Why do you need a Manassas Car Accident Lawyer? Car accidents are never simple. Even if no one is hurt, drivers are often left shaken and fearful after a collision.
When there are injuries of any kind arising from a car accident, the last thing the injured person needs is a heap of bills and expenses falling down on them, especially if the car accident that left them injured was the result of another driver’s negligence.
In Virginia, injuries associated with a car accident are the financial responsibility of the at-fault party. Meaning, if another driver runs a red light, or fails to yield, and their vehicle collides with yours, they are responsible for any injuries you suffer.
The vast majority of people have car insurance that will take care of any third party bills, but the real challenge arises when insurance companies decide they won’t pay. A Virginia car accident lawyer can help you bring a lawsuit against these big companies, and will help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Liability, Fault, and Personal Injury in a Virginia Car Accident
When discussing car accidents, often much of the focus is on fault and liability. Virginia is a tort state, meaning that lawsuits associated with car accidents are not hindered by any no-fault laws.
In states with no-fault laws, injured drivers make claims with their own insurance company to cover their own medical bills and other expenses associated with their injuries, regardless of who was at fault. Since Virginia is a tort state, injured drivers have the option of using Virginia courts to seek compensation.
Fault will typically be determined by the police at the scene of the accident, using a combination of witness statements, vehicle damage, skid marks or brake marks, and any signs of either driver being intoxicated.
An experienced Virginia car accident lawyer will also need to conduct their own investigation into determining the at-fault party. Some things a Virginia car accident lawyer might gather in their investigation could be traffic footage of the accident, or data from the electronic data recorder from either car. There are some cases in which fault may not be so clear-cut, and to obtain compensation it is imperative to work with an experienced and thorough Virginia car accident lawyer in Manassas.
Once fault has been determined and legally proven by a Virginia car accident lawyer, the at-fault party will be liable for damages suffered by the injured party. The injured party will be able to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party.
Damages the at-fault party is liable for could be physical or economic. Medical bills are certainly included, as well as any lost wages resulting from missed work, or time in a rehabilitation center. If the injury suffered is very severe, such as a traumatic brain injury, the injured person may need care for the rest of their lives. A Virginia car accident attorney will be able to assist injured drivers and their families in determining the extent of the damages arising from the accident.
Wrongful Death in a Car Accident-Virginia
A Virginia car accident lawyer could also help you pursue a wrongful death action if a member of your family passed away as a result of a car accident where someone else was at fault. Think of a wrongful death action as being similar to a personal injury claim, but brought by the injured person’s family rather than the injured person themselves.
Fatalities arising from a car accident where there was negligence or a disregard for the safety of others on the part of the at-fault driver are tragic and devastating, but many people don’t realize that there are expenses far beyond the emotional. A Virginia car accident lawyer can help the family of the decedent determine the extent of the damages they are owed, and help them file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party or that party’s insurance company.
Damages typically associated with a wrongful death could include:
- Medical bills accrued in the attempts to save the decedent
- Emergency responder expenses
- Reasonable funeral expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of future anticipated earnings
Responsibilities of the Injured
The responsibilities and liabilities of the at-fault party have been discussed, but does the injured party have any responsibility?
The short answer is yes. After securing appropriate medical attention, it is important that all damage be documented. If the injured party is unable to document the damages, or if the accident involved a fatality, the injured party’s family should document the damages.
Documentation could occur in the form of pictures of the damages, medical records, and names and contact information of any witnesses.
Medical records, and obtaining proper medical attention, are especially important, as not all injuries will make themselves known immediately. Having a medical assessment immediately after being involved in a car accident will make it significantly easier if more serious injuries present themselves down the road.
All of this information will help aid your Virginia car accident lawyer in obtaining compensation for you.
Property Damage in a Car Accident
Not only will the at-fault party be responsible for any injury caused to other drivers; a Virginia car accident lawyer can also help you file claims for any personal property that was damaged in the accident.
Virginia drivers with insurance are required to purchase property damage liability coverage, which will pay these third-party bills. However, these bills can be contested by insurance companies, just like personal injury or wrongful death actions. In this case, a lawsuit will likely be necessary.
Damages that can be included in a property damage claim can include a vehicle, but could also include things like laptops, phones, tablets, clothing, or any other items damaged as a result of the at-fault driver’s negligence.
When Do I Need A Virginia Car Accident Lawyer?
A mistake people involved in a car accident often make is waiting until they hear from the at-fault person’s insurance company. If you are involved in an accident, you should contact a Virginia car accident lawyer right away.
Contacting an attorney right away is beneficial in more ways than one. Having legal advice from the beginning can help ensure that everything is in order if a lawsuit becomes necessary, and if no lawsuit is necessary, an attorney can still provide guidance, and peace of mind in what might otherwise be a difficult time.
What Can a Virginia Car Accident Lawyer Do For Me?
Retaining a Virginia car accident lawyer has a whole host of benefits, but the greatest benefit is their experience practicing personal injury and property damage law. An experienced Virginia car accident lawyer can procure experts to testify on your behalf during your lawsuit, and help get you the most favorable and fair judgment.
Many people refrain from speaking to a lawyer due to the complexity of a lawsuit. However, contacting a lawyer does not necessarily mean a lawsuit will be filed. Often this can be the means by which a lawsuit is avoided; once an insurance company knows the injured person is being represented by an attorney, they may re-evaluate their initial positions and offer a favorable settlement out of court.
Contact the Manassas Law Group
If you have been injured or have suffered damages as a result of a car accident in Virginia, schedule a consultation with the Manassas Law Group, or give us a call at 703-361-8246. Our experienced attorneys can help you win the compensation you deserve and will work directly with you until your case is resolved.
