The Johnson Law Firm was highly rated by it’s peers on Avvo. If you have been in a car accident you need to call an attorney today. The Johnson Law Firm has over a decade of experience fighting for people just like you who have been in car accidents. It doesn’t matter what vehicle you were driving or if your accident involved a car, truck, motorcycle, or bicycle, you need to speak with a top lawyer before you make any mistakes dealing with an insurance adjuster.
The Johnson Law Firm is here to serve you. We are highly reviewed with 35 5-star reviews on google and Facebook.
Reasons to Hire a Car Accident Attorney
Car accidents happen every day, unfortunately. In 2018, there were 131,848 car crashes in Virginia, which is one crash every four minutes. More than half of the accidents involved an injury. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, 1239 of those accidents resulted in a tragic fatality.
Not every accident is going to be serious. And not every fender bender is going to require the assistance of a lawyer. But more severe incidents may warrant legal counsel.
Here are some of the circumstances that might necessitate working with an attorney:
- You or a loved one was injured, or there was a fatality;
- There is a dispute about who is at fault;
- Malfunctioning equipment contributed to the cause of the accident;
- You want to ensure fair compensation during settlement talks; and
- You’ve been charged with reckless driving.
An experienced lawyer like Mr. Johnson will help you recover damages, including lost wages, property replacement, and reimbursement of medical bills. Other compensation may also be obtained, depending on the specifics of your case.
Get in touch today to discuss your case
At Johnson Law Firm, we offer no-cost and no-obligation consultations
Understanding Car Accident Laws in Virginia
Every state is different, and the laws in Virginia can make it tougher to receive compensation for a car accident with injuries or property damage involved.
Here are some facts you need to know:
There is a statute of limitations on when you can file a lawsuit
While this statute of limitations does not apply to insurance claims, it does apply if the injured party decides to file a separate claim. For death and injury claims, the statute of limitations is two years. In the case of property damage, the statute of limitations is five years.
Virginia law has something called contributory negligence
Of all 50 states, only five have something called contributory negligence, and Virginia is one of them. Contributory negligence means that if the injured party is even slightly at fault for the accident, they may not be able to recover any damages from the at-fault party.
This law can be devastating if the victim played even the slightest role in the incident, and it can be tough to prove that anyone is completely blameless. Because of this strict and arbitrary law, having an attorney on your side during a car accident claim is imperative if there was an injury or significant property damage.
At-fault drivers bear the burden of financial responsibility
Whoever is deemed at fault in the accident is financially responsible for covering the following losses:
- Lost income
- Injuries
- Vehicle damage and car repairs
- Other losses as ruled by the court or in settlement discussions
We’ll also advocate for compensation for any “non-economic” damages, such as:
- Grief and mental anguish
- Pain
- Loss of enjoyment of quality of life
- Anxiety
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Physical impairment
- Humiliation
An often-overlooked form of compensation is that of payment for future damages, which could include income loss and future medical expenses. Insurance companies are reluctant to include this in their settlements, but we’ll make sure it’s considered in your award if it is relevant.
Virginia does not require drivers to carry insurance
Unlike other states that require all drivers to carry liability insurance, Virginia drivers can legally elect not to purchase insurance. If they make this decision, they must pay a $500 Uninsured Motor Vehicle Fee. Anyone who does not have insurance is still personally liable for any damages they cause.
If you are involved in an accident, and the other party does not have insurance, the assistance of a car accident attorney is the best way to recover damages.
Why Choose Johnson Law Firm
As you evaluate different car accident lawyers in Woodbridge, VA, it can be a challenge to decide which law firm is the best fit for your case.
We’ll Work to Get You the Highest Compensation
It’s tempting to trust everything to the insurance companies and let them handle it. But the truth is that insurance companies are most interested in profits and settling your case as quickly as possible. You need someone who’s aggressively on your side to battle for everything that you deserve.
We’ll make sure you are never pushed around or intimidated. We will explore every possible angle to ensure that you get the best possible results. Whether your accident involved a car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, public transit vehicle, or you were a pedestrian, Mr. Johnson and his team will fight for your rights.
Many of our clients are surprised to learn how much more money they can receive when they work with an attorney, even after all of the fees are covered. There is no risk to schedule a consultation with Johnson Law Firm. We’ll discuss the details of your case with you at no obligation.
We Put You First
75% of our business comes from referrals, and we are proud of our reputation. Achieving a successful outcome for your case is our top priority. As a family-run firm, we eat, drink, and sleep the law.
No injury victim should have to suffer alone, and we will be by your side from start to finish.
We Have a Wide Range of Experience
From car accidents to estate planning, we are knowledgeable and experienced in several fields. Mr. Johnson is passionate about the law and has in-depth and intimate knowledge of how to handle car accident cases in Virginia.
Licensed for 12 years, Mr. Johnson continues to study and achieve advanced certifications to stay up-to-date on the latest intricacies of the law that could affect your case.
As we work on your case, we will become forensic experts. We’ll review the police reports with a fine-tooth comb, meet with your network of investigators to reconstruct the scenario and put together a case to prove who is at fault. When possible, we will avoid court to maximize your settlement and do so in the least amount of time.
We Speak Your Language
The law can be complicated, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to understand. We’ll explain your case in everyday language, and inform you of what’s going on and what you need to do to resolve your case successfully.
Our priority is to welcome all of our clients with open arms and make them feel like family. We make sure everyone feels comfortable. From the second you walk into our office, you’ll receive a warm and friendly welcome, and you’ll know that we care about you.
We’ll Get You Back on Your Feet
When you’re injured or unable to work, you shouldn’t have to worry about finances and how you’re going to pay your bills. You should be able to focus exclusively on your recovery and getting back on your feet. At Johnson Law Firm, we are committed to helping you get back to normal. You worry about getting physically back on your feet, and we’ll worry about getting you back on our financial feet.
We’ll Help You Get Finances Immediately
Insurance companies seem to love red tape. We don’t think that’s fair, especially if you’re missing out on wages and facing large medical bills. We won’t rest until we know you’re able to meet your financial obligations. We’ll fight to make sure those expenses are covered during your recovery.
We’ll Take Care of All the Details
When you’re trying to heal, the last thing you want to do is fill out paperwork and get bogged down in the details. Further, some paperwork is time sensitive and thorough. Improperly filling out the paperwork could delay or harm your case. We enjoy filling out paperwork, and we will happily handle this tedious task for you.
Insurance companies are not above denying a claim for a variety of reasons, and issues with the paperwork are just one of many reasons. Whether the insurance company is trying to deny your claim or offer a settlement far below what is fair, we will fight for what’s right for you and your loved ones.
There’s No Risk
All of our consultations are free, and we will never pressure you to work with us. Further, personal injury attorneys work on a contingent fee basis, so we don’t receive compensation unless you do.
All we ask is that you schedule a consultation so that we can review your case together. We will patiently and thoroughly answer all of your questions and determine if you do, indeed, have a case. We want you to feel confident when you choose to work with us, and we will always advocate for the best outcome possible for you and your family.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, our Woodbridge, VA, law firm can help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Here’s a list of our most common FAQs
After a car accident, the desire to restore a sense of normalcy is often a top priority. However, if you’ve been injured or sustained property damage, it’s bound to take time to become whole again. This period can be frustrating, emotional, and scary. Having an attorney on your side can make a world of difference.
At Johnson Law Firm, we aim to provide our clients with peace of mind and confidence in a favorable resolution. We are here to help get you back on your feet and answer any questions you have about car accident attorneys and how the process works.
When Do I Need a Car Accident Attorney in the State of Virginia?
A minor fender bender might not warrant the services of an attorney, but if your car accident resulted in any of the following, you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible:
- You or a loved one was injured;
- The accident resulted in a fatality;
- There is a dispute about who is at fault;
- The accident could be attributed to malfunctioning equipment;
- You want to be compensated fairly for damages; or
- You’ve been charged with reckless driving or another crime.
Even a seemingly minor incident could be more serious than it initially appeared. Injuries might not manifest immediately, or there could be emotional trauma or PTSD following the crash. We recommend contacting an attorney right away if you have any concerns at all.
Our office provides free consultations where we will discuss with you the details of what happened, review any documentation you have, and determine whether you have a case.
What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?
The short answer is that a car accident lawyer makes the insurance company pay fairly for damages incurred by the victim of the accident.
A lawyer will represent you, the plaintiff, in talks with insurance companies, and the lawyer will also handle the necessary paperwork regarding your case. There can be a lot of red tape when it comes to these types of cases. Insurance companies aren’t known for being easy to work with, especially when it comes to writing a check. Fortunately, we are well-versed in how they operate and are skilled in achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.
In some instances, a car accident attorney will also refer you to a network of physicians and other experts to work with you during the settlement negotiation period.
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?
We never want people to be dissuaded from getting the help they need because they’re afraid of lawyer fees. In most cases, we work on a contingency fee. This means that instead of being charged an hourly rate, you instead pay a percentage of your final settlement.
Before we take on your case, we’ll meet with you for a free consultation. We will learn about what happened and determine if you have a case that should move forward.
Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s Offer?
The initial settlement offer made by an insurance company might seem impressive at first, especially if you sustained serious injuries or property damage. However, it’s also important to consider potential future costs. Will you need ongoing medical care? Did your career suffer because you missed work?
These are just some of the factors to evaluate before accepting an offer. An experienced car accident attorney familiar with Virginia laws will be able to determine the fairness of the offer and advise whether it’s wise to push for more.
Is the Compensation I Receive from a Car Accident Claim Taxable?
The answer to this question depends on the type of compensation received. For example, if you received a settlement to cover your medical expenses, and you did not itemize these expenses on your tax return, then this is a reimbursement that’s not taxable.
Other forms of monetary compensation, however, would be taxable, including lost wages, interest, punitive damages, and pain and suffering.
When Can I Collect Punitive Damages?
Though punitive damages are an award granted to the plaintiff, their real purpose is to punish the defendant, hence the word punitive. For punitive damages to be warranted, it would need to be proven that the other party acted with malicious intent or committed fraud, oppression, or acted wantonly.
When it comes to car accidents, punitive damages are sometimes awarded in cases of drunk driving. In addition to charging the defendant a premium for these acts, another goal of severe punitive damages is to help deter others from acting in this manner as well.
When Does a Car Accident Claim Go to Court?
In most cases, the settlement can be negotiated without a lawsuit. And, even in the case of a lawsuit, the agreement is often negotiated without a trial.
There are instances when a trial is necessary, including when:
- The two parties cannot agree on who was at fault; or
- The parties cannot agree on fair compensation for the plaintiff.
If a case goes to court, then it is conducted like a standard trial. The court appoints the jury, and both sides give opening statements. Then the plaintiff and the defendant present evidence to the court. Then, of course, come the closing statements, jury deliberation, and then a verdict, which is delivered by the judge.
Usually, the trial takes place over a few days, but it can be significantly longer for more complex cases.
Can a Passenger File a Claim for Their Injuries?
Yes, anyone injured due to a driver’s negligence may file a claim to receive compensation for their injuries. The passenger (or the other injured party) would file a complaint with the driver’s insurance company.
How Much Compensation Will I Get for My Injuries or Property Damage?
The amount of compensation varies from case to case, and it depends on a combination of the following:
- Medical treatment
- Whether there was a fatality
- Long-term care
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Non-economic damages (including grief, pain and suffering, and quality of life)
Though the amount of compensation isn’t set in stone for each circumstance, one thing is reasonably sure. Working with an attorney to represent your case is likely to yield a higher compensation level than if you negotiated with the insurance company alone.
What Happens If the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Doesn’t Cover All of the Damages?
In Virginia, drivers can elect to opt out of car insurance coverage in exchange for paying a fee. In the event of an accident, the driver at fault without insurance would be personally liable for the damages.
Similarly, if the driver does not have enough insurance to cover all of the damages, he or she would also be liable.
Even more heartbreaking is when the other party’s insurance company denies the claim altogether. In these instances, your insurance company might agree to cover the cost of the accident, but this isn’t guaranteed, and you may not get your deserved amount. A car accident attorney will help you get your fair share.
Can Two Drivers Share the Fault in an Accident? If so, Can I Still Get Paid?
In Manassas, Virginia, two drivers can both be deemed at fault. The principle is referred to as contributory negligence, and it can throw a wrench in insurance negotiations if you don’t have legal representation.
Under this law, even if the injured driver is only 1% at fault, he is theoretically not at liberty to pursue any compensation for damages.
It’s up to an experienced attorney to argue that the injured party shares none of the blame. This argument can be tricky, but at Johnson Law Firm, we wrote the book on how to handle accident cases in Virginia. We have a successful track record of arguing on behalf of our clients that they share no part in the fault of the accident.
If I’ve Been Injured in an Accident or My Property is Damaged, What Should I Do Next?
The first thing to do is to notify your insurance company. You are also required to report the incident to the police if there was an injury, fatality, or property damage. Not only is this report required by law, but it is also necessary to have a police report to recover compensatory damages.
When you file a report with the police, take care to get the name of the officer and the badge number. By having a contact person on your case, you’ll be able to report additional facts and details that you might recall after the incident.
We also suggest contacting a lawyer within one to two weeks at the most. Bring the police report with you to the consultation and any other supporting evidence that will help the lawyer get the full story of your case.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, our Manassas, Virginia, law firm can help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
When you or your loved one is involved in a car accident, there are so many questions that need to be answered. After the initial shock wears off, you must quickly handle many issues from dealing with the car to fielding calls from the insurance company. Take it from us, the best thing to do is find an attorney who can trust that will handle your case from start to finish.
The Johnson Law Firm, located in Prince William County is there when you need them the most. Mr. Johnson and his staff have been handling car accident cases for over 12 years. They have experience with cases dealing with many different types of vehicles. From motorcycles to trucks, to big rigs, the Johnson Law Firm can handle your case ensuring each client is a top priority, we are available to walk you through the entire process and answer all your questions along the way.
If you were in a car accident, you need a lawyer. The Johnson Law Firm is highly reviewed with 30 5-star reviews on google.
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