Virginia law generally holds people responsible for their own actions, and parents are not liable for the traffic accidents their children cause under most circumstances. However, there are exceptions, such as when parents negligently entrust a vehicle to an unsafe child. That said, while parents typically are not personally liable for…
Most personal injury cases are based on the defendant’s negligence. The legal standard requires establishing that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care which they breached. In cases relying on general negligence, the test is whether the defendant behaved like a reasonable person would in a similar situation. In contrast, negligence per se…
Under Virginia law, pedestrians must use crosswalks when they are available, and motorists must yield to pedestrians in any marked or unmarked crosswalk. Due to this law, many people think that pedestrians always have the right-of-way, and when a driver hits someone on foot, the motorist is always to blame….
If you are involved in a car accident of any kind in Virginia, you should call the police immediately. Don’t let the other driver convince you that “we don’t need to get the police involved.” When you call 911, a law enforcement officer should respond to your crash within a…
Did you know that each state and territory in the U.S. has its own personal injury laws? Although the laws in each state share many similarities, every jurisdiction will have differences that make its personal injury law unique from other states. Washington, D.C., and Maryland laws have several notable differences in the field of personal…
Under Washington, D.C., law, pedestrians and drivers have rights and responsibilities to promote safety and prevent accidents. Understanding the right of way, knowing when to yield, and recognizing dangerous behaviors go a long way toward keeping everyone safe. Here’s a closer look at what the law says about pedestrian rights in Washington, D.C.,…
It’s common to experience sleep problems after a car accident. The trauma of the event can cause stress and anxiety, which might make it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep. Injuries from the accident can also lead to discomfort at night, interrupting your sleep pattern. This lack of rest…
If your ability to work has been affected by an accident someone else caused, you could be entitled to compensation for your missing wages. To collect it, you must show that the other person is to blame for your injuries, that your injuries prevented you from working, and that you’ve…
When someone else’s negligence causes you an injury, Virginia law permits you to sue them for pain and suffering. However, victims filing a personal injury lawsuit should understand what “pain and suffering” covers, how Virginia courts calculate the value of pain and suffering damages, and the most effective means of…
When police respond to a car accident in Washington, D.C., an officer will draft a police accident report (PD-10). Parties involved in the accident can contact the Public Documents Section of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to request a copy of their PD-10. Individuals can submit requests via e-mail, the…
