According to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists continue to be at a high risk of fatal traffic crashes all over the U.S. The latest available data reports that, in 2019, 5,014 motorcyclists were killed in fatal road accidents around the country. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and it's the ideal time to learn and review safety measures you should know as a rider and as a motorist sharing the road. Read on to learn Virginia's latest available motorcycle accident statistics and what you can do as a rider and a driver to stay safe. What Virginia's Motorcycle Accident Stats Show According to the most recent motorcycle accident statistics for Virginia (2017): There are 195,845 registered motorcycles in the state of Virginia There were 103 motorcyclist fatalities in 2017 There are 5.26 motorcyclist fatalities per every 10,000 registered motorcycles Virginia is ranked #28 among the 50 states when it comes to fatalities [...]
By Bergeron Law Firm|2021-05-24T12:14:14+00:00May 24th, 2021|Motorcycle Accident|
There's a new Virginia bicycling safety law in the books slated to take effect July 1st. The new regulation – HB2262, the Bicyclist Safety Act – is another law in a wave of cycling safety laws enacted in various states to help cyclists and motorists share the road more safely. Read on to learn the details of Virginia's new law, all about National Bike Month, and get key cycling safety tips as the weather turns warmer. The Virginia Bicycling Safety Act On March 31st, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam signed the Bicyclist Safety Act into law. This new traffic regulation requires motorists to: Change lanes while passing cyclists when the lane is not wide enough to pass the cyclist with at least 3 feet of space in between Allows cyclists to ride two abreast at all times, which was previously restricted Convenes a work group to review issues related to allowing bicyclists to treat stop signs [...]
By Bergeron Law Firm|2021-04-23T13:48:16+00:00April 23rd, 2021|Bicycle Accidents|
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month and it's a time to shine a light on the prevention of traumatic brain injury (TBI) while promoting ways to improve the quality of life of people living with TBI and their families. According to the Brain Injury Association of America, there are more than 5.3 million children and adults in the U.S. living with a permanent brain injury-related disability. That works out to one in every 60 people – and stats show that every 9 seconds someone in the U.S. sustains a brain injury. Research on how to detect, diagnose, and treat TBI – and understand the long-term effects of it – has come a long way since doctors first identified the condition. Two decades later, recent breakthroughs continue to make it easier to treat this life-changing condition, often called an "invisible injury." Read on to learn about 4 notable breakthroughs in TBI research in 2021. Sleep Plays [...]
By Bergeron Law Firm|2021-03-23T23:09:19+00:00March 23rd, 2021|Traumatic Brain Injury|
Lots of people love to go sledding in the wintertime in Virginia and in other cold areas in the U.S. It's practically an American pastime. But winter sledding, no matter how fun, doesn't come without its risks – namely, the risks of collision injury for children and adults alike. These injuries can happen in an instant and it can be hard to piece together the how and the why. Taking certain safety measures ahead of participating in any sledding activity is key to reducing your (or your child's) risk of an injury. Read on to learn key stats about how prevalent sledding injuries are and how to best prevent them this winter. Sledding Injuries: What the Statistics Show A new study conducted by researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital found that the rate of sledding injuries overall has decreased in recent years. But it's still concerning. The study [...]
By Bergeron Law Firm|2021-02-01T13:21:19+00:00February 1st, 2021|Sledding Injuries|
It's wintertime and while it may resemble a beautiful 'winter wonderland' outside on our coldest days, these conditions arrive with caution tape. Slip and fall accidents on icy driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots can happen unexpectedly and to anyone, no matter your age or physical ability. And since they often happen out of nowhere, it's important for everyone to learn about how to handle them. That way, if you ever become a victim of one, you'll know how to advocate for yourself and your rights. Learn More in Our Free Comprehensive Guide to Slip and Fall Accidents on Ice We're here to help you get back on your feet after an accident through no fault of your own - including wintertime slip and fall accidents. That's why we put together a new comprehensive guide where you can learn the ins and outs about handling a slip and fall on ice accident in Virginia. This is [...]
By Bergeron Law Firm|2021-02-01T13:16:17+00:00February 1st, 2021|Slip and Fall Accidents|
How to Stay Safe During National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month
It's the holidays and while right now, you may be enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of the season (fresh pine & holiday cookies, anyone?), there's an important awareness month happening that is recognized nationally each December. It's National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, also known as National 3D Prevention Month. This annual observance is a sobering reminder to never drive impaired. The facts are simple – getting behind the wheel of a car when you're under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, and even some legal prescription and over-the-counter drugs (which may affect your ability to drive) can result in a serious car accident and life-threatening injuries to yourself and others. According to the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, the time period between Thanksgiving Day and New Year's Day is "one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on America's roadways because of an increase in impaired driving." Read on to learn [...]
By Bergeron Law Firm|2020-12-14T23:58:15+00:00December 14th, 2020|Auto Accidents|
5 Safe Driving Tips to Avoid Auto Accidents During Thanksgiving Road Trips
In just a few days, tens of thousands of Virginians will hit the road and make long-distance road trips to visit extended family for Thanksgiving. After all, Turkey day is the holiday most associated with travel. While auto accidents are a risk any time you get behind the wheel, the increased amount of traffic on the road beginning the day before Thanksgiving coupled with the fact that many people consume alcohol on this holiday, makes car crashes more likely. To help you best prepare for your upcoming holiday road-tripping, we've put together this list of road safety tips to avoid auto accidents during Thanksgiving. 1. Don't Drink and Drive According to the US Department of Transportation, Thanksgiving is one of the deadliest holidays because of the increased number of people driving while under the influence of alcohol. In fact, from 2013 to 2017, more than 800 people died from alcohol-related auto accidents over the Thanksgiving [...]
By Bergeron Law Firm|2020-11-24T04:02:30+00:00November 24th, 2020|Uncategorized|
Study Shows Concussions are Common in More Youth Sports Than Previously Thought
Millions of American kids and teenagers play youth sports, either through school or a youth sports league. Many parents of kids and teens who play football are well aware of the risks for concussion, which is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs after a blow to the head, or fall during which one hits his or her head. But a new study from the Henry Ford Health System has found that a wide variety of youth sports can cause concussions. What is a Concussion? A concussion is a head injury that occurs after a blow to the head, or after someone falls and hits his or her head. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), concussions can cause: Loss of consciousness Headaches, or a feeling of pressure in the head Nausea or vomiting, including repeated vomiting Balance problems Dizziness Double or blurred vision Sensitivity to noise and/or lights A feeling of [...]
The Importance of Planning for Your Loved Ones During National Long-Term Care Planning Month & How to Get Help if You Suspect Elder Abuse
Do you have a loved one, such as elderly parents or grandparents, who you anticipate may need to enter a nursing home at some point in the future? Do you anticipate needing to enter a nursing home yourself? If so, right now is the perfect time to research local nursing homes and put together a long-term care plan, as every October is National Long-Term Care Planning Month. The Importance of Researching Nursing Homes in Advance Many Virginia seniors enter a nursing home or assisted-living facility due to an urgent need. After a medical event, such as a stroke or a fall resulting in broken bones, the senior is no longer able to care for himself or herself without the assistance of professionals. With family members such as spouses or adult children wanting to get their loved one the help they need, they have to quickly tour nursing homes to have their loved ones transferred from [...]
By Bergeron Law Firm|2020-11-02T11:24:12+00:00October 15th, 2020|Abuse|
The Risk of Using a Rideshare Electric Scooter & What To Do if You Sustain a Traumatic Brain Injury While Using One
Rideshare electric scooters for which you pay an hourly or day rate to borrow a public-use electric scooter to use on a college campus or crowded Virginia city - are becoming more and more popular. These fun, convenient modes of transportation are especially popular among teens and younger adults. But with the increased usage of rideshare electric scooters since 2017, both hospital emergency rooms and doctors are seeing alarming trends. In just the past three years, head and neck injuries from riding electric scooters have increased 4.5 times! Of the types of injuries reported, injuries to internal organs, ,like a traumatic brain injury (TBI) make up 32.5% of all injuries sustained on an electric scooter since 2017. What is a traumatic brain injury and what should you do if you sustain one after riding an electric scooter? Keep reading to learn more. What is a Traumatic Brain Injury? A traumatic brain injury, also known as [...]
By Bergeron Law Firm|2020-11-02T11:17:33+00:00October 1st, 2020|Traumatic Brain Injury|