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How Can A Newport News Car Accident Lawyer Help You?
How Can A Newport News Car Accident Lawyer Help You?After experiencing a car accident, you may have devastating injuries and may now require lifelong support. An experienced car accident attorney will fight for you and help you receive the compensation that you deserve.
Each year, there are millions of car accidents in the United States. These accidents can be catastrophic and can cause financial hardship, devastating injuries, and thousands of deaths.
If you have experienced a car accident and are now experiencing financial difficulties in covering the ongoing cost of your medical care, you may need legal representation. A car accident attorney can represent you, negotiate with insurance companies, file lawsuits, and fight to achieve the justice that you deserve.
The Smith Law Center is one of the most storied and successful law firms in Virginia. The firm was founded in 1949 by Joseph Smith and his sons Stephen and Howard Smith. The attorneys at the Smith Law Center have unique experience in spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These are two of the most common injuries that occur during car accidents. After a life-altering car accident, you or your family may need support, and the attorneys at the Smith Law Center have a proven record of securing substantial compensation in court.
If you need an experienced car accident attorney in the Newport News, Virginia area, contact the Smith Law Center online or by calling (757) 244-7000. We are here to help you with meaningful advice and may even be able to assist you in the crucial moments following a car accident.
What Is the Average Settlement a Newport News Accident Attorney Can Secure?
A car accident settlement will depend on a multitude of factors including the severity of a person’s injuries and the unique facts and circumstances surrounding the accident. There is no “average” settlement. A car accident attorney will be able to examine your case’s circumstances to determine what a proper settlement should be. Your settlement could cover:
- Medical bills: including hospital visits, recurring therapy costs, costs of surgery, medication costs
- Lost wages: includes wages lost as a direct result of your accident as well as the diminished capacity to earn wages in the future
- Pain and suffering: compensation for emotional toll that your accident
Family members of someone who died in a car crash may also file a wrongful death lawsuit. Punitive damages may also be awarded in car accident cases. Punitive damages are awarded when the court wants to punish a particular type of malicious behavior. The purpose of these types of damages is to dissuade others from acting similarly in the future.
The Smith Law Center has been successful in securing multi-million awards for our clients. We have secured the following results for our car accidents clients:
- $7.5 million in a 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 is well experienced in litigating brain injury cases. Our founder, Stephen M. Smith has an extensive background in neuroanatomical science. Head trauma, brain injuries, whiplash, and spinal cord injuries are the most common injuries that occur during car accidents. Hiring a lawyer who is well-informed in the true cost of the long-term effect of car accident injuries will be essential to recovering the maximum amount of compensation for your case.
What Is the Most Dangerous Road in Virginia?
The Newport News car accident lawyers at the Smith Law Center are well acquainted with the most dangerous roadways in the state of Virginia. Some of the leading factors that cause car accident fatalities and injuries:
- The stretch of highway between Exit 261A and 264 on I-64 is the most deadly portion of the road in the entire state.
- Drunk driving was a factor in 1 out of every 3 fatal crashes in and around Newport News. Speeding was also a factor in 1 out of every 3 fatal accidents.
- Virginia ranks as the 11th worst state for distracted driving fatalities.
- The most deadly county to drive through in Virginia is Fairfax County which is located near Washington D.C.
- October is the deadliest month for driving in Virginia with the most accidents occurring because of the influx of leaf-peeping tourists and the beginning of slippery winter road conditions.
Out-of-state drivers passing through cities like Newport News create a flood of traffic on roadways. An experienced Newport News lawyer will be aware of these unique local factors and will be able to build the strongest case for you.
How Do I Choose a Newport News Car Accident Attorney?
Choosing the best Newport area car accident attorney should hinge on three factors:
- Experience: Research your attorney and if they have handled and won cases for your type of accident before. Make sure that they are willing to go to trial for you if your case cannot be settled through negotiations. Read client reviews and case results and determine if your attorney is willing to fight for you.
- Local accessibility: Make sure that the attorney is located nearby or is willing to make accommodations for you, such as a phone interview. By hiring a lawyer in the Newport News area, you can be sure that they are familiar with Virginia state law and how to calculate costs and damages for the local court that will hear your case.
- Payment arrangements: Ask if the law firm expects you to pay upfront or if they have a contingency fee plan. The Smith Law Center works on contingency which means that we only collect a fee if we are successful in achieving compensation for you. All filing fees, investigations, and court appearances executed on your behalf are done at no cost to you if we are not successful in your case.
Hiring an attorney to handle your car accident lawsuit should leave you feeling relieved that your case is in the hands of a professional. Our attorneys know how important it is to keep you up to date on your case including any investigations, the case timeline, and the decisions that must be made.
Contact the Smith Law Center online or at (757) 244-7000 to talk to an experienced car accident attorney about your case. There is no universal timeline for a car accident lawsuit. Your case may take several months or up to a year or more. Your unique facts and circumstances will dictate the pace of your case.
The lawyers at the Smith Law center will conduct an independent investigation of your Newport area car accident. They will visit and document the wreck, inspect the vehicles involved, and interview all witnesses including other drivers and passengers. Your car accident lawyer will build your case as if your case is going to trial–however, most cases will settle out of court for an amount that fully compensates your injuries, losses, and needs.
A settlement before trial will allow you to move on quickly after your accident. However, if your case does end up going to trial, a judge and a jury have more power to increase the amount of damages you may receive. Once a case reaches trial, it is no longer a negotiation but rather a court-mandated order that the other party pay you what you are owed.
If there is a choice between settling or going to trial, you will be able to make the decision that is best for you and your family. Your car accident attorney will be there to empower you, advise you, and carry out your best interests.
Contact An Experienced Newport News Accident Lawyer
A Newport News car accident attorney will protect your best interests while you focus on recovering from your injuries in peace. You deserve compensation for your losses and an experienced attorney who will fight to make sure you receive it.
The Smith Law Center is a multi-generational family-run law firm stationed in Hampton, Virginia. We specialize in personal injury law like car accident litigation. We are an internationally recognized firm for our work relating to catastrophic injuries, including brain and spinal cord injuries that result from serious car accidents. Our record speaks for itself as we have achieved multi-million dollar settlements for our clients, including the largest slip and fall case ever awarded in Virginia, and the largest verdict ever rendered in South Carolina.
Contact the car accident attorneys at the Smith Law Center online or by calling (757) 244-7000. We are standing by to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Newport News Auto Accident Attorney FAQ
What are the most important steps to take after a car accident?
If you are involved in a car accident, the most important step following the accident is to seek medical help. Even if you don’t feel that you are injured, an examination by a doctor is the only way to be sure. Additionally, visiting a doctor begins the process of gathering and preserving evidence for your car accident attorney.
It is important to contact a car accident attorney as soon as you can following an accident. An experienced car accident attorney can advise you on your communications and interactions with the other driver, your insurance company, and law enforcement. The sooner you contact a Smith Law Center attorney, the sooner they can begin gathering evidence and preparing your case.
What are the most common causes of car accidents?
Driver error, fatigue, mechanical failure of the vehicle, tire blowouts, or inclement weather are the most common causes of car accidents. A car accident attorney will thoroughly investigate the cause of your accident and identify all who should be held accountable for your compensation. These parties might include the car manufacturers or mechanics, the other driver, the other driver’s insurance company, or the companies who build and maintain safe roads.
Can I hire your firm if I don’t live nearby?
Yes, the car accident lawyers at the Smith Law Center accept clients from all over the United States. Located in Hampton, Virginia, we regularly accept cases from West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and D.C. If you are unable to travel due to your injuries, we are happy to accommodate you.
What is the deadline for filing a car accident claim?
In Virginia, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a car accident claim. There are a few exceptions to this rule that most cases will not qualify for. If you have questions about the specifics of your case, please contact the Smith Law Center online or call (757) 244-7000 to speak with our car accident lawyers today. Your call is free and 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.
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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.
Proudly Serving Virginia Residents for Over 70 Years
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.
Proudly Serving Virginia Residents for Over 70 Years
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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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Use the simple form below to send a message directly to our lawyers. We will respond within 1 hour or less during business hours.