Auto Accident Law Firm of Kevin Paul Childers

Proving Fault in an Auto Injury Claim

Determining who was at fault for an auto accident is a matter of deciding who was negligent. Negligence is a legal term that basically means that a person failed to take sufficient care. If you have been injured in an accident, it may seem very clear to you who was at fault, but insurance companies and lawyers will look at some important documents to gauge negligence. Information may be gathered from a police report, and experts will determine if one motorist violated state traffic laws. If a motorist rear-ends another driver or causes an accident while making a left turn, he is usually deemed to be negligent and thus at fault for the accident.

The aftermath of an auto accident can be overwhelming. Let the experienced lawyers at the Auto Accident Law Firm of Kevin Paul Childers help you understand your legal rights. For more information, call our Woodbridge, VA office at (703) 659-1536.

When Are the Most Dangerous Times to Drive?

Sadly, auto accidents can occur at any time. But did you know that certain hours and even days of the week see a dramatic increase in auto accident injuries? This short article reviews the most dangerous times to drive and gives you some pointers on how to protect yourself against other distracted or reckless drivers.

Weekend Days

You may already know that auto accidents kill 40,000 Americans each year, and that car crashes are the No. 1 cause of death for children and young adults under age 34. But did you know that driving at certain times actually increases your chances of being in an auto collision? In fact, the NHTSA reports that the most dangerous month for car crashes is August, while Saturday is the most dangerous day of the week.

Late Hours

Accident experts stress that it is the vehicle’s driver who ultimately bears responsibility for her safety. Still, driving late at night can substantially increase your chances of being involved in an auto accident. Unfortunately, dangerous factors are simply compounded at night. For example, motorists are more likely to be drunk, to exceed the posted legal speed limit, and to drive without wearing a seatbelt. Whenever possible, it’s best to avoid poorly lit roadways after dark.

Adverse Conditions

Another good way to lower your risk for being in an auto accident is to wait out severe weather conditions. Driving during a snowstorm, thunderstorm, or high winds dramatically increases your chances of being hurt if you are driving too quickly. But because many drivers opt to stay home after a blizzard, cautious drivers can remain safe if they feel comfortable driving in icy conditions.

Being in an auto accident can change the course of your entire life, and your injuries may affect your physical and emotional well-being for years to come. If you have been hurt because of another motorist’s dangerous driving, call the attorneys at the Auto Accident Law Firm of Kevin Paul Childers today at (703) 659-1536. Our law office is convenient to Manassas, Fairfax, and, Herndon, VA.

A Look at Virginia's Most Dangerous Roads

Whether you live in Woodbridge, Dale City, or Prince William, you know that some Virginia roadways are simply more dangerous for motorists. Sadly, even the most cautious drivers are sometimes injured in auto accidents caused by another’s negligence. Minimize your risk for being involved in an accident by reviewing this guide to Virginia’s most dangerous roads.

Weyers Cave

In 2011, auto accident deaths on VA state roads rose after two years of record-setting lows. In Augusta County, the intersection of Routes 256 and 276 in Weyers Cave was ranked as the most dangerous spot for drivers. To respond to this public safety crisis, the Virginia Department of Transportation added left turn lanes to this busy intersection. Fortunately, the number of reported auto accidents quickly dropped from 14 crashes to just five.

Stuarts Draft

One dangerous stretch of Highway 340 near Stuarts Draft has caused more than its share of accidents and fatalities. In just three years, a single three-tenths of one mile road witnessed a whopping 28 crashes. Sadly, that same time frame also witnessed two fatalities. The Regional Operations Manager for VDOT advised that safety measures designed to improve the roadway are currently being evaluated.

Verona

Virginia engineers are also busy at work on safety improvements for another one of the state’s most dangerous intersections. Where Route 612 and Route 792 meet in Verona, VDOT has implemented some short-term fixes that will extend into long-term solutions to keep auto accidents at bay.

Charlottesville

After sustaining five fatal auto accidents in only five years, the long portion of Highway 250 that stretches from Afton Mountain to Charlottesville is finally getting some much-needed attention. To prevent future injury to motorists, authorities have added a roundabout at a busy intersection.

The experienced team of attorneys at the Auto Accident Law Firm of Kevin Paul Childers know that even careful drivers can be hurt in auto accidents. Our lawyers can help you get the financial compensation you need to begin your road to recovery. Call us today at (703) 659-1536 to learn what you can expect from the auto accident claims process.

Finding the Right Attorney After a Car Accident

Have you been in an auto accident that involves serious injuries? As you will learn in this video, your first step after seeking medical care should be to contact your personal injury attorney.

If you are responsible for the accident, your car insurance company will help guide your legal defense. If you are the accident victim, you will need to speak with a personal injury lawyer who has experience handling auto accident cases. Your attorney may accept your case on a contingency basis, meaning that you will not pay any lawyer’s fees until you are compensated for your injuries.

Find out how an attorney can help you in the aftermath of a VA car accident by contacting the Auto Accident Law Firm of Kevin Paul Childers at (703) 659-1536 to set up a consultation. Our Woodbridge office is convenient to Fairfax, Woodbridge, and Herndon.

An Auto Accident Victim's Guide to Soft Tissue Injuries

A soft tissue injury is a medical term for damage to the body’s ligaments, tendons, and muscles. In the aftermath of an auto accident, victims may experience sprains, strains, contusions, and other serious injuries. Be sure to seek necessary medical care before you contact an auto accident lawyer to guide your legal case. This summary is a helpful guide to common causes, symptoms, and treatments for soft tissue injuries.

Sprains

Auto accident victims often suffer from back, or lumbar, sprains or strains. A back sprain occurs when your body’s ligaments, the tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect your bones, become stretched or torn. This injury is usually the result of severe stress on a joint and can make even basic movements painful. Sprains can be marked by moderate to severe pain that interferes with activities such as sitting, standing, walking, or driving. Sprains may also occur in the ankle, knee, or wrist.

Strains

After an auto accident, many motorists complain of lower back pain. A strain is importantly different from a sprain as it involves the stretching or tearing of muscle or tendons. Your tendons are responsible for connecting muscles to bone, and strains usually occur when the back is overextended in an accident. Unfortunately, serious tears may require surgical repair.

Contusions

A contusion is a clinical word for any bruising that results from a blow to the body’s muscles, skin, or tendons. Bruises are caused when blood pools around the injury and causes the skin to turn deep purple or blue. While most contusions can be healed with rest, ice, and elevation of the injured area, you may require medical care if bruising does not fade on its own.

Have you been hurt in an auto accident in Woodbridge or Dale City, VA? The Auto Accident Law Firm of Kevin Paul Childers takes pride in providing superior legal representation and attentive care for clients throughout Virginia. Visit us online or call our firm today at (703) 659-1536 to get immediate legal representation so you can avoid making mistakes that could adversely impact your auto injury claim.