How a Car Accident Lawyer Increases Your Compensation 

Being involved in a car accident in Virginia can be an extremely stressful and chaotic experience. Many crash victims are left overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed after an accident. An experienced car accident lawyer can provide invaluable help navigating the claims process to maximize compensation for your injuries and damages. Below are five key ways hiring a car accident attorney after a crash in Virginia can increase the compensation you ultimately receive.

Altizer Law has decades of experience supporting the people of Virginia with car accident injuries and claims. Call our trusted team of attorneys today at 540.345.2000 for your free consultation. 

1. Thoroughly Investigating the Accident Details

A car accident lawyer will launch a detailed investigation into the cause of the collision and who was at fault. This can include: visiting and photographing the accident scene, interviewing witnesses, obtaining police reports, reviewing camera footage, consulting accident reconstruction experts, and gathering maintenance records for the vehicles involved.

Thorough accident investigations by an attorney often uncover critical evidence and details that crash victims miss on their own. They are also familiar with Virginia car accident laws and statutes. This strengthens your ability to prove fault and win higher damages.

2. Handling Communications with Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters know that unrepresented crash victims are often uninformed about their legal rights. They will frequently make lowball offers hoping victims will accept less than they deserve. An experienced car accident lawyer deals with insurance companies daily. They know how to negotiate skillfully to maximize your car accident settlement or verdict offer in your injury claim. Lawyers act as your advocate and handle all communications with insurers so you can focus on healing.

3. Determining All Available Forms of Compensation

There are numerous types of damages car accident victims can claim depending on the circumstances, including:

• Medical expenses

• Lost income

• Property damage

• Pain and suffering

• Loss of enjoyment of life

• Loss of companionship or consortium

A personal injury attorney will thoroughly assess your losses and make sure you receive full compensation for each category. Missed damages can mean thousands left on the table.

4. Pinpointing All Potentially Liable Parties

Often there are multiple parties that share liability in a crash such as:

• Other drivers

• Vehicle manufacturers

•  Government entities responsible for road maintenance

• Employers in vehicle accidents involving commercial trucks

Experienced car accident lawyers know how to identify every potentially liable party and make sure they are included in your injury claim. Multiple defendants mean increased compensation payouts.

5. Taking Your Case to Trial If Needed

Insurers often make higher settlement offers when they know a determined car accident attorney is willing to take a case to trial if needed. Car accident lawyers intimately understand court processes and rules of evidence. 

Their willingness to litigate creates critical leverage during settlement negotiations.If a fair settlement offer is not received, an attorney will build the strongest case possible and zealously represent your rights in court. 

Only around 5% of car accident cases go to trial, but an attorney's willingness to litigate is vital leverage.

Key Takeaways: 

Thorough crash investigations strengthen your ability to prove fault. Car accident lawyers skillfully negotiate with insurers to maximize settlements. Experienced attorneys identify all forms of damages and liable parties. Car accident awyers create leverage with willingness to take cases to trial. 

An attorney's knowledge can substantially increase overall compensation. 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

1. What should I do after a car accident?

After seeking any needed medical attention, gather information including contact details of other involved drivers, witness accounts, photos of property damage and accident scene, police report, and insurance details. Report the accident to your insurer promptly. Consider contacting an experienced car accident attorney for advice and legal representation.

2. How much does a car accident lawyer cost?

Most car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning legal fees are a percentage of any final settlement or court award. Typical contingency fees range from 33% to 40%. There are no upfront costs, and you pay nothing unless your case recovers damages.

3. How long does it take to settle a car accident claim?

It typically takes anywhere from several weeks to several months to receive an insurance settlement after a car crash. Factors like severity of injuries, amount of evidence gathering needed, and involvement of multiple insurers can all impact the timeline. An attorney can expedite the process.

4. Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company after an accident?

It is generally not advisable to provide a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster after a crash before consulting with a lawyer. Things you say can be used against you later. Politely decline to give a statement and contact an attorney.

5. How can I find the best car accident lawyer near me?

Look for an attorney with extensive experience handling car accident claims in your state, a proven track record of securing large settlements for clients, strong negotiator skills, and a willingness to take cases to trial if needed. Consultations are free. Vet a few lawyers before deciding.

Choosing a Car Accident Attorney in Virginia 

Altizer Law has navigated multiple car accident injury claims throughout the years, and helped our clients win their settlements. Call our team of experienced and results driven lawyers today at 540.345.2000 for your free consultation.