Yvonne T. Griffin
Car Accident Attorney

Charlottesville Car Accident Lawyers

Don’t let the other driver’s insurance company bully or low-ball you into settling for less. Put Yvonne Griffin and her staff on your side. They’ll take over the fight while you recover.

Why It Matters:

Injury-causing car accidents can have serious financial consequences in addition to their damaging physical and emotional effects. When an accident was caused by another party’s negligence, a knowledgeable car accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation to pay for your medical expenses and other losses.

At Tucker Griffin Barnes in Charlottesville, our personal injury partner, Yvonne Griffin, has helped thousands of Virginia clients seek payment when they have been injured in vehicle crashes. You can rely on our firm to put our significant skills and resources to work to safeguard your rights and protect your interests. Put Yvonne and her staff to work for you. To schedule a free consultation, call our firm at 434-973-7474 or contact us online.

Yvonne’s Staff:

• Matthew Westmoreland – Personal Injury Attorney
• Rachael Roy – Personal Injury Paralegal

We’re committed attorneys who represent people harmed in various types of accidents

Car accidents happen in many different ways. Some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted driving accidents — This includes texting and talking on cell phones and other behaviors that take the eyes from the road and hands from the wheel.
• Aggressive driving accidents — Moving violations such as speeding, tailgating and weaving put other cars in danger.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs accidents — Even if a motorist is not over the legal intoxication limit, alcohol or drugs could affect their ability to drive safely.
• Uber / Lyft accidents – What happens when you’re a passenger and get injured during an accident? Having an experienced attorney on your side will make a difference.
• Uninsured / Underinsured driver accidents – How do you recover from injuries caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver? Most of these drivers don’t have assets to personally cover the injuries; however, there are options. Our attorneys can explain and advise in these types of situations.
• Other vehicle accidents –  Motorcycle accidents, Truck accidents, Tractor-Trailer accidents, Bus accidents, Bicycle Accidents and Pedestrian accidents.

Not all auto accidents are the fault of drivers. Defective car parts, malfunctioning vehicle systems, poorly maintained or designed roads and other things can lead to dangerous crashes. We will examine your injury case from all angles to determine liability and advise you about your options going forward.

We’re diligent lawyers helping Virginians who have suffered catastrophic injuries

Serious car accidents can cause major injuries and permanent disabilities that require expensive and ongoing medical care. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, paralysis, severe burns and lost limbs are some examples of catastrophic injuries that can occur in auto accidents. Sadly, injuries such as these sometimes are fatal. If you have been seriously injured in a car accident, we will fight for your rights throughout the personal injury claims process. If your loved one has died and you are a statutory beneficiary, we will counsel you about your possible right to file a wrongful death claim.

We’re hardworking litigators pursuing compensation for medical bills and other damages

In a personal injury claim, you can request compensation for the losses or damages you’ve suffered because of the other party’s negligent actions. Damages available under Virginia law include items such as:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Time lost at work while recuperating from injuries
• Lost earning capacity if you can no longer work or if your work is limited
• Physical pain and emotional suffering

In wrongful death cases, damages can include the value of the wages, care and companionship the decedent would have been expected to provide and more. When our law firm reviews the details of your case, we will help you calculate economic and non-economic losses you’ve suffered to determine the potential value of your claim.

Comprehending Damages In Personal Injury Cases: A Guide to Estimating Compensation Possibilities in Virginia

If you are pursuing a claim for damages incurred from a personal injury, understanding the concept of damages and how damages impact the value of your case is important. The term “damages” includes, but is not limited to, the physical, emotional, and financial losses you incur as a result of another party’s negligence or wrongdoing. The amount of money you may receive from a settlement or verdict at trial will depend to a great degree on the extent of your damages, i.e., the nature and extent of your injuries, the financial losses you incurred, and the impact your injuries have on your quality of life.

Determining Damages:

In a personal injury claim, damages are typically divided into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses that can include medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and future medical costs or lost wages. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are more subjective and cover intangible losses such as pain (the actual “ouch” you are feeling) and suffering (feelings you have such as sadness, fear, loss of hope, embarrassment, etc.). These two types of damages represent the physical and emotional toll the injury has had on your life. The amount of your damages will be an important item when you are determining the value of your case, whether to settle, or whether to go to trial.

Court Considerations:

In Virginia, the amount of damages you are seeking will be an important factor in deciding which court you want to hear your case. General District Courts allow personal injury claims seeking up to, but not exceeding, $50,000 in damages. General District Courts have judge trials – not jury trials (also called “bench trials”). They provide a quicker and more cost-effective option for cases with low damages. If your damages exceed $50,000.00 or your case is more complex, filing a suit in Circuit Court may be your better choice.  In Circuit Court you may have a judge or jury trial. Except in certain types of cases, Circuit Court has no specific cap on the amount you can seek in damages. The amount you request, however, does not guarantee the final award. The damages awarded will ultimately be determined by the judge or jury who hears the case based on evidence presented.

Conclusion:

Understanding damages in personal injury claims is essential for evaluating the value of your case. The value of your case will depend on many factors, including, but not limited to, your damages, the evidence presented, the court in which you file your claim, and the opinion(s) of the judge and/or jurors. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide you with valuable guidance to navigate the complexities of your case, to protect your rights, and to maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Contact our dedicated Charlottesville car accident lawyers for help

Tucker Griffin Barnes in Charlottesville represents Virginia clients in personal injury and wrongful death litigation arising from car accidents. We have four offices conveniently located in Charlottesville, Palmyra (Across from Food Lion), Harrisonburg, and Staunton, Virginia. To schedule a free consultation, call our firm at 434-973-7474 or contact us online.