Gloucester Car Accident Attorney

Every year, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles gathers data on motor vehicle accidents throughout the state. The Traffic Crash Facts for 2017 are disturbing. In Gloucester County, there were 425 car accidents that caused seven fatalities. Another 253 people were hurt in these incidents, leading to devastating losses for victims and their families.

Fortunately, Virginia law does allow you to recover compensation if you or a loved one was involved in a crash. To learn more about your rights, please contact Hampton Injury Law PLC to set up a case evaluation with a Gloucester car accident attorney. You can also read on for some vital information on how these cases work.

Negligence in Virginia Auto Accidents

Most car accidents are caused by careless, irresponsible acts. In the legal field, the term is negligence, and it comes in many forms, such as:

• Speeding;
• Drunk driving;
• Improper lane changes; and,
• Texting or talking on the phone.

Under most circumstances, you will not directly sue the responsible driver. Motorists are required by law to carry liability insurance, which protects victims of auto accidents. Insurance companies can be challenging to deal with on a claim. Often, their employees will blame the incident on you or contest the severity of your injuries. At times, you may need to take the matter to court to obtain fair, reasonable monetary damages.

Whether you are filing a claim with an insurance company or pursuing your rights in court, a personal injury lawyer will aggressively fight for your rights to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Compensation for Victims of Auto Collisions

There are many types of compensation available if you were injured in a motor vehicle accident. Some are “special,” that is economic in nature, which means that you can prove them through documentary evidence. Examples are medical expenses and lost wages. Other monetary damages are subjective and personal to your experience. These “general” non-economic damages may include:

• Pain and suffering;
• Emotional anguish;
• Diminished quality of life;
• Losses that affect your relationships, such as with your spouse, children, and other loved ones;
• Scarring and disfigurement; and,
• Many others that depend on the details of your case.

Legal Issues That May Impact Your Claim

Though you may have solid evidence to prove that the other driver was negligent, there are certain factors that you need to know about your claim. One fundamental law for Virginia auto crash victims is the statute of limitations. You need to file a lawsuit within two years after the car accident, or you are forever barred from seeking compensation.

In addition, Virginia applies the rule of pure contributory negligence in auto collision cases. If you were partially to blame for the accident, you cannot recover any compensation for your losses.

Schedule a Consultation with a Gloucester Car Accident Attorney

Though this overview may be helpful, it is essential to retain legal counsel to assist with your claim. For more information on your rights and remedies as the victim of an auto crash, please call Hampton Injury Law PLC  to speak with a Gloucester car accident lawyer.