Every year when major "drinking" holidays such as New Year's Eve come around there is a big emphasis on taking measures to prevent drunk driving.  These measures are great, and if they even prevent one person from drinking and driving they are a success.  That being said, drunk driving is more than just a holiday problem. and continues to be just as dangerous throughout the year.  

The National Transportation Safety Board conducted a safety alert in 2009, noting the dangerous nature of Drunk Drivers in the U.S.  Below are a few startling statistics to consider:

- One alcohol-impaired driving fatality occurs every 45 minues

- 10,839 people died in the U.S. from alcohol-impaired driving crashes in 2009

- Drivers with a B.A.C. of over .15 or people who were repeat offenders with a drunk driving arrest were involved in more than 70% of the fatal crashes.

These statistics are disheartening, and should serve as a reminder to all of us to be extra careful of other drivers on the roads, as it seems that some drunk drivers refuse to learn their lesson.  If you are the victim of a car accident because of the negligence of another driver, contact the personal care attorneys of Rutter Mills today for a free consultation of your legal rights.  

While every accident is certainly different, there are a few truths that apply across the board, and should be considered by anyone injured in an auto accident.  First, it is free to talk to a personal injury attorney. Sitting down and discussing your case costs you nothing, and can help you gain an understanding of your rights in the case.  Second, early investigation can make a big difference in your auto case.  Make no mistake about it, the insurance company is sending their highly trained team of investigators to find evidence and get witnesses to reinforce their side of the story.  An injury attorney like Rutter Mills has a talented team of investigators that can help level the playing field.  
The personal injury attorneys of Rutter Mills are here to help people injured in car accidents - we do it ever day.  We understand the process, and can help answer almost any question you have about your auto accident injury claim.  If you have been injured in an auto accident, call us today for a free consultation.  Remember when it comes to protecting you and your family's rights after an auto accident injury, an early consultation with a personal injury attorney can make a big difference. 

With Memorial Day Weekend just a few days ahead, the Virginia State Police are out in full force looking for drivers who aren't buckling up.  While estimates say that 80% of Virginia drivers are currently buckling up, the Virginia State Police's annual "Click it or Ticket" campaign is designed to increase this percentage.  While receiving a ticket for failure to wear a seatbelt is certainly inconvenient, it is very important to remember how important the use of a safety belt is.  Below are a few statistics about the importance of a seatbelt.

- 80% of all death to children in an auto accident could be prevented by properly securing seatbelts.

- As many as 17,000 lives could be saved each year by simply buckling up.

- For accident survivors, average medical costs are 50% higher for those not wearing a seatbelt.

- Almost 60% of passengers killed in auto accidents are not wearing seatbelts

- 73% of passengers that are ejected from a vehicle in an accident are killed.  Only 1% of passengers wearing a seatbelt are ejected from a vehicle in a car crash.

While wearing a seatbelt is an easy thing that we all can do, it can't prevent all accident related injuries.  If you or someone you know has been injured in an auto accident, be sure to contact the auto injury attorneys at Rutter Mills today.

The US Department of Transportation releases it's 2010 crash statistics this week,  showing the lowest level of traffic fatalities since 1949.  The number of traffic fatalities dropped 3% from 33,808 in 2009 to 32,788 last year despite the fact that Americans drove over 20 billion miles more.  The number works out to 1.09 traffic accident deaths for every 100 million miles traveled.  This number is significantly lower than when the number of traffic deaths peaked at 54,589 in 1972 - which had 4.33 deaths for the same number of miles traveled.

Safety experts attribute the drop to public awareness campaigns, safer road design, and improved vehicle safety.  Improvements like rumble strips median barriers and pavement markings have helped create safer roads, while airbags and stability control have created safer automobiles.  Roy Luck, director of research at Northwestern University's Center for Public Safety adds that "The philosophy of safe driving is beginning to become more and more ingrained in society"

As lawyers in the Personal Injury field, we see the devastating effects of serious auto accidents almost every single day.  While statistics like this are very encouraging, there is still a long road ahead.  With distracted driving on the rise, we need to continue to work towards keeping our roadways safe for our drivers.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently released a study on airbag deployment showing the increased risk of fatality in accidents that do not include airbags.  According to the study, out of the 2.5 million vehicles totaled and issued salvage titles by the insurance company, 40% are rebuilt and put back on the road for resale.  Many of these "salvage" titled cars are put back on the road without air bags, or with an improper airbag that may not function correctly.

 Since only a few states have laws regulating airbag system replacement, a buyer of a used vehicle may never know if they can expect their airbag to function properly in an accident.  Below are a few tips to help used car buyers ensure they get an airbag they can count on.

 - When you turn on the ignition, look for the airbag light to momentarily light.  If the light stays on or flashes, there may be a problem with the airbag.  If the light never comes on at all, this indicates that the bulb has been removed, and that there is most likely no airbag present.

- Have a mechanic you trust take a look at the used vehicle prior to purchase to make sure the airbag is working.

- Ask for a Carfax report on the vehicle, which will indicate any airbag deployments in the vehicle's history.  You only need a car's VIN number to attain a report.

A Georgia state court jury has held an alleged drunk driver responsible for $15 million in damages to a girl injured in a car accident. The jury wanted to attribute some portion of the liability to Chrysler, because the seat belt the injured girl was wearing broke during the accident.

The case began Jan. 1, 2007, when a Honda Accord driven by the alleged drunk driver ran a red light in and hit the right side of a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee carrying the plaintiffs. The girl was in the rear left-hand seat and wearing her seatbelt, according to the pretrial order. The impact caused a hinge pin at the base of her seat to pop out and she was pitched backward into the cargo compartment.

If you are injured in a car accident contact an auto accident attorney to get you and your family the compensation they deserve.

A 64 year old woman was struck and killed while in her wheelchair last Friday Constance Road near the Plaza West Shopping Center. She was struck by a Chevrolet SUV, who's driver was charged with driving on a suspended license.

This auto accident could have been avoided however resulted in a fatality. Accidents happen every day and it is important that people are aware of their surroundings. If you or a loved one is injured while crossing the street, on a bike, or in a vehicle you need to contact a personal injury attorney. Personal injury lawyers know the law and will help you get the compensation you deserve.