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Before you talk to another lawyer or speak with an insurance adjuster about your car accident, watch our informative videos and download our free consumer guides.

You've been hurt in a car wreck and think you might have a claim against the other driver. Your medical bills are stacking up and insurance adjusters keep calling. This is why you need legal representation. Remember, the insurance company does not represent you, and if they know that you don't have an attorney looking out for your interests, they will do everything possible to minimize their financial obligations.

Our law firm will do our best to help ease the burden of this traumatic situation and work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Our injury firm has obtained millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts for clients seriously injured in Virginia Beach,  Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg, Petersburg, Richmond, Roanoke and Emporia. In addition, we have handled automobile accident cases all over Virginia including counties like Accomack County, Charles City County, Isle of Wight, James City County, Northampton County, and York County. If you're seriously hurt in a vehicle crash anywhere in VA caused by someone else's fault, we will come to you.  

Be sure to check out our free guide telling you what you need to know about car accidents in Virginia (VA). Our “Best Guide” answers all of your questions, is easy reading, and covers your legal rights against negligent drivers plus much more.  We also have a video library on car accidents,  articles on car/motorcycle accidents,  and results from car crash and motorcycle wreck cases our firm has handled. 

If you're curious about the extent of our experience in this area of injury law, here's a sampling of the types of cases and issues we've dealt with over the years:

• Uninsured motorist claims
• Motorcycle crashes
  
• Truck and semi-tractor trailer accidents in VA & WV
• Improper/runaway trailer wrecks
  
• Train/railroad/crossing accidents
• Drunk driving wrecks
• Bus crashes
  
• Rental car collisions
• Pedestrian/crosswalk accidents
• Hit and run accidents
• ATV wrecks
• Bicycle accidents
• Moped and scooter wrecks
• Taxi cab and limousine crashes

Serious injuries can arise from all types of accidents. In cases involving death/fatalities, the families of a person killed can file a wrongful death claim under state laws, whether this occurs in Virginia or any other state. Our lawyers handle all types of injuries, including:

• Spinal cord injuries, including quadraplegia and paraplegia
• Traumatic brain injury, closed head injury, concussions
• Broken bones and fractures
• Back  injuries, including herniated discs
• Neck injuries, including ruptured discs
• Shoulder injuries
• Knee injuries
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Burn injuries 
• Amputation injury

It’s because of the sheer numbers of drivers in America that car insurance is a requirement. But while the states make sure that everyone on the road has at least minimum coverage, they do a very poor job in making sure that the insurance companies themselves live up to their financial obligations. On what is quite literally a daily basis, insurance companies delay payment, offer insufficient settlements before the crash victims fully understand the extent of their damages, or sometimes simply flat out deny any claims made against them. And this is how they act when they are dealing with their own policyholders. They are even worse when it comes to the claims of those that don’t have policies with them.

If you have been in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you can be sure that it will be an uphill battle. If the accident resulted in extensive physical injuries, the insurer will make the process as difficult as possible. They will extend every effort in order to minimize their responsibility. Having an attorney that understands both liability law and how the insurance companies operate is a must.

Our firm is dedicated to fighting for just compensation for damages, including:

Medical bills: This includes more than just handling the charges for your initial stay in the hospital. This also means expenses for physical therapy or any extended treatment that you might need. If your injury is permanent, you may face a lifetime of continuing expenses for pain control medicine, treatment of chronic symptoms and  procedures for flare-ups.

Lost wages/loss of future earnings: Loss of wages/lost wage damages relate to the fact that the victim was unable to work while recovering from the accident. Loss of future earnings comes into play if the accident leaves the victim unable to continue at their current job. The loss of future earnings or loss of earning capacity often requires a vocational expert to prove what  amount of money is needed to replace the stream of income and benefits the victim will likely not get as a result of a permanent impairment.

Emotional distress: This would occur if the accident caused the victim to be unable to enjoy a facet of his or her life that was important before the accident. For example, if a person who has played the piano his entire life gets in an accident and loses three of his fingers, he has lost something that he has done his entire life. These types of loss of quality of life damages go beyond regular pain and suffering. The insurer will not fairly pay on such personal anguish unless the facts are properly presented to them which usually requires an injury attorney who asks the right questions, listens to the client, and takes to time to fully develop the claim.

How should you locate the best, top injury lawyer for your case?

Our Injury Lawyers Have Been Selected For Many Achievements Outlined Below:

Several  Injury Attorneys With Our Firm have been included among the "Best Lawyers in America" 2010 Edition (Lewis-Injury Law, Shapiro-Railroad Injury Law) and been Named As Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law  (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009 Ed.)(Less than 5% of Outstanding Lawyers are Chosen); also selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009); named among the Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia by ATLA (Shapiro - 2009), and our law firm was the first Injury Law Firm in Virginia Invited to Join Primerus, a select group of Highly Ethical, Respected Law Firms .

In October, 2000 our law firm and co-counsel obtained, what was then, the largest record verdict in Virginia's history for an injured person (46 Million Dollar Verdict, with Interest, 60 Million Dollars, Settled confidentially during appeal).  Click on icons for more details.

Geographical Areas:

Our personal injury lawyers handle personal injury cases throughout the eastern USA, and work closely with lawyers in other states on signficant injury cases.

As to Virginia (VA), this includes: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Suffolk, Richmond (entire area), Petersburg, Roanoke/Salem, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Charlottesville, all areas of the Eastern Shore, including Accomack, Onancock, Chincoteauge, Wachapreague, and Cape Charles, Bloxom, Eastville, Exmore, Greenbackville, Machipongo, Mappsville, Melfa, Nassawadox, Onley, Tangier, Temperanceville, Wachapreague, and Wallops Island, Ashland, Big Stone Gap and any other city/ounty.

As to West Virginia (WV) personal injury claims: Bluefield, Beckley, Bridgeport, Charles Town, Charleston, Fairmont, Huntington, Lewisburg, Madison, Martinsburg, Morgantown, Moundsville, Parkersburg, Ripley, Sutton, Weirton, Wheeling, and any other town or county.

Injury Lawyers licensed in VA, WV, NC, SC, KY, FL & Wash., DC.

Blog for Car & Motorcycle Accidents

• Even “Minor” Car Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries
• Two Teenagers Killed in Haymarket Car Crash
• Motorcycle Accident in Williamstown Leads to Loss of Life
• Canadians/Quebec Residents Injured in a Virginia (VA) or Carolina Car Accident
• Driver Injured After Falling Asleep Behind the Wheel in Campbell County, VA
• Mother, Son Killed in Car Crash at Roanoke Intersection
• Teens at risk for distracted driving
• Alleged Drunk Driver Hits 7 Vehicles in Virginia Beach, VA
• Tired Driver Causes Accident on I-95, Two People Killed
• Marked Crosswalks More Dangerous Than Simply Crossing the Street?
• Watch Out for Worn Tires
• Intoxicated Driver Causes Car Crash in Chesapeake, VA
• Passenger Killed After Speeding Driver Hit Parked Van, Tree
• Police Confirm Infamous NY Wrong-Way Driver was Drunk and Speeding
• Chain Reaction Wreck in Putnam Leaves Two People Injured
• Single-Vehicle Car Crashes May Leave Many Questions Unanswered
• “Real-Time” Traffic Updates Help But Do Not Prevent Car Wrecks
• Wreck on I-95 Takes Life of Mother and Daughter
• Road Closures Sometimes Necessary For Driver’s Safety
• Changes to Existing Virginia (VA) Traffic Laws Aimed at Increasing Safety

Library for Car & Motorcycle Accidents:

• Bulging and Herniated Disc Injuries: How Experienced Injury Attorneys Best Present Back and Neck Disc Injuries in Personal Injury Lawsuits   
  Description: Many personal injury victims suffer terrible pain in their neck and/or low back due to herniated and damaged discs. If you're struggling with one of these injuries, take a look at this article to learn more about these types of injuries and what we do to help our clients get compensated.
• Myofascial Pain from a Car Accident   
  Description: Myofascial pain affects the muscles in your body and can significantly decrease your quality of life. If you’re struggling with this chronic condition and it was caused by a car accident, check out this article.
• When Should I Contact a Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyer?   
  Description: If you’ve suffered an injury in the Norfolk area of Hampton Roads, consider consulting with a Norfolk personal injury lawyer. We can help ease some of the burden that inevitably comes from a car accident, truck wreck, or surgical error. To learn more, read this article.
• Our Firm's Client-First Approach to Handling a Personal Injury Case   
  Description: Our law firm is committed to providing you with high quality, professional legal representation. We always want you to be fully informed and in this endeavor, we have broken down the typical steps in the personal injury claims and litigation process. To learn more, read this article.
• Car Accident Victim – Steps to Take in Virginia   
  Description: Many car accident victims are overwhelmed by the paperwork and hassles of dealing with an insurance company after a car wreck. Read this article to learn the steps car accident victims in Virginia should take to ensure they received compensation for their personal injury.
• The Insurance Company is Giving Me a Hard Time   
  Description: If the insurance company is giving you a hard time and dragging their feet to respond to your claim, give our firm a call so we can discuss your situation. We deal with insurance companies on a daily basis and we're here to help. To learn more, check out this article.
• Car Accident Wrist Injury Settlements in Virginia   
  Description: If you suffered a wrist injury in an accident that was caused by someone else’s carelessness, you may be entitled to compensation from a personal injury claim. Wrist injuries often occur when driver's suddenly and reflexively press their arm reflexively against the steering wheel or dashboard, and can be very serious and may alter the range of motion in your hand and arm for the rest of your life. This is why seeking compensation with the help of an injury lawyer makes sense. To learn more, check out this article.
• The 757 Injury Lawyer   
  Description: Hurt in a car accident in Hampton Roads? If so, take a look at this article. It provides information about the injury claims process and what you should look for if you decide to hire a Hampton Roads personal injury lawyer.
• Fatal Accidents Involving Company Cars or Trucks - Who Pays?   
  Description: When fatal accidents involve company cars or trucks, it may not be clear who is responsible. Is it the driver, especially when he is “on the clock” and acting within his official capacity, or is it the company that owns the cars or trucks. What if the driver is off-duty, but driving a company car or truck? Read this article for answers concerning fatal accidents involving company cars or trucks and wrongful death lawsuits.
• Virginia Beach Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Get the Compensation You Need   
  Description: If you’ve been seriously hurt in a car wreck on Laskin Road, Pacific Avenue, I-64, I-264, or anywhere else in Virginia (VA) you should consult with an Virginia Beach car accident lawyer.
• This article examines allegations made by a "whistleblower" who used to be Toyota Motors defense attorney. This attorney alleges the company, and fellow defense attorneys, hid important documents and test results which proved the car company had weak roof structures and this structural flaw was instrumental in numerous rollover car accidents. [PDF]   
  Description: Injuryboard Magazine, May 2010. Written by Richard N. Shapiro, firm attorney, who has written hundreds of injury law blog articles in the field.
• Williamsburg Car Accident Lawyer Knows How to Combat Insurance Company   
  Description: Insurance claims adjusters routinely try to take advantage of injured folks by using their tricks to delay or deny your legitimate injury claim. Don’t let them get away with this. Speak to a Williamsburg car accident lawyer to see what legal options are available to you.
• Health Insurance Repayment/Reimbursement in VA/Carolina Car Accident or Injury Cases   
  Description: Do you have to repay your health insurance company what they paid toward your medical bills/expenses on your Virginia or Carolina car accident settlement? The answer depends on whether a health insurance plan is set up under a federal law called “ERISA” and the answer may also be impacted by state law. A related concept is called "subrogation" and generally means that if an insurance company pays money to you under an insurance policy, there may be a contractual provision that allows the insurance company to then to “stand in your shoes" and bring a claim against a responsible party for recovery of the monies paid--if you don’t bring the claim on their behalf, but either way, the duty to reimburse an insurance company is part of the concept called subrogation. To learn more about health insurance reimbursement duties and subrogation claims in personal injury cases, check out this article.
• Suffolk Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Pick up the Pieces   
  Description: If you’ve lost a loved one in a car crash in Suffolk, Virginia (VA) it would be wise to speak to an attorney. You already have enough to deal with like making funeral arrangements and alerting family members of the loss. A Suffolk car accident lawyer can take some of the burden off your shoulders.
• Let a Newport News Car Accident Lawyer Deal with the Insurance Claims Adjuster   
  Description: There were over 3,000 car accidents in Newport News, Virginia in 2009. Of these accidents, nearly 2,000 involved someone suffering an injury. There’s a good chance at least some of these victims were forced to haggle with an insurance company claims adjuster. Learn what to do if you have to deal with a claims adjuster in this article.
• Why You Should Consult with a Portsmouth Car Accident Lawyer   
  Description: A lot of traffic volume in Portsmouth, Virginia (VA) revolves around the Midtown Tunnel, Downtown Tunnel and I-264. If you’ve been hurt in an accident in and around this area, you should speak to a Portsmouth car accident lawyer to see what legal options are available to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Hampton Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Get Compensated   
  Description: More than half of all car accidents in Hampton, Virginia (VA) wind up with an injured driver or passenger. This is why it is very important to speak with a Hampton car accident lawyer. They can explain your legal options and what kind of compensation you may receive. To learn more, check out this article.
• Norfolk Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Answer Important Questions   
  Description: A Norfolk car accident lawyer can help take some of the burden off your shoulders so you don’t spend all day haggling with insurance claims adjusters. To learn more, check out this article.
• When to Hire a Chesapeake Car Accident Lawyer   
  Description: You’ve been seriously hurt in an accident and don’t know what to do. This is where a Chesapeake car accident lawyer comes in. We can take some of the burden off your shoulders and deal with the insurance claims adjusters. We will work tirelessly on your behalf to get maximum compensation to help cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call us at 1-800-752-0042 for a free, new client consultation.
• What to Do if You Hit a Deer   
  Description: Hitting a deer can lead to hundreds, even thousands of dollars worth of damage to your car and can even cause serious injury. You need to be prepared and understand what type of insurance covers deer-car accidents and how you can obtain maximum policy compensation. Check out this article to learn more.

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Frequent Questions for Car & Motorcycle Accidents:

• MY doctor says my injuries are from before the wreck but it never gave me problems before, does this mean my case is worth less?

• What am I entitled to if I'm involved in a car accident?

• Should I use my health insurance if I have been in a wreck?

• What is Med Pay?

• I was in a car wreck and my friend was the at-fault driver. I don't feel comfortable suing. What should I do?

• Do I have to repay my health insurance co. if I have a personal injury case for my injuries?
• Why shouldn't I just take a quick settlement for whatever the car insurance company for the other driver will pay me?
• Our new clients in car accident cases often asked, "Can I accept a check which has been offered to me for my car repairs or will that mess up my claim for injuries and medical bills?"
• Should I use my regular health insurance to pay for the medical care I need as a result of a car accident?
• I've been hurt in a car wreck and the insurance company for the other driver has called me to give a recorded statement.  Should I do it?
• What do I do if the at-fault driver's car insurance is not returning my calls or dragging its feet after a Virginia car accident with injuries?
  
  
  
• Can I do additional rehab that my doctor hasn't recommended but I think may help in the healing process?
• What is the significance of interrogatories in a lawsuit?
• Can the other party ask about legal advice or conversations between you and your attorney?
• What are interrogatories and how can they be used against me?
• Will my new personal injury lawyer come to see me at my house or the hospital if I am not able to get to his office to hire him for my injury case?
• My car was smashed up in the car crash that was not my fault, what can I expect from the insurance company for the other driver on that part of the case?
• How much money will I have to pay a personal injury attorney as a retainer?

• What Happens to My Virginia Injury Case if I File Bankruptcy?

• What is the North Carolina (NC) statute of limitations for a personal injury in a car/motor vehicle accident, and in a medical malpractice case?

Case Results for Car & Motorcycle Accidents:

• Motorcycle Passengers Recover $1,512,000.00

Awarded: $1,512,000.00

• Rear Ender-Neck/Cervical Fusion Surgery, Lost Income and Earnings
• Pedestrians Struck by Automobile Recover $540,000.00

Awarded: $545,000.00

• Car Accident-minivan-knee surgery
• Crosswalk Accident With Broken Leg Settles For $227,000.00

Awarded: $227,000

• Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome brings verdict of $170,000.00

Awarded: $170,000.00

• Car Accident-Interstate Rear End Accident-Recovery for Future Medical Surgery Expenses (Va Beach, VA-I-264)

Awarded: $130,000.00

• Driver, Passengers Rear-Ended by Drunk Driver, Serious Injuries-Second Offense Drunk Driver Sued

Awarded: $110,000 (Four Injured, Rear-Ended By drunk driver)

• Pedestrian Hit by Car Driver, Serious Leg Injury, Crosswalk-$100,000 Settlement

Awarded: $100,000 Pedestrian/Crosswalk Settlement

• Soft Tissue Injuries Caused by Auto Accident

Awarded: $30,000.00

• Car Driver Injured in Intersection Collision/Accident

Awarded: $21,000.00

• Rear End Car Accident Injury - Beat Insurance Company's Best Offer

Awarded: 13,000

• Low Property Damage Wreck With Pre-Existing Shoulder Injury

Awarded: $50,000.00

• Black Ice Causes Multiple Accidents, One Death

Awarded: $410,000.00

• Virginia Beach Head-On Car Crash Injury Leads to $25,000 Jury Award

Awarded: $25,000.00

• Judge awards three times the insurance company's offer on case of disputed liability
• Chesapeake Driver Rear Ended When Slowing Car To Avoid Deer

Awarded: The case settled shortly after the insurance defense lawyer took our client’s deposition for approximately $73,500.00.

• Rear End Car Crash Leads to $75,000 Jury Award

Awarded: $50,000.00

• Serious Auto Accident Causes Death of Infant

Awarded: Confidential Sum

Videos about Car & Motorcycle Accidents:

• What To Do and What NOT To Do If You Miss Your Exit on the Highway
• Lost and Confused Drivers Can Cause Serious Car Accidents
• Texting and Talking On Your Cell Phone Are Forms of Distracted Driving
• Making a Right Turn at a Red Light - What's Legal? What's Not?
• The Risks of Making an Improper Lane Change in Virginia
• What To Do If You're Involved in a Rear End Car Crash in Virginia
• Double/Triple Recovery in Car Collsion Injury Cases-Experienced Injury Lawyers Explain your rights
• Car wreck injury basics in Virginia-by experienced injury attorneys
• Motorcycle Accidents and Insurance Coverage in Virginia
• Our Firm Sues Virginia Drunk Drivers for Punitive Damages
• Car Accident Lawyer in Virginia Beach Who Understands How to Deal with Passenger Injuries
• What to do When Your Child is Hurt in Car Accident
• Getting Compensation from a Driver With No Insurance
• Car/Truck Accident Attorneys In Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina
• Virginia Beach Injury Lawyer Explains Med Pay Benefits on Your Insurance Policy - Foster Vid
• Why You Should Not Settle Quickly - John Cooper - Car Accident
• Why You Should NOT Give an Insurance Adjuster Your Statement. - John Cooper - Car Accident
• Don't know at-fault driver's name - John Cooper - Car Accident
• Should You Cash Your Damage Check from the Insurance Company? - John Cooper - Car Accident
• Insurer Fails to Call You Back - John Cooper - Car Accident

Web Resources for Car & Motorcycle Accidents:

• Dangerous Trailers

  Description: This site is devoted to prevention of dangerous trailer accidents/injuries/deaths, especially runaway trailers, through safety regulations involving trailers, such as back up chains, proper lighting and illumination. Ron Melancon is the advocate who runs this site.

• The Lomardi Law Firm

  Description: The Lombardi Law Firm has been practicing law since 1981. They handle personal injury cases.

• Public Health

  Description: the efforts of Public Health in trying to prevent vehicle injuries

• Northeast North Carolina (NC) Injuryboard Blog

  Description: Our law firm edits this Northeast NC injury law blog, which serves the Outer Banks, Greenville, Roanoke Rapids, Rocky Mount and points between.

• Most Dangerous Intersections in America

  Description: As reported by State Farm Insurance

• Crashtest.com

  Description: Agencies and explanations

• NHTSA

  Description: Crash information

• Motor Vehicle Accident Liablility

  Description: FindLaw article

• National Transportation Safety Board

  Description: Official Web site of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), an independent US Federal agency.

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  Description: Save lives, prevent injuries, reduce vehicle-related crashes.

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Our Free Guides

Best Guide to Car Accident Injuries in Virginia

What To Do if Hurt in Accident by Uninsured or Uninsured Driver

THE Guide to Truck Crash Injuries: What To Do If Hurt in a Truck Wreck

Child Injury Guide: What To Do If Child Gets Hurt in an Accident

TOP TEN TIPS FROM EXPERIENCED MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAWYERS

Dangerous Drug Report: What To Do If Hurt by Prescription Drug

Surgical Errors Report: Surgical Mistakes Can Lead to Wrongful Death

Distracted Driving Report: Head Injuries Not Uncommon in Car Accidents

Airplane Accident Safety Guide: How to Avoid or Survive Airplane Crash

What Railroad Claim Agents Won't Tell You (But You Must Know)

Do's & Don'ts When Injured at a Railroad-- Your FELA Rights

Other Consumer Guides

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