If you were injured in a car accident that someone else caused, you may have the right to claim compensation, but getting a fair deal can be easier said than done. We serve Southampton clients as car accident lawyers, and we may be able to help you.
We’ve been in business since 2011, and as part of our commitment to Virginia residents, The Pendleton Law Team has personal injury lawyers serving Southampton. Request a free consultation with the Heavy Hitters® today.
How Our Car Accident Lawyer Serving Southampton May Help You
After a car accident, you’re dealing with injuries, shock, and personal distress. Handling a car accident case is likely an additional source of stress at a time when you should be focused on your recovery. Our Southampton area car accident attorney based in Petersburg may help you in the following ways:
Interpreting Laws and Understanding Procedures
Injury claims and lawsuits are far more complex than most people expect. Your right to compensation is enshrined in law, but there are strict eligibility criteria that your lawyer will understand well.
An out-of-court settlement means you’re likely to get a settlement sooner. Your lawyer can follow the relevant procedures, and their work may help to demonstrate that you have a strong case for compensation. If insurance companies respond unreasonably, a strong lawyer may recommend taking your matter to court.
Evaluating Compensation Offers
Not all offers of compensation are worth accepting. Sometimes, insurance companies offer settlements that won’t even cover your costs. In injury cases, you likely suffered personal losses over and above financial costs, so a comprehensive settlement offer should take all damages into account. A lawyer can evaluate settlement offers and may negotiate a fair settlement.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are notoriously difficult to deal with. They may delay the process, use strategic tactics aimed at undermining your case, or deny claims you thought were well presented. Adding to your risks, a misplaced word could undermine the credibility of your claim. An experienced car accident attorney can help you navigate these pitfalls.
Building a Strong Case For Compensation
Your attorney works to build a strong body of evidence showing that you may be eligible for compensation. They use their knowledge and experience to present a facts-based claim that aims to show who was liable and the damages you suffered due to the liable party’s negligence.
Representing You in Court
Not all cases go to court, but if your lawyer strongly believes you might achieve a more comprehensive settlement when a judge considers your case, it can be the best solution. An effective attorney will know how to present and argue a case, representing you in a situation you might otherwise struggle with.
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Fault and Compensation in Virginia Car Accident Cases
Virginia courts consistently apply a strict contributory negligence rule to car accident cases. It means that you cannot recover any compensation unless you were 0% to blame for your accident.
To protect your right to compensation, your attorney will seek evidence showing that you were not to blame for the accident and that the at-fault parties were 100% to blame. It means they must be very thorough when building your case and must consider which arguments defendants may raise when trying to shift fault to you.
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When You Need Representation After a Car Accident
There are cases in which you don’t need help from a lawyer, but there are even times when you may need an attorney for a minor car accident. Car accident cases become complex when:
- You are injured and need medical treatment and recovery time
- There are disputes about who was at fault
- Multiple parties were involved in the accident
- Insurance companies dispute claims or offer unreasonably low settlements
If you were seriously injured, the likelihood of insurance companies offering you an inadequate settlement or disputing claims can increase. Like most people, you may not be sure what the value of a settlement should be. Professional advice from the Pendleton Law Team’s car accident attorney serving Southampton may benefit you.
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Types of Damages After Being Injured in a Southampton Car Accident
Depending on the nature of their injuries, a person who was not at fault may be able to claim various types of damages to compensate them for the ways the accident affected them. These may include:
- Medical costs and projected future medical expenses
- Lost wages or earnings during your recovery
- Reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering, including trauma and emotional distress
- Loss of the ability to enjoy activities and relationships
- Disability or disfigurement due to your injuries
Many people are unsure about the damages they can claim. For example, they may wonder whether they can sue for emotional distress after a car accident. An experienced car accident attorney representing clients in Southampton can help you determine which forms of damages you can claim and what they may be worth.
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The Time Limit to File a Lawsuit After Being Injured in a Southampton Car Accident
The time limit for filing a lawsuit after being injured is reflected in Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-243(A). It generally allows you two years from the date of the accident to take action. If you fail to file a lawsuit within the limitations period, your case will not usually be considered, no matter how strong it is.
The process leading up to a lawsuit can take time, and certain evidence is best gathered early on. As a result, we recommend discussing your accident with a lawyer as soon as you are able. However, if you delay seeking legal help, there may still be hope for a positive outcome as long as there is time to prepare a case before the deadline.
Contact Us For a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligent driving and would like to explore your options, consult our car accident lawyer serving Southampton.
The Pendleton Law Team may be able to help you recover compensation that will relieve your financial stress. Reach out today. We are here for you.
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