Car accidents in Norfolk often happen in predictable places like tunnel backups on I-264, busy intersections on Military Highway, and pedestrian-heavy areas downtown and near ODU.
If you were injured in a crash, you need a lawyer who understands how these accidents happen and how to clearly establish fault.
At the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC, our firm focuses on personal injury cases and represents accident victims across Norfolk and Hampton Roads and helps them recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering after serious crashes.
We have spent decades helping injured Norfolk residents navigate car insurance claims and recover the compensation they deserve.
Call or text 757-233-0009, use our chat, or email us to schedule your free consultation today.
Questions About Hiring a Norfolk Car Accident Lawyer, Answered
A Norfolk car accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney who represents individuals injured in vehicle crashes and helps them seek financial recovery under Virginia law, including dealing with insurance companies, proving fault, and pursuing damages for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
What can a Norfolk car accident lawyer do that I can’t do on my own?
A Norfolk car accident lawyer can do far more than most individuals can on their own. Your attorney can investigate the crash, gather evidence, work with medical experts, and deal directly with insurance companies that are trained to minimize payouts. An experienced lawyer also understands Virginia’s strict contributory negligence law and can protect your claim from being denied. A lawyer can accurately value your case and pursue full compensation through negotiation or trial.
How much does a Norfolk car accident lawyer cost?
Our firm handles car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any upfront attorney’s fees, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. The fee is a percentage of the recovery, so there is no financial risk in speaking with us during a free consultation.
How much is a car accident case worth in Norfolk?
The value of a car accident case depends on your injuries, medical treatment, lost income, and insurance coverage. Some cases are worth thousands, while serious injuries can result in settlements or verdicts in the hundreds of thousands or more.
What if I am partially at fault for the car accident in Virginia?
Virginia follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If you are even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation. This is why it can be critical to have an experienced attorney handle your case.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim?
Virginia law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you cannot recover compensation. It is best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible so you understand your rights and avoid mistakes that could affect your case.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Car Accident in Norfolk?
If you were injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for both your financial losses and the impact the accident has had on your life. Depending on the details of your case, compensation may include:
- Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing care
- Future medical costs: Long-term treatment, rehabilitation, and anticipated medical needs
- Lost income: Wages lost while you recover from your injuries
- Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
- Permanent disability: Compensation for lasting impairments
The value of your case depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical care, and available insurance coverage. Insurance companies often try to minimize these damages, which is why it is important to have an experienced attorney advocating for the full compensation you deserve. In some cases, multiple insurance policies or additional sources of recovery may apply.
Types of Car Accidents We Handle in Norfolk
Car accidents in Norfolk happen in several common ways, often tied to local traffic patterns, congestion, and driver behavior. Our law firm handles cases involving:
Rear-End Collisions in Norfolk
Rear-end crashes are common near tunnel approaches and on I-264, where sudden traffic slowdowns often lead to chain-reaction accidents.
Intersection Accidents on Norfolk Roads
Collisions frequently occur on Military Highway, Granby Street, and Tidewater Drive, where heavy traffic, turning vehicles, and distracted drivers increase the risk of serious crashes.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are common in high-traffic areas throughout Norfolk, including downtown, near Old Dominion University, and along busy corridors like Military Highway, Tidewater Drive, and Hampton Boulevard. These areas combine heavy vehicle traffic, limited crossing points, and pedestrian activity.
Bicycle Accidents in Norfolk
Cyclists face significant risks when sharing the road with motor vehicles, particularly in areas with heavy traffic and limited bike infrastructure. Bicycle accidents often result in serious injuries due to the lack of protection compared to larger vehicles.
Drugged or Drunk Driving Accidents
Crashes caused by drugged or drunk drivers often result in serious or life-changing injuries. While these cases may involve substantial compensation, insurance companies often work aggressively to limit what they pay, making strong legal representation important.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Texting, phone use, and other distractions are a leading cause of accidents throughout Norfolk. Many of these crashes occur when drivers take their eyes off the road for just a few seconds.
Commercial Truck and Delivery Vehicle Accidents
Accidents involving trucks and delivery vehicles can be more complex due to multiple parties, commercial insurance policies, and federal regulations that may apply.
Motorcycle Accidents in Norfolk
Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to serious injuries in collisions with larger vehicles. Many crashes occur when drivers fail to see motorcycles or misjudge their speed on Norfolk’s busy roads.
Wrongful Death Cases
In the most serious accidents, families may pursue a wrongful death claim for the loss of a loved one.
Why Choose Our Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers?
Our downtown Norfolk-based personal injury law firm combines decades of experience with trusted, client-centered advocacy to help you pursue the settlement you deserve. Our law firm has earned a top ranking from Best Law Firms® for Personal Injury Litigation in Norfolk, based on reviews from clients and fellow attorneys.
Attorney Richard J. Serpe has practiced personal injury law for more than four decades. Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers have recognized him repeatedly for years. Mr. Serpe’s peers and clients know him as someone who prepares relentlessly and doesn’t back down.
Attorney Ashley E. Strandjord handles car accident cases with a level of thoroughness that shows in results. She’s known for digging into the details that other attorneys miss like medical documentation, liability analysis, damages evaluation, and for keeping clients informed and prepared at every stage of the process.
Because we carefully limit the number of cases we accept, every client receives genuine personal attention.
When you work with our firm, you’ll receive:
- Decades of first-hand experience and knowledge
- Personalized attention and responsive communication
- Thorough case preparation to maximize recovery
- No legal fees unless we win your case
What Happens After You Hire Us?
We Do Our Own Investigation
Surveillance footage from businesses near crash sites when necessary. Witness memories fade. We document the scene, gather camera footage when necessary, obtain the police report, and identify any witnesses before evidence disappears.
We Handle the Insurance Companies
The moment you hire us, all communication with adjusters goes through our office. No more pressure calls. No more lowball offers. They have to go through us to get to you.
We Document the Full Impact of Your Injuries
Fair compensation isn’t just your emergency room bill. It includes follow-up treatment, physical therapy, specialist visits, lost wages, future lost earning capacity, permanent impairment, and the real impact this crash has had on your daily life. We work to document all of it.
We Prepare for Trial When Necessary
Many cases settle during negotiations. Some need to go to court. If the insurance companies won’t offer a fair settlement, we gear up for trial while still continuing negotiations.
Legal Deadlines (Statute of Limitations)
Virginia’s statute of limitations gives most car accident victims two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. Miss the deadline, and you lose your right to pursue compensation forever. Certain circumstances can also shorten this time limitation, so it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
The sooner you have an attorney working on your case, the better your position.
What Our Clients Say About Us
“Richard was incredibly kind and patient throughout the whole process. He and his team kept us updated every step of the way. The result was more than we expected. My family highly recommends Richard’s firm.” – Google Review
“We can’t say enough about Richard Serpe law offices. They helped us when no one else would. No case is too big. They have really changed our lives! They kept in touch with us throughout the process! We will miss you! I highly recommend them to anyone.” – Yelp Review
“I really enjoyed working with him and felt he had my best interest at heart. I would recommend him to anyone who needs legal help recovering from an auto accident.” – Google Review
Car Accident Settlements
Past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, but they reflect the commitment we bring to every case:
- $5,000,000: Vehicle-related wrongful deaths
- $1,600,000: Drunk driver causes serious injuries
- $495,000: Serious vehicle collision
- $300,000: Pedestrian struck by drunk driver
- $270,000: Rear-end crash on the interstate
Norfolk’s Roads Create Real Risks Every Day
Norfolk is a dense, complicated city to drive in and the numbers show it. Military traffic, tunnel chokepoints, a thriving downtown, two major universities, and one of the busiest ports on the East Coast all compete for the same roads every day.
The Downtown and Midtown Tunnels are among the most dangerous stretches in the city. When traffic backs up at tunnels on I-264 and US-58, rear-end and chain-reaction crashes happen with alarming frequency. A single fender-bender can trigger a multi-vehicle pileup during peak hours.
Hampton Boulevard connects Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval base in the world, to the rest of the city, creating a unique traffic pattern driven by shift changes, heavy vehicle traffic, and congestion.
Military Highway (US-13) runs through some of Norfolk’s most congested commercial corridors, with frequent turning conflicts, aggressive merging, and distracted drivers navigating strip mall driveways and intersections.
Granby Street and the Downtown Core see heavy pedestrian traffic alongside vehicle congestion, particularly in the evening and on weekends, creating conditions where pedestrian and bicycle accidents happen regularly. ODU’s campus area along 43rd Street and Hampton Boulevard generates unpredictable traffic patterns when classes are in session, with student pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers sharing roads.
If you were injured on any of these roads, or anywhere else in Norfolk, contact us.
Talk to Our Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers Today
We’re here. We’re local. And we’re ready to help.
If you were injured in a Norfolk car accident, call the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. You pay no legal fees unless we win.
Call or text 757-233-0009, use our chat, or email us to schedule your free case evaluation.
