Traffic Lawyer Hillsville, VA
If you have been the victim of a car accident, your life could be forever changed — but with the help of a dedicated traffic lawyer in Hillsville, VA from The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we will fight to get you the settlement you deserve. We know that car accidents can seriously impair your day-to-day function, including lost wages from hospital bills or being unable to work and provide for your family. Our personal injury lawyers will scrutinize the details of your case and help you receive the compensation that you deserve. Our lawyers have experience with a variety of different auto accidents.
What causes a car accident?
A good traffic lawyer knows there are many different driving behaviors and circumstances that can lead to car accidents. Common causes of accidents are:
- Texting While Driving
- Unsafe Weather Conditions
- Defective Vehicles
- Driving Distracted
- Drunk Driving, and
- Failure to Yield
While these accidents almost assuredly lead to automobile damage, they can also lead to both physical (whiplash, bruises, and broken bones) and emotional (PTSD, stress) trauma as well. So, what are typical injuries resulting from a car accident?
Head or Brain Injuries. A common injury resulting from a car accident is known as a “closed head injury.” This could be a mild concussion or a traumatic brain injury. These are hazardous injuries because there are not always physical signs of damage, leading victims not to get the help they need on time.
Neck Injuries. These injuries are also fairly common and can present as whiplash or neck strain. More severe neck injuries from car accidents could be disc-related problems and cervical radiculopathy.
Facial Injuries. During a car accident, your face can become damaged by almost any object—the airbag, steering wheel, windshield, shattered glass, and even car seats. While some of these injuries might be minor (like bruises, scratches, or scrapes), you can receive more severe injuries like lacerations and fractures that result in needing dental surgeries.
Back Injuries. Back injuries are also common results of car accidents. They can range from minor problems—like a strain or sprain—to major back problems, like lumbar radiculopathy, disc injury, fractures, and a thoracic spine injury. In many events, these physical injuries will result in large hospital bills and months of physical therapy.
Psychological and Emotional Injuries. While the physical symptoms of a car accident can be obvious, any car accident can cause psychological or emotional trauma. These kinds of cases can be incredibly complicated, so it is important to contact a traffic lawyer. This type of emotional distress can be short or long-term and result in a condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder (or PTSD). If this is the case, car accident victims must often receive psychological treatment to help them cope with this distress.
If you have been injured in a car accident and are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed above, do not hesitate to call The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt.
Avoiding Aggressive Drivers
Even if you follow all the road rules, you still have to be on the lookout for aggressive drivers. These drivers don’t obey these rules and put everyone’s lives in danger. Whether they’re drunk or speeding, they are more likely to cause vehicle crashes on the road. Here are some ways to avoid aggressive drivers:
Give Them Plenty of Space
If you see drivers swerving in and out of lanes, speeding, or behaving in another irresponsible way, you should try to keep your distance from them. It’s a good idea to stay at least several car lengths behind them. If possible, slow down and let them pass you. The farther away from these drivers, the safer you will be.
Stay Alert
No matter what time of the day or night, you should always be alert when you are behind the wheel. That means you should have your complete focus on the road ahead of you and avoid texting and other distractions. If you are always alert, you will spot dangerous drivers better and keep yourself safe.
Wear Your Seat Belt
It’s crucial to put your seatbelt on before you drive off. If anyone is in the car with you, ask them to buckle up as well. If you cannot avoid an unsafe driver and get into an accident, the seat belt can reduce your risk of life-threatening injuries.
Drive During Less Risky Times
Drunk drivers and other aggressive drivers are more likely to be on the road late at night on Friday and Saturday night. If you don’t have to be out during these times, you should avoid driving on the road.
Avoid Driving Tired
If you haven’t had much sleep the night before and feel a little tired, you should avoid driving. When you’re feeling drowsy, your reaction time is slowed down, and you might not be able to spot aggressive drivers quickly enough.
Don’t Confront These Drivers
If you see a driver acting aggressively, you should resist the urge to confront the person. If you roll down your window and yell at the driver, it could make the situation even worse. The driver may get angry and become even more aggressive. Just stay calm and get a look at the vehicle’s make, model, and color.
Call the Police
After you have made a mental note of the description of the unsafe vehicle:
- Pull over to a safe spot and call the police.
- Tell them you have spotted a dangerous driver and describe the vehicle to the best of your ability.
- Be specific about the dangerous behavior you observed and the direction the driver was traveling in.
Working with a Traffic Lawyer
If you were injured in a car accident that was another driver’s fault, you may be entitled to compensation. It’s important to talk to an experienced traffic lawyer representing Hillsville, VA, about your case as soon as possible. The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt can assess your case for free and estimate the true value of your injuries.
Our team has years of experience fighting for the rights of those who have been involved in personal injury cases, and you should not have to fight this battle alone. For a free initial consultation with a dedicated traffic lawyer, call our team. We are ready to help!
An Experienced Traffic Lawyer Can Give You Legal Advice After a Car Accident
Car accidents are scary enough–the wreck itself, the damage to your vehicle, the insurance claims–it can all be very overwhelming. That is why having a Hillsville, VA traffic lawyer on your side could benefit you greatly.
Attorneys from The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt have years of experience getting our clients the settlements that they deserve after experiencing accidents resulting from someone else’s negligence. Here’s why it could be beneficial for you to hire a traffic lawyer from The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt to settle your personal injury claim.
Handle all of the negotiating for you on your behalf.
It may be tempting to negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company when they call to offer you a settlement after the accident. Having a traffic lawyer to handle those negotiations works out in your favor because, just as the insurance claims adjuster is skilled in keeping your settlement number low, our lawyers are skilled in making sure that the settlement is what you deserve.
Additionally, if you handle the insurance companies on your own, it is possible that you could accidentally make a statement or comment that could negatively affect your claim.
Gather proof that the other driver is the one at fault for the accident.
Personal injury claims, especially car accidents, can be a tricky process. Having an attorney gives you the advantage of having an experienced person to prove that the other driver is at fault because of their negligence. Attorneys have the resources to gather reports from the scene of the accident, interview witnesses, and prove that the other party was liable.
Walk you through your damages and discuss how much they are worth to decide on a settlement you would be happy with.
If you attempt to negotiate your settlement yourself, you may sell yourself–your injuries, medical bills, and any other damages–short. It can be difficult for someone without any experience to put a number on their damages. Add in dealing with an insurance adjuster, whose job it is to attempt to give you the smallest settlement possible, and it would benefit you to have an attorney on your side. A traffic lawyer can help you develop a value for your claim that covers any medical bills, lost wages, lost earning potential, pain and suffering, or property damages.
Fight for you at the negotiation table.
Entering into negotiations on your own can leave you feeling like a sitting duck. It is the job of a personal injury attorney to fight for you at the negotiation table to be sure that you are receiving the compensation that you deserve.
Advocate for you in court if you decide to file a lawsuit.
Many personal injury cases are settled out of court, but if you and your traffic lawyer feel that you are not getting a fair settlement, your attorney can also fight for you in the courtroom.
Collecting Evidence at the Scene
They say that photographs are worth thousands of words, and this is especially true when it comes to collecting evidence at the scene of a car wreck. Even if your cell phone has photo and video capability, you may want to keep a disposable camera in your glove compartment just in case. When taking accident photos, try to include both vehicle damage, skid marks on the road, debris and glass shatters, street signs, and any other details that feel relevant.
Photos of car accident scenes are influential to both your insurance claim and lawsuit if you decide to pursue compensation from the driver at fault. You can record witness statements as well and gather their contact information to reach out at a later time if needed. If you cannot take pictures due to injury, then have someone else do it for you. The officer who responded to the car accident may take photographs, but you shouldn’t rely on this solely. Before leaving the area, gather the other driver’s:
- Full name
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Vehicle make/model/year
- VIN
- Insurance information (policy number, agent phone number, etc.)
- Name and contact of all passengers
Ask for the officer’s name and badge number, so you can get a copy of the report in the days to follow. A copy of this report can be sent to your insurance company as support of your claims, in addition to your lawyer so they can build a case against the offending driver. The more you have to present to your legal team, the better they can assist you during this time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents
What Happens If The At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
Most states require drivers to carry liability insurance to drive on the road legally. Unfortunately, not everyone follows through with this responsibility. If you get hit by another driver that doesn’t have insurance, don’t hesitate to contact a traffic lawyer in Hillsville, VA. They can walk you through filing a lawsuit against the other driver to recover medical and physical losses.
Will the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Pay If I Was on a Bike?
If you get hit by a car while riding your bike, proceed the same way you would if you were in a car. If you are not seriously injured, document the scene and take pictures as suggested with a car accident. If the other driver has insurance, get their contact and policy information. A lawyer from the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt can file a claim with their insurance company on your behalf. If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, a traffic lawyer in Hillsville, VA, can file a lawsuit against the other driver.
How Do My Medical Bills Get Paid By the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance?
When the other driver has car insurance, your medical bills get paid by their policy. However, this doesn’t mean they pay for every medical statement or that the invoices even get sent to them. You won’t get paid for the medical bills until the other driver’s insurance policy settles the case with you. Since this could take months or years, you have two different options for paying your bills. You can use your private medical insurance or the MedPay portion of your auto insurance. After their insurance company settles your case, your car and health insurance may want a part of the money they paid for your medical bills returned to them. In Hillsville, VA, a traffic lawyer can help walk you through this settlement process to ensure everyone gets paid accordingly.
Will an Attorney Help Me If the Police Determine I’m At-Fault?
If you are in an accident and it is your fault, you are responsible for notifying your insurance company. They begin the claim process to pay for the other driver’s losses. If you find yourself in a situation where you don’t have insurance, it’s best to contact a lawyer. An attorney from the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt can represent you and protect your rights if the other driver sues you.
The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt
We understand that being in a car wreck can hinder your way of life, result in substantial financial loss, and flip your world upside down. Now is the time to get legal help, so you have someone watching out for your wellbeing and rights as things get sorted out. If needed, your lawyer can speak with your insurance company, answer questions to insurance adjusters, represent you in court, and so much more.
It is always good to know that you have someone in your corner to work with you towards a settlement. Our associates are ready to assist you with your personal injury claim and help you understand your options to secure the compensation you deserve. Call The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt today to schedule a consultation with a traffic lawyer in Hillsville, Virginia.
Tips for Taking Photos of a Car Accident Scene
If you have been hurt in a car accident that was another driver’s fault, you may be entitled to receive compensation. However, to receive that compensation, you must provide sufficient evidence. Photos of the car accident scene are one of the best pieces of evidence you can have. Here are some tips for taking photos of a car accident scene:
- Take photos of the damage to your vehicle. If your vehicle suffered damage during a car accident, it is critical to take photos of it. Whether it is a cracked windshield or dents, the damage can cost a lot of money to repair. That is why it is important to take clear photos of your vehicle, showing the damage.
- Capture shots of nearby traffic signs. If there are traffic signs close to the action scene, do not forget to take photos of those. They may provide helpful evidence for your case. For example, if a road sign shows a much lower speed limit than the other driver was going, it could show that the other driver was speeding and caused the accident.
- Take photos of other vehicles involved in the accident. Were there other vehicles involved in the accident? If so, you’ll want to take photos of those too. Make sure to take up-close shots to show the actual damage to the vehicles.
- Take shots of your injuries. Some car accident injuries are visible, while some are not. If you have bruises, cuts, or other visible injuries on your body, a traffic lawyer in Hillsville, VA, may recommend taking photos of them at the scene. If you can’t capture the right shot of your injuries, ask someone at the scene to take the photos for you.
- Take more photos than you think you need. When taking car accident scene photos, you can never have too many photos. Take more photos than you think you need to ensure that you do not miss anything important.
- Don’t forget the date and time. If you are taking photos with your smartphone camera, the date and time will likely be placed on the corner of your photos. Make sure that the date and time stamp is accurate to the date and time of the accident.
Distracted Driving Accident Cases
Accidents involving distracted driving are a top reason for contacting a traffic lawyer in Hillsville, VA. There are so many distractions when operating a vehicle on the road today that it should come as no surprise that many car accidents result from distracted driving, namely, associated with phone use. Our team at The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt often represents clients who have suffered from accidents involving distracted driving. As many know, driving requires your full attention; however, it can be easy to find yourself distracted while on the road. Be aware that not entirely focusing on the road can produce devastating results, and for victims, seeking legal guidance from an experienced professional may be critical.
Distracted Driving is Risky
Have you ever been driving and witnessed a car veer into your lane or onto the shoulder? As an innocent driver, it’s only natural that you will wonder whether the swerving driver is either drunk or on their cell phone. Over the years, distracted driving has become more and more of a problem for vehicles on the road. As car technology evolves, with gadgets that can easily distract drivers, coupled with cell phone use, succumbing to a car accident at the hands of a distracted driver is a harsh reality that many stand to face. According to the NHTSA, more than 3,000 fatalities resulted from distracted driving; unfortunately, many of these accidents could have been prevented. While education and state laws have certainly helped people engage in better driving practices, accidents still happen. As a victim of an accident involving distracted driving, it’s key to reach out to a traffic lawyer from Hillsville, Va, for legal representation.
Reasons for Distracted Driving
While cell phone use is the most apparent reason for accidents involving distracted driving, there are many other ways distracted driving accidents can occur. Common reasons for distracted driving include:
- Texting While Driving
- Applying Makeup
- Reaching for Something
- Turning to Talk to Other Passengers
- Adjusting the Car Dials
- Eating
- Driving While Fatigued
- Distraction from Passengers
- Adjusting the GPS
- Not Paying Attention
These accidents can result in broken bones, head injuries, lacerations, soft tissue damage, whiplash, and even fatalities. The damages can be substantial, impacting a person’s way of life for the long term. As a victim, you have a right to compensation for the losses you face.
Devastating Damages Call for a Lawyer
All car accidents can lead to damages that deeply impact victims and their families. The devastation can lead to severe impairments and even death. When the accident resulted from distracted driving, you may have a case for damages. Legal representation can help victims during a time full of unknowns. Dealing with physical injuries, emotional pain, loss of income is just a tiny snapshot of how an accident can impact victims. An accident can affect every aspect of a person’s life, and the assistance of The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt can offer you the upper hand when it comes to your legal case. Please don’t wait another moment to take control of the situation; reach out to our Hillsville, Virginia traffic lawyer before it’s too late.
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