Virginia Personal Injury Lawyer Blog tag:www.personalinjuryattorneyinvirginia.com,2011-03-10:/blog/67 2011-09-26T23:39:39Z Information provided by Goldberg, Finnegan & Mester Movable Type 4.25 How can most accidents be completely prevented tag:www.personalinjuryattorneyinvirginia.com,2011:/blog//67.1752 2011-09-26T23:29:13Z 2011-09-26T23:39:39Z Automobile accidents occur far too frequently and statistics show that most accidents occur within five miles from the home. People drive to and from work and recreation every day, but when you get into your familiar neighborhood, the tendency is... Kevin Goldberg http://www.gfmlawllc.com There are consequences to those resulting car accidents. If you are in the Virginia and Washington, D.C. area, please click here to contact us for more information today. Goldberg, Finnegan & Mester would like to show you the main reasons that auto accidents occur in the D.C. area, so that you will be more aware of problems and thereby reduce accidents. 

Goldberg, Finnegan & Mester has experienced attorneys and legal assistants that will help you with your questions and educate you in the most common causes of accidents and how to prevent them. The top ten causes of car accidents are:

  1. Distracted Driving - either with items like necklaces hanging on the rear view mirror, or something happening outside the car.
  2. DUI's - driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  3. Speeding.
  4. Reckless Driving.
  5. Driver under the age of 25 - young, inexperienced and reckless driving habits.
  6. Night driving - objects can be misleading in the dark.
  7. Unsafe land changes - watching out for the other driver.
  8. Weather related - snow, ice, and rain create problems.
  9. Drowsy Driving - driving while tired, or sleepy.
  10. Road Rage or Tailgating - typically occurs in heavy traffic as frustration builds.
With the exception of the young drivers and the DUI's, the rest of these cause have to do with the attention that the driver is giving to the road. Cell phones are another major distraction that the driver typically is not aware of. The driver must stay alert, especially in rush hour traffic or driving long distances because it is easy to get complacent. When you get behind the wheel, keep in mind that others are going to be on the road who are not giving their full attention to the traffic. If you two collide accidently, you can contact Goldberg, Finnegan & Mester to assist in understanding the law. Let us help you understand the prevention of car accidents in the Washington, DC triplex. Contact us today.
]]> Car Accidents Caused by Construction tag:www.personalinjuryattorneyinvirginia.com,2011:/blog//67.1749 2011-09-21T12:09:53Z 2011-09-21T12:10:15Z Road construction causes many accidents every year. One cause of accidents is failure of the construction company to properly control the flow of traffic to accommodate the changed road conditions due to construction. A second cause of accidents is driver... Kevin Goldberg http://www.gfmlawllc.com During construction, traffic cannot flow in the way that the road was designed for traffic to travel on the roadway, and this can cause many accidents, particularly if the changes in traffic flow are not well-planned. In some cases, deviation from the normal traffic signals may cause confusion and lead to accidents. Drivers may only have one lane available, and traffic may be controlled by workers with signs rather than the customary traffic signals. Speed changes in construction is a major cause of accidents. When state law does not control speed in a construction zones, construction companies may set improper speed limits. Further, drivers may have difficulty adjusting to sudden changes in speed, particularly when they are not expecting these changes to occur on a familiar stretch of road.

Road hazards, such as uneven payment and debris or equipment in the roadway is another cause of car accidents. Slow-moving equipment may weave temporarily into the roadway, causing surprise for oncoming drivers. These road hazards may not be properly marked, and drivers may not have time to respond, particularly if they are driving too quickly for the changed road conditions. 
]]> Avoiding Car Accidents tag:www.personalinjuryattorneyinvirginia.com,2011:/blog//67.1746 2011-09-09T01:37:44Z 2011-09-09T01:39:22Z Avoiding car accidents is often a matter of remembering the basics observing basic road safety rules and keeping one's vehicle maintained can help avoid many car accidents. However, if you are in Virginia or Washington DC and have been injured... Kevin Goldberg http://www.gfmlawllc.com auto-accident.jpg
Avoiding car accidents is often a matter of remembering the basics observing basic road safety rules and keeping one's vehicle maintained can help avoid many car accidents. However, if you are in Virginia or Washington DC and have been injured by another driver's negligence or recklessness on the road, click here to contact us for a free consultation to find out what your legal rights are.
]]> To make sure that you and your family drive as safely as possible, follow these simple tips:

1. Keep your vehicles maintained. Bald tires and bad brakes can lead to rear-end collisions and inability to stop on roads made slick by rain and snow. 

2. Make sure that you and your family, especially young drivers, know how to drive safely in poor weather conditions. Know how to use your brakes properly if the vehicle starts to slide on an icy road. If your vehicle has 4 wheel drive capability, know when to use it and how fast to drive when using 4 wheel drive. Young drivers especially need to be taught that even a light rain brings oil to the road surface, which necessitates slowing down and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles.

3. Tailgating and not using turn signals properly are major causes of rear-end accidents. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you at all times, especially in close stop-and-go traffic.

4. Talking on a cell phone or texting while driving account for ever-greater numbers of deadly accidents, especially among young drivers. Young drivers must be made aware that texting while driving is as bad as driving drunk. No text message is worth a life. Adults and teen drivers alike should pull off the road and stop the car to answer cell phones or text messages. Even hands-free cell phone devices still take the driver's attention from the road.
]]> Recent Auto Accidents in Washington, D.C. tag:www.personalinjuryattorneyinvirginia.com,2011:/blog//67.1743 2011-08-15T00:52:28Z 2011-08-15T00:55:26Z Kevin Goldberg http://www.gfmlawllc.com auto-accident.jpg
Unfortunately there were at least 4 horrific car accidents in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area causing eight deaths and numerous personal injuries in the DC Area  between Friday August 12, 2011 and Saturday August 13, 2011.   At about 4 am on Friday a 2004 Mercedes Benz lost control and crashed into a utility pole in the 1300 block of Southern Avenue SE, Washington, D.C.   The car caught on fire, and by the time ambulance workers arrived at the D.C. car crash scene, two juveniles were trapped in the burning vehicle and had died.   Our thoughts and prayers go out to the D.C. area families who lost loved ones in these crashes.    While I am sure these families are not immediately focused on their legal rights, it is important that Washington, D.C. residents know that there is a one year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Washington, D.C.  and that any claim against the D.C. Government requires that notice be sent according to the procedures in 12-309 of the D.C. Code within 180 days of the incident.    D.C. area family members who have lost a loved one in a Washington, D.C. car crash should strongly consider hiring an experienced car crash lawyer to help make sure that all deadlines are complied with.  Furthermore, an attorney can generally make sure that a proper investigation is done and that crucial evidence is preserved for Wrongful Death and Survival claims.
]]> District of Columbia residents should know that August is one of the most dangerous times to be on the road.   AAA's local office for the mid-atlantic region reports that the deadliest driving period is from August 1 through Labor Day Weekend.  This is because a lot of D.C. area motorists are travelling long distances for vacations during this time period.  If you have a family member involved in a serious car crash in Washington, D.C. it is important to know that there may be Personal Injury Protection benefits available to help pay for the funeral.    In Washington, D.C. PIP benefits are not mandatory on all car insurance policies but it seems that most insurance policies sold by reputable D.C. insurance agents include this coverage.   If a Washington, D.C. resident lived in Maryland when the car insurance was purchased, there almost definitely will be at least $2,500.00 of PIP benefits available to help pay for funeral expenses.  This personal injury protection money (aka "PIP Money") is available regardless of who was at fault for the fatal car crash and the claim can be made by the next of kin or Personal Representative of the D.C. resident's estate.   
 
Since the minimum limits of automobile liability  insurance in Washington, D.C. is only $25,00000 a lawyer can be helpful in identifying additional potential defendants if a person dies due to the negligence of someone else in the District.   For example, a lawyer can investigate whether the D.C. Government (and make sure the 180 day deadline is complied with) may be at fault for not making appropriate repairs to the roadway.    A Washington, D.C. car accident lawyer can investigate the facts to find out if the driver was on a work related phone call, and if they were, then the employer may be have a larger insurance policy and can be brought in based on agency law and respondeat superior.      
]]> Recent Auto Accidents in Washington, D.C. tag:www.personalinjuryattorneyinvirginia.com,2011:/blog//67.1742 2011-08-15T00:50:58Z 2011-08-15T00:52:05Z Kevin Goldberg http://www.gfmlawllc.com Unfortunately there were at least 4 horrific car accidents in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area causing eight deaths and numerous personal injuries in the DC Area  between Friday August 12, 2011 and Saturday August 13, 2011.   At about 4 am on Friday a 2004 Mercedes Benz lost control and crashed into a utility pole in the 1300 block of Southern Avenue SE, Washington, D.C.   The car caught on fire, and by the time ambulance workers arrived at the D.C. car crash scene, two juveniles were trapped in the burning vehicle and had died.   Our thoughts and prayers go out to the D.C. area families who lost loved ones in these crashes.    While I am sure these families are not immediately focused on their legal rights, it is important that Washington, D.C. residents know that there is a one year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Washington, D.C.  and that any claim against the D.C. Government requires that notice be sent according to the procedures in 12-309 of the D.C. Code within 180 days of the incident.    D.C. area family members who have lost a loved one in a Washington, D.C. car crash should strongly consider hiring an experienced car crash lawyer to help make sure that all deadlines are complied with.  Furthermore, an attorney can generally make sure that a proper investigation is done and that crucial evidence is preserved for Wrongful Death and Survival claims.
 
District of Columbia residents should know that August is one of the most dangerous times to be on the road.   AAA's local office for the mid-atlantic region reports that the deadliest driving period is from August 1 through Labor Day Weekend.  This is because a lot of D.C. area motorists are travelling long distances for vacations during this time period.  If you have a family member involved in a serious car crash in Washington, D.C. it is important to know that there may be Personal Injury Protection benefits available to help pay for the funeral.    In Washington, D.C. PIP benefits are not mandatory on all car insurance policies but it seems that most insurance policies sold by reputable D.C. insurance agents include this coverage.   If a Washington, D.C. resident lived in Maryland when the car insurance was purchased, there almost definitely will be at least $2,500.00 of PIP benefits available to help pay for funeral expenses.  This personal injury protection money (aka "PIP Money") is available regardless of who was at fault for the fatal car crash and the claim can be made by the next of kin or Personal Representative of the D.C. resident's estate.   
 
Since the minimum limits of automobile liability  insurance in Washington, D.C. is only $25,00000 a lawyer can be helpful in identifying additional potential defendants if a person dies due to the negligence of someone else in the District.   For example, a lawyer can investigate whether the D.C. Government (and make sure the 180 day deadline is complied with) may be at fault for not making appropriate repairs to the roadway.    A Washington, D.C. car accident lawyer can investigate the facts to find out if the driver was on a work related phone call, and if they were, then the employer may be have a larger insurance policy and can be brought in based on agency law and respondeat superior.      
]]> Symptoms of Whiplash tag:www.personalinjuryattorneyinvirginia.com,2011:/blog//67.1736 2011-06-22T20:04:51Z 2011-06-24T20:05:33Z Whiplash is one of the most common injuries following a car accident and it is caused when the ligaments and muscles of ones neck are stretched normal due to a sudden jerking motion resulting from your car being hit from... Kevin Goldberg http://www.gfmlawllc.com Symptoms can take years to develop and most people don't seek treatment until severe complications develop. Even two years after settling their insurance claims, some 45% of people still report complications. Generally, 62 to 98% of people with whiplash complain of neck pain, which generally begins 2 hours to 2 days after the injury. Of those suffering, 66 to 70% complain of headaches with the pain being on one or both sides of the head and it could be off-and-on or constant. Shoulder pain is also common, sometimes reported as radiating from the neck on down. 

Symptoms are not limited just to the symptoms described above but could also include one, some or all of the following:

  • Neck pain and / or stiffness
  • Blurred vision
  • Difficulty Swallowing
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Pain between the shoulder blades
  • Pain in the arms, legs, feet or hands
  • Headache
  • Lower back pain and / or stiffness
  • Shoulder pain
  • Nausea
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Vertigo
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Pain in the jaw or face

Proper diagnosis of whiplash can only be made by a doctor. If you suspect to have this condition, an appointment to a medical professional must be made. If you do have whiplash due to a car or other accident and are looking to pursue legal action, click here for a free consultation.
]]> Most Common Auto Accident Injuries tag:www.personalinjuryattorneyinvirginia.com,2011:/blog//67.1735 2011-06-19T20:03:23Z 2011-06-24T20:04:45Z Injuries resulting from automobile accidents are some of the most common claims which our highly experienced staff of legal professionals handle every day. In 2005 alone, there were an estimated 2.9 million persons injured of whom most initiated legal claims... Kevin Goldberg http://www.gfmlawllc.com Injuries resulting from automobile accidents are some of the most common claims which our highly experienced staff of legal professionals handle every day. In 2005 alone, there were an estimated 2.9 million persons injured of whom most initiated legal claims to recover monies for the actual injury and damages sustained by them. Below is a list of some of the most common forms of injuries resulting from car accident injuries:

Whiplash - With ⅓ of all vehicular accidents being rear end collisions, the most common form of injury resulting from accidents is known as "whiplash." This generally occurs whenever a vehicle comes to a sudden stop or on hitting another object: the head hits the steering wheel and/or windshield and the body is launched forward. Official statistics are: 120,000 per year, 10,000 per month, 2,307 per week, 328 per day and 13 hourly.

Spinal Misalignments - Takes the skeletal structure out of alignment, causes nerve, bone, tendon and ligament irritation as well as inflammation and overall disc damage.

Long-term Spinal and Head Trauma is especially common in vehicular accidents and has precipitated newly defined medical terms such as: postconcussion syndrome, (PCS), whiplash syndrome (WS) and even mild traumatic brain Injuries (MTBI. 

Recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, (NHTSA), studies report 28 percent of auto car accidents result in minor to mild injuries and 6 percent in severe to fatal injuries. 

Whatever form any of the above mentioned auto-related injuries take, our experienced legal staff is more than up to the task of seeing that your rights to receive protection, compensation and peace of mind are successfully pursued and defended.

If you have any questions or should you choose to pursue your auto-related injuries legally please contact us today.
]]> Getting help after an traffic accident tag:www.personalinjuryattorneyinvirginia.com,2011:/blog//67.1734 2011-06-15T20:02:49Z 2011-06-24T20:03:12Z Being involved in a traffic accident is not a pleasant experience at all. Besides the physical trauma associated with the actual event, there's a uncertainty of the post-accident issues. How do you get your injuries, and possibly those of your... Kevin Goldberg http://www.gfmlawllc.com Being involved in a traffic accident is not a pleasant experience at all. Besides the physical trauma associated with the actual event, there's a uncertainty of the post-accident issues. How do you get your injuries, and possibly those of your passengers treated? How do you recover lost wages and other damages? What happens if you are sued by others? So many questions, but so few answers. You could submit your case to your insurance company or that of the other party, but then what will happen? Do you simply take what they offer to settle for? And what happens if what they say your case is worth doesn't cover your losses?

The answer is to have your case represented by a lawyer who is experienced at handling auto accident cases. At our law firm, we have attorneys who exclusively represent accident victims. We know the law, and we know how to use the law to get the money you need to take care of yourself and your family when often insurance companies want to settle for what is best for their interest, not yours.

We will stand up to the unreasonable demands of insurance companies and other parties to your accident, and we will represent your best interests, and nobody else. If you have been involved in an auto accident, whether you have been injured or not, you need to have an attorney who is experienced at handling auto accident cases as soon as possible after your accident, so problems can be prevented.

For more information, click here to contact us today. Educate yourself on your rights after an accident by calling us today. We are located in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., allowing us to serve you better.
]]> Important Safety Tips To Remember After An Auto Accident tag:www.personalinjuryattorneyinvirginia.com,2011:/blog//67.1733 2011-06-09T20:01:53Z 2011-06-24T20:02:40Z There are tons of different types of auto accidents, from minor fender-benders to totaled cars with multiple severe injuries. Regardless of what type of accident there is, safety should always come first, no matter what. It is very important to... Kevin Goldberg http://www.gfmlawllc.com There are tons of different types of auto accidents, from minor fender-benders to totaled cars with multiple severe injuries. Regardless of what type of accident there is, safety should always come first, no matter what. It is very important to know exactly what to do in the event of an accident. There are over six million accidents every year in the United States alone, and not knowing the right steps to take after one happens can turn a minor bang up into a major one in no time at all, especially in metropolitan areas such as Washington, D.C. or Virginia. The first and most difficult step is to try to remain as calm as possible. Panicking only makes everything worse. Do not worry about the cars involved in the crash; make sure that all people are fine first.

After making sure everyone is fine, there are some easy steps to take if one can remain calm. first, call an ambulance if anyone has sustained injuries. If the vehicles will still run, move them out of the way of oncoming traffic. Take notes from all parties about what happened leading up to the accident. If you have a camera available or on your phone, take pictures before moving the vehicles to safety. 

If the authorities are involved, be sure to stay until they tell you that it is alright to leave. If you need more advice about how to handle your accident, please contact us for a free case evaluation.
]]> Rise of auto accidents in the USA tag:www.personalinjuryattorneyinvirginia.com,2011:/blog//67.1732 2011-06-01T19:59:08Z 2011-06-24T20:01:38Z Auto accidents happen every day on our nation's highways, local roadways, and city streets. Nationally in the United States, there are an estimated six million car accidents that occur annually. Nearly 31,000 auto accidents turned fatal, with over two million... Kevin Goldberg http://www.gfmlawllc.com Auto accidents happen every day on our nation's highways, local roadways, and city streets. Nationally in the United States, there are an estimated six million car accidents that occur annually. Nearly 31,000 auto accidents turned fatal, with over two million people injured. Of these numbers, it is estimated that people are injured in auto accidents, every 14 seconds in the U.S.A. Auto accidents are recorded as the leading cause of physical disabilities and varied impairments.
An example of a regional breakdown showed a drop in auto accidents in the Virginia, Washington DC metro area, where Virginia's auto accidents consisted of 116,744 cases, a 14% decrease from 2008. In the Washington DC area total collisions or accidents totalled 16,841, a slight decrease also from the 2009 stats.

A few of the more common causes of auto accidents include: distracted driving, speeding, alcohol, drugs, recklessness, weather conditions, running red/stop lights, teenage drivers, improper turns, tailgating, driving tired and drowsy, car defaults, street racing and animals. Any injuries as a result of an auto accident in the Washington, DC metro area may require the assistance of legal representation to handle your injury claims and compensation that you are entitled to. ]]> What you need to know if you have had a hip replacement since 2003 tag:www.personalinjuryattorneyinvirginia.com,2011:/blog//67.1722 2011-03-28T15:59:50Z 2011-03-28T16:01:22Z Kevin Goldberg http://www.gfmlawllc.com Enduring hip replacement is a long and painful journey of surgery and rehabilitation sought by many to relieve the pain of arthritis or fracture. But for recipients of the Johnson & Johnson subsidiary, DePuy Orthopedics, Inc. ASR XL Acetabular System and ASR Hip Resurfacing System, instead of the end of their suffering, installation of these hardware devices is just the beginning. If you received a hip replacement after July of 2003, and are experiencing pain, stiffness, swelling, difficulty walking, and generalized pain around the hip and lower extremities, your hip replacement hardware may have loosened, shifted, fractured, or even worse, caused further damage to your already weakened hip joint and require multiple revision surgeries.

In March of 2006, DePuy Orthopedics, Inc., sent a warning letter to physicians advising that their hip replacement hardware had been known to fail in "certain patients" which they identified as small statured women with weak bones. Despite knowing of these problems, DePuy continued to actively market their product. In December of 2009, DePuy withdrew their product from Australia, but instead of acknowledging the problems they knew existed with the hardware, simply explained the withdrawal as being based on poor sales. Finally, in August of 2010, DePuy issued a voluntary recall of certain of their hip implant devices, recognizing that their product had a higher than usual failure rate when compared to other similar hardware.

Johnson & Johnson's website offers reimbursement of reasonable and customary expenses associated with the recall, however, by whose standard will that be determined? It is to Johnson & Johnson's financial advantage to seek out patients who received these implants and offer a quick, inexpensive and final resolution of their claims.  As Depuy Hip Lawyers, we are concerned about this reimbursement program because it only offers limited compensation and forces Depuy customers to give a medical authorization and full access to their private medical records to Depuy's lawyers.  It is unclear at this time what legal rights those who participate in the Depuy compensation program will be forced to give up.   

If you have received a hip replacement since July 2003, utilizing DuPuy Orthopedics, Inc., ASR XL Acetabular System and ASR Hip Resurfacing System, call Goldberg, Finnegan & Mester, LLC for  a eview of your case history,and to get a better idea of what the problem with the Depuy hip product is and how you might be affected.   The law firm of Goldberg, Finnegan & Mester, serving the Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C., area, has qualified medical and legal professionals dedicated to providing you with all the information you need to allow you to make an informed decision about how to proceed to cover your future medical expenses and compensate you for the pain and suffering caused by the failure of your hip replacement surgery. Click here and a member of our staff will contact you for a personalized telephone consultation. ]]> When is a hip implant needed? tag:www.personalinjuryattorneyinvirginia.com,2011:/blog//67.1720 2011-03-10T18:41:49Z 2011-06-24T20:11:33Z The term "hip replacement" means reforming or replacing the hip joint. Otherwise known as hip arthroplasty, it has been performed for over a century. In the 1960's, a new device became available utilizing a metal ball and a plastic... Kevin Goldberg http://www.gfmlawllc.com
depuy-hip.jpegThe term "hip replacement" means reforming or replacing the hip joint. Otherwise known as hip arthroplasty, it has been performed for over a century. In the 1960's, a new device became available utilizing a metal ball and a plastic socket. Today, the components making up these devices are more durable and long lasting.
]]> Who Gets Hip Implants?

Problems involving the hip socket range from those brought on by heavy use and wear and tear associated with that, to those caused by disease or congenital deformities. Hip implants can be placed in patients ranging in age from the late teens to ages in the 90's. Statistics show the majority of hip replacement surgery is for patients suffering from arthritis.

Do You Need a Hip Implant?

Many signs and symptoms of hip disease begin vague and mild. Usually, however, with continued use and weight bearing on the joint, the symptoms are progressive in nature. Usually, the patient will eventually require hip implant surgery.

The most obvious symptom of hip disease or damage is pain. Though pain is a significant symptom, there are others. Limited range of motion also indicates there are issues in the joint. Due to a degenerative disease or injury, there might be "creaks" or "pops" upon moving or rising from a seated position in the hip joint.
Now What?

If your doctor is recommending hip replacement surgery, remember this is not an outpatient procedure, nor is it a minor operation. It is significant, and time will need to be set aside for recovery. Normally the patient is up and moving on at least the second day. Total recovery periods vary from patient to patient, with most being fully recovered in three months.]]>