What is a personal injury settlement?

Claims Consultant Chris Cloude

Author: Christopher B. Cloude, Claims Consultant

Before we can talk about what a personal injury settlement involves, we must first look at what makes a successful personal injury case that leads to a settlement.

In order to have a personal injury case for which you can make a recovery, there are three basic elements that must be present:

1. Liability
2. Damages
3. A source of recovery

Liability is… [ read more ]

Current Docket of U.S. Supreme Court Cases

Attorney Tamara L. Jezic

Author: Attorney Tamara L. Jezic

The U.S. Supreme Court began its 2009-10 term on October 5, 2009 – the first Monday in October – with recently confirmed Justice Sonia Sotomayor as its newest member. The Court’s docket this year includes cases with a number of important and interesting issues, including the following:

Gun laws. Last year, the Court overturned a handgun ban in Washington, DC, ruling that the Second Amendment of… [ read more ]

Aggressive Driving and Road Rage

Attorney Kathleen Llewellyn-Duncan

Author: Attorney Kathleen Llewellyn-Duncan

Aggressive driving and road rage. We are all susceptible to feelings of frustration and impatience when driving. And that can affect our driving. After all, we are busy people with jobs, kids, errands, family, pets, and it can be tempting to think that if we just got to our destination a few minutes quicker, we’d be happier. (More about that later). But… [ read more ]

Virginia’s DUI Punishments Enhanced: Ignition Interlock

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 ]

Community Service: Why Give Back

Author: 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 ]

Child Safety Seats Save Lives – Buckle Up Your Children

Author: Attorney Tamara L. Jezic

Attorney Tamara L. Jezic

Each year thousands of children are injured or killed in motor vehicle collisions, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Proper use of car safety seats reduces the risk of injury to children in motor vehicle crashes. The AAP has recommendations for selecting and using car safety seats, but Virginia law also has… [ read more ]

Virginia Courts: A Brief Overview

Attorney David M. Williams, Jr.

Author: Attorney David M. Williams, Jr.

As a Virginia personal injury trial attorney, I spend the majority of time in the circuit and district court levels. However, there are four (4) levels of courts in Virginia; here’s a brief overview of the court system. The four levels of courts in Virginia are: the District Courts, the Circuit Courts,… [ read more ]

Securing Witness Information After an Accident

Claims Consultant Chris Cloude

Author: Chris Cloude

You are driving to the grocery store taking your time and following your normal route. As you approach an intersection, the stoplight is green and you proceed into the intersection. Out of the corner of your eye you see a flash, and your car is hit on the passenger side.

A few days later, an adjuster calls you from the insurance company for the person that hit you.… [ read more ]

Should You Carry Medical Expense Coverage On Your Policy?

Attorney Kathleen Llewellyn-Duncan

By Attorney Kathleen Llewellyn-Duncan

Medical Expense coverage (sometimes known as Medical Payments) is an optional coverage available on Virginia Automobile Policies. This coverage covers all reasonable and necessary medical expenses for injuries resulting from a motor vehicle collision, or even arising out of the use of a motor vehicle. Medical Payments coverage covers anyone named on the policy (the “named insured”), a spouse, and any relative residing in the household.

So you want to go to law school? How to get into the law school of your choice.

Attorney Tamara L. Jezic

By Tamara L. Jezic

So you’ve been reading the Allen and Allen blog, and now you’re inspired to become a personal injury lawyer. Next step: applying to law school! Here are some tips from my personal experience on getting into the law school of your choice: