After A Car Wreck, Our Team of Car Accident Attorneys Will Fight For Your Fair Compensation

Virginia is an “at-fault” state. This means that the person who is injured in a car accident files suit against the at-fault driver. Depending on the at-fault driver’s insurance policy, their insurance company may get involved in the case.

Virginia follows the contributory negligence rule. That means that a driver who was partially at fault for a car accident is not entitled to compensation. But it may be that you did not really contribute to the accident, due to mechanical issues or other extenuating circumstances so you could potentially have a claim. Whatever your situation, you should speak with a lawyer at our firm. In a free consultation, we can review your case and explain your options.

“Even a seemingly simple accident may have come about through a complex chain of events. If your accident was not really your fault, my law firm will work tirelessly to obtain full and fair compensation for you.” – Daniel L. Crandall

In Virginia, uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory for all drivers, yet some are not insured. If you have auto insurance, your uninsured motorist coverage can provide a source of compensation. In order to receive a fair payment from your insurance company you may need a legal advisor to help you navigate the claims and legal process. At Crandall & Katt, Attorneys at Law, we understand auto insurance. We will work hard to help you obtain all of the compensation you are entitled to.

Virginia law requires every motorist to (a) carry minimum insurance or (b) pay an uninsured motor vehicle (UMV) fee to the state for the right to drive at their own risk.

• If you opted to pay the UMV fee and caused an accident, you would be personally liable for damages. That is a big gamble unless you have the financial means to pay for a serious accident.
• If you opt to buy insurance, the minimum liability coverage under Virginia law is $30,000 in bodily injury or death to one person and $60,000 in total bodily injury/death per accident, plus property damage coverage of up to $20,000.

If you are the victim of an accident and the other driver carries only the minimum insurance, you may be covered by your own Underinsured Motorist (UIM) policy. Your insurance may pay the difference if your losses exceeded their coverage.

In Virginia if the car wreck was the other driver’s fault, their insurance will cover your injuries and damages. But sometimes, the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover all of the expenses and bills. In this case, Virginia law will now allow for the injured person to seek additional damages from their own underinsured motorist policy to cover the difference.

Insurance companies make their profits by keeping their claim costs low, and your insurer does not necessarily have your best interests at heart. What you say to the insurance claims agent could be used to minimize the value of your claim.

By contrast, a lawyer at our firm can provide you with an objective evaluation of your case and explain what we can do to maximize the value of your claim. That is why a specialist in personal injury like the professionals at Crandall & Katt, Attorneys at Law, may have tools to obtain maximum compensation for a claim.

Filing a lawsuit does not necessarily mean there will be a trial. The lawsuit is mostly a formality to protect your rights. It puts the other party on notice to provide certain information (such as insurance coverages) and to preserve certain evidence. If you don’t file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires (2 years in many cases), you could forfeit your rights to compensation. Most auto accident cases are settled out of court, but yours could be the one that goes all the way to a judge or jury trial. It is important to hire a proven trial lawyer who has the ability, willingness, and resources to try cases.

Every case is unique. There are two main categories of damages.

Economic damages refer to medical expenses, future care needs, lost wages and future earnings – the measurable financial impact.

Noneconomic damages refer to less tangible harm such as compensation for disfigurement, disability, pain and suffering, or diminished quality of life.

In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the at-fault party was egregiously reckless or indifferent. Our lawyers are adept at gauging the true worth of your injury claim and documenting those damages so that you are compensated as fully as possible.

This depends on many factors. Be assured that we will work diligently to obtain results for you as quickly as we can. However, it is usually preferable to wait until the course of medical treatment has been completed before settling a claim. This ensures that all medical costs and other reimbursable losses are included in the claim.

If the insurance company is reasonable a car accident claim can be settled. But sometimes, cases go all the way to trial and that can take months or even more than a year after treatment has finished. Hiring an experienced personal injury law firm, like Crandall & Katt, Attorneys at Law, can greatly increase your chances of resolving your case as fast as possible.

You certainly have the right to do so. But chances are the insurance companies will take advantage of the situation and you. An accident claim involves many different elements, all of which require careful analysis. Issues of causation, liability and the damages you are entitled to can be highly complex. In addition, there may be insurance coverage that you don’t know about which could provide compensation. Without an experienced attorney on your side, you may not receive all of the compensation you deserve.

Crandall & Katt, Attorneys at Law, accepts all personal injury and wrongful death cases on contingency. This means you will not be charged any attorney fees* unless, and until, your case is settled or you receive compensation. So, it costs nothing upfront. We receive a percentage of the recovery and don’t get paid until the client does.

If you are involved in an accident and have sustained injuries, please follow the eight steps outlined below. We will answer all your questions and provide you with the information you need before you consult with your insurance company.

1. Telephone your attorney’s office immediately.
2. Do not discuss the details of the accident with anyone except your attorney.
3. Keep all relevant medical evidence such as pill bottles, prescriptions, etc.
4. Take photographs of the vehicle and of any injuries sustained.
5. Prepare and keep an updated record of all medical care providers. Include all doctors and hospitals and list the corresponding date of treatment.
6. When you speak to a new treating physician, make sure to explain how you suffered the injuries and relate them to the accident.
7. Discuss with your attorney your medical care, treatment and any concerns that you may have regarding your case.
8. Be sure to provide your attorney’s office with a current telephone number and mailing address and keep them current with your attorney’s staff.

Gather as much information as you can. Medical and police reports will be important for filing a claim.

Even if it’s a minor accident, it’s a mistake not to call the police. It’s also a mistake not to seek medical attention if you were not immediately injured, some car accident injuries appear weeks after a car crash, so seeing a medical provider immediately can help you if your symptoms have a late onset. It is also important not to say too much at the scene of the accident. It is a mistake to admit that it was your fault. It is also important to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to help protect your rights and in many cases, to preserve evidence, witness statement, etc.

If you were injured or a family member was killed due to the negligence of another party, you may be entitled to claim compensation for your economic and noneconomic losses. Every personal injury case involves numerous issues involving causation, liability, insurance coverage and others, so it is not possible to provide a definitive answer to this without a careful review of the facts in your case.