virginia auto accident lawyer
by admin@gotechark.com | July 19th, 2021
Because Virginia uses a contributory negligence system in personal injury claims and lawsuits, victims must be 100% free from fault to be eligible to receive compensation. That can be a big issue in auto accident claims, as police reports, other drivers, and insurance companies can easily argue that injured drivers committed at least one minor violation that contributed to their crashes.
At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we’re well aware of this challenge when it comes to getting compensation for victims. That’s why we work hard to gather evidence that not only establishes that other drivers are at fault, but that our clients couldn’t possibly have contributed to their crashes.
Evidence we look for includes footage of the crash, which may come from dashcams, intersection cameras, residential and commercial security cameras, and more. We also interview witnesses, consult with accident experts, and even reconstruct crashes when necessary. These are all steps that must be taken in certain cases to ensure that the truth comes out.
After a crash that wasn’t your fault, you can’t risk being assigned even 1% of fault. This is enough to invalidate your claim and make you ineligible to get ANY compensation, which will leave you paying out of pocket for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Don’t be a victim twice. Let our hard-working Virginia auto accident lawyers get you every penny you’re owed. Contact us today for a free consultation.
by admin@gotechark.com | November 30th, 2020
Virginia’s winters can get very cold, and when temperatures drop below freezing, ice becomes a major threat. Even vehicles equipped with snow tires and four-wheel drive are prone to losing traction and skidding on icy roads. But what happens if a driver loses control on ice and hits your vehicle? Can you sue them for damages?
As with all auto accident cases, the answer is: it depends. In many cases, drivers lose control on ice through no fault of their own. Sometimes, they drive over a patch of black ice that causes them to lose all control over their vehicle and they hit another car. That can happen even if they were following at a safe distance, weren’t distracted, were driving at a safe speed, and had both hands on the wheel.
But sometimes, ice-related crashes ARE due to negligence. For example, speeding makes crashes much more likely to happen, especially when ice is on the road. Distraction can also make it more difficult for drivers to react in time to avoid a crash, which is amplified by the presence of ice. And driving under the influence can significantly impair drivers’ ability to steer out of a patch of ice that causes reduced or lost control.
If you’re involved in a crash this winter, the Virginia auto accident attorneys at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers are here to help. We’ll investigate what happened and work hard to prove the other driver was at fault. Then, we’ll push the insurance company to give you the compensation you’re owed. Contact us today for a free consultation.
by admin@gotechark.com | September 28th, 2020
When you drive on Virginia’s roadways, you’re always putting yourself at risk of being involved in an auto accident. And if you are involved in a crash, you may suffer injuries and property damage, which can both be expensive. Because of the costs associated with crashes, all Virginia drivers are required to carry liability auto insurance, but not all drivers do. In fact, around 10% of Virginia motorists are uninsured.
If you’re injured by an uninsured motorist in Virginia, you can still file a compensation claim against them and try to recover your costs from their own personal assets. But there’s a good chance they won’t have enough to cover your medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. Thankfully, you can protect yourself from that situation by purchasing MedPay coverage for your auto insurance.
As with all insurance claims, there’s a chance your MedPay claim will be reduced or denied by your insurance provider. But that’s to be expected, and that’s where we come in. Simply having the coverage means you have a much greater chance of getting the money you’re owed when you’re involved in a crash, especially if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured. In addition, MedPay coverage kicks in even if the other driver IS insured, which means you get more money to get back on your feet.
Purchase as much coverage as you can afford, and if the insurance company doesn’t cooperate, know that you’ve got an advocate in your corner at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers. Contact our Virginia auto accident lawyers after a crash for a free consultation—we’re here to help.
by admin@gotechark.com | June 22nd, 2020
According to a report by the Virginia Department of Transportation, there have been fewer vehicles on the state’s roadways during the COVID-19 pandemic than at other times. However, the percentage of crashes involving speeding vehicles and drivers and passengers not wearing their seat belts has increased. In addition, the number of deaths related to those factors has also gone up.
What does this mean? It can be inferred that many drivers are becoming too relaxed and even careless behind the wheel, especially when they look around and see fewer cars on the road during their daily commutes. Driving is a task that requires undivided attention, focus, and concentration. All it takes is one momentary lapse for a crash to occur.
In addition, driving on a less busy street should never be an invitation or a green light to suddenly disregard traffic laws or push the envelope. Speed limits are posted for a reason, and they’re enforced whether it’s just you on the road or you’re driving in heavy traffic. In addition, dangerous behaviors such as texting while driving and driving under the influence put you at risk regardless of how many cars, trucks, and SUVs are nearby.
Unfortunately, our Virginia auto accident lawyers know that too many drivers have let safety slip from their minds while driving in recent months. If you or someone you love gets injured in a crash caused by a careless driver, we want to help. Get in touch with the legal team at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.
by admin@gotechark.com | April 3rd, 2012
April 2, 2012
According to the University of Virginia Center for Applied Biomechanics, women are more likely to be injured in car accidents than men. The study, reported by The Birmingham News, found that female drivers were 47 percent more likely to suffer serious injuries than men in collisions.
The findings were attributed to physical differences in men and women as well as the way vehicles are designed.
The discovery was made when researchers examined the crash test dummies used by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). They found that the dummies used since 1978 didn’t match up with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standard for the average size of an American. Since 2003, different sized test dummies have been utilized to determine the effects crashes have on different sized bodies. Researchers concluded that the smaller the body, the less force it could withstand in an accident.
With the NHTSA recognizing that women account for more than one quarter of all drivers killed in car accidents, they will now be utilizing new dummies closer to the average size of a woman.
The Norfolk Auto Accident Lawyers with Lowell “ The Hammer” Stanley say that the best way to stay safe in the car is to buckle up, slow down, and drive defensively. Following these simple tips will increase your chances of survival and reduce your chances of injury if you’re involved in a crash.
by admin@gotechark.com | December 29th, 2011
December 29. 2011
The New Year will bring changes to the ways drivers of commercial vehicles communicate while behind the wheel. According to WVEC 13 News, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has mandated a ban on commercial driver’s use of handheld cell phones that will begin January 3.
The new law will allow truckers to use hands free devices to talk, but even holding a phone behind a moving vehicle will now be enough for law enforcement to stop a commercial driver. Opponents of the ban say they aren’t necessarily declaring the ban a bad thing, they just believe it should be enforced against all drivers, not just truckers.
The ban comes nearly two years after a research team from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) found that truckers who text while driving were 23 times more likely to be involved in an accident than undistracted drivers. Their research showed that compared to other distractions that phones can produce through dialing, holding, and talking the device, texting was by far the most dangerous because of an average of around five seconds the drivers eyes are off the road to preform the task.
The Norfolk auto accident attorneys with Lowell “ The Hammer” Stanley handle cases for accident victims who have been injured because of a commercial driver’s neglect to pay attention to the road. If you have been injured at no fault of your own in an accident with a commercial vehicle, contact us today to discuss your case.
by admin@gotechark.com | November 14th, 2011
November 14, 2011
A crash along Interstate 85 near Petersburg, Virginia, involving a tractor-trailer, a pickup truck, and a passenger bus has claimed the lives of three people. According to reports from News Channel 12, the accident occurred at about 11:30 AM.
Virginia State Police investigators say the crashes happened in a chain reaction after the pickup truck plowed into the rear of the tractor-trailer. The collision caused logs the tractor-trailer was hauling to spill down on top of the pickup–crushing the four individuals inside. Moments later, a bus carrying 49 students from North Carolina A&T State University smashed into the rear of the pickup.
Three of the four passengers in the pickup truck died, while one survived and was airlifted to a local hospital. The driver of the bus also sustained injuries that were treated at the hospital. Luckily, the students and the truck driver walked away from the crash unscathed. Officials with the state police say that they will continue to investigate the cause of the crash.
The Virginia Auto Accident Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley encourage drivers to to prevent accidents like this by simply following the two-second rule: Watch the car in front of you pass a landmark near the road, such as a sign. After they pass, it should take your vehicle two seconds or longer to reach the same landmark.
by admin@gotechark.com | November 7th, 2011
November 7, 2011
A 55-year-old Hampton, Virginia, woman is dead as the result of a three car accident that occurred Friday afternoon. According to Channel 13 News, the accident happened at 2:15 in the afternoon on West Pembroke Avenue.
Spokesman for the Hampton Police Department, Cpl. Jason Price, stated that the woman was a passenger in a teal, 2000 Dodge Caravan that was traveling east when it collided head-on with a black, westbound 1999 Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck. The impact caused the vehicles to spin and hit a Ford Taurus that was on the road as well. Investigators stated that two women and a man who was riding in the S-10 were all transported to local hospitals to be treated for injuries. The 55-year-old passenger of the van died upon arriving at the hospital, just after 3:30 PM. The other two were treated and for non-life threatening injuries and were released.
Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the crash.
Statistics from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that in 2005, head-on crashes only made up two percent of all crashes, yet accounted for 10.1 percent of US fatal crashes.
The Virginia Auto Accident Attorneys with Lowell “ The Hammer” Stanley and his team often handle cases for victims who were hurt in car accidents at no fault of their own. Contact Lowell Stanley today by filling out a free online consultation form to answer have any questions regarding your case answered.
by admin@gotechark.com | October 4th, 2011
October 4, 2011
A 23-year-old Virginia Beach, Virginia, driver who’s awaiting trial for the 2008 drunken driving death of his friend will remain free on bond despite acquiring a more recent charge of obstructing justice and using profane language over a public airway.
The Virginian-Pilot reports that the determination was made by Circuit Court judge Frederick B. Lowe despite prosecutors’ request that the offender’s bond be revoked in light of his new charges.
The man is accused of leaving a threatening phone message for a witness who’s subpoenaed to testify in his retrial. A prosecutor has said that the witness feels the man intended harm, but the man’s attorney argued that he made a mistake by leaving the message but never meant to hurt anyone. The judge ruled that he didn’t have sufficient evidence to revoke bond but said he’ll rehear the matter if prosecutors can cough up more evidence.
The man is currently charged with involuntary manslaughter and drunken driving in connection with the December 28, 2008, death of his 20-year-old male friend, a former high school volleyball star. He has since been out on bond for 33 months.
A May 2011 trial regarding the matter went awry after Lowe declared it a mistrial when jurors couldn’t agree on a sentence. The man’s new trial is scheduled for November 1.
Read more.
Do you think that this Virginia drunk driver should have had his bond revoked?
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a Virginia auto accident, the injury lawyers at Lowell Stanley can help.
by admin@gotechark.com | September 14th, 2011
September 13, 2011
A retired Henrico County police officer was sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted of maiming and driving under the influence stemming from a crash on Interstate 25 14 months ago.
The drunken-driving crash on July 1, 2010, left a 42-year-old male victim with 13 broken ribs, collapsed lungs, an unrecognizable face, and multiple fractures that protruded through his skin. His injuries have required multiple surgeries, and doctors believe that the man will suffer permanent problems as a result of the crash.
The horrific accident occurred in a highway safety zone at midnight that July night. The man’s blood alcohol level may have been as high as three times the legal limit, reports The Richmond Times-Dispatch. His lawyer had contended that a temporary merge lane wasn’t up to standards and was too short, but the victim’s lawyer countered that “that had nothing to do with what happened.”
The 57-year-old convicted officer, who faced for the first time the man whose life he almost took, was taken from the courtroom in handcuffs after he read the victim a long letter expressing regret and sympathy.
The former office now faces a $20.35 million injury lawsuit.
Read more.
Do you think the sentencing was fair in this Virginia auto accident?
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a Virginia auto accident, the injury lawyers at Lowell Stanley can help.
