The aftermath of a 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 in your case. 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 attorney 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 a car accident 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 against even the largest insurance companies.
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 but fight for the full recovery of damages you are owed.
- We will go to court if we believe it is necessary to do so. Expect our Richmond car accident attorney 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 insurance company denials and limitations.
Let our Richmond car accident attorney answer your questions during a free consultation. We are happy to help you learn what your rights are.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call (434) 817-3100
What to Look for in a Car Accident Lawyer in Richmond
Finding an attorney you can depend on can seem hard to do. However, there are several things to look for when comparing professionals to help you with your case.
- A strong reputation. Learn about the attorney’s reputation in the local community by reading testimonials. You can also learn about the lawyer’s reputation in a court of law by reviewing their record of verdicts, settlements, and handling difficult cases.
- Exceptional service. An attorney who is too busy to answer your calls cannot provide you with the level of service you need.
- Experience in your specific case type. We handle most types of car accidents with skill. If your case is complicated, let us help you find a way forward.
A Richmond car accident lawyer empowers you to get the fair compensation you are owed. Be sure you hire a lawyer with whom you feel confident working throughout this case.
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.
With a track record of successful Charlottesville settlements and verdicts and a deep knowledge of Virginia’s traffic laws and personal injury claims, our experienced attorneys 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 accident is critical. In every situation, you should 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 company later. We always encourage you to seek out medical care even if you do not have any obvious injuries. Then, contact an experienced car accident attorney to work with you.
National Car Accident Statistics
In 2022, 46,027 people died in motor vehicle accidents, according to the National Safety Council’s Motor Vehicle Injury Facts. About 5.2 million medically consulted injuries took place across the country.
If you have suffered injuries in a collision that was someone else’s fault, an experienced lawyer from our firm can fight to ensure you receive the financial compensation you are due.
As a Richmond car accident lawyer, we understand that statistics may not be as important as obtaining answers to your financial losses and long-term implications. Without a doubt, it becomes critical to fight back against those who caused your injuries and put you in this position. That is where our legal team can help you.
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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 your auto accident attorney to know whom to seek compensation from after your accident.
The most common reasons car accidents 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.
- 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 car accident attorney to help you through the legal process. We can get to the bottom of what caused your injuries.
How Fault Is Determined in a Car Accident in Richmond, VA
Virginia follows the doctrine of contributory negligence, which 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.
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The Types of Damages You Can Seek as a Car Accident Victim
Being involved in a car accident 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 expenses: 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 expenses. It’s crucial to keep detailed records of all medical 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, as well as any personal belongings that were damaged or destroyed.
- Pain and suffering: Car accidents 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 a car 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. This damage is commonly sought 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.
The Statute of Limitations for Auto Accidents 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, per the 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.
The statute of limitations for property damage claims, such as damage to your vehicle, is longer. With wrongful death claims, the deadline is two years from the date of the accident victim’s death. In all situations, you should not wait to get help.
Why You Should Choose MartinWren, P.C., as Your Car Accident Attorney in Richmond
Whether you sustained a minor soft tissue injury or something more serious, you want a legal team that not only understands the laws but also cares about your well-being. With a deep understanding of Virginia’s statute of limitations and other aspects of the legal process, we work diligently to build a strong case for you.
Our seasoned attorneys take the time to investigate your accident thoroughly, identify the liable parties, and gather the necessary evidence to build a compelling case. We are passionate about protecting our clients. Let us help you get what you need.
If you are the victim of a car accident, let our Virginia personal injury lawyers advocate for you. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case. Expect us to work diligently to protect your rights. Be sure to review our FAQs to learn more about car accident cases.
Richmond’s Phone Laws
Using handheld communication devices to send, read, or write any text messages or emails is outright prohibited when operating a vehicle. This means activities such as texting, emailing, and browsing the internet are strictly off-limits for drivers.
While Richmond’s laws are not only stringent regarding text-based communication, they can also have strong requirements regarding voice calls. Adult drivers are allowed to make and receive voice calls while driving, but it is unlawful for a driver to hold a handheld personal communications device while operating a vehicle. See Virginia Code sec. 46.2-818.2.
If you believe the at-fault driver was using their phone when they caused your accident, take the time to communicate that information to our Richmond car accident lawyer.
We will investigate this by using phone records and logs, gathering other witness statements, and building an evidence-based claim. This could influence the compensation you receive after your accident.
Reasons to Enlist the Help of a Car Accident Lawyer
A crash can be overwhelming, but our Richmond, VA, car accident lawyer can help you manage the aftermath. When involved in a collision, the steps you take immediately afterward can significantly impact the outcome of any insurance claims or legal action you might pursue.
Here’s how a car accident lawyer can help guide you through the aftermath of a collision:
- In–depth knowledge of the law: Contacting a Richmond car accident attorney from our office means getting some much-needed guidance. This allows for a thorough analysis of your case, ensuring all the local and state laws are considered when building your claim.
- Experience with insurance company negotiations: Insurance companies are skilled at minimizing payouts to protect their bottom line. Our attorneys know the tactics insurers use and can negotiate with these companies to seek a fair settlement that reflects the full extent of your damages.
- Access to resources: Our lawyers have access to a wide array of resources and expert witnesses to support your claim, including crash reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and investigators. These resources are vital in substantiating how the accident occurred and who bears legal responsibility.
- Support: Your focus should be on recovering from any injuries you sustained in the crash. A car accident lawyer can handle the legal and administrative tasks associated with your claim, reducing your stress and allowing you to concentrate on your health.
- Maximizing your claim: A qualified lawyer will work tirelessly to ensure you receive compensation for all your crash-related expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Legal advocacy in the courtroom: If your case goes to court, having a skilled attorney by your side is crucial. Your lawyer will represent your interests before a judge or jury, presenting evidence and arguing on your behalf to achieve the best possible verdict.
- No upfront costs: Our car accident lawyers serving Richmond work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you won’t pay any attorney fees unless they win your case, providing you with access to high-quality legal counsel without upfront costs.
If you or a loved one has been harmed in a motor vehicle accident, reach out to us for a free consultation. Together, we can discuss your case, explore your options, and take decisive action to hold the negligent driver responsible and recover appropriate compensation, so be sure to learn more about us today.
Get in Touch With MartinWren, P.C., Today
The road to recovery after a car accident 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