Auto Accident Law Firm of Kevin Paul Childers

Common Injuries Sustained in Auto Accidents

Even minor car accidents can result in severe injuries, and some crashes can leave victims with lifelong medical problems. Though many types of injuries can be caused by car accidents, the most common include:

• Head injuries. During a car accident, passengers’ heads can collide with surfaces in the car, or the force of the collision can cause the brain to hit the sides of the skull. Both of these situations can easily lead to traumatic brain injuries like permanent impairment of speech, memory, or motor functions.
• Whiplash. A rear-end collision causes the head to snap back and forth, causing trauma to the neck called whiplash. Though it is not usually permanent, this type of injury is very painful and may require months of treatment to recover from.
• Back injuries. The force of a car accident can lead to herniated discs in the spine, fractured discs, and other painful injuries. In some cases, the nerves of the spinal cord may even be affected, causing paralysis and sensory impairment.
• Internal injuries. Fractured bones can puncture internal organs, potentially leading to massive internal bleeding and perhaps even death. Even simply the force of a collision can cause damage to sensitive organs.
• Lacerations. Cuts, varying from minor to severe, can be caused by broken glass or other sharp surfaces. Some of these lacerations may be life-threatening, if they happen to involve a major artery or vein, while others may lead to permanent scarring or disfigurement that can affect a victim for the rest of his or her life.
• Psychological damage. After a car accident, no matter the severity, some victims experience depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, or nightmares. Though these psychological injuries cannot be seen, they can affect a victim’s quality of life even more than physical wounds.

The Auto Accident Law Firm of Kevin Paul Childers can help you obtain the compensation you need for injuries sustained in a car accident. To discuss your situation, call (703) 659-1536 to schedule a consultation in our Dale City office.

Check Out These Helpful Sites for More Reading

After a car accident, count on the Auto Accident Law Firm of Kevin Paul Childers to provide the legal representation you need to obtain damages in court. To schedule an appointment in our Dale City office, call (703) 659-1536 and use the following resources for more information on car accidents and personal injury.

• DMV.org has a few tips about how to properly document a car accident.
• Damages for pain and suffering are an example of both compensatory and non-economic damages.
• Negligence is the basis of most personal injury lawsuits. The American Bar Association can tell you more about this important topic.
• If you’re thinking about filing a personal injury lawsuit without a lawyer, read this article to find out why that would be a mistake.
• Do your part to stay safe on the road by following these tips from Edmunds.com.

Why Is It Important to Properly Document an Auto Accident?

After an auto accident, it is natural to feel overwhelmed or uncertain about what to do. Despite this, you should always take steps to document the accident by taking pictures of the accident scene, your vehicle, and any injuries. You should also write out an account of what took place. These actions are vital for the following reasons:

• It will be easier for you to be reimbursed for medical treatment.
  Soft tissue injuries can heal rapidly, and outward signs of them can fade. If your insurance company cannot see evidence of your injuries, they may try to deny you compensation for your medical treatment. To make sure you are properly reimbursed for medical bills, lost wages, and other costs, you should take pictures of your injuries and obtain copies of your medical records.
     
• You will be better able to prove the other party was at fault.
  After an accident, each party will have a different story about what happened. You should not only take pictures of the accident but also collect witnesses’ accounts of what happened. Be sure to speak to witnesses as soon as possible before their memories fade. With this photographic evidence and the witnesses’ statements, it will be easier to prove that you were not the liable party.
       
• You will be able to file a lawsuit against the negligent party.
  With evidence of your medical injuries as well as documentation of the accident, you and your personal injury attorney will be able to show that the other driver was at fault for the accident, not you. This may allow you to to collect financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

At the Auto Accident Law Firm of Kevin Paul Childers, we know that being in a car accident can change your entire life. If you would like to discuss filing a lawsuit against the party responsible for your injuries, call (703) 659-1536 to schedule a consultation in our Dale City office.

What is Pain and Suffering from Personal Injury?

In a personal injury lawsuit, the plaintiff can seek financial compensation for damage, such as injuries. One example of a physical injury is pain and suffering. Take a look at the video above to learn more about this type of damage.

Because pain is subjective, attaching a dollar amount to it can be difficult, and the amount of money awarded varies from case to case. Judges try to be fair and consider factors like medical costs and the nature of the injury.

After an auto accident, count on the Auto Accident Law Firm of Kevin Paul Childers to provide the personal injury representation you need in Prince William County. We can help you recover financial compensation for the damages inflicted by your accident. To schedule a consultation, call (703) 659-1536.

What To Expect During a Wrongful Death Trial

If you’re considering filing a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages relating to the loss of a loved one, it is important that you know what to expect from the trial process. To learn more about what will happen during the course of your lawsuit, read below:

Filing a Lawsuit
To begin the process, your attorney will file a civil lawsuit against the defendant, the person accused of causing the death of your loved one. The defense will have the option of responding to the claim and disputing your allegations.

Discovery 
Next, your attorney will exchange evidence with the defense, a process known as discovery. Each side becomes aware of the information the other side intends to use and has the chance to request depositions and interviews from the other party’s witnesses. With the help of expert witnesses and documentation, your attorney will build a case against the defendant, while his attorney attempts to do the same.

Settlement
At any point before or during the trial, you and the defendant can opt to settle out of court. In an out of court settlement, the defense will offer you a sum of money in return for agreeing to withdraw the lawsuit. You may not receive as much money as you possible could in a trial, and you and your attorney need to discuss how much money you deserve and your chances of winning in court.

Trial
If an out-of-court settlement cannot be reached, the trial will proceed. Your attorney and the defense will each present evidence and testimony from witnesses to prove that the defendant was or was not negligent in the death of your family member or spouse. When all of the evidence has been presented, the judge or jury will establish a verdict and set an amount of financial compensation that you should receive.

Filing a wrongful death lawsuit requires a skilled, experienced attorney. If you think you have grounds for a lawsuit, call the Auto Accident Law Firm of Kevin Paul Childers at (703) 659-1536 to schedule a consultation in our Woodbridge office.