By John Cooper, Eastern Shore Personal Injury Attorney

Deploying portable speed enforcement cameras in school zones has reduced speeding in several Maryland (MD) counties, according to an independent analysis of the program required by state law. Using Optotraffic speed cameras on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Washington, DC suburbs and other areas resulted in drivers obeying posted speed limits by as much as 900 percent, with the effect being greatest in marked school zones. The number of accidents at intersections where the cameras were positioned also fell dramatically.

These finding come close on the heels of a number of studies of red light cameras that similarly showed drivers were more likely to follow traffic laws and drive more responsibly when they knew their infractions could be caught on video and earn them a ticket. In Virginia Beach, VA, for instance, crashes fell 24 percent when cameras began operating throughout the city.

Red light cameras also currently operate in Chesapeake and Newport News, and the Norfolk City Council has approved a plan to install the devices in 2012. Speed enforcement cameras have not yet been proposed for any cities in Hampton Roads, nor for Accocmack or Northampton counties. In light of the findings in Maryland, though, I think speed cameras might be a valuable safety addition, especially on rural, heavily traveled roads with school zones such as Route 13 outside Onley and Great Bridge Boulevard in Chesapeake.

As personal injury lawyers based in Virginia Beach, my colleagues and I regularly represent victims of car, truck and motorcycle accidents caused by negligent drivers who were speeding or had run a red light. If cameras can prevent such wrecks, then the devices should be used more widely.

EJL

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys handle Eastern Shore, Virginia (VA), injury lawsuits. Our lawyers have provided legal advice and representation for thousands of victims of car and truck accidents, including many on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. We are familiar with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and with the towns along Route 13, including people from Accomack, Onancock, Chincoteauge, Wachapreague, Cape Charles, Bloxom, Eastville, Exmore, Greenbackville, Machipongo, Mappsville, Melfa, Nassawadox, Onley, Tangier, Temperanceville, Wachapreague and Wallops Island. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Though not every case meets our criteria, we offer free, confidential initial consultations. Give us a call at (800) 752-0042. If you can’t get through due to high call volume, please leave a message and we will return your call.

By Kevin Duffan, Virginia (VA) Car Accident Attorney

What constitutes a defective auto part? A number of major car manufacturers have recently recalled models for defects. In one case, accelerators were becoming engaged without warning. In other cases, car floor mats were becoming wedged against the gas pedal, causing unintentional acceleration. An experienced Virginia (VA) car accident injury attorney with our firm explores what you rights are if you are injured.

CT

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys handle Eastern Shore, Virginia (VA) injury lawsuits. Our lawyers have provided legal advice and representation for thousands of victims of car and truck accidents, including many on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. We are familiar with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and with the towns along Route 13, including people from Accomack, Onancock, Chincoteauge, Wachapreague, Cape Charles, Bloxom, Eastville, Exmore, Greenbackville, Machipongo, Mappsville, Melfa, Nassawadox, Onley, Tangier, Temperanceville, Wachapreague and Wallops Island. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Though not every case meets our criteria, we offer free, confidential initial consultations. Give us a call at (800) 752-0042. If you can’t get through due to high call volume, please leave a message and we will return your call.

By Randy Appleton, Eastern Shore Wrongful Death Attorney

Failing to stop at a red light always creates dangers for the red light runner and everyone else in and around the intersection. This truth was tragically proven once again on Virginia’s Eastern Shore on October 9, 2011, when the driver of a minivan made an illegal left turn through a red light and struck and killed the driver of an Infiniti G20.

According to the Virginian-Pilot, the fatal crash occurred at the intersection of Route 13 and VA 691, just north of Mappsville.  The 72-year-old man who lost his life succumbed to injuries suffered in the wreck despite being transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center for emergency treatment.

Police have charged the at-fault driver of the Dodge Caravan minivan with failure to obey a traffic signal and are considering other charges.

While illustrating the risks posed by red light runners, this accident also should remind everyone that making a left-hand turn needs to be done with care and caution. Turning drivers must always give right of way to vehicles traveling straight through an intersection. Even if the minivan’s driver was not paying attention to traffic lights, the person should have waited for the other car to pass before turning.

EJL

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys handle Eastern Shore, Virginia (VA), injury lawsuits. Our lawyers have provided legal advice and representation for thousands of victims of car and truck accidents, including many on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. We are familiar with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and with the towns along Route 13, including people from Accomack, Onancock, Chincoteauge, Wachapreague, Cape Charles, Bloxom, Eastville, Exmore, Greenbackville, Machipongo, Mappsville, Melfa, Nassawadox, Onley, Tangier, Temperanceville, Wachapreague and Wallops Island. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Though not every case meets our criteria, we offer free, confidential initial consultations. Give us a call at (800) 752-0042. If you can’t get through due to high call volume, please leave a message and we will return your call.

By Jim Lewis, VA Car Accident Lawyer

My colleague John Cooper reported recently on our firm’s website devoted to Virginia
Car & Motorcycle Accidents that a man was killed when his Plymouth Roadrunner ran off the left side of a road and ended up submerged in a pond on Winterville Road. John mentioned car crashes may result from drinking before driving.

LC

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys handle Eastern Shore, Virginia (VA), injury lawsuits. Our lawyers have provided legal advice and representation for thousands of victims of car and truck accidents, including many on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. We are familiar with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and with the towns along Route 13, including people from Accomack, Onancock, Chincoteauge, Wachapreague, Cape Charles, Bloxom, Eastville, Exmore, Greenbackville, Machipongo, Mappsville, Melfa, Nassawadox, Onley, Tangier, Temperanceville, Wachapreague and Wallops Island. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Though not every case meets our criteria, we offer free, confidential initial consultations. Give us a call at (800) 752-0042. If you can’t get through due to high call volume, please leave a message and we will return your call.

By Emily Mapp Brannon, Eastern Shore Car Accident Injury Lawyer

Police believe that alcohol played a role in a single-car crash in Pungoteague on the Eastern Shore of Virginia that killed two people and sent two other people to a hospital with injuries. All four people were in a Buick Century riding down VA Route 178 when the car went off the road, hit a tree stump and flipped over. The individuals killed had lived in Craddockville, VA.

It is so frustrating to read time and again about people who have been drinking large quantities of alcohol who throw caution to the wind and get behind the wheel of a car. This is irresponsible and reckless behavior that can, as seen in this Eastern Shore car wreck, have devastating consequences. As upsetting as it is, my Virginia Beach-based law firm has represented victims in many cases involving drunk drivers. Usually, those cases involve the most serious types of injuries. Jurors and other responsible drivers are incensed by the poor choices of drunk drivers.  Too many innocent people have lost their lives due to such recklessness.

If the surviving passengers’ injuries force them to miss time from work, rack up large medical bills, experience a decline in their quality of life, they should consult an Eastern Shore injury attorney. They are innocent people who had their lives turned upside down in an accident that might have been prevented if the driver was more cautious.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys handle Eastern Shore, Virginia (VA) injury lawsuits. Our lawyers have provided legal advice and representation for thousands of victims of car and truck accidents, including many on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. We are familiar with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and with the towns along Route 13, including people from Accomack, Onancock, Chincoteauge, Wachapreague, Cape Charles, Bloxom, Eastville, Exmore, Greenbackville, Machipongo, Mappsville, Melfa, Nassawadox, Onley, Tangier, Temperanceville, Wachapreague and Wallops Island. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Though not every case meets our criteria, we offer free, confidential initial consultations. Give us a call at (800) 752-0042. If you can’t get through due to high call volume, please leave a message and we will return your call.

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By Kevin Duffan, Eastern Shore Car Accident Injury Attorney

When a Volvo traveling west on the Chincoteague Causeway on Va. 175 swerved out of its lane and into the path of an approaching Ford Taurus just after 5 pm on April 4, 2011, the resulting head-on collision claimed the life of a driver and passenger and sent the other accident victims to a hospital with severe injuries.

This head-on collision on the Va. 175 Chincoteague Causeway on Virginia's Eastern killed two and injured two.

According to the Virginian-Pilot, the men killed in the Taurus were brothers Robert Cherrix and Laurence Gordon Cherrix, who lived on the Eastern Shore of Virginia (VA). The Volvo was being driven by California (CA) resident Ivan Klychnik, and Chincoteague woman Christina Gallagher was his passenger. Gallagher was not wearing a seat belt and got ejected from the car after impact.

A rash of bridge and tunnel accidents have struck eastern Virginia in the past few weeks. Drivers need to use caution on those passages, as their lanes tend to be narrower than on the rest of the roadway. This leaves little room for quickly correcting steering errors or recovering from distractions.

I offer my condolences to the friends and family members of the Cherrix brothers.

EJL

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys handle Eastern Shore VA injury lawsuits. Our lawyers have provided legal advice and representation for thousands of victims of car and truck accidents, including many on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. We are familiar with Route 13, including people from Accomack, Onancock, Chincoteauge, Wachapreague, and Cape Charles, Bloxom, Eastville, Exmore, Greenbackville, Machipongo, Mappsville, Melfa, Nassawadox, Onley, Tangier, Temperanceville, Wachapreague, and Wallops Island. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2010 Virginia “Super Lawyers” for Personal Injury Law; fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive this designation. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Though not every case meets our criteria, we offer free, initial consultations. Give us a call at (800) 752-0042. If you can’t get through due to high call volume, please leave a message and we will return your call.

By Kevin Duffan, Eastern Shore Car Accident Injury Lawyer

A car has plunged off the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in Virginia (VA), the first time such a crash has occurred on the structure in five years.

After a full day of looking by air, by boat and under water, searchers found the vehicle that plunged into the bay and recovered the body of its driver inside the vehicle, the Virginian-Pilot reported. It’s unclear what caused the driver, Jean Calcagno, 51, to drive her Toyota Avalon off the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, police said. The victim was from Virginia Beach. Read more here.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys handle Eastern Shore VA injury lawsuits. Our lawyers have provided legal advice and representation for thousands of victims of car and truck accidents, including many on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. We are familiar with Route 13, including people from Accomack, Onancock, Chincoteauge, Wachapreague, and Cape Charles, Bloxom, Eastville, Exmore, Greenbackville, Machipongo, Mappsville, Melfa, Nassawadox, Onley, Tangier, Temperanceville, Wachapreague, and Wallops Island. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2010 Virginia “Super Lawyers” for Personal Injury Law; fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive this designation. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Though not every case meets our criteria, we offer free, initial consultations. Give us a call at (800) 752-0042. If you can’t get through due to high call volume, please leave a message and we will return your call

By Car Accident Lawyer

According to the Daily Press, on June 24, 2010, a single-vehicle accident with a fatality occurred on the Eastern Shore of Virginia (VA).

State police in Parksley investigated the crash, at which one man was pronounced dead at the scene. He appeared to have been pinned beneath an overturned car near the intersection of Bailey and Fisher roads. The accident occurred at approximately 7:15 am.

Sgt. Michelle Cotten stated that, at the time of the report, investigators had not yet determined the cause of the crash, and were keeping the victim’s identify confidential for the time being.

Our condolences go out to the friends and family of this unknown man. Unfortunately, car accidents are an all too common phenomena in which precious loved ones can be lost. In order to spare those you care about the pain of such loss, always take precautions while driving. Allow enough time to get to your destination, and don’t forget to factor in extra time in inclement weather.

In cases where the car accident is caused by another driver, you may have a case against him or her for what is known as “wrongful death.” In instances such as these, you may be eligible to sue for compensation that includes the loss of that loved one’s income and companionship, as well as punitive damages. These are damages intended to punish a person for wrongdoing. If you feel that you may have a car accident death case, contact a qualified attorney as soon as possible.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys handle Eastern Shore VA injury lawsuits. Our lawyers have provided legal advice and representation for thousands of victims of car and truck accidents, including many on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. We are familiar with Route 13, including people from Accomack, Onancock, Chincoteauge, Wachapreague, and Cape Charles, Bloxom, Eastville, Exmore, Greenbackville, Machipongo, Mappsville, Melfa, Nassawadox, Onley, Tangier, Temperanceville, Wachapreague, and Wallops Island. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2010 Virginia “Super Lawyers” for Personal Injury Law; fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive this designation. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Though not every case meets our criteria, we offer free, initial consultations. Give us a call at (800) 752-0042. If you can’t get through due to high call volume, please leave a message and we will return your call promptly.

By Rick Shapiro, Car Accident Injury Attorney

A  34-year-old  woman was driving drunk when she lost control of her car on Highway 99.  This negligent driver not only took her own life but left her boyfriend seriously injured. He’s still in the hospital in a coma.  So if you are a passenger injured in an accident on the Eastern Shore of Virginia (VA) or anywhere else, what are your rights?  Find out more.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys handle Eastern Shore VA injury lawsuits. Our lawyers have provided legal advice and representation for thousands of victims of car and truck accidents, including many on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. We are familiar with Route 13, including people from Accomack, Onancock, Chincoteauge, Wachapreague, and Cape Charles, Bloxom, Eastville, Exmore, Greenbackville, Machipongo, Mappsville, Melfa, Nassawadox, Onley, Tangier, Temperanceville, Wachapreague, and Wallops Island. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2010 Virginia “Super Lawyers” for Personal Injury Law; fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive this designation. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Though not every case meets our criteria, we offer free, initial consultations. Give us a call at (800) 752-0042. If you can’t get through due to high call volume, please leave a message and we will return your call promptly.

By Emily Mapp Brannon, Personal Injury Attorney

It only takes a few seconds of inattention to cause a life altering car accident.  Such was the case in Suffolk, Virginia (VA) when a driver wrecked her car and injured her passenger while messing with the radio.  On the Eastern Shore drivers may do the same, flipping radio stations as they drive further out.  Find out how much damage driving distracted can do.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm handling Eastern Shore VA injury accident law and we have handled thousands of car and truck accident cases, including many on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Though not every case meets our criteria, we offer free, initial consultations so give us a call at 1-800-752-0042. If you can’t get through due to high call volume, please leave a message and we will return your call promptly.We are familiar with Route 13, including people from Accomack, Onancock, Chincoteauge, Wachapreague, and Cape Charles, Bloxom, Eastville, Exmore, Greenbackville, Machipongo, Mappsville, Melfa, Nassawadox, Onley, Tangier, Temperanceville, Wachapreague, and Wallops Island. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included among the “Best Lawyers in America” 2010 Edition. These two, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper were named 2010 Virginia “Super Lawyers” For Personal Injury Law (less than 5% of outstanding lawyers are chosen).