Knowing the Risks and Understanding Your Rights – Dealing with Car Accidents in Virginia Beach
We are Virginia Beach Accident Lawyers Helping Motor Vehicle Crash Victims Recover Fair Compensation for their Injuries and Losses
Car accidents in Virginia Beach are urgent concerns that require immediate attention and action. In 2022 alone, the city had 5,317 vehicle crashes. These collisions claimed 29 lives and caused severe injuries to 2,647 individuals. Such startling figures are not just statistics but represent real people whose lives – and family members’ lives – have been suddenly changed or cut short on our community’s roads.
Understanding the risks, recognizing the most hazardous areas for drivers in Virginia Beach, and knowing your rights and responsibilities after a crash can significantly influence your physical, mental, and financial outcome in the event of an accident. Being prepared is about more than just defensive driving. It’s also about being informed. If an accident occurs, the aftermath can be overwhelming, filled with confusion, fear, and uncertainty. Legal complexities, insurance details, and health concerns come into play, often all at once.
One thing stands clear in the critical minutes, hours, days, and weeks after a car crash: the need for reliable, accessible, and knowledgeable support from medical and legal professionals.
Whether you’re a driver, a passenger, or a concerned family member, knowing how the legal system can make you whole or help you recover some of what you have lost is your first defense in a world where a quick drive to the store or a friend’s house can change your life forever.
You can find the legal help you need by calling our Virginia Beach car accident attorneys at 757-810-5614. We guide motor vehicle crash victims and injured workers through the confusing path toward compensation.
Car Crash Statistics for Hampton Roads
Virginia Beach is part of the Hampton Roads Metro Area, a region in southeastern Virginia that includes cities such as Newport News, Norfolk, Hampton, Portsmouth, and Chesapeake.
Hampton Roads is known for its high roadway crash rate. For example, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), there were more than 26,000 crashes in Hampton Roads in 2021. These traffic crashes resulted in 179 deaths, a record high and an increase of 81% over the last decade.
Last year, 2022, showed the trend of dangerous roadways in Hampton Roads continuing. Virginia Beach and nearby cities recorded the highest rate of crashes in Virginia – more than Richmond and Northern Virginia.
Speeding and distracted driving (such as texting or checking email or social media on a cell phone) were significant causes of these crashes.
The statistics, however, only tell part of the story. Indeed, the numbers numb the actual cost of automobile accidents in Virginia Beach.
Behind each crash is a person: a neighbor, friend, or family member who is suffering from disability, pain, fear, and uncertainty. These car crash statistics reflect disrupted lives, emotional trauma, financial strain, and a burden on healthcare services and other commuters using the roadways to get to school, work, or home.
Virginia Beach’s Most Dangerous Intersections
Traveling safely down the streets of Virginia Beach requires knowledge of the traffic rules and awareness of the city’s most hazardous zones.
Certain intersections have gained notoriety for their high incidence of vehicular accidents, posing a threat to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
Understanding these danger zones is essential for your safety and the well-being of others on the road.
Here is a list of Virginia Beach’s most dangerous intersections and roads.
- Kempsville Road and Indian River Road: This intersection, which sees more than 100,000 vehicles daily, had 49 reported crashes in 2021.
- Virginia Beach Boulevard crossing with First Colonial Road is often one of the high crash locations in the city.
- Baker Road and Northampton Boulevard
- Baxter Road and Princess Anne Road
- Bonney Road and Rosemont Road
- Cypress Avenue and 21st Avenue
- Donna Drive and First Colonial Road
- First Colonial Road and Laskin Road
- General Booth Boulevard and Dam Neck Road
- General Booth Boulevard and Nimmo Parkway
- Holland Road and South Rosemont Road
- Independence Boulevard and Lynnhaven Parkway
- Indian River Road and Providence Road
- Indian River Road and South Military Highway
- Interstate 264 and Birdneck Road
- Laskin Road and Regency Drive
- Laurel Lane and First Colonial Road
- Lynnhaven Parkway and Lynnhaven Road
- North Birdneck Road and Chinquapin Lane
- Pacific Avenue and 16th Street
- Pacific Avenue and 21st Street
- Pacific Avenue and 25th Street
- South Independence Boulevard and the I-264 Ramp: The heavy merging traffic and high-speed levels contribute to the risk factor, especially during rush hours.
- South Rosemont Road and Lynnhaven Parkway
The frequent collisions at these locations are a wake-up call for state and local authorities to enhance safety measures and for drivers to exercise increased caution.
These Virginia Beach intersections share common contributing factors: high traffic volumes, complex navigation, speeding, and sometimes inadequate signage or signals. As drivers, while we can’t redesign these intersections, we can control our driving behavior. Slowing down, paying full attention to the road, obeying traffic signals, and anticipating other drivers’ actions can make a difference.
Virginia Beach’s Most Dangerous Roads
Virginia Beach is an area that not only struggles with hazardous intersections but also contends with treacherous highways. These roads, notorious for their safety risks, demand heightened attention and cautious driving.
Shore Drive is one of Virginia’s deadliest roads, with over 80 fatalities since 1971.
The reasons behind the number of Shore Drive crashes are multifaceted. It’s a scenic route, which means distractions are plentiful, with drivers often paying more attention to the view than the road. Additionally, the narrow roadway travels through busy areas, leading to a dangerous mix of high-volume traffic and pedestrians. Frequent sharp turns and blind corners further escalate the risk, particularly when drivers unfamiliar with the road underestimate the hazards.
Another Virginia Beach highway that has earned a reputation for crashes is Sandbridge Road.
Though it may not have the same high fatality statistics as Shore Drive, it poses significant risks. This road is characterized by its sharp bends and turns, demanding the driver’s constant attention and adept vehicle handling. Rural and less developed than other areas, this road lacks some of the safety features found in more urban settings. Its secluded location means fewer street lights and the road’s narrowness can be unforgiving, particularly with local and agricultural traffic.
These roads serve as clear reminders that safety is a shared responsibility. While drivers must commit to cautious driving, city planners and local authorities must invest in long-term solutions to decrease risks. This means considering structural enhancements, improved lighting, clearer signage, and public awareness campaigns educating on these roads’ dangers. The objective is clear: to transform these notorious paths into safe roadways for everyone who travels on them.
Do You Need a Personal Injury Attorney if You’re Hurt in a Virginia Beach Car Crash?
We hope you never get hurt in an auto accident or need to call a Virginia Beach personal injury lawyer.
But we are here for you when the unthinkable tragedy strikes.
The aftermath of a traffic collision can be overwhelming. You may face physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial stress.
A car accident lawyer can become a crucial ally when things seem like they can’t get worse.
For example, here are some of the ways we help Virginia Beach accident victims:
Understanding the Law
Virginia’s laws around car accidents are complex.
In addition to meeting your burden of proving each element of negligence, you must also avoid the contributory negligence defense. This legal doctrine may bar you from recovering money damages if you were even slightly at fault for the wreck.
Skilled car accident attorneys know the ins and outs of these laws. They can explain your rights and the legal terms in everyday language, then develop a plan to maximize your traffic crash settlement.
Investigating the Accident to Determine Liability and Sources of Recovery
You may have several legal claims (causes of action) and available remedies after an accident.
For example, one car crash may result in the following:
- A civil action (complaint) for injuries based on the other driver’s negligence (the standard personal injury lawsuit): This action is also called a third-party lawsuit if you have a concurrent workers comp case.
- An application for Social Security disability (SSDI or SSI) if your injuries result in permanent partial disability and prevent you from returning to work. For example, we have represented many auto accident victims who sustained traumatic brain injury (TBI), burn injuries, or herniated discs requiring spinal fusion that ended their careers.
- A claim against the owner of the driver’s vehicle: Such causes of action may include allegations of negligent entrustment, supervision, hiring, or retention.
- A product liability case against the vehicle manufacturer or distributor (including makers of the tires or other auto parts) if the product had a defect that caused the crash.
- A claim against Uber, Lyft, or a similar company if the crash occurred while the ride-sharing app was in use.
- An uninsured/underinsured motorist claim against your auto insurance policy (called a first-party insurance claim) if the negligent party does not have enough insurance coverage or assets to cover your losses.
Your lawyer and their team will investigate the facts and uncover evidence to determine all applicable claims and prove them. This investigation may include sending spoliation letters to preserve evidence, finding traffic camera footage, talking to witnesses, obtaining police crash reports, and getting reports from expert witnesses (engineers, doctors) to determine how the accident happened and the extent of your injuries.
Dealing with Auto Insurance Companies
You will likely receive a call from an insurance representative within days of reporting the auto accident.
This representative, also called a claim adjuster, may ask you to give a recorded statement. Don’t!
The adjuster’s goal is to protect the insurance company’s money, which means they may prod your claim for weaknesses and offer less money than you deserve. Indeed, I never recommend accepting the first settlement offer.
A car accident lawyer acts as your shield, dealing with the insurance company or third-party claim administrator (Sedgwick, Corvel, ESIS, etc.) for you. They’ll handle all the paperwork and tough conversations and know how to represent your interests in a way that scares the insurance adjuster into increased reserves and offers to settle.
Calculating Your Damages
How much should you ask for when someone’s carelessness, recklessness, or willful misconduct takes so much away from you?
It’s a big, important question.
And a Virginia Beach auto accident lawyer familiar with the jurisdiction, the local court rules, and typical jury awards here can help answer it.
Lawyers consider medical bills, lost wages if you can’t work or miss out on job opportunities because of the injuries, future medical expenses, and how the accident lowered your quality of life when calculating the amount of money needed to get back what you lost.
Read this article for more information on personal injury damages.
Representing You in Judicial Proceedings Inside and Outside of the Courtroom
Sometimes, insurance companies won’t agree to a fair settlement. Here, you must file a lawsuit, engage in pretrial discovery (including interrogatories, requests for production, requests for admissions, and depositions), attend mediation, and take your case to trial. A good accident lawyer will stand up for you, presenting your case and arguing for your rights when the other side’s offers are unreasonable.
No Upfront Fees
Many car accident attorneys (including our law firm) work on a “contingency fee” basis. That means we only get paid if you win. This arrangement allows anyone, no matter their financial situation, to get legal help.
A car crash attorney takes on the burden of the legal process, allowing you to focus on healing. They use their knowledge and skills to seek justice and compensation for the hardships you and other victims endure because of someone else’s acts or omissions. Whether it’s negotiating a fair settlement or representing victims in court, our lawyers are dedicated advocates for those affected by car accidents.
Safety Tips for Virginia Beach Drivers
Driving in Virginia Beach poses unique challenges. For example, military bases, bridge tunnels, tourists visiting the beach, and military bases require attentiveness and planning before getting on the road.
To increase your safety on the road, here are straightforward tips every driver, motorcyclist, biker, and pedestrian should follow:
- Stay Alert at Intersections: Many accidents happen where roads cross each other. Always look both ways and be extra careful at notorious intersections like Kempsville and Indian River Road. Even if the light is green, ensure the cross traffic has stopped.
- Follow Speed Limits: Speeding is a significant cause of traffic crashes, especially on hazardous roads like Shore Drive. Obey the speed limits and reduce your speed in bad weather or heavy traffic.
- Avoid Distractions: Keep your full attention on the road. That means no texting, eating, or other activities that take your eyes off the road or hands off the wheel, such as checking out an attraction near the beach. Remember, it only takes a second of distraction to cause an accident.
- Use Turn Signals: Let other drivers know your intentions. Always signal before changing lanes or turning, giving enough warning to others around you.
- Keep a Safe Following Distance: Don’t tailgate. Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you gives you enough time to react if it suddenly stops.
- Drive Sober: Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They significantly impair your ability to make sound judgments and react quickly.
- Be Extra Cautious at Night: Reduced visibility and increased likelihood of impaired drivers make nighttime driving more dangerous. Use your headlights correctly and stay extra alert.
- Wear Your Seatbelt: This simple act can save your life. Ensure you and all your passengers are buckled up, no matter how short the journey.
- Maintain Your Vehicle: Regularly check your brakes, tires, lights, and other safety systems to ensure they’re in good working order.
By following these practical safety tips, drivers can significantly reduce their risk of getting into accidents on Virginia Beach’s roads. It’s about making simple, smart choices and watching out for others whenever you’re behind the wheel.
The Future of Virginia Beach’s Roadways
The landscape of Virginia Beach’s roads will continue to transform in the upcoming years.
For example, the city is considering building a two-lane road connecting Dam Neck and London Bridge roads. This connector may incentivize the construction of warehouse and distribution center projects (maybe an Amazon fulfillment center), increasing heavy vehicle and commuter traffic in the area. More vehicles typically mean a higher likelihood of traffic incidents, increasing the need for careful planning to decrease potential risks.
In addition, work continues on the Laskin Road Bridge Replacement & Widening Project. This project will improve capacity and enhance safety along the Hilltop business corridor of Virginia Beach, beginning at Republic Road, through the First Colonial Road intersection, and stopping with the bridge replacement west of Red Robin Road.
While infrastructural changes can bring about immediate inconveniences, such as construction-related delays and detours, the long-term impact could mean a safer and more efficient roadway system for everyone if meticulously planned and executed.
Take the Next Steps Toward Recovering Money for Injuries Suffered in Your Virginia Beach Car Wreck
One look at Virginia Beach’s traffic crash statistics underscores a crucial reality: every trip by car, motorcycle, truck, or tractor-trailer carries risks of harm, particularly at busy intersections and highways used by residents and tourists.
Preparedness and heightened awareness while driving will help prevent accidents.
But there is no way to eliminate crashes.
In the wake of an accident, navigating the legal waters can be turbulent, making a personal injury attorney’s role critical.
That’s where our Virginia Beach car accident lawyers step in.
We have the expertise and skill to ensure victims like you and your loved ones get proper compensation for your losses.
Let us turn this overwhelming experience into one where you get justice and a monetary award to start fresh and enjoy your life the best way possible.
So, reach out if you are struggling with the aftermath of a Virginia Beach traffic incident. You don’t have to handle the legal proceedings alone.
Act today.
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