Annandale, VA Car Accident Lawyer

Skilled Car Accident Lawyer Pursuing Compensation for Victims in Annandale, Virginia

Car accidents happen every day on the roads running through Annandale and across Fairfax County. The intersections along Little River Turnpike, Columbia Pike, and other busy roads are locations where collisions can occur due to driver negligence. Accidents may also take place on major highways like Interstate 495 and residential streets throughout the area. In these situations, people who have been injured may be unsure about what to do next. Fortunately, with help from a skilled personal injury lawyer, injury victims can take steps to obtain compensation for the damages they have suffered.

At Shevlin Smith, P.C., our attorney works with car accident victims to address the harm they have suffered and hold negligent drivers responsible for causing collisions. At our firm, we believe in treating clients honestly, providing them with personal attention, and doing everything we can to meet their needs. Our lawyer will take the time to understand how an accident happened and how it has affected a person's life so that he can obtain compensation that will fully address the harm that has been done.

Types of Car Accidents in Annandale

Our attorney can assist with motor vehicle collisions such as:

• Rear-End Collisions: These accidents may take place in heavy traffic when vehicles frequently slow down, stop, and accelerate. When a driver does not maintain a safe following distance or does not pay attention to the road, they may strike another vehicle from behind with little or no warning. These crashes can lead to whiplash, back injuries, head injuries, or other types of injuries.
• Head-On Collisions: These crashes will often involve high speeds and severe impacts, and they can result in catastrophic injuries. Drivers may cause head-on crashes when they cross into oncoming traffic because of distractions, impairment, fatigue, unsafe passing, or other types of negligence.
• T-Bone Accidents: These collisions may take place at intersections or in other locations, and they may occur when a driver runs a red light or makes an improper turn into the path of other vehicles. Because of limited protection on the side of a vehicle, these crashes will often result in serious injuries.
• Hit and Run Accidents: Injury victims may face challenges when a driver who is responsible for causing an accident leaves the scene without stopping or exchanging information. When a hit and run driver cannot be identified, an injured person may be able to obtain compensation through uninsured motorist coverage.
• Sideswipe Accidents: A driver may cause a collision when they drift out of their lane, attempt to merge without enough space, or fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes. A sideswipe collision can cause a driver to lose control, and additional collisions may occur if they are forced into other lanes of traffic or off the road.
• Multi-Vehicle Pileups: On busy highways or other roads, one crash may trigger a chain reaction involving additional vehicles. These accidents may often involve multiple parties who shared responsibility, making legal representation important to ensure that victims can receive the proper insurance coverage.

Why Distracted Driving Is a Common Cause of Car Accidents

A driver who divides their attention between the road and something else, such as texting, making a phone call, using a navigation system, or eating a meal, may not be able to react in time to address changes in traffic. Distracted driving can put everyone on the road at risk, and a driver may be held liable for causing an accident through negligence.

Distracted driving is more common than many people may realize. While many people understand the dangers of using cell phones while driving, they may find it difficult to avoid checking their phones. Even when making calls using hands-free devices, conversations can distract drivers and limit their awareness of what is happening on the road.

The consequences of distracted driving can be serious. A driver who looks away from the road for a few seconds may not see a pedestrian who has stepped into a crosswalk, or they may not notice that a vehicle ahead of them has slowed down to make a turn. When driving in busy areas, distractions can lead to collisions with other vehicles, motorcycles, or cyclists. Accidents may take place at intersections, near parking lot entrances, or on highways.

The Dangers of Drunk and Drug-Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the most dangerous forms of negligence that can affect the safety of people on the road. A driver who chooses to operate a vehicle while they are intoxicated will put every other person on the road in danger.

Alcohol can affect nearly all of the physical and mental abilities that are needed to drive safely. It can lead to slower reaction times, poor decision-making, reduced coordination, a narrowed field of vision, and a false sense of confidence. Drugs such as marijuana, opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, and certain prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs can also be dangerous, limiting a person's ability to maintain control of their vehicle and avoid an accident.

Contact Our Annandale, Virginia Car Accident Lawyer

When car accidents take place, injury victims will need to understand their legal options. At Shevlin Smith, P.C., our lawyer can provide representation for people who have been injured in collisions caused by negligent drivers. He will investigate an accident to determine exactly what happened, and he can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that settlement offers will meet an injury victim's needs. He can fight to protect a person's rights and make sure they can obtain full and fair compensation for the injuries they have suffered. Contact our Annandale car crash attorney at 703-591-0067 to arrange a free consultation today.