Car accidents, especially those that result in the wrongful death of an innocent victim, are horrific events – the event is made all the more awful when it turns out that the at-fault driver was driving drunk.
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.
How the Serpe Firm Can Help You
Here are a few ways our Virginia drunk driving accident lawyers can use their legal education, experience, and expertise to protect your right to compensation and add value to your car accident claim:
- Investigate your accident and determine the potential value of your claim
- Protect you from abusive insurance company tactics and costly mistakes
- Negotiate with the insurance company for a favorable financial recovery
- File a lawsuit and go to trial if the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement
Schedule your free consultation today 877.544.5323.
A Fierce Advocate for 35 Years
Attorney Richard Serpe is a highly skilled Virginia personal injury lawyer with a reputation for meticulous preparation and presentation. Over the last 35 years, Mr. Serpe has represented individuals and families injured in accidents caused by the negligence of another person, dangerous product, or company. A substantial portion of his profession has been devoted to the representation of injured children. Richard Serpe has a tremendous track record of success in obtaining favorable settlements and verdicts for his clients.
Recognition and Awards
- Best Lawyers® (2005 – Present)
- Super Lawyer: top 5% in Virginia (2006 – Present)
- Avvo.com : Rated 10/10 – “Superb”
- Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory: AV Preeminent rating (highest given)
Financial Recovery for Victims
Depending 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.
Virginia Wrongful Death Cases
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.
Statue 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.
Virginia Drunk Driving Accident 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.
