The Thomson Law Firm

Artificial intelligence has changed the way people search for information. Today, many accident victims ask ChatGPT questions before they ever call an attorney. Some ask: “Do I have a personal injury case?” “How much is my accident worth?” “Was I partially at fault?” “Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?” “Should I report the accident to my insurance company even if the accident wasn’t my fault?” Understandable questions?  You bet.  Should you have a chat with an AI model about your potential personal injury case?  No. Don’t share the facts of your personal injury case with an AI chatbot before speaking with an attorney. Using AI to learn about the legal process is perfectly reasonable. Sharing confidential details about your accident is something entirely different and it can hurt your case. Can ChatGPT Tell Me If I Have a Personal Injury Case? Not accurately. Every personal...

My mTBI Wasn’t Diagnosed Right After My Car Accident. Can I Still Make A Claim? After a car accident, one of the first concerns many people have is whether they suffered a concussion or other traumatic brain injury. It’s common for an emergency room physician to order a CT scan, and when the results come back normal, many patients assume they are in the clear. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. At The Thomson Law Firm, we’ve represented many people whose lives were disrupted by symptoms that persisted long after they left the emergency room. Understanding what a CT scan can—and cannot—show is an important part of protecting both your health and your legal claim. What Does a CT Scan Look For? A CT (computed tomography) scan is an excellent tool for identifying serious, life-threatening injuries. It can quickly detect: Skull fractures Bleeding in or around the brain Significant swelling Large structural injuries These conditions require immediat...

At The Thomson Law Firm, we sometimes hear a potential client say something like this during the very first phone call: “I’m just not the type of person to sue anyone.” If that sounds like something you might say, you are not alone. In fact, many of the most sincere, responsible, and credible people we speak with in Roanoke and throughout Southwest Virginia say exactly that. They are not looking for a windfall. They are not trying to “get rich.” They are not angry people. Usually, they are hardworking people who never expected to need a lawyer—until someone else’s carelessness changed their life. So why do so many good people feel guilty about making a Virginia personal injury claim ? Have Insurance Companies Trained the Public to Feel Guilty About Injury Claims? In our opinion, the answer is often yes . For decades, the public has heard the same phrases over and over: “frivolous lawsuits” “sue-happy people” “jackpot justice” “people will sue over anything” That narrativ...

Every so often, we get what I call a “last resort” phone call at The Thomson Law Firm . It usually comes from a worried friend or family member of someone who was seriously hurt in a pedestrian hit-and-run accident . The injured person has often already lost hope. They assume that because the driver fled the scene and was never found, there is no way to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or future treatment. But in many cases, that is not true . If you were struck as a pedestrian by a hit-and-run driver in Virginia , there may still be a path to compensation—even if the at-fault driver is never identified. Can You Recover Compensation After a Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident? Many injured pedestrians believe they are simply out of luck if police never locate the driver. Fortunately, Virginia law and insurance policies often provide another option: uninsured motorist (UM) coverage . If the injured pedestrian had their own automobile insurance p...

What to Do After a Roanoke Car Accident: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide If you have been injured in a crash, the first few hours after a Roanoke car accident can make a major difference in both your recovery and your legal claim. Many people are understandably shaken up after an accident. They may not know what to do first, what evidence to save, or what they should avoid saying when the insurance company calls. This guide offers a simple step-by-step plan for what to do after a Roanoke car accident—including what evidence to preserve and what to avoid saying to insurance. Whether the crash happened on I-81, I-581, Route 220, Williamson Road, Colonial Avenue, Franklin Road, or elsewhere in Roanoke and Southwest Virginia , these steps can help protect your health, your rights, and your case. Step 1: Make Safety Your First Priority Immediately after a crash: Check yourself and your passengers for injuries Move to a safe location if possible Turn on your hazard lights Call 911 ...

Interstate 81 is one of the most dangerous highways in Southwest Virginia — and for drivers traveling through Botetourt County, Roanoke County, and Montgomery County , that danger is all too real. Serious crashes, including multi-vehicle and tractor-trailer accidents, happen here far too often. Understanding why these crashes occur — and where they are most common — can help drivers stay safer and help accident victims know when to seek legal help. A Major Trucking Corridor Never Designed for Today’s Traffic Interstate 81 is one of the busiest freight routes on the East Coast. It carries an exceptionally high percentage of commercial truck traffic , much of it passing straight through Southwest Virginia. The problem? Much of I-81 was built decades ago for far less traffic and fewer heavy trucks . Today, passenger vehicles and 18-wheelers are forced to share limited space at highway speeds, increasing the likelihood of: Rear-end collisions Unsafe lane changes Chain-reaction cr...

A recent I-81 trucking accident in Roanoke County, Virginia underscores how devastating highway crashes involving commercial trucks can be. In this tragic incident, a disabled vehicle was stopped on the shoulder of Interstate 81 when a tractor-trailer crashed into it . Three people were killed. All of the victims were from out of state , traveling through Virginia when their lives were cut short. For the surviving family member, grief is often compounded by confusion — especially when the crash happened far from home. If you are navigating the aftermath of a wrongful death caused by a truck accident on I-81 , the information below is meant to help guide you through what comes next. Take Care of Yourself First The sudden loss of a loved one in a fatal trucking accident is traumatic. There is no timeline for grief and no requirement to “handle everything” immediately. Surround yourself with family support and allow time to process what has happened. Ask friends and family for help ...

Your Safety. Your Rights. Your Recovery. Pedestrian accidents are among the most severe and life-altering crashes on Virginia roads. Whether you were struck in a crosswalk, a parking lot, a neighborhood street, or a busy Roanoke or Blacksburg intersection, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. The steps you take immediately after a pedestrian accident can greatly impact your physical recovery and the strength of your injury claim. At The Thomson Law Firm , we represent injured pedestrians across Roanoke, Blacksburg and all of Virginia. This guide outlines exactly what to do after a pedestrian accident and how to protect your legal rights. Get to Safety and Call 911 Your health and safety always come first. If possible, move out of the roadway and call 911. A police report is essential for documenting what happened, identifying the at-fault driver, and creating an official record for your case. Even if your injuries seem mild, get medical attention immediately. Many pedestrian inj...

Pursuing Your Case Without Video Evidence When you’re injured in a car accident, slip-and-fall, or any other kind of preventable incident, one of the first questions you may ask is: “Do I need video evidence to win my case?” With the rise of cell phones, doorbell cameras, and dashcams, many people assume that without video, they don’t stand a chance. The good news is this: you do NOT need video evidence to win a personal injury case in Virginia. While video can be helpful, most successful cases are built on a variety of other forms of proof. At The Thomson Law Firm, we handle injury claims every single day, and very few of them involve video footage—and we still win them. Below, I’ll walk you through why video is not required, what evidence is necessary, and how we build strong cases even without any recordings. Video Evidence Is Helpful—But Rarely Available There’s no question that video can be powerful. A clear recording may show who caused the crash, how a fall occurred, or...

Q: I was just in a car accident. What’s the very first thing I should do? A: The first step is always safety. Make sure you and anyone else involved are out of harm’s way. Call 911 immediately — even if you think your injuries are minor. A police report is critical for your insurance claim and any future legal case. Once you’ve received medical attention, document everything: photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries. If you’re able, collect names and contact information from witnesses. Q: The other driver’s insurance company already called me. Should I talk to them? A: I strongly recommend that you don’t. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They may seem friendly, but anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim. Before speaking with them, talk to an experienced Roanoke personal injury lawyer who can handle communications on your behalf and protect your rights from the start. Q: I feel okay right now, but could I still have a ca...

If you’ve just been hurt in an accident and you’re thinking, “I’ve never been in an accident before — I don’t even know what to do,” you’re not alone. Most people who contact The Thomson Law Firm in Roanoke, Virginia , are calling a lawyer for the very first time. What to Do Right After the Accident Even if you’re not sure you want to file a claim, taking these steps early on can protect your health and your rights: Get medical care immediately. Get checked out. Some injuries — especially concussions, whiplash, and internal damage take hours to appear. Document everything. Take photos of your injuries, the accident scene, and any property damage. If you are not able to do this yourself, ask a friend or a family member to do it for you. Report the accident. Whether it’s a car crash, slip and fall, a dog bite, or workplace injury, make sure there’s an official report. Keep all records. Save hospital bills, repair estimates, and any letters from insurance companies. Avoid gi...

Why Insurance Companies Deny or Delay Claims Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is stressful enough. When the insurance company refuses to pay your claim, it can make things even worse. Whether you’ve received a denial, a lowball offer, or no response at all, you have options—and you don’t have to face it alone. At The Thomson Law Firm, we help people across Virginia challenge unfair treatment from insurance companies and get the compensation they deserve. Insurance adjusters work for the company—not for you. Their goal is to protect profits, which often means limiting payouts. Common reasons for denial or delay include: Insurance adjusters work for the company—not for you. Their goal is to protect profits, which often means limiting payouts. Common reasons for denial or delay include: Disputes over who caused the crash Missed deadlines or incomplete forms Medical records not supporting your injury claim Policy exclusions or lapses Pre-existing conditions blamed for...

A Loved One Has Died As A Result Of Wrongful Death- Here’s What You Need To Know Now In Virginia, a wrongful death occurs when someone dies as a result of another person or entity’s wrongful act, negligence, or recklessness. A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action brought by the family through the estate of the deceased to seek compensation for the losses they’ve suffered. This is different from a criminal case, which is brought by the state and may result in jail time or fines. A wrongful death case is about securing financial recovery for the beneficiaries. Key Differences from Personal Injury Lawsuits Let’s take a closer look at the main differences between a wrongful death lawsuit and a personal injury claim. The Victim Can’t File the Lawsuit In a personal injury case, the injured person sues for damages. In a wrongful death case, the person is deceased, so the lawsuit is filed by personal representative of the estate suing for recovery for the statutory beneficiari...

Finding the Best Lawyer for You Accidents happen when we least expect them—and in an instant, your life can be turned upside down. Whether you’ve been injured in a car crash on I-581, a slip and fall at a local business, or a workplace incident, knowing what to do next can be overwhelming. That’s where an experienced Roanoke personal injury lawyer can make all the difference. At The Thomson Law Firm, we help injury victims in Roanoke and across Southwest Virginia recover the compensation they need to move forward. If you’re wondering what it’s like to hire a personal injury attorney, this guide will walk you through the key steps of the process—and how we work to protect your rights every step of the way. Step 1: The Initial Consultation Your first step after an accident should be seeking medical care. Your second should be contacting a trusted personal injury attorney in Roanoke. At The Thomson Law Firm, we offer a free consultation to evaluate your case and answer your questions....

How Paul Thomson Can Help Victims of Tractor-Trailer Accidents on I-81 in Virginia Tractor-trailer accidents can result in devastating injuries for victims and their families, especially when the accident occurs on a busy highway like Interstate 81 (I-81) in Virginia. As a personal injury lawyer with experience handling complex accident cases, Paul Thomson has a unique understanding of the challenges faced by victims involved in tractor-trailer crashes. For those injured or tragically killed in these accidents, having an experienced attorney like Paul Thomson can make all the difference in securing compensation and holding negligent parties accountable. The Dangers of Tractor-Trailer Accidents on I-81 Interstate 81 runs through Virginia, stretching from the southern border of the state to the northern part near Winchester. It’s a critical route for truckers, often used for transporting goods across the East Coast. However, with the heavy flow of traffic, including large trucks, acc...