The steps you take—or don't take—following a car accident can directly affect how much compensation you receive -or don't receive- from liable parties. Uncertainty is standard among most auto accident survivors. Find clarity by seeking personalized advice from a Virginia car accident attorney today.

What Every Survivor Should Do After a Car Accident

You should take a proactive approach to your safety and financial recovery by:

• Remaining at the accident scene and exchanging information with those involved in the accident, if you have yet to leave the scene (this is required by Virginia Code § 46.2-894)
• Accepting medical attention from on-scene providers—and seeking medical attention from off-scene providers, especially if you did not get treatment from EMTs
• Hiring a car accident attorney as soon as possible

You may face immediate pressure from insurance companies following the accident. Your Virginia personal injury lawyer will ensure you do not accept an unfair settlement or make any other mistakes that might compromise your financial recovery.

What You Should Not Do After the Car Crash

The “don'ts” are just as important as the “do's” in the wake of a car accident. Hiring a lawyer will take care of many potential problems, as they will provide guidance tailor-made to you. That said, you should protect yourself further by not:

• Assuming the best of insurers and other liable parties: Insurance companies look out for insurance companies. Don't extend these parties too much trust, and certainly don't accept any settlement offers without speaking with an attorney.
• Speaking directly with insurers or civil defense lawyers: If insurance companies call or contact you in other ways, politely refer them to your attorney.
• Waiting to hire your attorney: Virginia Code § 8.01-243 requires most car accident survivors to file their cases within a specific period, and waiting to hire your attorney could prove financially catastrophic

Ackerman & Falcon demands fair compensation for car accident survivors in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Call us today at (703) 288-1400 for your free consultation, or llame al (703) 828-6379 para una consulta realizada en español.