If you have been involved in a car accident and are either the claimant or defendant in a settlement discussion, we strongly advise appointing a skilled Virginia Beach car accident lawyer to represent your interests and uphold your legal rights.
Unsure about what a car accident lawyer does and why an attorney can help achieve an expedited and favorable outcome? A capable lawyer well versed in claims related to collisions can assist with establishing facts, calculating a fair settlement value, and ensuring you make sound, informed decisions throughout the negotiations or court proceedings.
Legal Guidance With Car Accident Personal Injury Claims
Whether you are seeking compensation to cover the costs of vehicle repairs, property damage, personal injury, distress, medical expenses, or loss of earnings following a car accident, an attorney is a valuable asset to have on your side.
Trying to settle the case independently will commonly mean:
- Accepting a portion of the blame, even inadvertently or when unwarranted
- Miscalculating the total value of the claim or omitting key costs that should have been included in the settlement value
- Being unable to initiate a claim due to statutes of limitations or other legal precedents
- Failing to gather sufficient evidence to prove your case and secure the outcome you require
- Agreeing to an unreasonable claim value without recognizing that some aspects of the settlement contravene your best interests
Professional legal teams with years of experience handling car accident settlements–like Coastal Virginia Law–have an in-depth knowledge of the law. We can help establish negligence or fault, provide evidence of the damages caused, and prove each factor in court or during an out-of-court settlement.
Can I Negotiate a Car Accident Settlement Without a Lawyer?
There is no mandatory obligation to consult or hire a lawyer, and you can file insurance claim documentation and enter into negotiations on your own, alongside filing a personal injury claim where relevant.
However, it is important to recognize that this undertaking can be significant, with reduced chances of success. Car accident lawsuits commonly involve extensive communications, legal work, and paperwork preparation, where missed deadlines could hamper your entitlement to a claim.
Likewise, many clients find that the distress and potential medical injuries resulting from a car accident make it difficult to consider filing a lawsuit without professional representation while focusing on recovery and rest.
What Damages Are Recoverable Following a Traffic Accident?
If you have been injured or suffered other harm due to somebody else’s negligence, you may have recourse to claim for damages, which, depending on the circumstances, could include:
- Costs to repair damage to property or your vehicle
- Medical expenses related to injuries or side effects
- Lost income due to being unable to work during recovery
- Pain and distress, including emotional trauma
The caveat is that to achieve your anticipated settlement, you must be able to demonstrate that the other party was culpable and satisfy the thresholds of proof imposed by their insurance provider. Crucial evidence may include police reports, medical reports, statements from eyewitnesses and your mechanics, video footage, and other supporting records.
Personal injury lawyers and those specializing in car accidents can help identify damages and ascertain a true value while putting forth sufficient proof while representing your case.
Should I Negotiate a Car Accident Settlement With an Insurance Provider?
If you receive a settlement offer from another party’s insurer, you should understand that agreeing to the proposal may include signing a contract which effectively means you cannot bring further legal claims or take action–the wording is important, and many settlement propositions are final and binding.
We recommend you evaluate the terms of the offer with great care and ensure the suggested value covers all damages to an appropriate value. Agreeing to a low settlement offer without legal advice may mean that you have waived your right to file a lawsuit for future expenses related to your accident or long-term injuries that have not yet come to light.
As your lawyer, we take charge of all communications and negotiations and liaise directly with the insurance companies involved. We assess any settlement offers and initiate negotiations where we feel a higher value would be more acceptable. If an adequate and reasonable offer is not forthcoming, we can then proceed with a trial to ensure you have every opportunity to achieve a proper settlement that truly represents the harm caused.
