Virginia Beach Car Accident Lawyer
Injured in a Car Accident in Virginia Beach? We’re Here to Help.
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we serve car accident victims across Virginia Beach and the surrounding areas, including Kempsville, Oceanfront, and Princess Anne. Our award-winning personal injury attorneys are ready to take on the insurance companies and fight for the compensation you deserve. With over 50 years of experience, we know what it takes to win — and we’re ready to put that experience to work for you.
For answers to your questions about a car accident in Virginia Beach, call:
800-321-6741
How Can a Virginia Beach Car Accident Attorney Help You?
Whether it be dealing with insurance companies, negotiating a settlement, or preparing for trial, a local lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we have been handling personal injury cases in Virginia since 1972, and our team has a deep understanding of Virginia’s car accident laws and regulations. We can help you build a strong case, gather evidence to support your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.
According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, there were over 122,434 car accidents in Virginia in 2022, resulting in 59,400 injuries. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Virginia Beach, it’s important to seek the advice of a personal injury attorney. Our specialized knowledge and experience can assist you through each stage of the legal process for pursuing compensation for your injuries and other losses.
Settlement Value of Car Accident Lawsuits in Virginia
Why Hiring a Virginia Beach Car Accident Lawyer Early Matters
Acting quickly after a crash can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. The earlier you involve an attorney, the sooner you can protect your rights, secure critical evidence, and avoid common pitfalls when dealing with insurance adjusters. Our team will take immediate steps to preserve your claim’s strength, including accident scene documentation, medical record acquisition, and witness interviews.
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What Types of Damages Are Available Following a Car Accident in VA Beach?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to various types of damages. These can be categorized into economic and non-economic damages:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses: This includes all costs associated with medical treatment, from emergency care to ongoing rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: Compensation for the income you’ve lost due to your inability to work.
- Property damage: Costs for repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other damaged property.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed.
- Emotional distress: Psychological impact of the accident and injuries, such as anxiety or depression.
- Loss of consortium: Compensation for the impact of the injuries on your relationship with your spouse.
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we have a long-standing commitment to helping those injured in car accidents in Virginia Beach. With decades of experience, our team has successfully secured compensation for countless clients, enabling them to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
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What Causes Most Car Accidents in Virginia Beach?
Car accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including driver error, vehicle malfunctions, and hazardous road conditions. However, if you have been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. This also applies if you were injured in a ridesharing accident involving services like Lyft or Uber.
Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Virginia Beach include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol
- Reckless driving
- Failure to yield
- Following too closely
These unfortunate accidents can result in many types of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, burns, amputations, and internal injuries.
Each injury comes with its own set of medical, emotional, and financial challenges, and even minor ones can have a significant impact on your life, causing pain, discomfort, and lost wages.
Understanding the Insurance Company’s Strategy
While you focus on healing, insurance companies are already preparing their defense. Adjusters are trained to downplay your injuries, question liability, and limit payouts. That’s why it’s essential to have legal representation that understands their tactics and knows how to counter them. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we handle negotiations with precision and strategy—backed by evidence and a deep understanding of Virginia accident law.
We Represent All Types of Car Accident Cases in Virginia Beach, VA
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, our Virginia Beach car accident lawyers have experience handling a wide range of accident cases, no matter how complex. Each accident comes with unique challenges, and we’re prepared to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
We handle cases involving:
- Rear-End Collisions: Often caused by tailgating or distracted driving, these accidents can result in severe neck and back injuries.
- Head-On Collisions: Among the most dangerous types of crashes, often leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
- T-Bone Accidents: Frequently occurring at intersections, these collisions can cause significant damage and injuries.
- Drunk Driving Accidents: Holding intoxicated drivers accountable for their reckless actions.
- Hit-and-Run Accidents: Pursuing compensation when the at-fault driver flees the scene.
- Rideshare Accidents: Navigating claims involving Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare companies.
- Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Complex cases involving multiple parties and insurance companies.
- Motorcycle or Bicycle Accidents with Vehicles: Protecting vulnerable road users injured by negligent drivers.
No matter the type of accident, we are committed to building a strong case, ensuring your rights are protected, and helping you secure the compensation you need to move forward.
What Are Your Legal Options After a Car Accident in Virginia Beach?
If you have been injured in a car accident in Virginia Beach, you have legal options to pursue compensation. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be able to:
File an Insurance Claim
In Virginia, all drivers are required to carry liability insurance. So, if you have been injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you can file a claim with their insurance company to recover compensation for your injuries and other losses.
However, insurance companies are often more concerned with their bottom line than with fairly compensating accident victims. That’s why it’s important to have a lawyer on your side: they know how to negotiate effectively, which is crucial for receiving the compensation you deserve.
How long does an insurance company have to settle a claim in Virginia?
Personal Injury Lawsuit
If the insurance claim doesn’t result in adequate compensation, filing a personal injury lawsuit is the next logical step. This involves proving the other party’s negligence and quantifying your damages.
The legal expertise of our personal injury lawyers can serve you to do both, and they will also help you with crafting and filing all the necessary paperwork to pursue a lawsuit after a car accident.
Your situation is unique, and so is our approach to your case. We invite you to reach out to us for a personalized evaluation of your case.
Let us guide you through these critical decisions, ensuring that your rights are protected and your compensation reflects the true cost of your losses. With our firm by your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities.
Our attorneys are adept at calculating the full spectrum of your entitled compensation, factoring in not just the immediate medical expenses but also the often-overlooked elements such as emotional distress, future care costs, and loss of earning capacity. We leverage our negotiation expertise to confront insurance companies, countering their tactics with evidence-backed demands.
Steps for Protecting Your Rights After a Car Accident in Virginia Beach
Your actions after a car accident can have a major impact on your injury claim. Follow these steps to protect your health, your finances, and your legal rights:
Ensure Safety and Call 911
Move to a safe location if possible and report the accident to the authorities. Virginia law requires police involvement if there are injuries or significant property damage.
Get Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, injuries like whiplash or internal trauma can worsen over time. Medical records also provide key documentation for your claim.
Document the Scene
Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, injuries, and surroundings. Collect witness statements and police information.
Exchange Information
Gather contact and insurance details from all drivers involved.
Don’t Admit Fault
Avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as an admission of fault, even casually. Do not sign documents from the other party or their insurer without legal advice.
File an Insurance Claim
Promptly report the accident to your insurer and file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Contact a Virginia Beach Car Accident Lawyer
Our attorneys will guide you through the process, protect your rights, and work to maximize your recovery.
Be Aware of Deadlines
Virginia’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years. Missing this window could mean losing your right to sue.
We invite you to connect with our experienced legal team to discuss your options and understand how we can help protect your rights. Our dedicated Virginia Beach car accident attorneys will carefully evaluate your case during a complimentary consultation and explain the best path forward. Remember, you only pay legal fees if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
Virginia Car Accident Statistics
According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, there were over 5,000 motor vehicle accidents in the last year alone. Among these incidents, over 1,500 involved injuries or wrongful deaths, showing us the severe impact these accidents can have on individuals and families.
Moreover, there were over 3,000 cases resulting in property damage, which is an important factor we consider at the moment of calculating fair compensation to claim
Is Virginia a No-Fault State for Auto Accidents?
No – Virginia is not a no-fault state. It follows a fault-based (tort) system, meaning the driver who causes the accident is responsible for paying for the resulting damages.
Here’s how a car accident lawyer can help you prove the other party was at fault:
- Fault determines liability: You must prove that the other driver was 100% at fault to receive compensation. If you’re found even 1% responsible, you may be barred from recovering damages due to Virginia’s pure contributory negligence rule.
- No mandatory personal injury protection (PIP): Unlike no-fault states, Virginia drivers cannot turn to their own insurance for injury claims by default. Instead, they pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurer.
- Required coverage: Virginia requires drivers to carry liability insurance, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is highly recommended to protect yourself from drivers who lack adequate insurance.
- Legal Action: If the at-fault driver’s insurance doesn’t fully cover your losses, or wrongfully denies your claim, you have the right to file a lawsuit.
Because Virginia’s system places the burden of proof on the injured party, having an experienced Virginia Beach car accident attorney on your side is essential to preserving your right to compensation.
Common Virginia Beach Car Accident Injuries
We know from experience that car accidents can lead to an array of injuries, each presenting its own medical, emotional, and financial challenges. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Fractures and Broken Bones
- Head and Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Cuts and Lacerations
- Burns
- Internal Injuries
- Amputations
Our team understands that even minor injuries can have a significant impact on your life, causing pain, discomfort, and lost wages. Severe injuries often require long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation, which can be both costly and emotionally draining. We’ll consider all of these factors at the moment of determining how to calculate compensation to help you move forward with your life.
Determining Liability for Your Virginia Beach Car Accident
Liability for a car accident in Virginia Beach can rest on one or more parties, depending on the circumstances of the crash. Drivers who exhibit negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence, are often held responsible. However, other factors like defective vehicle parts, poorly maintained roads, or even the actions of a third party could contribute to the accident. Identifying all liable parties is crucial to maximizing your compensation, and our experienced attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case to ensure no detail is overlooked.
Can I Still Receive Compensation if I’m Partially at Fault for My Virginia Beach Car Accident?
Virginia adheres to a strict contributory negligence rule, meaning you may be barred from recovering compensation if you are found even slightly at fault for the accident. Unlike states with comparative negligence laws, Virginia requires you to prove that the other party was entirely responsible for the crash. This makes it crucial to build a strong case and counter any claims that you contributed to the accident.
Here’s what you need to know about contributory negligence in Virginia:
- Zero Fault Required: To recover compensation, you must demonstrate that you bear no responsibility for causing the accident.
- Burden of Proof: The at-fault party’s insurance company may attempt to shift blame onto you, which is why strong evidence and legal representation are essential.
- Legal Defense Strategies: Skilled attorneys can help disprove claims of shared fault by gathering evidence, consulting experts, and presenting a compelling argument on your behalf.
- Impact on Settlements: Even minor accusations of fault can drastically impact your ability to recover compensation under Virginia law.
Our experienced attorneys understand these challenges and are committed to protecting your rights, ensuring you have the best chance to secure the compensation you deserve.
When Should You Call an Attorney After a Car Accident?
After a car accident, reaching out to a lawyer early can be critical in protecting your rights and building a strong case. Acting quickly ensures that key evidence is preserved, and it gives you an advocate who can manage the complex legal process on your behalf. Here are some key reasons to contact an attorney immediately:
- Preserving Evidence: Time-sensitive evidence, like video footage or witness testimony, can quickly disappear. An attorney ensures that crucial evidence is collected and maintained.
- Understanding Your Rights: Many accident victims are unsure of their legal rights after a crash. An experienced lawyer can clarify your options and guide you in the right direction.
- Handling Legal Procedures: Navigating the legal process alone can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from injuries. An attorney can manage the paperwork, filings, and legal deadlines.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies are focused on minimizing payouts. A lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to seek the compensation you deserve.
By contacting the legal team at Tronfeld West & Durrett promptly, you can ensure your rights are safeguarded and your case is positioned for success from the start. We will work tirelessly to help you navigate the legal process and maximize your compensation.
How Can a Virginia Beach Car Accident Lawyer Help You?
What Is the Time Limit to Pursue Compensation After a Virginia Beach Car Accident?
In Virginia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you must file your lawsuit within this time frame, or you risk losing your right to pursue compensation. However, there are exceptions that may alter this timeline depending on the circumstances of your case.
Key considerations about Virginia’s statute of limitations:
- Two-Year Deadline: Most personal injury claims, including those for car accidents, must be filed within two years.
- Property Damage Claims: If you are seeking compensation for property damage only, the statute of limitations is five years.
- Exceptions: Certain factors, such as injuries to minors or cases involving government entities, may modify the filing deadline.
- Importance of Acting Quickly: Evidence can fade, witnesses may become unavailable, and delays can weaken your case.
To ensure your claim is filed on time and handled correctly, contact an experienced Virginia Beach car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Our team will work to preserve your rights and help you seek the compensation you deserve.
How Much Is Your Virginia Beach Car Accident Case Worth?
Choosing the right attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we understand the challenges that come with being injured in a car accident, and we are here to help.
So, after a car accident in Virginia Beach, don’t hesitate to reach out to us to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. During this consultation, we’ll determine if you have a case, outline the legal avenues available to you, and answer all the questions you may have. Contact us today to start your journey toward pursuing justice.
Call or text 800-321-6741 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form