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Signs that a vehicle may require new brakes
Being able to stop quickly is a key element of traffic safety. Motorists typically need good tires and good brakes. Even with brand new tires, aging brakes may not give a driver the stopping power they need when a child chases the ball into the street or a car ahead of them abruptly stops.
Drivers need to ensure that their brakes are in good operating condition so that they can stop quickly when circumstances demand that they do so. What are some of the warning signs that it may be time to replace or repair the brakes in a vehicle?
Significant mileage
As a general rule, most vehicle maintenance specialists recommend replacing brake pads and other components approximately every 30,000 miles. Factors including the speed at which people travel and the amount of highway versus city driving they do create a degree of flexibility there. However, every 30,000 miles or roughly every two to three years, drivers likely need to replace their brake pads.
Squeaking or grinding noises
Brake pads often have a device built in that helps them alert motorists when they are nearing the end of their useful life. Brake pads produce a high-pitched squeaking noise when the pad is relatively worn.
How can worn tires affect vehicle safety?
Most components of a vehicle are safety critical. Every system plays a role in the driver’s ability to control the vehicle. If the windshield wipers stop working suddenly, drivers may have significantly reduced visibility during a storm. Their difficulty seeing their surroundings might result in them causing a crash.
Wear and tear from years of use and sudden catastrophic failure can both result in vehicle systems failing while drivers are on the road. System failures can lead to a loss of control and preventable collisions. Most motorists can reduce their chances of causing a crash by being proactive about vehicle maintenance.
For example, motorists need to keep an eye on their tires to ensure they don’t get worn down. How can older tires affect the safety of a vehicle?
Older tires can fail in several ways
Aging or worn tires do not have as much tread as newer tires. They are therefore less effective at providing a vehicle with traction for maneuvers and speed reduction. Tens of thousands of miles wear down the surfaces of the tires. They may then be more vulnerable to rupture if a driver encounters debris on the road. In some cases, tires may blow out because of their age.
Signs your employer is retaliating after a workers’ comp claim
Filing a workers’ compensation claim should not lead to negative treatment at work, but some employers retaliate against employees who do. Retaliation can take many forms, and recognizing the signs can help you protect your rights and address the situation.
Sudden changes in your work assignments
One sign of retaliation includes sudden changes in your job duties or workload. Your employer might assign you tasks that are outside your role or make your job more difficult than before. These changes could aim to pressure you or make you feel unwelcome.
Unjustified disciplinary actions
If your employer begins disciplining you for minor issues or problems that didn’t previously concern them, this could signal retaliation. Frequent write-ups, warnings, or negative performance reviews without clear justification often indicate a problem.
Demotion or reduced hours
Employers sometimes retaliate by lowering an employee’s status or pay. If your employer demotes you, reduces your hours, or cuts your pay after you file a claim, it might be an attempt to punish you. These actions can also discourage other employees from filing claims.
How does attorney representation affect workers’ comp cases?
Workers’ compensation claims can be complex, especially when dealing with serious injuries. Attorney representation can play a significant role in these cases, often impacting the outcome and the benefits received.
Knowing how legal help can affect your workers’ comp claim may make a big difference.
Higher benefits with attorney involvement
Studies show that having an attorney involved in workers’ comp cases can lead to higher benefit payouts. On average, injured workers with legal representation receive significantly more in compensation compared to those without. This is especially true for complex claims involving severe injuries or long-term disabilities. Attorneys understand how to navigate the system to ensure that workers receive the full benefits they deserve.
Types of cases that benefit most
Not all workers’ comp cases require an attorney, but certain types benefit greatly. Cases involving Permanent Partial Disability or Lump Sum settlements often need legal expertise. In Virginia, claims involving severe or neurological injuries are more likely to involve an attorney. These cases usually require negotiations with insurance companies, and having an attorney can help ensure fair compensation.
Workers’ compensation for temp workers in Virginia
In Virginia, workers’ compensation laws aim to protect all employees, including temporary workers. These laws ensure that if you sustain injuries or fall ill due to your job, you can receive benefits to help cover medical expenses and lost wages.
Coverage for temp workers
Workers’ compensation in Virginia is designed to include temporary workers. If you are a temporary worker, you are typically an employee of the staffing agency where you got your placement rather than the company where you are physically working.
The staffing agency is responsible for providing workers’ compensation coverage. This means that if you sustain injuries on the job, you can file a claim with the staffing agency’s workers’ compensation insurance.
Benefits you may receive
As a temporary worker, the benefits you receive under workers’ compensation are generally the same as those for permanent employees. These benefits may include coverage for medical treatment, compensation for lost wages during recovery, and disability benefits if you are unable to return to work in the same capacity.
Why are workers’ comp claims sometimes denied?
When you file a workers’ compensation claim, you expect to receive benefits to cover medical expenses and lost wages. Unfortunately, claims sometimes get denied, which could leave you in a difficult position.
You should understand the most common reasons for denial before you file your claim.
Failure to report the injury promptly
One of the most common reasons for claim denials is failing to report the injury or illness within the required timeframe. In Virginia, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a claim.
Insufficient evidence
To approve a workers’ comp claim, the insurance company needs sufficient evidence that the injury or illness is work-related. If your claim lacks medical records, witness statements or other supporting documentation, you may receive a denial.
Pre-existing conditions
If you have a pre-existing medical condition that a workplace incident worsens, the insurance company may argue that the injury is not work-related and deny the claim.
Knowing when to file a claim as an injured worker in Virginia
In the state of Virginia, you have specific rights and responsibilities when it comes to filing an injury claim after a workplace accident. Unfortunately, many injured workers are unaware of the steps they need to take to receive compensation for their injuries.
With the right guidance, you can know how and when to file a workplace injury claim with confidence.
Understanding your rights
As an injured worker in Virginia, you have the right to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can include payment for medical treatment related to your injury, as well as wage replacement if you are unable to work due to your injury.
Reporting your injury
The first step in filing a workers’ compensation claim is to report your injury to your employer. You should do this as soon as possible after the injury occurs, but no later than 30 days from the date of the accident. Failure to report your injury within this timeframe could result in a denial of your claim.
Pedestrian accident fatality rates in Virginia
Pedestrian safety is a growing concern in Virginia, with recent statistics revealing a disturbing trend. Both 2021 and 2022 set decades-long highs for pedestrian accident fatality rates in the state.
Understanding the facts, statistics and causes behind this morbid trend can help both drivers and pedestrians stay safe from here on out.
Alarming numbers
In recent years, Virginia has experienced a particularly sharp increase in pedestrian fatalities. The Legal Examiner reports that there were 7,508 pedestrian deaths in Virginia in 2022. The report highlights that the surge in pedestrian deaths is not only a local issue but a statewide challenge that demands urgent attention.
Factors contributing to the rise
Several factors contribute to the rising pedestrian accident fatality rates. One significant element is the increase in distracted driving incidents. With the proliferation of smartphones and other gadgets, drivers are more prone to distractions. This leads to a higher likelihood of accidents involving pedestrians.
Get the facts on Virginia’s new handheld device ban
As of January 1, 2021, Virginia will begin enforcing its new handheld device ban for drivers. Under the new law, using a smartphone or another electronic device while driving will be a primary offense with fines starting at $125.
Review the provisions of the ban to avoid a ticket and prevent a serious auto accident.
Prohibited actions
Although state laws have prohibited texting and driving for some time, the expanded bill applies to any handheld action on a device while behind the wheel. However, drivers can still use voice commands to navigate, play music, dictate messages and use other tools as long as they do not have the phone in hand.
Exceptions to the bill
The ban on handheld device use does not apply to:
- A driver who has parked his or her vehicle in a legal parking space
- A driver who is performing traffic management services on behalf of the Virginia Department of Transportation
- A driver using his or her device to report an emergency situation
Can I claim personal injury if I was at fault?
The first time you crash into another car and it is clearly your fault can be a humbling experience. At the end of the day, it can happen to anyone.
The question is: What do you do when it does happen? If you are hurt and you are the one who is at fault, your first question may be about making a personal injury claim with your auto insurance. Is it even possible to do so?
At-Fault in a No-Fault State
In the United States, there are 12 states that have required no-fault insurance laws and several others that give residents a choice of having it. With this form of auto insurance, drivers must purchase Personal Injury Protection as part of their policy. In the event of an accident in no-fault states, each person’s PIP covers medical bills for personal injuries, regardless of who is at fault.
At-Fault in Virginia
With that said, Virginia’s insurance liability laws do not have no-fault provisions. As a result, there is no PIP requirement. In fact, there is no "PIP" at all. Instead, Virginia gives residents the option of purchasing separate personal injury coverage called MedPay. If you have a MedPay policy, it will cover medical bills if you sustain injuries in a car accident that you caused.
Our law firm has offices in Winchester and Manassas, and we provide legal services to clients throughout Virginia, including Prince William County, Woodbridge, Haymarket, Gainesville, Front Royal, Berryville, Boyce, Fairfax, Strasburg, Woodstock, and Warrenton.
Results listed are not a guarantee or indication of future case results.
