In the aftermath of an accident in Virginia, your focus will be on receiving compensation for your losses. You will weigh the different options for proceeding with your insurance claim. You may consider settling with the insurance company without hiring a car accident lawyer. However, you need to think about if this would be a wise decision. Do you think the insurance company will take care of your interest?
If you don’t know much about how to deal with an accident claim, you shouldn’t take risks. Settling a claim without professional advice could be catastrophic. If you have no idea how to negotiate with an insurance company, hire a car accident attorney in Richmond, VA.
Why Should You Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Richmond?
Insurance companies are not charity organizations. They have their financial interests to safeguard. Under no circumstances will they dilute their profits to give you maximum compensation. For an insurance company, making money is their business. You and the insurance company are seeking different outcomes. While you want to get maximum compensation, the insurer wants to reduce payouts. When you consider the business angle, you cannot blame the insurance company. Therefore, it is best to hire a car accident lawyer in Richmond, VA if you get into an accident.
How Far Can You Trust the Claim Adjuster Without a Car Accident Lawyer?
You might think hiring a car accident attorney is a waste of money since you are not at fault. However, from the moment you speak to an insurance adjuster, they will be looking for loopholes. It is a common practice to record a statement from you as soon as possible after the accident. They will ask questions which may seem harmless at first. However, the insurance company will find a way to use your comments against you. They may even accuse you of being partly at fault. Since Virginia follows the pure contributory negligence rule, you can’t claim any compensation if you contributed to the accident.
Since you will need money for medical treatment or vehicle repairs, the claims adjuster may make you a quick settlement offer. If you don’t have a car accident attorney in Richmond, you may be tempted to accept. You might be in a vulnerable situation and the offer may sound lucrative. However, the insurer is likely taking advantage of your vulnerability and making you a very low offer. Yes, you would get the money quickly. Unfortunately, it would be less than what you would get if you had an attorney on your side.
Advice You Would Get from a Car Accident Lawyer in Richmond, VA
There is usually more than one way to seek a settlement from an insurance company. If you can’t get compensation under one type of coverage, you may get it under another. If you don’t have an attorney to advise you, you may not know this. You may walk away after your claim is denied. Your attorney will advise you about filing a claim under:
- Collision damage cover
- Towing insurance cover
- Medical insurance cover
A car accident attorney will also remind you of the need to report the accident to your own insurer. This is the only way you will get their support if you need to turn to them for compensation. Even if you are sure the crash happened because of the other driver, you should inform your insurance company. If you don’t report the accident, your insurer can decline to reimburse you.
You will especially need your insurance company if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured. Don’t assume they will pay when you file a claim under your underinsured motorist claim or uninsured motorist coverage. You could face the same challenging situations as when you had dealt with the other driver’s insurance company. The insurance company will protect their interest. Therefore, you may be better off hiring a car accident attorney to assist you in getting a fair settlement.
What is the Role of a Car Accident Lawyer in Richmond?
It is imperative to have an attorney look into your accident case. Of course, minor accident cases and negligible injuries can likely be settled without a lawyer. When the accident is serious, and the damages are extensive, you need a car accident attorney in Richmond, VA. Serious accidents are often worth large sums. Though you may deserve a significant payout, the insurer will not want to pay. In fact, this is when you will get the most resistance. To increase your chances of getting a fair settlement, you must hire an experienced car accident lawyer.
Most lawyers in Virginia offer a free consultation during which they will review the settlement offer. When you get their advice, you can determine whether you will accept the settlement offered or get legal help.
Contact a Skilled and Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Richmond, VA Today
At Virginia Injury Law, we want you to get the maximum compensation you deserve. We will look at all aspects of the case as we seek to get your claim paid. Don’t settle with an insurance company without speaking to us first. We will bring a rational perspective to the situation so there is no need to handle things on your own. Contact us today for your free consultation.
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