KNOW YOUR RIGHTS IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN VIRGINIA
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 underinsurance 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.
Call Kalfus & Nachman at 1-888-HURTLINE (888-487-8546)
for your free legal consultation or save time with our online Contact
Form.
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