Woodbridge, Virginia Car Accident Attorneys

Reliable Lawyers for Motor Vehicle Collisions in Woodbridge, VA

If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt in a Woodbridge car crash, you may already know that obtaining compensation for your damages can be a complex, difficult process. Unfortunately, Virginia has some of the strictest liability laws in the country, which can make it harder for victims to address the harm they have suffered and hold the responsible parties accountable. Luckily, an experienced car accident attorney can help you get what you are owed while navigating any legal challenges that may arise.

At Locklin & Coleman, PLLC, our Woodbridge, VA car accident lawyers are committed to providing you with personal, aggressive legal representation. We have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts, and over 100 positive reviews from satisfied clients can attest to our success in and out of the courtroom. Regardless of the circumstances of your accident, we will fight to hold a negligent driver accountable.

Establishing Liability and Securing Compensation in Virginia

While most states have fault-based legal systems that ensure that a person who harmed someone else can be held financially responsible for the victim's damages, the threshold for establishing liability can vary significantly from state to state. In some cases, a court may rule that while one person bears the majority of responsibility for causing a car accident, the alleged victim may share some of the blame. For example, a person who causes a rear-end accident will generally be considered liable for the collision. However, if the other driver had been speeding, and they had slowed down suddenly and without warning, a court may determine that they are partially at fault.

Virginia follows what is known as a "pure contributory negligence" rule, which is one of the strictest liability guidelines in the country. Under state law, a person can only recover compensation for a car accident if they do not share any fault for the collision. State courts will also evaluate four major factors to determine liability:

• Did the defendant owe a reasonable duty of care to the plaintiff or the public?
• Did the defendant fail to uphold this duty?
• Did the defendant's failure to maintain their duty result in someone else's injuries?
• Did the plaintiff suffer losses or damages because of the injuries that were caused by the defendant's negligence?

There are also several factors that can affect the amount of compensation a victim may be eligible to receive. Judges, juries, and insurance companies may consider these factors when determining how much to award:

• Severity of Injuries: Catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord damage and traumatic brain injuries can cause major pain and lasting disability. Compensation will typically be higher if injuries were more serious.
• Impact on Daily Life: A person may be entitled to reimbursement if their injuries prevent them from performing everyday tasks, such as working, walking, cooking, or doing things they enjoy.
• Length of Recovery: Longer healing and recovery periods can lead to higher medical expenses and longer-lasting changes to a person's quality of life. The long-term impact of injuries may be evaluated when determining how much compensation should be awarded.
• Credibility: Receipts, medical bills, and doctor testimony can all help paint a clear picture of a victim's circumstances and provide insight into the extent of their injuries.

Economic Vs. Non-Economic Compensation

Economic damages typically refer to losses that can be calculated with a specific dollar amount. Hospitalization, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, transportation to and from healthcare appointments, and other future medical expenses may all be considered when determining how much compensation a person should receive. Lost income and a reduced ability to earn income in the future may also be a key component of economic damages resulting from car accident injuries.

By contrast, non-economic damages generally cannot be evaluated based on a specific dollar amount. Mental suffering, emotional distress, physical pain and discomfort, or a diminished quality of life can be addressed through non-economic damages.

Meet With a Woodbridge Car Accident Lawyer

At Locklin & Coleman, PLLC, our lawyers will meet you where you are to discuss your case and help you determine what steps you can take to obtain compensation. Whether you are recovering in the hospital, confined to your home, or seeking a virtual call, our Woodbridge, VA car accident attorneys are dedicated to supporting you in your financial, physical, mental, and emotional recovery. To arrange a free consultation and explore your options, contact us at 703-392-6686.