Attorney Blog

Not First Offense for Drunk Driver Who Hit Children in Virginia Beach

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)73584 — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

As a father and three children walked to the bus stop recently, they had no idea that a drunk driver was about to plow into them. Unfortunately, that is exactly what happened.

Sandra L. Hofstadler was driving a pickup truck when she swerved around a bus that was picking up school children in Virginia Beach, jumped a curb, and hit the four. When she got out of her car, witnesses report that she was having a hard time walking, and they immediately took her keys for fear that she would try and drive away.

Another witness rushed to the aid of a young boy, giving him CPR until the paramedics arrived on the scene. Police issued a field sobriety test and arrested Hofstadler for driving while intoxicated. The woman was also charged with reckless passing of a school bus and three counts of maiming as a result of driving while intoxicated.

Two Children Seriously Injured During Early Morning Accident in Virginia Beach

Two of the three children were seriously injured, one initially listed in critical condition, another in serious condition.

For many, what is infuriating about this accident is that the driver had been convicted of many other traffic offenses to include driving while intoxicated and driving on a revoked license. As advocates of victims’ rights, we have seen too many people injured during an accident with a repeat drunk driving offender.

If you have been hurt during an accident with a drunk driver in Virginia Beach, you may have the right to sue for compensation for your injuries, hospital bills and losses. Do not hesitate. Contact an experienced, aggressive Virginia Beach personal injury lawyer at 757.625.1214 today for your free consultation.

No News is Good News? Not When it Comes to Medical Tests.

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)72962 — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

After getting lab work done, many patients worry for a few days, and then assume that no news is good news. Going on with your life and putting the worry of the tests behind you, however, could be a major mistake.

When No News is Bad News

More than ever, medical mistakes in Virginia and across the nation are being caused by a lack of proper medical test result reporting. This means that too often, patients are not contacted, even when their test results indicate a serious problem. Other times, the lab never gives results to the doctor who ordered them, or the results go to the wrong doctor.

In one recent case, a woman and her doctor never got the results of her mammogram. The test results indicated the presence of breast cancer and without treatment, the cancer spread, unchecked, for over a year.

Protecting Yourself from a Medical Mistake in Virginia

While your doctor and the lab techs responsible for your medical tests should ensure that the results are properly reported, too often this does not happen. Therefore, our Norfolk, VA medical malpractice attorneys urge you to ensure that you get the results of any medical tests from your doctor. No news does not always mean good news, and it may be up to you to prevent a serious, even deadly, medical mistake.

If you or a loved one have been harmed because of a medical mistake in Virginia Beach, act now. Contact an experienced advocate of patient rights at 757.625.1214 for your free consultation.

Virginia Medical Malpractice Award Upheld for Brain Injured Mother

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)71628 — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A medical mistake is always terrible. When the medical error surrounds the birth of a child it is all the more appalling. Recently, we reported on a woman who suffered brain damage after the doctor performed a faulty c-section and thehospital staff failed to identify her worsening condition.

Her partner called nurses, attempting to get help for the mother of his newborn child, yet they did nothing to help stabilize her erratic blood pressure and heart rate. By the time they took notice, some six hours after the surgery, the woman was gravely ill, her bed sheets covered in blood.

During this time the mother had lost over half of the blood in her body. One simple check could have prevented this, yet the nurses and doctors did not bother to simply lift a sheet and check her incision. They did not bother to wonder why her vital signs were fluctuating and instead noted that the new mother was "resting comfortably."

An Inexcusable Tragedy

While the mother survived the terrible incident, she was left with permanent brain damage. The medical mistakes made by Maryview Medical Center will forever impact the life of the mother and her child.

The doctor responsible for the surgery gave up his medical license shortly after the incident. The negligent doctor was the subject of multiple Virginia medical malpractice claims and many believe that his license should have been revoked long ago.

What to do When Hurt by Hospital Error

Our Virginia Beach medical malpractice attorneys have seen too many incidents like this one, when hospitals simply do not give the care necessary to keep their patients safe. Our goal is to not just get our clients the compensation they need, but to ensure that the doctor and hospital are held responsible for their mistakes.

If you have been hurt because of a medical error in Norfolk, Virginia Beach or anywhere in Virginia contact an experienced lawyer at 757.625.1214 for your free consultation. Together we can work to protect others from the terrible mistakes doctors make.

Attack of the Killer Computers: Do computers harm Virginia patients?

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)70394 — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Alhough you might think that Attack of the Killer Computers is another bad movie on the sci-fi channel, the truth is that so called "Health IT" may be doing more harm than good. While you may not have to worry about a computer growing legs and attacking, you should be concerned that an error in the program used to keep your medical records could do harm.

When Computers Make Mistakes, Patients in Virginia are Harmed

For many years, people believed that computer based medical records, also known as Health IT, would help prevent doctor, nurse, and hospital errors. Although a typed entry on a patient’s record or a printed prescription factors out illegible doctor handwriting, there are other mistakes being made that are injuring and killing patients. Some of the more serious errors include:

Dosing errors (wrong numbers typed into program)
Failure to detect life-threatening illness (missing information)
Delaying treatment (poor human-computer interactions)
Loss of data (deleted entries or computer failure)

Searching for a Solution

Many believe that the primary problem with Health IT is that the industry is not properly regulated. Currently, there are no official regulations or standards that apply to Health IT. This means that anyone who creates an electronic medical record program can sell it to doctors and hospitals, even if the program is flawed.

As medical malpractice attorneys, we are concerned about the rising number of medical mistakes made in Virginia because of computer-based medical records systems. We hope that continued research and patient advocacy will force IT companies to make programs that work. Too often, however, patients must die or suffer before the issue is addressed.

If you are the victim of a medical mistake in Norfolk, do not hesitate to contact an attorney at Tavss Fletcher. Our Norfolk, VA medical malpractice attorneys are ready to fight for your rights as a patient. Call 757.625.1214 today.

VA Drug Counselors May Help Those Freed Under Fair Sentencing Act

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)68485 — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Many worry that the combination of reduced sentencing in crack cocaine cases and the early release of inmates under the retroactive application of the Fair Sentencing Act will turn areas of Virginia back into the crack havens they were in the 1980s. Others are cheering the change; they are glad to see an end to an unfair and even racist crack cocaine sentencing policy.

Strategies for Successful Early Release

Because of the numerous recent early releases, drug counselors are working to help the released stay away from old haunts and habits, instead focusing on a new, crime-free life. Kerry Black Wiles is an experienced, award winning drug counselor. She is confident that, with the right treatment program, these individuals can have success after prison.

"One of the keys for them will be to avoid, as we say, ‘Your same playmates, your same playgrounds,'" Wiles said. "These are part of the skills we try to teach in recovery programs. The trick will be to make sure we continue to work with the judicial and correction system to get those coming out on drug-related charges into the right kinds of treatment programs."

The hope is that anyone released under the Fair Sentencing Act will be given the support they need to make the most out of the time they have been given back.

If you need help after being released in Virginia or need legal advice about applying for early release under the Virginia Fair Sentencing Act, please contact an experienced Virginia Beach criminal law attorney at Tavss Fletcher today for your free consultation.

Cheers and Fears Abound as Virginia Inmates Go Free

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)68143 — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

There have been two very distinct reactions to the news that thousands of inmates imprisoned for charges related to the use or distribution of crack cocaine are being released. In Virginia, the issue is especially prominent as the eastern district of Virginia is releasing the highest number of affected inmates in the county. In this district alone, 75 inmates will be released today under the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010.

On One Side: Cheers

Families of the prisoners, defense attorneys, and those concerned with the rights of minorities are relieved that the too-strict sentencing of those in possession of crack cocaine has been reversed. They point to the fact that the now defunct law punished those in possession of crack cocaine 100 times more severely than those in possession of the powdered form.

In general, black defendants had been caught with crack while white defendants were most often found with powdered cocaine. Many see the reversal as justice served to those who long suffered under an unfair, prejudiced law.

On the Other Side: Jeers

Others are concerned that the release of some 12,000 inmates over the next few years will drive up the rates of drug and violent crimes where the released prisoners settle. They also fear that less strict sentencing will drive up use and sales of crack cocaine.

However, for those who have missed loved ones, and for the imprisoned who are ready to reenter society and make a change for the better, the Fair Sentencing Law is the answer to their prayers. The sister of an inmate who is about to be released spoke about just how serious her brother is in making the best use of his early release.

"He wants to get out, get a job and get his life back together," said Susan Cardwell, sister of soon to be released Darryl Flood. "He says he'll work two jobs if he has to."

The Norfolk, Va. criminal law attorneys at Tavss Fletcher are glad to see the Fair Sentencing Act being implemented. If you believe that your loved one should be eligible under the new law and need help ensuring their timely release, do not hesitate to call 1.757.625.1214. Contact an aggressive, experienced Norfolk criminal lawyer today.

Virginia Drivers, Are You Guilty of Neglecting Your Child?

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)66772 — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The most common form of child abuse has nothing to do with physical punishment or malnourishment. In fact, you may be guilty of it and not even know it.

To many people, allowing your child to ride in the car without a proper car seat is as good as child abuse. Before you argue, consider this: the leading cause of death in children is not cancer, illness, or any other kind of disease. The leading cause of death in children is car accidents.

Safety experts argue that if you are not properly restraining your child while in the car, you are leaving them vulnerable to serious injury, even death. While we tend to worry about illnesses that are out of our hands, we too often forget that we have the power to help protect the lives of our children every time they get into a car.

Keeping your child safe while in the car is the best way to prevent accidents and injuries. New AAP recommendations state that children under the age of 2 should remain rear facing in car seats. After this, children should be restrained by a five-point harness until they reach the seat's weight or height limit. The next step is a booster seat which, again, should be used until the child exceeds the manufacturer's recommended height or weight.

Only you can ensure that your child is properly restrained. The staff and Virginia accident attorneys at the Norfolk accident law firm of Tavss Fletcher urge you to learn more about the right seat for your child and use it each and every time you get in the car. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, don't hesitate to contact our office for your free consultation at 757.625.1214.

Virginia Bikers - Fire Up Your Bike and Hit the Blue Ridge Parkway

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)66485 — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Crisp cool air, crystal clear blue skies above, and breathtaking fall foliage all around. As a biker in Virginia you are fortunate enough to have all this and more - right in your backyard! Years ago, the Blue Ridge Parkway was named "America's Favorite Drive," and the 469 miles live up to this name. The Blue runs from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Each year, without fail, it offers some of the most stunning views in the nation.

Get the Fall Fun While It Lasts

Fall seems only a fleeting moment to those of us dreading winter; however, it is the perfect time to see the best that Virginia and North Carolina have to offer. If you time your ride just right, you can witness one of the most amazing feats of nature on the planet: the annual migration of the monarch butterflies. In early fall, thousands of these winged beauties make a stop just south of Asheville, North Carolina. After you check out the butterflies, hop back on your motorcycle and head to the Wagon Road Gap overlook. Many think that this North Carolina spot offers the most beautiful views along the Blue Ridge Parkway. No matter what section of the scenic route you choose, take advantage of your surroundings and hit the highway.

Why We Think Motorcycles Are THE Way to Travel

As a motorcyclist, you are able to enjoy roadways such as the Blue Ridge Parkway in ways that drivers cannot understand. Our Virginia motorcycle attorneys don't think that there is any better way to see, feel, and become a part of one of nature's greatest shows. So check your safety gear, watch for drivers distracted by fall foliage, and get out there and ride, Virginia!

Two Professional Wrestlers Involved in North Carolina DWI Accidents

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)65623 — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

While injuries are par for the course in the world of professional wrestling, two professional wrestlers have recently been involved in accidents outside of the ropes. Both accidents occurred in North Carolina and both have led to possible drug/alcohol charges.

The first accident occurred in May when former wrestler Shane Helms and his girlfriend crashed their motorcycle after leaving a NC restaurant. Helms and his passenger were seriously injured and Helms has just been charged in North Carolina with a DWI stemming from the crash.

The second was more recent and involved wrestler Matt Hardy. Hardy crashed his 2009 Chevrolet Corvette into a tree early Saturday afternoon. Police report that while it didn't appear that Hardy had been drinking, he seemed to have taken some type of impairing substance. Hardy agreed to a blood test and will appear in court on Sept. 28th.

Why the sudden rash of pro wrestler accidents in North Carolina?

While there is no right answer to this question, it does seem that both accidents were caused, in part, by drugs or alcohol. The WWE offers drug and alcohol abuse help for both current and former wrestlers. If drug or alcohol abuse is an issue for either young man, the criminal law attorneys at Tavss Fletcher hope that the men get the help they need and recover fully from injuries sustained during the crashes.

If you have been involved in an accident we can help. Contact our experienced lawyers today for your free consultation.

Is Walking Hazardous To Your Health?

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)65621 — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

In Virginia, in 2010 alone, 88 people lost their lives while cycling or walking. An additional 621 bicyclists and 1,858 pedestrians were hurt. While we all know that biking and walking are good for your health, there are some undeniable dangers to riding, walking and running along roadways.

How Virginia Police are Working to Prevent Accidents

In order to combat the rash of bicycle and pedestrian accidents across Virginia, this week has been named Virginia's Bicyclist and Pedestrian Awareness Week. For the third year in a row, police in Culpeper and across Va. will be placing electronic message boards, increasing police presence near crosswalks and reminding the public that they must share the road with bikers and walkers.

"Pedestrians have the right-of-way in crosswalks and motorists need to pay attention and stop," said Culpeper Police Chief Chris Jenkins.

Saving Lives Through Bicycle Helmet Use in Virginia

Across the state, police, in conjunction with Drive Smart Virginia and BikeWalk Virginia, have been offering helmets to those who need them. The hope is that increased helmet use will help lower the number of bikers seriously injured or killed during an accident. Head trauma is a leading cause of permanent injury and death for bicyclists involved in an accident.

What You Can do to Prevent an Accident in Virginia

The staff and attorneys at the Norfolk accident law firm of Tavss Fletcher hope that you take this week of pedestrian and bicyclist safety seriously. As a driver you are responsible for keeping your eyes on the road at all times and always looking for walkers or bikers before you make a turn. If we all carry this message of awareness and accident avoidance with us throughout the year, we can help stop a serious accident before it happens.

Virginia Light Rail- Heavy on Accidents

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)62758 — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Driver error is most often cited as the cause of accidents with light rail trains. This should serve as a warning to those driving in and around Hampton Roads and Norfolk. The newly expanded light rail system is now in full swing and safety experts from Virginia and across the U.S. warn that the first year with a new light rail system is the most dangerous.

Avoiding an Accident with the Norfolk Light Rail
The best way to avoid any accident involves common sense: Watch where you are going. Pay attention to the road. Heed warning signs. It is no different with the new light rail system in Virginia. Recent light rail driver training exposed the numerous driving errors that motorists commit on a daily basis. These errors included drivers who:
·Ran a red light
·Drove the wrong way on a one way street
·Stopped on the light rail tracks
·Entered a prohibited area

It's not just drivers who can cause these accidents. Pedestrians who don't use designated crosswalks are too often hurt by an oncoming train. And sometimes, even the best trained light rail drivers make egregious errors; errors that cause a serious accident, even end a life.

Public Awareness is Crucial to Avoiding Light Rail Accidents in Va.
Let's work together to spread the word that with a little awareness the light rail system in Norfolk can be a safe alternative form of transportation. The staff and attorneys at the Virginia Beach law firm of Tavss Fletcher hope that the experts are wrong, and that together we can prevent serious light rail accidents.

Too Many 18-wheelers Are Unsafe to Drive on Virginia Roadways

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)60943 — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

The thought of an 18-wheeler barreling down a Virginia roadway toward your vehicle is terrifying. This terror is compounded when considering the number of large trucks that drive on the highways and interstates each and every day, at times causing serious accidents in Virginia.

Too often, trucks are able to avoid inspections stations. Truckers know that their truck, trailer and load would not pass an inspection, yet more often than not there is little they can do about fixing the issue.

Most truck drivers do not want to drive a truck that they know is unsafe, but for too many, they have few options. Their boss will often put them off, promising to fix the issue soon. Other times, drivers are fearful that insisting their truck is repaired will cost them the run, even their job.

This dangerous practice is most often seen in local construction related vehicles such as rock haulers and dump trucks. In addition to the possibility of dangerous equipment failure, drivers of these trucks often do not have the proper training to be driving such a truck, yet they go ahead and drive anyway.

All of these factors can lead to an injurious, even fatal accident. If you have been hit by a semi truck you know how serious these accidents are, how their impact far exceeds that of a car on car accident.

For expert legal advice from attorneys who are highly successful in defending the rights of the injured, getting their clients maximum compensation for their injuries, contact a Va. personal injury lawyer at Tavss Fletcher today for your absolutely free consultation.

Are you prepared for a Virginia motorcycle accident? Really prepared?

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)60587 — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

As a biker in Virginia, you know that dangers for bikers abound. While you do everything you can to avoid a motorcycle accident, you should always be prepared for the possibility that you will be involved in one. Many people assume, mistakenly, that having a cell phone is enough to allow them to get the help they need, should they crash.

Be Prepared for a Virginia Motorcycle Accident

While a cell phone is a good start, you should have more than that in a motorcycle accident preparedness kit. We suggest that you carry, secured to your person, such as in an internal jacket pocket, at least a cell phone and a small signal light. If you are thrown from your bike and unable to reach your pack or saddlebags, your phone may be the key to getting help. However, you should not rely on the phone alone. The phone could have broken in the impact or be out of range. A light or glow stick can help you signal for help in the event you have crashed away from the road.

The Help You Need After an Accident

Of course our primary goal is to help you avoid an accident. However, accidents do happen and you must be prepared to get medical attention as quickly as possible. We hope that you ride prepared, stay safe and avoid accidents. However, if you are involved in an accident, despite your best efforts at safety, please be seen by a doctor, no matter how minor you believe your injuries to be. Once you are assured that your health is stable, feel free to contact an attorney at Tavss Fletcher. We know accidents, we know Virginia. Allow us to help you get maximum compensation for your motorcycle accident.

Believe that outpatient procedure errors don't happen in Va.? Think again!

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)61034 — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Does it shock you to find that more than half of medical malpractice damages are awarded to people who have undergone an outpatient procedure? If you have been harmed by an outpatient medical procedure, than you know just how much damage a "simple in and out procedure" can do.

Researchers believe that the danger in outpatient surgeries lies in the absence of aftercare. In the hospital, patients are frequently checked on by both doctors and nurses. In an outpatient facility the patient is often left to the care of a friend or family member. In addition, the levels of cleanliness and safety may be sub-par at a doctor's office, where most hospitals have more stringent safety procedures.

You Can Get Legal Help for Damages Done by an Outpatient Medical Procedure

If you have been injured by what you believe to be a preventable medical mistake, either in the hospital or at an outpatient clinic, there is something you can to. As experienced Virginia medical malpractice attorneys we know that you have more questions than answers. Please contact a lawyer today for your free consultation. You are hurting. Let us help.

Virginia Drug Charges Put Your Life on Hold: Who Can Help?

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)58437 — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Drug charges in Virginia often come with stiff penalties. As a person who is facing such charges, you may have more questions than answers as to what will happen to you next.

After the initial shock of your arrest has worn off, you are left sitting, thinking and wondering what will happen to you. Will you be sent to prison? Made to pay expensive fines? Will you lose your job, your children? In a panic, these questions can be overwhelming.

What you need is an advocate; someone who will give you honest advice about the case that the police are building against you, about the possible outcome of a trial. You need experience and you need it now. Talking with the police, even friends and family members, may negatively affect your case.

Before you speak with anyone about the charges you are facing and your possible involvement in the crime contact an aggressive, compassionate Virginia Beach criminal lawyer at Tavss Fletcher. We may be able to help you fight the charges and get your life back on track. An arrest changes your life forever, let us help you get your life back.. Call today. 1.757.625.1214

Large Truck Accidents in Virginia- How to Steer Clear

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)58183 — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Though some accidents are impossible to avoid, too many times our attorneys see people who know they could have done more to avoid being involved in a crash. In Virginia, we see many accidents that involve large semi-trucks. These accidents often cause serious injuries, even deaths. The size and speed of these trucks, along with careless or dangerous driving, injures and kills thousands each year. What we have to ask ourselves is this:

Is there anything drivers can do to avoid an accident with a tractor trailer?

We believe that there is. As a driver, you must remain alert to the moves that cars and trucks are making around you. Before you pass a truck, observe its behavior. If the driver seems to be swerving, either onto the shoulder or over the center line, do not pass the truck. The driver might suddenly over correct, leaving you without the time or space to avoid an accident. If possible, avoid trucking routes. Large trucks are only allowed to travel on certain roads. If there is an alternate route that you could take to avoid roads congested with semi-trucks, take it.

Keep your eyes on the road.

Avoiding distractions in your car can help you avoid accidents with trucks and cars alike. Please put down the phone and concentrate on the road ahead. If, despite your best efforts, you are involved in an accident, do not hesitate to contact an experienced Norfolk accident attorney at Tavss Fletcher. As always, the initial consultation is free and the advice: priceless. You do not have to go it alone. Call today. 757.625.1214s

Have you been injured during your hysterectomy in Virginia?

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)56011 — Mon, 30 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Sadly, you are not alone. Despite the emergence of new, better medical technology, human error still accounts for too many medical errors and surgical mistakes. Recently, a Virginia woman was undergoing what should have been a standard hysterectomy. However, her life and health were forever altered when her surgeon used his hands to tear holes in her bladder and intestine. Instead of using the proper surgical equipment the doctor made a terrible choice, causing the woman much pain and suffering.

As Virginia Beach medical malpractice attorneys we wish we could tell you that this is an isolated incident. However, all too often, doctors make terrible, irreversible errors; leading to years of further medical treatments, disability, even death.

What can be done?

While some medical errors can be avoided, many times we must trust that the doctor we choose will not make a mistake during our treatment or surgery. When a medical error does occur, it is the responsibility of the patients family or the patient themselves to hold the doctor responsible for their actions.

However, you do not have to go it alone. Contact an experienced, compassionate attorney at Tavss Fletcher today for your free, confidential consultation. We have been successfully fighting for the rights of Virginia medical malpractice clients for over 30 years. Let us fight for you.

I Spy With My Little Eye- A Virginia Motorcycle Accident Waiting to Happen

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)55211 — Mon, 16 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

A game of I Spy is meant to be fun; a game played to keep children busy. However, while driving, is your attention focused more on the chatter in the back seat or on the road ahead of you? Changing the way you parent in the car could save a life. Parental distractions occur during nearly every trip; from reaching for a sippy cup to breaking up a squabble, parents too often fall victim to distracted driving.

If you are a driver who is paying more attention to your children than the road, a collision is inevitable. Motorcyclists are especially aware of the threat that distracted drivers pose. A motorcycle has a smaller profile than other, larger vehicles. Also, since most bikers don't ride during our chilly Virginia winters, come spring drivers are unaccustomed to seeing them on the road. These factors, and others, contribute to the high number of motorcycle accidents in Virginia. What can be done?

The best way to avoid an accident is to keep your eyes on the road. This may seem simple but keep tabs on your driving habits the next time you get behind the wheel. Everyday actions, such as changing the radio station or reaching for your drink, can distract you long enough to cause a serious, even deadly accident. Chances are you are taking undo risks when driving. Let's work together to prevent accidents- Focus on the road. Arrive alive!

Have you been hurt during an accident with a distracted driver? If so contact an experienced lawyer at Tavss Fletcher today for your free consultation.

Don't Step on a Crack or You'll Break Your Mothers Back!

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)54088 — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

This popular rhyme, meant for a little fun while walking down the road, has a grain of truth to it. Women, particularly those over the age of 50, are at high risk of not only fracturing their spine, but of being misdiagnosed after an accident.

A spinal fracture can put you, or your mom, at high risk of another fracture, stooped posture and even a long term disability. The thing about a fracture in the spine is that doctors too often miss diagnosing the injury. Sometimes there is no pain associated with the fracture and it is months, even years later that the effects are felt and seen.

A car crash is one of the major causes of such an injury. Leading experts are urging anyone, particularly over the age of 50, ask for an x-ray after an accident. Doing so may keep you healthier, stronger and taller!

Auto accidents wreck more than your car- They may very well wreck your life. Don't go it alone. Contact your experienced, professional Virginia attorney at Tavss Fletcher today for your free consultation.

Asleep at the Wheel- The Very Real Dangers of Drowsy Driving in Virginia

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)53423 — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

A recent accident along I 64 near Portsmouth, Va. highlights the dangers of drowsy driving; particularly among truck drivers. Though truckers log thousands of miles and tend to be safe drivers, too many take on too much work and succumb to the pressures of getting a load to its destination as soon as possible. This can cause a driver to hit the road before they are rested, leading to too many serious accidents in Virginia and nationwide.

In this instance, a trucker was making a late night trip, carrying a big load of blood plasma, when he fell asleep, lost control of his rig and overturned the truck, causing serious damage to the truck and starting a fire.

Though nobody was seriously injured in the accident, it does remind us to never drive when overtired. Always start out on a trip well rested and if you feel yourself getting tired pull over in a safe area and get some sleep. Coffee and other stimulants work for short periods of time and can leave you more tired and less able to drive safely after their effects wear off.

As Virginia Beach accident attorneys we know that the simple step of pulling over when drowsy could prevent thousands of injuries and deaths each year. Drive smart Virginia. Arrive alive!

Common Car Accidents in Virginia that Lead to Fatalities

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)51331 — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Just because your crash may be one of the several common kinds of car accidents in Virginia does not mean it's a minor occurrence. A car accident in Virginia can lead to injuries ranging from cuts and scrapes to spinal cord trauma and even death. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 757 traffic fatalities in the state in 2009 alone.

Some of the common car accidents in Virginia that led to fatalities in 2009 include:

single vehicle crashes - 479 fatalities;
roadway departure crashes - 476 fatalities;
rollover crashes - 232 fatalities;
intersection-related crashes - 150 fatalities;
speeding crashes - 147 fatalities; and
large truck crashes - 77 fatalities.

You should be aware of your legal rights if you have suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one in a car accident in Virginia. Foremost, you should know that Virginia follows a pure contributory negligence system. This means that if you are found to be even 1% responsible for the car accident you will not be able to recover damages.

It would be beneficial to hire a Virginia car accident attorney to help you navigate the state's complex personal injury claims process. Your attorney will stand up to the insurance companies and help you fight for compensation including current and future medical expenses, mental and physical pain, lost earnings and wrongful death benefits.

Contacting a Virginia Car Accident Attorney

Single vehicle accidents and roadway departures were factors in many common car accidents in Virginia that led to fatalities. When someone else's negligence results in a serious injury or a death that impacts your family, you deserve to have someone on your side who has a real understanding of the complex realm of Virginia personal injury law. The Virginia car accident attorney team at Tavss Fletcher takes the time to get to know you and the unique details of your case in order to provide the personalized help you need. Let us handle the complicated aspects of your Virginia car accident case while you focus on healing. Contact us today at 757-625-1214.

Keeping Documentation on Time off Work after Your Virginia Accident

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)50802 — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you were employed and earning wages prior to your Virginia accident and can no longer work because of your injuries, you can include these losses in your Virginia personal injury claim settlement. Even if the time off work is temporary, any lost wages that result from your injuries can be included in your injury claim.

To prove that you lost wages because of your accident, you will need evidence proving your past wages to determine what you should have been earning during your time out of work. Past tax returns and pay stubs are the types of evidence necessary for this proof.

These past records are especially important when you become permanently disabled because of your injuries and are no longer to earn wages. The estimated potential earnings for the rest of your projected working life will be a critical amount in your personal injury settlement.

You need to be honest about your limitations when questioned by the insurance companies and doctors in regards to why you cannot return to work yet, if at all. Any discrepancies in your claimed past earnings or exaggerated claims of disability that are later revealed could cost you your claim.

Virginia's contributory negligence laws do not allow for you to be found even 1% at fault for your injuries to receive compensation for your accident damages. This means that you need to be seriously diligent in how you conduct yourself following the accident and that you will need to provide substantial evidence of your complete innocence.

There are many other important factors that can help you avoid denial of your Virginia personal injury claim. An experienced Virginia personal injury lawyer can help keep your claim safe through each step of the process.

Contacting a Virginia Personal Injury Lawyer

The most important thing to remember with a Virginia personal injury claim is that you cannot be found to be at fault for your accident in any way to be eligible for a personal injury settlement. When someone else's negligence results in a serious injury or a death that impacts your family, you deserve to have someone on your side who has a real understanding of the complex realm of Virginia personal injury law.

The Virginia personal injury lawyer team at Tavss Fletcher takes the time to get to know you and the unique details of your case in order to provide the personalized help you need. Let us handle the complicated aspects of your Virginia personal injury case while you focus on healing. Contact us today at 757-625-1214.

Virginia Towns Still Immune from Wrongful Death Lawsuits

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)48645 — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

What is more important: The rights of individuals to be compensated for the loss of a family member or the rights of a city to remain immune from wrongful death lawsuits? Though this issue is not as cut and dry as the above statement, many believe that this is what it boils down to.

The death of a man, run over by a garbage truck during an accident in Virginia Beach last summer, highlighted the fact that Virginia cities, towns and municipalities are immune from wrongful death lawsuits. If a city employee is liable for the death of a citizen, the city cannot be held accountable for the death.

Many, including Del. Kenny Alexander of Norfolk, believe that cities must be held responsible for the injurious or deadly actions of their employees. However, he was in the minority as a bill that would have allowed individuals to sue local governments has been struck down and will not be heard this legislative session.

The accident attorneys at Tavss Fletcher want to know: What do you think? Should cities lose this immunity or would the potential cost of the lawsuits devastate the financial future of too many Virginia cities and towns?

Motorcycle! Virginia! Works to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)48647 — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Motorcycle accidents often result in injuries that are both serious and long lasting. Unfortunately, more often than not motorcycle/car accidents are caused by the car. Too often drivers do not look twice for motorcycles as drivers are more concerned with their cell phones and other distractions than those around them.

Motorcycle! Virginia! is one group that works to prevent accidents through awareness. Their safety campaign continues to spread the word about motorcycle awareness through their yellow "Watch for Motorcycles" bumper stickers. In addition, they work closely with other groups and individuals to ensure that bikers and drivers have all the resources they need to spread the word about the importance of motorcycle awareness and safety.

As Virginia motorcycle attorneys we know that many accidents could have been prevented. Paying better attention to the road, slowing for road conditions and maintaining your vehicle are among the best preventative measures you can take. So whether you bike, ride or drive, please think twice before making any move in traffic. Doing so may just save a life.

VDOT Can Help Keep You Safe and Save You Time

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)47805 — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is your key to avoiding accidents, traffic delays and dangerous winter road conditions. Their multiple traffic cameras and live, streaming accident and road condition reports help you avoid delays and traffic congestion. In winter, the constantly updated road conditions can do more than save you time; they can help you avoid a serious accident.

In addition to the information available on traffic conditions, VDOT has implemented multiple traffic safety initiatives. These programs have been designed to inform the public and help prevent the thousands of accidents that injure, even kill, Virginia drivers each year. Examples of VDOT safety initiatives include: highway safety corridors, work zone safety and awareness, safety information center, motorcycle safety and safe routes to school.

Our personal injury attorneys have seen hundreds of accidents that could have been avoided by a little planning and caution. Too often, especially in the winter, drivers fail to take the time to check road conditions before leaving the house. This simple step takes only minutes and we believe it can be the key to helping you prevent a serious accident.

If you have been injured in an accident and believe that the other driver caused the accident, contact an experienced Virginia Beach car crash lawyer at Tavss Fletcher for your absolutely free consultation. Often, filing a personal injury lawsuit is the only way to ensure that you get the compensation you need to pay medical bills, repair or replace your car and move on with your life.

Diabetic Driver Found At Fault in Virginia Accident

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)46492 — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

At first glance the accident seems simple. One driver loses control of his vehicle and crashes into another car in Virginia. However, it was soon found that the at fault driver, a diabetic, had suffered from a hypoglycemic event. The question that needed to be answered in this case was: Did the driver know or should he have known the risk he was taking by driving with his condition?

As is all too common, the insurance company denied all fault on behalf of the at fault driver. They maintained that it was the medical condition, not the driver, which caused the accident. The injured accident victim and their attorney did not believe that this was fair or accurate. This is something insurance companies are very good at: Minimizing fault in an attempt to save their company money.

Fortunately for the injured woman she had a good attorney, one who saw through the insurance company's tricks. Medical records were subpoenaed and it was found that the at fault driver had caused other accidents due to his medical condition. The insurance company was forced to admit that the driver should have known how dangerous driving was and they quickly settled for $215,000.

For this accident victim the choice to hire an attorney won her case and allowed her to pay her ongoing medical bills. If you are looking for a personal injury lawyer who has the experience and passion to win, contact an attorney from Tavss Fletcher today for your free consultation. The insurance company have experienced, aggressive attorneys on their side. Who do you have?

Free Car Seat Checks in Virginia Beach Keep Kids Safe

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)45400 — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Will your child seat prevent injury in the event of an accident? Are you sure that each of your car seats and boosters are installed correctly? If you live in or near Virginia Beach you have a valuable resource available to you; free of charge. Free child safety seat checks are offered by four different fire stations in the area. At each station certain staff members have completed the National Child Passenger Safety Certification process and are ready to help you ensure that your seat is installed correctly. In addition, the safety professionals will help you install the seat, or seats, yourself. This way you can be assured of a correct install each time you need to move your seat.

Why do our lawyers believe that child passenger safety is so important? We have seen too many children, either unrestrained or in the incorrect seat, become injured, even killed during what should have been a minor accident.

Please click on any of the below links to learn more about where to find the nearest free inspection station and to learn more about keeping your child safe each time you get in the car.

If we all work together to keep our children safe in the car we can be a part of real change in Virginia- Change that reduces the number of injurious and deadly accidents that involve children.

Drowsy Driving in Virginia- Avoid it or Risk a Serious Accident

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)45300 — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Did you know that driving while fatigued causes at least 17% of fatal car accidents? This means that each year drowsy driving causes over 5,500 highway deaths. Drowsy driving and biking also injure many thousands. Safety experts believe that even these numbers are low as drowsy driving goes severely underreported. This makes it difficult to know the true impact drowsy driving has on accident totals in Virginia and nationwide.

During the holidays we all tend to stay up late and get up early. We have things to do, people to see! However, if we want to arrive alive, to keep ourselves and our passengers safe, it is best to only drive when well rested. Impossible you say? Maybe some days. However, when planning a road trip in Virginia or across several state lines, make getting enough sleep part of your vacation preparation.

Do not attempt to drive through the night and if you feel you must drive on and you become tired please pull over and sleep. The dangers of continuing to drive while sleepy are not worth the risk.

The staff and attorneys at Tavss Fletcher hope that you and yours have a happy, healthy holiday. Remember to make the season a safe one: Please buckle up, don't drink and drive and avoid drowsy driving.

"Spice" May Soon be Illegal in Virginia, Nationwide

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)43992 — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Why is "Spice" causing such a problem in Norfolk and across Virginia? One cause could be the numerous college and armed forces personnel who live within the state. As we reported last month, the new drug, "Spice", also known as "K2," "Blaze," and "Red X Dawn" has been popular among young adults, teens and military members. However, the military has already issued a ban on the drug and many law enforcement agencies and local governments, such as that of Norfolk, are considering making the drug illegal.

Norfolk and Virginia State Police are not the only ones concerned about the synthetic marijuana. The United States Government is taking steps to outlaw the chemical blends that are being sold in smoke shops and convenience stores in Virginia and across the nation.

The drug is sold as herbal incense but if passed the new law would put the chemicals used to make the drug in the same category as heroin and cocaine. Officials are concerned about the effects of the drug, which include an extreme feeling of paranoia, elevated heart rate, seizure and heightened blood pressure. So far this year over 1,500 calls related to the drug have been made to the national poison control center.

Though the drug has not yet been made illegal, police are poised, ready to implement the new law and arrest those who produce, sell and buy the drug. If it is passed the national ban on Spice will take effect in 30 days and will last at least one year.

As criminal law attorneys we are watching this story very carefully. We will continue to track the progress of any ban or law that affects the people of Virginia and North Carolina.

If you believe that you have been arrested or ticketed illegally there is something you can do about it. With an experienced attorney on your side you can fight against the system that seems determined to throw away your rights. Do not hesitate. Contact Tavss Fletcher today.

What can you do to prevent a medical mistake in Virginia?

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)43810 — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Did you know that at least 44,000 people are killed each year by preventable medical mistakes? For every patient who dies, hundreds of others are harmed during a botched surgery or due to another medical mistake. Doctors and surgeons are human, we understand this, however, performing the wrong surgery and other major mistakes are inexcusable.

As Virginia Beach medical malpractice attorneys we have seen firsthand the tragedy that medical mistakes cause. Recovery from additional surgeries, life-long complications from a surgical mistake and the tragedy of a life lost during what should have been a simple procedure are inexcusable.

But what can you do? If you are patient who will be going into surgery how can you best protect yourself from medical errors? First of all, ensure that you get a full report as to the number of lawsuits that have been filed against your doctor or surgeon. Be sure to ask for a detailed list of how the hospital prevents medical mistakes. To prevent an error some patients have even marked their skin with a permanent marker indicating the site and type of the surgery to be performed.

If your best efforts fail you and you are harmed by your doctor or surgeon please contact your experienced medical malpractice attorney at Tavss Fletcher for your free consultation. Fight for your rights; call today. 757.635.1214

Will the drug "Spice" be made illegal in Norfolk, Virginia?

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)41162 — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

A new synthetic drug, Spice, has been making its rounds in Norfolk, Va. and across the nation. The street drug is being touted at a safe alternative to marijuana. However, Poison Control officials have reported multiple emergency room visits caused by the drug.

Recently, Norfolk's Convenience Store Task Force has been making the rounds, inspecting smoke shops and convenience stores alike. The Task Force has found the drug in multiple gas-station markets and tobacco shops during their inspections and a few owners have been charged with crimes that range from misdemeanor counts of fire code violations to a misdemeanor count of selling drug paraphernalia.

As criminal law attorneys we have to wonder if these "inspections" overreach their legal limits. Though Spice is not yet illegal, it seems that police and the Task Force have been targeting, some might say harassing, stores that have been known to carry the "herbal incense". Is this legal? Can any charges stemming from such searches hold up in court?

Only time will tell. However, we know that too often police use any excuse to search or stop anyone they choose, often resulting in exaggerated charges or charges not related to the initial search.

If you have been charged with a crime and believe that you have been wrongly accused or that the police did not follow due process please contact an experienced attorney at Tavss Fletcher today for your free consultation.

Enjoy Fall- With Care

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)40916 — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

As personal injury attorneys we have seen nearly every type of accident. From car crashes to accidents with pedestrians we have represented too many people who were injured due to the carelessness of drivers.

To this end we have compiled some safety tips for drivers and families. We would like to see the people of Virginia enjoy all fall has to offer while staying safe and avoiding some of the seasons hazards.

Driving Safety- Fall driving can be more dangerous than other times of the year. As the sun shifts, windshield glare increases and occurs at different times of the day. In addition, fall leaves may at times cover the roadways. This can lead to many problems to include slippery driving conditions and hidden potholes and other road hazards.
Family Safety- Piles of leaves are the perfect play place for children. However, when piles accumulate in roadways children are at risk of being tempted into the street. Parents, please watch children closely. Drivers, be aware the children too are drawn out in the cooler weather and may be present on and near all roads and side streets.
Home Safety- Gutter cleaning, tree trimming and other fall chores tend to have homeowners in precarious positions. Please be sure that ladders are on flat ground and that you have help nearby if you should fall.

Our lawyers work hard, everyday, to not only protect the rights of the injured but to provide you with the information you need to prevent needless accidents and injuries.

If you have been injured in a car, truck or motorcycle accident please contact your Virginia Beach accident attorney at Tavss Fletcher for your free consultation.

Did veteran Virginia Beach teacher know what was in the package she accepted?

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)39946 — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to her attorney, Darcy M. Mahler, a 59-year-old teacher from Virginia Beach, did not know that the package she accepted at her home contained illegal drugs. Shortly after the package was delivered, police arrested Mahler and two young adults who were in her home. The veteran teacher has been charged with conspiracy, transporting a controlled substance and selling marijuana.

However, as criminal defense attorneys we have to wonder if Mahler knew what she was doing when she accepted the package. What we know is that if this case it taken to trial the prosecution, without a doubt, will weave their own story as to her knowledge of the drugs and her intentions. Without an experienced attorney, one with a reputation as a fierce defender of the wrongly accused, an innocent woman can easily be convicted of a crime she didn't commit. Even if found not guilty, the investigation into her life and her arrest could easily ruin her career.

We have seen too many people wrongfully accused of a crime they did not commit. We have built our practice around helping those accused of a crime get the representation they deserve. If you have been arrested you need serious, aggressive representation. Please contact your experienced, successful criminal defense attorney at Tavss Fletcher for your free consultation.

Working Together to Prevent Accidents in Virginia

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)39437 — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Anytime an accident is avoided it is a good thing. Too many people in Virginia are injured each year in motorcycle, truck and auto accidents. We recently reported on a decrease in drunk driving arrests and serious accidents over Labor Day Weekend. This is good news, and we hope that the trend toward safer roads continues.

In order to keep accidents to a minimum we must all take responsibility for our actions. As personal injury attorneys one major issue we see is that of driver inattentiveness. This is a danger in any situation, but especially when a motorcycle is involved. More often than not drivers are responsible for accidents with motorcycles. They fail to look twice before moving in traffic, they are distracted by cell phones- They hurt motorcyclists.

If you are a biker you know all too well that you must be vigilant when in traffic. You can never assume that the car pulling into the road or making a turn sees you. This is your reality. However, drivers must do their part as well. They must learn to see bikers, to look for motorcycles each time they make a move. Together, we can reduce the number of accidents on the roads of Virginia.

Ticketed on I66 or I64 in Virginia? You are not alone!

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)38193 — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you were one of the unlucky motorists ticketed on Interstate 66 or 64 in Virginia you are not alone. All told well over 2,000 people were either ticketed or arrested during a targeted traffic safety campaign by Virginia State Police.

Though the bulk of the citations came from speeding violations there were also quite a few motorists ticketed or arrested for reckless driving, drunk driving and drug offences or felonies.

The state troopers chose to focus their efforts on I66 an I64. These main roads through the state are all too often the scene of serious, even deadly accidents. Though police believe that the mass ticketing campaigns improve the safety of Virginians, others question the fairness of such aggressive police tactics. What do you think?

If you believe that you have been unfairly arrested or ticketed please contact your Norfolk and Virginia Beach criminal law attorneys at Tavss Fletcher today for your free consultation.

NC Attorney Successful in Getting Athletes' Drugs Charges Dropped

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)36797 — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

The criminal defense attorneys representing three athletes charged for possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and maintaining a dwelling for the use of a controlled substance was able to prove that the charges should be dropped.

The judge ruled in favor of the three North Carolina State football players. He believed that the police illegally entered the apartment without permission or a proper search warrant.

This case highlights the importance of the accused obtaining competent, experienced help. It is crucial that you work to find the best, most successful law firm in your area. An attorney must be willing to help you every step of the way; from the hours and days after your arrest all the way to the day of your trial.

If you believe that you have been falsely accused of a crime or that the police did not act legally during their investigation please contact your NC criminal law attorney at Tavss Fletcher today for your free consultation.

Drug Possession Charges in Virginia Vary Greatly

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)36275 — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Drug possession charges can carry serious jail and prison sentences. For a Norfolk repeat drug offender the sentence, even after a guilty plea, was 23 years.

Police found that the man had distributed more than 100 pounds of heroin, nine pounds of cocaine and more than 37 pounds of marijuana.

In Virginia, like most states, drug charges vary depending on the drug, the amount of drugs found and the intent of the accused. For example, when talking about the possession, cultivation or sale of marijuana charges vary greatly.

If the accused is charged with their first possession offense the standard penalty is a misdemeanor with the possibility of 30 days in jail and a $2,500 fine. However, if the charged has brought five pound or more into Virginia with the intent to sell the penalties are a felony charge with a three year mandatory minimum, forty year maximum sentence and a $1,000,000 fine.

If you have been accused of a drug possession crime be sure that you understand the implications of the charges. If you have any questions or need legal advice please contact an experienced attorney at Tavss Fletcher today.

Virginia Medical Mistake Victim Awarded $3 Million

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)35649 — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

A serious and life-altering mistake made by a surgeon cost a woman her health and caused her to undergo multiple surgeries to fix a botched hysterectomy. A jury has recognized the serious surgical error and has awarded the Virginia woman $3 million.

This large award, twice the medical malpractice cap in Virginia, highlights the seriousness of the injuries Shannon Taylor sustained during a routine hysterectomy. The surgeon made multiple mistakes that emergency surgery had to attempt to remedy. The successful complaint stated that the surgeon from Winchester Womancare, "negligently, grossly negligently and recklessly breached her duty of care to the Plaintiff Taylor."

As a lawyer I have seen all too many people harmed during what should have been a simple surgery. Surgical errors are one of the more common medical mistakes. They cause not only serious and long lasting injuries but too often are the cause of a patients' death.

Your doctor has the responsibility of providing you with excellent, mistake free medical care. If you believe that you have been hurt or made ill by your doctor please do not hesitate to contact your experienced Virginia medical malpractice attorneys at Tavss Fletcher today.

Semi-Trucks Too Often Cause Serious Injuries in Virginia

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)34096 — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Even though semi-truck accidents do not make up the majority of the crashes in the U.S. they do represent some of the more injurious accidents. The sheer size of the vehicles makes them more likely to cause serious injuries when they collide with smaller cars and trucks.

Though drunk driving is rarely seen in truck drivers other behaviors do account for the majority of accidents. The most common ways that truck drivers cause accidents include:

Driving too fast
Failure to keep in proper lane
Failure to yield to the right of way
Drowsy driving
Distracted driving

If you have been involved in an accident with a large truck you understand just how serious these crashes are. If you believe that the driver was at fault you do have a right to file a personal injury lawsuit. As attorneys we know that the drivers company will have aggressive, experienced attorneys on their side. Who do you have?

Motorcycle Safety Awareness in Virginia Prevents Accidents Year-Round

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)33586 — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

While officially Motorcycle Safety Awareness month is over in Virginia, that doesn't mean that the awareness should end. Though the month long, national motorcycle safety campaign succeeded in raising awareness we cannot wait another year to highlight this important issue. According to the Hurt Report, two-thirds of motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers. Though many see bikers as a menace the truth of the matter is that the majority of motorcycle accidents are caused by cars and trucks.

What does this mean for your? If you are a biker it means continuing to drive defensively, knowing that the threat vehicles around you present is very real. For drivers it means extra vigilance. Look twice before making a move in traffic, do not become distracted by your phone, children or the radio. Also, ensure that you give the motorcycles around you enough room to maneuver through traffic. Though their profile is smaller than that of a car or truck they still need ample room to move through traffic.

The staff and attorneys at Tavss Fletcher hope that this reminder will keep your eyes on the road, and on motorcycles, each time you get in the car. Remember: Look twice, it could save a life.

Head Trauma and its Effects on Accident Victims

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)32464 — Fri, 28 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

Though Virginia and North Carolina both have excellent hospitals and trauma centers even the most skilled medical team cannot guarantee the extent to which you will recover after a head injury. The lasting effects of a head injury may be temporary and include loss of memory, headaches and trouble focusing. Permanent effects seen in head trauma include seizures, a change in metal abilities and paralysis.

At Tavss Fletcher our attorneys have worked with hundred of clients who have received a head injury during an accident or violent action. For our attorneys getting you back on track, both physically and financially after an accident or injury is our number one priority. We do not just file and win complex law suits, we work with each of our clients like they are family, helping them get the services they need today and in the future.

If you have been injured in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident, suffered a serious fall or have been the victim of violence there is every chance that you may be compensated for lost wages, medical bills and mental trauma. Please contact an experienced attorney at Tavss Fletcher today for your free consultation. Together we can get your life back. Please call today. 1.757.625.1214

Harmed by your Virginia Beach doctor? You are not alone.

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)32128 — Mon, 24 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

Though we have been following the medical malpractice suits brought against Virginia Beach doctor Stephen Plotnick, we know that for every doctor sued there are a dozen dangerous doctors still practicing in Virginia and across the country. The case count against the Virginia Beach rheumatologist is now up to twelve. This means that at least a dozen people have been negatively affected by the immoral and even illegal actions of the doctor.

The three latest suits allege that Plotnick prescribed his patients an "erratic and heavy drug treatment" that has affected every aspect of their lives.

The sad thing about cases like these is that only a portion of doctors who operate immorally are caught and made to pay for their actions. In addition, the actions these dangerous doctors cast a shadow on the thousands of doctors who work to deliver the best service and treatment to their patients. Doctors like Plotnick simply give honest doctors a bad name.

If you believe that your doctor has acted in bad faith, has failed to diagnose a condition or has made a mistake during surgery you do have rights. If you would like a free review of your case please contact your experienced Virginia medical malpractice attorney at Tavss Fletcher today. Your life is waiting. Let us help you get back on track.

Risk factors for VA & NC drowsy driving car or truck crashes

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)30709 — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

How do you know if the driver who caused the wreck that led to you being injured was too tired to drive? Unfortunately there is no test for fatigue in drivers who cause serious auto accidents, but there are risk factors and population groups that are at risk for drowsy driving.

Here are some things to look for if you think you were injured by a drowsy driver. Risk factors for drowsy driving:

Loss of sleep, for example the person is up late at night or because they got up very early in the morning
Drivers who spend a great deal of time on the road (i.e. truck drivers, long-distance commuters) are more at risk for drowsy driving
Late night drivers are at risk for drowsy driving, since our bodies are programmed to want to sleep late at night
A driver taking medication that can act as a sedative may be at risk for nodding off behind the wheel. Medications that can cause drowsiness include tricyclic antidepressants, some antihistamines, and anxiolytic hypnotics.
Drivers with sleep disorders (either diagnosed or undiagnosed) like sleep apnea or narcolepsy are at high risk of drowsy driving
Alcohol use can lead to a drowsy driving crash

Suspect you or someone you love was injured in a wreck caused by a drowsy driver in Virginia or North Carolina? GET HELP NOW: contact the experienced and aggressive auto accident lawyers at Tavss Fletcher today.

Virginia Motorcycle Accidents and Drowsy Driving

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)30519 — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

We’ve all heard the warning that “speed kills”. As a motorcycle rider, you’ve probably heard more than your fair share of lectures on the dangers of speeding on a motorbike, especially if you have a sleeker, faster sport bike. What you may not have heard as much about is the danger of drowsy driving.

What is drowsy driving? It is operating a motor vehicle when you are too mentally or physically tired to focus adequate attention on driving. Driving while tired, much like driving while intoxicated, can reduce reaction times, impair judgment, and lead to serious or even fatal collisions.

When it comes to motorcycle wrecks, you have to worry about your own state of mind and also the state of mind of other road users. Truckers, car drivers, pickup truck drivers, bus drivers, and all other kinds of road users can get behind the wheel when they are really too tired to safely drive.

What does this mean for you? It means that you can be hurt – badly – if a tired driver doesn’t notice you or isn’t paying attention because they are fatigued. And it means that you can make critical errors or not react quickly enough to a road hazard if you’re tired.

No matter what the circumstances, no rider deserves to be hurt in a motorcycle crash. There are often many factors that go into an accident, and fatigue can be a major contributing factor or just one small part of it. If you or someone you know is suffering because of a motorcycle wreck, please talk to a lawyer with experience handling motorcycle accident cases – it could make a huge difference in the success of your case.

What do you know about mandatory minimum sentences in Virginia?

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)29072 — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

In Virginia, there are over 80 different crimes you can commit that will earn you a mandatory minimum sentence. Almost three-quarters of these different offenses for which you’ll get a mandatory minimum sentence are classified as felonies, and the rest are misdemeanors.

A mandatory minimum sentence is the minimum sentence a judge must hand out for a particular crime. Mandatory minimums are very controversial, as you’ll be punished in a pre-determined way regardless of the circumstances in your case.

Mandatory minimum sentencing was enacted in 1968 and involve the following types of crimes:

19 involve drug crimes
15 involve drunken driving offenses
13 involve sexual crimres
10 involve non-DUI driving offenses
10 involve other offenses like vandalism, trespassing, etc.
9 involve firearm crimes
8 involve assault offenses

The laws that permit mandatory minimum sentences may be changing, however. In the National Defense Authorization Act signed by President Obama last year, a provision was inserted requiring a review of mandatory minimum sentences by a panel that advises judges on prison terms.

In the meantime, you could still face a mandatory minimum sentence if you are convicted of a misdemeanor or felony in Virginia. For this reason, you must take steps to protect your rights: hire a skilled criminal defense attorney like one from Tavss Fletcher as soon as possible.

When medical emergencies lead to serious Virginia auto accidents

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)29040 — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Medical emergencies can lead to serious – even fatal – car crashes in Virginia and North Carolina. Often overlooked as a contributing factor in major auto accidents, medical emergencies come in many forms. Diabetic attacks, seizures, epileptic fits, heart attacks, strokes – these are just a few examples of physical conditions that can cause a driver to lose control and crash.

An example of the seriousness of this type of incident happened in Virginia Beach this week, when a woman suffered a medical emergency while driving, and as a result crashed her vehicle into a local business.

According to a spokesperson for the Virginia Beach Fire Department the driver had to be taken to the hospital with “advanced life support” equipment after crashing into a pawn shop in the 6400 block of Auburn Drive. Fortunately, nobody else was injured in the crash, even though the pawn shop was occupied at the time.

If you are hit by a driver who has suffered from a medical event while behind the wheel, you deserve fair compensation for your injuries. While some medical emergencies happen unexpectedly, there are cases where people chose to drive when they should not, either because of a medical condition or a prescription medication or other drug that they have taken.

Read more about medical emergencies and serious Virginia auto accidents in our law library article, “Medical conditions that can lead to serious car accidents”.

Massive Toyota recall has drivers worried about sudden acceleration

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)27446 — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Your car might suddenly accelerate without warning – these are words that no driver wants to hear, but millions of Toyota drivers are facing exactly this news after a series of record-breaking Toyota recalls.

Since last fall, over eight million Toyota vehicles have been recalled for issues ranging from defective floor mats to sticky throttles to braking problems. With over eight thousand vehicles affected by one of the recent Toyota recalls, if you own a Toyota there is a good chance that your car or SUV is affected.

Toyota recall resources:

Our Overview of the Toyota Recalls

Toyota’s recall website

VIN number search for recalled Toyota vehicles

NHTSA database of vehicle recalls

Toyota is bracing itself for a flood of lawsuits as a result of the recalls. Not only will they face legitimate claims from motorists who were injured in recall-related collisions, but they’ll also have to contend with lawsuits from drivers who want to blame their unrelated accident on the recall issues.

Do you think that you were hurt because of a Toyota related recall problem? If you were the driver of the car, you may be blamed for the accident even though it was not your fault. If you were hit by the driver of a recalled Toyota, a recall issue may be to blame. Finally, if you were a passenger in a recalled vehicle that crashed or if you were a passenger in a vehicle hit by a recalled Toyota your case may require a special investigation.

Virginia and North Carolina auto accident victims: let us help you. Please contact Tavss Fletcher today to discuss your case with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys.

Do Virginia's reversible HOV lanes cause car crashes?

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)27174 — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Virginia makes use of what are called reversible HOV lanes, which are just lanes lined with concrete barriers in which vehicles can travel in either direction depending on the time of day. Lanes are typically synchronized with rush hour, so that the HOV lanes always move in the direction of the greatest traffic flow, switching to the other direction when rush hour changes direction.

However, some people believe that switching directions on a single roadway is confusing for drivers, and can potentially be deadly. Take the case of Norfolk driver Montreal D. Fuller, 29, who accidentally headed onto I-64’s HOV lanes against the flow of traffic. He drove through several barriers and eventually collided with another vehicle, killing himself and the other driver.

In 2008 – the last year for which data is available – there were twelve accidents in the I-64 reversible HOV lanes. And last year, the barrier gates on I-64 that prevent drivers from entering a reversible HOV lane going the wrong direction had to be replaced 72 times because they were struck by an errant driver.

This does not necessarily indicate a problem, claim some experts defending the reversible lanes. Instead, they state that excessive speed and driver inattention are more to blame for accidents than the reversible nature of the HOV lanes.

Some local residents disagree about the safety of these lanes. One example is the I-64 east HOV lanes to I-264, which some motorists feel are poorly designed and required drivers to think fast to get out of the way of the barriers. It’s hard to disagree with the claim of poor design, knowing that barrier gates along I-64 were replaced seventy-two times last year. Perhaps we should all just be glad that there aren’t more traffic accidents along these lanes!

Additional Toyota recall brings affected vehicle total to 9 million

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)25920 — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Auto manufacturing giant Toyota has issued another recall related to unintended acceleration problems in its vehicles, pushing the worldwide total of affected autos up to nine million. The most recent recall is for sticky acceleration pedals.

Vehicles equipped with these acceleration pedals may experience problems with unintended acceleration as parts in the throttle assembly wear prematurely, causing the pedal to stick and remain depressed even when foot pressure is removed.

Some sources blame up to 19 deaths from auto accidents on the overall problem of Toyota’s unintended acceleration, caused by a combination of sticky accelerators and poorly designed pedal / floor mat combinations. Vehicles involved in the latest U.S. recall are no longer being sold in dealerships across the country, a move made by Toyota to protect consumers.

Toyota’s problems with unintended acceleration have caught the attention of Washington lawmakers, who have called for a hearing on the matter. A hearing has tentatively been planned by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee for next week, and is titled “Toyota Gas Pedals: Is the Public At Risk?”

In addition, a hearing will be held on February 25^th to hear consumer complaints about the issue. In preparation for the hearing committee chairman Henry A. Waxman has asked the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) for documentation from Toyota and the agency from when they first learned about the issue. Waxman and fellow committee members plan to investigate when each learned about the safety defects and what actions were taken and when to resolve them.

Woman with drill bit in her sinus files dental malpractice lawsuit

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)25922 — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Florida woman has filed a dental malpractice lawsuit against her oral surgeon because he left the inch-long burr from a drill bit in her mouth. The burr eventually traveled up into the woman’s right maxillary sinus, causing her excruciating pain and causing tingling and numbness for almost a year.

The woman, Donna Delgado, 35, originally visited the oral surgeon, Ralph Eichstaedt in August of 2008. At the first appointment Eichstaedt recommended that Delgado have two decaying teeth pulled, and she returned two weeks later to have the procedure performed.

Eichstaedt used the drill bit burr to separate the two teeth in order to extract them more easily. However, the burr became detached from the drill bit and unknown to the surgeon or patient became lost in Delgado’s head.

After the procedure Delgado complained of dizziness and numbness on her right side, where unbeknownst to her the burr was lodged in her sinus. She also suffered from nosebleeds and sinus infections. According to her attorney, when she complained to the oral surgeon’s practice she was discharged, told the sensations were normal, and to “get over it”.

Nearly a year later she sought emergency treatment for the numb feeling from St. Joseph’s Hospital, and upon performing a magnetic scan doctors discovered the burr lodged inside her sinus. The burr was surgically removed, and surgeons remarked that she was lucky that she was not killed.

What is being done to cut down on preventable medical errors?

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)24077 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Ten years ago the Institute of Medicine (IOM) reported that up to 98,000 Americans were dying every year from preventable medical errors. The report was the target of criticism from skeptics who contended that the numbers were high, however the it did spur the formation of the modern patient safety movement.

So the question must be asked, has patient safety actually gotten better ten years after the IOM first brought the issue of preventable medical mistakes to light? According to a report issued in the policy journal Health Affairs, there have been improvements in error reporting and quality initiatives led by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and more.

However, despite some movement in the right direction, improvements in patient safety have stalled when it comes to the implementation of information technology improvements. It seems that IT improvements – which have great promise – have been stymied by organizations and companies that are slow to implement new technology, by the unintended consequences of this new technology, and by unexpected implementation challenges.

Another challenge is that there is no way for organizations to track safety information over time. No matter how hard hospitals and other medical groups try to improve patient care, it will be next to impossible to gauge their progress until they develop a meaningful way to measure improvements in the prevention of medical errors.

Refusing a breathalyzer test in Virginia

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)23713 — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Drinking and driving is a hot-button issue in Virginia. If you are caught driving while intoxicated, some police officers and judges will treat you like you have the plague, mainly because they don’t want to appear soft on drunken drivers.

If you find yourself facing a DUI charge, you might have some questions about Virginia’s DUI laws. One thing not all drivers realize is that Virginia is one of the states with an implied consent law.

In states with an implied consent law, you agree to be tested (i.e. blood, breath, urine) for alcohol or other drugs every time you operate a motor vehicle. It doesn’t matter where your home state is or where driver’s license is from – you are required by law to submit to a breathalyzer, urine or blood test if you drive on Virginia roads.

Some drivers, when stopped under suspicion of driving while intoxicated, refuse to take a breathalyzer test, thinking they’ll be off the hook if the officer can’t prove that they are drunk. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.

If you refuse a breathalyzer test, you could face the following consequences:

Points on your driving record
Loss of your license
A misdemeanor charge
Loss of your license for three years if you refuse a breathalyzer and have a previous DUI conviction

Not only that, but the police can still get a warrant to test your blood for alcohol or drugs.

Need to talk to an attorney about a DUI case? Please contact the skilled and experienced lawyers at Tavss Fletcher today.

Are you doing enough to protect your estate?

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)22591 — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Do you think you are doing enough to protect your estate? While many people have done some basic estate planning – perhaps they’ve drawn up a will or set up a trust – their plans may not be complete or may be out of date.

It is important to not only set up a complete estate plan to protect your assets and ensure your beneficiaries are provided for, but to also update it regularly. Different life events – birth, marriage, divorce, death – can affect your wills, trusts, and other documents.

Here are some estate planning issues to consider:

Do you have a will? If so, when was the last time it was updated?
Could you benefit from a living trust?
Do you know the difference between a revocable and an irrevocable living trust?
Have you selected a trustworthy executor?
Are you prepared for what will happen in the probate process?
Is your beneficiary list up to date?
Is a prenuptial agreement right for you?

If you aren’t sure about some of the above questions, maybe it is time to talk to an estate planning attorney. The lawyers at Tavss Fletcher can help you with specific concerns or they can review your overall estate plan and help you make it better.

Virginia drivers are distracted by more than just cell-phones

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)22403 — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to data collected by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), there are about four cell-phone related crashes every day in Virginia – a total of 1,628 so far this year – but that’s not all that is distracting drivers.

There are actually three other distractions that according to the DMV distract drivers more than cell phones. The top distractions are drivers who don’t keep their eyes on the road, tired drivers, and “rubbernecking” drivers (drivers looking at incidents on the side of the road).

The Virginia DMV lists the following as the Top Ten Driver Distractions:

Eyes not on road
Driver fatigue
Looking at roadside incident
Cell phone use
Passengers
Daydreaming
Radio/CD, etc.
Looking at scenery
Adjusting vehicle controls tied with Eating/drinking

These distractions are one of the reasons that the number of rear-end crashes on Virginia roads are on the rise. Any time a driver is not paying attention to the road, there is an increased chance that he or she will crash into the back of the vehicle in front.

The federal government and Virginia lawmakers have been examining the issue of distracted driving, and even though it is not the number one distraction cell phone use is getting a lot of attention. Virginia most recently passed laws restricting the sending and receiving of text messages and email by drivers, and some lawmakers want to similarly ban the use of cell phones behind the wheel.

When a failure to diagnose leads to a major medical problem

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)20661 — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Very often when patients worry about something going wrong at the doctor’s office, they worry about something being done to them – wrong site surgery, badly managed anesthesia, a botched procedure, being given the wrong medication, etc. What patients don’t always think about is what their doctor should be doing, but isn’t.

One very serious form of medical malpractice can be difficult to spot, because it sometimes involves nothing at all. This type of medical mistake is the failure to diagnose, meaning a medical professional failed to figure out what was really wrong with a patient in time to do something about it.

What kind of conditions can a doctor fail to diagnose? There are many, but some of the more common things that can be missed include:

Cancer, especially breast, colon, cervical or prostate cancer
Heart attacks or strokes
Serious infections
Appendicitis

If a doctor fails to diagnose a serious condition like one of the above, a patient can experience major complications or could die. Sadly, this happens more often than it should – by some estimates, nearly half of all medical malpractice cases involve a failure to diagnose or a misdiagnosis.

Please read more about this issue in our medical malpractice law library article “What might have been: when doctors fail to diagnose a serious medical condition” and contact Tavss Fletcher if you need help with your medical mistake case.

Ford expands recall for defective cruise control switch that poses fire hazard

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)20531 — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Owners of a variety of different Ford makes and models are being urged to take their vehicles in to repair a faulty cruise control switch as soon as possible. The repair can be performed at any Ford dealer for free. A fused wiring harness will be installed, eliminating the risk of fire.

The troublesome switch is at risk for leaking hydraulic fluid, overheating, and smoking and bursting into flame. According to the NHTSA, the switch is a fire risk even when the car is parked and turned off. To avoid any potential injury, owners of recalled vehicles are advised to park their car outside until it is fixed.

This latest recall adds 4.5 vehicles to the existing recall for this issue, bringing the total number of recalled vehicles to over 14 million, Ford’s largest recall ever and a record for a single issue recall according to the NHTSA.

If you own one of the vehicles subject to the recall, you should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673 or NTHSA's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit http://www.safercar.gov.

The Ford vehicles affected in the latest recall include:

1995-2003 Windstars
2000-2003 Excursion diesels
1993-1997 and 1999-2003 F-Super Duty diesels
1992-2003 Econolines
1995-2002 Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers
1995-1997 and 2001-2003 Rangers
1994 F35 motorhomes.

The faulty switch was made by Texas Instruments. Ford stopped using these switches in 2003, however they were installed in millions of vehicles and have been the subject of 8 recalls over a 10 year period.

When can ignition interlock devices be used for DUI offenders?

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)19300 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Ignition interlocks are devices that can be attached to a vehicle’s starter so that the vehicle won’t start if the driver has been drinking. In some types of DUI convictions an ignition interlock can be ordered by the court. For other types of convictions, these devices will be required by the DMV even if not required by the court.

The court can require that you have an ignition interlock device installed on every one of your vehicles as a condition of restricted driving privileges or for full restoration of driving privileges if you’ve been convicted of one of the following:

A second DUI offense within 10 years, or
A third DUI or subsequent offense within 10 years, or
A first DUI offense with a BAC of 0.15 or above.

As a condition of restricted driving privileges or for full restoration of driving privileges, the DMV will required that you have an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle even if it not required by the court in the following situations:

A second DUO offense conviction within 5 years, or
A third or subsequent DUI offense conviction within 10 years, or
Three separate DUI offense convictions within 10 years.

To speak with one of our Norfolk Virginia criminal law attorneys about your DUI case, please contact Tavss Fletcher at 757.625.1214

Texting and tweeting while driving: a legal disconnect?

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)19043 — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Text message use in the last few years has exploded. More people than ever are keeping in touch with each other through mobile devices, allowing them to send and receive text messages from just about anywhere – even from behind the wheel. Combine the ease of text messaging with services like Twitter, and the potential distractions for the modern driver are endless.

This has led to something of a conundrum in some states. Even while banning or restricting the use of mobile devices to send and receive text messages and emails while driving, some states send out Twitter updates about road conditions, traffic issues or other road emergencies.

Virginia is one of these states. Virginians can receive traffic information via Twitter, which means that some drivers could be using the service while they’re behind the wheel. The disconnect here is that Virginia lawmakers just passed legislation making it illegal to send or receive text messages or emails while driving. Are authorities inadvertently encouraging road users to text and drive?

Instead of reading updates while driving, motorists are encouraged by some states to check the traffic situation before getting in their vehicle. If road users are focusing their attention on their mobile devices instead of what’s going on around them – they could quickly become part of the traffic problem by causing a crash themselves.

Labor Day Drivers: Beware of Unsafe Holiday Driving

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)17435 — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

As the nation gets ready to celebrate Labor Day and weary parents send their children back to school, drivers need to be reminded that holidays can be a dangerous time to be on the road.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) collects statistics about car crashes across the state, and has information available publicly on their website. Comparing data from year to year allows law enforcement officials to follow trends in driving accidents, and keep on top of potential problems.

Data about holiday weekend accidents is collected because over time holidays have proven to be more dangerous for drivers than other times of the year. What’s interesting is that one holiday isn’t always the most dangerous; they tend to switch places each year.

For example, in 2007 Labor Day weekend had 22 traffic accident fatalities, more than any of the other holiday weekends. However, last year Memorial weekend was the most dangerous, with 18 fatalities.

Here are the fatality statistics for 2008 holiday weekends, from most dangerous to the least:

Memorial weekend (4 days long) – 18 fatalities
Thanksgiving weekend (5 days long) – 12 fatalities
Fourth of July weekend (4 days long) – 10 fatalities
Labor Day weekend (4 days long) – 7 fatalities
Christmas weekend (5 days long) – 6 fatalities
New Years Day weekend (4 days long) – 5 fatalities

Drive safely this upcoming Labor Day weekend!

Wimpy bumpers can mean expensive repairs after a crash

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)17440 — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you get into a car accident, one of the first parts of your car to take an impact is the bumper. In the old days, bumpers were often unattractive but functional, and you could bang them up a bit without too much worry. However, these days bumpers are both functional and decorative, their sleek design adding to a car’s roadside appeal but also upping the cost of a future repair.

The exorbitant cost to fix the technology driven gizmos and gadgets in some newer cars is a frustration for many drivers, especially those facing a big repair bill after an accident. Car manufacturers aren’t helping much, as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) revealed in a recent test.

Several mid-sized vehicles tested by IIHS scored poorly on low-speed crash tests, meaning that it wouldn’t take much force to damage the bumper and land the car in the repair shop. Not only is it aggravating to have to repair a car after a minor fender bender, but it can be pricey as well.

Here are IIHS’ low-speed crash ratings and bumper repair averages for five 2009 midsize vehicles:

Honda Accord MARGINAL rating, weighted average repair cost of $1,133
Hyundai Sonata MARGINAL rating, weighted average repair cost of $1,265
Nissan Maxima POOR rating, weighted average repair cost of $1,687
Ford Fusion POOR rating, weighted average repair cost of $2,207
Chevrolet Malibu POOR rating, weighted average repair cost of $2,329

Think about it: if a low-speed crash can cause over $2,000 worth of damage in a new car, what is the cost going to be in a serious accident? Ouch!

Virginia laws restricting cell phone use while driving

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)16089 — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Do you use a cell phone while driving? Some surveys suggest that over 80 percent of drivers do, and Virginia lawmakers are starting to take notice. Not only is cell phone use behind the wheel becoming alarmingly prevalent, but it is also very dangerous.

With accidents caused by cell phone users costing Americans $43 billion each year, there is immense pressure on legislators to further restrict driving laws. And it isn’t just about hands-free devices. Studies have shown that drivers are equally distracted and likely to cause serious auto accidents whether they are talking on a hand held or hands free mobile phone.

Virginia probably won’t be banning cell phone use completely any time soon. It has taken a number of years just for lawmakers to push some very basic cell phone driving restrictions through the General Assembly, although this year text messaging was banned for all drivers.

Below is a summary of cell phone laws in Virginia:

There is no overall ban on the use of handheld devices while driving in Virginia
Cell phone use is banned for all drivers under the age of 18
Cell phone use is banned for all bus drivers
Sending or receiving text messages or emails while driving is banned for all drivers in Virginia
Cell phone and text message bans are only enforceable for secondary enforcement (this means police cannot pull somebody over for using a cell phone; drivers can only be cited if they are pulled over for another reason)
The ban on handheld devices is enforceable by primary enforcement only for bus drivers (they can be pulled over just for talking on a cell phone)

Read more about distracted driving in our law library article “Distracted Driving: A Growing Danger on Virginia Roads”.

Overview of Virginia's drunk driving laws

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)16094 — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Virginia laws pertaining to individuals found driving with a BAC above the legal limit have been given a rating of “fair” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This means that Virginia’s DUI laws are about average compared to other states.

Brief summary of Virginia’s drunk driving laws:

If a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) reaches 0.08 in Virginia, the driver is considered too intoxicated to drive.
There is an automatic seven day administrative license suspension in Virginia for a driver’s first DUI offense.
In Virginia it is not possible for a DUI driver to have their driving privileges restored while their license is suspended (some states allow driving privileges to be restored if the individual can demonstrate that they are suffering from a special hardship because of the restriction).
Virginia is one of 47 states that uses ignition interlock devices (a device connected to a vehicle’s ignition system, disabling it if alcohol is detected on a driver’s breath).
Virginia is one of 32 states where drivers with multiple DUI convictions may be required to forfeit their vehicle.

Read more about DUI accident information in our law library articles “Virginia Drunk Driving Statistics” and “Reasons Why Breath Tests Sometimes Fail to Give Accurate Results”.

Medical emergencies can lead to serious car crashes

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)14030 — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

A fatal Virginia beach car crash illustrates how deadly an unexpected medical condition can be. A North Carolina man is dead after crashing his car on Blackwater Road, near the Virginia and North Carolina state line.

The cause of the accident? According to police investigators, Cecil W. Davis’ pre-existing medical condition contributed to the crash – and his death.

Unexpected medical emergencies are one overlooked cause of potentially serious auto accidents. Crashes can happen when a driver becomes incapacitated when suddenly experiencing a stroke, blackout, or other medical event that can leave them unable to drive.

Medical emergencies are more common in groups like senior citizens or those with known medical conditions like diabetes or seizure disorders. These drivers often fact the difficult choice between the freedom offered by driving and the risk that they could be a danger to themselves or others on the road.

If you’ve been the victim of a serious auto accident, you might be surprised to find out that the accident was caused not by the other driver’s inattention or poor driving, but by a known or unknown medical condition.

Red light cameras in Virginia Beach

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)13029 — Sat, 30 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Red light cameras are a hot topic in Virginia. Law enforcement officers claim that their use will reduce the number of dangerous and deadly front-to-side impact (t-bone) crashes, while critics contend that they are simply a way for cash-strapped cities to make money.

Regardless of what you think about red light cameras and their potential for auto accident prevention, they are here in Virginia Beach. Below is a list of intersections where you can or will find them:

Intersections Approved by VDOT for Camera Enforcement:

Virginia Beach Blvd at Independence Blvd (Cameras Activated March 13, 2009)
Indian River Road at Kempsville Road (Cameras Activated March 13, 2009)
Indian River Road at Military Highway (Cameras Activated April 1, 2009)
Holland Road at Rosemont Road (Cameras Activated April 20, 2009)
General Booth Blvd at Dam Neck Road (Cameras Activated May 22, 2009)
Virginia Beach Blvd at Great Neck Road & London Bridge Road (Under Construction)
Princess Anne Road at Lynnhaven Parkway (Under Construction)
Princess Anne Road at Dam Neck Road (Under Construction)

Intersections in the Routing Process for VDOT approval:

Independence Blvd at Bonney Road & Euclid Road (at VDOT)
Lynnhaven Parkway at International Parkway & East Mall Drive (at VDOT)
London Bridge Road at Dam Neck Road (at VDOT)
Independence Blvd at Baxter Road & South Blvd
Diamond Springs Road at North Hampton Blvd

Distracted drivers targeted by Virginia lawmakers

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)11645 — Tue, 05 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Did you notice that last Wednesday was Virginia’s Distracted Driving Awareness Day? Those guilty of distracted driving behaviors – including chatting on cell-phones, texting while driving, eating behind the wheel, and more – may not even know that April 29^th was a day directed at them.

Since at least one study has shown that distracted driving contributes to up to 80 percent of all car accidents, lawmakers are eager to find ways to encourage drivers to keep their eyes – and minds – on the road.

Many drivers are guilty of driving while distracted at some point behind the wheel, since there are so many opportunities for distraction. Cell phones, music players, dropped objects, chatty passengers, and even interesting distractions outside the car window all compete for a driver’s attention.

While bans against cell-phone use while driving haven’t been successful in Virginia – although lawmakers have been trying to pass such a law since 2001 – it is against the law for teenagers to use a cell-phone while behind the wheel. And for other drivers, sending or reading text messages while driving will become illegal as of July 1.

Many people fret about the dangers of aggressive drivers on Virginia roads – a legitimate concern – but how many of us are prepared to change our own distracted driving habits to keep the roads free from car crashes?

How automobile technology can help police investigations

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)11114 — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

The recent shooting death of two men in Chesapeake by Portsmouth police officers reveals the integral part that modern automobile technology plays in today’s accident investigations. Police seized the event data recorder (EDR) – also known as a “black box” – from the victim’s vehicle to aid in their investigation. From the EDR they should be able to determine what actions the driver took in the seconds before his death. Investigators hope that this information will help them piece together exactly what actions the driver took before he was fatally shot by police.

Most recent model vehicles contain EDRs. These devices began as a way for auto manufacturers to capture information about airbag functioning in accidents, and have since morphed into more general data recorders. EDRs can track everything from vehicle speed to when and how hard the driver applied the brakes to the direction the car was traveling at the time of impact. They typically record data up to 10 seconds before the crash and several seconds afterwards.

In the case of the killing of two suspects by Portsmouth police, information on the EDR could allow investigators to verify the statement made by officers at the scene of the accident. According to officers, the suspects backed into a police vehicle and then moved forward, pinning an officer between their car and another patrol car. EDR data from the deceased suspects’ vehicle may be able to confirm what happened that day, or give officials reason to dig deeper into the shootings.

EDR devices are controversial to be sure. Many Americans are unaware that their vehicle has the ability to record information in a crash. Read more about EDRs and the even more controversial vehicle status data recorders (VSDRs) in our articles “How much do you know about your car’s little black box?” and "Vehicle Event Data Recorders: Big Brother is Watching".

Was a Virginia Beach Doctor Responsible for 5 Patient Deaths?

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)9852 — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

The allegations are shocking: a Virginia Beach doctor is accused of contributing to the death of at least five of his patients. What is worse is that it took the Virginia Board of Medicine nearly five years after one patient’s family complained to take any public action. In August 2008, Dr. Stephen Plotnick’s license to practice medicine was finally suspended by the board.

Dr. Plotnick specialized in the very painful disease fibromyalgia, and was known to aggressively treat patients with powerful narcotics. However, family members of some deceased patients contend that his approach was so aggressive that it could have contributed to some of his patients’ deaths.

Consider the details about the five patients who died while under Dr. Plotnick’s care:

· Teresa Parker died from “acute combined oxymorphone and amphetamine poisoning.” A $5 million lawsuit was filed in January by Parker’s widower.

· Harold McDuffie II died from an overdose of narcotics. McDuffie’s widow filed a lawsuit, and Plotnick settled the case in June 2008 for an undisclosed amount.

· Taryn Holland was found dead of an overdose of methadone and other drugs, including drugs prescribed by Plotnick on March 19 2008.

· Patient M’s dosage of oxycodone was allegedly doubled by Dr. Plotnick, however she was given no proper instructions. She died two days later.

· Patient O died of an overdose of drugs that included narcotics Plotnick had prescribed during her last visit on Feb. 11, records show.

The case against Dr. Plotnick begs the question: is the Virginia Board of Medicine adequately protecting patients from rogue or negligent doctors? You can read more about the implications of this case in our library article, “How Effective is the Virginia Board of Medicine at Protecting Patients from Malpractice?”

The risks of serious head trauma in a motorcycle accident

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)9470 — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

Whether you wear a helmet or not, head injuries are one of the biggest risks in serious motorcycle accidents. In fact, head injuries are the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents. If you chose not to wear a helmet, you are 40% more likely to suffer a fatal brain injury in an accident and 15% more likely to sustain a non-fatal head injury.

The effect of head trauma on motorcycle riders involved in accidents is a major concern for two reasons. First of all, the injuries themselves can be quite severe, if not fatal. Brain injuries can result in memory loss, loss of coordination, seizures, and an inability to continue to work or pursue hobbies.

If the physical effects are not bad enough, there are also the costs associated with a serious motorcycle head injury to consider. Treating injured bikers in a hospital can be quite costly, and the injury may require ongoing care or therapy that over time can add up to a staggering amount. If you’ve been seriously injured in a Virginia motorcycle accident, then you should consider speaking to an experienced attorney at Tavss Fletcher about what compensation you’ll need to move on with your life.

Read more about motorcycle head injuries in our library article, “Motorcycle accidents and serious head trauma” and review facts about motorcycle accidents in “Motorcycle Accident Injury and Fatality Facts”.

Virginia Budget Woes Means Nonviolent Inmates Could be Released Early

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)8796 — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

It seems that no individual or institution is immune to the effects of the sluggish economy these days. Even Virginia prisons are looking for ways to save money, and they may have found one to make nonviolent offenders smile.

Leaders from the Virginia State Senate are working on a proposal to redesign state criminal sentencing policies which could result in releasing hundreds – even thousands – of nonviolent inmates early.

Some ideas being floated include allowing inmates to secure early release if they agree to home monitoring or if they successfully complete a drug treatment program. If the number of incarcerated nonviolent offenders could be reduced enough, Virginia would be able to close one or two prisons – a substantial savings.

While the move is risky from a political perspective – the idea of releasing a large number of offenders before their time is up rankles many citizens – it has the potential of saving the state tens of millions of dollars. That kind of savings is too good to ignore in this economic climate.

Some lawmakers believe that if citizens took the cost savings into consideration, they would be all for the proposed changes. After all, it costs the state about $25,000 to incarcerate a non-violent offender – wouldn’t the money be better spent on education or transportation?

Will dialing and driving be a thing of the past in Virginia?

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)8610 — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you ask people what their greatest annoyance on the road is these days, many will respond that it is those pesky drivers who hold animated conversations on their cell phones while driving. Nobody likes to see a distracted driver chatting away with only one hand on the wheel as they speed down the highway, ready to cause a serious auto accident.

Studies support the general perception that talking on a cell phone while driving is not safe. In fact, some studies have compared cell phone conversations behind the wheel to driving while under the influence of alcohol. It’s an issue that many states and local governments are taking seriously. Some, like Washington D.C., have passed “hands-free” laws, which require a hands-free device to be used with cell phones.

Virginia already has a law on the books that makes it illegal for drivers under the age of 18 or those still using a learner’s permit to use a cell phone for talking or texting while behind the wheel. Until now, no bill has successfully passed in the Virginia General Assembly that ban cell phone use for driving adults in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Some lawmakers want to go even further than the hands-free laws and ban the use of all wireless devices while driving – that includes the use of hands-free devices.

It’s a controversial topic. To date, while five states and the District of Columbia require the use of hands-free devices, no states have completely banned the use of all wireless devices.

It looks like this year lawmakers in Virginia will try again to pass a law restricting the use of wireless devices like cell phones and Blackberries. At least two laws have been put before the General Assembly so far, one to ban only text messaging while driving and the other similar to the hands free law in DC.

Only time will tell if Virginia lawmakers indeed have the stomach to make such a ban reality.

Auto accidents linked to post-traumatic stress disorder

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)7945 — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

When most people think about the impact of a car accident, they think of lacerations, broken bones, head trauma and other physical injuries. Many people don’t consider the mental after-effects of a serious auto crash. Some doctors believe that car accident victims can suffer from post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) and the symptoms can last for decades.

According to researchers, PTSD is most often experienced by victims of a very serious auto accident especially one involving fatalities.

PTSD symptoms can include:

cold sweats
panic attacks
nightmares
insomnia
compulsive behavior
persistent worry / anxiety

Researchers estimate that up to 45% of auto accident victims suffer from PTSD symptoms. If you were in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident and suspect that you are experiencing PTSD symptoms, let your doctor and your attorney know. There is treatment available for PTSD, and the sooner your symptoms are recognized and addressed the better for you.

Contact Tavss Fletcher at (757) 625-1214 for legal advice regarding your car, truck, or motorcycle accident case.

When a Doctor or Hospital Causes Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)7401 — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is a type of birth injury that can lead to a permanent disability, such as cerebral palsy or mental retardation. This birth injury refers to the damage done to the cells in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) caused by lack of oxygen. If your baby has been diagnosed with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, you need to find out what caused the oxygen deprivation that led to this serious injury.

When there is a lack of oxygen to an infant’s brain, after only five minutes the brain cells will begin to die. In cases involving babies, birth injury is the most frequent cause of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

During the labor and delivery process, errors can occur. Hospitals and doctors sometimes make mistakes that affect expectant mothers and babies. Birth injuries can result from a delayed C-section or a prolonged birth. If the infant is in the birth canal too long, the umbilical cord was prolapsed, fetal heartbeat was misread or if the doctor did not respond promptly to a complication, the baby can be injured. Any of these events can lead to a lack of oxygen, which can cause brain damage in infants.

Not every case of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is the result of hospital error or doctor error, but there are some cases that could have been prevented if the appropriate measures had been taken. If you are not sure what caused your baby to experience hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, you should have an experienced Virginia medical malpractice lawyer review your case. The medical malpractice attorneys at Tavss Fletcher will be able to look at the details of your case to determine who was at fault and if you are entitled to compensation for your child’s injuries. Contact Tavss Fletcher today at 757-625-1214 today to review your case.

The article, Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Caused by Medical Errors, has more information on this topic.

When Cerebral Palsy is Caused by Hospital or Doctor Error

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)7187 — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

As a parent of a child with cerebral palsy, you know how difficult it can be to cope with the disorder. You probably never imagined that your child would be afflicted with such a devastating disorder and may be wondering what caused it.

Cerebral palsy can affect a child’s ability to perform voluntary movements and can also impact muscle coordination. Some individuals with cerebral palsy have stiff or tight muscles and exaggerated reflexes. Unfortunately, there is no cure for cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy is the result of brain damage and symptoms usually surface shortly after birth or early in childhood. Brain damage that leads to cerebral palsy can be caused by infections, long labor and delivery, birth defects, seizures, premature birth, lack of oxygen, low birth weight, bleeding in the brain or genetic conditions. Cerebral palsy has also been linked to birth injuries resulting from errors made by doctors and/or hospitals.

Doctors and hospitals sometimes make mistakes that lead to cerebral palsy. Some of these catastrophic errors include leaving the infant in the birth canal too long, failure to treat seizures, improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction and failure to detect a prolapsed cord. When a doctor delays a C-section or doesn’t promptly address complications during labor and delivery, the risk of birth injury increases, which also raises the likelihood of the child developing cerebral palsy.

If your baby has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and you believe that hospital error or doctor error could have contributed to your child’s disorder, you need to talk with a medical malpractice attorney. The experienced medical malpractice lawyers at Tavss Fletcher can review the details of your case to help you determine the cause of your child’s disorder. Call us today at 757-625-1214 for legal advice regarding your child’s cerebral palsy case.

The article, Cerebral Palsy Caused by Birth Injury, has more information on this subject.

The danger of medically unfit tractor trailer and bus drivers

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)4309 — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

How would you feel if you were involved in a serious traffic accident, only to find out that the bus or truck driver who hit you was considered unfit to drive? This is a reality that many individuals have had to face over the years, as lax regulations and inadequate oversight of commercial driver regulations have allowed medically unfit drivers to menace the roadways.

What is especially disturbing is that this has been a known issue since 1999, when a bus driver with multiple heart and kidney conditions slumped in his seat while driving, causing a terrible crash that took the lives of 22 people. Despite the driver’s many serious health problems and multiple prescription medications, he held a valid license and medical certificate.

After this tragic accident the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) made a number of recommendations to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If implemented promptly, these recommendations would have shored up the holes in FMCSA regulations that allow medically unfit commercial drivers to secure the licenses and medical certificates they need to drive.

However, nearly a decade after that horrific accident in New Orleans, eight of NTSB’s recommendations are still outstanding and a recent investigation by AP News found that medically unfit commercial drivers have been driving – and causing serious accidents – in all 50 states. Some drivers are even accepting money from the federal government for their supposedly serious disabilities, but are somehow still behind the wheel.

FMCSA has been directed to speed up implementation of the final 8 NTSB recommendations; unfortunately, this will come too late for the men, women, and children already injured or killed by commercial drivers who never should have been behind the wheel.

Five quick tips for staying safe on two wheels

dbmires@hotmail.com (Blog Author)4310 — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

We’re all being pinched by ridiculously high gas prices right now, and with no relief in sight many drivers are looking for ways to save a buck or two. For those who downsize from a car or truck to a motorcycle, the savings can be huge. Motorcycles average about 56 miles per gallon (mpg) and aren’t that expensive to buy – a decent model can cost just about $4,000.

However, consider this: safety experts are noticing a rise in motorcycle accidents not only in our region but across the country, as more inexperienced riders take to the roads. To help you stay safe if you’ve recently made the switch to a motorcycle, here are five quick tips for staying safe on two wheels:

Take safety seriously – motorcycle riding is dangerous, and you need to ride carefully and be constantly aware of what’s going on around you.
Take motorcycle safety classes – this is very important for new riders or those who haven’t been on two wheels in a while.
Get a valid license – the licensing process is intended to keep you – and those around you – safe. Don’t think you can get away with skipping this important step.
Wear protective gear – always wear a helmet with eye and face protection, and don reflective clothing when driving in conditions with limited visibility.
Watch your speed – a leading cause of motorcycle accidents is excessive speed. Yes, its great fun to ride your motorcycle – but don’t let it go to your head.

One last thing to look out for if you’ve become the proud new owner of a high-performance sport bike – these bikes are resulting in an alarming number of serious accidents and fatalities, especially in our region. Check out our law library article, “Are High-Performance Sport Bikes Causing Deadly Motorcycle Accidents?” for more information.

Heart Attacks Are Often Misdiagnosed

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)5778 — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Every year, almost half a million Americans die of a heart attack. It has been estimated that one in 50 heart attack victims are sent home by emergency room doctors. Heart attacks that go undiagnosed can lead to serious problems and often times, death. When a doctor fails to take the appropriate measures to identify a heart attack, the situation is considered medical malpractice.

Undiagnosed heart attacks account for the highest medical malpractice settlements. Errors made by doctors when it comes to detecting a heart attack carry severe consequences. Many times, a death caused by a misdiagnosed heart attack could have been prevented. Doctors believe that the number of people who die each year of misdiagnosed heart attacks is very high.

Stories are frequently circulated about patients who are sent home after going to the hospital complaining of symptoms associated with a heart attack. A story appeared in USA Today a couple of years ago about a man who was taken by ambulance to the hospital with chest pains and shortness of breath, only to be sent home by the emergency room doctor who diagnosed the patient with anxiety. Within 24 hours the man died. His wife was quoted in the article as saying she felt like more could have been done to save her husband.

It is important to be familiar with the warning signs of a heart attack. According to the American Heart Association, these symptoms include chest discomfort, discomfort in other areas of the upper body, shortness of breath, breaking out into a cold sweat, nausea and lightheadedness. If you or a family member experiences any of these symptoms, emergency medical attention is crucial.

Hospitals and doctors can be held liable for misdiagnosed heart attacks. An experienced medical malpractice attorney can build a case based on the evidence to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact Tavss Fletcher at (757) 625-1214 for legal advice regarding your medical malpractice case.

The article, Undiagnosed Heart Attacks, has more information on this subject.

Dental Malpractice Cases

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)5995 — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

You never would have imagined that you would become the victim of malpractice when you went to see the dentist. Your routine dental procedure may have gone terribly wrong, causing you severe pain and serious injuries. The dentist can be held liable if his or her actions were negligent, which ultimately caused your injury.

Dental malpractice can be defined as a lack of reasonable care or negligence by a dental professional. As a patient, the dentist owes you a duty to provide a standard level of care that is consistent with the dental industry. When you are injured by dental malpractice, you could end up with permanent damage.

Some of the types of dental malpractice include failure to diagnose oral cancer or disease, nerve damage to the tongue, jaw, lip or chin, oral surgery error, infection, permanent numbness in the tongue and complications from anesthesia. Most often, these situations are preventable.

It is not always easy to identify dental malpractice and not every side effect of dental work falls into that category. Dental malpractice exists when you receive an injury that was the direct result of dentist’s negligence, which caused you to suffer either physically or financially. When a dental procedure, such as a root canal, goes wrong, you may incur many more expenses to correct the problem. A successful dental malpractice case against your dentist can help cover your medical bills. A dental malpractice lawsuit may also entitle you to compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, inconvenience, disfigurement and mental suffering.

If you are not sure if your injury was caused by dental malpractice, you should contact a dental malpractice attorney who can review your case. The dental malpractice lawyers at Tavss Fletcher can help you recover damages for your dental malpractice case. Call (757) 625-1214 for expert legal advice.

The article, What is Considered Dental Malpractice?, has more information regarding this topic.

Spinal Cord Injury Caused by a Car, Motorcycle or Truck Accident

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)5441 — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

If you have been affected by a spinal cord injury or know someone who has, you know that it is a devastating and life changing event. A spinal cord injury will often lead to a permanent disability or paralysis and a loss of sensation below the site of the injury. Damage to the spinal cord cannot be reversed.

The spinal cord carries sensation and motor signals to and from the brain. When the spine is injured, it can result in segmental losses of interneurons and motorneurons, which disrupt these signals. One of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries is car accidents. However, a spinal cord injury can also be caused by a motorcycle crash, truck accident, fall, gun shot or sports-related accident.

It is not uncommon for an individual to be unaware of a spinal cord injury. Sometimes the symptoms are not immediately apparent. Usually numbness or paralysis will occur right after the injury, but other times the symptoms appear gradually as the area around the spinal cord begins to bleed or swell.

Some of the symptoms of a spinal cord injury include unconsciousness, paralysis in any part of the body, numbness in the limbs, trouble walking, head, neck or back pressure, pain in the spine, immobility, loss of sensation, loss of bladder control, spasms and difficulty breathing.

Even though it is impossible to undo the damage to the spinal cord, advancements in surgical procedures and medical treatment can help improve the recovery of the patient. Treatment is generally focused on helping the patient have an active and healthy life. After a patient is stabilized, doctors will work on a plan to avoid further complications, such as blood clots, deconditioning, muscle contractures and bed sores.

The ongoing care and lifestyle change associated with a spinal cord injury can place a substantial burden on the victim and the victim’s family members. If you or someone you love has a spinal cord injury that was the result of another person’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation to pay for medical care and lost wages. Contact Tavss Fletcher at (757) 625-1214 for legal advice.

The article, Spinal Cord Injury – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment, has additional information about these types of injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Caused by a Car Accident, Fall or Assault

mindywein@cox.net (Blog Author)6203 — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Every year, 1.4 million Americans are the victims of traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injury occurs when the head is hit or penetrated, which damages the brain tissue. Since this type of injury affects the brain, it can lead to permanent physical or mental disability.

The most common causes of traumatic brain injury include falls, which is the leading cause, car accidents, assaults and blows to the head. When traumatic brain injury is the result of someone else’s negligence, such as a car accident caused by another driver, the injured victim can pursue compensation.

If you or a family member has received a head injury, it is important to recognize the signs of traumatic brain injury. Some of the symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury include headache, dizziness, confusion, lightheadedness, blurred vision, lethargy and behavioral changes. Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury has many of the same symptoms as a mild case, but might also include a headache that gets worse or will not go away, repeated vomiting, seizures, inability to awaken from sleep, pupil dilation, slurred speech, loss of coordination and restlessness. If you notice any of the signs associated with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury, medical attention should be pursued as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, brain damage is irreversible, but doctors will take action to prevent further injury. It is crucial that there is adequate blood flow and oxygen flow throughout the body and that blood pressure is kept under control. A doctor will order an imaging test, such as an x-ray, CT scan or MRI scan to determine the extent of damage. Nearly 50 percent of patients with traumatic brain injury will need surgery. Other patients may be put on a treatment program, which includes a variety of therapy.

Treating traumatic brain injury is expensive and can place a financial burden on you and your family. If the injury was caused by another person, you may be awarded damages to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other costs related to traumatic brain injury. Contact Tavss Fletcher at (757) 625-1214 for legal advice regarding your traumatic brain injury case.

The article, What is Traumatic Brain Injury, has more information on this subject.

Multiple Drug Charges Pending for Norfolk Drug Ring Members

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)29531 — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

For almost a year, undercover DEA agents have been watching the home and business of suspected drug dealer Christopher Barber. Agents first began monitoring garbage at Barber's Smithfield, VA. home and then moved onto making undercover buys from Barber and his associates.

Three Arrested on Drug Charges in Norfolk, VA

Along with Barber, Fabian Lopez and Earnest Johnson were arrested for their role in the alleged drug trafficking ring. According to police, the three were responsible for buying and selling millions of dollars’ worth of drugs. During the raid on the house in Smithfield, ten kilos of cocaine, one kilo of meth and 46 pounds of marijuana were seized. Police also confiscated two firearms.

Barber was said to have been operating not just from his home, but from his business, Game Theatre Innovations. The business was setup as a home theatre installation company and a pay-by-the-hour video game parlor. DEA agents reported to have found nine kilos of cocaine at Barber's business. An additional kilo was said to be found on Johnson's person at the time of his arrest.

Results of Bond and Preliminary Hearings

During their preliminary hearing, Barber waived his right to a bond hearing and will await grand jury action in jail. The case against Lopez has been continued until the 24th of February and Johnson was released on an unsecured bond of $50,000.

The Norfolk criminal law attorneys at Tavss Fletcher hope that the men are given a fair trial and that they receive competent, effective legal representation.

Virginia Senate May Make Texting and Driving a Primary Offense

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)29530 — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

While texting and driving is currently illegal in Virginia, the act is categorized as a secondary offense. This means that police cannot pull drivers over based solely on suspicion of texting and driving.

Senate May Making Texting and Driving in Virginia a Primary Offense

While there is still a lot of debate surrounding Virginia's texting and driving laws, the Senate Transportation Committee recently approved a bill that would allow police to pull over any drivers suspected of texting and driving. Now, police can only cite drivers who are pulled over for another offense, such as speeding or reckless driving.

Senator George L. Barker, D-Fairfax, is the sponsor of the bill. He believes that the law would discourage people from texting and driving, which is a growing cause for concern in Virginia and nationwide.

Barker, when reporting to the committee, stated that drivers who text are 23 times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than driver who refrain from texting and driving. The Senator believes that stricter texting laws have the potential to prevent a serious car accident in Norfolk and state wide.

"People don't want the risk of getting caught," he said. "It does encourage greater compliance."

The Next Step for the Virginia Texting Bill

Now that the bill has been passed in committee, it will go before the Virginia State Senate for a final vote. It is believed that the bill will be voted on within the year.

The Virginia Beach car accident lawyers at Tavss Fletcher have seen the impact that distracted driving has on accident victims. We will be watching this story closely and will bring you updates as they become available.

Three Children, Father Hit by Drunk Driver in Virginia Beach

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)29529 — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A woman has been charged with multiple offenses after she struck a father and three children in the Virginia Beach neighborhood of Princess Anne Plaza. According to police reports the woman, Sandra L. Hofstadler, of Virginia Beach, sped around a stopped school bus, swerved into a yard and hit four people.

Children Seriously Injured by Drunk Driver in Virginia Beach

Two of the three children were seriously hurt during the accident. A day after the accident, a five year old child was listed in critical condition. Another child, age seven, was in stable condition. The father and another child, also seven, suffered less severe, non-life-threatening injuries. A witness at the scene rushed over after the accident occurred and performed CPR on one of the children. Paramedics arrived shortly after and took all the injured parties to area hospitals.

Driver Not New to Drunk Driving

This is not the first time that Hofstadler has been charged with drunk driving in Virginia. Since 2003, the woman has been convicted and charged with many traffic violations, including:

Driving while intoxicated
Speeding
Driving on a revoked license
Reckless driving

The driver is facing multiple charges related to the current drunk driving accident:

Driving under the influence
Reckless passing of a school bus
Three counts of maiming as a result of driving while intoxicated

The staff and attorneys at the Virginia Beach personal injury law firm of Tavss Fletcher hope that the children are recovering from their injuries and that they suffer no long term damage from the terrible crash.

Central Virginia Police Work to Prevent Deadly Car Accidents

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)29308 — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Looking back at the newly finished year, police in Charlottesville, Virginia and Albemarle County noticed at least one trend that they would like to reverse; last year 13 people were killed during an accident in Charlottesville and 20 within the county. This high number of deaths caused by car accidents is one of the highest on record and police, both city and county, are working together to dramatically reduce these numbers.

Police Target Certain Driving Behaviors

After looking back at the factors that either caused the deadly accidents or contributed to the seriousness of the injuries sustained during the crash, police found that there were some things that the accidents had in common. In order to prevent such a high number of crashes next year, police will be working together to target the following driving behaviors:

Speeding
Drunk Driving
Lack of seat belt use

Police across Central Virginia will be working harder than ever to prevent accidents caused by drunk drivers and speeders. In addition, they will be focusing on public awareness of the importance of seat belt use.

As Norfolk auto accident lawyers, we know that these factors do, indeed, lead to too many accidents, injuries and deaths. We hope that the efforts of the Central Virginia police department will cause a radical reduction in the number of serious and deadly car accidents in Albemarle County and across Virginia.

Virginia Hospital Harms Toddler Fighting Cancer

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)29306 — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

When the family of a child diagnosed with leukemia took her into Water Reed for her three week chemotherapy regimen they knew it would be a struggle—but had no idea how hard it would be.

The then two year old Kendall Heun was held by her mother as she received what the family thought was the first of many small doses of the drug Doxorubicin. Instead, the medical staff administered a dose that was more than the amount she was to receive over the three week period.

Long and Short Term Damage

Kendall immediately reacted to the extremely high dose. According to her mother, Melanie Heun, it was very clear that something was wrong.

“She went a lobster red color,” says Heun. “It almost looked like she was burning from the inside out.”
The affects did not end there. As time passed it was clear that the dose was harming Kendall in more ways than one. The toddler was in extreme pain and was even given morphine to help take some of the pain a way.

“She was screaming at the top of her lungs and she wouldn’t let me touch her,” said Ms. Heun.
In addition, her white blood cell count bottomed out, remaining at zero for many weeks. Long term, the very real threat is that the drug will cause serious and irreversible damage to the little girls’ heart.

Family Hopes for a Full Recovery and Compensation

Only time will tell if the serious dosing error will cause permanent damage. The Heun’s have filed a claim to hopefully pay for future care their daughter will need due to damage done by the chemotherapy drug overdose.

The staff and attorneys at the Virginia Beach medical malpractice law firm of Tavss Fletcher hope that Kendall’s cancer stays in remission and that her long term health is not affected by the terrible medical mistake.

Police Investigate Hit and Run Crash in Sterling, VA

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)29013 — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A hit and run accident in Loudoun County, Virginia involved two vehicles. According to police reports and information given by the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office, the accident occurred just after 5:00 p.m.
Police report that a burgundy minivan struck a Yamaha motorcycle near S. Cottage Road and S. Fox Road. Eyewitness reports indicate that the driver of the van pulled over and stopped before leaving the scene at a high rate of speed.

The accident victim was taken to Reston Hospital Center. At the time of this report there was no information available as to the condition of the man. Police report that the injuries he sustained in the Sterling, VA motorcycle accident were not considered to be life threatening.

Police Continue to Look for Driver of Minivan

New information indicates that the minivan was a Toyota Sienna. The vehicle will have front end damage primarily near the headlight on the driver's side.

Anyone with information regarding the crash is encouraged to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office or the Loudoun Crime Solvers. Information that leads to the arrest and indictment of the driver could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1000.

The staff and attorneys at the Virginia Beach motorcycle accident law firm of Tavss Fletcher hope that the injured biker is well on his way to making a full recovery from his injuries.

Long Delay in Test Results Harms Virginia Beach Woman

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)28834 — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

When a Virginia Beach woman got a call saying that the results of her pap smear were normal, she assumed that there were no abnormalities on her mammogram either; however, the diagnostic report had been sent to the wrong doctor and sat unread at his office for over a year.

Bad News Comes a Year Late

When Peggy Kidwell went in a year after the aforementioned tests, her doctor asked why she had not had a mammogram done the year before. Surprised, she replied that she had. After some digging, her physician quickly found that the lost report—which noted that Kidwell most likely had breast cancer—had been sent to the wrong doctor.

A year after the initial test, doctors found that the cancer had spread onto her chest wall. Kidwell had to undergo substantial cancer treatments to include a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and, eventually, a mastectomy.

Successful Virginia Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Filed

Once it was clear to Kidwell that the delay in treatment had contributed to the seriousness of her cancer, she chose to file a Virginia medical malpractice lawsuit. The lawsuit alleged that the year long wait to diagnose and treat the breast cancer caused it to become more invasive and more difficult to treat.

At Tavss Fletcher, our experienced Virginia Beach medical malpractice attorneys have seen firsthand the devastating effects that delayed treatment can have on cancer patients. We hope that Ms. Kidwell is now living a cancer free life and applaud her for taking the steps necessary to highlight the dangers of delayed reporting of diagnostic tests.

Man Arrested on Virginia Beach Drug Charges

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)28614 — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A recent drug related arrest in Winchester, VA centered on information given to police by an unnamed informant. According to Winchester police, the informant saw John C. Greene, a 32-year-old man from Virginia Beach, sell both powder and tar heroin out of his Winchester hotel room. The police affidavit, filed in the Winchester Circuit Court, stated that Greene was staying in the hotel while visiting friends. Reportedly, Greene was in possession of 8 grams of powdered heroin and 6 grams of the tar form and was selling them for between $100 and $250 per gram.

Police Seize Drugs and Drug Paraphernalia, Arrest Suspect

Acting on the material given by the informant, local authorities worked alongside the Fredrick County Sherriff's Office and the Northwest Regional Drug and Gang Task Force. According to police reports, Greene was arrested in his hotel room and police seized the following:

Plastic bag containing a white powdery substance
Aluminum foil containing a "tar-like" substance
One syringe
Note pad with four names and phone numbers
Cell phone and charger
Box of aluminum foil

At the time of this report, police had not yet tested the substances to confirm that they were heroin. If the substances are found to be forms of heroin, drug possession and distribution charges will likely follow. This news article has been brought to you by the staff and attorneys at the criminal defense law firm of Tavss Fletcher.

Norfolk Police Officer Arrested on Drug Charges in Norfolk

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)28613 — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Usually we report about people who have been arrested by police for drug crimes in Norfolk. In this case, however, a police officer was the one doing the drug dealing, not the arresting.

One Officer Charged, Three Others Resign

The police officer in question, Kristin Wayne Harris, has been part of the Norfolk police force for 11 years. The veteran officer was recently caught selling drugs and drug paraphernalia to an undercover officer. The undercover sting, conducted by the Norfolk Police Department, took place between April 28 and June 9. During this time, Harris, on multiple occasions, sold steroids, syringes, and marijuana outside of One Life Fitness, located on Princess Anne Road.

While Harris is the only officer who has been changed with a crime, three other officers have resigned. The Norfolk Police Department would not say why the others are no longer on the force, saying that the resignations were a "personal matter".

Pending Charges Against the Officer

At the time of this report, Harris had been charged with 11 drug-related felonies and two misdemeanors; however, prosecutors had withdrawn all but two of the felony drug charges. If convicted, Harris will face at least six months in jail. The maximum sentence for the two convictions carries a maximum sentence of 20 years.

While nobody is above the law, the Norfolk criminal defense attorneys at Tavss Fletcher hope that, despite his position as a police officer, Mr. Harris is given a fair trial and receives competent legal representation.

Study Shows Reality of Virginia Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)28443 — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A study that was recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that of the medical malpractice claims made between 1991 and 2005, only 32 percent resulted in a payment to the patient. This means that the vast majority of the med mal lawsuits filed by patients harmed by their doctor did not help them recover the losses associated with a medical mistake.

The Physicians Most Likely to Be Sued

In order to determine which doctors are being most often sued in the U.S., researchers looked at 25 different specialties. The top ten specialties for medical malpractice claims are:

Neurosurgeons
Thoracic-cardiovascular surgeons
General surgeons
Orthopedic surgeons
Plastic surgeons
Gastroenterologists
Obstetricians and gynecologists
Urologists
Pulmonary physicians
Oncologists

When Medical Malpractice Claims Are Paid

The average payment for the 32 percent of injured patients who receive a settlement sits right under $275,000. The specialty with the highest average pay out is pediatricians at $520,924. This figure is higher than average due to the long term medical needs of injured children.

The staff and attorneys of Tavss Fletcher Law Firm hope to see this trend change. Those who have been hurt because of a medical mistake in Norfolk or anywhere in Virginia shouldn’t have to pay for the mistakes that a doctor has made; patients should receive the compensation they deserve.

Study: Failure to Report Diagnostic Tests a Common Medical Mistake

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)28279 — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Most doctors order diagnostic tests for their patients on a regular basis. These tests help physicians rule out medical conditions and pinpoint a diagnosis; however, a recent study shows that diagnostic physicians in Virginia and across the country are increasingly being sued for medical malpractice.

Explanations for the Uptick in Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

One reason for the dramatic increase is that physicians are ordering more diagnostic examinations than ever before. The study notes that during the seven year period of 1996 and 2003, malpractice payments related to an improper or missed diagnosis increased by upwards of 40 percent. Mistakes included in this category include:

Communication failure
Failure of doctors and/or patients to receive test results
Delays in the delivery of report findings
Lengthy turnaround times

Even if doctors are ordering more tests, however, there is no excuse for a patient to be left in the dark as to their condition. Under reporting of test results harm thousands of patients a year by delaying needed treatments and treating for the wrong condition.

Protecting Yourself from a Medical Mistake

In order to ensure that you receive your test results in a timely manner, you must remain vigilant. If you have not heard from the doctor's office a few days after the tests, call. Your instance can prevent a missed diagnosis and may very well save your life. The staff and attorneys at Tavss Fletcher hope that the medical world will take this issue seriously and improve in the reporting of test results to patients and other doctors.

Is the Virginia Criminal Defense System in Trouble?

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)28104 — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Across Virginia, the criminal justice system is suffering from budget cutbacks. From circuit judges to public defenders, civil servants are losing their jobs or taking on more work than they can handle.

Virginia Criminal Justice System Job Losses Affect Many

In the past five months, five Norfolk prosecutors have lost their jobs. In addition, support positions have been eliminated, as has funding for training and equipment. When losses like this occur, it's not only the laid off employees who suffer. The layoffs have meant longer wait times in jail for those accused of a crime. Though Virginia has a speedy-trial law that mandates that accused criminals wait not more than five months in jail or nine months on bail, many defendants are maxing out their time in jail, waiting for a trial that has been postponed due to heavy case loads.

Public Defenders are Not Spared

Though it is true that no public defenders in Virginia have lost their jobs due to the economic down-turn, they are experiencing serious growing pains. Their case loads are large, and there is no sign that they will decrease. This leaves public defenders overworked, underpaid, and at times, unable to properly defend the clients they have been assigned to.

"If you don't have enough lawyers to handle the cases, it leaves them open to speedy-trial challenges and ineffective assistance of counsel," stated Ed Burnette, a current vice-president at the National Legal Aid & Defender Association.

The Virginia Beach criminal defense attorneys at Tavss Fletcher are very concerned that the lack of good court appointed legal aid will have a disastrous effect on those accused of a crime in Virginia. We hope that the state takes a good hard look at how budget restrictions are impacting accused criminals' right to a fair trial and competent legal representation.

ICP Juggalos in Virginia- They May Be "Insane" But Are They a Gang?

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)28103 — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Do you know who the Insane Clown Posse is? If not, you are not alone. Though the number of hardcore fans of the "clown-culture rap group" ICP, known as Juggalos, is on the rise, many wonder how threatening they can be.

Are Juggalos a Threat to Virginia Citizens?

While some don't see Juggalos as a threat, the FBI considers the extreme fan club to be a gang. The FBI, in a recent report, stated that some groups of Juggalos have been engaging in organized criminal activity. The FBI categorizes them as a "loosely-organized hybrid gang".

"Most crimes committed by the Juggalos are sporadic, disorganized, individualistic, and often involve simple assault, personal drug use and possession, petty theft and vandalism," states the FBI report.

In Virginia, officials have not categorized the Juggalos as a gang. However, the Virginia Gang Investigators Association has been holding training sessions that are aimed at letting residents know that the group has been demonstrating "increased violence" in Virginia and across the nation.

While the staff and attorneys at the Norfolk criminal defense law firm of Tavss Fletcher do not condone violence or other criminal behaviors, we do hope that Virginia authorities continue to use their best judgment before categorizing any group of people.

Police Probe Leads to Multiple Drug Arrests in Bedford County

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)27780 — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A total of 13 people have been arrested in Bedford County, Virginia. All 13 arrests are part of an in-depth, six-month investigation into an illegal drug manufacturing and distribution operation.

Sheriff Mike Brown has stated that the arrests were part of a large investigation that included the local police force, Virginia State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives.

"The arrests were made throughout the county and included three major prescription pill distributors," said Sheriff Brown.

The numerous arrests covered a wide range of drug charges and include:

Two suspects from Roanoke charged with distributing cocaine
Two suspects from Thaxton charged with distributing a schedule II controlled substance
Eight suspects from Bedford, Goode, and Huddleston charged with manufacturing marijuana with intention to distribute
One suspect charged with both the manufacture and distribution of marijuana

Six Suspects Remain

While police arrested 13 suspects, six have not been found or arrested. At the time of this report, Sheriff Brown had not yet released the names of those suspects.

The group of arrested individuals range in age from 18 to 55 and have been accused of manufacturing and/or selling: marijuana, cocaine and prescription drugs (schedule II controlled substance).

Many Convicted of Crimes Involving Crack Cocaine Released in Virginia

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)27779 — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

The story is the same in Virginia and all over the country: prisoners convicted of crimes related to crack cocaine are being released from prison years before they were scheduled to. One man, Mr. Flood, was convicted many years ago and was to remain in a Kentucky prison until 2013. However, thanks to the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, Mr. Flood and many others will have their sentences reduced by an average of three years. Mr. Flood has plans to travel back to his family in Virginia as soon as he is released.

Why the Early Releases Are Taking Place

In the 1980's, the usage of crack cocaine had hit nearly epidemic levels in Virginia and nearly every state in the nation. In reaction to crimes surrounding the drug, a law was passed that made the sentencing for those found with crack cocaine up to 100 times greater than those found with the powder form. Many believe that the discrepancy was unfair and that it targeted minority groups.

In order to right this apparent wrong, and to save tens of millions of dollars, the Fair Sentencing Act was passed. As of today, it has been implemented. This means that after careful reviews of prisoners doing time for crack cocaine related offences they may very well be released.

While many cheer the new law, some do not. They are concerned that those being released will fall back on old ways, participating in the drug trade and the violence that too often accompanies it.

As Virginia Beach criminal law attorneys we hope that the early releases will allow the convicted to successfully reenter society and make up for some of the injustices they endured under the now defunct crack cocaine laws of the 1980's.

10 Large Scale Drug Rings Broken up in Hampton Roads

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)27599 — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

FBI agents, state authorities, and local authorities have been joining together to break up large drug rings operating in and around Virginia Beach and Norfolk. Over the past ten years, the area, known as Hampton Roads, has been the site of at least 10 large drug ring busts. Each of the busts was estimated to be worth $20 million or more. During the decade before, officials only remember one or two drug busts of this magnitude.

More Drugs or Increased Police Effort?

Law enforcement agencies believe that the efforts of federal, state, and local authorities have made the large scale busts possible. In addition, as is often the case, one drug ring is usually connected to another so that when suspects are arrested they lead to more suspects and, in some cases, the ring leader of a large-scale operation.

However, authorities often have a hard time getting to the true source of the drugs: suppliers south of the border. According to assistant U.S. Attorney, Laura Everhart, it is getting more challenging to stop drug trafficking at its source.

"That has changed over the years," said Everhart, "and still Miami and that area can still be a source for some things, but the cocaine and marijuana are coming through Texas and Arizona and Southern California."

No matter where the drugs originate, it seems as if the large scale drug rings and arrests in Hampton Roads are not likely to end anytime soon. The staff and attorneys at Tavss Fletcher, however, hope that increased police efforts will continue to make progress in busting drug rings and stopping drug trafficking in the Hampton Roads.

North Carolina Man Breaks Cycle of Prison and Drugs

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)27598 — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

More times than not, society writes off anyone who has been in prison. If that person was involved in crimes related to drugs, many turn away, unwilling to believe that they can make a change. However, as Virginia Beach criminal law attorneys, we know that people can and do change for the better.

One Man's Journey to a New Life

Van Cuthbertson is one of these people. After leaving for the Navy, Cuthbertson's ailing father passed away. His decision not to visit the hospital before he left for boot camp haunts him, and led him to make some serious mistakes. After being discharged from the Navy due to his rebellious behavior, Cuthbertson took on various construction jobs in and around Norfolk, VA.

Returning to his home town of New Bern, NC, the drug trade became his new occupation. As often happens, the young man ended up in jail. Serving his time in a federal prison for six years, Cuthbertson realized that he was ready to make a change for the better.

After getting out of jail in 1999, Cuthbertson went back to construction work and fathered his first child.

"That's the moment I grew up and realized I couldn't live for myself all the time," he stated.

Education Serves as an Escape

For Cuthbertson, and many others, going back to school opens doors that seemed forever closed. He believes that his education won't just give him employment opportunities, but makes him a better father, employee and husband.

The staff and attorneys at Tavss Fletcher wish Mr. Cuthbertson the best and hope that he continues to mentor and inspire students at Craven Community College and across North Carolina.

Family of Medical Malpractice Victim Works to Prevent Hospital Errors

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)27402 — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

When their daughter died during a routine surgery, parents Bob and Barbara Malizzo were grief stricken. They, however, were able to do something that many others do not: turning their tragedy into a chance to help others.

Speaking Out Against Preventable Hospital Errors

The Malizzo family recently spoke at a patient advocacy summit. They spoke of their lost daughter, Michelle Ballog, and of the anesthesia monitoring and other mistakes that cost the woman her life. They also spoke about how they work to prevent further tragedies. For them, this means serving on the hospital's patient safety committee; it means working with the hospital instead of fighting against it.

The hospital did not shy away from their mistake. Instead, they choose to divulge every detail of the surgery, errors and all. In addition, they offered a settlement that will provide for the victim's two young daughters. Following their mistake, they now strive more than ever to prevent another terrible loss such as this.

The staff and attorneys at the Virginia Beach medical malpractice law firm of Tavss Fletcher would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Michelle. We are heartened to hear that the Malizzos have worked so hard to honor Michelle and hope that the efforts to reduce hospital errors will make an impact, saving lives and preventing injuries.

Child Injured When Hit by Car in Virginia Beach

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)27258 — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Crossing the street to get to soccer practice is an everyday occurrence for many children; however, a recent accident involving an 8-year-old soccer player nearly ended in tragedy. The Virginia Beach pedestrian accident took place near Red Mill Elementary School, where a young girl was crossing a dead end street when a car hit her. The girl's father shouted for her to stop when he saw her entering the roadway, but she continued to cross. The car, which was not found to be speeding at the time of the accident, struck the child. There was no crosswalk where the accident occurred. Officer Adam Bernstein, a Norfolk police spokesman, stated that no charges would be filed against the driver.

"It just looks like a tragic accident," was Bernstein's remark. "The driver said she never saw her until it was too late."

At the time of this report, the injured girl was listed in stable condition. Her injuries were serious enough to be labeled life-threatening.

In reaction to the accident, police have spoken to Virginia Beach's traffic engineers. They are considering blocking the dead end street, which is often used for parking when the lot at the school is full. Both police and city officials hope to prevent children from crossing the street in the area where the accident occurred.

The Norfolk injury attorneys at Tavss Fletcher hope that the child is on her way to making a full recovery from her injuries.

Pedestrian Accidents In and Around Virginia Highlight Safety Issues

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)27144 — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

While police are still trying to determine the specific cause of a serious pedestrian accident near the border of Virginia, one thing is certain: when a car hits a pedestrian, the pedestrian loses.

The latest area pedestrian accident occurred just over the state border in Washington, DC. The pedestrian was seriously injured when a vehicle struck him near the 14th Street Bridge. Police report that the accident occurred at approximately 6:45 a.m. The accident scene remained open for more than three hours, with all southbound lanes of 14th street closed for the duration. Traffic was backed up from the crash site all the way into Virginia.

This was not the only recent car accident involving a pedestrian. A few weeks ago, a child was hit by a car in front of Boyce Elementary School in Boyce, VA. The accident occurred when a child ran into the street and was hit by a car. While police determined no fault on the part of the driver, the accident underscores the importance of obeying the slower school zone speed limit and always driving with heightened awareness when near a school.

The Norfolk pedestrian accident attorneys at Tavss Fletcher hope that the injured pedestrians, adult and child alike, are on their way to making a full recovery from their injuries.

Tazewell County Drug Arrest Example of Major Police Effort

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)26843 — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

The search of a Princeton, Virginia residence uncovered drug paraphernalia and the chemicals needed to make methamphetamine. Though the setup was small, it represents a large problem in Virginia. No longer do meth manufacturers need large amounts of chemicals and big spaces to make the drug. Brian Hiett, chief of operations at the Tazewell County Sheriff's Office recently spoke about this case and others like it.

"Now there's ways of making meth using much smaller things," he said. "It's getting to where you don't need a big laboratory."

The smaller labs sometimes mean that manufacturers are able to operate undetected. However, Hiett and his team, along with Virginia State Police, have been working harder than ever to stop meth production in Tazewell County. This recent arrest is part of a larger police operation. In the past few months alone, police have made meth-related arrests in Amonate, Bandy, and Bishop.

The most recent arrest of Jeffery Scott Hass of Baptist Valley, Virginia, led to charges of possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and possession of two or more chemicals with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine.

At the scene of the arrest, Virginia State Police were tasked with cleaning up the lab. Meth labs are often dangerous, as the chemicals used to "cook" meth are highly toxic when mixed.

Virginia: Do You Know if Your Car Seats Are Installed Correctly?

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)26842 — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Virginia law states that all children up to age 8 must be "properly restrained" in an appropriate car seat or booster seat. However, the law gives few specifics as to which seats are appropriate for which children and at what age to switch to a different type of seat. All we want to do is ensure that, in case of an accident while driving in Virginia Beach or anywhere in Virginia, our children are as safe and protected as possible.

Rear-Facing Child Seat Advice Has Changed

Parents used to turn their child's car seat to the front from the day they turned age one. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recently recommended that all children remain in a rear-facing seat until they are at least two. While many were upset to hear this, child seat safety advocates insist that rear-facing is the safest option for very young children.

Medical and safety experts both point to the fact that, in the event of an accident, a rear-facing seat cradles the head and neck, protecting the young child's head, neck, and spine. Infants and toddlers have a disproportionately heavy head and a less developed neck and spine. This combination can be deadly when the head snaps forward during a crash. A study published in 2007 backed these claims, stating that children younger than 2 were 75% more likely to die or be seriously injured when facing forward.

The staff and attorneys at Tavss Fletcher hope that researchers continue to find the best ways to keep children safe in the car. Any steps we take, as parents, to keep our kids safe, is well worth the effort.

When a Bus and Van Crash in Virginia, Nobody Wins

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)26824 — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A recent accident in Dinwiddie County involved only two vehicles, yet 13 people were injured. The reason for the high number of injuries was due to the fact that the crash, which occurred on Virginia's I-85 near the Squirrel Level Road Exit, involved a bus and a van.

According to reports from the Virginia State Police, the driver of a large Ford E-350 van, in order to try to avoid slowing traffic, moved out of the left lane and into the right. When the driver made this move she struck a Greyhound bus, causing multiple injuries.

The bus, on its way from Raleigh, N.C. to Richmond, Va., was carrying 35 passengers. Three of these passengers were injured and taken to Southside Regional Medical Center. In the van, at least nine passengers and the driver were injured. At the time of this report there were no updates as to the condition of the injured. Initial reports indicated that all injuries were minor.

Accidents involving large vehicles, such as a bus, semi truck or 18-wheeler, too often cause multiple serious injuries. The attorneys at the personal injury law firm of Tavss Fletcher were heartened to hear that no serious injuries or deaths were caused by this accident. We hope that all of the injured parties are on their way to recovering fully from their injuries.

Brake Safety Week Addresses Virginia Brake-Related Truck Accidents

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)26840 — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

When the brakes of a semi-truck don't work properly, the truck becomes nothing more than a wrecking ball on wheels. 18-wheeler accidents in Norfolk, Virginia are a regular occurrence and too often cause injuries and even death. In order to highlight the issue of commercial vehicle brakes and their tendency to cause accidents, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) started a nationwide safety campaign.

Brake Safety Week took place this month, and many states across the nation, including Virginia and North Carolina, participated in the safety campaign. Brake Week targets large commercial trucks, also known as semis and 18-wheelers. Increased safety checks and traffic stops were part of the initiative, as were efforts to educate truckers, mechanics, and technicians on the proper way to adjust a truck's brakes.

Operation Air Brake is the CVSA safety initiative that allows truckers to learn more about proper brake adjustment. A mobile unit and instructors teach mechanics and truck drivers the right way to adjust their brakes and check that they are working properly.

Any improvements in truck safety reduce the risk of a serious Virginia commercial truck accident. The staff and attorneys at Tavss Fletcher applaud the CVSA on their efforts to make trucks safer and reduce accident rates.

Professional Wrestler Charged With DWI After NC Motorcycle Accident

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)26823 — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Former WWE professional wrestler Gregory Shane Helms has been charged with a DWI for his role in a serious North Carolina motorcycle accident. The accident occurred on May 5th, 2011, but Helms was not formally charged or photographed until recently.

The accident took place in the late evening hours as Helms and his girlfriend were riding home from dinner. Helms, driving at the time of crash, ran a stop sign, lost control of his bike and slammed into a chain link fence.

Both Helms and his girlfriend suffered serious injuries. The passenger suffered from a neck injury and Helms shattered his foot, broke both his jaw and nose and received lacerations that required over 200 stitches. Writing for his blog, Helms discussed the extent of his injuries.

"My left foot, which I nearly lost (along with my life) in a motorcycle accident on May 5th of this year, and all 4 plates and 23 screws that now reside within it, is alive and on FIRE at the moment," wrote Helms.

At least one witness said that Helms had been drinking shortly before leaving the restaurant on his motorcycle. Helms has been charged with DWI in connection with the accident. According to reports, he had not been charged earlier because he was under doctors orders to not put any weight on his injured leg or to leave the house.

At the time of this report a court date had not been set.

Roadside Memorials Pay Tribute to Virginia Accident Victims

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)26062 — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

While the materials that make up roadside memorials in Virginia vary, the message is the same:

An accident took the life of our father, son, brother, sister, mother, or daughter. They are also a very personal way for those left behind to remember their loved ones; to never forget.

When 17-year-old Donald Keith Raiford, a senior at Southampton High, lost his life in a car accident on Governor Darden Road, his mother knew she wanted to erect a memorial for her son. The memorial at this site features red, white and blue flowers, and his mother feels that the memorial is a fitting way to remember her son and the tragic way he died.

"He took his last breath there," she said. "He didn't die at the cemetery."

From Ocean View to Shore Drive, the tributes are scattered along the road, a visible sign of those who have died, and a place for others to maybe say a prayer as they pass. While they are points of healing, and pain, for family members and friends, they also serve as a reminder to all who notice them as they pass: Slow down. Drive Safely. Drive sober. Arrive alive. Remember those who have gone before you.

The staff and attorneys at the accident law firm of Tavss Fletcher would like to extend our condolences to all of those who have lost a loved on the Hampton Roads and across Virginia. We hope that through education, through remembrance, further accidents will be avoided; lives saved.

Va. Beach Hit and Run Accident Victims Family Speak Out at Sentencing

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)26032 — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Given that the man responsible for seriously injuring an 11-year-old girl was facing up to ten years in prison, he got a light sentence. Mark Richard Tietjen hit the girl on Lynnhaven Parkway and, in a panic, drove away from the scene of the Virginia Beach accident.

Suffering from broken bones and a traumatic brain injury, the child was taken to the hospital, doctors preparing her family for the worst. However, 11-year-old Kamryn, defied the odds and not only survived her serious injuries but is now working on regaining her speech and ability to walk.

At the recent sentencing, Kamryn's family spoke out, describing the long road that the young girl has traveled and how her life has changed. During the same hearing, Tietjen admitted that his judgment the day of the accident was "terrible".

Circuit Judge Patricia L. West sentenced Tietjen to three years in prison. Virginia sentencing guidelines suggest no more than two years for the crime. Some believe that Tietjen's prior traffic convictions factored into the slightly longer sentence. Over the past 15 years, Tietjen has been convicted of multiple traffic offences to include driving under the influence, reckless driving and driving without a license.

Another Bicyclist Hit on Shore Drive- Will the City Make it Safer?

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)25965 — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

In the past four months three Virginia Beach bicyclists have been hit by cars on Shore Drive. The most recent accident occurred near 83^rd Street. While this rider only suffered a bad case of road rash, the other riders were not as fortunate.

The two previous accidents were hit and runs, the driver leaving the scene of the accident, offering no assistance. Residents of Virginia Beach and cycling enthusiasts are asking that the city do something, anything, to improve the safety of the road.

Virginia Beach to Make Shore Drive Safer

Mayor William Sessoms understands the problem and is working to remedy the dangerous situation. Plans are in the works to add a bike lane between Fort Story and First Landing State Park along Shore Drive.

"Obviously Shore Drive has been a problem that we've had several accidents there that have resulted even in death, as such it certainly is a priority for us to get a bike lane there as soon as we possibly can," said Mayor Sessoms.

Right now the project is still in its planning stages. While the Mayor is hopeful that the funds have been secured and that the construction should begin by the end of the year, there are no guarantees as to the starting date.

The injury and accident attorneys at Tavss Fletcher hope that the project begins soon and that the bike lane will end the rash of bicycle accidents along Shore Drive.

Safety Experts- Accidents with Light Rail in Norfolk Will Happen

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)25765 — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

While the new light rail system in Norfolk should help commuters, shoppers and tourists get around town, it may also cause serious accidents. Blaming the light rail system itself is tempting, but officials and safety experts point to driver error as the primary cause of most accidents with a rail car.

Rail drivers are currently in training, and have already witnessed driver behaviors that cause light-rail/car accidents. Drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians make serious mistakes to include: running red lights, walking or running in front of a moving train, hitting the side of a train, stopping on the tracks and driving the wrong way on a street. These errors are dangerous in normal traffic. When you add in the light rail they can be downright deadly. However, officials in Virginia are doing their best to avoid any serious accidents.

They are taking a cue from Houston, where accidents with the light-rail were cut in half after additional safety measures were put in place "The emphasis has to be placed on public outreach," said Martin Schroeder, chief engineer for the American Public Transportation Association. "Once a city gets familiar with it [the light-rail system], things get a lot better."

The staff and attorneys at Tavss Fletcher hope that the new system is integrated with as few growing pains as possible, that people are aware of the changes and do their best to avoid accidents.

Back and Forth Continues over NC Medical Liability Reform Law

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)25678 — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Upon first glance, any legislation that would save North Carolina money and bring better doctors into the state sounds like a good idea. However, many believe that doing so in the form of a medical malpractice cap is a very bad idea. Many doctors, patient advocates, med mal attorneys and injury victims believe that the cap puts an unfair limit on the money injured parties can receive.

Rep. Alice Bordsen, D-Alamance, voted against the bill. Like others, Bordsen believes that the cap is unfair to victims of a medical mistake. She thinks that the cap will not do enough to allay the pain and suffering of victims and families whose lives are forever changed through a death, catastrophic brain injury or permanent loss of physical or mental ability. Attorneys feel the same way, and worry that the cap will discourage injury victims from filing a lawsuit as the cost of mediation and/or a trial often exceeds the proposed $225,000 cap. As experienced medical mistake attorneys we know that a cap such as this too often leaves injury victims without the money they need to move on with their lives, recover from their injuries and illnesses. We hope that NC can do the right thing- Let jurors, not politicians, decide on the proper amount of compensation for victims of medical malpractice.

Virginia Nurse Saves Motorcycle Accident Victim in North Carolina

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)25181 — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

When Virginia nurse, Jessica Elliott, left work and headed to North Carolina to pick up her son, she had no idea she would become a hero. Elliot was driving down Highway 55 when she witnessed an accident between a truck and motorcycle. The pickup truck took a left-hand turn directly in front of Cary, NC senior motorcycle Officer Chad Penland. The motorcycle crashed into the side of the vehicle, which caused the officer to leave his bike and flip over the truck.

Elliott saw the entire accident and as soon as the vehicles stopped she pulled over and rushed to the officers' aid.

"He was bleeding though his outfit and his face where you could see, his face was pretty badly damaged," said Elliott. "I was really fearful he was going to die."

As Elliot worked to save Officer Penland, she noticed that gas had begun leaking from the damaged motorcycle. Bystanders helped move the bike while Elliott continued to give medical assistance and reassurance to Officer Penland.

"He kept asking if he was going to die because he couldn't breathe and I said ‘no,'" said Elliott.

The staff and attorneys at Tavss Fletcher send our best wishes to Officer Penland. We hope that he is on his way to making a full recovery. In addition, we would like to thank Nurse Jessica Elliott for her quick thinking and expert medical attention.

Was an 18-wheeler Accident on I-64 in Virginia Caused by an Unsafe Truck?

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)25164 — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Virginia State Police were recently called to the scene of an accident on I-64. The accident did not cause any injuries, but it did highlight the dangers of unsafe trucks and trucking equipment.

The semi truck accident occurred on an onramp to I-64. An 18-wheeler was navigating the ramp, located in Henrico County, when the trailer he was hauling collapsed in the middle. The truck was carrying 70,000 pounds of recycled paper to Richmond when it gave way.

The ramp was closed for several hours as crews worked to unload the paper and tow the truck away.

The driver, a trucker from Lynchburg, was not injured in the accident and no other cars were involved. However, this is not always the case when trucks suffer from mechanical errors or failure on the highways of Virginia. Too often, large trucks, to include both semi-trucks and local commercial vehicles, are unsafe to drive; yet they remain on our highways and interstates. From improperly secured loads to trucks with failing brakes, unsafe trucks are a real threat to motorists across the country.

If you have been injured during an accident with a semi-truck in Norfolk or Virginia Beach, please do not hesitate to contact an experienced, aggressive truck accident attorney at Tavss Fletcher for your free consultation.

Police Arrest More Than 40 People on Various Charges in Newport, Va

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)25052 — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

The 4^th of July weekend was a wild one for revelers in Newport, Va. Newport Police arrested more than 40 people over the weekend, many of the arrests occurring in the early morning hours of the 4^th. Examples of the arrests made include:

Felony Drug Possession- Police responded to an unruly house party on Park Holm. When officers arrived they smelled marijuana and eventually found two bags of pot, plastic bags and a scale. The owner of the house was arrested on charges of felony drug distribution, possession of marijuana and an active warrant.
Alcohol Arrests- At least 12 people were arrested and charged with crimes such as possession of alcohol and possession of alcohol by a minor.
Assault Arrest- A father from Newport was arrested for allegedly assaulting his son. When police arrived the young man had a cut on his eye. His sister confirmed that their father had hit him.
Disorderly Conduct- Arrests were made concerning both domestic and public disorderly conduct. In one case, police responded to a fight at Waites Warf. When they arrived the fight was in progress. One man, of Newport, Va., refused to follow police direction and was arrested.
Noise Violation- Several noise violations were issued over the holiday weekend. Most of the calls involved party goers in the early morning hours of the 4th.

If you have been arrested, you do have rights. Contact an experienced criminal law attorney at Tavss Fletcher for your free consultation. Stand up for your rights. Call today. 757.625.1214

Lifesaving App Could Reduce Pileup Accidents in Va., Worldwide

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)24748 — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

While we tend to think of apps as fun toys for our phones, better at distracting drivers than saving their lives, a new app, linked directly to our cars, has the potential to reduce freeway pileup accidents. The new technology, being developed by researchers at the University of Bologna in Italy, relies on sensors that detect anomalies that only occur during an accident.

The instant the sensor detects an accident occurring, it sends signals to other cars with the app. This signal goes to all the other cars that have the app, and the car with the strongest signal passes it on. These transmissions happen in spilt seconds and, if all goes well, drivers are alerted and a major freeway pileup is avoided.

Road tests are being done on American freeways this summer. Italian researchers, along with engineers from Toyota, will be testing very similar technology. If everything goes well, developers hope to install the app in both new and old vehicles.

If the road tests go well, and the app works as it should, it may be only a matter of time until your car is talking to other vehicles, maybe even helping avoid a serious accident on I-64 in Norfolk and across the nation.

The accident and injury attorneys at Tavss Fletcher hope that this technology, and others like it, can help reduce the number of serious freeway accidents that occur all too often in Virginia.

Motorcycle Accident Near Fredericksburg, VA Could Have Been Worse

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)24695 — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A serious motorcycle accident could have turned fatal; if it weren't for the determination of the victim and his brother. Justin Hipple left his job in Fredericksburg and headed for his home on Bristow Road when his motorcycle left the road, crashing into a stand of trees at the intersection of Dumfries ad Bristow. Hipple believes he fell asleep while driving, causing him to run off the road.

According to a friend of the family, Hipple woke up to find himself badly injured and lying 50 yards from the road. He was unable to move but was eventually able to get a stick and bring his cell phone, which was broken in two pieces, close enough to grab.

Hipple was then able to repair the phone and call his brother, Tony Hippple. He wanted to let his brother know that he was sorry for wrecking the bike. However, Tony was more concerned about his brother's wellbeing than the state of his motorcycle.

Tony had already called police and, with the help of their sister, drove the route Justin took home from work. However, the police would not help until Justin was missing for 24 hours and until the call came in from Justin they were unable to find the crash site.

Tony found Justin shortly before the police arrived and he was taken to the hospital with serious injuries to include a collapsed lung and broken ribs.

Bath Salts Get You High? Virginia Lawmakers Ban Dangerous Substances

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)24289 — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

While Maryland health officials investigate the dangers associated with the use of bath salts as yet another legal way to get high, recreational drug users continue to snort, ingest, inject and smoke the dangerous substance.

The active drugs, methylenedioxypyorvalerone, or MDPV, and 4-methylmethcathinone, are currently legal in the state of Maryland, although difficult to find. Already banned in Virginia, the Maryland health department seeks to ban them as well.

Users experience a hallucinogenic effect that has resulted in paranoia and confusion, lasting from days to weeks. This year, 22 Maryland poisoning cases have been reported to the poison control center with one resulting death.

According to Maryland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration director, Dr. Tom Cargiulo, "This is something that's been a big problem throughout the country."

While Virginia has banned the sale and distribution of bath salts containing the lethal ingredients, users will continue to find ways to obtain them.

Meanwhile, the dangerous substance remains available through the Internet and sometimes, small businesses. Though the sellers remain above the law in many states, their time may be running out.

If you have been accused of a drug crime relating to the sale or purchase of bath salts or Spice and you believe that you have been falsely or unfairly accused, contact an experienced attorney at Tavss Fletcher today.

Vehicle Registration Stop Leads to Arrest in Medfield, Va.

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)24256 — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

When police pulled over 26-year-old Nathan Glenn Boddie of Norfolk for a revoked vehicle registration they didn't know that the stop would necessitate a drug dog and arrest. However, once the Medfield police officer pulled Boddie over, he found that he was uninsured as well. Then, reports Medfield Chief of Police Robert Meaney Jr., routine questions uncovered the presence of illegal prescription drugs.

"Since the vehicle is going to be towed, the officers usually ask the driver if anything dangerous or illegal will be found during the inventory search of the vehicle," stated Meaney.

Boddie was straightforward with police, telling them that a search of the vehicle would uncover drugs. At this point a drug sniffing dog was brought in from the Ashland Police Department.

Discovered in the car were some pills and an unidentified substance. Boddie has been charged with possession of a Class B substance and drug distribution of a Class B substance. The pills were said to be Oxycodone and Percocet. Oxycodone and Percocet are considered schedule III drugs.

Boddie's bail was set at a total of $790. The bail money was paid and Boddie was released the same day. There was no word if the accused had retained the services of a criminal law attorney.

Norfolk Police Officer Under Arrest on Drug Charges

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)24255 — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Virginia Beach Police have arrested a Norfolk police officer on multiple felony drug charges. The officer, Kristin Harris, is a veteran officer who has been serving on the Norfolk police force since January 2000.

Harris has been arrested and accused of a dozen felonies for his role in distributing anabolic steroids. Among the charges Harris faces are: manufacturing or selling steroids or illegal stimulants and selling or distributing marijuana. The arrest is part of an ongoing investigation that targets drug dealers: both civilian and those on the police force.

Evidence points to police attempting to keep the arrest under wraps. However, news of his arrest leaked out, as well as a bail worksheet that appears to attempt to hide the fact that Harris was a police officer. For example, on the worksheet, under "place of employment" a magistrate wrote: "see detective".

It has also been discovered that Harris has filed for bankruptcy twice, once before he was an officer and once while serving on the force.

Harris has since resigned from the Norfolk Police Department and is currently free on bail, pending his upcoming arraignment. The Virginia Beach General District Court reports that Harris has hired a criminal defense attorney.

Fundraiser Held for Walpole, VA Car Accident Victim

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)24164 — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Friends and supporters of Alexandra "Ally" Smith, a victim of a Walpole car crash, held a fundraising event February 12, 2011. Dubbed "Rally for Ally", the proceeds will be used to help the Smith family cope with continuing and mounting medical costs associated with her severe head injuries.

The 22-year-old Walpole woman suffered brain trauma and a lengthy coma in the December 28, 2010 accident involving two other vehicles. While the occupants of the other cars were treated and released, Ms. Smith faces huge medical obstacles in her road to recovery.

Because of severe weather restrictions, the medical helicopter was unable to fly to the scene of the accident and Smith was taken by ambulance to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, where she remained in serious condition for many weeks.

According to Smith's boyfriend, Robert Norberg Jr., the community has offered a "huge outpour of support". However, the medical costs continue to rise.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a Virginia or North Carolina automobile accident, the law offices of Tavss Fletcher are sorry for Ally's injuries and hope that she continues to make a full recovery.

Langley, VA Woman Injured in Tractor Trailer Accident

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)24110 — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A serious accident was recently reported on Interstate 64 near Newport News, VA. The Virginia accident involved a semi truck and a small car, which was t-boned during the crash. The driver of the car slammed on her brakes to slow with traffic. This caused her car to turn perpendicular to the flow of traffic. Moments later, a semi truck hit her, causing serious injuries.

The driver, 22-year-old Jessica Aguero, was taken by helicopter to Norfolk Sentara General Hospital with critical injuries. Virginia State Police report that the driver of the large truck has been charged with following too closely. The driver of the car has not been charged with any traffic violations.

This is not the only recent accident involving a large truck on Virginia's I 64. Earlier this year a truck driver fell asleep at the wheel, crashing and spilling his load of blood plasma.

Both accidents illustrate how truckers' inattention and careless behaviors cause large truck accidents in Virginia. As VA personal injury lawyers we see too many people injured, even killed, by the careless mistakes of a truck driver.

The staff and attorneys at Tavss Fletcher hope that Ms. Aguero is well on her way to making a full recovery.

Accident on I-264 in Norfolk Involves Three Vehicles, Police Officer

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)23504 — Tue, 31 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

An accident on Interstate 264 in Norfolk has been attributed to excessive speed. A Norfolk police officer was among the injured and all lanes of westbound I-264 were closed for several hours.

According to the Virginia State Police a silver Lexus hit the back of a black SUV, forcing it into a Norfolk police cruiser. All of the vehicles were moving during the time of the accident. The Lexus, seemingly responsible for the accident, pushed the SUV across all three lanes of traffic before they came to a rest on the dividing wall, over 1,000 feet from the initial impact.

While the police officer was not treated for injuries one passenger from each of the other vehicles were taken to local hospitals. At the time of this report there was no word has to how severe their injuries were.

A witness to the accident told reporters that when she drove by she noticed that the Lexus was on fire. Both vehicles sustained major damage during the accident and are more than likely beyond repair.

The personal injury attorneys at Tavss Fletcher hope that all injured parties are on their way to making a full recovery.

Virginia Doctor Faces Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)23453 — Mon, 30 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to court documents, Miriam Cenedese has filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctor who performed her hysterectomy. The complaint alleges that Virginia surgeon, Dr. David Ostman, made a serious surgical error when operating on Ms. Cenedese.

The complaint states that during what should have been a basic hysterectomy, Dr. Ostman used his hands instead of a surgical cutting knife, to make tears in her large intestine and bladder. The lawsuit states that the doctor made these egregious error when attempting to perform a temporary ileostomy, a surgical procedure that allows waste to be voided into a pouch.

Investigations into the doctors' medical mistake have revealed that this is not the first documented legal action taken against Dr. Ostman. In 2004 the Virginia Board of Medicine reprimanded Dr. Ostman for prescribing and selling a non-FDA approved lotion that was said to boost the sex drive of women. He was also found to giving his patients thousands of doses of Vicodin, Xanex, Valium and diet pills without a pharmacists' license.

Despite these earlier charges, Dr. Ostman was given his medical license back and it was restored to unrestricted status.

The medical malpractice attorneys at Tavss Fletcher hope that Ms. Cenedese is recovering from her surgery and that the lawsuit will be successful in compensating her for her pain, suffering and medical bills.

Guilty Plea from Virginia Beach Hit and Run Suspect

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)23436 — Sun, 29 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

On February 9^th Mark Tietjen allegedly hit an 11-year-old girl as she crossed Lynnhaven Parkway at the intersection of Crimson Holly Lane in Virginia Beach. According to police, Tietjen hit the child with his minivan and then sped away, fleeing the scene of the crime.

Recently released court documents show that after the accident Tietjen drove some distance and then stopped in a grassy median. However, after about a minute, he drove off again; never getting out of his vehicle to see check on the condition of the child.

Tietjen, of Virginia Beach, is being charged with a felony hit and run and in a recent hearing he pleaded guilty to the charges. Though at the time of the accident Tietjen was not impaired and did hold a valid driver's license, court records show that the accused has been charged with other crimes to include speeding, impaired driving and driving with a suspended license. At the time of the accident, Tietjen was working at a local auto body shop.

According to his criminal defense attorney, Tietjen panicked after the accident and deeply regrets leaving the scene. Despite his regret, Tietjen is facing up to ten years in prison. Sentencing has been set for August 17^th and until that time he will remain in jail.

International Drug Bust Leads to Drug Charges in Norfolk, VA

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)23225 — Sat, 21 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two men have been arrested and charged with importing more than 10 pounds of cocaine from Costa Rica to Norfolk, VA. The Norfolk branch of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has been increasing pressure on international drug dealers, working to shut down the drug corridors that have been piping in drugs from countries such as Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico.

The latest dug arrests stem from a recent undercover investigation. Glen Stephen Dellibovi and Gerard Enriquez were arrested after arranging for and receiving a 5-kg shipment of cocaine. The suspects fell victim to an undercover sting operation that centered on the work of an undercover DEA agent.

The agent posed as an employee at the Norfolk International Airport. Meeting with the men at a Hampton Hooters restaurant, the suspects were caught on video and audio tape, making the final arrangements for the drug delivery. The agent traveled to Costa Rica with Dellibovi where he was given 5 kilos of cocaine. The agent then delivered the package back to Dellibovi while Enriquez brought $30,000 to the agent as payment for his services.

The suspects are currently in jail, awaiting their U.S. District Court bond hearing.

What is the most dangerous season for bikers in Virginia?

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)23099 — Mon, 16 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Spring. Why? During the winter most bikers put away their motorcycles, dreaming of spring and their chance to get out and ride. With spring upon us in Virginia, many motorcyclists are doing just that- Taking their first ride of the season. The danger of the sudden influx of bikers on our highways and byways is that drivers are not used to looking for bikers as they drive.

Drivers are always encouraged to look twice before making a move in traffic. This is especially important when sharing the road with motorcycles. Because of the increase in motorcycle accidents in the spring, the American Motorcyclist Association has declared May Motorcycle Awareness Month.

This and every May, AMA President and CEO, Rob Dingman, is spearheading the effort to keep bikers safe.

"Motorcyclists take to the highway in large numbers every spring, and it's the responsibility of all road users to welcome us safely and attentively. This is why many states and local government s officially promote motorcycle awareness during May," says Dingman.

As motorcycle accident attorneys we know that left hand turns at intersections are among the most dangerous. Too often drivers look once, quickly, and don't scan for smaller vehicles such as motorcycles. Dingman agrees.

"If all drivers would make a conscious effort to look twice before turning left across the oncoming lane of traffic at an intersection, lives would be saved," he states.

If, despite the month of safety events, you are injured in a motorcycle accident, please do not hesitate to contact your experienced, aggressive personal injury lawyer at Tavss Fletcher for your free consultation.

Prince William County's Roller Coaster Road Offers a Dangerous Thrill

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)22716 — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Accidents happen. However, when accidents continue to happen, on the same stretch of roadway, something must be done. Logmill Road, in the Bull Run Mountain area of Virginia has been the site of seven deaths since 2000. Every one of the deaths was caused by a serious accident involving young people.

Jonathan Perok, spokesperson for Prince William County Police, stresses that the road itself is not the problem. The problem is speeding.

"There are issues with speeding on the road," said Perok. "The road itself is not dangerous. Drivers often ignore posted signs which line that road. That's what leads to the crashes. "

The long list of those who have lost their lives or have been seriously injured during an accident on the so called "Roller Coaster Road" contains one common theme: speed and alcohol. Though some accidents have multiple causes speed is the constant in the equation.

Though police have posted and enforced the 40 mph speed limit, people continue to speed, and continue to crash.

The staff and attorneys at the personal injury law firm of Tavss Fletcher hope that more parents, and young people, work to prevent accidents, on Logmill Road and across Virginia, by maintaining the posted speed limit.

Do You Know How to Help Your Teen Avoid an Accident in Virginia?

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)22705 — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Teens make three driving mistakes that cause the majority of teen car accidents in Virginia and nationwide. Though we often associate teen driving with speeding, three other factors account for the majority of car accidents involving teenagers. The mistakes, failing to scan the road, misjudging driving conditions and becoming distracted, must be addressed by both parents and driver education instructors.

Parents must be proactive in teaching their teens the best way to avoid an accident. One key skill is scanning the road and the side of the road for possible hazards. Too often, new drivers focus on the road directly ahead of them instead of looking for dangers around them. To help your child learn these scanning skills ask them to identify the color of the truck three cars ahead of theirs or the color of the jacket of a child on the sidewalk. Doing so, without being a distraction, will help your teen driver improve their peripheral scanning skills and, hopefully, avoid an accident.

In addition, allow your teen to navigate wet and snowy roads in empty streets or parking lots to ensure that they know how to drive in these dangerous conditions. Also, practice what you preach and avoid distractions while driving, stressing how important focusing on the road is.

Another, more surprising factor, is the possible connection between early school start times and teen accidents. A study done in Virginia showed that an early start time, 7:20 versus 8:30, accounted for a 41% higher weekday crash rate. More work is being done to determine what factors account for the dramatic increase in weekday crashes among teen drivers.

ODU Students Selling More Than Used Textbooks- Drug Charges Pending

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)22704 — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Police allege that a pair of Old Dominion University students took their study of economics from the classroom to the streets. Daniel Reich and David M. Drewry have been arrested on multiple drug charges.

The charges stem from a police investigation that began when drug dogs hit on some packages that had been mailed from California to a home off west 41^st Street in Norfolk. Police reports indicate that the packages contained six pounds of marijuana.

When the packages of pot were discovered, police set up a sting. An undercover officer delivered the package. When Reich accepted it he was arrested and charged with possession with intent to sell or distribute marijuana, transporting a controlled substance into Virginia and possession of controlled substances. Drewry has been charged with possession of marijuana, two counts of possession of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm while in possession of drugs.

According to the police affidavit, Reich admitted to police that he has been receiving "two or three pounds of marijuana weekly".

At the time of this report attorneys had not yet issued a statement on behalf of their clients. The criminal law attorneys at Tavss Fletcher will be watching this story closely and will bring you updates as they become available.

Spines Fracture- Doctors Misdiagnose- You Suffer

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)22656 — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Car accidents can be devastating. But what if you walk away from the accident with no apparent injuries? Your doctor gives you a clean bill of health. However, if your physician missed a spinal fracture she has left you at an increased risk of future fractures, a stooped back, chronic pain and even disability.

A new report by the International Osteoporosis Foundation shows that as many as two-thirds of spinal osteoporotic fractures are go undiagnosed by doctors. Professor John Kanis, President of the IOF, has seen firsthand the devastating, long-term effects of under diagnosis.

"The widespread under-diagnosis and lack of treatment of spinal fractures, leaves millions of people around the world with chronic pain, deformity, disability and at a high risk of future fractures.

In women the effects are particularly serious. In untreated women as many as one in five will sustain another fracture within twelve months. Though we should be able to trust that our doctor will properly diagnose such a potentially serious injury, the report proves otherwise. Therefore it is important that you are able to recognize the signs of spinal fracture. Signs include stooped back, loss of height and sudden severe back pain. However, fractures can be diagnosed only through an x-ray.

If you believe your Virginia car accident has injured your back, especially if you are a woman over 50, insist that your spine is checked for possible fractures. Doing so may very well protect the health of your spine and your quality of life!

Virginia Beach Truck Driver Caused Accident- Fell Asleep at Wheel

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)22405 — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Timothy Paul McKelvey, a Va. Beach truck driver, caused a serious accident when he fell asleep at the wheel of his 18-wheeler. McKelvey was transporting blood plasma when he fell asleep, drifted onto the side of the road and overturned on I-64 near Portsmouth, Va.

According to Virginia State Police the large truck caught fire after it overturned, spilling fuel, stopping traffic and wrecking the truck. Due to the possibility of spilt fuel and the type of load being carried, the hazmat team was called to the scene of the accident to handle cleanup.

The fire was put out and a crane was used to right the truck. Interstate 64, which had been closed since roughly 2 a.m., was reopened shortly before 11:00 a.m. The driver was wearing his seatbelt and was fortunate to receive only minor injuries. He has been charged with reckless driving.

Drowsy driving is dangerous for both everyday commuters and commercial drivers. Though this accident involved only the driver of the truck, too many times drowsy and inattentive drivers cause serious accidents, even those involving loss of life. As personal injury attorneys we urge you to never drive when overly tired and if you are on the road and find yourself falling asleep please pull over and rest. Doing so may just save a life.

Teen Wrong-Way Driver Charged in Fatal Powhite Parkway Accident

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)21932 — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

March 30, 2011 - Chesterfield County, Va. - Two men from Chesterfield County were killed on March 19 when a vehicle that was traveling in the wrong direction hit their car on Powhite Parkway, according to a Richmond Times-Dispatch report.

The accident occurred near the overpass on Reams Road, state police said. The victims, 29-year-old Imad H. Elawar and 32-year-old passenger Sammer S. Ballout were pronounced dead at the scene. Their 2003 BMW was struck by a 2004 GMC Yukon.

The driver of the Yukon, a 17-year-old from Chesterfield, was headed north on the south side of the highway. The juvenile ran into the BMW sometime before 2:27 a.m., when state police arrived at the scene of the Powhite Parkway accident.

The teenager sustained minor injuries and was transported to VCU Medical Center. He has been charged with driving under the influence, and he was released on a summons.

Police have determined that alcohol and speed contributed to the accident. After police consult with the commonwealth's attorney's office in Chesterfield County, the teenager might face additional charges.

When negligent driving leads to serious injuries or the death of a loved one in Virginia, you should consider filing a personal injury claim with the assistance of an attorney. Since Virginia is a pure contributory negligence state, you will lose out on compensation if you are found to be even 1% at fault in an accident.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2009 there were 757 fatalities as a result of vehicle accidents in Virginia.

As a service to the residents of Norfolk and the surrounding areas, our firm will frequently publish blogs about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in Northern Virginia that may result in serious injury or traffic fatalities.

Common accidents include, but are not limited to:

single-car accidents;
hit-and-run accidents;
accidents caused by hazardous road conditions; and
accidents caused by aggressive driving or distracted drivers.

If you have been named in this blog or you are the victim's family member or friend and would like the blog posting removed from our website, please feel free to contact us and we will promptly accommodate your request.

Virginia Beach Woman Dies after SUV Runs Off the Chesapeake Bay Bridge

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)21931 — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

March 28, 2011 - Virginia Beach, Va. - The driver of an SUV apparently lost control of the vehicle at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and drove into the water on the morning of March 15, according to a Richmond Times-Dispatch report.

Jean Calcagno's body was recovered from the wreckage later that day. The 51-year-old had resided in Virginia Beach. Authorities had been searching for the SUV after they heard reports that 2 people were in the vehicle.

The accident occurred near the 8-mile post of the bridge and a helicopter, dive team and boats participated in search and rescue efforts.

Local police have determined that Calcagno was the only occupant of the SUV. Virginia Beach police and Chesapeake Bay Bridge Police are still investigating the accident.

SUVs can lead to serious accidents and injuries because of their high center of gravity, which puts them at risk for rollover accidents. When an SUV rolls over it can go off the road or flip and land on the roof, causing life-threatening injuries to the occupants.

If you have been the victim of an accident in Virginia caused by someone else's negligence, you should consult with an attorney because Virginia is a pure contributory negligence state. Therefore, if you are found to be partially responsible for an accident, you will not be allowed to recover damages.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2009 there were 757 fatalities as a result of vehicle accidents in Virginia.

As a service to the residents of Norfolk and the surrounding areas, our firm will frequently publish blogs about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in Northern Virginia that may result in serious injury or traffic fatalities.

Common accidents include, but are not limited to:

single-car accidents;
hit-and-run accidents;
accidents caused by hazardous road conditions; and
accidents caused by aggressive driving or distracted drivers.

Man's Alcohol Use May Have Led to Girlfriend's Death in Gloucester Hit and Run

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)21930 — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

March 30, 2011 - Gloucester, Va. - A man who has been accused of hitting his girlfriend in a fatal Gloucester hit and run told police that he was drinking that day, according to a DailyPress.com report.

He also said he had lit a cigarette at the time of the accident earlier this month, which caused him to be distracted.

The man, 34-year-old Frank James West Jr., faces charges of felony hit and run, driving on a revoked license and reckless driving. The victim, Megan Hogge, also 34, was discovered in a ditch on March 2 on Cooks Landing Road.

Based on a search warrant, West said he went home after the collision and mentioned it to his father. When his father traveled to the accident scene, West fled. The elder West found Hogge lying in the ditch and unresponsive. He then had a neighbor call 911.

Deputies arrived to find the woman still unresponsive with significant injuries. They determined that she was hit by the F-150 truck West was driving at the time, which was found damaged a few miles away.

West later turned himself in and told police that he hit something as he lit a cigarette. He also said he was drinking earlier. It is unclear why Hogge, who has children with West, was walking in that area.

She was transported to a hospital and died later that day.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2009 there were 757 fatalities as a result of vehicle accidents in Virginia.

As a service to the residents of Norfolk and the surrounding areas, our firm will frequently publish blogs about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in Northern Virginia that may result in serious injury or traffic fatalities.

Common accidents include, but are not limited to:

single-car accidents;
hit-and-run accidents;
accidents caused by hazardous road conditions; and
accidents caused by aggressive driving or distracted drivers.

Teen Dies after I-264 Pedestrian Crash in Norfolk

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)21625 — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

March 18, 2011 - Norfolk, VA - A teenage pedestrian who had been on life support after he tried to cross busy Interstate 264 in Norfolk on March 7 has died from his injuries, according to a report on Wavy.com.

A pickup truck ran into John Snowden III, 18, of Chesapeake, near the Downtown Tunnel around 7 p.m., Virginia State Police said. He was crossing the eastbound lanes of traffic to reach Berkley Avenue when he was hit.

The driver of the pickup, Christopher Jorgensen, 36, of Virginia Beach, swerved when he saw Snowden, but he ended up clipping the young man. Police said Jorgensen will not be charged in the pedestrian accident.

A family friend said Snowden's parents were in shock and they didn't know why their son was trying to cross the six-lane highway, but a police spokesperson said he had been looking for a shortcut to get to Berkley.

The Downtown Tunnel's west lanes had to be closed for several hours as paramedics and police responded to the I-264 pedestrian crash. The on-ramps at City Hall Avenue and, St. Paul's Boulevard were also shut down. Shortly after 10 p.m. all lanes and ramps had re-opened.

Snowden was a 2010 graduate of Deep Creek High School and had been working two jobs.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2009 there were 757 fatalities as a result of vehicle accidents in Virginia.

As a service to the residents of Norfolk and the surrounding areas, our firm will frequently publish blogs about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in Northern Virginia that may result in serious injury or traffic fatalities.

Common accidents include, but are not limited to:

single-car accidents;
hit-and-run accidents;
accidents caused by hazardous road conditions; and
accidents caused by aggressive driving or distracted drivers.

Several Injured in Norfolk Crash at N. Military Highway Shell Station

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)21437 — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

March 8, 2011 - Norfolk, Va. - A 3-vehicle crash that damaged a gas station pump sent several victims to the hospital on February 2.

WAVY.com reports that the accident took place around 7 a.m. at the Shell gas station on North Military Highway. While 3 vehicles in total were involved, only 1 struck the gas pump. Fortunately, this collision did not result in a fire or explosion at the gas station.

Several of the vehicle occupants were taken to nearby hospitals with injuries. Police are still investigating the details of the cause of the crash in Norfolk, and the identities of the victims and the extent of their injuries have not been made public. At this point, there is no indication whether charges have been or will be filed in connection with the accident.

Crashes involving multiple vehicles and victims can often create a complex Virginia personal injury claim. As an injured victim, you will need to prove that you were not at fault in any way for the accident and your injuries if you are seeking to recover damages.

Virginia is a contributory negligence state, meaning if you were found even slightly at fault for causing the accident and your injuries your Virginia personal injury claim will be denied. This law makes it critical to having good legal help from a Virginia personal injury lawyer, as they can help you best prove the negligence of the other drivers and/or pedestrians were the cause of the accident and your injuries.

If you have been in a multiple-vehicle accident that has several others claiming damages and negligence you need to be diligent in your own case. Be careful when giving statements about the accident to anyone - police, witnesses, insurance adjusters - and consult with your Virginia personal injury lawyer first before talking to anyone about the accident.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2009 there were 757 fatalities as a result of vehicle accidents in Virginia.

As a service to the residents of Norfolk and the surrounding areas, our firm will frequently publish blogs about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in Northern Virginia that may result in serious injury or traffic fatalities.

Common accidents include, but are not limited to:

single-car accidents;
hit-and-run accidents;
accidents caused by hazardous road conditions; and
accidents caused by aggressive driving or distracted drivers.

If you have been named in this blog or you are the victim's family member or friend and would like the blog removed from our website, please feel free to contact us and we will promptly accommodate your request.

Virginia Cities, Towns Still Immune From Wrongful Death Lawsuits

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)20669 — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Currently, Virginia towns, cities and municipalities are immune from personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. This fact was highlighted this summer when a Virginia Beach man was hit and killed by the driver of a trash truck. The bill would have applied the current state liability cap of $100,000 on suits brought against any city in Virginia.

Proponents, such as Del. Kenny Alexander, D-Norfolk, believe those who have been, for example, injured during a car accident with a city employee should be allowed to sue for damages.

"Localities should be accountable for the negligence and wrongful acts" of employees, said Alexander.

However, opponents of the bill worry that even with the cap in place many small towns would go bankrupt if a suit was filed against them.

Opponents of the bill have won this round. It has not, and likely will not, make it out of committee this year.

Virginia Bill Would Ban Children from Riding on a Motorcycle

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)20668 — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Virginia already has laws that pertain to child vehicle safety. However, lawmakers, police officers and other concerned parties worry about children who are allowed to ride on the back of motorcycles. Currently there is no law against allowing children to ride along with their parents, yet children under eight are required by law to be in an approved child car seat or booster seat.

One lawmaker wanted to close this loophole, making it illegal for young children to ride along with their parents. Between 2005 and 2009 one child under the age of nine died and 23 others were injured during a motorcycle accident. Police are concerned that the dramatic increase of motorcycle use in Virginia has caused many parents to use a motorcycle to transport their children.

However, opponents of the bill believe that the near lack of serious injuries and deaths of children on motorcycles shows that the law is unnecessary. In addition, they point parental judgment and individual rights as reason enough to kill the bill.

It now seems that opponents of the ban will have their wish. The bill was recently tabled by a subcommittee and is not likely to advance any further.

Spice Becomes Illegal in Virginia

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)20667 — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

After a sharp spike in Spice related illnesses and disturbances, police and lawmakers in Virginia took notice. The drug, a synthetic form of marijuana, is often labeled "herbal incense" and sold in gas stations and head shops across Virginia. The synthetic pot has been popular among service members and young people in Norfolk and across the state. However, a new law, scheduled to take effect in June, makes possession of the drug or any of its components illegal.

VA lawmakers voted unanimously to pass a bill that makes Spice illegal to possess. Spice is also known as K2, the Happy Shaman and Scooby Snax. If signed into law by the governor, possession or possession with intent to distribute less than a half ounce will be a class 1 misdemeanor. Manufacturing and possession over half an ounce will be considered a felony offense.

Currently, twelve bills that deal with the drug have been introduced to the Senate. Others would make the drug a schedule 1 controlled substance, the same category as marijuana and heroin, and make buying, selling or possessing any of the chemical compounds used in the manufacture of the drug illegal.

The Virginia Beach criminal law attorneys at Tavss Fletcher continue to keep a close eye on this story and will bring you updates here and on our blog.

Virginia Marijuana Possession Bill Dies in Committee

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)20666 — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

A bill that would have made possession of marijuana in Virginia a civil penalty instead of criminal has died in committee.

Delegate Harvey Morgan proposed the bill, which was voted on by the criminal law subcommittee of the House of Delegates Courts of Justice Committee in Richmond. The committee effectively killed the bill, meaning that it cannot be introduced for another year.

Del. Morgan was surprised and upset by the committees' rejection of the bill. He, like many others, believes that simple marijuana possession is a burden on the justice system and on first time offenders. Though he does not advocate the use of marijuana he doesn't believe that the criminalization of possession of pot is fair.

"Anyone who has that on a record finds that it is an absolute barrier to employment for a commercial driver's license, to work in a health care profession, to be a teacher," said Morgan.

It seems that this issue is not dead for Morgan. He is reportedly planning to reintroduce a marijuana decriminalization bill in 2012.

The Virginia criminal defense lawyers at Tavss Fletcher are very interesting in the outcome of this legislation and will keep you informed when it is once again proposed to the Senate.

Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Filed by Virginia Plastic Surgery Patient

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)20665 — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Plastic surgery is very often considered cosmetic. Many think that this releases the surgeon from some liability, as the patient elected to get the cosmetic surgery. However, plastic surgery patients in Virginia and across the nation have the same rights to sue for medical malpractice as any other wronged patient.

An example of a plastic surgery patient suing for surgical mistakes involves a Carrollton, Virginia woman. While stationed near Las Vegas in 2009 with her husband, an Air Force officer, the woman, Gwen Haden, underwent breast augmentation surgery. The surgery was performed at the Mike O'Callahan Federal Hospital in Nevada and though there were no illnesses or injuries associated with the surgery, it was soon discovered that the implants Haden had received were too small. Though she had ordered 300cc implants she was given 250cc implants that had been overfilled to 270cc's.

Haden is now suing the U.S. government, as the surgery took place in a VA hospital. She is seeking $150,000 in damages. These damages, if won, would pay for reoperation costs, attorney fees and pain and suffering.

The Virginia medical malpractice attorneys at Tavss Fletcher know all too well that cosmetic surgery has the potential to harm just as much as medically necessary procedures. If you have been the victim of a medical mistake please contact an experienced med mal lawyer for your free consultation.

Virginia Beach Teacher Cleared of Felony Drug Charges

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)20456 — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

The criminal defense attorney of a Virginia Beach teacher arrested for felony drug trafficking charges has announced that she has been cleared of most of the charges against her. From the beginning the teacher and her attorney have maintained her innocence and now, thanks to a confession from her son, it looks as though she will escape prosecution.

The ordeal began when the 22-year veteran teacher accepted a FedEx package. Though she was unaware of it at the time, the package was delivered by police, who knew that the computer towers in the box were full of six pounds of marijuana. The drugs were detected at a FedEx building. Police found the drugs, repackaged them and sent them to their intended destination.

Though the teacher accepted the package it appears she had no idea what was inside. Her son admitted that he was responsible for the delivery of the package and that he didn't know his mother would be home when it was delivered. The son, Kenneth Mahler, is facing one count each of possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and conspiracy to distribute five pounds or more of the drug. His mother is still facing one charge of accessory after the fact but court records show that this charge will be appealed.

Virginia Beach Family Awarded $2.3 Million in Birth Injury Case

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)20326 — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

A recent settlement in a Virginia medical malpractice lawsuit awarded $2.3 million to the family of a permanently disabled child. The child, now five, was showing signs of distress when her mother checked into the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center. However, nurses and doctors did not immediately respond to the distress and the baby was born via c-section with extensive and permanent neurological injuries to include cerebral palsy.

She was intubated and taken to Children's Hospital of The Kings Daughters. During the c-section it was discovered that the placenta had detached from the uterine wall, causing a loss of oxygen to her brain.

The federal government will be responsible for paying the family the $2.3 million. Of this total the family's attorney will receive approximately $675,000. $54,000 will go toward current medical bills and the rest, $1.57 million, will be placed in a trust fund to provide care for the child.

Though a trial was set for December 7, court records indicate that the family and the government had been in settlement discussions for several months.

Virginia attorneys and physicians have just agreed to a new medical malpractice cap agreement. The current cap is set at $2 million. Under the new agreement the cap will raise by $50,000 each year from 2012 to 2031.

Virginia Doctors, Attorneys Agree on Medical Malpractice Cap

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)20275 — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

While many feel that a cap on medical malpractice lawsuits limits the victims ability to be properly compensated for injuries, illness or death, others say that without a cap doctors cannot afford to work in Virginia. The debate has continued for some time, but the Medical Society of Virginia and the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association have finally come to an agreement that they both believe is fair to both injured patients and doctors.

Currently, the medical malpractice cap is frozen at $2 million. The new deal will allow for a $50,000 increase each year beginning in 2012 and ending in 2031. Both doctors and attorneys hope that the increase will keep pace with inflation and the rising cost of medical care without making any drastic changes to doctors' medical malpractice insurance rates.

Virginia law concerning medical malpractice is unique in several ways. The Virginia Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Program is set up to pay for the lifetime medical expenses of children who are injured during birth. This program keeps these cases out of the court system and helps ensure proper compensation for the child and their family. In addition, Virginia limits both economic and non-economic awards in malpractice suits. Larry Smart, president of the Physician Insurers Association of America, believes that these factors allow for moderate insurance costs for doctors who choose to practice in Virginia.

The medical malpractice attorneys at Tavss Fletcher are glad to hear that an agreement has been reached. We hope that those injured or made ill during a medical procedure or due to a medication mistake are able to continue to seek reasonable compensation for their injuries or illness.

Accident on Va. Route 95 Involves 52 Vehicles, Injures 10

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)20036 — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Multiple traffic accidents kept the Virginia Department of Transportation, local and State Police busy yesterday. The accidents were being blamed on the snowy conditions along Route 95 near Dale City, Virginia. However, driver error was also to blame, as drivers continued to drive too fast for conditions and follow too closely to the vehicle ahead of them.

One major accident was caused by a truck/tractor trailer accident in the southbound lanes of 95. This accident caused a chain reaction. In the end, the initial two-vehicle crash lead to a 52 vehicle collision in which four semis were involved, along with two other commercial vehicles. There were no deaths reported but ten motorists were taken to area hospitals.

Near the Dale City rest area another serious, but not deadly, accident was reported. The involved motorists suffered only minor injuries.

Though the snow, which reached one to two inches in parts of the state, finished by midmorning, ice and slippery conditions will continue to be a threat this week and throughout the winter.

The personal injury attorneys at Tavss Fletcher encourage you to slow down whenever slippery conditions exist. This simple step can help you avoid an accident and maybe even save a life.

Virginia Beach Accident Victim Awarded $215 K for Shoulder Injury

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)19912 — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Virginia Beach accident caused by an epileptic event highlights the dangers of driving with certain medical conditions. The at-fault driver was said to have suffered from a hypoglycemic event when he lost consciousness and hit another car. The impact of the two vehicle crash left the other driver with a serious shoulder injury.

The insurance company of the at-fault driver was, initially, not willing to pay for the drivers injury or damage to the car. They asserted that this was an isolated incident and that the medical condition caused the accident, not driver fault. However, attorneys for the victim argued that the driver knew or should have known about the risks of driving with his condition. After they subpoenaed the at-fault drivers medical records the insurance company quickly agreed to a fair settlement.

Medical records showed that the at-fault drivers medical condition had previously caused auto accidents. This clearly showed that he was aware of the risks of driving. The driver insurance company agreed to a $215,000 settlement for the accident victim. This sum will cover the drivers medical expenses, rehabilitation and pain and suffering associated with the shoulder injury.

Virginia Drug, Protective Order Laws May Change

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)19885 — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

The Virginia State Crime Commission has recommended altering several laws that affect the new synthetic drug Spice and protective orders. The proposed changes will be considered by lawmakers next month.

The Commission has suggested that the synthetic drug Spice or K2 be made illegal in Virginia. Though they did not recommend specific penalties for the possession of the product they do hope that the legislature will move to treat the synthetic marijuana as a controlled substance. If the drug is made illegal punishments for possession or distribution would be the same as actual marijuana.

The other current laws that may be affected surround protective orders. The Commission proposed changes to both family abuse and stalking. Proposed changes include eliminating a requirement that a criminal warrant must be issued before a protective order is granted. Sexual and domestic violence victims' advocates applaud the proposed changes but would like to see lawmakers expand the new laws to cover dating relationships.

Virginia is not the only state proposing laws that ban synthetic marijuana. State and federal authorities are making moves to outlaw the chemicals used to produce synthetic marijuana.

Norfolk, Va. Man Sentenced to 15 years in Prison on Drug, Gun Charges

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)19616 — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to the U.S. District Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of Virginia, Thaddeus Jones, age 31, has been sentenced after pleading guilty to his role in several drug deals. Jones had pleaded guilty to multiple charges in September of this year. According to court reports the Norfolk man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Jones was reported to have sold drugs on several occasions. The first exchange occurred in July, 2009. Jones sold over 54 grams of cocaine base to an undisclosed buyer. Jones received $2000 in cash during the transaction which took place at the Janaf Shopping Center in Norfolk. In August 2009 and December 2009, Jones made two other sales in exchange for an undisclosed amount of cash.

In April 2010 agents from the Norfolk Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) obtained an arrest warrant for Jones. He was later arrested outside an apartment he was staying at in Virginia Beach. At that time police recovered more cocaine powder, cocaine base, drug paraphernalia, over $2700 in cash and three semi-automatic pistols, two of which were loaded.

Hampton Police Accused of Wrongful Arrest, Assault

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)19674 — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

A 15-year-old girl was babysitting at her sister's house when Hampton Police entered the home while executing a search warrant. According to police the teen refused to get off of the phone when the police entered and became combative. She has been charged with resisting arrest and assault and battery on a police officer. However, the girls family and now, the NAACP, see things differently.

During the event the young woman received lacerations on her cheek and back. She also suffered a sprained right shoulder. The girl's mother, Eula Street, maintains that the cuts on her daughters back will leave permanent scars and that she still has pain in the injured shoulder. In addition, she claims that police detained her daughter for three days and refused to allow her medical treatment until they were made to do so.

The NAACP, along with area attorneys, are asking that an outside law enforcement agency investigate the Hampton Police Department's actions. The arresting officer has been cleared of any wrongdoing after an internal investigation.

Though no legal action has been initiated, the family of the girl are still considering legal action against both the arresting officer and the Hampton Police Department.

Massive VW Recall Affects Virginia, North Carolina

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)19609 — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

The possibility of leaking fuel lines has prompted Volkswagen to recall at least 377,00 cars in the United States, many of which are being driven in Virginia. The current recall affects the Golf, Rabbit, Jetta, Jetta Sportswagen, New Beetle and Rabbit models.

The issues stems from a plastic tab on the windshield fluid container that may rub against a fuel line and cause a leak to occur. Though there have been no reports of fire, injuries or crashes related to the fuel line issue, VW will be paying for its dealers to inspect all vehicles covered by the recall. Dealers will be either removing the plastic tab, adjust the clamp or replacing the fuel line. Volkswagen believes that this will correct the problem and prevent dangerous fires and accidents.

Volkswagen is not the only auto manufacturer to have announced massive recalls in the past year. Toyota faced multiple recalls, even lawsuits, after multiple safety issues were found in many of their vehicles. These issues, some surrounding faulty brakes, caused several serious accidents.

If you believe the recall affects you please click here to find a VW dealer near you.

The attorneys of Tavss Fletcher hope that by providing you with current recall information you can fix the potentially dangerous leak before it causes a serious accident or fire.

Drowsy Driving Dangerous to Virginia Motorists

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)19392 — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Drowsy driving. Though most of us have done it, this dangerous behavior should be taken more seriously. Driving while fatigued is dangerous for not only the driver themselves but for all motorists they share the road with. A study done by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety of NHTSA has shown that drowsy driving causes more than 5,500 traffic deaths each year and is a factor in upwards of 17 percent of all fatal crashes.

Earlier estimates had shown that driving while overly tired was a factor in just 2-3 percent of accidents. However, Peter Kissinger, president and CEO of the AAA Foundation, is concerned that even the higher estimate is not correct.

"Many researchers believe drowsy driving has been underreported and underestimated," says Kissinger. "That's one of the reasons we took this on. We have long suspected the true magnitude and scope of drowsy driving have been underreported."

The National Sleep Foundation has issued the following list of warning signs to be aware of while you are driving. If you experience any of the following behaviors stop driving and rest.

Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking and/or heavy eyelids.
Difficulty keeping daydreams away.
Trouble keeping your head from dropping.
Drifting from your lane, swerving, tailgating or hitting rumble strips.
Inability to clearly remember the last few miles driven.
Repeated yawning.
Feeling restless, irritable or aggressive.

As Virginia large truck accident lawyers we too often see truck drivers who push themselves to drive, despite being overly tired. However, as everyday commuters and drivers, we too must be aware of the dangers of drowsy driving. If you feel tired please find a safe place to pull over and rest. Doing so may very well save your life.

Virginia I-95 Truck Accident Leads to Injury, Reckless Driving Charge

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)19173 — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

A 2007 International Tractor with dual trailers was involved in a serious, one truck accident near Ashland and Hanover, Va. The accident occurred just after noon on Interstate 95. The driver, Raymond E. Doggett, was transported to VCU medical center where he was treated for serious injuries. No other vehicles were involved and no other injuries reported.

The driver, from Raleigh, N.C., has been charged by Virginia State Police with reckless driving. Police say the trucker allowed his truck to drift off of the road and onto the shoulder. He then overcorrected and flipped the rig, blocking the interstate and causing major traffic delays.

None of the rigs contents, not disclosed by police, were spilled onto the road and the fuel tank remained intact, helping minimize the clean-up efforts.

This accident was one of just three along I-95 that same day. Mere hours later another large semi-truck crashed in Henrico County, just nine miles south of the original accident. An hour later a third crash occurred along the same highway, this time in Chesterfield County, 22 miles south of the Henrico wreck.

Reckless and distracted driving is all too common among truck drivers in Virginia and across the nation. The personal injury attorneys at Tavss Fletcher hope that the driver makes a full recovery from his injuries and are glad that no other motorists were injured during the multiple collisions.

Proper Child Seat Use Still an Issue in Virginia

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)19147 — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

The good news? Fewer children were injured or killed in 2009 compared with 2008. The bad news? Too many children are not being restrained in the correct booster seat. The report, recently released by the NHTSA, shows that appropriate restraint systems for 4 to 7-year-old children is at only 55%. This means that 32 percent of 4 to 7-year-olds were using only a seatbelt and that 13 percent were not restrained at all.

The report classified child restraint systems into four categories: child safety seats (with harness strap, both forward and rear-facing), booster seats (without harness straps both high backed and backless), seat belts and unrestrained.

The information gathered was done so using the 2009 National Survey of the Use of Booster Seats (NSUBU) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The survey is part of an ongoing effort to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries among children ages 4 to 7.

Some of the more important information listed in the report includes:

At 41 percent booster seat use among 4 to 7-year-olds remains nearly the same from 2008.
45 percent of children ages 4 to 7 were not being properly protected in the car.
Restraint use for children ages 1 to 3 increased from 92 percent to 96 percent from 2008 to 2009.
Restraint use for all children under 13 remained unchanged at 89 percent.
There are indications that parents are still moving their child to a new restraint system too early. This means turning an infant to the forward facing position or their toddler into a booster before they are ready for the change.

As Virginia personal injury attorneys we see far too many children in our state injured during what could have been a minor, non-injurious accident. If you are unsure of the safety of your seat or if it is appropriate for your child please visit a local child seat inspection station.

Virginia State Police Increase DUI Patrols in Norfolk, Statewide

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)19107 — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Drinking and driving this weekend in Virginia could cost you. Over the Thanksgiving weekend, from Wednesday to Sunday, the Virginia State Police will be increasing patrols to 75 percent of their uniformed personnel. This massive effort is part of the nationwide Operation Combined Accident Reduction Effort, or C.A.R.E.

Another effort, the Motor Enforcement Accident Reduction, or M.E.A.R. will be increasing motorcycle patrols across Hampton Roads to include Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach.

Police have stated that their massive efforts are meant to deter people from drinking and driving. Last Thanksgiving 16 people died in accidents over the extended weekend. State and local officers will be looking for speeding, reckless or impaired drivers. They will also be ticketing those who are not wearing seatbelts or have not properly restrained their children.

Last year Operation C.A.R.E. was responsible for the citing over 13,000 drivers for infractions that ranged from impaired driving to speeding.

Though some may doubt the fairness of such massive citation campaigns the reality is that Virginia State Police will be out in force the next four days. Our criminal law and accident attorneys urge you to stay safe: Find a sober way home.

Simple Surgical Checklist Could Save Thousands

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)19079 — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to multiple recent studies a simple checklist, such as the one drawn up by the World Health Organization (WHO), could save at least half a million surgical patients each year. It is estimated that worldwide 234 million operations are preformed. A recent study, printed in the New England Journal of Medicine, shows that with the consistent use of the checklist, surgical complications were reduced by more than one-third and deaths were reduced by almost half.

Though some doubt that such a seemingly simple fix could save so many lives, the findings point to an increased commitment to teamwork for safety and improved communication among the surgical team. Researchers believe that these improvements are crucial to reducing the number of surgical patients who fall ill or die because of surgical errors.

The study has importance not only on a worldwide scale but right here in Virginia and North Carolina. If all hospitals made a concerted effort to improve the outcome of surgeries we would all benefit. Our medical malpractice attorneys have found, time and again, that medical mistakes can cause serious injury, illness and death. Hopefully our hospitals will take this study seriously and implement more effective ways to prevent surgical errors.

Surgical Mistakes Abound in Virginia, Across the Nation

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)18969 — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to the Institute of Medicine between 44,00 and 98,000 American die each year in U.S. hospitals from preventable medical errors. In addition, hospital deaths rank in the top ten leading causes of death in Virginia and across the nation.

A recent, very public, apology highlights the danger that patients face each time they go under the knife. In this case a hand surgeon was supposed to perform an operation to correct a trigger finger and instead performed an entirely different surgery for carpal tunnel. Having performed the wrong surgery the surgeon went back to his office to make notes when he realized his serious mistake. He then returned, explained the situation and performed the correct surgery.

While we would like to think that this kind of mistake is uncommon it happens all too often. In fact, patients who are going to undergo surgery have taken to marking the surgical site themselves with permanent marker.

How do so many mistakes occur? Though many in the industry have put multiple safety checks in place mistakes continue to occur. Dr. David Feldman is a chief safety officer and vice chair of surgery. He is an advocate of safety guidelines and regimented protocols. However, even he does not have a lot of faith that surgical errors will cease to exist.

"We as a society have an expectation of perfection, but it's unrealistic to think surgeries will be perfect," said Dr. Feldman. "Humans are not perfect beings, and there are always going to be mistakes."

Our medical malpractice attorneys have seen medical mistakes devastate families and cause permanent damage and death. We hope that awareness of the issue continues to reduce the number of people injured by medical errors in Virginia, North Carolina and across the nation.

Former Virginia Homicide Detective Found Guilty of Extortion Charges

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)18652 — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

After two days and eight hours of deliberation a federal grand jury has convicted retired Norfolk homicide detective Robert Glenn Ford of two extortion counts and one charge of lying to the FBI. Ford, of Virginia Beach, could face up to 20 years in prison for each extortion count and up to five years for the lying charge.

The charges against Ford have also brought new attention to the case of a murdered Navy wife. There were allegations that Ford forced confessions from four defendants. The four convicted men were released from prison by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine based on the questionable confessions.

Witnesses for the defense, to include Ford's former partners and co-workers, painted him as a respected investigator who solved nearly 200 homicides. However, other witnesses, including a man who says he delivered money to Ford from the criminal defendants, painted a picture of deep corruption. Ten convicted criminals testified that Ford took money from them to help them get out on bond or in exchange for reduced jail time or no jail time at all. Eight individuals testified that they paid the bribes and never provided him with information that helped solve homicides. Ford testified that the criminals were his informants.

It is believed that Ford's criminal defense attorney will appeal the decision.

Crossing Guard Hit, Injured at Virginia Beach School

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)18629 — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

School zones are clearly marked. Their lower speed limits and the presence of "School Crossing" signs keep most drivers focused and children safe. However, at Catholic High School, one drivers disregard for safety in a school zone seriously injured a crossing guard.

A female Deputy Sherriff was working as a crossing guard for Catholic High School in Virginia Beach, Va. when she was struck from behind. When the accident occurred in the 4500 block of Princess Anne Road, the crossing guard was in full traffic directing gear, which includes bright colored clothing with reflective strips.

An elderly man, 87 year old James Holloway of Virginia Beach, drove his car up behind her, hitting her from behind. The impact of the accident forced the officer onto the car's hood. She then fell to the ground. Reports indicate that she was taken to the hospital with intense pain and possible broken bones. Her injuries were not believed to be life threatening.

Holloway has been charged with disregarding a crossing guard.

The staff and attorneys at Tavss Fletcher hope that the officer is well on her way to making a quick and full recovery.

Will Marijuana Be Legalized in California, Virginia?

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)18556 — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Thousands of miles from Virginia a debate rages over the possible legalization of recreational marijuana. Though this debate seems far from home this type of law could very well come to our state as well. As criminal law attorneys who handle hundreds of marijuana possession and distribution cases each year we will be watching the legislation process very carefully.

Those on both sides of this heated debate are taking every issue surrounding the use of marijuana very seriously. One of these issues is driving under the influence. Many, including former Los Angeles Deputy Police Chief Stephen Downing, strongly believe that the current laws against DUI's, which include the use of driving under the influence of drugs, properly address this issue. He also asserts that the legalization would decrease the number of young people it affects.

"The important thing for the mothers of America to understand is what is increasing, and has been increasing for the last 30 years, is the availability of marijuana for 12-year-olds," Downing said.

According to the former Deputy Police Chief after pot was made legal in the Netherlands and Portugal, rates of its use did not increase.

Will recreational marijuana become legal? Only time will tell and we predict that the debate will rage on long after any legislative decisions are made.

Newport Police, Officials Worried About New Synthetic Street Drug

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)18394 — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

A new street drug is causing police and city officials to take notice. The drug, called Spice, is a synthetic blend of chemically treated, smokable leaves. Though it has been called a safer form of marijuana, over 1,500 calls related to the drug have been made to U.S. Poison Centers so far this year. Local reports from the Virginia Poison Center show that dozens of people have been taken to the emergency room for overdose or adverse reactions.

Patients who have taken the drug have suffered from elevated heart rates, seizures, heightened blood pressure and intense feelings of agitation and paranoia.

While police officials from Chesapeake and Virginia Beach do not consider the drug a serious problem, officials in Norfolk will not wait for the state to make the drug illegal. Norfolk's Convenience Store Task Force has been out force, targeting smoke shops and convenience stores known to carry the drug.

One local store was found to have mass quantities of the drug and closed soon after the city inspection. However, three other locations are still carrying it and advertise 15 different brands of "herbal incense". The drug is often packaged and sold as incense and has been popular among teens and military personnel.

Nationally, Alabama and Kansas have made the purchase and sale of the drug illegal. Del. Paula Miller, D-Norfolk, has submitted a request for legislation that would make the chemicals in Spice illegal. Similar bills are being considered by the State Crime Commission and the attorney general's office.

Strong Fall Storms Wreak Havoc on Suffolk County, Va.

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)18336 — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

A strong fall storm took its toll on Suffolk County, Va. Along with 35 auto accidents in a little over 24 hours, the storm downed power lines and flooded roads across the state. Little Fork Road at the state line was closed for some time and though other low lying roadways were not closed parks of North Main Street and Constance road did experience some minor flooding.

Of the 35 accidents twenty resulted in vehicle damage only and fifteen caused injuries that ranged from mild to mortal. The deadly accident is still under investigation by the Commonwealth's Attorney and no charges have yet been filed.

Another serious accident occurred on Holland Road. A Suffolk News-Herald paper carrier was turning left onto Holland when she was struck by a Franklin man. The carrier was taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for serious injuries related to the crash.

Police also responded to several tress and power lines that had fallen and were blocking roadways.

The staff and attorneys at Tavss Fletcher would like to send our sincere condolences to the family of the fatal accident victim.

Truck Accident in Figsboro, Va. Leads to Reckless Driving Charge

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)18027 — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

The recent rain around Virginia is said to have contributed to at least seven accidents in one day in Henry County. One of the more notable accident occurred when a Cheerwine delivery truck overturned in Figsboro, spilling its load of approximately 100 2-liter soda bottles into a residents yard.

Though the driver was unhurt in the accident, the truck and trailer tipped after they hydro-planed and ran off of the road. According to Virginia State Police Trooper D.W. McBride the truck dumped quite a lot of soda into the homeowners yard.

"There was an abundance of Cheerwine, rootbeer, ginger ale" and other drinks in the yard, McBride said. "An absolute abundance."

Residents were allowed to haul away as much pop as they could carry. One resident brought his pick-up truck and "loaded up as many as he could," said the trooper.

The driver, of Axton, has been charged with reckless driving. The truck was towed from the scene. The Collinsville Volunteer Fire Department and the Fieldale-Collinsville Rescue Squad, along with the Virginia State Police, responded to the accident.

Virginia Beach Teacher Surprised by Drug Arrest, Attorney Says

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)17968 — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Virginia Beach high school teacher was shocked when, after accepting a package that had been delivered to her home, she was arrested. Police arrested the 59-year-old Kellam High School teacher on charges of conspiracy, transporting controlled substances and selling marijuana, her attorney said.

Darcy M. Mahler, of Virginia Beach, is denying that she knew what was in the package. According to police the package contained several pounds of marijuana and a "white powdery substance. Police also seized a cell phone, paperwork and a vehicle.

In addition to the seizures, two others were arrested at the home. Britney Ballard and Devin King are facing the same charges as Mahler. Though the other two suspects have been released on bond King remains in custody at the Virginia Beach Correctional Center.

Though those that know Mahler believe she is innocent Kellam School District has suspended her without pay. According to her attorney, "This woman is not a drug dealer. She did not know this package was coming."

Multiple Truck Accidents on I-664 Injure Motorist, Virginia State Troo

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)17900 — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Two serious accidents near Chesapeake, Va. injured both a Virginia State Trooper and at least one motorist. The first accident occurred near Dock Landing Road. A vehicle, traveling at a high rate of speed, nearly hit a motorcycle officer who was conducting a traffic stop. The vehicle then lost control, went off the road and into a stand of trees.

Shortly after the initial accident the driver of a large tractor trailer failed to notice that traffic was stopped due to the accident. In an attempt to avoid a further collision the driver swerved and flipped his truck onto its side in the middle of the interstate. A second large truck then slammed into the flipped truck, causing another crash that sent this truck onto its side as well.

At least one motorist was taken to the hospital. The driver of the vehicle that caused the original accident has been charged with following too closely. The driver of the tractor trailer is also expected to be charged for his role in the serious accident.

One day before, very near the above accident, a Virginia State Trooper was hit by a semi-truck. The trooper is still recovering from serious injuries at Norfolk General Hospital. The driver of this tractor trailer has been charged with reckless driving.

The staff and attorneys at Tavss Fletcher hope that all injured parties are on their way to recovering fully and quickly from their injuries.

Virginia's Labor Day Weekend Safer than a Year Ago

blog@www.tavss.com (News Author)17572 — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

In Virginia and across the country Labor Day Weekend is synonymous with an increase in drunk driving and fatal accidents. Though this year Virginia State Police did respond to several deadly accidents and make multiple drunk driving arrests numbers were down.

This year Virginia State Police troopers responded to 378 crashes; 141 fewer than Labor Day Weekend 2009. Though any loss of life is unacceptable, this year the number of people who died in a crash was eight, nearly half as many as the same weekend last year.

In addition to assisting at the scenes of the many accidents, state police arrested 132 drunk drivers on DUI charges. Troopers also ticketed 8,836 speeders and 2,420 reckless drivers. Local police forces in Portsmouth and Virginia Beach conducted checkpoints across their cities.

In Portsmouth these checkpoints netted 64 tickets on charges that ranged from driving on a suspended license to DUI. Virginia Beach police reported that 401 cars traveled through their checkpoint. They issued three DUI's, one child restraint violation, one suspended license, one warrant served and 17 other citations.

Hopefully the trend in accident reduction will continue next year and 2011 will see no highway deaths or serious injuries over the holiday weekend.