If you have been in a car accident in Virginia, you are likely wondering how long it will take to get a settlement. Getting a settlement after an accident can be complicated and frustrating.
At Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci, we want to make sure you understand your rights. If you have been injured, it’s important to know what options you have and what steps you can take. This is why a Virginia car accident lawyer will work with you through the process of filing a lawsuit and get you the settlement you deserve.
The Car Accident Lawsuit Process
If you have been in an auto accident, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. The car accident attorneys at Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci will walk you through every step of your car accident case and ensure that you get the maximum compensation.
Victim’s Recovery Time
The amount of time it takes for the victim to recover from their injuries will play a role in how long it takes to settle the case. If the victim has minor injuries, they may be able to settle the case quickly. However, if the victim has more serious injuries, it may take longer for them to recover and settle the case.
Investigation of the Claim by the Insurance Company
Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company to investigate the claim. Once the victim has notified the insurance company of their accident, they will sometimes send an insurance adjuster to investigate the claim. The insurance adjuster contacts car accident victims to ask them questions about the accident. This process can take a few weeks or a few months, depending on the case’s complexity.
Determining the Circumstances of the Case
The next step in the car accident settlement process is to determine the circumstances of the case. This includes looking at who was at fault for the accident and what type of damages the victim suffered.
Determining Fault
In some cases, it may be clear who was at fault for the accident. For example, if one driver ran a red light and hit another car, it would be clear that the driver who ran the red light was at fault. However, in other cases, determining fault can be more difficult.
An experienced personal injury lawyer at Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci will gather evidence to support your case. This includes:
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Expert analysis of the damaged vehicles
- Medical records
- Documentation of the expenses you’ve accrued due to the accident (medical expenses, lost wages, cost of vehicle repairs, etc.)
Settlement Negotiations
The final step in a car accident claim is to negotiate a settlement. This can be lengthy as both sides will try to get the best possible outcome. However, with the help of an experienced attorney, you can ensure that you are getting the best possible settlement for your case.
Reaching a Settlement or Going to Trial
If the victim and insurance company cannot settle, a lawsuit must be filed. Lawsuits can be lengthy, so it is important to have an experienced attorney by your side.
No two car accident cases are the same, so there is no set time frame for how long it will take to settle a claim. However, working with an experienced attorney can ensure that your case is settled as quickly as possible.
The Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Lawsuits in Virginia
A statute of limitations dictates the period of time available for a car accident victim to file a lawsuit against an at-fault driver. There are three types of limitations in Virginia:
- Two years for car accident injuries
- Five years for property damage
- Two years for wrongful death claims
Contributory Negligence in Virginia
Virginia follows the contributory negligence doctrine. This legal rule says that if you are even partially responsible for an accident, you cannot recover damages from the other party. This rule can make it very difficult to get a settlement after an accident in Virginia.
Types of Damages You Can Recover After a Car Accident Settlement Negotiation
Recovering from a car accident is no small feat. Car accidents result in a vast range of injuries. Some serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, require extensive medical treatment and take longer to heal or leave you with permanent disfigurement or disability.
You may also sustain significant damage to your car, phone, or other belongings. And if your injuries prevent you from working, you may miss out on wages. If you can prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident, you may be able to recover several different types of damages. These damages can include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Loss of earning capacity if you cannot work due to your injuries
- Long-term medical care costs
Non-Economic damages cover intangible losses such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress and anxiety
Car Insurance Requirements in Virginia
Virginia does not require drivers to carry liability insurance. Instead, Virginians can pay an Uninsured Motor Vehicle fee of $500 to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. By paying this fee, drivers can drive on all public roads in the state.
In cases where the driver does have liability insurance, the minimum amount required by Virginia law may not be enough to cover all your damages. The minimum requirements in Virginia include:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death
- $50,000 per accident resulting in bodily injury or death
- $20,000 per property damage per accident
Our Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci lawyers can get the maximum compensation by negotiating your car accident settlement.
Hire a Car Accident Attorney at Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci Today
If you have been involved in a car accident in Virginia, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer will be able to help you navigate the complicated legal process and ensure that you are doing everything correctly. The lawyer will also be able to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a serious collision, call Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci. We know what it takes to hold the responsible party accountable and have years of experience obtaining significant car accident settlements for our clients. Our Virginia car accident attorneys aim to stand by your side every step of the way, and we are completely devoted to making sure you can move forward in life with peace of mind.
Don’t wait too long to get started on the process of getting a settlement after an accident in Virginia. The sooner you get started, the better.