Car Accident Lawyer in Manassas VA

While automobiles are important tools that provide us with freedom of movement, the ability to transport goods and products, and a way to get from one place to the other, there is no denying that these huge pieces of machinery are incredibly dangerous, too. Especially when occurring at high speeds, auto accidents can leave victims with devastating, and sometimes fatal, injuries that change the course of their lives.

When a car crash leaves a driver or passenger with serious injuries, medical expenses, property damage, and psychological harm, it is important that they understand the process for recovering compensation and filing a car accident claim. At the law offices of Olmstead & Olmstead, P.C., our talented auto accident attorneys are well versed in car accident and insurance laws, and can provide competent legal counsel for anyone injured in a car accident.

Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney in Manassas, VA

At Olmstead & Olmstead, P.C., we understand that being involved in an automobile accident can be a traumatic and life-altering experience. The physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens that follow an accident can be overwhelming.

Our legal team in Manassas, Virginia, and serving the surrounding areas, is here to provide compassionate support and aggressive legal representation to help you navigate the complex process of recovering the compensation you need and deserve. We handle a comprehensive range of auto accident cases, involving all types of vehicles and circumstances.

What Are the Types of Auto Accident Cases We Handle in Manassas, VA?

The nature and severity of an accident can often depend heavily on the types of vehicles involved. Our firm has extensive experience representing clients in accidents involving:

Passenger Cars

These are the most common vehicles on the road, and accidents involving passenger cars can range from minor fender-benders to severe, multi-vehicle collisions. Injuries sustained in passenger car accidents can vary widely depending on the speed, angle of impact, and safety features of the vehicles.

SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)

SUVs are generally larger and heavier than passenger cars, which can result in more significant damage and injuries when they collide with smaller vehicles. Their higher center of gravity can also make them more prone to rollovers, which can cause catastrophic injuries.

Trucks (Pickup Trucks, Vans)

Similar to SUVs, pickup trucks and vans are larger and heavier than passenger cars. Accidents involving these vehicles can lead to severe damage and serious injuries, particularly when they collide with smaller vehicles.

Commercial Vehicles

This category includes a wide array of vehicles such as large semi-trucks (18-wheelers), delivery vans, buses, construction vehicles, and more.

Accidents involving commercial vehicles are often far more complex due to the size and weight of the vehicles, the potential for more severe injuries, and the involvement of commercial entities and their insurance policies.

These cases may involve federal regulations governing commercial drivers and vehicles, adding layers of complexity to the investigation and legal strategy. Our firm is well-versed in the specific regulations and legal challenges associated with commercial vehicle accidents.

Regardless of the type of vehicle involved, our team is equipped to investigate the accident thoroughly, determine liability, and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

Specific Types of Collisions

The mechanics of how an accident occurs play a crucial role in determining fault and understanding the forces involved, which directly impacts the types and severity of injuries sustained. We have successfully handled cases involving numerous types of collisions, including:

Rear-End Collisions

These are among the most frequent types of accidents, often occurring when a vehicle follows another too closely (tailgating) or when a driver is distracted and fails to notice that the vehicle ahead has stopped or slowed down. While sometimes perceived as minor, rear-end collisions can cause significant injuries, particularly whiplash and other soft tissue damage, as well as head and back injuries, even at relatively low speeds. Determining fault in rear-end collisions often focuses on whether the trailing driver was negligent in failing to maintain a safe following distance or pay attention to the road ahead.

Head-On Collisions

These are arguably the most dangerous and often fatal types of accidents. They occur when the front ends of two vehicles collide while traveling in opposite directions. Head-on collisions typically happen when a driver crosses the center line due to distraction, fatigue, intoxication, or attempting to pass illegally. The combined force of impact when two vehicles are moving towards each other at speed is immense, leading to severe, life-threatening, or fatal injuries. Proving liability in head-on collisions usually involves demonstrating that the at-fault driver veered into the opposing lane due to negligence.

Side-Swipe Crashes

A side-swipe collision occurs when the sides of two vehicles traveling in the same direction brush against each other. These accidents often happen during lane changes, merging into traffic, or when a driver drifts out of their lane. While they may seem less severe than head-on or T-bone collisions, side-swipe crashes can still cause significant damage, loss of control, and injuries as vehicles are forced off the road or into other traffic. Determining fault often involves analyzing traffic laws regarding lane changes and merging, as well as witness statements and vehicle damage.

T-Bone Accidents (Side-Impact Collisions)

Also known as broadside collisions, T-bone accidents occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, typically at an intersection. These collisions are extremely dangerous because the side of a vehicle offers less protection to occupants than the front or rear. T-bone accidents are frequently caused by drivers running red lights or stop signs, failing to yield the right-of-way, or misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic. Injuries in T-bone accidents are often severe, including head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and internal injuries. Establishing liability usually hinges on determining which driver had the right-of-way at the intersection.

Left Turn/Right Turn Crashes

Accidents occurring during turns, particularly left turns across oncoming traffic, are very common. These crashes often happen because a driver misjudges the speed or distance of approaching vehicles, fails to yield the right-of-way, or is distracted. Right turn accidents can occur when a driver turns into the path of a pedestrian or cyclist, or turns right on red without stopping or checking for traffic. Determining fault involves analyzing traffic signals, signs, and the principle of yielding the right-of-way.

Intersection Collisions

Intersections are high-risk areas for accidents due to the convergence of traffic from multiple directions, pedestrians, and cyclists. Collisions at intersections can take various forms, including T-bone accidents, head-on collisions (if a driver turns the wrong way onto a one-way street), and rear-end collisions (due to stopping traffic). Common causes include running red lights or stop signs, failing to yield, distracted driving, and speeding. Investigating intersection accidents often involves reviewing traffic light sequencing, traffic camera footage, witness statements, and physical evidence at the scene.

High Speed Accidents

Accidents that occur at high speeds are inherently more dangerous due to the increased kinetic energy involved. The forces of impact are significantly higher, leading to more severe vehicle damage and catastrophic injuries. High-speed accidents can happen on highways, interstates, or even on local roads where speed limits are ignored. These accidents are often the result of reckless driving, speeding, racing, or attempting to evade law enforcement. Proving negligence in high-speed accidents often involves evidence of excessive speed, such as skid marks, accident reconstruction analysis, and witness testimony.

What is Considered Reckless Driving in Virginia?

Even the most law-abiding citizens can make a simple mistake and receive a traffic ticket for a minor moving violation. In Virginia, some traffic offenses are considered so serious that they result in criminal charges that can lead to fines, jail time, and a license suspension. These are often labeled as “reckless driving” offenses and might include:

• Excessive speed
• Aggressive driving
• Drag racing
• Passing a stopped school bus
• Failing to yield to an emergency vehicle
• Driving an unsafe vehicle
• Vehicle not under control

Excessive speed in Virginia as it relates to reckless driving has several definitions per Virginia Code §46.2-862. The first is driving 20 miles per hour or more over the speed limit. The second is driving more than 80 miles per hour regardless of the speed limit.

According to Virginia Code §46.2-852, a person can be charged with reckless driving if they drive their vehicle in any way that endangers another person’s life, limb, or property. Virginia Code §46.2-853 also considers it reckless driving when someone operates a vehicle that isn’t safe, such as one with bald tires or faulty brakes.

Common Reasons for Rollover Accidents

Rollovers are very often due to the convergence of multiple factors that occur in the wrong place and at the wrong time. Some of the most common factors that contribute to rollover crashes include:

• Vehicle Type: The type and design of the vehicle can play a major role in causing a rollover accident. Taller and narrower vehicles have a higher center of gravity, which makes them more likely to be involved in a rollover, especially if they experience heavy winds, rain, ice, another adverse road conditions. As mentioned earlier, SUVs and certain types of pickup trucks and vans are more susceptible to rollovers than most other types of vehicles.
• Location: Certain locations can increase the likelihood of a rollover. For example, most rural roads do not have medians, guardrails, and other types of barriers that help prevent a vehicle from crossing the center or going off the side and into the ditch.
• Speed: Approximately 4 out of 10 fatal rollover crashes are due to excessive speeding. Going much faster than the posted speed limit or faster than it is safe to travel based on road conditions makes rollovers more likely when a driver is going up and down hills, around sharp curves, and when there are heavy winds and other inclement weather.
• Weight: A vehicle with an excessive amount of weight is also more likely to be involved in a rollover. This is because the weight added to the vehicle raises its center of gravity away from the ground. This is commonly a major contributor to rollover accidents that happen to large tractor-trailers. In a rush to stay on schedule, big rig trucks are often loaded beyond acceptable weight limits or unevenly loaded, which can cause the vehicle to turn over or get flipped on its side.
• Driver Negligence: The NHTSA found that driver negligence is a contributing factor in the majority of rollover accident cases. Alcohol is involved in more than half of all fatal rollovers, and a large percentage are also attributable to poor driving habits such as excessive speeding, aggressive or reckless driving, inattentiveness, and distracted driving.

Distracted Driving Laws in Virginia

Texting while driving and certain other forms of distracted driving are illegal in Virginia. Specifically, Virginia code § 46.2-1078.1. prohibits the following activities:

• Reading, sending, or receiving text messages, emails, and other electronic messages.
• The use of handheld cell phones in work zones.
• School bus drivers and commercial drivers from texting and holding cell phones.
• Any type of cell phone use by drivers under the age of 18, even in hands-free mode.

Most of Virginia’s distracted driving laws are given primary enforcement, which means that you can be pulled over and cited for violations even if you were not observed breaking any other laws. For adult offenders, penalties start at a fine of $125 for the first offense and a $250 fine for a second or subsequent offense. Commercial drivers face even stiffer penalties with fines of up to $2750. These penalties are in addition to higher insurance rates and demerit points on your driving record that could eventually result in the loss of driving privileges.

The penalties for violating Virginia’s distracted driving laws are harsher than in many other states, but they do not do enough to effectively deter this activity, and they do nothing to compensate a victim for their losses. In order to recover compensation for your losses, you will need to file a civil claim for damages, most likely against the other driver’s insurance company.

Accidents in Manassas, VA Caused by Negligent Driver Behavior

Beyond the mechanics of the collision itself, the actions and state of mind of the drivers involved are paramount in determining liability. Olmstead & Olmstead, P.C. has significant experience handling cases where accidents were caused by egregious forms of negligence:

Distracted Drivers

Distracted driving has become a leading cause of accidents. Distraction can take many forms, including texting or talking on a cell phone, eating or drinking, adjusting the radio or navigation system, talking to passengers, or anything else that takes a driver’s attention away from the primary task of driving. Even a few seconds of inattention can have devastating consequences. Proving distracted driving often involves obtaining cell phone records, witness statements, and analyzing the circumstances of the accident.

Intoxicated Drivers

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious criminal offense and a major cause of severe and fatal accidents. Intoxication impairs a driver’s judgment, coordination, reaction time, and ability to operate a vehicle safely. Victims of accidents caused by intoxicated drivers may be entitled to significant compensation, and the at-fault driver may face both civil liability and criminal penalties. Our firm is committed to holding drunk and drugged drivers accountable for the harm they cause.

Handling Complex Cases in Manassas, VA 

Navigating the aftermath of an auto accident can be an incredibly challenging ordeal, particularly when the circumstances surrounding the collision are intricate. While some incidents are straightforward, involving a clear single negligent party, many situations present layers of complexity that demand a meticulous and comprehensive approach. Olmstead & Olmstead, P.C. is well-prepared to address these demanding cases, offering thorough investigation and dedicated representation for individuals in Manassas, VA.

Addressing Accidents Involving Multiple Contributing Parties in Manassas, VA

One common scenario that significantly increases the complexity of an auto accident claim is when more than one entity or individual contributes to the incident. It’s not always as simple as one driver being solely at fault. Consider a situation where two drivers’ actions, perhaps a failure to yield by one and excessive speed by another, collectively lead to a collision. In other instances, the negligence might extend beyond individual drivers to encompass larger organizations or even governmental bodies.

For example, a collision involving a commercial truck might implicate not only the truck driver but also the trucking company for issues like inadequate maintenance or improper training. The entity responsible for loading the cargo could also bear some responsibility if the load was improperly secured. Furthermore, if a vehicle component failed, a vehicle manufacturer or a parts supplier could be held accountable for a defect in design or manufacturing. Even a government entity responsible for maintaining roadways could be a contributing factor if poor road design, inadequate signage, or neglected repairs (like large potholes or malfunctioning traffic lights) played a role in the accident.

Identifying and pursuing claims against all potentially responsible parties is paramount to ensuring that those who have suffered harm receive full and equitable compensation. This process necessitates a profound understanding of legal principles, including Virginia’s unique approach to fault. Unlike many states that employ comparative negligence, Virginia adheres to a strict contributory negligence rule. This means that if an injured party is found to be even one percent at fault for the accident, they are generally barred from recovering any damages. This stringent rule underscores the critical importance of a thorough investigation to definitively establish liability and to demonstrate that the injured party bore no fault. Unraveling these interconnected threads of responsibility requires a detailed investigation, careful analysis of evidence, and the ability to construct a compelling case against each liable party.

Navigating Cases Involving Permanent and Disabling Injuries in Manassas, VA

The physical and emotional toll of an auto accident can be devastating, especially when injuries result in long-lasting or permanent effects on a person’s life. Such catastrophic injuries might include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis, severe burns requiring extensive reconstructive surgeries, or amputations that fundamentally alter a person’s mobility and independence. These profound injuries often necessitate a lifetime of medical attention, including multiple surgeries, ongoing physical and occupational therapy, medication management, and potentially round-the-clock personal care. They can prevent individuals from returning to their previous employment, or even from engaging in basic daily activities and cherished hobbies they once enjoyed.

Calculating the full scope of damages in cases involving such life-altering injuries is an exceptionally intricate process. It extends far beyond immediate medical bills. A comprehensive assessment must account for future medical expenses, which can accumulate to millions of dollars over a lifetime. It also involves meticulously calculating lost earning capacity, considering not just current wages but also potential promotions, career advancements, and benefits that will be forfeited due to the injury. Beyond economic losses, there are significant non-economic damages, such as the profound pain and suffering endured, emotional distress, disfigurement, and the loss of enjoyment of life – the inability to participate in activities that once brought joy and fulfillment. In some instances, a spouse may also have a claim for loss of consortium, recognizing the impact of the injury on the marital relationship.

To accurately quantify these damages, it is often necessary to collaborate with a network of professionals, including life care planners who project future medical and personal care needs, economists who calculate lost earning potential, and medical professionals who provide detailed prognoses. The firm understands the profound and far-reaching impact of catastrophic injuries, and its commitment is to secure settlements or verdicts that genuinely reflect the true, comprehensive cost of these life-altering events, ensuring that clients receive the resources necessary for their long-term well-being and adaptation.

For cases that involve complex factual patterns, multiple potentially liable parties, or injuries that have left you with severe, long-term consequences, the comprehensive understanding and substantial resources of Olmstead & Olmstead, P.C. prove invaluable. The firm has a demonstrated history of achieving positive results in complex auto accident claims and is dedicated to advocating for the justice and compensation clients deserve.

Determining Fault in Auto Accidents in Virginia: A Detailed Examination

Virginia operates under an “at-fault” car insurance system, meaning that the driver responsible for causing an accident is generally liable for the damages incurred by others. This liability is typically covered by their bodily injury and property damage liability insurance, both of which are mandatory in the state. However, for an injured, non-at-fault party to recover the compensation they are due, the crucial step of establishing fault or liability must first be completed.

Establishing who is truly at fault in a collision can be remarkably challenging, especially when each driver involved asserts that the other was to blame. This inherent difficulty highlights why engaging legal counsel with a deep understanding of auto accident investigation is in one’s best interest. The attorneys at Olmstead & Olmstead, P.C. are adept at collecting and analyzing all available sources of evidence to determine fault, including:

• Witness Testimonies: Eyewitness accounts can provide crucial perspectives on how an accident unfolded. This involves identifying witnesses, conducting thorough interviews, and securing formal declarations.
• Police Reports: These documents contain initial observations from responding officers, diagrams of the scene, statements from drivers and witnesses, and often the officer’s preliminary determination of fault.
• Physical Evidence at the Scene: The accident scene itself is a rich source of information, including analyzing skid marks (indicating speed and braking), debris fields (pinpointing impact areas), and fluid trails.
• Angles of Impact on Vehicles: The nature and location of damage on the involved vehicles provide critical clues about the forces involved and the precise angles at which the vehicles collided, fundamental for reconstructing the sequence of events.
• Video or Camera Footage: Increasingly common, video evidence from dash cameras, traffic cameras, or surveillance systems can provide irrefutable proof of how an accident occurred.
• Electronic Control Module (ECM) Data: Modern vehicles’ “black boxes” record data points immediately before, during, and after a collision, such as speed, braking, and steering input. Retrieving and interpreting this technical data requires specialized tools and knowledge.
• Accident Reconstruction Professionals: In highly complex cases, these professionals use scientific principles and advanced software to recreate the collision, often providing visual simulations or detailed reports that clarify fault.
• Medical Records: While primarily documenting injuries, medical records can sometimes offer insights into the forces involved in the collision or the immediate symptoms reported, corroborating other evidence.
• Cell Phone Records: If distracted driving is suspected, obtaining cell phone records can reveal device usage at the time of the crash.
• Driver History: A driver’s history of traffic violations or previous accidents can sometimes be relevant in establishing a pattern of negligent behavior.

The firm possesses the comprehensive resources and established relationships necessary to conduct a thorough and meticulous investigation into your accident, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of establishing liability.

Navigating Insurance Company Tactics

Beyond the complexities of fault and injury assessment, individuals often face another significant hurdle: dealing with insurance companies. While insurance is designed to provide protection, adjusters are often incentivized to minimize payouts. They may employ various tactics, such as making lowball settlement offers early on, denying claims outright on questionable grounds, or using delaying tactics to frustrate claimants. They might also request excessive or unnecessary information, hoping to uncover something that can be used against the claimant.

Having a dedicated legal team advocating on your behalf is essential to protect your rights and ensure fair treatment. Olmstead & Olmstead, P.C. is prepared to counter these tactics, negotiating robustly on your behalf and, if necessary, preparing for litigation to pursue your claim in court. We strongly advise against speaking with insurance adjusters or signing any documents without first consulting with legal counsel, as statements made or documents signed could inadvertently jeopardize your claim.

The Firm’s Commitment and Approach

Navigating the aftermath of an auto accident can be daunting, especially when dealing with the intricacies of multiple liable parties, severe injuries, and the often-challenging interactions with insurance providers. Olmstead & Olmstead, P.C. offers a comprehensive approach, combining rigorous investigation, a deep understanding of Virginia’s legal landscape, and a steadfast commitment to client well-being.

 The firm’s resources, including its network of investigators, medical professionals, financial analysts, and reconstruction professionals, are all leveraged to build the strongest possible case. This allows individuals to focus on their physical and emotional recovery, secure in the knowledge that their legal rights are being vigorously protected.

Contact Olmstead & Olmstead, P.C. today to discuss your specific situation. The firm is ready to help you understand your options and pursue the justice and compensation you are entitled to.

What If I’m in a Crash with an Uninsured Driver in Manassas, VA?

Because an at-fault driver’s liability insurance is responsible for paying for your damages when you are involved in a crash, a crash with an uninsured driver can make recovering compensation for your losses very difficult. The necessary course of action that must be pursued to recover compensation when the at-fault driver is uninsured will depend upon the circumstances, although most of the time injured parties turn to their own policy’s uninsured/underinsured coverage for compensation. If you do not have this type of insurance, or if it is not enough to pay for the full value of your losses, you may consider filing a suit directly against the at-fault driver. However, this is often futile, as the other driver may not have the economic means to pay your claim, even if a court sides in your favor.  Our lawyers help you to explore all avenues to recovery.

Can I File a Lawsuit After an Auto Accident in Manassas, VA?

Yes – tort liability laws hold that you can file a claim with an at-fault driver’s insurance company after a crash, or file a lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver. Typically, a lawsuit is not filed unless a settlement cannot be reached. The process usually goes something like this:

• Evidence is gathered regarding fault and damages
• A claim is filed with the insurance company
• A demand letter is sent to the insurance company, which details the amount of damages you have suffered and how much you are requesting in compensation
• The insurance company replies to your demand and offers a settlement
• You negotiate the settlement
• Settlement is reached and the claim is concluded

When a fair settlement cannot be reached, you can file a lawsuit and bring the case to court. If this happens, the court will decide whether or not the defendant owes you any compensation, and if so, how much.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Manassas, VA?

While recovering from your car accident may take months, it is important that you make sure you bring forth your claim within two years from the date of your accident. The two year time limit is the statute of limitations in Virginia for car accident cases, and if you breach it, you will be barred from recovering damages at all. While it can be difficult to do, we recommend calling our Virginia auto accident attorneys as soon as possible after a crash.

We Have What You Are Looking for in a Car Accident Attorney

Being involved in an auto accident is scary. We know that there are few things more terrifying than wondering what your life will look like in the future because your physical well-being, and your financial security, are up in the air. While we cannot change the awful fact that you have been in a car crash, we can provide you with some comfort moving forward. When you contact the experienced Virginia car accident attorneys at Olmstead & Olmstead we will get to work on building your case and helping you recover the financial award you need. We also work on distracted driving accident injuries.

Please do not wait any longer to contact us. We represent car accident victims and surviving family members. You can schedule your consultation by calling us at 703-361-1555 or you can contact us online.