When a water pipe breaks in the wall, unless you are adept at plumbing repairs, you would call a professional to fix the problem. If your faucet is simply leaking, you may be able to make the repair yourself. In a similar way, when you are involved in a car accident in Virginia, are you prepared to handle the claim on your own? There are times when you do and times when you do not need to consult an attorney. This article serves to answer some of those questions.
Determining If You Need An Attorney
As with the plumbing issues, you may know what you need to do but you do not have the experience or knowledge necessary to be able to accomplish it. If you are trying to decide if you need an attorney for your car accident claim in Virginia, keep in mind that unless you are a lawyer, you may not have the training or knowledge to handle the case. You risk ending up with a poor result, especially if you are up against someone that knows what they are doing.
When You May Not Need An Attorney
The following are instances in which you could expect to resolve the claim by yourself:
- Property damage only – In this instance you are only dealing with the cost or repair of your vehicle.
- Minor injury with no medical treatment necessary – Without medical treatment there are no medical bills or reimbursement issues. Keep in mind that some injuries will surface later, so make sure that the injury is truly minimal.
When You Definitely Need An Attorney
On the other hand, there are situations in which you should consult a professional attorney:
- If there are injuries that require medical attention – Unfortunately it’s not as easy as submitting your medical bills in order to get compensation. There are details reports required and only a lawyer can navigate the jargon and follow the procedures necessary. Extensive injuries (including paralysis and death) can be costly in many different facets of life. A car accident attorney in Virginia can help determine what your case is worth.
- If there was negligence involved on either side – If the other driver was driving drunk, or distracted, there are additional claims that can be made. If you were the negligent driver, you should certainly have an attorney to help represent you in your claim.
Need Help With Your Claim? Contact Shevlin Smith Today
The law can be complicated but car accident attorneys are knowledgeable and deal with these types of cases all the time. The saying you don’t know what you don’t know holds true. Rather than take a bunch of missteps, why not let an experienced and trustworthy Virginia auto accident attorney fight for you? Contact the Fairfax attorneys at Shevlin Smith for a free consultation. Call 703-721-4233 today!