The aftermath of a Richmond car crash can be overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with injuries, damages, and insurance claims.
Hiring a reliable and experienced Richmond car accident lawyer can make all the difference. If you or a loved one has been involved in a collision in Richmond, seeking legal representation is crucial to ensure your rights are protected.
A Richmond personal injury lawyer from MartinWren, P.C., can help you understand your options, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact our auto accident lawyers for a free consultation today, which is all backed by our 10–point pledge.
Why Hire a Richmond Car Accident Attorney in Your Case
Victims of traffic collisions often face a long road to financial recovery, often with numerous obstacles along the way. Hiring a car accident lawyer in Richmond evens the odds and gives you the ability to fight back fairly for the losses you suffered.
When you put our legal team to work on your case, we can promise you several things:
- We aggressively protect your rights. Our lawyer becomes your advocate and ally. We do not let anyone take away your right to fair compensation, but instead fight tirelessly to recover the damages owed to you. We will protect you from the attacks of the insurance company, give you guidance by explaining the process, and work tirelessly to maximize your recovery.
- Our experience goes to work on your behalf. Having decades of experience on your side ensures that you have a viable, proven legal strategy for your claim. We do not settle for the easy win. We will fight to maximize the amount you can recover.
- We will go to court if we believe it is necessary to do so. Expect our skilled attorneys to recover damages in a settlement paid to you. If the insurance company is not treating you fairly, our attorney will pursue legal action against them in a court of law.
With a proven reputation and having recovered millions of dollars for our clients over the years, you can expect MartinWren, P.C., to become your biggest resource when fighting back against denials and limitations.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call (434) 817-3100
Questions to Ask a Car Accident Attorney in Richmond Before Hiring
Choosing the right attorney after a collision is one of the most important decisions you will make in your recovery. Asking the right questions before retaining counsel can help ensure that you select a lawyer who is not only qualified but also the right fit for your specific needs.
Here are several questions to consider asking an attorney before you make your decision:
- What is your experience with Virginia car accident cases?
- What is your record of settlements and trial verdicts?
- How will we communicate throughout my case?
- What resources do you have to support my case?
- How do your fees and payment structure work?
Asking these questions will provide valuable insight into how our lawyers approach cases. It will also show how we communicate with clients. And you will see that we will fight for your compensation.
At MartinWren, P.C., we welcome these discussions during a free consultation and encourage you to evaluate us against these criteria.
Pursuing a Settlement After a Car Accident in Richmond
A common question car accident victims have is, ‘What is the average settlement amount?’ While it’s difficult to pin down an exact figure due to the varying circumstances of each accident, a member of our legal team can evaluate your case during a free consultation.
We have a demonstrated track record of successful settlements and verdicts. That is based on our deep knowledge of Virginia’s laws and personal injury claims. Our experienced attorneys will work diligently to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
From gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, our firm is committed to providing you with the personalized, effective legal assistance you need to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Richmond Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (434) 817-3100
What to Do After a Collision in Richmond, VA
Knowing what to do after a car crash is critical. Your primary goals should be to protect yourself and ensure safety. But there are several specific actions you can take to protect your case as well. Here are the most critical steps to take:
- Report the accident: Move to a safe place, call 911 for emergency support, and check others for injuries.
- Contact the police: Virginia law requires you to report the collision to the police. If they do not come to the scene of the accident, you will need to file a police report. The other driver may try to convince you not to call the police to the scene, and not calling the police is a mistake.
- Document the scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Get contact information: Talk to all parties involved and any witnesses. Get insurance information from at-fault parties as well.
- Seek medical help: Do not wait to go to the emergency room. Instead, consult a doctor as soon as possible. It could protect your life.
You will need to contact the insurance adjuster later. We always encourage you to seek out medical care even if you do not have any obvious injuries.
Common Causes of Traffic Accidents in Richmond, VA
Understanding the common causes of automobile accidents can help you stay alert and drive more safely. It also allows us to know whom to seek compensation from after your accident.
The most common reasons car crashes happen in Richmond, VA, include:
- Distracted driving: Using a cell phone, eating, and multitasking while driving can lead to a loss of focus and increased risk of accidents.
- Speeding: Driving over the speed limit or too fast for road conditions is one of the leading causes of collisions in Richmond.
- Impaired driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication significantly increases the risk of a crash. Depending on the facts, it may be possible to recover punitive damages against the driver under Virginia Code sec. 8.01-44.5.
- Reckless driving: Aggressive behaviors like the dangers of tailgating, road rage, and ignoring traffic signs and signals are serious hazards.
- Poor weather conditions: Rain, fog, and icy roads can make driving challenging and increase the likelihood of accidents.
- Running traffic signals: Ignoring red lights or stop signs is a common reason for collisions at intersections.
- Driver fatigue: Drowsiness impairs a driver’s reaction time and judgment, making it extremely dangerous.
- Vehicle defects: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, and other mechanical failures can be unexpected triggers for accidents.
- Improper lane changes: Failure to signal or check blind spots before changing lanes often leads to avoidable collisions.
- Inexperienced drivers: Young or inexperienced drivers may lack the skills to navigate complex traffic situations safely.
- Poor road conditions: Uneven road surfaces, lack of proper signage, and poorly lit areas can contribute to accidents.
Do not wait to contact our experienced Richmond car accident attorney to help you through the legal process. We can get to the bottom of what caused your injuries.
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How Fault Is Determined in a Car Accident in Richmond, VA
Virginia follows the doctrine of contributory negligence. This means that if a jury finds you to be even partially at fault for the accident, you may be ineligible to receive compensation.
Fault in a collision is typically assessed through a thorough review of police reports, witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, and sometimes expert opinions. Factors like traffic violations, witness statements, reckless or distracted driving, and failure to obey road signs are all considered.
In general, the key consideration is whether someone acts reasonably. If they do not act reasonably and they cause a crash as a result, they are likely at fault under the law.
The Types of Damages You Can Seek as a Car Accident Victim
Being involved in a car crash can lead to significant physical, emotional, and financial hardships. If you’ve been injured in a crash, seeking compensation for your losses can be vital for your recovery. Before you file a claim against insurance coverage, consider the following:
- Medical bills: This includes all medical costs associated with treating your accident injuries, such as hospital bills, doctor’s visits, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and physical therapy. This applies to both past and future medical bills. It is crucial to keep detailed records of all expenses related to the accident.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you lose. This can include wages, bonuses, commissions, and potential future earnings if your injuries are permanent.
- Lost earning capacity: Your career trajectory may be altered due to an inability to perform your job or the jobs you aspire to have. You might be able to recover the lost amount you should have received from the job if you had continued to get promotions in the future.
- Property damage: Your settlement or award should include compensation for the damage to your vehicle and any other property that was affected by the crash. This may include repairs or replacement costs for your car It might also include any personal belongings that were damaged or destroyed.
- Pain and suffering: Car crashes can cause significant physical pain and emotional trauma. You may be able to seek compensation for the pain and suffering you’ve endured as a result of the accident, including physical discomfort and mental anguish, both in the past and in the future.
- Inconvenience: There is no question that car crashes can be terribly inconvenient, based on the amount of time and energy that is spent on recovering from injuries following an accident. The law allows recovery of both past and future inconvenience.
- Permanent disability: If the accident has resulted in a permanent disability that affects your ability to work or enjoy life as you did before, you may be entitled to compensation for the long-term impact on your life. We will work with qualified experts to figure out your future expenses. This is common in cases involving traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage.
- Punitive damages: In cases where the at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious, you may be awarded punitive damages in addition to compensatory ones. This will particularly be the case when the defendant driver was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash.
Consulting with an experienced car accident injury attorney in Richmond, VA, can help you understand the full extent of your damages and pursue the maximum compensation available.
After a fatal accident, our Richmond wrongful death lawyer could help you recover funeral and burial expenses. Let us go to work for you.
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The Statute of Limitations for Auto Collisions in Virginia
Do not wait to contact an experienced Richmond car accident attorney. Virginia has a two-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim stemming from a car accident. This is based on Code of Virginia § 8.01-243.
If the driver who caused the crash is a government employee, you have a much shorter window to provide notice of the claim to the government.
Barring unique circumstances, you have a two-year window to initiate legal proceedings if you have been injured in an accident and wish to seek compensation for damages like medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and emotional distress. If you wait too long, you may not be able to recover your losses. We encourage you to contact us immediately.
Why Hiring a Richmond Car Accident Attorney Quickly Matters
Timing is important after an accident. Insurance companies begin their investigation immediately, collecting evidence like skid marks, video footage, and witness statements to determine fault.
By hiring an attorney as soon as possible, you can make sure of the following:
- We will meet all deadlines for filing a successful claim
- Our team will preserve relevant evidence
- We will represent your best interests in negotiations and/or in court
- You can focus on your recovery while we handle your case
The sooner you retain skilled representation, the stronger your case can be. By hiring a car accident lawyer in Richmond quickly, you protect your rights and the integrity of your claim.
Get in Touch With MartinWren, P.C., Today
The road to recovery after an auto collision can be difficult. But with the right legal counsel, you can get through it with confidence. At MartinWren, P.C., we understand the challenges you face after a life-altering crash.
Contact us today and find out how our Richmond car accident law firm can help you get justice.
Call (434) 817-3100 or complete a Case Evaluation form