Helping Your Recover the Compensation You Deserve after an Accident That Wasn’t Your Fault.
After a serious injury that wasn’t your fault, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Your injuries, the insurance companies, the at-fault party, and the legal system are a lot for anyone to face alone.
While you might expect the insurance company to have your back, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Insurers are businesses and out to turn a profit. If they see any opportunity to deny a claim or minimize a settlement, they’ll take it. An experienced Virginia personal injury lawyer will know how to handle the tricks of the insurance trade and fight to get you the settlement you deserve.
Attorney Richard Serpe
For over 35 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).
When To Consider Hiring An Injury Lawyer
We recommend that you contact a Virginia or Portsmouth personal injury lawyer if you have experienced any of the following:
- New to the Claims Process: Keep in mind that insurance adjusters are trained negotiators and know that most people are inexperienced with the personal injury claims process.
- Permanent Injuries: If you are permanently injured after an accident, it is likely your injuries will affect your ability to work and earn a living. A good attorney can help the insurance companies, and a jury, understand just how much your injury will affect your life.
- Severe Injuries: Even when not permanent, severe injuries can still result in expensive medical bills. An attorney can work to ensure your medical bills, past and future, are included in your settlement.
- Wrongful Death: Virginia allows certain family members to make a claim for losses due to the death of a loved one. Virginia wrongful death cases tend to be more complex than personal injury cases so be sure to hire an attorney with experience.
Virginia Personal Injury Settlements
Settlement amounts are based on both the damage done and the severity of your injuries. Other major factors? Whether or not there is insurance coverage and the policy limits. Agreed to in the insurance policy purchased by the insured, policy limits often represent the ceiling for settlement negotiations. Depending on the specifics of your accident, you may be entitled to one or more of the following types of compensation:
- Medical Treatment. When a negligent party has caused your injuries, why should you have to pay for the medical treatment you receive? By seeking compensation for all the care necessary for your healing process, you can recover costs including hospital bills, physical therapy and any future medical expenses associated with the injury.
- Lost Income. Serious accidents can put people out of work for days, months, or even permanently. Loss of earnings due to your injuries can often be recovered through a settlement. And if your injury has permanently affected your ability to earn a living, although complicated, future loss of income may be included.
- Pain and Suffering. Pain and suffering is measured by the severity of the accident, your injury and the pain you have suffered.
- Wrongful Death. When a loved one was killed in an accident caused by someone else, they leave behind bills and funeral costs – and the loss of future income for their family. Of course, their loss is felt emotionally as well. This loss of companionship and affection is priceless. Learn more about Virginia wrongful death cases.
Statute of Limitations (Deadlines)
In Virginia, there are strict deadlines for filing a lawsuit. In many cases, Virginia provides a two-year deadline also known as a Statute of Limitations (SOL). However, sometimes special circumstances apply that can alter that deadline. After this deadline has passed, Virginia law will not allow you to file a claim or lawsuit to recover money from your accident.
While two years may seem like a long time, the investigation, medical treatment, and negotiations can be quite lengthy depending on the severity of your accident. Protect your right to compensation and speak with a Virginia or Portsmouth personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
If you’d like to speak with our team about your potential case, contact us for a free consultation (757-233-0009).
No Fees Unless We Win
Our Portsmouth personal injury lawyers will work on your behalf to get a fair settlement, and only charge legal fees if you receive a settlement or verdict. We understand the fees associated with a lawsuit can be a barrier to justice. Our firm believes that everyone should have a voice when it comes to asserting their rights. Corporations and insurance companies have tremendous resources, and our no-fee promise levels the playing field.