Arlington Car Accident Lawyers

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reports that approximately 1,800 car accidents occur in Arlington annually, equating to roughly five largely preventable daily accidents.

A car accident can alter the course of your life, causing severe injuries resulting in costly medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, our experienced Arlington car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King can help. We have been holding negligent drivers accountable for nearly 20 years, recovering millions of dollars in compensation for our clients.

What Types of Car Accidents Does the Law Offices of Duane O. King Handle?

Our skilled Arlington car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King handle numerous types of car accidents, including but not limited to:

• Head-on collisions: Head-on accidents involve two cars crashing into one another, hood to hood.
• Multi-vehicle accidents: Typically initiated by a rear-end collision that causes a chain reaction involving multiple cars crashing into the back of one another.
• Rear-end collisions: The most common type of car accident, rear-end collisions occur when one driver crashes into the rear of the vehicle in front.
• Sideswipe or T-bone accidents: Sideswipe or T-bone accidents occur when two or more vehicles collide when traveling parallel.
• Uber/Lyft accidents: These can occur when the rideshare driver does not follow the rules of the road.

What Are Common Car Accident Injuries?

Car accidents are the leading cause of injuries, and nearly all car accidents result in some form of injury, even minor collisions. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Back, neck, and spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones, fractures, bruising, burns and lacerations
• Concussion and traumatic brain injuries
• Crushed or severed limbs
• Disfigurement and Scarring
• Nerve and organ damage
• Partial or complete paralysis
• Psychological trauma
• Whiplash
• Wrongful death

What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents?

Northern Virginia and the Beltway around Washington, D.C. often experience excessive traffic congestion throughout the tri-state area, resulting in thousands of accidents each year. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:

• Aggressive driving: Dangerous behaviors, such as excessive lane changes, cutting off others, and ignoring traffic signs and laws, pose a significant risk of causing an accident.
• Distracted driving: One of the most common causes of accidents nationally, distracted driving is engaging in any activities that divert your attention from driving, such as using a cell phone, texting, eating, adjusting onboard technology, or arguing with passengers.
• Drunk driving: Driving under the influence endangers everyone as alcohol slows brain function, reduces reaction time, limits processing ability, blurs vision, and reduces focus.
• Drowsy driving: Driving while sleep-deprived can be just as dangerous as drunk driving, as significant sleep deprivation causes the same neurological impairments as alcohol.
• Speeding: One of the most common causes is driving faster than the posted speed limit, which reduces one’s ability to stop quickly or avoid sudden obstacles.
• Tailgating: Traveling too closely in the heavy traffic congestion of the city frequently results in rear-end accidents.
• Weather: Slick roads caused by rain, snow, and ice make it difficult for tires to maintain traction and can cause cars to slide over the surface, increasing the risk of a collision.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Arlington?

The initial moments following an accident can provide valuable and crucial evidence supporting your injury claim. If you are physically able, you should take the following steps after a car accident:

• Call the police and report the accident and any injuries.
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Limit conversation and do not argue or apologize. What you say can be used against you later.
• Photograph the scene, vehicle damage, injuries, weather and road conditions, and other contributing factors.
• Gather contact information and statements from any witnesses.
• Seek medical attention, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Symptoms of certain internal injuries can be delayed and life-threatening if untreated. You will also need the doctor’s report for your claim.
• Maintain all records and correspondence related to the accident and your injuries.
• Consult an experienced Arlington car accident lawyer with a successful record of negotiating with insurance companies for maximum settlements.

What Compensation Can I Seek for My Injuries?

The types of compensation you can seek are based on a combination of economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to expenses incurred due to accidents and injuries, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or property damage. Non-economic damages refer to intangible costs related to the pain and suffering endured as a result of the accident and your injuries, such as loss of life enjoyment, emotional distress, or disability.

How Does Virginia Assign Fault for Car Accidents?

Virginia has harsh rules regarding compensation for personal injuries. The Commonwealth is a pure contributory negligence state, which means that if you are found to have contributed to the accident or injury in any way, even one percent, you cannot seek compensation for damages.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim?

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Virginia is two years from the date of the accident or death.

How Can the Law Offices of Duane O. King Help Me?

Car accident claims are often lengthy and complex. If you are injured, you should be recovering from your injuries rather than fighting insurance companies for a settlement. Hiring an experienced Arlington car accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Duane O. King ensures that your claim will be handled properly and your rights will remain protected throughout the process. While you recover, our knowledgeable lawyers can handle the following on your behalf:

• Investigate the accident scene and review police reports.
• Establish your healthcare needs.
• Consult experts when appropriate.
• File all necessary documents by the required deadlines.
• Interview witnesses.
• Negotiate maximum settlement with insurance companies.
• Represent you in court if the case goes to trial.

Our Arlington Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Fight for Clients Injured by Negligent Drivers

Suffering injuries in a car accident can ripple through all aspects of your life, resulting in medical expenses, lost wages, and property loss. If you have been injured in a car accident by a negligent driver, our Arlington car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King can help you seek justice. Call 202-931-6252 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Washington, D.C., National Harbor, MD, and Falls Church, Virginia, we serve clients in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.