Being involved in a traffic accident is something that most people, unfortunately, experience at one time or another. If you find yourself in this situation, you might not be sure what you should do next, and making a mistake could jeopardize your right to compensation. An experienced car accident lawyer will know how to handle the situation, guide you in the correct direction, and help you circumvent pricey litigation.
What are some common mistakes made by car accident victims?
To avoid putting your car accident case at risk, call the Virginia Beach car accident lawyers at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to schedule a free case review and ensure that you don’t make any of these common mistakes:
What Are the Most Common Mistakes Associated With Virginia Traffic Accidents?
Following a traffic accident, most people are injured, frightened, and not sure of what they should do next. Any type of car accident, from a catastrophic collision to a minor fender bender, could leave you with only the inconvenience of needing vehicle repairs or it could leave you with a serious injury. Regardless of the severity of your accident, there are some things that you should never do.
The most common mistakes that people make after being involved in a car accident in Virginia include:
Not Seeking Medical Attention
It is absolutely vital to seek medical attention following any type of traffic accident. One reason is to rule out any underlying injuries. There are a lot of common injuries, like traumatic brain injuries, that do not manifest symptoms right away. In fact, the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can take days or even weeks to become apparent. A simple visit to your family doctor or a hospital emergency room will ensure that a TBI or other “invisible injuries” are promptly and properly treated. Also, this will create a record of your injuries that could be helpful to your lawyer down the road.
Not Notifying the Police
After any kind of traffic accident, you should notify the police right away. In Virginia, any accident that results in injuries, death, or property damage in excess of $1,000 requires the police to be notified. The responding officer will ensure that paramedics and other appropriate personnel are dispatched and draft a formal police crash report which, just like your medical records, could be helpful to your lawyer down the road.
Not Talking to an Attorney Right Away
After a car accident, you should reach out to a reputable car accident lawyer as soon as you are able to do so. Sadly, most car accident victims put off talking to a lawyer for way too long. An experienced lawyer will be able to take care of the complexities of your insurance claim and skillfully handle any negotiations or litigation should it become necessary. If you were seriously injured in a car accident that was not your fault, it is essential that you seek qualified legal representation as quickly as possible.
Avoiding the basic mistakes after a traffic accident will help you protect your right to the financial compensation you deserve.
Talk to a Virginia Traffic Accident Lawyer Today
A reliable personal injury law firm will be able to help you secure financial compensation for your injuries and other damages. Your lawyer will file a lawsuit on your behalf and ensure that all applicable deadlines are met, negotiate with the insurance company, and aggressively represent you in court.
The Virginia Beach personal injury law firm of Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp has over four decades of experience helping victims collect the maximum compensation they are entitled to after being injured by someone else’s negligence. Give our offices a call at (833) 997-1774 and schedule your free consultation today.
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For over twenty years, Mr. Sharp's law practice has focused on serious personal injury claims, including traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury claims. He also handles nursing home neglect cases and medical malpractice claims. Mr. Sharp has counseled numerous clients about the complexities concerning litigation of both pediatric and adult brain injury. Mr. Sharp has been awarded the AV Preeminent ranking by Martindale, the highly respected and widely utilized directory of lawyers throughout the world. AV Preeminent status is awarded only to those lawyers who achieve the highest level of success within the legal field and is a testament to the fact that a lawyer's peers and Judges rank him at the highest level of professional excellence. He has also been recognized as a "Best Lawyer" by U.S. News for personal injury, an accolade awarded to only a small fraction of lawyers. Mr. Sharp has also been recognized by Super Lawyers as one of the top personal injury lawyers in Virginia. This recognition is awarded only to those lawyers who have achieved the highest level of success and have been recognized by their peers as demonstrating the highest level of professional excellence.
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