Being in a vehicle collision can instantly turn your whole world upside down. Amid dealing with injuries, car repairs, insurance claims, lost work, and other accident stresses, it’s normal to feel completely overwhelmed. Calling a lawyer may be the furthest thing from your mind.
But in Virginia, consulting a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a crash is extremely important. Legal guidance is about more than just suing someone or defending yourself - it’s about fully understanding your rights and taking steps to protect your future.
This article from the experienced team at Altizer Law breaks down the top risks you face by delaying legal consultation following an auto accident. Protect yourself and your family by learning why prompt legal advice is critical.
Our team of personal injury attorneys is resourceful, experienced, and knowledgeable regarding your rights. To learn more about how we can help you, call Altizer Law today at 540.345.2000.
Why An Attorney Matters After an Accident
Connecting with a personal injury lawyer quickly after a collision does more than just improve your chances of getting money damages. A car accident attorney manages all the complicated legal processes so you can concentrate wholly on healing and getting your life back on track. Specifically, they will:
Thoroughly investigate fault and negligence
Strategically handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies
Preserve evidence like photos, video footage, police reports, and witness statements
Pursue the maximum financial recovery you deserve for all accident-related losses
With an attorney as your advocate, you can have confidence knowing your rights are protected each step of the way.
Four Major Dangers of Postponing Legal Counsel
Missing Critical Filing Deadlines
Virginia statute sets strict filing limits, called “statutes of limitations,” on how long you must submit a personal injury or property damage lawsuit after an accident. For injury claims, it’s typically two years from the crash date. Property damage has a five-year deadline. If you fail to sue before the clock runs out, you lose your legal right to pursue compensation entirely, regardless of your severe losses. Getting legal help quickly ensures deadlines are met.
Hurting Your Claim Against Insurance Companies
Insurance carriers start investigating accident claims immediately, looking for ways to reduce what they must pay. Without a knowledgeable lawyer guiding you, it’s straightforward to say something to weaken your case accidentally. An experienced auto accident injury attorney coaches you on interacting with insurance adjusters so you never inadvertently admit fault or downplay the severity of your damages. They’ll also take over direct negotiations on your behalf, fighting for the maximum possible settlement.
Not Receiving the Complete Compensation You Deserve
Many accident injury victims do not know the full scope of damages they can recover under the law. Beyond just immediate medical bills and vehicle repair costs, you may also receive compensation for lost income and future earning capacity, cost of household services you can no longer perform yourself, ongoing healthcare like physical therapy, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and more. A lawyer thoroughly understands available damages, guiding you to pursue every penny warranted.
Losing Valuable Evidence
Building a rock-solid claim for financial recovery requires strong supporting evidence like police reports, photographs, video surveillance footage, witness statements, and more. But over time, critical evidence can easily be lost, destroyed, or compromised. An attorney acts immediately to gather and preserve all documentation necessary to prove negligence and sustain the maximum damages. The quicker you involve them, the more evidence can be secured.
Have More Questions? Here are Answers to Common Legal FAQs
How Soon After An Accident Should I Speak With A Lawyer?
Contact an attorney almost immediately - ideally within the first few days following the collision. Quick legal involvement allows evidence gathering to start immediately and advises you on the next best steps for insurance claims and potential lawsuits.
What If The Accident Was Partly My Fault?
Virginia follows "contributory negligence” laws regarding accidents. You are typically barred from recovering any compensation if you are found even 1% at fault for the auto accident crash. However, it’s essential to consult an attorney soon after an incident to investigate fault issues and discuss all options carefully.
Can I Afford A Personal Injury Lawyer?
The good news is that most personal injury firms, including Altizer Law, work on a contingency fee basis. This means no money ever comes out of your pocket. The attorney only gets paid if they successfully secure a settlement or court award for you. Their fee is a percentage of the final compensation.
What Should I Bring To My First Meeting With An Attorney?
Bring any documents related to the accident - police reports, medical records, insurance letters, photographs of the crash scene and your injuries, etc. This information helps the lawyer better evaluate the full details of your case from the very first conversation.
How Long Could A Personal Injury Case Take To Resolve?
Every situation is different based on the complexity of claims, the need for extensive evidence, levels of dispute between parties, and more. Some straightforward cases settle within a few months, while majorly contested suits can take years to resolve in court fully. A knowledgeable lawyer helps you navigate the timeline efficiently.
Protect Yourself Now - Get Legal Help Today
Waiting weeks or months to speak with a personal injury lawyer after a car accident puts you and your family at significant risk. Missing legal deadlines, damaging your claim, losing compensation, and destroying evidence are consequences no one wants to face during an already stressful time. Pursuing experienced legal representation immediately keeps your recovery a top priority.
Altizer Law has navigated multiple personal 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.
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