Car accidents range in severity, but many leave victims suffering through lengthy hospitalizations, treatment, and therapy. When a car crash causes you to suffer injuries, miss work and endure significant pain, it is only natural to want to hold the at-fault party responsible for its actions. If another motorist caused your Prince William County car crash, you may be able to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit to hold the driver financially responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. At the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, we can help you understand your legal options and navigate the process to claim the compensation you deserve. Call 571-229-1800 today to schedule a complimentary case evaluation with a car accident lawyer in Prince William County.
How can I show the other driver caused my Prince William County auto accident?
Most car accidents occur because a driver broke a traffic law. Lawmakers design the rules to keep motorists safe on streets, highways, and interstates.
To win compensation in a Virginia car accident claim, we need to show that the driver broke one of these laws or regulations, which led to the accident and your injuries. This is known as negligence.
For example, imagine a driver changes lanes without checking his blind spots or using a turn signal. He sideswipes you as he merges into the adjacent lane. We will need to collect evidence to show he broke the law by changing lanes without due care, and prove this caused the accident. Then, we will use your medical records to tie your injuries to the crash.
What type of evidence is necessary to prove a Virginia car accident case?
Depending on the facts of your case, there may be a wide range of evidence available. In other cases, there is little evidence aside from the official report filed by responding police officers. No matter the amount of evidence, we search tirelessly to recover any available documentation of how the accident occurred, who caused it and how it affected your life. Often, this process of gathering evidence includes our legal team:
- Requesting a copy of the police report
- Interviewing accident witnesses
- Obtaining pictures of the property damage or surveillance video of the crash
- Analyzing your medical records
- Working with accident reconstruction specialists
- Enlisting the help of medical expert witnesses
- Researching similar cases
Building a solid case against the other driver is key in winning compensation for your damage. Virginia follows a pure contributory negligence rule, meaning if the other driver’s insurer can show you contributed to the accident you will not be able to collect any money in your case.
Prince William County Car Accident Lawyer Near Me 571-229-1800
What do I need to know about the Virginia auto accident insurance claims process?
We can settle most Virginia car accident claims through negotiations with the at-fault driver’s auto insurance provider. Virginia law requires all motorists to either carry a liability insurance policy or obtain a certificate of self-insurance. Under Virginia Code § 46.2–472, the driver who caused your accident should have a liability policy covering at least:
- $25,000 for your injuries and lost wages
- $50,000 for the injuries and lost wages of all accident victims
- $20,000 for your property damage
We can recover this compensation by filing an insurance claim with the driver’s insurer and aggressively negotiating a settlement based on your actual losses.
If we cannot reach a fair settlement with the insurance company, we have two years from the date of your injuries to file a civil suit in court. While this is not always necessary, we will pursue this option if the insurer refuses to give you the money you deserve to cover your damages.
How much is my car accident claim worth?
It is not possible to give you an accurate value for your claim without first knowing the specific details of your case. We need to collect documentation and analyze the information available about your property damage, the extent of your injuries, your past and future medical treatment, your lost wages, your ability to return to your previous job and even how your injuries affect your everyday life. Only then can we give you an estimate of how much you may receive from the insurance company or the courts.
There are three types of damages common in an auto accident case. These include:
Economic Damages
Economic damages include the cost of medical treatment, repair, or replacement of your vehicle, and lost wages. In addition, they take into account your future medical needs and any impact your injuries will likely have on your job and income. We are careful to uncover every possible economic loss associated with your crash, to ensure you are not stuck paying these expenses out-of-pocket.
“Pain and Suffering” and Inconvenience Damages
Pain and suffering, as well as inconvenience damages are noneconomic losses associated with your physical and emotional stress the accident caused. They can make up the largest percentage of your pay out. There are several ways we can calculate them, but all depend heavily on your economic losses and how your injuries will continue to affect your life in the future.
Punitive Damages
These damages are rare, and usually only awarded when a judge or jury determines the other driver acted in a deliberate or particularly reckless way, such as driving drunk or on other drugs. They, however, can be significant when awarded.
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Attorney Jim Parrish has experience on both sides of the table. Before he dedicated his career to helping injured victims, he used to defend the big insurance companies. This means he knows the tricks and tactics they use to limit the money they pay to accident victims.
At the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, we protect you from the insurance company and fight for the full value of your car accident claim while also ensuring your rights remain protected. If you need help getting the compensation you deserve after a Prince William County auto accident, call our office at 571-229-1800 today to schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable member of our legal team.
Call or Text 571-229-1800 or Complete a Free Case Evaluation form