Personal Injury
Personal Injury Cases
Accidents can cause serious and sometimes devastating injuries. These can range from soft tissue injuries to catastrophic injuries to the head, neck, spinal cord and brain tissue. Once you face an injury, you immediately worry about how to pay your medical bills and how to support your family during the recovery.
The attorneys at Browning, Lamie & Gifford can help by providing answers to these questions and by offering advice regarding your legal rights and remedies.
Virginia and Tennessee law allows you to recover monetary damages for the negligence of another to compensate you for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
We are Licensed in Virginia and Tennessee
When you are injured in the Tri-Cities region, the state line can matter more than you think.
Tennessee and Virginia have very different personal injury laws:
- Tennessee has a 1-year statute of limitations
- Virginia allows 2 years
- Tennessee follows comparative fault
- Virginia follows contributory negligence
Those differences can completely change the value — or viability — of a case.
Because we are licensed in both states, we evaluate your case strategically, not geographically.
Claim Releases
Following an accident, many times the representative of the insurance company for the party who caused the accident will call and attempt to make a settlement for your injuries. Please remember that signing a release of your personal injury claim in exchange for a check may forever release your rights to that claim. Insurance companies are only businesses and they make business decisions in resolving these matters and it may be best to contact an experienced attorney at Browning , Lamie & Gifford , P.C. who will put your interest ahead of those of the insurance company in resolving these matters.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims in Virginia
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Virginia?
In most cases, Virginia law gives you two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. This is called the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you may permanently lose your right to recover compensation. If you been injured in a car, truck, motorcycle or boating accident, it is important that you contact us a soon as possible.
How much is my personal injury case worth?
The value of a case depends on several factors, including:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent impairment
There is no “average” settlement. The best way to determine value is through a detailed review of your medical records, liability evidence, and long-term impact.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
We handle your personal injury case on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- You pay nothing upfront.
- We only get paid if we recover money for you.
- Our fee is a percentage of the recovery.
If there is no recovery, you owe no attorney’s fees.
Should I talk to the insurance company after an accident?
You should be cautious. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Statements you make can later be used against you—especially in Virginia, where contributory negligence applies.
It is usually best to speak with an attorney before giving a recorded statement.
How long will my personal injury case take?
Every case is different. Factors that affect timing include:
- Length of medical treatment
- Disputes about liability
- Insurance company cooperation
- Court scheduling
Some cases resolve in months. Others may take a year or more, especially if litigation is required.
What should I do immediately after an accident?
If possible:
1. Seek medical attention.
2. Report the incident (police report or incident report).
3. Take photos of the scene and injuries.
4. Get contact information for witnesses.
5. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies.
6. Contact us right away.
What if the other driver was uninsured in Virginia
Virginia drivers are required to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage unless properly rejected. If the at-fault driver has no insurance — or not enough insurance — you may be able to recover under your own policy.
These claims can be complex and should be handled carefully.
What types of personal injury cases do we handle in Southwest Virginia?
Our firm represents clients in:
- Car accidents
- Tractor-trailer and commercial vehicle accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Slip and fall injuries
- Premises liability cases
- Wrongful death claims
- Workplace injury third-party claims
If you were injured in Bristol, Abingdon, Washington County, or surrounding Southwest Virginia communities, we can review your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims in Tennessee
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Tennessee?
In Tennessee personal injury cases, you have only one year from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.
This is one of the shortest statutes of limitations in the country. If you miss the one-year deadline, your claim will likely be permanently barred. Because of this strict timeline, it is critical to speak with our Tennessee personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
What is comparative fault in Tennessee?
Tennessee follows a rule called modified comparative fault.
You can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your recovery will be reduced by 20%.
This is different from Virginia’s contributory negligence rule, and it can make a significant difference in borderline liability cases.
What types of personal injury cases do you handle in Northeast Tennessee?
We represent clients in:
- Car accidents
- Truck and commercial vehicle accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Slip and fall injuries
- Premises liability cases
- Wrongful death claims
If you were injured in Bristol, Kingsport, Johnson City, or surrounding Tennessee communities, we can evaluate your case.
How much does it cost to hire a Tennessee personal injury lawyer?
Most Tennessee personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
- No upfront fees
- No hourly charges
- We only get paid if we recover compensation for you
If there is no recovery, you owe no attorney’s fees.
When you retain us to represent your interests, you can be sure that your legal rights will be protected by our experienced attorneys and staff. When looking for an accident lawyer in Southwest Virginia or Northeast Tennessee, Browning, Lamie & Gifford, P.C. has locations throughout the area in Abingdon, Grundy and Wytheville. If your injury prevents you from traveling to our office, please contact us and we can arrange to come to you to discuss the matter.