Suffolk Car Accident Lawyer

Driving around Suffolk’s rich terrain dotted with woods, lakes, and rivers can be peaceful, until the unexpected happens. Whether you’re soaking in the scenery on Route 10 or passing through downtown Suffolk, near the Nansemond River, a car accident can strike at any time.

In the days following an accident, you're left trying to make sense of it all: hospital visits, time off work, insurance adjusters calling nonstop. It’s too much for one person to handle on their own, and it can feel like no one’s really on your side. 

The Smith Law Center has been helping car accident victims for over 75 years. Our firm was built on the idea that injured people deserve powerful, honest legal help. Today, we’re proud to be one of the largest personal injury firms in Virginia, and we never forget that every client matters. 

If you’ve been hurt in a crash, don’t face it alone. Learn what a dedicated Suffolk car accident attorney at our firm can do for you. Contact us today online or by calling (757) 244-7000. 

“I was in a recent car accident and suffered from a concussion, which brought about many challenges, from the other driver being uninsured to not being well medically. Samantha Cohn quickly gave sound legal advice, which not only helped ensure that my medical bills and car were taken care of but also ensured that I was able to receive the appropriate medical treatments that I needed. Thank you, The Smith Law Center, for helping me through a very difficult situation with poise, grace, humanity, and a little humor, too!”

- Brenna F | Client

Car Accidents in Suffolk: More Common Than You Think

Suffolk is the 10th most populous city in Virginia, with over 100,000 residents calling it home. As part of the busy Hampton Roads metropolitan area, Suffolk sees a steady flow of local traffic, commercial truckers, and out-of-town drivers every day. With so many people on the move, car accidents are a regular concern for Suffolk residents.

Data on car accidents in Suffolk in 2023 from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles shows:

• 1,754 total car crashes in Suffolk.
• 12 fatalities as a result of these accidents.
• 1,266 injuries due to the collisions.
• With 70,165 licensed drivers in 2023, this means Suffolk had a 0.17 death rate per 1,000 drivers.
• In 2023, Suffolk suffered 93 alcohol-related car accidents, tragically leading to 4 deaths and 71 injuries.
• That same year, 227 crashes were speed-related incidents in the city, resulting in 4 deaths and 191 injuries.

Furthermore, a new study published in 2024 found that: 

• Suffolk has the highest percentage of male fatalities in car crashes among Virginia localities.
• From 2017 to 2021, nearly 89% of people killed in crashes were men (48 out of 54 total fatalities).

Real Client Story: Life After a Car Accident and How We Helped

After a serious car accident left him unable to work, this Hampton, Virginia, resident turned to The Smith Law Center for help. In this video, he shares how our team fought to get him the compensation he deserved and made sure he wasn’t left behind by the system.

Types of Car Accidents Our Suffolk Car Accident Attorneys Can Help You With

Since our firm opened its doors in 1949, we’ve helped clients through just about every type of car crash you can imagine. Each accident is different, with its own set of risks, causes, and challenges. We know how to handle them and have seen people through several life-changing incidents, including: 

• Rear-end collisions: Often caused by tailgating or not paying attention in stop-and-go traffic.
• T-bone/side-impact crashes: These usually happen at intersections when a driver runs a red light or fails to yield.
• Head-on collisions: Some of the most dangerous crashes, often caused by distracted, drowsy, or impaired driving.
• Hit-and-runs: These happen when a driver causes a crash and leaves the scene, often to avoid getting caught for speeding, drunk driving, or lacking insurance.
• Drunk driving accidents: Driving under the influence slows reaction time and leads to poor decisions on the road.
• Distracted driving crashes: Texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or anything that takes your eyes off the road can lead to serious accidents.
• Multi-vehicle pileups: Common on highways, especially in bad weather or low visibility, where one crash quickly leads to several others.

Common Injuries a Car Accident Lawyer in Suffolk Handles

Not all injuries are visible, and not all crashes have to be high-speed to cause serious damage. Even a low-impact collision can leave you with pain that lingers for weeks, months, or even years. Here are some injuries our team has experience helping people with: 

• Whiplash
• Broken bones
• Back and neck injuries
• Internal trauma 
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Lacerations
• Burns
• Emotional trauma/PTSD

At The Smith Law Center, we’re proud to be recognized as one of the leading brain injury law firms in the country. For over seven decades, we’ve helped families navigate the life-changing effects of traumatic brain injuries with compassion and unmatched legal experience. 

Our founder, Stephen M. Smith, is a graduate of Marquette University’s Neuro-Anatomical Program, giving our team a deep understanding of what these injuries mean for your future and what a fair settlement truly looks like. Reach out to us today online or by calling (757) 244-7000 to find out how a Suffolk car accident lawyer can be there for you.

How to Respond to a Car Accident Settlement Offer

After a crash, you may receive a settlement offer from an insurance company or, in some cases, from a business or commercial vehicle operator involved in the accident. While it might seem like a quick way to move on and cover your expenses, it’s important to approach these offers with caution.

When tempted with a settlement offer right out of the gate, our Suffolk car accident attorneys recommend the following:

• Don’t rush to accept: Insurance companies often act fast, hoping you’ll accept before you know the full extent of your injuries or losses. These first offers are rarely enough to cover long-term medical care, missed work, or emotional distress.
• Review the offer with a lawyer: A Suffolk car accident attorney can help you understand whether the amount offered actually matches the true cost of your injuries and future needs. We look at medical bills, lost wages, future treatment, and more.
• Understand long-term costs: Some injuries, especially to the neck, back, or brain, may not show their full impact right away. Accepting too early could leave you paying out of pocket later for treatment or rehabilitation.
• Let us negotiate for you: You don’t have to accept the first offer, and you don’t have to deal with it alone. Our team can step in to negotiate a settlement that reflects what you’ve really been through, and what it will take to get your life back on track.

Having a lawyer on your side matters a lot more than you might think. If you’ve been in a car accident, one of the smartest moves you can make is getting a personal injury lawyer on your side. In fact, a Martindale-Nolo study found that over 90% of people who had legal representation ended up with a settlement or financial award. Compare that to only about half of those who took on their case alone.

Inside Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation After Serious Car Accidents

In this podcast, The Smith Law Center partner David Holt shares his insight into traumatic brain injury cases caused by car accidents. With a background in law enforcement and years of courtroom experience, David breaks down what makes these cases so complex, how fault is proven, and why having the right legal team can make all the difference for car accident survivors.

What Can a Car Accident Attorney in Suffolk Do for My Case?

As a local firm that knows Suffolk inside and out, we do more than just fill out forms. We dig deep and fight smart: 

• Investigate the scene personally: Our attorneys know the roads and intersections in Suffolk and can visit the crash site to better understand what happened.
• Collect and preserve strong evidence: From photos and police reports to witness statements and expert input, we gather what’s needed to build a solid case.
• Work with doctors to calculate your true damages: We take into account current and future medical costs, lost income, and the impact on your life.
• Handle all communication with insurance companies: We shield you from tactics meant to minimize your claim and push back against lowball offers.
• Negotiate for a fair settlement or take your case to court: If a fair offer isn’t made, we’re ready to represent you in court and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

“At our firm, we believe that every client deserves not just expert legal representation, but also unwavering dedication and compassion. Our work ethic is built on a foundation of integrity and the relentless pursuit of justice, ensuring that each client receives the personalized attention and respect they deserve.

We are committed to standing by our clients through every step of their journey, advocating fiercely for their rights while providing the support and empathy that make a real difference in their lives.”

- Samantha Cohn | Attorney at The Smith Law Center

Why Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Suffolk from The Smith Law Center 

When you've been injured in a car accident, who you choose to represent you matters.

Founded in 1949 by Joseph Smith and now led by his sons, Stephen and Howard Smith, our firm has been serving Virginians for generations. We know Suffolk, and we know how to fight for the people who call it home. Our roots in Hampton Roads run deep, and our reputation for excellence extends across Virginia and beyond.

We’ve won over a billion dollars for our clients and have achieved record-setting verdicts in complex cases, including: 

• $7.5 million jury award: Secured for a woman in Hampton, Virginia, who suffered a mild traumatic brain injury in a car accident, setting a record for this type of case.
• $4.75 million settlement: Won for a school librarian who sustained a mild traumatic brain injury in a car accident.

If you were injured in a car accident in Suffolk, contact The Smith Law Center today online or by calling (757) 244-7000. Consultations are free, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.