Wrong-way driving accidents are one of the reasons Virginians file wrongful death lawsuits. Rutter Mills attorneys in Hampton Roads have helped area residents with their auto accident claims since 1959. As a successful law firm, we work on a contingency basis, meaning our clients pay nothing upfront for our legal services.
Wrong Way Driving Accident Lawyers
Wrong Way Driving Accident Lawyers
Wrong-way accidents represent 2.8 percent of highway collisions resulting in about 360 lives lost in 260 fatal crashes.
Wrong-way accidents had a fatality rate 31 times greater on the interstate and ten times greater on a four-lane highway than other accidents. The injury rate was 2.3 to 2.9 times worse.
One Virginia study found that 72 percent of wrong-way drivers had been drinking.
The number of wrong-way drivers over the age of 70 exceeds that of right-way drivers by 2.5 times. Those over 80 are 30 times more likely to travel in the wrong direction.
Wrong-Way Driving Factors
In addition to intoxication and age, other driver-related factors in wrong-way crashes include distraction, unfamiliarity with the roadways, drowsiness, and mental health problems. Motorists driving recklessly or negligently can be held liable for the victim’s family’s losses.
Sometimes local municipalities can also be held liable
Sometimes local municipalities can also be held liable for the following:
- Poorly marked ramps
- Poorly placed or maintained signs
- Poor ramp designs
- Lack of visibility due to poor road maintenance
Car accident lawyers will look into local crash reports to see if similar accidents occurred in that location if officials investigated road safety issues and if citizens have filed similar complaints. Often, better signage, lighting, road designs, and surveillance technology can significantly reduce the number of accidents.
Unlike most states, the Commonwealth of Virginia follows a fault-based system. Injured people can pursue compensation from the “at-fault” party or parties. To sue, the driver must have been 0% at-fault for causing the crash. If a wrong-way driver was breaking the law in some way – such as texting, drinking, speeding, or driving without a valid license – the liability issue should be reasonably straightforward.
Even so, car crash attorneys often have to fight tooth and nail to secure fair compensation for families who have lost loved ones. Insurance companies seek to pay the lowest amount to settle the matter to maintain their profit margins. The at-fault party may also have an insurance policy limit too low to cover the extent of the loss. A lawyer will help you determine who to name in the lawsuit, whether to file a claim under your insurance policy and how much to accept in a settlement.
While no result can be guaranteed, it is possible to see a substantial recovery.
Damages in a wrong way accident may include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
When the accident results in death, additional compensation can be granted for the following:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of income, healthcare, and retirement benefits
- Loss of guidance, companionship, support, and solace
Wrongful death claims can be considered as well.
Next Steps
Lawyers for Wrong Way Driving Accidents at Rutter Mills
Lawyers for wrong-way driving accidents can help you put the pieces of your life together. First, our compassionate team will listen to your story. Then, our investigators will determine what happened, who is liable, and how much has been lost. Our expert panel will testify on your behalf to strengthen your case.
We know a fair settlement offer when we see one. We won’t settle for less than what your case is truly worth. Your family deserves ample compensation, so you don’t have to live the rest of your days in the shadow of financial hardship through no fault of your own.
Those who drive recklessly need to be held accountable to prevent future tragedies from impacting others.
Contact us to set up a free consultation with a car accident attorney in Virginia. We have two offices in Norfolk and Newport News serving the local communities, as well as Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Hampton, Suffolk, and Portsmouth. Our legal fees come from successful settlements and verdicts, so there is no risk in seeking the best representation.
You don’t have to worry about the bills, just get healthy.
Dave Put His Trust in Us
Don’t Fall For The Insurance Company’s Games
Dave suffered serious injuries in a car accident. The defendant’s insurance company tried to offer him a low amount so Dave called Rutter Mills. We took over dealing with the insurance and got Dave the money he needed to get back on his feet.
They enabled me to be happy in life again.
Get Back On Track
Protecting Your Future
Glenn’s car accident changed his life, but not permanently thanks to the help of his Rutter Mills attorney. When the insurance companies wouldn’t help him, our team fought back and won.
I knew I needed Rutter Mills.
Fighting For What's Right
Getting Justice
On his way home from work at the shipyard, Dan was involved in an accident. He tried to file a claim on his own, but the insurance company wouldn’t give him the money he needed to put his life back on track. Dan knew he needed to call Rutter Mills.
They actually won my case 3 times!
Larena's Win
After her car accident, Larena asked her father, a local stevedore, for his advice on who to call. He recommended Rutter Mills. Her team of car accident experts at Rutter Mills fought back when the insurance companies tried to deny her the money she needed to recuperate from her injuries. We took her case to trial – and won. When the insurance company filed their appeals, we beat them again – two more times! Larena got the money she needed and the justice she deserved.
We’re going to immediately call Rutter Mills. That’s the people I trust with my baby girl.
Who Do You Trust With Your Family?
After a car accident, Jamaree’s first call was to her mom. She was shaken up and scared. Mom told her “We’re calling Rutter Mills. Her next was to Rutter Mills. Her Rutter Mills car accident team helped her get compensation “above & beyond” what she was expecting.
They lifted allot of stress off my shoulders. I recommend them to anybody because they WILL fight for you.
Who Can You Turn To?
Referrals From Friends and Family
After John was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, he turned to the person he trusts most for a recommendation. His wife, a paralegal of 30 years, told him to call Rutter Mills on the advice of the lawyer she worked for.
They really care for you as a person. Words cannot describe what Rutter Mills did for me and for my case.
When You Need Someone In Your Corner
Don’t Go It Alone
When the insurance company tried to get Carol to sign paperwork after her car accident, she knew she needed a lawyer. Carol knew she needed Rutter Mills.
When I called Rutter Mills, I knew it was the right fit. They’re so interested in helping you get justice.
Getting The Justice You Deserve
When Mom Needs Strength
Taryn was in a car accident while she was pregnant. She knew she needed someone in her corner to protect her rights and her family’s future.
There’s attorneys, then there’s Rutter Mills.
We're Here When The Unexpected Happens
Priorities
A devasting accident changed Levon’s life forever. The physical and emotional toll left him scared and in pain. When the insurance company for the defendant contacted the family, they made an offer that did not even cover the cost of the medication, much less doctors’ bills, and physical therapy. They knew they needed to talk to a serious lawyer. Rutter Mills took care of the negotiation so Levon could focus on healing.
When you’ve got a serious injury, you need a serious lawyer. That’s why we chose Rutter Mills.
Motorcycle Accidents Change Everything
When Ed was injured in a motorcycle crash, he knew he needed a serious lawyer to protect his rights. The insurance companies were fighting him every step of the way. Rutter Mills helped prove Ed’s case and get him the money he needed to get on the road to recovery.
With the seriousness of the accident, I knew that we needed a serious lawyer. I needed Rutter Mills.
Carol & Levon's Story
They knew they needed a serious lawyer when Carol and her son were seriously injured. After the other party’s insurance company tried to get her to settle for less than she needed, Carol called Rutter Mills for help. We took on the insurance company so she could focus on healing.
Years
Winning Car Accident Injury Cases
Convenient Offices Serving Hampton Roads & NC
Accident Specialists Here To Help
Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
Learn MoreEvery 45 seconds someone is killed in the U.S. by a drunk driver. If you or a loved one was injured by a drunk driver, contact the lawyers at Rutter Mills today.
Drowsy Driving Accident Lawyers
Learn MoreDrowsy driving is a dangerous condition. If you or a loved one were injured due to someone else’s drowsy driving, contact the lawyers at Rutter Mills today.
Head-on Collision Accident Lawyers
Learn MoreIf you’ve been injured in a head on collision, contact the lawyers at Rutter Mills today.
A study by Martindale Nolo showed people who hire an attorney receive 4.5 times more money than people who don’t.
At Rutter Mills,
every case is a serious case-because it's your case.
Personal Injury
We are here for you in your time of need, providing compassionate guidance and aggressive advocacy in a wide range of personal injury matters. Our top-rated attorneys will fight the insurance companies and get you back on your feet.
Personal Injury LawyersCar Accidents
We’re here to listen. A member of our team will meet with you, focusing on not only what happened, but also what you are going through and how it’s impacted your life. Then we’ll tell you what options are available to you to get on the road to recovery.
Car Accident LawyersMaritime/Jones Act Law
Personal injuries that happen when you’re working – or playing – on the water aren’t governed by “the law of the land.” They are subject to maritime laws under the Jones Act– also known as admiralty law.
Maritime LawyersMotorcycle Accidents
We’re here to listen. A member of our team will meet with you, focusing on listening to not only what happened, but also what you are going through and how it’s impacted your life.
Motorcycle Accident LawyersTruck Accidents
Truck accidents are often serious. We are here to listen to your story so we can guide you to healing. Our team has represented some of the largest truck accident cases in Virginia. Call us and see how we can help you today.
Truck Accident LawyersWorkers Compensation
If you’ve been injured on the job, workers’ compensation insurance may entitle you to critical assistance like medical treatment, lost wages, and more. But insurance companies will put up an aggressive fight to resist paying you the compensation you need and deserve. Rutter Mills can help get you the money you deserve.
Workers Compensation LawyersContact a wrong way driving accident attorney for expert legal guidance
A Rutter Mills case is a serious case. It may mean you have been badly injured. It certainly means you have a lot on the line, and the resolution of your case will make a big difference to you, your family, and your life moving forward.
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