Skilled Tazewell Auto Accident Attorneys Hold Negligent Drivers Accountable
Virginia car accident firm stands up for the injured
If you’ve been hurt in an auto wreck caused by someone else’s negligence, you probably have many questions on your mind. When will the pain go away? How serious are the injuries? What if I can’t work and can’t support myself and my family? On top of these concerns, you want to know whether you can hold the other driver accountable for your financial losses. The Tazewell car accident lawyers of Altizer, McGraw and French PLLC understand what you’re going through and we’re here to help.
Tenacious attorneys experienced in all types of motor vehicle accidents
Virginia saw about 132,000 auto accidents occur in 2018, with half of those resulting in injuries. In Tazewell County alone there were 640 accidents and 393 injuries. With decades of experience, our attorneys fight for clients who have been hurt or have lost loved ones in all kinds of accidents, including those caused by:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Lack of passenger restraints
No matter what led to the accident you were involved in, the sooner you get in touch with a personal injury lawyer, the better. There are complex insurance issues to work through, evidence to obtain, witnesses to locate and other steps your attorney will need to take to properly evaluate your case.
Lawyers seek compensation for all types of injuries suffered in auto wrecks
Our lawyers have successfully represented crash victims suffering a wide range of serious injuries, including paralysis, loss of limb, head and neck trauma and brain injuries. We also represent relatives of fatal crash victims in wrongful death cases. Our firm does everything possible to help clients obtain compensation for medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering and other damages stemming from auto accident injuries.
How Virginia’s contributory negligence law affects car accident victims
Virginia is one of a handful of states that still use the rule of pure contributory negligence, which can lead to harsh outcomes for people injured in accidents. In order for you to win a personal injury lawsuit in Virginia, fault for the accident must lie entirely with another person or persons. If you are found to be even 1 percent at fault, you cannot recover damages. For example, if you were injured in an auto accident where someone ran a red light and struck your car, but it is discovered that you were eating while driving, you may be denied any damages.
Even though this rule can be tough to overcome, don’t let it stop you from consulting with a qualified auto accident lawyer who can advise you on the strength of your case.
The basics of filing a car accident claim in Virginia
Virginia is a traditional at-fault state when it comes to assigning financial responsibility for an injured party’s medical expenses, lost income and other damages from a wreck. That means a claim for compensation is first filed with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier. However, insurers often put up a fight, particularly if the person making the claim is even slightly to blame. The injured party benefits from having a lawyer to pursue a contested claim. You may also file a claim with your own insurance company if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance. The final recourse is to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for losses not compensated by insurance. A lawsuit is often necessary when injuries are severe or expected to be long lasting.
Contact a Virginia auto accident lawyer to discuss your situation
The lawyers of Altizer, McGraw and French PLLC are passionate about helping clients recover compensation for injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents. To speak with one of our experienced attorneys, please call our Tazewell office at 877-695-0258 or contact us online to arrange a consultation.
