One of the most overwhelming experiences many people are forced to deal with is being injured in a car crash caused by a negligent or reckless driver. Secondary to the damage that may have been done to your vehicle is the pain and recovery that those personal injuries bring. Victims are often left facing mounting medical bills and loss of income from the time missed from work because of those injuries. In order to receive compensation for all these damages, it is necessary to file a car accident claim. Although many victims attempt to file their own claims, they soon realize that they need the assistance of a skilled Virginia personal injury attorney.
Insurance Company Tactics
Without a Virginia car accident lawyer advocating for you, you are left at the mercy of the insurance company when it comes to receiving the damages you deserve. It is important to remember that insurance companies – despite what an adjuster may claim – are not looking out for the best interest of the victim. They are only concerned with the bottom line and how much they pay out will cut into their profit margin.
Many insurance companies will make a quick settlement offer and then pressure you to take the offer, telling you that it is only on the table for a limited amount of time. The adjuster knows you are likely stressed out about the pile of medical treatment expenses piling up and struggling to make ends meet because you are not receiving a paycheck. Adjusters are trained to use manipulating tactics like this and victims who do not have a Virginia accident lawyer representing them often succumb to that pressure.
Without an attorney, the amount the insurance company offers you will likely be way below the amount you should receive. And depending on the extent of your injuries, the settlement amount may not cover any future medical bills you may incur for injuries that need long-term treatment. If the injury has left you with a permanent disability that will leave you unable to go back to the type of work you did before the accident, you are entitled to compensation for that too.
Another tactic the insurance company may try is to drag your claim out as a way to force you to finally take a low settlement. Or they may deny your claim completely. When you have an attorney, insurance companies are very hesitant to attempt these tricks because they know a seasoned auto accident attorney knows what they are trying to pull.
Contact a Virginia Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in a crash, it’s important to contact a Virginia car accident attorney right away. The sooner your attorney files your claim and lets the insurance company know he or she is representing you, the better chance there is that your claim will be settled efficiently and to your benefit. It is important to not speak to the insurance company before you have spoken to an attorney.
Call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp today to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our personal injury lawyers and find out what legal options you may have against the driver who caused the accident and your injuries.
RELATED CONTENT