Automobile accidents are inherently traumatic events. With the costs of health care on the rise, even a minor collision could cause survivors financial difficulties. While Virginia’s fault-based insurance system provides victims with an opportunity to recover damages from the person who caused their accident, securing compensation can prove challenging without the right representation. Before hiring a lawyer, do thorough research to ensure that they have the time, energy, and experience to advocate for your best interests. 
Insurance Companies Don’t Want to Pay
Almost every state, including Virginia, requires that motorists purchase a minimum amount of liability insurance. After an accident, victims have a right to ask the at-fault driver’s insurance company to reimburse their losses.
However, insurance companies are fundamentally for-profit entities. Even if the adjuster is genuinely sympathetic to your situation, they will usually place their company’s profitability over your individual well-being. Most insurance companies look for any excuse—no matter how minor—to decrease a claimant’s compensation or even deny it outright.
A car accident lawyer could help mitigate the insurance company’s underhanded tactics by ensuring that you have the evidence needed to prove the other motorist’s fault and substantiate your claim.
Choosing the Right Attorney for Your Virginia Car Accident Claim
Virginia has no shortage of car accident attorneys, many of whom claim to offer unparalleled personal injury service. However, choosing a competent lawyer is a task that goes beyond calling the first number you see plastered on a billboard or listed in a search engine. Even if several Fairfax-area firms have a history of securing impressive settlements, they may not have the resources needed to make the most of your case.
Before making a decision, take the following steps to ensure that you hire the right attorney for your Virginia car accident claim:
Find Out What Other Clients Think
A successful Virginia car accident attorney will not shy away from sharing their clients’ feedback and experiences. When researching firms online, see if they offer client testimonials, and then read through those that seem most relevant to your claim.
Look for Lawyers With Experience
Every attorney has the same basic qualifications: they went to college, attended law school, and passed a state licensing examination. However, after entering practice, lawyers typically gravitate toward certain fields. While a personal injury lawyer may handle a wide range of accident-related claims, they may favor product liability cases or premises liability lawsuits.
If you have been involved in a serious Virginia car accident, you need a lawyer who has spent years negotiating, litigating, and resolving collision claims. Your attorney should have an in-depth understanding of insurance companies’ tactics, as well as actual trial experience.
Learn About the Firm and the Attorney Who Will Handle Your Claim
Big law firms may have the money and resources needed to challenge the insurance company, but there is no guarantee that a senior attorney will be in charge of your case. When you schedule your free consultation, do not be afraid to ask who will handle your claim—and be sure to research that particular attorney’s experience and results.
Ask Family and Friends for Recommendations
If you have a friend or family member who recently hired a car accident lawyer, ask them about their experiences and whether they would recommend working with the same firm. However, even with a positive referral, you should explore your options before making a big decision. Referrals are a fantastic way to find experienced advocates, but your claim is unique, and you may have different needs than a friend or family member.
Schedule a Consultation Before Committing
Far too many Virginians believe that hiring a high-quality attorney comes with an unaffordable high price. However, most personal injury law firms, including Kearney, Freeman, Fogarty & Joshi, PLLC, work on a contingency-fee basis. This means, they only accept payment as a percentage of your eventual settlement—if they cannot win your case, they do not ask you to pay for legal services.
Since we understand that choosing the right attorney is a big decision, we offer our clients free consultations, too. During your initial, no-obligation consultation, you will have the chance to:
- Explain your case
- Get to know your attorney
- See if our firm is a good fit for your Virginia car accident claim
- Estimate your compensation
- Find out if your case has a good chance of succeeding
Skilled Legal Help for Your Personal Injury
Our experienced Fairfax accident injury attorneys understand that when you’re in a crash, it may put you out of work; you may face expensive medical bills; and you may be overwhelmed and confused by the legal challenges of filing a personal injury claim. We know that you need skilled, experienced lawyers who can provide you with immediate help.
At Kearney, Freeman, Fogarty & Joshi, PLLC, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case, and all of our personal injury work is handled on a contingent fee basis. That means, you face no legal fees if we don’t recover for you. Let the personal injury attorneys at Kearney, Freeman, Fogarty & Joshi, PLLC help you obtain the justice you deserve, especially if you suffer catastrophic injuries or must deal with the wrongful death of a loved one. Contact us online, or call us at 703-691-8333.
