The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles compiles an annual Traffic Crash Facts publication, and the statistics for 2017 may shock you: In Norfolk City alone, there were 4,199 motor vehicle accidents. Almost 2,300 caused injuries to drivers and passengers, while 20 people lost their lives in these incidents. Many of these car accidents were preventable and were the result of careless or reckless driving.
Virginia law protects auto crash victims, but it is critical to retain a skilled Norfolk car accident lawyer to assist with your claim. Attorney Mr. Hoen has extensive experience with these cases and will fight for your rights to compensation. Please contact Hampton Injury Law PLC to schedule a free case evaluation consultation today.
Most car accidents are caused by negligence, which means you must prove that the responsible driver breached his or her duty to drive safely and that this misconduct caused the crash. However, there are certain types of conduct that tend to be a factor in motor vehicle collisions. Examples include:
If you can prove that the other driver’s negligence caused the crash, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your losses.
In most car accident cases, you start by filing a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. These insurers are notorious for rejecting claims, even those that are lawful and supported by evidence. The insurance company may deny your claim on the grounds that the accident was partly your fault or that your injuries are not severe. If the insurer does make an offer on your claim, it is likely to be far lower than necessary to fully compensate you.
Insurance companies are less likely to attempt unfair tactics when a claimant is represented by a Norfolk car accident attorney. Mr. Hoen will fight for the compensation you deserve, and he has the extensive trial experience to take the matter to court when it becomes necessary to protect your interests.
Even when your case seems clear-cut, you should be aware of certain legal concepts that impact your claim. One very important law is Virginia’s statute of limitations, which requires you to file a civil lawsuit within two years after the car accident. If you fail to initiate litigation during this time period, you are prohibited from seeking compensation.
Plus, Virginia is one of just a few states that follow the harsh rule of pure contributory negligence. If you were partially at fault in causing the car accident, even to a lesser degree, you cannot recover any compensation for your losses. With help from an experienced Norfolk car accident attorney, you have a better chance of overcoming this challenge to your claim.
If you were injured in an auto collision, time is of the essence to retain skilled legal counsel. Please contact Hampton Injury Law PLC right away by visiting the firm website. Mr. Hoen can tell you more about your rights and remedies after reviewing your circumstances.
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