Best Car Accident Lawyers in Portsmouth

FAQs

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

  For police-related and non-emergency issues in Portsmouth Virginia, you may contact (703) 385-7924.

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

  To get a car accident police report in Portsmouth Virginia, you may send an FOIA request through email to ppdpio@portsmouthva.gov. You can also fax (757) 393-8073 to request a copy from their records department.

• What are some of the hazardous highways and roads in Portsmouth where many car accidents occur?

  Hazardous highways in Portsmouth include Airline Boulevard, Portsmouth Boulevard, U.S. 58 going into Midtown Tunnel, Route 17, and the section of I-264 that approaches Downtown Tunnel. Many car accidents happen in and around these roadways because they are among the busiest areas in the region of Hampton Roads. In the city, commuter traffic is huge, and big trucks also go to and from the Virginia port.

• What is the statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits in Portsmouth?

  In Virginia, which encompasses Portsmouth, the statute of limitations for cases of personal injury actions, including car accidents, is two years. Victims are barred from recovering compensation for their injuries after the expiration of this time limit. In addition, special rules indicate that the state or the local government should be notified within one year or within six months after the accident, respectively.

• Do exceptions to Portsmouth’s statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits exist?

  Yes, in some circumstances, there are exceptions to the statute of limitations in Portsmouth for car accident cases, where the limit could be “tolled” or suspended for some time. These include cases that involve injuries to mentally incapacitated persons and minors. For mentally incompetent individuals, the limitation period usually starts to run the day their disability ends. For minors, it begins on their 18th birthday.

• Did the number of fatalities and injuries in car accidents improve in Portsmouth through the years?

  A statistics report in 2021 found that there was an increase in the number of fatalities in car accidents in 2020 in Virginia, where Portsmouth is located. The number of crashes and injuries, however, decreased. The Virginia Highway Safety Office reported that there were 128,172 accidents that led to 827 deaths and 65,708 injuries in 2019. The year after that, 105,600 accidents occurred, which caused 847 deaths and 52,668 injuries.

• What are the key factors that cause the most number of car accidents in Portsmouth?

  Most car accidents in Virginia, the state in which Portsmouth belongs, occur due to a small number of key factors, including driver inexperience, which CDC says is the highest cause of death in individuals from 5 to 19 years old. 72 teenagers died on highways in Virginia in 2020. Other major factors are impairment and intoxication, which cause one in three fatalities in the state; and distraction, especially involving the use of phones.

• 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.