Car Accident Lawyer Richmond, VA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7rod8BKB54 Car accidents interrupt not only your day but also carry the potential to interrupt your whole life. They can leave you with serious injuries, expensive property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and long-lasting emotional scars. You may need someone to help you navigate through working with the insurance companies; the attorneys with Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci can do that for you. The Virginia Highway Safety Office reported car crashes happen every four minutes in the state. In many cases, these incidents are not “accidents.” They are the results of careless, irresponsible acts by negligent drivers.
What Should I Do After A Car Accident In Richmond?
After a car accident, the most important thing to do, especially if you are relatively uninjured, is to observe the situation calmly.
Do Not Admit Guilt
Although you may be in shock or overwhelmed post-car crash, it is vital not to admit guilt or accept immediate compensation at the accident scene. Be polite. Do not be afraid to be helpful and civil. Ask the other drivers, accident victims, and anyone else involved for their contact details and insurance information, but it is paramount that you do not discuss who’s responsible. When the police arrive at the scene, provide them with every detail you have taken down. Remember, after the accident, anything you say can be used against you by the other party in a personal injury case.
Make a Note of Any Details You See
Note the make and model of the vehicles involved, their positions, and whatever details you remember now that could slip away from you later. Any data you have could be vital in further investigations to help you prove your case. Your lawyer can use all this information to help you build a strong case.
Seek Medical Treatment
You will likely be on your way to the hospital if you have serious injuries. However, if your injuries are minimal, you may still want to seek medical treatment immediately after the car accident. Back injuries or internal damage may not be immediately noticeable. Your prescriptions, rehab treatments, and potential surgeries are entitled to be covered.
Take Your Car To An Auto Repair Shop
After an accident, you’ll want to get back on the road as soon as possible. Car insurance companies do not decide where you get your car fixed, but they may require that you get quotes from a couple of auto repair shops. Because most companies insist on their authorization before you seek repairs, things can get complicated if you get your car fixed before receiving written approval or a check. It will benefit you to wait for their go-ahead. Insurance companies may try to drag out the process to avoid a settlement. If you feel this is happening to you or your loved one, hire an attorney with Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci. Our car accident law firm has a long track record of success in fighting insurance companies on behalf of our clients. We will work exceptionally hard to do the same thing for you.
Keep All Your Receipts
Retain every receipt of any expenditure you incur so that you can include it in your insurance claim and in case you need it at any point in the legal process. You’ll want to preserve the receipts for:
- Medications.
- Doctor’s bills.
- Auto repairs
- Mental or Physical rehabilitation costs.
These receipts may be significant when determining the extent of your injuries and the compensation you’ll receive.
Different Types Of Car Accidents
Unfortunately, most car accidents are preventable. Negligent driving takes many forms and is almost always the cause of a car crash. Negligence is why there are as many types of accidents as drivers. Most car accident attorneys in Richmond have seen them all. Here are just a few of the more common kinds of car accidents that occur.
Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end car accidents may be the most common type of car crash. According to initial data for 2022 from the Virginia Department of Transportation, rear-end crashes were the second most common type, accounting for over 26% of traffic crashes in the Richmond District with a total of 5,690. A rear-end accident happens when the driver behind you does not stop fast enough. Or they do not stop at all. It could also occur at an intersection when you stop quickly at a changing light, and the driver behind you only realizes it once it is too late. No matter the cause, you end up getting hit from behind. Although most rear-end accidents are limited to minor damage to your car, you may not be as fortunate. Sometimes these car accidents result in severe injuries, such as whiplash. The name comes from the jerking action of the head and neck when the other driver hits your car. When this happens, it causes severe muscle injuries that often require medical treatment. Per Virginia law, the second driver is usually at fault in a rear-end accident. However, the other driver’s lawyer may try to prove otherwise. An opposing attorney may argue your brake lights were not working or you were distracted. They will likely try to claim you slammed on your brakes and therefore are at fault. Our Richmond car accident lawyers will counter this argument by producing key evidence to prove your case.
Texting And Driving
Texting and driving accidents are one of the leading causes of preventable car accidents. In 2007, Virginia enacted a ban on driving and texting; in July 2020, lawmakers banned using a handheld cell phone or other wireless communication devices while driving except in a driver emergency or unless the vehicle is lawfully parked or stopped. Phone records are the only natural way to prove a driver was texting and driving. Without an accident attorney, it is nearly impossible to retrieve phone records. If you seek legal representation and retain the services of Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci, we can issue a subpoena to the other driver’s phone company. It is important to remember that texting and driving can be very difficult to prove, especially without a skilled car accident lawyer on your side.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are among the most devastating vehicle accidents because they usually involve two cars driving at full speed. In many cases, one of the drivers simply is not paying attention to the road due to either distracted or impaired driving. While they are less frequent, there were 523 of them in the Richmond District in 2022; 93 serious injuries and 19 fatalities, according to VDOT. That means almost 1 in 5 such accidents resulted in a serious injury, and just under 4% involved a fatality. The most common injuries associated with head-on collisions are brain injuries. These personal injuries can cause permanent brain damage or paralysis and result in the need for costly treatment. Because these crash cases typically involve serious injuries, meeting quickly with a lawyer is critically important. The attorneys with Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci will be ready to help when you need us. If your insurance claim has been denied, we will file a lawsuit on your behalf so you can obtain the compensation you deserve.
Wrong-Way Drivers
As you drive along Richmond streets, think of all the “wrong way” signs you see. The signs seem simple enough to follow. However, wrong-way accidents happen frequently; they occur when a driver goes the wrong way down a street, resulting in a head-on collision. Wrong-way accidents usually involve drunk drivers or otherwise impaired drivers who should not be behind the wheel. They also may occur when someone is speeding, driving in an area they are unfamiliar with, or driving at night when cannot see well. The main concern in these cases is that there’s no way to prepare for these accidents. You may not be aware of the driver until they are right in front of you. If the driver is not driving too fast, the impact may be minimal, but that isn’t always the case. As with head-on collisions, the injuries could be severe and cause long-lasting damage to you or your loved one.
Driving While Impaired
Impaired driving is a diminished ability to drive; it is 100% preventable. Even as rideshare apps become widely available, many motorists ignore the dangers of drinking and driving. The chance of being in an alcohol-related crash is one in six throughout a lifetime, and drunk driving deaths contribute to a cost of $429 million per year in Virginia. Driving after taking certain medications (whether over the counter or prescription) or taking an illegal drug is risky and can cause traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Most impaired drivers don’t expect the alcohol or drug to incapacitate them the way it does. However, these accidents are most likely to result in death. With some of the nation’s strongest drugged and drunk driving laws, Virginia law prohibits driving while under the influence. If a driver is impaired during an accident, they will face serious charges. Because police officers usually appear at the scene of an accident, that is typically all the evidence you will need. However, an attorney must request toxicology reports from the prosecutor.
Should I Get A Lawyer After A Car Accident?
According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia traffic crashes have declined over -11% from 2022 to 2015, but there is a much higher rate of fatalities. 
According to VDOT, there were 21,799 traffic crashes, 1,256 resulting in serious injuries, and 203 fatalities in Richmond in 2022. Despite a decrease from a high in 2019, there has been an increase in fatalities over that same time span. 
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, you should seek legal representation. Speak with an experienced lawyer Richmond residents have turned to for years – a lawyer with Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci. Getting fair compensation after a car accident can provide for you and your family while you recover from the crash’s effects. Our experienced attorneys will talk with you and will help you recover compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering.
How Much Do Car Accidents Cost?
The cost of car accidents depends on the severity of the crash, injuries sustained, lasting impacts, and how well you navigate the legal process. Richmond car accident victims are entitled to bring a claim for the injuries they suffered in the accident and the resulting costs, including:
- Rehabilitation expenses.
- Lost wages.
- Potential for future lost wages.
- Physical pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Medical expenses.
- And possibly more.
Our firm can assist you in developing your personal injury case for damages and calculating expenses – especially those that typically do not have a tangible dollar amount attached to them, such as emotional distress. Car accident attorneys also work on what is known as a “contingency basis.” Working on a contingency basis means you will owe nothing until your lawyer successfully settles or wins your case.
What Does Your Car Accident Lawyer Need From You?
In the aftermath of a car accident, your focus should be on recovering from the injuries the accident caused. You can help your attorney by providing them with any evidence of the accident. This evidence includes:
- Insurance information from the other driver.
- The driver’s license of the other driver.
- Witnesses’ names and contact information
- Medical bills and reports.
- Car repair bills.
- Photos of the accident scene.
- Receipts for any additional costs incurred from the accident.
- Notation of communication with both insurance companies.
Each piece of evidence helps build your case and gives the court a better understanding of what happened in your accident. Do not panic if these details are not readily available. Our law firm has a team of car accident attorneys who know how to perform investigations to find critical evidence to support your case.
Is Virginia A “No-Fault State” For Car Accidents?
When it comes to financial responsibility for losses stemming from motor vehicle accidents, Virginia follows a “fault” system. A “fault” system means that the person responsible for causing the car accident is liable for any resulting harm. In many cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier will absorb these losses up to their policy limits. If you suffered an injury due to a motor vehicle accident, you could proceed by:
- Filing a claim with your own insurance company. This option depends on whether the loss is covered under your policy.
- Filing a third-party claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier, or
Filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court against the at-fault driver
How Does Being an Uninsured Vs. Insured Driver Matter?
All car accidents are different. When choosing to pursue a car accident case, you could face dealing with an insured or uninsured driver, and you need to know how to approach each instance. Our attorneys will make sure you are prepared no matter who you have to face.
Uninsured Drivers In Richmond VA
In Virginia, motorists are not required to be insured. Uninsured drivers do not have to provide the state with proof of insurance. Instead, they pay an annual fee to the state. This can lead to tricky situations if you want to negotiate with an insurance company. Although uninsured drivers are not required to have insurance, they are still liable for damages if they injure another person while driving. Your insurance policy may also include provisions to collect damages caused by an uninsured motorist. You’ll want an attorney to ensure you receive maximum compensation from an uninsured driver.
Insured Drivers
Even though a driver is insured, that doesn’t automatically mean you will get the compensation you deserve. Refusing to accept a settlement from the other driver’s insurance company after the car accident is essential. An insurance company’s first obligation is to itself. Just like any company, an insurance provider is in the business of making money. It will attempt to coerce you to sign a settlement agreement shortly after the accident, which will most likely be far less than the worth of your claims. Insurance companies will not evaluate or consider the cost of future damages caused by ongoing injuries and will likely deny your initial claim. That is one of many examples of why you need the help of an experienced attorney with Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci. We have fought insurance companies for years – and beat them. If your insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, we will be more than ready to defeat them in a court of law.
How Do You Prove Negligence?
Your case will depend on your attorney’s ability to establish negligence by proving the following:
The At-Fault Driver Had a Duty to Drive Safely and Follow Traffic Laws
This element is the easiest to prove because every motorist must follow traffic laws.
The At-Fault Driver Breached That Duty by Driving Negligently, And the Breach Caused The Accident
Your car accident attorney can show the other driver was at fault and prove negligence by showing texting records, toxicology reports, witness statements, and other evidence that has been collected.
The Accident Caused Your Injury And Losses
This may be the most challenging element to prove. If you suffered minor injuries, such as a bruise or scratch, you might not have a good case for a lawsuit. However, if you sustained serious injuries from the accident, you likely have grounds for legal action. Experienced car accident lawyers will help you determine whether you have a viable case.
How Much Will A Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, your life may never look the same again. Even if you regain mobility and cognitive abilities, you may be left with thousands of dollars in medical expenses, lost wages, and lingering psychological harm. That is why we work on a contingency fee basis. We pay all upfront costs and only receive our fee if we successfully obtain the compensation you deserve.
Let Us Fight Any Insurance Company That Denies Your Car Accident Claim
The faster you hire an experienced car accident lawyer, the better. Although it is not challenging to follow common-sense rules, your attorney will ensure you take the necessary precautions to ensure you do not sabotage your case. If the accident case involves litigation, the other party will almost certainly have their own lawyer. If you decide to interview law firms, contact one of our lawyers for an initial case review. We’ll meet with you via video conference, over the phone, email, or meet you in person. In this meeting, the attorney will listen to your experience and explain the legal options available to you. You can ask questions and learn more about your case, and get to know the law firm and decide if we are the right attorneys for your case. Deciding on an attorney will lessen your stress levels. They will take over your insurance dealings and handle paperwork, negotiations, and court filings. The car accident attorneys with Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci have the skill and aggressiveness necessary to go up against any insurance company treating you unfairly. Whether you have been hurt in an accident caused by distracted driving, drunk driving, or another type of negligence, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Our team represents victims across Virginia, including Richmond, Chesterfield, Norfolk, Newport News, Hampton, Chesapeake, Charlottesville, Roanoke, and Virginia Beach. Schedule a free evaluation of your case by contacting us as soon as possible.
