Car accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and loss on Virginia roads. Thousands of crashes occur each year from preventable mistakes, typically sparked by a moment of distraction or poor judgment behind the wheel.
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we’ve spent decades representing car accident victims throughout Virginia. Using recent state crash data and firsthand legal experience, our car accident lawyers identified the key causes of collisions and how drivers can avoid them. In this guide, you’ll also find legal context through relevant Virginia statutes and tips for protecting your rights after a crash.
What Are the Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Virginia?
According to the Virginia DMV’s 2023 Traffic Crash Facts, the majority of car accidents involve driver-related factors. These include distraction, speeding, alcohol impairment, and other violations of Virginia traffic laws. Below are the top contributors, supported by state crash data and legal citations.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving remains the leading cause of preventable accidents in Virginia. In 2023, the state reported over 16,000 distraction-related crashes resulting in more than 9,000 injuries. The most dangerous forms of distraction include:
- Using mobile phones for texting or social media
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Interacting with passengers or pets
- External distractions like billboards or accidents
Under Virginia Code § 46.2-818.2, using a handheld device while driving can result in fines starting at $125 for first offenses and up to $250 for subsequent violations. The law applies even when stopped at traffic lights or in school zones.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speed-related crashes accounted for over 20,000 accidents in Virginia last year, with a disproportionate number resulting in fatalities. The risk of death increases dramatically with speed:
- 40 mph: 45% chance of severe injury or death
- 50 mph: 65% chance of severe injury or death
- 60+ mph: 85% chance of severe injury or death
Virginia’s reckless driving laws are among the strictest in the nation. Driving 20 mph over the limit or over 85 mph anywhere is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail, $2,500 in fines, and license suspension.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Alcohol-related crashes claimed 250 lives and injured over 4,000 people in Virginia during 2023. First-time DUI offenders face:
- Mandatory minimum $250 fine
- License revocation for one year
- Required installation of ignition interlock device
- Mandatory alcohol safety program completion
Blood alcohol content of 0.08% is the legal limit, but impairment begins at much lower levels. Even prescription medications can result in DUI charges if they affect driving ability.
Failure to Yield and Other Traffic Violations
Intersection crashes accounted for 7,500 accidents in 2023, with most occurring during these high-risk situations:
- Left turns across oncoming traffic
- Four-way stop sign confusion
- Yield sign violations during merging
- Right-of-way disputes in parking lots
Failure to yield violations typically result in 4 demerit points on your driving record and increased insurance premiums. In cases involving injuries, civil penalties can be substantial.
Poor Weather and Road Conditions
Weather-related accidents spike during these conditions:
- The first 10 minutes of rainfall (when oil residue creates slick surfaces)
- Black ice formation (especially on bridges and overpasses)
- Heavy fog (particularly in mountainous regions)
- Snow accumulation over 1 inch
Under Virginia Code, drivers must maintain proper vehicle control in all conditions. This means keeping adequate tire tread depth, working windshield wipers, and well-maintained braking systems. Drivers who don’t adjust their driving to weather conditions may face reckless driving charges, even when traveling below the speed limit.
Drowsy Driving
Fatigue impairs driving ability in much the same way as alcohol or drugs. According to the National Sleep Foundation, being awake for 18 hours straight makes you drive like you have a blood alcohol level of .05, and after 24 hours, it’s like having a .10 blood alcohol level – higher than Virginia’s legal limit.
Warning signs of drowsy driving include:
- Difficulty focusing or keeping your eyes open
- Drifting from your lane or hitting rumble strips
- Missing exits or traffic signs
- Having trouble remembering the last few miles driven
Commercial truck drivers are subject to federal hours-of-service regulations that limit driving time to 11 hours within a 14-hour period, followed by 10 consecutive hours off duty. Violations of these regulations not only put everyone at risk but can also result in significant liability in accident cases. For regular drivers, experts recommend taking a break every 2 hours or 100 miles and never driving more than 8 hours in a day.
For answers to your questions, call:
800-321-6741
Pursuing Compensation With the Help of a Virginia Car Accident Lawyer
Under Virginia’s personal injury laws, if another driver’s negligence caused your car accident and injuries, you have the right to seek compensation. You may be entitled to several types of damages:
- Medical expenses (both current and future treatment costs)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
Working with an experienced car accident attorney is particularly important for protecting your interests. Your attorney can manage all communications with insurance companies, which often try to minimize payouts. We can also gather critical evidence, including police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony to build a strong case.
How a Car Accident Attorney at Tronfeld West & Durrett Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Virginia, don’t wait to seek legal help. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we offer free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your case and explain your options. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will carefully evaluate your situation and provide straightforward advice about the best path forward.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Remember, you don’t pay any fees unless we win your case. Let our decades of experience in Virginia car accident law work for you while you focus on your recovery.
Call or text 800-321-6741 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form