Richmond Car Accident Lawyers

Richmond Car Accident Lawyers

Richmond Car Accident Lawyers

Too often, people in Richmond suffer injuries in car accidents due to no fault of their own. They face extensive medical treatment, mounting medical bills, and countless other challenges as they adapt to life after a car accident.

When the unexpected happens, and you or a loved one are involved in a car accident, you need more than just legal representation; you need a dedicated ally who understands the intricacies of the law and truly cares about your well-being.

Our team of experienced Richmond car accident lawyers helps accident victims like you navigate the complexities of car accident claims, offering you the support, guidance, and legal guidance necessary to secure the compensation you deserve.

At Allen & Allen, we’re not just attorneys, we’re advocates for justice and champions for your rights. Contact us today to learn more about our services, our legacy of compassionate legal representation, and how we can assist you in your journey toward full recovery.

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Richmond Car Accident Guide

Why Choose Allen & Allen for Your Car Accident Claim?

Founded in 1910 by George E. Allen, the law office of Allen & Allen has evolved and expanded over the years, maintaining a steadfast commitment to serving the legal needs of the Richmond community and beyond. Over the decades, we have earned a stellar reputation for an unwavering dedication to our clients, extensive legal knowledge, and passionate pursuit of justice.

Our legacy of excellence and client-centered service established by our founder has been passed down through generations, making Allen & Allen one of Virginia’s most respected and trusted law firms.

With deep roots in the Richmond area, our firm has continually adapted to changing legal landscapes, ensuring we remain a cornerstone of legal representation and advocacy in the region.

We are committed to building on our tradition of providing exceptional legal services and making a positive impact on the lives of our clients. Contact us today to discuss your truck accident case during a free, no-obligation consultation.

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in Richmond?

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in Richmond

Car accidents can disrupt lives. You may feel overwhelmed dealing with medical treatment and insurance claims. We want to make your fight our fight. At Allen & Allen, we operate under a contingency fee arrangement. You pay nothing upfront. Our fees are paid through the compensation we recover for you. We can discuss in detail how our contingency fee process works during a free, no-obligation case consultation.

As seasoned personal injury attorneys, we understand the rights of accident victims and the range of damages they may be eligible to recover. We maximize your claim by identifying all the damages you may qualify for, and then fight the insurance company to ensure you receive a fair offer. You will recover more compensation than if you were to handle your claim on your own—even after our fees are paid.

Research has established that accident victims who hire lawyers to handle their claims recover about 40% more compensation than those who do not hire legal representation.

How Common Are Car Accidents in Richmond, Virginia?

Virginia saw 122,434 motor vehicle accidents last year, resulting in 59,404 injuries and 1,005 fatalities, reaching a five-year high in traffic deaths, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. More than 5,400 crashes happened in Henrico County, with 2,536 injuries and 32 fatalities.

Some of the deadliest roads in Richmond include:

  • Hull Street Road from Wayside Drive to Evans Street
  • Nine fatal accidents, nine fatalities, 1.9 crashes per mile
  • US-1 from Haden Avenue to Bellwood Road
  • Seven fatal accidents, seven fatalities, 1.5 crashes per mile

What Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in Richmond?

Many of the most dangerous intersections in Richmond are along Williams Road, including:

  • Williams Road and Shell Road
  • Williams Road and No. 4 Road
  • Williams Road and No. 3 Road

Other dangerous intersections in Richmond include:

  • I-360 and Commonwealth Center Parkway
  • West Broad Street and East Parkham Drive
  • Hermitage Road and Laburnum Avenue

Should I Accept an Offer From the Insurance Company?

When faced with medical bills and other challenges in the wake of a traffic accident, a check from the insurance company may be a welcome sight. But before you accept that money, consult our car accident lawyers. Insurance companies may offer settlements to accident victims that don’t cover all the damages they deserve. A lawyer can assess your case and determine what your claim is really worth.

If the insurance company denies your claim, you may fight their decision. Contact an experienced car accident attorney with Allen & Allen to hear your legal options.

Who May You Hold Liable in a Richmond Car Accident?

Liability in a car accident case can extend to various parties depending on the specific circumstances of the accident. The key factors determining liability include the accident’s cause, applicable traffic laws, and the parties involved. Here are some of the parties who you might hold liable in a car accident:

Driver of a Vehicle

The driver who caused the accident through negligence or reckless behavior—including speeding, running a red light, driving under the influence, or distracted driving—is typically the first party you can hold liable.

Vehicle Owner

In some cases, you can hold the owner of the vehicle liable for the actions of the driver if they knowingly allowed someone without a valid driver’s license or with a history of reckless driving to use their vehicle.

Employer

If the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident, you can hold the employer vicariously liable for their employee’s actions.

Manufacturer

If a defect in the vehicle, such as faulty brakes, airbags, or tires caused the accident, you can hold the manufacturer or distributor of the defective part or vehicle liable. This would typically fall under product liability law.

Government Entity

Poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or faulty traffic signals can contribute to accidents. You can sometimes hold a government entity responsible for road maintenance and safety liable.

Other Third Parties

Depending on the specifics of the accident, liability might extend to a construction company responsible for a construction zone or a business whose negligent actions or premises conditions led to the accident.

What Compensation Is Available to Car Accident Victims?

What Compensation Is Available to Car Accident Victims

In Virginia, car accident victims may recover compensation, depending on the specific circumstances of the accident, the injuries sustained, and the available insurance coverage.

Here are some of the types of compensation available to car accident victims in Virginia:

  • Medical Expenses: You can seek compensation for medical bills related to treating injuries sustained in the accident. This can include hospital stays, surgeries, doctor’s visits, prescription medications, physical therapy, and more.
  • Property Damage: You can seek compensation for repairing or replacing your vehicle or any other property damaged in the accident.
  • Lost Earnings: If your injuries result in missed work or reduced earning capacity, you may recover compensation for lost income.
  • Pain and Suffering: This includes compensation for physical and emotional distress, pain, and suffering caused by the accident and resulting injuries.
  • Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: If the accident results in a permanent disability or disfigurement, you may recover compensation to account for the long-term impact on your life.
  • Wrongful Death Damages: If a loved one dies in a car accident, their family may seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and other damages through a wrongful death claim.
  • Loss of Consortium: Spouses of accident victims can sometimes seek compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, and other intangible benefits that result from the injuries.

Virginia Laws That Affect Car Accident Claims

Virginia statutes affect how you handle car accident claims in the state:

Fault/No-Fault Insurance State

Virginia is a fault state for car accidents, so the at-fault driver must pay for the damages caused to the other driver(s) and their passengers. This includes property damage (damage to vehicles and other property) and bodily injury (medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering).

If you prove the other driver was at fault for the accident, you can file a claim with their insurance company. The insurance company will investigate the claim and decide whether to pay it. If the insurance company denies the claim or offers an inadequate settlement, you may file a lawsuit against the other driver.

Required Auto Liability Insurance

The Commonwealth of Virginia is one of a few states in the U.S. that does not require motorists to carry liability insurance. Those who choose not to carry insurance and drive at their own risk must pay a $500 Uninsured Motor Vehicle fee yearly along with their vehicle registration renewal.

People who choose to pay this fee and drive without auto insurance are personally liable for whatever damages they cause, including the medical bills and lost income of those they injure.

Motorists who choose not to pay the Uninsured Motorist Fee must carry the following minimum amount of liability insurance:

  • $30,000 for bodily injury or death of one person per accident
  • $60,000 in liability coverage for bodily injury or death for two or more people per accident
  • $20,000 in property damage per accident

Policies effective on or after January 1, 2025, must cover the following minimum liability insurance:

  • $50,000 for bodily injury or death of one person per accident
  • $100,000 in liability coverage for bodily injury or death for two or more people per accident
  • $25,000 in property damage per accident

The required liability insurance covers medical bills, property damages, and other losses suffered by drivers, passengers, and pedestrians injured in a car accident you caused. It does not cover your injuries if you are solely to blame for your injuries. You’ll need to purchase additional insurance to cover those costs.

Statute of Limitations

Statute of Limitations in Richmond Car Accident Claim

The statute of limitations sets a legal deadline to file a lawsuit after an incident, including a car accident. Each state has its own deadline for personal injury cases, including car accidents. The statute of limitations in Virginia is two years from the accident date.

If you file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations expires, the court will dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to seek compensation through a lawsuit.

Exceptions may apply in specific circumstances. For example, if the injuries resulting from the accident did not immediately manifest, the statute of limitations might toll or delay until you discover or should have discovered the injuries. Additionally, specific circumstances, such as the involvement of a minor, can extend or modify the deadline.

How Can a Lawyer with Allen & Allen Help with My Car Accident Case?

Hiring a lawyer for your car accident claim can significantly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation and reduce the stress of dealing with the legal aspects of your case.

Here’s how a Richmond car accident lawyer from Allen & Allen can assist you with your car accident claim:

Legal Advice

Our personal injury lawyers deeply understand the legal principles and regulations relevant to car accident claims. We can help you navigate the complex legal system, ensuring you follow all necessary procedures and critical deadlines.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

An experienced lawyer from Allen & Allen can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and interview witnesses. This can help establish liability and prove the extent of your injuries and damages. Evidence may include police reports, medical records, photographs, witness statements, and accident reconstruction reports.

Determining Liability

Our lawyers can help determine fault in the accident. We can gather evidence and build a strong case to establish fault in contested liability cases.

Calculating Damages

Our lawyers can assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, property damage, lost income, pain and suffering, and any future expenses related to your injuries. We use our experience to seek adequate compensation.

Negotiation With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies may minimize payouts. Our lawyers can negotiate a fair settlement. We can also advise you on when to accept a settlement or proceed to litigation if necessary.

Filing a Lawsuit

If negotiations with the insurance company do not result in a fair settlement, your lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. We will guide you through the legal process, including court proceedings, if necessary.

Court Representation

If your case goes to trial, your attorney will represent you in court, presenting your case to a judge and jury. We will argue on your behalf and use their legal experience to build a strong case.

Managing Paperwork and Deadlines

Car accident claims involve a lot of paperwork and deadlines. Our lawyers can handle the administrative aspects of your case, filing all documentation correctly and on time.

Protecting Your Rights

Your attorney can protect your legal rights throughout the process, ensuring that the insurance company does not take advantage of you and pays you the compensation you deserve.

Contingency Fees

Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win your case. This can make legal representation more accessible for those with limited financial resources.

Contact a Richmond Car Accident Lawyer at Allen & Allen Today

Car Accident Attorney, Edward Allen

Edward Allen, Richmond Car Accident Lawyer

Don’t face the aftermath of a car accident alone. The team of Richmond car accident lawyers at Allen & Allen is here to help you navigate the legal complexities and ensure you receive justice and the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (804) 353-1200 for your free consultation, and let us fight for your rights and your future. Reach out our personal injury attorneys in Richmond now and let us be your trusted advocates in your time of need.

Our Richmond office

Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen

1809 Staples Mill Road
Richmond, VA 23230