Personal Injury Lawyer Alexandria, VA
If a victim is injured in an accident caused by another party, such as a car accident or slip and fall accident, they might need the help of an Alexandria, VA personal injury lawyer. They also often need some form of medical care following the accident. In some cases, there may only be minimum medical treatment required if the injury is a minor one, but far too often, the victim’s injuries require more extensive medical treatments and may even need surgeries and/or rehabilitation. Even if the victim has health insurance, these medical costs often begin to pile up, with co-pays, deductibles, and the percentage patients are responsible for. But Virginia injury law says that victims should not have to be responsible for these expenses and that the party who caused the accident is liable for them. If you have been injured in an accident, contact the Law Offices of Ryan Quinn, PLLC today to start the process to receive the compensation you may be entitled to.
- What Kind Of Insurance Does Virginia Require If You Are In A Car Accident?
- Lost Wages Compensation
- Steps To Take Following An Accident With a Drunk Driver
- Alexandria Personal Injury Law Infographic
- How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You
- 3 Types Of Personal Injuries That Could Result In Court Cases
- Alexandria Personal Injury Lawyer FAQs
- Alexandria Personal Injury Statistics
- Law Offices of Ryan Quinn Alexandria Personal Injury Lawyer
- Alexandria Personal Injury Lawyer Google Review
What Kind Of Insurance Does Virginia Require?
Virginia, just like every other state in the United States, has car insurance playing a big role in any claim that you are bringing forth after you’ve been injured in a car accident. Virginia is a fault accident state which means that it follows the traditional system, especially regarding financial responsibility for losses that extend from a car accident. Because of the traditional values of the fault-based system, they’re looking at lost income, injuries, damage to your vehicle and more to determine the amount of compensation that you should receive after you are injured in a car accident. Therefore the person who is considered to be at fault for causing the accident is going to be responsible for the resulting harm, and from a practical standpoint, this means the insurance carrier is going to absorb the losses up to what the policy they have permitted.
If you have suffered from any kind of injury or damage because of an auto accident, you should proceed in one of three ways:
- You should consider filing a claim with their own insurance company, though this is the assumption that you have a policy that is covering this loss. Oftentimes if this is true of your insurance policy, your insurance company will turn around and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier to recoup the losses.
- You should file a third-party claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier if your own insurance carrier’s policy does not cover your damages.
- You should file a personal injury lawsuit in the civil court against the at-fault driver if no other means will get to the compensation that you need for your injuries and the damages you have received from this accident.
If you were in a car accident in a no-fault state, then you are not going to have the same range of options. So be grateful that Virginia law is at fault focused, because in a no-fault insurance state, you have to rely on personal injury protection coverage of your own insurance policy for payment of your medical bills and other losses no matter who caused the crash. And you would rely heavily on your injuries reaching a certain threshold before you can step outside the no-fault claim and claim against the at-fault driver directly.
Under Virginia law you are not required to carry liability insurance on the vehicle if you pay up to $500 an uninsured motor vehicle fee to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Once you have paid this fee you are legally able to drive the vehicle in the state without insurance, but because you are not purchasing the insurance, if you are in an accident you must be personally liable for whatever damages that you caused.
What Medical Costs Are Covered?
The type and cost of a victim’s medical expenses depend on several factors, including the type of injury and the severity. Some of the different costs could include the following:
- Emergency care
When a bad accident occurs, victims are often transported to hospitals by ambulance or med-flights and taken straight to the emergency room where they are given immediate medical treatment to stabilize their conditions. - Hospitalizations
A victim may need to stay in the hospital overnight for observation or they may end up staying for weeks if they need extensive care and medical attention. - Surgeries: An Alexandria personal injury lawyer knows that there are many injuries that require surgery -sometimes multiple surgeries – in order to repair the damage done in the accident and/or to prevent further harm to the victim.
- Medication: A victim is often given medication while in the hospital, as well as when they are finally able to go home. They may have been prescribed multiple medications for their injuries that they will need long-term.
- Medical equipment or devices: A victim may need crutches, canes, braces, or a wheelchair. If they have suffered an amputation, they may also require prosthetic limbs.
- Rehabilitation: Many injuries require some form of rehabilitation, including physical therapy and occupational therapy. Severe injuries often require the victim to go to a rehabilitation center once they have been released from the hospital. Even if a victim is able to go home, they still could face months of therapy in order to regain their strength and coordination and help the body heal from the injuries.
- Mental health therapy: When a victim suffers serious injuries in an accident, it is not uncommon for the situation to affect their mental health, as well. There could be the actual trauma from the accident and they are dealing with post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) or they may be dealing with anxiety, depression, and other conditions because of the detrimental impact the accident has had on their life
Lost Wages
Most people who are deemed at fault for a car, premises liability, or other types of accident did not intentionally set out to cause the accident that resulted in the victim’s injuries. However, as an Alexandria personal injury lawyer can explain, just because an accident was unintentional does not negate the liability of the party or parties that caused it.
As explained above, Virginia law allows victims to pursue compensation for the losses their injuries have caused. In addition to the medical expenses their injuries cause to pile up, many victims also face a loss of income because their injuries leave them unable to work while they recover. But these lost wages, as well as lost benefits a victim suffers, can also be pursued in a personal injury lawsuit.
Even a minor accident can result in injuries serious enough that the victim is ordered by their doctor to stay home during recovery. The more serious the injury, the more missed work a victim’s faces. Even once they eventually are able to return to work, they may only be able to return to part-time for the first few weeks or so. After a victim returns to work, they may also still have treatments or follow-up appointments with their doctor for their accident injuries, such as physical therapy or other ongoing medical care.
Lost Wages Compensation
An Alexandria personal injury lawyer knows that any time a victim loses from work because of their accident injuries is compensable under Virginia law, even if that time off is covered by sick time, vacation time, personal days, or other benefits the victim may have in place. A victim should not have to use up all of their vacation time in order to receive income while they recover due to the negligence of another party.
If the victim is paid by the hour, then the amount of compensation they are entitled to is the number of hours they were unable to work multiplied by their hourly wage. For example, if a victim earns $20 per hour and they were unable to work for four weeks (160 hours), then 160 hours is multiplied by $20 for a total of $3,200 in compensation.
Victims who are paid by salary, then the total amount owed could be calculated by taking their yearly salary and dividing it by the number of hours they work in one year, then multiplying that amount by the number of hours the victim missed at work while they recovered.
There may be other factors that are involved, such as if the victim normally worked overtime or received bonuses and/or commissions on a regular basis. All of these factors will be considered by your Alexandria personal injury lawyer when they are calculating the amount you may be owed.
Steps To Take Following An Accident With a Drunk Driver
Drunk drivers are responsible for about one-third of all traffic-related deaths in the U.S. If you were injured in an accident with a drunk driver, you can file a claim against him or her for damages caused. While looking for a DUI accident lawyer in Alexandria, VA, you should be on top of the list and take a few other steps.
Notify the Insurance Company
One of your first obligations is to notify the other driver’s insurance company. When you receive the accident report, you should also receive the driver’s insurance information. You need to inform the carrier and make a claim as quickly as possible.
Get Involved With the Criminal Process
Drunk drivers have to go to court because of criminal charges in most cases. Unfortunately, some drunk drivers plea the charge down. It may be harder to get the settlement you deserve when they plea the charge down. You should always speak to a prosecutor following an accident. If there is a plea bargain, explain why you oppose it. While you cannot force anyone to remove the plea bargain, the judge may consider it.
Look for Any Witnesses
One of the best pieces of evidence you can bring to the table is witness testimony. Witnesses from the accident scene may better understand what happened than you do. Most victims of car accidents are in shock following the collision. Even if you stayed on the scene, you may not remember the ins and outs of what happened.
While collecting witness information when at the scene is critical, you may also find witness information with the police. Try to track down any witnesses and ask them to help with your case by telling what they saw. They may have noticed signs of the other driver’s drunkenness before or after impact.
Do Not Accept The First Settlement From Insurance Company
Before you accept any settlement, discuss the offer with your Alexandria DUI accident lawyer. Lawyers know how to calculate the compensation you deserve. If he or she thinks that the insurance adjuster is offering too low of a settlement, then the attorney will advise that you send back a counteroffer. You do not want to accept the first settlement offer in most cases. The lawyer will advise you on when to accept a settlement and take the case to trial. Your lawyer will inform you of his or her calculation of your case ahead of time and may explain when and when not to accept a settlement.
Alexandria Personal Injury Law Infographic
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You
If you have been involved in a serious accident, the first thing you need to do is reach out to a doctor. Make sure he or she does a complete exam and identifies any injuries that you might have suffered. Then, do not forget to reach out to a personal injury lawyer in Alexandria, VA, such as an attorney with the Law Offices of Ryan Quinn, PLLC, who can help you. How can a personal injury lawyer assist you?
Investigate the Accident
The first thing a lawyer can do for you is to investigate the accident. It is important to understand exactly how the accident happened. This could be important for figuring out who is responsible for your injuries. A lawyer can ask for discovery, review evidence, and talk to people who were involved. That way, it is possible to paint a complete picture of what happened in the accident.
Remove Stress
Furthermore, an Alexandria personal injury lawyer can help you remove stress following the accident. You probably have a lot of thoughts going through your mind if you have been seriously injured. You might be wondering if you will ever get better, and you could be wondering if you can return to work. You deserve to focus all of your attention on your medical recovery. An attorney can handle other issues, allowing you to do exactly that.
Seek Compensation
If you work with a lawyer, he or she can seek compensation on your behalf. Even though you may have health insurance that covers your injuries, you probably still have a lot of out-of-pocket expenses. This could include your deductible, your co-pay, or your coinsurance payments. Furthermore, if you cannot return to work following the accident, you might have a difficult time making ends meet. An attorney can help you seek compensation as a result of the injuries you suffered in the accident.
Trust An Experienced Lawyer
These are just a few of the top ways that a lawyer might be able to help you. You always need to see a doctor following an accident. Then, do not forget to contact an Alexandria personal injury lawyer, such as a lawyer with the Law Offices of Ryan Quinn, PLLC, who can fight for your rights. You might be entitled to compensation as a result of your injuries.
Benefits of Hiring An Attorney
If you were injured in an accident caused by another person, you have the right to file a personal injury claim. However, you should not do so without legal assistance. Here are a few benefits of hiring an Alexandria personal injury lawyer.
Provide Objectivity
Getting into an accident can be a traumatic experience, so you may experience a wide range of emotions. Unfortunately, these emotions can sometimes cloud your judgment and cause you to make bad decisions. For example, you may be tempted to accept the insurance company’s initial settlement offer to get the process over with. That is why it is crucial to have an attorney on your side. He or she can provide objectivity and keep you from making poor decisions.
Know The Value Of Your Case
Most personal injury victims do not know the true value of their case. This can cause insurance companies to take advantage of them. That is another good reason to work with an experienced lawyer. He or she has worked on similar cases in the past and will know the actual value of your case. Your lawyer will take many elements into account before determining the value of your cases, such as the cost of your medical bills, how much time you have to take off work, and pain and suffering.
Have The Motivation To Help You Win
Most injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means that they do not get paid unless you win your case. As such, your attorney should be more motivated to help you win your case.
Can Take Your Case To Trial
If you hire a lawyer, it will show the negligent party’s insurance company that you can go to trial if necessary. If the insurance company sees that your lawyer has a positive track record, they may offer a fair settlement to avoid the costs of going to court.
Save Time
The last thing you want is for your personal injury case to drag on and on. You want to get on with your life. If you work with a skilled attorney, you may resolve your case in a shorter amount of time. Your lawyer will make sure that you fill out the paperwork correctly and by the deadline, so there are no delays.
3 Types Of Personal Injuries That Could Result In Court Cases
You may see personal injuries in TV commercials as you’re watching your daily shows. You might think you know about different types of personal injuries. But personal injury law covers a wide spectrum of injuries. Here’s a list of three personal injuries that may warrant hiring an attorney.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are probably the most common type of personal injuries. According to the National Safety Council, some 42,000 people were killed in car accidents in 2020. On top of that, approximately 4.8 million people sustained serious injuries in car accidents. Car accident victims and their loved ones can file personal injury lawsuits against other drivers, car manufacturers or government entities that may have contributed to the cause of the accident. An Alexandria personal injury lawyer, can help you determine whether you have a solid case after a car accident.
Product-Related Injuries
You may be familiar with the Chicago Tylenol murders of 1982. Several bottles of Tylenol had been tampered with, by persons unknown adding cyanide to the capsules before returning them to store shelves. Seven people were killed. This is one extreme example of product-related injuries. Even products being used as intended can cause personal injuries.
For example, if you use your food processor to turn cauliflower into rice-like pieces, and accidentally eat a metal chip from one of the blades, that could be grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. You were using your food processor as it was meant to be used, and a broken piece caused your injury. A lawyer could help you determine if you have a strong case in this type of injury.
Medical Malpractice
Even though they have the best of intentions, doctors and other medical staff are only human and make mistakes. A misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis, the wrong medication being prescribed or filled or the inattention of nursing staff can all lead to serious injuries or death. While money is cold comfort in the face of a loved one’s passing, it can help you to know that the person or entity responsible is going to have to pay for what they’ve done.
These are just three examples of personal injuries that would warrant consulting with an Alexandria personal injury lawyer. Don’t worry if you think you can’t afford a lawyer. Many personal injury attorneys will give you a free consultation and take your case on a contingency basis, so they only get paid when you win your case.
Alexandria Personal Injury Lawyer FAQs
What Qualifies as a Personal Injury?
Not all injuries or accidents are eligible for a personal injury claim, but many are. The main things you need to prove are that (a) you were injured and (b) the person or business responsible acted with negligence.
What is negligence? It’s when the guilty party wasn’t reasonably careful. For example, if you were injured in a car accident, the other driver should have been more alert or careful. If you got hurt at a place of business, the owner should have taken better steps to prevent accidents.
If your case seems to be in a gray area and you’re not sure whether negligence was involved, speak with our office today, we’re happy to answer your questions. You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain by talking to a lawyer.
Where Should I Go for Help With Medical Bills?
The answer to this question depends on the circumstances of the accident and Virginia state laws. For example, if you were hurt in a car accident, you may receive compensation for medical expenses from the other driver’s insurance company (or your own insurance company if you have no-fault insurance).
Places of business may have insurance that covers personal injury cases on their property. Other times, it’s necessary to take the individual responsible to court to recover damages. We encourage you to talk with an Alexandria personal injury lawyer, as soon as possible after an accident. That way, you know what steps to take to protect your health and still get the compensation you deserve.
What Are Contingency Fees for Personal Injury Cases?
Some lawyers charge by the hour to assist with personal injury cases. Others have an upfront fee for taking your case.
A contingency fee works differently. It’s designed to make it easier for individuals to get the high-quality legal representation they deserve and need. When an attorney represents you on a contingency fee basis, it means you don’t get charged anything upfront for your case. Law firms only get paid if they negotiate a settlement or secure a court victory that meets your agreed-upon conditions.
At the Law Offices of Ryan Quinn, PLLC, we use contingency fees for personal injury cases. Even the initial consultation is free of charge. For specific information about our fees and to learn how much your case is worth, contact us right away.
What is a Slip and Fall?
Slip and falls are some of the most common types of personal injuries, and with the help of an Alexandria personal injury lawyer, you can get the compensation you deserve – no matter how minor the accident.
A slip and fall is exactly what it sounds like. A minor slip-up, trip, or fall can happen anywhere. We’ve all had our clumsy moments, but how can you be sure that your accident was caused by you, and you alone? With a bit of investigation, you and your legal team can determine if anyone’s negligence led to your injury.
Despite their seemingly innocent nature, slip and falls can actually cause a huge amount of stress, expense, and health complications later on down the line. This is typically due to the fact that these minor accidents are usually more embarrassing than painful. If you stumble on some loose carpeting or slip on some spilled coffee, you might want to just move on and forget about it instead of making a big deal out of the situation.
Unfortunately, this mindset can lead to major issues in the coming weeks. If you fail to report your injuries, you might not be able to get any kind of financial compensation for your injuries. And if you do report your injuries, there’s no guarantee the property owner or manager will be receptive to your request for compensation or coverage. That’s where an attorney can come in to help.
What Is a Personal Injury Case?
A personal injury case results when a person or party causes harm to someone. For instance, if a motorist is speeding and causes a car accident that injures another driver, that motorist may be held liable for the damages.
What Are Compensatory and Punitive Damages?
Compensatory damages are designed to reimburse accident victims for the financial losses they suffered from an accident. These damages include money for medical expenses, lost wages and emotional distress. Punitive damages, on the other hand, are designed to punish the defendant for outrageous conduct.
If I Suffered an Injury on Someone Else’s Property, Can I File a Personal Injury Claim?
Yes, if you can prove that your injury resulted from the property owner’s negligence. For example, if you slip and fall on ice in someone’s yard and get injured, the property owner may be held liable. The property owner should have known about the hazard and took reasonable steps to fix it before someone got hurt.
Will the Insurance Company Treat Me Fairly?
If you get injured because of someone else’s negligence, that person’s insurance company may contact you to ask you questions about your case. Unfortunately, not all insurance companies treat accident victims fairly. They care about the bottom line first. That’s why you should have your personal injury lawyer in Alexandria, VA handle all the conversations with the insurance company.
How Long Will It Take to Finalize My Personal Injury Case?
It’s tricky to estimate exactly how long it will take to settle your personal injury case. It will depend on multiple factors, such as the extent of your injuries and the insurance company you’re dealing with. Some cases may take just a few months to settle while others may take over a year.
What is a personal injury lawyer?
An Alexandria personal injury lawyer is a legal professional who helps clients seek compensation after they have been injured in an accident. These lawyers typically handle cases involving car accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and more. These lawyers can represent clients in court and help them file civil lawsuits against the person or entity responsible for their injuries. Many injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means they will not be paid unless their client wins the case. This makes it easier for people who may not be able to afford a lawyer to get the representation they need.
What do injury lawyers do?
These Alexandria personal injury lawyers specialize in helping people who have been injured due to the negligence of another person or entity, such as a car accident or slip and fall. They can help you recover damages for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an accident, you should speak with a lawyer to discuss your legal options.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?
The cost of hiring a lawyer depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, the amount of damages you are claiming, and the experience of the lawyer. Generally, injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they will only charge you if they win your case. If you have a very strong case and are seeking a large settlement, you may be able to negotiate a lower contingency fee with your Alexandria personal injury lawyer. Contact the Law Offices of Ryan Quinn, PLLC today to get started on your personal injury case.
Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Although you’re not required to hire an attorney, it’s in your best interest to do so. A lawyer can help you gather the evidence you need to prove your claim and ensure that the insurance company treats you fairly. You will have a better chance of obtaining the settlement you deserve with a skilled lawyer on your side.
What Can a Lawyer Do for Me?
The first thing a lawyer can provide for you is consultation and a skilled investigation. No matter how minor your injuries, they deserve adequate care. And no matter how minor the accident, it deserves a closer look. Should there have been a warning sign to alert you about the wet floor? Should there have been adequate lighting to prevent you from tripping on loose cables? A lawyer can help you determine if negligence paid a part in your injuries – and then they can help you take your next steps.
Filing a personal injury lawsuit involves a lot of complicated steps. It takes more than just investigation: It requires the gathering of evidence, the filing of important paperwork, and personalized case management. Unfortunately, many lawyers only view their clients as paychecks, and don’t commit the amount of care you’d want from your legal representation. Fortunately, you can count on the Law Offices of Ryan Quinn to provide the quality legal care you deserve.
Alexandria Personal Injury Statistics
According to the Virginia Highway Safety Office, from 2017-2021 there were 1096 motor vehicle accidents in Alexandria City. If you were hurt in an accident caused by someone else, you may want to speak to an Alexandria personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about personal injury.
Law Offices of Ryan Quinn, PLLC Alexandria Personal Injury Lawyer
1800 Diagonal Rd, Suite 600, Alexandria, VA 22314
Alexandria Personal Injury Lawyer Google Review
“Working with has Law Office of Ryan Quinn, PLLC has been a pleasant and professional experience. Their team went above and beyond to make sure I was fairly and expertly represented in my personal injury case. I highly recommend the Law Office of Ryan Quinn, PLLC.” – Maddie W.
The Ryan Quinn Difference
At the Law Offices of Ryan Quinn, we know that your injury is a frustrating challenge, and we know that you need personalized and attentive legal representation to help you through these difficulties. Don’t hesitate to reach out: We view each and every one of our clients as more than a statistic or a figure on paper. We’re as committed to your case as you are, and we’re ready to help you get the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Reach out to us today, and see how an Alexandria personal injury lawyer can help.
Client Review
“Ryan is an excellent attorney. I’ve had a great experience with him handling my case. He’s both patient and personable.”
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