Carolina Accident Attorney Blog

Firefighter Critically Injured in Raleigh, North Carolina School Bus Accident

The Raleigh Police Department is still investigating the cause of a bus accident that left a firefighter trapped inside his truck. The school bus, carrying seven children from Southeast Raleigh High and Centennial Middle School, was traveling on Ligon Mill Road near US Hwy 401 when the bus crashed in to the firefighter’s truck, forcing him off the road. A third car, a station wagon, was also involved in the crash though Raleigh police are not sure how.

It took the Raleigh Fire Department forty-five minutes to free fellow firefighter, Lt. Harry Kissinger from his truck. Lt. Kissinger was taken to WakeMed hospital where he is being treated for serious head injuries he sustained in the bus accident. The driver of the school bus and the driver of the station wagon were also taken to local Raleigh, North Carolina (NC) hospitals where they are being treated for serious injuries. Thankfully, none of the seven children on board the school bus were hurt in the accident.

Accidents involving school buses are more commonplace then one might think. According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction over 2,000 school bus safety violations occur every day and many of these violations lead to serious accidents or even deaths. My colleague, Jim Lewis, recently wrote an article about a school bus accident in Fayetteville, North Carolina (NC) that led to the death of one woman.

Drivers should use extra caution around school buses. Remember that buses make frequent and sudden stops. School bus drivers can also become easily distracted by noisy children on the bus. Drivers should always try to stay more then a car length from school buses and pay close attention to warning lights that indicate the bus driver is about to make a stop.

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California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Installs Devices That Prevent Drunk Driving

A California (CA) law signed by Arnold Schwarzenegger this month takes another step in the fight against drunk driving. The law requires all drivers convicted of drunk driving to have a device installed in their cars that will prevent them from driving under the influence of alcohol.

The device is known as the ignition interlock device (IID) or the breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BIID). When installed the device works like a breathalyzer, forcing the driver to breathe in to the device before the car’s engine will start. The ignition interlock device then measures the driver’s blood alcohol level against pre-recorded amounts, typically half the legal limit or less depending on the state. Randomly while the car is in motion the IID or BIID will require the driver to breathe in to the device again. This is done to prevent a friend from breathing for the driver. If the subsequent measurements show a high blood alcohol level the measurement is recorded and an alarm will sound until the car’s engine is shut off.

The measure signed by Schwarzenegger takes a big step towards ending drunk driving, but California is not the only state that imposes the use of breath alcohol ignition interlock devices for convicted drivers. North Carolina (NC) imposed the use of BIIDs in 2007. Under North Carolina (NC) law, anyone who is convicted of driving while impaired is permitted to drive only if their blood alcohol level is less then half the legal limit of .08 at all times. If the driver is convicted of driving while impaired again in a period of seven years, or is caught with a blood alcohol level of .16 or higher, a IID device will be installed in their vehicle.

The IID and BIIDs are an excellent example of using modern technology to put a stop to the thousands of drunken driving deaths that happen every year. The Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) group is working with state officials nationwide to spread their use even further. Hopefully, these devices will help see an end to the senseless alcohol related deaths.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law. Our law firm has offices in Elizabeth City, North Carolina (NC) and Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). Our attorneys have handled thousands of automobile negligence cases involving cars, trucks, trains, and motorcycles. We would be pleased to send you one of our FREE reports about car accident cases, including our special report on distracted driving or our Best Guide to Car Accident Injuries in North Carolina. Our lawyers hold licenses in NC, VA, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube .  In addition, our lawyers proudly edit the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard, as well as the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.

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Wilmington North Carolina Police Cracking Down on School Bus Law Violators

The Wilmington, North Carolina (NC) Police Department is working with local school bus drivers to catch vehicle drivers not following school bus safety laws.

Six Wilmington police officers followed six school buses on their normal routes in an attempt to catch drivers who fail to stop behind the school buses’ stop sign arms when letting children on and off the bus. The New Hanover County School District picked six routes that have had previous problems with drivers not following the school bus safety laws.

During the trip police officers stopped three drivers, one of whom told police they were unaware that vehicles must stop behind a school bus when the emergency flashers and stop arm is activated. The Wilmington Police Department feels that people are simply in too much of a hurry in the mornings to follow proper school bus safety laws. Officer James D. Smith told reporters, “I think one of the main reasons people are ignoring it is because everybody has there own agenda in the morning: they're running late, trying to get to class, trying to get to work, talking on the cell phones -- cell phones are a big distraction.”

However, there is no excuse when it comes to the law and driver’s caught violating the rule have to appear in court and the citation comes with five point’s on their driver’s license. Ignoring a school bus stop could cost far more then a citation. My colleague, Richard Shapiro, recently wrote an article about a young girl that was fatally struck by a passing SUV while attempting to exit a school bus in Raleigh, North Carolina (NC). The driver of the SUV did not stop behind the school bus and struck the child while she was crossing the street at her stop.

Violating the law is far too common in North Carolina. Richard Shapiro wrote a follow up article after local reporters did some investigating in to driver’s habits around school buses. They talked to several bus drivers who told them that near misses happen often with children and drivers. Every driver should be more cautious around school buses, especially when they are stopped. By paying more attention to the roadways and following the school bus laws these type of accidents can be avoided.

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Fatal Hit and Run Driver Goes to Court in Raleigh, North Carolina

Woman Accused of Street Racing Receives a Light Sentence in Mecklenburg, North Carolina

Carlene Atkinson, who has been charged with three counts of murder following a car accident, last April, has been given permission to attend church and doctors appointments by a Mecklenburg, North Carolina (NC) judge.

Carlene Atkinson was racing Tyler Stasko on North Carolina (NC) highway 49 when Tyler Stasko crashed into the back of a vehicle entering the highway. Atkinson and Stasko had topped speeds of 100 mph at the time of the crash. Cynthia Furr, who was driving the vehicle Stasko hit, as well as her two year old daughter and Hunter Holt, a 13 year old passenger in Stasko’s car, died as a result of the car accident.

Tyler Stasko and Carlene Atkinson were both released on bond, however; Atkinson’s 15 prior speeding violations caused a judge to order a much higher bond for Atkinson and place her on house arrest. As part of her house arrest Atkinson is not allowed to drive her Camero. She initially asked a Mecklenburg judge for permission to get rides to work, but was denied as Atkinson is currently unemployed.

Atkinson’s attorney, Gary Murphy, also requested she be granted permission to attend doctors appointments and church as Atkinson used to be a Sunday school teacher. The Mecklenburg judge granted her permission for Wednesday and Sunday services.

Street racing  is a dangerous, and as the case of Carlene Atkinson shows us, often a deadly game. Racing can either be spontaneous or go as far as prearranged events. Since street races are conducted on roads traveled by other vehicles, they often lead to car accidents. For this reason states all over the country have begun enforcing strict street racing laws. In North Carolina (NC) the highest street racing offense, prearranged racing, is punishable by a three year license suspension and vehicle seizure.

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Wrong Way Driver Causes Fatality in a Car Accident on a Highway in Hickory, North Carolina

A car accident on Highway 321 in Hickory, North Carolina (NC) led to one fatality, two serious injuries, and a highway closure.

Witnesses say an elderly couple driving a white sedan were traveling north on the southbound lanes of Highway 321. The driver of the white sedan was traveling in two lanes and hit a truck head on.

The driver of the truck who was struck, Howard Helton’s wife was also on Highway 321 and witnessed the accident. She was able to contact emergency crews to respond. Howard Helton and the driver of the white sedan were taken to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina (NC) where they are both being treated for injuries caused in the car accident. Sadly, the passenger of the white sedan, an elderly woman, died on impact.

The North Carolina Highway patrols shut off parts of Highway 321 and have conducted an investigation of the crash scene. They were able to verify witness statements that the driver of the white sedan was driving the wrong way at the time of the car accident, but they are not sure at what point the driver entered Highway 321 or why he was traveling in the wrong direction.

Driver’s going the wrong way are more common then you might think, especially on highways. Drivers can confuse the off ramp for the on ramp when entering the highway and travel for along periods of time before they are able to correct themselves. If you see headlights coming in the wrong direction it is best to pull over to the side of the road. Trying to swerve around the oncoming car may panic you or the other driver and cause an accident.

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Eight Injured in Car Accident in Charlotte, North Carolina

At least eight people were sent to local Charlotte, North Carolina (NC) hospitals after a car accident in the early morning.

The car accident happened in the southwest region of Charlotte, North Carolina. Early this morning an SUV collided with another vehicle in the intersection of Billy Graham Parkway and South Tyron Street. The Charlotte Police Department had to send additional medical units to treat all of the persons injured in the car accident, eight people total were sent to local Charlotte, North Carolina hospitals.

Fortunately, all eight people injured in the accident are expected to survive. Road crews were forced to shut down both Billy Graham Parkway and South Tyron Street in the areas surrounding the accident, but the roadways were opened back up after a few hours.

There is no word yet from the Charlotte Police Department on what initially caused the car accident, but driving in the early morning darkness may have been a contributing factor. Driving at night can be a dangerous task, and early morning hours often come with light fog and lowered visibility.

According to the National Safety Council, death rates from traffic accidents are three times greater at night. While this is a staggering statistic, there are several things you can do to driver safer at night. Weather.com has comprised a list of the most beneficial things drivers can do at night. One of the most significant things a driver can do to protect themselves on dark roadways should be done before they ever head out on the road. Take precautions to make sure your headlights are properly aimed.

Headlights that are aimed to high or too low can severely limited your vision. You should be able to clearly see the roadway as well as other vehicles in front of you. If you think your vision is compromised by your headlight angle you can adjust them yourself or take the car to a local mechanic to have it done for you.

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Third North Carolina Woman Dies in Michigan Hit and Run

A third victim dies as of the result of the hit and run that occurred in Newton Township, Michigan (MI). The third victim, Jonel Hoogterp had relocated to Durham, North Carolina (NC) with her partner Julie Hatch also from Durham, North Carolina (NC). The two had been visiting Michigan (MI) for a family reunion when the accident occurred.

Jonel Hoogterp and Julie Hatch were walking on South Gould City Road in Newton Township, Michigan (MI) with several others when an SUV went across the oncoming lane and struck the pedestrians while they were walking. The driver of the SUV stopped initially, but then fled the scene.

According to Michigan (MI) police the driver of the SUV, suspected to be Dustan Lyle Bowen has been arrested. Sadly, every pedestrian involved in the hit and run accident was injured. Including, Julie Hatch, Sara Dobbrastine, and now Jonel Hoogterp who all died as a result of injuries sustained during the hit and run.

Michigan (MI) police reported that Dustan Lyle Bowen had been arrested on suspicion for driving the SUV that caused the hit and run accident. Several pedestrians involved have been released from local hospitals with minor injuries, but the loss felt in both Michigan (MI) and North Carolina (NC) is great. A fundraising event has been set up in Hoogterp and Hatch’s honor as well as a Facebook website dedicated to their memories.

Hit and run accidents can be devastating. In an instant your life as well as the lives of your family can change. As the lives of everyone who knew Jonel Hoogterp, Julie Hatch and Sara Dobbrastine have changed.

Unfortunately, not all hit and run accidents can be avoided, but if you are on the roadway, especially as a pedestrian, take precaution. While walking on or near roadways stay as far as possible from vehicles, and keep your eyes and ears open. Staying alert at all times might give you the few seconds you need to avoid a vehicle that has lost control.

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Driver Still Missing After a Fatal Hit and Run Accident in Greensboro, North Carolina

According to Officer Keith Wrenn, the Greensboro Police Department is still on the look out for eight people involved in a bazaar and tragic hit and run accident that claimed the life of 22-year old Cherita Jones.

The car accident happened around 3 a.m. Monday morning in Greensboro, North Carolina (NC). The Acura Cherita Jones was a passenger in flipped several times on highway U.S 29. The Greensboro Police Department believes another vehicle, carrying up to four passengers also wrecked in to the median. However, when police arrived on the scene in Greensboro, North Carolina (NC), only two people remained.

From what the police department has been able to determine, the driver of the Acura fled the scene of the car accident in another vehicle, leaving Cherita Jones behind. Shelton Phelps, a passenger of the SUV thought to have picked up the driver of the Acura stayed behind to assist Jones. The driver and all passengers of the other crashed vehicle fled the scene as well.

Officer Keith Wrenn told reporters that Shelton Phelps has been arrested for aiding and abetting and that Greensboro Police Department was still on the look out for the car that assisted in the get away, as well as the occupants of the other vehicle that crashed. Tragically, Cherita Jones died at the scene.

The sudden loss of Cherita Jones comes as a shock to her family and the Greensboro community as a whole. While, this hit and run accident is a bazaar and unique situation, hit and run accidents in general are all too common. If you or someone you know has been involved in a hit and run accident, a personal injury attorney can help you and your family get the compensation that you need.

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Charles Wilson Knowles Found Dead On The Scene After Car Accident In Durham, North Carolina

A tragic car accident late Monday morning in Durham, North Carolina (NC) claimed the life of Charles Wilson Knowles.

Local Durham, North Carolina (NC) police arrived on the scene and found Charles Wilson Knowles dead. It appears the 90 year old driver had driven off Hope Valley Road near Chelsea Circle and ran his car in to an embankment. Knowles was found dead on the scene by the Durham police.

Fortunately the car accident that took place Monday morning in Durham was a one car accident and no other persons were injured. However, this knowledge is providing little relief from the tragic death of Charles Wilson Knowles.

As a personal injury attorney, I too often see tragic car accidents like this one. While police are still investigating the ultimate cause of the car accident, the life of Knowles has been lost and can not be replaced. Single car accidents such as these remind us all to take a little more caution while driving.

One of the best things a person can do to avoid a similar accident is to remain cautious at all times while driving. By remaining aware of your surroundings you are far less likely run off the roadway. Avoid distractions such as cell phones and MP3 players while you are operating your vehicle as these items can reduce your attention to the road dramatically. Also, if you find yourself growing tired while driving even a short distance, play it safe and pull your car off the roadway until you are more alert. You can fall asleep in an instant while driving.

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Reusing Medical Equipment may have Exposed Patients to HIV, Hepatitis

Most of us place a high level of trust in doctors and hospitals, rarely questioning what medications they prescribe or equipment they use to treat us. We assume the doctors, nurses and hospital staff follows safety procedures such as using new and sterile equipment for every test they run, but what if they don’t? What happens if someone reuses those medical supplies?

Unfortunately, the results can be life threatening. Reusing medical equipment, even something as small as IV tubing, can cause the spread of infection and those infections may be deadly. Recently, Qui Lan was found reusing IV tubing and saline bags for cardiac chemical stress tests at Broward General Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (FL). Qui Lan may have exposed 1,851 patients to HIV and hepatitis. Even more shocking, this isn’t an isolated incident.

Earlier this year, my colleague, Richard Shapiro, wrote an article about several hundred North Carolina (NC) residents that had potentially come in to contact with a blood borne illness after a medical device malfunctioned. The New Hanover Community Health Center in New Hanover County, North Carolina (NC) found an error in a diabetes testing machine that may have caused over 200 patients to be tested with the same lancet. In this case the results were the same as the Broward General Medical Center, every patient had to be notified and tested for a host of infections including HIV, Hepatitis, and other potentially fatal illnesses.

So far no one has tested positive in either case, but that isn’t to say no one will, or that an error won’t occur again in another hospital. Hospitals use dozens of pieces of equipment, needles, and syringes that have to be sterilized or used new on each patient. They can easily be mislabeled, misused, or improperly cleaned. A patient could go in for a routine test and come out with a life threatening illness.

If you have contracted an illness through a hospital or doctors office, you have the right to be compensated. Your life was undoubtedly altered by the event. You may have missed work, racked up medical bills, or endured a lengthy healing time all from a mistake that wasn’t yours. If you, or someone you know, has suffered from a medical mistake seek the help of a personal injury attorney. Attorneys have experience in dealing with all types of medical mistake and negligence cases. They know how to get you what you deserve.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law with experience handling medical malpractice cases. Look at our case results to see for yourself. Our law firm has offices in Elizabeth City, North Carolina (NC) and Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). Our attorneys have handled thousands of medical malpractice cases including surgical errors, misdiagnosis, and negligence. We would be happy to send you one of our FREE reports about medical malpractice, including our Top 10 Tips from a Medical Malpractice Insider and our special report on the top 5 surgical errors you need to know about. Our lawyers hold licenses in NC, VA, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube .  In addition, our lawyers proudly edit the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard, as well as the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.

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Blair Expands Robe Recall After Nine Deaths Were Reported

The clothing company, Blair, has expanded a voluntary recall on their chenille robes after learning about at least nine deaths resulting from burns sustained while wearing the robes.

Blair and the Consumer Product Safety Commission originally issued a voluntary recall for the robes in April after the company received reports of at least three robes catching on fire. One incident left the owner covered in second degree burns. The Consumer Product Safety Commission found the robes did not meet federal flammability requirements.

After the original recall was issued at least nine deaths were reported after owners caught fire while wearing the robes.

Blair expanded the recall to include additional chenille robes and three other chenille products. The robes were made from Janurary 2003 to March 2009. The robes are labeled with item numbers 3093111, 3093112, 3093113, 3093114, 3093115 or 3093116. They were all made by A-One Textile & Towel located in Karachi, Pakistan. The robes and other chenielle products listed on the recall were sold in Blair stores as well as their popular online website, http://www.blair.com.

If you own one of these robes Blair is offering a $50 gift card for the return of the item. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends any owner discontinue use immediately and return the product. The robes are extremely flammable and in several cases they have caught fire while the owner was cooking.

If you or someone you know has been burned or even killed by Blair chenille products contact a personal injury attorney. An attorney will be able to help you sort through the complicated recall process and seek damages for your pain and suffering.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and we have experience handling wrongful death cases. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Our law firm has offices in Elizabeth City, North Carolina (NC) and Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). Our attorneys have handled numerous wrongful death cases and we understand the difficult circumstances which accompany these types of cases. That’s why you need an experienced attorney to help you through the legal process. Our lawyers hold licenses in NC, VA, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube .  In addition, our lawyers proudly edit the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard, as well as the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.

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Former United Way of Central Carolinas CEO Suing For Wrongful Termination

Former CEO for the Central Carolinas United Way, Gloria Pace King, is suing United Way for wrongful termination as well as Mac Everett, former acting CEO, for defamation of character.

Gloria Pace King served as CEO for the Central Carolinas United Way for 14 years. During her term she raised fundraising profits from $18.5 million to $43.5 billion. She was seen as a strong leader by most of the United Way employees. During her term, her retirement package also grew to $2.1 million and her pay and benefits greatly increased, which led to an investigation by the board in 2007.

On August 26 Gloria Pace King was asked to step down by the United Way board. She refused and hired a lawyer on her behalf. On October 1^st her employment was terminated by the board and Mac Everett was placed as acting CEO. This is when, according to King, Everett made comments against her character regarding the termination.

There is no trial date set for King’s wrongful termination suit, but the case against Mac Everett for defamation of character began this week.

Defamation of character is difficult to prove. In King’s case slander, verbal derogatory statements made about the defendant, can be extremely difficult to prove, as there were no written statements made and the burden of proof lies in showing the verbalizations were made as incorrect facts.

Wrongful termination cases can be won with the help of a qualified attorney. Wrongful termination is devastating to anyone, especially one who has worked with a company for 14 years. The stress of loosing one’s job while dealing with character insults can be tiring. An attorney can help you handle the stress of legalities while you focus on getting back on your feet and rebuilding your career.

Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), with an office also in Elizabeth City, in Northeast North Carolina (NC), practicing primarily in the southeastern U.S. and handles only injury law, including car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our Carolina injury law website is: http://carolina.hsinjurylaw.com, the firm edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, as well as the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard and also hosts a YouTube injury law video library covering many FAQ’s on personal injury subjects. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.

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Charlotte North Carolina Girl, Giselle Moquete, Suffering From Severe Injuries After Being Attacked by Neighbor’s Pit Bull.

Jonathan Hall, neighbor to the Moquete family, had brought the Pit Bull to the Moquete home earlier today to see if they were interested in purchasing the dog. Jonathan Hall had received the dog for free from a stranger down the street, and after owning the Pit Bull a day realized he could not keep the dog and offered it to the Moquette family.

Giselle Moquete and her mother were considering taking the Pit Bull and playing with the dog at the time Giselle was attacked. The girl suffered the dog bite when she bent down to pet the dog. According to Jonathan Hall the dog’s personality changed quickly and he latched on to Giselle’s face before anyone could react. Hall was able to pry the dog off the young girl, but not before the dog bite had done severe damage to her face.

Giselle’s mother immediately called 9-1-1 and the girl was taken to a hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina (NC) to treat her injuries. Fortunately, the injuries sustained by the dog bite are not life threatening for Giselle; however, it will take several dozen stitches and a lengthy recovery for the girl to return to normal.

Dog bites and other animal attacks are always tragic for the victims, the dog owners and even the dogs. It is especially heartbreaking when a young child is attacked. While Giselle’s injuries may not be life threatening, they are still very traumatic for a young girl both emotionally and physically.

Even if you do not own a dog in your home, you should still take precautions to avoid accidents such as these happening to yourself or your children. The best thing you can do to prevent a dog bite is to avoid petting, touching, or playing with any animal whose nature you are not certain of, especially animals you have not seen before. If you do own a dog, or are considering getting one, be sure they receive proper training and socializing, so in the event that a stranger is brought into your home there will be little chance of the animal’s personality altering causing them to attack your friends or neighbors.

Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), with an office also in Elizabeth City, in Northeast North Carolina (NC), practicing primarily in the southeastern U.S. and handles only injury law, including car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our Carolina injur law website is: http://carolina.hsinjurylaw.com, the firm edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, as well as the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard and also hosts a YouTube injury law video library covering many FAQ’s on personal injury subjects. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.

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