You may suffer an injury in an auto accident. At this point, you may want to consult with a Roanoke personal injury lawyer. When you do, a Roanoke car accident lawyer can discuss your legal options with you and help you determine if you are eligible to seek damages from an at-fault party.
At MartinWren, P.C., we guarantee you will be able to work with an experienced lawyer — and not just a paralegal. Our attorney is available to review your car accident case. To get started, contact us today.
Car Insurance in Virginia
There are car insurance requirements in Virginia. You must meet minimum coverage limits. If you do not, you may have to pay an Uninsured Motor Vehicle Fee.
Virginia is classified as an “at-fault” auto insurance state. If someone slams their car into yours, you may seek damages from them. To do so, you may file an insurance claim.
A Roanoke car accident attorney can help you submit a claim for damages. If you want to file a claim, the legal team at MartinWren, P.C. may be able to assist you. To learn more, reach out to us.
For a free legal consultation with a car accident lawyer serving Roanoke, call 434-817-3100
How an Auto Insurance Claim Works
Many personal injury claims get resolved with the help of an insurance company. Following a car accident, you may notify your auto insurer, and they may connect with the at-fault motorist’s insurance provider. From here, both companies may work together to resolve your claim.
Just because another driver causes your accident does not guarantee their insurer will cover your losses. On top of that, there may be times when an uninsured or underinsured motorist causes an accident. If you cannot get sufficient compensation through an insurance claim, you may want to file a lawsuit against an at-fault driver.
A car accident lawyer in Roanoke can help you decide whether to seek damages through a lawsuit. If you move forward with a lawsuit, your attorney can represent you throughout your litigation. They can advocate for you, protect your legal rights, and put you in the best position to secure the damages you want.
When to File a Car Accident Claim
Per Code of Virginia §8.01-243, you may have up to two years from the date of your auto accident to pursue damages from an at-fault party. For example, a motorist may be speeding and not have enough time to stop their vehicle, leading to an accident. In this situation, you may have a maximum of two years from the date of your crash to ask for damages.
You may pursue economic and non-economic damages in an accident claim. Economic compensation may be awarded for your car repairs, medical bills, and other quantifiable losses. Non-economic damages may be provided for pain, suffering, and other subjective harm.
A car accident attorney in Roanoke wants you to get the most damages possible. To achieve this goal, your lawyer helps you build a body of proof. You may use accident scene photos and videos, medical records, and other pieces of evidence to prove negligence.
Roanoke Car Accident Lawyer Near Me 434-817-3100
Proving Negligence in an Auto Accident Case
You may be worried that you will work with a car accident lawyer and get a lowball settlement offer. With help from your attorney, you will not have to settle for anything less than full damages. Your lawyer will work with you to show an at-fault party was negligent, and as such, you deserve 100% of the damages you are requesting.
To show a liable party was negligent, you must prove that they had a legal obligation to avoid careless and reckless acts toward you. In addition, you must verify that the party violated their duty of care, which caused your accident to happen. Along with these things, you must confirm that the party’s actions have forced you to incur economic or non-economic losses.
Your Roanoke car accident lawyer considers the facts relating to your case as they prepare your argument. They may ask you questions so they can gather as much information as possible about you and your accident. This may help your car accident lawyer in Roanoke craft a compelling argument that shows a judge or jury that you are in no way responsible for your accident.
How Much a Car Accident Case Is Worth
Your lawyer can teach you about the types of compensation you may get after a car accident. They may encourage you to request economic and non-economic damages. You may be eligible for compensation for many reasons, such as:
- Damage to your car
- Emotional trauma
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
What you request in compensation may not be what you ultimately receive. For instance, the defendant in your case may offer a settlement that provides you with less money than what you originally requested. If you believe the proposal is fair, you may accept it, receive damages, and close your case.
Click to contact our Roanoke Personal Injury Lawyers today
Contributory Negligence in a Car Accident Case
According to the Code of Virginia §8.01-243, contributory negligence is in effect, and it may impact your ability to receive damages following your auto accident. With contributory negligence, you may be eligible for compensation only if an at-fault party is fully responsible for your injury. Otherwise, if you are party liable, you may not get any compensation.
As an example, a motorist may get distracted while driving and crash their car into yours. You may file an injury lawsuit against this driver. A judge or jury may find the motorist is 100% liable for your injury, and you may get the damages you initially requested.
Alternatively, consider what may happen if a driver crashes their vehicle into yours and a judge or jury says you are partly to blame for your accident. In this scenario, you and the other driver share responsibility. Therefore, the defendant in your case may not be held responsible for your accident-related losses.
Partner with a Roanoke Car Accident Lawyer
You may want to seek legal help after your auto accident. At MartinWren, P.C., we can take a look at your case and help you decide what to do next. To schedule a free consultation, contact us today.
Call 434-817-3100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form