Best Car Accident Lawyers in Mechanicsville

FAQs

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

  Hanover County Sheriff's Office is located at 7497 County Complex Road in Hanover and serves the community of Mechanicsville. For non-emergency problems, please contact 804-365-6000.

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

  The Records Section of the Hanover County Sheriff's Office is where the public can get police reports and other records. The Records Unit is open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, to do record searches and give copies of accident and incident reports. The office is located at 7522 County Complex Road, Vaughn Bradley Building, Hanover, Virginia 23069.

• Where do most auto accidents in Mechanicsville occur?

  According to a report by NBC 12, the nine most hazardous intersections in Hanover County are Mechanicsville Turnpike & Bell Creek South, Mechanicsville Turnpike & Lee Davis Road, Chamberlayne Avenue & Atlee Station Road, Mechanicsville Turnpike & Old Hickory Drive. Mechanicsville Turnpike & Elm Drive, Lee Davis Road and Cold Harbor Road, Pole Green Road & Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville Turnpike & Creighton Parkway, and Mechanicsville Turnpike & Wynbrook Lane.

• What are the legal damages in a car accident in Mechanicsville?

  Your exact damages will depend on the specifics of your Mechanicsville auto accident and the severity of your injuries. Almost definitely, you will be entitled to compensation for the repair of your vehicle, reimbursement of your medical bills, and lost wages resulting from your injuries. Additionally, you are eligible for pain and suffering, potential lost earnings, mental trauma, and punitive damages. When the other motorist intentionally caused the accident, punitive damages are imposed.

• Who pays for your medical expenses if you are critically wounded in a car accident in Mechanicsville?

  According to Virginia law, the negligent driver's insurance is responsible for paying your medical expenses and lost wages up to the policy limitations. Yet, it is uncommon for the at-fault driver's insurance to pay for your immediate medical expenses. Generally, you are responsible for paying your medical bills. You will receive reimbursement for these expenses at settlement. After a Mechanicsville car accident, you should use any available health insurance to pay for your medical care. The at-fault driver's insurance will reimburse you for the cost of these expenses.

• Can you still recover if wounded in a hit-and-run accident in Mechanicsville?

  In most situations, you can recover from your injuries even if the driver who caused the accident fled the scene and was not found. If you or your car is insured, you may be able to recover for any injuries you sustained in the Mechanicsville hit-and-run accident. Most Virginia insurance policies provide uninsured motorist coverage. This insurance coverage applies if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured vehicle through no fault of your own. This also applies to unknown drivers, such as hit-and-run motorists.

• Is it your fault if you rear-end another car in Mechanicsville?

  In most cases, yes, it is your fault. It is your responsibility to pay for damages if you rear-end another car in the Mechanicsville area. According to Virginia law, drivers must keep a safe spacing between vehicles in order to stop without colliding with the vehicle in front of them.

• 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.