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.

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.

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.

As many of us know, distracted driving is becoming more and more of a problem on our roadways.  The National Safety Council has an urgent request for all drivers: Make April the month you ditch the cell phone behind the wheel.  

Thousands of fatal crashes each year involve drivers using cell phones, and the number is growing every year.

While most people understand that distracted driving is a major danger, they continue to use their cell phones when they drive, thinking they are an exception to the rule.  The idea behind distracted driving awareness month is to put this issue center stage and encourage people to think and talk about it, and ultimately understand that distracted driving affects all of us - even those of us who refrain from using the phone on the roadway.  The truth of the matter is that we all share our roadways, and distracted driving is a very real danger for all of us.

As auto accident lawyers in the state of Virginia, we see our fair share of tragedy caused by distracted driving.  Not a week goes by without a new case involving one of our clients being hit by a driver distracted by a cell phone.  If you or someone you know has been injured by the negligence of others, contact the auto accident attorneys of Rutter Mills today for a free, no obligation consultation of your legal rights.

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!

While every case is different, there are a few constants in every auto injury case.  The first such constant is that as soon as the accident occurs, the insurance company is immediately on the defensive - becoming your opponent very quickly.  The insurance company is a very well educated, and well funded operation with an army of employees who go to work to make sure that you receive as little of a settlement as they can get away with you accepting.  One quick way to change the balance of power is to hire an injury law firm for your accident.

Rutter Mills has been helping injured people for over fifty years, and we know the tricks that the insurance company employs and the games that they play.  In fact, the second you hire an auto accident lawyer to represent your case the game changes immediately.   We will stand up to the well funded defense of the insurance company and fight for every dime that you deserve.  Our goal is to focus on dealing with the insurance company while you focus on your health and your injuries.

If you have been injured in an auto accident, call the personal care attorneys at Rutter Mills today for a free, no obligation consultation of your legal rights.

As we have seen over the last few days, the weather can change drastically from day to day.  Winter is right around the corner, and with the changing of the seasons come very different road conditions.  Winter weather can create a big challenge for drivers.  Before the season changes, take some time to prepare for the changing conditions and stay safe on the roadways.  Below are a few safe driving tips for the winter season:

- Always be alert to icy road conditions including snow, ice, slush, or black ice when the temperatures near freezing.  These conditions drastically impact braking distance and reaction time.
- Due to road conditions that come along with cold weather, you should decrease your speed and always leave plenty of room to brake

- When you brake, do so gently to avoid skidding or hydroplaning
- Avoid using cruise control on icy roads
- Remember that bridges freeze sooner than roads, and use extra caution

Using extra caution this winter can help you and your family avoid an auto accident.  As auto accident lawyers in Hampton Roads and Roanoke, VA we see the devastating effects of auto accidents every day.  Please be safe on the roads this winter.  As much as you can try to protect yourself, there is sometimes nothing that you can do to deter another reckless driver from hitting and injuring you and your family.  If you suffer injuries as a result of someone else's negligence, call the personal care attorneys of Rutter Mills today for a free, no obligation consultation 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. 

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!

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.  

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.

It's springtime, and as temperatures increase more and more motorcyclists are hitting the road.  While motorists should always be aware of motorcycles on the road, spring is a particularly dangerous time for motorcycle related accidents as drivers aren't as used to seeing them on the road.

While motorcycles make up only about 3% of the total motor vehicles on the road, motorcycle fatalities account for 11% of all highway fatalities each year.  Another troubling statistic is that while only 20% of auto accidents result in injury or death, over 80% of motorcycle accidents do.

While there are numerous safety tips that motorcyclists should follow, regular drivers should also be more aware of motorcycles on the roads and highways.  A few tips for drivers to consider when driving to beware of motorcycles on the roads:

- Always search the traffic around you and be aware of the vehicles and motorcycles surrounding you.

- Check your blind spots before changing lanes or merging

- Double-check traffic at intersections before turning or pulling out

- Be aware that motorcycles can easily be hidden in traffic.  Look for a helmet above, tires below, or a shadow next to a vehicle you can't see around.

- Allow a 3 second cushion of driving space when following a motorcycle

- Watch out when turning left.  Most crashes between cars and motorcycles involve turning left at an intersection.  Because of their relative size, it is harder to see motorcycles and to judge their approach speed.

Being aware of your surroundings on the road can go a long way in avoiding accidents.  Now that spring has sprung, be sure to be on the look out for motorcycles on the roads.

We are extremely proud to announce the opening of our new office in Roanoke, VA.   Starting today, we will be providing a local office presence in the Southwest Virginia community.  This expansion is especially exciting for us due to our personal ties to the Roanoke community.  From this new office, we will be serving clients in Roanoke, Lynchburg, Danville, and all of Southwestern Virginia.  We look forward to representing the rights of injured individuals throughout the state of Virginia.

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.