Auto Accident Attorneys in Petersburg
Helping Virginians with Car Accident Claims
Cuthbert Law Offices knows that car accidents happen—bad ones—all of the time. As a result, our Virginia auto accident attorneys have committed to representing those who have been seriously injured or killed by the fault of another person. We focus on only personal injury because our passion is to help those who have been injured.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and it’s not your fault, important things to remember are:
- Your health and safety are a top priority, so you must immediately check yourself and others for injuries and call 911, even for minor accidents.
- Take pictures of all damages and the accident scene from multiple angles.
- Take down the names and contact information of witnesses.
- Go to the hospital to get checked out, even if you feel okay. Symptoms of internal bleeding or other injuries resulting from significant force can take time to become apparent, and timely medical evaluations can prevent future complications.
- Protect yourself. Do not give statements to insurance companies without consulting a car accident lawyer Petersburg residents trust.
For a free consultation with an auto accident attorney from our firm, call us at (804) 485-2555 or fill out our online form today.
If you have been injured in an auto accident, you need to recover the money you’ve lost to take care of yourself and your family. There is no reason to simply accept the financial consequences of debilitating injuries and lost wages caused by another person’s carelessness. And, in many instances, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering as well.
Accident-Prone Highways In Virginia
Anyone who drives on major highway corridors in Virginia knows the significant safety risks posed by careless drivers of cars and trucks.
We have represented clients who have been injured in car accidents on the following highways and others:
- Interstate 64
- Interstate 81
- Interstate 85
- Interstate 95
- Interstate 295
- S. Route 1
- Virginia Route 76 (Powhite Parkway)
- Virginia Route 288
- Virginia Route 360
- Virginia Route 460
- Virginia Route 150 (Chippenham Parkway)
Common Causes of Virginia Car Accidents
- Speeding: One can easily lose control of a vehicle and fail to react when driving too fast, especially when road conditions are icy, wet, or snowy. VSP statistics reveal that 34 percent of statewide traffic deaths in 2010 involved speeding.
- Fatigued driving: People cause accidents when they fall asleep at the wheel or when fatigue has substantially impaired their mental and physical faculties. Adequate rest before long drives can minimize the risk of fatigue-related incidents.
- Distracted driving: A series of recent studies, including one released last month by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, makes it clear that talking on a cell phone or texting while driving is a highly dangerous activity. Both hand-held and hands-free electronic devices take the driver's attention away from the road and endanger other motorists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians.
- Drunk driving or drugged driving: There is nothing more reckless than driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Over 346 people are killed each year in alcohol-related wrecks on Virginia roads, VSP statistics show.
How Long Do I Have To File A Car Accident Claim In Virginia?
The Virginia statute of limitations controls how long you have after an automobile accident to file a claim. Generally, you have two years from the accident date to bring a lawsuit. If you're looking for compensation for injuries you received in the accident, you have this window of time. If you miss this date, you may not be able to recover your damages.
If you're seeking compensation for property damage, such as damage to your vehicle, the statute of limitations in Virginia extends to five years from the date of the accident.
Various factors can influence these timelines. For example, if the injured individual is a minor or is mentally incapacitated, the statute of limitations might be paused. Moreover, claims involving government entities often come with distinct, typically shorter, deadlines and necessitate adherence to particular procedural requirements.
We recommend contacting a knowledgeable car accident attorney in Petersburg as soon as possible after an accident. This ensures that critical evidence is preserved and that your case is handled within the statutory deadlines, preventing unnecessary obstacles in your pursuit of justice.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, don’t wait to seek legal counsel. Contact our Petersburg auto accident lawyers at Cuthbert Law Offices for a free consultation: (804) 485-2555.
Who Is Liable for an Auto Collision in Virginia?
An injured person (or the deceased person’s family) can collect compensatory damages from the party responsible for the car accident. These damages are meant to reimburse the victims for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, lost future earnings, and the like.
However, if the defendant’s conduct is deemed as reckless or willful and wanton (showing a conscious disregard for the rights of others), exemplary damages or punitive damages may be awarded to the victims as well. These are meant to punish rather than reimburse for losses.
Fatal Car Accidents
Fatal car accident cases are especially complicated. With no testimony from the victim, your attorney must be diligent in tracking down third-party witnesses and evidence from the scene. According to the World Health Organization, 1.2 million people die each year in car accidents, and almost 34,000 car accident fatalities per year occur in the U.S. alone. Car crashes cause a fatality about every 12 minutes in this country, which is the fifth most prevalent cause of death.
According to the Virginia State Police (VSP), after hitting a 10-year peak of 1,026 deaths in 2007, the state's total number of traffic deaths had trended downward until 2011 when deaths unfortunately began to rise again.
In 2011, the NHTSA reported that 764 people were killed in Virginia car accidents. This marks an increase of 3% from the previous year. This number continued to rise in 2012 with a reported 777 car accident fatalities in Virginia. Traffic fatalities decreased by 5% from 2012 to 2013, however, which saw 740 fatalities.
Damages For Fatal Car Accidents
According to our Virginia personal injury attorneys, pursuant to Virginia Code section 8.01-52, damages in a wrongful death claim may include, but are not limited to compensation for:
- Sorrow and mental anguish
- Loss of the deceased’s care, comfort, guidance, companionship, society, advice, and kindly offices
- The value of lost wages and benefits, including those wages and benefits the deceased might reasonably have been expected to earn if he or she had lived
- Medical expenses related to the deceased’s final illness or injury
- Reasonable funeral and burial expenses, and
- Punitive damages
All fatal car accidents represent a family member or friend who has been lost; most often these losses could have been avoided. If one loses a family member to a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, the administrator of the deceased’s estate is eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Choosing a Car Accident Attorney in Petersburg
Bringing a case to trial is more difficult and expensive now than ever before. Legislators are continually passing laws that put new restrictions on lawsuits. Hiring expert witnesses, preparing video depositions, and creating exhibits for court can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. So how do you choose a law firm to represent you—how do you pay for it?
Whether you were in a car or truck accident, we are available to help you on a contingent fee basis. Our Petersburg car accident lawyers have been in business for more than three decades, and the staff of Cuthbert Law Offices has the experience and skill to help you get to the heart of your legal situation.
Unfortunately, time is not on your side. You do not want the wrongdoer’s insurance investigator to talk to key witnesses before we do, and you do not want key facts to disappear.
Recovering Compensation for Your Car Accident Injuries
If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our experienced car accident attorney at Cuthbert Law Offices is here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
When you choose our car accident attorney in Petersburg, you can expect:
- Personalized attention and support throughout your case
- Thorough investigation of your accident to determine liability
- Insightful negotiation with insurance companies to maximize your compensation
- Aggressive representation in court, if necessary
- Proven track record of successful car accident cases
Our Car Accident Attorney’s Representative Cases
Shepard v. Capitol Foundry of Virginia, Inc.
The attorneys at Cuthbert Law Offices secured a $1.8 million dollar verdict for the family of Ikeyia M. Jones, an 18-year-old who died in a car accident on South Crater Road in Petersburg, Virginia. She was the passenger in a car that was flipped and crashed into Blandford Cemetery wall. No one involved would admit to driving the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Our legal team tracked down eye-witness testimony, photographs from Petersburg Police, and medical experts to help secure a settlement for the Jones family.
The Dangers of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has become a much larger issue in recent years with the rise of smartphone use. Many people claim they can use their phones and drive safely because they are “good multi-taskers”, but recent studies show that even “hands-free” cell phone use doesn't eliminate distraction from driving. This is because contrary to common belief, the human brain cannot effectively multitask, but only switch back and forth quickly between tasks. For example, you are 23 times more likely to crash while driving if you are also texting.
This point is illuminated when you consider that every day in the United States more than 9 people are killed and over 1,153 are injured in crashes due to distracted driving.
Examples of distracted driving include:
- Eating and driving
- Talking and driving
- Unrestrained pets
- Rubbernecking
- Using GPS
- Searching for music
- Reading email
- Searching for change
- Daydreaming
Schedule your consultation by calling our auto accident attorneys in Petersburg at (804) 485-2555 today. We're here to help!
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents
What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Petersburg?
After ensuring that everyone is safe and calling 911, document the accident scene by taking photos of all vehicles involved, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from all parties involved and any witnesses present. Report the accident to the local police, and avoid admitting fault at the scene. These steps are crucial for supporting your claim and facilitating a smooth legal process.
How Do I Handle Insurance Adjusters?
When dealing with auto insurance adjusters, be cautious about the information you provide; stick to the facts about what occurred during the accident. Avoid offering opinions or admitting fault. It is advisable to have an auto accident attorney in Petersburg present during discussions with insurance companies to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation.
Are There Any Local Laws That Could Affect My Car Accident Claim?
In Virginia, understanding contributory negligence is critical, as even slight negligence on your part can unfortunately bar recovery. Additionally, Virginia’s requirement for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance impacts how medical expenses are initially covered. Familiarizing yourself with these local laws is essential for navigating claims efficiently. Consulting with a car accident lawyer Petersburg trusts is beneficial in managing your claim's nuances.