You may think of your morning commute as a lot of things; tedious, stressful, annoying amongst other words that I won't say - but you probably don't consider that it is most likely the most dangerous time of your day.  Every morning in Hampton Roads, the highways are jammed with thousands of drivers of which many are drowsy, distracted, aggressive and in a rush.  If you as a driver are aware of these dangers, and try your best to be alert and focused you can drastically decrease your odds of being involved in a serious accident - making the roadways a safer place for you and your fellow drivers.

As auto accident lawyers in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News and all of Hampton Roads we see the devastating effects auto accidents can have on our clients on an almost daily basis.  Before you get on the road for your next commute, take a second to recognize the dangers and pitfalls that lie in front of you and do your part to make the roadways a safer place.

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.

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.