How Do You Know When to Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm?
If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident, you may be concerned about the next steps to take: what should I do? What are my options? What can I claim? Blaszkow Legal can help answer these questions, thoroughly, to guide you to the best recovery possible. Virginia personal injury laws allow accident victims to pursue compensation for bodily injuries, property damages, and other losses suffered in the crash through a claim or lawsuit. While you may be entitled to file your claims on your own, it is always advisable to contact a personal injury law firm first. Whether you choose to hire an attorney or not, the insurance companies have them on their side. Why would you fight with one hand tied behind your back?
Over the years, we have helped accident victims and their families successfully recover millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. Our highly-experienced Virginia personal injury attorneys can assess every aspect of your unique situation and explore your available legal options to pursue damages. In addition, our reliable team will fight for your rights and help you recover your deserved financial compensation. We're proud to serve clients throughout Northern Virginia as well as Maryland and DC.
Common Personal Injury Cases
A personal injury can be described as any form of harm or bodily injury to a person caused by the recklessness, negligence, or wrongful acts of another person. Some common examples of personal injuries include the following:
dog bites and other animal attacks
repetitive strain injury
premises liability
fire explosion
assault, battery, and other intentional torts
product liability
third-party workplace injury
If you or someone close to you have suffered a personal injury caused by another person's negligence, you should speak with a seasoned personal injury attorney right away. Your lawyer can review every last detail of your case and help you decide the best way to proceed with your personal injury claims.
When to Reach Out to a Personal Injury Law Firm
Simply put: immediately! Generally, it is better to reach out to a reliable personal injury law firm as soon as possible to assist with your injury claims. Here are some vital reasons to contact a personal injury law firm after an injury or accident:
Fault vs. No-Fault State
In a fault state, the person responsible for your injury or accident will be held civilly and financially liable for medical expenses, property damages, and other accident-related losses sustained. Separate from fault, there are other considerations, such as medical expense payments claims (or PIP in Maryland) to consider that can help you to recover medical bills, lost income, and other out-of-pocket losses, irrespective of who caused the injury or accident.
Additionally, Virginia is an "at-fault" state for personal injury and auto accidents. According to the state's at-fault rules, the party who caused the injury or accident will be held financially responsible for medical expenses, damages, and other accident-related losses suffered by the victims. More to the point, a fault state means that if you are even 1% at fault, you cannot recover. This is called contributory negligence, and it is the law in all three jurisdictions in the DMV.
The claims process, generally, works like this:
filing a first-party claim with your own insurance company;
filing a third-party claim with the insurance carrier of the at-fault party; and,
filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party in civil court, if negotiations break down.
A seasoned attorney can help file your claims, seek to establish negligence, and attempt to recover the maximum possible compensation.
You Injuries are Serious
In addition, if you suffered serious or catastrophic injuries and you need continued medical treatments or extended recovery, do not discuss a settlement offer yet. As soon as you accept a settlement, your case is over. You cannot go back and say "but I am still having this pain" or "now the doctor says I need surgery." Settlements almost always are completed by signing a settlement release, which forever releases the at-fault party from any and all claims.
Upon reaching MMI or full recovery, your legal representative can evaluate the extent of your physical injuries, lost income, and damages and help you negotiate a better compensation package.
You Don't Know Your Options
However, there are various ways to pursue damages after a personal injury or accident, such as filing an insurance claim or lawsuit. An experienced attorney can assess the surrounding circumstances of your personal situation, determine the best way to proceed with your case and help you recover the financial justice that you deserve. Blaszkow Legal, PLLC is ready to help you.
Proof of Negligence Isn't Easy
Also, when filing a personal injury claim in an at-fault state like Virginia, you're required to prove fault and establish liability. In other to prove negligence, you must show the following elements:
The at-fault party owed you a legal duty of care.
The at-fault party breached their expected duty by acting negligently.
The at-fault party's breach or negligence caused your injury.
You suffered bodily injury, actual harm, damages, or losses due to the defendant's negligence.
Generally, proving fault isn't always straightforward. The other party will also try to disprove your claims. Your attorney can help you collect and document the police report, medical records, and other vital evidence to prove fault and establish liability in your accident case.
Things can be complicated when the person who caused your injuries is not the only person responsible. Often times, people are employed by, or working on behalf of, companies. These companies have negligence in and of themselves, or they can be liable under a doctrine known as respondeat superior.
Dealing With Insurance
Lastly, you need a dedicated attorney on your side to protect your best interests when dealing with the insurance company. Your lawyer will handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance provider. In fact, the insurer will be more serious about your claims when you have a reputable lawyer representing you! Also, your legal counsel can use their expert negotiation skills to help you get as much financial compensation as possible.
An attorney knows that can be claimed, and what cannot, and will explain this to you. The insurance companies have not duty to tell you if you have failed to claim something that you could have!
Skilled Representation When You Need It Most
Getting hurt in an accident can be emotional and can affect your physical, mental, and financial well-being. Therefore, when seeking compensation after an accident, you should retain a skilled personal injury attorney for detailed guidance and to advocate for your best interests. At Blaszkow Legal, PLLC, our attorneys have the knowledge to support and represent clients in their accident claims.
In addition, our dedicated team can walk you through the complex process involved in filing claims and seeking damages. Above all, we will fight zealously for your rights, hold the liable party accountable, and help you pursue financial compensation for your injuries, damages, or losses.
Contact us at Blaszkow Legal, PLLC, today to schedule a simple case evaluation with dedicated car accident lawyers. Our trusted attorneys can offer you the personalized legal counsel, assistance, and skilled representation you need in your claims. We're proud to serve clients throughout Alexandria, Fairfax, Arlington, Manassas, Woodbridge, and beyond!