Burnett and Williams has served clients and Virginia communities for over 40 years. In our blog, we share articles about important issues of personal injury law and community news. We welcome comments and questions!
Decrease in Teenage Drinking and Driving Rates
Here’s some good news for a change! Between 1991 and 2011, the percentage of teenagers who drove when they had been drinking alcohol decreased by 54 percent, according to a recent study. The Centers for Disease Control analyzed data from…
New Campaign Aims to Avoid Tragic Consequences of Texting While Driving
The campaign against texting while driving has been spotlighted recently by several cases of roadway deaths. One case that received media attention involved a married couple that was severely injured in New Jersey when a texting teen driver hit their…
More Seniors Behind the Wheel Means Increased Accidents for All Age Groups
In the next 20 years, the number of elderly drivers ages 70 and older is predicted to triple in the United States. As age increases, older drivers generally become more conservative on the road. They often avoid busy highways or…
Not So Frivolous After All: What Really Happened in the McDonald’s Coffee Case
You may remember Stella Liebeck, who several years ago sued McDonald’s after spilling hot coffee on herself. Mrs. Liebeck became the butt of many late-night jokes, and was even mocked in episodes of “Seinfeld” and “The Simpsons.” She was the…
A Pool Owner’s Legal Liability
For many people, owning a swimming pool is the greatest financial and legal risk they will ever take with regard to personal property. The laws of most states hold the homeowner responsible for providing a safe environment for both children…
Poor Vehicle Visibility Creates Dangerous Blind Spots
New car designs with low roofs and high trunks offer a sleek appearance, but they can cause drivers to have difficulty seeing out the back window. This poor visibility creates a big blind zone that can be dangerous and even…
Social Media Usage Linked to Trial Complications
Should a juror be allowed to “friend” a defendant, a plaintiff, a witness or anyone else involved in the case on Facebook during a trial? The courts emphatically say no. The challenge for courts is enforcing social-media bans during trials,…
Ideas to Help Manage Driver Distractions
Distracted drivers pose a deadly risk to everyone on the road. Here are 10 tips from the Governors Highway Safety Association for managing some of the most common distractions. • Turn it off. Turn your phone off or switch to…