Norfolk Personal Injury Attorneys

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.

Virginia Workers’ Compensation Benefits Payments Among Highest in Nation

by | November 9th, 2015

Making ends meet after being injured on the job can be difficult due medical bills and lack of incom. Luckily, employees injured in the commonwealth are often entitled to Virginia workers’ compensation benefits. And  now, at least one new study shows these payments are among the highest in the nation.

The Workers’ Compensation Research Institute examined payments, prices, and utilization of benefits in 17 states. Researchers were able to conclude that while Virginia had higher medical costs for non-hospital providers—roughly 13 percent more than average—the commonwealth also received above-average medical payments. According to the Insurance Journal, when a worker in Virginia was out of work for seven or more days, they receive one-third more in medical payments than the median payment in the other 16 states involved in the study.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we recognize the vital role Virginia workers’ compensation benefits can play in an injured workers’ recovery—both physically and financially. Our Norfolk personal injury lawyers are glad to see Virginia’s injured workers getting the help they need. We also encourage anyone hurt on the job to consider applying for the benefits that they need.

Safety Tips for Driving in Norfolk Storm Conditions

by | October 5th, 2015

Heavy rains have fallen in recent days around Norfolk, Virginia, and much of the city is covered in water. Such flooding can make traveling along the region’s roadways extremely dangerous. The Norfolk car accident lawyers at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers have several tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe until floodwaters subside.

  • Stay Home– If you don’t have to be on the road, refrain from driving.
  • Know Your Route– If you must drive, know the road conditions along your route. WAVYTV 10 News created a list of the roads that are closed due to flooding in our area. If these roads are along your route, find an alternative way to get to your destination.
  • Turn Around– If you are approaching standing water in a road, never attempt to drive through it. Your vehicle could become flooded, putting you and your passengers’ lives in danger. Instead, turn around and find another route.
  • Communicate– Let others know of your intention to drive and when you should be expected to reach your destination. Once you’ve arrived, call and let those individuals know you’re safe.

Keeping Virginians safe and protected is one of our top priorities at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, and our Norfolk personal injury attorneys hope these tips help to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road until the flooding dissipates.

Virginia Joins Investigation Into VW Emissions Scandal

by | September 28th, 2015

The automobile industry in the United States is heavily regulated in order to ensure the safety of the vehicles on the American market; however, our Norfolk defective product lawyers with Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers explain allegations have arisen that car manufacturing giant Volkswagen (VW) may have attempted to hide problems with the emissions systems of 11 million vehicles worldwide.

In December 2014, VW sent letters to owners of certain diesel-powered Audis and VW’s saying an update was needed to the vehicles’ emission systems in order to function properly. The letters prompted an investigation that has uncovered some disturbing evidence.

VW may have attempted to hide the fact they had knowledge of the emissions problems and failed to properly fix it. Reports from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicate officials found VW had installed a “defeat switch” in hundreds of thousands of American vehicles that allowed software to manipulate the data collected during emissions tests.

An article from WAVY 10 News explains that an investigation has been launched into the VW emissions scandal by several states and now Virginia has joined the fight. Attorney General Mark Herring told reporters on September 24 that he is working to make sure Virginians who are affected by the VW emissions problems get the compensation they deserve.

Defective car parts and systems can be extremely dangerous to everyone who is on the road, which is why our Norfolk personal injury attorneys at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers are hopeful the investigation that is currently under way can bring the public some answers on how this issue will be resolved.

Substance That Causes Mesothelioma Discovered In Virginia Shipyard

by | September 1st, 2015

Asbestos is a naturally occurring substance that is used in many of today’s products for its insulating and fire-retardant qualities; however, exposure to asbestos can result in the victim developing a deadly form of cancer known as mesothelioma.

The threat of the disease may be more common that you think. The discovery of asbestos in a Newport News shipyard highlights just how prevalent asbestos is in our everyday lives at home and at work.

According to an article from the Daily Press, more than 1,000 employees at the Newport News Shipyard were moved to different facilities to perform their duties after the discovery of asbestos at the original site. The substance was discovered in the ventilation system of Building 600 located on Marshall Avenue, meaning most workers were likely exposed to asbestos.

Officials stated they would work to clear the building of the toxin, but gave no details as to how long the task would take to complete.

Asbestos is commonly found in the ships that are built at the site, as its used to insulate pipes on boats that carry water and steam.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, our legal team has seen the devastating effects exposure to asbestos can have on the victim and their family. That’s why our Norfolk defective product lawyers would encourage the workers exposed to asbestos to receive regular checkups from their doctors and to speak with an attorney immediately if they’re ever diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Virginia Girl Suffers Serious Dog Bite Injury In Attack

by | August 25th, 2015

From bite wounds to the chances of disease, there are many risks involved with being the victim of a dog attack. Our Norfolk personal injury attorneys at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers explain one young Virginia girl has come face to face with both of these dangers after being bitten by a dog.

Reports from WAVY-TV 10 News indicate the incident occurred on Wednesday, August 19, at around 5 p.m. on Algonquin Trail in James City County. Records show the dog was running loose when the animal and victim came in contact. The 11-year-old girl was bitten on both arms and was also potentially exposed to the rabies virus, due to the fact the animal had not received the required vaccinations.

The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment while the dog was taken into James City County Animal Control custody for a quarantine period.

An attack like this can cause the victim to suffer numerous damages. That’s why Virginia dog bite laws allow the victim of a canine attack to collect compensation from the animal’s owner if the animal has a history of viciousness or negligence on the part of the owner can be established.

Providing evidence to support either type of case can be complicated though. It can be a huge benefit to have legal representation by your side through each step of the legal process. An experienced lawyer can provide you with guidance on how to file a dog bite injury claim and navigate the required legal proceedings.

Survey Shows Serious Concern Over Risk of Brain Injury for Young Athletes

by | August 18th, 2015

As the fall sports season begins, many local athletes are preparing to return to the field; however, some parents are concerned about the risks their children face while playing popular sports like football and soccer.

Accidents that result in a player suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are one of the greatest dangers to player safety today. So, our Norfolk brain injury lawyers will examine the safety concerns regarding these injuries, as well as what players and parents can do to avoid them.

It’s estimated that sports and recreational activities account for more than 1 in 5 traumatic brain injuries that American children and adolescents suffer. This statistic is one of the main reasons WAVY 10 News reports roughly half of all parents don’t want their children to play football.

While the risks of a child suffering a head injury on the field are legitimate, there are steps both parents and athletes can take to prevent such accidents from occurring.

One of the best ways for athletes to prevent head injuries is to use specialized safety equipment, like helmets. Learning proper technique on the field can also reduce the chances of suffering a head injury.

Athletes, parents, and coaches should also educate themselves on how to recognize the symptoms of a potential traumatic brain injury.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we are aware of the serious impact a traumatic brain injury can have on an individual’s health. That’s why our Norfolk personal injury attorneys are hopeful this information can help to keep you and your loved ones safe during the coming sports season.

Williamsburg’s 2015 “National Night Out” Focuses on Bicycle Accident Prevention

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.

Fiat Chrysler Ordered to Buy Back Vehicles

by | July 27th, 2015

Automobile manufacturers in the United States are required to ensure the safety of the vehicles they release to consumers. Unfortunately, numerous safety issues have been discovered in a number of different makes and models in recent years, which has prompted safety regulators to take stern action against automobile companies that produce a defective product.

Take the cases against Fiat Chrysler as a prime example. A report indicates the company will have to buy back or repair as many as 500,000 vehicles that were involved in dozens of recent recalls.

A settlement reached with safety regulators will force Fiat Chrysler to purchase back as many as half a million Dodge Ram pickup trucks that have been the subject of recalls involving faulty steering parts. Furthermore, the company will be required to repair or allow trade-ins on more than 1 million older model Jeeps that are equipped with rear-mounted gas tanks that can be a fire hazard in the event of a crash. The company also faces as much as $105 million in fines as part of the settlement.

An article from WAVY 10 News outlines a list of the makes and models of vehicles that are being affected by the buy backs.

Our team at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers believes in protecting the safety of consumers and motorists in Virginia. That’s why our Norfolk personal injury attorneys are hopeful this settlement will provide consumers with more reliable vehicles that perform as they were intended to.

Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers Discuss Dangerous Intersections

by | July 13th, 2015

Motor vehicle collisions can happen anywhere on the road, but one of the most likely places for a crash to occur is at an intersection. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that roughly 40 percent of all car and truck accidents that occur in the United States happen at road crossings.

Our Norfolk car accident lawyers at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers say we should look at a multiple vehicle collision that occurred in Hampton, Virginia, in order to bring into perspective just how common and dangerous crashes at intersections can be. Reports indicate the incident took place at around 1 p.m. on Monday, July 13, at the crossing of North Armistead and West Pembroke avenues.

According to an article from WAVY 10 News, the driver of a gold Ford Explorer was heading north on Armistead when a van heading east on Pembroke collided with the SUV. The impact caused the Explorer to roll into the path of a black sedan, striking that vehicle as well.

Emergency crews responded to the scene and transported four people to local hospitals for treatment, including both drivers of the vehicles involved in the initial collision.

If you’ve been injured as the result of a crash that occurred in an intersection, you may have legal rights that need to be protected. Give our Norfolk personal injury attorneys at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers a call if you have questions regarding what you are entitled to after an accident occurs. We can be reached at (757) 459-CASH.