Reasons to Work with a Virginia Car Accident Attorney

When a person has been injured in a car accident, it can be a very stressful time. Not only are they dealing with the pain from those injuries, but they also often have to deal with financial stress as a result of missed time from work and medical bills. This is why it is imperative that a person who has suffered injuries caused by the negligence of someone else speak to a Virginia personal injury attorney right away.

A Virginia injury attorney can help victims of all types of vehicle accidents obtain fair compensation for injuries, including costs for medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs that are associated with those injuries.

Some of the more common types of accidents that result in personal injuries and necessitate the representation of a skilled attorney include:

  • Auto accidents
  • Truck accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Bus accidents
  • Pedestrian accidents
  • Bike accidents

Why Accident Victims Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Many victims who have been injured in accidents wonder whether or not they really need to hire an attorney to represent them. After all, the other party’s insurance company appears to be helpful, wanting to hurry up and close the claim quickly.

And THAT is one of the most important reasons why you need to consult with an attorney when you have been injured in a crash. The insurance company is not looking out for your best interest. They are looking to settle the claim as cheaply and quickly as possible. This is true even if it is your own insurance company you are dealing with because you have been injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

The insurance company may willingly pay you for your immediate medical bills; however, they are looking to get out of paying the least amount of money possible, so it is very unlikely they will willingly offer you money for potential future medical bills you may have because of the long-term or permanent damage your injuries may leave you with. There is also the issue with lost wages because you were unable to work while you recovered from your injuries.

Another important reason why you need an attorney representing you after a vehicle crash is for the pain and suffering your injuries have caused. Depending on the extent of the injuries and the long-term effects, damages awarded to victims for pain and suffering may amount to even more than the damages awarded to pay for medical expenses and lost wages.

A skilled Virginia personal injury lawyer can either successfully negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company or move forward with litigation if the insurance company fails to negotiate a fair and just settlement offer.

When the At-Fault Driver Is Under- or Uninsured

Unfortunately, there are also vehicle accidents that involve uninsured or underinsured drivers (UM/UIM). All drivers in Virginia are required by law to carry auto liability insurance coverage but there are vehicle owners in the state who do not comply with this law. There are also situations where the vehicle owner only has the minimum insurance required by law, but the victim’s damages far exceed that minimum amount.

Victims of these accidents often fear that they will not be able to recover damages for their injuries, however, an experienced car accident attorney knows the different legal options there may be for recovering full damages, including filing a claim with your own insurance company.

Contact Our Office Today

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a negligent or reckless driver, you are likely facing high medical bills, loss of income while you recover, pain and suffering, and more. Call Shapiro, Appleton & Washburn to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation with a dedicated Virginia car accident attorney to find out what legal recourse you may have for your losses.

 

RELATED CONTENT