Our car accident lawyers in downtown Norfolk have successfully represented victims injured in many types of auto accidents for decades.
We help victims of rear-end accidents, t-bone accidents, head-on collisions, truck accidents, drunk driving injuries, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and any other type of vehicle-related accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
Dealing with your injuries, insurance companies, the responsible party, and the Virginia legal system can be difficult for anyone to handle on their own. Hiring our experienced Norfolk car accident attorneys to advocate for your needs can level the playing field. And if the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair settlement, our legal team will file a lawsuit on your behalf and fight for the verdict you deserve.
If you were injured in an auto accident that was not your fault, contact our Norfolk-based law firm to discuss your situation during a free consultation.
For over 37 years, Norfolk car accident lawyer Richard Serpe has helped car crash victims seek the compensation they deserve. He’s earned a reputation as a well-respected, hard-working attorney with a tenacious approach to every case he takes on. His legal practice has been located in downtown Norfolk for more than two decades.
If you’d like to discuss your options after a car crash, call us at (757) 233-0009 to speak with our legal team. Mr. Serpe has a track record of success in obtaining favorable settlements and verdicts for his clients.
Expertise.com, Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Norfolk (2020 – Present)
Norfolk Car Accident Client Review
“Within seconds of meeting with Richard Serpe, he identified a number of potential mistakes I was making – many of which could have been quite costly. He was meticulous in his gathering of evidence, he was thoughtful in how he handled documentation.
There were days when I couldn’t focus on the future because the present was just too challenging. Richard often checked in on me, took phone calls and emails and was incredibly responsive.
He took all the heat so I could focus on recovery. I can’t imagine how I would have been able to make it through this process without having Richard by my side.” – Melissa B.
Here are a few ways our Norfolk car accident lawyers can protect your right to compensation:
Conduct an investigation and determine the potential value of your claim
Protect you from abusive insurance company tactics
Help you to avoid costly mistakes that could ruin your case
Negotiate with the insurance company for a favorable financial recovery
File a lawsuit if the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement
How much compensation can I get in a Norfolk car accident case?
The amount of a Norfolk auto accident settlement depends on several factors. These include the facts surrounding the accident, the severity of the injuries, and the medical treatment needed.
Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be entitled to one or more of the following types of financial recovery.
Medical Bills: Whether you need an ambulance ride to a hospital, an emergency life-saving surgery, or physical therapy, medical bills add up quickly. Victims can seek compensation for those bills and any future medical expenses associated with their injuries.
Lost Wages: Car accidents put people out of work for weeks, months, years, or even permanently. The loss of future earnings due to a life-altering injury may also be factored into your settlement.
Pain and Suffering: This often involves measuring the severity and permanency of your car accident injuries.
Wrongful Death: If your loved one was killed in a Norfolk car crash, you’re probably grief-stricken and wondering how you’ll pay for the medical bills and 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. In Virginia, certain family members may bring a claim for the losses they have suffered from the death of a loved one.
How much is a Virginia car accident settlement?
$5,000,000: defective vehicle catches fire and causes wrongful deaths – Roanoke, VA
$1,600,000: drunk driver hits client causing leg injuries – Eastern Shore of VA
$495,000: vehicle collision causes major injuries – Chesapeake, VA
$300,000: drunk driver hits client crossing the road – Norfolk, VA
$300,000: client rear-ended by drunk driver – Virginia Beach, VA
$270,000: rear-end accident on I-264 – Virginia Beach, VA
$198,000: car crash fatally injures passenger – Eastern Shore of VA
$150,000: teen texting and driving causes car crash – Virginia
How much time do I have to sue for a Norfolk car accident?
If you’ve been involved in a serious Norfolk car accident, time is of the essence. The statute of limitations for most Virginia personal injury claims is typically limited to just two years.
However, that deadline can vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident. And once your statute of limitations has passed, Virginia will no longer allow you to seek compensation for your injuries.
While two years might seem like a long time, that could not be further from the truth. After a serious car accident, it may take months to a year for you to finish your medical treatment. Your Norfolk car accident lawyer will also need time to conduct a thorough investigation, build your case, and negotiate with the insurance company.
Accidents with complicating factors and life-altering injuries are inevitably more complex and time-consuming. If you wait too long, it may be hard for you to find a good attorney to take on your case.
How long will a Norfolk car accident case take?
Many factors determine how long it will take to settle a car accident case. These steps can vary depending on the case, so there is no cut-and-dried answer to questions about how long the Virginia car accident injury claims process takes.
Here are a few of the more important steps in our process:
Initial consultation.Clients who schedule their initial meeting with our Norfolk auto accident lawyer share their stories and learn of their legal options. A discussion of the person’s rights leads to a decision about whether to work together. If the person wishes to hire our law firm, they’ll sign an agreement allowing us to represent them.
Investigation. Our legal team will work to investigate the accident that caused your injuries. We’ll be looking into medical records, statements of witnesses, the police accident reports, and photographs taken at the scene. In some cases, we may even hire experts to better understand what led to the incident.
Settlement negotiations. In order to receive a fair settlement from your insurance company, we compile a demand package that contains pertinent results from the investigation. Most cases are resolved at this point, but if your injuries are severe, these negotiations could go on for quite some time. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a lawsuit may need to be filed.
Resolution. Filing a Norfolk car accident lawsuit puts your case into the hands of the court system. Although this does kick-start preparations for a jury trial, your attorney may continue to negotiations.
Norfolk, Virginia Car Accident FAQs
When should I contact a personal injury attorney after a Norfolk car accident?
It’s advisable to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the accident. They can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights from the beginning.
What compensation can I recover for my injuries in a Norfolk car accident lawsuit?
You may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in rare cases, punitive damages.
Do I need to prove the other driver was at fault in the accident to sue for injuries?
Yes, you generally need to establish the other driver’s negligence or fault to have a valid car accident injury claim. This may involve gathering evidence, witnesses, and expert testimony.
Is it better to settle or go to trial in a Norfolk car accident case?
Whether to settle or go to trial depends on the circumstances of your case. Most cases are settled out of court, but you may need to go to trial if the other party refuses to offer a fair settlement.
Dealing with insurance companies after a Norfolk car accident
It’s a good rule of thumb not to speak with the other driver’s insurance company by yourself. Insurance companies are businesses first and foremost, looking to pay the lowest amount for claims to make the greatest profit. Anything you say to the adjuster could be used against you, so it’s wisest to direct them to your Norfolk car accident attorney.
We strongly advise that you do not speak to any car insurance claims adjusters until you speak with an experienced Norfolk car accident attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that will ruin your case.
If you choose our Norfolk car accident law firm, we immediately inform the insurance companies 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. They have to go through us to get to you.
Car Accident Cases We Handle in Norfolk
Car accidents can occur in various forms, each presenting unique risks and circumstances. Some common types of car accidents include:
Rear-End Collisions: These accidents happen when a vehicle hits the rear end of another vehicle. They often occur due to tailgating, distracted driving, or sudden stops.
T-Bone Accidents (Side Impact): Side-impact collisions occur when the front end of one vehicle crashes into the side of another. They commonly happen at intersections or when a driver fails to yield the right of way.
Head-On Collisions: These accidents involve two vehicles colliding front to front. Head-on collisions often result from factors such as wrong-way driving, overtaking in a no-passing zone, or driver impairment.
Rollover Accidents: Rollovers involve a vehicle overturning onto its side or roof. They typically occur when a driver loses control, overcorrects a turn, or during high-speed collisions.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups: These accidents involve numerous vehicles colliding in a chain reaction. They often occur on highways, especially during inclement weather or low visibility conditions.
Wrong-way Accidents are serious and often tragic consequences of drivers traveling in the opposite direction of traffic flow, leading to devastating collisions.
Hit-and-run Accidents: These involve a driver fleeing the scene after colliding with another vehicle or a pedestrian, leaving behind potential victims.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Norfolk
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. Activities such as texting, making phone calls, or eating while driving divert the driver’s attention from the road, significantly increasing the risk of a collision.
Speeding is another prevalent issue that reduces a driver’s reaction time and amplifies the severity of accidents when they occur. Similarly, drunk driving remains a dangerous practice, as it impairs coordination, judgment, and reaction times, making it a major contributor to traffic incidents.
Reckless driving behaviors, such as aggressive maneuvers, tailgating, and ignoring traffic laws, also play a significant role in accidents. Fatigue, adverse weather conditions, and actions like running red lights or stop signs further increase crashes’ frequency.
Other factors contributing to accidents include driver inexperience, improper turns, failure to yield, and poor visibility. Additionally, issues like vehicle defects and poor road conditions exacerbate the risks.
Common Car Accident Injuries in Norfolk
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity depending on the circumstances of the collision.
Whiplash: Occurs when the head and neck are suddenly jerked forward and backward, straining the soft tissues in the neck.
Fractures: Car accidents can result in broken bones, commonly in the arms, legs, ribs, or the skull. These fractures can vary in severity from hairline fractures to compound fractures that break through the skin.
Head Injuries:Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. They often occur when the head contacts the dashboard, steering wheel, or windshield during a collision.
Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass, flying debris, or sharp objects in the car can cause cuts and lacerations. These injuries may require stitches or more extensive medical treatment.
Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma in a car accident can lead to internal injuries such as damage to the organs, internal bleeding, or even ruptured blood vessels. These injuries may not be immediately apparent and require prompt medical attention.
Spinal Cord Injuries: A severe car accident can cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis or loss of sensation in various parts of the body. Spinal cord injuries can have a profound and lasting impact on a person’s life.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Car accidents can cause strains, sprains, and contusions in muscles, tendons, and ligaments throughout the body, in addition to whiplash. These injuries can be painful and may take time to heal.
Burns: Car accidents can lead to fires or explosions, causing burns of varying degrees. Burn injuries often require specialized medical care and can result in scarring and long-term physical and psychological effects.
Facial Injuries: Airbags, steering wheels, and shattered glass can lead to facial injuries such as broken noses, eye injuries, or damage to the jawbone.
Seatbelt and Airbag Injuries: While seatbelts and airbags are crucial for safety, they can also cause injuries in high-impact collisions. Seatbelt injuries may include bruising or fractures, while airbag deployment can lead to burns and abrasions.
Crush Injuries: In accidents with significant structural damage to the vehicle, individuals can suffer crush injuries, which can lead to damage to internal organs, bones, and soft tissues.
Amputations: Severe accidents can result in traumatic amputations of limbs or digits, requiring immediate medical attention and long-term rehabilitation.
Common Norfolk Car Accident Locations
In 2023, Norfolk experienced a significant increase in traffic-related incidents. The city recorded 4,369 car accidents, resulting in 2,248 injuries and 15 fatalities. This marks a 13.57% rise in crashes compared to 2022, where there were 3,847 crashes, 1,985 injuries, and 23 fatalities.
Statewide, Virginia saw a 4.2% increase in crashes, totaling 127,597 incidents in 2023, with 63,876 injuries and 907 fatalities.
Dangerous Intersections in Norfolk
Granby Street and Virginia Beach Boulevard: This busy intersection sees heavy traffic due to its proximity to shopping, restaurants, and residential areas.
Hampton Boulevard and 38th Street: Located near Old Dominion University, this intersection experiences high traffic volumes, including students, commuters, and pedestrians.
Brambleton Avenue and Tidewater Drive: This intersection is a major crossing point for vehicles traveling to and from downtown Norfolk, naval bases, and nearby neighborhoods.
Military Highway and Northampton Boulevard: Situated in northern Norfolk, this intersection is near retail centers and experiences significant traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours.
Granby Street and 21st Street: Located in the Ghent neighborhood, this intersection sees a mix of pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle traffic due to its proximity to residential areas, restaurants, and shops.
Little Creek Road and Chesapeake Boulevard: This intersection connects multiple neighborhoods and experiences heavy daily traffic flow.
Dangerous Highways in Norfolk
Interstate 64 (I-64): I-64 is a major east-west interstate that runs through Norfolk. It connects the city with other key Virginia cities like Richmond, Williamsburg, and Hampton.
Interstate 264 (I-264):I-264, also known as the Norfolk-Virginia Beach Expressway, is a primary route within the city. It connects Norfolk with Virginia Beach and provides access to the Oceanfront area and other coastal destinations.
Interstate 464 (I-464): I-464 is a short interstate that connects I-64 in Chesapeake to downtown Norfolk. It provides convenient access to the downtown area, the naval base, and various other parts of the city.
U.S. Route 13 (US-13): US-13 is a north-south highway that runs through Norfolk, connecting it with other cities along the Eastern Seaboard. It is an important transportation route for both commercial and passenger vehicles.
Norfolk’s Vision Zero Initiative
Norfolk, Virginia’s Vision Zero is a traffic safety initiative that aims to eliminate all traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all. The concept of Vision Zero originates from a global movement that prioritizes human life and well-being over speed and convenience in transportation systems.
Data-Driven Approach: Norfolk uses traffic crash data to identify high-risk areas and behaviors. This information guides the development of strategies to improve safety.
Safe Road Design: The initiative emphasizes designing and maintaining roads to minimize the chances of accidents. This includes features like better pedestrian crossings, bike lanes, and roundabouts.
Speed Management:Speed reduction is a central tenet, as lower speeds significantly reduce the likelihood of severe injuries or fatalities in accidents.
Community Engagement: Vision Zero promotes collaboration with community members, schools, businesses, and other stakeholders to raise awareness about traffic safety and implement solutions.
Equity in Mobility: A focus on ensuring that all residents, regardless of socioeconomic background, have safe and accessible transportation options.
Enforcement and Education: The initiative works alongside local law enforcement to enforce traffic laws and educate the public about safe driving, biking, and walking practices.
By adopting Vision Zero, Norfolk aims to create safer streets and a transportation network that supports both the community’s quality of life and its economic vitality.
Norfolk Auto Accident Attorney Richard Serpe
When it comes to navigating the complexities of a Norfolk car accident claim, having a knowledgeable advocate on your side can make all the difference.
Norfolk car accident lawyer Richard Serpe brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for his clients.
His dedication to personalized service and relentless pursuit of justice ensures that you’re not just another case number but a valued individual with unique needs.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and are seeking a skilled attorney who will fight for your rights and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible result, contact our office for a free consultation.
I was severely injured by medication produced by a top corporate entity. I was unable to continue working, the whole situation seemed hopeless. The team at Serpe law offices was
- Suzanne, Google Review
I strongly and sincerely recommend Richard J. Serpe
“I strongly and sincerely recommend Richard J. Serpe. Understanding, Compassionate and trustworthy. They are very knowledgeable and they WILL GET THE MOST compensation for your case. I was just looking
- Norma, Manassas, VA
A settlement that changed my life
“After a major maritime accident on the water, I was scared and didn’t know where to turn. The Law Offices of Richard Serpe and his great staff treated me with
- Eddie, Norfolk, VA
Compassionate, Dedicated and Attentive
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the excellent legal Services I received fron Attorney Richard J Serpe’ Law Firm. Mr. Serpe and staff were compassionate , dedicated
- Jackie, Chesapeake, VA
Hard Work and Zealous Devotion
“A tip-top law firm led by one of the finest lawyers I know. In addition to the usual qualities of hard work and zealous devotion to the cause, Richard Serpe
- Attorney Patrick Malone, D.C.
He listened carefully to our concerns and gave us honest legal advice
“My husband and I worked with Richard for the past year and had a wonderful experience. At our first meeting, he did not push us to sign anything or make
- Kelli, Portsmouth, VA
Richard Serpe, and his staff did a thorough investigation into the dog owner
My 7-year-old daughter was outside playing with friends in front of our home when she was viciously attacked by our neighbor’s Rottweiler. The Rottweiler dug a hole under the fence,
- Shaniqua, Winchester, VA
Absolute trust
“My experience with Richard Serpe can be summarized in two words, “absolute trust.” I came to Mr. Serpe on the advice of a friend after a car hit me while
- Don, Virginia Beach, VA
Such a wonderful group of people to have by your side
Such a wonderful group of people to have by your side! Genuinely cares and wants to help you and your family 🙂
- Allena, Eastern Shore of VA
Richard acted as my advocate, my friend, my partner and my champion
Within seconds of meeting with Richard Serpe, he identified a number of potential mistakes I was making – many of which could have been quite costly. Throughout the entire process,
- Melissa Baumann, Norfolk, VA
You will feel better — instantly
“I endorse this lawyer. Richard is an extremely intelligent person and a very kind man. Not only is Richard a top-notch attorney, but he also is very compassionate one. You
- Art Serratelli, Virginia Beach Immigration Lawyer
I am very satisfied!
“I highly recommend this Personal Injury Law Firm. They kept me in the loop with everything going on and gave honest advice. I am very satisfied!”
- Hallie, Williamsburg, VA
Mr Serpe is a kind, considerate professional
Mr Serpe is a kind, considerate professional I would recommend to anyone who needs legal help recovering from an auto accident or other personal injury. I really enjoyed working with
- Janine, Virginia Beach, VA
Richard Serpe was the answer to our prayers for finding justice in the legal system
Richard Serpe was the answer to our prayers for finding justice in the legal system. Our fight against the Chinese over the course of six years was emotional and difficult
- Liz & Steve, Virginia Beach, VA
Absolutely amazing what he has done for me!
“My experience with Richard was great. He put in the time and effort to get what I needed done and in months he worked a miracle that I didn’t expect!
- Michael, Google Review
Richard Serpe was able to get an excellent recovery for my daughter
When my daughter suffered an injury from lead poisoning, I did not know where to turn. There did not seem to be many lawyers who could help. The landlord responsible
- Angela W., Richmond, VA
Thank you Richard Serpe and your firm
This firm has been beside us through the whole process from when we first found out that our home had been built with Chinese drywall until justice was served. They
- Elizabeth C., Virginia Beach, VA
The people who work for him were always great to work with
Richard Serpe handled the case for my daughter for injuries she received over 10 years ago. The people who work for him were always great to work with! They responded
Pedestrian Fatally Struck While Walking Dogs on Colley Avenue in Norfolk
A tragic accident on Colley Avenue in Norfolk has left the community mourning and raising concerns about pedestrian safety.
According to the Norfolk Police Department, on the evening of November 26,
It’s a good rule of thumb not to speak with the other driver’s 
When it comes to navigating the complexities of a Norfolk car accident claim, having a knowledgeable advocate on your side can make all the difference.
