Auto Accident Attorneys in Petersburg

Helping Virginians with Car Accident Claims

Cuthbert Law Offices knows that car accidents happen all the time. Our Petersburg auto accident attorneys are committed to representing those who have suffered serious injuries or lost loved ones due to another person’s fault. We focus only on personal injury cases because we want to help people who have been injured.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident and it wasn’t your fault, keep these important things in mind:

• Your health and safety are a top priority. Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911, even after a minor crash.
• Take pictures of all damages and of the accident scene from multiple angles.
• Write down names and contact information for witnesses.
• Visit a hospital for a medical evaluation, even if you feel fine. Internal injuries or subtle symptoms may develop later, and a doctor’s exam ensures proper care and documentation.
• Protect yourself. Do not make statements to insurance companies without first speaking with a car accident lawyer in Petersburg.

If you have been injured in an auto accident, you need to recover the money you’ve lost to care for yourself and your family. You do not have to accept the financial harm or lost wages that came from another driver’s carelessness. In many cases, you may also qualify for compensation for pain and suffering.

For a free consultation with a Petersburg, VA, auto accident attorney from our firm, call (804) 485-2555 or fill out our online form today.

Accident-Prone Highways in Virginia

Anyone who drives on the major highway corridors in Virginia knows about the safety risks posed by careless drivers of cars and trucks.

We have represented clients injured in car accidents on these highways and others:

Common Causes of Virginia Car Accidents

• Speeding: Drivers can lose control and fail to react when traveling too fast, especially on icy, wet, or snowy roads. 
• Fatigued driving: Those who drive while exhausted risk falling asleep at the wheel or making slower decisions. 
• Distracted driving: Studies, including one from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, show that talking or texting while driving is dangerous. Using phones and other devices draws attention away from the road and puts others at risk.
• Drunk driving or drugged driving: Driving after drinking or using drugs is reckless. Each year, more than 346 people die in alcohol-related crashes on Virginia roads, according to the Virginia State Police (VSP).

Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Virginia

The Virginia statute of limitations determines how long you have to file a claim after an auto accident. In most injury cases, you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. If you miss that date, you may lose the right to seek compensation for your injuries.

For vehicle or property damage, Virginia law allows up to five years from the accident date to file a claim.

Sometimes exceptions apply, such as when the injured person is a minor or not mentally capable of handling their own affairs. Claims involving government agencies may require meeting even shorter deadlines and specific procedural steps.

Contacting a knowledgeable car accident attorney in Petersburg quickly helps preserve evidence and keeps your case within the legal deadlines. This can prevent problems later in your claim process.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, don’t wait to seek legal counsel. Contact our Petersburg car accident lawyers at Cuthbert Law Offices for a free consultation: (804) 485-2555.

Types of Damages in Auto Collision Claims

If you suffer injuries in a car accident or lose a family member, you may seek damages from the person or party who caused the crash. 

These damages cover:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Lost future earnings
• Property damage
• And more

If the at-fault party acted with reckless disregard or willful intent to harm, Virginia law may allow a court to award punitive damages. These damages go beyond repaying losses—they punish wrongful conduct.

Fatal Car Accidents in Petersburg

Fatal car accident cases can be complex. With no testimony from the victim, your legal team may need to track down witnesses and evidence from the scene. According to the World Health Organization, 1.2 million people die each year in car crashes, and almost 34,000 car accident deaths occur annually in the United States. Car accidents cause a fatality about every 12 minutes nationally; it is the fifth leading cause of death.

Types of Damages for Fatal Car Accidents

According to our Virginia personal injury attorneys, and as provided in Virginia Code section 8.01-52, damages for a wrongful death claim can include, but are not limited to:

• 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 the deceased could have earned if they had survived
• Medical expenses related to the deceased’s final injury or illness
• Reasonable funeral and burial expenses
• 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.

Why Hire Our Car Accident Attorney in Petersburg?

If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. Our experienced car accident attorney at Cuthbert Law Offices guides you through the legal process and works to secure a fair recovery.

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 courtroom representation, if needed
• A consistent record of successful results in car accident cases

No two car accidents are the same. A crash on I-95, a rear-end collision near a school, or a distracted driver in a residential area can each require a different strategy. We tailor our work to the facts of your case. Our car accident lawyer in Petersburg fights for justice on your behalf. 

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 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 a passenger in a car that flipped and crashed into the Blandford Cemetery wall. No party admitted to driving at the time of the collision.

Our legal team tracked down eye-witness testimony, photographs from Petersburg Police, and medical experts to help secure a settlement for the Jones family.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents

How Do I Handle Insurance Adjusters?

Be careful with insurance adjusters. Share only facts about what happened and never admit fault. If possible, speak with an auto accident lawyer in Petersburg before any lengthy discussion, so your rights stay protected and your compensation is not reduced.

Are There Any Local Laws That Could Affect My Car Accident Claim?

Virginia uses strict contributory negligence rules: if you contributed even slightly to the crash, you may be barred from recovery. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance also impacts how medical expenses are covered. Consulting a car accident lawyer in Petersburg that residents rely on can help you avoid legal pitfalls and manage your claim effectively.

Helpful Resources

• Virginia Department of Transportation - Road safety and accident data