A personal injury claim brings together two stories: how the collision happened and what the injury has changed. We help you organize the evidence and understand each decision. Some stages overlap, repeat, or are unnecessary; no fixed timetable fits every claim.
Tell us the crash date and location, the people involved, your injuries and treatment, and any insurer communications or approaching deadlines. We ask enough to understand the issue and decide whether we can help. A relative can help gather information if recovery makes that difficult.
Contacting us does not create representation. Wait for instructions before sharing confidential records. We will explain the next steps if we can consider your matter.
2. Agreeing to representation
Before work begins as your attorneys, we explain the scope of representation and the fee and expense provisions in a written agreement. Ask about anything you do not understand. Keep a copy and current contact information for the firm.
We review available crash records, witnesses, photographs, recordings, and other evidence relevant to responsibility. We identify preservation needs and request material held by insurers, companies, or others when appropriate. The records needed for a commercial truck or rideshare collision may differ from a two-car crash.
We also examine potentially available liability and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Multiple policies, disputed insured status, exclusions, or notice issues may require further analysis. Identifying a policy does not guarantee coverage or payment.
4. Medical, wage, and daily-life documentation
Continue discussing symptoms and treatment with your medical providers. We gather relevant records and bills, work restrictions, income documentation, and information about daily limitations. Tell us about earlier conditions, new care, missed appointments, and changes in your work so the record is accurate.
If future treatment or lasting restrictions are anticipated, the evaluation needs reliable support. We do not promise recovery speed or substitute legal guidance for medical care.
5. Evaluating losses and presenting a demand
We consider the collision evidence, causation, documented losses, medical outlook, available insurance, and potential defenses. When the record supports a demand, we organize the information and explain the position we present. There is no automatic formula based on medical bills.
A demand may lead to requests for more information, an offer, a denial, or continued investigation. We explain those responses and what they mean for the next decision.
6. Negotiation and a decision about litigation
We discuss offers with you, including what a release would end and what remains uncertain. You decide whether to accept a settlement; no offer is accepted without your authorization. If settlement is not appropriate, we discuss whether a lawsuit is warranted and the risks and costs involved.
A lawsuit can involve pleadings, evidence exchange, depositions, motions, mediation, and trial preparation. Settlement discussions can continue. Not every case reaches trial or requires a lawsuit.
Deadlines continue while a claim develops
Under Virginia Code § 8.01-243, personal injury actions generally have a two-year filing period, with exceptions. Claims involving death follow different timing provisions, including § 8.01-244. Notice rules or other requirements may arise earlier. We review the dates and the particular claim.
Do not assume treatment, an insurance claim number, or negotiations extend the time to sue. Tell us promptly about any government vehicle, pending criminal case, prior lawsuit, or other fact that could affect deadlines.
7. Resolution and distribution
If you authorize a settlement, we review the release and any required approval steps. Recovery funds go to the firm’s trust account. We address applicable liens, costs, and agreed attorney fees, explain the disbursement statement, and distribute funds when permitted. A settlement figure is different from net proceeds.
Court approval and other rules can affect particular claims, including wrongful death matters. We explain what applies to your case and provide closing documents.
Bring this to the first conversation
Crash date, location, report number, and names of the people and insurers involved.
Original photographs, recordings, witness contact details, and insurance letters.
A list of treatment providers, available bills, work restrictions, and missed-work dates.
Your policy declarations and a short list of questions. Bring what you have; you do not need a complete file to call.
Questions you may be asking
How long will my claim take?
Treatment, records, disputed facts, insurer responses, lien questions, and court schedules can all affect timing. We can discuss milestones, but cannot promise a completion date.
Do I need to finish gathering records before I call?
No. Bring what you have. We can identify missing information and explain which material is most useful.
Will every case go to trial?
No. The appropriate path depends on the evidence, available resolution options, and your decisions after advice. We discuss litigation when it fits the circumstances.
Call 757-777-9285 for a free personal injury consultation. Tell us where and when the collision happened, the care you have received, and the questions you need answered.
This information is general and does not provide advice about your particular matter. An inquiry does not create an attorney-client relationship; representation requires our agreement. Please do not send confidential or time-sensitive material until we confirm how to provide it.
Recovered $60,000 for a client injured in an automobile accident.
Car Accident
$80,000
Recovered $80,000 for a client injured in an automobile accident.
Car Accident
$100,000
Recovered $100,000 for a client injured in an automobile accident.
Car Accident
$150,000
Recovered $150,000 for a client injured in an automobile accident.
Car Accident
$45,000
Recovered $45,000 for a client injured in an automobile accident.
Testimonials
Attorney Lawton makes sure he takes time with clients and he definitely let me know he was concerned about my situation.
- Tina Vick – Newport News Councilwoman
From our very first meeting, I could tell he genuinely cared about my case and had my best interests at heart. He was honest, responsive, and thorough throughout the entire process, and I always felt supported.
- J.M.
Mr. Lawton worked so hard to get the truth and to give our son another chance. He stayed in contact with my son and us the whole time.
- Joy C.
I found Attorney Dante Wright online and he turned out to be a great choice. He helped my family member with his case and was professional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. We’re really grateful for his support and would definitely recommend him to others.
- Jasmin H.
Mr. Dante Wright made my process flawless. He was polite and passionate about his work. The level of empathy was top tier. Any questions I had he answered them. Communication was amazing and I felt supported. I would definitely recommend him! Thank you so much Mr. Wright.
- Donnette M.
Your Rights. Our Fight. Contact The Phoenix Trial Firm
Welcome to The Phoenix Trial Firm. We help people across Hampton Roads with personal injury, criminal defense, DUI, and serious traffic matters. Tell us what brought you here, and our team will help you understand your next steps.
