Fairfax Car Accident Attorneys

Reliable Personal Injury Lawyers for Motor Vehicle Accidents in Fairfax, Virginia

Motor vehicle collisions can happen at any time for many reasons. Whether it is a high-speed truck rollover or a rear-end accident, a car crash can have unimaginable effects. Victims can suffer injuries that may follow them for the rest of their lives, including spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and severe burns. If you or a loved one has suffered damages in a car accident, experienced legal counsel can help you simplify complex legal procedures and recover compensation for your emotional and financial burdens.

At Locklin & Coleman, PLLC, our Virginia car accident attorneys will meet you where you are. Whether it is a virtual call, a visit in your home, or a meeting at the hospital, we will give your case the personalized attention you need. With more than 60 years of combined experience, our team is committed to helping residents of Fairfax and the surrounding areas with their legal and financial concerns as they recover from injuries suffered in car accidents.

Who is Liable for a Car Accident in Virginia?

In the United States, drivers have a legal duty to drive safely and obey traffic laws. Because of this, Virginia generally operates under a fault-based legal system, meaning that a person responsible for causing an accident may be held financially accountable for the resulting damages. The courts generally use four main factors to consider liability for personal injury cases:

• Did the defendant owe you or the general public a duty of care?
• How did that person fail to abide by that duty of care?
• Did that person's failure to follow their duty directly cause your injuries?
• Did you suffer financial losses, emotional anguish, or other damages as a result of those injuries?

Despite clear guidelines for culpability, the state also follows one of the harshest liability rules in the country. In Virginia, victims are only entitled to compensation if they can prove that the defendant was 100 percent at fault for the accident. This is typically referred to as the "pure contributory negligence" rule, and it will prohibit victims from recovering damages if the court finds them even 1 percent responsible for a collision.

What Should I Do Following a Vehicle Collision?

The number one thing you should do following a motor vehicle collision is determine whether you or anyone else on the scene requires immediate medical attention. Regardless of whether damage or injuries are apparent, calling 911 can ensure that people will receive aid if they need it. When it comes to establishing liability for an accident, police reports can also be essential for creating a case record.

After ensuring your immediate safety, you will further want to gather evidence of the wreck whenever possible. Photographing injuries, damage to vehicles, and road conditions at the scene of the wreck can provide you with invaluable evidence in potential legal disputes. Witness testimony can also be essential to building a case, so you may want to get contact information from people at the scene.

Notably, insurance companies may deny or limit claims based on information you provide directly after the incident. We recommend consulting with a qualified personal injury lawyer before contacting an insurance company or filing a claim. Property damage and injuries may be covered by both your and the liable driver's insurance policies, but insurance companies will often try to minimize payouts, or they may completely deny claims. Our lawyers can negotiate with insurance companies for you, making sure settlement offers will meet your needs.

Sometimes, more than one party can be held accountable for a motor vehicle accident. You may qualify for a successful product liability claim in the event that a defective auto part affected a vehicle involved in the collision. A city or municipality may be liable for failing to fix dangerous road conditions. Our attorneys will identify all liable parties and work to ensure that you can receive compensation from all available sources.

Reach Out to a Fairfax, VA Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has experienced a car crash in Fairfax, you do not have to suffer the stress and financial burdens alone. At Locklin & Coleman, PLLC, our over 100 positive reviews from satisfied clients can attest to our dedicated and aggressive approach to safeguarding your rights, interests, and livelihood. To arrange a free consultation and discuss your options, contact our car accident injury attorneys who handle cases in Fairfax at 703-392-6686.