If you have been injured in an accident in Virginia Beach, you may be wondering whether or not you need to hire a personal injury attorney. While you are not legally required to have an attorney to represent you in a personal injury case, there are many benefits to doing so.
A skilled Virginia Beach personal injury attorney can help you with all aspects of your case, from investigating the accident and gathering evidence to negotiating a settlement with the insurance company or taking your case to trial.
Here are some of the specific services that a Virginia Beach personal injury attorney can typically offer to clients:
- Investigating the accident: A personal injury attorney will thoroughly investigate the accident that caused your injuries. This could entail speaking with witnesses, looking over police reports, and getting hold of medical information.The attorney will use this information to determine who was liable for the accidentand what losses you’re entitled to compensation for.
- Gathering evidence: Once the attorney has identified the liable parties, they will begin gathering evidence to support your case. This may involve obtaining expert opinions, photographs of the accident scene, and documentation of your medical expenses and lost wages.
- Negotiating a settlement: Most personal injury cases are resolved through negotiation with the insurance company. Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to try to reach a fair and reasonable settlement.
- Taking your case to trial: If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, your attorney may file a lawsuit on your behalf. Your attorney will represent you in all aspects of the litigation process, from discovery to trial.
In addition to these general services, a Virginia Beach personal injury attorney can also help you with the following:
- Filing a claim with your own insurance company: If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company to recover for your injuries. Your personal injury attorneys in virginia beach can help you file the claim and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
- Dealing with medical bills and lost wages: If you have been injured in an accident, you may be facing significant medical bills and lost wages. Your attorney can help you deal with these financial burdens by negotiating with your creditors and insurance companies.
- Obtaining other damages: In addition to medical expenses and lost wages, you may also be entitled to recover other damages for your injuries, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Your attorney can help you determine whether you are entitled to recover these damages and, if so, how much you should seek.
If you have been injured in an accident in Virginia Beach, it is important to speak with a skilled personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, and can advocate for you to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Here are some additional services that a Virginia Beach personal injury attorney may offer to clients:
- Assistance with filing a police report: If you have not already filed a police report, your attorney can help you do so. This is important, as the police report will document the accident and provide valuable evidence to support your case.
- Representation in mediation: Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that can be used to resolve personal injury cases without going to trial. Your attorney can represent you in mediation and help you negotiate a settlement with the other party.
- Assistance with filing a wrongful death claim: If a loved one has been killed in an accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the party who was responsible for the accident. Your attorney can help you file the claim and pursue the compensation you deserve.
How to Choose a Virginia Beach Personal Injury Attorney
If you are considering hiring a personal injury attorney in Virginia Beach, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Experience: Pick a lawyer with knowledge of handling cases like yours involving personal injuries. The attorney should be familiar with the laws and regulations that apply to your case and should have a track record of success in obtaining compensation for injured clients.
- Resources: Choose an attorney who has the resources to properly investigate and litigate your case. This includes having access to experts, investigators, and other resources that may be necessary to build a strong case.
- Reputation: Pick a lawyer with a positive standing in the legal profession.You can ask friends, family, and other professionals for recommendations, or you can research attorneys online.
- Fee structure: Discuss the attorney’s fee structure with them before you hire them. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you only pay them if they win your case.