Best Car Accident Lawyers in Leesburg, VA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Leesburg, Virginia?

  The non-emergency phone number of the Leesburg Police Department is 703-771-4500.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Leesburg, Virginia?

  You can obtain a copy of a Leesburg crash report by visiting the Department of Motor Vehicles website at: https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/general/#records/accident.asp.

• How much do car accident lawyers in Leesburg charge?

  Car accident lawyers in Leesburg do not have a fixed rate for their services. Instead, most of them represent clients based on a contingency fee, which means they will only get paid if they can secure a settlement for their clients. If they cannot recover compensation for their clients, they will not charge anything.

• How does the contributory negligence law work in Leesburg?

  Leesburg follows Virgina’s contributory negligence standard for determining if an injured party in a car accident can recover damages for negligence in court. In theory, if it is proven that the plaintiff exhibited any form of negligence contributing to the collision, the lawsuit fails, and the plaintiff will not be able to obtain compensation for his or her injuries, even if he or she is only one percent responsible for the accident.

• How can you get compensation if a loved one died in a car accident in Leesburg?

  If your loved one figured in a fatal car crash in Leesburg, you may be able to seek compensation by pursuing a wrongful death claim. This type of claim can compensate you for the medical expenses incurred by your loved one before they passed away due to the accident, funeral expenses, expected loss of income of your decedent, and sorrow, mental anguish, and loss of companionship.

• How are punitive damages awarded in Leesburg?

  As punitive damages are meant to punish offenders for certain actions that are intentional, willful, or wanton, they are not awarded in every car accident case in Leesburg. Punitive damages are granted if a judge or a jury deems it necessary for a particular case to deter others from committing the same grossly negligent act. An example in which punitive damages may be awarded is if a car crash involves a driver with a high blood alcohol concentration in excess of .15.

• How long do you have to file a claim or lawsuit after a car accident in Leesburg?

  According to Virginia's code section 8.01-243 which Leesburg follows, you have two years from the day of the incident to pursue a personal injury lawsuit if you were hurt in a Leesburg car accident. If you are filing for a wrongful death claim, you also have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to bring a claim. If you fail to take legal action before the two-year window expires, it is possible that you might not be able to obtain compensation for your losses anymore.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.