Burnett & Williams
Accident Lawyers in Midlothian Virginia serving Chesterfield County anRichmond va

In nearly two decades of personal injury specialization, Burnett & Williams has achieved notable verdicts, settlements, and appellate results in cases arising from wrongful deaths, medical malpractice, tractor trailer accidents, traumatic brain injuries, defective products, serious orthopaedic injuries,
and other significant injuries. This specialization and the consequent investment in time and resources in each case have been instrumental in our ability to obtain full compensation for our clients.

How the Process Works
One of the most common questions we hear from people interested in pursuing a personal injury case is, “So, how does this whole process work?” Most people are not familiar with how legal claims work, either because they have never been involved in a legal case before or simply because the process and procedure of the law is complicated, to say the least.

We understand that it is important for you to know what to expect when you decide to pursue a personal injury case. Although no two cases are the same, we have outlined a typical case process to guide you through a typical case. We want you to understand what is happening every step of the way.

If You've Been Injured in a Car Accident
Choosing a lawyer can be time consuming, stressful, and confusing. If you've been injured, you need compassionate, experienced legal asistance. The attorneys at Burnett & Williams have extensive experience in all types of personal injury law. Contact us for more information and a free consultation. Having difficulty traveling? We will be happy to visit you at home or meet with you in a location that is convenient for you.

Midlothian Car Accident Lawyer, Colonial Heights Car Accident Lawyer, Hopewell Car Accident Lawyer and Richmond Car Accident Lawyer

Every motor vehicle accident case raises at least three questions:

1) Who was at fault?
To be entitled to damages under Virginia law, you must prove that someone else was at fault in causing the accident. Sometimes the question of fault is easily determined, such as when someone for no legitimate reason drives through a red light and collides with someone who is lawfully in the intersection. What, you might ask, could be a legitimate reason for driving through a red light? Well, the answers are endless - mechanical failure, sudden illness, or anything else that the driver is unable to control. Until your opponent concedes liability for the accident, you should take nothing for granted. For example, contrary to popular belief, a driver who drives into the rear of another car is not automatically at fault under the law. Fault is a threshold question without first establishing fault, the case cannot proceed.

2) What are the injuries?
The amount that an injury victim is entitled to recover from a negligent driver is usually determined by the extent of the injuries, although in some cases the defendant’s conduct is so outrageous that the injured victim can also assert a claim for punitive damages. The most common elements of compensatory damages in motor vehicle cases include bodily injuries and their effect, past and future medical expenses, past and future lost wages, future lessened earning capacity, disfigurement, inconvenience, pain, and suffering. Virginia law sets no limit on the dollar amount an injury victim can recover in compensatory damages.

3) Is there adequate insurance coverage to fully compensate you for your injuries?
There are many potential sources of insurance coverage from which you might receive compensation for your injuries. The insurance coverage types (click here for more info) available to automobile accident victims fall into three categories: liability coverage; uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage; and medical expense coverage (also known as medical payments coverage or "med pay"). Sources of potential insurance coverage can be found in some unexpected places, so when you meet with us, be sure to provide us with a copy of every policy that might apply. Because Virginia law sets such low limits on the amount of insurance that motor vehicle owners must have, we see too many people who have cases of clear liability, substantial injuries, but grossly inadequate insurance coverage. To ensure that this does not happen to you, please review your own policies and consider increasing the limits on your uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

Tractor Trailer Accidents

Although we ask the same three questions to victims of tractor trailer accidents as we do to those involved in automobile accidents, the extensive regulation of truckers by the state and federal departments of transportation add a significant layer of complexity to the proper presentation of a tractor trailer claim. Given the size and weight of most tractor trailers, the resultant injuries are frequently much more severe and the issues are often much more technical. We often consult with experienced tractor trailer drivers and accident reconstructionists to assist us in the evaluation and presentation of technically complex evidence.

How safe is your family in your car?

DID YOU KNOW?
Only 10 to 20% of children between the ages of 4 and 7 are properly restrained when riding
in a car? What makes them safe: a booster seat.
A booster seat raises the child up, ensuring that the seat belt fits properly over the chest and
thighs. A standard seat belt, when fastened, falls across the face or neck of a child under
4'9", leaving him/her vulnerable to severe injuries. Tucking the shoulder strap under the
child's arm is not a safe solution to the problem.
So if booster seats are the answer to the problem of safe car travel for these kids, then why
aren't more kids riding in them? Lack of awareness is likely the answer. That's why the
National Highway Safety Administration named this week, February 12th through the
18th, as National Child Passenger Safety Week in the hope of informing more parents and
caregivers of the safe way to travel with small children.
Listed below are four helpful guidelines to help you make decisions about the safety of your
kids. For more information, go toboosterseat.gov.

1. Use rear­facing infant seats in the back from birth to at least one year of
age and at least 20 pounds;

2. Use forward­facing toddler seats in the back seat from age one and 20
pounds to about the age four and 40 pounds;

3. Use booster seats in the back seat from about age four to at least age
eight­ unless the child is 4'9" or taller; and

4. Use safety belts inthe back seat at age eight or older or taller than 4'9".
As of February 12th, the Virginia House of Delegates gave their final approval to a bill
requiring children up to eight years old to be restrained in a booster seat while riding in a
vehicle. The bill is now on its way to Gov. Timothy M. Kaine for approval.

Often, when people begin searching for an attorney they will begin their search in a very broad fashion, starting by simply looking for a lawyer. The problem is that, in order to get the best possible results whether it is a personal injury case or a divorce, you need a specialist. The law is very complicated and for an attorney to attempt to cover all aspects of law will leave you with an attorney who is is the "jack of all and master of none." Make sure you hire a specialist. If you are looking at a divorce, you don't need a personal injury lawyer, instead look for a Divorce Lawyer in Loudoun.