On average, a traffic accident occurs every 4 minutes in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Tens of thousands of people are injured every day in the state, and hundreds are killed each year. Tragically, most car accidents are preventable and caused by negligence, carelessness, or wrongdoing.
At Coletrane & Messersmith, we represent individuals and families who have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a car accident. Our lawyers have recovered millions on behalf of auto injury victims throughout Hampton Roads, Virginia.
If you have been involved in an auto accident and believe that another person caused the accident, contact our office for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you recover the compensation you deserve after a car accident. Call (757) 821-6949 to get started.
Get Answers to Your Questions:
- Virginia Car Accident Statistics
- Newport News and Hampton Roads Accident Statistics
- Common Car Accident Injuries
- Types of Auto Accident Cases We Handle
- Why Hire an Attorney?
- Why Hire Coletrane & Messersmith?
- Who Is Responsible for My Injuries?
- How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
- How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
Virginia Car Accident Statistics
According to the Virginia Highway Safety Office, there are over 120,000 traffic crashes on the Commonwealth’s roadways each year.
Data collected by the Virginia Highway Safety Office shows:
- 2.3 lives are lost each day due to traffic accidents;
- 180 people are injured in auto accidents each day;
- Approximately 65,000 injuries resulted from traffic crashes in a single year;
- In 2019 alone, there were 827 auto accident fatalities;
- There were 23,246 crashes resulted from distracted driving;
- Each year there are over 7,000 alcohol-related crashes; and
- There were over 300 fatalities related to speeding.
The statistics are devastating. One out of every 25.8 drivers was involved in a crash. When you are injured, you need an advocate that will pursue the maximum compensation available in your case.
Newport News and Hampton Roads Accident Statistics
Hampton Roads is home to some of the most idyllic roads in central Coastal Virginia. Steeped in history and teeming with pristine scenery, these two cities and the surrounding areas attract visitors from all over.
The roads, however, can become treacherous. Thousands of traffic crashes happen each year in these two cities resulting in injuries and death.
As noted in the latest report by the Virginia Highway Safety Office:
- There were 3,526 traffic accidents in Newport News and 3,272 in Hampton, VA.
- Of those crashes, over 5,000 resulted in injuries.
- Speed was a factor in 1,053 car accidents between the two cities.
- Alcohol was a contributing factor in over 300 crashes.
- A total of 30 people lost their lives in traffic crashes.
At Coletrane & Messersmith, our car accident lawyers have over a decade of experience fighting for car accident victims and their families. You should never have to pay for another person’s wrongdoing. Call our office at (757) 821-6949 to get started.
Common Car Accident Injuries
After a car accident, it can be difficult to determine the true extent of your injuries. It is vital for your recovery, both physical and financial, to get treatment immediately. Even if you do not believe that you were seriously injured, you should still get checked out by a doctor.
Common injuries after a car accident include:
- Broken bones
- Facial lacerations
- Dislocated shoulders
- Neck and back pain
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Punctured lung and damaged ribs
- Torn muscles and tendons
- Wrongful death
Your body may be in shock from the sudden, unexpected impact of a collision and unable to detect internal injuries. Failing to receive treatment can delay your recovery and affect your right to receive compensation for your damages.
Types of Auto Accident Cases We Handle
At Coletrane & Messersmith, our legal team has extensive experience handling all forms of motor vehicle accidents. Whether you are involved in a collision with a large, commercial truck or were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, we can help.
We handle auto accidents caused by:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence/driving while impaired
- Rollover collision
- Failure to yield/failure to stop
- Reckless driving
- Following too closely
- Fatigued driving
- Improper lane change
- Hit and run
If you are involved in a collision caused by one of the above or are injured because of another person’s negligent driving, contact our office today. We proudly serve all of the communities in Hampton Roads and the surrounding areas.
Why Hire an Attorney?
Unfortunately, many people believe that they do not need an attorney after an accident. It is important to know that the insurance company is not on your side. Too often, insurance adjusters try to downplay the injuries of a car accident victim or try to place the blame on anyone besides their insured.
Afraid that they will end up with nothing, people end up settling for far less than their case is worth. Insurance companies know that unrepresented individuals are less likely to pursue litigation and will use numerous tactics to get them to settle for compensation that fails to cover all of their injuries, treatment, and lost wages.
Reasons to hire an attorney after a car accident:
- You have a much better chance of receiving full and fair compensation for your injuries;
- You will not have to face the insurance company alone;
- Hiring an attorney should not cost you anything out of pocket;
- Consultations are free and will help you understand your rights and responsibilities; and
- You can get access to the treatment you need.
Why Choose Coletrane & Messersmith to Represent You?
Our car accident lawyers know what it takes to win. We have recovered millions on behalf of our clients and will not rest until justice is served. After a car accident, an injured party often faces extreme financial hardship. They may be unable to work, have mounting medical bills, and face years of painful treatment or surgery.
Our mission at Coletrane & Messersmith is to help individuals and their families get through this difficult time and obtain the compensation that they deserve. When an accident is caused by another person’s negligence or wrongdoing, you should not have to pay. Contact our office to learn about your legal options and file a claim for damages.
Who Is Responsible for My Injuries?
In the Commonwealth of Virginia, the party that is at fault for the accident is responsible for paying damages to any injured victims. Virginia is one of only a handful of states that still follows the rule of pure contributory negligence. With contributory negligence, if an injured party is found to be partially at fault for the accident, they are barred from recovery.
Contributory negligence is a harsh rule, but there are defenses. It is imperative that you speak to an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Insurance companies will often try to place injured parties at fault in order to deny otherwise valid claims. Our car accident lawyers can help you understand who can be held liable and how to file the legal documents to begin your case.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
At Coletrane & Messersmith, we handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. We spare no expense in investigating, negotiating, and litigating your case. Our goal is always to get you the largest recovery possible based on the circumstances of your case and your injuries.
All consultations with our car accident lawyers are free and without obligation to retain our services. We will come to you at no cost, regardless of whether you are recovering at home or in the hospital. When you are injured in an auto accident, the last thing you should have to worry about is how you are going to afford quality representation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
Under Section 8.01-243 of the Code of Virginia, you have two years from the date of the accident to bring a claim for damages based on personal injury. Failure to bring a lawsuit within this statute of limitations could bar your right to compensation.
There are limited exceptions to the statute of limitations, but it is critical to discuss your case with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident resulting in injuries. In an auto accident case, conducting an independent investigation and gathering sufficient evidence to bring a claim for damages can take months.
By consulting with a car accident lawyer immediately after you are injured, you have the best chance of filing a timely lawsuit.
Call our office today at (757) 821-6949 to speak directly with an experienced car accident lawyer in Hampton Roads. We know the law and will do everything we can to get you the most substantial recovery possible.
