Numerous highways and city streets see heavy traffic daily in Virginia, where even the most careful drivers can become involved in car accidents. If you were injured in an accident caused by someone else’s fault, you have a legal right to seek compensation that fully covers the costs of your injuries and other damages.
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we’ve been offering comprehensive legal services to the Virginia community since 1972, helping countless families recover the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. We bring extensive experience, knowledge, and resources to your case, enhancing your chances for a successful outcome.
How Tronfeld West & Durrett’s Virginia Car Accident Lawyers Can Help Your Case
From the initial consultation to the final resolution, we can relieve you of the burden of dealing with the legal system and manage your case efficiently. We offer a comprehensive range of services to:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence: We collect police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage or photos that support your case.
- Identify liable parties: We determine who is at fault, whether it be negligent drivers, commercial vehicle operators, or other parties.
- Deal with insurance companies: Our team negotiates with insurers to counter their tactics and secure fair compensation on your behalf.
- Calculate medical costs and future expenses: We evaluate both current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs to ensure all damages are covered.
- Represent you in court: If reaching a fair settlement isn’t possible, we’re prepared to present your case in court and fiercely advocate for your rights.
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, our lawyers work to maximize your compensation and build a solid, evidence-backed case. As shown in our case results, we’ve helped countless families across Virginia to recover multi-million dollar settlements, and we can do the same for you.
Our Successful Case Results for Car Accident Victims
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we have secured substantial settlements for car accident victims throughout Virginia. Here are a few examples:
$750,000 Settlement – Passenger Injury
A pickup truck struck our client’s vehicle, pushing the side-view mirror into the passenger compartment and causing a shoulder injury. We secured $750,000 to cover medical expenses and aid recovery.
$19,450,000 Settlement – Red Light Accident
Our client was a passenger in a car struck by a van that ran a red light. We obtained a $19.45 million settlement to provide long-term financial relief and medical care.
$600,000 Settlement – Overpass Crash
A speeding driver ran off a highway overpass and landed on our client’s vehicle, resulting in fractures and PTSD. Tronfeld West & Durrett secured $600,000 to cover medical costs and future care.
$85,000 Settlement – Hit-and-Run Accident
Our client was hit by a driver who fled the scene. Despite the complexity of the case, we achieved an $85,000 settlement to help with recovery costs.
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, our team is committed to helping accident victims recover financially and physically while we handle the legal challenges.
Who Is Responsible for Your Virginia Car Accident?
In car accidents, some common liable parties include:
- Other drivers: Those who engage in reckless behavior—such as speeding, driving under the influence, or distracted driving—can be held accountable if their actions lead to accidents.
- Commercial vehicle operators: Virginia’s trucking laws make commercial truck accidents differ from other auto accidents. For example, trucking companies must comply with federal regulations regarding maintenance, hours of service, and driver qualifications. Any violation of these regulations can make them liable for accidents if you’re involved in a truck collision.
- Government entities for road defects: If road defects such as potholes or inadequate signage contribute to an accident, government agencies responsible for road maintenance can also be liable.
Virginia’s contributory negligence rule creates a barrier for individuals seeking compensation after an accident. Under this legal doctrine, if a plaintiff is found to be even slightly at fault, they will be completely barred from recovering any damages.
This is why establishing clear liability is crucial in personal injury cases in Virginia. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, your car accident lawyer in Virginia will employ a thorough investigative approach to prove fault, including a comprehensive evidence-gathering process to demonstrate the other party’s full liability while minimizing any claims of comparative negligence against you.
Proving Negligence in Virginia Car Accidents
In order to secure compensation in a Virginia car accident case, it’s crucial to prove negligence. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we meticulously gather and analyze all relevant evidence to build a strong case and establish the other party’s liability. Some of the critical pieces of evidence we collect include:
- Police Reports: These often provide key information about the accident and any traffic violations that may have occurred.
- Witness Statements: We obtain testimonies from anyone who saw the accident, which can be vital in proving fault.
- Surveillance Footage and Photos: If available, video footage or photographs from nearby cameras or the scene itself can be crucial in demonstrating how the accident happened.
- Expert Witnesses: In some cases, we enlist accident reconstruction experts or medical professionals to explain the mechanics of the crash or the extent of your injuries.
- Physical Evidence: This can include anything from damage to the vehicles involved to skid marks at the scene of the accident.
By thoroughly investigating every angle of your case, we work to ensure that the negligent party is held fully accountable for your injuries.
Common Types of Car Accidents
Some of the most common types of motor vehicle accidents we handle include:
- Head-on collisions: This occurs when the front ends of two vehicles collide while traveling toward each other.
- Rear-end collisions: A rear-end collision happens when one vehicle crashes into the back of another. The driver who fails to stop in time is usually at fault.
- Sideswipe collisions: This type of accident occurs when two vehicles brush against each other while traveling parallel.
- Left-turn accidents: Occur when a vehicle making a left turn fails to yield to oncoming traffic.
- T-bone accidents: They happen when one vehicle strikes another at a perpendicular angle, forming a “T” shape.
- Rollover accidents: Rollover accidents involve a vehicle tipping over onto its side or roof.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
No matter the cause or the type of car accident you were involved in, here’s what to do after a car accident to protect your rights and strengthen your legal case:
- Call 911: Report the accident immediately and request medical assistance if needed.
- Gather information: Collect details from witnesses and all parties involved, including names, contact information, and insurance details.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicles, injuries, and the accident scene.
- Contact a car accident lawyer: A legal professional at our law firm will help you understand your options, craft an effective strategy, and build a strong case on your behalf.
Types of Compensation Available After a Virginia Car Accident
After a car accident, pursuing legal action allows you to recover compensation that covers various aspects of your recovery, such as:
Medical Expenses, Ongoing Care, and Rehabilitation
This includes emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and any long-term rehabilitation needed for recovery.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings
If you cannot work due to your injuries, you may be eligible to claim lost wages and future earning capacity.
Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress
Compensation may also cover the emotional and psychological impact of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we understand that dealing with insurance companies after a car accident can be overwhelming. Insurers often attempt to minimize settlements using various tactics designed to pressure victims into accepting less than they deserve. Some of the most common strategies insurance companies employ include:
- Lowball Settlements: Insurers may offer a settlement that seems generous but doesn’t fully cover your medical bills, lost wages, or future expenses. They rely on your financial stress to pressure you into accepting less.
- Pressuring You to Accept Early Offers: Adjusters might create a false sense of urgency, telling you this is the only offer you’ll receive or that it must be accepted immediately.
- Using Your Statements Against You: Often, insurance representatives act friendly to get you to admit fault or make statements that can be taken out of context, harming your claim.
- Disputing Medical Claims: Insurers may downplay the severity of your injuries or argue that they were caused by pre-existing conditions, not the accident.
How We Protect You:
Our experienced personal injury attorneys are well-versed in countering these tactics. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring you are not pressured into accepting an unfair settlement. We will aggressively negotiate to make sure all aspects of your damages are considered, including medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future expenses. With Tronfeld West & Durrett by your side, you can focus on your recovery while we secure the compensation you deserve.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Virginia
According to Virginia Code § 8.01-243, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to file within this timeframe will result in losing your right to pursue compensation.
However, there are exceptions to this deadline, depending on your case’s specific circumstances. Consult with a lawyer promptly to understand the relevant deadlines and ensure that you can effectively build your case in a timely manner.
Serving Car Accident Victims Across Virginia
With decades of experience, Tronfeld West & Durrett has represented car accident victims from all over Virginia, providing effective legal services in a variety of locations. Here are some of the cities where our team is available to help:
- Virginia Beach
- Richmond
- Fredericksburg
- Chesterfield
- Newport News
- Norfolk
- Chesapeake
- Petersburg
- Mechanicsville
- Alexandria
Our Decades of Experience Can Make a Difference – Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
With over five decades of experience in personal injury law, we offer an unparalleled depth of knowledge and skill in handling car accident cases. Also, you can pursue legal action with no upfront costs, as we don’t charge you anything unless we win your case.
We provide an initial screening call where you’ll speak with an expert about your case. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and learn about the next steps.