Suffolk Car Accident Lawyer 

Experienced Suffolk County Auto Accident Attorneys Holding Negligent Motorists Accountable for Their Actions

If you have sustained or caused a personal injury in an automobile accident, you may be eligible to collect financial compensation. When an accident results from inattention or a lack of quick response, the law considers it negligence.

Negligence can occur as a result of:

Each of these factors can be cited if a driver fails to react to an impending collision or acts recklessly or irresponsibly. To hold another party accountable, the injured person must show the other driver caused the accident by acting with poor judgment, failing to respond, or disregarding safety behind the wheel.

Our car accident attorneys in Suffolk help clients gather crucial evidence after a crash. We obtain police reports, speak with witnesses, and collect photographs from the scene. We check for video footage from nearby businesses, intersections, or traffic cameras, which can make your claim stronger. Our attorneys handle the communication and paperwork so you can focus on your health and recovery.

The only exceptions to these general guidelines are:

• Contributory negligence — the court examines whether the plaintiff was partially responsible for creating the risk of harm to themselves or others. If so, the law may bar the plaintiff from receiving damages.
• Comparative negligence — the court considers both parties' actions to determine responsibility. Under this approach, the plaintiff can recover damages for the percentage of fault not assigned to them.

Furthermore, there are two exceptions to all of the above:

• Assumption of risk — if someone accepts a known risk and gets hurt as a result, they have likely waived the right to seek damages.
• Emergency doctrine — when a person must act quickly in a crisis, the law may protect someone who cannot respond perfectly. For example, if a car’s brakes fail and the driver does not use the emergency brake in time, the law does not automatically consider the driver negligent.

To speak with our experienced Suffolk car accident lawyers, call us at (757) 926-0078 or contact us online today. 

About Negligence in Virginia

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles reported that nearly 126,000 automobile crashes occurred across the state in 2015. These accidents led to over 65,000 injuries and 753 fatalities. When you look at accident causes—especially driver behavior or medical condition—a wide range of circumstances contribute, many considered negligent under the law.

In Suffolk and its surrounding communities, busier highways like Route 58 and active intersections see more accidents. Drivers traveling through congested areas near the Nansemond River also face greater hazards in bad weather. These local factors demand extra vigilance behind the wheel.

When an injured person files a lawsuit after a crash, their car accident attorney in Suffolk must prove negligence—that the defendant failed to drive with care and avoid a collision.

The plaintiff’s team will look at four distinct elements to show the charged driver’s responsibility, including:

• Duty – every driver has a legal duty to obey traffic laws. This includes keeping their car safe to operate, following posted speed limits, signaling properly, and yielding as appropriate. The law may consider the driver’s physical or mental condition, such as driving while drowsy or after taking certain medicines. The case must show the driver did not take all safety precautions.
• Breach – a breach occurs when a driver ignores traffic rules, putting others at risk. This could include exceeding the speed limit, not signaling, running a red light, or driving while distracted or intoxicated.
• Causation – the court looks for a direct connection between the driver’s actions and the accident. Attorneys may use witness statements and police reports to show that violating traffic rules caused the collision.
• Damages – this involves documenting the physical injuries, property damage, lost wages, and any medical bills that resulted from the crash.

Suffolk’s combination of rural and urban roadways means each accident requires careful investigation of roadway conditions and consideration of city or county regulations. Our team works with local resources and, when necessary, outside consultants to build a strong case.

How Long After a Car Accident Can You Sue in Virginia?

The Virginia statute of limitations requires that you file a personal injury lawsuit or settle your claim with the at-fault party’s insurance carrier within two years of the accident date.

If you miss this deadline, you may lose your ability to recover damages. You should collect evidence like accident reports, medical records, and witness information promptly, while details remain current. When an accident happens within Suffolk city limits, we often obtain reports from the Suffolk Police Department or contact local hospitals for necessary documentation. Timely action supports your claim and preserves your rights.

When Should You Contact An Attorney After A Car Accident?

There are no strict rules regarding when to hire a personal injury attorney, but acting quickly best protects your interests after an accident. The other party’s insurance company often responds immediately, and their objective is to limit payment or shift blame.

Contacting a vehicle accident attorney early lets you control important communications with insurance adjusters and preserve key evidence. In Suffolk, insurance carriers may ask you to provide statements or sign releases soon after the crash. We recommend not providing any statements or accepting settlement offers without consulting a legal professional.

What to Expect from the Car Accident Claim Process

After a car accident in Suffolk, the claim process usually begins when you notify your insurance company and the other driver’s insurer. We help clients organize accident details, gather police reports, and collect medical documentation. Our attorneys walk you through each step, from initial discussions with insurance adjusters to assembling the information necessary for your claim. Insurers may try to minimize payouts, so we carefully review every settlement offer and explain your legal options before you make a decision.

Virginia follows a strict contributory negligence rule—if a court finds you even slightly at fault, you may be barred from recovery. This makes gathering and presenting clear evidence especially important. At Bush & Taylor, P.C., we keep you informed at each stage. Our staff responds to your questions promptly and guides you through the legal process. If negotiations fail to achieve a fair resolution, we explain your litigation options and next steps so you always know where your case stands.

Common Car Accident Injuries & Their Impact

Car accidents may cause injuries ranging from minor to life-changing. Common injuries include whiplash, fractured bones, concussions, back and neck trauma, and internal injuries. In Suffolk, many people face extended commutes or physically demanding jobs, so these injuries can disrupt their ability to work and handle daily tasks.

We thoroughly review medical records and confer with healthcare providers when necessary. Our comprehensive approach helps injury severity and long-term needs translate clearly in insurance negotiations and litigation. We address the need for ongoing rehabilitation and lost wages—important in cases where injuries affect your future. We also know Suffolk’s medical professionals and can connect clients to the care they need. Throughout your recovery, our team advocates for you to receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

If you have suffered injury following an accident caused by another driver due to negligence, you may be eligible for financial compensation. A reputable car accident attorney in Suffolk with experience in civil automobile lawsuits can work with you to prove the defendant’s neglect to maintain a safe environment while driving. If you have questions about negligence as related to car accidents, contact Bush & Taylor, P.C. today. We serve individuals across Virginia Beach and Eastern Shore.

Call Bush & Taylor, P.C. today at (757) 926-0078 or contact us online to schedule your initial consultation with our Suffolk car accident lawyers. No consultation fee!