Reston Car Accident Lawyers

Serious injuries deserve experienced attorneys

Car Accident Lawyers in Reston, VA May be Able to Help With Car Accident Injuries that Cannot be Seen

Even though people tend to be more familiar with physical injuries from car accidents, there are many “invisible” injuries that a victim may be able to get help for from car accident lawyers Reston, VA residents car accident victims can rely on.  

Anyone who has been in a car accident or witnessed one from the sidelines can vouch for just how stressful such an event can be. It is not uncommon for a passersby to rush over to help, especially for accidents where a life could be in danger. In the worst possible scenario, a car wreck leads to a fatality. For particularly traumatizing car accidents, there are other injuries besides physical wounds that a victim may suffer from.

In the article to follow, we talk about a types of car accident injuries that cannot be seen externally. Many people in Reston who have suffered from these kinds of injuries have found it helpful to learn about how their rights can be protected from reputable car accident lawyers in Reston, VA.

Is It Worth It To Fight Charges of Reckless Driving?

A good way to help you determine whether it is worth it to fight a reckless driving charge is with the help of a car accident lawyer in Reston, VA who is experienced in successfully defending drivers who have been charged with reckless driving.

For basic information, let’s look at the facts:

In many states a reckless driving conviction is a Class 1 misdemeanor – as is assault or a DUI.  The maximum penalty can be a year in jail, a $2,500 fine and losing your driver’s license for six months. Conviction of a reckless driving charge stays on your permanent criminal record for years.  If you are applying for citizenship, the conviction could negatively affect your eligibility. Car rental agencies can refuse to rent you a car. Some countries may restrict entry to travellers with a conviction and you could be flagged at the border if you do not disclose the conviction. In addition, depending on what state you live in, a reckless driving conviction is a several point offense.

If you are concerned about any of the above and many more reasons not mentioned here, it may be in your best interest to discuss your situation with a reliable Reston, VA accident lawyer.

In addition to legal problems, a reckless driving conviction can substantially increase your car insurance costs, affect security clearance, affect your employment – especially if you have a commercial driver’s license.

You need a law firm who focuses on car accidents if you are facing a reckless driving charge.  Cohen & Cohen handles countless of reckless driving cases in Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC every year.  We are successful in assisting our clients in avoiding criminal convictions and minimizing complications associated with the reckless driving charge.

If you are convicted of reckless driving, you may also be taken to civil court and sued for damages.  By pleading guilty to reckless driving or even a lesser offense, it may make it easier to be sued by the other party.

The information contained in this article is not intended to be legal advice in any way. For legal advice about reckless driving and/or a car accident in Virginia or its surrounding communities, a good place to start is with a reputable Reston, VA car accident lawyer.

There are several situations that can lead to a reckless driving charge – some may have not even resulted in an accident.  These allegations include:

• Suspected DUI but were then charged with reckless driving
• Passing a stopped school bus
• Falling asleep at the wheel
• Passing a vehicle on a hill or a curve illegally
• Driving too fast for weather conditions
• Turning the wrong way on a one-way street
• Driving through a closed construction zone or closed road
• Driving while texting (distracted driving)

If you have concerns about any of the above, you may find it helpful to discuss your situation with a car accident lawyer in Reston, VA who understands Virginia car accident laws.

In certain states these acts are automatically considered reckless:

• Driving 25 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit
• Passing on a two-lane road when there is limited visibility of oncoming traffic
• Eluding a police officer
• Racing another vehicle

There are many ways a judge can reduce the charge  If you have a perfect driving record, the judge may be more lenient and agree to reduced charges and a reduced fine.

On the contrary, if you have several points on your driving record, you will need the extra effort of an attorney representing you and negotiating for a more positive result and a reduction of the charges to perhaps improper driving.

If you have been accused of reckless driving, call Cohen & Cohen for a free consultation and case evaluation.  We can explain exactly what can happen to you in your case and what we can do to help.

For an experienced Reston, VA car accident lawyer that people who have been in car accidents can rely on, contact Cohen & Cohen for a free case evaluation with no obligations.

Common Car Accident Injuries in Reston, VA

Across the country, car accidents occur every day and many result in serious or even fatal injuries that our car accident lawyers Reston, VA accident victims recommend at Cohen & Cohen, are well aware. All too often, the victims are not fairly compensated by the responsible parties for their injury costs and related damages. At Cohen & Cohen, we believe in fighting for the rights of these victims and seeking maximum settlements from the negligent drivers who caused a victim’s injuries. Our car accident lawyers have been tremendously successful in achieving this goal and may be able to help you as well.

Call us today to set an appointment for a case review. We do not charge for this initial consultation because it’s an opportunity to determine if working with our car accident lawyers will be of benefit to you. There are many factors to consider. Our car accident lawyers who are licensed to practice in Reston and throughout VA may be able to help you with the following:

Clear Liability

An important aspect of any personal injury claim or civil lawsuit is the establishment of liability. Our car accident lawyers can help you to do this with accidents that happened in Reston, VA.

When the waters are murky, it can be difficult to make the case that the other party should pay for damages. In some cases, responsibility for the accident is shared among drivers, thus lessening the amount of a final settlement. In the worst case scenario, without a lock tight case that shows without a doubt that the other party caused the injury accident, the negligent party’s insurance company will probably deny the claim.

In a courtroom scenario where the victim’s car accident lawyer pursued litigation, the jury may not award compensation to the victim if there is reasonable doubt.

Cohen & Cohen works with victims to help establish a solid case. Our car accident lawyers who are licensed to practice in Reston and throughout VA, DC and MD, will not offer false promises. You can trust us to be upfront about your chances and to honestly tell you which legal avenues we think may best suit you based on your particular circumstances.

Severity of Injuries

When a Reston, VA car accident victim suffers only a minor injury, and there is little to no possibility that the injury will escalate in severity, it may not be necessary to hire car accident lawyers.. On the other hand, if the injuries will require one or more surgeries, time off from work, pain and suffering along with other damages, it may be wise to call us at Cohen & Cohen. Our car accident lawyer will make every effort to ensure you receive a fair settlement for your injury costs and suffering. This can mean a difference of many thousands of dollars more than what you might get on your own without an experienced legal representative protecting your best interests.

Car Accident Injuries

Reston, VA car accidents are notorious for causing serious injuries that result in long term effects and need the help of accident lawyers. Some of the most common car accident injuries include:

• Back, neck, and spinal cord injuries
• Broken legs, arms, and other bones in the body
• Deep lacerations (cuts) and significant bruising
• Loss of one or more limbs
• Closed head and other types of brain injuries
• Internal injuries

Can a victim suffer from emotional or mental injuries after a car wreck?

Absolutely, injuries that are often overlooked are mental/emotional struggles due to being in a car accident. After such a traumatizing event where there were severe damages and perhaps even people who ended up in critical condition, people often struggle to process what happened.

Many people who suffer from these types of injuries find it helpful to discuss their rights with car accident lawyers who understand personal injury laws that govern Reston, VA.

How do I know if I need to talk to my doctor about how I am feeling?

Every person is different in how they process disturbing events. Some people may recover just fine, while others need some help to arrive at a state of calm. When you first go to see your doctor for an exam after the car crash, let him or her know about any mental or emotional symptoms you are having. Inform your doctor if you have any of the following:

• Newly developed fears about getting back into a car
• Refusing to operate a vehicle since the accident
• Avoiding areas that remind you of the tragic event
• Insomnia, nightmares or trouble staying asleep
• Feeling hypervigilant, irritable or edgy
• Anxiety, panic attacks

It is important to do these things not only for an accident victim’s own health but they can be used as forms of evidence that car accident lawyers from Reston, VA can use to help protect an accident victims rights to compensation for their injuries.

When in a state of shock, how can I know what injuries I have sustained?

When our body has a flood of adrenalyn and shock, we may not be able to feel the severity of our injuries right away. When getting out of the car, you can perform a quick body exam. Check your vital body organs by applying very gentle pressure to your head, chest and abdomen. If you feel any aches, tenderness or outright pain then you know medical attention is necessary. However, Reston, VA car accident lawyers still recommended you get an exam with your doctor soon after the accident even if you feel okay, just in case something is going on that you are yet to be aware of.

What is one of the more serious injuries I should watch out for?

Head injuries can be one of the more pressing conditions in which emergency care may be required. A victim of a car accident may have suffered a concussion, or other brain trauma in which there is swelling or bleeding. If a brain begins to swell and the inflammation has nowhere to go, this quickly turns into a potentially life-threatening situation. If you believe you may have hit your head, car accident lawyers in Reston, VA strongly recommend that you do not wait to see a doctor. Here are common signs of a brain injury to look out for while at the scene of the accident, and the days to follow:

• Unrelenting & intense headache
• Vomiting and/or nausea
• Slurred speech
• Trouble understanding others
• Increased irritability
• Trouble sleeping
• Personality changes
• Poor concentration

If I plan on suing the driver, what evidence may help my case?

When at the scene, it is key that the victim gathers as much evidence as possible about what happened. When meeting with a lawyer, the more proof the better. An attorney can go through the information you provide to determine what is most supportive of your case. Examples of useful evidence to bring to Reston, VA car accident lawyers can include:

1. Photographs of the scene (car damage, visible wounds, tire marks & glass shattered on road)
2. Witness information (an attorney can contact witnesses and get statements about what they saw)
3. Copy of the police incident report regarding the accident
4. Receipts of medical costs paid out of pocket, emergency visits, physical exams, diagnostics, prescriptions & treatment
5. Any other paperwork related to the car accident injuries

What should I expect from a therapy session?

Your doctor may recommend you see a therapist depending on your symptoms. If he or she suggests making an appointment and you have never been to a therapist before, you may be unsure what to expect. The role of a therapist is to help you sort through difficult emotions, feelings, and thoughts about the car accident so you can work towards healing. A therapist is not there to judge or criticize, but to be an unbiased person that you can talk openly with.

Many accident victims find that talking about their accident with a therapist is helpful for healing their injuries. Talking to car accident lawyers who practice in Reston, VA can also help to alleviate anxiety about how victims should deal with financial hardships that often arise as a result of car accidents.

Can I sue the driver at-fault for mental trauma from the wreck?

You may be entitled to receiving compensation from the driver at-fault for medical expenses, future treatment costs, vehicle repairs, and more. While it is possible to get retribution for mental trauma, it is harder to prove. If you decide to meet with an attorney about filing a civil lawsuit, bring along all paperwork and receipts related to your injuries. Other important things you may want to take along to your consultation include:

• Copy of the incident report taken at the scene by an officer
• Medical bills (emergency visits, hospitalization, exams, diagnostics, prescriptions, etc.)
• Pictures of car damage & scene (if you took any at the time of the accident)

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in any way, it may be in your best interest to discuss your rights with personal injury lawyers who are experienced in successfully defending the rights of accident victims and their families.

For car accident lawyers Reston, VA car accident victims and their families can rely on, contact Cohen & Cohen for a free case evaluation any time of the day or night, any day of the year.