Virginia interstate and highway accident lawyers

Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of highway accidents in Virginia. These accidents often occur due to sudden stops or tailgating, where one vehicle follows another too closely. Rear-end collisions can cause significant injuries, including whiplash, spinal damage, and head trauma. Drivers must maintain a safe following distance and stay alert to reduce the risk of these accidents.

Side-impact collisions are often the result of hasty lane changes, unsafe merging, or failure to yield the right of way. The impact typically affects the side of a vehicle, which offers less protection than the front or rear, often leading to severe injuries such as broken bones, internal injuries, and head trauma. To prevent side-impact collisions, drivers should always check blind spots before changing lanes, use turn signals, and obey traffic signals.

Multi-vehicle pileups are more likely to take place when there’s poor weather, such as fog, rain, or ice, which reduces visibility and road traction. That’s why drivers should reduce their speed to match road conditions. Multi-vehicle pileups may cause a chain reaction that results in serious injuries and fatalities for drivers and passengers. The chaotic nature of these accidents makes it challenging to determine fault.

Rollover accidents occur when a vehicle flips onto its side or roof, often due to sudden turns, high speeds, or collisions with other vehicles or objects. SUVs and trucks are particularly susceptible to rollovers because of their higher center of gravity. Rollovers can cause crush injuries, amputation, paralysis, and other catastrophic injuries.

Tire blowouts can be sudden and terrifying. They happen when a tire bursts due to factors like excessive wear, improper inflation, or hitting debris on the road. Regular tire maintenance, including tire pressure checks and wear and damage inspections, is essential for preventing blowouts.

Construction zones along the highway present unique hazards that can lead to serious accidents. These areas often feature changing traffic patterns, reduced lanes, and the presence of construction equipment, all of which require drivers to be extra cautious. Inadequate warning signs and sudden stops may catch drivers off guard, increasing the likelihood of collisions. Despite construction zones having reduced speed limits to protect workers and motorists, speeding is still a common cause of construction zone crashes.

Animal crossings are a significant hazard on highways, especially in places like Virginia, where wildlife is abundant. Deer, in particular, are a common cause of such incidents, especially during dusk and dawn when they are most active. The sudden appearance of an animal on the road can cause drivers to brake abruptly or swerve. These maneuvers can result in collisions with other vehicles, rollovers, or running off the road.