Accidents in Harrisonburg, Virginia
Motor vehicle traffic can be dangerous in Harrisonburg and other areas throughout the Shenandoah Valley. According to a report issued by the Harrisonburg Police Department, five intersections, in particular, have the area’s highest number of accidents:
- Burgess Lane and Harrisonburg Crossing
- Port Road and South Main Street
- Neff Avenue and Reservoir Street
- Burgess Lane and East Market Street
- Port Road and Interstate 81
The reality is that many crashes in Harrisonburg are completely preventable. They result from drivers’ careless and reckless decisions and actions.
For instance, many crashes are caused by speeding, aggressive driving (such as tailgating or failing to yield), distracted driving, driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, and driving while fatigued.
Our Experienced Harrisonburg Accident Attorneys Will Fight for You
If you have been injured by the negligence of another driver or lost a loved one in such a crash, you should get help today from our experienced Harrisonburg accident lawyers.
In no case should you try to deal with the insurance company on your own? This is because the insurance company will be out to protect its profits and will seek every way possible to deny or minimize your claim.
Our goal, on the other hand, will be to use our experience and knowledge to pursue the maximum amount of compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and all other damages caused by your accident.
We can help to ease the burdens you are feeling by handling your case with the careful attention and professionalism you deserve. You can count on us to:
- Thoroughly investigate your accident
- Review all of your medical records
- Consult with highly qualified experts about the cause of your crash and the extent of the harm you have suffered
- Deal aggressively with the insurance company and pursue an insurance settlement that fully and fairly compensates you
- If necessary, present a strong case in court on your behalf.
We know how important it is to get your life back on track as quickly as possible after you have been in a crash. That is why we will get to work on your case right away.
Types of Accident Cases Our Firm Handles
We have experience handling a wide range of car accident claims and other types of motor vehicle accident cases in Harrisonburg, including those that involve:
We represent Harrisonburg accident victims and their families on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will pay no costs or attorney fees unless and until we obtain a settlement or verdict in your favor.
It all starts with a free and confidential consultation. Simply call or reach us online today to discuss your case at our Harrisonburg office or at a location that is most convenient for you.
How a Harrisonburg Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You
If you believe that you or a loved one has been harmed by another person’s careless, reckless or intentional acts, you should seek help from an attorney at our Harrisonburg office.
An attorney will work with our experienced investigators to determine why your injury occurred and who should be held legally responsible, or liable, for the harm you have suffered.
Additionally, a lawyer can deal with the insurance companies and seek a timely and just settlement or, if needed, take your case to trial.
The attorney can also make sure that you receive medical care while your case is pending and resolve any health care or other liens that may be attached to your verdict or settlement. If you were hurt at work our Harrisonburg workers’ compensation lawyers can help
What To Expect at Your Free Consultation With a Personal Injury Attorney at Our Harrisonburg Office
It all starts with a free consultation, which we can do by phone or in person at our Harrisonburg office. There is no reason to be nervous or intimidated by this consultation.
We simply would ask you basic questions about your case in order to get a better understanding of it and to help us begin our investigation. We also would give you an opportunity to ask questions about our law firm and how we serve clients.
What Steps Should You Take After an Accident in Harrisonburg?
The aftermath of a serious accident can be confusing and, at times, a little frustrating. The following are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your legal rights after an accident in Harrisonburg.
1. See a doctor.
If you have not seen a doctor yet, you should get medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor can examine you for injuries, including those which may not be immediately apparent, and start you on a course of treatment. If you file a legal claim, it will be important to document your injuries as well. You should see your regular doctor or go to the emergency room at a nearby facility such as:
Sentara RMH Medical Center
(formerly Rockingham Memorial Hospital)
2010 Health Campus Drive
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
(540) 689-1000
2. Get a copy of accident report.
If you were involved in a car accident, the law enforcement agency that responded to it should have a crash report available within a few days. In the Harrisonburg area, those agencies include:
Harrisonburg Police Department
101 N. Main Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22802
(540) 437-2600
Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office
25 South Liberty Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
(540) 564-3800
You can also order a crash report through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles website. This report can help us to launch our investigation of the accident.In many other types of incidents, reports may be available. For instance, you can contact the store where a slip and fall occurred or the animal control agency that responded to a dog bite or other animal attack.
3. Gather your evidence and documents.
You should gather and hold on to as much evidence from your incident as possible, including any photos you took, eyewitness contact information you collected and the clothes you wore. Additionally, you should collect and store any medical bills, receipts, vehicle repair invoices, insurance company letters and other documents related to your accident.
4. Write it down.
When you the opportunity, you should take some time to write down everything you can recall about the incident that led to your injuries. It is good to do this while your memory is still fresh.You should also write down how your injuries have impacted your ability to work and other aspects of your life.
5. Don’t talk with the insurance company.
The company that insures the other party involved in your incident likely will contact you within days after it occurs. An insurance company adjuster may ask you to give a statement, request permission to your medical records or even offer a settlement. You should decline to speak with the adjuster and, instead, refer the adjuster to your lawyer at Marks & Harrison. Your lawyer can deal with the insurance company and make sure your rights are protected.Even if you have failed to take all or a few of the above steps, don’t let it stop you from seeking legal assistance. Remember: Marks & Harrison is here to help you.
We Can Help with Your Harrisonburg Disability Claim
If a physical or mental condition prevents you from working in Harrisonburg, you owe it to yourself and your family to learn more about your right to seek disability benefits. These benefits can help you to get the medical care you need and cover a portion of the income you would have otherwise earned if you were healthy.
Our experienced attorneys can help you to review and pursue all of your options, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, Virginia workers’ compensation benefits – or both.
The federal government provides SSDI benefits to individuals who suffer from a condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of a “disability” and who have a sufficient work record.
If you lack a work record that makes you eligible for SSDI benefits, you may still qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
Unfortunately, many people run into problems when seeking the SSDI benefits they deserve. Often, the SSA informs a claimant that he or she does not have a qualifying “disability.”
Our Harrisonburg legal team can help you to avoid and overcome such problems.
For instance, we can assist you with preparing a thorough, accurate application. If your claim is denied, we can help you to appeal the decision, including representing you in a hearing before an administrative law judge.
Our goal will be to make sure that Virginia Disability Determination Services (DDS) or an administrative law judge has your complete, up-to-date medical information, which can help to establish your right to receive benefits.
In some cases, your family members may be eligible for SSD benefits as well based on your disability. We can work with you to explore all of those options. Contact our Harrisonburg social security disability lawyers today.