Portsmouth Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drunk driving is a serious issue in Portsmouth, VA, and nationwide, and the consequences can be devastating. After a life-altering crash caused by a drunk driver, it can be difficult for victims to obtain a fair settlement. I’m Ed Atkinson, and as a Portsmouth drunk driving accident lawyer, I understand the insurance issues and legal battles injured victims and their families face.

If a crash has negatively impacted you or a loved one, I will gladly travel to meet with you, or we can talk about your case over the phone or online. During this initial meeting, we can discuss your case and your options for pursuing monetary compensation. As a Portsmouth car accident lawyer, I work on a contingency basis; you won’t pay upfront or out of pocket. 

Call Atkinson Law or fill out the online form for a free consultation.

Available Compensation in a Portsmouth Drunk Driving Accident Case

The aftermath of a serious accident can be painful and financially draining. That’s why it’s important to consider all of your accident-related losses when pursuing compensation.

As an experienced drunk driving accident attorney, I could help you seek the following damages:

• Medical bills: This compensation category includes all your medical expenses, like the ambulance ride, emergency treatment, follow-up appointments, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and other necessary treatments.
• Lost income: The wages or other income you lost due to the accident can also be included in your settlement demand. If you have a serious condition like a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that prevents you from returning to work, you can pursue damages for the loss of future earnings.
• Pain and suffering: This category includes non-economic damages related to physical pain, mental anguish, and inconvenience caused by the incident and your injuries.
• Loss of enjoyment: This damage aims to compensate you for your inability to participate in activities you enjoyed before the accident. This might include trips, dinners with family and friends, hobbies, or other aspects of your life that the crash has affected.
• Wrongful death damages: After a fatal drunk driving accident, the surviving spouse and certain relatives may qualify for wrongful death compensation, which addresses funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.
• Punitive damages: Because driving while intoxicated constitutes an unlawful disregard for the safety of others, punitive damages are awarded in some situations. For example, if the intoxicated driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was 0.15% or higher or if they refused the breath test, the court may award up to $350,000 in punitive damages.

Every accident is unique, but as your attorney, I will pursue all available forms of compensation in your case. This money could come from an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. 

I Will Handle the Settlement Negotiations for You

The insurance claims process after a motor vehicle accident is intentionally complex. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses protecting their bottom line and do not have your best interests at heart.

Even if it seems clear that their policyholder caused the accident, insurance adjusters will either try to deny liability or downplay your injuries.

Communications With Insurers

If someone from the other party’s insurance company approaches you, remember that they are not on your side. They hope to twist something you say to reduce your payout, and they might pressure you to settle for less than your injuries are worth.

Allow me to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf rather than risk damaging your case. I can handle all communications with insurers and other involved parties to protect your rights and maximize your settlement.

As an experienced Portsmouth personal injury lawyer who has represented insurance companies in car accident claims, I understand their tactics and how to counter them. I know how to build a case that makes claim adjusters listen and offer a fair settlement.

Taking Your Case to Court

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, I will gladly take your case to court to win the compensation that is rightfully yours. I am a seasoned trial lawyer who is prepared to go the distance in your case.

As a drunk driving accident lawyer in Portsmouth with 15 years of experience, my approach to case building is a proactive one. I would rather have more evidence than I need than risk being underprepared for a jury trial. 

Virginia Time Limit for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

The Code of Virginia § 8.01-243 establishes a time limit for taking legal action against the responsible party. Typically, you have a two-year window to initiate a personal injury lawsuit, with a few notable exceptions, such as when the victim is a minor. The general two-year deadline also applies to wrongful death claims.

While you might have nearly two years left to formally file a legal claim, reaching out to Atkinson Law now will give me more time to build a strong case on your behalf. 

Waiting too long can lead to the loss of crucial evidence and difficulty locating witnesses. Starting the process now ensures your case is built on a strong foundation.

Reach Out to Atkinson Law After a Portsmouth Accident

Injuries caused by drunk drivers are often severe, but even a minor fender bender can cause back and neck pain, vehicle damage, and other inconveniences. You shouldn’t have to pay for a collision someone else caused. You deserve a fair settlement or court award, and my job is to make that happen. And you can still win punitive damages against a drunk driver if your injuries are minor.

After a devastating collision caused by a drunk driver, hiring an experienced Portsmouth drunk driving accident lawyer like me can help you obtain a favorable settlement or court award. When I accept your case, I’ll give it the personal attention it deserves and fight for the maximum compensation available.

Contact Atkinson Law now to get started with zero risk!