What should I look for when choosing a personal injury lawyer in Virginia Beach?
Focus on three key factors: experience with cases like yours, track record of settlements and verdicts, and communication style. Look for attorneys who have handled similar injury claims—whether car accidents, slip-and-falls, or maritime injuries common in coastal Virginia. Check their case results and client reviews, but remember that past performance doesn't guarantee future outcomes.
Red flags to avoid:
- Lawyers who guarantee specific dollar amounts
- Those who demand payment upfront for personal injury cases
- Attorneys who seem too busy to return your calls
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?
Most personal injury attorneys work on contingency fees, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case. The typical contingency fee ranges from 33% to 40% of your settlement or verdict. If your case settles for $100,000, your attorney might receive $33,000 to $40,000.
You may still be responsible for:
- Court filing fees
- Expert witness costs
- Medical record fees
- Deposition expenses
Always clarify whether these costs come out of your portion or are additional charges.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Virginia?
Virginia has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury cases. This means you have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to compensation forever.
Some exceptions apply:
- Claims against government entities may require notice within 6 months
- Medical malpractice cases have specific discovery rules
- Injuries to minors may have extended deadlines
What's my personal injury case worth?
Case values depend on measurable damages and injury severity. Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, and future treatment costs. Non-economic damages cover pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life.
Virginia follows contributory negligence rules—if you're even 1% at fault, you may recover nothing. This harsh rule makes having an experienced attorney crucial for protecting your claim's value.
Should I talk to the insurance company before hiring a lawyer?
Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney. Insurance companies often use these statements to minimize or deny claims. Politely decline and say you'll have your attorney contact them.
You must notify your own insurance company about accidents as required by your policy. Stick to basic facts: date, time, location, and parties involved. Don't discuss fault or injuries in detail.
How do I compare personal injury lawyers before hiring one?
Schedule consultations with 2-3 attorneys to compare their approaches. Most offer free initial consultations for injury cases.
Questions to ask each lawyer:
- How many cases like mine have you handled?
- What percentage of cases do you take to trial?
- Who will actually work on my case?
- How do you communicate case updates?
- What's your assessment of my claim's strengths and weaknesses?
Pay attention to how they explain complex legal concepts. The right attorney makes you feel informed, not confused or pressured.
What evidence do I need for a strong personal injury case?
Strong cases rely on documentation collected immediately after the injury. Take photos of injuries, accident scenes, and property damage. Get contact information from witnesses. Keep all medical records and receipts.
Essential evidence includes:
- Police reports or incident reports
- Medical records linking injuries to the accident
- Proof of lost wages
- Photos and videos
- Witness statements
Don't post about your accident or injuries on social media. Insurance companies regularly monitor claimants' social accounts for contradictory evidence.
When should I hire a personal injury lawyer?
Hire an attorney immediately if you have serious injuries, face disputed liability, or the insurance company denies your claim. Severe injuries with long-term effects need legal expertise to value properly. Multiple parties or commercial vehicles also complicate claims.
Even for seemingly simple cases, early legal advice prevents costly mistakes. Many people undervalue their claims or accidentally harm their case through innocent statements.
