This is a list of our firm's case results in Virginia (VA) and beyond. We can't guarantee you'll receive the same results, but we can guarantee we'll work tirelessly on your behalf and try to obtain the jury verdict or settlement you deserve.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that every case is different and these verdicts and settlements, while accurate, do not represent what we may obtain for you in your case.

Automobile Wreck Caused by Drunk Driver Leaves Virginia Beach Woman With Connective Tissue Injury

Case Description:A Virginia Beach, VA college student suffered a connective tissue injury when the car in which she was riding was struck by a drunk driver.

Court and Date: Virginia Beach Circuit Court, VA, May 2005

Staff: John C., Personal Injury Attorney; Theresa L. Martin, Paralegal; Vera VanOverstraeten, Legal Assistant

What Happened: Our client was a college student in her early 20s. She was a passenger in a car that was struck by a drunk driver in Virginia Beach. The at-fault driver was given a blood alcohol content test by the police and registered a BAC, of 0.17. That is more than double the legal limit of 0.08 for intoxication in Virginia, and it also exceeds the statuatory BAC of 0.15 for evidence that triggers an automatic case for claiming punitive damages from a DUI driver who has injured or killed someone while driving under the influence of alcohol. Our client suffered connective tissue injuries to her spine that were treated by family doctors, an orthopaedist and physical therapists. Luckily, she had made a fairly good recovery. Her medical bills were approximately $3,000.

Key Legal Strategy: The insurance company was not offering fair compensation for the injury, especially given the aggravated liability of the drunk driver. We moved the case toward trial and retained an expert toxicologist to prove how the at-fault driver's level of intoxication impairs a (drunk) driver of a vehicle. Ultimately, the insurance company was forced to honor its obligation, and a favorable settlement was reached.

The Result: The injured woman received a cash settlement of $19,000, which the at-fault driver's insurance company agreed to before the case went to trial.

Awarded: Settled for $19,000 before trial

About the Editors: Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys focus on personal injury and accident law and have experience handling truck wreck cases. Check out our truck accident case results and our free consumer guide on what to do if you get involved in an accident with a commercial truck.

We have offices in Virginia Beach and Hampton, VA, but we're ready to come to you anywhere in Virginia, including Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Newport News, VA, if you've been seriously hurt by someone else's carelessness.

Rick Shapiro and James Lewis have been named to the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum since 2009 and included among the Best Lawyers in America since 2008. Jim and Rick have been named Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law since 2010. Fewer than 5 percent of practicing lawyers receive this honor.

In addition, our VA injury law firm was the first in the commonwealth to join Primerus, a select group of highly ethical and respected law firms, and we have the highest rating of AV from Martindale-Hubbell, a national lawyer ranking organization. The rating indicates we have a reputation for preeminent legal skill.

While not every injury case meets our criteria, we offer a free initial confidential consultations. Call us toll free at (800) 752-0042. If you cannot get through due to high call volume, please leave a message so we can get back to you.