Car accident settlements depend on the unique circumstances of each crash. So, car accident settlement figures in other cases or “average settlement” numbers do not always accurately reflect the potential value of someone’s personal injury claim. Instead, consider factors such as the severity of the injury, the length of recovery, and overall costs.
If you wonder what your potential car accident compensation might be, it’s essential to understand how compensation is determined, what factors could affect your recovery, and the legal help you have available when pursuing your claim. An experienced Virginia car accident attorney at Marks & Harrison can help you understand your rights and options.
How Can a Virginia Car Accident Lawyer Help Me with My Car Accident Claim?
Having an experienced Virginia car accident lawyer on your side can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. At Marks & Harrison, we can help you by:
- Reviewing Your Case for Free – Before pursuing a car accident claim, your attorney can speak with you about your case, review any evidence you have, and ask some key questions to determine your legal options.
- Investigating and Gathering Evidence – Building a compelling case requires substantial evidence. An experienced attorney can investigate the accident to obtain the evidence needed to show the at-fault party’s negligence and fight for the compensation you deserve.
- Communicating with Insurers – Auto insurance companies are trained to minimize your payout by twisting your words against you. Your attorney can protect you from these tactics by handling all communications with insurers.
- Negotiating and Litigating – A skilled attorney will advocate aggressively for maximum compensation on your behalf, either at the negotiating table or, if necessary, in the courtroom.
Many car accident victims feel reluctant to contact an attorney due to fear of adding to their financial distress. At Marks & Harrison, we won’t charge you legal fees unless we secure compensation for you. We’ve recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for clients throughout Virginia who were able to use our services without worrying about the cost.
What Factors Affect Virginia Car Accident Compensation?
Rather than looking at “typical” car accident settlements or trying to determine “average” car accident settlement figures to get an idea of your car accident case’s settlement value, you should instead consider the significant factors that determine settlement figures. Those factors include:
- Severity of injuries – Severe injuries, like spinal cord or brain injuries, usually result in higher settlements because of the greater medical needs and long-term impact on the victim’s life.
- Lost wages – If you missed work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost income. In cases where injuries limit your ability to return to work, you may also recover damages for diminished earning capacity.
- Medical expenses – The liable party may be responsible for ambulance services, ER visits, doctor’s appointments, surgeries, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and future medical costs related to your injuries. The greater these costs are, the larger the settlement can potentially be.
- Property damage – If the at-fault party damaged any of your property in the accident, they may be responsible for repairing or replacing it.
- Pain and suffering – The impact of your injuries on your daily life is typically one of the most significant components in determining compensation. The greater the physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional trauma, the larger the pain and suffering damages you could recover.
- Insurance coverage – The liable party’s insurance policy limits, and sometimes your own insurance limits if the accident involves an uninsured or underinsured motorist, can play a significant role in the amount you can ultimately recover in an insurance claim.
Do Most Car Accident Claims Settle or Go to Court?
The majority of car accident claims in Virginia settle out of court. Settlement allows both sides to avoid the time, cost, and uncertainty of going to trial. However, insurance companies sometimes refuse to offer a fair settlement. When that’s the case, taking the claim to court may be necessary.
While going to court can be more time-consuming, costly, and stressful, it can also result in a larger award. It’s critical to work with car accident attorneys with significant trial experience when pursuing a claim, so you can feel confident regardless of whether your case settles out of court or goes to trial.
Should I Accept the First Settlement Offer from the Insurance Company?
In almost all cases, you should not accept the insurance company’s first offer. Insurers typically offer lowball settlements before the accident victim understands the full extent and impact of their injuries.
Accepting an early settlement can prevent you from seeking additional compensation later, even if you realize your medical bills or lost wages are far higher than expected. It’s essential to consult a personal injury lawyer before signing any offers so they can determine whether the settlement truly reflects the value of your claim.
How Long Can It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim in Virginia?
The timeline for resolving a car accident claim depends on several factors, including:
- The complexity of the case
- The severity of the injury
- Recovery time
- The willingness of insurers to negotiate fairly
- Whether the case goes to court.
Some claims may be resolved in a matter of months, but more complex ones can take a year or more. It all depends on the circumstances of the case.
Does Virginia Have a Time Limit for Filing a Car Accident Claim?
Under Virginia law, you typically have two years from the date of the injuries to file an auto accident lawsuit. Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to recover compensation. To avoid having your case dismissed, it’s critical to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Get Help from an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in VA
If you’ve suffered injuries in a car accident, you need an experienced personal attorney to protect your rights. Marks & Harrison has proudly sought fair compensation for injured Virginians for over 100 years. We possess the knowledge, experience, and dedication necessary to pursue the justice you deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation.
