Norfolk auto accident attorney

Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers Discuss Importance of Having Your Child’s Car Seat Inspected

by | June 22nd, 2015

Statistics show that motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of accidental death among children under age 12 and are also a leading cause of accidental injury as well. One of the best ways to protect your child from death or injury in the event of a crash is to ensure they are always seated in a child safety or booster seat that’s been properly installed. While this may sound like a pretty simple solution, our Norfolk car accident lawyers at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers explain that it’s important to ensure you have the right fit in a seat for your child.

One of the most common errors that can put a child in danger in a car seat is not properly installing the unit. It’s estimated that roughly 70 percent of all child safety and booster seats aren’t installed correctly. The best way to prevent such a mistake is to take your vehicle and the seat to your local fire, police, or emergency responder location to have the seat installed and inspected.

Another common mistake is putting a child in the wrong size seat. Booster and safety seats have a minimum and maximum height and weight limit. Check the specifications on your child’s seat to ensure it’s the proper size.

An article from ABC 13 News touches on another common problem, which is how children with special needs may require a specialized seat to give them the protection they need in a car.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we’ve seen how valuable car safety seats can be in protecting a child’s life in an accident. Our Norfolk personal injury lawyers urge you to have your child’s safety or booster seat checked and inspected for safety.

Holding Off-Duty Officers Liable in a Norfolk Car Accident

by | April 27th, 2015

When a car accident occurs due to another person’s negligence, the responsible party or their insurer is typically expected to cover the expenses and damages; however, the Norfolk car accident attorneys with Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers point out that determining liability for a crash isn’t always a cut and dry matter.

Take the case of a local woman who says her car was totaled in a collision that occurred last October at the corner of Granby Street and Little Creek Road in Ward’s Corner. According to an article from WAVY 10 News, the woman says a police officer directing traffic along Granby in a construction zone waived her vehicle through the crossing; however, another officer directing traffic on Little Creek Road instructed a vehicle to pass through the intersection at the same time, causing the two vehicles to collide.

The woman states the car was totaled and she filed an insurance claim. Her insurer wouldn’t cover the full cost of the loan—only the value of the vehicle— leaving the victim to foot the bill for $3,000. She then contacted the District Attorney, claiming the city was responsible for the cost; however, the DA denied the city’s liability, saying the officers were off-duty at the time of the crash and were employed by a company working at the site.

Now, the woman is battling with the paving company who employed the officers in an effort to have the expenses covered.

Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers and our staff understand how difficult dealing with car insurance companies can be and urge you not to fight the battle alone. Give us a call anytime at (757) 459-CASH to speak with a member of our legal team about a crash you have had or any questions you may have regarding your legal rights to compensation.

 

 

Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers Discuss Top 3 Ways to Reduce Crashes

by | January 6th, 2014

January 6, 2013

The dangers posed by car accidents are a serious risk the residents of Virginia face each day. In fact, data indicates that in 2012 there were 123,579 motor vehicle collisions reported in the state. These crashes led to more than 67,000 individuals suffering serious injuries, while another 775 lost their lives.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers explain these numbers often leave many citizens questioning what they can do to help reduce the chances of being involved in traffic crashes. The firm states there are three behaviors that, if avoided, will drastically slash a motorist’s odds of being involved in an accident. These behaviors include:

  • Speeding– Research has shown that roughly one-third of all fatal crashes list excessive speed as a contributing factor. Motorists should remember to obey posted speed limits at all times.
  • Driving While Intoxicated– According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, alcohol-related crashes claimed the lives of 229 Virginians in 2012.
  • Distraction– Failure to concentrate on the road is listed as a contributing factor in an increasing number of crashes in recent years. Many states are creating laws that prohibit the behavior, in an effort to prevent these types of crashes.

Lowell Stanley’s Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers are hopeful motorists will refrain from engaging in these behaviors, creating a safer and friendlier travel environment.

NHTSA Launches “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign

by | December 30th, 2013

December 30, 2013

Drunk driving is a major problem on the highway, especially around the holidays. In fact, data indicates that last year, the number of fatalities associated with drunk driving rose by as much as 4.6 percent. Furthermore, roughly two out of every five deaths that result from motor vehicle accidents during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday are the result of drunk driving.

The Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley say these numbers have prompted many Virginians to become concerned over what actions are being taken to keep intoxicated motorists off the streets this holiday season. Officials have stated the concerns have prompted the launch of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign.

According to a press release from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the agency has partnered with numerous other organizations to implement the program. “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” provides funding to law enforcement organizations throughout the nation to implement operations focused on deterring motorists from getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.

The NHTSA also stated it has began an initiative aimed helping states create legislation requiring breath alcohol ignition interlock systems to be installed on vehicles that are driven by those charged with Driving Under the Influence.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley are aware of the dangers posed by drunk driving and are hopeful the actions being taken by the NHTSA are successful in reducing accidents caused by intoxicated motorists.

Norfolk Car Accident Leaves One Motorist Seriously Injured

by | December 16th, 2013

December 16, 2013

Each year, thousands of Virginians are injured in motor vehicle accidents. In fact, the state Department of Motor Vehicles reports that last year alone, an estimated 67,000 motorists sought medical attention after being involved in crashes.

To bring into perspective just how common such accidents are, the Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley point to an accident that recently left a motorist seriously injured. Reports indicate the crash happened just before 1:30 p.m. this past Saturday afternoon along Battlefield Boulevard South in Chesapeake, Virginia.

According to an article from ABC 13 News, the driver of a Mercury sedan was southbound along the road. As he began to approach traffic stopped ahead of him, the driver whipped his vehicle into the adjacent lane in an effort to pass the stopped cars. When he did so though, he pulled into the path of an oncoming Volkswagen and struck the other vehicle.

The impact of the crash caused the driver of the Mercury to veer off the road, where he struck a pole before plowing into a tree. He was seriously injured as a result of the crash and was rushed to a local trauma center by rescue crews who responded to the scene.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley’s Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers recognize how difficult it can be to recover from car accident injuries and the firm would like to wish the victim of this latest accident a full recovery.

Virginia Bus Accident Leaves One Person Dead And Another Seriously Injured

by | April 8th, 2013

April 8, 2013

A Virginia Auto Accident involving a charter bus that occurred this past Friday was responsible for leaving one man dead and another seriously injured. Reports indicate the crash happened just after 7:00 a.m. in the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 58 outside the town of Capron, Virginia.

According to an article from WRAL News, the bus was transporting eight passengers to an Open House Day event on the campus of Hampton University. As the bus traveled though, the 62-year-old driver began to veer the vehicle off the right side of the road, where it then hi a ditch and overturned before skidding to a halt.

The impact of the collision left a 58-year-old passenger of the bus dead and ejected another passenger from the vehicle. Paramedics transported the individual who was ejected to a local hospital for further treatment to injuries she sustained.

Investigators stated they had ruled out alcohol and speed as contributing factors to the crash, but later charged the operator of the bus with reckless driving and say more charges may be filed at a later time.

Data shows the company that owns the bus has been involved in two other accidents within the last three-years, which resulted in one other serious injury.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley are here to help if you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident that occurred at no fault of your own.

 

Norfolk Auto Accidents Being Blamed On Defective Roadways

by | April 1st, 2013

April 1, 2013

Defects in roadways, such as potholes or uneven areas of a highways surface, are responsible for numerous Norfolk Auto Accidents each year. Just this past January, a city police officer was seriously injured when he drove over an uneven patch of asphalt on Tidewater Drive, lost control of his motorcycle, and crashed. Another motorcyclist reported jarring his back after striking one of the bumps while riding.

Several other motorcyclists in the area are making their voices heard about their concern for safety along Tidewater Drive. According to WVEC 13 News, these individuals have called for city officials to examine the need for repairs and maintenance along the stretch of road. While city officials have sent an inspector to examine the need for such projects, they have also stated the roadway met standards established by law last time it was examined.

In the meantime, many motorists are concerned for safety. Experts say it is important to slow down when driving a car on an area plagued with uneven pavement. The risks associated with riding a motorcycle in these types of highway conditions can be even more dangerous. Some riders suggest driving a proposed biking route in a car prior to hitting the street on a bike. This way, a rider knows what areas to avoid before approaching them.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley hope more is done to better protect motorists from the dangers associated with defective highway designs.

Norfolk Car Accident Claims One Life and Leaves Two Others Injured

by | March 26th, 2013

March 25, 2013

Norfolk Car Accident claimed the life of a 25-year-old woman recently. Police believe speed may have been a contributing factor.

According to News Channel 3, the crash happened at approximately 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 13, along Chesapeake Boulevard in Norfolk, Virginia. Investigators say a car carrying three passengers was driving south on the road, when a van attempted to enter the highway from a secondary road. The van failed to recognize the oncoming vehicle and the two collided.

The impact of the crash left three vehicles seriously injured. They were each transported to a local trauma center for treatment, where the female later died. Doctors expect the other two victims to recover.

The Norfolk Police Department has stated they are continuing to look into the crash, but believe speed may have played a role. This comes as no surprise though as speed plays a part in a staggering number of accidents. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that speed is a contributing factor in roughly one-third of all fatal accidents.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley recognize how dangerous speeding can be. That is why the firm asks motorists to be aware of how fast they are traveling and to only go as fast as the posted speed limit allows. Doing so may just save a life!

Drugged Driving Puts Virginia Motorists At Risk Of Danger

by admin@gotechark.com | November 29th, 2012

November 26, 2012

Drugged driving is a growing problem across the United States—including Virginia. Each year, roughly one-fifth of all motorists killed in accidents have drugs in their systems at the time of the crash.

One such Virginia car accident killed a 46-year-old father and husband, while leaving his 14-year-old daughter seriously injured. According to WAVY 10 News, the accident happened on October 27 at around 5:00 p.m. along Route 17 in Gloucester, Virginia. The accident happened when the truck collided with a vehicle driven by a 40-year-old man.

He was placed under arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence and was charged with manslaughter, but was released on bond the following day despite tests showing he had marijuana, cocaine, and heroin in his system at the time of the accident. Further investigation showed a history of the man committing drug-related crimes, including four separate charges in the last four years.

Loopholes in Virginia law sometimes allow drunk and drugged drivers back onto the road. In this case, because the charges were dismissed at a later time, the crash was considered a first time offense.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley believe drugged drivers should be held responsible when they cause accidents that injure other people. That is why the firm is here to answer any questions you may have if you have been hurt in a crash with a drugged driver.

Three People Seriously Injured In Virginia Truck Accident

by admin@gotechark.com | November 19th, 2012

November 19, 2012

A truck accident sent three people to the hospital with injuries last week. WAVY 10 News stated the crash occurred around 10:30 a.m. Saturday along the eastbound lanes of Interstate-64, in Newport News, Virginia.

Reports from Virginia State Police indicate the cab of a tractor-trailer rig was traveling along the highway when it suddenly blew a tire. The loss of air pressure caused the driver of the truck to lose control, at which time he swerved and collided with a Chevy Cobalt. The truck then veered off the road, where it ran into a patch of trees in the median of the highway and came to a halt.

The driver of the truck sustained serious injuries as a result of the Virginia Car Accident and was rushed to a local hospital for treatment. A passenger in the vehicle also sustained critical injuries and was also taken to the facility for treatment. The driver of the Colbalt was also injured and taken to a Virginia hospital in order to receive treatment.

Regulations for truck drivers state their equipment, including tires, must be inspected on a regular basis. Failure to do so could be considered negligence in the event of an accident.

That is why the Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley would urge you to talk to an attorney about your rights immediately if you have been hurt in an accident involving a commercial truck.