virginia car accident

Changes to Reckless Driving Law Could Contribute to Virginia Car Accidents

by | January 26th, 2015

Speed is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle collisions today—especially in Virginia. Data from the Department of Motor Vehicles shows that in 2012, the commonwealth reported 14,299 people were injured and another 313 lost their lives as the result of a Virginia car accident.

Despite these numbers, legislators in Virginia have advanced a bill that would loosen the penalties for speed-related traffic law violations. On Monday, January 19, a subcommittee consisting of lawmakers from the state House of Representatives approved HB1317, which would increase the limit for a reckless driving charge from 80 MPH to 85 MPH.

According to The Virginian-Pilot, those in favor of the reform say it isn’t fair that an individual caught driving 81 MPH on the interstate can face a reckless driving charge, while an individual driving 55 MPH in a 35 MPH zone would not. Individuals who are against the changes say the lower speed limit for reckless driving acts as a deterrent to motorists who may otherwise choose to speed.

The bill must now receive approval from the full committee before making its way to the floor for a vote.

Lawmakers are also hoping to improve highway safety by passing a law that would make it illegal to follow non-motorized vehicles, such as bicycles, too closely.

The Norfolk personal injury attorneys with Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers recognize the importance of always striving to improve highway safety. Thats why we’re hopeful lawmakers will work to ensure protecting Virginia’s motorists remains a top priority.

Virginia Car Accident Risks Prompt Shut Down of Ride Sharing Services

by | June 9th, 2014

Ride sharing services are offering eastern Virginia a new and more affordable transportation solution, but controversy is swirling around the legality and safety of these services. This battle reached a new level earlier this week when the Virginia Department of Transportation ordered two of the ride sharing industry’s top providers to halt services in the area immediately.

Uber and Lyft both operate by having patrons sign up and download the company’s application to a smartphone. Users are then matched with available drivers and vehicles in their area. A suggested payment is then offered and the user can decide how much they would like to pay their driver.

While the service sounds great, many are concerned there is a grey area in liability coverage in the event the ride sharing vehicle is involved in an accident. WAVYTV 10 News explains officials say these companies should have to meet the same authority requirements as cab drivers since money is being exchanged for a ride; however, the companies argue that each driver is required to provide their own liability coverage, which absolves the company of responsibility if a crash happens.

The state is currently conducting research into the use of technology in transportation and its effects on Virginia car accident numbers. Until conclusions are drawn though, companies will have to comply with the current state laws.

The team of Norfolk personal injury lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley appreciate the convenience and value ride-sharing services offer, but want to ensure the public is safe and covered in the event of a car accident. If you’ve been injured in a car accident while using a ride sharing service such as Lyft or Uber, contact us to see how we can help.

Ride Share Companies Facing Fines Prior to Launching Operations in Coastal Virginia

by | May 5th, 2014

Getting from one place to another can be time consuming and expensive. To help alleviate this problem in Virginia Beach, two companies are considering bringing their ride sharing services to the area, but the move is already being met with hesitation from government officials stemming from incomplete paperwork and concern over liability in the event of a Virginia car accident involving one of the companies’ drivers.

An article from WAVY 10 News explains ride share company, Uber, is facing civil penalties of $26,000 for failure to meet broker’s license requirements. The company argues that they should not have to pay the fees or carry the documentation, as they are not necessarily for hire, like a taxi or limo. Instead, they say their driver is the one who is hired and carries the onus of liability. Lyft is facing a $9,000 fine for a similar infraction.

While the companies are working to iron out the legal framework for this particular business model, several lawsuits have already been filed against the two companies stemming from accidents their drivers were involved in. In each incident, a passenger was injured and is seeking damages from the companies for their losses.

The Norfolk personal injury lawyers with Lowell “the Hammer” Stanley recognize who complex the process of determining liability following an accident can be. That is why the firm urges anyone who is injured in a motor vehicle collision to discuss their legal options with an attorney immediately.

Virginia Beach motorcyclist killed in accident

by admin@gotechark.com | April 22nd, 2010

According to an article from The Daily Press, the motorcyclist was traveling in the Pungo section of Virginia Beach, traveling south on Princess Anne Road when he crashed into a car that was making a left turn. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at Virginia Beach General Hospital.

Read more.

Should motorists be more mindful of motorcyclist when they’re making left turns? How often do motorcyclists have to think about cars making left turns? What part of Virginia Beach is the most vulnerable for accidents of this type?

If your loved one or the loved one of someone you know has been wrongfully killed in a Virginia Beach auto accident, the Virginia Beach wrongful death lawyers and auto accident lawyers at Lowell Stanley can help.

Virginia auto accident kills one, injures two

by admin@gotechark.com | January 6th, 2009

January 6, 2009

The Roanoke Times reported a Virginia auto accident on Friday evening in which the driver was killed and two passengers suffered injuries.

Police noticed the driver driving recklessly on Williamson Road when they attempted to stop him; instead the sped away from the police and caused a Virginia auto accident.

The 21-year-old driver crashed into a house in the Virginia car accident.

The driver, as well as two 20-year-old passengers, was taken to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. The driver later died from injuries suffered in the Virginia auto accident.

Man ran over in Virginia auto accident

by admin@gotechark.com | December 11th, 2008

December 11, 2008

Richmond Times-Dispatch reported a 57-year-old man was trying to stop a truck, but was struck and ran over in a Virginia truck accident on Tuesday evening.

The man was a manager of a campground and was trying to get the female truck driver’s attention when the Virginia truck accident occurred.

The man got up on the running board of the truck and was trying to open the door when he fell and was run over by the truck in the Virginia auto accident.

The police were able to locate the female truck driver with witnesses’ help and are continuing the investigation on how the Virginia truck accident happened.

The truck accident lawyers at Lowell Stanley can help if you have been injured in a Virginia truck accident.

Three killed in Virginia auto accident, two injured

by admin@gotechark.com | December 9th, 2008

December 9, 2008

A Virginia auto accident on Saturday evening claimed the lives of three people and injured two others, as reported by the Roanoke Times.

The Virginia car accident occurred on US 460 between Christiansburg and Blacksburg. It was reported that one car was driving the wrong way and caused the three-car accident.

A 27-year-old was killed in the Virginia car accident and another 27-year-old man and a 36-year-old man died after they were taken to Montgomery Regional Hospital. Two female Virginia auto accident victims are in stable condition at the hospital.

Police are reconstructing how the Virginia auto accident occurred to determine what caused the accident.

Read More

The car accident lawyers at Lowell Stanley can help if you have been injured in a Virginia auto accident.

One killed in Virginia auto accident, two injured

by admin@gotechark.com | December 2nd, 2008

December 2, 2008

The Virginian-Pilot reported a Virginia auto accident on Sunday afternoon in which a woman was killed and two were injured.

A 49-year-old woman was killed when she was riding in a car driven by her daughter. Her daughter caused the Virginia car accident when she lost control of the car and it hydroplaned and hit a tree.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene of the Virginia auto accident. She was not wearing her seatbelt when the Virginia car accident occurred.

The daughter as well as a 7-year-old granddaughter, who was riding in the back seat of the car, suffered minor injuries in the Virginia auto accident. They were wearing their seatbelts.

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The auto accident lawyers at Lowell Stanley can help if you have been injured in a Virginia car accident.

Teen killed in Virginia auto accident

by admin@gotechark.com | November 6th, 2008

November 6, 2008

A 16-year-old boy who was on his way to a youth group meeting was killed in a Virginia auto accident on Monday, as reported by the Roanoke Times.

The Virginia auto accident victim was a passenger in a car driven by a 19-year-old boy.

The driver who caused the Virginia car accident drove off the road on Virginia 647 and overturned his vehicle.

The teen who was killed in the Virginia auto accident was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the car when it overturned.

The driver was wearing his seatbelt and was unhurt in the Virginia car accident.

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The auto accident attorneys at Lowell Stanley can help if you have been injured in a Virginia car accident.

Man hit in Virginia auto accident

by admin@gotechark.com | November 4th, 2008

November 4, 2008

Richmond Times-Dispatch reported a man was hit and injured in a Virginia auto accident late Friday evening.

The man was not fully clothed and was acting like he wanted to be hit by a car when the Virginia car accident occurred on a downtown Expressway.

The man that was hit by the car ran away from the scene of the Virginia auto accident, but was later caught by nearby motorists and held until authorities arrived. The injured man was taken to VCU Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.

No charges were filed against the driver who hit the man in the Virginia auto accident.

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The auto accident attorneys at Lowell Stanley can help if you have been injured in a Virginia car accident.