Centreville Car Accident Attorneys

Experienced Lawyers for Car Accidents in Centreville, VA

If you have been behind the wheel of a car, you know the importance of safety on the road. In the United States, drivers are held to high safety standards, and they can be held liable for violating traffic laws and causing harm to others. Whether an incident involves a multi-car interstate pile-up or a collision caused by tailgating, a car accident can lead to lifelong injuries and medical expenses. In most cases, at least one party can be held legally responsible for causing a collision, and they may be on the hook for financially reimbursing the victim.

Regardless of whether you were a pedestrian, bicyclist, passenger, or driver, if you have experienced injuries as a result of a car crash, you may be entitled to compensation. Reliable legal representation can help you understand when and how to obtain compensation. At Locklin & Coleman, PLLC, our car accident attorneys know how to deal with insurance companies and take steps to maximize the payments you will receive. We are available to meet you at your home, at the hospital, or online to ensure that you and your case receive the proper attention. With over 60 years of combined experience, our lawyers are skilled and aggressive, and we can take steps to safeguard your best interests.

When Can Compensation Be Awarded After a Car Accident?

Unlike most states, Virginia follows a "pure contributory negligence" rule when deciding whether to award damages following a car accident. This is the harshest rule in the country for establishing negligence in personal injury cases, and it dictates that plaintiffs cannot receive compensation unless the defendant is 100 percent at fault for the accident. In other words, if the court finds you even 1 percent responsible for a collision, you are legally prohibited from recovering damages.

When defining negligence or culpability for car accidents, Virginia generally considers four main components:

• Someone owed you or the public a duty of care.
• They did not abide by that duty of care.
• That person's failure to meet their duty of care was a direct cause of your injuries.
• You suffered damages originating from those injuries.

In the case of a motor vehicle accident, drivers have a legal duty to obey traffic laws and drive safely. Our lawyers can work with you to show that a negligent driver or another party was entirely responsible for an accident, and we will work to ensure that no portion of fault will be assigned to you.

What Types of Cases Do We Handle?

At Locklin & Coleman, PLLC, our attorneys have secured jury verdicts and settlements for car accident victims in a wide range of cases. Since each case has unique circumstances, we will tailor our strategy directly to you and your needs.

Some of the most common types of car crashes we handle include head-on collisions, rear-end accidents, drunk or distracted driving, and rollover crashes. Traveling into oncoming traffic, passing recklessly, or switching lanes, especially at high speeds, can cause head-on collisions resulting in significant damage, injury, and even death. Rollovers, which typically involve larger, top-heavy vehicles such as trucks and SUVs and occur when a driver loses control, can also be incredibly destructive.

Most states, including Virginia, have strict driving under the influence (DUI) laws that prohibit drivers from operating motor vehicles while impaired by drugs, alcohol, or a combination of substances. While DUI is a criminal charge, offenders may also be civilly responsible for the damage inflicted on others during the accident. Behaviors such as talking on the phone, texting, eating, or fiddling with the car's settings can also distract drivers and increase the risk of a collision.

While tailgating accidents and low-speed fender-benders may not seem like a big deal when compared to other car accidents, rear-end collisions can result in serious injuries such as whiplash or concussions. Though driver negligence is the most common cause of car accidents, other parties, such as a city or automotive company, can also be liable for failing to maintain safe road conditions or for defective auto parts.

Contact a Centreville Car Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has experienced a car accident in Centreville, do not hesitate to reach out to a reliable personal injury lawyer. When serious injuries or property damage occur, we recommend speaking with legal counsel before filing an insurance claim to ensure that you can receive full compensation. At Locklin & Coleman, PLLC, we know accidents can be devastating and stressful, and we will fight for your rights so you can focus on your recovery. To schedule a free consultation, contact our auto accident attorneys who handle cases in Centerville, Virginia at 703-392-6686.