Norfolk, VA Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents are an unfortunate risk that every driver faces, regardless of their driving skills. Some car accident claims can be handled quickly and fairly between both drivers and their insurance without outside help, but even seemingly straightforward claims can go wrong. For instance, what if there is a shortage of evidence to prove the other driver was at fault, or the insurance company attempts to place some, if not all, of the blame on you? You could end up on the hook for your costly medical expenses and other damages.

The bottom line is that you can never be too careful when building your case. Below is some information that every driver in Norfolk should know if they’ve been in an accident, and how they can maximize their chances of receiving a fair settlement with the help of our Norfolk car accident lawyers.

When and Why You Should Hire a Norfolk Car Accident Lawyer

It’s true that minor fender-benders typically don’t warrant hiring a lawyer, especially in cases where no one was injured and the damage is minor. But with more serious car accidents, the stakes are higher. If you’re faced with thousands of dollars in medical debt and car repair costs, it’s all the more reason to hire a lawyer who can investigate the details of your accident and build a case that supports your claim. This may include interviewing witnesses, reviewing traffic reports, or collecting evidence that you might not have access to on your own, such as video surveillance.

Beyond investigating an accident, many accident victims find that a lawyer is a valuable resource simply for saving them the time and headache that comes with building a case. Once they’ve compiled their findings, a lawyer can accurately calculate the amount you are rightfully owed and handle the difficult task of negotiating with the insurance company for you.

Why Work With a Norfolk Car Accident Attorney at Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law?

For over 50 years, Huffman & Huffman has handled cases involving all types of car accidents and injuries, from head-on collisions leading to fractures to T-bones that have resulted in serious spinal injuries, recovering millions for our clients. During the many years we’ve represented the residents of Norfolk and the surrounding areas, we’ve developed a deep understanding of the local courts and procedures as well as established close relationships with medical experts and other professionals who can lend their knowledge to our clients’ cases.

Working with us starts with a free consultation where we’ll listen to the details of your accident and invite you to ask any questions you may have about the legal process. Should you decide to work with us, we’ll begin investigating every detail of your case and calculating every possible damage you may be eligible to receive. Once we’ve built a solid case, we’ll negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. If a reasonable settlement can’t be reached, we’re prepared to take your case to trial until we’ve explored every legal option available.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Norfolk Car Crash?

For many car accident victims, their main concerns are their initial medical bills and repair costs, but this isn’t always the complete picture. For instance, what if your injuries need ongoing treatment, you’ve spent significant time out from work due to the accident, or you’re suffering emotional trauma? All of these things can and should be accounted for in your claim. We can help you pursue compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and/or loss of earning capacity
• The cost of repairs and replacements for your personal property
• Other “non-economic” damages, such as emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life

Why Proving Fault Is So Important After a Crash in Norfolk

Virginia’s laws regarding liability are much more strict than those of other states. Virginia utilizes a pure contributory negligence system, which essentially means that if you are found even 1% at fault for the crash, you can be barred from recovering any compensation, unlike other states, where your recovery is only reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies know this and may try to push blame onto you to avoid paying. If you feel that this may be happening to you, it’s best to play it safe and contact our lawyers to help steer things back on course.

What Evidence Do You and Your Norfolk Auto Accident Attorney Need to Prove Fault?

Evidence collection in car accident cases starts at the scene. Whenever it is safe to do so, the first step is to take pictures or video of the accident site, damage to both vehicles, and your injuries (both at the site and as they progress). You’ll also want to collect contact information from the driver and any witnesses who may have seen the accident take place. Once you’ve been seen by a doctor, you’ll want to keep copies of all medical documentation and insurance communications related to your injuries.

The remainder of your case’s evidence can be taken care of by our attorneys. We may be able to subpoena surveillance footage from the day of the accident or statements by witnesses or the other driver. If necessary, we can also hire crash or medical experts to help reconstruct the accident, assess the impact of your injuries on your life, and ultimately strengthen your case.

Norfolk Car Accident Statistics: Hotspots and Causes

As one of the five largest cities in Virginia, Norfolk is no stranger to car accidents. In 2024, there were a total of 4,785 car accidents resulting in 2,086 injuries and 20 fatalities. A majority of these car crashes happened along highways, with the intersection of I-64 and I-264 being the most dangerous location, which saw nearly 500 accidents. In close second was the segment of I-64 between Chesapeake Blvd. and Route 460, which saw 470 accidents.

Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Norfolk in 2024 were speeding, which accounted for 1,023 total accidents, 502 injuries, and 5 fatalities, followed by drinking and driving, which accounted for a total of 188 accidents, 121 injuries, and 6 deaths.

Key Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Norfolk

In the aftermath of a car crash in Norfolk, it’s crucial to understand the legal requirements and responsibilities that come into play. These include:

• Reporting the Accident: Virginia law mandates that drivers involved in a car accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 must report the incident to the local police department or the Virginia State Police within 24 hours.
• Seeking Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly after a car crash. Not only is this important for your health, but it also creates documentation of your injuries for potential legal proceedings.
• Exchanging Information: Drivers involved in a car accident must exchange contact and insurance information with each other. This typically includes names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance policy details.
• Cooperating with Law Enforcement: If law enforcement officers respond to the scene, it’s important to cooperate with their investigation. Provide truthful and accurate information about the accident to the best of your ability.
• Preserving Evidence: If possible, take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses who may have observed the crash.
• Notifying Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the accident promptly. Provide them with accurate information about the crash, but avoid making any statements that could be construed as admitting fault.
• Consulting with an Attorney: Consider consulting with our experienced car accident attorneys in Norfolk to understand your legal rights and options.

Norfolk, VA Car Accident Lawyer: FAQs

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Norfolk?

In Norfolk, VA, there are strict time limits, known as statutes of limitations, on filing car accident claims. Generally, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim arising from a car accident in Virginia is two years from the date of the accident. However, there may be exceptions to this rule, so it’s crucial to consult with our car crash lawyers in Norfolk as soon as possible to understand your legal options.

How Much is My Norfolk Accident Case Worth?

The value of your case depends on various factors, including the nature and extent of your injuries, the impact on your ability to work and perform daily activities, and the degree of fault attributed to each party involved in the accident. The amount of compensation you receive for an injury claim is also highly dependent on the amount of insurance coverage that is available.

How Long Will My Norfolk Car Crash Case Take?

Unfortunately, there is no set timeline for a car accident case. Your case could take months or even multiple years to settle. The amount of time depends on various factors, such as the amount of evidence available and the number of parties involved.

Do I Still Have a Case If My Crash in Norfolk Was Only Minor?

If your car accident had no injuries and minimal damage, you may not need to pursue a personal injury case to begin with. However, if new pain emerges after the accident or the other driver’s insurer is giving you difficulty, it may be time to speak with an attorney.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Huffman & Huffman Car Accident Lawyer in Norfolk

If you’ve been injured in a car accident or any other type of vehicle crash in Norfolk, VA, don’t wait to seek legal representation. Contact the car accident lawyers at Huffman & Huffman today for a free consultation. We understand the challenges you’re facing and are committed to helping you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Let us fight for your rights and hold the negligent parties accountable for their actions.