Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Newport News, VA

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency phone number of the Newport News Police Department is 757-247-2500.

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

  To obtain a copy of a police report in Newport News, call the Records Unit first at 757-928-4100 to verify the availability of the report you need. For further information, visit https://www.nnva.gov/202/Records-Unit.

• How likely will your Newport News personal injury case go to trial?

  There is always a possibility that your personal injury case in Newport News will go to trial, especially if the at-fault party and their insurance company refuse to cooperate with you and your legal team. But in reality, the majority of personal injury cases are resolved out of court through settlement negotiations.

• How much money will I get from my Newport News personal injury claim?

  There is no definite answer to this question since the amount you can possibly recover from your Newport News personal injury claim largely depends on your case’s unique details. The specifics of your case may include the amount of money you spent on medical care, the income you lose due to time spent away from work to receive treatment, whether you sustained a permanent physical disability or disfigurement as a result of the accident, and emotional losses like pain and suffering.

• Can you recover compensation if you are partly responsible for the Newport News accident that caused your injuries?

  It is not likely. Virginia has some of the strictest legal provisions in the United States for cases that involve shared fault, so much so that even if you were found to be just 1% responsible for causing your injuries in a Newport News accident, you may be totally barred from receiving compensation by the court. If you don’t have an experienced personal injury lawyer who can establish that you have a right to recover damages from the incident, it might be impossible for you to get compensated at all.

• How much do personal injury lawyers in Newport News charge their clients?

  Personal injury lawyers in Newport News don’t have a fixed rate for providing legal representation to their clients since most of them accept cases on a contingency basis. Under this arrangement, they don’t charge the client unless they successfully recover damages. Their fees will then be based on a percentage of the total award or settlement they managed to secure for their clients. Simply put, lawyers who work on a contingency basis don’t get paid if they don’t win the case.

• How much time do you have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Newport News?

  According to Virginia's statute of limitations or legal deadline for personal injury cases in Newport News, you generally have up to two years to file a civil lawsuit. The deadline can be extended in certain situations, like if minors were injured in the accident. But ultimately, it would be wise to take legal action as soon as possible because once the statute of limitations expires, your may lose your right to recover compensation for your injuries.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.