Hampton Auto Accident Attorneys

Every year, millions of car accidents happen in the United States, leading to financial stress, serious injuries, and many tragic deaths. Getting the right legal help can make a big difference. We’re here to guide you through dealing with insurance companies and to help you get the compensation you need to cover your costs and move forward.

The Smith Law Center is one of Virginia’s oldest and most successful firms, proudly serving our community for over 75 years. We know what our clients and their families need after a life-altering crash, and we have a proven record of getting life-changing compensation in court — over $1 billion for our clients in total.

If you need an experienced Hampton car accident lawyer, contact The Smith Law Center online or at (757) 244-7000 as soon as possible. We’re here with the advice you need and may be able to begin representing you right away in the crucial moments after a car accident.

Do I Need to Hire a Hampton Car Accident Attorney?

You can technically represent yourself in an auto accident case, but working with a lawyer can greatly improve your chances of success by doing the following for you: 

• Fully evaluating the extent of your injuries: We know the common injuries from car crashes and can carefully review your medical records to make sure you get the most money possible to fairly cover your injuries.
• Fighting for all losses you suffered because of the accident: We work hard to get you money for everything you've lost because of the accident, even for injuries that show up later and for property damage.
• Standing up to insurance companies: If the other driver's insurance tries to pay you less than you deserve, we won't back down. We refuse inadequate settlement offers to get you the money you deserve. 

How Much of a Difference Does a Hampton Auto Accident Attorney Make in My Case?

A lawyer gives your case an undeniable advantage. A 2016 Martindale-Nolo study recorded a significant gap in success, with 9 out of 10 people who hired a lawyer receiving compensation. Meanwhile, only half of those who handled their own claims managed to get money.

Not only did hiring a lawyer increase the chances of getting compensation, but it also led to much higher payouts. On average, people who hired a lawyer received $77,600 in compensation, compared to just $17,600 for those who did not have legal representation.

When it comes to a car accident claim, hiring a lawyer isn’t just a good idea—it’s one of the most effective ways to protect your rights and get you the appropriate compensation you deserve.

How Do I Choose a Hampton Car Accident Lawyer?

Choosing the right Hampton auto accident lawyer for you will likely boil down to three key factors:

1. Proven experience: Has this attorney won cases for your accident or injury before? Are they willing to go to trial for the maximum amount if your case cannot be settled in negotiations? Ask for recent examples of cases like yours, or look for case results or client reviews page on their website.

2. Familiarity with local laws: Can you meet with this attorney in a nearby office, or are they willing to come to you? A Hampton car accident attorney at our firm knows Virginia state laws like the back of their hand and makes decisions that benefit you the most.

3. Payment arrangement: Does the law firm expect you to pay upfront, or do they have a contingency fee plan? The Smith Law Center works on contingency, meaning you only pay if we win your case. Filing fees, investigations, and court appearances that go into building a strong case on your behalf are done at no cost to you if we do not win.

You should feel at ease knowing that your case is in the hands of someone who will keep you up to date with their investigation, the timeline of the case, and the decisions that need to be made. Contact us at (757) 244-7000 to discuss your options with a team that genuinely cares. 

“The staff at Smith Law Center is absolutely the best. From the ladies who greet you at the front desk, the assistants in the office, and of course Mr. David Holt and Ms Samantha Cohn the attorneys who worked on my case. They all made me feel so very comfortable explaining every step of my case. I am extremely grateful for their kindness and patience. Their knowledge of the law and their presentation in court was exceptional. I thank each and every one and highly recommend Smith Law Center.”

- Client Sonya A.

5 Reasons to Choose The Smith Law Center for Your Hampton Car Accident Case

At The Smith Law Center, we stand out from other law firms because we don’t just represent clients—we partner with them, always prioritizing their goals. Here’s why choosing us means a brighter, more secure future:

• Virginia's trusted firm: Since 1949, we've helped countless people in Virginia and beyond. Founded by Joseph Smith and carried on by his sons, Stephen and Howard, our family-run firm is dedicated to supporting victims of negligence.‍
• No win, no fee: Car accidents are costly, and we believe you shouldn’t worry about legal fees on top of medical bills. You only pay us if we win your case, so you can focus on recovery without added stress.‍
• Over a billion dollars in settlements & verdicts: Our track record proves we know how to handle cases for success. Partnering with us means peace of mind, knowing you’re in capable hands.‍
• Record-setting results: We’ve achieved historic verdicts, including landmark cases like the largest slip-and-fall verdict in Virginia and significant awards for brain injury survivors.‍
• Experienced team: With 28 professionals and over 300 years of combined experience, our diverse team supports our attorneys and ensures you receive reliable assistance throughout your case.

Ready to see if we're the right fit for you? Reach out for a 100% free consultation online or call (757) 244-7000. Get answers to all your questions at no cost.

Why You Shouldn't Give a Recorded Statement to Insurance Companies After a Car Accident

When you're in a car accident, one of the last things you want to do is give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company.

Let's say they ask you how you're feeling right after the accident. It could go something like this:

Insurance Company: "Hi, this is Linda from Allstate Insurance, and I'm recording our conversation. How are you feeling today?"

You: "I'm okay, I guess. Just a bit shaken up."

Even that simple "okay" could be twisted later to suggest you weren't really hurt. Insurance companies have ways of using these statements to undermine your claim for compensation.

Also, they might steer the conversation away from encouraging you to see a doctor. Why? Because without medical records from a qualified doctor, your case for injuries becomes much weaker.

That's why it's smart to talk to a lawyer before saying anything to the insurance company.

If you're not sure what to do after a car accident, reach out to us at The Smith Law Center. We'll make sure you don't fall into traps like giving a recorded statement to the insurance company, which could hurt your case. 

Insurance companies won’t look out for you, but we will. Reach out to us online or give us a call at (757) 244-7000 to get help right away.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident Case?

There is no “average” settlement for a car accident. This is because each case is decided based on the severity of a person’s injuries and symptoms as well as their unique losses and needs going forward. Compensation could cover:

• Medical bills for emergency, surgical, and long-term care or physical therapy.
• Lost wages and future earnings for those who missed work, lost jobs, or lost the ability to return to their career.
• Pain and suffering costs, including the physical pain of injuries and the psychological trauma of serious accidents (depression, anxiety, and PTSD).
• Wrongful death claims may also be filed by the family members of someone who died due to a crash. 

Car accident lawsuits that go to trial may involve funds known as “punitive damages.” These may be charged to the other side to punish them for really unsafe behavior, like racing on highways or driving drunk.

How Much Has The Smith Law Center Recovered for Clients?

The Smith Law Center has secured the following results for our car accident clients:

• $7.5 million in a jury case for a woman who suffered a brain injury.
• $4.75 million from a company defendant for a librarian with a mild TBI.
• $4.1 million for a school principal who sustained a mild TBI.

The Smith Law Center has decades of experience handling brain injury cases due to founder Stephen M. Smith’s background in brain science. Head, brain, neck, and spinal cord injuries are among the most common injuries caused by car accidents. 

Listen to David Holt Talk About the Firm’s TBI Experience

Hiring a lawyer who understands the true cost of long-term injuries and can prove those amounts in court is essential to your family’s recovery.

"Mr. Smith did everything he promised and more. He comforted me when I was worried, and fought hard for me. He was my friend. I have already recommended a co-worker to The Smith Law Center and will speak very highly of your firm when asked about my case for years to come. Mr. Smith is truly an asset to your firm, as he is a terrific person and attorney. Thanks for excellent representation."

– Sincerely yours, Joe

What Is the Most Dangerous Road in Virginia?

The Smith Law Center is, unfortunately, very familiar with the most dangerous road in Virginia and the leading factors that cause deaths and injuries in our state:

• The stretch of highway between Exit 261A and 264 on Virginia’s I-64 is the deadliest portion of the road in the state. In just two years, 11 fatal accidents occurred there.
• Drunk driving was a factor in over 30% of local fatal crashes, with speeding a factor in over 28%.
• Virginia ranks as the 11th worst state for distracted driving fatalities, with nearly 14% of fatal crashes involving distracted drivers.
• The state’s deadliest county is Fairfax County, located near the busy hub of Washington, D.C.
• October is the deadliest month with the most fatal accidents in our state. That falls directly in prime leaf-peeping season and is the beginning of snowy and icy road conditions.

Coastal cities like Hampton draw tourism from out-of-state drivers during dangerous weather seasons. An experienced Hampton auto accident lawyer will know these important local factors and build the strongest possible case for you and your family to obtain justice.

“Every day is spent preparing your car accident case. We're here to support you in your recovery journey, whether you’re suffering from a TBI or any other injury, and fight for the justice you deserve.”

- Attorney Stephen M. Smith

How Long Will My Car Accident Case Take?

A car accident lawsuit may take anywhere from several months to a year or more, depending on whether your case settles out of court or if we need to go to trial. 

The lawyers at The Smith Law Center will do their own independent investigation of a Hampton-area car accident, including: 

• Visiting the scene of the wreck itself.
• Inspecting the vehicles.
• Interviewing witnesses and other drivers or passengers. 

While we prepare for trial, in most cases, we usually settle for a good amount out of court that pays for your injuries and what you'll need in the future.

A pre-trial settlement allows you to move on as soon as possible after an accident. However, if your case goes to trial, judges and juries have the power to award higher compensation than what might be negotiated beforehand.

If there’s a choice to settle or go to trial, you will always be empowered to decide what’s best for you and your family. We are here to advise, serve on your behalf, and carry out your wishes.