Never Drink and Drive

A judge in northern Illinois awarded $6 million in a fatal crash as reported by the Claims Journal.  Seventeen-year-old Amanda Kordich was killed by a drunk driver in July 2008.  Judge Edward Prochaska called Wesley Hanson’s actions “the definition of willful and wanton misconduct.”  Mr. Hanson is serving a nine-year prison sentence.  Because he had no insurance when the wreck happened, Hanson’s future wages will be garnished under the civil judgment.  Amanda’s mother, Diane Kordich reportedly said that she hopes the judge’s award “will send a message that drinking and driving won’t be tolerated in this country.”  No amount of money will ever redress the harm that Mr. Hanson inflicted upon Amanda and her family as a result of his choice to ignore the safety rules established to protect us.

Bettina Altizer- Attorney at Law

Altizer and Altizer

324 Washington Avenue

Roanoke, Virginia, 24016

540-345-2000

If I am in an accident- Should I move my Vehicle ?

The short answer is no, not until the police arrive. There are situations that it would be totally unsafe to leave your cars where they end up after a wreck. Only in those rare situations, do I suggest that you move your car. The person involved in the auto collision who is not at fault will oftentimes get pressure from the offending driver to move the cars before the police get there. To fall for that trap, would be a big mistake. Of course, the offending party would want to disturb the scene and ruin crucial evidence for the person not at fault so that they might have some hope at avoiding responsibility for the wreck. You have no control over where they move their car. However, you have complete control if you move your car. Also, because of property damage you may not have a choice — your car might not be driveable. In that case, be as safe as possible, put your hazard lights on if they work, and use any flairs or warning devices that you might have in your car to warn approaching motorists of your wreck. Additionally, your injuries might prevent you from caring or being concerned with whether or not to move the cars after the wreck. You come first always, and therefore, tend to yourself and your injured passengers, if any, and let the police handle the investigation of the wreck.
Bottom line here is to preserve the evidence, maintaining the location of the cars after the wreck if possible and safe. But never ever sacrifice your safety or your family’s safety for the evidence.
We continue to proudly serve the Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia. Please be safe.
Bettina C. Altizer
Altizer & Altizer
            (540)345-2000     

Things to come?

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has signed into law the so-called “Ricky Otts Act,” a bill that for the first time would require law enforcement officials to arrest drivers involved in serious automobile accidents who don’t have a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
The Ricky Otts Act was inspired by a 2010 automobile accident in when Mr. Otts was killed on his motorcycle by a man driving an SUV. The SUV driver did not have a driver’s license or proof of insurance at the time of the wreck and  only received a misdemeanor citation for failing to drive without proper documentation.
Under this new law, instead of issuing a citation, law enforcement officials would be required to arrest such drivers in accidents that resulted in serious bodily harm or the death of the other driver.
Our Tennessee neighbors are putting some teeth into their laws to incentivize driver’s to abide by their safety rules and keep motorists safe.

Bettina Altizer- Attorney at Law
Altizer and Altizer
324 Washington Avenue
Roanoke, Virginia, 24016
540-345-2000