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15
Nov

New Study Shows D.C. Drivers Are Slowing Down

November 15, 2011

A new study by the private auto-club, AAA, has found that speed cameras may not necessarily be the answer to making the District of Columbia’s streets safer, but rather, a combination of better engineering, education, and enforcement may hold the key. WTOP News reported that the study comes at a time just before city council is set to debate a citywide 15 MPH speed limit.

Researchers concluded from the culminated data that drivers are going slower along 70 percent of the roads they monitored over a four-year period at 193 monitoring stations across the city, including commuter hotspots Anacostia Freeway, Memorial Bridge, Canal Street, and 16th Street. The group also managed to highlight areas that have benefited from–and areas in need of–speed and traffic management techniques. Some of those methods included speed bumps and roundabouts.

The city says it has stepped up efforts in enforcement of speeding in the area by adding more patrols, while the city’s hundreds of speed cameras issued a half million tickets to drivers last year.

The Washington, DC Auto Accident Attorneys with ChasenBoscolo are encouraged by the conclusions of the new study and would like to urge drivers to continue to slow down; as it is the best way to keep yourself and others safe. If you have been injured in an accident at no fault of your own though, feel free to contact us immediately to discuss any questions you may have about your case.

Popularity: 1% [?]

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8
Nov

Free Smoke Detectors Following Maryland Two-Alarm Fire

November 8, 2011

A faulty refrigerator motor is to blame for a two-alarm fire that broke out at a Springfield, Maryland, apartment complex this past Saturday morning. According to NBC-Washington, one man was injured after jumping from a window to escape the flames.

Reports from investigators with the Fairfax Fire Department said the apartment unit was not equipped with working smoke detectors, which allowed the blaze to quickly spread throughout the building undetected. Firefighters said when they arrived, several residents were trapped on balconies and required assistance to be rescued. One individual jumped through a glass window to escape the flames and suffered non-life threatening injuries. He was treated at a local hospital and released.

The fire chief stated that the blaze, which easily could have resulted in more injuries, has prompted the department to hand out free smoke detectors to area residents. They say having the units working in your home can increase survival rates in a fire by 50 percent. If you do not have working smoke detectors in your home, they can be obtained by calling the following numbers in your area.

  • Prince George’s County- (301) 864-SAFE (7233)
  • District of Columbia- (202) 673-3331

The Maryland Fire and Burn Injury Lawyers with ChasenBoscolo urge all homeowners to check the batteries on smoke detectors throughout your house every 2-3 months. If you do not have smoke detectors, call to receive free ones and install them in every room of your home.

Popularity: 2% [?]

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1
Nov

Two People Killed, Another Injured In Upper Marlboro Car Crash

November 1, 2011

Two people were killed and another person was hurt in a car accident Monday night in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. According to NBC-Washington, the crash happened just after 10:00 PM at the intersection of Woodyard and Perrywood Roads.

The 23-year-old driver of a 2009 Kia Spectra was racing north along the rural road when he approached another vehicle from behind and attempted to pass it, even though it was a no passing zone. Unfortunately, the young driver misjudged the time it would take to pass the vehicle and collided head-on with a 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander driven by a 52-year-old woman that was traveling southbound. Because a driver was following too closely and did not have time to stop, the initial impact of the two vehicles was immediately followed by the jarring smash of a 2011 Ford Fusion plowing into the rear-end of the Mitsubishi SUV. Both drivers involved in the head-on collision were declared dead at the scene of the crash. The driver of the Ford Fusion survived though, and was taken to an area hospital where he was last listed in stable condition.

Authorities believe speed and wet conditions were both factors in the crash.

The Maryland Auto Accident Lawyers with ChasenBoscolo often handle cases for accident victims who were injured because of another person’s illegal driving. If you have questions about an accident that happened to you, fill out our free initial contact request form.

Popularity: 2% [?]

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25
Oct

VDOT Policy Changes Make Roads Safer For Bikers

October 25, 2011

Many of Virginia’s citizens cite the reason for not biking or walking as part of their daily commute as being too few accommodating lanes and sidewalks, and the dangers associated with walking or biking in the main road. Now, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is working to change that with a complete revamping of the state’s future transportation plan to include and accomodate cyclists and pedestrians.

According to ABC 7 News, the department reported earlier this week that it had completed the first of a three-part series of measures that draws vision and goals for their 2011 State Bicycle Policy Plan. The main intention of the plan is to encourage more biking in the state by changing the infrastructure of the road system to be better suited for bikers. Some of the changes called for in the policy include providing additional staffing and resources to meet the needs of bikers at sponsored projects and programs, improving outreach and coordination with the biking community, and clarifying bicycle accommodation policies.

The Virginia Bicycle Accident Lawyers with ChasenBoscolo would applaud the state’s agencies for working hard to make the states roads safer for walkers, bikers, and drivers alike, but also know more must be done. What are some other changes that need to be made in order to provide bikers and walkers with a safer way to commute? Tell us what you think by posting to our Facebook page.

Popularity: 1% [?]

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18
Oct

Mother Files Wrongful Death Suit For Daughter’s Murder

October 18, 2011

The mother of a Virginia Tech student, who police believe was abducted and murdered after being denied re-entry to a concert, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the promoter of the concert. According to The Roanoke Times, the suit claims the company failed to protect the 20-year-old victim after she was injured and left the building.

The girl had gone to a Metallica concert in Charlottesville, Virginia, on the evening of October 17, 2009. After entering the venue, she fell and hurt her chin while walking up a concourse on her way to find a restroom. The accident was reported to staff, but the woman was left alone. She accidentally left the building and was denied re-entry by staff. The victim was last seen alive searching for a ride on a nearby bridge. Her remains were found three months later in a rural hayfield.

Almost two years to the day after her daughter’s disappearance, the mother filed the claim in Roanoke County Circuit Court asking for $3.5 million in damages for the event’s promoter, RMC Events, “Failure and refusal to allow plaintiff’s decedent to re-enter the arena, or report her attempt to do so, plaintiff’s decedent was left isolated and alone outside the arena where she was subsequently abducted and murdered.”

The Virginia Wrongful Death Attorneys with ChasenBoscolo often deal with cases involving wrongful death. If a family member or loved one has been the victim an accident leading to wrongful death, contact ChasenBoscolo for a free initial consultation.

Popularity: 1% [?]

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11
Oct

Listeria More Widespread Than Previously Believed

October 11, 2011

The deadly Listeria outbreak that has swept the country in recent months is more rampant than previously believed. Originally, it was thought that the bacterium was spread through tainted cantaloupes farmed out of Colorado; however, according to Channel 11 News, a California grower has issued a recall of chopped and shredded lettuce that was tainted with the microorganism.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and True Leaf Farms issued the recall after random samples tested positive for the bacteria. At first, only 90 cartons of the produce were recalled, but within a very short time, the FDA had expanded the recall to 2,498 cartons. The vegetables were shipped to more than 20 states; including Maryland and two Canadian providences.

Listeria has been blamed for more than 22 deaths since the beginning of the summer. Symptoms of an infection are very similar to the flu, with headaches, muscle aches, fevers and gastrointestinal issues. Normally, an infection is treatable, but those with compromised immune systems, such as babies or the elderly, are at great risk for severe complications that could include death.

This is why the Maryland Defective Product Attorneys with ChasenBoscolo urge families to wash all produce thoroughly before consuming it. Also, when cooking proteins, always ensure that the internal temperature of the cut is between 110-160 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the meat. This will ensure any contamination is destroyed. Following these tips is the best way to protect yourself, and your loved ones, from becoming ill from food-borne diseases.

Popularity: 1% [?]

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4
Oct

FDA Cracks Down On Online Pharmacies

October 4, 2011

Typically drug injuries involve a wrong dosage or incorrect prescription. In these cases, there usually isn’t anything wrong with the drug itself, only how much, what, or how it was given. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found though, that unless you go through a certified pharmacy, there might, in fact, be issues with the drug itself.

Last week the agency offered a press release stating it had completed a week of crackdowns on online pharmacies, mostly functioning outside the United States, that offer illegal and/or unregulated medications. The article stated that many online medications can be purchased without prescriptions, and that there is a high risk the drugs offered are counterfeit with unknown, potentially dangerous ingredients.

717 websites, offering everything from human growth hormones to a version of Accutane, were targeted in the operation. Owners of these websites were given cease and desist orders, and notices were sent to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, Registries, ISPs, and DNRs, reporting the sites were selling products in violation of U.S. law. Since then, 578 have shut down their sites.

The Maryland Drug Injury Lawyers with ChasenBoscolo would like to take this opportunity to warn the public about the dangers of buying drugs through online pharmacies. If you need medications, go through the proper channels of speaking with a doctor and getting a prescription for what you need.

Popularity: 1% [?]

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27
Sep

DC Woman Injured By Exploding Toilet

September 27, 2011

A Washington, D.C. woman was injured on Monday when a toilet she was using exploded, causing her to receive severe injuries.

NBC-Washington reported the accident happened in the ladies room in the General Services Administration (GSA) building located in southwest D.C on the corner of 7th and D Street. The woman was using the restroom when the toilet suddenly exploded. D.C. Fire and EMS responded to the scene and later said that the woman was “seriously hurt.” The cause of the explosion is under investigation at this time.

9 News states that shortly after the accident GSA, employees in the building were sent a memo saying, “DO NOT flush toilets or use any domestic water. Due to a mechanical failure, there is high air pressure in the domestic water system that resulted in damage to the toilets. The engineering staff is working to correct the issue. We will announce when the issue is resolved.”

The Washington DC Personal Injury Lawyers at ChasenBoscolo understands that accidents can occur when you least expect them, but that doesn’t mean that you have to pay the price for someone else’s mistake. They can be contacted anytime for a no obligation discussion of your case, so that you may have your questions answered by an experienced, professional attorney.

Popularity: 1% [?]

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20
Sep

Death of Boy at Intersection Prompts Town to Call for Change

September 20, 2011

The death of a well-known high school student has prompted the community of Centreville, Maryland, to band together in an effort to persuade state lawmakers to make changes to the intersection where the boy died. According to WBAL 11 News, the intersection of Routes 301 and 304 has long been seen as dangerous and deadly to local residents and they say the conditions need to be addressed correctly.

The 15-year-old Queen Anne’s County resident was riding to school along with two other friends Friday morning when a car did not properly yield at the intersection. The collision caused the car the boy was riding in to careen off the road and slam into a guard rail. The student was pronounced dead at the scene. The other two passengers were transported to University of Maryland Shock Trauma for treatment.

Nearly 700 community members have since petitioned state lawmakers to fund and build a bypass over the stretch of road that lacks stop signs. The State Highway Administration says an overpass is out of budget at an estimated cost of $60 million, but has begun plans to build J-turns in the area to slow traffic at a cost of $1.3 million to taxpayers. One area resident stated in defiance, “The J-turn is just going to move the problem, not solve it.”

The Maryland Auto Accident Attorneys with ChasenBoscolo help victims and their family members every day. If you have questions regarding an accident you were involved in, contact them today!

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13
Sep

Two Baltimore Motorcycle Officers Hit By Car

September 13, 2011

Sometimes even sirens and lights aren’t enough to get a distracted or impatient drivers attention. That seemed to be the case last Sunday when two officers who were escorting a National Football League (NFL) Commissioner to Baltimore, Maryland, were struck and injured by a vehicle.

WBAL 11 News reported the officers were en route to the game in Baltimore from the Martin State Airport with the Commissioner in light of heightened security concerns surrounding the anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Around 11:20 AM, the convoy was traveling the intersection at Eastern Avenue and Wilbur Road in Essex, when a vehicle cut left through the intersection in front of the two officers on motorcycles leading the group. The lawmen dropped the bikes and skidded to a halt. Both were initially taken to Franklin Square Hospital, but were later transferred to Shock Trauma to be treated for severe road rash.

The Baltimore County Police Department is still investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Researcher, Susan Wells, determined through years of studies that being more visible with lights, bright clothes, and other eye catching equipment, when riding a motorcycle will decrease your chances for being involved in a crash, but it doesn’t make it fool proof.

If you have been hurt at no fault of your own while riding a motorcycle, the Maryland Motorcycle Accident Attorneys with ChasenBoscolo are experienced with helping victims just like you. Live Chat options are available at their website to get quick answers to your questions about your case anytime.

Popularity: 2% [?]