Each case is unique. The value depends on factors like injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, long-term impacts, and available insurance coverage. Our attorneys will provide a realistic assessment of your case value after a thorough evaluation.

Most cases settle within 6-12 months, but more complex cases can take longer, especially if litigation is necessary. We focus on securing maximum compensation, not quick settlements.

If you have been involved in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical costs
• Future lost wages
• Pain
• Property damage costs
• Rental car expenses
• Inconvenience
• Disability
• Lost wages
• Scarring
• Future medical costs
• Suffering
• Permanent injuries

Reckless and careless drivers are often punished by punitive damages, which are awarded in cases that involve willful and wanton conduct. Cases which involve a person driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol often result in these damages.

Yes, medical expenses are recoverable in the average car accident claim. Medical expenses are usually the number one reason why people decide they need to file a car accident claim after an accident and not just depend on whatever the other insurance company wants to give them. With a successful claim, your past and future medical expenses should be covered entirely by the liable driver, up to their insurance cap. Even at that point, though, there might be other applicable insurance policies to file against for any remaining, unpaid medical expenses.

Yes, you can seek lost and reduced wages through a car accident claim. For example, if you miss a month of work because of your injuries, then you can demand a month’s worth of your wages. If you receive employer-provided disability benefits that pay some of your missing wages, then you can still sue for the gap between those benefits and the normal amount. If your injuries are permanent and keep you from pursuing advancements in your career, then you could sue for future wages you will now not get the chance to earn.

Yes, every claim is worth pursuing to some point. At the least, you should always talk to a professional car accident attorney about what happened to get their valuable and experienced input. They can tell you if your claim has a high enough value or strong enough evidence in your favor to pursue. For example, claims dealing with only a few hundred dollars or a couple of thousand dollars are generally straightforward enough to not require an attorney’s assistance. Or if there is strong evidence that shows you were 100% liable for the crash, then a plaintiff’s attorney would likely be unable to accept your case.

No. After your auto accident, the other driver's insurance company will more than likely contact you in an effort to obtain a statement. It is in your best interest to not speak with any insurance adjuster until you speak to an experienced car accident attorney.

Insurance adjusters are trained to ask you questions, which can be construed to make you look like you have some fault in the accident. Insurance companies do not make money by paying claims, and that is why they wish to obtain your statement immediately following the wreck.

Even if you do not realize how your statements may hinder your case, you should not speak to the insurance adjuster. Instead, call the experienced Virginia car accident attorneys at Kalfus & Nachman PC.

Call the police and seek medical attention immediately. You should always seek evaluation by a medical doctor to see if you have any internal injuries. Even if you do not think you are injured, your injuries may not be apparent to you. If possible, take pictures of the damage to the vehicles and the surrounding scene. Be sure to obtain the names of any witnesses to the crash. Have your friends and family confirm the names and addresses of these witnesses.

Even if no one was injured in the car accident, you should call the police. This is especially important if the other party was at fault. The police will write up an accident report, take down driver information and statements, and assess fault. They can also speak to the insurance company. If you have been injured in the crash, notify the police so that information can be included in the accident report.

Hit-and-run crashes are crimes in Virginia. If you have any information about the driver or vehicle, the police may locate them. Even if they don't, you may still recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage. Contact us immediately to explore all options.

Virginia has no caps on economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) in car accident cases. Non-economic damages (pain and suffering) are also available. The value depends on injury severity, liability proof, available insurance, and negotiation skills. Our multi-million dollar settlements demonstrate our ability to maximize recovery.

You must report accidents to your insurance company within days, but you have two years to file a lawsuit in most cases. However, evidence disappears and memories fade over time. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case.

Under Virginia's contributory negligence law, if you are found to be even slightly at fault, you may be barred from recovering any damages. This law differs from those in other comparative negligence states, making it vital to have a clear and strong argument establishing the other party's blame. Legal guidance is crucial in these situations to protect your rights and ensure due diligence in proving fault lies elsewhere.

While you can file a claim independently, insurance companies routinely deny or undervalue claims from unrepresented victims. Our clients receive significantly higher settlements because we:

• Understand Virginia's complex contributory negligence law
• Know how to calculate full damages (including future costs)
• Have relationships with expert witnesses who strengthen cases
• Can't be intimidated by insurance company tactics

Initial consultations are always free. Call us before making any decisions.