Newport News Car Accident Lawyer

If you were injured due to the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your losses. A local Newport News car accident lawyer can assist you in pursuing legal action.

Car accidents can create a whole host of challenges for the injured person and their family, including financial hardships and psychological trauma. During such difficult times, an experienced car accident attorney in Newport News can help you overcome such burdens.

Smith Law Center understands the intricate nuances of car accident cases in Newport News and beyond. We can provide a wide range of legal services needed to obtain the compensation you deserve and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.

As one of the oldest and most renowned law firms in Virginia, we have a proven record of successful results for our clients, including an award of $650,000 for a client who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car wreck in Newport News.

If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident, don't face the aftermath alone. Contact Smith Law Center at (757) 244-7000 to schedule a no-cost consultation for your case. Our team is passionate about helping you secure the justice you are entitled to under the law.

"They gave me hope again."

After her accident, Nancy faced a long and painful recovery from a traumatic brain injury. Like many victims, she wasn't sure how she would afford her care or return to daily life.

With Smith Law Center by her side, Nancy received both compassionate legal support and a financial recovery that allowed her to focus on healing.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Newport News

By the time you're searching for guidance on what to do after a car accident, the scene of the crash is usually behind you. You've already called the police and seen a doctor. What you need now is guidance on the days, weeks, and months that follow.

Take Tons of Pictures, and Keep Taking Them

Most people take a few photos at the scene and stop there. Don't.

Take pictures of the interior and exterior of your car from every angle, along with any visible injury, no matter how small or insignificant it seems. Continue photographing your injuries every single day until they fully heal.

If you didn't get many photos at the scene, don't panic. Take what you can now: your vehicle, your injuries today, the route you take to physical therapy, and any medical equipment you're using at home.

Start a Daily Journal

Get a notebook or open a notes app and write something every day, even if it's short. A journal entry doesn't need to be polished. Something like this works:

Day 1: Accident happened this morning. Pounding headache by the afternoon. My wrist feels sprained. Couldn't sleep, kept replaying the impact.

Day 2: Saw Dr. Harris. She thinks I may have a concussion and told me to ice my wrist. The pain in my back and shoulders was unreal trying to get out of bed. She called it "guarding," which is when your muscles brace against pain. Suggested a sauna would help, but said no because of the concussion. Prescription waiting at the pharmacy, but I don't have a car. Asked a friend to pick it up after work.

Day 3: Couldn't drive my kids to school. Headache still there. Woke up at 3 a.m. from a nightmare about the crash. Cried in the shower.

Be Careful With the Other Driver's Insurance Company

The other driver's insurance company will call you. Probably more than once. The adjuster on the line will sound pleasant. You'll hear a familiar company name and a friendly voice. The adjuster might ask, "How are you feeling today?" and seem genuinely concerned.

Here's what you need to understand: that adjuster is trained. Their job is not to help you. Their job is to pay you as little as possible, or nothing at all. Every "check-in" call is an opportunity for them to gather evidence, listen for any admission that could be used to reduce your claim, and lock you into statements before you fully understand the extent of your injuries.

The most common trap is the recorded statement. A recorded statement is a tool used to find inconsistencies, get you to downplay your injuries, or trap you into saying something that can be used against you later. Even a polite "I'm doing okay, thanks for asking" can be quoted back to you months later as evidence your injuries weren't serious. 

You are not legally required to give one to the other driver's insurance company. Decline and tell them to call your Newport News auto accident attorney.

If you already gave a recorded statement, don't panic. Contact a Newport News car accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can review what was said, identify anything that needs to be clarified or countered, and put strategies in place to protect your case from here forward. 

The most important step now is to stop talking to the insurance company directly and let your lawyer handle every conversation moving forward.

Talk to a Lawyer—It Costs You Nothing

A lot of people hesitate to call a lawyer because they assume it will be expensive, complicated, or that their case "isn't big enough." None of that is true.

A consultation with Smith Law Center is free and confidential. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we recover money for you. There is no upfront cost, no hourly billing, and no risk to picking up the phone. 

The earlier we get involved, the more we can do, including preserving evidence, handling communications with the insurance company, and making sure deadlines aren't missed.

Virginia Is a Fault State—What That Means for Your Claim

Virginia operates under an "at-fault" system for auto accidents. This means the driver (or party) found to be responsible for the crash is also responsible for covering the damages.

It's important to note that Virginia also follows a contributory negligence rule, which can bar a victim from recovering compensation if they're found even 1% at fault for the accident. That's why it's crucial to build a strong case right from the start.

Who Is Considered Liable for a Newport News Car Accident?

Liability in a Virginia car accident case comes down to who acted negligently and who caused the harm. In many crashes, the at-fault driver is the obvious party. But several other parties may share responsibility depending on the facts:

• Another driver who was speeding, distracted, impaired, or violating traffic laws;
• A vehicle manufacturer if a defective part (such as faulty brakes, airbags, or tires) contributed to the crash;
• A government entity responsible for poorly maintained roads, missing signage, or hazardous conditions;
• A trucking or commercial company if a commercial driver caused the crash while on the job;
• A third-party contractor performing road work or maintenance that created unsafe conditions; or
• A bar or restaurant in certain dram shop cases involving over-served drivers.

Identifying every liable party matters because it can directly impact the amount of compensation available. Multiple insurance policies and defendants may be involved, and a thorough investigation is often the difference between a partial recovery and a full one.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Newport News

Most car accidents in Newport News come down to driver error, though road conditions, weather, and vehicle defects also play a role. Some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted driving (texting, eating, adjusting GPS);
• Speeding and aggressive driving;
• Impaired driving;
• Running red lights or stop signs;
• Following too closely and rear-end collisions;
• Improper lane changes and failure to yield;
• Drowsy driving, especially on long stretches of I-64 and I-664;
• Inclement weather combined with unsafe driving for conditions;
• Defective auto parts or vehicle failures; and
• Poor road design or unmaintained roadways.

Understanding the cause of your crash helps determine who is liable and what evidence will be needed to prove your case.

What Injuries Does a Newport News Auto Accident Lawyer Typically Handle?

An auto accident lawyer in Newport News can handle a broad range of injuries caused by car accidents. Such injuries can vary in severity. Some of them may have long-lasting or even permanent consequences for the victim.

Common car crash injuries that Smith Law Center handles include:

• Brain Injuries: Head and brain injuries are common in car accidents and may include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions. Such injuries may frequently occur in high-speed or severe-impact crashes. Brain injuries can be mild or severe and may require extensive treatment and medical care.
• Spinal Cord and Back Injuries: Car crashes can result in many types of back injuries, such as spinal cord damage, back sprains and strains, and herniated discs. Such injuries can limit mobility and may lead to chronic pain and other long-term conditions.
• Neck Injuries: Whiplash can result from a car accident due to the sudden jerking movement of the neck and head during impact, especially in a rear-end accident. Whiplash can result in neck pain and stiffness, headaches, and other symptoms requiring ongoing therapy and rehabilitation.
• Broken Bones: Broken bones can occur in car crashes that involve significant force, such as when a vehicle collides with a commercial truck. Soft tissue injuries can also result, such as sprains or strains.
• Psychological Injuries: Besides physical injuries, car crashes can result in emotional distress, psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Car accident victims can sometimes need therapy to help them deal with the emotional effects of a crash.

If you were involved in a car accident, you must seek medical attention after the accident as soon as possible. You should also visit a doctor if you feel any pain or symptoms later on, as some crashes can result in delayed injury symptoms, especially those related to TBIs and concussions.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

Not every car accident is the same, and the type of crash you were involved in can shape your legal strategy. At Smith Law Center, we represent clients in a wide range of cases, including:

• Rear-end collisions,
• Head-on crashes,
• T-bone and intersection accidents,
• Multi-vehicle pileups,
• Hit-and-run accidents,
• Drunk driving accidents,
• Distracted driving crashes,
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist claims,
• Rideshare accidents involving Uber and Lyft,
• Commercial vehicle and truck accidents,
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents, and
• Wrongful death claims involving fatal crashes.

Whatever the circumstances of your accident, our team has the resources, knowledge, and experience to take on insurance companies and pursue full and fair compensation.

Car Accident Statistics in Newport News, Virginia

Our team of lawyers consistently litigates car accident lawsuits in Newport News and throughout the rest of Virginia.

In a one-year period in Newport News, there were 3,274 car crashes, 16 fatal wrecks, and 1,559 car accident injuries. Of these, 185 car accidents, 7 fatalities, and 86 car crash injuries were alcohol-related. The area also has a high rate of pedestrian and bicycle accidents.

If you need assistance with any type of car accident claim in Newport News or the surrounding areas, contact Smith Law Center online or by calling (757) 244-7000. We are on hand to discuss your legal rights and options.

Changes to Car Insurance Regulations Help Protect Virginia Drivers

New requirements for minimum car insurance coverage went into effect on January 1, 2025. These updates aim to offer stronger financial protection for accident victims:

• Virginia drivers must now maintain minimum liability coverage of $50,000 (up from previous limits).
• The option to pay a $500 fee and legally drive without insurance has been completely removed.
• Uninsured drivers now face increased penalties.

These updates have a direct impact on how much compensation you may be able to pursue after a crash. Our attorneys stay up-to-date on policy and legal changes to help you get maximum recovery under current Virginia law.

How Much Is My Newport News Car Accident Case Worth?

One of the first questions clients ask is, "What is my case worth?" The honest answer is that every case is different. The value of your claim depends on a number of factors, including:

• The severity and permanence of your injuries;
• The total cost of your medical care, both past and future;
• How much income you have lost and your future earning capacity;
• The impact on your daily life, relationships, and ability to enjoy activities;
• Available insurance coverage and the assets of the at-fault party;
• Whether contributory negligence may apply to your case; and
• The strength of the evidence, including witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony.

Cases involving catastrophic injuries (such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or wrongful death) often result in significantly larger recoveries because the lifetime costs and losses are far greater. 

A Newport News car accident attorney will evaluate every category of damages, including future medical needs, lost earning capacity, and non-economic losses like pain and suffering, to make sure no part of your claim is overlooked.

What Type of Compensation Can a Newport News Car Crash Lawyer Help You Obtain?

Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case and the extent of your injuries, a Newport News car accident attorney can assist you in securing various types of compensation:

• Medical Costs: Past, present, and future care, including ER visits, surgeries, medications, rehab, and therapy;
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life;
• Lost Income: Missed work or inability to return to your previous job, including lost earning capacity;
• Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle and belongings; or
• Wrongful Death Compensation: Funeral expenses, lost household income, and support for surviving family members.

According to a Martindale-Nolo study, people who hire a car accident lawyer receive settlements nearly three times larger than those who represent themselves. A qualified Newport News auto accident attorney from Smith Law Center will assess your losses and fight for the maximum compensation available to you under the law.

How Smith Law Center Fights for Our Clients

Our Newport News car accident attorneys can help with all aspects of your claim:

• Investigation: We gather medical reports, police records, witness statements, photographs, and scene evidence to build a compelling case.
• Negotiations: We negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement and handle all communications on your behalf.
• Litigation: If a reasonable offer isn't made, we'll take your case to trial, with a legal strategy built for results.

Having the right legal counsel can prevent costly mistakes and reduce the stress of managing a complicated claim.

A Newport News Firm Serving Local Clients Since 1949

When you're choosing a law firm to handle something as important as your car accident case, who you hire matters. Smith Law Center is a Newport News firm, founded right here in 1949 by Joseph Smith, a local attorney who built his practice on a simple idea: help injured people. 

Nearly 80 years later, his sons Stephen and Howard Smith, along with partners Stewart Gill and David Holt, run the firm under that same philosophy.

What does that mean for you?

Working with our firm means having attorneys backed by a dedicated staff with more than 300 years of combined experience. Over the years, we’ve handled more than 90,000 cases, recovered over $1 billion for our clients, and achieved a 98% success rate. That record of results has earned recognition at the highest levels of the legal profession.

Stephen Smith was inducted into the Virginia Lawyers Hall of Fame in 2019, an honor reserved for attorneys who have made significant contributions to the practice of law. He's been included in the U.S. News Best Lawyers in America, named a Super Lawyer year after year, and is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

When the at-fault driver's insurance company sees Smith Law Center listed as your representation, they understand they're dealing with a firm that has the experience, the track record, and the resources to push back hard on lowball offers.

Why Hire Our Law Firm?

At Smith Law Center, we've been handling car accident cases in Newport News and across Virginia for decades. Our team has the experience and resources to take on insurance companies, build strong claims, and pursue full compensation for our clients.

Here's why thousands of clients have trusted us with their cases:

• Available 24/7 to our clients
• Free and confidential consultations
• Over 70 years of legal experience
• One of Virginia's largest and most successful injury law firms
• Over $1 billion recovered for clients nationwide

"Insurance companies are trained to minimize claims. We're trained to protect your future and your dignity." 

— Stephen M. Smith, Founder

"They fought like my life depended on it—because it did."

When Linda Gervin was nearly killed in a traumatic car accident, her future was uncertain. Facing enormous medical needs and lifelong challenges, she turned to Smith Law Center.

Our team pursued justice relentlessly and secured an $8 million settlement, ensuring Linda can access the care and support she needs for life.