Norfolk car accident lawyer

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 Lawmakers’ Actions to Prevent Drunk Driving Paying Off

by | December 9th, 2013

December 9, 2013

Alcohol is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents today. In fact, the Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain that data shows the intoxicant plays a part in roughly one-third of all fatal car accidents that occur annually.

In an effort to reduce the number of alcohol-related accidents, the state has recently stiffened penalties for motorists who drink and drive. The recent reforms not only include longer incarceration times and higher fines, but also the implementation of laws requiring offenders to use ignition interlock systems.

The new efforts seem to be paying off, considering a number of charges have stemmed from the new regulations, including those a 25-year-old Suffolk, Virginia, man is facing. According to an article from WAVY 10 News, the charges stem from a fatal crash that occurred September 18, along Route 460.

Reports indicate the collision, involving six vehicles and two tractor-trailers, claimed the life of a 48-year-old Virginia Beach man. Now, the 25-year-old is facing charges of homicide, involuntary manslaughter, reckless driving, driving on a suspended license related to a DUI and operating a motor vehicle without an ignition interlock device.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley’s team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers are glad to see the new laws holding offenders accountable for their actions and urge motorists to stay safe by refraining from drinking and driving.

Norfolk High School Participating in Distracted Driving Awareness Competition

by | November 11th, 2013

November 11, 2013

Many drivers, especially teens, continue to drive while distracted despite knowing the dangers involved. In fact, studies have shown as many as 25 percent of teens admit to responding to one ore more text messages every time they drive.

The Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain that in an effort to reduce the number of teens involved in distracted driving accidents, Norfolk High School is participating in a campaign titled “Celebrate My Drive”.

According to the Norfolk Daily News, students at each school can pledge to operate their vehicles safely each day. Each pledge counts as a vote, and the school with the most votes at the end of the campaign receives prizes. Awards will include the top school receiving a concert performed by three-time Grammy Award winner, Kelly Clarkson, and a $100,000 grant to be used to educate students on the dangers of distracted driving in the future.

Eight runner-up schools will also receive the $100,000 educational grants, while 90 other schools will receive grants of up to $25,000.

Students are working to promote the campaign via social media outlets.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers applaud efforts being made to eliminate distracted driving, and they wish Norfolk High the best of luck in the competition!

Stiffer Penalties For Drunk Drivers In Virginia

by admin@gotechark.com | October 7th, 2013

October 7, 2013

The Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain that while many drivers are aware of the risks posed by driving under the influence of alcohol, there are some motorists who do not learn the lesson even after being caught. Data from the non-profit organization, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), shows an estimated 30 percent of motorists arrested for drunk driving are previous offenders. These numbers have led to stiffer penalties for violators of the law.

One such case was recently brought to court in Attleboro, Virginia, after a man was found to be under the influence at a local pizza shop. According to an article from The Sun Chronicle, employees at Domino’s Pizza at County Square called police regarding an intoxicated man at the business. Officers arrived and placed the man under arrest. It was later discovered it was the man’s fourth arrest for driving drunk.

While prosecutors asked during arraignment that the man be held in jail, the judge ordered instead that he be released on $1,000 bond and be placed under house arrest with an alcohol monitoring device. This will prevent the man from drinking or driving until the case is settled.

The law firm’s team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers is aware of how dangerous the behavior of drinking and driving can be. That is why the firm applauds the efforts being made to crack down on the behavior and asks that motorists refrain from getting behind the wheel after consuming any amount of alcohol.

Norfolk Car Accident Leaves Motorist Seriously Injured

by | August 26th, 2013

August 26, 2013

Intersections have a higher accident rate than other areas on the road because of the intricate interplays that occur among vehicles. The Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley point out that a recent crash at a Hampton intersection left a motorist hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.

According to an article from WTKR 3 News, the crash happened at approximately 2:15 p.m. at the corner of Butler Farm Road and Magruder Boulevard. Reports indicate a large commercial truck was heading southbound along the road. As it approached the intersection, the driver attempted to make a left turn onto Butler Farm; however, the driver failed to yield the right-of-way to a northbound 2013 Nissan and the two vehicles collided.

The impact of the crash left the driver of the Nissan seriously injured. Emergency crews transported the victim to a local hospital for further treatment.

The accident highlights the dangers driving through intersections can pose and leaves many motorists curious as to what precautions should be taken to prevent crashes at these crossings.

Stanley’s team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers explains awareness should be the top priority when driving. Motorists should remember to look twice in all directions before entering an intersection. Obeying all traffic signals and signs is also vital. If a motorist is injured in an accident with another vehicle, the victim should speak with an attorney immediately regarding their legal rights.

Ten Suffer Virginia Car Accident Injuries In 41-Car Pileup

by | August 12th, 2013

August 12, 2013

A chain reaction crash involving a total of 41 vehicles was responsible for leaving ten people with Virginia Car Accident Injuries. Reports indicate the incident occurred yesterday afternoon along Interstate-81, outside of Lexington, Virginia.

According to an article released by WMBF News, two cars had collided along the interstate and had partially blocked the road. As traffic began to snake its way through the wreckage, a heavy rainstorm began that dropped visibility to less than 20 feet. The combination of the blocked road, the inability of drivers to see clearly, and some motorists’ excessive speed, led to vehicles crashing into one another at the site of the initial collision.

In all, a total of six tractor-trailers were involved in the crash, with some careening off the road and rolling over in an effort to avoid striking other vehicles. Police say these evasive maneuvers very likely saved numerous lives.

The incident does leave many motorists wondering what they can do to prevent this type of accident in the future. Experts say that obeying the speed limit is one of the best ways to avoid a collision. If visibility is low due to weather, motorists should slow down even more.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley are aware of just how difficult recovery from an injury sustained in an accident can be. The firm says they are here to help if you have been hurt in a crash that wasn’t your fault.

Group Hopes To Reduce Number Of Virginia Car Accidents Caused by Distracted Driving

by | August 5th, 2013

August 5, 2013

Driver distraction is quickly becoming one of the leading contributing factors to motor vehicle accidents in the state of Virginia, especially in crashes involving teens. In an effort to reduce the number of these Virginia Car Accidents, an organization, called Youth of Virginia Speak Out (YOVASO), held an event on the campus of Lynchburg College aimed at making young drivers more aware of the dangers distracted driving can pose.

According to ABC 13 News, the campaign consisted of a driving simulator where teens got behind the wheel and maneuvered the simulated vehicle through a virtual reality setting. Drivers were then asked to operate the simulator while getting their phones out, taking a call, and even sending and receiving text messages.

Motorists in such a situation can typically take their eyes off the road for as long as five seconds. If a vehicle is traveling at highway speeds though, these short periods of inattention can become the equivalent of driving the length of a football field blindfolded.

The program hopes to promote a grassroots message with participants taking their experiences in the simulator back to their hometowns, where they can then discuss what happened and the risks of distracted driving with their peers.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley applaud the campaign and hope it is successful in reducing the number of distracted driving accidents that occur in Virginia each year.

Speed A Contributing Factor In Hampton Car Accident That Injures Two

by | June 3rd, 2013

June 3, 2013

Speed-related auto accidents are a major problem on today’s highways. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that approximately one-third of all fatal crashes are caused by vehicles driving too fast.

A recent Hampton Car Accident that involved a speeding vehicle was responsible for leaving two people seriously injured. Reports indicate the crash happened yesterday at around 6 p.m., along Beach Road.

According to an article from WVEC 13 News, residents in the area had called the Hampton Police Department to investigate reports of a speeding vehicle along the road. When police arrived though, they discovered a 1992 Honda Civic had left the roadway and crashed into the front of a home.

Both the 25-year-old driver of the vehicle and his 20-year-old passenger were injured as a result of the accident and were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Records show a staggering number of speed related incidents in the area recently. Records indicate that in the last five years, a total of 69 complaints of speeding have been made on the road, with 841 tickets being issued along the same stretch. Officers have vowed to continue working to improve highway safety in the area.

The Virginia Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “ The Hammer” Stanley recognize the dangers involved with speeding and ask motorists to always obey the posted speed limit of the road being traveled.