The aftermath of a crash can be overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with injuries, damages, and insurance claims. Hiring a reliable and experienced car accident lawyer in Richmond 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.
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 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.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call 434-817-3100
What to Do After a Collision in Richmond, VA
Knowing what to do after a car accident is critical. Though in every situation, you should protect yourself and ensure safety, there are several steps you can take to protect your case as well. Here are the most important 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 to not 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.
- Get medical help: Do not wait to go to the emergency room. Instead, get checked out by 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.
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 who to seek compensation from after your accident. The most common reasons car accidents happen in Richmond, VA, include:
- Distracted driving: Cell phone use, eating, and multitasking while driving can lead to a loss of focus and 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.
If you find yourself a victim of an accident, an experienced attorney can provide you with the legal assistance you need to navigate the complexities of your case. Do not wait to contact our experienced car accident attorney to help you navigate 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 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 a nutshell, the key consideration is whether someone acts reasonably. If they do not act reasonably and they cause a crash as a result, the are likely at fault under the law.
Richmond Car Accident Lawyer Near Me 434-817-3100
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.
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 seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses and the emotional toll of losing a loved one. 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 lawyer. 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. In addition, if the driver who caused the crash is a government employee, there might be a short window in which to provide notice of the claim to the government or that claim may be lost.
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.
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Why You Should Choose Martin Wren, P.C., as Your Car Accident Attorney in Richmond, VA
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, identify liable parties, and gather the evidence needed to build a compelling case.
When you choose our personal injury law firm, we will work to pursue the maximum compensation available in your situation. In fact, our firm was recognized for three of Virginia’s largest verdicts in 2023. We are passionate about protecting our clients. Let us help you as well.
If you are the victim of a car accident, let our legal team advocate for you. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case. Expect us to work diligently to protect your rights.
Richmond’s Phone Laws
Richmond’s stance on using cell phones while driving is one such initiative that is in line with Virginia’s broad mandates. 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 they are driving. See Virginia Code sec. 46.2-818.2.
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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 and ensure your rights are protected:
- 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.
Our team understands the importance of securing compensation that not only covers your current losses but also accounts for any future repercussions of the accident. 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 Martin Wren P.C. Today
The road to recovery after a car accident can be difficult, but with the right legal counsel, you can navigate 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.
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