Chesapeake Car Accident Lawyer
According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle accidents cost the United States $340 billion in 2019. More specifically, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VA DMV) notes that in the most recent reporting year, there were 967 fatalities on Virginia’s roadways, indicating a 15% increase from 2020. Further, an average of 161 individuals suffered injuries in Virginia car accidents every day in 2021. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), car accidents are a national public health concern. These reports display how devastating motor vehicle accidents are for individuals, their families, and society.
Most car accidents result from at least one party’s negligence. The NHTSA reports that nearly 94% of car accidents involve driver error. If someone’s negligence has injured you and you’re considering a car accident claim, the Chesapeake car accident lawyer at the Law Firm of Carlton F. Bennett, P.L.L.C., is here to help. Our principal lawyer, Carlton F. Bennett, understands the complex statutory, evidentiary, and procedural laws that govern car accident claims involving negligence. Virginia accident victims should contact our office today to learn about their rights and remedies after a serious accident.
Should I Hire a Chesapeake Car Accident Lawyer?
Car accident claims are rarely straightforward. Injured victims often face significant challenges in understanding and proving the state and federal laws involved in these claims. Victims should be able to focus on recovery rather than trying to figure out the legal process for their claims. An experienced lawyer can take the burden of fighting a claim off an injured person’s shoulders and provide invaluable assistance at every step. Below are some ways an attorney can help you with your claim.
Establish Fault and Liability
Establishing fault and locating all parties liable for an accident is vital to securing damages after a car accident. A lawyer will investigate and gather evidence to substantiate your claims and discover all parties who may have contributed to your injuries.
Negotiate settlements
Most car accident claims resolve before trial through settlement negotiations. While settlement negotiations avoid the need for a lengthy trial, these discussions cover various topics and require a thorough understanding of the law. An attorney can help you understand insurance coverage, fault, and liability. They can also explain settlement terms and help you value your case so you don’t settle for a lowball offer.
Representation at Trial
Sometimes, the parties cannot settle, and a trial may be necessary. Litigating a case in court requires an in-depth knowledge of Virginia law. An auto accident lawyer is thus invaluable during pre-trial proceedings, discovery, and litigation.
When Should I Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Chesapeake?
Accidents that do not result in significant property damage or personal injury may not require an attorney. However, individuals should contact a lawyer if they suffer injuries, property damage, or other losses because of another’s negligence. Hiring an attorney as soon as possible after an accident provides car accident victims with an increased likelihood of a successful claim. The responsible party, and their insurance company, will try to pay the least amount of compensation possible. Accident victims should thus speak with an attorney before negotiating with insurance adjusters or talking to the at-fault party’s attorney.
Car Accident Statute of Limitations in Virginia
The statute of limitations is the state’s deadline for filing a lawsuit. Under Virginia law, car accident victims must file a lawsuit within two years of the accident. An exception to the two-year statute of limitations may apply in some limited cases. Car accident victims should speak with an attorney to determine the statute of limitations in their particular case.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Understanding the events that led to a car accident is crucial to securing compensation for your injuries and damages. Driver errors, vehicle defects, or environmental influences often cause Virginia car accidents. Below are some common causes of Virginia car accidents.
Driver Error
A driver’s error is one of the most common causes of car accidents. Common driver errors that cause car accidents include the following:
- Distraction,
- Fatigue,
- Impairment, and
- Speeding.
Any time a driver doesn’t follow the traffic laws, this can lead to an accident.
Vehicle Defects
Vehicle defects can also cause car accidents. Car accidents that stem primarily from vehicle defects usually involve issues with tires, brakes, steering, and engine-related malfunctions. Sometimes the manufacturer is at fault for the defect. However, there are also times when the driver is at fault for the vehicle issues because they failed to maintain the car.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors may also cause an accident. Most commonly, this involves inclement weather. However, glares, view obstruction, and inadequate signage can all lead to an accident.
Types of Car Accidents and Injuries After Virginia Car Accidents
Motor vehicle accident injuries are one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. While advances in vehicle safety, trauma prevention, and emergency medical care have prevented many fatalities, many people who survive car accidents experience long-term and permanent disabilities. Various factors influence the severity and outcome of an accident. However, certain accidents tend to result in more dire consequences.
Frontal Crashes
A frontal crash is when the car’s front end collides with another vehicle or object. During front-end collisions, drivers and passengers can suffer harm from seat belts, airbags, steering wheel rims, and windshields. This can cause head, chest, and abdomen injuries.
Left-Side Impact
Left-side impact accidents often impact the driver the most. They can cause drivers and occupants to experience head, chest, limbs, neck, spine, and face injuries. The driver or passenger may collide with the vehicle’s interior on impact. For example, a driver may hit their head on the glass of the driver’s side window in a left-side impact collision.
Right-Side Impact
In right-side impact accidents, occupants can suffer injuries from seat belt webbing, windshields, and airbags. These accidents often result in severe injuries to an occupant’s or driver’s head, chest, abdomen, neck, or throat.
Rear-Impact
Rear-impact accidents often cause injuries to the head, neck, and spine. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries from a rear-end collision.
Speak with Our Chesapeake Car Accident Lawyer About Your Case Today
If you’ve been in an auto accident, the experienced Chesapeake car accident attorney at the Law Firm of Carlton F. Bennett, P.L.L.C., can help. For more than 47 years, we’ve successfully pursued compensation on behalf of accident victims. We credit our track record to the fact that we take a compassionate approach to every claim we handle, ensuring we understand every aspect of your claim before developing a legal strategy. We offer free consultations, during which we will explain the recovery process and discuss your rights. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call 757-267-9265. You can also connect with us through our online contact form.