NORFOLK, VA CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER

Helping You Recover Compensation for Your Injuries & Anguish After a Virginia Car Accident that Wasn’t Your Fault.

If you’ve been injured in a Norfolk, Virginia car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and anguish. In Virginia, you have the right to file a personal injury claim, or lawsuit, against the at-fault driver to recover monetary damages.

Your injuries, insurance adjusters, the at-fault party, and the legal system are a lot for anyone to face alone. Insurance companies know most people are inexperienced with the Virginia personal injury claims process. And if they see an opportunity to minimize or deny your claim, they’ll take it. Protect your right to compensation and contact our Norfolk, Virginia car accident law firm for a free consultation.

NORFOLK CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY RICHARD SERPE

For over 37 years, Richard Serpe has helped personal injury 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. Mr. Serpe has a track record of success in obtaining favorable settlements and verdicts for his clients.

Best Lawyers® (2005 – Present); Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers (2020); Virginia Super Lawyer: (2006 – Present);  Avvo.com : Rated 10/10 – “Superb,” Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory: AV Preeminent rating (highest given).

NORFOLK CAR ACCIDENT CASES WE HANDLE

Our Norfolk personal injury law firm has successfully settled Virginia vehicle-related personal injury cases of all varieties including: DUI injury, tractor-trailer, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death and more. Protect your rights and consider speaking with our Norfolk auto accident team. Send us an email or call/text (757) 233-0009 to set up a free consultation. We don’t charge legal fees unless we settle or win.

HOW A NORFOLK CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER HELP

Here are a few ways our Norfolk car accident lawyers can to 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

COMPENSATION FOR AUTO ACCIDENT VICTIMS

Virginia personal injury car accident settlements are typically based on both the damage done and the severity of the injuries sustained. Another major factor? Whether or not there is insurance coverage and the policy limits. Depending on the specifics of the car accident, accident victims may be entitled to compensatory damages:

• 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 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. Learn more: Virginia Wrongful Death Lawsuits

VIRGINIA CAR ACCIDENT SETTLEMENTS

• $5,000,000.00: Defective vehicle causes wrongful death
• $1,600,000.00: head-on collision caused by drunk driver
• $300,000.00: pedestrian struck by drunk driver
• $150,000.00: teen texting and driving causes car accident

STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (DEADLINES)

If you’ve been involved in a serious 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, depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, that deadline can vary. 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 attorney 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 DOES A NORFOLK CAR ACCIDENT CASE WORK?

There are many factors that go into determining how long it will take to settle a car accident case. These steps can vary in length depending on the case, so there is no cut and dried answer to questions about how long the personal injury claims process takes. Here are a few of the more important steps in the process:

1. Initial consultation. When a client schedules their initial meeting with our auto accident team, they share their story and learn of their legal options. A discussion of the person’s rights leads to a decision of whether to work together or not. If the person wishes to hire our law firm, they’ll sign an agreement allowing us to represent them.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Resolution. Filing a 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.

DEALING WITH INSURANCE ADJUSTERS

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, and they’re looking to pay the lowest amount for claims in order to make the greatest profit. Anything you say to the adjuster could potentially be used against you, and so it’s wisest to direct them to your auto accident attorney.

We strongly advise that you do not speak to any car insurance claims adjusters until you speak with an experienced attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that will ruin your case.

If you choose our Norfolk personal injury law 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. They have to go through us to get to you.

COMMON CAUSES OF CAR CRASHES

Car accidents are unfortunate incidents that can have devastating consequences. Several common causes contribute to the occurrence of these accidents.

• Distracted driving stands out as a leading cause, with activities like texting, phone calls, or eating diverting the driver’s attention from the road.
• Speeding, another prevalent cause, reduces reaction time and amplifies the severity of accidents.
• Drunk driving is a dangerous practice that impairs coordination and judgment.
• Reckless driving behaviors, such as aggressive maneuvers and ignoring traffic laws, also play a significant role.
• Factors like fatigue, adverse weather conditions, and running red lights or stop signs further contribute to the frequency of accidents.
• Inexperience, tailgating, vehicle defects, poor road conditions, aggressive driving, and poor visibility.

COMMON TYPES OF CAR ACCIDENTS

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: Also known as side-impact collisions, these occur when the front end of one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle. 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.

COMMON CAR ACCIDENT INJURIES

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity depending on the circumstances of the collision.

• Whiplash is one of the most common car accident injuries and occurs when the neck is jerked forward and backward abruptly. It can lead to neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
• Another prevalent injury is broken bones, often affecting the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis due to the impact or force exerted during the collision.
• Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and contusions, are also common, causing pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
• More severe accidents can lead to traumatic brain injuries, which can result in cognitive impairments, memory loss, and motor function deficits.
• Spinal cord injuries are another serious consequence, potentially causing partial or complete paralysis and lifelong disabilities.
• Additionally, cuts, lacerations, internal organ damage, and psychological trauma are frequently observed injuries following car accidents.

COMMON NORFOLK CAR ACCIDENT LOCATIONS

• Granby Street and Virginia Beach Boulevard: This busy intersection sees heavy traffic due to its proximity to shopping centers, restaurants, and residential areas.
• Hampton Boulevard and 38th Street: Located near Old Dominion University, this intersection experiences high volumes of traffic, 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 the northern part of 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 traffic flow throughout the day.
• 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, serves as 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.
• U.S. Route 58 (US-58): US-58 passes through Norfolk, providing a connection to the southwestern part of the state. It is a significant east-west route that extends from Virginia to Tennessee.
• U.S. Route 460 (US-460): While US-460 does not directly pass through Norfolk, it serves as a major route in the region, providing a connection between Norfolk and other cities in Virginia and beyond.

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. Throughout the entire process, from the accident to physical therapy to court dates and depositions, Richard acted as my advocate, my friend, my partner, and my champion. 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.

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Insurance companies have deep pockets and tremendous resources. Our Downtown Norfolk law firm understands that the costs associated with a lawsuit can be a barrier to justice. This is why we offer a no-fee promise. Ultimately, you don’t owe us any legal fees unless we settle or win your personal injury case. If we accept your case, we will work on your behalf to get a fair settlement and only charge legal fees if you receive a settlement or verdict. Call our Virginia car accident lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your options.

NORFOLK CAR ACCIDENT RESOURCES

• City of Norfolk – Vision Zero
• Norfolk Neighborhood Speed Reduction Program
• Code of Virginia – Motor Vehicle Accidents