virginia personal injury laws

Virginia has its own laws regarding driving properly and handling the aftermath of car crashes. Given the relative frequency of car accidents in the state, particularly in highly populated urban locations, motorists are advised to learn and follow these regulations to ensure the safety of other drivers and prevent the occurrence of any accident that can result in injuries or deaths.

Virginia Car Accident Laws

car accidents and no fault states

Learn the difference between no-fault and at-fault states and how the laws affect vehicle accidents, insurance claims and compensation for damages and injuries.

Car Accidents and No-Fault States

car accident lawsuits

Understanding what happens during a car accident lawsuit is important to help you make smart choices during this unfamiliar experience. Take a look at the who, what, when, where and why of car accident lawsuits, so you know what to expect.

Everything Your Lawyer Wants You To Know About Car Accident Lawsuits

car accidents and insurance

Learn how having a car accident can affect your insurance, as well as how your insurance company can help you if you have an accident and how to file a claim.

How Car Accidents Affect Your Insurance

What to do after a car accident

Do you know what to do after a car accident? At the scene of the accident? Find out how you can limit your risk, protect yourself from liability and keep safe after a crash.

What To Do After a Car Accident

¿Qué hacer tras un accidente de tránsito?

Como la ley varía de un lugar a otro, y como hay tantas formas de tener un accidente, no es posible resumir brevemente lo que todo el mundo debe hacer en cada caso específico. Sin embargo, hay algunas acciones casi universales que es recomendable llevar a cabo, y lo que se espera que hagas depende en parte de la gravedad del accidente y de si crees que puedes ser culpable. Recuerde que sólo tu propio abogado puede darle asesoramiento legal, y que debe ponerse en contacto con el profesional para resolver con su asesoramiento cualquier pregunta que tenga acerca de su propia situación particular.

car accident lawsuit costs

Have you been in an accident and want to know what it truly costs to file a lawsuit? This guide reviews the continuing costs of a car accident lawsuit.

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawsuit Cost?

New Hampshire state flag

In 2022, the state of New Hampshire saw another increase in its rate of motor vehicle fatalities, with the state’s Department of Safety recording 139 deaths as a result of 130 fatal crashes. This is a big jump from the number of people who died in 2020 and 2021, 104 and 118, respectively.
With car accidents becoming potentially common among those who fail to follow traffic regulations in New Hampshire, the state continues to enforce laws to prevent crashes and collisions. It also has several guidelines that help drivers and passengers alike prepare for the legal and financial burdens involved if an accident occurs.


New Hampshire Car Accident Laws

What To Do if You’re Hit by a Car: A Step-By-Step Guide

Pedestrian accidents can cause serious injuries with long-lasting and sometimes even fatal consequences. It is important to understand the legal options available to a pedestrian hit by a car, especially if your injuries are extensive or require a more thorough investigation. 

HTH-CarAccidentLawyer Hero

Hire the right car accident attorney by asking these important questions about case history, damages, settlement options, and insurance company pressure. 

How To Hire A Car Accident Lawyer

i received a car accident court summons

When a car accident case makes it to court, many parties must be summoned for the judge and jury to gather information on the accident. You may find yourself summoned to court for a variety of reasons, but you must be aware of your role in the proceedings and what to do if you are sued for damages.

I Received a Car Accident Court Summons

car accident lawsuits outcomes and timelines

Taking a lawsuit to court comes with the risk that you could lose your case. Learn about the timeline and potential outcomes of a car accident lawsuit as well as what you need to know about your tax liability.

Car Accident Lawsuit Outcomes and Payment Timelines

Average Car Accident Settlements [2023]

According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Association, there were over 2.4 million people injured in car accidents in 2021 alone. Accidents of any severity can cause injuries, leave you without a vehicle, or cause you to incur mounting medical costs. Settlements are meant to reimburse the victim for the extensive costs that result from a car accident. An accident may result in a variety of injuries and expenses depending on both the severity and the type of accident. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common injuries from car accidents and the average reported settlements that were won.

Fredericksburg residents may reach the city's non-emergency department&nbsp;at (540) 373-3122.

Contact the state DMV to acquire a copy of your Fredericksburg car accident report (DMV). Crash reports are retained by the DMV for three years. If you want a copy of your report, email a completed CRD 93 (Information Request Form) or write with your request and payment. You may mail, fax, or bring the form or written request to a DMV office.
Custom Records Work Center, Room 514
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 27412
Richmond, VA 23269.

In a car accident&nbsp;lawsuit, documentation may be the major factor, and without it, you may be unable to substantiate your need for compensation. Documentation examples include: 
<ul>
<li>Records from the emergency room, such as what doctors were seen, what treatments were done, and what drugs were given out.</li>
<li>Conversations with police, ambulance technicians, the fire department, and 911 dispatchers, as well as emergency personnel records</li>
<li>All discussions concerning the accident, including discussions with insurance companies and&nbsp;lawyers, personal injury attorneys, and any parties involved in the accident</li>
</ul>

Every day, people break the rules of the road in Fredericksburg. Even though not all violations lead to accidents, they make it much more likely that they will. These traffic violations include: 
<ul>
<li>Speeding </li>
<li>Tailgating</li>
<li>Failure to yield</li>
<li>Running red lights</li>
<li>Incorrect turns or maneuvers </li>
<li>Refusal to follow traffic signals </li>
<li>Reckless or aggressive driving</li>
</ul>

Your injuries from a car accident in Fredericksburg may give you grounds to sue for negligence against more than just the other driver: 
-Passengers - if the crash was caused by a passenger
-Product Manufacturers - if the accident was caused by a bad tire, brake, or road device.
-Other driver's employer - for hiring, keeping, supervising, or training the driver in a way that wasn't up to par.
-The owner of the other car for negligent entrustment

The Statute of Limitations is the legislation that establishes a stringent time restriction on your ability to launch a lawsuit. The basic rule in Fredericksburg is that you have two years from the date of the accident to preserve your legal rights. You no longer have the right to seek compensation for your injuries once the two-year period has expired. You should immediately call an attorney to help you in the investigation and correct coordination of medical treatment and insurance benefits.

Most car accident cases in Fredericksburg are settled out of court instead of going to court. Full-scale trials are very expensive because of the lawyer fees and other costs that come with them. So, it is often cheaper for insurance companies to settle car accident claims out of court than to risk going to trial and losing.
If you settle for less than your claim is worth, the insurance company for the other party makes more money. So, you might want to have an experienced car accident lawyer look over any settlement offer to make sure it's fair. Many insurance companies will send you a lowball settlement offer right away in the hopes that you will take it before you talk to an attorney.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fredericksburg, VA

Best Car Accident Lawyers in Fredericksburg