Portsmouth Car Accident Lawyer

David HoltSamantha Cohn
Legally Reviewed By
Stephen M. Smith
Stephen M. Smith
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Red-headed woman with glasses driving in a car looking for a Portsmouth car accident lawyer.Front of Smith Law Center building
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Car accidents can be life-altering events, leaving individuals with injuries, medical bills, and emotional distress. But regardless of your emotional state, it’s important NOT to provide a recorded statement during this time. This may allow the other driver’s insurance– and even your own– to potentially use your words against you. 

Contacting an attorney can help you remedy many of your most pressing worries, and set you up for a better future. We’ve successfully provided counsel and compensation for victims like Nancy Harris, who suffered a brain injury after her car was hit in a commercial truck accident.

Take a look at the different types of collisions we work with.

Rear-end Accidents

Rear-end collisions account for 29% of serious injuries in a car crash. Typically, these accidents are caused by distracted drivers or sudden stops, but occasionally trucks may factor into more fatal collisions

If you end up in a rear-end accident, you might find yourself with extensive trauma requiring medical treatment and rehabilitation. And the impact of these collisions isn’t just physical. As a victim, you may face lifelong burdens due to care bills and lost wages. 

Our Portsmouth car accident attorneys can try to recoup these losses. We’ve helped clients win millions, and with our expertise, we promise to help you do the same.

Don't face the aftermath of a rear-end collision alone; let our experienced team advocate for your rights and work towards a favorable outcome for your case.

Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash is a common, and often debilitating, injury resulting from rear-end car accidents. It happens when the neck is suddenly and forcefully whipped back and forth, similar to the cracking of a whip.

This rapid movement can cause damage to the muscles, ligaments, discs, nerves, and even the bones in the cervical spine. Symptoms of whiplash may include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and fatigue. Whiplash may be more prevalent in motorcycle accidents.

In some cases, individuals may also experience pain in the shoulders, upper back, or arms.

The severity of whiplash injuries can vary significantly. Some people recover within a few weeks, while others may suffer from chronic pain and long-term complications. 

The impact of whiplash can extend beyond physical symptoms, leading to emotional distress, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating. Make sure you get medical attention immediately afterward.

If you’ve sustained a whiplash injury due to someone else’s negligence, consulting a car accident lawyer in Portsmouth may help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

At Smith Law Center, this means helping you navigate the complexities of the law, negotiate with insurance companies, and protect your rights throughout the recovery process.

DUI Accidents

DUI (Driving Under the Influence) accidents are on the rise in the state of Virginia and usually result in severe injuries, fatalities, and extensive property damage. The consequences of DUI accidents are far-reaching, impacting not only the victims but also their families and communities.

Victims of DUI accidents commonly suffer from a wide range of injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and internal organ damage. These injuries require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

A skilled attorney can help navigate the complex legal process, ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve. This compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. 

At Smith Law Center, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to supporting victims of DUI accidents. We understand the devastating impact these incidents can have on individuals and their families, and we are committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive legal support. 

If you or a loved one has been affected by a DUI accident, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your legal options and how we can assist you in your recovery. 

Bicycle Accidents

Our expertise doesn’t stop at cars. We understand that cyclists also face substantial risks when on the road. And it’s our job to protect them from the negligence of drivers on the road.

Common injuries from bicycle accidents include fractures, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and severe abrasions, commonly known as “road rash”. Head injuries are particularly concerning, as they can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), even if the cyclist is wearing a helmet. 

TBIs can have long-lasting effects on cognitive and physical abilities, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. But this isn’t something you have to navigate alone.

Our attorneys have experience advocating for the rights of injured cyclists. We understand the unique trauma victims of cycling accidents endure and are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients, allowing them to focus on their recovery while we handle the legal aspects.

If you’ve experienced one or more of the above injuries, it’s our duty to support you from litigation to compensation. Contact one of our experienced lawyers at (757) 244-7000 for legal advice and representation.

When Linda Gervin was struck and nearly killed in a traumatic accident, she turned to the lawyers at Smith Law Center to get justice. While her life will never be the same again, we were at least able to secure an $8 million settlement for her pain and suffering.

What Are The Most Common Car Accident Injuries in Portsmouth?

Fatal accidents in Portsmouth are higher than Virginia’s average and continue to rise. The most common car accident injuries include neck, spine, and brain injuries. These can be life-threatening, and survivors are often left with persistent pain and mobility issues.

A lawsuit can help fund the treatment needed to make your best recovery. But it’s important to gather evidence beforehand to help us help you with your case. We’ve created a guide on common mistakes to avoid here.

At Smith Law Center, our attorneys have distinguished themselves in brain injury litigation thanks to founding attorney Stephen M. Smith’s educational background in neuroanatomical science.

Our team is adept at navigating the complexities of insurance claims, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries, property damage, and pain and suffering. We understand the nuances of traffic laws and liability in Virginia and offer our clients valuable guidance in maximizing their settlement.

Contact Smith Law Center at (757) 244-7000 to gain powerful, proven advocates on your side who can pursue your best interests during the legal process.

What Kind of Settlement Can a Portsmouth Auto Accident Attorney Help You Secure?

A Portsmouth auto accident attorney can help you secure a settlement that covers the following losses:

  • Medical expenses: Our lawyers can assist in obtaining compensation for your medical bills, including hospitalization, surgery, medication, therapy, and future medical costs related to your injuries.
  • Lost wages: If the accident causes you to miss work, we can seek compensation for your lost income, including future earnings if your injuries affect your ability to work.
  • Pain and suffering: Auto accident attorneys can negotiate for non-economic damages, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
  • Exceptional damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional wrongdoing, your lawyer can help you pursue exceptional damages to punish the at-fault party.
  • Wrongful death: In cases of fatal accidents, our attorneys can secure wrongful death settlements for the surviving family members, covering funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.

This is not an exhaustive list — any losses or expenses tied to your accident, like property damage, can also be addressed with a lawsuit.

Our Portsmouth auto accident attorneys work to maximize settlements for our clients to ensure you receive fair compensation for the physical, financial, and emotional toll of the accident.

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.

Why Hire the Smith Law Center?

The Smith Law Center is a leader in the field and is currently the largest personal injury firm on the peninsula and one of the largest in Virginia. We are internationally recognized for our work in personal injury suits, especially concerning traumatic brain injuries.

Since 1949, we’ve secured over $1 billion in damages for victims. 

We’ve won $1.76 million from USPS for a collision resulting in wrongful death. And more recently, obtained an award of $1.975 million for a client after just the first day in court. While results may vary depending on your case, we aim for maximum compensation for your pain and suffering.

FAQ

Portsmouth Car Accident Lawsuit FAQs

When should I reach out to a Portsmouth Car Accident Attorney?

We recommend reaching out as soon as possible. Especially if you sustained injuries or property damage, or if the accident involved complex issues such as a DUI, multiple vehicles, or commercial trucks. 

Early consultation can help protect your rights, preserve crucial evidence, and provide you with legal guidance on navigating insurance claims and potential lawsuits.

Do I need to go to court if I've been injured in a car accident?

Not necessarily. Many car accident cases are settled out of court through negotiations with insurance companies. 

However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may need to go to court. 

What is my car accident lawsuit worth?

The value of your car accident lawsuit depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

Our clients have secured settlements ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars.

Is there a statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit in Portsmouth, Virginia?

In Virginia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including car accidents, is generally two years from the accident date. That means if you’re seeking compensation, the sooner, the better.

Award of $1,100,000.00 for South Carolina Man with Mild Head Injury in Auto Accident Case

Awarded:
$1,100,000.00
Summary:
GREENVILLE, South Carolina – Company paid $1,100,000.00 to a man with mild traumatic brain injury.
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Award for $1,000,000.00 for Woman Injured in Minor Car Wreck for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Awarded:
$1,000,000.00
Summary:
ROCKLEDGE, Florida – Company pays woman $1,000,000.00 for mild traumatic brain injury from car wreck with minimal property damage.
see More