Traffic Lawyer Hillsville, VA
Have you ever been pulled over for speeding, distracted driving, or any traffic violation? The traffic law is different depending on where you are. If you’ve been cited with a traffic violation, it’s important to understand the law and your options. It can be challenging to know where to turn for help. The best way is through an attorney specializing in this area of law, such as The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt. You’ll get personalized attention and sound legal advice about how you should respond or what defenses might apply in your case.
What is a Traffic Lawyer?
Traffic lawyers are the ones who represent people who have been ticketed for speeding or other moving violations. They can also help defend someone charged with drunk driving, reckless driving, or any criminal offense related to motor vehicle use. They can provide you with information about your specific charge, help you understand the court process, and represent you in court if needed.
What happens if I receive a traffic ticket?
If you receive a traffic ticket, it is essential to take action. You can either choose to pay for the ticket or contest it. If you decide to contest it, you will need to take specific steps and may need the help of a traffic lawyer Hillsville, VA residents trust.
If you are charged with a traffic violation, you will likely have to go to court. Your traffic lawyer will be able to attend court on your behalf and help you with any questions or concerns.
Traffic violations can lead to severe consequences, which is why drivers must take them seriously. If you have received a traffic ticket in Hillvilles, VA before, then reach out to The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt today for support! They will provide you with traffic ticket information and help get your case resolved.
What Do I Need To Do Right After a Car Accident?
After a car accident, the first thing you should do is make sure everyone involved is alright. If anyone appears to be injured, call 911 and ask that an ambulance be dispatched. It would be best to ask the police to come to take a report. If you are unhurt, start collecting evidence by taking pictures of the scene, getting the other driver’s information, and writing down what you were doing when the accident happened.
Will I Need To Go to Court After I File a Personal Injury Claim?
More likely than not, you won’t have to go to court if you file a personal injury claim. The vast majority of these cases settle out of court. Your traffic lawyer in Hillsville, VA, from the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, can work with the other party’s lawyer to get you a fair settlement that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and more.
What Information Do I Need to File a Claim?
To have a successful claim, you’ll want whatever evidence you can gather at the scene. You’ll also need a copy of the police report. Copies of your medical records can be helpful as well. A traffic lawyer in Hillsville, VA, at the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt may provide you with a list of required documents.
Should I Seek Medical Treatment After an Accident Even if I Feel Fine?
You should always seek medical treatment after a car accident, no matter how fine you might feel. Some injuries might not show symptoms for days or weeks after your accident but could be immediately caught by doctors examining you. Such injuries include internal bleeding, concussions, other brain injuries, and chronic pain.
What Do I Do if I Think I’m at Fault for the Accident?
Don’t accept blame for your car accident. Many mitigating factors go into assigning legal fault after an accident. Even if an investigation does reveal that you’re partly at fault, you may still be entitled to file a claim. Some states are at-fault states, where if you’re even 1% at fault, you can’t recover damages. Other states are comparative-fault states, where you can receive payment even if you’re 99% responsible, but your winnings will be reduced by how much at fault you are. A traffic lawyer in Hillsville, VA, can help you understand Virginia’s laws.
Why You Need Mark T. Hurt as Your Traffic Lawyer
When you are looking for a Hillsville, VA traffic lawyer, it is crucial to find one who is experienced and knowledgeable about the traffic law in your state. Look for someone who has been practicing traffic law for several years and has a good reputation in the community.
The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt are here to help you fight your ticket and keep your driving record clean. We have decades of experience in the courtroom, so we know how to get results for our clients. Plus, we offer free consultations!
When you choose Mark T. Hurt as your traffic lawyer, he will take care of everything from start to finish so that all you have to worry about is getting back home safely after court each day! He understands how stressful this process can be and wants nothing more than for his clients to leave happy with their results at the end of each case!
The consequences of getting a traffic citation are more than just monetary fines and points on your license. Traffic tickets can lead to increased insurance premiums and higher car repair bills. You could even face jail time if you’re caught driving under the influence (DUI). Call The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt right away if you need a traffic lawyer who cares about helping people like yourself stay out of trouble on the roadways!
Speeding vs. Reckless Driving
You’ve heard of speeding tickets, and maybe you’ve heard of reckless driving – but what’s the difference between the two, and how can a traffic lawyer in Hillsville, Virginia help you when you’re dealing with either?
At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we strive to provide as much information as possible for each and every one of our clients. Knowledge is half the battle, whether you’re facing a minor speeding ticket or a more serious reckless driving charge. Read on to learn a little more about speeding, reckless driving, and their consequences, and reach out to us to get the help you need.
What is Speeding?
Speeding is exactly what it sounds like. If you get a ticket for speeding, it means you exceeded the speed limit. You should never assume that there is a “safe” amount by which you can go faster than the speed limit. Even if you’re one mile over, a cop can pull you over and issue a ticket.
What is Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving is a little more complicated to define than speeding, but it’s much more serious. When you’re accused of reckless driving, it means that in the eyes of the law, you were acting in a manner which would put others in danger. This may mean speeding by an excessive amount, but it can also apply to breaking other traffic laws in conjunction with your speeding.
Reckless driving can include racing, speeding excessively, or driving without any respect for harsh weather conditions. In fact, there are many modifiers that can be listed to put you in “reckless driving” territory, which makes it all the more important to get in touch with a traffic lawyer in Hillsville, VA – especially once you’re in court.
How is Reckless Driving Punished?
Compared to speeding, reckless driving means a much heftier punishment. Speeding is an infraction, which means you get issued a ticket, and (unless you want to fight your ticket) you don’t have to set foot in court. It also means you’re dealing with a fine. Speeding may be on the same level as a parking ticket, but reckless driving certainly isn’t.
If you’re facing a reckless driving charge, you’re facing a misdemeanor. And because it’s a misdemeanor, you have to come to court. Misdemeanors are criminal, and you’ll be facing hefty fines and potential jail time. Rather than being on the same level of a simple speeding ticket, a reckless driving charge is more in the same field as a DUI, which means an expensive and long-lasting mark on your record. All the more reason to lawyer up.
Contact The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt
You shouldn’t have to fight your reckless driving charges alone. It can be overwhelming to be faced with the potential punishment for your charges, but with the right legal help you can make it through your case. Get in touch with us today, and see how an experienced traffic lawyer in Hillsville, VA can help.
Understanding the Points System and The Impact of Car Accidents
While it may be evident that a traffic violation can result in fines and points on your license, as our traffic lawyer in Hillsville, VA, can share, sometimes traffic violations can also result from car accidents. When a car accident happens, usually there are one or more parties at fault. When it comes to driving, it’s crucial to understand local driving laws and the Virginia points system. If a car accident resulted from a driving infraction, the at-fault driver could be held responsible, and it’s essential to take the proper steps with The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt.
The Virginia Points System
Many states recognize a points system for drivers when they are convicted of a moving violation. Points can vary depending upon the infraction severity. Still, it’s essential to know that when a driver accumulates a certain number of points over 12 months, they may experience more severe consequences such as higher fines and license suspension and increased insurance premiums. Points are categorized into two categories:
Demerit Points: are assigned to a driver when they are convicted of a traffic violation. These points remain on a person’s driving record for two years and can come with steep consequences when too many have accumulated. It’s also important to note that some of these will remain on a driver’s record for the long term.
Safe Driving Points: are an incentive for safe driving and are awarded when a driver has no infractions for a year. One point is awarded for one year of safe driving. However, for someone with demerit points, there are other options. Drivers can participate in a safe driving program for up to five driving points.
Our traffic lawyer in Hillsville, VA, shares some examples of driving infractions, and the points associated with them in Virginia include:
6 Point Violations
- Reckless Driving
- Driving Under the Influence
- Manslaughter
- Habitual Offenders
4 Point Violations
- Speeding (10-19mph over the limit)
- Unsafe Passing
- Failure to Yield
- Following Too Closely
- Improper Signal
3 Point Violations
- Slow Speed
- Speeding (5-10mph over the limit)
- Improper Passing
- Improper Turns
- Driving with Improper Lights
Because of the point system and potential repercussions of a poor driving record, paying the ticket and moving on may not be the best option when drivers are facing a traffic ticket. When working with a lawyer, drivers can clearly understand their options and the most appropriate way to move forward.
What is an At-Fault State?
Virginia is an at-fault state, meaning, if a driver is responsible for a car accident, they could be liable for the damages incurred by the victim. Common damages can include property damage, injuries, medical costs, and more. Drivers who may have caused these accidents should proceed carefully in the days and weeks following a car accident. It’s vital to ensure law enforcement is called to the scene and that medical treatment is administered. However, for the driver at fault, one of the most important steps that should be taken is to contact a lawyer for representation.
Taking Steps in the Right Direction
Obeying traffic laws is critical for the safety of all drivers on the road. Typically when a driver breaks the law when behind the wheel, they didn’t intend to harm another driver on the road. Unfortunately, the impact of an accident on the parties involved can be seriously impactful. If you were the at-fault driver and caused an accident, you could be facing a traffic ticket and legal claims if there were injured parties involved. The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt can assist drivers in these situations by providing representation when they need it the most. To learn more about what options may be available to you, contact our Hillsville, Virginia traffic lawyer as soon as possible.