Chesapeake Personal Injury Lawyers

An accident can alter the course of your life without warning. In an instant, you may find yourself facing mounting medical expenses, time away from work, and physical or emotional pain. In challenging moments, having a trusted advocate by your side can make all the difference.

The Chesapeake personal injury lawyers at Merrick Brock, PLLC, understand how overwhelming life can feel after a serious injury, and we’re here to help you regain control. With decades of experience, partners John Merrick and Les Brock bring a unique perspective to every case.

After defending insurance companies and large corporations, we now use that knowledge to fight for individuals and families throughout Virginia. 

This page explains the common types of personal injury cases we handle, outlines the steps you should take after an accident, details the time frame for filing a claim, and describes how we can assist you.

What Is a Personal Injury Claim?

A personal injury claim is a legal action that allows an injured person to seek compensation when someone else’s negligence causes them harm. Virginia law allows you to pursue financial recovery for the losses you’ve suffered.

The goal of this claim isn’t just to recover money. It’s to restore stability, accountability, and peace of mind after a traumatic event. Our Chesapeake personal injury attorneys work to hold negligent parties responsible while helping you focus on healing and rebuilding your life.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle

At Merrick Brock, PLLC, our Chesapeake personal injury lawyers represent individuals and families in a wide range of personal injury matters, including:

• Car accidents,
• Truck accidents,
• Motorcycle accidents,
• Rideshare accidents,
• Drunk driving accidents,
• Bicycle accidents,
• Pedestrian accidents,
• Dog bites,
• Premises liability, and
• Wrongful death.

Our goal is to make the process as smooth as possible, allowing you to focus on your healing. We handle the legal details, protect your rights, and fight for compensation that supports your recovery and future stability.

What Should You Do After an Accident in Chesapeake?

After a serious accident, it’s normal to feel confused and uncertain about what to do next. Your health, your finances, and your legal rights are all at stake. The steps you take in the hours and days that follow can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

You should take the following actions to protect yourself and preserve critical evidence.

Get Medical Attention Right Away

Your health should always come first. Even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries, such as concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage, may not appear immediately but can worsen over time.

A prompt medical evaluation gets you proper treatment and creates vital documentation that connects your injuries to the accident.

Keep copies of all medical records, prescriptions, and treatment plans. These documents will play an essential role in demonstrating the full extent of your damages later in your claim.

Report the Accident to the Proper Authorities

In most cases, you should contact the police to file an official report. Law enforcement will document the incident, identify the involved parties, and record any witness information. This report becomes a key piece of evidence when determining fault and pursuing compensation.

If your injury occurred on someone’s property or at a business, notify the owner or manager as soon as possible. Ask for an incident report and retain a copy for your records.

Gather and Preserve Evidence

Accidents happen quickly, and evidence can disappear just as fast. If you can do so safely, take photos or videos of the scene, the vehicles or objects involved, your injuries, and any visible hazards such as debris, skid marks, or broken equipment.

If witnesses saw what happened, ask for their names and contact information. Never assume the police will record that information. Independent witness statements can be invaluable in proving how the accident occurred. 

Be Cautious When Speaking with Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters may contact you soon after the accident, often before you’ve had a chance to understand the full scope of your injuries or losses. While they might seem friendly, their job is to minimize payouts for the company, not to protect your interests.

Avoid giving recorded statements or signing any documents until you’ve spoken with a personal injury lawyer. 

Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer as Soon as Possible

One of the most important steps you can take after an accident is to seek legal guidance early. A Chesapeake personal injury lawyer can evaluate your situation, explain your options, and work to adequately preserve all evidence.

How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Virginia?

Virginia law sets strict time limits for filing personal injury lawsuits. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file your claim. This rule, called the statute of limitations, is firm. Missing the deadline could mean losing your right to pursue compensation altogether.

Starting your case as soon as possible gives your lawyer time to investigate and collect evidence while details remain fresh. 

If you’re unsure whether there’s still time to file, Merrick Brock, PLLC, can review your situation and help avoid missing any critical deadlines.

How Merrick Brock, PLLC Can Help You

At Merrick Brock, PLLC, we know that every personal injury case requires a different approach. Our background in defending insurance companies equips us with the insight and strategy necessary to protect our clients and achieve the results they deserve. 

Here’s what you can expect when working with our team:

• Direct access to experienced attorneys,
• Thorough investigation and preparation,
• Honest and consistent communication,
• Strategic negotiation and trial readiness, and
• Commitment to your recovery.

At Merrick Brock, we fight hard, move fast, and never relent—because your case deserves nothing less.

Talk to a Chesapeake Personal Injury Lawyer Today

When everything feels uncertain after an accident, experience matters. At Merrick Brock, PLLC, our attorneys have spent decades inside courtrooms across Virginia, earning a reputation for meticulous preparation, honest advocacy, and results built on hard work.  

We’re known for taking cases as far as needed to secure the right outcome. Our background defending large corporations means we understand how they think and how to hold them accountable when they cause harm.

We combine that insider knowledge with a commitment to personal service, treating every client like more than a case file.

Contact Merrick Brock, PLLC, today to schedule a free case evaluation. Let us listen to your story, explain your legal options, and show you what it means to have dedicated trial lawyers on your side.