Legal

This section highlights updates on Virginia laws, important court rulings, and consumer protection issues. We also analyze how state and local legal developments impact individuals and families. From new legislation to high-profile cases, our goal is to keep readers aware of how the legal system shapes life across Virginia.

Exploding Sunroofs and Defective Products

A news reporter from Oklahoma were driving on the interstate in New Mexico when they heard what sounded like gun shots. When they pulled the car over, they found out that the sound of the loud bangs was something very surprising – the sound of…

By Randy Appleton

/ 19 Jul 2016

On the Job Scaffolding Injuries Are Common

The critical injury of a construction worker in Hartford CT is serving as an important reminder in that community about the importance of construction safety. According to the Hartford Courant last week, the 47 year-old worker was standing on a rolling scaffold when he fell…

By Richard Shapiro

/ 18 Jul 2016

Supreme Court Ruling Could Lower Some DUI Penalties

People who were recently pulled over for drinking and driving could get a break on their punishment, as prosecutors are currently reviewing hundreds of cases around the US after a recent ruling by the Supreme Court. The ruling, which was issued at the end of…

By Richard Shapiro

/ 16 Jul 2016

Self-Driving Cars Are Still Going Full Speed Ahead Despite Concerns

Even though there have been safety concerns raised after a Tesla driver died when his vehicle was operating on autopilot, automakers are still moving towards releasing more self driving cars. BMW has partnered with Intel and announced that it will make a fully automated car…

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 15 Jul 2016

Man Arrested for BUI in Oklahoma Boat Crash

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol responded to a boat crash on July 7 at 10:30 pm on Keystone Lake in Oklahoma. The driver of the boat, who is suspected of driving while intoxicated, crashed into a retaining wall and injured himself and four girls. One of…

By Randy Appleton

/ 10 Jul 2016

When Is The Right Time to Contact a Norfolk Car Accident Lawyer?

The sooner the better. You should not wait to contact a Norfolk car accident attorney to discuss your legal options. Insurance companies hope that you will wait to speak to a lawyer. That is a big reason why many insurance adjusters attempt to contact you…

By Richard Shapiro

/ 8 Jul 2016

Feds Investigating First Driver Death in Self-Driving Vehicle

The first death in America from a car in self-driving mode is presenting federal authorities with a dilemma: How much should the auto industry continue to embrace and develop self-driving vehicles? Currently the NHTSA is investigating the design and performance of the Tesla Model S…

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 7 Jul 2016

Another Automaker Dumps Takata Airbags

Fiat Chrysler is the latest automaker that reports it will stop using Takata airbags, which has been the subject of recall of at least 10,000,000 units in the past few years. The airbags have been tied to causing as many as 11 deaths internationally and…

By Randy Appleton

/ 2 Jul 2016

Driver Comes Forward After Unsecured Load Causes Motorcycle Wreck

The Minnesota State Patrol stated this week that the driver whose unsecured load caused a motorcyclist to wreck on I-94 near Lake Elmo in Minnesota came forward and is cooperating with police. The MN state patrol reported that the driver, 35 year old Kyle Gunderson…

By Richard Shapiro

/ 1 Jul 2016

How to Avoid Product Recalls – Test, Test and Test Some More

Some experts believe that the recent rise in product liability lawsuits is being driven in part by regulators, but they advise that businesses that want to avoid product liability lawsuits should take great pains to avoid putting out defective products. Almost daily, there is a…

By Richard Shapiro

/ 28 Jun 2016

Refusing to Take DUI Breath Test Could Become Criminal

A US Supreme Court decision last week stated that police officers do not need a warrant to administer a breath test to suspects under arrest for drunk driving. The decision also affirmed the right of the states to file criminal charges against drivers who decline…

By Richard Shapiro

/ 28 Jun 2016

Rock-Throwing Suspect Charged in Brain Injury Case

The man in Austin TX who has been of accused of trying to injure or kill people by throwing rocks at moving vehicles on I-35 is facing a charge of aggravated assault in a case that left a man in Austin with brain damage. The…

By Randy Appleton

/ 27 Jun 2016