Roanoke Personal Injury Law Blog

Many in Roanoke County may believe that collisions between cars and pedestrians are relatively easy to avoid given that, in most cases, both sides often allow the others a wide berth on the road. Yet there may inevitably be times when pedestrians and motorists come into contact, making it necessary that both sides understand how to share the road. Crosswalks are the most obvious areas where pedestrians are likely to enter on to the roadway. Most likely think that they understand how to treat the situation where a pedestrian is crossing in a crosswalk, yet such assumptions have not stopped auto-pedestrian accidents from occurring in these areas. 

One such accident recently occurred in a crosswalk on Granby Street in Norfolk. A woman from Chesapeake was struck by a Toyota SUV after leaving a local Greek festival. Witnesses say that she was crossing in the crosswalk when she was hit. The driver of the SUV stayed on the scene and cooperated with authorities; no report was given as to whether or not they will face charges. The woman was quickly taken to a local hospital, yet sadly she ended up dying from her injuries. 

Collisions between two vehicles on Virginia roadways are common. When it comes to determining fault, when a car hits another from behind, the driver in the rear vehicle is typically held liable. If there is an accident at an intersection, the person who did not stop at the red light or stop sign is responsible. At Cranwell & Moore P.L.C., Attorneys at Law, we often represent clients catastrophically injured in a multi-car crash due to negligence or carelessness of another driver.

According to R&R Insurance, chain reaction auto accidents are complex as they involve more than two vehicles. Establishing fault requires that law enforcement take details about the crash from each person involved, noting the position of the vehicle, weather and road conditions. Experts give consideration and scrutiny to every angle and perspective in the process needed for identification of the person responsible for the multi-car pile-up. Depending on the circumstances, several drivers may share the blame.

The medical profession is unique in its impact on people's lives. It is not completely unlike other professions in Vinton, however, in that doctors, surgeons and other providers often follow protocols when delivering treatment. Your job likely has certain rules that you follow in specific situations. The best practices are often set through experience or industry trends. These are commonly referred to as heuristics, and are employed in the medical profession as well. Yet as a patient, you certainly hope that your doctor is considering the unique circumstances of your case and not simply being guided by what current trends and tendencies tell them they should do.

It is recognized that heuristics do have a role in health care, yet clinicians are still expected to employ their own expertise in each individual case. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality consistently reviews the use of heuristics in healthcare to determine scenarios in which they can impact patient care. Their research reveals that such standards can often be applied improperly in the following scenarios: 

• Doctors relying too heavily on past experiences when developing a diagnosis
• Doctors remain affixed on an initial diagnostic impression
• Doctors being influenced by collateral information (e.g., a patient's demographics)
• Doctors placing too much trust in expert opinion

Some people believe that vaping is healthier than smoking cigarettes, and this trend has become especially popular among younger people. Whether someone vapes because they think it will make them more popular or they are looking for a healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes, it is essential for drivers to be aware of how this behavior could increase the chances of a car crash. For example, a driver may become distracted or even drowsy if they vape while behind the wheel, which could lead to an accident.

For some people, such as those who may not have very much familiarity with nicotine, vaping can cause nausea, lightheadedness and other effects that could interfere with driving abilities. This can be especially dangerous if someone is asked to try vaping for the first time while they are driving. For example, a young person’s friend may pressure them to vape when their attention should be devoted to the road, which could cause them to become distracted or even intoxicated.