If You are in an Accident.....

Here at Altizer & Altizer, our attorneys have been representing persons who have suffered harm at the hands of other motorists for decades.  We know what it takes to care for you and your family when you’ve been injured in an automobile collision, or when a loved one has suffered harm as a result of medical or nursing home negligence.  But we’re a little different as lawyers, too.  I say this because we are not only attorneys for our clients -- we’re also their advisors and friends.   Our firm is a family, and we treat our clients just as we would our own family and friends.  It’s important that you consult an experienced personal injury attorney if you or a loved one has been harmed.  Call us at Altizer & Altizer at 540-345-2000 or toll free at 800-310-5777 or visit us at our website, www.AltizerLaw.com.  One of our attorneys would be happy to meet with you personally to discuss your claim.

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

It is your right to file a claim.......

Don’t Feel Bad for Filing a Claim and Seeing An Attorney – It’s Your Right and You Need the Legal Protection

Imagine:  You have just been rear-ended in an automobile wreck by a person who seems genuinely apologetic and remorseful for having caused the wreck.  The police are called, information is exchanged, and you are sent on your way to seek medical treatment for your injuries.  You may go to the local emergency room, or you may see your family physician to evaluate your injuries.  You are hurt, but you feel sorry for the person who caused the wreck, and really you are not thrilled with the idea of suing someone.  You decide that you do not want to “sue” this person because it was “just an accident.”

First, it is important to understand that in the initial phase of a claim for injuries sustained in an automobile wreck, you are not “suing” anyone.  You are making a claim against that person’s automobile insurance company.  This is why the law requires all licensed drivers to carry automobile liability insurance.  In many cases, personal injury claims can be resolved without the necessity of filing a lawsuit.  Your health and well-being are your most important consideration.

Second, you were injured by no fault of your own, but by the fault of another.  Virginia law allows and provides for the injured person to receive compensation to cover the cost of the medical treatment, any lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, permanency of injuries, disfigurement, and future medical expenses and lost wages.  The law is wise and it states that deserve to be compensated for your injuries that have been caused by the wreck. 

Third, if you try to handle your claim by yourself, you will be dealing with an insurance claims adjuster who is experienced, trained, and with the singular goal to pay you as little as possible.  Fairness and justice are not in the vocabulary of most insurance claims adjusters.  So it most cases, you need to have an experienced, trained, and focused lawyer on your side to protect you with the singular goal of obtaining full and fail compensation for you.  Having an attorney advocating on your behalf allows you  the time and the peace of mind to focus on healing from your injuries and taking care of your family. 

The bottom line here is this:  if you pursue a claim, don’t worry about hurting the feelings of the at-fault driver if you make a claim against their automobile insurance company – that’s why they have insurance, and having a lawyer to protect your rights and to act in your best interest is the prudent, wise thing to do – Virginia law says so.

Consult an experienced personal injury attorney if you have been injured in an automobile accident.  Call us at Altizer & Altizer at 540-345-2000 or toll free at 800-310-5777 or visit us at our website, www.AltizerLaw.com.

Distracted Doctoring......

The Spring 2012 issue of The Safety Report asks, “What happens when you go under the knife?  Similar to distracted driving, a new trend, “distracted doctoring” has emerged.  Hospitals and doctors’ offices, in an effort to curb medical errors, have invested heavily to put computers, smartphones and other devices into the hands of their medical staff to facilitate better patient care.  But, this means that doctors and nurses can be focused on the screen and not on their patient during moments of critical care.  Examples that are cited are a nurse checking airfares during surgery and a poll that showed that half of technicians running bypass machines had admitted texting during a procedure.  Scott Eldredge, a medical malpractice lawyer In Denver, represented a patient who was paralyzed after surgery.  The neurosurgeon was distracted during the surgery, using a wireless headset to talk on his cellphone.  His personal calls, at least 10 of them, were made to family and business associates according to his phone records.  Their advice:  Next time you go in for a medical procedure, ask your doctor to turn off the cellphone.

 Bettina Altizer- Attorney at Law

Altizer and Altizer

324 Washington Avenue

Roanoke, Virginia, 24016

540-345-2000