Oakton Car Accident Lawyers

Dependable Car Accident Attorneys for Residents of Oakton, VA

Driver negligence is one of the most common causes of car accidents in the United States. Moreover, the lasting impact of a collision can be life-changing. Since effects can range anywhere from a dent on the rear of your vehicle to potentially permanent injuries, you may be entitled to compensation if you have suffered serious injuries, property damage, or emotional distress as a result of someone else's negligence. Dealing with the effects of an accident can be difficult enough on its own, and seeking legal reimbursement can be complicated and stressful without the help of an experienced lawyer.

At Locklin & Coleman, PLLC, our attorneys have over 60 years of combined legal experience, and we are committed to safeguarding your rights in the face of devastating life events. With intentionally small caseloads, we are available to meet you where you are, whether that is your home, the hospital, or online, and we will provide you with the personalized attention you need. If you or a loved one has experienced a car accident in Oakton, do not hesitate to reach out to our Virginia personal injury lawyers.

How Do I File a Claim in Virginia?

Following a car accident, your first instinct may be to get on the phone with your insurance company right away. However, providing them with details about the case without knowing the full extent of your damages could potentially limit the value of your claim. As a former insurance defense attorney, Brian Coleman knows how to help you dispute unreasonable insurance offers and fight for the compensation that you deserve.

You can also take preliminary steps to establish the validity of your claim and legally prove the extent of your damages. Immediately after an accident, be sure to:

• Gather Evidence: Take photos of your injuries, vehicle damage, and even the road conditions to establish an early and accurate record of harm caused by the collision.
• Call 911: If you or someone else is seriously injured, calling the police ensures that medical attention will be quickly and readily available. When it comes to legal disputes, the police report of the incident can be invaluable for documenting the unique circumstances of the case and establishing liability.
• Witness Testimony: Witnesses present at the scene of the accident can provide invaluable testimony that can further support your version of events. Getting their contact information can help ensure that our attorneys will be able to reach out to them for statements.

Determining Car Accident Liability

Like most states, Virginia follows a fault-based system to determine whether a defendant must pay compensation to a plaintiff. A person who is found to be responsible for causing an accident may be held accountable for the resulting damages. However, the Old Dominion uses a strict liability threshold to determine whether a person may be held responsible.

Under the "pure contributory negligence" rule, the defendant will only be responsible for paying compensation for a victim's damages if the court finds that the defendant was 100 percent at fault for the accident. In motor vehicle collisions, there are some situations where the court may find that both drivers were partially at fault. In Virginia cases where the victim is found to be responsible for an accident, even with a fault of 1 percent, they may not be entitled to compensation.

Regardless, the court will typically consider four main factors when ruling on accident liability:

1. Did the individual in question owe you or the public a duty of safety or care?
2. Did this person fail to follow or uphold that duty?
3. Was that person's failure to abide by their duty of care a direct cause of your injuries or harm?
4. Did you suffer damages as a result of the injury or harm?

Contact Our Oakton, Virginia Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys

Your life can change in an instant in a motor vehicle collision. If you have suffered injuries or financial losses because of someone else's negligence, you do not have to drown in debt or settle for a lower quality of life. The team at Locklin & Coleman, PLLC can help you take steps to obtain compensation that will fully address the harm that has been done to you. To set up a free consultation and explore your options, contact our car accident injury lawyers who handle cases in Oakton at 703-392-6686.