Car Accidents

Northern Virginia Car Accident Lawyer

A car crash can be devastating. This type of accident can be caused by many circumstances — drunk driving, faulty brakes, or animals suddenly crossing the road. Road accidents often lead to severe injuries, and sometimes death. The injuries can lead to temporary or mobility impairment, long-term trauma, and very expensive medical bills.

Most people who have been hurt in car accidents are entitled to receive compensation from the other party. For those who have been injured or have lost a loved one because of a car accident, you need the skills and expertise of a Northern Virginia car accident attorney, and you’ve certainly come to the right place. The Avery Law Firm is an experienced personal injury law firm dedicated to representing victims involved in auto crashes.

Car Accidents in Northern Virginia
There are many reasons why car accidents happen. But in most cases, it all boils down to the following causes:

Drunk driving. This ranks among the most cited causes of car accidents in the United States. Most of the time, drivers under the influence of alcohol lose their focus and are unable to think as well as they should. They should not be allowed to drive in the first place.

Distracted driving. People naturally want to multitask and the same is true for drivers (e.g. sending / reading text messages, looking for something in the dashboard glovebox, etc.) while on the road. Unfortunately, their desire to do so often leads to accidents.

Reckless driving. People who disobey traffic laws can endanger you and others on the road.

Speeding. This not only increases the likelihood of accidents, it can also cause severe injuries, and even death, to the parties involved.

Other common causes include inclement weather; potholes; inexperienced drivers; unsafe lane changes; tailgating; road rage; influence of drugs and alcohol; unsafe turns and more.

Steps to take if you’re involved in a Northern Virginia Car Accident
Statistics indicate you will be in a motor vehicle accident at least once in your lifetime. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict whether you will be in an accident, which makes it difficult for us to know how to prevent them.

With Northern Virginia’s busy highways and byways constantly crowded with pedestrians and drivers, it is no wonder why so many accidents occur within our state each year. The odds associated with these accidents predict that your involvement in a crash will be due to someone else’s negligence. With this in mind, it is important to ask yourselves the following: if and when you are involved in automobile accident, are you ready? Are you equipped with general knowledge about what to do in a car crash? Do you know what to do to preserve the evidence in your case before it is lost?

To help you answer these questions, we have put together a comprehensive list of vital steps to take if you are involved in an accident, which are:

• Call 911! While this piece of advice may seem rather elementary, there are many people who fail to call for help when their accident occurs, leading to significant legal challenges down the road. To illustrate, if a person is involved in an accident but doesn’t think they are hurt, but later finds out that they are, this could cost them their ability to recover damages against the alleged wrongdoer. Without a police report and other critical documentation, it may be difficult to establish causation and liability in your case. Calling 911 will ensure that you are treated immediately and, that evidence in your case is properly documented and preserved.
• Take pictures/video of the accident. With nearly every type of phone having video and photograph technology, be sure to video record/photograph your automobile and the accident scene. If you are hurt, also record your injuries. If you cannot take pictures right away, do so at your earliest convenience following the accident.
• Seek medical treatment immediately. Responders to the accident scene (such as paramedics, police officers and fire fighters) will ask if you want to go to a hospital. Say yes, even if you think your injuries are minor. Seeing a doctor straightaway to have your injuries properly diagnosed and treated is important for your health, safety and also, your personal injury action. Without effective and immediate treatment, you may continue to needlessly suffer from your injuries and be unable to hold those legally accountable for your injuries.
• Identify all parties involved. An easy way to do this is to take photographs of the other cars who were involved in your accident. Make sure you note the number on the license plate, the driver’s name, and the passengers of the other vehicles, if possible.
• Call your insurance company. You need to inform your insurance representative that you were in an accident and receive a claim number. Write your claim number down immediately. Do not wait to contact your agent, as this could cost you your ability to receive compensation for your injuries. Delays are one of the main reasons why individuals are denied benefits. Don’t take this unnecessary risk — call your insurance company right away.
• Consult with your attorney before giving recorded statements. Do not feel pressured to provide recorded statements to anyone (including your insurance company) without having your attorney present. Recorded statements are often used against you in court and could hinder your ability to receive a fair settlement.
• Don’t forget follow-up visits. Take care of yourself and follow up with your doctor regularly if you were hurt. Anyone that has been in an accident will tell you that it may take a while for you to realize the extent of your injuries. If you are in pain, call your physician and avoid missing appointments. Keep in mind that by failing to take this crucial step, opposing counsel or your insurance company may try to argue that you are not as injured as your lawsuit alleges.

When Should You Call a Northern Virginia Car Accident Lawyer?
As a basic rule, if you’re hurt during a car accident, you have sufficient grounds to file a lawsuit and claim for compensation if you have sustained significant loss.

In Northern Virginia, some victims tend to file a lawsuit on their own. But seeking the assistance of a professional and experienced Northern Virginia car accident lawyer, such as The Avery Law Firm, can be far more beneficial to you. We know the ins and outs of the legal system, and we give you a much better chance of winning your case.
An experienced personal injury attorney is the best person you can turn to if you want to be justly compensated, given that you’ve incurred high expenses to cover your medical bills and lost income while recovering.

When you or someone you love has suffered a serious injury, turn to The Avery Law Firm. To schedule a free initial consultation, call 703-462-5050 or contact us online.