Harrisonburg Car Accident Attorneys

Serving Accident Victims throughout Virginia

At Obenshain Law Group, our team has handled hundreds of personal injury cases and wrongful death claims resulting from serious automobile crashes. We are committed to the pursuit of fair compensation for you and your passengers.

The suffering caused by negligent drivers is immense, but our Harrisonburg car accident lawyers are here to act on your behalf.

Get in touch with us today by calling (540) 318-7360 or contacting us online.

Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Car Accident

After being involved in a car accident, it's important to understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation for your injuries and damages. Our team of experienced car accident attorneys can guide you through the legal process and help you understand your rights under Virginia law.

Some key points to consider after a car accident include:

• Time limitations for filing a claim
• Determining fault and liability
• Potential compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
• Negotiating with insurance companies

By seeking legal representation from our Harrisonburg car accident attorneys, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Don't hesitate to contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case.

How Can A Lawyer Help Me With My Car Accident Claim?

A lawyer can be an invaluable asset in navigating the complexities of a car accident claim in Virginia. 

Here's how a Harrisonburg car accident lawyer can assist you:

1. Expert Legal Advice: Car accident attorneys are well-versed in Virginia traffic laws and personal injury regulations. They can give you experienced advice tailored to your situation, ensuring you understand your rights and options.
2. Complete Investigation: An experienced lawyer will undertake a thorough examination of the accident. This includes obtaining evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts as needed. A well-documented case considerably improves your position.
3. Negotiation with Insurance firms: Insurance firms frequently seek to reduce payouts. Your attorney will handle all discussions with insurance adjusters and negotiate on your behalf to get a reasonable payment. Their experience guarantees that you will not be forced to accept a lowball offer.
4. Accurate Claims Valuation: To determine the value of your claim, you must include medical expenditures, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. A skilled attorney will precisely assess these damages to guarantee you receive adequate compensation.
5. Representation in Court: If a reasonable settlement cannot be made, your Harrisonburg car accident attorney will represent you in court. They will make a persuasive argument, supported by evidence and expert witness, to argue for your interests.
6. Peace of Mind: Coping with the aftermath of an automobile accident can be daunting. Having a qualified attorney by your side allows you to concentrate on your recovery while they manage the legal details.

Because a strong claim is the backbone of your case, we make every effort to prepare a case that is thoroughly researched and comprehensive in nature. Should the need arise, Mark Obenshain and Justin Wolcott are ready to take your case to court and vigorously represent you.

Our attorneys' track record of success has inspired confidence in numerous clients and proves that we know what needs to be done so you can receive your deserved compensation.

Whether you were injured by a drunk driver, by a driver with a faulty vehicle, or by someone driving negligently, our firm can help. Speaking with Harrisonburg car wreck attorneys may have a big impact on how your claim is handled if you've been in an automobile accident. Our knowledgeable staff is dedicated to supporting you throughout this trying time and getting you the money that you deserve.

While you concentrate on getting better, our Harrisonburg car accident attorneys can focus on protecting your interests and well-being by pursuing the compensation you deserve.

We can help you pursue compensation for the following damages:

• Hospital bills
• Car repair or replacement costs
• Lost wages and other income
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Injury Claims in Virgina

All injury lawsuits in Virginia, including those related to car accidents, are subject to a "statute of limitations" which sets a hard deadline on your right to take legal action in court. Under the Code of Virginia § 8.01-243, you only have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit in pursuit of compensation from the at-fault driver.

This same two-year deadline applies to wrongful death claims related to car accidents, though the "clock" would begin on the date of the person's death if it is different from the date of the accident itself.

Filing After Statute of Limitations Expires

If you attempt to file a claim after the statute of limitations has expired, the court will almost certainly dismiss your claim and you will effectively be barred from pursuing further legal action. It is important to note that insurance claims are subject to much tighter deadlines and generally must be filed within a few days of your crash in order to be eligible for coverage.

Whatever the case may be, it is important to act fast after a car accident and speak with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your compliance with all deadlines that apply to your situation.

Virginia's Contributory Negligence Rule

It is not uncommon for multiple parties to share blame for a car accident. Unfortunately, Virginia's "contributory negligence" rules prevent individuals from recovering compensation if they are found to have played even the slightest role in causing the accident.

Virginia is one of only a handful of states that still follows this rule, with many other states having adopted more forgiving "pure comparative negligence" systems.

For example, say you were injured in a crash and suffered $10,000 worth of damages but were found to be 10% to blame for the crash. Under Virginia's contributory negligence laws, even though the other driver was the main cause of the crash, you cannot recover any compensation.

This rule applies not only to court judgments but also plays a considerable role in guiding insurance companies when evaluating your claim. Insurance companies know these rules intimately and will likely use this to deny your claim.

Rest on Strong Representation

Since there is no empirical means of assigning fault, your ability to recover compensation will ultimately be influenced by your attorney's ability to negotiate with the involved insurance company or persuade a judge or jury at trial.

While this rule is tough, do not let it keep you from contacting an attorney about your situation and discussing the best course of action.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Harrisonburg

Most car accidents in Harrisonburg and the surrounding areas are caused by:

• Drunk or drugged driving: Impaired driving is a serious problem in Virginia and the rest of the United States. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2,613 people were killed in crashes involving a drunk driver in Virginia from 2003 to 2012. The Virginia Highway Safety Office reports that 7,285 alcohol-related crashes were recorded throughout the Commonwealth in 2017 alone, with more than 15,000 drivers registering a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or greater. While drunk drivers may face criminal prosecution, a conviction will not provide any compensation for victims. You will need to bring a separate action against the driver or their insurance company in civil court for compensation for your accident-related expenses.
• Distracted driving / texting: Distracted driving is in many ways as prevalent and dangerous as drunk driving. The Virginia Highway Safety Office reports that distracted driving was the cause of 14,656 injuries throughout the Commonwealth in 2017 alone. The top categories of distraction were eyes way from the road, looking at a roadside incident, and using a cell phone or texting.
• Drowsy driving / falling asleep at the wheel: Driving while drowsy causes many of the same effects as driving while drunk, causing drivers to drift between lanes, make sudden moves, or make other dangerous maneuvers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that drowsy driving accidents are most likely to occur between midnight and 6 a.m.
• Speeding: Speed limits are put in place specifically to safe lives. Drivers who exceed posted speed limits endanger the lives of those around them on Virginia's roads and should be held accountable for the injuries they cause. According to the Virginia Highway Safety Office, 23,948 speed-related crashes were recorded in the Commonwealth in 2017 alone, resulting in 12,937 injuries and 310 fatalities.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Harrisonburg

If you have been injured in a car accident in Harrisburg or any of the surrounding areas, it is important to be mindful of your actions in the immediate aftermath. What you say and do during this time can be crucial to your ability to recover compensation in your subsequent personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim.

After a collision, be sure to do the following:

• Stop and render aid to anyone who is injured. If you or anyone involved appears seriously hurt, call for an ambulance.
• Call Harrisonburg police and report the collision. Under Code of Virginia section 46.2-894, you are required by law to report any crash that results in injury, death, or damage to an attended vehicle or attended property.
• Exchange information with all involved motorists, including names, phone numbers, addresses, email addresses, driver's license numbers, license plate numbers, insurance policy information, and vehicle registration information. Likewise, get the contact information of any witnesses to the crash for future reference.
• Be courteous but do not discuss the crash or apologize for the accident. Anything you say can be used against you to dispute your injury claim.
• Tell the police your version of the events leading up to the crash. You can be sure that the other driver will tell their story - make sure your version of the facts are included in the police report. Ask for a copy of the accident report.
• If you were not rushed to the hospital via ambulance, seek medical treatment as soon as you are cleared to leave the accident scene. Tell your doctor about any aches or pains you experience. Follow your doctor's treatment and aftercare instructions closely and keep records of all expenses you incur.
• If you are contacted by the other driver's insurance company, do not sign anything before speaking to an attorney. Initial settlement offers are often far lower than the fair value of the accident claim.

What Makes The Rules Of The Road Different For Rideshare Drivers?

Those who drive for ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft face unique challenges that may influence their compliance with traffic rules. Despite being held to the same standards as all drivers, their circumstances can be quite different. At Obenshain Law Group, our proficient Harrisonburg auto accident attorneys are committed to clarifying these differences for individuals involved in rideshare accidents.

Car Accidents vs. Rideshare Accidents

• Firstly, for navigation and passenger management, rideshare drivers frequently rely significantly on GPS and ridesharing apps. This dependence may increase the likelihood of accidents by causing more distractions. As lawyers for auto accidents, we are aware of the potential effects these diversions may have on claims for damages and liability.
• In order to optimize their earnings, rideshare drivers are also under pressure to get at their destinations quickly. This requirement may unintentionally promote aggressive or fast driving, which could result in an increase in collisions. As rideshare accident attorneys in Harrisonburg, we are skilled at looking into these kinds of situations and making sure all relevant information is taken into account when defending our clients.
• Insurance coverage plays a significant role in rideshare incidents. Rideshare companies provide specific insurance protections, but the details of this coverage can vary depending on the driver's situation—whether they are actively engaged in a ride with a passenger or merely logged into the app awaiting a ride request.

While the basic rules of the road remain constant, the operational environment for rideshare drivers introduces specific challenges. Understanding these nuances is essential, and Harrisonburg ridesharing accident lawyers can help you navigate this complex insurance landscape. Our team is ready to assist you in understanding these intricacies and securing the compensation you deserve if you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident. Reach out to Obenshain Law Group to discuss your case and explore your options.

Why Choose Our Harrisonburg Car Accident Law Firm?

Our litigation team brings decades of experience to the table on your behalf. Obenshain Law Group has handled more than 1,000 personal injury cases, obtaining millions of dollars in compensation for victims who were injured by the negligence and carelessness of others.

We have argued cases in both the Supreme Court of Virginia and the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and admitted and briefed cases in the United States Supreme Court.

Choose us because we:

• Offer free initial consultations
• Have nearly 40 years of combined experience
• Are available 24/7
• Have a reputable standing in the insurance and healthcare community

Call (540) 318-7360 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced accident attorney at our firm.

Recommended Reading

• Why Insurance Company Representatives Are NOT Your Friends
• What to Do If Another Driver is Following You
• Will My Health Insurance Pay My Medical Bills After a Crash?
• How Much Car Insurance Do I Need Under Virginia State Law?
• Who's Supposed to Pay My Medical Bills After a Crash?
• What is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage - And Why Do I Need It?
• What to Do Right After a Car Accident

Helpful Resources

• Official website of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, providing resources for veterans and their families in Harrisonburg, VA.
• Virginia Department of Transportation website offering information on road safety, traffic laws, and accident reporting in Harrisonburg, VA.
• Harrisonburg Police Department website with information on local law enforcement services, including reporting car accidents and obtaining accident reports.