Newport News Personal Injury Lawyers

A serious injury can turn your life upside down in a matter of seconds. Between doctor visits, missed paychecks, and mounting bills, it’s hard to know where to turn.

If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you may be entitled to compensation. But more than that, you deserve an attorney who sees you as more than just a case number.

At Merrick Brock, PLLC, we bring decades of litigation experience to every personal injury case we handle. If you’re searching for a Newport News personal injury lawyer, we’re here to offer clear answers, a sound strategy, and a commitment to helping you move forward.

Why Clients Choose Merrick Brock

We understand how insurance companies think, because we spent years defending them. That experience gives us a unique advantage: we know how the other side builds its case, and we use that knowledge to fight for the people who need it most.

When you work with Merrick Brock, you get:

• Direct access to your attorney,
• Personalized case strategies,
• A willingness to go to trial when necessary, and
• Honest answers from day one.

We believe in doing things the right way, not the flashy way. That means no gimmicks, no quick promises, just genuine advocacy from professionals who truly care.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Every injury case is different. But whether a reckless driver or a dangerous property hazard caused your accident, the underlying issue is the same: someone failed to take proper care, and you paid the price.

We represent clients in a wide range of personal injury claims, including:

• Car accidents;
• Trucking and commercial vehicle collisions;
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents;
• Motorcycle crashes;
• Child injuries;
• Premises liability, such as slip and fall, and negligent security;
• Rideshare accidents (Uber/Lyft);
• Medical malpractice; and
• Wrongful death.

If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies as a personal injury claim, we’re happy to talk through the details and help you understand your legal options.

What Is a Personal Injury Claim?

In Virginia, a personal injury claim is a legal action brought by someone who suffered physical or emotional harm because of another party’s negligence. It’s about accountability. If someone causes harm by acting carelessly or recklessly, they should be held responsible for the consequences.

To succeed in a personal injury case, you typically need to prove:

• The other party had a duty of care to act reasonably;
• They breached that duty through negligence or reckless conduct;
• That breach caused your injury; and
• You suffered actual damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Our job as your attorneys is to gather the evidence, build a strong case, and advocate for your full recovery.

How Much Is My Injury Claim Worth?

Every case is unique, and we never make blanket promises. That said, your claim may include compensation for:

• Medical expenses,
• Future medical treatment,
• Lost income,
• Loss of earning capacity,
• Pain and suffering,
• Emotional distress, and
• Property damage (if applicable).

In wrongful death cases, eligible family members may also recover compensation for funeral expenses and loss of companionship. We work closely with you and medical professionals to understand the full impact of your injuries and demand a result that reflects the real cost of what you’ve been through.

The settlement value of an injury claim is typically limited by the amount of available insurance. Therefore, it is critical to identify all potentially available insurance policies. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Virginia?

In Virginia, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss that deadline, your case may be dismissed, even if it’s valid. That’s why it’s essential to speak with a Newport News personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Early legal action also gives us more time to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and address insurance companies before they attempt to shift blame or downplay your injuries.

What If the Insurance Company Offers a Settlement?

Insurance companies are businesses, not charities. They’re often quick to offer low settlements before you understand the full extent of your injuries or losses. If you accept their offer, you may be signing away your right to seek more compensation later.

Before signing anything, consult an attorney. At Merrick Brock, we carefully review all settlement offers and advise you on whether they truly meet your current and future needs.

Common Injuries in Personal Injury Cases

Some of the most common injuries we see in Newport News area personal injury cases include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs),
• Spinal cord injuries,
• Broken bones and fractures,
• Internal bleeding and organ damage,
• Severe burns and lacerations, and
• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries.

These injuries often require long-term care, rehabilitation, and ongoing support. Our goal is to ensure that your recovery encompasses all aspects: physical, emotional, and financial.

What Sets Merrick Brock Apart in Newport News?

We’re not a billboard law firm or a volume-based operation. We take on serious cases because we believe in doing serious work for real people.

What makes us different?

• Trial experience. If the other side won’t offer a fair deal, we go to court. We take comfort in our extensive trial experience. 
• Insurance defense background. That experience gives us a strategic edge.
• Smaller caseloads. We keep our firm intentionally small, so we don’t get spread too thin and you always know who is handling your case.
• Client-centered focus. We prioritize people, not numbers or flashy settlements.

If you’re looking for Newport News personal injury lawyers who will listen, communicate clearly, and fight hard, we’re here for you.

Talk to a Newport News Personal Injury Lawyer Who Puts You First

At Merrick Brock, PLLC, we’re not interested in gimmicks or big marketing promises. We focus on what matters: giving you direct access to experienced trial lawyers, building strong cases, and pursuing the full compensation you deserve. If you were injured in Newport News, we’re here to help you understand your options and take the next step with confidence.

Contact Merrick Brock today to speak directly with an attorney, not a case manager. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you decide what’s right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Lawyers

If you’re considering a personal injury claim in Newport News, you likely have more questions. Here are a few common concerns we hear from clients:

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Newport News Personal Injury Lawyer?

At Merrick Brock, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. If there’s no recovery, there’s no fee.

Can I Still File a Claim If I Was Partially at Fault?

Virginia follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If you are found even 1% at fault, the law may bar you from recovery. That makes it especially important to have an attorney review your case. Contributory negligence is typically a question to be decided by the jury, and skilled trial attorneys can frame your case in the best light when contributory negligence is an issue.

Do I Have to Go to Court?

Not always. Many cases resolve through negotiation. However, we prepare every case for trial so we’re ready to fight if needed.

How Long Will My Case Take?

The timeline depends on the complexity of your case, your medical treatment, and whether a trial is required. Some cases settle within a few months, while others take longer to resolve. Our target is to reach a favorable settlement or file a lawsuit within two months of the last date of medical treatment that is causally related to the defendant’s negligence. 

What If I Suffered an Injury While Visiting Someone’s Property?

If you were hurt on someone else’s property, such as a business, store, or rental home, you may have a premises liability case. These often involve unsafe conditions, such as wet floors, poor lighting, broken stairs, or a lack of security. Property owners in Virginia have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors.

Can I Recover Damages If the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

Possibly. Virginia drivers can carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which may cover your losses even if the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your expenses. We can review your policy and explore other avenues for compensation.