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27 W. Queens Way, Suite 300, Hampton, VA 23669
(757) 244-7000How Can a Hampton Car Accident Lawyer Help You?
Those who survive car accidents may have catastrophic injuries that need specialist care and life-long support. An experienced car accident attorney can help you secure funds for your future.
There are millions of car accidents every year in the United States, causing financial hardship, severe injuries, and tens of thousands of deaths. In order to cover your losses and the cost of care going forward, you may require legal representation to negotiate with insurance companies or file a lawsuit.
The Smith Law Center is one of Virginia’s oldest and most successful firms, founded in 1949 by Joseph Smith and his sons, Stephen and Howard Smith. We have unique experience in spinal cord and traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases, two of the most common injuries due to car accidents. We know what our clients and their families need after a life-altering crash, and we have a proven record of securing vital and substantial compensation in court — over $1 billion for our clients in total.
If you need an experienced car accident attorney in Hampton, Virginia, surrounding states, or nationwide, contact the Smith Law Center at (757) 244-7000 as soon as possible. We’re here with the advice you need and may be able to begin representing you right away in the crucial moments after a car accident.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident Case?
There is no “average” settlement for a car accident. This is because each case is decided based on the severity of a person’s injuries and symptoms, plus their unique losses and needs going forward. Compensation could cover:
- Medical bills for emergency, surgical, and long-term care or physical therapy
- Lost wages and future earnings for those who missed work, lost jobs, or lost the ability to return to their career
- Pain and suffering costs, including the physical pain of injuries and the psychological trauma of serious accidents (depression, anxiety, and PTSD)
Wrongful death claims may also be filed by the family members of someone who died due to a crash. Car accident lawsuits that go to trial may involve funds known as “punitive damages.” These may be charged to the other side to punish them for extraordinarily unsafe behavior, like racing on highways or antagonizing other drivers. Those funds may be awarded to you and your family as additional compensation.
The Smith Law Center has secured the following results for our car accident clients:
- $7.5 million in a jury case for a woman who suffered a brain injury
- $4.75 million from a company defendant for a librarian with a mild TBI
- $4.1 million for a school principal who sustained a mild TBI
The Smith Law Center has unique experience in litigating brain injury cases due to founder Stephen M. Smith’s background in neuroanatomical science. Head, brain, neck, and spinal cord injuries are among the most common injuries caused by car accidents. Hiring a lawyer knowledgeable in the true cost of long-term injuries, with the ability to prove those amounts in court, is essential to your family’s recovery.
Testimonial: Mr. Smith did everything he promised and more. He comforted me when I was worried, and fought hard for me. He was my friend. I have already recommended a co-worker to The Smith Law Center and will speak very highly of your firm when asked about my case for years to come. Mr. Smith is truly an asset to your firm, as he is a terrific person and attorney. Thanks for excellent representation. – Sincerely yours, Joe
What Is the Most Dangerous Road in Virginia?
The Hampton auto accident attorneys at the Smith Law Center are unfortunately familiar with the most dangerous road in Virginia, and the leading factors that cause fatalities and injuries in our state:
- The stretch of highway between from Exit 261A and 264 on Virginia’s I-64 is the deadliest portion of road in the state. In just two years, 11 fatal accidents occurred there.
- Drunk driving was a factor in over 30% of local fatal crashes, with speeding a factor in over 28%.
- Virginia ranks as the 11th worst state for distracted driving fatalities with nearly 14% of fatal crashes involving distracted drivers.
- The state’s deadliest county is Fairfax County, located near the busy hub of Washington D.C.
- October is the deadliest month with the most fatal accidents in our state. That falls directly in prime leaf-peeping season, and is the beginning of snowy and icy road conditions.
Coastal cities like Hampton draw tourism from out-of-state drivers during dangerous weather seasons. An experienced Hampton auto accident lawyer will be aware of these important local factors, and build the strongest possible case for you and your family to obtain justice.
How Do I Choose a Hampton Car Accident Attorney?
Choosing the best Hampton-area car accident lawyer for you will likely hinge on three key factors:
- Proven experience: Has this attorney won cases for your accident or injury before? Are they willing to go to trial for the maximum amount if your case cannot be settled in negotiations? Ask for recent examples of cases like yours, or look for a case results or client reviews page on their website.
- Local accessibility: Can you meet with this attorney in a nearby office, or are they willing to come to you? A lawyer in your area will be familiar with Virginia state laws and how to calculate losses for the local courts your case will be decided in.
- Payment arrangement: Does the law firm expect you to pay upfront, or do they have a contingency fee plan? At the Smith Law Center, we work on contingency, meaning we only collect a fee if we are successful in winning compensation for you. This means the filing fees, investigations, and court appearances that go into building a strong case on your behalf are done at no cost to you if we do not win your case.
When you hire a lawyer, you should feel relieved that your case is in the hands of a diligent professional who will keep you up to date with their investigation, the timeline of the case, and the decisions that need to be made. Contact us at (757) 244-7000 to discuss your options with a compassionate, proven team.
How Long Will My Car Accident Case Take?
A car accident lawsuit may take anywhere from several months to a year or more. The timeline for your unique case will depend on the availability of the evidence, and how willing the other side is to negotiate.
The lawyers at the Smith Law Center will do their own independent investigation of a Hampton-area car accident. This includes potentially visiting the scene of the wreck itself, inspecting the vehicles, and interviewing witnesses and other drivers or passengers. We build your case as if we’re going all the way to trial, but most cases we’re able to settle out of court for a substantial amount that fairly compensates your injuries, losses, and ongoing care needs.
A pre-trial settlement has the benefit of allowing you to move on as soon as possible after an accident. However, if your case does go to trial, judges and juries have the power to greatly increase the amount you receive; at that point it’s no longer a negotiation, it’s a court-mandated order that they pay what you’re owed.
If there’s a choice to settle or go to trial, you will always be empowered to make the decision that’s best for you and your family. We are here to advise and serve on your behalf, and carry out your wishes.
Contact Experienced Hampton Car Accident Lawyers
To put it simply, a car accident attorney is going to protect your best interests while you recover in peace. Your losses deserve to be recognized and compensated, and your attorney will go to bat for you so that you can properly heal.
At the Smith Law Center, we are a multi-generational family-run personal injury law firm headquartered in Hampton. We have a combined 300+ years of legal experience. We are internationally recognized specifically for our work with catastrophic injuries, including brain and spinal cord injuries caused during serious car accidents. We have achieved record-breaking results for our clients, including the largest slip-and-fall case ever awarded in Virginia, and the largest verdict ever rendered in South Carolina. We are more than just your attorneys, we are your advocates.
Compensation from a car accident lawsuit can help cover the financial stress that often ensues after a wreck, improve the quality of the healthcare you can afford, and improve your future comfort and opportunities. Contact us at (757) 244-7000 — we will put the full force of our experience at your service.
Car Accident Attorney FAQs
What are the most important steps to take after a car accident?
Once you have called emergency services (police and paramedics) to the accident location, it’s important that you call a car accident attorney for legal representation. A lawyer can help you with all the following steps, including advising your interactions with the other driver, your insurance company, and the police. The sooner you contact the attorneys at the Smith Law Center, the sooner we can help protect your rights and begin gathering vital evidence.
What are the most common causes of car accidents?
Car accidents are frequently caused by driver error or fatigue, mechanical failure of the vehicle, or situations like tire blowouts or inclement weather. By investigating the cause of your accident, an attorney identifies all who are responsible for your compensation. These may include the other driver’s insurance company, car manufacturers or mechanics, and those whose job it is to build and maintain safe roads.
Can I hire your firm if I don’t live nearby?
Yes, attorneys from the Smith Law Center accept car accident cases all throughout the United States, anything from rear-end accidents to tractor trailer crashes. Located in Hampton, Virginia, we regularly cover areas like West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and D.C. We also understand that certain individuals are not able to travel due to their injuries, in which case we are more than happy to come to you.
What’s the deadline for filing a car accident claim?
In Virginia, you have until two years from the date of the accident to file a car accident claim. There are rare exceptions to this rule that most will not qualify for. If you’re unsure about the details surrounding your case, please contact us online or call (757) 244-7000 to speak with our auto accident attorneys today. Your call is completely free of charge, and your information is kept 100% confidential.
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.
VERDICTS AND SETTLEMENTS
Award to School Librarian for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Auto Wreck
Awarded: $4,750,000.00
Summary: HAMPTON, Virginia – Company pays $4,750,000.00 to school librarian for mild traumatic brain injury in auto wreck.
VERDICTS AND SETTLEMENTS
Award to School Librarian for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Auto Wreck
Awarded: $4,750,000.00
Summary: HAMPTON, Virginia – Company pays $4,750,000.00 to school librarian for mild traumatic brain injury in auto wreck.
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DELIVERING RESULTS SINCE 1949
We are one of Virginia’s largest and most successful law firms.
IF WE DON’T WIN, YOU DON’T PAY
There are absolutely no out-of-pocket fees for filing a claim.
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Use the simple form below to send a message directly to our lawyers. We will respond within 1 hour or less during business hours.
SPEAK TO US NOW FOR FREE
Your legal questions answered, completely free of charge.
IF WE DON’T WIN, YOU DON’T PAY
There are absolutely no out-of-pocket fees for filing a claim.
If you or a relative had a severe reaction to military housing mold, it might be time to talk with a toxic mold lawyer. Mold is everywhere, and can be dangerous. Researchers have linked mold to serious respiratory illnesses in some individuals.
Smith Law Center may be able to help if a property owner failed to keep you safe from mold in your military housing. We are one of Virginia’s oldest and most successful firms. We know how to hold negligent property owners responsible, especially when the military is involved.
Call us at (757) 244-700 or contact us online to set up a free consultation. There’s no fee for learning more about Virginia mold laws, your rights, and your legal options.
Mold in Military Housing
Black mold in military housing became widely known when Reuters published an investigation in 2018. Since then, the Department of Defense and the housing providers were supposed to take steps to improve the situation.
Unfortunately, a 2020 audit by the DoD Office of Inspector General found many issues, including the need for mold remediation, still persist.
Monetary Awards in Military Housing Toxic Mold Cases
If the property owner lets toxic mold run wild and continue to cause you harm, talk with our toxic mold attorneys about filing a lawsuit.
You may receive financial compensation for:
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
Service members and their families do not receive different types of damages than civilians. These are civil lawsuits in traditional courts of law.
Military Housing Mold Toxicity Symptoms
The Institute of Medicine discovered there was evidence connecting exposure to indoor mold with:
- Upper respiratory tract symptoms;
- Coughing;
- Wheezing;
- Asthma symptoms in individuals with asthma; and
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals with weak immune systems.
There is also limited evidence that mold causes respiratory illnesses in healthy children or causes people to develop asthma.
Understanding Exposure to Toxic Mold in Military Housing
The topic of toxic mold is complicated. This Is in part because the term “toxic mold” isn’t accurate. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains mold isn’t toxic or poisonous. However, some molds are toxigenic, which means they produce toxins called mycotoxins.
Mold is common in military housing because it’ll grow anywhere there’s moisture. That includes on and inside walls, carpet, upholstery, wallpaper, and heating and air conditioning systems. This is especially pronounced in humid conditions such as those present in Virginia.
Some people have no difficulties around mold, even large infestations in their homes. Other individuals are sensitive to molds, including those that produce mycotoxins. Someone can have a severe reaction when exposed to a large amount of mold indoors.
People may be more likely to experience mold toxicity symptoms if they have:
- Allergies,
- An underlying lung disease,
- Immune suppression,
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder,
- Asthma, or
- Another chronic respiratory disease.
Common Types of Military Housing Mold
When you’re trying to learn more from the CDC and other resources, you’ll see the word “fungus” a lot. Mold is a type of fungus, which is something that exists all around us. Fungi are living organisms different from animals, plants, and bacteria. There are over 200,000 types of fungi and over 100,000 types of molds.
If you discovered mold in your military housing, it could be Cladosporium, Penicillium, Stachybotrys chartarum, Aspergillus, or many other types. Stachybotrys is what everyone knows as black mold. Aspergillus is a common indoor fungus, which releases mycotoxins and can cause illness. Your symptoms may resemble common allergy or asthma symptoms.
Who is Liable for Military Housing Mold?
Since 1996, most military housing has come under the management of private companies:
- Belfour Beatty Communities: Fort Eustis and Fort Story/li>
- Lincoln Military Housing: Dahlgren, Little Creek, Naval Station Norfolk, Northwest Annex, Oceana, Portsmouth, Quantico, and Yorktown/li>
- Hunt Military Communities: Fort Lee and Langley AFB
Outside of Virginia, Lendlease and Corvias Military Living are two more housing providers. Together, these five companies formed the Military Housing Association.
Military families living in on-base housing must take their complaints to their private management company — not the military. The company is responsible for providing habitable conditions and making repairs, including mold remediation.
If you’re unsure about your rights, review your state law and local ordinances about mold. In general, it’s the landlord’s responsibility to provide a habitable unit, which means it has to be safe to live in. A unit isn’t safe if it’s causing a tenant health issues due to mold.
The Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act requires landlords to disclose if there’s mold in the written report of the move-in inspection. If a tenant discovers visible mold in the unit, then the Act requires the landlord to remove the mold and relocate the tenant until it’s gone at no additional cost to the tenant.
Unfortunately, many families find their housing providers aren’t receptive to complaints. Attorney Stephen M. Smith has handled many mold lawsuits against military housing providers who fail to abide by their lease terms and the law when it comes to mold remediation and other hazards.
Other Hazards in Military Housing
Many service members and their families deal with uncomfortable, if not hazardous, conditions in privatized military housing, including:
Lead Paint: Lead-based paint can cause headaches, nausea, fatigue, irritability, behavioral problems, learning disabilities, seizures, organ damage, and in extreme cases, death.
Asbestos: Exposure to asbestos harms a person’s lungs, and can lead to lung fibrosis (scarring), lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Radon: Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. It naturally forms underground, however cracks and gaps in buildings lead to over-exposure indoors.
Poor Water Quality: Dozens of military sites have water with detectable levels of harmful chemicals.
Other issues involve rodent or insect infestations, pesticides, and faulty electrical wiring.
What Happens When a Lot of People Get Sick?
Sometimes mold exposure impacts a single individual or family. However, when the mold spreads throughout military housing, it can impact hundreds or thousands of people.
Occasionally, a large enough group of people are injured to allow for a class action or mass tort lawsuit. A class action lawsuit is one where a class representative acts as the plaintiff on behalf of the group of hurt individuals. Not every victim participates in the lawsuit. There are rules about when a group is big and similar enough to create a class action.
Mass tort lawsuits are different. When there are fewer plaintiffs who have their own set of circumstances, each person files a lawsuit. For efficiency’s sake, one or a couple of law firms may represent most plaintiffs, and the lawsuits are consolidated in a federal court.
Call the Military Housing Mold Lawyers at Smith Law Center for Help Right Away
Mold cases come about in a few ways. You or a loved one may start getting sick, and after weeks or months of struggling to find answers, you finally realize your military housing has a mold infestation. In other cases, you struggle with visible mold and then become ill.
Once you connect the illness with the mold, it’s time to talk with a toxic mold lawyer. Reaching out to an attorney early helps you build a strong compensation claim. We know how to collect evidence, identify who is liable, and craft a successful argument for a settlement or court award.
Attorney Stephen M. Smith has decades of experience handling injury claims and has been internationally recognized for his work. He has litigated cases involving catastrophic injuries and complex legal and scientific issues. In 2019, he was inducted into the Virginia Lawyers Hall of Fame.
You’re in good hands when you come to Smith Law Center for help. Reach out online or call (757) 244-7000 to schedule your 100% free consultation.
Military Housing Mold Lawsuits: FAQs
DELIVERING RESULTS SINCE 1949
We are one of Virginia’s largest and most successful law firms.
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WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Use the simple form below to send a message directly to our lawyers. We will respond within 1 hour or less during business hours.