Being involved in a car accident can be a life-altering experience. From the initial shock of the crash to the challenges of physical recovery, dealing with the aftermath is never easy. A Norfolk car accident lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
Since 2011, we’ve been trusted by thousands of Virginia residents to handle even the toughest cases. As the Heavy Hitters®, we combine the personalized attention of a small firm with the resources to take on powerful insurance companies.
Whether you need help managing complicated claims or holding a negligent driver accountable, the Norfolk personal injury lawyers of the Pendleton Law Team are here to support you every step of the way.
Do I Really Need a Lawyer After a Car Crash?
You’re not legally required to hire a lawyer after a car accident in Virginia, but having one can make a major difference in your outcome. Virginia follows a strict contributory negligence rule, meaning if you’re found even 1% at fault, you could lose the right to recover any compensation.
Insurance companies know this and often use it to minimize or deny your claim. A car accident lawyer in Norfolk can handle communication with insurers and gather the evidence needed to prove fault.
We can also calculate the full value of your damages so you don’t settle for less than you deserve. You can handle a claim alone, but with legal representation, you stand a stronger chance of recovering the compensation you truly need.
For a Free Legal Consultation
Call The Personal Injury Lawyer Hotline.
804-250-5050
We Can Make Sure the Right Parties Are Held Liable
Liability determines who bears responsibility for a car accident and, in turn, who may owe you money in exchange for your losses. Breaking down liability can be complicated as it’s not always another driver who’s responsible for your losses. Instead, liability may lie with:
- A vehicle manufacturer
- A person’s mechanic
Matters grow even more complicated when you have a commercial vehicle accident. Fortunately, you don’t have to sort through the legal classification process alone. Instead, a car accident attorney in Norfolk can guide you through the legal process and ensure that your claim targets the right party.
Proving Fault and Protecting Your Right to Compensation
Virginia is an at-fault state, which means the driver who caused your accident is responsible for covering your losses through their insurance. If that driver is underinsured or their policy doesn’t fully cover your damages, we can take your case to court to pursue the compensation you need.
However, Virginia’s contributory negligence rule makes things more complicated. If it’s determined that you played even a small part in causing the crash, you could be denied any compensation. This strict rule applies to both insurance claims and lawsuits.
That’s why we take liability so seriously. Our team works to protect you from blame-shifting tactics often used by insurers or defense attorneys. We gather strong evidence to present a clear case showing the other driver was entirely at fault for your injuries and losses.
Let the Heavy Hitters® Take On Your Case 804-250-5050
What to Do in the Days and Weeks After Your Crash
The time right after a crash can feel chaotic, but what you do in the days and weeks that follow can have a big impact on your case. Once you’ve left the scene and handled any immediate safety concerns, taking the right steps can help your lawyer build a strong claim on your behalf.
Here is what you should do after getting in a car crash:
- Get medical treatment as soon as possible—even if you feel fine. Some injuries take time to show up, and early documentation helps connect them to the crash.
- Request a copy of the police report, as it’s a key piece of evidence.
- Keep photos, videos, and witness contact info from the scene, and save all receipts and medical records related to your recovery.
Avoid Posting About the Accident on Social Media
It can be tempting to share updates about your accident or injuries online, but insurance companies may monitor your social media to use your posts against you. Even an innocent photo or comment can be taken out of context. Until your case is resolved, it’s safest to stay quiet about the accident and your recovery.
Contact a Lawyer Before Speaking With Insurance Adjusters
Before giving any statements or signing documents, talk to a Norfolk car accident attorney. We can handle communication with the insurance company on your behalf to prevent missteps that might harm your claim. Having an attorney early on ensures everything you say and sign aligns with your best interests.
Don’t Sign or Agree to Recorded Statements Without Legal Guidance
Insurance adjusters may contact you asking for a recorded statement or to sign paperwork “to get things moving.” Resist the pressure. What you say can be used to minimize your payout or place blame on you.
Allow your lawyer to review any documents before you agree to anything. Protecting your rights starts with careful communication.
Central Virginia's Top Rated Personal
Injury Lawyers 804-250-5050
Car Accident Compensation: What to Expect
After a motor vehicle accident, the compensation you pursue should reflect the full scope of the harm you’ve experienced. When filing an auto accident claim, your attorney will work to ensure that all medical bills and medical expenses related to your automobile accident injury are fully covered.
You can also seek reimbursement for lost wages if your injuries have kept you from returning to work. Compensation may also address pain and suffering and emotional distress, which recognize how the accident has disrupted your life, health, and well-being.
Every case is unique, and the amount you recover may depend on the available insurance coverage, the severity of your injuries, and how strongly your lawyer can demonstrate the full impact of the crash.
Let Us Be The Heavy Hitters® For Your Case Speak To An Attorney Now
Injuries We Commonly Claim
Traffic crashes often lead to serious and life-altering injuries. Under Virginia law, injured victims have the right to pursue compensation for these harms, but success depends on proving fault, especially since Virginia’s contributory negligence rule bars recovery if you’re found even 1% responsible for the accident.
Some of the most common injuries we help clients recover compensation for include:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): These injuries can cause memory loss, cognitive challenges, personality changes, and long-term neurological complications.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or total paralysis, chronic pain, and a lifetime of medical treatment or mobility challenges.
- Neck and Back Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and soft tissue injuries can result in persistent pain and limited motion.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Common in high-impact crashes, these injuries may require surgery, rehabilitation, and extended recovery time.
- Internal Injuries: Organ damage or internal bleeding can be life-threatening and often require immediate medical intervention.
The medical costs tied to these conditions can be prohibitive, especially when combined with lost wages and emotional trauma. Our team works to ensure your claim covers the care and support you’ll need to move forward.
The Deadline for Car Accident Claims in Norfolk, VA
If you choose to pursue a civil suit after a car accident, know that you’ll need to bring your paperwork together quickly. The state of Virginia gives you two years from the date of your injury to submit a formal complaint.
You can argue for an extension if you want to file solely for property damage, as, under Code of Virginia §8.01-243, Virginia offers a five-year statute of limitations on property damage cases. An experienced car accident attorney in Norfolk will ensure that your claim is submitted on time.
Our Attorneys Offer Contingency Fee Representation to Car Accident Victims in Norfolk
If you hire an attorney from Pendleton Law to work on your Norfolk car accident case, you won’t have to use your own savings to cover legal fees. That’s because our lawyers offer their services in exchange for a contingency fee.
A contingency fee is a portion of your insurance settlement or court-awarded compensation. It usually amounts to one-third of your overall winnings. If your claim is denied or if your lawsuit is unsuccessful, you won’t have to pay out-of-pocket.
Schedule a Case Consultation With a Norfolk Car Accident Law Firm
If you have questions or concerns about your rights after a car accident, know that you’re not alone. The Pendleton Law Team has represented thousands of clients, and we know how to fight for you.
You can contact us through our online form or office phone number for more information regarding your potential case. Once you’ve reached out to us, we’ll schedule a free case consultation.
The Pendleton Law Team Is Here For You 804-250-5050
