Practice Areas

Culpeper & Warrenton drivers: ever want to yell “Hey! Put down that phone and pay attention to the road!”?
Description: Are you frustrated with the number of drivers in Culpeper and Warrenton you see talking on their cell-phones or texting when they should be driving? Our government and law enforcement officials are working hard to keep distracted drivers from claiming more innocent lives.
Fauquier County Crash Victims: Learn About Neck Injuries and Whiplash Here
Description: One of the most vulnerable parts of your body in a Fauquier County car or truck wreck is your neck. Even a low-speed accident can whip your head and neck back and forth, causing damage to your soft tissue or cervical vertebrae. Learn more about neck strain / sprain and whiplash in this article.
Culpeper Accident Victims: Three Things NOT to do After a Crash
Description: Culpeper accident victims: this article is for you. Here we tell you the top three things you should NOT do in your auto accident case.
Virginia Drivers: Are You Ready for New Driving Laws?
Description: Virginia drivers, get ready – new Virginia driving laws take effect July 1, 2010. Here’s a summary of some of the new driving laws so you can be prepared and avoid a traffic ticket from our friendly Warrenton or Culpeper police officers.
Planning for the worst, hoping for the best: the importance of an ICE contact in Virginia car wrecks
Description: Don’t wait for a Virginia auto accident to threaten your life – put an “in case of emergency” or ICE contact into your cell phone right now. Having a designated emergency contact that first responders at an accident scene can use to reach your friends or family members who know your important medical history (allergies, medications, health conditions) could be a lifesaver.

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Tractor Trailer Accidents:

Trucking companies, distracted drivers and the pursuit of profit
Description: Distracted driving is attracting a lot of attention, both in Virginia and at the federal level. Proposed federal bans on the use of text messaging devices and onboard truck computers by interstate truck drivers are also being talked about, much to the chagrin of trucking companies. Would these bans actually save motorists from being involved in a deadly tractor trailer accident? Research seems to indicate that they would.
Fatal Truck Accident Statistics for Virginia
Description: One of the most deadly types of motor vehicle accidents on Virginia roads involve tractor trailers. Because of their immense size, they often kill or seriously injure the occupants of smaller vehicles. Throughout each year data is compiled by the national Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and made available to the public. This article contains a summary of fatality data for large truck accidents in Virginia from 2008.
What Causes Large Truck Accidents?
Description: Truck accidents often lead to serious injuries, even death. Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas discuss the findings of a study of large truck accidents. The study listed common reasons and contributing factors of semi-truck accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas, LLP at (800) 741-1012 for Culpeper or (888) 907-2631 for Warrenton.
Are Medically Unfit Bus and Truck Drivers Endangering Your Life?
Description: According to recent investigations and congressional inquiry, there are numerous bus and truck drivers on the road today who are not legally allowed to drive a bus or truck. Sadly, these medically unfit drivers have caused countless accidents and deaths over the years, many of which could have been prevented had the federal government acted sooner to crack down on illegal drivers.
The Deadly Facts about Tractor Trailer Accidents
Description: Large trucks are more likely to be involved in fatal multi-vehicle accidents than passenger vehicles, and if they collide with a passenger vehicle, occupants of the passenger vehicle are more likely to suffer injury or death because of the enormous size difference between the two vehicles. Considering how deadly large truck accidents can be, advocacy groups are calling for the federal government to do more to reduce the annual number of injuries and deaths from truck accidents.

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Drunk Driving Accidents:

Virginia Teen Drivers: Underage Drinking, Driving and Fatal Car Wrecks
Description: Virginia teenagers – even those who do not drink – are at risk of being killed in alcohol-related crashes. Underage drinking is a serious issue in Culpeper and Warrenton, and teens who chose to drink and drive put not only their own lives at risk, but the lives of their friends as well. Education is an important factor in protecting the lives and well-being of young drivers.
It’s not only drunk drivers who are to blame in Virginia DUI crashes
Description: Hurt in a Virginia drunk driving accident? You may be wondering where to turn for help, and what kind of justice you are going to receive for your injuries and suffering. In drunk driving cases, it isn’t always just the driver who can be held accountable for negligent behavior after a crash. Two high jury award cases from across the country show how blame can rest with more than just the driver.
Virginia Supreme Court: Anonymous tip not enough to pull over a drunk driver
Description: If you witness a driver who appears to be driving while intoxicated, it seems reasonable to expect that you can call the police and have them do something about it before the driver causes a serious accident. However, a recent Virginia Supreme Court ruling means this may not happen. A driver who was found to be driving while intoxicated because police stopped him based on an anonymous tip has had his conviction overturned, which could make it difficult for police to keep Virginia’s roads safe from drunk drivers.
Drivers support device to prevent drinking and driving
Description: Without question, drinking and driving is a serious problem in Virginia and across the United States. One proposed solution is to install alcohol detection devices in all vehicles, to prevent driver with a BAC over the legal limit from driving. According to a recent IIHS survey the idea has a surprising number of support from the general public.
Virginia to Crack Down on Drunk Driving
Description: Ever noticed how some drivers think they can evade DUI checkpoints by taking back roads to get home? The good news is that Virginia’s law enforcement officers are finally doing something about this hidden danger. Virginia’s Governor Tim Kaine recently announced the latest crackdown aimed at getting drunk drivers off the road, specifically off of rural roads. With the support of Virginia State Police and local law enforcement officers, the 2008 Checkpoint Strikeforce campaign has been launched – the seventh year running for this initiative.

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Uninsured Motorist Claims:

Sour Economy Causes Increase in Uninsured Motorists on Virginia Roads
Description: Tough economic times will lead to an increase in the number of uninsured motorists on Virginia highways according to a study by the Insurance Research Council (IRC). This is a problem for responsible motorists who pay for auto insurance because serious auto accidents with uninsured motorists leave the responsible motorists footing the bill. Not only that, but the number of underinsured motorists will rise as well, as people with insurance look for ways to cut costs.
The Impact of Uninsured Motorists
Description: Auto accident cases involving uninsured negligent motorists can be very tricky, and are often more challenging than auto accidents involving an insured negligent motorist. If you or someone you love has been injured in an auto accident with an uninsured motorist or a hit and run driver, then you’ll want an experienced attorney on your side to fight for your rights. The attorneys at Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas have experience dealing with uninsured motorist claims, and will work with you to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.

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Motorcycle Accidents:

How much do you know about motorcycle road dangers?
Description: Motorcycle riders face a variety of hazards on the road every day: distracted drivers, aggressive truckers, dangerous weather conditions, and much more. One kind of road hazard can sneak up on an unsuspecting biker: unsafe road conditions like bridge joints, expansion joints, and uneven road surfaces. Bikers need to be alert for these dangerous road conditions in order to stay safe and avoid accidents, injuries, and even death.
Virginia Motorcycle Accident, Injury and Fatality Data
Description: The number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities in Virginia has been steadily rising over the years, culminating in an 80 percent increase in fatalities for calendar year 2007. This article presents statistical data from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles on motorcycle accident injury, fatality, and registration numbers.
Do you know how to “share the road” with motorcycle riders?
Description: Spring is the start of motorcycle season, and in Virginia drivers see more and more bikers out on the roads and highways. Unfortunately many drivers don’t give motorcyclists the respect they need on the road, and as a result too many bikers are injured or killed every year. Every car and truck driver needs to keep a few simple facts about motorcycles in mind so they can safely share the road.
Are Gas Prices Affecting Motorcycle Safety?
Description: With gas prices on the rise, many motorists are looking for alternative means of transportation in order to get more bang for their commuting buck. Some riders have turned to the two-wheeled freedom and excellent gas mileage offered by scooters and motorcycles. However, the uptick in motorcycle registrations has experts wondering if all these new riders will contribute to ever worsening motorcycle accident and fatality statistics on Virginia’s roads.
Are Motorcycles Getting Deadlier?
Description: A dramatic increase in motorcycle ridership over the last decade coupled with Americans’ taste for speed and performance has caused manufacturers of so-called “sport bikes”, “supersports”, and “super bikes” to pile on the power. Another impact of the increase in ridership is that there are now more novice riders on the road than ever before, and predictably, the combination of green riders and powerful bikes is causing motorcycle accidents and fatalities to climb with each passing year.

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Insurance Claim Denials:

Common Reasons for Car Insurance Claim Denials
Description: There are common reasons why car insurance claims are denied, which are listed in this article. You do have the right to dispute a denied car insurance claim. If your auto accident claim has been denied, call Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas, LLP at 888-907-2631 for our Warrenton office or 800-741-1012 for our Culpeper office.
Help! My Insurance Claim was Denied!
Description: Involved in an accident and your claim denied by your insurance company? Wondering why you’ve been paying them for coverage all these years just so they can turn around and cheat you out of a few dollars? You’re not alone. There are many reasons why insurance claims are denied, but there are ways for Virginians to fight back and get the compensation they deserve from their insurance companies.
Are You Really in Good Hands with Allstate?
Description: If you’re an Allstate shareholder you might be happy to know that they are all about making money. On the other hand, Allstate policy holders – especially those who have tried to file a claim – are finding out the flip side of a company’s drive to bring home the cash.
Deny, Delay, Defend! Why You Can’t Trust Your Insurance Company
Description: Dealing with a large insurance company after a serious accident or injury can be one of life’s greatest miseries. If you’ve ever had your legitimate claim denied, or if you were nitpicked and harassed into accepting a ridiculously low settlement amount, then you know first hand how difficult it can be to be treated fairly in the insurance game. If you’ve ever wondered why insurers make it so difficult to get a fair settlement, then you’ll find out in this article.
Progressive Insurance: Patron of the Arts, but not you
Description: Progressive Insurance owns the world's most valuable collection of American Art. So why can't their customers get fair value for thier claims?

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Construction Accidents & Injuries:

Crane Accidents in Virginia
Description: There has been a significant increase in crane accidents over the years. Read this article to find out more information as to why the number of crane accidents has grown, as well as the legal rights of injured crane operators. If you have been injured in a crane accident in Virginia, contact Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas, LLP at 888-907-2631 for our Warrenton office or 800-741-1012 for our Culpeper office.
Construction Accident Reveals Danger to Workers
Description: The dangers for construction workers on Virginia’s roadways are numerous: speeding cars, inattentive drivers, intoxicated drivers, and of course dangers from the work itself. There could be problems with equipment like scaffolds, ladders, excavation and heavy equipment, and injuries like burns, explosions, poisoning and electrocution are not uncommon. A recent construction accident in Virginia highlights the dangers facing workers, who are often reluctant to report injuries or seek help.

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Virginia Workers Compensation:

Injured Virginia Workers: What benefits are covered under the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act?
Description: Wondering what benefits you deserve after being hurt on the job in Virginia? Here’s a quick, easy to understand summary of Virginia workers’ comp benefits available to workers injured in a workplace accident.
Workers’ Comp Death Benefits in Virginia
Description: Lose a loved one in a Virginia workplace accident? You and your family may be eligible for Virginia workers’ comp death benefits. Learn more about these benefits available to fully and partially dependent individuals in this article.
Think your Virginia employer is trying to push you out of a job after a workplace injury?
Description: Hurt on the job in Virginia? Facing work restrictions because of your injuries? Stuck in a terrible new job thanks to your employer? You may be wondering if your employer is trying to push you to quit or find new work after your workplace accident – and you might be right.
“Extended premises” and Virginia workplace accidents
Description: If you were hurt while walking to work in Virginia, can you ask for workers’ compensation benefits? What if you were in the lobby where you worked, or the parking garage? Learn more about the concept of ‘extended premises’ in this article about the nuances of Virginia workers’ compensation benefits.
Hurt on the job? Learn These Virginia Workers Compensation Insurance Myths
Description: How much do you know about the workers’ compensation system in Virginia? When workers are hurt on-the-job in Virginia, they are often surprised to find out that getting medical care and fair compensation for their injuries isn’t as easy as they thought it would be. Protect yourself by knowing the facts.

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Nursing Home & Assisted Living Abuse:

Suspect Nursing Home Abuse in Virginia? Five Signs to Watch For.
Description: Nothing is worse than suspecting that your loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect. If you have reason to believe that a nursing home or assisted living resident you know is suffering from substandard care, make sure you know the signs of abuse and neglect so you can act quickly and prevent further suffering – or death.
FREE Resources for Virginia Families Dealing With Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
Description: Are you looking for help with a Virginia elder abuse case? Our skilled, compassionate Virginia nursing home and assisted living abuse & neglect attorneys have put together a wealth of information on this website for people just like you. Please contact our Warrenton or Culpeper office today to discuss your case confidentially for no cost or obligation.
Sexual Abuse of Nursing Home Residents in Virginia
Description: Sexual abuse of elders in Virginia is a crime, and perpetrators deserve to be held accountable for their actions and prevented from abusing again. Recent abuse cases have shown us how easy it is for nursing home staff and management to sweep cases of elder sexual abuse in Virginia under the rug. Do not hesitate to take action if you believe that your loved one is being sexually abused in a Virginia nursing home or assisted living facility.
Why Virginia nursing home abuse and neglect cases often remain hidden
Description: Many experts believe that nursing home abuse and neglect cases are underreported, meaning that thousands of crimes against elders take place without justice being served. There are a number of reasons why elder abuse and neglect crimes fall through the cracks. Please be aware of these reasons to help protect the safety of the elders in your family.
Nursing Home Fraud Schemes
Description: Fraudsters and scammers who prey on the elderly are a serious problem, especially for nursing home residents. This article contains a list of common frauds and scams that are perpetrated on elderly residents and seniors. Discussing these scams with your family and being aware of the tricks used by scammers is one way to avoid becoming a victim.

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Wrongful Death:

Who can be Awarded Damages for Wrongful Death in Virginia?
Description: Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas discuss in detail how damages are awarded in Virginia wrongful death cases. If you believe that your loved one’s death was the result of a negligent or wrongful act, call us today at 888-907-2631 for our Warrenton office or 800-741-1012 for our Culpeper office.

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General:

Who is Being "Frivolous" Here?
Description: While the ATRA is decrying "frivolous lawsuits," we noticed that they never seem to mention the thousands of pointless lawsuits filed by huge corporations every year.
2006 Was a Great Year for Medical Malpractice Insurers
Description: thanks to high premiums and low payouts, malpractice companies are making more money than ever.
Help Your Children Avoid Summertime Dangers
Description: Summertime brings a lot of free time for most of our children. It also brings a lot of dangerous activity. The Law Firm of DuLaney, Lauer and Thomas offer you some tips on how to keep your kids safe over the summer.
As Western Prince William Grows, We'll Be Ready
Description: As Prince William County continues to develop, new challenges will develop for those that are seeking legal help.

The attorneys at DuLaney Lauer and Thomas are offering agressive legal counsel for those that have been injured in car accidents or injured on the job. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact our offices for a free legal consultation today.
"Judicial Hellhole:" The Latest Smear Campaign by the ATRA
Description: Every year, the American Tort Reform Association designates a new area a "judicial hellhole." The candidates for this award seem to be anyplace where the rights of people take precedence over the profits of big business.