Portsmouth Car Accident Lawyers

What Are the Most Common Types of Car Accidents?

There are many types of car accidents, ranging from minor fender benders to devastating head-on collisions that involve multiple vehicles. The more serious the accident, the more severe the injuries are likely to be. The following are examples of some of the most common types of car accidents:

• Rear-end collisions: These are some of the most common car accidents that occur when one motorist crashes into the rear of another driver’s vehicle. In some cases, they can result in multi-vehicle accidents if three or more vehicles crash into each other. Rear-end collisions often occur when a motorist is following too closely behind the vehicle that they are following.
• Side-impact collisions: This type of accident occurs when a vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle, often at a busy intersection. These are also known as “T-bone accidents,” and can be extremely serious, and even fatal if the vehicle that strikes the side of the car is traveling at a high speed.
• Rollover accidents: This is another example of a very serious car accident that can result in life-threatening, and even fatal injuries. They often occur when the vehicle approaches a turn, or a sharp curve in the road at a speed that is too fast for the road condition. SUVs, large pickup trucks, and other vehicles that have a high center of gravity are more likely to be involved in rollover accidents.
• Head-on collisions: These are devastating accidents that occur when two vehicles are traveling in the wrong direction and crash into each other, often at a high speed. If the occupants of the vehicles survive the crash, it is likely that they will suffer extremely serious injuries.

What Are the Common Causes of Car Accidents?

According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), close to 95 percent of all car accidents are caused by another driver’s negligence. That means that many car accidents can be prevented if motorists follow the rules of the road and avoid any unsafe or irresponsible driving behavior. The following are examples of the most common causes of car accidents:

• Distracted driving: Unfortunately, this remains one of the most common causes of car accidents in Virginia and across the country. The main culprit is talking and texting on the phone while driving, which takes motorist’s attention off the road. Other common distractions include eating and drinking, reaching for something in the back seat, interacting with other passengers, adjusting the radio, setting up the navigation system, or adjusting the temperature.
• Drunk driving: Even though drunk driving is illegal; people continue to get behind the wheel after consuming too much alcohol. Alcohol causes a range of impairments, including decreased coordination and slower reaction times. In addition, people who are under the influence of alcohol are more likely to drive too fast, which can increase the severity of an accident.
• Drowsy driving: While people do not generally consider this to be as serious as drunk driving, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that a lack of sleep can cause the same impairments as consuming alcohol. For example, being awake for 24 consecutive hours is comparable to having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.10 percent, which is higher than the legal limit of 0.08 percent. Long-haul truck drivers are known for drowsy driving.
• Speeding: The faster a motorist is traveling, the more difficult it is to maintain control of the vehicle if something goes wrong. The injuries and property damage that occur are often much more severe in a speeding-related accident.
• Reckless driving: This occurs when motorists drive too fast, change lanes without signaling, tailgate, ignore stop signs, and engage in other unsafe driving behavior that does not consider the safety of other motorists on the road.
• Aggressive driving/road rage: When one motorist directs their uncontrolled anger towards another driver, the situation can escalate to ‘deadly’ quickly. Examples of road rage include verbal insults, rude hand gestures, dangerous driving behavior that targets another driver, and physical threats. If the situation gets out of control, it can lead to serious injuries and fatalities.
• Defective vehicles: While relatively rare, these accidents are caused by faulty brakes, tire blowouts, steering malfunctions, and other defects.

What Steps Should I Take After a Car Accident?

Getting into a car accident is a shocking and stressful experience. However, if you know the steps to take immediately following the accident, you can ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you recover the financial compensation you deserve.

• Call 911. If you are physically able to do so, call 911 and report the accident. Dispatch will send a police officer to the accident scene as well as an ambulance if there are injuries involved. The responding officer will fill out a police report, which will describe the details of the accident, including who was at fault. Make sure that you obtain a copy of the police report as this can be used as evidence if you file a personal injury claim.
• Collect evidence. If you can move safely, take pictures of the accident scene, including damage to your vehicle, your injuries, skid marks on the road, and any other physical evidence that will help your case.
• Exchange information. Exchange contact information, driver’s license numbers, license plate information, and insurance information with the other driver. Do not apologize for anything, even if you are just trying to be nice. This can be used against you by the other driver’s insurance company and may ultimately have a negative impact on your claim.
• Talk to witnesses. If there were witnesses in the vicinity, ask if they would be willing to provide a statement and get their contact information.
• Notify your insurance company. Let your insurance company know that you were involved in a car accident. Keep in mind, however, that insurance companies are in the business of making money, so they will look for reasons to avoid a costly settlement. Provide only the necessary information and avoid posting information about the accident on social media.
• Contact an experienced car accident lawyer. A skilled car accident lawyer will protect your legal rights and assist you with every step of the claims process. They will anticipate the tactics that insurance companies use and negotiate the best possible settlement offer.

How Much Insurance Am I Required to Carry?

Unlike other states, motorists in Virginia are not required to carry liability insurance, provided they pay a $500 Uninsured Motor Vehicle fee. Once that fee has been paid, you are legally allowed to drive without insurance. However, if you are involved in a car accident, you are liable for any damages if you were responsible for causing the accident. Depending on the nature and severity of the accident, this could cost you thousands of dollars.

If you choose to purchase traditional liability insurance, this will cover any property damage and medical bills associated with the accident. If you are responsible for causing the accident, your liability insurance will also cover the other drivers, passengers and pedestrians who suffered injuries in the car accident. You can purchase any of the following coverage amounts:

• $20,000 liability coverage for property damage per accident caused by the owner/driver of the insured vehicle
• $25,000 liability coverage for bodily injury or death of one person in an accident caused by the owner/driver of the insured vehicle
• $50,000 liability coverage for total bodily injury or death liability in an accident caused by the owner/driver of the insured vehicle