Essex County car accident attorneys

If you were injured in a car accident in Essex, our legal team is here to help

Essex County is an idyllic, beautiful place, where recreation enthusiasts enjoy boating, sailing, and fishing on the Rappahannock River, hiking through wooded areas, and taking part in the many charms of a coastal community that’s welcoming to all. The county's principal town, Tappahannock, dates back to a 17th-century port settlement. Originally part of Old Rappahannock County, Essex County was formed in 1692 and named for either the English County or the Earl of Essex.

But the county’s many peaceful and calming qualities doesn’t mean Essex doesn’t have its share of vehicle accidents. In fact, nearly 250 car accidents happen each year in Essex, according to the Virginia DMV statistics for the most recent year available. Of those accidents, nearly 100 resulted in serious injuries, and two resulted in fatalities. That means someone was injured in a car accident in Essex County every few days.

That’s why we at GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys have focused our time and passion on helping car accident victims. We have seen again and again how devastating traffic collisions can be, as well as how negligent and uncaring some drivers can be about the damage they have caused. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence in Essex County, reach out to us at (804) 413-6777. We want to do everything possible to help you.

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What are common causes of car accidents in Essex?

Essex County is among the more rural counties in the Commonwealth of Virginia. But car accidents still happen here. In fact, they happen in every corner of the country. Route 17 runs the length of the county, with speed limits up to 60 miles per hour on two-lane portions, and the county’s back roads are often winding and bordered by overhanging vegetation. Some of the more common causes of car accidents that we have seen include:

• Distracted driving
• Driving while intoxicated
• Aggressive driving
• Speeding
• Improper road maintenance
• Car malfunction
• Running red lights and stop signs
• Poor driving conditions

Because of Essex County’s rural nature, tight turns and narrow roads abound, which locals know to be careful with. Visitors and tourists may not. Someone coming to see the gorgeous Rappahannock River may drive down Essex roads at the same speed they would use in a city, not bothering to slow down. Sadly, a county having a low population doesn’t mean the streets are safe. You or your loved ones could still be involved in a major accident. Whatever the cause of your accident, you may be hurt, frightened, and confused.

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What injuries can result from a car accident?

Car accidents and collisions are often debilitating. Even injuries considered “minor” can take weeks or even months to recover from. We have worked with many car accident victims over the years. We’ve also been in bad car accidents ourselves, so we know firsthand how painful, both emotionally and physically, injuries can be.

Some of the injuries we see most often include:

• Fractured, broken, or crushed bones
• Spine injuries
• Lacerations
• Internal damage
• Whiplash
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Amputations
• Road rash
• Nerve damage
• Death

Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are traumatic to body and mind. Even if you don’t have to spend days in the hospital, you may feel the effects of a collision for some time afterward. You shouldn’t have to suffer because of someone else’s negligence. You deserve to live a comfortable life with compensation for the amount you have suffered.

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What costs could be recovered in a car accident case?

When filing a personal injury claim in Essex County, many people assume that they can only be awarded economic costs, for expenses that have affected their lives financially. These commonly include:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Therapy bills
• Lost wages (past and future)
• Lost ability to work

However, you may also be able to win compensation for non-economic costs. Non-economic costs often cover the other ways you have been affected. Some of the most common examples of non-economic costs include:

• Pain and suffering
• Lowered quality of life
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of enjoyment

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Who can be held liable for my injuries?

Liability can’t be determined without closely examining the facts of your case. Little details can make a world of difference in a personal injury case.

Often, one of the following parties is at fault when it comes to car accidents:

The other driver: Having a license is a privilege, but not everyone treats it that way. Many reckless, careless, and easily distracted drivers are on the roads. While you may follow all the laws, you can still end up in an accident because of another driver’s negligence.

The party responsible for road maintenance: Potholes, cracked pavement, and downed trees or branches can make any road dangerous. You may have been in an accident not because you weren’t driving responsibly, but because you hit a big pothole you didn’t see, and then lost control of your vehicle.

Roads are usually maintained by the county or state they are in, which means the local government may be at fault. Filing a claim against the government often comes with restrictions, rules, and deadlines that normal personal injury claims don’t have. So if you suspect that this circumstance contributed to your accident, don’t wait to reach out to an experienced car accident attorney to discuss your case.

The car manufacturer or mechanic: Cars, like any other machine, can malfunction. Vehicle manufacturers have the responsibility to engineer and sell well-tested, safe cars. Mechanics also have the responsibility to do proper maintenance and make sure vehicles are safe. If either party fails in their duty, and that negligence results in an accident, they may be held responsible for the injuries they caused.

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How GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys can help

We at GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys have years of experience in working with clients who have suffered in car accidents. In fact, John Singleton and Ken Gibson have both been in serious car wrecks and know firsthand how traumatic they can be.

Your first priority should be your recovery. Let us focus on your claim and fighting for your rights to justice and compensation. No one deserves to suffer because someone else made a bad choice. Contact us today at (804) 413-6777 to find out how we can help you.

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