At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our Virginia Beach personal injury lawyers solely focus on representing accident victims. In fact, our firm’s slogan is, “All we do is injury law.” Many of our clients have similar questions about how the personal injury legal process works. The following are some of the most common. For more detailed information and to learn how we can help, contact our office to schedule a free consultation.
The insurance adjuster told me I don’t need to retain a personal injury attorney to help with my claim. Is this true?
Insurance companies are in the business of making money. If you are a victim injured because of someone else’s actions, you are looking for financial compensation the law says you are entitled to. These are essentially polar opposite interests. The insurance company loses money whenever it has to pay a claim. Statistics show that victims who retain personal injury attorneys have a greater chance of obtaining fair and just compensation for their injuries.
How soon should I contact a personal injury attorney?
If you are physically able, you should contact an attorney within 24 hours after the accident to ensure your rights are protected. Although you may not need to hire an attorney right away, it is a good idea to set up a free consultation to learn about your legal options.
How much time after I am injured do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit?
In Virginia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years. If the at-fault party is a government entity, it will be a shorter time frame. If the victim is a minor, the clock starts ticking when the child turns 18. Once the statute of limitations has expired, a victim cannot pursue any legal action if they have not filed the proper legal documents.
How soon should I see a doctor after an accident?
Even a minor accident can result in injuries. Often, the symptoms of an injury are delayed, or the victim does not realize just how bad their injury is. This is why all victims should seek medical attention immediately following the incident. Any delay between the accident and seeing a doctor can be used against you by the insurance. For example, if a week goes by before you see a doctor, the insurance company could accuse you of being injured somewhere else after the accident and deny your claim.
Am I allowed to discuss the cause of the injury with my physician?
It is very important to your case to provide your doctor with all the details of how you were injured. This will enable your doctor to prescribe the proper treatment for your injuries. If your lawsuit ends up going to trial, your doctor may also be asked to provide medical testimony to verify your injuries and the impact the injuries have had on your life.
How can a personal injury lawyer help me pursue my accident claim?
A personal injury lawyer plays a crucial role in helping victims navigate the complexities of accident claims, seeking justice, and securing compensation for their injuries and losses.
They provide the legal expertise needed in assessing the validity of a claim. They evaluate the circumstances surrounding the accident, gathering evidence such as medical records, police reports, witness statements, and expert opinions to build a strong case. This thorough investigation is pivotal in determining liability and establishing the extent of damages suffered by the victim.
Once liability is established, your lawyer will advocate on your behalf. They negotiate with insurance companies and opposing parties to ensure fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other relevant damages. This negotiation process is often complex, requiring a deep understanding of legal statutes, precedents, and the dynamics of insurance policies.
In cases where settlement negotiations fail to yield a satisfactory outcome, your lawyer is prepared to litigate the case aggressively in court.
Beyond negotiation, personal injury lawyers also provide invaluable support in navigating the legal system. They handle all legal paperwork, filings, and procedural deadlines, alleviating the burden on the victim and ensuring compliance with court requirements. This meticulous attention to detail helps streamline the legal process, allowing the victim to focus on recovery without the added stress of litigation.
Call Our Personal Injury Law Firm for Legal Assistance
The legal team at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp has offices in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton, Portsmouth, and the Outer Banks area. Our personal injury attorneys are well-versed in the laws of both states and aggressively advocate for injured clients to obtain the financial compensation they deserve, like the $450,000 personal injury settlement we obtained for one client who suffered multiple injuries when a vehicle driver attempted to take a left turn in front her bicycle.
To find out how our firm can help you, contact our office today for a free and confidential case evaluation.
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An experienced personal injury attorney with dual licensure in Virginia and North Carolina, Eric Washburn received a B.B.A. in Finance from James Madison University—initially worked in the information technology field before obtaining his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan. Once an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Danville, Va., Eric has been recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine as a “Rising Star” Super Lawyer in Virginia since 2014.
