DOS AND DON'TS AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
Being involved in an accident can result in physical injuries, hospitalization, missed time at work, and emotional suffering. Fortunately, Virginia personal injury laws allow negligent accident victims to pursue financial compensation for their injuries and damages.
However, many victims are usually confused about the right steps to take or avoid when seeking damages for their injuries. An experienced Virginia personal injury attorney can enlighten you about the dos and don'ts after an injury or accident for a successful claim.
At Blaszkow Legal, PLLC, we have the persistence, expertise, and resources to assist, guide, and represent clients in their personal injury cases. Our loyal attorneys can review all of the facts of your case and help you understand the things you need to do – or not do – to avoid hurting your injury claims. Our firm proudly serves clients across Alexandria, Woodbridge, Fairfax, Manassas, and Arlington, Virginia.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Virginia
Virginia is a "fault" car accident state. This means that the at-fault party (the person responsible for the accident or your injury) will hold financial liability for any injury, damages, and other accident-related losses suffered by the accident victims.
To recover damages, a person injured in a negligent accident can proceed by:
Filing an injury claim with their own insurance provider.
Filing a third-party claim directly with the at-fault party's insurance carrier.
Filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court against the at-fault party.
However, failure to take the necessary steps – or omitting some steps – may hurt your injury claims inadvertently. A knowledgeable attorney can educate you about the dos and don'ts after an accident or when entering into a personal injury claim.
What to Do and NOT Do After an Injury
The period after an injury or accident can be confusing and unsettling. Regardless, knowing what you should do – or shouldn't do – after the incident is vital when seeking financial compensation. Here are some of the dos and don'ts when pursuing damages or filing your personal injury claims:
DON'Ts
DON'T Leave the Scene of an Accident Until You've Exchanged Information
Before leaving the accident scene, exchange relevant information with the other driver. These include the driver's name, phone number, address, insurance information, license number, and vehicle registration number. You should get all the information you need and avoid a hit-and-run situation.
DON'T Neglect Your Injuries, Even if You're Uninsured or Underinsured
Also, seek prompt medical attention after the injury or accident. It is crucial that you get medical treatment from a qualified doctor for your health, safety, and general wellbeing, as well as for legal reasons. The physician can assess the magnitude of your injuries, identify hidden symptoms and injuries, recommend adequate treatment, or refer you to a specialist.
In addition, getting medical help is important for proper documentation, to comply with insurance requirements, and avoiding or mitigating potential issues with the insurance carrier when you file your claims.
DON'T Talk About the Case, Not Even to Your Friends
Furthermore, avoid discussing the details of your case with anyone – not even your friends – after filing. All important case details, strategies, and confidential information should stay between you and your legal counsel.
DON'T Accept the First Deal You're Offered by the Insurance Company
However, the insurance company's first settlement offer is often low and may not account for all your injuries and damages. Don't accept it. Your lawyer can help negotiate a better settlement offer or take additional legal action against the insurance provider to help recover the maximum financial compensation you deserve.
DON'T Post to Social Media
Do not post any information about your case or injury on social media, including how you got hurt, how the incident occurred, who you blame, or how you are feeling. In the meantime, you should stay away from social media or deactivate your accounts.
DON'T Talk to the Insurance Adjuster First
Giving a recorded statement or speaking with the insurance adjuster without consulting with your attorney is never advisable. The insurance adjuster may take your words out of context, interpret your statement differently, or use your statement against you during negotiations or in court. Hence, always talk to your lawyer first.
DOs
DO Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Reach out to a trusted personal injury attorney to help file your claims. Your lawyer can evaluate all of the facts of your case, conduct a thorough, private investigation, and explore your possible options to seek damages.
DO Keep Records of Everything
For proper documentation, keep records of every document and file related to the accident or your injury. These include relevant information about the other driver, police reports, witness statements and testimonies, and accident scene pictures.
DO Keep Medical Records
Keep every single medical record, medical expense, therapy session, and doctor's appointment. This will be important to determine the magnitude of your injuries and other losses and estimate the case value.
DO Document Your Personal Account of the Incident
Document your personal account of the incident. These include all the details you can remember leading up to the incident, from the accident, or after the incident while it's fresh.
DO Record How the Accident is Affecting Your Daily Life
Also, document how the injury or accident is affecting your daily life, your work, as well as your ability to draw a paycheck.
If you or someone you know were hurt in an accident caused by a negligent party, you need to reach out to a skilled personal injury attorney right away. Your legal counsel can enlighten you about your possible options to recover damages and make sure you do not sabotage your injury claims unintentionally.
Trusted and Experienced: Blaszkow Legal, PLLC
A person injured in a negligent accident in Virginia may be eligible to recover damages through injury claims. However, to ensure that you do not hurt your injury claims inadvertently, there are some essential steps to take or avoid after the incident and before you file. A practiced personal injury attorney can advocate for your best interests and help you steer crucial decisions.
At Blaszkow Legal, PLLC, we enjoy providing compassionate representation and personalized legal counsel to accident victims and their loved ones. As your legal counsel, we can assess and investigate the details of your individual situation, examine your possible options to recover damages, and familiarize you with the necessary steps to take. Having our team on your side can improve your chances of a successful injury claim.
Contact Blaszkow Legal, PLLC today to schedule a simple case assessment with proficient car accident lawyers. Our trusted legal team has the resources to guide you through the overly-complex claims process and help you recover your deserved financial compensation. We're proud to represent clients across Alexandria, Woodbridge, Fairfax, Manassas, and Arlington, Virginia.