The Kalfus Nachman Blog

The US Coast Guard 5^th District in Portsmouth, VA, released this morning that there have been 40 drownings that occurred from northern New Jersey to southern North Carolina this summer alone 2014. This is just along the Mid Atlantic Coast and of the 40 boating- or swimming-related deaths, 34 people were not wearing lifejackets. Just recently Kalfus & Nachman, PC posted on Facebook July 19, 2024 a tip on Lifejackets and there benefits from the USCG. Here are some of the highlights:

Living in Hampton Roads the coastal waterways are so tempting to explore. While you are out there remember to put on your Life Vest. They save lives...How Do Life Jackets Save Lives?

1. When capsized in rough water.
2. When sinking in unexpectedly heavy sea conditions.
3. When thrown from the boat as a result of a collision.
4. When injured by rocks or submerged objects.
5. When unconscious from carbon monoxide fumes.
6. When tossed into freezing water.
7. When thrown off balance while fishing.
8. When unable to swim because of heavy or waterlogged clothing.

Capt. William Cameron, 5th District response chief, says regardless of how a person ends up in the water, wearing a lifejacket is the single most important precaution a person can take to increase chances of survival when things go wrong.

The Coast Guard is strongly encouraging boaters and swimmers to take simple precautions like swimming in areas with lifeguards, getting a free, local vessel safety check and taking a boating safety course.

Please go to http://www.kalfusnachman.com/boating-watercraft-accident-lawyer.html for more information on boating safety from Kalfus & Nachman and don’t forget to watch our videos on maritime cases by Jessie Suit http://www.kalfusnachman.com/video.htmltedly heavy sea conditions.

If you or a member of your family has suffered a boating or personal watercraft accident, you need expert legal assistance to pursue a claim against the responsible party. Individuals who survive these accidents are often left in great physical pain, requiring extensive medical treatment and suffering from a host of psychological problems as a result of the accident. They may be unable to continue working, putting a great amount of financial pressure on you.

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This morning as we were heading to shot our “Legal Matters” Segment on the Hampton Roads Show, WAVY Channel 10. The Emergency Broad Cast System began breaking in giving Tornado Warnings and Water Spouts spotted in the viewing area. As we entered the studio we learned that our show was delayed due to storm coverage. As we looked across the Elizabeth River in Portsmouth, the clouds were very dark and the rain began to fall. Due to the severe weather this morning, the Hampton Roads Show aired on FOX43, @11:00am.

It was after the tapping, we later found out that the Tornado had touched down at Cherrystone Family Campground, in Cheriton, 3 critical patients have been taken to Riverside Shore Memorial, along with 8 trauma, 8 pediatrics and 6 with minor injuries. At least one child from the Cherrystone Campground was taken to Virginia Beach General and then transferred to Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters. There were two adults transferred there as well.

As of 12:00pm the National Weather Service Office, Wakefield, VA was in route to the campground to survey the area and determine if a tornado did in fact touch down.

If you or a loved one have been injured by the negligence of another, please give us a call today to schedule a consultation with a Norfolk personal injury attorney, please visit the website and fill out the convenient online form.

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The Richmond Times Dispatch reported the “The Virginia Department of Transportation www.vdot.com rates 83 percent of the state’s roads as being in fair or better condition, up from 81 percent last year, though the condition varies widely depending on the type of road. In the 2015 fiscal year, which ends next June 30, the state plans to spend $1.5 billion on highway maintenance and operations, including $667.8 million on road paving and bridge repairs.”

A real interesting fact is Virginia has the 3^rd largest state maintained highway system in the country and we rate 83 percent of the highways fair or better, 60 percent of the secondary fair or better condition.

After back to back harsh winters in the Hampton Roads area and salt pounding the roadways making an excessive number of potholes around the area, it is refreshing to hear that our roads are being repaired quickly. In 2011, on I-264 this was a major concern for many commuters traveling out of Downtown Norfolk, with inadequate asphalt repairs. Potholes are also, a common cause for motorcycle accidents, as well.

If you or a loved one have been injured by the negligence of another, please give us a call today to schedule a consultation with a Norfolk personal injury attorney, please visit the website and fill out the convenient online form.

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Each year hundreds of drivers and State Troopers across the country have been killed due to being struck by vehicles, but it is especially tragic when they are struck by drivers under the influence.

On Thursday evening a Virginia Beach man was struck on I-64 east, west of the Twin Bridges while waiting for assistance after his car broke down the day before, according to state police. He has been identified as Tyler A. Carnes, 21, of the 900 block of Antonick Lane; he was driving a 1998 Honda Civic.

Virginia State Police spokeswoman Sgt. Michelle Anaya reported Carnes moved his car to the left shoulder, turned on the car’s hazard lights and called AAA for assistance. While Carnes was waiting for help, the driver of a 2001 Ford Explorer ran off the road to the left and struck the Civic, causing Carnes to suffer life-threatening injuries were he later died at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Anaya said.

Robert G. Horton, 47, of Norfolk, suffered minor injuries and was charged with driving under the influence, second offense, and was taken to jail in Virginia Beach, where he received a $1,500 secured bond, Anaya said

Virginia has specific laws set up not only for DUI offenders but for drivers to yield when approaching stationary vehicles in shoulder.

Section 46.2-921.1 of the Code of Virginia states:

§ 46.2-921.1. Drivers to yield right-of-way or reduce speed when approaching stationary emergency vehicles on highways; penalties.

A. The driver of any motor vehicle, upon approaching a stationary vehicle that is displaying a flashing, blinking, or alternating blue, red, or amber light or lights as provided in § 46.2-1022, 46.2-1023, or 46.2-1024 or subdivision A 1 or A 2 of § 46.2-1025 shall (i) on a highway having at least four lanes, at least two of which are intended for traffic proceeding as the approaching vehicle, proceed with caution and, if reasonable, with due regard for safety and traffic conditions, yield the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the stationary vehicle or (ii) if changing lanes would be unreasonable or unsafe, proceed with due caution and maintain a safe speed for highway conditions.

B. A violation of any provision of this section shall be punishable as a traffic infraction, except that a second or subsequent violation of any provision of this section, when such violation involved a vehicle with flashing, blinking, or alternating blue or red lights, shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

C. If the violation resulted in damage to property of another person, the court may, in addition, order the suspension of the driver's privilege to operate a motor vehicle for not more than one year. If the violation resulted in injury to another person, the court may, in addition to any other penalty imposed, order the suspension of the driver's privilege to operate a motor vehicle for not more than two years. If the violation resulted in the death of another person, the court may, in addition to any other penalty imposed, order the suspension of the driver's privilege to operate a motor vehicle for two years.

D. The provisions of this section shall not apply in highway work zones as defined in § 46.2-878.1.

(2002, cc. 163, 341; 2008, c. 818; 2010, c. 289.)

There are several programs and campaigns that have been set up to assist drivers. VDOT and the State Troopers just to name a few have dollars set aside for driving safety.

Safety Service Patrol

Just a few years ago, The Virginia Department of Transportation Safety Service Patrol (SSP) implemented a program to provide a safe, quick clearance of incidents that affect traffic, including disabled vehicles. This team can be seen throughout the major roadways assisting motorist and responding to incidents on our roadway. They help task as fuel water for overheating radiators to changing tires. There trucks are equipped with flashers and uniforms are reflective. http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/safetypatrol.asp

Virginia State Troopers

The month of June is now designated as “Move Over Awareness Month.” The recognition comes following Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 102 during the 2014 Virginia General Assembly Session. The declaration is intended to provide further support to Virginia’s public safety campaign aimed at increasing drivers’ awareness concerning the protection of public safety professionals and highway safety workers, to include safety service patrols on Virginia’s roads.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an in an accident caused by the negligence of another, please give us a call today to schedule a consultation with a Norfolk personal injury attorney, please visit the website and fill out the convenient online form.

Links to Social Media:

• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/VAPersonalInjuryKN
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kalfus-and-Nachman/103386589709320
• Google+ https://plus.google.com/111549101320921068317/about