Car Accident Damages

Rutter Mills Law Firm

Car Accident Damages

Car Accident Info

When you are involved in a car accident, and another driver is at fault, you may be entitled to recover for all of the damages that you sustain. Some damages, like medical bills and car repairs, may be obvious. Others, like lost wages and compensation for a lasting disability, may not be. The time to recover damages is limited by both the statute of limitations and the finality of a settlement or court verdict. So, it pays to speak with a car accident attorney who can make sure all of your losses are accounted for and supported by evidence.

Who Pays for Car Accident Damages?

Virginia law requires drivers to take financial responsibility for the accidents that they cause. Motorists are required to carry liability insurance that meets the state minimum coverage. This requirement is intended to guarantee that drivers can pay for the damages that they cause in an accident.

If a driver is insured, their liability carrier will pay for the damages up to the policy limits. However, the driver is still personally responsible for the losses they cause, even if they are uninsured. Even if the defendant driver has little insurance or none at all, you may be able to use your own personal insurance, or the insurance of the car you were in, to supplement the defendant’s insurance.

Property Damage

The general rule is that you may recover the difference between the value of the vehicle immediately before and immediately after the accident. Often the Blue Book value is used to determine this.

If the vehicle is unique, like a restored classic, the general formula may not provide adequate compensation. If the estimated repair costs exceed the value of the car, state law may require that it be declared a total loss. If your vehicle’s damage was anything other than straightforward, do not settle your claim without discussing it with a car accident lawyer; property damage compensation will depend on how strong a case you make during negotiations.

Personal Injury

Personal injury claims can include both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages, also known as special damages, include:

  • Past and future medical bills
  • Past and future lost wages
  • Diminished earning capacity
  • Other costs incurred or financial losses sustained because of the injury

Non-economic damages, sometimes called general damages, can include payment for:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish and emotional impact
  • Scarring or other disfigurement
  • Loss of enjoyment of hobbies and activities

Experienced car accident lawyers understand what type of evidence is needed to succeed in each kind of claim. Since there is no second bite at the apple once your case is finished, it is critical to include all possible damages and build a strong case from the start.

How to Recover Car Accident Damages

After an accident, it is a good idea– and in many cases legally required– to call the police and exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver. Also, try to obtain the names of any witnesses and document the scene with photographs.

If you suffered any injuries, see a doctor as soon as possible. Courts require medical evidence of your injury, so follow your doctor’s advice, and don’t skip any appointments. Keep a copy of all medical bills and records. Speak with a car accident lawyer as soon as you can. Your attorney will advocate for your full compensation when dealing with the other driver’s insurance company and build a case if you need to file a lawsuit.

Recover Maximum Damages for Your Car Accident

If you have been in a serious accident, choose a serious law firm. The team at Rutter Mills has the reputation and experience that insurance companies recognize. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.

Car Accident Lawyers

Car Accident Lawyer Resources – Areas Served

Contact a Rutter Mills attorney to speak about your case today.

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TESTIMONIALS

You don’t have to worry about the bills, just get healthy.

Dave Put His Trust in Us

Don’t Fall For The Insurance Company’s Games

Dave suffered serious injuries in a car accident. The defendant’s insurance company tried to offer him a low amount so Dave called Rutter Mills. We took over dealing with the insurance and got Dave the money he needed to get back on his feet.

They enabled me to be happy in life again.

Get Back On Track

Protecting Your Future

Glenn’s car accident changed his life, but not permanently thanks to the help of his Rutter Mills attorney. When the insurance companies wouldn’t help him, our team fought back and won.

I knew I needed Rutter Mills.

Fighting For What's Right

Getting Justice

On his way home from work at the shipyard, Dan was involved in an accident. He tried to file a claim on his own, but the insurance company wouldn’t give him the money he needed to put his life back on track. Dan knew he needed to call Rutter Mills.

They actually won my case 3 times!

Larena's Win

After her car accident, Larena asked her father, a local stevedore, for his advice on who to call. He recommended Rutter Mills. Her team of car accident experts at Rutter Mills fought back when the insurance companies tried to deny her the money she needed to recuperate from her injuries. We took her case to trial – and won. When the insurance company filed their appeals, we beat them again – two more times! Larena got the money she needed and the justice she deserved.

We’re going to immediately call Rutter Mills. That’s the people I trust with my baby girl.

Who Do You Trust With Your Family?

After a car accident, Jamaree’s first call was to her mom. She was shaken up and scared. Mom told her “We’re calling Rutter Mills. Her next was to Rutter Mills. Her Rutter Mills car accident team helped her get compensation “above & beyond” what she was expecting.

They lifted allot of stress off my shoulders. I recommend them to anybody because they WILL fight for you.

Who Can You Turn To?

Referrals From Friends and Family

After John was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, he turned to the person he trusts most for a recommendation. His wife, a paralegal of 30 years, told him to call Rutter Mills on the advice of the lawyer she worked for.

They really care for you as a person. Words cannot describe what Rutter Mills did for me and for my case.

When You Need Someone In Your Corner

Don’t Go It Alone

When the insurance company tried to get Carol to sign paperwork after her car accident, she knew she needed a lawyer. Carol knew she needed Rutter Mills.

When I called Rutter Mills, I knew it was the right fit. They’re so interested in helping you get justice.

Getting The Justice You Deserve

When Mom Needs Strength

Taryn was in a car accident while she was pregnant. She knew she needed someone in her corner to protect her rights and her family’s future.

There’s attorneys, then there’s Rutter Mills.

We're Here When The Unexpected Happens

Priorities

A devasting accident changed Levon’s life forever. The physical and emotional toll left him scared and in pain. When the insurance company for the defendant contacted the family, they made an offer that did not even cover the cost of the medication, much less doctors’ bills, and physical therapy. They knew they needed to talk to a serious lawyer. Rutter Mills took care of the negotiation so Levon could focus on healing.

When you’ve got a serious injury, you need a serious lawyer. That’s why we chose Rutter Mills.

Motorcycle Accidents Change Everything

When Ed was injured in a motorcycle crash, he knew he needed a serious lawyer to protect his rights. The insurance companies were fighting him every step of the way. Rutter Mills helped prove Ed’s case and get him the money he needed to get on the road to recovery.

With the seriousness of the accident, I knew that we needed a serious lawyer. I needed Rutter Mills.

Carol & Levon's Story

They knew they needed a serious lawyer when Carol and her son were seriously injured. After the other party’s insurance company tried to get her to settle for less than she needed, Carol called Rutter Mills for help. We took on the insurance company so she could focus on healing.

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TESTIMONIALS How We Helped