Car accidents can happen to anyone, even careful drivers. Some accident claims get settled quickly between the drivers and their insurance companies, but even simple cases can run into problems. For example, there may not be enough proof to show the other driver caused the crash, or the insurance company might try to blame you instead. If that happens, you could be stuck paying your own medical bills and other costs.
Simply put, you need to be very careful when putting your case together. If you were injured in a car accident, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of getting a fair settlement with help from the Norfolk car accident lawyers at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp.
How Often Do Norfolk Car Accidents Happen?
Norfolk is one of the five largest cities in Virginia, so it sees a lot of car accidents each year. In 2024, there were nearly 4,800 crashes in the city. Those crashes led to 2,086 injuries and 20 deaths. Most of the accidents happened on highways. The most dangerous spot was where I-64 and I-264 meet, with almost 500 crashes. Another high-risk area was the stretch of I-64 between Chesapeake Boulevard and Route 460, where there were about 470 crashes.
In 2024, some of the top causes of car accidents in Norfolk were speeding and drunk driving. Speeding led to 1,023 crashes, with 502 people injured and 5 deaths. Drunk driving caused 188 crashes, with 121 injuries and 6 deaths.
Why Does Proving Fault Matter After a Norfolk Car Accident?
Virginia’s fault rules are stricter than in many other states. Virginia uses a pure contributory negligence rule. This means if you are found even 1% at fault for the crash, you may not be able to recover any money at all. In most other states, your payment is reduced only by your share of the blame. Insurance companies know how strict Virginia’s rule is and may try to shift fault onto you to avoid paying. If you think that’s happening, it’s safest to contact our lawyers for help.
What Evidence Can Be Used to Prove Fault?
Gathering proof for a car accident case starts at the crash scene. If it’s safe, take photos or video of the area, the damage to all vehicles, and your injuries. Keep taking pictures of your injuries as they heal or change. Get the name and contact details of the other driver and any witnesses who saw what happened. After you see a doctor, save copies of your medical records and any messages or letters from insurance companies about your injuries.
Our Norfolk car accident lawyers can handle the rest of the evidence for your case. We may be able to legally request security camera video from the day of the crash, as well as statements from witnesses or the other driver. If needed, we can also bring in accident or medical experts to explain how the crash happened and how your injuries affect your life, which can help make your case stronger.
What is the Filing Deadline for Norfolk Car Accident Claims?
Virginia sets a strict deadline for filing a car accident injury claim, known as the statute of limitations. In most cases, you have two years from the day the accident occurred to file your personal injury claim. Some exceptions can change the deadline, so it’s important to talk with our Norfolk car crash lawyers as soon as you can to learn your options.
When Should I Contact a Norfolk Car Accident Lawyer?
Small fender-benders usually don’t require a lawyer, especially if no one is hurt and the damage is minor. But in more serious crashes, a lot more is at risk. If you are dealing with large medical bills and repair costs, it often makes sense to have a lawyer help with your claim. A lawyer can look into what happened, gather proof, and build a strong case for you. This can include talking to witnesses, reviewing police and traffic reports, and getting evidence you may not be able to get on your own, like security video.
Besides looking into the accident, a lawyer can also save you a lot of time and stress. Building a case takes work, and many injured people don’t want to handle it alone. After gathering the proof, a lawyer can figure out what your claim is really worth and deal with the insurance company for you, including the settlement talks.
What Damages Are Available After a Norfolk Car Accident?
After a car accident, many people focus only on their first medical bills and car repair costs. But your losses may be bigger than that. You might need more treatment later, miss a lot of work, or struggle emotionally after the crash. These problems should also be included in your claim. We can help you seek payment for:
- Diminished earning capacity and/or lost wages
- Current and anticipated medical bills
- Non-economic damages, like reduced quality of life and emotional anguish
- Property damage
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Because Virginia has very strict fault rules, strong proof is extremely important in a car accident case. You need clear evidence to show the other party caused the crash, how serious your injuries are, and why you should be compensated for your losses.
With more than a century of combined experience, our Norfolk car accident lawyers have helped many injured people collect strong proof and build solid cases for financial recovery. In one case, we won $3.5 million for a client who suffered permanent brain damage after being hit head-on by a drunk driver.
If you were hurt because someone else was careless, talk with our personal injury team to learn your options. You can set up a free case review by calling our office at (833) 997-1774 or filling out our online contact form. To better serve our clients, we have offices in Norfolk, Hampton, Virginia Beach, and Portsmouth.
