A new study conducted by the AAA Foundation shows a strong correlation between teen driver fatalities and the number of young passengers traveling in the video.  The study states specifically that there is a strong association between the number and age of passengers present in vehicle and the risk of a teen driver dying in a traffic crash.  The report shows that the likelihood of a 16 or 17 year old driver being killed in a crash, per mile driven, increases with each additional young passenger in the vehicle.  Compared to driving with no passengers, a 16 or 17 year old driver's fatality risk:

- Increases 44% when traveling with one passenger younger than 21

- Doubles when carrying two passengers younger than 21

- Quadruples when carrying three or more passengers younger than 21

- Drops 62% when carrying one passenger 35 years or older

The takeaway here is that there is a very real and serious risk that arrises with teens traveling together in cars that parents should be aware of.   If you are a parent of a teen driver, you can have a huge impact on the safety of your teen by simply talking to them about the risks that arise from distracted driving, and driving with other teenage friends.

This April marked the first official Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a new awareness program rolled out nationally with the full support of safety advocates, law enforcement agencies and the United States Department of Transportation.  Over the course of the month, state, local, and national government agencies joined to deliver the message "One Text or Call could wreck it all" with the intention of spreading awarenss of a growing problem in our country.  A recent study conducted by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration stated that distracted driving claims nearly 6,000 lives anually.

While we fully support the efforts of our government to raise the profile of a growing problem, we want to do our best to make sure that the issue remains in the forefront.  As personal injury lawyers dealing with auto accident claims every day, we are seeing more and more serious, and even fatal accidents coming as a result of texting and driving.  With summer, a traditionally dangerous time for teen drivers right around the corner it is important for parents to talk with their teens about the very real dangers of distracted driving.  

If you or someone you know has been injured by the negligence of another driver contact the personal care attorneys of Rutter Mills today for a free, no obligation consultation of your legal rights.

it is almost May, and all across Virginia it is clear that Spring has sprung.  Along with the warm weather come an influx of additional traffic on our roadways in the way of bikers and pedestrians out looking to enjoy the weather.  Over the course of the winter months, drivers for the most part have had the roads to themselves and need to readjust to the new members of the roads.  As with most defensive driving, awareness is key to avoiding auto accidents with pedestrians and bikers.  Be aware of the increased presence of these travelers, and double check your blind spots and turn radiuses for what may seem like smaller objects in the form of pedestrians and bikers.

As auto accident attorneys in the state of Virginia, we see more than our fair share of accidents involving automobiles and pedestrians, and they are more often than not extremely serious.  So now that spring is in the air, be careful and mindful of those we share our roads with.  If you are the pedestrian or biker in this scenario, there here are a few recommendations to keep you safe as well.  As always, remember if you are hurt in an auto accident, contact the personal injury attorneys of Rutter Mills for a free, no obligation consultation of your legal rights.

We've all seen the "Work Zone, Reduce Speed" signs on the road, and experienced the perceived inconvenience of having to reduce our speed despite not always seeing the work at hand.  Many of us may at times question the validity and the purpose of such a sign and a restriction, but make no mistake speeding in work zones is a serious issue.

In 2010 there were a total of 576 fatalities occurring from accidents in the work zone.  Many of these accidents men and women working along our highways being struck by drivers who could not be inconvenienced to slow down and heed the warnings of the Work Zone signs.  Working along our highways is a dangerous job, but a necessary component of the maintenance needed to keep our roads in working order.  The least we can do as drivers is respect the warnings, and try to provide a safe working environment for the workers who are working to keep the very roads we drive on safe.

Next time you see a "Work Zone, Reduce Speed" sign, please think about the hundreds of lives lost due to others not heeding this warning, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.  Drivers that speed in work zones are in clear violation of a very serious law.  If you have been injured due to the negligence of another driver, contact the Auto Accident Attorneys of Rutter Mills today for a free, no obligation consultation of your legal rights.

While we all know that tax time can be a stressful time, a new study shows that it can also be a dangerous time on the roadways.  According to a new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association the odds of getting into a fatal crash increase by 6% on tax filing day.  The study looked at the 6,783 people who died in car crashes in the United States over the last 30 years on April 15th, compared to the same day week before and week after.  The results show a 6% increase in the number of fatal auto accidents.

This is no surprise to Norfolk Auto Accident Attorney Brother Rutter.  "Stress leads to distraction, which ultimately leads to unfortunate accidents.  Whether it is taxes, or a cell phone a driver who is not focused is a dangerous driver."  Dr. Donald Redelmeier who wrote the study adds "One explanation is that stressful deadlines lead to driver distraction and worsen short-term human error."

Because we all share the roadways, this heightened risk does not just apply to late filers but to everyone on the road.   Stay focused on the roadways this tax season and be aware of the possibility of heightened danger in the cars around you.

A new law in the state of Virginia has cracked down on drivers who are convicted of DUI.  Beginning 7/1/12 anyone convicted of driving under the influence will be required to have their car equipped with an ignition interlock device.  The required device is a personal Breathalyzer that drivers mudt blow into before the vehicle will start.  Even a trace amount of alcohol in the drivers' system will prevent the car from starting.

This new law is just one of many measures that the state is taking to crack down on DUI's.  In 2010 37% of fatal accidents in the state of Virginia were alcohol related.  While many may object to certain details of this new law, the fact remains that DUI's are a real problem in our state and our country.

As auto accident lawyers in the state of Virginia, we see our fair share of injuries caused by drunk drivers.  Many of these accidents are absolute tragedies where a client was struck by a drunk driver causing serious injuries and even death.  Every one of these accidents is a tragedy and can be prevented by drivers choosing to make the right decision.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an auto accident due to someone else's negligence, contact the auto accident attorneys of Rutter Mills today for a free, no obligation consultation of your legal rights.

St. Patricks day is notoriously known as one of the most prevalent holidays for drunk driving.  The fact that this holiday falls on a Saturday this year does not help matters.  Local police will be out in full force with checkpoints and safety checks to do what they can to crack down on drunk driving, but they can only do so much.

This holiday weekend if you plan on drinking, please be smart and plan ahead so you don't take the chance of driving drunk.  Remember, even one or two drinks can impair your driving ability and drastically increase your risk for causing an accident.  Don't take the risk of causing an accident and hurting yourself and others in our community.

For the rest of us, be aware of your surroundings and understand that there is an increased risk on the roadways this weekend.  If you or someone you know is injured in an auto accident due to the negligence of another driver, call the personal care attorneys at Rutter Mills for a free, no obligation consultation of your legal rights.

Be Safe this Weekend!

As Auto Accident lawyers, we see our fair share of accidents caused by distracted drivers.  The majority of these distracted situation come as a result of cell phone usage and texting, but a recent accident in the news takes this to another level.  A recent auto accident that resulted in a woman hitting and ultimately killing a 70-year-old man is said to have been caused by a driver updating her Facebook status from her cell phone.  

Though the cause of this accident will still need to be played out in court, it serves as a warning to the perils of distractive driving as a result of in car technology.  Things happen fast, and no one ever expects this to happen to them but distracted driving is a very real problem.  No status update is worth taking a life.  

If you or someone you know has been in an auto accident caused by a distracted driver, contact the personal care attorneys of Rutter Mills today for a free, no obligation consutlation of your legal rights.

Every year, the North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety program embarks on it's "Booze It and Lose It" campaign, aimed at raising the awareness of the serious consequences of driving while intoxicated.  During this campaign the state police also step up law enforcement targeting impaired drivers in an effort to reduce accidents over the holiday season.  Last year, the campaign resulted in 3,800 DWI citations.  
One such awareness/enforcement measure comes in the form of what law enforcement calls the BAT mobile - a mobile blood alcohol testing field laboratory branded with the campaign's "Booze It and Lose It" slogan printed prominently on the side of the vehicle.   Last week, eight people including several officers and two suspects were inside of the BAT mobile when an NC resident hit the bus at 35-40 MPH.  It comes as no surprise that the at fault driver had been drinking and was charged with DWI.

This is just a dramatic example of the "Booze It and Lose It"  slogan in action.  As Virginia auto accident attorneys, we see the devastating effects of drunk driving almost every day.  As we represent the rights of the injured victims, we can't help but think about the avoidable nature of these senseless tragedies.  If you are drinking do not drive, it is that simple.  Make the decision before you start drinking, and don't leave it to chance.

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. 

A new study from the researchers at the Texas Transportation institute has determined that a driver's reaction time is doubled when distracted by reading or sending a text message.  This study, which was conducted in an actual driving environment shows that the impairment from texting and driving may be even worse than originally believed.
As anyone who has been in an auto accident knows, every millisecond is important when trying to avoid the crash.  Having your reaction time doubled is something that drivers can ill afford.  
Please drive safe on the roads, and leave your text messages until you safely arrive at your destination. 

While most of us may think of Halloween primarily as a children's holiday full of costumes and trick or treating, it is worth noting that there can be another nastier side of the holiday.  In fact, Halloween is considered one of the big "Drinking Days" , and is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year for local bars.
As with any time people are headed out to drink, it is worth reminding everyone about the consequences of drunk driving.  If you plan on leaving the home and drinking this Halloween, please make plans in advance to arrange a sober ride home.  Making the decision in advance takes the chance out of the situation, and can ensure that you don't make a bad decision.
As personal injury lawyers working primarily on Auto Accident cases, we see our fare share of devastation caused by drunk drivers.  This holiday, please do your part to keep the road a safer place for everyone.
Happy Halloween!

As I sat in Virginia Beach Circuit Court today, assisting one of our attorneys with an in-court presentation the gravity of the situation began to sit in.  Working for a law firm in an administrative capacity, I have the tendency to think of a law suit in more general terms, and not think about the actual courtroom.  When I was sitting in the courtroom, looking at the judge and the jury and taking in the whole situation one thing became very clear.  If I was involved in a lawsuit, I would want the lawyer sitting next to me to be someone that gave off a good impression to the judge, the jury, and everyone else in the courtroom.

As I watched one of our attorneys handle his clients case, I saw a passionate, knowledgable attorney standing up for a client who he truly believed was being wronged by the insurance company.  This positive impression affected me, and I truly believe it affected the jury members as well.  

At Rutter Mills, I see each of our attorneys working hard every day, fighting for the rights of our clients.  If push came to shove, and I was the victim of a serious accident, I know who I would want sitting next to me in the courtroom.  If you or someone you know is the victim of a serious injury, call Rutter Mills today for a free consultation of your legal rights.

To parents of teenagers it should come as no surprise that today's youth are doing a great deal of texting. As these teens get older and get their drivers license, this can become a huge and extremely dangerous problem if it is not addressed.
The FCC provides a few guidelines for dealing with teen drivers that can help parents communicate the gravity of distracted driving.
What You Can Do:
Give Clear Instructions - Give teen drivers simple, clear instructions not to use their phones wihile driving.  According to Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, the easiest way to say it is: "On the road, off the phone."  Before new drivers get their licenses, discuss the fact that taking their eyes off the road - even for a few seconds - could cost someone injury or death.
Lead by Example - Children learn from their paren't behavior.  No one should text and drive.  Be an example for your children and if you need to text or talk on the phone, pull over to a safe place.
The sooner we can express the seriousness of distracted driving to your teens, the safer the roadways will be for all of us.  

A 60 year old pedestrian who was walking across a parking lot toward a grocery store in Richmond last year was struck and run over by a defendant driver.  The defendant motorist who was backing out of a parking space was unaware she had struck the plaintiff, and continued backing until a witness on the sidewalk started screaming at her to stop.  The plaintiff, who was trapped under the car until being extricated by the fire department suffered multiple injuries including several fractures.
The jury found that the motorist was negligent in failing to maintain a proper lookout, and awarded the plaintiff with a $1,250,000 settlement.
If you are injured as a result of someone else's negligence, contact the personal care attorneys of Rutter Mills for a free, no obligation consultation of your legal rights.   

Summer is coming to a close, school is back in session, and you know what that means - FOOTBALL!  College football season is upon us, much to the delight of several local universities and their fans.  With Old Dominion, Norfolk State, and Christopher Newport all opening their 2011 football seasons at home this weekend, it is safe to say there will be a lot of good times to be had by students, alumni, and fans of their programs.

Unfortunately, along with those good times can come a fair share of danger from drinking and driving.  Between tailgating parties, sports bars, and home football viewing parties, alcohol consumption on game days is elevated to say the least.  The combination of alcohol consumption and the good time nature of a sporting event can lead to some carelessness behind the wheel with very serious consequences.

Studies show that the drinking and driving that surround college football games pose a serious public safety threat.  A 2009 University of Colorado study found that college football home games were associated with a 13% increase in DUI arrests in areas surrounding the games.  Additionally, a recent study by the University of Minnesota found that 8% of fans at college football games recorded BAC levels above the legal limit, with fans under 35 being nine times more likely to be legally drunk after the game than others.

There is nothing casual and fun about drunk driving.  As auto accident lawyers, we see the devastating effects of accidents caused by drunk drivers on a regular basis.  If you plan on drinking alcohol while cheering on your team this weekend - arrange a designated driver, call a taxi, or take public transportation.  Have fun, but be safe and understand the consequences of your actions can endanger everyone on the road, including yourself.

With the summer coming to a close, and school about to be back in session it is a good time to talk about teen driver safety.  Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention.  Drivers at the highest risk level are males, teens driving with passengers, and teen drivers who have had their drivers license for less than one year.  

As teen drivers go back to high school, there is generally a lot on their mind - and safe driving can tend to get lost in the mix.  I will never forget in the first weeks of my senior year of high school, a student was killed by the reckless driving of another student and it was one of the saddest things I have ever seen.  If you are the parent of a teen driver, please take a moment to express the gravity of the situation and put emphasis on safe driving.  Below are a few serious risk factors that should be addressed:
Wear Your Seat Belt - Teen drivers have the worst rates of buckling up of all drivers.  Seat Belts save lives every day, make sure your teen always wears their safety belt.
Avoid Risky Behavior - Speeding, Distracted Driving, Following too closely, and aggressive driving are high on the list of mistakes made by teen drivers.  Make sure your teen avoids this risky behavior at all costs.
Do not Drink and Drive - 33% of teen drivers in fatal auto accidents in 2009 tested positive for alcohol. 
Distracted Driving - Texting and Driving is a huge problem, and teen drivers are some of the biggest culprits.  
Talk to your teen and stress the importance of safety on the roadways this back to school season, you won't regret it! 

In the next few weeks schools in Hampton Roads will be back in session, and the roadways will be full of kids headed to to school.  SInce we have all had a summer free of school buses and child pedestrians on the road, it is worth noting a few extra precautions that we should all take to ensure safety on the roads for the children in our community.  Remember, children do not think about the risks of the roadways, so the responsibility is on the adult drivers to be extra cautious and to avoid accidents.  Below are a few tips to consider for the coming weeks.

School Buses
- Keep an extra distance when driving around a school bus. 
- Watch the bus's signals carefully.  Yellow lights signal that the bus is about to stop, and red lights with the stop sign mean children are getting on or off of the bus.  
- Never Pass a stopped school bus.
- When a bus is stopped and children are getting on or off (red light and stop sign extended), traffic must come to a complete stop in both directions.

Children Pedestrians
- Be extra cautious in residential neighborhoods and school zones.  Avoid speeding and distracted driving at all costs.
- Do not block crosswalks, as that forces pedestrians to walk outside of the crosswalk, and can put them in danger.
- Pay attention to signs and signals for school zones and pedestrian crossings.
- Remember that the responsibility is on you the driver, as children can be unpredictable.

As auto accident attorneys in the state of Virginia, we have seen our fair share of accidents involving children and they are always incredibly sad.  Please exercise caution on the roadways, and understand the risks of distracted driving 0 especially in school zones and residential neighborhoods.

As auto accident injury lawyers, we see our fair share of serious accidents caused by distracted drivers. Both talking on a cell phone while driving and texting while driving can distract a driver, and result in serious accidents and injuries.  Last month in England, a case was reported where a driver was seen doing both - at the same time.   A man was seen talking on one cell phone, and texting on another - leaving no hands on the steering wheel while driving 70 MPH on the highway.  The man was banned from driving for a full year by the British court system.

While this is an extreme case of negligence behind the wheel, smaller cases occur thousands of times a day causing devastating accidents along the way.  Please be careful behind the wheel, and understand how serious of an issue distracted driving really is.  If you or someone you know is involved in an accident due to the negligence of a distracted driver, contact the auto accident lawyers of Rutter Mills today for a free consultation of your legal rights.

The plaintiff was working on a traveling crew as a telecommunications lineman when he was rear ended in rush hour traffic by a defendant who had fallen asleep at the wheel.  The impact of the accident sent the plaintiff's vehicle airborne before it flipped over several times into a ditch.  The plaintiff, a former Marine suffered serious concussion symptoms and was unable to work after the injury.   The end result was a $1,750,000 settlement for the plaintiff in this brain injury case.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an auto accident, contact the personal care attorneys of Rutter Mills.  We deal with serious accidents every day, and know what it takes to get the settlement you deserve.