Can Victims Sue the Government Over an Auto Accident Injury?

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Can Victims Sue the Government Over an Auto Accident Injury?

can you sue the government after a car accident?

A car accident is inconvenient at best, devastating at worst. No matter where your car crash falls along the scale, you may be interested in fighting for compensation if you believe the accident was not your fault. But what do you do if the accident was caused by a government employee or agency? In some states, you have limited recourse. Learn more about your options, and for more specialized advice regarding your claim, call Pack Law Group at 540-586-7225.

Proving Liability in an Auto Accident

As an accident victim, you must be able to prove liability to get compensation. This is the same regardless of whether the other party was a private citizen or a government employee. This is one of the reasons you need an attorney. Proving liability can be complicated, since you must prove that:

  • The individual had an obligation to you, which in the case of a car accident simply means that drivers on the road have an obligation to drive reasonably and not harm others
  • The individual failed to fulfill that duty
  • As a result of that failure, they caused an accident
  • The accident caused your injuries

How Claims Against the Government Differ from Typical Claims

While liability is the same in cases against the government and individuals, essentially every other part of a personal injury claim against the government is different. The government is often protected under the principle of sovereign immunity, which prevents government agencies from being sued for the actions of their agents. This is partially true in Virginia.

In Virginia, an individual can submit a claim against a government agency for damage caused by an agent’s negligence. The incident must not have occurred as the result of an unlawful action. That is to say, if a government worker intentionally assaults someone while on duty, that is an unlawful action, and the victim would only be able to sue the individual person who assaulted them.

Furthermore, the state of Virginia places caps on damages. In a suit against the government, the amount recoverable cannot exceed $100,000 or the limits of the liability policy. The statute of limitations in this type of case is one year.

If a federal government agency is responsible for your injuries, you may be able to sue them under the FTCA. The process is fairly complicated, as you must fill out a variety of forms, meet multiple deadlines, and meet specific filing requirements. Failing to meet even one of these requirements could lead to your case being dismissed. Because of this, it’s important to seek legal attention as soon as possible after an accident. They can help you navigate the complex paperwork and ensure that no deadlines are missed or forgotten.

Determining the Scope of Duties

Under Virginia law, you can only sue an agency if the person who caused your injuries was acting within the scope of their duties at the time of the accident. Consider, for example, a government-employed social worker driving between houses in their caseload. They forget to check their blind spot when changing lanes and sideswipe you. They were acting in the course of their duties while driving, and so you may be able to seek compensation.

However, imagine that the social worker stops at a bar between home visits. They drink too much and get behind the wheel while impaired. They strike you because of their impairment. In this case, they were not operating in the scope of their duties when they hit you, and you would not be able to sue the government. You would need to sue the individual personally.

Choose Pack Law Group for Your Personal Injury Claim

Personal injury claims can be complicated, and the process of getting the compensation you deserve can be frustrating. This is even worse when you throw in the fact that the government is party liable for your injuries. Luckily, you do not have to navigate this process or its requirements alone. The team at Pack Law Group fights aggressively for fair compensation for each and every client. Want to learn more about your options and find out if you have a valid claim? Let’s sit down and talk. Call us at 540-586-7225 or get in touch online to set up a consultation.

Delayed Injuries from a Car Accident

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Delayed Injuries from a Car Accident

delayed injuries

Some car accident injuries are immediately apparent, leading to prompt diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately, some injuries are much more subtle, taking days or weeks to show up. This is often because of the adrenaline surge that happens during an accident. The adrenaline prepares you to run or fight whatever threat you’re facing, but it also masks pain.

If you have been injured in a car accident, don’t fight for compensation on your own. Take on the insurance companies with the help of Pack Law Group. Learn more now by calling us at 540-586-7225.

Sudden Onset of Pain

The sudden onset of pain is a red flag after a car accident. As adrenaline wears off after a crash, it stops masking your body’s pain. Adrenaline can mask even serious injuries, so it’s important to listen to your body after a crash. Pay special attention to your back, neck, and shoulders. Because of how you sit in the car and the fact that the seatbelt holds you back during a crash, these areas of the body absorb a ton of impact in an accident.

Pain in the back or neck could be a sign of anything from a herniated disc or soft tissue injury to a spinal injury or traumatic brain injury.

Numbness

Many people know that pain is something to be wary of after an accident, but fewer people know that numbness can be a bad sign too. Injuries don’t always cause pain; sometimes they can cut off contact between the brain and the location of the injury, leaving you with numbness or tingling. Nerve damage can leave you with limited blood flow to your extremities, so it’s crucial to seek care after a crash if you experience these symptoms.

Abdominal Swelling or Soreness

One of the most dangerous symptoms of an injury is abdominal swelling and pain. Internal bleeding is a major risk in a car accident, but it isn’t always immediately detectable. As blood begins to accumulate in the cavities of the body, you’ll often experience intense abdominal pain, tenderness, or swelling. If you experience these symptoms, you need immediate emergency medical care. Internal bleeding can quickly become fatal. Bruising is another sign of possible internal bleeding.

Uncontrollable Mood Swings or Outbursts

If you find yourself lashing out at the people around you after an accident or uncontrollably switching from happy to mad to weeping, it’s likely not your fault. Traumatic brain injuries are relatively common after a car accident, and they can cause a multitude of symptoms. Symptoms vary, depending on which part of the brain is affected by the injury.

The part of the brain that controls emotional regulation is often damaged during a car accident, which can lead to massive changes in personality, temperament, and moods. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to seek prompt treatment. The brain is highly plastic, which means it can heal from incredibly complex injuries in many cases, but it cannot do so without proper treatment and therapy.

Dizziness or Poor Coordination

Dizziness, poor coordination, and falls may all indicate a traumatic brain injury. The brain controls the movement of your extremities, and sudden changes in coordination are often tied to damage to the respective area of the brain. However, depending on how these symptoms present, they may also be indicative of internal bleeding.

The Importance of Medical Care

It’s understandable that many car accident victims are reluctant to seek medical attention after a crash. Medical bills are a primary cause of bankruptcy in the United States, and many people feel more comfortable waiting until they know medical care is absolutely necessary. However, doing this after a car accident can truly cost you your mobility, independence, or even your life. At the first sign of these troubling symptoms, you should get checked out and plan out your next steps.

In many situations, paying for medical care does not end up being a problem for accident victims. If you were injured in an accident that was someone else’s fault, you may be able to seek compensation with a personal injury claim. This would allow you to get the care you need without the financial fallout of medical bills you have to pay.

Find Out How We Can Help

At Pack Law Group, we are dedicated to our clients’ best interests. Our goal is to help every client get the compensation they deserve after a car accident. If you have been injured and you aren’t sure where to turn, we can help. Schedule a consultation now by calling us at 540-586-7225 or contacting us online.

Negligent Entrustment and Third-Party Liability

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Negligent Entrustment and Third-Party Liability

negligent entrustment injury

When you’re involved in a car accident, you likely assume that one of two parties is at fault: you (or the driver of the car you were in) or the other driver. However, that isn’t always the case. In some car accidents, there is an outside party that shares some or all of the liability. This can make it hard to prove liability and seek the compensation you deserve.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a vehicle crash, we are here to help. Call Pack Law Group at 540-586-7225 to schedule a consultation now.

Defining Negligent Entrustment and Third-Party Liability

Negligent entrustment is a type of case that points the finger at a person who was not physically involved in the accident. It claims that a party was negligent by entrusting their vehicle to the care of someone whom they knew to be unsafe or untrustworthy.

Third-party liability refers to the idea that a person outside the parties physically involved in a crash can still be responsible for the crash. There are many potential third parties in a car accident claim, including passengers, vehicle manufacturers, repair shops, component manufacturers, and road maintenance agencies.

When Negligent Entrustment Applies

Negligent entrustment only applies to a narrow subset of car accident cases. While many people learn about negligent entrustment and assume it’s an easy way to seek compensation if the driver of the car was not the owner of the car, very few negligent entrustment cases actually fulfill all of the required elements. These elements include:

  • The driver who caused the accident had the owner’s permission, either explicit or implied, to drive their vehicle
  • The owner knew or could reasonably have been expected to know that the driver would put others at risk of harm
  • The driver caused the victim’s injuries through their actions

This action may be considered when a parent allows their teen driver to use their vehicle, when a car owner permits an unlicensed driver to use the car, or when a car owner

The Challenges of Negligent Entrustment Cases

There is a lot of nuance in negligent entrustment cases. The reason for the car crash must be related to the reason that the driver was considered unsafe. For example, an owner might know a driver to be unsafe because the driver’s vision is too poor to drive, the driver has a long history of speeding and reckless driving tickets, the driver habitually drives while impaired, or the driver has been involved in an unusually high number of accidents in recent years.

If the reason for the crash is not related to the reason the driver is unsafe, the negligent entrustment claim may be dismissed. Consider, for example, an unlicensed driver. A friend allows them to borrow the car, knowing that they do not have a license because they failed to pay their registration and their licenses was suspended pending payment. The unlicensed driver texted while driving and rear ended a car.

Yes, they were unlicensed and the owner knew that; however, the fact that they were unlicensed had nothing to do with the fact that they were driving while distracted. In this example, there is no clear cut case of negligent entrustment.

Another challenging point for those pursuing negligent entrustment cases is proving that a vehicle owner knew that the driver was unsafe or negligent. This often requires an admission from either of the possibly liable parties, and people have been known to lie when under fire. A skilled personal injury lawyer may be able to prove that the vehicle owner should reasonably have known that the driver was unsafe or likely to put others in harm’s way.

If negligent entrustment is successfully proven, liability is often split. The at-fault driver still maintains some liability for the crash. Depending on the insurance coverage available and the the availability of assets, a victim may be able to recover damages from one or both parties.

Let Us Help With Your Personal Injury Case

A car accident can upend your daily life, leaving you with significant medical bills, pain, and a loss of income. We can help you get the compensation you deserve. Schedule your consultation now by contacting Pack Law Group online or giving us a call at 540-586-7225.

Who is At Fault in a Multi-Car Accident?

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Who is At Fault in a Multi-Car Accident?

multi car crash in Virginia

Determining fault in a two-car accident can be complicated enough, with conflicting stories and evidence from multiple sources. When you have accidents with more than two cars, though, the process becomes even more complex. Figuring out who is at fault and how much fault each individual has is crucial, since you cannot recover compensation until you know who is liable for your injuries.

If you’ve been injured in a multi-car accident, learn more about your options now. Call Pack Law Group at 540-586-7225.

Dispelling Myths

First, let’s dispel one common myth that comes up in these discussions. One commonly repeated belief is that the last car in a pileup is automatically at fault for the damage suffered by the other drivers and vehicles in the accident. This is not always true. Every accident has different circumstances and factors, so there’s rarely a one-size-fits-all answer.

Figuring Out Liability

Consider a rear-end pileup, which is one of the most common types of multi-car accidents. If Car A stops at a stoplight and Car B does not notice that they’ve stopped until too late, they strike Car A. However, Car C (which is behind Car B) was following too closely and strikes Car B, causing damage to both Car B and Car A. Car D strikes Car C, causing further damage to all three cars.

Consider another type of rear-end pileup. Cars A, B, and C are stopped at a stoplight, waiting patiently. Car D comes up too fast, notices the stopped cars too late, and slams into Car C. This pushes Car C into Car B and pushes Car B into Car A.

In the first case, liability is quite complicated. Car B is responsible for most of the damage suffered by Car A and its occupants. However, Car C was also negligent, and they are liable or some of the damage suffered by Car B and a small amount of the damage caused to Car A. Car D holds some liability for the damage to all of the involved vehicles.

In the second case, Car D is likely responsible for all of the damage caused to all of the vehicles. This is the typical case people think of when they cite the myth discussed above. However, even this is not cut-and-dry. There may be liability among some of the stopped cars as well. If they did not leave enough space between themselves and the vehicle in front of them, some of the liability may fall to them.

Virginia Laws Concerning Compensation for Damages

Some states allow you to receive compensation proportionate to the amount of liability you have. In an accident that caused you $100,000 of damage where you were found 10% at fault, you would theoretically receive $90,000.

However, in Virginia you cannot receive any compensation for the accident if you are found to have any portion of blame for the accident. Obviously, this complicates matters quite a bit. Even if you did almost nothing wrong, you could end up with nothing if your case goes to court.

Luckily, most personal injury cases do not go to court. The vast majority of personal injury cases are settled before a lawsuit is even filed. This is true even with multi-car accidents. Yes, insurance companies do not want to end up paying more than they need to because of their client’s actions; but they also don’t want to end up in court for months over a multi-car accident. This situation would cost all involved parties tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees, which no insurance company wants to deal with.

To protect your best interests in this case, you need a personal injury lawyer with previous experience in multi-car accidents. There will be a lot of finger-pointing in these types of cases, so you must choose an attorney who can stand their ground.

Let Pack Law Group Help

At Pack Law Group, we represent clients aggressively throughout the entire personal injury claim process. Our goal is to recover as much compensation as possible for you. To discuss your next steps and find out how we can help you, call us at 540-586-7225 or get in touch online.

How Catastrophic Injuries Impact Families

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How Catastrophic Injuries Impact Families

catastrophic injury attorney in Bedford, Virginia

Catastrophic injuries go beyond the regular bone breaks and abrasions that occur after a car crash, slip and fall, or other type of accident. Catastrophic or severe injuries are those that permanently impact an individual’s ability to live independently, work in the capacity they once worked in, or carry out activities of daily life.

These injuries can have a ripple effect on every part of an individual’s life, from their work and their role as a provider to their social life. Whether you have suffered this type of injury or someone you love is going through it, knowing what to expect can make the process easier. For help with your legal needs during this time, contact Pack Law Group at 540-586-7225 to schedule a consultation.

The Immediate Aftermath of an Accident

In the hours and days after an accident, the family members of the injured individual will likely experience enormous emotional trauma. Many catastrophic injuries involve damage to the spinal cord or brain, so the victim may be comatose or awake but in excruciating pain. The unknown is the biggest fear during this stage, since the prognosis for such a serious injury often takes months or years to become clear.

The financial impact of an injury may start to make itself clear at this stage, as well. Many American families live paycheck to paycheck, and if the injured individual was a primary provider for the family, the sudden loss of income could mean unpaid bills, threats of eviction, and limited resources for the family.

Finding a New Normal

As the individual begins to heal and get the therapy that they need to regain some physical independence, the family may struggle to find a new normal. This may mean a stay-at-home spouse getting back into the workforce, moving in with family members to lower expenses, or selling off assets to make it through.

This time can also cause tension or emotional strain in the family as each family member’s roles change. Children who once had the support of both parents may suddenly have to take on more household duties, entertain themselves or younger siblings while their other parent is at work, or provide emotional support to the parent who suddenly lost the help of their spouse. The non-injured spouse may have to provide physical care to the injured spouse, causing a shift in the power balance of the relationship and stirring up tension or shame.

Long-Term Effects

Unfortunately, catastrophic injuries often stay with individuals for the rest of their lives. The long-term effects on families depend largely on the makeup of the family, their commitment to getting through challenging times intact, and their ability to work together. The shift in the power balance may end up being permanent, as one spouse requires physical care and loses their ability to financially provide. The relationship between the injured parent and the children may change if the injured parent is unavailable to provide help with schoolwork, transportation, or other types of support they provided in the past.

However, much of this can be worked through and is manageable with the right resources, such as family counseling, live-in caretakers, and job training. That’s why it’s important to reach out to a personal injury lawyer after a catastrophic injury.

Any settlement the injured party receives shouldn’t just be enough to cover their current medical bills. It should also cover the costs of their new life going forward, from medical equipment and adaptive equipment to lost income and household help. Calculating these numerous costs is challenging, and a skilled catastrophic injuries attorney can help you understand the full costs of the accident and what the other party may be expected to pay.

Let Pack Law Group Help You Through This Challenging Time

A catastrophic injury may change your family forever, but with hard work and commitment, you can work through this time. Financial support is key when you have lost a working member of the household or when any member of the household has incredibly high medical expenses, which is why a personal injury suit is often the best way to prepare for life with a catastrophic injury. To discuss your options and get started, reach out to Pack Law Group online or call us at 540-586-7225.

Obtaining a Full and Fair Settlement in a Virginia Accident Injury Case

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Obtaining a Full and Fair Settlement in a Virginia Accident Injury Case

win a settlement in a personal injury case

You’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence. What happens next? If you hire a personal injury lawyer in Virginia, you have the chance to fight for compensation. While your case could ultimately go to court, that is an unlikely outcome. In fact, it’s far more likely that your lawyer will negotiate a settlement that fairly compensates you for your losses.

But what does it take to get a full and fair settlement? Learn more about the different factors to consider during this time, and when you’re ready to take the next step, call Pack Law Group at 571-364-6346.

Medical Bills and Income

First, take a hard look at your concrete financial losses. Getting in an accident is expensive, and even if you haven’t received any medical bills yet, you probably have claim information available in your health insurance company’s information portal. If you choose an experienced personal injury attorney, they also know how to get up-to-date information on your medical expenses and how much your accident will ultimately cost you.

Don’t forget to think about the income you have lost because of the accident. Even taking one day off of work to deal with a totaled car or medical checkup can seriously impact your financial wellbeing and your career stability. A full and fair settlement should cover the income you have lost because of the accident.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering can be more difficult to calculate, since it doesn’t have a cut-and-dry number attached to it like medical expenses do. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask for it in a settlement. In fact, any fair settlement should account for the pain you’ve suffered as a result of the other person’s actions.

Your attorney will walk you through their method of calculating pain and suffering. Many begin with your base costs—lost income and medical expenses—and multiply it by a number between one and five. The multiplier depends largely on the severity of your accident and how significantly it has impacted your life. While a broken leg might be lower on the scale, an amputation or paralysis would likely be closer to five.

Your Inconvenience

A solid settlement will also account for the inconvenience you’ve had to deal with because of the accident. Going to the pharmacy for medications, going to weekly check-ups, having to find someone to pick your kids up from school until you can drive again, and figuring out how to get your car fixed—these are all minor inconveniences that, when combined, can make up a significant chunk of your settlement. While it may be difficult to attach a specific monetary amount to each of these inconveniences, you can group them together to figure out what a fair amount for your settlement might be.

Future Expenses

It is crucial to consider your likely future expenses when calculating a settlement or deciding if you should accept an offer. Some injuries are far more serious than they first seem, leaving victims to accrue hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical debt over their lifetime. This is why you shouldn’t just accept a settlement offer right away; the insurance company is hoping that you will accept an offer before you know the extent of your injury. This way, if your injury turns out to be more severe than you thought, it is too late for you to ask for more.

Your accident could leave you with medical needs for decades. A settlement should cover those expenses. Furthermore, your accident could limit your ability to work or move forward in your career. If so, you should be compensated for those losses in a settlement.

Your ability to recover a full and fair settlement depends largely on how skilled and experienced your attorney is. An attorney who can handle and guide negotiations without getting derailed by the opposing side can help you get what you deserve.

Turn to Pack Law Group for Help with Your Personal Injury Case

Are you wondering what your next step is after an accident? A personal injury claim can help you fight for the compensation you’re owed. That’s where Pack Law Group comes in. We’re ready to fight for you and make sure you get what you deserve after a crash. Call us at 571-364-6346 or reach out online to set up a free consultation.

Can My Personal Injury Claim Be Reopened After It Is Settled?

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Can My Personal Injury Claim Be Reopened After It Is Settled?

can my personal injury case be reopened?

Filing a personal injury claim can be a long and tedious process, and once it is settled, you’ll likely be glad to be done with the situation.

But what happens if you regret your settlement? Perhaps extra facts come out about your injuries, you don’t believe that your attorney fought for you hard enough, or you want to see what your case would have produced if you had gone to trial. Is it possible to reopen a personal injury claim? In most situations you cannot reopen a claim. We’ll go over different circumstances and factors when there may be exceptions to this rule.

Cases with Multiple Liable Parties

One situation in which your case may not be completely over is a case in which there are multiple liable parties. Consider a car crash caused by another person running a red light. Perhaps your claim with the other driver is completed. However, it turns out that the brakes on your vehicle were also defective. As a result, your car did not stop in an acceptable amount of time when you tried to avoid the accident.

In this situation, part of your claim is settled, and you cannot return to the other driver and ask for more money. You may, though, still have a claim against your vehicle manufacturer.

Knowing the Terms of Your Settlement

Your attorney can help you understand the terms of your personal injury settlement. In the vast majority of personal injury claims, you sign away your right to sue in the future in exchange for a monetary settlement.  Even if your written contract does not specify this, there is likely a verbal agreement in place that would prevent you from seeking further damages.

When You Can Reopen a Claim

Laws do not permit you to reopen a settlement claim simply because you regret the amount you settled for. This type of leeway would make it almost impossible for companies to ever settle a claim and free themselves from future liability, which would then prevent them from ever offering settlements. However, you may be able to reopen a claim again in certain circumstances.

If there is a mistake in the paperwork for your claim, you may be able to have the mistake corrected or revisit the case. Consider a claim that has been settled for $5,000. When it is drafted, they err and write $500 instead. This is obviously a mistake and does not mean you are only entitled to $500. The paperwork should be amended to reflect this.

You may also be able to reopen a personal injury claim if the other party does not uphold their end of the contract or if they fail to pay up as ordered by the judge. If you sign a contract that requires the other party to pay the agreed upon settlement within seven days and they fail to pay, you may be able to pursue legal action or otherwise force them to pay up.

Discussing Your Needs with an Attorney

No matter what your specific situation is, it comes down to one specific piece of legal advice: talk to your attorney. Personal injury cases can be quite complex and trying to navigate a settlement or reopening a case on your own will likely lead to unnecessary stress, headaches, and delays. This is true regardless of where you are in the process.

People interested in reopening their cases are often curious about this option because they realize they accepted a settlement that was far too low. You can avoid that situation by working with an experienced attorney from the very start. Attorneys know how much an injury like yours is likely to cost, and they can help you avoid the trap of accepting a low settlement. Trying to bring in an attorney to clean up the mistakes you made by negotiating on your own is generally much less successful than simply working with a reputable personal injury lawyer from the start.

Let Us Help You with Your Personal Injury Claim

Maybe you are still healing from your injuries and you are wondering how you can pursue compensation. Perhaps your claim was mishandled, and you are trying to reopen it. No matter what situation you find yourself in, Pack Law Group is here to help. Call us at 540-586-7225 or get in touch online to learn more about your legal options.

How a Criminal Record Can Affect a Personal Injury Case

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How a Criminal Record Can Affect a Personal Injury Case

criminal record

When you start preparing for a personal injury case, you’ll be surprised at what can be used against you by the opposing side’s legal team. Social media posts after an accident can be twisted to make it look like you’re lying about your injuries. If you’re seen grocery shopping, they’ll use it as proof that your’e not actually in pain.

What about your criminal history? If you have a criminal record, it’s likely that you’re worried about going to court, even when you are the plaintiff. Those wondering about how their criminal record could affect their personal injury case should discuss their concerns with a personal injury attorney.

What is Right Isn’t Always the Same as What’s Legal

First, there’s one point that must be made. What is right is not always the same as what is right. If your case goes to court and your criminal history is brought up by the other side, the jury shouldn’t use that irrelevant information to determine the outcome of your case. Legally, they are only supposed to consider what is relevant to your case.

However, that doesn’t mean that your criminal history will not affect the jury’s decision. People are easily misled, and even if they try to ignore that information, it may still impact their decision. That’s why your attorney will try to ensure that the other side cannot bring this information up to discredit you.

Weakened Credibility

If your criminal history does come up in court, there is a risk that it will weaken your credibility. People tend to look at those with criminal histories as less trustworthy and reliable, even if the criminal charges occurred many years ago.

The Type of Offense Matters

Weakened credibility is a risk, but how much it affects your case depends largely on what type of criminal offense you have. For example, a fraud conviction can be devastating to your personal injury case. To a jury, this type of conviction indicates that you have no issue lying to benefit yourself. If your conviction is relatively recent, that fact may be even worse for your case, as people are unlikely to believe that you’ve had a change of heart.

The type of personal injury case you have may also influence the jury’s decision. Consider, for example, a plaintiff with multiple DUIs in their history who gets hurt in a car accident. They were completely sober at the time of the accident and the accident was entirely the other person’s fault.

Despite this, the fact that the plaintiff has a history of drunk driving may make the jury look down on them and think of them as less worthy of compensation. They may even wonder if the plaintiff was drinking before the accident.

No matter what your criminal history contains, do not take this lightly. You may think it’s impossible to tie your criminal history into your personal injury case, but a skilled attorney can work wonders and do serious damage to your case.

Building a Strong Personal Injury Case

Beyond getting information about your criminal history suppressed in court, the best thing your personal injury attorney can do is create the strongest personal injury case possible. If a case is strong enough, it won’t matter that you have a criminal history; the facts of the case will stand for themselves and place fault squarely on the other party.

This is why it is crucial to have an experienced personal injury attorney who knows the extent of your criminal history. Don’t try to hide your convictions from them; they will only be blindsided when it eventually comes to light. If you re honest with them about your personal injury claim and your criminal history, they will do everything in their power to secure a positive outcome for you.

Let Us Help With Your Personal Injury Case

If you want the best possible outcome for your personal injury case, don’t try to take on the other side’s legal team alone. Trust Pack Law Group with your case. Our team of attorneys fights vigorously on behalf of each client to help them get what they deserve. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can start working for you. Call us at 540-586-7225 or reach out online.

How Virginians Are Coming Together During the COVID-19 Crisis

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How Virginians Are Coming Together During the COVID-19 Crisis

helping each other during coronavirus

Coronavirus has presented humanity with apparently insurmountable challenges, but it may have underestimated us. People across the world have stepped up, embraced their humanity, and shown that we will not let a virus bring us down.

This is especially true in Virginia. Alongside news stories about the virus’ death toll, case numbers, and updates, you’ll find no shortage of heartwarming stories highlighting how Virginians have come together during this time. There are reports that COVID-19 cases have been on a downward trend for three days in a row in Virginia, and these news stories bring much-needed hope and optimism.

Celebrating the Graduating Class

The loss of the rest of the school year is hard for parents and students everywhere, but perhaps no one is more disappointed than the 2020 graduating class. They’ve lost prom and the graduation that their families have looked forward to for 18 years. In Chesapeake, Virginia, the community decided to honor these graduates with a drive-by parade. The streets were lined with supporters (practicing social distancing, of course) who cheered as graduates drove by and waved out windows, wearing their caps and gowns. It may not be the graduation ceremony they anticipated, but it’s definitely one that they’ll be telling the next generation about.

Supporting Those Without Reliable Access to Food

Those with limited access to housing and food are at serious risk of coronavirus because they often do not have the luxury of social distancing or ingesting healthy foods that support their immune system. To combat this, a food pantry in Northern Virginia has started giving away thousands of dollars in grocery store gift cards. The pantry’s shelves were bare due to a dwindling amount of volunteers after Virginia residents were ordered to shelter in place. They chose to give away the rest of their remaining food, take donations online from the community, and use those donations to give gift cards to those in need of assistance. This gives families on the brink one less thing to worry about during one of the greatest challenges most of us will ever face.

Testing for Those at Risk

Everyone has seen how coronavirus tears through nursing homes and hospitals, due to the at-risk populations and the proximity of those living in these facilities. However, few have thought of the effects on those in jails, prisons, and juvenile detention facilities. In Virginia, 139 inmates and 50 DOC staff members have tested positive for COVID-19, as well as 25 kids at a juvenile facility. Thanks to advocacy from legal aid groups, the Virginia Department of Corrections is now dramatically ramping up its testing of inmates.

Celebrating a Veteran’s 101st Birthday

Everyone wants to feel special on their birthday; unfortunately, COVID-19 has canceled thousands of celebrations and will inevitably lead to the cancellation of many more. What about those who have milestone birthdays? When one of their own had a 101st birthday to celebrate, the Richmond community made sure he got a chance to celebrate.

Norbert Kopecko is a Richmond resident, World War II veteran, and a cherished member of his community. For more than 70 years, he celebrated his birthdays with his beloved wife until she passed away. To commemorate his impressive 101st birthday milestone, the people of Richmond gathered outside his house while maintaining social distance and sang to him. Many brought party hats, posters, and noisemakers.

This is just one example of why many are pushing for the term “physical distancing” instead of “social distancing.” Yes, we are all physically apart during this time, but we are definitely not socially isolated from our communities.

Rallying Support for Essential Workers

A heartwarming story out of Ashburn, Virginia highlights the ingenuity of children and the pure hearts they have when they learn of others’ struggles. Zohaib Begg, a seven-year-old boy living in Ashburn, learned about PPE shortages at hospitals in Virginia. His first thought: sew masks to help them.

When he realized he didn’t know how to sew, he shifted to focus on gathering unused gear from hotels and donating it to hospitals. He collected over 6,000 face masks, shower caps, and gloves. His efforts got so much attention that he was acknowledged by Barack Obama in a tweet. In true kid fashion, when asked “What has the reaction been to your donations?”, the little boy responded, “I don’t know, because I am in quarantine.”

How is your community coming together during these unprecedented times? How are you giving back? What would you like to see from businesses and individuals in your neighborhood? Reach out to the team at Pack Law Group if you are experiencing legal troubles during this time; we are always here to help.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents Could Increase During Coronavirus Shutdown

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Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents Could Increase During Coronavirus Shutdown

pedestrian deaths in virginia

COVID-19 has had a ripple effect on every sector of society, leading to strange changes in trends that few anticipated. One good example: changes in car accident statistics, including accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists. If you are using this time to get more outdoor exercise and stay active, know what to expect, how to protect yourself, and why you need to be extra cautious.

Vehicle Crashes May Decrease During This Time

Across the United States, cities are reporting significantly lower levels of traffic. Stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders are in effect in nearly every state, and even among those that do not have official orders, many people are staying home to limit their exposure to coronavirus. More people are working from home, and there are no school drop-offs or pickups to schedule anymore. When you add all these factors together, you get substantially lower levels of road traffic and less risk for accidents.

However, some believe that lower traffic rates don’t cause an equal decrease in accidents. Emptier roads may leave some drivers more space to drive recklessly, putting them and those around them at greater risk. Similarly, distracted driving accidents could tick up during this time as people try to focus on driving while grappling with the weight of coronavirus-related worries.

The Safety of Pedestrians in Virginia

Heading into the COVID-19 situations, pedestrians were already at risk of being injured or killed in accidents in Virginia. From 2015 through 2018, pedestrian deaths increased in the state. The state responded by implementing rigorous safety standards and technology in areas with high accident rates. Early reports indicate that these efforts are working and that pedestrian accidents are decreasing. Activist groups have fought for clearer signaling, more bike lanes, and other necessary changes.

Why Bicyclists and Pedestrians Are at Risk Right Now

So why are pedestrians and bicyclists at greater risk now than in the months leading up to the COVID-19 crisis? To start, there are simply more bicyclists and pedestrians on the roads than there were before. Shelter-in-place orders allow for outdoor exercise, and more people are taking advantage of this opportunity now that there is little else to do. Busier sidewalks and roads naturally increase the risk of accidents.

Additionally, those who are just now starting to walk and stretch their legs on their bikes may not know the rules of the road or understand what it takes to stay safe. This group could be at substantial risk for injuries or fatalities.

To complicate matters further, in some parts of the state, officials are using this time of decreased traffic to get started on important road construction projects. This could cause people to reroute, causing traffic jams at major streets.

Protect Yourself and Your Family

You don’t have to lose sleep about accident rates in Virginia right now. The state’s residents are doing well when it comes to abiding by the stay-at-home order, and this decrease in traffic should make roads somewhat safer for the length of the shutdown.

This doesn’t mean, though, that you can be careless or unaware as you explore your neighborhood on foot or on bike. It is crucial to avoid accidents right now. If you are injured in an accident in normal times, the hospital has the staff, equipment, and technology needed to help you. If you require emergency care right now, you run the risk of being exposed to COVID-19 through the glut of patients filling ERs across the country. Furthermore, some hospitals may not have the staff, protective equipment, or technology to give you the help and care you need. For this reason alone, it’s worth looking twice before you cross the road.

If you are willing to make slight changes to your routines, you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe during this time. Try to hit the roads and trails at non-peak hours. Stay off the roads at times when essential workers are filling the streets and heading to their shifts. Try to only travel at times when the streets are well-lit. If you do exercise at night, put reflective strips on your clothes or bicycle to make sure you are visible to drivers and other exercisers.

No matter how careful you are to avoid accidents, they do happen. If you are struck by a vehicle, make sure you seek medical care and get the person’s contact information. Then, reach out to a local personal injury attorney to get the support you need. The team at Pack Law Group is committed to helping victims get the compensation they deserve after they are hurt by someone else’s negligence. Contact us online or call us at 540-586-7225 to discuss your next steps.