Car accidents are an unfortunate but common occurrence in Charlottesville. It is not unusual to see vehicles pulled over on the side of the road or stopped in a parking lot after a collision. These accidents can cause serious injuries, property damage, and even fatalities, leaving victims and their families facing overwhelming challenges.

If you have been hurt in a crash, it is essential to secure the right legal representation. Your choice of attorney can make the difference between recovering fair compensation or being left with mounting expenses. A Charlottesville car accident lawyer at MichieHamlett can help you pursue accountability from the at-fault driver and seek the compensation you need for medical care, lost income, and other damages. Contact our talented personal injury attorneys today to learn more about your options.

Common Types of Car Accidents

We see cars collide in a variety of places around town, including side streets, parking garages, parking lots, and large highways. Some of the more common accidents include:

  • Rear-end collisions. One motorist is following another too closely and has insufficient time to stop, colliding with the driver’s back bumper.
  • Side-impact collisions. Common at intersections, the front bumper of one vehicle slams into the side of another.
  • Sideswipes. Two cars travelling parallel to each other can collide. Fault is often hard to determine with these types of wrecks.
  • Head-on collisions. Two cars that collide head-on can cause serious injuries, even death. Often, a drunk or fatigued driver drifts into oncoming traffic, leading to a crash.
  • Rollovers. Cars can roll onto their sides or hoods for a variety of reasons. A driver might make a sudden overcorrection, which upsets the car’s balance, or the vehicle can trip on something.

Accidents often happen so fast that you might not know what happened. Let a Charlottesville car accident lawyer untangle the facts.

Car Accident Fault

The driver who is at fault for the wreck is responsible for paying compensation to all injured victims. In many cases, a negligent or reckless driver is to blame. For example, someone who is driving too fast for conditions or who passes illegally can easily crash into another vehicle or force them from the road.

Other accidents are caused by distracted, fatigued, or intoxicated drivers. These drivers are impaired and unable to drive with sufficient care. This makes them liable for a wreck.

In some accidents, something other than a driver is to blame. A road defect, for example, can cause a driver to lose control through no fault of their own. Common defects include potholes, uneven shoulders, or construction debris left in the road. Missing or obscured traffic signs can also contribute to a wreck.

Negotiating with an Insurer

Virginia requires that motorists either pay an uninsured motorist vehicle fee or carry liability coverage, which will step in and pay compensation when the driver is at fault for a collision. Negotiating with an insurer is difficult, however. Some insurers dispute fault and try to shift blame onto your shoulders.

No motorist should negotiate with an insurer on their own. Few know how much their injuries are worth or what landmines await.

Contact a Charlottesville Car Accident Lawyer Today

MichieHamlett is a trusted law firm that vigorously protects the rights of crash victims. For experienced guidance and advocacy, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Charlottesville car accident lawyer.