In Virginia, over 125,000 motor vehicle collisions occur each year. These incidents unfortunately happen in a variety of ways and for a multitude of reasons:
- Head-on Collisions – Head-on collisions are one of the most dangerous types of collisions because they involve high speed direct impacts. They commonly occur on two-lane highways with no separation between two opposing lanes of traffic. These collisions occur for a variety of reasons. Some head-on collisions occur because drivers maintain too great a speed on a curve and cross into the other lane of traffic. Some head-on collisions are caused by drivers attempting to pass a slower driver without enough time between oncoming traffic. Others occur because over-tired or intoxicated drivers fall asleep at the wheel. Narrow two lane highways are especially dangerous due to how little space there is for drivers to make evasive maneuvers.
- Vehicle Rollovers – Generally, vehicle rollovers are caused by vehicles making sharp turns at high speeds. While all motor vehicles can roll over, larger vehicles, such as tractor-trailers and sports utility vehicles, are at a greater risk due to their higher center of gravity.
- Side-Impact Collisions – This type of collision is also known as a “T-Bone.” These accidents generally occur when drivers are making an unprotected left and right turns and they are struck by another vehicle. Often times, vehicle damage and driver injuries are more severe.
- Rear-End Collisions – Rear-end collisions generally occur when drivers follow too close to the vehicle in front of them and the driver in front brakes or comes to a full stop. These types of collisions most commonly occur at intersections, during a rush hour slow-down, or when traffic is quickly impeded by another accident.
Because there are a variety of ways a motion vehicle accident can occur, there are also numerous ways that drivers and passengers can be injured. These injuries include, but are not limited to, soft tissue injuries, whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, lacerations, bone fractures, spinal injuries, and paralysis. Most people do not realize how much a motor vehicle accident can change their life until they have experienced one for themselves. To ensure that we can adequately establish the cause, extent, and duration of our client’s injuries, our motor vehicle accident lawyers have worked with a variety of health care providers across Virginia.
When a driver’s carelessness causes an accident, the law permits the injured party to be compensated for their injuries. Compensation may include payment for:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Disfigurement
- Inconvenience
- Embarrassment
- Humiliation
Every claim has a statute of limitations, a deadline to file a lawsuit. In Virginia, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of injury. Frequently, it is important that an injured person contact a lawyer as soon as possible so that they may adequately investigate the case prior to contacting an insurance company or filing the lawsuit. If you believe that you have been injured by someone else’s carelessness, you are welcome to contact our firm to schedule a free consultation.
