Car and Automobile Accidents
Car accidents in Newport News and the Hampton Roads region can leave their victims with serious and often debilitating injuries. Brain injuries, neck injuries and paralysis are among the catastrophic injuries which can develop in individuals who have been involved in a car crash. Often times, following an auto accident, these injuries can leave the victim questioning how they will pay for medical bills, support a family and maintain financial stability while needing time away from work to heal.
Newport News automobile accident attorney, Duncan Garnett seeks to provide answers to these questions, as well as sound advice as to the legal rights and remedies which may be available to car crash victims. Depending on the cause of the Virginia car crash, injured auto accident victims may be able to seek financial compensation for economic and non-economic losses stemming from the crash. If you were hurt in a Virginia car accident, contact our personal injury attorneys today for a free, no obligation review of your claim to find out if you have legal recourse.
Liability for a Virginia Car Crash
Generally, Virginia car accident law allows for motorists, pedestrians and passengers to seek compensation for auto wreck injuries which were caused by the negligence of another individual or entity. For instance, if a motorist’s reckless or intoxicated driving leads to a crash in Virginia, anyone injured as a result may be able to pursue a legal claim against the driver to seek compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages and medical bills related to the accident or injury. In addition to driving under the influence, other examples of negligence in regard to car accident cases include:
- Speeding
- Excessive or improper lane changes
- Disobeying traffic signals
- Distracted driving (eating, using a cell phone, etc.)
Though most car accident claims are pursued against negligent drivers, there are some instances when neither motorist is to blame. Defective car parts or poor road conditions may also lead to a crash, in which the manufacturer of the vehicle part or local municipality may be at fault.
Newport News Car Accident Lawyers
Regardless of the cause of the Virginia auto accident, there are several precautions and steps that should be taken to ensure the injured party’s legal rights are protected. Often times, after a car accident, the other driver’s car insurance company may provide a settlement offer. It’s important, however, for injured car accident victims to speak to a car accident lawyer before accepting any settlement. Signing a release of their auto accident injury claim, in exchange for the check, may prohibit them from ever taking legal action for damages. Furthermore, in many cases, the amount of the settlement offer is not sufficient to cover their actual losses, as many car accident victims do not realize the full extent and financial ramifications of their injuries until months after the crash. Other steps which can help preserve and strengthen a Virginia car accident claim include: taking photos of the injuries and property damage; refraining from saying “I’m sorry,” “It’s my fault,” or other statements which can serve as an admission for guilt; writing down the names and contact information of witnesses; and contacting an attorney immediately.
As a local Newport News and Hampton auto accident attorney, Duncan Garnett guideseach of our clients through the injury claims process, assisting these individuals in making decisions which are appropriate for their specific case. Duncan Garnett and his team will determine liability for the accident, set realistic outcomes and work with medical and economic experts to determine how much compensation will be needed to cover past, present and future losses. After determining the amount of compensation, which may include costs of medical care and lost wages, our attorneys will look to obtain this amount through settlement negotiations. However, if we feel our client is not being adequately compensated for their injuries, we will not hesitate to go to trial.
Our Virginia car accident cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. In other words, our clients will not have to pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation on their behalf. To learn more about how our Virginia auto accident attorneys may be able to assist with your case, do not hesitate to complete our free, no obligation case review form today.
