If you’ve been injured in a vehicle accident, you may wonder if hiring an attorney is the right move for you. Unless you have legal training, you’re unlikely to be familiar with the laws that will help support your claim. It’s important to understand what an experienced, qualified attorney can do for you. 
Obtain Evidence
Attorneys are experienced at obtaining the evidence needed to support your claim such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements. Your attorney may also visit the accident scene and interview any witnesses and investigating police officers to get a better idea of how the collision occurred.
Understand the Law
When you’ve been injured in a vehicle accident, you need professional representation by someone who understands the relevant laws and who knows how to refer to cases and citations that support your case. Your attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf and negotiate a settlement, or he can prepare to take your case to trial. He will also be familiar with important intricacies of the law that must be followed, or your case might be dismissed. For example, if your case is not filed within Virginia’s statute of limitations, it may be forever barred by the court. An attorney who is accomplished at handling vehicle accident cases in Virginia will protect your rights, so you can get the compensation you deserve.
Communicate With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies do not have your best interests at heart. Adjusters are motivated to pay out as little as possible on claims and may try to convince you to accept minimal compensation for your injuries. The adjuster is unlikely to explain all of the different types of compensation you may be entitled to, hoping you’ll accept a lower offer. Furthermore, the insurance company may try to get you to admit fault for the accident, which could drastically reduce your ability to recover. Your attorney knows which information to provide to insurance companies to maximize your chances of an approved claim. He can coach you on communicating with insurers in a way that doesn’t jeopardize your claim. Should your claim be denied, an attorney can appeal that denial and pursue your right to recover.
Negotiate
Attorneys are experienced negotiators. Most cases settle out of court, and settlement offers can be extremely complex. Your attorney can help you understand these complexities and provide guidance regarding the wisdom of a settlement. Your lawyer understands the value of your claim, and he will work to settle your vehicle accident case for as much as possible. Insurance companies will always try to pay out as little as possible on claims. They have skilled negotiators on their side, and you should, too. Your attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Advocate
Your attorney is there to advocate on your behalf throughout the legal process. He should keep you informed and up to date on how your case is progressing. Your attorney’s job is to ensure that you are adequately compensated for all of your losses, and he will be familiar with all of the potential avenues of recovery available to you. You may have both economic and noneconomic damages that you should be compensated for, and an attorney can ensure that you are valuing those damages correctly. Having an attorney’s guidance through the complexities of your lawsuit can reduce the stress you experience as you progress through the legal process. The peace of mind that comes from having professional legal representation may be the most valuable benefit an attorney can offer you.
You Need an Attorney
When you’ve been injured, you need an experienced attorney on your side. Protect your rights, and don’t settle for anything less than the compensation you deserve. Contact the attorneys of Kearney, Freeman, Fogarty & Joshi, PLLC by using the form on this page.
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