Posted on April 18, 2025 in Car Accidents

During Fiscal Year 2024 (FY2024), distracted driving was a contributing factor in approximately 8,821 crashes in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). Those collisions injured 556 people and killed two. Distracted driving is not only illegal, but it is also dangerous. Unsafe driving behaviors are often associated with driver distractions. Other factors also combine to increase your chance of being injured on USVI roads, even as a pedestrian.

To promote safe driving habits, the USVI governor, Albert Bryan, Jr., declared that April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. If you were injured by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation. However, car accident claims that originate in the USVI are very complex. Not every attorney has the in-depth knowledge to handle your case effectively, but our skilled U.S. Virgin Islands car accident lawyers do.

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 Posted on March 20, 2025 in Defective Products

Many tourists visit the U.S. Virgin Islands due to the wide variety of water sport activities and excursions to choose from. Snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, jet skiing, parasailing, and scuba diving are only a few of the possibilities available to thrill seekers. Participating in these water sports usually requires tourists to rent equipment, whether from a cruise ship or a company based on the Islands.

There are various regulations for rental equipment, with regular inspections and safety compliance required. However, accidents still happen, and some of them are due to unsafe or defective equipment. If you are injured by improperly maintained or unsafe equipment, you may be entitled to compensation. Working with a local U.S. Virgin Islands personal injury attorney rather than one back home gives you several benefits.

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 Posted on February 18, 2025 in Car Accidents

On Wednesday, January 15th, two pedestrian tourists on St. Thomas went airborne after being struck by a vehicle. Upon approaching a crosswalk, traffic in all directions was stopped, leading the pedestrians to begin making their way across the road. A car ran a red light without stopping, hitting and injuring both pedestrians. Reports claim that the lack of a pedestrian traffic control system likely contributed to the collision.

Traffic laws in the U.S. Virgin Islands are different than most mainland citizens are used to, and road conditions are sometimes subpar. Whether you are injured as a pedestrian, motorist, or passenger, car accident claims for USVI collisions can be complicated. You need an experienced St. Thomas personal injury attorney who has offices in the Islands and understands how to handle your claim effectively.

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 Posted on January 17, 2025 in Personal Injury

Tourism brings substantial revenue to the U.S. Virgin Islands, with approximately 3 million annual visitors. Although many arrive by cruise ship, some travelers fly to the Islands and stay in resorts, Airbnbs, hotels, and other rented accommodations.  Unfortunately, slip and fall accidents and other premises liability incidents can happen anywhere, sometimes disrupting vacations.

What kinds of tourist accidents are common in the USVI? Do you have to remain in the Islands to file a claim, or can you seek compensation after you return home? Working with an experienced St. John personal injury lawyer can ease your mind and maximize your compensation.

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 Posted on December 20, 2024 in Personal Injury

The Caribbean Islands see an influx of tourists from December through March when visitors exchange snow and cold weather for abundant sunshine and warm temperatures. The U.S. Virgin Islands boast several Christmas celebrations to enhance holiday visits. Unfortunately, more tourists means an increased chance of injury-producing tourist accidents.

You may worry that your personal injury claim will not be handled effectively since you do not live in the Islands. Colianni & Leonard LLC has physical locations on St. Croix and St. Thomas, and our attorneys have considerable experience assisting injured victims who live elsewhere.

When You Are Not Home for the Holidays

Whether you arrive in the USVI by air or on a cruise ship, you can enjoy many activities and holiday festivities. From the Christmas Day party in Christmas Cove to the Ugly Sweater Party on St. John, the palm trees are decked with lights, and various celebrations take place. Many tourists enjoy Guavaberry rum punch as a local substitution for eggnog, and intoxication can contribute to accidents.

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 Posted on November 21, 2024 in Personal Injury

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued two people who were injured in a high-speed collision on a St. Croix zipline on November 1, 2024. A helicopter was brought in to conduct the rescue because the victims were suspended 200 feet above ground level, with dense jungle conditions further complicating rescue efforts.

The U.S. Virgin Islands have various attractions that residents and tourists enjoy, but the area is not immune to injury-producing accidents. When negligence is a contributing factor, you may be eligible for compensation by filing a premises liability or personal injury claim. Defective parts or products that lead to accidents could also be grounds for compensation. An experienced St. Croix attorney from Colianni & Leonard LLC can provide the support and legal guidance you need.

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 Posted on October 21, 2024 in Personal Injury

The seas surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands offer entrancing coral reefs, canyons, and many species of aquatic animals, making scuba diving a popular year-round activity. The islands boast multiple equipment rental and diving companies, dive instructors, and charter dive vessels catering to both residents and tourists. Although diving can be exhilarating, it is also dangerous.

What are common scuba diving injuries? Can I file a personal injury or defective product claim, and who pays me? Your knowledgeable attorneys from Colianni & Leonard LLC will evaluate your situation and help you determine the best way to proceed.

What Are Common Virgin Islands Scuba Diving Accidents and Injuries?

Understanding the risks associated with scuba diving may help you avoid injury, which may include:

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 Posted on September 19, 2024 in Personal Injury

U.S. Virgin Islands residents and tourists alike can enjoy amazing views of the water, beaches, and landscape from hundreds of feet in the air while parasailing. The Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Coast Guard regulate the vessels that tow parasailers, requiring numerous safety precautions. Unfortunately, parasailing accidents do occur, and they are capable of producing catastrophic and fatal injuries.

Can you get compensation for injuries sustained in a parasailing accident? Who is responsible for paying your personal injury settlement? Whether you live in the Islands or elsewhere, you need a trustworthy local attorney to protect your best interests. Colianni & Leonard LLC has the experience and determination to ensure that you receive the highest possible settlement. Call now for your free consultation.

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 Posted on August 16, 2024 in Personal Injury

St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John are popular tourist destinations. Late last year, an accident at the Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas severely injured one man and caused his wife emotional trauma along with physical injuries. The couple filed a personal injury claim against Spirit Airlines and Worldwide Flight Services, seeking compensation for their injuries and other losses.

This case is a prime example of how negligence can cause both physical injuries and other types of harm. If you are injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, the experienced lawyers from Colianni & Leonard LLC will work to hold them accountable.

Overloaded Elevator Causes Serious Injury as Couple Boards Virgin Islands Airplane

The couple involved in the accident needed wheelchair services to board a plane. The lift they used was clearly marked as having a 1,000-pound maximum capacity. Four people in wheelchairs and two attendants, who had a combined weight of more than the stated capacity, boarded the lift that was raised to allow them to enter the plane.

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 Posted on July 22, 2024 in Car Accidents

Experiencing a car accident while in the U.S. Virgin Islands can put a damper on your vacation, and some car accidents may leave you seriously injured and in need of compensation for the damages you have suffered. Car accident claims in the Virgin Islands can be even more complex than car accidents that happen at home due to a few different factors.

A knowledgeable U.S. Virgin Islands car accident attorney can help you navigate your legal options as you deal with the aftermath of a car accident around the Virgin Islands.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Driving in the U.S. Virgin Islands is difficult, especially for tourists and other individuals who may not be familiar with the roads, traffic laws, and how vehicles normally operate around the Virgin Islands.

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