If an Eastern Shore car accident or personal injury has completely interrupted your normal life, you are like many of our clients who stay awake at night wondering: How will I pay my medical bills? How will I make up for lost time at work? Will the insurance companies give me a fair settlement for my injuries?
We understand that when you have been seriously hurt in an accident, life becomes very complicated. Hospital and doctor visits are expensive and missing work eats up your paycheck. If you’ve been injured in an Eastern Shore of Virginia accident, contact our law firm for assistance. We fight for the settlement you deserve while you focus on getting better.
Why Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
In the wake of an accident, it can be difficult to know who to trust. While you might expect the insurance company to have your best interests at heart, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Insurers are out to turn a profit. If they see any opportunity to deny a claim or minimize a settlement, they’ll take it. A personal injury attorney can help you negotiate a fair settlement and ensure you’re not being taken advantage of.
Dealing with the Insurance Companies
We strongly advise that you do not speak to any insurance adjusters until you speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that will ruin your case. If you choose our firm, we immediately contact the insurance companies and inform them that they are no longer allowed to contact you. We will take over all communication dealing with insurance. Of course, we do not make any decisions without speaking to you first.
Accepting a Settlement Offer from the Adjuster
When you are recovering from a personal injury, medical bills should be the last thing on your mind. However, inevitably, the medical bills will start coming in. So who pays?
It is tempting to take the first settlement the insurance company offers you. Especially when medical bills are piling up. Insurance companies will often make low-ball offers within a matter of just a few weeks hoping to quickly settle a claim. But accept that offer and you’ll be out of luck if long-term injuries and complications set in. When accepting the check, you’ll have to sign a release agreeing that the payment is a “full and final settlement.” Sign it, and you’ll never again be allowed for more compensation.
Contact an Eastern Shore personal injury lawyer to protect your right to fair compensation.
Compensation & Settlements for Accident Victims
Depending on the specifics of your Eastern Shore accident, victims may be entitled to one or more of the following types of damages:
- Medical costs. Whether you need an ambulance ride to a hospital, an emergency life-saving surgery, months of physical therapy– medical bills can add up quickly. Victims should not have to pay for those medical bills out of pocket. We will seek compensation for those bills, as well as any future medical expenses associated with your injury.
- Lost wages. If you’re hospitalized after your accident, there’s a good chance you’ll miss work while you recover. That lost income shouldn’t be written off – we can fight to recover lost paychecks. Accidents can put people out of work for months, so the loss of income should also be included in your settlement.
- Pain and suffering. Long after the physical wounds heal, the emotional pain of an accident can linger. This pain and suffering needs may be included in your settlement.
- Punitive damages. Negligent actions often need more than the accident to prevent them from happening again. Punitive damages can motivate the defendant to be safer and mindful of other’s safety in the future.
- Wrongful death. If your loved one was killed, you’re probably grief-stricken and wondering how you’ll shoulder medical bills, funeral costs – not to mention the loss of future income for your family. The emotional loss cannot be understated, either. The loss of companionship and affection is irreplaceable. The Virginia wrongful death act allows certain family members to bring a claim for the losses they have suffered from the death of a loved one.
Deadlines for Virginia Injury Claims
Under Virginia law, it is necessary to file a lawsuit within strict deadlines imposed by law. In many cases, Virginia provides for a two-year deadline also known as a Statute of Limitations. However, the circumstances surrounding the situation could affect this deadline. Speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer to protect your rights.
While two years might sound like a long time, the investigation and negotiation phases of a case can be quite lengthy. It is important to give your attorney enough time to gather evidence and build your case. Don’t delay, the consultation is free.
Personal Injury Cases We Handle
If you’ve been injured, or your loved one has been killed, we will protect your legal rights and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
- Maritime Lawyer: tugboats, barges, fishing boats, cruise ships, cargo ships, maintenance and cure
- Auto Accidents: involving cars, trucks, bicycles, pedestrians, motorcycles, uninsured/underinsured motorists
- Dog Bites & Attacks: for children, adults, mail carriers, delivery truck drivers, pedestrians, joggers, etc.
- Guardrail Accidents: defective, outdated, and improperly installed guardrails causing injury and death
- Nursing Home Neglect: falls, bed and pressure sores, medication errors, wrongful death
- Wrongful Death: the wrongful death of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence
- Birth Injury: Inadequate training, defective drugs, and ineffective policies can all lead to medical mistakes.
- Lead Poisoning: lead poisoning can cause long-term permanent cognitive injuries in children
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: faulty equipment/appliances, improper repairs, improper venting, and faulty detectors
- Traumatic Brain Injury: car accidents, lead poisoning, birth injury
Eastern Shore Personal Injury Lawyer
When you put your trust in the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC, you can rest easy knowing we’ll act with your best interests in mind. With open ears and hearts, our team is eager to help you in your hour of need. The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC has helped victims of accidents for over 34 years. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Helping victims on the Eastern Shore and all of Virginia: Northampton County: Belle Haven, Cape Charles, Cheriton, Eastville, Exmore, Nassawadox, Oster, and Bayview. Accomack County: Accomac, Belle Haven, Bloxom, Chincoteague, Hallwood, Keller, Melfa, Onancock, Onley, Painter, Parksley, Saxis, Tangier, and Wachapreague.
