Starting July 1st 2016, there will be new additions in virginia to personal watercraft regulations. According to the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries, All personal watercraft (PWC) operators age 14 and older and all motorboat operators of 10 hp or greater regardless of age need to take a boating safety course. Additionally no one under the age of 14 may operate a PWC. Operators 14 and 15 years old must show proof of completing education.

VDGIF defines a personal watercraft as: a motorboat less than 16 feet in length that are powered by jet pumps, not propellers, where the persons stand, kneel, or sit on, rather than inside the boat.

If youve already taken a boating safety course and are properly certified this isnt likely to affect you. However, if you are an experienced boater but have not taken the safety course, you may choose to take an equivalency/challenge exam rather than take a boating safety course.

Despite taking a safety course and obtaining proper licensing  it is still possible for accidents and injury to happen while on the water. It is important to note that any injury that occurs on or with a boat, ship, ferry, wave runner, or jet ski is considered a boating accident. This includes slip and fall accidents, collisions with swimmers, and falls overboard.

In the event of such injury, it is important to secure the experienced Richmond boat accident lawyers of Collier & Collier, P.C. as soon as possible. Our law firm will make sure you take the best step-by-step actions in an effort to get full compensation.

As spring temperatures continue heating up cyclists, pedestrians, children, and pets will become more and more active in and around Richmond (as well as the rest of Virginia). Because of this, it is important that we share the road with more than just our fellow cars.

1. Be mindful of your passing speed: A pedestrian is eight times more likely to be killed by a car when struck at 30 mph than at 20 mph. Maintaining cautious speeds when passing helps avoid unnecessary risk. If you have to dangerously accelerate to pass a cyclist, then it likely isnt the right time to pass them.
2. Give a wide berth: Virginia has set 3 feet as the motorist’s minimum legal distance for safely passing cyclists. This means that when passing a cyclist, there needs to be at least 3 feet of clearance. (Cyclists, this means you need to ride single file so that cars can pass without completely obstructing other lanes.)
3. Indicate your intentions early: Cyclists and motorists should signal well before any turn or hazard so that others on the road can anticipate their intentions and act accordingly.
4. Maintain 360 degrees of awareness: 38% of cycling fatalities in 2008 took place at intersections. Before initiating a turn, drivers should focus attention on their rear-and side-view mirrors. Turning right? Look for cyclists along the curb who may be going straight.
5. Ditch distractions: Cell phones and other distractions have increasingly been linked with accidents and fatalities over the years. Turning off your phone for the duration of time in the car could decrease your odds of an accident.
6. Count to 2: Maintaining a decent follow-distance is as simple as counting to two. Start when a cyclist passes a landmark and count until you pass the same landmark. If you reach 2 full seconds this gives you 60 feet of space at 20 miles an hour. This is considered adequate time to brake in case of an emergency.

Life isn’t always as neat and tidy as a freshly-painted bike lane, and in the event that an accident occurs with any motorist, pedestrian, or cyclist, you can trust the professionals at Collier & Collier, P.C. Contact us at 1-804-364-5200 or toll free at 1-877-825-0543 for a free consultation to discuss your case. Let us put our resources to work for you.

What is wrongful death?
Wrongful death is a claim in common law jurisdictions against a person who can be held liable for a death. The claim is brought in a civil action, usually by close relatives, as enumerated by statute. The legal bases for a wrongful death claim are numerous, but all are rooted in theories of negligence. The Statute of Limitations (time limit to file a lawsuit) in Virginia in most situations for a wrongful death claim is two years. It is very important that someone considering pursuing a wrongful death claim consult an attorney experienced in that field as soon as possible, so a complete investigation and research into the case may be performed well before the limitations period approaches.

Why should you seek recourse for a wrongful death?

We know that no amount of money will compensate you for your loss. However compensation may aid in the burial process, or assist in settling a loved ones finances. For some people it may even help with the grieving process by attributing justice to the negligent party.
You are already overcome by grief. Dont allow yourself to be overcome by financial responsibilities, concerning medical bills, funeral expenses and other obligations as well.

What are the steps you should take?
Wrongful death cases are emotional, and its important that you not make any major decisions while you are grieving. Consult the experienced lawyers of Collier & Collier, P.C. before entering any settlement or releasing any person or corporation from liability.
Contact the Richmond, Virginia law offices of Collier & Collier, P.C. at 1-804-364-5200 or toll free at 1-877-825-0543 for a free consultation to discuss your case. Let us put our resources to work for you.