Car Accident Attorney in Warrenton

Warning sign car accident in the road

Car accidents are some of the most common sources of preventable injury and death in Virginia. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the state saw over 122,000 collisions in a recent year — an average of 335 per day. While they ranged in severity from low-speed fender benders to head-on collisions at highway speeds, almost half of the crashes resulted in injuries. Nearly 1,500 of these motor vehicle accidents happened in Fauquier County, causing almost 600 injuries.

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, you may be dealing with serious injuries and facing a lengthy recovery period. The medical expenses can add up quickly. And if you’re also unable to work, you’re likely dealing with high amounts of stress. Why should you pay the price of another driver’s negligence? You shouldn’t – and the Warrenton car accident lawyers at Marks & Harrison want to help you hold the at-fault party accountable.

Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our Warrenton car accident lawyers and learn more about your legal options.

What Types of Car Accidents Can Happen in Warrenton?

Collisions come in many forms.

Some of the types of car accidents that occur in Warrenton include:

  • Rear-end collisions
  • Head-on collisions
  • T-bone collisions
  • Sideswipe accidents
  • Merging accidents
  • Rollover accidents
  • Intersection accidents
  • Multi-vehicle accidents

The circumstances surrounding car accidents are always unique. Countless variables come into play when evaluating collisions after the fact. That’s just one reason that many Warrenton car accident attorneys work with crash reconstructionists to help them advocate on behalf of their clients.

What Are the Frequent Causes of Car Accidents?

The causes of car accidents are even more varied than the types of collisions. Often, accidents result from the negligence of one or more parties. Some of the top causes of car accidents in Virginia include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Impaired driving
  • Speeding
  • Failure to check blind spots
  • Fatigued driving
  • Reckless driving
  • Tailgating
  • Improper or unsafe turns

Environmental factors can also cause or contribute to car accidents. Bad weather, road hazards, construction, malfunctioning traffic signals, unclear or missing signage, inadequate lighting, and other factors may increase the likelihood of collisions. A Warrenton car accident attorney can investigate the collision to determine the possible causes and who was responsible. Contact our Warrenton car accident attorney today.

What Are the Most Common Injuries from a Car Accident?

Injuries in car accidents range from minor bruises and strains to catastrophic and potentially fatal injuries. Some of the more common car accident injuries include:

  • Head injuries like concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Back injuries and spinal cord injuries
  • Neck injuries, including whiplash
  • Facial injuries
  • Chest injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries, such as bruising, sprains, and strains
  • Limb injuries, including joint injuries, broken bones, and limb loss
  • Fractures and broken bones
  • Internal injuries and internal bleeding
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

The type and extent of an injury depends on factors like the type of collision, the speed at which the vehicles were moving, whether a person was driving or riding as a passenger, and where the impact occurred. The severity of your injuries can have a large effect on how much compensation you may be owed through a car accident claim.

What Steps Should I Take If I Have Been in a Warrenton Car Accident?

Immediately after a car accident, Virginia Code § 46.2-894 requires that you stop and exchange information with anyone else involved. You must also report the crash to law enforcement if it results in injuries or death, according to Virginia Code § 46.2-371. The resulting police report can be vital evidence in your case.

After that, your priority is to seek the medical care you need. But it’s just as vital that you attend any follow-up appointments and follow the doctor’s orders when it comes to treatment, physical therapy, and medications. Keep track of your progress in writing. These details will help your Warrenton car accident attorney determine full and fair compensation.

Hang on to all communications from medical providers, health and car insurance companies, and other parties related to your collision and treatment. Keep your documents organized and give them to your attorney.

It’s also essential that you consult an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible and let them handle all communication with third parties. They’ll take care of your legal process from start to finish, giving you the time and space to focus on your physical recovery.

How Will Fault Be Proven for the Car Accident?

Virginia law gives you the right to pursue financial recovery for your losses from the person responsible for the collision. However, your ability to recover compensation for your car accident injuries hinges on the other driver or other parties being entirely at fault. Virginia’s contributory negligence law prohibits a person who bears any amount of responsibility for an accident from receiving compensation. In other words, your attorney will have to prove the other driver was 100 percent at fault for the collision.

To do this, they’ll need to prove that the driver failed in their obligation to operate their vehicle safely, that this failure led to the crash, and that the crash caused your injuries. Your attorney will review a range of evidence to prove these elements, including police reports, accident reconstructions, medical documentation, and witness statements.

Can I Be Compensated for My Injuries and Damages?

If the other driver is at fault, they could owe you money for your:

  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
  • Physical and emotional pain and suffering
  • Property damage

As your attorney reviews the evidence of your collision, they will look at your medical records, vehicle repair records, statements from your employer, and other concrete evidence of financial losses to determine what would be just compensation. They’ll also use their experience and understanding of accidents and personal injury claims to assign a dollar value to the intangible negative effects you’ve experienced.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Virginia?

Under Virginia Code § 8.01-243, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. This doesn’t mean you should wait to consult an attorney. They’ll need time to compile evidence, determine liability, and build a solid car accident case. The sooner you get in touch, the more they can do on your behalf.

Contact a Warrenton, VA Car Accident Lawyer

As you deal with the physical aftermath of a car accident, you have enough to do without also having to navigate the complex legal process. For over 100 years, Marks & Harrison has represented Virginians seeking compensation through personal injury claims. When you contact a Warrenton car accident lawyer at our firm, you can trust us to provide highly personalized legal services in pursuit of the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact us today to learn more about your legal options in a free consultation. If you retain our firm, you pay nothing unless we secure compensation. We’re that confident in our ability to fight for the justice you deserve. Contact our Warrenton personal injury attorney today.