Arlington, Virginia Car Accident Lawyer

Attorney for Serious Injuries in Car Accidents in Arlington

On the dense network of roads in and around Arlington, a large number of commuters, cyclists, and pedestrians need to share space with each other. On these busy roads, drivers who fail to follow traffic laws or use good judgment can cause serious collisions. People who are injured in car accidents may be affected in many ways, and they may struggle to put their lives back together as they deal with serious pain, medical bills, lost income, and other issues. Fortunately, injury victims have legal options, and they can take steps to obtain financial compensation.

At Shevlin Smith, P.C., our law firm works with clients to address the ways they have been affected by car accidents and make sure negligent drivers are held responsible for the harm they have caused. We will investigate collisions thoroughly by reviewing police reports, obtaining video footage and electronic data, speaking with witnesses, and consulting with accident reconstruction professionals when needed. We will advocate on behalf of clients, working to achieve outcomes that will help them get through these situations successfully.

Speeding in Car Accidents

Drivers who do not follow the speed limit can cause accidents that may seriously injure other people. When a person is speeding, their ability to react to changing traffic conditions may be limited. A driver who is moving at a high speed will need a longer distance to stop safely, and even a small increase in speed can cause a much higher force of impact in a collision.

Speeding can be especially dangerous in areas with pedestrian traffic, in school zones, or during busy times of the day. A driver who takes too long to react when they are speeding or does not have enough room to stop may cause a collision. Speeding can also increase the chances that a driver will lose control and cause an accident by skidding across the road, sideswiping other vehicles, or running off the road altogether. This can put everyone nearby at risk of harm.

Tailgating and its Role in Rear-End Collisions

Following behind another vehicle without providing enough space is known as tailgating, and it can be dangerous. Rear-end collisions can occur when drivers do not have enough distance to stop safely. When a person is tailgating, even a minor slowdown in traffic can lead to a collision. These accidents can take place during rush hour or other times when traffic is busy, or they may occur when drivers are acting aggressively and trying to intimidate others.

T-Bone Accidents Caused by Red Light Violations

Accidents that take place at intersections will often involve one vehicle hitting the side of another vehicle. These are known as T-bone collisions, and they can be dangerous. The side of a vehicle will only provide minimal protection against another vehicle that is moving at a high speed, so anyone sitting on the side of a vehicle that is struck from the side is likely to be injured.

In many cases, T-bone accidents are caused by drivers who run red lights. A person may speed up to make it through a yellow light, which may cause them to strike another vehicle that begins moving after the light in their direction has turned green. In other cases, drivers may completely ignore red lights and proceed through intersections without stopping, which can lead to devastating impacts and catastrophic injuries.

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

While distracted driving has always been an issue that has affected safety on the roads, it has become more common in recent years. Many people find it difficult to avoid checking their phones, even when they should be paying attention to the road. A person who picks up their phone to check text messages, looks up directions using a navigation app, makes a phone call, browses social media, watches videos, or uses a phone or other device in other ways while behind the wheel is much more likely to cause an accident.

Distractions are not limited to the ways people use phones, tablets, and other electronic devices. Eating, grooming, adjusting a radio or environmental controls, reaching for an item on a vehicle's floor or seats, and any other activities that are unrelated to driving can take a driver's attention away from the road. A person who fails to fully pay attention may not be able to respond quickly enough to potential dangers to avoid a collision, or they may stray out of their lane and crash into another vehicle.

Drunk Driving and Other Forms of Intoxicated Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most dangerous things anyone can do. Alcohol and drugs can affect a person's ability to see the road, react to traffic, and maintain control of their vehicle. An intoxicated driver may drift out of their lane and cause a head-on collision. They may fail to notice a red light and cause a T-bone collision. They may not see a pedestrian, or they may lose control and run off the road entirely. In many cases, the injuries that occur in accidents involving drunk drivers are severe or fatal.

Injuries Victims May Suffer in Car Accidents

Different types of injuries can occur in a car crash based on factors such as the speed of the vehicles and the point of impact. The harm suffered by the people involved in a collision may include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Even a moderate blow to the head can cause a concussion that may have effects that could last for weeks or months. A moderate or severe brain injury can have a permanent impact on a person's life, affecting their memory, mood regulation, coordination, sensory processing, intellectual abilities, and more.
• Broken Bones: Fractures are common in collisions, and they may occur in the arms, legs, ribs, collarbones, or hips. They can lead to mobility issues, and surgery may be needed to repair the damage.
• Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: The sudden movement of the head and neck in a collision can affect tissues in ways that may result in stiffness, pain, tingling, and other symptoms affecting the neck, shoulders, and arms. Damage to other tissues in the arms, legs, or shoulders can also cause serious pain and reduced mobility.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: When the nerves in the spine are damaged, a person may be paralyzed, or they may experience chronic pain, loss of mobility, and other long-term or permanent health issues.
• Internal Injuries: The blunt force trauma of a collision can damage multiple organs or lead to internal bleeding. Surgery may be needed to repair the damage, and serious damage to organs can lead to ongoing impairments.

Contact Our Arlington, VA Car Accident Attorney

At Shevlin Smith, P.C., we can provide legal representation to help ensure that full and fair compensation will be paid for the injuries and damages that have affected a car accident victim. Contact our Arlington motor vehicle accident lawyer at 703-591-0067 for a free consultation.