Legal News
Updated May 4, 2009
A tractor trailer accident on Interstate 64 closed both lanes of I-64 Eastbound at Afton on Monday morning, May 4, 2009. I-64 Eastbound is expected to remain closed for several hours while emergency crews work to clean up debris from the crash.
The Ritchie Law Firm specializes in truck/tractor trailer accidents and injuries. By working with lawyers experienced in truck / tractor trailer accidents, injured victims can ensure that their rights will be protected.
We handle tractor-trailer / truck cases throughout the U.S.
A serious truck accident requires a serious truck accident lawyer. The Ritchie Law Firm is committed to protecting the safety of our nation’s motorists.
At the Ritchie Law Firm, we work hard to protect the rights of our clients. Call us today at 1-800-277-6124 or click here to tell us about your injuries. We look forward to helping you.
The lawyer you choose can make a difference
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1-800-277-6124
Updated April 21, 2009
A “three alarm” tractor trailer crash closed Interstate 81 on Tuesday, April 21, near mile marker 285 north of Woodstock, Virginia. After the wreck, traffic was backed up for at least 4 miles. The wreck involved a tractor trailer carrying a hazardous chemical. HAZMAT crews from Harrisonburg were called to the scene to assist in clean up. Three people died as a result of the wreck. Additionally, the Red Cross is caring for several injured who have complained of respiratory problems.
Tractor Trailer / Truck Accident Statistics
According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis in Washington, D.C., 457,000 large trucks were involved in traffic crashes in the United States in 2003. Out of those crashes, 4,986 people were killed and 122,000 people were injured, many seriously. A large number of those killed were children.
Every 16 minutes, a person is killed or sustains injuries in accidents involving 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers or semi-trucks
The majority of fatal truck accidents occur in rural areas (68%) during the daytime (66%) and on weekdays (78%).
About 27% of all large truck drivers involved in fatal truck accidents throughout the United States have had at least one prior speeding conviction compared to 19 percent of the passenger vehicle drivers involved in fatal crashes.
First Priorities for Injured Persons and Their Families
As a first priority, an injured person should get all the treatment needed to ensure a rapid recovery from injuries. If you are a family member of an injured person, be sure they have your full support and the everyday details of life are handled for them.
How Do I Find the Right Lawyer for Me?
As a first requirement, your lawyer should be a specialist who is experienced in tractor trailer cases with knowledge of the state and federal regulations which govern commercial trucks. A lawyer who routinely handles criminal cases, divorces, wills, and other legal matters may not have the depth of experience needed to maximize your recovery. You should seek a lawyer who has trial experience, particularly in accident and injury law. Perhaps the easiest way to determine whether an attorney has the experience needed is to verify that he/she is certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Board certified attorneys have to meet rigorous requirements involving trial experience, ethics and legal knowledge.
Auto Accident Brochure
For additional information, please see our auto accident brochure on this website.
At the Ritchie Law Firm, we work hard to protect the rights of our clients. Call us today at 1-800-277-6124 or use our website contact page to tell us about your injuries. We look forward to helping you.
TIPS FOR SAFE DRIVING DURING THE HOLIDAYS
The holiday season is a wonderful time to celebrate and spend extra time with family and friends. Many people who travel during the holidays travel long distances. The holidays can be a fun and memorable time when accompanied by safe traveling.
Every year during the holiday season, there are many vehicle accidents due to the negligence and carelessness of other drivers as well as alcohol-related accidents. While not all accidents can be prevented when caused by the carelessness of others, many simple precautions can help to make your holiday travel much safer. The Virginia Department of Transportation offers the following advice for safe travel during the holiday season:
1) Check your vehicle regularly. Evaluate every important component of your automobile including headlights, brakes, seat belts, hoses, windshield solvent and wipers. Make sure your car is properly tuned and lubricated. Always use the type of tires that are best for your car.
2) Make certain you safely secure items placed in a roof rack.
3) Equip your vehicle with an emergency roadside kit.
4) Keep one gallon of drinking water in the trunk of your vehicle for emergencies.
Tune your radio to AM 1620 within a four to five mile radius of:
Richmond –
a) Interstate 95 in Ashland (exit 92)
b) Interstate 95 in Chester (exit 61)
c) Interstate 95 in Carson (milepost 40)
d) Interstate 64 in Oilville (exit 167)
e) Interstate 64 in Bottoms Bridge (exit 205)
Northern Virginia –
a) Interstate 95 in Aquia/Garrrisonville
b) Interstate 95 from Route 123 through Springfield
I 81 wreck near New Market Virginia
November 24, 2008
Interstate 81 Tractor Trailer Crash on Friday November 21 in Shenandoah County, Virginia north of New Market claims the lives of Cordula Lear of Edinburg Virginia and her grandchildren, 21 month old Maggie Grace Ryman and 4 year old Ivan Davis Ryman. The children's mother, Serena Ryman of Edinburg, Virginia was life flighted to the UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville Virginia.
The driver of the tractor trailer that rear ended Ms. Ryman's car, Jose Alberto Sarmiento of Texas was charged with reckless driving.
The funeral for Maggie Grace Ryman and Ivan Davis Ryman will take place on Tuesday at Delinger Funeral Home in Woodstock, Virginia. The family will receive friends from 7-9 at the Delinger Funeral Home in Woodstock, Virginia, November 23, 2008. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Healthy Families in Woodstock, Virginia.
See story in the Daily News Record at http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=33515&CHID=1
Updated --
Bond Set for Driver in Fatal Interstate 81 Crash
Shenandoah County, Virginia, Judge Dale Houff set a $50,000.00 bond for Jose Alberto Sarmiento, the tractor trailer driver from Texas who caused the fatal wreck in Shenandoah County on November 21, 2008. Sarmiento is charged with three counts of involuntary manslaughter and one count of reckless driving as a result of the crash which claimed the lives of 21 month old Maggie Grace Ryman, 4 year old Ivan Davis Ryman, and Cordula Lear, 80, of Edinburg, Virginia.
The attorney for Jose Sarmiento indicates that he expects Sarmiento to be released in the next several days.