Injured by a drunk driver in Norfolk? Call 757-233-0009 or message our team. Free consultations. No legal fees unless we win.
A drunk driving crash is different from other car accidents. There is nothing accidental about getting behind the wheel impaired. The driver made a choice, and that choice put you in a hospital, out of work, or grieving the loss of someone you love.
At the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC, we represent people in Norfolk and throughout Hampton Roads who have been seriously injured or lost a family member because of an impaired driver.
We understand what you are up against, physically, financially, and emotionally, and we know how to build the kind of case that holds drunk drivers and their insurers accountable.
Types of Drunk Driving Cases We Handle
Our firm represents victims injured in many different types of drunk driving accidents:
- Head-on collisions: Drunk drivers who drift across the center line, often at high speed, causing catastrophic impacts
- Rear-end crashes: Impaired drivers who fail to slow down or stop in time
- Intersection collisions: Drivers running red lights or stop signs while under the influence
- Wrong-way driving: Intoxicated drivers who enter highways or one-way streets in the wrong direction
- Wrongful death: When a drunk driver kills someone, we help family members recover compensation for their losses
Regardless of how the accident happened, if a drunk driver caused your injuries, contact us today to discuss your legal options.
Why Choose the Serpe Firm for Your Case
Attorney Richard J. Serpe is a nationally recognized Virginia personal injury lawyer with more than 40 years of experience representing the seriously injured. Consistently listed in Best Lawyers (2005–Present) and Super Lawyers (2006–Present), and named Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year for Norfolk by Best Lawyers (2020), Mr. Serpe has built his reputation on thorough case preparation and genuine advocacy for his clients.
He also holds the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating, the highest available for legal ability and ethics. The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC has been ranked Tier 1 in Norfolk for Personal Injury Litigation — Plaintiffs by Best Law Firms.
Attorney Ashley E. Strandjord is known for her meticulous approach to case development, her readiness for trial, and the genuine care she brings to every client she represents. Her clients consistently describe her as someone who listens, communicates directly, and never loses sight of what the case means to the person going through it.
Because we are selective about the cases we accept, we can invest real attention and resources into each client’s case. When you work with us, you receive:
- Decades of experience in serious injury cases
- Direct communication and personalized attention
- Thorough preparation at every stage
- No legal fees unless we win
What compensation can you recover after a drunk driving accident?
Compensation available in a Norfolk drunk driving case depends on the severity of your injuries, your financial losses, insurance coverage, and the specific facts of what happened. Victims may be entitled to recover:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, ambulance rides, medevac, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and any future treatment directly tied to the crash.
- Lost wages and earning capacity: Income lost during recovery, as well as any long-term reduction in your ability to work if your injuries are permanent or disabling.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the crash and its aftermath.
- Wrongful death: When a drunk driver kills someone, certain family members may recover funeral costs, lost financial support, and the loss of the deceased’s companionship and care through a wrongful death claim.
What happens after I hire a drunk driving accident attorney?
We approach every drunk driving case with the same thoroughness, whether it settles quickly or goes to trial.
- Investigation: We obtain the police report, toxicology results, dashcam and surveillance footage, witness statements, and any other evidence documenting what happened. In wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, we may work with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to build the most complete picture possible.
- Dealing with insurance companies: Once you retain us, all communication with adjusters goes through our office. We handle the pressure tactics, lowball offers, and delay strategies so you don’t have to.
- Case evaluation: We will not push for a quick settlement before understanding the complete scope of your injuries. For serious cases, that means waiting until you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement before calculating what your case is truly worth.
- Negotiation and trial: Most drunk driving cases settle outside of court, but we may need to prepare every case for trial if the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement.
Virginia’s Statute of Limitations (Legal Deadlines)
Virginia law gives injured victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the two-year period runs from the date of death. Missing these deadlines will eliminate your right to compensation, regardless of how strong your case may be.
Important exceptions may apply, for example, cases involving government vehicles, minors, or other special circumstances can have different rules. Do not wait to get legal advice. The earlier you reach out, the more time we have to preserve evidence and build the strongest possible case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the drunk driver doesn’t have enough insurance? You may still have options. Depending on the circumstances, compensation may be available through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, or other potentially liable parties. We can investigate all available sources of recovery.
Do I need a lawyer if the drunk driver admits fault? We highly recommend that you at discuss your situation with a lawyer during a free consultation. Even when liability seems clear, insurance companies often dispute the value of injuries and damages. An attorney can help ensure you pursue the full compensation you may be entitled to receive.
How long will my case take to resolve? It depends on the severity of your injuries and the complexity of the case. Cases involving clear liability and less serious injuries may resolve within months. Cases involving catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, or disputed facts can take considerably longer. Our focus is always on the best outcome, not the fastest one.
What does it cost to hire a Norfolk drunk driving accident lawyer? Nothing unless we win. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis so there are no legal fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Your initial consultation is free and carries no obligation.
What compensation can I recover after being hit by a drunk driver? You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses related to your injuries. In some cases, punitive damages may also be available.
Drunk Driving Accidents in Norfolk
Drunk driving is a persistent danger on Norfolk’s roads. According to the City of Norfolk’s crash data, alcohol-related crashes are the second highest contributing factor to fatal and serious injury crashes in Norfolk, accounting for 18% of crashes in 2024 which is above the statewide Virginia average of 16%.
Between 2018 and 2022, Norfolk City recorded 144 injuries from DUI accidents, one of the highest totals among Virginia localities. On an average day in Virginia, alcohol-related crashes injure 11 people and kill one. Behind every one of those numbers is a family whose life was upended by someone else’s bad decision.
Contact Our Norfolk Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
If you or someone you love was seriously or fatally injured by a drunk driver in Norfolk or anywhere in Hampton Roads, we are here to help. The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC offers free consultations. We will listen to what happened, explain your options, and tell you honestly whether we think we can help. You pay nothing unless we win.