Under Virginia law, anyone who has been injured in an accident caused by another party’s negligence is entitled to pursue legal action in order to obtain financial compensation for the losses their injuries cause them. If the victim dies because of those injuries, the law allows their survivors to pursue for the loss of their loved one through a wrongful death lawsuit. However, dealing with the legal system is often the last thing a grieving family or a seriously injured victim wants to deal with. This is where having a Virginia Beach personal injury attorney advocating for you can be beneficial, but it is critical to the success of the case to hire an attorney right away.
Engaging a personal injury attorney immediately after experiencing an injury or accident can provide numerous benefits that can significantly impact the outcome of your case. From navigating complex legal procedures to ensuring you receive fair compensation, here are several advantages of seeking legal representation promptly:
Legal Expertise and Experience
Personal injury attorneys specialize in handling cases these types of cases, possessing in-depth knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and legal procedures. Their experience allows them to assess your case accurately, identify potential legal issues, and develop effective strategies to maximize your chances of success.
Contingency Fee Arrangement
In many other types of legal cases – such as family or criminal law – hiring an attorney also means having to pay a significant downpayment in order to retain their services, usually in the thousands of dollars. The attorney will not even start working on a client’s case until that retainer is paid.
However, many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means the client pays no upfront fees. One of the primary advantages of a contingency fee arrangement is that the client does not have to pay attorney fees if the case is unsuccessful. If the attorney is unable to secure a settlement or win the case in court, the client is not responsible for paying attorney fees.
This “no win, no fee” structure provides access to legal representation for individuals who may not have the means to pay upfront fees. This is especially true in a personal injury if the victim is unable to work while they recover or in a wrongful death case where the victim was the primary breadwinner in the family.
Another major benefit of hiring an attorney right away is that the attorney and his or her team can start the investigation into the accident and gather crucial evidence, such as witness statements, accident reports, medical records, and expert opinions, to strengthen your case and establish liability. Once liability is established, your lawyer will also make sure that all available insurance carriers are notified, ensuring that all potentially liable parties are held accountable.
Protection of Legal Rights
Immediately after an injury, insurance companies and other parties involved may try to take advantage of your vulnerable state by pressuring you to accept a quick settlement or make statements that could harm your case. Having a personal injury attorney on your side ensures that your rights are protected and that you receive fair treatment throughout the legal process.
Evaluation of Damages
Determining the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future rehabilitation costs, can be challenging without legal guidance. A personal injury attorney can accurately assess your damages and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
Negotiation with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be intimidating, especially when you’re recovering from an injury. Personal injury attorneys are skilled negotiators who can handle communication with insurance adjusters on your behalf. They know how to push for fair settlements and advocate for your best interests, ensuring you’re not unfairly pressured into accepting inadequate offers.
Navigating Complex Legal Processes
Personal injury cases often involve complex legal procedures, deadlines, and paperwork. Without legal representation, you may risk making procedural errors that could jeopardize your case. An attorney can guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring that your case adheres to all relevant laws and regulations.
Call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp for Legal Assistance
By entrusting your case to a skilled attorney, you can focus on your recovery without the added stress of navigating complex legal matters. Your attorney will handle all aspects of your case, from paperwork to negotiations, working towards a swift resolution that allows you to move forward with your life.
Contact our office today to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our dedicated Virginia Beach personal injury attorneys and determine what legal options you may have. Our firm has secured more than $100 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients and will work diligently to get you the compensation you deserve for the losses you have suffered.