Virginia Toughens Laws Against Texting and Driving

Feb 27, 2013 | Auto Accidents

In an effort to reduce the number of texting and driving infractions in Virginia, legislators approved several changes to the laws governing such behavior earlier this week.

According to theĀ Daily Press, the most significant change came when lawmakers agreed to making texting and driving a primary offense. This means law enforcement no longer needs another reason, such as speeding or weaving, to pull a driver over if they are suspected of using a handheld electronic device.

Another major change came when House Bill 1907 was placed into the law books this past Saturday. The legislation calls for the fines for texting and driving to be raised from $20 to $250 for a first time offense. A $500 fine will be leveled for every subsequent offense a driver commits and for any infraction involving reckless driving.

The passage of the new and improved laws will hopefully reduce the number ofĀ Virginia car accidentsĀ associated with texting and driving, while also bolstering enforcement against the behavior. The Virginia Crime Commission claims that the number of tickets issued for texting and driving has slowly increased over the last three years. In 2012, a total of 511 tickets for texting and driving were issued and elicited 414 guilty pleas.

TheĀ Virginia personal injury lawyersĀ with the law firm of Geoff McDonald & Associates hope the new regulations and penalties will force drivers to think twice before using a handheld electronic device while driving.

Geoff McDonald and Associates:Ā 804-888-8888.

FREE CONSULTATION

No Fees Unless We Win







    Who May Be Liable for Truck Accident Damages?

    Determining liability for truck accidents in Virginia can be challenging. Unlike ā€œregularā€ car crashes, accidents with commercial trucks often involve multiple parties with complex corporate structures and insurance policies. At Geoff McDonald & Associates, we can...

    What Kind of Damages Can I Pursue from a Truck Accident?

    A truck accident can disrupt your life by causing physical injuries, emotional trauma, and property damage. You may be eligible to pursue financial compensation, also known as damages, although this may only provide a modicum of relief. Knowing the specific...

    How Long Do I Have To File a Truck Accident Claim?

    Truck accident survivors may on occasion settle their claims without the need for litigation. Unfortunately, truck drivers, trucking companies, and insurance adjusters aren’t always so cooperative. To seek compensation in such cases, you must file a civil lawsuit. If...

    What Should I Do Immediately After a Virginia Truck Accident?

    The steps you should take immediately after a Virginia truck accident mirror those that you would take if you were in a standard car accident. But you should follow the steps carefully, as failure to do so could impact your ability to seek compensation for your...

    What You Should Ask for After an Accident with a Truck

    Navigating truck accidents is complicated because so many different parties could be involved in the accident, including: Truck driver Employer Mechanic Parts manufacturer Shipper   In some cases, you’ll be making a claim with the truck driver’s employer. If the...

    Our Case Results

    $4,700,000
    Industrial Plant Accident

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Jeffrey A. Breit and Justin M. Sheldon Our client was killed in an industrial accident when an unauthorized worker was operating an overhead crane and pinned our client between…

    $1,750,000
    Rear-End Crash

    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury, facial trauma, a dislocated hip and severe abdominal trauma when she was rear-ended at a traffic light by a tractor trailer. Suit was commenced shortly after…

    $1,250,000
    Assault of Log Truck Driver

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Geoffrey R. McDonald, Frank H. Hupfl, Justin M. Sheldon.
    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury after being assaulted and knocked to the ground while fueling his logging…

    $860,000
    Drunk Driving Crash

    Our client suffered neck/head trauma and a broken wrist after his vehicle was struck by a drunk driver while he was stopped at a traffic light. Upon rejection of a settlement offer of $325,000, our litigation…

    $700,000
    Rear-End Collision

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Justin M. Sheldon and Geoff R. McDonald, Richmond
    GMA’s client was injured as a result of a rear-end collision in the greater Richmond area. The crash occurred a little after…

    Client Reviews

    Cheryl and Rich were wonderful and patient with me throughout the case. All of my questions were answered. They really helped me through this tough time and made sure to let me know what was going on. I really thank Geoff…

    Troy Saxby

    My experience with GMA staff was first rate. They always represented in a professional way and made sure I had everything as far as paperwork. Kara and Theo made sure to answer all my questions, was always available and so…

    Shirley Brown

    Geoff McDonald & Associates is the team that you want on the field if you’re in need of top notch legal defense! Mr. Taj Henley demonstrated true customer service skills and his expertise made me feel comfortable throughout the…

    Julian Reeves

    Geoff McDonald & Associates: Thank you Taj Henley for all of your hard work and dedication! Very expeditious in my case and I was very satisfied with my settlement. Will recommend to all my friends and family!

    Shareema Williams

    Geoff is number one in my book and I especially appreciate the support of Mr Henley

    Ebony Conwell

    I was so pleased with the knowledge and support from Mr. Taj Henley

    Kideem Frierson

    Thank you Geoff McDonald &Associates. A special thank you to Mr. Taj Henley

    Denise Conwell

    Mr. Taj Henley displays exceptional professionalism for Geoff McDonald & Associates, along with commendable communication skills and customer service. By his work ethic and commitment to the people he serves his value to any…

    Justin Fitzgerald