Posts by Michael Phelan
How Black Ice and Weather Affect Commercial Trucks
In 2022, there were 503,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks nationally. Severe weather conditions contribute to many trucking accidents each year. Truck drivers are in a unique position. They take up a large portion of the road, but must watch all the vehicles around them to avoid major accidents. This is especially true in adverse…
Read MoreCommon Types of Industrial Accidents and What to Do After One
In 2024, nearly 2.5 million workplace illnesses and injuries were reported by employers. While workers’ compensation insurance covers most workplace injuries, there are some instances where a personal injury lawsuit may be an option against a negligent third party. Examples might include a defective product recall that wasn’t communicated or a contractor’s negligence that created…
Read MoreVirginia May Allow Civil Class Actions in State Courts for the First Time
Virginia and Mississippi are the only two states that do not have statutes authorizing class actions in state courts. That could soon change in Virginia. Senate Bill 229 and House Bill 449 are under consideration by the General Assembly. If passed, the bills would allow civil class actions under defined conditions. The change could significantly…
Read MoreWork Zone and Construction Site Accidents on Virginia’s Highways: Proving Fault
Work zones are a familiar sight for Virginia’s commuters. Whether you get caught up in a work zone on I-95, I-64, I-81, or a local road, knowing how to navigate construction zones is a crucial part of safe driving. These areas are hot spots for accidents, thanks to confusing traffic patterns and inattentive drivers. Accidents…
Read MoreHow to Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer in Richmond 14 Questions to Ask
When you’re injured because of someone else’s mistake, choosing the right Richmond personal injury lawyer is crucial. The lawyer you choose can play a significant role in the outcome of your case. Finding the right attorney for your claim often comes down to asking the right questions. Learn more about important questions to ask a…
Read MorePTSD and Life After Traumatic Car or Truck Crashes
For many victims, car accidents aren’t over once the physical injuries heal and the scars fade. For some, the emotional and psychological damage of the crash lasts for years or even decades. One of the most serious mental health conditions you may develop after a car accident in Virginia is post-traumatic stress disorder, generally shortened…
Read MorePhelan Petty Files Federal Lawsuit Exposing Dangerous Tesla Design Failures
Injuries from car accidents typically occur during the collision. Yet surviving a crash doesn’t always guarantee safety afterward. The alleged dangerous and defective design of the Tesla Model Y has contributed to catastrophic events on more than one occasion, including an incident in Virginia in which a passenger became trapped inside a burning car with…
Read MoreWhat is the Hit-and-Run Investigation Process in Virginia?
Under Virginia law, if you get into a motor vehicle accident that results in another person being injured or killed, or if the accident results in damage to another vehicle or other property, then you have legal duties in the aftermath of the crash. These duties include the following: Stopping at the scene of the…
Read MoreUnique Challenges in Truck Accident Litigation
Motor vehicle accidents involve some common elements, no matter what kind of vehicles are involved. For example, no matter if the collision involves a motorcycle, passenger vehicle, or a vehicle-pedestrian accident, proving the elements of a personal injury negligence claim will be the same. Truck accidents, however, can add some additional considerations that you will…
Read MoreWhy Do Trucking Companies Hire Disqualified Drivers?
The size and weight of commercial trucks mean that in the hands of an unqualified driver, they can become dangerous or even deadly on the road. This is why the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and state agencies like the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regulate commercial trucks on Virginia’s roads and highways.…
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