Do I have to go to Court After a Car Accident in Virginia Beach?

Do I have to go to Court After a Car Accident in Virginia Beach?

Car Accident Info

If you are injured in a car accident because of a driver’s negligence, it is unlikely your case will end up in court if you decide to sue. Most of these personal injury cases are settled, and no trial is held. There are exceptions, however, if the at-fault party’s insurance company refuses to agree to a fair settlement offer and the case is brought before a judge and jury. Everything depends on the individual case.

The Virginia Beach car accident lawyers at Rutter Mills will hold those responsible for your injuries accountable and fight so that you receive the compensation you deserve.

After a Car Accident

While you may not have to go to court if pursuing a personal injury case, there are certain things you must do as soon as possible after the crash. You must file a police report if anyone was killed or injured in the collision or if there was any property damage.

The driver must give their name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number to either local law enforcement or the Virginia State Police. They must also provide the same information to the other vehicle’s driver, anyone injured in the collision, and the owner of the damaged property. The latter might include a property owner whose fencing, building, or landscaping was destroyed in the crash.

Anyone not complying with these requirements is subject to criminal liability so that they can see the inside of a courtroom after their arrest.

Why Cases End Up in Court

Insurance companies prefer to settle most claims because going to trial is expensive. Sometimes, however, the insurer will not agree to a reasonable settlement. In other instances, there are legitimate concerns about who is liable, whether the injuries are as severe as alleged, or even if the accident caused the injuries.

When a person is catastrophically injured, they will need a large settlement to pay for their future care and basic needs. The victim’s attorney knows a fair compensation based on their client’s injuries and prognosis and may go forward with a jury trial to obtain a more significant sum. An insurance company is likely to balk at paying a huge settlement.

It is possible to settle a case even during a trial, which happens frequently. That is especially true if the evidence presented does not appear favorable toward the insurance company.

With a settlement, both parties know the exact amount. With a jury trial, neither party is sure whether the jury will decide on a significant award or give the plaintiff little or nothing.

Contact a Rutter Mills Car Accident Attorney to speak about your case today.

The Rutter Mills car accident attorneys in Virginia Beach can assist those injured in a motor vehicle accident due to another party’s negligence or recklessness. Schedule a free consultation by submitting our online form, calling or texting 24/7 at (757) 777-7777.

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All Services

Personal Injury

We are here for you in your time of need, providing compassionate guidance and aggressive advocacy in a wide range of personal injury matters. Our top-rated attorneys will fight the insurance companies and get you back on your feet.

Personal Injury Lawyers

Car Accidents

We’re here to listen. A member of our team will meet with you, focusing on not only what happened, but also what you are going through and how it’s impacted your life. Then we’ll tell you what options are available to you to get on the road to recovery.

Car Accident Lawyers

Maritime/Jones Act Law

Personal injuries that happen when you’re working – or playing – on the water aren’t governed by “the law of the land.” They are subject to maritime laws under the Jones Act– also known as admiralty law.

Maritime Lawyers

Motorcycle Accidents

We’re here to listen. A member of our team will meet with you, focusing on listening to not only what happened, but also what you are going through and how it’s impacted your life.

Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are often serious. We are here to listen to your story so we can guide you to healing. Our team has represented some of the largest truck accident cases in Virginia. Call us and see how we can help you today.

Truck Accident Lawyers

Workers Compensation

If you’ve been injured on the job, workers’ compensation insurance may entitle you to critical assistance like medical treatment, lost wages, and more. But insurance companies will put up an aggressive fight to resist paying you the compensation you need and deserve. Rutter Mills can help get you the money you deserve.

Workers Compensation Lawyers

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.