Common Types of Car Accidents in Virginia Beach

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Car accidents happen every day across Tidewater Virginia. While some result in only dents, dings, and scratched paint, other accidents can have far more serious consequences for the people involved. In the many types of crashes, people could be seriously hurt or may suffer fatal injuries.

Securing the services of an experienced Virginia Beach car accident lawyer like those at Ruloff, Swain, Haddad, Morecock, Talbert & Woodward, P.C. is the best way to protect your rights after any type of accident. Our lawyers can help you identify the cause of the accident, determine who was at fault for the crash, calculate the full extent of your losses, and advise you about your rights and best legal options.

Our lawyers are proud to have helped people who have been injured in our community for more than three decades. Call us or contact us online now to schedule a free consultation.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Virginia Beach

No two car accidents are ever the same. Each crash involves its own set of people, vehicles, and circumstances. A number of factors can contribute to the severity of an accident.

In general, some of the most common kinds of crashes in Virginia include:

  • Rollover Accidents
  • Head-on Collisions
  • Hit and Run Accidents
  • Rear-End Collisions
  • Multiple Vehicle Collisions
  • Side-Impact (Sideswipe) Collisions
  • Intersection Accidents

It is vital to note that the vehicles involved do not necessarily have to be totaled or even seriously damaged for the individuals involved to suffer severe injuries. Many people sustain very significant injuries in what appear to be minor collisions, but still involved enough force to cause serious trauma.

Common Injuries from Car Accidents

Victims of car accidents often report injuries including:

Some people suffer fatal injuries. Certain family members of victims in such cases may be able to file wrongful death lawsuits against the negligent parties.

It may also be possible that an accident was caused by a dangerous roadway or road condition that could make a governmental entity liable for the crash. Other crashes could be due to a manufacturing or design error with the vehicle itself, which the vehicle’s manufacturer could be responsible for.

If a car accident is the result of a mechanical issue caused by an improper repair, a maintenance company could be liable for damages. When a crash is caused by a defective car part, the part manufacturer could be responsible.

Liability for Car Accidents in Virginia

In most car accidents, one driver is determined to be at fault and their insurance company is responsible for covering all of the resulting damages. State law does provide certain exceptions in liability matters though.

It is essential to understand that Virginia is one of only five states that still recognize the defense of contributory negligence. Contributory negligence simply means that you cannot recover compensation if you were even the slightest bit responsible for the accident.

In other words, a person who is proven to be even just 1 percent at fault for their injuries will be prohibited from recovering any damages. Contributory negligence underscores the importance of not admitting any kind of fault at the scene of the accident.

You should avoid speaking to any insurance company for another driver involved in the accident until you have legal representation. Insurers are well aware of contributory negligence and will immediately be looking for any way possible to pin some kind of blame on a person who might have an injury claim.

One of the easiest ways for insurance companies to accomplish this is simply by getting a victim to unknowingly say something during a recorded phone conversation that could be taken out of context or twisted to make it sound like an admission of fault. You should refuse any request for a recorded statement until you have a lawyer.

Insurance companies may also offer victims lump-sum settlements early in their cases before they have had the chance to secure legal counsel. In truth, these initial offers are almost always nowhere near what most people are entitled to. The insurance company’s goal is to make the claim go away quickly and cheaply. Don’t let them get away with it. Get a lawyer who will stand up for your right to proper compensation.

How Can Ruloff, Swain, Haddad, Morecock, Talbert & Woodward, P.C. Help Me after a Car Accident?

Did you sustain catastrophic injuries or was your loved one killed in a car accident in the Virginia Beach area? Contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible so you can hold the negligent party accountable.

The record of success for Ruloff, Swain, Haddad, Morecock, Talbert & Woodward, P.C. includes a $3.5 million verdict awarded to a client severely injured by a drunk driver. We can review your case during a free consultation when you call us or contact us online right now.