Although driving is like second nature for many Virginians, car accidents occur far too frequently, resulting in thousands of injuries and fatalities each year. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Because car accidents are an overwhelming experience, having a skilled, caring personal injury attorney on your side can make all the difference.
Alavi Law Group, PLLC routinely handles car accident cases for clients in McLean and throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our legal team is committed to holding negligent parties accountable and providing the injured with aggressive legal representation. We leverage our legal knowledge and negotiating skills to obtain the maximum settlement our clients deserve and are fully prepared to litigate any matter in court when necessary.
Common Causes of Car Accident in Virginia
Most automobile accidents are the result of driver errors such as:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI)
- Disobeying traffic signals
- Improper turning
- Unsafe lane changes
- Tailgating
- Driver fatigue
- Reckless driving
Because Virginia is a no-fault state for insurance purposes, the other driver must be deemed responsible for causing the accident for you to have a valid claim. Given the difficulty in determining fault, it is crucial to have the aggressive legal representation that Alavi Law is uniquely qualified to provide.
The Elements of Driver Negligence
In order to have a valid claim, it is necessary to demonstrate the following elements of negligence:
- The other driver had a duty to operate his or her vehicle in a safe manner
- The other driver breached his or her duty
- The other driver’s actions caused the accident
- The accident was the direct cause of your injuries or monetary losses
Moreover, Virginia follows a contributory negligence rule regarding car accident injury claims. This means that if you contributed to the car accident in any way, you may not be able to recover any damages, even if the degree of your fault is slight.
When accidents are caused by defects in the road, a curb or median, a faulty street light or traffic signal, it may be possible to bring a personal injury claim against the city, county or state agency responsible for road and highway maintenance. Finally, in the event that a car accident is caused by a mechanical defect, a product liability lawsuit can be brought against the automaker or distributor.
What should I do after a car accident?
After a car accident, you should immediately call the police and seek medical attention because the reports of first responders will be critical evidence in your injury claim. Seek medical treatment even if you don’t feel like you’ve been harmed because symptoms may not surface until days or weeks later; failing to promptly be evaluated and treated may cause your injuries to worsen and also undermine the validity of your claim.
In addition, get the names and contact information of the other driver(s) as well as any witnesses, and take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicle damage and your injuries. If you are not able to do so, ask someone to collect the information and take pictures for you.
If you have sustained harm and receive treatment from a doctor or other medical professionals, it is crucial to follow all recommendations for medical care and therapy. The records of doctors visits, surgical procedures, radiological tests, prescriptions, assistive devices (braces, crutches, etc.), and rehabilitative care will also serve to support your injury claim.
Finally, shortly after the car accident, you will likely be contacted by a claims adjuster from an insurance company who is responsible for investigating the accident and negotiating the claim. You should never speak to a claims adjuster or accept a settlement from an insurer without proper legal representation.
Call Our McLean Auto Accident Attorney
Regardless of the nature of the accident, it takes an experienced car accident attorney to obtain the full value of an injury claim. Our team has extensive experience handling car accident cases in Virginia and a proven track record of helping our clients obtain meaningful compensation. Although insurance companies often have an unfair advantage over the injured and seek to settle claims for as little money as possible, we have the skills and resources to level the playing field.
Our attorneys will fight for your right to the maximum compensation that considers all of your future medical and financial needs. If your claim prevails you may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are designed to cover lost wages, medical expenses, property damage and other financial losses. Noneconomic damages cover pain and suffering, physical impairment, loss of enjoyment of life and similar harm. If the at fault driver’s conduct was particularly egregious, such as driving under the influence or driving recklessly, punitive damages may also be awarded. Such damages are designed to punish the other driver’s conduct and deter other drivers from engaging in similar conduct.
Above all, we will offer you compassion and knowledge and work tirelessly to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. We believe that no one should suffer because of another driver’s negligence. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you may be shaken up and not know where to turn. Get in touch with us today by calling the office or completing the contact form on our website. The consultation is free, and you will not pay any attorneys fees until we win your case.