Pulaski Auto Accident Lawyer
The Most Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Pulaski
Any negligent or careless act can result in an auto accident. Still, there are some negligent acts that are more common than others. These include:
- Distracted driving: While texting and driving and other uses of a handheld device are prohibited in Pulaski under Code of Virginia § 46.2-818.2, there are other distractions drivers face when behind the wheel, as well. These include eating, listening to loud music, rowdy passengers, and other traffic accidents.
- Impaired driving: Drivers who are impaired by alcohol or other substances exhibit poor judgment, have slower reaction times, and often have difficulty concentrating on the road. Driving while impaired is extremely negligent and reckless behavior, as it poses a great threat to others on the road.
- Speeding: Speeding not only causes accidents, but it also increases the severity of them due to the increased force.
- Reckless driving: Exhibiting road rage, weaving through traffic, and tailgating are just a few examples of reckless driving that can lead to accidents.
- Violations of traffic law: Running red lights, ignoring signage, and failing to yield properly are just a few common examples of traffic law violations that cause accidents.
Common Injuries Suffered in Pulaski Auto Accidents
The injuries sustained during car accidents range from fairly minor to catastrophic. You can become hurt in a number of ways during a crash, but the most common of these are as follows:
- Broken bones: Broken bones are much more serious than people think. They often require multiple surgeries to correct, which are costly, painful, and significantly limit your mobility after an accident.
- Whiplash: During a crash, the neck can snap violently back and forth, like a whip. This can result in whiplash, which is a very painful injury and can take months of recovery.
- Traumatic brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), such as concussions, can have long-term effects on physical and cognitive abilities.
- Spinal cord damage: Damage to the spinal cord can range from slipped discs to complete or partial paralysis.
- Internal injuries: Internal injuries include perforated organs, internal bleeding, and other damage to organs. These injuries are typically life-threatening.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pulaski Auto Accident Lawyers
What Damages Can a Lawyer Help Me Obtain?
One of the reasons it is so critical to work with a Pulaski auto accident lawyer is that an attorney can help you recover much more compensation than going through the process on your own. Many studies have shown that accident victims with legal representation obtain approximately three times more damages than those who are not represented by an attorney.
The bulk of damages in auto accident cases are economic. These damages have an actual dollar value and include your medical expenses, lost income, and property damage. Non-economic damages account for losses that do not have a fixed dollar value, such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and more. An attorney will know how to accurately value these damages that are harder to calculate because they do not have an actual dollar value.
When Should I Contact a Pulaski Auto Accident Lawyer?
It is recommended that you speak to a Pulaski auto accident lawyer as soon as possible, preferably after you have sought medical treatment, to ensure your injuries do not become worse.
The first reason for this is that the insurance adjuster representing the liable party will contact you in the days and perhaps even hours following the crash. The adjuster will act friendly and as though they want to do the right thing and help you. They do not. They will use tactics, such as taking recorded statements, so they can use your words against you in the future and deny or reduce your settlement. An attorney can speak to the adjuster on your behalf so these strategies are not used and your full damages are protected.
Another reason to contact an attorney as soon as possible is so that you do not miss the deadline. In Pulaski and the rest of Virginia, you have just a few years from the date of the accident to file your claim in most cases. This is the statute of limitations found in the Code of Virginia § 8.01-243, and if you miss the deadline, you will likely be barred from recovering any compensation at all.
How Can a Pulaski Auto Accident Lawyer Maximize My Compensation?
There are several reasons accident victims who have legal representation obtain more damages than those who do not. Firstly, a lawyer can build a strong case by investigating the crash to determine who is at fault, ensuring all damages are documented through medical bills and other types of evidence, while also collecting witness statements, accident reports, and other forms of proof.
A lawyer will also negotiate on your behalf with the insurance companies. A lawyer will know the legal issues pertaining to your case, such as stacking uninsured motorist coverage, and use them during negotiations as leverage. If the insurer still will not negotiate in good faith, a lawyer will help you through the trial process, which is quite complex.
Our Auto Accident Lawyer in Pulaski Can Represent You Throughout the Process
If you have been hurt in a car accident, do not navigate the legal process on your own. Contact our Pulaski auto accident lawyer at The Jackson Law Group, PLLC, to schedule a consultation and to get the legal help you need. Call us now at 276-200-6516 or contact us online to get the answers to your questions, obtain advice regarding your concerns, and obtain the full damages you deserve.