Bicycle Accident
by admin@gotechark.com | April 30th, 2018
Bicycle accidents can be just as traumatic, painful, and disabling as auto and motorcycle accidents.
At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, our Norfolk bicycle accident lawyers know that bicyclists face many dangers when they head out on their local streets. Drivers are conditioned to be on the lookout for other cars, trucks, and SUVs. Motorcycles are loud enough to help capture their attention, but cyclists can prove to be more of a challenge for inattentive drivers, whether they are riding on rural roads or busy city streets.
When drivers look away from the road, they may change lanes into the paths of motorcyclists, cut them off at intersections, or drift into bike lanes. All of those actions can cause bicyclists to crash, and in some cases, bicyclists are even struck directly by vehicles.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a bicycle accident, it’s important to have a legal team on your side that can help you get compensation for:
- Medical bills—Bicyclists commonly suffer broken bones and may even experience head injuries. They frequently face long paths to recovery, and they may need surgeries and physical rehabilitation. We’ll fight to help you get the money you need to get better.
- Lost wages—Any serious, painful, or debilitating injury can make it impossible to work for a prolonged period of time. We’ll calculate how much money you’ve lost due to your bicycle accident, and we’ll negotiate with the insurance company to get you full compensation.
Don’t let a bicycle accident that wasn’t your fault put your family in a financial bind. Call Lowell Stanley today for a free consultation.
by admin@gotechark.com | January 2nd, 2018
Although bicyclists typically travel on Virginia’s roads at much lower speeds than other drivers, they are extremely vulnerable when involved in accidents. Unlike people in cars, trucks, and SUVs, bicyclists have no built-in safety features to protect them during crashes. And unlike motorcyclists, they may not even have safety gear on while riding, leaving them at high risk of suffering disabling and even life-threatening injuries.
Other vehicles are one of the biggest threats that bicyclists face on the road, and two common causes of vehicle-related bicycle accidents include:
- Opening car doors – Riding in urban areas is already dangerous enough due to distractions, heavy traffic density, and impatient drivers. But opening car doors is another significant risk factor. Bicyclists should always ride near parked vehicles with extreme caution, as doors can open in their paths at any time.
- Drifting vehicles – Bike lanes are great for giving bicyclists additional room to maneuver on Virginia’s roads, but drivers don’t always respect them or even acknowledge them. Vehicles that drift into bike lanes can cause bicyclists to be pushed off the road or even clip them, causing serious accidents and injuries.
It’s vital for all bicyclists to ride defensively, always wear a helmet, and be on the lookout for common hazards, including those listed above.
If you were hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you deserve the help of an experienced legal team. Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers knows Virginia’s laws, and our Norfolk bicycle accident lawyers know how to protect your rights. Call today for a free consultation.
by admin@gotechark.com | September 25th, 2017
Bicycling has many perks—exercise, fresh air, and never having to worry about filling up your gas tank—but it also has some drawbacks. In addition to being more exposed on the road and lacking protective features like seat belts and airbags, you also may find it difficult to communicate your intentions to drivers. That can sometimes lead to serious accidents.
At Lowell Stanley, our Norfolk bicycle accident attorneys have helped many victims who were severely injured because drivers misinterpreted their next moves. The League of American Bicyclists recommends the following hand signals to make your next ride safer:
- Left turn – Extend your left arm pointing directly away from your body. Your arm should be perpendicular with the road.
- Right turn – Extend your right arm pointing directly away from your body. You can also bend your left arm up at a right angle with your hand flat.
- Slowing down or stopping – Extend your left arm at a right angle with your hand open.
In addition to always wearing an approved helmet, hand signals that convey your intentions to other motorists is one of the best ways to stay safe on Virginia’s roadways. Whether you’re riding in a bike lane in a residential area or near high-speed traffic on a major thoroughfare, hand signals could save your life.
Were you or someone you love injured in a bicycle accident that wasn’t your fault? You may be eligible for compensation. Let us collect evidence and work hard on your behalf. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation.
by admin@gotechark.com | August 21st, 2017
Bicyclists are a common sight on many of Norfolk’s busiest streets, but they face serious risks when they ride near traffic. As a driver, it’s important to remember that bicyclists can be anywhere on the road, and because they are required to follow the same laws as motorists, they also deserve the same respect.
Bike lanes and wide roads can help reduce bicyclists’ chances of being involved in accidents, but those safety advantages can be ineffective when drivers don’t pay attention or don’t give the space they need.
The next time you drive, follow these tips to help keep the city’s bicyclists safe:
- Check your mirror before turning. Because bicyclists don’t always ride directly behind vehicles—especially on roads with bike lanes—drivers may not be aware of them when they turn, causing T-bone accidents. Always check your mirror before you turn to see if a bicyclist is riding alongside or adjacent to you.
- Be patient. A common complaint drivers have about bicyclists is their tendency to slow traffic. In most cases, the slowdown is brief. Always wait until it’s safe to pass a bicyclist. Unless you can clearly see there’s no oncoming traffic and you won’t crowd the bicyclist, don’t pass.
At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, our legal team is here to help anyone who is injured on Norfolk’s roadways due to another person’s negligence.
Were you or someone you love hurt in a bicycle accident because of a careless driver? If so, we want to speak with you. Contact our Norfolk bicycle accident attorneys today for a free consultation.
by admin@gotechark.com | July 10th, 2017
Our roads and highways aren’t for cars alone. Sometimes Norfolk drivers forget that, putting pedestrians and bicyclists in harm’s way. The reality is cyclists have the same rights to our roads as auto drivers do. When those rights are compromised by a negligent driver, the results can be devastating.
At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we’ve seen the damage a careless driver can do to a cyclist. Other than their helmets, they have zero protection from a crash–no seat belt, steel framing, or airbags. If you hit a cyclist, there is a good chance you will take their life. We’ve seen it happen multiple times over the years, which is why we encourage every bicycle accident victim to hold negligent drivers responsible for their actions. That means securing a lawyer as soon as possible following your accident to protect your rights and go after every dollar you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, call an experienced personal injury lawyer at our firm today for a free consultation. We’ll go after maximum compensation for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and more. You should be compensated for what you’ve been through. Call us today for your free consultation.
by admin@gotechark.com | September 19th, 2016
Norfolk is a great place to ride your bicycle, but it’s not always the safest. From road hazards to careless drivers, there are a number of dangers cyclists have to avoid every time they climb onto their bikes. As we come into one of the busiest driving seasons of the year, it’s important that cyclists’ rights to the road be upheld and protected, and that’s exactly what we plan to do at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers.
Every bicycle accident in Norfolk has one thing in common: someone is to blame. In some cases, it’s the cyclists’ fault, but most often, we’ve found that bicycle accidents occur due to the negligence of property owners, the city, or other drivers. In each of those instances, the victim should be entitled to compensation for their injuries. When a property owner fails to maintain safe conditions for areas used by cyclists and an accident occurs, the victim should be entitled to compensation. When the city causes or fails to repair road hazards and an accident occurs, the victim should be entitled to compensation. When a careless driver hits a cyclist due their own negligence, the victim should be entitled to compensation.
If you’ve been the victim of a bicycle accident in Norfolk or anywhere else in Virginia, give us a call for a free consultation. Our Norfolk bicycle accident attorneys are ready to help you get every dollar you deserve in compensation, and we can start today.
by admin@gotechark.com | July 18th, 2016
Let’s be honest. Bikers are tough. They get out on our back roads and highways with nothing protecting them but the clothes on their backs. If they go down, chances are good they’ll be severely injured, if not killed, and yet they get out anyway. That’s tough. At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we respect that level of confidence and courage, but no matter how safely a biker rides, they can’t control what others around them are doing. Just one lapse of concentration by a negligent driver can lead to disaster.
Motorcycle accidents can be tricky cases to handle. It’s often difficult to prove fault in a motorcycle accident, especially on the highway. In fact, it’s entirely possible that a motorcyclist can suffer injuries due to another driver’s carelessness, only to be blamed for the accident after the fact. We’ve seen it happen, and unfortunately, it’ll happen again. That’s why it’s vitally important that you get an experienced motorcycle accident attorney on your side following a crash. At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we’re here to fully investigate your accident to help prove who was at fault and who should pay.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, give us a call immediately for a free consultation. Our experienced Roanoke motorcycle accident attorneys know the law in Virginia, and we’re ready to help you too. Contact us today.
by | August 4th, 2015
A large number of east Virginia residents use a bicycle as a means of transportation; however, the more bikes on the road, the more possibility of collisions with vehicles.
Our Norfolk bicycle accident lawyers at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers say local law enforcement is working to raise awareness about the importance of protecting cyclists by naming bicycle safety as the theme for an upcoming National Night Out in Williamsburg, Virginia.
The event will take place on the evening of Tuesday, August 4, from 5 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at Community Building located on North Boundary Street. Officials say there will be several organizations in attendance who will focus on bike safety as part of the event.
According to an article published by The Virginia Gazette, Bikes Unlimited will be providing bicycle safety inspections for attendees at no charge. Also, the organization known as Williamsburg Area Bicyclists will be offering free bicycle helmets and bicycle helmet fittings to children who are in need.
The event will also feature live entertainment as well as a bounce house for the kids.
At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we recognize the impact events like this can have on promoting bicycle safety in our communities. That’s why our Norfolk personal injury attorneys would like to encourage you to support a great cause by attending Williamsburg’s 2015 National Night Out tomorrow.
by | July 6th, 2015
Highway safety is a major concern in the state of Virginia. That’s why lawmakers have passed several new laws aimed at preventing traffic accidents in the commonwealth. Our Norfolk personal injury lawyers at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers would like to fill you in on the changes that took effect July 1.
Move Over Law
Motorists are now required to give at least one lane of space to any emergency vehicle that is stopped and has its lights or sirens activated. If a driver is on a two-lane road and is approaching a stopped emergency vehicle, the driver should slow down to at least 10 MPH below the posted speed limit and give at least two feet of space when passing the stopped vehicle.
Tailgating Laws
In an effort to reduce Virginia bicycle accident numbers, lawmakers have passed new regulations that prohibit motorists from following bicycles too closely. Violations of the law will result in a citation.
Crossing Double Yellow Lines
In another effort to keep cyclists safe, legislators passed an ordinance that will now allow motorists to cross double yellow lines when passing a bicycle on the road, as long as the maneuver can be made safely. An article from NBC 29 News explains this will allow cyclists and pedestrians more space on roads that do not have specified bike or pedestrian lanes.
Stay Safe
Our legal staff at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers understand the dangers motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians each face on the road. That’s why we’re hopeful these changes will offer vulnerable travelers more protection when on the road.
by | June 29th, 2015
The number of collisions between bicycles and motor vehicles has steadily increased over the years. Data shows that last year, a total of 12 cyclists lost their lives as the result of a Virginia bicycle accident, which was a 50 percent increase from the previous year’s total.
To help reduce Virginia bicycle accident numbers, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is sponsoring several campaigns to help spread the message of bicycle safety across the commonwealth. One of those projects involves citizens sharing photos of themselves wearing bicycle helmets.
Wearing a helmet can reduce a cyclist’s chances of being seriously injured or killed in an accident by as much as 65 percent. So the DMV is asking area residents to post “selfies” to social media platforms using the tag #safetylooksgoodonyou as a heading. The DMV will then use the photos to promote helmet use and bicycle safety.
An article from NBC 29 News says children can get involved with spreading the message as well by printing off one of the DMV’s coloring pages. Kids should then ask their parents to mail in the finished coloring job, where it will then be displayed at the DMV’s Richmond Central Customer Service Center.
At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we recognize the importance of staying safe while riding a bicycle. That’s why our Norfolk personal injury lawyers are encouraging you to do your part to help promote bicycle safety in our communities.
