Frequently Asked Questions

First of all, this is why we have insurance, for accidents. Don’t worry about suing your friend just yet, it might not get to that point. The first thing to happen is that you will make a claim with the insurance company. Chances are your friend won’t even be involved in that aspect. The only time we actually end up filing a suit is when we cannot resolve the claim through settlement. Most of the time we do resolve through settlement. Your friend will understand that you are hurt and need to make a claim. Don’t beat yourself up over it.

Most of the time you are simply making a claim against your friend’s car insurance policy.  There is a strong liklihood that the case will settle before it ever goes to a lawsuit.  Also, this is why we all have car insurance, for claims like these. 
About the Editors: Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp& Duffan is a law firm which focuses exclusively on injury and accident law. We have a proven track record in the court room, and you can review our case results to see for yourself. Our attorneys have deep roots in Virginia and handle cases throughout the commonwealth. Our office is based in Virginia Beach, but we’re ready to come to you anywhere in Virginia if you’ve been seriously hurt by someone else’s carelessness. While not every injury case meets our criteria,  we off a free, initial confidential injury case consultation, so call us toll free at (833) 997-1774. If you cannot get through due to high call volume, please leave a voicemail and we will return your call promptly.  
Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included among the “Best Lawyers in America” 2010 Edition. Rick and James, along with fellow attorney John C. were named Virginia “Super Lawyers” For Personal Injury Law  (2010 Ed., less than 5% of lawyers are chosen), and selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (2009). In addition, we were the first injury law firm in Virginia to join Primerus, a select group of highly ethical, respected law firms. Our firm has the highest rating of AV from Martindale-Hubbell, a national lawyer ranking organization, which means we have a reputation for preeminent legal skill.
We also offer free special reports along with editing the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a public information service. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube, a Railroad Accident/FELA Lawyers blog, a Medical Malpractice and Surgical Errors blog, a VA/NC Wrongful Death blog, and a blog dedicated to accident and safety issues on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

Numerous things can go wrong mentally and physically, even if you were wearing your seat belt and you initially believe you are okay. Any type of blow to your abdomen, including a tightening seat belt or a deployed airbag can create trauma for your unborn baby. Any of these issues could cause major distress and even induce early labor.

A business or parking lot owner can only be held responsible for pedestrian accidents if the crash happened because the lot was provably unsafe because, for example, it lacked required lighting and pavement markings.