Casey is a founding partner at River Run Law Group. Casey has tried numerous cases across the Commonwealth in both General District Court and Circuit Court. He has earned millions of dollars for his clients through trials, mediations, and settlements.
It’s easy to assume a car accident claim will work itself out. You exchange information, file a report, and expect the insurance companies to handle the rest.
But that’s not always how it plays out. Injuries may last longer than expected. Bills arrive before the settlement. Adjusters ask for statements that don’t feel straightforward.
That’s when the question usually comes up: Should I get an attorney for a car accident, or try to manage this alone?
The answer depends on the claim, but it often comes down to timing. Getting legal help early can keep minor problems from becoming big ones. A car accident lawyer knows what insurance adjusters look for, what mistakes can cost you compensation, and how to build a case that reflects the crash’s full impact.
Is It Worth Getting an Attorney for a Car Accident?
For many car accident victims, the first instinct is to handle the claim without help. The insurance process initially seems simple, until disputes start to slow things down.
A lawyer can step in to help protect your right to fair compensation. That includes reviewing medical records, calculating lost wages, working with experts to understand long-term care needs, and negotiating with insurance companies.
Is it worth getting an attorney for a car accident? Hiring an attorney often makes sense, particularly when your injuries are severe, the facts are disputed, or the other driver’s insurance company pushes for a quick, low settlement.
Working with a lawyer can also keep you from making mistakes that might reduce the value of your claim. Insurance adjusters may ask for recorded statements or request medical records they don’t actually need. These requests seem routine, but they can work against you later if not handled carefully.
When Should I Get an Attorney for a Car Accident?
The sooner you talk to an attorney, the more options you have. Early in the process, legal support helps to preserve critical evidence, properly document the medical side of the case, and protect your claim from mistakes that are hard to fix later.
So, when should I get an attorney for a car accident? Here are situations where it’s smart to get help right away:
- You have serious injuries. Long-term injuries change the value of a claim. A lawyer can help calculate future care costs and lost earnings.
- You’re missing work because of the crash. If your injuries keep you off the job, lost wages become part of the claim, and those numbers aren’t always easy to document without legal guidance.
- You’re getting calls from insurance adjusters. Adjusters often request recorded statements that they may later use to reduce compensation. A lawyer can handle these conversations for you.
- Fault is unclear or disputed. Under Virginia’s contributory negligence law, even a small share of fault can prevent you from recovering compensation. Legal help can clarify the facts and protect your side of the case.
- You’re being pressured to settle quickly. Early settlement offers rarely cover the full cost of recovery, especially if you haven’t finished medical treatment yet.
Getting legal support at the beginning of a claim allows you to control the process, rather than reacting to it as it unfolds. An attorney can organize the facts, communicate directly with the insurance company, and fight for a settlement that reflects the full extent of damages from the crash, not just the immediate bills.
What an Attorney Does in a Car Accident Case
A car accident lawyer handles the legal process so you can focus on recovery. That includes:
- Collecting medical records and bills,
- Calculating lost wages and future losses,
- Working with doctors and specialists to document injuries,
- Preserving crash scene evidence and vehicle damage reports,
- Negotiating with insurance companies, and
- Preparing the case for trial if negotiations don’t lead to a fair settlement.
An attorney also helps to ensure you meet important deadlines and follow Virginia’s legal procedures. If your case goes to court, your lawyer files the lawsuit, prepares the legal documents, and represents you throughout mediation, settlement negotiations, or trial.
Attorneys also manage the paperwork, phone calls, and insurance forms that often feel overwhelming when you’re trying to heal, giving you space to focus on your health and your family.
What It Costs to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
Most car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee. That means you don’t pay anything upfront. The lawyer’s fee comes from the settlement or verdict at the end of the case. If there’s no recovery, you don’t owe anything.
This approach makes legal help accessible, even if you’re facing medical bills, car repair costs, or missed paychecks. You can focus on getting better without the added stress of hourly fees or out-of-pocket payments.
Before taking your case, most attorneys offer a free consultation to explain how the process works and what to expect. You can ask questions and decide whether it’s the right fit, with no financial commitment.
Talk to a Virginia Car Accident Lawyer Today
At River Run Law, we help injured drivers handle the legal side of car accidents so they can focus on healing. Our team was honored in the 15th edition of Best Law Firms®, placing us among the top 4% of law firms nationwide. This distinction reflects our commitment to personal service and thoughtful representation.
If you’re wondering, “Should I get an attorney for a car accident?” It’s probably time to discuss your options. Our team handles these cases every day, and we’re ready to answer your questions.
Contact River Run Law for a free consultation. We’ll review your situation and explain how we can help.
