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Norfolk, Virginia Drunk Driving Lawyer

REPRESENTING INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES INJURED BY A DRUNK DRIVER IN VIRGINIA

After being injured in Virginia drunk driving accident that wasn’t your fault, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Your injuries, insurance adjusters, the at-fault party, and the legal system are a lot for anyone to face. Insurance companies know most people are inexperienced with the Virginia personal injury claims process. Even if a drunk driver is clearly at-fault for your injuries, if they see an opportunity to minimize your settlement, they’ll take it.

We take special care in fighting for victims who have suffered serious injuries from the negligent choices of a drunk driver. Mothers Against Drunk Drivers says it’s the most frequently committed violent crime in America. Indeed, drunk driving is one of the leading causes of fatal accidents in the Commonwealth of Virginia.


NORFOLK PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER

Attorney Richard SerpeFor over 37 years, Richard Serpe has helped personal injury victims seek the compensation they deserve. He’s earned a reputation as a well-respected, hard-working attorney with a tenacious approach to every case he takes on. Mr. Serpe has a track record of success in obtaining favorable settlements and verdicts for his clients.

Best Lawyers® (2005 – Present); Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers (2020); Virginia Super Lawyer: (2006 – Present);  Avvo.com : Rated 10/10 – “Superb”, Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory: AV Preeminent rating (highest given)


COMPENSATION FOR VICTIMS

Virginia personal injury lawyer settlementsDepending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be eligible for the following types compensatory damages:

  • Medical Expenses – Medical bills add up fast. Regardless of whether you need an ambulance ride, extensive surgeries, or years of therapy, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden of such expenses.
  • Lost Income – Did you need time off of work to recover from your accident? Lost earnings can be included in a drunk driving settlement.
  • Pain and Suffering – While it’s hard to imagine attaching a dollar figure to the emotional pain and suffering you endured because of your accident, a settlement can help make you financially whole again after a crash.
  • Punitive Damages – In some cases, judges may award drunk driving victims punitive damages. While rare, this form of compensation seeks to further motivate the drunk driver to never get behind the wheel under the influence again.
  • Wrongful Death – Some drunk driving accidents result in tragic losses. The Virginia wrongful death statute allows surviving family members to sue the responsible parties for losses they’ve suffered after the death of a loved one.

DRUNK DRIVING WRONGFUL DEATH

Nothing can undo the damage of a drunk driving accident. That’s especially true when a victim dies in the collision. While it’s not possible to turn back the clock and prevent the incident from occurring, Virginia law does allow families to take legal action on behalf of the deceased. Wrongful death lawsuits can help recoup the costs of funeral expenses, lost wages, and the companionship the surviving family members will miss out on because of their loss.

There are strict requirements for bringing wrongful death cases in Virginia. Only the properly qualified personal representative of the estate can file. Many inexperienced lawyers misunderstand these eligibility requirements, permanently jeopardizing the rights of the surviving family members.

Statutory beneficiaries are the only individuals who can recover for a wrongful death case. These representatives seek legal justice for their deceased loved ones. Most often, the statutory beneficiary is a spouse, a child, or a stepchild. When no spouse or offspring exist, a deceased victim’s parents or siblings may pursue a wrongful death claim.


STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (DEADLINES)

There are strict legal deadlines for filing a Virginia personal injury lawsuit known as the statue of limitations. Accident victims have just two years from the date of the car accident to take action. Delays in investigations can mean missing out on important pieces of evidence. Key witnesses may also become more difficult to locate over time. If you’ve been injured in a Virginia drunk driving accident, consider speaking with an attorney to protect your legal rights.


INJURIES CAUSED BY DRUNK DRIVING ACCIDENTS

Regardless of how defensively you drive, a drunk driver can appear out of nowhere and cause a crash. Whether it’s a rear-end collision, a T-bone crash, or a head-on collision, the impact can be traumatic. Many drunk driving accidents leave victims with serious and even life-threatening injuries. Some of the most common drunk driving accident injuries include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries – Any bump, blow, or hit to the head can result in a traumatic brain injury, or TBI. These kinds of injuries can disrupt brain function, and those suffering from extreme TBI may require round-the-clock care.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries – Paralysis can result from spinal cord injuries. Victims may require wheelchairs, modifications to their homes, and more accessible transportation options. This can all be incredibly costly.
  • Broken Bones – Multiple broken bones may require extensive surgeries, physical therapy, and assistance with daily tasks.
  • Internal Injuries – Some injuries exhibit no external signs or symptoms. Because of this, they’re considered especially dangerous. That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention after an accident regardless of whether or not you feel okay. Only a doctor can truly assess you and diagnose you after a wreck.

Many drunk drivers walk away from their accidents without a scratch. Meanwhile, accident victims may suffer injuries that impact them for the rest of their lives.


NORFOLK, VIRGINIA DRUNK DRIVING LAWYER

Our firm has helped victims of drunk driving accidents for decades. During times of suffering and loss, allow us to lead you through the claims process and handle difficult conversations with the insurance company for you. Sensitive to the need for prompt, thorough investigations, our team understands what is necessary to prevail against the person responsible for your injuries and losses. Schedule your free consultation today. A single meeting with an experienced Norfolk drunk driving accident attorney can help clarify your options and give you insight into next steps.

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    Richard Serpe recognized by Best Lawyers, Norfolk personal injury
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    SETTLEMENTS AND VERDICTS
    $5
    MILLION
    Defective Vehicle Wrongful Death
    Roanoke, Virginia
    $3.5
    MILLION
    Barge Accident Brain Injury
    Richmond, Virginia
    $2.5
    MILLION
    Carbon Monoxide Wrongful Death
    Portsmouth, Virginia
    $2
    MILLION
    Birth Injury
    Hampton, Virginia
    $1.6
    MILLION
    Drunk Driving Accident
    Eastern Shore, Virginia
    NO LEGAL FEE
    UNLESS WE SETTLE OR WIN
    WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT US
    Suzanne, Google Review
    Their heart is with you
    I was severely injured by medication produced by a top corporate entity. I was unable to continue working, the whole situation seemed hopeless. The team at Serpe law offices was
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    I strongly and sincerely recommend Richard J. Serpe
    “I strongly and sincerely recommend Richard J. Serpe. Understanding, Compassionate and trustworthy. They are very knowledgeable and they WILL GET THE MOST compensation for your case. I was just looking
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    A settlement that changed my life
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    “A tip-top law firm led by one of the finest lawyers I know. In addition to the usual qualities of hard work and zealous devotion to the cause, Richard Serpe
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    He listened carefully to our concerns and gave us honest legal advice
    “My husband and I worked with Richard for the past year and had a wonderful experience. At our first meeting, he did not push us to sign anything or make
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    Such a wonderful group of people to have by your side! Genuinely cares and wants to help you and your family 🙂
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    Richard acted as my advocate, my friend, my partner and my champion
    Within seconds of meeting with Richard Serpe, he identified a number of potential mistakes I was making – many of which could have been quite costly. Throughout the entire process,
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    You will feel better — instantly
    “I endorse this lawyer. Richard is an extremely intelligent person and a very kind man. Not only is Richard a top-notch attorney, but he also is very compassionate one. You
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    Absolutely amazing what he has done for me!
    “My experience with Richard was great. He put in the time and effort to get what I needed done and in months he worked a miracle that I didn’t expect!
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    When my daughter suffered an injury from lead poisoning, I did not know where to turn. There did not seem to be many lawyers who could help. The landlord responsible
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    Richard Serpe handled the case for my daughter for injuries she received over 10 years ago. The people who work for him were always great to work with! They responded
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