Newport News Car Accident Attorney

Car accidents are an unfortunately common occurrence in Virginia, and many of these incidents hit relatively close to home. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles publication on Traffic Crash Facts 2019 reveals that there were 65,708 people injured in collisions, and almost 2,300 of them were in Newport News, VA. For victims, physical pain is only the beginning. In time, financial, emotional, and related losses can become overwhelming.

If you were hurt in an auto collision, you might be able to recoup some of these losses through legal action. The process is complicated, so your first priority should be retaining a Newport News car accident attorney to advocate on your behalf. An overview of the laws and information on what to do after a crash may also be helpful.

Virginia Laws Protect Auto Crash Victims

Motor vehicle collisions are usually the result of driver carelessness or violation of traffic laws, but the underlying legal basis for these claims is negligence. To recover compensation, you need to prove that the other motorist breached the duty to drive safely, and this misconduct was a direct cause of the car accident. Examples of driver negligence include: 

• Speeding;
• Running red lights or stop signs;
• Texting while driving;
• Illegal lane changes;
• Failure to yield;
• Drunk driving; and,
• Many others.

 If you can prove the essential elements of negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for economic losses like medical costs and lost wages. You might also qualify to obtain non-economic damages, sometimes termed “pain and suffering.” This category covers the losses you sustain that affect your quality of life, future, and personal relationships.

What to do if You Were Hurt in an Auto Accident

It can be challenging to know what actions to take in the aftermath of a crash, but the first step is the most important for your health and your rights: Seek proper medical attention right away. Depending on how badly you were hurt, you should attempt these other tasks:

• Exchange contact and insurance information with all involved motorists.
• Use your cell phone camera to take pictures of the roadway, surrounding accident scene, the vehicles, and other relevant factors.
• Note the names of businesses in the vicinity of the crash since many install security cameras. The video footage may provide details regarding who was at fault in causing the car accident.
• Do not speak to an insurance adjuster other than to confirm contact information. You might make statements that harm your interests and adversely affect your compensation as an auto crash victim. 

A Newport News Car Accident Lawyer Will Fight for You

The legal process after an auto crash can be complex, especially when you are trying to recover from your injuries. As a result, you should rely on experienced counsel to assist in filing an insurance claim and pursuing a lawsuit in court. For more information, please call Hampton Injury Law PLC. We can schedule a case evaluation with a Virginia auto accident attorney who can explain your remedies.