Virginia Car Accident Lawyers

Car accidents can have life-altering consequences, including injuries, emotional trauma, long-term recovery, and costly expenses. In the aftermath of an accident, dealing with recovery and insurance companies can be overwhelming. 

At the Law Offices of Duane O. King, our experienced Virginia car accident lawyers are dedicated to guiding you through the complexities of the legal system, protecting your rights, and securing the compensation you deserve. For decades, we have served clients injured in a wide range of accidents, such as head-on collisions, multi-car crashes, rear-end collisions, sideswipe accidents, and T-bone collisions.

What Are the Most Dangerous Roads in Northern Virginia?

Northern Virginia is a highly populated region between Washington, D.C., and Maryland. It is home to some of the most heavily traveled roads in the Commonwealth. High speeds and the volume of traffic lead to difficult driving conditions and frequent accidents. Some of the most dangerous roads include:

• Interstate 95 (I-95): This major highway skirting the entire Eastern Seaboard is one of the busiest in the United States. It is notorious in Northern Virginia for severe congestion, high speeds, and frequent accidents, especially around the convergence of four major interstates known as the “Mixing Bowl” near Springfield.
• Capital Beltway (I-495): The Beltway encircling Washington, D.C., is infamous for its heavy traffic, particularly at the I-95/I-495 junction and near Tysons Corner.
• Interstate 66 (I-66): I-66 runs from Washington, D.C., through Northern Virginia and experiences significant traffic congestion and accidents during rush hours.
• Leesburg Pike (Route 7): Connecting Tysons, Alexandria, and surrounding areas, Route 7 is known for accidents due to a mix of commercial and residential traffic, congestion, and numerous intersections.
• Sully Road (Route 28): This high-speed corridor connecting Dulles Airport and Manassas sees many crashes due to congestion, speed, and merging traffic.
• Arlington Boulevard (Route 50): Arlington Boulevard’s combination of urban and suburban areas, along with its numerous intersections, leads to high traffic volumes, especially during rush hour.
• Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286): Intended to be a major artery for traffic flow in Fairfax County, Route 286 has several sections that experience heavy traffic and accidents due to its design and the volume of vehicles.

What Are Common Car Accident Injuries?

Nearly every car accident results in some form of injury. Even a minor fender-bender can result in whiplash, lacerations, or back pain. The most common car accident injuries include back and spinal cord injuries, head trauma, broken bones, disfigurement, psychological distress, and traumatic brain injuries.

What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents in Virginia?

There are over 110,000 car crashes each year in Virginia, resulting in over 50,000 serious injuries and more than 1,000 deaths. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, the leading causes of car accidents in Virginia are:

• Distracted driving
• Drowsy driving
• Drunk driving
• Poor road conditions
• Reckless or aggressive driving
• Tailgating 
• Speeding
• Weather conditions

What Should I Do After an Accident in Virginia?

Collecting as much evidence as possible after an accident is crucial to support your claim. First, report the accident and any injuries to the police. Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver and photograph the scene, including vehicle damage, injuries, and other factors that may have contributed to the accident. Collect the witness’s contact information and statements, and keep all conversations minimal to prevent any statements from being used against you later. 

Always seek medical attention promptly to rule out any life-threatening internal injuries with no immediate symptoms. A doctor’s report will also be necessary for your injury claim. Maintain all records related to the accident and your injuries. 

You should also contact an experienced Virginia car accident lawyer as soon as possible after a car accident. A seasoned lawyer can help preserve evidence, secure witness statements, and help you navigate the complexities of personal injury claims.

How Can I Prove the Other Driver Is Responsible for the Accident?

You will need to gather evidence establishing that the other driver is responsible for the accident, such as police reports, photos or videos of the accident and scene, witness statements, medical records of your injuries, and expert testimony. Legal records can substantially strengthen your case if the other driver was cited or arrested for violating traffic laws leading to the accident, such as speeding or drunk driving. 

Seeking compensation from the other driver can be challenging without solid evidence showing 100 percent responsibility. Virginia follows the strict rule of contributory negligence in personal injury claims, which bars you from seeking compensation if you are found to be even slightly at fault for the accident. Because of this, it is crucial to consult an experienced Virginia car accident lawyer after a crash.

What Types of Compensation Can I Seek After a Car Accident?

After a car accident, you may be entitled to a combination of economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of life enjoyment.  In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the other driver’s actions were especially reckless or intentional. An experienced Virginia car accident lawyer can assess the full extent of your damages and the appropriate compensation.

You also have limited time to file an injury claim. The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Virginia is two years from the date of the accident or death, which is another reason to involve a skilled attorney as soon as possible.

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

While you focus on your recovery, our Virginia car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King can work on your behalf to ensure your injury claim is properly handled by managing the following: 

• Investigate the accident scene.
• Review police reports.
• Interview witnesses.
• Collaborate with your medical team on your future healthcare needs.
• Hire experts, if appropriate.
• Negotiate maximum settlement with insurance companies.
• Represent you in court should your case go to trial.

The Virginia Car Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Fight for Clients Injured by Reckless Drivers

Hold negligent drivers accountable with the experienced Virginia car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King. If you have been injured, schedule a free consultation by calling 202-331-1963 or contacting us online. Located in Washington, D.C., National Harbor, Maryland, 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.