The city of Norfolk, Virginia, makes the list of cities in the US with the most accident rates annually. Current statistics show the city rates at 28.1% above the national average. Virginia also has some of the most strict liability laws when it comes to car accidents. If you are found to have contributed to your accident in any way, you may not have a valid case. For this reason, it may be a good idea to work with Norfolk car accident lawyers as they can help you prove that you were not at fault for your accident.
Impact of Norfolk Car Accidents
The impact of road collisions in Norfolk in terms of economic and material losses is quite substantial. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, there were at least 125,800 car accidents in Virginia in 2015 alone, which resulted in over 750 deaths and over 65,000 personal injuries of various proportions.
In economic terms, the cost of traffic incidents in Norfolk runs into millions of dollars every year due to large sums of money spent on vehicle repairs, caring for victims, burial expenses in the case of accidental deaths, cost of litigations, medical expenses, and also financial compensation paid to victims by insurance companies.
Types of Accidents Handled by Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers
Personal injury can be caused by a variety of auto accidents and can be a stressful time for anyone involved, but some of the most common types of collision accidents that Norfolk car accident lawyers handle include:
- Motorcycle accidents
- Sideswipe accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on Collisions
- Truck accidents
- Reckless driving
- Aggressive driving
- T-bone collisions
- Automobile accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Multi-car accidents
Filing for Compensatory Damages After a Car Accident
Being involved in any type of traffic incident can take a toll on someone physically, emotionally, financially, and psychologically. Some people’s lives have been permanently affected due to debilitating injuries they suffered during a crash.
Of course, insurance companies are meant to cover the financial implications of a collision. However, it’s not always straightforward for vehicle collision issues to be resolved. Investigations usually follow, and it may become a back-and-forth between the drivers and their respective insurance companies with interactions through insurance adjusters.
That is one reason why you may want an experienced auto accident lawyer to handle your case against a negligent driver, to take care of the rigorous settlement process for you. Most Norfolk car accident lawyers will provide a free, no-obligation consultation to assess your claim for compensation.
What to Do After a Car Accident
If you get involved in an incident involving a vehicle, here are some helpful tips to ensure the tide goes in your favor when it’s time to file a settlement claim.
- Remain at the accident scene until the paramedics or police get there. If you’re conscious and don’t have to be rushed to the hospital, please stay put after putting a call through to 911 or the ambulance.
- Preserve the scene until emergency workers and law enforcement arrive. The exact positions of the vehicles can tell how the crash occurred, and it might be easier to identify the at-fault driver that way.
- Don’t forget to take important photos of the scene.
- You might need to speak to eyewitnesses at the scene and note what they have to say.
- You need to see a doctor. The doctor’s report will be admissible in a trial as evidence and will help your injury case. In essence, please make sure to keep all documents – receipts, bills, etc. – when filing your claim.
- Make sure you obtain a copy of your police report with witness accounts, and this will be a crucial piece of evidence for your case – Norfolk car accident lawyers will request this as well for settlement negotiations.
What You Need to Know Concerning a Settlement Claim
You need to have in mind that the insurance companies are not there to safeguard your interest. They work for a company whose goal is to make a profit. So they will present obstacles in your path to ensure you don’t get the compensation you deserve from your personal injury claim. They adhere to policy limits and offer sincerest condolences while making an attempt to keep you from getting the maximum compensation you deserve.
In fact, some insurance investigators are known to employ abusive insurance tactics to try and intimidate accident victims into accepting some poor compensation or lower settlement amount. However, Norfolk car accident lawyers know what to do when the insurance company offers a low settlement amount and will work to get fair compensation for your damages.
Types of Damages You Can File a Claim For
Below are some of the types of damages that you can seek monetary compensation for when a collision occurs:
- Medical expenses
- Economic damages (Loss of wages and ability to earn wages)
- Vehicle/property damage: These include all types of vehicles (cars, trucks, trailers, motorcycles, bicycles, etc.)
- Accidental death (Loss of companionship)
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
Personal Injuries You Can File Settlement Claims For
As a result of car accidents, thousands of people have suffered different types and extents of personal injuries. The following are the common types of severe injuries and disabilities suffered by motor accident victims:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis (quadriplegia/tetraplegia and paraplegia)
- Severe back injuries
- Burns
- Internal injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Disfigurement (permanent facial injuries, scars, and disabilities)
- Amputation/loss of limbs
- Neck injuries and whiplash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Emotional distress
Handling a Case with Multiple Defendants
Sometimes, a traffic collision case may involve more than two defendants. This can present some complications and may cause the case to drag on longer than expected. More witnesses may need to be interviewed, and their testimonies screened, and it may take a while to sift through the pile of testimonies.
When cases like this happen, Norfolk car accident lawyers can call for joint liability against the defendants. In effect, both defendants would then be deemed responsible for the judgment of the court. This type of situation protects an injured individual if one of the defendants does not have adequate insurance cover to pay for the damage.
Statute of Limitations
When you’re the victim of an auto accident in Norfolk, Virginia, you must inform the police and file a settlement claim as soon as possible.
The Virginia car accident statute of limitations covers a two-year period, after which your case may not be heard again. So it is important to get in touch with Norfolk car accident lawyers and commence your settlement claims process within that window, or you may lose your chance of getting a settlement.
You Need The Right Legal Team To Represent You!
It’s the responsibility of your personal injury attorney to assess your case and your chances of winning, presenting the best options for you. They will also ensure that your rights are protected the whole time and see you through the entire claim process. In the case of vehicle collisions, you can seek your initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer by phone or online contact form to determine if they can take on your case.
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