Staunton Car Accident Attorneys
Fighting for Injured Clients Since 1990
Were you or a loved one injured in a car accident? After seeking medical treatment, you need to start protecting your rights—including your right to a fair recovery. Only an experienced accident lawyer can best help you in this difficult time.
At Tucker Griffin Barnes, our Staunton car accident lawyers put our clients’ needs first. We fight for fair compensation to help them get back on their feet.
If you were injured in a serious motor vehicle accident in Virginia, Call (540) 328-2808 or contact Tucker Griffin Barnes P.C. Attorneys At Law via online form to schedule a consultation with a car accident lawyer in Staunton.
What to Do After a Car Accident
If you are involved in a crash, first seek medical attention right away. You should also, to the best of your ability, do the following:
- Get witness names and contact information
- Record the contact/insurance information of the other driver(s)
- Take pictures of your injuries and the accident scene
- Contact your own insurance company and report the accident
- Get medical attention and make sure the bills are sent to your health insurance
- Don’t downplay your injury to others or admit fault in any way
- Seek the advice of an attorney
Virginia Code § 46.2-894 requires motorists to report any accident resulting in injuries or property damage to the authorities within 24 hours. However, you should consult with your attorney before making any definite statements about the accident. It is never a good idea to sign any consent forms or provide a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster without seeking the advice of an attorney.
Attempting to negotiate with the insurance company on your own or accepting their settlement offer can result in insufficient compensation for your injuries. We offer initial consultations at no charge, so you have nothing to lose by contacting us for knowledgeable legal advice.
Vehicle Accident Laws in Virginia
Virginia's car accident laws are vital to understand when pursuing a case. The sooner you contact our Staunton car accident attorneys, the better we can help you understand your rights. We can work to gather evidence, conduct investigations, and begin building a solid case on your behalf.
How Long Do I Have to Make a Car Accident Claim?
In Virginia, there is a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. You may lose your ability to pursue compensation if you wait too long.
The statute of limitations for car accident cases is generally:
- Two years for adults (over 18)
- Two years from the 18th birthday of those involved if they were under the age of 18 at the time of the accident
Virginia Accident Reporting Requirements
After a car accident in Virginia, the parties involved have a duty to report the accident under the following circumstances:
- The accident led to injuries for anyone involved in the crash
- The accident led to someone's death
- One or more vehicles involved was damaged
- Other property was damaged as a direct result of the accident
Drivers are required to report their name, address, driver's license information, and registration information. Failure to do so can result in criminal charges.
What is "Contributory Negligence"?
The state of Virginia follows a "contributory negligence" rule for car accidents. This means if you are found to have contributed in any way to causing the accident, you will not be able to recover compensation. This affects both how courts process cases and how insurances claims adjusters will evaluate your situation.
Call (540) 328-2808 to make an appointment with one of our skilled car accident attorneys in Staunton.
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"Ms. Hakes, Thank you so much!"Criminal Defense Client
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"Yvonne and her staff are very competent and trustworthy and they went above and beyond in their service to my family member."Personal Injury Client
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"I truly appreciated your perspectives & advice throughout this process."Personal Injury Client
What Damages Can Be Won in a Car Accident Claim?
You may be able to recover compensation for your losses from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Insurance adjusters generally contact accident victims, asking for statements or even offering to settle the case.
However, it is important to understand that adjusters are working in the best interests of the insurance companies, not yours. Attempting to negotiate with the insurance company on your own can be difficult. Additionally, accepting their settlement offer can result in insufficient compensation for your injuries.
A successfully pursued car accident claim can allow you to recover damages for:
- Property loss
- Lost wages or earning potential due to a serious injury
- Pain and suffering
- Medical bills
- Loss of enjoyment
You should never sign any consent forms or provide a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster without seeking the advice of an attorney. Our car accident law firm offers initial consultations at no charge, so you have nothing to lose by contacting us for knowledgeable legal advice.
We offer free consultations over the phone and in person. Call (540) 328-2808 to get in touch with an attorney from our car accident law firm in Staunton.
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A Vigorous Commitment to Lower CostsWe work hard to keep our rates lower than our peers.
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A Dedicated Focus on Client ServiceWe promptly return phone calls, provide play areas for your children during office visits, and when you need us, we'll visit you at home or at the hospital.
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A Deep Knowledge of the LawExpertise matters. Most of our attorneys concentrate in only one or two areas of the law.
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A Strong ReputationWe're respected attorneys who live to fight and win for our clients.
Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our legal team is ready to help. Complete our form below or call us at (540) 328-2808.