At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, the sole legal focus our firm has is representing accident victims. Many victims have similar questions about how the personal injury legal process works. The following are some of the most common. For more detailed information and to find out how we can help, contact our office today.
The insurance adjuster told me I don’t need to retain a personal injury attorney to help with my claim. Is this true?
Insurance companies are in the business to make money. If you are a victim who has been injured because of someone else’s actions, you are looking for financial compensation the law says you are entitled to. These are essentially polar opposite interests. The insurance company loses money every time they have to pay out a claim. Statistics show that victims who retain personal injury attorneys have a greater chance of obtaining fair and just compensation for their injuries.
How soon should I contact a personal injury attorney?
If you are physically able, you should contact an attorney within 24 hours after the accident to make sure your rights are protected. You may not need to hire an attorney right away, however, it is a good idea to set up a free consultation to find out what your legal options may be.
How much time after I am injured do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit?
In Virginia, the statute of limitation for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years. If the at-fault party is a government entity, it will be a shorter time frame. If the victim is a minor, the clock starts ticking when the child turns 18. Once the statute of limitations has expired, a victim cannot pursue any legal action if they have not filed the proper legal documents.
How soon should I see a doctor after an accident?
Even a minor accident can result in injuries. Often, the symptoms of an injury are delayed, or the victim does not realize just how bad their injury is. This is why all victims should seek medical attention immediately following the incident. Any delay between the accident and seeing a doctor can be used against you by the insurance. For example, if a week goes by before you see a doctor, the insurance company could accuse you of being injured somewhere else after the accident and deny your claim.
Am I allowed to discuss the cause of the injury with my physician?
It is actually very important to your case to provide your doctor with all the details of how you were injured. This will enable your doctor to prescribe the proper treatment for your injuries. If your lawsuit ends up going to trial, your doctor may also be asked to provide medical testimony to verify your injuries and the impact the injuries have had on your life.
Have You Been Injured?
The legal team at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp has offices in both Virginia and North Carolina. Our personal injury attorneys are well-versed in the laws of both states and aggressively advocate for injured victims from both states to obtain the financial compensation they deserve. To find out how our firm can help you, contact our office today for a free and confidential case evaluation.