Richmond Car Accident Attorney

Car Accident Lawyer Serving in all of Virginia

Leaving your fate in the hands of non-experienced personal injury lawyers can cost you time, money, and satisfaction when it is all said and done.

Here at Tronfeld West & Durrett, that will not be the case. Each experienced Richmond car accident attorney on our team knows Virginia law inside and out and we will use our knowledge to make sure you get the most for your claim.

One thing that is important to remember is that Virginia is a “fault” state when it comes to determining who is liable for a car accident. That means if you are injured as the result of an auto accident, you have several options on how to seek compensation:

• You can choose to simply file a claim with your medical payments coverage policy. However, medical payment coverage is optional in Virginia and you may not have it on your policy. In addition, medical payment coverage is usually very limited and may not be enough to cover your medical bills.
• You can file a third-party auto insurance claim with the insurance agency of the driver who was at fault in your accident
• If the fault is not clear, or settlement negotiations have not met your expectations, you can choose to take the case to court

This is different from “no-fault” states which only offer car accident victims a predetermined payment from their insurance company regardless of who was at fault.

This ability to determine fault allows you to receive fuller and greater compensation for your losses.

Another key point about car accidents in Virginia is the state-mandated statute of limitations, which sets a deadline for filing injury claims.

If you are the victim of a car accident, the state declares that you only have two years to file a personal injury claim, and only five years to file a property damage claim. These time periods may be longer for minors under 18 years old and persons with a disability. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you should contact a Richmond car accident attorney immediately to determine the applicable statute of limitations.

Our History Of Success For Injured Victims In Virginia

Recently, we have helped car accident victims receive huge sums that they deserved for their injuries. These include:

• A $4.5 million settlement for a man who was hit by a negligent driver while stopped at a red light in Chesterfield County
• A $450,000 settlement for a mother and son injured in a T-bone accident
• A $6.5 million settlement for a man who was seriously injured in an accident on I-95 in Southside Virginia

If you have suffered any kind of injury as a result of a car accident, make sure you get the right representation.

We are not just your typical law firm. We are local attorneys with strong ties to Richmond, Virginia. And we are dedicated to serving our community and those in it and the surrounding areas.

So do not let a serious accident turn your life upside down. Call Tronfeld West & Durrett and get a local team of experienced car accident attorneys in Richmond who will work to get you the highest settlement you deserve.

Richmond Car Accident Statistics

Driving in Richmond can be very dangerous with thousands of vehicle crashes happening every year.

• In 2022, Richmond had 5,721 automobile accidents with 34 fatalities and 2,719 injuries. All these statistics, per the Virginia Dept of Motor Vehicles, have increased in incidents since the last time we reviewed the report in 2017. With 158,597 licensed drivers in Richmond, there was a 0.21 death rate per 1000 drivers in Richmond (compared to a 0.15 death rate five years ago).
• These accidents may involve two passenger vehicles; more than one passenger vehicles (such as pile-ups and crashes at intersections); a passenger vehicle and a commercial truck such as a tractor-trailer; a car and another vehicle such as a bus, motorcycle, tractor, or farm equipment; a car and a pedestrian crossing a street; a car and a bicyclist, either on the road or sidewalk; a car and an animal, such as a deer or cow; or a car and a fixed object or structure such as a light pole or house.
• Many of Richmond’s accidents occur on Chippenham Parkway, Interstate 64, Interstate 95, Interstate 85, Interstate 264, Interstate 195, Interstate 295, Broad Street, Virginia State Route 288, Powhite Parkway, and Hull Street.
• The most dangerous intersections in Richmond include the intersection of Midlothian Turnpike and Turner Road, Staples Mill Road and Dickens Road, Hull Street Road and Hey Road, and Cedar Fork Road and Creighton Road.

For answers to your questions about a car accident in Richmond, call:
800-321-6741

What Are The Causes Of Richmond Car Accidents?

Richmond drivers have a duty to use ordinary care by keeping a proper lookout while driving, keeping the vehicle under control at all times, obeying all traffic signs and rules of the road, and driving at reasonable speeds under the existing conditions. Drivers who fail to meet these requirements and cause an automobile accident that injures others can be held financially responsible for any damages.

Anytime there is a car collision, serious injuries or death can happen. Many car accidents happen because of negligent driving. Common causes of car accidents in Richmond include distracted driving, speeding, reckless driving, running red lights or stop signs, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving in poor weather conditions, falling asleep at the wheel, or driving at night.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the most common reasons that contribute to causing car accidents. Indeed, according to the Drive Smart Virginia highway safety organization, distracted driving contributes to almost 80 percent of all car crashes each year. Examples of distracted driving that may cause an accident are texting, using a cell phone, eating, drinking, smoking, personal grooming, adjusting the car radio, or using GPS.

Another frequent example of distracted driving is when drivers are distracted by conditions on the road, such as to look at an accident scene, police activity, or other distractions that take their eyes away from the road in front of them.

Distracted drivers are still responsible for any damages they may have caused to you or your property.

Speeding

Driving over the speed limit causes hundreds of car accidents every year. In fact, speeding is the leading factor in accidents across the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with almost 55 percent of crashes in the country being caused by speeding drivers. In 2017, 775 car crashes in Richmond were caused by speeding, including 2 fatalities and 392 injuries.

If you were hit by a driver speeding over the limit or too fast for the weather conditions at the time of the accident, you may be able to recover your damages, with the help of the experienced Richmond car accident attorneys at Tronfeld, West, and Durrett.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving occurs when a driver is operating a vehicle in such a manner or at high speed such that the driver endangers other people.

Examples of reckless driving include driving a certain amount over the speed limit, racing, road rage, running red lights or stop signs, failing to yield the right of way, or failing to give proper traffic signals when turning.

If you have been involved in a car accident as the result of a reckless driver, the experienced Richmond car accident lawyers at Tronfeld, West, and Durrett can make sure that you are able to recover the damages suffered because of the other driver’s reckless driving.

Running Red Lights

Almost half of the fatal car crashes at intersections across the country are caused by a driver who ran a red light. Running a red light can cause serious injuries, property destruction, and death.

Running Stop Signs

Running a stop sign often leads to the same dangerous consequences as running a red light. Drivers who run stop signs are also usually either distracted and not paying attention to the presence of a stop sign, or the driver is in such a rush to get to somewhere that he or she decides to run the stop sign and fails to yield the right of way to another driver.

If another driver ran a stop sign and hit you, you must prove that driver was at fault, using such evidence as photographs, witness testimony, or police statements. Any nearby security cameras may also be able to provide useful footage.

Driving Under The Influence Of Drugs And Drinking

In 2017, there were 244 automobile accidents in Richmond that were alcohol-related. These car crashes led to 169 injuries and 7 fatalities. For the state of Virginia itself, about 32% of all traffic fatalities result from alcohol-related collisions.

A driver does not have to be over the legal limit to still be driving under the influence and may also be under the influence of more than just alcohol or illegal drugs. Driving while under the influence of over-the-counter or prescription medication is also illegal.

If you have been the victim of a DUI driver, you should speak to one of the Richmond car accident attorneys at Tronfeld, West, and Durrett as soon as possible because you may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical bills, rehabilitation bills, medications, and loss of future earnings as well as punitive damages for the other driver’s willful and wanton behavior of driving under the influence when the collision occurred.

Poor Weather Conditions

Many car accidents are caused by drivers driving too fast for road or weather conditions. While they may be obeyed the posted speed limits, drivers may need to drive slower if the weather or road conditions require it, such as during storms, when roads are icy or slick, or if visibility is limited such as caused by fog.

Poor weather conditions that can create hazardous driving conditions include:

• Rain can cause slippery road conditions as well as create low-visibility conditions while rain is coming down or as steam comes up off the hot, wet pavement.
• When driving during winter weather conditions, snow can cause hazardous and slippery road conditions during the winter.
• Ice can also cause very slippery road conditions, as well as often being harder to spot than snow on the road. Bridges often ice quicker than the roads, and if you hit a patch of ice on the road, it can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

Falling Asleep At The Wheel

When drivers operate a vehicle while sleepy, their fatigue can impair their reflexes, causing them to not react quickly enough to driving conditions, to fail to observe traffic rules and regulations, or to fall asleep at the wheel and cause a car crash or other accident.

Drivers that are the most likely to fall asleep at the wheel and cause an automobile accident include business travelers, truck and other commercial drivers, employees working night shifts, or drivers who are taking certain prescription medications.

Driving At Night

In general, more accidents occur during the night hours than during the daytime, with Friday and Saturday nights being the deadliest times to be on the road across the country. In addition to the additional dangers that driving at night poses such as decreased visibility, the danger of other drivers driving under the influence of alcohol greatly increases. Across the nation, two out of every three accidents during Friday or Saturday nights involve a driver driving under the influence of alcohol.

While more accidents and traffic fatalities occur at night, there is actually about sixty percent less traffic on the road at night. Many of the top causes of these traffic accidents that happen while driving at night include drowsiness, cell phone use, driving while alcohol-impaired, or otherwise distracted.

What Are The Common Types Of Car Accidents?

Car accidents in Richmond can happen in a split second, but the consequences can last much longer. Whether it’s navigating the bustling city streets or dealing with congested highways, drivers in Richmond face a variety of risks that can lead to serious accidents. Common types of accidents include rollover accidents, single-car accidents, rear-end collisions, side-impact collisions, hit-and-run,  head-on collisions, intersection accidents, accidents involving pedestrians, accidents involving bicycles, or accidents in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare services.

Two-Car Accidents

Two-car accidents are among the most common types of collisions in Richmond. These accidents can occur in a variety of situations, such as when one driver fails to yield, runs a red light, or engages in distracted driving. Even a minor collision can lead to significant injuries, especially when high speeds are involved.

The legal process for two-car accidents often involves determining which driver was negligent, and this determination is critical in Virginia, where contributory negligence laws apply. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we are committed to gathering the evidence needed to prove that the other driver was fully at fault, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups

Multi-vehicle accidents, or pile-ups, usually occur on highways or busy streets, often as a result of a chain reaction that begins with a single collision. These accidents are particularly challenging from a legal standpoint because multiple drivers may share responsibility. The complexity of determining fault increases with the number of vehicles involved, and contributory negligence can further complicate matters.

We work closely with accident reconstruction experts to piece together the sequence of events and identify the party or parties at fault, ensuring that our clients are not wrongfully blamed.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents are particularly frustrating for victims because the responsible driver flees the scene, leaving the injured party to deal with the aftermath alone.

In Richmond, if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run, it’s crucial to report the incident to the police immediately and seek legal advice. Even if the at-fault driver is not found, you may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage. Our attorneys will assist you in navigating this process, ensuring that all possible sources of compensation are explored.

Rollover Accident

Pickup trucks and SUVs are the most common vehicles involved in rollover accidents, more so than other passenger vehicles.

Passengers involved in rollover accidents may suffer severe or catastrophic injuries such as being thrown out of the car, tossed around inside the car, or crushed by the roof of the vehicle. Common injuries from rollover accidents include head and brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, loss of limbs, cuts, and bruises. Many rollover accidents can also be fatal for one or more of the vehicle occupants.

There are two types of rollover accidents: Tripped Rollovers and Untripped Rollovers. Tripped Rollover accidents are the most common, accounting for about 95 percent of rollover accidents. These accidents happen when some outside force triggers a rollover accident, such as when da car strikes a curb, guardrail, or another car and rolls over.

Untripped rollovers are caused when a vehicle is top-heavy, such as with SUVs, large trucks, vans, or jeeps. An untripped rollover may occur when a driver loses control of the top-heavy vehicle on a wet or slick road or while swerving to miss another car, animal, or object.

Speeding, distracted driving, texting and driving, or drug or alcohol use can all contribute to these rollover accidents. Even a safe driver can have a rollover accident if the vehicle’s design was flawed or had a manufacturing defect.

If you have had a rollover accident, it is important that you hire a Richmond car accident attorney to investigate how your accident occurred and who should be held responsible.

Single Car Accident

While car accidents involving only a single care are typically assumed to be the driver’s fault, there may be other causes leading to the accident. Some examples of these other causes include a defective part on the vehicle such as caused by a manufacturing defect, poorly maintained roads and hazards such as potholes, or perhaps having to swerve to miss an animal or person in the road.

It is important that you talk to a car accident attorney in Richmond as soon as possible after your single car accident so that they may investigate any possible causes for your accident.

Rear-End Collision

Rear-end collisions can cause serious injuries, even from the common “fender-bender” accidents. These injuries often include serious neck and back injuries, including “whiplash” that may have long-term effects. Even more dangerous to vehicle occupants are high-speed rear-end car collisions. Even if the vehicles were moving slowly at the time of the collision, passengers can still suffer severe injuries.

Rear-end collisions are the most common type of vehicle accidents, accounting for approximately 29 percent of all traffic crashes across the country every year.

One of the most common injuries from rear-end collisions is “whiplash,” caused by the violent motion of a person’s neck snapping back-and-forth in a whip-like motion that can strain and tear muscles, nerves, and tendons in a person’s neck. Lingering, chronic pain following a rear-end collision is also common.

Typically, the driver of the vehicle in front is often responsible for rear-end collisions, often by suddenly stopping or suddenly slowing down just before the impact, by switching lanes or turning at an intersection without using the appropriate traffic signals, or by failing to completely move the vehicle off the road after the vehicle has broken down.

Common reasons that the rear driver may cause the rear-end collision are if the driver was distracted, tired, speeding, following too closely, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, causing the driver to plow into the vehicle in front of it.

Side-Impact Collision

Side-impact collisions or “side-swipe” collisions can cause serious injuries, especially if somebody is sitting on the side of the vehicle where collision occurs, with only the relatively thin vehicle door to provide any protection from the impact.

Typically, side-impact collisions happen after one car drifted into another car’s lane, a car crosses into the oncoming lane of traffic, two cars side-swipe each other when both are turning, or when a driver intentionally runs another person off the road because of “road rage.”

Side-impact collisions may also happen if a driver is merging into traffic and fails to see a vehicle coming up along the side or if the driver refuses to yield the right of way to another vehicle.

Many injuries from side-impact collisions occur afterward because the collision caused one or both drivers to lose control of the vehicle and go off the road, hit another car, or hit an object such as a tree, streetlight, sign, or guardrail.

Head-On Collision

Unfortunately, head-on collisions are often the deadliest vehicle collisions purely because of the laws of physics. The speed of both vehicles driving toward each other when they hit greatly increases the force of impact.

According to a Transportation Research Board study, the majority of head-on crashes occur on rural, two-lane highways. Only a few of these head-on collisions actually involve drivers who are trying to pass another vehicle, but rather, head-on collisions usually involve drives who are driving around a curve or are going straight and unintentionally cross into the oncoming lane.

Driver negligence is the leading cause of head-on collisions, including such examples of driver negligence as falling asleep at the wheel, speeding around a curve, disobeying traffic signs and symbols, distracted driving, talking or texting with a cell phone, going the wrong way on a one-way road, or swerving to miss something in the road.

Severe injuries and death often result from head-on collisions because of the severe force caused by the impact. Typical injuries include severe brain injury, spinal cord damage, broken bones, cuts and bruises, internal bleeding, and other traumatic injuries.

If you have been injured in a head-on collision with another vehicle, you need to hire a qualified car accident attorney who has experience handling severe personal injury and car accident cases.

Intersection Accidents

Intersections are always dangerous places with the risk of car accidents, accidents involving pedestrians, accidents involving bicyclists, or many other types of automobile accidents. In Richmond, some of the most dangerous intersections are 18th and Main Street, Broad Rock and Warwick, Broad and Harrison, Forest Hill and Chippenham, Cary and Boulevard, Cowardin and Bainbridge, Hull and Commerce, Hull and Elkhardt, Belvidere and Leigh, and Cowardin and Simms.

Because of how dangerous a traffic intersection can be, with so many different dangers, it is important for drivers to do what they can to prevent an accident from happening. Drivers should focus on the road; staying aware of road conditions and other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians; and watching for oncoming traffic at intersections.

Accidents Involving Pedestrians

Pedestrians have the right-of-way when crossing any highway or street within a clearly marked crosswalk or pedestrian crossing.

If a pedestrian does have the right-of-way, Virginia law requires a driver to allow the pedestrian to cross the street safely and efficiently by either changing course, slowing down, or coming to a complete stop as necessary.

However, pedestrians must also use ordinary care when crossing a street by looking out for oncoming vehicles, and it is illegal in Virginia for pedestrians to enter or cross any intersection while disregarding the oncoming traffic.

There were 120 automobile accidents involving pedestrians in 2017 in Richmond.

The uptick in pedestrian deaths seems to be following a general trend seen nationally and in Virginia over the past several years: After decades of improving overall traffic death rates, pedestrian deaths continue to climb.

Accidents Involving Bicycles

In its 2015 rankings, The League of American Bicyclists rated Virginia as the 13th-most “bicyclist friendly” state in the country, taking into account legislation, enforcement of bike laws and other factors.

In 2017, there were 670 automobile accidents involving bicycles in Virginia, or 0.5% of all traffic crashes. Of those, 623 bicycle riders were injured, and 13 bicycle riders were killed.

Distracted or negligent drivers pose a serious threat to bicyclists in Richmond. During a five-year period, Richmond averaged approximately 69 automobile accidents involving bicycles per year with about 66 injuries and 1 death per year.

Alcohol-related collisions account for more than one-third of bicyclist fatalities.

Accidents In An Uber, Lyft, Or Ride-Share Service

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) published a guide in May 2015 for all ride-share services, including Uber, Lyft, and others. This guide describes the requirements that ride-share drivers must follow, such as insurance requirements, driver background checks, vehicle requirements, and registration of the drivers’ vehicles.

Under Virginia law, drivers for ride-share services such as Uber or Lyft must carry proof insurance coverage under both the ride-share service’s insurance policy as well as under the driver’s personal automobile insurance policy covering the driver’s vehicle. The ride-share service is responsible for ensuring that its drivers comply with Virginia’s requirements and that the proof of coverage is made available to every passenger, even if only by displaying it through the ride-share service’s app.

Virginia law requires ride-sharing services to provide a minimum of $1 million of motor vehicle liability coverage for death, bodily injury, and property damage. Virginia also requires ride-sharing services to provide uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage that applies from the moment a passenger enters its driver’s vehicle until the moment the passenger exists the vehicle with a minimum of $1 million in coverage as well. These minimums may be met by the ride-sharing service’s insurance coverage itself, the coverage maintained by a driver, or a combination of the insurance coverage maintained by the driver and the ride-sharing service.

These insurance requirements are in effect from the moment the driver accepts a prearranged ride request on the ride-sharing service’s app until the driver completes the transaction on the app or until the prearranged ride is complete, whichever is later.

Meanwhile, from the moment a driver logs onto a ride-sharing service’s app until the driver accepts a ride-request, as well as from the moment the driver completes the ride until the driver accepts another prearranged ride request, Virginia requires that the ride-sharing service provide motor vehicle liability coverage providing liability coverage of at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per incident for death and bodily injury and at least $25,000 for property damage.

Because of the complex issues surrounding a vehicle accident with a ride-share driver, it is very important that you contact a Richmond accident attorney at Tronfeld, West, and Durrett, as soon as possible to help you navigate the thick web of insurance issues and relevant state laws that apply when dealing with a ride-share service such as Uber or Lyft.

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Car Accidents & Insurance In Virginia

Car Accidents With No Insurance

In Virginia, an estimated 10 percent of drivers do not have auto insurance and are not required to do so if they choose instead to pay a $500 fee instead of purchasing car insurance.

If you are involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver you can either file a claim with your insurance company, generally under any uninsured motorist coverage you may have, or you can personally take the uninsured driver to court for your damages. In addition, you should also make sure that your insurance company does not try to give you too little for your claim, and if you feel that your insurance company is not offering enough to cover your damages, you should consult with an experienced Richmond car accident attorney.

If you personally have no car insurance and are involved in an accident, you can still recover from the other driver or the driver’s insurance if the other driver is at fault or liable for the accident. However, if you are at fault, you will still be personally liable for any damages, even though in Virginia you can simply pay a yearly Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee of $500 in lieu of purchasing auto insurance.

Car Accidents And Insurance Claims

Your car accident attorney may be able to recover these damages from the other driver’s liability insurance coverage, your own uninsured driver’s insurance coverage that is part of your automobile insurance coverage, other relevant insurance policies, as well as from the other driver through a personal injury lawsuit.

Unless a driver pays the $500 fee for not purchasing auto insurance in Virginia, the minimum coverage they should possess is $25,000 for the bodily injury or death of one person, $50,000 for the bodily injury or death of two or more people, and $20,000 for any property damage. If a person chooses to also purchase uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist coverage, the minimum policy limits mirror those for the liability insurance.

In most cases after a car accident, you will recover your damages by filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, and that driver’s insurance company should pay for any of your damages, up to the limits of that driver’s insurance policy’s coverage.

If the other driver’s policy coverage is not enough to cover all of your damages, you can file a claim through your own underinsured policy with your insurance company, turn to any other applicable insurance coverage, file a claim against a third party that can be held responsible for the at-fault driver’s actions, such as the person’s employer if the driver was acting on his or her behalf at the time of the accident, or you can try to recover your damages from the driver’s personal assets.

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The Importance Of Proving Negligence In Virginia

The State of Virginia has extremely rigid contributory negligence laws. In Virginia, if a driver is even one percent at-fault in an accident, the law bars him from collecting any compensation.

This means that if you were driving a few miles over the speed limit when another driver turned left at an intersection and slammed into you, you could be on the hook for your damages, even though you did not cause the accident. Click here to see The 10 Most Dangerous Intersections in Richmond and Petersburg, Virginia.

That is why it is so crucial that you are able to prove the other driver was totally at-fault for the accident. To do this, you will need to collect proper evidence and build a strong case against the negligent party.

You can do this by:

• Documenting all of your injuries and damages to your personal effects
• Taking photos of your injuries, the scene of the accident, and damages to your property
• Gathering the names and contact information of any witnesses
• Securing medical records related to anyone involved in the accident

This can be an arduous task however and can feel overwhelming for someone who was just involved in a serious car accident. This is all the more reason to contact professionals who know how the law works and can do all of the tedious work for you.

What Are The Compensations After A Car Accident?

At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we will stop at nothing to prove fault and ensure you are compensated fairly for your losses. We will work to get you compensation for:

• Your medical bills
• Damage to your vehicle or other personal property
• Insurance deductibles
• Lost wages due to missing work
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish

To calculate pain and suffering damages, you typically total your economic damages and multiply them by a variable, which usually ranges from 1.5 to 5. More severe cases are assigned higher variables. For example, if you incurred $100,000 in economic damages and a 1.5 variable is applied, your pain and suffering damages would amount to $150,000.

Do not let your bills and anxiety pile up by hiring a team of inexperienced personal injury lawyers.

Meet with Richmond car accident lawyers who have more than 40 years of experience helping injury victims in the Virginia area. Call Tronfeld West & Durrett today.

Steps To Take After A Car Accident

You should always call 911 following a car accident so that the police and EMTs will arrive at the scene. In some cases, the other driver may ask that you not contact the police. Perhaps they are driving without insurance or have other accidents on their driving record. While you may feel compassion for the other person, you simply cannot afford not to have a traffic report of the incident. You should always receive medical attention for your injuries. Even if you think you were not injured badly, many injuries manifest hours, days, or even a week after your accident. The surge of adrenaline your body undergoes during the accident can mask your injury symptoms, so it’s always better to have a medical professional check you out after a car accident.

While at the scene—if you are medically able—exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, then take photographs of the vehicles, the scene of the accident, and anything else you think might be able to help your attorney build a solid case for compensation. Once you are home, take some time to think about the time right before the accident, the accident itself, and the aftermath. Write down anything you can remember. The smallest detail could end up being incredibly important. Contact your insurance company and provide them with the basic details of your accident. After you’ve contacted your insurance company, contact an experienced Richmond car accident attorney from Tronfeld West & Durrett. We will communicate with the at-fault party’s insurer and help you get the necessary medical treatments, giving you time to heal from your Richmond car accident.

How Long Does A Car Accident Settlement Take?

Every car accident settlement is different. The amount of time your settlement will take will depend on many different things, including whether liability for the accident is clear, the extent of your injuries, how long your recovery is expected to take, and whether you will be able to return to work at some point. While the simplest accidents with fairly minor injuries can settle quickly within six weeks to two months, more complex accidents with more severe injuries can take 3-8 months to settle. If, however, the insurer refuses to settle for a reasonable amount, the case will go to trial, which can take significantly longer than a settlement. It can take time even to get a trial date set, and it is likely to be set for months or even a year. When a case goes to court, you might look at a year to a year and a half to settle.

Common Car Accidents Injuries

Car accidents can result in serious injuries to the body. Although airbags and seat belts have minimized severe injuries, more cars on the roadways, higher speeds, and distracted drivers have increased the number of car accidents. Traumatic brain injuries are the primary injuries sustained by those in car accidents. The brain injury can range from a concussion to a severe TBI with long-term effects. Any time the head strikes a hard surface, the brain can sustain injury. Other common injuries resulting from car accidents include:

• Neck and back injuries—Whiplash is common when one vehicle is struck in the rear by another. Back injuries can result from any type of car accident, ranging from minor pain to severe pain and lack of mobility. When the spinal cord is injured, partial or full paralysis can occur.
• Burns can occur in serious car accidents when the vehicle catches on fire or in any car accident when the skin comes into contact with hot fluids, surfaces, steam, or chemicals. Severe burns can cause long-term physical and emotional pain and trauma.
• Internal injuries can occur in minor or more serious car accidents. Internal organ damage can occur when a car crash forces the body into a hard object, or the body is hit by flying debris. Internal bleeding and internal organ damage require immediate medical attention. Even those wearing a seat belt can sustain internal organ damage from the impact of the seat belt against the body at the time of the collision.
• Fractures and broken bones are extremely common car accident injuries, including broken legs, ribs, wrists, knees, ankles, and arms. Sometimes, a car accident victim will sustain a broken pelvis or ribs. Simple breaks may only require a cast, while more serious breaks or compound fractures may require surgical intervention.
• Facial disfigurement can occur from flying glass that embeds into the face, when the face strikes a hard surface, or when burns occur to the face. Facial injury disfigurement may require multiple surgical procedures and leave the victim with lasting facial scars.
• Amputation of an arm, a leg, fingers, or toes can occur during a car accident. Limb loss can have permanent disabling effects on the victim.

Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Richmond

Like every other state, Virginia has a statute of limitations that limits the amount of time you have to file your lawsuit for any injuries suffered as a result of a car accident. Virginia Code section 8.01-243 creates a statute of limitations of two years to file a lawsuit for any injury claims resulting from a car accident. So it’s important to contact our law firm as soon as possible to help you recover expenses for any damages incurred as a result of your accident.

We understand that the aftermath of a car accident can be difficult as you deal with disabling injuries, physical pain, time away from work, and emotional trauma. Your financial situation may also quickly deteriorate as you must deal with medical expenses and time away from work, resulting in your normal bills going unpaid.

Two-Car Accidents FAQs

How long do I have to file a claim for compensation after a two-car accident?

In Virginia, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim for compensation (Virginia Code § 8.01-243). It’s crucial to act within this timeframe to preserve your right to seek damages. Failing to file within the statute of limitations can result in losing your right to recover compensation, regardless of the severity of your injuries.

If a drunk driver hits me, can I sue the bar that served the driver?

You can potentially sue a bar that served alcohol to a drunk driver who subsequently injured you in an accident. This type of lawsuit falls under “dram shop” laws, which hold establishments accountable for overserving alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals.

To successfully pursue a claim against the bar, you must demonstrate several key elements:

1. Proof of service: You need to establish that the bar served alcohol to the driver after they were already visibly intoxicated.
2. Causation: It must be shown that the intoxication from the bar’s service was a contributing factor to the driver’s impairment at the time of the accident.
3. Damages: You must provide evidence of the injuries and damages you sustained as a result of the accident.
4. Negligence: The bar’s actions must be deemed negligent, meaning they should have recognized that they were serving an intoxicated individual and refrained from doing so.

While these cases can be challenging to win, they can be crucial for obtaining compensation, especially if the drunk driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage. Consulting with a car accident attorney at Tronfeld West & Durrett can clarify your options and help build a compelling case, if applicable.

What can I do if the other driver leaves the scene of the accident or carries no insurance?

If the other driver leaves the scene (a hit-and-run) or is uninsured, you may still recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage. This type of coverage is designed to protect you in situations where the at-fault driver cannot be identified or is unable to pay for damages. It’s essential to report the accident to the police immediately and seek legal advice to ensure that you take all necessary steps to pursue your claim.

What damages can I claim if I have been injured in a two-car accident caused by the other driver?

If you’ve been injured in a two-car accident caused by another driver, you may be entitled to several types of damages, including:

• Medical expenses: Covers costs related to emergency care, surgeries, ongoing treatment, and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work, including future earnings if the injury affects your long-term employment.
• Property damage: Costs for repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the accident.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you previously enjoyed.

If I was partly at fault for a two-vehicle accident, can I recover damages?

Virginia follows a contributory negligence rule, which is one of the strictest in the nation. Under this rule, if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any damages. This makes it crucial to work with an experienced attorney who can effectively argue that the other driver was entirely responsible for the collision.

How is fault determined in a two-car accident?

Fault in a two-car accident is determined by examining the evidence, which may include police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and expert testimony. The specifics of the accident, such as traffic violations, road conditions, and driver behavior, are analyzed to establish who was negligent. Our legal team at Tronfeld West & Durrett meticulously investigates each case to ensure that liability is accurately assigned.

If representatives of the other driver’s insurance company contact me, should I talk to them?

It’s generally advisable not to speak with the other driver’s insurance company representatives without consulting your attorney first. Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize your claim or use your statements against you. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we handle all communications with insurers on your behalf to protect your interests and maximize your compensation.

How soon after the accident should I see a doctor?

You should see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident, even if you feel your injuries are minor. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not show symptoms immediately but can have serious long-term effects. Prompt medical attention not only ensures your health is protected but also provides crucial documentation for your injury claim.

Is it important to take pictures after an accident involving another vehicle?

Yes, taking pictures after an accident is highly important. Photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries serve as vital evidence in proving fault and the extent of damages. These images help substantiate your claim and can be a decisive factor in settlement negotiations or court proceedings.

What should I do if I am involved in an accident caused by another driver?

If you’re involved in an accident caused by another driver, take the following steps:

1. Ensure your safety: Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries.
2. Call the police: Report the accident and request an official report, which will be critical in your claim.
3. Collect evidence: Gather contact information from witnesses, take photos of the scene, and document any relevant details.
4. Seek medical attention: Get checked by a doctor, even if you feel fine.
5. Notify your insurance company: Report the accident but avoid making any statements that could be used against you.
6. Consult with an attorney: Contact Tronfeld West & Durrett to discuss your case and ensure your rights are protected.

Personal Injury Attorneys Who You Can Count On

After an accident, you do not want to share your pain and grief with a stranger. You need people who understand what you are going through and are dedicated to serving your best interests — not just their own.

Our attorneys work with you on a personal basis (as we said, we are Virginia-born and raised) and are always available to handle any questions or concerns you have.

Do not let an auto accident wreck your life. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we also deal with golf-cart accidents and ATV accidents. Call the experienced Richmond car accident lawyers at our firm now and let us get you the help and compensation you deserve

We have offices conveniently located in your neighborhood, whether you are in Richmond, Petersburg, Chesterfield or Mechanicsville. Contact us now locally at 804-358-6741. Not in the Virginia area? Call us toll-free at 800-321-6741.

Call or text 800-321-6741 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form