Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be as debilitating and life-altering a consequence of an accident as any physical injury. According to a study of PTSD in motor vehicle crash patients, nearly 30 percent of traffic accident survivors suffer crash-related PTSD. Symptoms include flashbacks of the collision, distressing thoughts and emotions,…
As frustrating as it is to be tailgated, it is illegal in Virginia to respond by brake checking. If you do, you could face a reckless driving charge, usually a Class 1 misdemeanor, with penalties including license points, fines, and jail time. You could also be liable for an ensuing…
Virginia law generally holds people responsible for their own actions, and parents are not liable for the traffic accidents their children cause under most circumstances. However, there are exceptions, such as when parents negligently entrust a vehicle to an unsafe child. That said, while parents typically are not personally liable for…
Most personal injury cases are based on the defendant’s negligence. The legal standard requires establishing that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care which they breached. In cases relying on general negligence, the test is whether the defendant behaved like a reasonable person would in a similar situation. In contrast, negligence per se…
If you are involved in a car accident of any kind in Virginia, you should call the police immediately. Don’t let the other driver convince you that “we don’t need to get the police involved.” When you call 911, a law enforcement officer should respond to your crash within a…
It’s common to experience sleep problems after a car accident. The trauma of the event can cause stress and anxiety, which might make it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep. Injuries from the accident can also lead to discomfort at night, interrupting your sleep pattern. This lack of rest…
When police respond to a car accident in Washington, D.C., an officer will draft a police accident report (PD-10). Parties involved in the accident can contact the Public Documents Section of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to request a copy of their PD-10. Individuals can submit requests via e-mail, the…
After a car crash in Washington, D.C., injured motorists understandably feel worried when they learn the at-fault driver has no auto insurance. Fortunately, D.C. law requires all car insurance policies issued in the District to include uninsured motorist coverage. This type of insurance allows drivers to seek compensation for their…
Expect to see a rise in traffic on Virginia roads during the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8. That’s the advice from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), national officials, and scientists — all of whom reported a rise in motor vehicle accidents during the nation’s last total solar eclipse…
You probably pick a car color based on aesthetics. However, did you know that vehicle colors may increase the chances of a dangerous collision? Research shows that black is one of the most hazardous car colors and that black cars are more likely to be involved in car accidents. Car color can…
