Personal Injury Law: A field of civil law that provides a legal pathway for an injured person (the plaintiff) to seek compensation from the person or entity (the defendant) whose negligent, reckless, or intentional act caused the harm. The goal is to make the injured party “whole” again, primarily through a monetary award known as damages, covering everything from medical bills and lost wages to pain and suffering.
Key Takeaways for Accident Victims
A Steadfast Guide Through the Aftermath of an Accident
The moments after an accident are a blur of confusion, fear, and pain. Whether it’s the jarring impact of a car crash on Virginia Beach Boulevard, a sudden slip on a wet floor at a Town Center business, or the devastating news of a loved one’s catastrophic injury, your world is turned upside down. Suddenly, you’re facing a mountain of questions: Who will pay for these medical bills? How will I support my family if I can’t work? Will my life ever get back to normal?
My name is Michael T. Trent, and as a trial lawyer with the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., I have dedicated my career to being the answer to those questions for people right here in Virginia. 1I am from a family of Virginians, and I understand the communities and the people who make up the juries in our Commonwealth. 2I’ve seen firsthand how an injury caused by someone else’s carelessness can shatter a person’s physical, emotional, and financial stability. 3It’s a deeply personal crisis, and it requires a deeply personal approach—not the high-volume, impersonal service that leaves victims feeling like just another case number. 4
At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we recognize that you are not a statistic. You are a member of our community facing a profound challenge. Our role is not just to be legal technicians; it is to be steadfast advocates who take the time to understand the true toll of your injury and relentlessly pursue the full compensation you need to rebuild. 5 We are here to lift the legal burden from your shoulders, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: your recovery.
An accident’s impact extends far beyond the initial incident. The ripple effects can disrupt every facet of your life, creating challenges that are often underestimated until you are forced to confront them. Understanding these consequences is the first step toward reclaiming control.
Physical Toll and Long-Term Recovery
The most immediate consequence is physical pain. From traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and spinal cord damage to severe burns and broken bones, the path to recovery can be long, arduous, and uncertain. It often involves surgeries, extensive physical therapy, and a reliance on pain medication. For some, the injury results in permanent impairment or disfigurement, fundamentally altering their ability to perform daily tasks or enjoy life as they once did. Holding negligent parties accountable is crucial to securing the resources needed for this lifelong journey.
The Crushing Financial Burden
The financial strain begins almost instantly. Ambulance rides, emergency room visits, hospital stays, and follow-up appointments generate a cascade of medical bills. Compounding this is the loss of income. If you are unable to work, your family’s financial stability is jeopardized. How will the mortgage be paid? How will you afford groceries? A personal injury claim seeks to recover not only current medical expenses but also future medical costs and lost earning capacity, providing a vital safety net for your family.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
The invisible wounds are often the deepest. The trauma of an accident can lead to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a persistent fear of the activity that caused the injury. A person injured in a severe car accident on I-264 may find themselves unable to get behind the wheel again. A victim of a dog bite may develop a lifelong phobia. These psychological injuries are real, debilitating, and a recognized component of the “pain and suffering” damages we pursue for our clients.
The path to compensation can feel intimidating, filled with complex legal procedures and unfamiliar terminology. Our role is to guide you through each stage with clarity and confidence, ensuring you understand the process and are prepared for what lies ahead.
Step 1: Initial Case Assessment and Investigation
The process begins with a comprehensive review of your case. We will listen intently to your story, seeking to understand not just what happened, but how it has impacted your life. 6 This is followed by a meticulous investigation. We gather all relevant evidence, including police reports from accidents on Virginia Beach Boulevard, witness statements, medical records, and photos of the scene. If necessary, we engage accident reconstructionists or medical reviewers to build the strongest possible foundation for your claim.
Step 2: Filing the Claim and Dealing with Insurance Companies
Once we have established the facts, we will formally notify the at-fault party and their insurance company of your claim. This is a critical juncture where having seasoned representation is invaluable. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line, often by pressuring victims into accepting lowball settlement offers. We handle all communications with the insurance company, shielding you from their tactics and presenting a demand package that fully documents your losses and justifies the compensation you are owed.
Step 3: Negotiation and Settlement
The vast majority of personal injury cases are resolved through negotiation. As a skilled negotiator, I am always prepared to advocate relentlessly for a just settlement that covers all your damages. 7 However, our willingness to go to trial is our greatest negotiating strength. Insurance companies are far more likely to offer a fair settlement when they know they are facing a formidable trial lawyer who is fully prepared to present the case to a Virginia jury. 8
Step 4: Litigation and Trial
If the insurance company refuses to offer adequate compensation, we will not hesitate to file a lawsuit and take your case to court. 9 Litigation involves formal processes like discovery (exchanging evidence), depositions (sworn testimony), and pre-trial motions. My extensive courtroom experience, honed over 15 years in Virginia courts, has prepared me to effectively argue cases before local judges and juries. 10101010 While trial is the final step, our meticulous preparation at every stage is designed to place you in the strongest possible position for a favorable outcome, whether in or out of the courtroom.
What you do immediately following an accident can significantly impact your health and the viability of your legal claim. Use this practical guide to protect yourself.
At the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., our approach is not one-size-fits-all. It is a strategic, client-centered methodology rooted in a deep understanding of Virginia law and the local legal landscape. My experience in Virginia courts gives me valuable insights into how to best position a case for success. 11
Leveraging Meticulous Investigation to Establish Liability
Success in a personal injury claim hinges on proving the other party’s negligence. This requires more than just pointing fingers; it demands evidence. Our firm’s commitment begins with a thorough investigation to build an irrefutable case. This may involve obtaining traffic camera footage of an accident at the Oceanfront, subpoenaing maintenance logs after a trip and fall in a retail store, or working with engineering professionals to demonstrate a product defect. We leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of the truth and our mission to hold negligent parties accountable.
Maximizing Compensation by Documenting Full Damages
Many people mistakenly believe compensation is limited to medical bills. Our role is to identify and quantify the full spectrum of your losses. This includes economic damages like lost wages (past and future), medical costs, and rehabilitation expenses. It also includes non-economic damages, which are often the most significant part of a claim: pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disfigurement. We take the time to understand the profound personal impact of your injury to ensure our demand reflects the complete value of your claim. 12
Countering the Contributory Negligence Defense
Because Virginia adheres to the harsh doctrine of contributory negligence, insurance companies will aggressively look for any way to place even a tiny fraction of blame on you to avoid paying anything. Our strategic approach anticipates these tactics. By gathering robust evidence and witness testimony early, we can effectively challenge false accusations of fault. My extensive litigation experience has prepared me to dismantle these arguments, whether in negotiation or before a jury, to protect your right to recovery.
After a traumatic event, it’s natural to feel uncertain about taking the next step. Many accident victims hesitate to contact an attorney, often due to common misconceptions. Let’s address these concerns head-on.
“I can’t afford a lawyer.”
This is the most common and understandable concern. That is why personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. typically work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees for our services. We only receive a fee if and when we successfully recover compensation for you, either through a settlement or a court verdict. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing for our time. This arrangement ensures that everyone has access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
“My injuries aren’t that serious.”
Never underestimate an injury in the early stages. What seems like minor soreness could be a soft tissue injury that develops into chronic pain. A slight headache could be a sign of a concussion. Seeking legal counsel allows you to understand your rights and options. A case assessment can determine the potential value of your claim. By not exploring your options, you risk being left with unexpected medical bills for an injury that was not your fault.
“I don’t want to go to court.”
The vast majority of personal injury cases never see the inside of a courtroom. A successful settlement is achieved through skillful negotiation. The irony is that the best way to avoid court is to hire a lawyer who is fully prepared and willing to go there. 13 When an insurance company knows your attorney is a seasoned trial lawyer with a history of courtroom success, they are far more motivated to negotiate in good faith and offer a fair settlement. Our readiness for trial is your strongest leverage for a favorable resolution.
There is no simple calculator for an injury claim's value. It depends on multiple factors, including the severity of your injuries, the total cost of your medical treatment (past and future), the amount of lost income, the impact on your quality of life, and the strength of the evidence proving the other party's fault. A thorough case assessment is required to provide a realistic valuation.
It is highly advisable not to. The adjuster's job is to protect their company's interests by minimizing your claim. They may try to get you to admit partial fault or make a statement that downplays your injuries. It is best to politely decline to speak with them and refer them to your attorney at the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
If you were injured by a drunk driver, you have a strong personal injury claim. In addition to standard compensatory damages, you may also be entitled to punitive damages, which are intended to punish the defendant for their egregious conduct. It is critical to have an attorney who can navigate both the civil claim and the implications of the related criminal case.
Yes. Boating accidents are subject to maritime and personal injury laws. If your injuries were caused by a boat operator's negligence—such as boating under the influence, excessive speed, or inattention—you have the right to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
A catastrophic injury is a severe injury to the spine, spinal cord, or brain, and may also include skull fractures or burn injuries. These injuries are life-altering, often resulting in permanent disability, long-term medical care needs, and an inability to return to work. Cases involving these injuries require a high level of legal and medical documentation to secure the substantial compensation necessary for a lifetime of care.
Take the First Step Toward Justice and Recovery
The moments following an injury are overwhelming, but you do not have to face them alone. You have the right to seek justice, the right to compensation, and the right to have a steadfast advocate in your corner. My commitment, and the commitment of the entire team at the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is to provide the personal, client-centered representation you deserve. 14
We are not a high-volume firm; we are a team of dedicated trial lawyers who understand the profound impact an injury has on a person’s life. 15 Let us put our experience to work for you. Contact us today for a confidential case assessment. We will listen to your story, explain your rights, and provide a clear path forward.
Call the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. now at 888-437-7747 or complete our online contact form to begin the conversation. Let us handle the legal fight, so you can focus on healing.
Disclaimer
This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. You should not act or refrain from acting based on this information without seeking professional legal counsel. Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case and do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case.
Criminal Defense & Family Law
Mr. SRIS Licensed in VA, MD, NJ, NY, DCOwner & CEO – Former Prosecutor