Portsmouth Car Accident Lawyer

After a car accident, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. Whether you have suffered injuries or property damage, the aftermath of a collision can be stressful and confusing. Fortunately, a Portsmouth car accident lawyer will protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

As a personal injury lawyer in Portsmouth, I am dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to injured victims throughout Virginia. With years of experience and a track record of success, I am committed to helping you through this difficult time. I am Ed Atkinson; call me today to discuss your car accident case.

Common Types of Car Accident Cases I Litigate

Auto accident cases involve multiple parties, insurance companies, and legal requirements. Work with an experienced personal injury lawyer who will navigate the legal system and fight for your rights.

I have been a licensed attorney since 2008, and since then, I have litigated a wide range of car crash cases, including:

• Rear-end collisions: These occur when one car strikes another from behind, often due to following too closely or distracted driving.
• T-bone collisions: Also known as side-impact accidents, these occur when one car collides with the side of another car, typically at an intersection.
• Head-on collisions: One of the most serious crashes occurs when two vehicles collide front-to-front, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
• DUI crashes: When a driver operates a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it impairs their ability to drive safely and can cause serious or fatal accidents.
• Hit-and-run accidents: Under Virginia Code § 46.2-894, any driver, regardless of fault, must stop at the accident scene that results in any personal injury, death, or property damage.

This is only a small sample of the large variety of cases I handle. So please contact me after any collision, as I might be able to help. 

Having such vast and diverse legal experience prepared me to quickly identify the unique details of each case and understand my clients’ needs.

A skilled car accident lawyer will help you understand your options, negotiate with insurance companies, and build a strong case to pursue compensation to cover your losses.

Skilled Attorney With In-Depth Knowledge of Insurance Companies

While you might want to handle a legal dispute with an insurance provider alone, I recommend seeking legal representation. As an experienced car accident attorney, I have a firm grasp of the ins and outs of the insurance industry. I will help you navigate the complex legal landscape and fight for your rights as a policyholder.

My years of experience working with and then negotiating against insurance adjusters have given me a deep understanding of their tactics to lowball clients. As a result, I developed effective strategies to combat these traps and secure maximum compensation for you.

Whether you’re dealing with a denied claim, a lowball settlement offer, or other insurance-related issues, I will provide legal guidance, support, and representation for a successful outcome.

Recoverable Damages in a Portsmouth Car Accident Case

Collisions can result in injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to life-altering conditions (like traumatic brain injuries). In addition to physical injuries, accident victims might experience emotional trauma, financial burdens, and other long-term consequences.

You may be entitled to compensatory damages for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress when you are hurt in a car crash. However, you can also access punitive damages under specific circumstances.

Compensatory Damages

Compensation for damages is intended to reimburse you for any financial losses you experienced due to the collision. This category is divided into economic and non-economic damages to address different areas of loss.

Economic damages refer to the tangible losses experienced after the car crash. These can be proven relatively easily with the help of supportive documents, such as bills and receipts. You should recover:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earnings
• Property damage

Non-economic damages cover the intangible losses you experienced after the crash. These losses leave a deeper imprint of the traumatic event on your life. Think about how your social relationships changed and how you view yourself in light of what happened. You may qualify for:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment

I understand how stressful and overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of a car crash, which is why I offer a personalized approach to each case. As your attorney, I will analyze the financial impact of the crash and quantify your losses.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded in Virginia car crash cases when the at-fault party’s actions were intentional, reckless, or showed a severe disregard for the safety of others. These are intended to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct in the future.

For example, if a driver was texting while driving and caused a fatal collision, this could qualify for punitive damages. Texting while driving is a form of distracted driving that is illegal and highly dangerous. In this case, the defendant would have decided to engage in dangerous behavior that could easily cause harm.

Virginia Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Lawsuits

If you’re considering filing a personal injury lawsuit in Virginia, be aware of the state’s statute of limitations. This legal time limit determines how long you have to sue the at-fault party after an injury. In Virginia, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the incident date.

Since car crashes fall under personal injury, you must respect the two-year period to file a valid claim. If you fail to file within this time frame, you may lose your right to pursue compensation.

Consult an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident to ensure you meet all legal deadlines. I will help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the complex process of pursuing a personal injury claim in Virginia.

Call Atkinson Law With Your Portsmouth Car Accident Case

Even a minor collision can lead to major life changes. As your Portsmouth car accident attorney, I will help you navigate the legal aftermath.

With years of experience handling such cases, I am well-equipped to provide the legal representation you need to win your case. Whether you have suffered injuries, property damage, or lost wages, Atkinson Law will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact me today to benefit from a free legal consultation. During this initial session, I will answer your immediate concerns and help you understand your legal options for recovery.