15 p.m. The motorcycle struck the concrete curbing of a median, causing the motorcycle to flip several times. Slater was thrown from the motorcycle. He was transported to Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center in Richmond, where he died Sept. 15.

Chefmate Blender Recall | Sold at Target Stores

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Target and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission have received 11 reports of the blade assembly separating from the pitcher, seven of which reported serious lacerations to consumers’ fingers and hands.

This recall affects all Chefmate® 6-Speed Blenders, model BL-10. The model number is located on the bottom of the base. The blender consists of a six-inch tall, white electrical base with five, white speed-selector buttons labeled 1 through 5, one gray button labeled “Pulse/Off” and the word “Chefmate®” in black letters on the front; a clear plastic pitcher with a handle with U.S. and metric volume measurement markings; a white plastic lid with a removable clear plastic lid stopper; and a white plastic blade assembly with two angled, stainless steel blades.

Sold exclusively at: Target stores nationwide from September 2007 to February 2011 for about $14.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the blenders and return them to any Target store to receive a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Target Guest Relations at (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit their website at www.target.com Reported by cpsc.gov

Water Walking | New and Dangerous Recreational Activity

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

CPSC knows of two incidents involving these products. In one, a child was found unresponsive after being inside the ball for a short time. The child required medical attention. In another, a person inside a ball suffered a fracture when the ball fell out of a shallow, above-ground pool onto the hard ground.

Here’s what you should know:

These balls are airtight. Because of this, carbon dioxide can accumulate inside the ball. High carbon dioxide and low oxygen levels … makes it very difficult to breathe. Such a dangerous scenario can occur in just a few minutes.
Most balls have no emergency exit. They can be opened ONLY by a person outside the ball.
These balls are not padded. This means that injuries can happen if the balls – and the people inside — collide with each other, strike hard objects like a pier or a buoy, or simply fall out of the pool onto concrete or another hard surface.

Before you take these risks – or let your child take these risks – understand that CPSC does not know of any safe way to use this product. www.cpsc.gov - Consumer Product Safety Commission

Kubota Recalls Mowers | Fire Hazard

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Description: The Kubota Riding Mowers are bright orange, have 48-inch, 54-inch, or 60-inch wide mower decks and have “KUBOTA” stamped on either the sides of the front engine cover, or on the right side behind the driver’s seat. The serial number is located on the left front frame for T series models and the right front frame for GR and ZG series models. This recall involves Kubota Riding Mowers with the following model numbers and serial number ranges.

Kubota recalled riding mower model and serial number range

Sold at: Authorized Kubota dealers nationwide from April 2010 through April 2011 for between $3,600 and $11,500.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled riding mowers and contact Kubota to schedule a free inspection and repair. Kubota is directly contacting consumers who purchased the riding mowers.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Kubota at (800) 752-0290 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.kubota.com To read more; www.cpsc.gov

Child Safety | Jackets - Hoodies - Sweatshirts

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Look closely at your child’s jackets, “hoodies,” or sweatshirts to ensure there are no drawstrings in the upper portion of the garment. You also should take a look at waist or bottom drawstrings on your child’s jackets and other upper clothing. New regulations specify that you shouldn’t be able to see more than 3 inches of the string when the clothes are stretched wide.

CPSC has received 26 reports of children who died when the drawstring on their clothing became tangled on playground slides, school bus doors and other objects. Waist and bottom drawstrings have been caught in doors or other car parts resulting in dragging incidents.

www.cpsc.gov

Nathalie, Va. Teenager | Single-Vehicle Crash - Air Lifted |Lynchburg

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 17-year-old male juvenile from Nathalie was flown by helicopter to a Lynchburg hospital after he was ejected as his vehicle rolled over four to five times in a Tuesday night crash.

The wreck, at about 11:15 p.m. on Route 645 a half-mile east of U.S. 501 not far from Brookneal, happened as the youth drove a 1998 Chevrolet Silverado off first the right side of the road, then overcorrected and began flipping, according to a report filed by Virginia State Trooper A.D. Dishman.

He was not wearing a seatbelt.

The teenager was flown by helicopter from the North Halifax Volunteer Fire Department helipad.

Charges are pending.

Reported by; www.sovanow.com

Reannouncement Recall - LG Electronics-Dehumidifier

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

LG Electronics Tianjin Appliance Co., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is urging consumers to check if they have recalled Goldstar or Comfort-Aire dehumidifiers. The firm is re-announcing the recall of about 98,000 of the dangerous dehumidifiers that pose a serious fire and burn hazard, and are believed to be responsible for more than one million dollars in property damage.

The power connector for the dehumidifier’s compressor can short circuit, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers and their property.

The dehumidifiers were first recalled in December 2009 following eleven incidents, including four significant fires. Since that time, the company has received sixteen additional incident reports of arcing, smoke and fire associated with the dehumidifiers, including nine significant fires. No injuries have been reported. Fires are reported to have caused more than $1 million in property damage including:

$500,000 in damage to a home in Gibsonia, Pa.
$200,000 in damage to a home in New Brighton, Minn.
$183,000 in damage to a home in Hudson, Mass.
$192,000 in damage to a home in Valparaiso, Ind.
$139,000 in damage to a home in Salem, Ohio
$129,000 in damage to a home in Brielle, N.J.
$ 95,000 in damage to a home in Philadelphia, Pa. Goldstar Dehumidifier

For more information concerning the recall; www.cpsc.govComfort-Aire Dehumidifier

This fire at a home in Valparaiso, Ind.

involved a recalled Goldstar dehumidifier

and resulted in $192,000 in damage

Technology | Car-toCar Communication System

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Technology that would allow cars to talk to each other—to help prevent accidents and improve traffic flow—is about to get a real-world road test following new funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Many high-end cars already come with sensors capable of spotting a vehicle in a driver's blind spot, or warning that the car is drifting out of lane. However, these technologies, which use radar, laser, or video sensors, have a limited view. Car-to-car communications could provide even more sophisticated earlier warnings—for example, when a car several vehicles ahead brakes suddenly.

Last month, the DOT awarded $14.9 million to the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute to test the technology, known as vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication. The system to be tested relies on dedicated short-range radio communication to allow cars to signal one another and receive messages from traffic equipment.

To continue reading, follow this link; www.technologyreview.com

Clarksville, Virginia | Serious Collision Avoided

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two workers from MW Clearing & Grading, of Blacksburg, S.C., were shaken but unharmed, after dodging a serious collision when the steering column broke on their truck while driving through downtown Clarksville Monday. The driver was able to avoid colliding with oncoming traffic, and the trash receptacle and light pole at the north side of the road. He said, “I don’t know how I did it, cause the truck just went where it wanted to go.” Clarksville Police quickly arrived, directing traffic away from the site, while a tow truck removed the damaged pickup. MW Clearing & Grading is one of the companies preparing the utility easement for the power lines running to Hewlett Packard (formerly known as EDS) in Clarksville.

www.sovanow.com

King George Va.| Westmoreland County, Virginia Crash - Fatality

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before 8:00 p.m., Virginia State Police Trooper J. L. Barrack was called to the scene at the intersection of Route 205, James Monroe Highway and Route 631, Longfield Road.

A 2004 Chevrolet Impala was traveling eastbound on Route 631 when the driver failed to yield the right of way to a 2005 F-350 Box Van that was traveling southbound on Route 205 The driver of the Impala, who was wearing his safety belt, died at the scene. A female passenger, suffered serious non-life threatening injuries and was flown by med-flight to VCU Medical Center. It remains under investigation whether she was wearing her safety belt.

The driver of the Box van and two passengers were all wearing their safety belts. They were not injured in the crash. All were assessed by Emergency Medical Technicians at the scene

Speed and alcohol are not considered factors in the crash. The Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the on-going state police investigation. To read the full article; www.journalpress.com

Boydton, Virginia | Two Airlifted After Two-Truck Collision

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

SoVaNow.com / September 02, 2011

Two men, Charles E. Reece, 72, of Farmville, and Jeffrey S. Ezell, 44, of La Crosse, were airlifted from the scene of a two-truck crash at the intersection of U.S. 58 and Route 92 near Boydton, Thursday morning.

According to police reports, at approximately 6:30 a.m. Thursday, a 2004 GMC truck driven by Reece was attempting to cross the intersection at U.S. 58 and Route 92 when an Estes Express truck driven by Ezell struck Reece’s truck.

Upon impact, both vehicles struck the guardrail, and the truck driven by Ezell also struck a nearby highway sign.

Charges are pending against Reece for failure to yield the right of way.

This is the second serious accident at this intersection in the past two months. On July 22, Virginia Norene Profitt was killed when a car driven by Dona L. Higgins of Galax broadsided the car where Profitt was a passenger.

Pulaski County, Virginia | Bicyclist and Pedestrian Awareness Week

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last year in Virginia 88 people died while walking or cycling on state roads; about 2,000 more were injured.

Pulaski Town Council and the county Board of Supervisors each voted this week to declare Sept. 11-17 as Bicyclist and Pedestrian Awareness Week.
Drive Smart Virginia and Bike Walk Virginia have partnered to promote this third annual event across the state.

Several tips localities are encouraged to promote during the awareness week to promote safety include:

•Virginia law requires motorists to yield to pedestrians using crosswalks and pedestrians are encouraged to use crosswalks whenever possible;

•Motorists must allow at least two feet (preferably three) when passing a bicyclist;

•Cyclists should always ride on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic;

•A bicycle is considered a vehicle in Virginia and has the same duties and rights as motor vehicles on the road. This includes obeying all traffic signs, signals, lights and markings;

•All safety precautions should be used. A safety belt should be worn in a car, and a helmet on a bicycle. Cyclists can also protect themselves by wearing bright clothing, using flashing lights during day and night, and by securing loose clothing;

•Pedestrians also can improve safety by wearing bright colors during the day and reflective material or blinking lights at night. Light colored clothing is slightly helpful in making you visible at night, but reflective tape or reflective fabric is much better, and

•Bicyclists should follow local ordinances with regards to riding on sidewalks. When permitted to be on sidewalks, bicycles should yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian.

To read the full article; www.southwesttimes.com

Marion, Virginia | Driver Sought in I-81 Fatal Wreck

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Virginia State Police Sgt. Michael Conroy said Tuesday Vijay Madhavan, 40, of Vienna, was pronounced dead at Smyth County Community Hospital.

Madhavan was a passenger in a 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV driven by his wife, Chitra Mohan, 40, also of Vienna. Their 4-year-old daughter was also a passenger, according to Conroy.

“All of them were transported to Smyth County ER,” Conroy said. “The daughter and driver are described as having non-life threatening injuries.”

The SUV was “forced off the road by an unknown vehicle described as some type of work or utility pickup truck,” Conroy said. “No contact was made between the vehicles.”
Conroy said the unknown vehicle passed the SUV in the left lane then returned to the right lane, “cutting them off” and “causing the driver to run off the road to the right and overturn.”

Reported by www.swvatoday.com

Halifax, Virginia | Alcohol and Driving Don't Mix - Vehicle Crash

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Trooper K. R. Martin reported Robert E. Harvey, 24, and his two passengers, all of Farmville, were slightly injured when the 1989 Chevrolet Caprice he was driving ran off the right side of the road and struck some trees.

EMS personnel transported Harvey and his passengers, Jasmine Rickmond and Juan Chambers, to Halifax Regional Hospital where they were treated for their injuries and released, according to a hospital spokesperson.

The crash occurred at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday on Highway 360, three-fourths of a mile west of Route 344.

Trooper Martin said the Caprice was a total loss, and he charged Harvey with reckless driving.

State Police declared this 1989 Chevrolet Caprice a total loss after it ran off the right side of the road and struck a tree. Trooper K. R. Martin said alcohol was a factor in the crash that occurred Wednesday afternoon on Highway 360. Martin charged the driver of the car, Robert E. Harvey of Farmville, with reckless driving. (Joe Chandler/Gazette-Virginian)

www.gazettevirginian.com

Buckland Mills Virginia | Student and Grandmother - Fatal Crash

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Spencer, an 8-year-old student at Buckland Mills Elementary School near Gainesville, died along with his grandmother, Lori Matthews, at 8:20 a.m. Saturday in a crash on Vint Hill Road near Kennedy Road in Fauquier County.

Buckland Mills Principal Connie Balkcom said that she, and staff, have fond memories of Spencer.
“He touched the hearts of everyone who knew him,” Balkcom said. “He was one of those students that you will always remember.”

Balkcom said that she has talked with Spencer’s parents since the fatal crash.

She said they are both thankful for the outpouring of support from the community following their son’s death.
“Reign’s mother appreciates the fact that everyone loved him,” Balkcom said. “I think that says it all.”
Balkcom said that school administration acknowledged that the beginning of the school year needed to be as positive as possible and said students have been upbeat.

But they are “holding onto the good memories of Reign in [their] hearts,” she said.

Full article at; www2.insidenova.com