Herndon Car Accident Attorneys

Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers for Auto Accidents in Herndon, Virginia

Car accidents can have devastating consequences for just about everyone involved. Whether you are in the car by yourself, a passenger in someone else's car, or a pedestrian crossing the street, you can experience life-changing injuries and financial expenses when you are involved in a collision. Most of the time, motor vehicle collisions can be traced to negligent or reckless behavior by at least one driver. If you or a loved one has sustained serious injuries or other damages because of someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. A skilled car accident attorney can help you navigate a civil claim and help you address issues such as loss of income, steep medical expenses, or pain and suffering.

At Locklin & Coleman, PLLC, our lawyers have decades of combined legal experience, and we have recovered millions of dollars for clients in challenging cases. With over 100 positive reviews from satisfied clients in and around Virginia, we can provide the help you need, and we will take a personalized, aggressive approach to fighting for your best interests.

Immediate Action: What to Do After a Car Accident

In any accident, your top priority should be ensuring the safety of everyone on the scene. Even if it is a seemingly minor incident, determining whether you or someone else requires medical attention and calling 911 can make a huge difference. In addition to receiving timely first aid, contacting the police is often the best way to establish a record of the accident.

Police reports are usually an easy way to verify the people, location, and extenuating circumstances involved in a car accident. It can also be a good idea to gather evidence at the scene. For example, having photographic records of your injuries, property damage, and the road conditions at the time of the accident can help demonstrate what happened and who was responsible.

Notably, insurance companies will often use tactics to deny or limit a victim's claim. Even if you think you are covered by one or more insurance policies, consulting with a trusted legal representative before filing a claim can ensure that you will be able to receive compensation for the full extent of your damages.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accident Injuries?

Even seemingly minor accidents can have lasting impacts on your health and your wallet. We can handle a variety of cases, including:

• Head-On Collisions: Travelling into oncoming traffic, switching lanes, or passing recklessly can pose extreme risks on the road, especially at high speeds. At their worst, these crashes can cause permanent or even fatal injuries such as brain trauma or spinal cord damage.
• Rollovers: Larger vehicles such as trucks and SUVs can be harder to control at higher speeds. Sudden turns, bumps, or spins can cause these top-heavy cars to roll over, putting everyone in their path in harm's way.
• Rear-End Crashes: Tailgating incidents or other situations where someone cannot stop before hitting a vehicle in front of them can cause serious injuries such as whiplash or concussions, even at low speeds.
• Distracted Driving: Under state law, every driver has a duty to drive safely. Texting, eating, talking on the phone, or reaching for objects in a car can all divert a driver's attention from driving and increase the risks of collision.
• Drunk Driving: Drivers who operate motor vehicles while intoxicated can be subject to criminal charges and severe legal consequences. Additionally, offenders can be held liable for victims' medical expenses, vehicle repair costs, and emotional anguish.

Who Is Liable for an Accident in Virginia?

It is crucial to note that while each state has guidelines for establishing liability in personal injury and car accident cases, Virginia operates under one of the harshest liability rules in the country.

It is fairly common for a court to rule that both the plaintiff and the defendant were partially responsible for causing an accident. In other words, civil culpability for a car crash can be shared 50-50, 70-30, or even 99-1. Under Virginia's liability guidelines, commonly referred to as the "pure contributory negligence" rule, victims are not entitled to compensation if they are found to be even 1 percent responsible for causing an accident.

It is important to ensure that this issue will be addressed correctly when filing a car accident claim. Our attorneys can take steps to show that the other party was responsible for a collision and prevent you from being blamed at all. We will fight to secure the compensation you deserve.

Reach Out to a Herndon, VA Car Accident Attorney

At Locklin & Coleman, PLLC, we are dedicated to providing personalized legal representation to the residents of Virginia. We are available to meet you where you are, whether that is at home, in the hospital, or online. If you or a loved one has experienced serious injuries in a car accident, do not suffer through the consequences alone. Contact our car accident lawyers who handle cases in Herndon at 703-392-6686 to set up a free consultation.