Why You Need a Richmond Auto Accident Lawyer After a Crash
A richmond auto accident lawyer can help you navigate Virginia’s legal system, deal with insurance companies, and pursue compensation. After a crash, you have a limited time to act. Virginia law gives you two years to file a lawsuit, and its strict contributory negligence rule means being even 1% at fault can bar you from recovering damages.
When to hire a Richmond auto accident lawyer:
- You suffered serious injuries
- The insurance company denies your claim or offers a low settlement
- Multiple parties were involved
- You need to prove the other driver was 100% at fault
- The crash involved a commercial truck or uninsured driver
The aftermath of a crash on a busy Richmond road like I-95 or Broad Street is overwhelming. You may be dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and lost wages. Insurance adjusters may call quickly, but their goal is to protect their company, not you.
Virginia’s contributory negligence rule makes recovering compensation challenging. An experienced richmond auto accident lawyer understands how to counter insurance company tactics and fights for the full compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.
Simple richmond auto accident lawyer glossary:
First Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Richmond
The actions you take after a car accident can protect your safety and your legal rights. It is important to stay calm and follow a few key steps.
Prioritize Safety and Call 911
Your first priority is safety. If possible, move your vehicle to the shoulder, turn on your hazard lights, and check on everyone involved. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical services if anyone is injured. A police report is a crucial piece of evidence.
Document the Scene and Exchange Information
While waiting for police, exchange names, contact details, and insurance information with the other driver. Use your phone to take photos of all vehicle damage, skid marks, and the surrounding area. If there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers.
Seek Medical Attention
See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries. A medical record from a visit to a Richmond-area hospital or your doctor creates a vital link between your injuries and the crash.
Be Careful What You Say
Do not apologize or admit fault. In Virginia, being even 1% at fault can prevent you from recovering compensation. When you notify your insurance company, provide only basic details and avoid giving a recorded statement before consulting a richmond auto accident lawyer.
Navigating Virginia’s Strict Fault and Negligence Laws
Virginia has a demanding set of laws for car accident claims, centered on a legal principle called contributory negligence.
Under this doctrine, if you are found to be even 1% responsible for the accident, you cannot recover any money from the other driver. It does not matter if the other driver was clearly more at fault. If you share any blame, Virginia law bars your entire claim.
Insurance companies use this rule to their advantage. Adjusters will look for any reason to assign partial fault to you to deny your claim entirely.
Deadlines for Filing a Claim
Virginia also has a strict deadline for taking legal action. You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If your claim involves a government entity, the deadline to provide notice is much shorter, sometimes only six months.
Missing these deadlines means you lose your right to pursue compensation. It is essential to contact an experienced richmond auto accident lawyer quickly to protect your rights and meet all legal requirements.
Why You Need an Experienced Richmond Auto Accident Lawyer
Handling a car accident claim alone means facing skilled insurance adjusters whose job is to pay as little as possible. An experienced richmond auto accident lawyer levels the playing field and fights for your interests.
Insurance adjusters often offer quick, lowball settlements that do not cover the full value of your claim. These offers rarely account for future medical care or the long-term impact of your injuries. We know how to calculate the true value of your claim, including both economic and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Handling Complex Cases
Some accidents are particularly complex, including crashes involving commercial trucks, Uber and Lyft vehicles, or uninsured drivers. Our firm has the experience to handle these intricate cases, from collisions on Broad Street to multi-vehicle crashes on I-95.
How We Build Your Case
Building a strong case requires a thorough investigation. We collect police reports, interview witnesses, and analyze medical records. When needed, we work with accident reconstruction experts to prove exactly how the crash happened and who was at fault.
We also handle all legal paperwork and deadlines for the Richmond Circuit Court system. We manage these details so you can focus on your recovery.
How Contingency Fees Work
At Burnett & Williams PC, we operate on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no upfront fees. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. We also advance all case costs, such as filing fees and expert witness expenses.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Virginia Claim?
After a Richmond car accident, you can pursue compensation for a wide range of losses. A richmond auto accident lawyer helps ensure you account for all damages you are entitled to under Virginia law.
Economic Damages
These are the measurable financial costs from the crash. They include all current and future medical expenses, from emergency room visits to ongoing physical therapy. Economic damages also cover lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and property damage.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages compensate you for the non-financial impact of the accident, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and disruption to your life. The value of these damages often depends on the severity of your injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), broken bones, or spinal cord damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my Virginia car accident case worth?
Every case is different, so there is no average settlement amount. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, your total medical bills, and your lost income. The at-fault driver’s insurance coverage also plays a significant role. A lawyer can evaluate these factors to assess your case’s potential worth.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Virginia?
In Virginia, you generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. This deadline is strict. For claims against government entities, the notice deadline is even shorter, sometimes only six months. Acting quickly is crucial to protect your legal rights.
Can I get compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident in Richmond?
No. Virginia follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If you are found to be even 1% at fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation. Insurance companies use this rule to deny claims by trying to shift a small amount of blame onto the injury victim. A richmond auto accident lawyer can build a case to prove the other driver was 100% responsible.
Get the Legal Support You Deserve
You have been through enough. While you are trying to heal, you should not have to fight a legal battle alone. Navigating a Richmond car accident claim is challenging, especially with Virginia’s strict contributory negligence rule.
An experienced Richmond auto accident lawyer can make all the difference. Attorneys Jim Williams and Kimberly Raab are proud to always offer free consultations on every case. If we accept your case, we protect your rights, handle all communications with insurance companies, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. We know the tactics adjusters use and how to counter them.
At Burnett & Williams PC, we provide responsive, caring client service. Your job is to focus on getting better. Let us handle the legal fight so you can work toward the justice you deserve. Learn more about how our Richmond accident lawyers can help you.