After a car accident that wasn’t your fault, navigating the legal system requires professional legal assistance. In these circumstances, a personal injury lawyer will ensure you receive rightful compensation to cover all the costs of your injuries and other damages.
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we’ve been providing compassionate and effective legal support since 1972. Over the years, countless victims in Virginia have benefited from our services, our structured approach, and our dedication to achieving maximum compensation. From dealing with insurance companies to understanding local and state laws, we can help with your case in Alexandria.
Why Choose Our Alexandria Car Accident Lawyers?
By choosing Tronfeld West & Durrett to handle your case, you’ll get:
- Decades of legal expertise: Our 50+ years of experience ensures we’re well-equipped to handle even the most complex car accident cases in Alexandria.
- Personalized legal strategies: We tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of each case, ensuring you receive the attention your case deserves.
- Proven track record of success: Our history of achieving substantial settlements and verdicts showcases our dedication to securing the best possible outcomes.
After getting injured in a car accident, don’t navigate the legal system alone. Our personal injury lawyers in Alexandria are ready to discuss your case in a free consultation, helping you determine the best legal strategy and giving you an estimate of your claim’s potential value based on similar cases we’ve handled in the past.
For answers to your questions about a car accident in Alexandria, call:
800-321-6741
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Alexandria
In 2023, there were 1,092 reported crashes in the city of Alexandria. These accidents are commonly caused by negligence, which can take many forms, including:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Weather conditions
- Reckless driving
If your accident was caused by another’s negligence, you have a legal right to file a claim and recover compensation. To help you do this, our lawyers will investigate the accident, identify the root cause, and determine who is legally responsible for compensating you.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Alexandria
Car accidents are often confusing, but by following certain precautions, you can safeguard your evidence and your right to compensation. Here are the steps to take after an accident:
- Ensure safety and seek medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor, seeking medical attention immediately provides you with medical records that can later serve as evidence.
- Call the police and report the accident: Virginia Code § 46.2-8-11 requires you to stop close to the scene, avoid obstructing traffic, and provide your details to the police and the other party involved.
- Collect evidence at the scene: Gather contact information from witnesses, take photos, and document all relevant details.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurer to start the claims process with the help of a lawyer at Tronfeld West & Durrett.
Click to contact us today
Understanding Virginia Car Accident Laws
While the relevant laws will vary depending on your case’s specific circumstances, we can outline some general laws you need to consider regardless of the nature of the incident.
On the one hand, it’s important to understand that Virginia operates under a fault-based system, meaning the party responsible for the accident is liable for damages. Virginia Code § 46.2-852 states that it’s illegal to drive in a way that endangers the safety of people or property, so you can seek legal action if someone else’s negligence caused the accident.
However, Virginia’s strict contributory negligence rule can bar a victim from recovering damages if they’re found even slightly at fault for the accident. That’s why the lawyers at Tronfeld West & Durrett conduct thorough investigations to establish clear fault, aiming to prove the other party’s 100% liability.
On the other hand, remember that there is a statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in Virginia. Generally, you have two years from the accident’s date to file a claim, so make sure you consult with a lawyer promptly to start building your case.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Types of Compensation Available
The compensation amount you recover after a car accident will be influenced by the severity of your injuries, the scope of other damages, and several insurance and liability considerations. Commonly, you can seek compensation for the following damages:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses: Covers all past, present, and future medical costs related to the accident, including hospital bills, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: Compensates for income lost when the accident leaves you unable to work (including compensation for impacts on future earning capacity).
- Property damage: Includes the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering: Compensates for the physical pain and emotional distress you suffered from the accident.
- Emotional distress: Addresses the psychological impact of the incident, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensates the loss of ability to engage in activities and hobbies you once enjoyed.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are only awarded when the defendant’s conduct is considered to be particularly egregious or reckless. According to Virginia law, punitive damages are capped at $350,000.
Our lawyers meticulously evaluate every detail of your case to calculate damages and maximize compensation. We thoroughly analyze medical records, gather comprehensive evidence, and consult with experts to build a robust case. This way, we ensure you receive the highest possible compensation for your injuries and losses, as shown in our case results.
Steps to Take When Filing a Car Accident Claim
Step 1: Schedule a Free Consultation
The consultation process involves discussing the details of your case with the team of attorneys at Tronfeld West & Durrett. To make the most out of this meeting, be prepared to provide all relevant information, such as medical records, accident reports, and any evidence you collected.
Step 2: Investigation and Evidence Collection
After we determine the best legal strategy for your case’s specific circumstances, our team will proceed to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to build a solid case. This exhaustive investigation is essential for proving liability and demonstrating the extent of your damages.
Step 3: Negotiation and Settlement
Negotiating with insurance adjusters involves presenting evidence to support your claim and a clear breakdown of the damages sought. During this process, our skilled lawyers will counter low settlement offers and advocate for fair compensation.
Step 4: Litigation and Court Representation
If insurers are unwilling to offer a settlement that reflects the true value of your claim, we can help you file a personal injury lawsuit in Virginia and take your case to court. This involves thorough preparation for trial and navigating diverse courtroom procedures.
How Do You Win A Car Accident Lawsuit?
Winning a car accident lawsuit in Alexandria requires a strategic and detail-oriented approach. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, our legal team brings a wealth of experience, professionalism, and dedication to every case we handle. Here’s how we can help you achieve success:
- Building a strong case: We thoroughly investigate the accident, collect critical evidence such as police reports, medical records, and eyewitness accounts, and collaborate with accident reconstruction experts when necessary.
- Establishing liability: Proving fault is essential. We identify negligent actions—whether it’s distracted driving, speeding, or DUI—and use these findings to strengthen your claim.
- Accurate damage assessment: Whether it’s medical expenses, lost wages, or non-economic damages like pain and suffering, we ensure your losses are fully quantified.
- Expert negotiation and litigation: Our lawyers are skilled negotiators but aren’t afraid to take your case to court if necessary. Insurance companies know our reputation for professionalism and preparation, which often motivates them to settle favorably.
Every step we take is guided by our commitment to providing exceptional legal representation, ensuring your rights are protected and your goals are achieved.
How Much Is A Car Accident Settlement?
The value of a car accident settlement in Alexandria depends on multiple factors, including the severity of injuries, property damage, and the extent of fault. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, your experienced attorneys carefully evaluate all aspects of your case to maximize compensation.
We evaluate all the damages related to the accident to help you reach a fair settlement. To gain a better understanding of how much you could claim, we invite you to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss how car accident settlements work. When you work with a car accident lawyer at Tronfeld West & Durrett Alexandria, you’ll receive personalized attention from a team that’s dedicated to achieving the best possible result for your case. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your claim.
Do Most Car Accident Cases Go to Court?
The majority of car accident cases in Alexandria are resolved through settlements, sparing clients the stress of a courtroom battle. Having a skilled legal team from Tronfeld West & Durrett is essential, as insurance companies often try to undervalue claims. When a fair settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys are fully prepared to represent you in court. Our firm’s extensive trial experience and proven track record, as seen in our case results, demonstrate our ability to secure justice for our clients.
How Long Do I Have to File My Car Accident Lawsuit in Virginia?
In Virginia, you typically have two years from the date of the car accident to file a lawsuit, as specified by Virginia Code § 8.01-243. Missing this deadline could result in losing your right to seek compensation, which is why swift action is essential.
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, our car accident lawyers ensure all deadlines are met while meticulously building your case. If the accident involved complex factors, such as being a passenger in the car, our advice on passenger lawsuits can help you understand your rights.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation With a Car Accident Lawyer in Alexandria
After being involved in a car accident in Alexandria, facing the legal system can seem insurmountable. But it doesn’t have to be. With Tronfeld West & Durrett by your side, you can rest assured of having an expert team by your side who’ll strive to achieve the maximum compensation possible while you focus on recovery.
To start the process with no upfront costs to you (remember: we don’t charge any fees unless we recover compensation), contact us now and schedule your free consultation.
Call or text 800-321-6741 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form