Loudoun County Car Accident Attorney

If another person’s driving has injured you or a loved one, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the harms and loses you have suffered. While numerous traffic laws and penalties are in place to discourage and discipline unsafe driving practices, the mandated consequences only serve to punish the at-fault driver. They are not designed to help or assist the innocent victim of a motor vehicle accident in Loudoun County.

If it is a minor fender bender, you may be able to walk away unscathed. If, however, it is something more severe, you will likely join the ranks of victims who must seek medical care for an auto accident-related injury. A Loudoun County car accident lawyer can help.

By retaining a Loudoun County car accident lawyer, you can work to establish liability and file a claim for financial restitution from the at-fault driver. Such civil consequences will also serve as notice to the at-fault driver that they must cease engaging in the reckless or hazardous behavior that lead to the crash and your injury or injuries.

Hazardous Driving Conditions

A speeding or distracted driver puts the well-being of others at risk. But when this careless behavior is coupled with inclement weather, or other hazardous road conditions, the risk of harm increases. The Virginia Driver’s Manual recommends safe driving practices for less than ideal conditions, including night driving, fog, rain, and snow. If a driver fails to utilize these safety principles, then they increase the odds of causing a motor vehicle accident.

Night Driving

Headlights are required in Virginia from sunset to sunrise and when windshield wipers are in use. When driving in heavily-populated areas, such as cities or towns, low-beam headlamps are recommended. If a street has no lighting, high-beams may be necessary. When oncoming traffic is present, the beams must be lowered, and high-beams are similarly discouraged if a vehicle is 200 feet or less ahead as the bright lights may temporarily blind the driver in front. High-beam headlights are also recommended on poorly-lit highways, unless an oncoming vehicle is within 500 feet.

Fog

The density of fog can actually cause vehicle headlights to reflect light back to the driver and therefore should not be used in foggy weather. Drivers should also reduce their speed and look for road edge markings as a guide.

Rain

During the onset of heavy rains, standing water on the roadway mixes with oil to make for slippery conditions. Maintaining the posted speed limit or lowering speed is advised. Again, low-beam headlights are recommended due to the possibility of glare. If driving through standing water, someone should not slam on the brakes. Drivers should take care to lower the speed of their travel prior to driving through puddles and flooded areas to maintain tire traction and reduce the risk of hydroplaning.

Snow

The Virginia Driver’s Manual recommends removing all ice and snow from the vehicle prior to driving, which includes all mirrors, windows, and front and rear lights. When stopping or turning, it is best to apply brakes lightly and allow for extra time and space to slow the vehicle.

Contacting a Lawyer

Though the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides extensive information to help drivers make the best decisions, collisions still occur. And even if you abide by all traffic laws and recommendations, you still have no control over the drivers around. If you were injured in a car accident caused by another person’s reckless or negligent driving, you have the right to seek compensation. If you were in an accident in Loudoun County, you should contact a skilled Loudoun County car accident lawyer today who will work with you throughout the process and make sure you know what mistakes to avoid making in order to protect your claim.

Loudoun County Car Accident Attorney