First Day of Spring

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First Day of Spring

Car Accident Info
Posted on Mar 19, 2024
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First Day of Spring

Virginia’s springtime brings blooming flowers, sunshine, and warmer weather. But with rising temperatures, we also see a rise in something else – car accidents. The first day of spring itself doesn’t directly cause more accidents, but it often coincides with the switch to Daylight Saving Time (DST). Studies have shown a rise in car accidents in the week following the start of Daylight Saving Time. This time change, where clocks spring forward one hour, is linked to an increase in accidents. At Rutter Mills, our car accident lawyers see an increase in cases around the first day of spring year after year.

Spring Forward - Why Time Change is Linked to Car Accidents

Losing an hour of sleep can make drivers drowsy and impair their reaction times. This is especially true in the days following the switch as our bodies adjust.

Shifting sleep schedules can disrupt our natural internal clock, leading to fatigue and decreased alertness.

The evening commute might be darker than usual after the time change, affecting visibility and reaction times.

The position of the sun in the sky may decrease visibility for traffic lights and oncoming vehicles.

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The Science Behind Accidents and the First Day of Spring 

You may be wondering how serious the increased risk is. Luckily, researchers in Colorado helped quantify the increase in wrecks after the first day of spring. A key study on the topic was published in the journal, “Current Biology” in 2020, by scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder. The study examined over 732,000 accidents over 20 years. The results showed a correlation between the switch to Daylight Saving Time and a 6% increase in fatal car crashes during the first week following the time change [study on daylight saving time and accidents].

Virginia Car Crash Statistics

 

HOW SAFE ARE VIRGINIANS THIS SPRING

Car crash rates in Virginia are on the rise. Research shows the number of car accidents in Virginia increased 3.3% over 2021. 2022 Virginia Crash Facts from DMV point out the leading causes of accidents on Virginia roads and they range from more traffic to bad weather. While the exact reasons can vary, being aware of increased risk around the first day of Spring can help you stay safe on the roads.

 

Car Accident Lawyers

Car Accident Lawyer Resources – Areas Served

INCREASED TRAFFIC

Spring break for students and warmer weather lure more people onto the This rise in traffic volume, particularly with inexperienced teen drivers, can lead to congestion and situations where attentive driving becomes crucial.

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MORE MOTORCYCLES AND BICYCLES

Spring weather increases the number of motorcycles and bicycles on Virginia’s roadways. For many bikers, the first day of spring signals the perfect time to roll out the motorcycles. While motorcyclists face inherent risk, drivers of cars need to be extra vigilant to avoid blind spots and respect these vulnerable riders. Similarly, cyclists often share the road with cars, requiring focused attention from both parties.

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UNPREDICTABLE WEATHER

Coastal Virginia is notorious for its temperamental weather patterns. In Hampton Roads, it’s common to experience sudden downpours, strong winds, and even hail, which can drastically reduce visibility and road traction, creating hazardous driving conditions. So use caustion in those “April Showers.”

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Contact the Car Accident Experts at Rutter Mills

No matter what time of year, accidents are serious. If you have been injured in a car accident that was not your fault, our team van help you fight the insurance companies to get the money you need.

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TESTIMONIALS

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Dave Put His Trust in Us

Don’t Fall For The Insurance Company’s Games

Dave suffered serious injuries in a car accident. The defendant’s insurance company tried to offer him a low amount so Dave called Rutter Mills. We took over dealing with the insurance and got Dave the money he needed to get back on his feet.

They enabled me to be happy in life again.

Get Back On Track

Protecting Your Future

Glenn’s car accident changed his life, but not permanently thanks to the help of his Rutter Mills attorney. When the insurance companies wouldn’t help him, our team fought back and won.

I knew I needed Rutter Mills.

Fighting For What's Right

Getting Justice

On his way home from work at the shipyard, Dan was involved in an accident. He tried to file a claim on his own, but the insurance company wouldn’t give him the money he needed to put his life back on track. Dan knew he needed to call Rutter Mills.

They actually won my case 3 times!

Larena's Win

After her car accident, Larena asked her father, a local stevedore, for his advice on who to call. He recommended Rutter Mills. Her team of car accident experts at Rutter Mills fought back when the insurance companies tried to deny her the money she needed to recuperate from her injuries. We took her case to trial – and won. When the insurance company filed their appeals, we beat them again – two more times! Larena got the money she needed and the justice she deserved.

We’re going to immediately call Rutter Mills. That’s the people I trust with my baby girl.

Who Do You Trust With Your Family?

After a car accident, Jamaree’s first call was to her mom. She was shaken up and scared. Mom told her “We’re calling Rutter Mills. Her next was to Rutter Mills. Her Rutter Mills car accident team helped her get compensation “above & beyond” what she was expecting.

They lifted allot of stress off my shoulders. I recommend them to anybody because they WILL fight for you.

Who Can You Turn To?

Referrals From Friends and Family

After John was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, he turned to the person he trusts most for a recommendation. His wife, a paralegal of 30 years, told him to call Rutter Mills on the advice of the lawyer she worked for.

They really care for you as a person. Words cannot describe what Rutter Mills did for me and for my case.

When You Need Someone In Your Corner

Don’t Go It Alone

When the insurance company tried to get Carol to sign paperwork after her car accident, she knew she needed a lawyer. Carol knew she needed Rutter Mills.

When I called Rutter Mills, I knew it was the right fit. They’re so interested in helping you get justice.

Getting The Justice You Deserve

When Mom Needs Strength

Taryn was in a car accident while she was pregnant. She knew she needed someone in her corner to protect her rights and her family’s future.

There’s attorneys, then there’s Rutter Mills.

We're Here When The Unexpected Happens

Priorities

A devasting accident changed Levon’s life forever. The physical and emotional toll left him scared and in pain. When the insurance company for the defendant contacted the family, they made an offer that did not even cover the cost of the medication, much less doctors’ bills, and physical therapy. They knew they needed to talk to a serious lawyer. Rutter Mills took care of the negotiation so Levon could focus on healing.

When you’ve got a serious injury, you need a serious lawyer. That’s why we chose Rutter Mills.

Motorcycle Accidents Change Everything

When Ed was injured in a motorcycle crash, he knew he needed a serious lawyer to protect his rights. The insurance companies were fighting him every step of the way. Rutter Mills helped prove Ed’s case and get him the money he needed to get on the road to recovery.

With the seriousness of the accident, I knew that we needed a serious lawyer. I needed Rutter Mills.

Carol & Levon's Story

They knew they needed a serious lawyer when Carol and her son were seriously injured. After the other party’s insurance company tried to get her to settle for less than she needed, Carol called Rutter Mills for help. We took on the insurance company so she could focus on healing.

Watch his 30 second testimonial video
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Watch Larena's 30 second story
Watch Jamaree's 30 second video
Watch Levon's 30 second video
Watch Ed's 30 second story
Watch Carl's 30 second video
TESTIMONIALS How We Helped

At Rutter Mills,
every case is a serious case-because it's your case.

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Personal Injury

We are here for you in your time of need, providing compassionate guidance and aggressive advocacy in a wide range of personal injury matters. Our top-rated attorneys will fight the insurance companies and get you back on your feet.

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Car Accidents

We’re here to listen. A member of our team will meet with you, focusing on not only what happened, but also what you are going through and how it’s impacted your life. Then we’ll tell you what options are available to you to get on the road to recovery.

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Maritime/Jones Act Law

Personal injuries that happen when you’re working – or playing – on the water aren’t governed by “the law of the land.” They are subject to maritime laws under the Jones Act– also known as admiralty law.

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We’re here to listen. A member of our team will meet with you, focusing on listening to not only what happened, but also what you are going through and how it’s impacted your life.

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Truck accidents are often serious. We are here to listen to your story so we can guide you to healing. Our team has represented some of the largest truck accident cases in Virginia. Call us and see how we can help you today.

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Workers Compensation

If you’ve been injured on the job, workers’ compensation insurance may entitle you to critical assistance like medical treatment, lost wages, and more. But insurance companies will put up an aggressive fight to resist paying you the compensation you need and deserve. Rutter Mills can help get you the money you deserve.

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