Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Norfolk

FAQs

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

  To reach the Norfolk Police Department, call (757) 441-5610.

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

  You can obtain a copy of your Norfolk police report by calling (757) 441-5600 for more information. You can also click the online portal here: https://data.norfolk.gov. Once the page loads, scroll down and click the Public Safety button, which will lead you to a new page where you can see "Police Incident Reports." And then click this link if you are new to the portal: https://data.norfolk.gov/stories/s/mcyd-dgr4

• How can a Norfolk personal injury attorney help you with your case?

  A personal injury victim is burdened by more than just their physical suffering. With a Norfolk attorney by their side, they can focus on their healing while the rest gets taken care of. Some of these tasks include negotiating with the insurance company, gathering medical documentation, connecting their clients to medical experts if necessary, filing court documents on time, and representing the client in court if the claim gets disputed.

• Who can be held liable for railroad accidents in Norfolk?

  It depends. The railroad crossings in Norfolk, more often than not, are poorly maintained, such as those that are on back country roads that have been taken over by foliage. Sometimes, accidents happen because there are no warning signs installed. It can get tricky to identify accountability because railroad companies and states fight over who is responsible for maintaining the tracks. The best step to take is to hire a personal injury attorney who can investigate on your behalf.

• Why should you see a doctor after a motorcycle accident in Norfolk?

  Apart from making sure that nothing is seriously wrong with you, there are two good reasons why you should see a doctor in Norfolk after an accident. First, a visit is going to yield a medical record that you can use to support your claim later. Second, the insurance company may deny your claim if your injury worsened as a result of not getting it checked at the hospital.

• What is a not commonly known cause of boating accidents in Norfolk?

  It may surprise some people to know that some boating accidents in Norfolk are caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. The generators that power up boats emit the odorless and colorless gas, which can cause the drivers to feel dizzy. Most of the time this is shrugged off as regular seasickness. To avoid this, boats should have adequate ventilation and carbon monoxide monitors installed.

• Are there any exceptions to Norfolk's statute of limitations on personal injury cases?

  Norfolk has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, there are cases that allow for an extension of some sort, such as when the injuries do not show immediately. Many nerve or spinal problems appear much later after the accident. Another exception is if the claimant is below 18, since a minor cannot file a claim.

• 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.