Best Car Accident Lawyers in Fredericksburg

FAQs

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

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

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

  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.

• Is documentation important after a car accident in Fredericksburg?

  In a car accident lawsuit, documentation may be the major factor, and without it, you may be unable to substantiate your need for compensation. Documentation examples include:

  • Records from the emergency room, such as what doctors were seen, what treatments were done, and what drugs were given out.
  • Conversations with police, ambulance technicians, the fire department, and 911 dispatchers, as well as emergency personnel records
  • All discussions concerning the accident, including discussions with insurance companies and lawyers, personal injury attorneys, and any parties involved in the accident

• What are the common traffic violations in Fredericksburg that greatly increase the likelihood of car accidents?

  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:

  • Speeding
  • Tailgating
  • Failure to yield
  • Running red lights
  • Incorrect turns or maneuvers
  • Refusal to follow traffic signals
  • Reckless or aggressive driving

• What are the other people who could be sued in a Fredericksburg car accident case?

  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

• How long does a victim have to file a car injury lawsuit in Fredericksburg?

  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.

• Will the case about your car accident in Fredericksburg go to court?

  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.

• 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.