As our Charlottesville, VA Injury Lawyers from MartinWren, P.C. would advise, if you have been hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, then you may have a situation that warrants taking legal action against the person who’s responsible. But, it can be hard to know whether your circumstances qualify you for compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. Most victims of injury accidents find themselves experiencing a huge financial burden simply because they were at the wrong place at the wrong time.
When another person or entity is negligent or reckless with the wellbeing of others, and actually causes harm, victims may be entitled to financial resitution for all they have been through. If you aren’t sure what to do after a personal injury accident, consider these tips and then speak with a lawyer as soon as possible:
Collect evidence.
By compiling evidence, your lawyer can complete the necessary paperwork to file your lawsuit. As our Charlottesville, VA Injury Lawyers will tell you, whether you were hit in a car wreck, bitten by a neighbor’s dog, the victim of medical malpractice, or something else, you must gather evidence to prove negligence:
- Medical records
- Photos of scene and injuries
- Witness contact name, address, phone number
- The defendant’s information
- Receipts of out-of-pocket expenses related to accident
- Contact for insurance company
Pause on the settlement offer.
In the days after reporting the accident to your insurance company, you may get a call from an insurance adjuster. This person is going to ask for a statement from you about how the accident unfolded through your perspective, and the extent of your injuries and other damages. Even the most friendly insurance adjuster is not focused on your wellbeing, as it’s their job to save the company money. They may use your words against you as a way to reduce or deny your claim. Pause on any settlement offer and speak with a lawyer for guidance.
Talk with a lawyer.
Do not delay and wait until something worse happens, call a lawyer immediately after a serious injury accident. If you weren’t at-fault, then the person who was responsible should be held accountable. Depending on the state you live in, victims only have a certain period of time to file a lawsuit if they wish to do so. By waiting too long, victims are waiving their rights to pursue compensation.
For assistance after a recent personal injury accident, contact a Charlottesville, VA Injury Lawyers from MartinWren, P.C.