McGrady & McGrady, PLLCHillsville Personal Injury Attorney | Car Accident, Slip And Fall2026-07-07T12:59:51Zhttps://www.mcgradylaw.com/feed/atom/WordPressOn Behalf of McGrady & McGrady, PLLC<![CDATA[Can you hold an ambulance liable for a car accident in Virginia?]]>https://www.mcgradylaw.com/?p=485282026-07-01T13:00:14Z2026-07-07T12:59:51ZAmbulances are given utmost priority on the road to save lives. Sometimes, their haste can lead to accidents endangering both the patient and other drivers on the road. If an ambulance crashed into your car, can you hold them legally responsible?
What does Virginia law say?
The operators of emergency vehicles, like ambulances, are exempt from following certain traffic rules while responding to an emergency. Specifically, the law permits them to:
Exceed speed limits
Run red lights or stop signs (with reduced speed)
Travel in the wrong direction
Pass stopped or slow-moving vehicles
These exemptions only apply if the ambulance has its emergency lights and sirens activated, and the vehicle carries proper liability insurance (at least $100,000/$300,000 in bodily injury coverage).
When can you hold an ambulance liable?
Virginia law requires that ambulance operators use reasonable care at all times, even during an emergency response. You may hold an ambulance driver or company liable when:
The driver failed to use reasonable care (for private ambulances)
The driver or company was grossly negligent (driving under the influence, distracted driving or reckless driving)
The company failed to adequately screen, train or maintain its vehicles
If the ambulance driver was not responding to an emergency, the law may treat the incident like a regular car accident case.
Ambulances operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia
Usually, the doctrine of sovereign immunity protects ambulances that the Commonwealth of Virginia owns, which generally prevents people from suing the government. Nevertheless, you can still recover monetary compensation under the Virginia Tort Claims Act (VTCA) for injuries caused by a government employee. You must file this claim within one year from the date of the accident.
Build you case
Ambulance accident cases are legally complex, especially when sovereign immunity or volunteer status is involved. Consulting with an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney is essential to protect your right to compensation.]]>On Behalf of McGrady & McGrady, PLLC<![CDATA[Can a broken tail light lead to a Virginia traffic ticket?]]>https://www.mcgradylaw.com/?p=485272026-06-24T08:14:11Z2026-06-24T08:14:11ZWhat Virginia law requires for tail lights
Under Va. Code § 46.2-1013, most motor vehicles and trailers must have two red tail lights at the rear. They must be visible in clear weather from 500 feet behind the vehicle. An officer may issue a traffic summons if a bulb is out, a lens is broken or the rear lighting is blocked.
State law generally prohibits officers from stopping a vehicle solely for a single nonworking tail light or defective license plate illumination, treating those issues as secondary offenses. However, exceptions apply if the condition creates an active hazard. Because officers can cite rear-lighting problems under different sections, the exact wording on the summons can matter.
What may happen after a tail light ticket
This type of equipment ticket is usually less serious than a moving violation, but it can still create costs and inconvenience. Depending on the charge, you may face a fine, added costs or a required appearance.
In some cases involving unsafe or defective equipment, a judge could dismiss the summons if you show proof of repair by the date listed on the ticket. Helpful records may include a receipt, a photo of the working lights or proof of replacement parts.
If the violation results in a conviction, it can also appear on your driving record. In Virginia, equipment violations, such as a broken tail light, are nonmoving violations and do not result in demerit points on your driving record.
Take a small ticket seriously
A broken tail light may be a simple repair, but the citation connected to it still deserves attention. Reviewing the summons, understanding what the officer cited and responding before the court date can help you avoid added costs or confusion.]]>On Behalf of McGrady & McGrady, PLLC<![CDATA[Potential signs of a traumatic brain injury (TBI)]]>https://www.mcgradylaw.com/?p=485252026-06-19T23:45:53Z2026-06-19T23:45:53ZMild TBI symptoms
With a mild TBI, there is often some level of dizziness, lightheadedness or blurred vision. This may be coupled with a minor headache, ringing in the ears or sensitivity to lights and sounds.
From a cognitive standpoint, a person who has suffered a TBI may struggle with concentration, memory or general mental processing. They may be very confused or even agitated.
Serious TBI symptoms
If a TBI is more serious, it often leads to symptoms that do not go away, such as a headache or migraine that gets worse. A person may begin slurring their words or complaining about vision loss. Some TBIs can cause symptoms such as convulsions, seizures or repeated vomiting.
One key detail to keep in mind is how long a person loses consciousness at the time of the initial injury. If it is a few minutes or longer, that could make their TBI much more severe than someone who simply hits their head and remains conscious the entire time.
Seeking financial compensation
Have you suffered a TBI due to another party's negligence? If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should get medical treatment as soon as possible. This can be very expensive. That is why it is so important to know how to seek financial compensation for your injuries if they were caused by another party.]]>On Behalf of McGrady & McGrady, PLLC<![CDATA[How social media can hurt your personal injury claim in Virginia]]>https://www.mcgradylaw.com/?p=485232026-06-19T16:36:07Z2026-06-19T16:36:07ZHow insurance companies use your posts against you
Reviewing a claimant's social media activity is standard practice for insurance companies and opposing counsel. They look for anything that could contradict your account of the accident or the extent of your injuries. This includes public posts, photos, check-ins and even comments or reactions on other people's content.
Even posts that seem completely unrelated to the accident can be taken out of context and used to challenge your credibility.
What types of posts can hurt your case
The most common problem is a post that contradicts your injury claims. Opposing counsel can use a photo of you hiking or playing with your children to argue that your injuries are less serious than claimed.
Casual comments about the accident can be just as damaging. A statement like "I did not see the other car coming" gives the defense grounds to interpret it as an admission of partial fault. Even posts about your daily routine or travel plans can undermine your claim.
Why Virginia's negligence rules matter here
Virginia has not abandoned the doctrine of contributory negligence, unlike most states. Under this rule, if a court finds your actions to be a proximate cause of the accident, the court may bar you from recovering any compensation at all. Most other states simply reduce your recovery by your share of fault. Virginia generally does not.
A single social media post suggesting you played even a minor role in what happened could be used to argue for eliminating your claim entirely.
What you can do to protect your claim
The safest approach is to avoid posting about the accident, your injuries or your daily activities for the duration of your claim. This includes your own posts as well as comments or reactions on posts that reference the accident. Letting friends and family know not to tag you or share content about you without your knowledge can also help.
Keep in mind that deleting existing posts once litigation is reasonably foreseeable could be seen as destruction of evidence. When in doubt, speaking with an attorney before posting anything is usually the better choice.
When a personal injury claim is active, the details of your life can become evidence. An experienced attorney can help you avoid mistakes that could affect your recovery.
]]>On Behalf of McGrady & McGrady, PLLC<![CDATA[Why does summer driving require teens to exercise more caution?]]>https://www.mcgradylaw.com/?p=485222026-06-08T03:03:35Z2026-06-08T03:03:35ZYou should always stay alert and take care when driving, especially when you have only recently obtained your license. However, the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day require special caution because this is the period when most crashes involving teenage drivers happen.Why is this period of summer so deadly for teens? Here are some reasons:
Your schedule is far more open
Summer means the end of school classes, and that means you can spend more time doing the things you want – and more time driving to the things you want to do. Or, you may be working a summer job, and that means a commute. More miles behind the wheel increase the risk of a crash.
You lack practical experience
Some things only come with practice. You may not yet have had your first experience with a tailgater or someone who brake-checks you. You may not automatically know how to slow your car appropriately on a sharp curve. Small things can lead to a serious accident when you aren’t an experienced driver.
You may fall victim to social pressure
If you are like most teens, you’ll face a fair bit of pressure from your peers over certain things. It can be harder to refrain from things you know you shouldn’t do, such as drinking a beer or smoking a joint before driving, or traveling over the limit, when you have others urging you on or insulting you when you try to say no. That does not mean it’s acceptable to bow to that pressure, but it’s important to know it’s there.While these reasons explain why so many teenagers crash during summer, they won’t necessarily explain a crash that you have. It is important not to let your chances of compensation be harmed by others who assume the crash must have been your fault just because of your age. Drivers of all ages make mistakes that lead to crashes, so getting help to hold another driver responsible is often crucial.]]>On Behalf of McGrady & McGrady, PLLC<![CDATA[What many drivers don’t understand about paying a traffic ticket]]>https://www.mcgradylaw.com/?p=485212026-05-22T11:06:13Z2026-05-22T11:06:13ZAdmitting guilt leads to consequences
Paying a traffic ticket means accepting the accusation made by the police officer and paying the fine as the penalty imposed for breaking the law. Depending on a driver's circumstances, paying a ticket and admitting that a traffic violation occurred could have many serious consequences.
For those who have commercial driver's licenses (CDLs), tickets issued while they are in their own vehicles could affect their ability to continue driving professionally. For those who have prior citations in recent months, another traffic ticket could be enough to cost them their driver's license.
Citations are also indicative of illegal or unsafe behavior in traffic, which can provide insurance companies with justification to increase a driver's rates significantly. An attorney can help a driver challenge the citation on technical grounds or provide an explanation for behavior that seemed inappropriate to the police officer who issued the ticket.
Anyone facing a traffic ticket has the right to defend against that citation, just like those accused of a crime can prove their innocence in court. Reviewing a ticket and other relevant concerns with a ticket defense lawyer could help people avoid the worst case scenario in which a citation causes professional setbacks, the loss of driving privileges and/or drastic insurance rate hikes.]]>On Behalf of McGrady & McGrady, PLLC<![CDATA[Why high-speed crashes often lead to long-term injuries ]]>https://www.mcgradylaw.com/?p=485202026-05-08T21:43:12Z2026-05-08T21:43:12ZHigh-speed collisions can change a person's life in a matter of seconds. Even when the damage to a vehicle is obvious, the physical and emotional impact on the people inside is often far more serious and long-lasting.
Many crash victims expect to recover within a few weeks. They may be shocked to discover that pain, limited mobility and emotional distress can linger long after the accident. The force involved in high-speed crashes often leaves injuries that affect nearly every part of daily life.
Why the force of impact matters
When a vehicle is traveling at high speeds, the human body absorbs an enormous amount of force during a collision. Seat belts and airbags can reduce the risk of fatal injuries, but they cannot completely prevent trauma caused by sudden impact. The faster a vehicle is moving, the greater the strain placed on the neck, spine and internal organs.High-speed crashes are also more likely to cause catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage and internal bleeding. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of fatal crashes in 2024. Some injuries may not be fully visible right away. A person may walk away from the accident scene believing they are fine, only to experience worsening symptoms in the days or weeks that follow. In many cases, recovery involves surgeries, physical therapy and ongoing medical treatment.Beyond the physical injuries, these crashes can leave lasting emotional and financial burdens. Chronic pain, inability to work and emotional trauma can affect relationships, careers and overall quality of life. Families are often left trying to manage mounting medical bills while adapting to a completely different way of life after the accident.When serious injuries follow a high-speed collision, it can be difficult to know what steps to take next. Speaking with a legal professional can help injured individuals better understand their options and focus on recovery while protecting their future.]]>On Behalf of McGrady & McGrady, PLLC<![CDATA[When can a car accident become a criminal case in Virginia?]]>https://www.mcgradylaw.com/?p=485192026-04-30T18:48:46Z2026-04-30T18:48:46ZWhat turns a crash into a crime?
Multiple factors can push a case into criminal territory, especially when a driver’s conduct reflects unlawful behavior and not an unfortunate mistake. These include:
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Excessive speeding or street racing
Unlawfully leaving the scene of an accident
Driving without a valid license or insurance in certain situations
Such instances can lead to charges like DUI, reckless driving, hit and run or even vehicular manslaughter. Depending on the circumstances of the case, a driver may face felony or misdemeanor charges, with potentially severe penalties.
What to do if you’re facing criminal charges after a crash
Don’t assume the civil and criminal processes are separate problems that you can handle one at a time. Statements made to insurance adjusters can work against you. Additionally, you may unknowingly make mistakes as you navigate the legal process, which can undermine your case.
Seeking immediate legal support can make a critical difference in protecting your rights, guiding your next steps and helping you avoid actions that could weaken your position. From handling communication with investigators to advising you on what to say or not to say, having legal guidance early on can significantly shape the outcome of your case.]]>On Behalf of McGrady & McGrady, PLLC<![CDATA[What every dog owner should know about Virginia’s one-bite rule]]>https://www.mcgradylaw.com/?p=485182026-04-23T13:25:19Z2026-04-23T13:25:19ZMany dog owners in Virginia believe that if their dog has never bitten anyone before, they carry no legal responsibility for a future attack. This belief is understandable, but it is not entirely accurate. While Virginia follows the one-bite rule, it is far from a free pass for dog owners. To understand why, it helps to start with what the rule actually says.
What is Virginia's one-bite rule?
Under Virginia's one-bite rule, an owner may escape liability if nothing in the dog's past suggested it posed a threat. To hold an owner responsible, the law requires showing that the owner had prior knowledge of the dog's dangerous nature. Without that prior knowledge, an owner might avoid liability. Even so, families can still pursue justice by showing that the owner had reason to expect dangerous behavior from their dog. In fact, the rule has more nuance than most people realize.
Aggressive behaviors that signal danger
Here is where many people misunderstand the rule. A dog does not need to have bitten someone before for the owner to have legal notice. Growling at strangers, lunging toward people or snapping without making contact can all serve as warning signs.If your dog has shown any of these behaviors, the law may consider you already aware of the risk. However, prior behavior is not the only factor that can determine liability.
Two critical exceptions you need to understand
However, even if a dog has never shown warning signs before, Virginia law still has ways to hold an owner accountable. Two key exceptions that victims and dog owners alike should know about include:
Negligence per se: If an owner violated a local leash law or a dog at large ordinance, they may face liability regardless of the dog's past behavior.
General negligence: If an owner failed to take reasonable safety measures, such as leaving a gate unlatched or allowing a child to play unsupervised with a high-strung dog, the law can still hold them responsible for any injuries.
These exceptions matter because they show that Virginia law protects victims beyond just the one-bite rule. These layers of the law often tell a much bigger story than the one-bite rule alone.
There is more to the story than one bite
Virginia's one-bite rule is more complex than its name suggests. A dog's past behavior, an owner's actions and local ordinances can all shape the outcome of a dog bite case. If a dog injured you or a family member, the full picture of what the law allows may surprise you. Therefore, understanding your rights is always the first step toward knowing what comes next.]]>On Behalf of McGrady & McGrady, PLLC<![CDATA[Can your child choose which parent to live with after a divorce?]]>https://www.mcgradylaw.com/?p=485172026-04-14T08:24:49Z2026-04-14T08:24:49ZHow courts weigh a child’s preference in Virginia
Your child cannot decide custody on their own, but the court may consider the child’s preference as one part of a broader legal analysis. When you present your case, the court looks at what serves your child’s best interests.
Under Virginia law, a judge reviews several factors in reaching that decision. These include your child’s age and developmental needs, your role in daily care and the nature of your relationship with your child. The court also considers how well each parent can meet the child’s emotional, intellectual and physical needs.
In addition, a judge may give more weight to a child’s view when the child expresses clear, consistent and mature reasons. Even at that point, you should expect the court to weigh every factor together. No single detail can control the outcome.
What to consider as your case progresses
Custody decisions can shape your child’s daily routine, education and long-term stability. A child’s preference may matter, but courts place that preference within a broader review of each parent’s ability to support the child’s needs.
As your case moves forward, it helps to understand how courts approach child custody decisions under the law. With clear guidance from an expert, you can better assess your position, organize relevant information and prepare for how a judge will evaluate each factor.]]>