Have you experienced injuries from a car collision in Arlington, Virginia? You’re not alone. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Arlington County witnessed nearly 1,800 traffic accidents in a recent year, averaging about five incidents daily. Regrettably, many of these incidents are avoidable and stem from negligent drivers who jeopardize the safety of others.
It is crucial to hold these at-fault drivers responsible for the harm they’ve caused. The legal team at The Law Offices of Krum, Gergely, & Oates, specializing in Arlington car accidents, is ready to assist you. With our expertise, resources, and determination, we can successfully confront negligent drivers and their insurance providers. You shouldn’t bear the financial consequences of someone else’s negligence. Allow us to fight for you and demand the compensation you deserve.
Get in touch with The Law Offices of Krum, Gergely, & Oates now to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our seasoned car accident lawyers in Arlington. Discover more about your available options.
What Types of Car Collisions Take Place in Arlington, VA?
Arlington experiences a diverse range of car accidents, encompassing the following types:
Rear-end Collisions: These occur when one vehicle strikes the back of another due to inadequate following distance. These accidents accounted for approximately 25,000 incidents in Virginia in a recent year, as reported by the Virginia DMV.
Head-on Collisions: Involving two vehicles colliding front-first while traveling in opposite directions, head-on collisions often lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
T-bone Collisions: These accidents occur when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another, typically at intersections where drivers fail to yield.
Sideswipe Collisions: These accidents result from one vehicle’s side hitting another and are frequently caused by unsafe lane changes, improper merging, or failure to check blind spots.
Hit-and-run Incidents: Characterized by a driver crashing into another vehicle and leaving the scene without stopping to fulfill legal obligations, Virginia experienced nearly 6,000 hit-and-run accidents in a recent year, according to the Virginia DMV.
Rollover Incidents: Occurring when a vehicle flips over onto its roof or side, rollover accidents are influenced by factors such as high speeds, sharp turns, and collisions.
What Types of Injuries Can Result from Car Accidents in Arlington, VA?
In Arlington, VA, car accidents can lead to a spectrum of injuries, spanning from minor cuts and bruises to critical, life-threatening trauma. Examples of typical personal injuries resulting from car accidents in Arlington include:
- Whiplash, a prevalent consequence of vehicular collisions, occurs when the head is forcefully jolted back and forth, causing harm to the soft tissues in the neck.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) may arise from either blunt force trauma to the head or violent shaking of the brain within the skull. These injuries span from mild concussions to severe trauma, leading to enduring cognitive challenges.
- Spinal injuries, particularly those impacting the spinal cord, have the potential to induce permanent disability or paralysis below the site of injury.
- Fractures, encompassing breaks in the arms, legs, and ribs, are a common outcome of many car accidents.
- Car accidents can inflict damage on internal tissues and organs, posing the risk of life-threatening injuries that demand immediate medical intervention.
- Muscles, ligaments, and nerves in the back and neck are susceptible to injury in car accidents, often resulting in chronic pain and a decrease in mobility.
What actions should be taken if you've experienced a car accident?
At this point, it’s probable that you’re recuperating at home and adhering to your doctor’s recommendations. If you haven’t consulted with a doctor yet, it’s essential to do so promptly and adhere to their treatment plan. As you recover from your car accident injuries, consider implementing the following measures to safeguard your legal rights:
- Maintain a pain journal throughout your recovery process, documenting daily experiences to monitor fluctuations in your physical progress, pain levels, and emotional challenges.
- Gather supporting documentation by preserving any records or documents related to the accident and your incurred losses. These will be essential when initiating an insurance claim or pursuing legal action against the responsible party.
- Seek the guidance of a skilled car accident attorney. Pursuing the rightful compensation involves intricate legal processes that may be beyond your expertise. Allow your attorney to manage the intricacies while you concentrate on your recovery.
How can I establish responsibility for a car accident?
Demonstrating fault for a car accident involves conducting a comprehensive investigation and presenting compelling evidence. Various types of evidence related to the car accident may be pivotal in your case, depending on the specific circumstances.
Police report: The report generated by the police at the scene of the accident contains crucial details, including the responding officer’s professional assessment of the accident’s cause.
Eyewitness accounts: Statements from individuals who witnessed the accident can validate your assertions regarding its origins and repercussions.
Expert testimony: Professionals in areas such as crash reconstruction and medicine can analyze physical evidence and other data to ascertain the circumstances of the crash and the impact of your injuries.
Photographs and videos: Visual evidence captured at the accident site or through nearby traffic, surveillance, or dashboard cameras can serve as valuable reinforcement for your claim.
Whom can I legally pursue for the injuries and damages I've suffered?
If another individual is responsible for the accident that caused your injuries, you have the option to initiate legal action against them to seek compensation.
Based on the specifics and context of your situation, any of the following entities might bear legal liability for the losses resulting from your car accident:
- Another driver: Numerous accidents occur due to drivers exhibiting carelessness, aggression, or recklessness in varying conditions, rendering them accountable for the resulting repercussions.
- The employer of the at-fault driver: In cases where the responsible driver was on the job during the accident, their employer may bear legal responsibility for their actions.
- The manufacturer of the vehicle: If a defect in the vehicle played a role in the accident, the company responsible for designing or manufacturing the faulty component could be held accountable.
- A governmental agency: If a hazardous road condition, such as a malfunctioning traffic light, contributed to the accident, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit against the relevant government agency for neglecting to address the issue.
What if I share some responsibility for the car accident?
In Virginia, the law prevents accident victims from receiving compensation if the court decides they bear partial responsibility for their injuries, even if their degree of fault is as minimal as one percent. Nevertheless, a seasoned car accident attorney possesses the expertise to thoroughly investigate the incident and identify the true party at fault. Despite feeling partially responsible, legally, you may not be deemed so. Allow an attorney to assess this on your behalf. Get in touch with our Arlington car accident lawyer today.
What happens if the individual responsible for the collision lacks insurance?
As reported by the Insurance Information Institute (III), approximately 10.5 percent of drivers in Virginia do not possess mandatory car insurance coverage. Fortunately, the majority of insurance policies incorporate uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, as mandated by Virginia law. This coverage is included by default unless customers explicitly reject it in writing. Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to cover the damages incurred by an injured driver when the at-fault party is without insurance.
Alternatively, you may seek compensation from an uninsured at-fault driver through legal action in certain situations. Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney is crucial in assessing your options and determining the feasibility of pursuing a lawsuit.
What is the Time Limit for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Virginia?
In Virginia, there is a two-year timeframe within which you must file a car accident lawsuit against a responsible driver. While two years may appear ample, it’s crucial not to procrastinate. Car accident lawsuits demand considerable time for preparation and filing. Delaying the process diminishes your bargaining leverage. To maximize your potential compensation, it’s advisable to seek legal counsel promptly following a car accident.
Get in touch with a Car Accident Attorney in Arlington, VA
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Arlington, the skilled legal team at The Law Offices of Krum, Gergely, & Oates is prepared to assist you. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages – and we’re here to support you in pursuing it. Reach out to us today for a complimentary consultation with our Arlington car accident lawyers.