Roanoke, VA Personal Injury Lawyers

Roanoke is known for its exceptional natural beauty, vibrant art scene, and amazing range of outdoor recreational activities. From Mill Mountain Park to the City Market, Taubman Museum of Art, Carvins Core Natural Reserve, and Smith Mountain Lake, the city has a lot in store for residents and visitors alike.

Roanoke has robust personal injury laws to compensate individuals who are harmed as a result of a third party’s negligence or intentional actions. Personal injury victims can sue the party that caused or contributed to the accident and recover monetary damages for the losses they suffered.

If you have been injured due to the negligence of a third party, you need effective, personalized legal representation to get the compensation you deserve. The Roanoke, VA personal injury lawyers at the Pack Law Group have extensive experience in handling a wide range of personal injury claims – ranging from car accidents to commercial truck accidents, bus accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and more.

We can represent you, protect your rights and interests, hold the at-fault party fully accountable for their actions, and fight relentlessly to recover the compensation you are entitled to. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our proven and capable Roanoke, VA personal injury lawyers.

Steps to Take if You are Injured in an Accident in Roanoke, VA

Seek Medical Attention

Your health and safety must be your top priorities. Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms right away, and a prompt medical evaluation can document your injuries.

There are a number of hospitals and medical centers in and around Roanoke where you can get treated for your injuries. These include:

• Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital (Roanoke)
• Lewisgale Medical Center (Salem)
• Lewisgale Hospital Montgomery (Blacksburg)
• Sovah Health – Martinsville (Martinsville)

Contact Law Enforcement

Report the incident to the appropriate authorities. This is especially important for accidents involving motor vehicles. A police report can serve as valuable evidence later on.

Document the Scene

If it’s safe to do so, gather information at the accident scene. Take photos of the surroundings, any vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Obtain contact information from witnesses.

Exchange Information

Exchange contact and insurance information with the other party involved in the accident.

Do Not Admit Fault

Be cautious while exchanging contact and insurance information with the other party and while talking to the police. Do not make any statements that could be interpreted as an admission of fault on your part.

Consult with an Attorney

Contact our firm and talk to one of our Roanoke, VA personal injury attorneys. We can explain your rights to you, tell you whether you have a valid case against the at-fault party, what your legal options are, and tell you what you should and should not do in order to maximize your chances of recovering compensation.

Follow Medical Advice

Attend all medical appointments and follow the prescribed treatment plan. Your medical records will serve as important evidence of your injuries.

Keep a Record

Maintain a record of your experiences, including how the injuries have impacted your daily life, work, and relationships. This can be useful in demonstrating the extent of your damages.

Why Avoid Direct Negotiations with the Claims Adjuster after an Accident in Roanoke, VA?

Following an accident, it’s almost never a prudent idea to directly negotiate with the representatives or claims adjusters from the at-fault party’s insurance company. Here’s why:

Your Statements Can Be Used Against You 

Anything you say to the insurance adjuster may be used against you in the claims process. Insurance companies often aim to minimize their payouts, and statements made early on could be misconstrued or taken out of context to diminish the value of your claim.

You May Not Be Fully Aware of the Extent of Your Injuries 

In the immediate aftermath of an accident, you might not be fully aware of the extent of your injuries. Admitting that you are “fine” or “not injured” could potentially harm your case if symptoms manifest later. It’s crucial to consult with medical professionals before making any definitive statements about your health.

Complex Legal and Insurance Terms 

Insurance adjusters are trained professionals who deal with tort claims regularly. They may use complex legal or insurance terminology that you might not fully understand. Misunderstandings could lead to unintentional statements that may impact your claim.

Settlement Offers May Be Premature 

The insurance adjuster might pressure you to accept a quick settlement so that they can resolve the claim quickly and minimize their costs. Based on this, early settlement offers may not account for long-term medical expenses, ongoing treatment, or other potential future costs.

No Legal Obligation to Provide Recorded Statements 

Under Virginia law, you are not legally obligated to provide a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance adjuster. Recorded statements can and most certainly will be used against you and it’s in your best interest to enable your lawyer to communicate with the insurance adjuster.

Policy Limits and Underestimation 

Insurance adjusters might not disclose the full extent of the at-fault party’s policy limits or coverage available. Providing information without a clear understanding of the insurance policy’s terms could result in you settling for less than you are entitled to under the policy.

Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury in Roanoke, VA

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Roanoke, VA is two years. The deadline is applicable for wrongful death claims as well. For claims against a government entity, you are required to send a written notice within six months from the date of the accident.

How Does Virginia’s Contributory Negligence Rule Work in Personal Injury Cases?

Virginia is one of the few states that follow the harsh contributory negligence doctrine that prohibits injured parties from recovering any damages if they are found to be partially at fault for the accident. The key elements of this rule are:

• Shared Fault – Bar to Recovery: If you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you can be barred from recovering any compensation from the at-fault party.
• Burden of Proof: It’s the responsibility of the defendant (the at-fault party) to prove that your negligence played a role in the accident. They are required to prove that you failed to exercise reasonable care and contributed to the accident.

Given how severe the contributory negligence law is in Virginia, it may not be prudent to pursue your injury claim without legal representation. The dedicated Roanoke, VA personal injury lawyers can build a strong case demonstrating the absence of contributory negligence on your part and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Types of Personal Injury Compensation in Roanoke, VA

Under Virginia law, you have the right to recover economic damages (medical expenses, lost earnings, property damage, and other tangible losses) as well as non-economic damages (pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and other intangible losses) from the at-fault party.

There is no cap or limit to the amount of compensation you can recover from the at-fault party. It depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact of your injuries on your earning capacity and your ability to lead a normal life, and several other factors. Based on this, Virginia law limits the amount of punitive damages that can be awarded in a personal injury claim to $350,000.

Injured by Someone’s Negligence? Our Experienced Roanoke, VA Personal Injury Attorneys Can Maximize Your Compensation

At the Pack Law Group, we know that the aftermath of an unexpected accident can be distressing, and navigating the legal process alone can be daunting. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, our team of seasoned Roanoke, VA personal injury lawyers is here to provide the support and advocacy you need.

We have years of experience in handling a wide range of personal injury cases and have a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. We know how to deal with insurance companies, and we are fully prepared to fight vigorously on your behalf to recover every dollar you are owed.

When it comes to personal injury cases, time is of the essence. Call us now at 540-586-7225 or fill out this online contact form to schedule a free consultation with a highly-rated Roanoke, VA personal injury lawyer.