The Coronavirus Pandemic has seized the U.S. economy and caused the closure of schools, businesses, and many courts. As a result, many accident victims have been forced to ask: “Can I still file a personal injury claim during the Coronavirus Pandemic?” Answer: Yes, you should speak to an attorney to discuss your legal options, even in the midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Although the Coronavirus Pandemic has impacted law firms, just like most businesses and organizations in Virginia, the pandemic does not impact the viability of your injury claim. The Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp law firm remains open for business and is accepting new cases, while still following state and federal guidelines pertaining to social distancing and other regulations. Our law firm has fully embraced technology and can handle many aspects of your injury through online platforms and video conferencing software.
Why It Makes Sense to Hire a Virginia Beach Personal Injury Attorney, Even During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Some people may think, “I will just wait and not speak to a lawyer until this crisis is over and we go back to normal.” This is not recommended since delaying a conversation with an attorney is only going to jeopardize your prospective personal injury claim. Although your claim may take longer to process than before the pandemic, Virginia adheres to a strict statutory deadline for filing an injury lawsuit (only two years to file in most cases, commencing from the date of the accident). This means if you delay taking legal action, you could lose your right to pursue financial restitution for your harms and losses. Another reason it makes sense to hire a Va Beach injury lawyer is because downturns in the U.S. economy typically lead to insurance companies fighting even harder and doing all they can to try and avoid paying out on an injury claim. That is why, in these moments, hiring an experienced and skilled Norfolk personal injury lawyer is more important, and beneficial, than ever. It is also important to know that the personal injury lawyers with Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp operate on a contingency fee basis. This means our legal fee is contingent upon obtaining a favorable outcome in your case. You pay nothing upfront.
Important Coronavirus Questions Answered
Are Insurance Companies Agreeing to Settle Personal Injury Claims During Coronavirus?
Yes, but expect a battle to reach a reasonable settlement. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. This means they fight and haggle to try and reduce payouts on injury claims. As a result, it makes sense to hire a skilled Norfolk injury attorney to negotiate with the insurance company so you can focus on your recovery.
Is It Possible to File a Personal Injury Claim and Stay Compliant with Virginia’s Stay-at-Home Order?
Yes, insurance companies remain open for business and should be able to process your personal injury claim.
Will Coronavirus slow my Settlement Check?
The settlement process could be delayed slightly because the insurance companies are operating with fewer people in their offices. They have many people working from home, and this creates some issues with delays. However, the insurance company should still work on your claim.
Will My Virginia Personal Injury Lawyer Continue to Work on my Case During the Coronavirus Pandemic?
Our team of experienced Virginia Beach personal injury lawyers continue to speak with current clients and meet with new clients using conference call software and online platforms. In addition, we are a “paperless” law firm so we continue to work on demand letters, conduct research, etc.
Why It May Be More Difficult to Negotiate with Insurance Companies in the Midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic?
Negotiating with insurance companies is likely to be more difficult in the midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic, and in the aftermath, because insurance companies are tethered to the U.S. stock market and economy. When the economy is growing and in good health, it is generally easier to negotiate a reasonable settlement. When the economy is in free fall, insurance companies typically fight harder on injury claim payouts due to scarcer resources and reduced profits. The good news is that insurance companies and their team of claims adjusters do not dictate the outcomes of personal injury claims. When you have a skilled and seasoned Chesapeake personal injury lawyer on your side, they can level the proverbial playing field and work to ensure you get the financial restitution you are owed. What matters is your well-being and making sure you are made whole.