Virginia Beach Car Accident Attorney | Expert Legal Representation
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, a Virginia Beach car accident attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process. Car accidents can dramatically change your life in an instant. With over 2.1 million Americans visiting emergency rooms annually after car accidents, you’re not alone in facing this challenge. When negligent drivers cause injuries that impact your daily life, it’s time to contact an experienced car accident lawyer.
At Decker Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that motor vehicle accidents create. Moreover, we’re here to guide you through the complex legal process while you focus on recovery.
Why Choose a Car Accident Attorney After Your Crash?
Filing a car accident claim in Virginia requires establishing three critical factors. First, you must prove the accident resulted from another driver’s negligence, such as texting while driving or driving under the influence. Second, you need to demonstrate that you sustained notable injuries. Finally, these injuries must have created significant financial strain through medical debt and lost income.
While this may sound straightforward, it actually requires deep understanding of Virginia state law and substantial evidence. Furthermore, Virginia retains the harsh law of Contributory Negligence, meaning if you’re found even partially responsible for the accident, you will not receive compensation.
When filing your claim, you’re not just facing the at-fault driver – you’re confronting their insurance company’s experienced defense lawyers. Therefore, having a skilled car accident attorney in your corner is essential for building a strong case and maximizing your compensation.
Essential Steps After a Car Accident in Virginia Beach
Car accidents often leave victims disoriented and in shock. Nevertheless, taking these immediate steps can significantly strengthen your case:
- Call 911 to report the accident immediately
- Collect contact and insurance information from all involved parties
- Document the scene thoroughly by taking photos and videos of vehicles and surrounding areas
- Seek medical attention, even if you don’t see external injuries
- Contact a qualified car accident lawyer as soon as possible
Even without visible injuries, seeking medical attention is crucial because shock often masks pain signals and signs of brain, spine, or internal injuries. Additionally, comprehensive documentation of both your injuries and treatment steps will be vital for your claim.
During the process, avoid discussing fault or making statements that could indicate responsibility. Similarly, refrain from posting about the accident, your injuries, or the case on social media, as insurance companies may use this content against you.
How Decker Law Handles Virginia Beach Auto Accident Cases
Decker Law has been providing exceptional legal representation in civil and criminal court throughout the Virginia Beach area for 60 years. As a family-focused firm, we treat each client as an extension of our family, prioritizing compassion, care, and respect alongside legal expertise.
We measure success not just by cases where clients received compensation, but by cases where clients received the maximum compensation possible. As our client, you’ll work with experienced attorneys and our dedicated legal team, all hired based on shared values and commitment to justice.
Since Virginia’s statute of limitations requires beginning the personal injury claim process within two years of the accident, we handle the mental and emotional labor so you can focus on recovery with confidence that your case is in capable hands.
Our Contingency Fee Structure
Our experienced car accident lawyers don’t charge upfront fees. Instead, we establish a contingency fee before you sign our contract, which comes out of your settlement. Consequently, this gives us strong incentive to win your case.
Understanding Compensation for Car Accident Victims
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer regarding compensation for Virginia car accident victims. We consider all damages, both tangible and intangible, to fight for maximum compensation for each client.
Tangible damages include:
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost income and reduced work capacity
- Lost financial benefits like retirement contributions
Intangible damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
Intangible damages are more challenging to quantify, requiring an experienced lawyer familiar with local case precedents to make compelling arguments.
Virginia Beach Car Crash Statistics
Unfortunately, Hampton Roads had the highest number of car crashes among all Virginia metropolitan areas in 2022. In Virginia Beach, Hampton, Norfolk, and Chesapeake, there was a crash rate of 1.8 crashes per million miles traveled.
Crash rates typically increase on weekends and at night. Leading causes of serious crashes include speeding, driving under the influence, and failure to wear seatbelts – clear instances of negligent driving that can result in both criminal charges and personal injury claims.
Common Car Accident Injuries We Handle
Many clients come to us uncertain whether their injuries constitute grounds for a personal injury claim. While minor bumps and bruises may not disrupt daily life, common car accident injuries often do, including:
- Contusions and whiplash
- Spinal and muscular injuries in the neck and back
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones and internal bleeding
Car accidents can also cause mental health disorders such as PTSD, which require professional intervention and can constitute grounds for personal injury claims.
Contact Your Car Accident Attorney Today
After decreasing during the early pandemic, car accidents are rising once more. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence in Virginia Beach, it’s time to speak with a car accident attorney.
Decker Law is here to help. Contact us today to discuss the facts of your case so we can advise you on the next steps toward securing the compensation you deserve.