Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Portsmouth

FAQs

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

  311 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Portsmouth.

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

  To request a police report under the Police Department's Freedom of Information Act, you can email your request to ppdpio@portsmouthva.gov or fax it to the Records department at 757-393-8073. For any other questions, you can call the department at 757-393-8814. The police department's address is 700 Port Centre Parkway, Portsmouth, Virginia 23704. Your request must identify the records you are seeking. If the department has any questions about your request, they may need to clarify with you to ensure they understand what records you need and the most efficient way to get them to you.

• What are the most common types of personal injury cases in Portsmouth?

  Car accidents caused by negligent drivers are among the most common types of personal injury cases in Portsmouth. Truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, dog bites, and product defects are also common.

• What types of damages can you seek in a personal injury claim in Portsmouth circuit court?

  You can seek compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, future medical care costs, lost wages, and physical or emotional pain and suffering resulting from your injury. Additionally, you may be eligible for reimbursement if your property has been damaged or if you have suffered any other monetary losses due to the accident in Portsmouth. You should ensure that appropriate documentation is maintained throughout your case, regardless of the cause, so that the full range of available compensation options can be considered.

• What is the deadline to file a personal injury case in Portsmouth?

  In Portsmouth, the deadline to file a personal injury case is two years from the date of the accident or injury, as stated in Virginia Code section 8.01-243(A). It may be applied to most types of injury cases caused by negligent or intentional behavior. Note that there are exceptions to this rule. For victims under 18 or suffering from mental incapacity at the time of the accident, the clock begins to run as soon as they turn 18 or regain mental capacity. A bankruptcy filing by the responsible party will also impede the lawsuit, and the obstruction period will not be counted.

• What are the types of injuries that can justify a legal claim in Portsmouth?

  Various types of injuries can justify a legal claim in Portsmouth, including spinal cord injuries, neck injuries, internal organ injuries, fractures, sprains, muscle strains, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), nerve damage, and paralysis. Even if you do not feel injured at the time of the accident, it is essential that you seek medical attention after it has occurred. Many serious injuries can have delayed symptoms, so it is important that you seek medical attention right away.

• What should you do if an insurance company offers you a settlement after a Portsmouth personal injury?

  Insurance companies often offer quick settlement offers to claimants after an accident in an attempt to settle the case for a lower amount than what the case is actually worth. This is why it is crucial to be cautious and consult a personal injury attorney in Portsmouth before accepting any settlement offer. An experienced lawyer can help you evaluate the offer, assess the full extent of your injuries, and negotiate with the insurance company to obtain the best possible outcome and ensure you receive fair compensation.

• 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.