Blogs from January, 2022

Why Accidents That Occur on the Water Are Different

Accidents that do not have a maritime element are typically tried in the state where the accident took place. However, when it comes to maritime injury cases, admiralty law generally confers jurisdiction over such matters in United States federal courts. If you were injured in an accident that occurred at sea, it is crucial to hire an attorney with extensive experience with maritime laws, so you have the best chance at obtaining the compensation you deserve.

Common Maritime Accidents

There is practically an endless number of accidents that can occur at sea, resulting in injuries.

Below is a list of some of the most common maritime accidents:

• Improper maintenance of walkways and decks
• Transport of heavy cargo
• Improperly maintained or malfunctioning equipment
• Assaults committed by crew members who were not appropriately vetted
• Insufficient safety instructions
• Falling overboard
• Vessel collisions
• Recreational boating accidents
• Tugboat accidents
• Deaths on the high seas

If you were injured in a maritime accident, keep the following in mind:

• You are under no obligation to accept a settlement offer
• You can seek medical treatment from any doctor of your choosing
• You do not have to provide insurance adjusters with a recorded statement about the accident

What is the Jones Act?

If you are a maritime worker, the Jones Act is designed to offer financial relief for those who sustain injuries due to negligence or the unseaworthiness of a vessel. Through this protective maritime legislation, you can pursue the compensation you need for medical care, lost wages, emotional and mental anguish, the loss of future earnings, and pain and suffering.

Whether you were injured in a recreational or work-related accident, you should not hesitate to obtain experienced legal counsel.

Speak to an Experienced Attorney About Your Maritime Accident Case Today!

If you were injured in an accident that occurred at sea, the maritime accident team at The Law Offices of Daniel J. Miller can provide the exceptional legal guidance you need to hold the accountable party responsible for your suffering. We understand how difficult the aftermath of a serious accident can be and will give you the strong legal support you deserve during this challenging time.

Reach out to our law firm today at (757) 267-4949 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys to get started on your case and learn more about what we can do to assist you.

In 2021, Virginia’s new law prohibited the use of a handheld cell phone while driving. Since it is now a primary offense, a law enforcement officer does not need any other reason to pull you over. For this offense, depending on whether it is your first or a subsequent one, you will have to pay a fine that ranges between $150 and $250. However, if you were also driving recklessly at the time of the offense, the penalties are substantially steeper.

Getting a ticket is not the worst thing that can happen to those who use their cell phone while operating a motor vehicle. You could also get involved in a serious accident, resulting in injuries to you and others on the road.

The Dangers of Using a Phone and Driving

Distracted driving is quickly becoming a common cause of serious accidents on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), more than 3,100 people were killed in distracted driving accidents in 2019. Additionally, those between the ages of 16 and 24 tend to engage in this dangerous habit the most.

Here are some tips for staying safe on the road:

• While you are driving, let your calls go unanswered
• If you are using a GPS, set up directions before you start driving
• If you need to make an emergency call, pull over someplace safe
• Check your calls or texts either when you make a rest stop or arrive at your destination

Even though it may seem like any of these tasks will only take a few seconds to do, any time your attention is divided while driving, there is a high risk for a serious accident. Put your phone away or on a “do not disturb” setting while you are driving and stay safe.

Speak to an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney About Your Accident Case Today!

If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident, the experienced team at The Law Offices of Daniel J. Miller can provide the fierce representation you need to obtain the fair and just compensation you need to get back on your feet after this terrible incident. With our team on your side, you can rest assured your case will be in good hands.

Reach out to our law office today at (757) 267-4949 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys to get started on your personal injury case.

Virginia recently became the fourth state to expand the definition of racial discrimination to include traits that are historically associated with race. Moreover, the Commission to Examine Racial Inequity conducted an investigation that revealed discrimination that spanned across several sectors, including the criminal justice system, the economy, health, education, environmental justice, and housing.

Leveling the Playing Field

Even after segregation was legally banned, 70% of families resided in largely segregated neighborhoods. In fact, when the Fair Housing Act was passed, the committee discovered that the black-white homeownership gap was larger today than it was back in the late 60s. The laws that went into effect now and in the past are all designed to tackle structural racism and level the playing field.

Thus far, the report called for the following:

• Closing the gap in accessible health care for immigrants
• Collecting more data regarding racial disparities in bail decisions, pretrial hearings, and pretrial incarceration and sentencing
• Creating a tribal liaison at the state agency to handle environmental regulating and permitting
• Loosening restrictions on voting rights for those convicted of felonies

Although the commission’s work started back in 2019, these new laws are still just scratching the surface of systemic bias in the state. However, it is a step toward helping people of color and the persistence of racial disparities in everyday life. During a time when racism in the criminal justice system is under a heavy spotlight, these changes can pave the way toward a future that includes a narrative of equality.

Schedule an Initial Consultation with a Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney Today!

If you are facing criminal charges, you should not hesitate to reach out to the legal team at The Law Offices of Daniel J Miller for the help you need. Our team has over 25 years of experience and a history of successful results. With our attorneys on your side, you can rest assured you will obtain the best possible outcome for your case. We understand how overwhelming this situation can be and will aggressively fight on your behalf to protect your rights and future.

Do not hesitate to reach out to us today. Call our law office at (757) 267-4949 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys to get started. We answer calls 24/7 and accept all major credit cards.