James City County car accident lawyers

Winning the compensation car accident victims deserve in James City County

James City County is one of the more populated counties that run along the York River. This means it has busy roads, especially during tourist season when people want to visit James City County’s many beautiful and historic sites.

However, the higher population and number of visitors also mean more cars, and more cars mean more accidents on the road. James City County had 869 auto collisions in a recent year. Of those, 759 resulted in serious injuries, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation. That means that a serious accident happened more than twice a day in James City County.

We at GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys know that for every one of those crashes, a person was hurt. We know firsthand how devastating accidents can be, leaving people injured and in a financial crisis. That’s why we treat every client as our neighbor, not a number.

If you have been in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, we can help. To find out more about your legal options, reach out to GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys by calling (804) 413-6777 or toll-free at (855) 781-6777 today. We are ready to help you.

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Why do car accidents happen in James City County?

Most collisions result from at least one driver being negligent. For example, the at-fault driver might have been distracted by talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or may have simply been driving too fast. Other times, the at-fault driver could have been driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.

In James City County alone, of the 859 car collisions that happened in a recent year, 177 were caused by speeding or drivers under the influence. Typically, the culprit in a car accident is a driver who did not take seriously his or her “duty of care” toward others on the road.

In some situations, other parties were responsible for a crash. Sometimes, cars and car parts malfunction, causing the driver to lose control. A prime example is the multiple Toyota recalls that happened from 2009-11. Many of these cars had faulty brakes, which left drivers unable to stop and caused numerous severe accidents. A similar situation may have caused your car accident, making the car manufacturer responsible.

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What steps should be taken after a car accident?

An automobile crash is a traumatic experience, and it’s perfectly normal to feel upset and disoriented. But you’ll want to do your best to maintain your composure so you can care for yourself and any passengers. Taking the proper steps now will assist with your recovery and make it easier for your Virginia car accident attorney to win a good settlement:

1. Call 911. You’ll want to check to see if you’ve been injured and provide first aid to passengers who need it while waiting for first responders to arrive.
2. Seek medical attention. See your doctor as soon as possible. The full extent of your injuries may not be apparent immediately, so tell your doctor about all the symptoms you’re experiencing.
3. Document the accident scene. Using your cell phone camera to snap photos will provide valuable evidence for your lawyer when filing your claim. Pictures of skid marks and vehicle damage will help determine how fast the other driver was traveling when the collision occurred. You’ll also want to capture photos that document weather conditions and other factors that may have contributed to the accident. If you require immediate medical assistance, you can ask a friend to take these pictures for you.
4. Exchange insurance information with all other drivers involved in the accident.
5. Collect contact information from any accident witnesses.
6. Contact GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys.
7. Don’t reveal details about the accident with friends or discuss it on social media. Any comments you make can be retrieved by the defendant’s attorneys and used against you.
8. Attend all medical appointments and therapy sessions. This is the best way to establish that your injuries were caused by the accident.
9. Don’t sign any agreements or make a statement about the accident for an insurance agent. It’s best to allow your attorney to do all the negotiating. When a representative for the insurance company calls, inform them that they’ll be hearing from GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys soon.

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What are the dangers of car accidents?

Cars can travel at high speeds, and when two collide, the people inside can be irreparably hurt. Chances are that you know someone who has been seriously injured in a car accident or you have been seriously injured in a car accident. In either case, you know how terrible “car vs. car” can be.

Collisions can lead to broken bones, road rash, and deep lacerations. They can result in permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, vision or hearing loss, or amputation. Even an accident that people consider minor, like a fender bender, can lead to painful injuries. Whiplash and other forms of nerve damage are common results of low-speed impacts.

And we haven’t even mentioned the financial costs of a car accident. For many, the monetary losses follow them for the rest of their life.

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What causes car accidents in James City County?

It’s important to take all the precautions you can to protect yourself from James City County automobile crashes that cause severe injuries. Drive defensively, avoid drivers who are acting erratically, and make sure everyone inside your car is using his or her seat belt.

Unfortunately, even when you do everything right, you can still be injured by people who refuse to drive safely. The overwhelming majority of car accidents could be prevented if everyone on the road obeyed traffic laws, avoided dangerous maneuvers, and only drove when they were in the right headspace.

Texting while driving is a major cause of automobile crashes. Virginia’s hands-free law prohibits drivers from holding a cell phone or other communication devices while driving.

Negligent driver behaviors that cause accidents include:

• DUI
• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Fatigued driving
• Distracted driving
• Road racing
• Careless lane changes
• Running red lights
• Ignoring traffic signals

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What are the costs of car accidents?

Car accidents are expensive. First, they can cause devastating injuries. If you are suffering a ruptured spine, damaged nerves, or traumatic brain injuries, you need extensive medical treatment. That can include multiple surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy appointments, and medications.

Second, you may have to take even more time off work to get well, which can mean even more lost wages.

Third, if your car was damaged, you now have to pay for repairs and potentially a rental car. Even in a fender bender, you may have to buy a new bumper. In a more serious accident, you may have to buy a new car. Most people simply can’t afford these unexpected expenses. Yet getting to and from work, the grocery store, or doctor appointments requires a working vehicle.

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How is liability determined after an automobile collision?

After an accident, the insurance company will likely do whatever it can to save money. They might even try to blame you for a crash caused by their client’s negligent behavior. Another tactic used by insurance companies is offering you a lowball settlement that doesn’t come close to covering your expenses. That’s why it’s important to have someone by your side who knows how to deal with unscrupulous insurance agents.

Your James City County car accident attorney will investigate the accident, find out who’s liable, and file a claim or lawsuit to help you get the compensation you need to get better and take care of your loved ones. If the other side refuses to make a reasonable offer, GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys is always prepared to take them to trial.

Our lawyers will collect the following types of evidence to build a strong case and demonstrate the other party’s liability for your injuries:

• Police reports
• Medical records
• Witness interviews
• Expert testimony
• Surveillance camera video
• Dashcam footage
• Accident scene photos
• Physical evidence
• Information from an event data recorder (EDR)
• Digital accident scene reconstructions

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How can I recover costs after a car wreck?

Thankfully, if your accident was caused by another party’s negligence, such as speeding or a defective auto part, then you have legal options. You may be able to file a claim against the at-fault party to recover compensation for the following:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Lost employment opportunities
• Property damage
• Lowered quality of life
• Loss of enjoyment
• Emotional trauma
• Pain and suffering

That being said, it isn’t just the at-fault party you’ll be up against; their insurance provider will also have a say. Insurance companies rarely want to hand out compensation, even when they’re legally obligated. They may fight tooth and nail to deny your claim. The only way to combat their resistance is to work with an experienced lawyer who knows James City County, insurance companies, and the court system well.

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Call GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys for legal help after your car accident

A serious James City County car accident can destroy a life. We at GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys have worked with car accident victims time and again, and we know how catastrophic the experience can be.

We are dedicated to helping our neighbors in James City County get the compensation they need and deserve. In fact, both Ken Gibson and John Singleton know what it’s like to be a car accident injury victim.

We at GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys have experienced the frustrations of pain, suffering, fear, and the difficulty of dealing with insurance companies in the aftermath of a serious accident ourselves. Ken and John leverage the knowledge they gained from working as trial lawyers for big insurance companies to benefit each case, so you can rest assured that we’ll handle the legal process while you focus on recovery.

To speak with us, your local James City County personal injury attorneys, call (804) 413-6777 or toll-free at (855) 781-6777 today. We have a Zero Fee Guarantee, meaning we don’t get paid until we win your case.

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