Roanoke, Virginia Car Accident Attorneys
Car accidents can seriously disrupt your life, causing injuries, property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional scars. Let a Roanoke car accident lawyer from Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci help you navigate the process. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
What To Do After a Car Accident
After a car accident, the most important thing to do, especially if you are relatively uninjured, is to observe the situation as calmly as possible.
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.
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. Still, it would be best to refrain from discussing who’s responsible.
When the police arrive, provide them with every detail you remember. Keep in mind, 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 Can 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 information 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 Care if Necessary
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.
Keep All Your Receipts
Retain every receipt of any expenditure you incur to include it in your insurance claim and case you need it at any point in the legal process.
You’ll want to preserve the receipts for the following:
- Medications
- Medical bills
- Car 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 so many types of accidents. Most car accident attorneys in Roanoke have seen them all.
Here are just a few of the common kinds of car accidents that occur.
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 distracted or impaired driving.
The most common injuries associated with head-on collisions are brain injuries. These injuries can cause permanent brain damage or paralysis, and lifelong cognitive and emotional symptoms.
Because these crash cases typically involve serious injuries, meeting quickly with a lawyer is critical. The Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci attorneys will be ready to help when you need us. If your insurance claim has been denied, we can file a lawsuit on your behalf so you can obtain the compensation you deserve.
Rear-End Accidents
A rear-end accident happens when the driver behind you does not stop fast enough, or they do not stop at all. They can also occur at intersections when a driver stops quickly at a changing light, and the driver behind them only realizes once it is too late. No matter the cause, you end up getting hit from behind.
Although most rear-end accidents result in relatively minor damage to your car, you may not be as fortunate. Sometimes even seemingly minor rear-end accidents result in severe injuries, such as whiplash. The name “whiplash” comes from the jerking action of the head and neck when the other driver hits your car. When this happens, it can cause severe muscle injuries that often require medical treatment.
Per Virginia law, the driver who crashed into the rear of the vehicle in front of them 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 experienced Roanoke car accident lawyers will counter this argument to prove your case.
Texting And Driving
Texting and driving accidents are among the leading causes of preventable car accidents.
Phone records are the natural way to prove a driver was texting and driving. Without an accident attorney, it is nearly impossible to retrieve such phone records. However, suppose you seek legal representation, retain the services of Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci, and a lawsuit becomes necessary in your case. We can issue a subpoena to the other driver’s cell phone company in that situation.
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.
Wrong-Way Drivers
As you drive along Roanoke streets, think of all the “wrong way” signs you see. The signs seem simple enough to follow. However, wrong-way accidents happen frequently when a driver goes the wrong way down a street, often resulting in a head-on collision.
Wrong-way accidents can 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 unfamiliar area, or driving at night when they 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 is only sometimes 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 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 certain medications (whether over the counter or prescription) or taking an illegal drug can also cause traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Most impaired drivers don’t expect a medication 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 drivers are impaired during an accident, they can face serious charges.
Because police officers usually appear at the scene of an accident, their investigation typically provides all the evidence you will need. However, other evidence may be necessary, and an experienced attorney can help you obtain the evidence needed to prove your case.
Car Accident Injuries
The car accident attorneys at Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci have an extensive track record of assisting injured clients in rebuilding their lives after serious car accidents. With decades of experience, our team understands that each collision involves unique factors, and we empathize with the medical and financial challenges you may be facing. Rest assured that our Roanoke car accident attorneys are here for you.
While we understand that the motor vehicle accident causing your pain and suffering cannot be erased, we are dedicated to helping you pursue compensation from the party responsible for your injuries. Our firm has successfully represented clients who have suffered various injuries due to a motor vehicle accident, including:
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Spine injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Wrongful death
These injuries have often been caused by drunk drivers, distracted and drowsy drivers, reckless drivers, speeding motorists, and individuals committing other traffic violations. Holding these parties accountable for your injuries is our primary goal.
At Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci, our car accident lawyers diligently gather records, medical bills and consult with witnesses, medical specialists, psychologists, and other professionals to build a robust case on your behalf. Whether through negotiations with insurance carriers or litigation, we are committed to obtaining the best possible results for you. Your well-being and obtaining rightful compensation for you are at the forefront of our efforts.
How Long Do I Have To File an Automobile Crash Claim In Virginia?
In Virginia, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit, per the state’s statute of limitations. This includes injuries sustained from a car accident. If you’ve lost a loved one due to a fatal car accident, you generally have two years to file a wrongful death claim. However, there are some exceptions to these rules, depending on the specifics of your case.
The time for filing property damage lawsuits is slightly longer – five years from the accident date.
Navigating these laws can be complicated, and it’s usually in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable car accident attorney, such as the Roanoke car accident lawyers at Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci. They can help you understand the specifics of your car accident claim, ensuring you file within the appropriate time frame.
How Long Does The Accident Claim Process Take in Virginia?
The duration of the car accident claim process in Virginia can vary widely, depending on the circumstances surrounding your case. A straightforward claim with clear-cut liability and easily quantifiable damages may be resolved in months. However, if liability is disputed, or extensive medical treatment is required to ascertain the extent of the injuries fully, the process can take a year or more.
The timeline can extend even further when a lawsuit is filed. It may take one to two years from filing the complaint to the trial. This timeframe accounts for discovery, the exchange of information between the parties, negotiations, and trial preparation.
Remember, each car accident claim is unique, and numerous factors can influence the timeline.
How Is Fault Determined In a Car Accident Case?
Determining fault in a car accident case involves evaluating each driver’s actions to ascertain who was responsible for the accident. It is typically based on the legal concept of “negligence.” In most car accident cases, the driver who did not exercise a reasonable standard of care under the circumstances is considered at fault.
Various sources can provide crucial information in determining negligence or reckless driving. Police reports are among the foremost resources, often containing the officer’s notes regarding who caused the accident. They may also include whether a citation or ticket was issued.
Witness accounts can also be invaluable, providing an independent third-party perspective. Evaluations of damage at the accident scene and to the vehicles involved can provide insights into how the collision occurred. Photos from the accident scene and medical reports indicating the nature of injuries can further substantiate claims.
In some complex cases, accident reconstruction experts may be employed to collect data and information about the incident and provide an expert opinion on what occurred.
Is Virginia A No-Fault State?
No, Virginia is not a “no-fault” state for car accidents. Instead, it operates under a “fault” or “tort” system. This means the driver who caused the accident is responsible for any resulting harm or damage. The injured parties have the right to pursue a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company or file a lawsuit to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident.
What If The Other Party Involved In The Accident Does Not Have Auto Insurance?
If the at-fault driver in the accident does not have auto insurance, this can complicate the compensation process. However, you still have options. In Virginia, policyholders are required to have uninsured motorist coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. This coverage protects you if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance or if the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover your losses.
You can file a claim with your own insurance company under the uninsured/ underinsured motorist portion of your policy. It’s crucial to note that your insurer will then step into the shoes of the at-fault driver’s insurance company. You may need to negotiate with your own insurer to secure fair compensation.
In situations like these, it’s beneficial to have an experienced Roanoke car accident lawyer, like those at Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci, to guide you through the process. They can help you understand your rights, deal with the insurance companies, and ensure you get the total compensation you are entitled to.
Contact Us Today
Your mind should be on your recovery, not on any additional expenses. Our Roanoke car accident attorneys will handle your claim for damages so that you can focus on your recovery. To schedule a free evaluation of your case, contact the law firm of Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci. We handle cases not only in Roanoke but across Virginia.
