causes of car accidents

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Virginia

by | November 30th, 2015

Numerous factors can lead to a motor vehicle collision. While you can’t eliminate all risks, some common causes of car accidents are completely preventable.

Speeding, for instance, is one cause of crashes that drivers have total control over. Despite the ability to prevent speed-related accidents, driving too fast is still a factor in as many as one-third of all fatal crashes. Data from the Department of Motor Vehicles shows that speeding claimed a total of 300 lives and led to almost 13,500 injuries last year in Virginia. Men accounted for roughly 58 percent of all speed-related accident victims.

Alcohol is involved in a similar number of crashes each year. Driving under the influence was a factor in roughly 33 percent of all fatal crashes in 2014. Drunk drivers were responsible for causing an estimated 6,500 Virginia car accidents last year.

One of the newest and most difficult to track risk factors is distracted driving. Some studies show as many as 40 percent of motorists engage in the behavior even though they acknowledge the risks that it poses.

If you were in a crash that was the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, our Virginia Beach car accident lawyers can provide you with information and resources to help protect your rights. Learn more about the options that are available to you by visiting our website.

Common Causes of Car Accidents and How You Can Protect Yourself

by | October 26th, 2015

There are countless factors that can lead to car crashes, but some causes are reported more often than others. That’s why the legal staff at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers would like to point out some common causes of car accidents in our area:

  • Driver Distraction- The chances of being involved in an accident are 23 times higher when engaging in behaviors such as texting or talking on the phone while driving. Other behaviors that can cause a driver to become distracted include eating or drinking, adjusting the radio, and talking with passengers in a vehicle.
  • Drinking and Driving- In 2014, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles reports that 251 people were killed and another 5,003 motorists were seriously injured as the result of a crash caused by a drive under the influence of alcohol.
  • Speeding- Driving faster than the posted speed limit is listed as a contributing factor in roughly one-third of all fatal collisions.

If you were injured in a Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, or Hampton Roads car accident that wasn’t your fault, you have legal rights. Learn more about your potential rights to compensation by exploring our website.

Distracted Driving a Leading Cause of Car Accidents

by | January 19th, 2015

There are countless contributing factors that can come into play in a motor vehicle collision, but one of the most common causes of car accidents today is distracted driving. In fact, some research shows as many as 8 out of 10 crashes that occur in the commonwealth of Virginia are the result of driver inattention.

So what is being done to deter Virginia’s drivers from engaging in this deadly behavior? In 2013, lawmakers made texting while driving a primary offense. This means law enforcement can stop a driver if they witness a motorist texting while driving. The behavior is punishable by a $125 ticket for a first offense and a $250 fine and three points on your license for every subsequent offense.

Texting and driving was previously considered a secondary violation, meaning the officer or trooper had to witness the motorist break another law before they could be stopped and ticketed for distracted driving.

This is just the first step, though. An article from The News & Advance points out that talking on a cellphone while driving is still legal, despite evidence showing the behavior is dangerous as well.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we recognize the dangers distracted driving can pose to all motorists. That’s why our Norfolk personal injury lawyers ask that you put your phone down while driving and pledge not to drive while distracted.

If a distracted driver has injured you, it’s also important to know that we can help. Our legal team is standing by to offer you assistance with any questions you may have, and can help begin the legal processes to get you on the road to compensation. Call us anytime at (757) 459-CASH for a free consultation of your case.