For many, the biggest question after a crash is, “how can I obtain compensation for my losses?” Dealing with emotional trauma and financial losses is never easy, so working through the process to recover compensation for your damages is an understandable concern.
In Virginia, car accident claims follow the traditional fault-based laws. It’s vital to recognize how this helps you move forward following a collision so that you can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, emotional suffering, and more.
How Fault Laws Work
Fault laws allow you to hold someone else accountable for the crash when they are negligent. For instance, if someone is texting and driving, and they slam into the back of your vehicle. That driver and his or her insurance company would be responsible for your compensation.
When you file a claim, it’s up to the responsible party’s insurance provider to follow through on their policyholder’s liability coverage. Similarly, if you are the responsible party, the injured individual can file a claim with your insurance provider for compensation.
Your Right to File a Claim
Speak with a lawyer after your crash. The lawyer you hire can file the claim on your behalf and protect you from many of the tactics that insurance adjusters try to use to minimize compensation. An attorney can also help should your case move beyond the claims-filing process and into a trial.
Gather as much information as you can after the accident to help build your claim. Because you will file with the at-fault party’s insurance provider, you must show that their policyholder was the one responsible for the crash through a negligent or reckless action. A lawyer can also show how negligence occurred and led to the collision.
At Shevlin Smith, we prioritize your best interests. It’s our goal to provide you with strong legal counsel to pursue the compensation you deserve. Our Fairfax car accident attorneys know Virginia’s at-fault laws, and we’ll work to help you seek the most favorable outcome possible. Trust us to be your partners through challenging matters, and we’ll go the extra mile on your behalf.
