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Why Are There So Many Crashes on I-81 in Botetourt, Roanoke, and Montgomery Counties?

Interstate 81 is one of the most dangerous highways in Southwest Virginia — and for drivers traveling through Botetourt County, Roanoke County, and Montgomery County , that danger is all too real. Serious crashes, including multi-vehicle and tractor-trailer accidents, happen here far too often. Understanding why these crashes occur — and where they are most common — can help drivers stay safer and help accident victims know when to seek legal help. A Major Trucking Corridor Never Designed for Today’s Traffic Interstate 81 is one of the busiest freight routes on the East Coast. It carries an exceptionally high percentage of commercial truck traffic , much of it passing straight through Southwest Virginia. The problem? Much of I-81 was built decades ago for far less traffic and fewer heavy trucks . Today, passenger vehicles and 18-wheelers are forced to share limited space at highway speeds, increasing the likelihood of: Rear-end collisions Unsafe lane changes Chain-reaction cr...
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What to Do After a Fatal I-81 Trucking Accident Involving a Loved One

A recent I-81 trucking accident in Roanoke County, Virginia underscores how devastating highway crashes involving commercial trucks can be. In this tragic incident, a disabled vehicle was stopped on the shoulder of Interstate 81 when a tractor-trailer crashed into it . Three people were killed. All of the victims were from out of state , traveling through Virginia when their lives were cut short. For the surviving family member, grief is often compounded by confusion — especially when the crash happened far from home. If you are navigating the aftermath of a wrongful death caused by a truck accident on I-81 , the information below is meant to help guide you through what comes next. Take Care of Yourself First The sudden loss of a loved one in a fatal trucking accident is traumatic. There is no timeline for grief and no requirement to “handle everything” immediately. Surround yourself with family support and allow time to process what has happened. Ask friends and family for help ...
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What to Do if You’ve Been the Victim of a Pedestrian Accident in Virginia

Your Safety. Your Rights. Your Recovery. Pedestrian accidents are among the most severe and life-altering crashes on Virginia roads. Whether you were struck in a crosswalk, a parking lot, a neighborhood street, or a busy Roanoke or Blacksburg intersection, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. The steps you take immediately after a pedestrian accident can greatly impact your physical recovery and the strength of your injury claim. At The Thomson Law Firm , we represent injured pedestrians across Roanoke, Blacksburg and all of Virginia. This guide outlines exactly what to do after a pedestrian accident and how to protect your legal rights. Get to Safety and Call 911 Your health and safety always come first. If possible, move out of the roadway and call 911. A police report is essential for documenting what happened, identifying the at-fault driver, and creating an official record for your case. Even if your injuries seem mild, get medical attention immediately. Many pedestrian inj...
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Do I Need Video Evidence in Order to Win My Personal Injury Case?

Pursuing Your Case Without Video Evidence When you’re injured in a car accident, slip-and-fall, or any other kind of preventable incident, one of the first questions you may ask is: “Do I need video evidence to win my case?” With the rise of cell phones, doorbell cameras, and dashcams, many people assume that without video, they don’t stand a chance. The good news is this: you do NOT need video evidence to win a personal injury case in Virginia. While video can be helpful, most successful cases are built on a variety of other forms of proof. At The Thomson Law Firm, we handle injury claims every single day, and very few of them involve video footage—and we still win them. Below, I’ll walk you through why video is not required, what evidence is necessary, and how we build strong cases even without any recordings. Video Evidence Is Helpful—But Rarely Available There’s no question that video can be powerful. A clear recording may show who caused the crash, how a fall occurred, or...
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What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Roanoke? A Q&A with Paul Thomson, Roanoke Personal Injury Lawyer

Q: I was just in a car accident. What’s the very first thing I should do? A: The first step is always safety. Make sure you and anyone else involved are out of harm’s way. Call 911 immediately — even if you think your injuries are minor. A police report is critical for your insurance claim and any future legal case. Once you’ve received medical attention, document everything: photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries. If you’re able, collect names and contact information from witnesses. Q: The other driver’s insurance company already called me. Should I talk to them? A: I strongly recommend that you don’t. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They may seem friendly, but anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim. Before speaking with them, talk to an experienced Roanoke personal injury lawyer who can handle communications on your behalf and protect your rights from the start. Q: I feel okay right now, but could I still have a ca...
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“I’ve Never Been in an Accident Before — What Should I Do?”

If you’ve just been hurt in an accident and you’re thinking, “I’ve never been in an accident before — I don’t even know what to do,” you’re not alone. Most people who contact The Thomson Law Firm in Roanoke, Virginia , are calling a lawyer for the very first time. What to Do Right After the Accident Even if you’re not sure you want to file a claim, taking these steps early on can protect your health and your rights: Get medical care immediately. Get checked out. Some injuries — especially concussions, whiplash, and internal damage take hours to appear. Document everything. Take photos of your injuries, the accident scene, and any property damage. If you are not able to do this yourself, ask a friend or a family member to do it for you. Report the accident. Whether it’s a car crash, slip and fall, a dog bite, or workplace injury, make sure there’s an official report. Keep all records. Save hospital bills, repair estimates, and any letters from insurance companies. Avoid gi...
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Denied or Delayed Insurance Claim After a Car Accident? Here’s What to Do

Why Insurance Companies Deny or Delay Claims Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is stressful enough. When the insurance company refuses to pay your claim, it can make things even worse. Whether you’ve received a denial, a lowball offer, or no response at all, you have options—and you don’t have to face it alone. At The Thomson Law Firm, we help people across Virginia challenge unfair treatment from insurance companies and get the compensation they deserve. Insurance adjusters work for the company—not for you. Their goal is to protect profits, which often means limiting payouts. Common reasons for denial or delay include: Insurance adjusters work for the company—not for you. Their goal is to protect profits, which often means limiting payouts. Common reasons for denial or delay include: Disputes over who caused the crash Missed deadlines or incomplete forms Medical records not supporting your injury claim Policy exclusions or lapses Pre-existing conditions blamed for...
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