After being harmed by another person’s negligence, you should strongly consider partnering with a local attorney, since locally-based legal counsel comes with a lot of benefits. While an out-of-area law firm that handles cases all over the country might seem impressive, among other issues, their lawyers will not have the same knowledge of local laws and standing in the community as a local attorney. As an active part of our community, the Chesapeake personal injury attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp have been committed to protecting the rights of injured victims since 1985 and have successfully recovered millions of dollars in financial compensation on their behalf. If you were injured by someone else’s negligent actions and would like to discuss your potential claim with an experienced attorney, call us to schedule a free consultation.
Why Should I Hire a Local Attorney?
When pursuing damages for negligence-based injuries or wrongful death, some of the benefits of working with a local attorney include:
Knowledge of Local Laws
Multiple local laws, especially those pertaining to insurance coverage and liability, can impact a personal injury claim. As a personal injury law firm based in Hampton Roads, Virginia adjacent to Chesapeake, our attorneys have a thorough understanding of Virginia’s complicated liability laws and know what rights our clients have when they are injured due to negligence. Working with a lawyer who is not from the area will likely prolong the resolution of your case since they will first have to research and learn about local laws. A local Chesapeake personal injury attorney will also be familiar with the various deadlines for filing legal documents, whereas one from out of the area may not be.
Familiarity With Judges and Opposing Counsel
Attorneys who have practiced personal injury law in the same area for a length of time often come across people they know while working on cases. Knowing the lawyers who defend insurance carriers is often advantageous because a local attorney will know the strategies they like to employ when arguing cases. They also know which negotiation tactics are likely to be successful and which are not.
Being acquainted with local judges is also important because a local attorney will understand the preferences and personalities of the judges in their jurisdiction. A local attorney who has established a good rapport with the judge arguing on your behalf will be better received than a lawyer they have never seen before. In addition to judges and defense attorneys, a local attorney will also be familiar with local insurance adjusters, business owners, and expert witnesses.
They Have a Reputation Within the Community
Local attorneys, particularly those who are successful, tend to build up a good reputation among the community. A reputable personal injury attorney should be acknowledged as unwavering in their support of their clients and diligent in recovering maximum financial compensation, both of which are beneficial when going up against a major insurance company. When an insurance company knows its lawyer is going up against an attorney who is ready, willing, and able to file a lawsuit, they will be much more likely to agree to a fair settlement offer.
Knowledge of the Courthouse
In the event that your case requires you to appear in court, you will probably need some assistance when it comes to navigating the courthouse. Through years of experience, your local attorney will know their way around and can advise you on how to proceed in a professional and well-prepared manner that reflects favorably on you and your case. Even small details, such as where to park and how to dress can be helpful even if they do not seem relevant to your case.
They Are Conveniently Located
Another advantage of working with a local attorney from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp is that we are conveniently located. If you hire a lawyer whose main office is 200 miles away, they might be hesitant to meet with you as often as you would like unless you are willing to travel to them. If you are seriously injured or are mourning the death of a family member, this could be overwhelming. The comfort of living in the same general area as your attorney can also make the legal process less stressful.
Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp
Our local attorneys drive, work, and live in the same communities as you and your family. We are familiar with the businesses and roadways in and around the Hampton Roads area and are aware of the area’s issues, such as which intersections are notorious for accidents. This allows us to quickly respond to the scene and collect critical evidence without delay. By working with attorneys who are knowledgeable on local matters, you now have an invaluable asset on your side. In one recent case, we secured a $1 million wrongful death settlement for the family of a woman who was fatally struck by the driver of a commercial van as she was riding her bike home from work. If you are looking for legal guidance after being injured or losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, schedule a free consultation with the experienced Hampton Roads, Virginia personal injury attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp by calling (833) 997-1774 or filling out our easy contact form. For your convenience, we have offices located in Hampton, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach.