Car Accident Lawyer Virginia Beach

Nearly every driver experiences a car accident at some point in their lifetime. While some of these accidents are only minor fender benders, others are more catastrophic, resulting in injuries that can affect a victim for months or even years.

Unfortunately, the physical, emotional, and financial toll suffered from a car accident is rarely represented by an insurance settlement. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a car accident in Virginia Beach, Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law can help you avoid settling for less than you deserve. Contact our Virginia Beach car accident lawyers today for a free consultation.

Should I Get a Car Accident Lawyer in Virginia Beach?

If your car accident was only minor and resulted in negligible vehicle damage and injuries, you may not need legal representation. However, if you are dealing with serious injuries due to the accident, resulting in substantial medical bills, lost wages, or emotional trauma, hiring a car accident lawyer is crucial. Consulting a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident is essential to preserve evidence and ensure you meet all legal deadlines.

Fighting an insurance company for the compensation you deserve can be incredibly challenging. Insurance companies will use any excuse they can to minimize or deny a payout, whether that means downplaying your injuries or attempting to blame you for the accident. In Virginia, the latter tactic can be especially dangerous, as the state’s contributory negligence rule means that if you are even 1% at fault for an accident, you could be barred from recovering compensation.

An auto accident lawyer can use their knowledge of the law to help you fight back. They can support you in proving that another party was fully liable for the accident and that your injuries have had a significant impact on your life, helping you counter unfair tactics meant to leave you underpaid—or not paid at all.

Our Virginia Beach Office

You can find Huffman & Huffman’s office at 4780 Euclid Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. Our team of car accident attorneys is ready to meet with you in person, discuss your situation, and provide guidance on the next steps toward recovery.

Types of Virginia Beach Car Accidents Our Firm Handles

Our car accident attorneys in Virginia Beach handle a variety of cases, including, but not limited to:

• Speeding Accidents: Speeding significantly contributes to the severity of accidents in Virginia Beach, reducing reaction times and increasing the force of impact during collisions.
• Hit and Run Accidents: Hit and runs are a common occurrence, but just because the other driver fled the scene, it does not mean you don’t have a case.
• Drunk Driving Accidents: In Virginia, drunk driving causes hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries every year.
• Distracted Driving Accidents: Distracted drivers are one of the top causes of accidents, whether they’re texting, eating, smoking, or simply not keeping their eyes on the road.
• Head-On Collisions: These types of accidents usually occur when a driver swerves into oncoming traffic or accidentally enters the wrong lane, causing significant injuries to themselves and others. Our rear-end collision attorneys in Virginia Beach can help victims pursue full and fair compensation.
• Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end collisions are often caused by tailgating or sudden stops and can result in significant injuries, especially to the neck and back.
• Highway Accidents: Larger volumes of cars on the road increase the potential for serious multi-vehicle accidents.
• Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents are more frequent in larger vehicles like SUVs and can be caused by sharp turns taken at high speeds.
• Side-Impact or T-Bone Accidents: Side-impact collisions often happen at intersections and can cause serious injuries to drivers and passengers.
• Multivehicle Accidents: Crashes involving multiple vehicles can be complex and require careful investigation to determine who is at fault.
• Weather-Related Accidents: Adverse weather conditions like rain, fog, and ice can lead to higher accident rates in Virginia Beach by affecting road visibility and vehicle handling.
• Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Accidents: We help injury victims navigate uninsured and underinsured motorist claims in Virginia Beach to recover compensation when the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance.
• Defective Vehicle Accidents: Accidents caused by faulty brakes, tires, or other mechanical issues may allow victims to pursue a product liability claim.
• Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare drivers can be complicated, but victims still have the right to pursue compensation.

Who is Liable in a Car Accident in Virginia Beach?

Determining who is legally responsible for a car accident is a critical part of pursuing a claim. Liability can extend beyond just the driver who caused the crash. Depending on the circumstances, those responsible may include:

• Other drivers: The most common liable party, whether through speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, or failing to obey traffic laws.
• Commercial or trucking companies: If a commercial vehicle or delivery truck is involved, the employer may be held accountable for the driver’s actions.
• Government agencies: In rare cases, local or state agencies may be responsible if hazardous road conditions, poor maintenance, or defective signage contributed to the accident.
• Vehicle manufacturers or mechanics: Accidents caused by defective brakes, tires, airbags, or other mechanical issues may create liability for the company that made or repaired the vehicle.

Identifying liability can be complicated, and insurance companies often try to shift blame to minimize payouts. Our team can investigate the circumstances of your crash, gather evidence, and ensure all responsible parties are held accountable. Understanding who may be at fault is essential to recovering the full compensation you deserve.

In addition to pursuing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance, you may also have the option to file a claim with your own insurance company if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured. It is important to remember that Virginia follows a strict contributory negligence system. If the injured party is found to be even 1% at fault for their injuries, they cannot recover any damages from the defendant.

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Crash in Virginia Beach

One of the questions our clients ask us the most is, “What is my car accident claim worth?” Putting a number on your case is a complex process. There is a wide variety of damages you may be able to pursue, and not all of them are easily measured. In a typical car accident case, you can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages:

• Economic Damages: These are damages that have a specific financial value, such as medical expenses for current and future treatment, damage to your vehicle, and counseling to address your trauma. Lost wages account for income lost due to the inability to work. In fatal car accidents, the family members of the victim can sue for funeral and burial costs, as well as lost income if their loved one was financially responsible for them.
• Non-Economic Damages: Car accidents are often one of the most traumatic events in a person’s life. Non-economic damages are paid to car accident victims when they suffer PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other forms of lingering emotional trauma. Pain and suffering compensate for both physical and emotional distress. They may also address other forms of suffering, such as disfigurement or the inability to socialize due to their injuries.

Working with a car accident lawyer can help you ensure all of these damages are accounted for when filing a car accident lawsuit.

Common Car Crash Injuries in Accident Claims

We understand that car accidents can result in many different types of injuries. Over the years, we have handled numerous cases involving:

• Cuts, abrasions, burns, and bruises: Shattered glass, deployed airbags, or contact with hot engine parts can cause painful cuts, scrapes, burns, and bruises following impact.
• Fractures, sprains, and amputations: The force of a collision can break bones, twist joints, or even lead to traumatic amputations if a limb is crushed or pinned.
• Head and brain trauma: A sudden impact or violent jolt can cause a concussion, fracture, traumatic brain injury, or coma if the head strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or window.
• Spinal cord injuries and neck injuries: A severe crash can damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or total paralysis, and chronic pain.
• Whiplash: This injury is very common in car accidents, especially those involving a rear-end collision, and is caused by the rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck.
• Emotional trauma: A person who’s survived a traffic collision will often require mental health treatment and may even suffer from PTSD, anxiety, or depression for many years.

Head & Brain

Common Injuries:

• Concussion
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Skull fracture
• Lacerations or bruising
• Symptoms:

Headaches

• Dizziness or confusion
• Memory loss
• Nausea
• Loss of consciousness
• Sensitivity to light or noise

Neck

Common Injuries:

• Whiplash
• Cervical strain/sprain
• Herniated disc
• Nerve impingement

Symptoms:

• Neck pain or stiffness
• Limited range of motion
• Headaches (often from base of the skull)
• Tingling or numbness in arms/hands

Back (Upper, Mid, Lower)

Common Injuries:

• Herniated or bulging discs
• Lumbar or thoracic sprain/strain
• Spinal fractures
• Compression injuries

Symptoms:

• Sharp or dull back pain
• Muscle spasms
• Radiating leg pain (sciatica)
• Difficulty standing or walking

Shoulders

Common Injuries:

• Rotator cuff tear
• Dislocation
• Bursitis
• Fracture or contusion

Symptoms:

• Shoulder pain with movement
• Swelling or bruising
• Weakness or reduced range of motion
• Popping or grinding sensation

Abdomen & Internal Organs

Common Injuries:

• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage (liver, spleen, kidneys)
• Seat belt syndrome (soft tissue damage)

Symptoms:

• Abdominal pain or tenderness
• Swelling or bloating
• Dizziness or fainting
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blood in urine or stool

Arms & Elbows

Common Injuries:

• Fractures
• Dislocations
• Lacerations
• Nerve damage

Symptoms:

• Pain or swelling
• Limited mobility
• Numbness or tingling
• Visible deformity

Hands & Wrists

Common Injuries:

• Fractures (e.g., scaphoid)
• Sprains/strains
• Carpal tunnel or nerve compression

Symptoms:

• Wrist or hand pain
• Swelling or bruising
• Weak grip
• Tingling in fingers

Hips & Pelvis

Common Injuries:

• Pelvic fracture
• Hip dislocation
• Soft tissue trauma

Symptoms:

• Groin/hip pain
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight
• Bruising or swelling
• Numbness in legs

Legs & Knees

Common Injuries:

• ACL/MCL tears
• Meniscus injury
• Fractures
• Contusions

Symptoms:

• Knee pain or instability
• Swelling
• Clicking or popping
• Trouble bending or walking

Ankles & Feet

Common Injuries:

• Fractures
• Sprains
• Crush injuries (from impact)

Symptoms:

• Ankle/foot pain
• Swelling and bruising
• Inability to bear weight
• Numbness or discoloration

Chest & Ribs

Common Injuries:

• Rib fractures
• Sternum injury
• Contusions from seat belts or airbag
• Cardiac or lung trauma (severe cases)

Symptoms:

• Chest pain (especially with breathing)
• Bruising across chest
• Difficulty breathing
• Tenderness when touched

Click on a body part in our interactive tool to explore common injuries and symptoms from car accidents. Each accident is different, but many of these injuries can result in medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and ongoing discomfort, all factors that may affect your claim. If you’ve been hurt, Huffman & Huffman can help you understand your rights and legal options.

*This tool is for general informational purposes only. It does not provide medical or legal advice and should not replace consultation with a qualified attorney or healthcare professional.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Virginia Beach (And What Not to Do)

Taking the right steps immediately after an auto accident can protect your health—and your ability to file a claim.

Do…

• Call 911 or the local police line. You’re required to notify law enforcement if there are any injuries, deaths, or significant property damage. If there are no pressing injuries, call the non-emergency police line. Otherwise, call 911 and describe the scene to the dispatcher. The responding officers will file a Virginia Beach police accident report, which is an important record for insurance claims and any potential legal action.
• Seek a medical evaluation. Not all injuries are immediately apparent. Even if you feel your injuries are minor or you have no visible injuries at all, seek medical attention to be sure.
• Exchange information with other drivers and witnesses. Exchanging drivers’ insurance information and contact info with the other driver is an important part of the claims process. You’ll also want to exchange contact information with any witnesses.
• Document the accident scene. When safe to do so, take pictures and videos of the accident site, noting your injuries, damage to your car, and weather/traffic conditions.
• Seek legal advice. Once you’ve completed the steps above, the next step is to call us. We’ll handle your claim from there.

Don’t…

• Leave the accident scene early. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is leaving an accident site before the police arrive. This can result in significant criminal charges.
• Downplay your injuries. Seek medical attention quickly and be honest about the level of pain you’re in. If you’re hurt, tell them so. The same goes for law enforcement, witnesses, and even friends and family. If someone reports that you claimed that you were uninjured, you may lose your chances at a fair settlement.
• Admit fault. Saying “I’m sorry” or any other admission of fault (no matter how slight) can cause your claim to be challenged or denied.

Virginia Beach Car Accident Trends and Hotspots

Car accidents in Virginia Beach happen more often than many people realize, and certain areas of the city carry a higher risk of crashes. In 2024, the city saw roughly 5,272 crashes, resulting in 2,618 injuries and 24 fatalities, according to Virginia’s Traffic Records Electronic Data System. Many of these incidents occur during the midday and evening commutes, when traffic is heaviest.

Some streets and intersections are more prone to accidents than others. Busy corridors such as I‑264, State Route 225, and Virginia Beach Boulevard see frequent crashes, and local intersections along Holland Road, Rosemont Road, and Lynnhaven Parkway are often sites of collisions.

Knowing where accidents happen most can help drivers stay alert and take precautions. For those who have been injured in a crash at one of these high-risk locations, Huffman & Huffman can provide guidance and support to help you protect your rights and recover your losses.

Virginia Beach Car Accident Lawyer: FAQs

How much does a Virginia Beach auto accident attorney cost?

Huffman & Huffman offers its services on a contingency fee basis. Under this type of payment agreement, our attorney fees are only paid if we win your case through a successful settlement or verdict. If we do win, then we are paid a percentage of the total award, which will have been agreed upon well in advance.

Do you have a car accident lawyer near me?

Huffman and Huffman’s office is conveniently located just off the Virginia Beach Expressway at 4780 Euclid Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. Our team of experienced car accident attorneys looks forward to meeting with you and discussing your case.

How long do I have to file a car accident claim?

In Virginia, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. For cases involving wrongful death, however, the clock starts on the date of death, not necessarily the date of the accident. If you fail to bring a personal injury claim within the specified time limit, you will generally be barred from seeking damages.

Can I still file a car accident claim if the driver who hit me didn’t have car insurance?

If you are involved in an accident with someone who does not have car insurance, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own auto insurance provider. Virginia requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which specifically protects you in the event you are injured by an uninsured driver.

Will my case go to court?

While it is possible that your case will go to court, most auto accident cases end in a settlement rather than going to court. Only about 5% of personal injury cases, including car accident lawsuits, go to trial. However, should your case move to court, our attorneys are fully prepared to represent you and guide you through the legal process.

How long does it take to settle an auto accident case?

The timeline for settling a car accident case can vary widely depending on the severity of injuries, the complexity of the accident, and whether liability is disputed. Some cases may settle within a few months, while others can take a year or more to reach a fair resolution. We can provide guidance on what to expect based on the circumstances of your case.

Is Virginia a no-fault state for car accidents?

No, Virginia is not a no-fault state. This means that the at-fault driver is responsible for paying damages to the injured party in the accident. Because of Virginia’s contributory negligence rule, even being slightly at fault can affect your ability to recover compensation, which makes having an experienced car accident lawyer crucial.

How do I choose the best car accident lawyer in Virginia Beach?

When choosing an attorney, key qualities to consider include their experience in Virginia injury law, strong communication skills, and knowledge of the local courts. Determine whether they have a record of success in auto accident cases and whether they have experience taking cases to trial. Successful results and client testimonials on independent sites provide insights into an attorney’s track record. You should also make sure to gain clarity on their fee structure, including whether the percentage is taken from the gross or net amount after expenses.

Our Virginia Beach Car Accident Law Firm is Here to Help

The legal team at Huffman & Huffman has served the residents of Virginia Beach since 1973, providing them with the experienced legal representation and personal attention they need after a devastating car accident. Our Virginia Beach car accident attorneys will guide you every step of the way, from filing your claim to fighting for you in court, if necessary. To get started, contact our firm for a free consultation.