School Bus Safety

Attorney Elizabeth M. Allen

Attorney Elizabeth M. Allen

Author: Elizabeth M. Allen

It’s that time of year. Schools are opening, and children are traveling on school buses again. Over and over, students will hear the same admonitions: “stay seated and talk quietly during your bus ride”, “don’t stand or play in the aisle”, “follow the bus driver’s instructions”, and “don’t throw things in the bus or out the window”. These are all important rules of safety and civility that… [ read more ]


Virginia’s DUI Punishments Enhanced: Ignition Interlock

Attorney David M. Williams, Jr.

Attorney David M. Williams, Jr.

Author: Attorney David M. Williams, Jr.

In representing victims of drunk drivers, I have seen firsthand the devastating consequences of drinking and driving. As states across the country continue to pass tougher laws to combat this deadly problem, we have fortunately seen a decline in the number of deaths and injuries from drunk driving. However, the statistics are still alarming: nationally, in 2008, an estimated 11,773 people died in alcohol-related… [ read more ]


Back to School – Child Pedestrian Safety

Attorney Tammy S. Ruble

Attorney Tammy S. Ruble

Author: Attorney Tammy Ruble

Another school year has started, which means that many drivers will encounter school buses and school children while out and about. According to the August 2009 issue of Pediatrics, the journal of the America Academy of Pediatrics, each year approximately 900 children are killed as pedestrians. In addition, another 51,000 children are injured as pedestrians, and 5,300 of them are hospitalized due to the seriousness of their injuries.… [ read more ]


What Can I Do To Help Get The Best Result In My Case?

Attorney Charles Littlepage Allen

Attorney Charles Littlepage Allen

Author: Attorney Charles “Litt” Allen

As a personal injury trial lawyer, I am often asked by my clients when I first meet with them what they can do to help get the best result in their case. The answer is simple. I tell them to “be a good patient.”

What does that mean? Three things:

First, keep[ read more ]


My Favorite Legal TV Shows and Movies in No Particular Order…

By Attorney Paul D. Hux

Attorney Paul D. Hux

Attorney Paul D. Hux

As an attorney for the past 18 years, I have lived a fairly stressful, deadline-driven life. But I do enjoy what I do for a living. I also enjoy watching television and movies as they provide an escape from the day-to-day worries. These shows allow me time to decompress and do not require me to talk. So, what better way… [ read more ]


State of Virginia – Insurance Requirements

Robert L. Mertig, Claims Consultant

Robert L. Mertig, Claims Consultant

Author: Robert L. Mertig

To purchase license plates or decals, you must certify that the vehicle is covered by the minimum insurance requirements or pay the “Uninsured Motor Vehicle Fee”. Insurance requirements also apply to antique motor vehicles. Virginia requires the following minimum coverage:

- Bodily injury/death of one person $25,000
- Bodily injury/death of two or more persons $50,000
- Property damage $20,000

The $500 Uninsured Motor Vehicle… [ read more ]


Community Service: Why Give Back

Author: Attorney Douglas A. Barry

Personal injury attorney Douglas A. Barry

Personal injury attorney Douglas A. Barry

I believe it is important to give back, and to be involved in community service. As the President of the Firm, I work to continue the long tradition of the Allen and Allen law firm in helping the community, both in terms of financial giving and volunteerism. As we approach our 100th anniversary, we look back with pride… [ read more ]


Mining for Gold on Facebook and My Space: The Legal Side

Attorney Melinda H. South

Attorney Melinda H. South

Author: Attorney Melinda H. South

Remember in grade school (or later) passing notes in class? Remember the feeling when someone was caught and the teacher threatened to read the note to the entire class? Would you be ok with the information from your social networking site being produced in discovery in a criminal or civil case? Social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook are a potential source of electronic discovery… [ read more ]


Legal Liability for Other Children at a Sleepover

Attorney Christopher A. Meyer

Attorney Christopher A. Meyer

Author: Attorney Christopher A. Meyer

All of us who are parents have probably either let our children visit other families’ homes or have had other children over at our home. Sometimes these are just afternoons, sometimes they are “sleepovers” or even longer. I think we all recognize that when other people’s children are placed in our care we have a moral obligation to see that… [ read more ]


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