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NORFOLK CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER

Helping You Recover Compensation for Your Injuries & Anguish After a Car Accident that Wasn’t Your Fault.

After a car accident, it’s crucial to have the support of experienced professionals who can help you navigate the complexities of personal injury claims and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact the Norfolk car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC for a free consultation. No legal fees unless we win. Email us or call/text 757-233-0009 anytime.

With a proven track record of advocating for our clients, we possess the knowledge and dedication to guide you through the legal process. Our team understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll that accidents can have on individuals and their families.

By reaching out to the Norfolk-based law firm of Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC, you can rest assured that you’ll have a dedicated advocate on your side, fighting for your rights and helping you on the path to recovery and justice.


NORFOLK CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY RICHARD SERPE

Richard J. Serpe

For over 37 years, Richard Serpe has helped car accident victims seek the compensation they deserve. He’s earned a reputation as a well-respected, hard-working attorney with a tenacious approach to every case he takes on. Mr. Serpe has a track record of success in obtaining favorable settlements and verdicts for his clients.

Best Lawyers® (2005 – Present); Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers (2020); Virginia Super Lawyer: (2006 – Present);  Avvo.com : Rated 10/10 – “Superb,” Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory: AV Preeminent rating (highest given).

CAR ACCIDENT CASES WE HANDLE

Our Norfolk personal injury law firm has successfully settled Virginia vehicle-related personal injury cases of all varieties including:


HOW A NORFOLK CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER CAN HELP

Here are a few ways our Norfolk car accident lawyers can to protect your right to compensation:

  • Conduct an investigation and determine the potential value of your claim
  • Protect you from abusive insurance company tactics
  • Help you to avoid costly mistakes that could ruin your case
  • Negotiate with the insurance company for a favorable financial recovery
  • File a lawsuit if the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement

COMPENSATION FOR NORFOLK AUTO ACCIDENT VICTIMS

Norfolk car accident settlements are typically based on both the damage done and the severity of the injuries sustained. Another major factor? Whether or not there is insurance coverage and the policy limits. Depending on the specifics of the car accident, accident victims may be entitled to compensatory damages:

  • Medical Bills: Whether you need an ambulance ride to a hospital, an emergency life-saving surgery, or physical therapy, medical bills add up quickly. Victims can seek compensation for those bills and any future medical expenses associated with their injuries.
  • Lost Wages: Car accidents put people out of work for weeks, months, years, or even permanently. The loss of future earnings due to a life-altering injury may also be factored into your settlement.
  • Pain and Suffering: This often involves measuring the severity and permanency of your car accident injuries.
  • Wrongful Death: If your loved one was killed in a car crash, you’re probably grief-stricken and wondering how you’ll pay for the medical bills and funeral costs. Not to mention the loss of future income for your family. The emotional loss cannot be understated, either. The loss of companionship and affection is irreplaceable. In Virginia, certain family members may bring a claim for the losses they have suffered from the death of a loved one.

CAR ACCIDENT SETTLEMENTS

  • $5,000,000.00: defective vehicle causes wrongful death
  • $1,600.000.00: drunk driver causes car accident
  • $300,000.00: drunk driver strikes pedestrian
  • $150,000.00: teen texting and driving causes car accident
  • $125,000.00: car accident settlement
  • $100,000.00: pedestrian hit by car

STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (DEADLINES)

If you’ve been involved in a serious car accident, time is of the essence. The statute of limitations for most Virginia personal injury claims is typically limited to just two years. However, depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, that deadline can vary. And once your statute of limitations has passed, Virginia will no longer allow you to seek compensation for your injuries.

While two years might seem like a long time, that could not be further from the truth. After a serious car accident, it may take months to a year for you to finish your medical treatment. Your attorney will also need time to conduct a thorough investigation, build your case, and negotiate with the insurance company. Accidents with complicating factors and life-altering injuries are inevitably more complex and time-consuming. If you wait too long, it may be hard for you to find a good attorney to take on your case.


HOW DOES A NORFOLK CAR ACCIDENT CASE WORK?

There are many factors that go into determining how long it will take to settle a car accident case. These steps can vary in length depending on the case, so there is no cut and dried answer to questions about how long the personal injury claims process takes. Here are a few of the more important steps in the process:

  1. Initial consultation. When a client schedules their initial meeting with our auto accident team, they share their story and learn of their legal options. A discussion of the person’s rights leads to a decision of whether to work together or not. If the person wishes to hire our law firm, they’ll sign an agreement allowing us to represent them.
  2. Investigation. Our legal team will work to investigate the accident that caused your injuries. We’ll be looking into medical records, statements of witnesses, the police accident reports and photographs taken at the scene. In some cases, we may even hire experts to better understand what led to the incident.
  3. Settlement negotiations. In order to receive a fair settlement from your insurance company, we compile a demand package that contains pertinent results from the investigation. Most cases are resolved at this point, but if your injuries are severe these negotiations could go on for quite some time. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a lawsuit may need to be filed.
  4. Resolution. Filing a lawsuit puts your case into the hands of the court system. Although this does kick-start preparations for a jury trial, your attorney may continue to negotiations.

DEALING WITH INSURANCE ADJUSTERS

It’s a good rule of thumb not to speak with the other driver’s insurance company by yourself. Insurance companies are businesses first and foremost, and they’re looking to pay the lowest amount for claims in order to make the greatest profit. Anything you say to the adjuster could potentially be used against you, and so it’s wisest to direct them to your Norfolk car accident attorney.

We strongly advise that you do not speak to any car insurance claims adjusters until you speak with an experienced attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that will ruin your case.

If you choose our Norfolk car accident law firm, we immediately contact the insurance companies and inform them that they are no longer allowed to contact you. We will take over all communication dealing with insurance. Of course, we do not make any decisions without speaking to you first. They have to go through us to get to you.


CAUSES OF NORFOLK AUTO ACCIDENTS

In 2022, there were 3,847 car accidents in Norfolk resulting in 23 fatalities and 1,985 injuries. Common causes that contribute to such accidents include:

  • Distracted driving stands out as a leading cause, with activities like texting, phone calls, or eating diverting the driver’s attention from the road.
  • Speeding, another prevalent cause, reduces reaction time and amplifies the severity of accidents.
  • Drunk driving is a dangerous practice that impairs coordination and judgment.
  • Reckless driving behaviors, such as aggressive maneuvers and ignoring traffic laws, also play a significant role.
  • Factors like fatigue, adverse weather conditions, and running red lights or stop signs further contribute to the frequency of accidents.
  • Inexperience, tailgating, improper turns, vehicle defects, poor road conditions, failure to yield,  poor visibility.

TYPES OF NORFOLK CAR ACCIDENTS

Car accidents can occur in various forms, each presenting unique risks and circumstances. Some common types of car accidents include:

  • Rear-End Collisions: These accidents happen when a vehicle hits the rear end of another vehicle. They often occur due to tailgating, distracted driving, or sudden stops.
  • T-Bone Accidents (Side Impact): Also known as side-impact collisions, these occur when the front end of one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle. They commonly happen at intersections or when a driver fails to yield the right of way.
  • Head-On Collisions: These accidents involve two vehicles colliding front to front. Head-on collisions often result from factors such as wrong-way driving, overtaking in a no-passing zone, or driver impairment.
  • Rollover Accidents: Rollovers involve a vehicle overturning onto its side or roof. They typically occur when a driver loses control, overcorrects a turn, or during high-speed collisions.
  • Multi-Vehicle Pileups: These accidents involve numerous vehicles colliding in a chain reaction. They often occur on highways, especially during inclement weather or low visibility conditions.
  • Wrong-way Accidents: These are a serious and often tragic consequence of drivers traveling in the opposite direction of traffic flow, leading to devastating collisions.
  • Hit-and-run Accidents: These involve a driver fleeing the scene after colliding with another vehicle or a pedestrian, leaving behind potential victims.

NORFOLK CAR ACCIDENT INJURIES

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity depending on the circumstances of the collision.

  • Whiplash: This occurs when the head and neck are suddenly jerked forward and backward, straining the soft tissues in the neck.
  • Fractures: Car accidents can result in broken bones, commonly in the arms, legs, ribs, or the skull. These fractures can vary in severity from hairline fractures to compound fractures that break through the skin.
  • Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. They often occur when the head makes contact with the dashboard, steering wheel, or windshield during a collision.
  • Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass, flying debris, or sharp objects in the car can cause cuts and lacerations. These injuries may require stitches or more extensive medical treatment.
  • Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma in a car accident can lead to internal injuries such as damage to the organs, internal bleeding, or even ruptured blood vessels. These injuries may not be immediately apparent and require prompt medical attention.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: A severe car accident can cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis or loss of sensation in various parts of the body. Spinal cord injuries can have a profound and lasting impact on a person’s life.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries: In addition to whiplash, car accidents can cause strains, sprains, and contusions in muscles, tendons, and ligaments throughout the body. These injuries can be painful and may take time to heal.
  • Burns: Car accidents can lead to fires or explosions, causing burns of varying degrees. Burn injuries often require specialized medical care and can result in scarring and long-term physical and psychological effects.
  • Facial Injuries: Airbags, steering wheels, and shattered glass can lead to facial injuries such as broken noses, eye injuries, or damage to the jawbone.
  • Seatbelt and Airbag Injuries: While seatbelts and airbags are crucial for safety, they can also cause injuries in high-impact collisions. Seatbelt injuries may include bruising or fractures, while airbag deployment can lead to burns and abrasions.
  • Crush Injuries: In accidents with significant structural damage to the vehicle, individuals can suffer crush injuries, which can lead to damage to internal organs, bones, and soft tissues.
  • Amputations: Severe accidents can result in traumatic amputations of limbs or digits, requiring immediate medical attention and long-term rehabilitation.

NORFOLK CAR ACCIDENT LOCATIONS

  • Granby Street and Virginia Beach Boulevard: This busy intersection sees heavy traffic due to its proximity to shopping centers, restaurants, and residential areas.
  • Hampton Boulevard and 38th Street: Located near Old Dominion University, this intersection experiences high volumes of traffic, including students, commuters, and pedestrians.
  • Brambleton Avenue and Tidewater Drive: This intersection is a major crossing point for vehicles traveling to and from downtown Norfolk, naval bases, and nearby neighborhoods.
  • Military Highway and Northampton Boulevard: Situated in the northern part of Norfolk, this intersection is near retail centers and experiences significant traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours.
  • Granby Street and 21st Street: Located in the Ghent neighborhood, this intersection sees a mix of pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle traffic due to its proximity to residential areas, restaurants, and shops.
  • Little Creek Road and Chesapeake Boulevard: This intersection connects multiple neighborhoods and experiences heavy traffic flow throughout the day.
  • Interstate 64 (I-64): I-64 is a major east-west interstate that runs through Norfolk. It connects the city with other key Virginia cities like Richmond, Williamsburg, and Hampton.
  • Interstate 264 (I-264): I-264, also known as the Norfolk-Virginia Beach Expressway, serves as a primary route within the city. It connects Norfolk with Virginia Beach and provides access to the Oceanfront area and other coastal destinations.
  • Interstate 464 (I-464): I-464 is a short interstate that connects I-64 in Chesapeake to downtown Norfolk. It provides convenient access to the downtown area, the naval base, and various other parts of the city.
  • U.S. Route 13 (US-13): US-13 is a north-south highway that runs through Norfolk, connecting it with other cities along the Eastern Seaboard. It is an important transportation route for both commercial and passenger vehicles.
  • U.S. Route 58 (US-58): US-58 passes through Norfolk, providing a connection to the southwestern part of the state. It is a significant east-west route that extends from Virginia to Tennessee.
  • U.S. Route 460 (US-460): While US-460 does not directly pass through Norfolk, it serves as a major route in the region, providing a connection between Norfolk and other cities in Virginia and beyond.

VIRGINIA CAR ACCIDENT FAQs

  1. What should I do immediately after a car accident to protect my rights?
    • After a car accident, prioritize your safety and the safety of others involved. Call 911, seek medical attention, and report the accident to the police. Exchange information with the other driver(s) and gather evidence if possible, such as photos of the accident scene and witness information.
  2. When should I contact a personal injury attorney after a car accident?
    • It’s advisable to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the accident. They can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights from the beginning.
  3. What damages can I recover for my injuries in a car accident lawsuit?
    • You may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in rare cases, punitive damages.
  4. How long do I have to file a car accident injury lawsuit?
    • The statute of limitations for Virginia car accident injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. However, depending on the circumstances of your situation, there may be other deadlines.
  5. Do I need to prove the other driver was at fault in the accident to sue for injuries?
    • Yes, you generally need to establish the other driver’s negligence or fault to have a valid car accident injury claim. This may involve gathering evidence, witnesses, and expert testimony.
  6. Is it better to settle or go to trial in a car accident case?
    • Whether to settle or go to trial depends on the circumstances of your case. Most cases are settled out of court, but if the other party refuses to offer a fair settlement, you may need to go to trial.
  7. How do I choose the right car accident attorney for my case?
    • Look for an attorney with experience in Virginia car accident injury cases, a good reputation, and a history of successful outcomes. Consultations are usually free, so it’s a good opportunity to evaluate their suitability for your case.

NORFOLK CAR ACCIDENT CLIENT REVIEW

“Within seconds of meeting with Richard Serpe, he identified a number of potential mistakes I was making – many of which could have been quite costly. Throughout the entire process, from the accident to physical therapy to court dates and depositions, Richard acted as my advocate, my friend, my partner, and my champion. He was meticulous in his gathering of evidence, he was thoughtful in how he handled documentation. There were days when I couldn’t focus on the future because the present was just too challenging. Richard often checked in on me, took phone calls and emails and was incredibly responsive. He took all the heat so I could focus on recovery. I can’t imagine how I would have been able to make it through this process without having Richard by my side.” – Melissa B.


NORFOLK CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS

Insurance companies have deep pockets and tremendous resources. Our Downtown Norfolk law firm understands that the costs associated with a lawsuit can be a barrier to justice. This is why we offer a no-fee promise. Ultimately, you don’t owe us any legal fees unless we settle or win your personal injury case. If we accept your case, we will work on your behalf to get a fair settlement and only charge legal fees if you receive a settlement or verdict. Call our Virginia car accident lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your options.


NORFOLK CAR ACCIDENT RESOURCES


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    “I highly recommend this Personal Injury Law Firm. They kept me in the loop with everything going on and gave honest advice. I am very satisfied!”
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    Mr Serpe is a kind, considerate professional I would recommend to anyone who needs legal help recovering from an auto accident or other personal injury. I really enjoyed working with
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    Richard Serpe was the answer to our prayers for finding justice in the legal system. Our fight against the Chinese over the course of six years was emotional and difficult
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    Richard Serpe handled the case for my daughter for injuries she received over 10 years ago. The people who work for him were always great to work with! They responded
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