Roanoke Car Accident Attorneys

Dedicated to Protecting Your Right to Compensation

According to VDOT, Roanoke is among the top five counties in Virginia with the highest reported motor vehicle accident-related fatalities and injuries. Such mishaps frequently leave victims and their families with significant financial hardships due to medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages from missed work, property damage, and economic woes.

Car accidents can change lives in an instant, leaving victims with painful injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and uncertainty about the future. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash, you deserve skilled legal guidance. At Kalfus & Nachman PC, our dedicated team fights to protect the rights of injured victims and their families. Our Roanoke car accident lawyers will work to secure the compensation you need to move forward.

Call (855) 880-8163 now or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with our Roanoke auto accident attorneys.

Virginia Car Accident Laws

Every state has unique laws that affect how car accident claims are handled. In Virginia, these laws can greatly influence your ability to recover compensation.

• Contributory Negligence Rule: Virginia follows a strict contributory negligence system. This means if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation. Insurance companies often use this rule to try to deny claims, which is why having a strong attorney is essential.
• Statute of Limitations: In most cases, car accident victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering damages.
• Insurance Requirements: Virginia requires drivers to carry liability insurance or pay an uninsured motor vehicle fee. Minimum coverage is $30,000 for injury to one person, $60,000 for two or more, and $20,000 for property damage.

Common Types of Car Accidents

Car accidents can happen in many different ways. Some of the most common types we handle include:

• Rear-End Collisions
• Head-On Collisions
• Side-Impact (T-Bone) Accidents
• Multi-Vehicle Pileups
• Hit-and-Run Accidents

Our Roanoke car accident lawyers are prepared to handle even the most complex accident cases.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Most crashes are preventable and happen because of driver negligence or dangerous conditions. Common causes include:

• Speeding and Aggressive Driving
• Distracted Driving
• Driving Under the Influence
• Tailgating - Following Too Closely
• Failure to Yield
• Improper Left Turns
• Improper Lane Changes
• Falling Asleep at the Wheel or Fatigued Driving
• Running Red Lights
• Defective Vehicles and Vehicle Parts

When we investigate your case, we gather evidence to prove the exact cause of your accident and hold the responsible party accountable.

Common Types of Car Accident Injuries

The severity of injuries depends on the type of crash, speed, and safety measures in place. Our firm regularly represents clients suffering from:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries
• Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Broken Bones and Fractures
• Internal Injuries and Organ Damage
• Burns and Lacerations
• Psychological Trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)

Some injuries may heal with time, while others lead to permanent disability. Our goal is to ensure you receive compensation that reflects both your immediate and long-term needs.

Compensation for Injured Victims

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Roanoke, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, rehabilitation, medication, and future care costs.
• Lost Wages: Income lost while you recover, plus diminished earning capacity if you cannot return to your prior job.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
• Property Damage: Repairs or replacement of your vehicle.
• Wrongful Death Damages: If you lost a loved one, surviving family members may recover funeral costs and loss of financial support.

I’ve Been in a Car Accident in Roanoke: What Should I Do?

If you're in a car accident in Roanoke, it's vital that you follow these steps to safeguard your rights and ensure those hurt get help:

1. Stop immediately
2. Check for injuries and ensure everyone involved is safe
3. Secure the scene
4. Call the police
5. Do not make comments (except to the police).
6. Exchange information
7. Document the scene
8. Record witnesses
9. Report the accident to your insurance company
10. Seek medical attention

Roanoke's Most Dangerous Highways & Crash Hotspots

Deadly is the word to describe these dangerous crash hotspots for drivers in Roanoke - highways I-81, I-581, and US 220. These roads run through Roanoke County and Roanoke City and have witnessed several high-profile fatal accidents over the years. So if you live near them, you should be aware of all possible hazards along these roads before heading out onto them yourself!

• Interstate-81 (I-81): Infamously known as the "Heroin Highway," I-81 witnesses a traffic volume of approximately 62,000 vehicles each day. Large trucks comprise 20% of this traffic, and the increased number of trucks raises the risk of accidents. According to a VDOT report, a whopping 35 percent of fatal accidents on I-81 involve a truck. Traffic volume and speed are to blame. Despite the I-81 widening work started along a five-mile stretch of both northbound and southbound I-81 in Roanoke County and the city of Salem, traffic congestion and delays related to motor vehicle crashes are frequent on I-81.
• Interstate-581 (I-581): Interstate-81's spur and completely overlapping US 220, I-581 is one of Virginia's most heavily traveled highways. It is a four-lane road from Richmond to Danville and serves the Roanoke Regional Airport, carrying about 52,000 vehicles daily at its peak and comprising 15% of truck volumes. It has had its fair share of problems with traffic congestion and crashes. Drivers trying to get in or out of the area quickly are often seen exceeding speed limits.
• U.S. Route 220 (US 220): Several businesses, residential homes, and schools in the immediate vicinity of U.S. Route 220 make it one of the busiest and most dangerous highways in Roanoke City. Sugar Bottom Rd, Electric Rd, and Elm View Rd are a few crash hotspots to watch out for on US-220. In addition to heavy traffic, the variation in vehicle types and speeds contributes to frequent accidents. Enhanced awareness and understanding of these roads can help drivers proactively avoid potential hazards.

If you have been involved in an accident on one of these highways, contact experienced and committed Roanoke car accident attorneys at Virginia's top-rated personal injury law firm, Kalfus & Nachman. We'll review the facts of your case, help you establish liability, and discuss the best course of action for you and your family. Call us for a free consultation today.

State & Local Crash Statistics

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has released 2021 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) traffic safety facts, with some interesting statistics to help you understand how serious auto accidents are in Virginia and Roanoke. Here are some of the critical crash statistics:

• Ten people lost their lives, and 653 suffered injuries in 1,714 Roanoke Traffic Crash in 2021.
• Approx. 6% (103) of crashes were alcohol-related, with two fatalities and 45 injuries reported.
• 17% of accidents (289 crashes) were speed-related in Roanoke.
• Three deaths and 128 injuries were reported in Roanoke’s speed-related crashes.
• Virginia saw a 12.2% increase in 2021 crashes over 2020.
• 14.3% increase in traffic fatalities, with 968 deaths reported.
• Speed-related crashes jumped 9.5% over 2020 in VA.
• VA's unrestrained occupant crashes increased by 11.3%.
• 11.2% increase in distracted driver-involved crashes in Virginia.

Car Accident Claim FAQs

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Virginia?

You typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury, and five years for property damage.

What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to file a claim under your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Should I talk to the insurance company?

Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts. It’s best to consult with a lawyer before speaking to them or accepting any settlement.

What if I was partially at fault?

Because Virginia follows contributory negligence, even slight fault on your part could bar recovery. A skilled attorney can help build a case to challenge fault determinations.

How much is my case worth?

The value depends on the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and other damages. Our attorneys carefully evaluate every case to seek full compensation.

Contact Our Roanoke Car Accident Lawyers Today

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Kalfus & Nachman PC, our experienced legal team is committed to helping victims in Roanoke, VA, and throughout Virginia get the justice they deserve.

The sooner you contact us, the more time we will have to strategize for your case and ensure you have everything you need to bring a successful lawsuit. Don’t wait to get started. Call (855) 880-8163 now.