Automobile Accidents

• Insurance Premiums to Drop in 2007

  Ben Glass | January 02, 2007 2:17 PM | 0 CommentsNorthern Virginia, VA

  In yet another sign that whenever you hear an insurance company whine about losing money all you have to do is say "show me the facts," the Insurance Information Institute has issued a press release that says you can expect to pay less in 2007 for car insurance. The drop won't be great (.05%) but what is significant is that the auto insurance companies must be reaping enourmous profits to...

• Ban Cell Phones During Vehicle Use

  Ben Glass | November 27, 2006 3:07 PM | 0 CommentsNorthern Virginia, VA

  We may be getting closer to a ban on all cell phone use while driving. The National Transportation Safety Board has come out with a recomendation that bus drivers be banned from using a cell phone while driving except in an emergency. The report recomendation is that:The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the 50 States and District of Columbia prohibit CDL holders with a...

• Get Off That Cell Phone While Driving

  Ben Glass | July 06, 2006 4:38 PM | 0 CommentsNorthern Virginia, VA

  It should come as no surprise that there is increasing data that driving while talking on a cell phone, even a "hands free" device, is causing death and injury on our roads. There are groups of people who study this. It's called "human factors." Now a brand new study of cell phone using drivers shows that cell phone use can make you as "impaired" as a drunk driver. The researchers concluded: "We...

• "We'll Take Care of Your Medical Bills For You"

  Ben Glass | May 24, 2006 5:48 PM | 1 CommentNorthern Virginia, VA

  I thought the insurance companies had stopped the practice I am about to describe but maybe I've just been missing it. I call it the "don't worry, we'll cover everything and give you a little for pain and suffering" gambit. Here's how it works:You get into an auto accident and the person who hit you is clearly responsible. You spend some time in the emergency department and start treatment with...

• $1.2 Million Verdict in Hampton, Virginia

  Ben Glass | March 20, 2006 5:26 PM | 0 CommentsNorthern Virginia, VA

  In this case two defendant drivers blamed each other for an accident that caused injuries to the innocent plaintiff. The victim suffered a broken arm and complex regional pain syndrome. The case was tried in Hampton Circuit Court and the highest offer from the insurance company was $50,000.This case reflects the fact that you need a lawyer who is prepared to do battle in court. Some lawyers...

• Your Health Insurance May Only be a Glorified Loan

  Ben Glass | February 20, 2006 5:12 PM | 0 CommentsNorthern Virginia, VA

  Most people believe that if they are in an accident their health insurance will pay the bill, acting as an insurer. In most cases, however, the health insurance company is only loaning you the money, to be repaid if you recover that money in an lawsuit. So, for example, you are in a car accident and incur $25,000 of bills. Your health insurance company pays. You later recover $100,000 for your...

• Insurance Company Says "When Pigs Fly"

  Ben Glass | February 16, 2006 9:50 AM | 0 CommentsNorthern Virginia, VA

  Boise personal injury attorney Jeff White has a great post about a $3 million dollar verdict over a big insurance company's refusal to pay valid claims. Some states do a lot to protect policyholders. Virginia, unfortunately, tends to protect the insurance companies from "bad faith" types of lawsuits.

• When Should I See a Doctor After an Accident

  Ben Glass | October 16, 2008 6:52 AM | 0 CommentsNorthern Virginia, VA

  A frequent question that arises after a car accident is: when should I see the doctor? The answer is: you should see a doctor as soon as you need one! Flippant? Maybe. Here's the point: you cannot...

• Bill to Ban Cell Phone Use in Virginia

  Ben Glass | January 17, 2007 2:35 PM | 0 CommentsNorthern Virginia, VA

  A bill has been introduced in the Virginia General Assembly to ban most cell phone use while driving. Exceptions would be made for emergency use and for hands free devices.House bill 233 Provides that, except in certain emergency situations, the operator of a moving motor vehicle is prohibited from using any wireless communication device unless the device is equipped for hands-free communication...