Why Do You Need a Virginia Car Accident Lawyer?

Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve suffered serious injuries like head, brain, neck, or spine trauma. Insurance companies often prioritize their bottom line over your well-being. That’s where a car accident lawyer comes in.

Car accidents can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. A car accident lawyer can be your advocate, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

At the Smith Law Center, our Virginia car accident lawyers are able to investigate your accident, calculate the compensation you deserve, and represent you in negotiations or in court. Additionally, our founding attorney Stephen M. Smith has a background in neurological science, which informs our advocacy for cases involving traumatic brain injury (TBI), one of the leading injuries associated with car accidents.

We can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, sparing you the stress and burden of such meetings. We represent you in court when necessary if the other side refuses to offer a fair settlement. Contact us at (757) 695-9425 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Read on to learn how a proven Virginia car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal aftermath of a car accident.

What Kind of Settlement Can a Virginia Car Accident Attorney Help You Secure?

Your Virginia car accident attorney may help you secure compensation for the following:

  • Medical expenses: This includes the cost of hospitalization, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any other medical expenses related to your injuries.
  • Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you lost during your recovery period.
  • Pain and suffering: This includes the physical and emotional pain you’ve experienced as a result of the accident.
  • Property damage: This includes the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, as well as any other property that was damaged in the accident.
  • Punitive damages: In some cases, a court may award punitive damages if the at-fault driver’s behavior was particularly egregious, like in DUI car accident cases.

The amount of the settlement will depend on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of the property damage, and the insurance policy limits of the at-fault driver. Your car accident attorney will work to negotiate a settlement that covers all of your damages and losses.

What Types of Injuries Does a Virginia Auto Accident Attorney Handle?

Here are the most common types of injuries that our Virginia auto accident attorneys regularly handle:

  • Traumatic brain injuries: These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. They can occur when the head is struck or jolted during a car accident.
  • Spinal cord injuries: These injuries can be catastrophic and may result in partial or complete paralysis. They can occur when the spinal cord is damaged in a car accident.
  • Whiplash: This is a soft tissue injury that occurs when the head is jerked forward and then backward suddenly. It is a common injury in rear-end collisions.
  • Broken bones: Broken bones can occur in any type of car accident, especially in high-speed collisions or rollover accidents.
  • Internal injuries: These injuries may not be immediately apparent after a car accident, but they can be life-threatening. They include internal bleeding, organ damage, and other injuries that occur inside the body.

An auto accident attorney can handle a wide range of injuries that result from car accidents, including bicycle collision accidents, and psychological injuries that can cause PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Our attorneys will work with medical experts to evaluate the extent of your injuries and determine the long-term impact they may have on your life. This helps ensure that you receive the funds necessary for appropriate medical care going forward.

What Does a Virginia Auto Accident Lawyer Do for Your Case?

An auto accident lawyer can provide a range of services to help you with your case, including working to:

  • Investigate the accident: Our Virginia auto accident lawyers can investigate the accident to determine who was at fault. We can gather and preserve evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and photographs to support your claim.
  • Calculate and negotiate: Your attorney can help determine the full extent of your damages. This includes medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses related to the accident. While insurance companies may try to minimize the amount of compensation they pay out for a claim, your lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
  • File and litigate a lawsuit: If negotiations with insurance companies fail, an auto accident lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf. Our team at the Smith Law Center can represent you in court and fight for your rights in front of a judge or jury.

One of the most valuable aspects of hiring an attorney is that we communicate with the other party so that you don’t have to. This can help reduce stress and anxiety for you, and ensure that your rights and privacy are protected throughout the process. Every task we complete for your case is one less chore you have to deal with as you heal and return to enjoying your life.

If you’ve lost a loved one due to a car accident in Virginia, you may also qualify to pursue wrongful death damages. These can cover both economic concerns like loss of income or funeral expenses, as well as the profound emotional losses of a person’s unique companionship. See our wrongful death FAQs for more information, and reach out to the Smith Law Center directly at (757) 695-9425 to discuss your family’s needs.

Smith Law Center Attorneys

About Smith Law Center

Our lawyers are more than lawyers. They are people who understand your injuries and the law that surrounds your options when it comes to holding others accountable.

Contact Experienced Virginia Car Accident Lawyers

A car accident can have serious consequences, and navigating the aftermath can be overwhelming. However, with a Virginia car accident lawyer from the Smith Law Center on your side, you can empower us to pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. This means less work for you, and a far better chance of securing a maximized settlement.

Our case results at the Smith Law Center show a proven history of success on behalf of our clients, including a record-setting $7.5 million jury award to a woman who suffered from a brain injury during a car accident.

If you have been injured in a car accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact the experienced Virginia car accident lawyers at the Smith Law Center online or by calling (757) 695-9425 to discuss your case and learn about your best path toward a better future.

FAQ

What should I do first after a car accident?

Your first step after any car accident should be to seek medical care. A healthcare professional can treat emergency injuries, and diagnose hidden or slow-onset symptom injuries like brain trauma. This not only helps prevent worsening harm, your medical records are often essential pieces of evidence later when pursuing fair compensation.

Do I need to hire a lawyer for a car accident lawsuit in Virginia?

While you can technically represent yourself in a car accident lawsuit, it is highly recommended that you seek legal advice from an experienced auto accident lawyer. Attorney-represented cases have a 91% likelihood of success, compared to 51% when self-represented. The award amounts are also an average of 300% higher when an experienced lawyer handles the negotiations.

Will I have to go to court for a car accident lawsuit?

Not necessarily — it depends on the specifics of your case. Over 95% of personal injury car accident cases are settled out of court through negotiations with insurance companies. This usually means you received the funds you need in a timely manner. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, a lawsuit may be necessary and could potentially go to trial.

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Virginia?

In Virginia, you generally have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit based on the statute of limitations. After that, the timeline for a car accident lawsuit varies — some cases may settle quickly, while others may need to go to trial. While this may take longer, the award amounts available during trial are often far higher than negotiated settlements.

Your lawyer will work with you to achieve the best case resolution possible. Contact the Smith Law Center at (757) 695-9425 before time runs out to explore your legal options.

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