Accident Attorneys

Know Your Rights if Involved in an Accident

In a traffic accident (or any other type of accident) you have certain rights under Virginia law. Basically, you have the right to be put back in the same condition you were in before the accident occurred. This includes your physical, mental and economic well-being, as well as the restoration of your automobile and any other personal property damaged by the carelessness or negligence of others.

1. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to have your automobile repaired to its original pre-accident condition.

2. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to the fair market value of your automobile, if it is totaled.

3. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to select your own lawyer who doesn't represent the insurance companies.

4. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to compensation for the loss of use of your car while your automobile is being repaired; usually the wrongdoers insurance company will rent a car to you; but there are some restrictions and limitations.

5. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to recover any lost wages resulting from the automobile accident.

6. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to recover for the loss or impairment of earning capacity.

7. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to the very best medical care available.

8. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to choose the body shop to repair your automobile.

9. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to choose your own doctor.

10. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to be assured that all other passengers in your automobile will also receive the same high quality care, if there is insurance.

11. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to be compensated for any pain and suffering.

12. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to be compensated if your injuries are temporary or permanent.

13. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to be compensated for disfigurement resulting from the accident.

14. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to have reasonable and necessary medical bills paid.

15. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to uninsured motorist coverage from your insurance company. If you are a passenger in a car not owned by you, you may be protected by uninsured motorist coverage if the car owner has that insurance coverage.

16. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to have any other personal property damaged or destroyed by the accident, to be repaired or replaced.

17. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to under insurance coverage from your own insurance company. Be careful, see an attorney, this can be tricky. If you are a passenger in a car not owned by you, you may be protected by underinsured motorist coverage if the car owner has that insurance coverage.

18. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to be reimbursed for medication, supplies, and special equipment, such as a wheelchair, needed as a result of the accident.

19. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to be represented by the very best professional Virginia Auto Accident attorney, to make sure that all of your rights are protected, and that you have adequate representation to fight the insurance companies.

20. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to compensation for the decrease in value of your car even after repairs have been made, upon adequate proof of its decrease in value.

21. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to talk to a Virginia accident attorney before giving a statement or talking to any insurance company adjuster. Simply tell the adjuster you want to delay the statement until you talk to an accident attorney. All professional adjusters will agree to delay your statement.

22. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to receive a copy of your recorded statement given to an insurance adjuster. All you have to do is ask.

23. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to receive medical payments from the owner of the vehicle's insurance company or your own insurance company, if coverage was purchased.

24. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to receive compensation from a governmental entity only if proper written notice has been sent according to Virginia or federal laws as applicable. There are strict time limits.

25. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to punitive damages if the wrongdoer was grossly negligent, such as drunk driving.

26. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to receive compensation from the wrongdoers homeowner insurance under certain circumstances.

27. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to receive compensation from several insurance companies under certain circumstances. Signing a release can stop your rights to any additional compensation. See an attorney before signing releases.

28. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to receive copies of all correspondence from your lawyer regarding your case.

29. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to call on the knowledge and experience of the lawyers at Kalfus & Nachman. ANYTIME!

Do you really need a Lawyer?

Many accident victims prefer to avoid lawyers . Some people try to handle their own injury claims hoping that the insurance company involved will settle promptly and fairly.

Unfortunately, not all insurance companies respond in that manner. Their obligation is to their stockholders and policy holders, not to injured people.

Insurance companies have enormous advantages: vast wealth, armies of sharp, experienced adjusters and attorneys, and at least 67 LEGAL REASONS to reduce or deny compensation.

Negotiating alone or waiting until the insurance company "makes an offer" can be frustrating and costly. One wrong move--one mistake--can cost you thousands of dollars. Delay or guessing about the value of your case can result in the loss of valuable rights and thousands of dollars.

The best way to find out if you need a personal injury lawyer is to simply call THE HURT LINE at 1-800-HURTLINE. We can tell you in just a few minutes whether you have a case, if your injury is serious enough to require a lawyer's services, and whether or not the insurance company is treating you fairly. This consultation is FREE . You have a right to call THE HURT LINE and talk to an experienced lawyer free about your injury case. ANYTIME! · We get no fee unless you win your injury case.

Your first consultation is always free* · At the hospital or your home, we'll come to you. · We'll find you a rental car. · Call THE HURT LINE 24-hours a day. · Being your Virginia accident lawyer is the most important thing we do, every day.