When you’ve been injured in an accident, your first priority is taking care of yourself and your loved ones. As the dust settles after a car accident or other incident where you’re injured through no fault of your own, you may find yourself wondering what comes next. This is especially true if your injuries are affecting your life in significant ways.
At Allen & Allen, we understand how overwhelming this time can be. You might be thinking about reaching out to a lawyer but aren’t sure if it’s too late or what information you need to get started. Rest assured, it’s never too late to seek help to file a personal injury claim. We’re here to guide you through every step of the process.
There are simple steps you can take to help your personal injury case and give yourself the best chance of getting the compensation you deserve. In the video below, Fredericksburg, VA, personal injury attorney Christopher J. Toepp explains how clients and their attorneys are a team and that effort from both sides increases the probability of maximizing the results in personal injury cases.
Our priorities in personal injury claims
At Allen & Allen, our top priority is always you—the client. Our personal injury attorneys believe that achieving the best possible outcome starts with a strong partnership between you and your legal team. We’re not just here to handle the paperwork or represent you in court; we’re here to listen, understand your story, and advocate for your needs every step of the way.
From the moment you entrust us with your case, we focus on building a relationship grounded in open communication and mutual respect. This collaborative approach allows us to tailor our strategy to your unique circumstances, ensuring that we’re pursuing a path that aligns with your goals and expectations.
We also prioritize transparency in everything we do. You deserve to know what’s happening with your personal injury lawsuit, and we’re committed to keeping you informed and involved throughout the process. Whether it’s explaining legal terms in plain language, discussing your options, or updating you on the progress of your claim, we’re here to make sure you feel confident and supported.
Ultimately, our goal is to secure the compensation you need to move forward after an accident. We take this responsibility seriously, and we won’t rest until we’ve explored every avenue to maximize your recovery. When we work together, we’re not just building a case—we’re building a partnership focused on achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Seek medical treatment and follow your doctor’s advice
Following your doctor’s advice is the most important thing you can do to maximize the results of your personal injury case. In the aftermath of a motor vehicle collision, when you’re injured, you may see a variety of medical providers: the emergency room, physical therapists, your primary care doctor, chiropractors, and even specialists. Each of those doctors will give you specific advice on what to do to recover faster and more fully. It’s important that you follow this advice.
If you haven’t already gotten medical treatment, see a doctor as soon as possible after your accident. Some serious injuries are not immediately apparent, such as traumatic brain injury, so talking to a doctor can help identify an injury before it gets worse.
Medical records also provide a connection between your accident and your injuries. This can help in the personal injury claims process if you decide to pursue a case. An experienced personal injury attorney can talk to you about the specifics of your case to determine if you have a claim.
Keep track of expenses to claim compensation
After an accident, it’s essential to keep detailed records of any expenses related to your injury. These expenses can include medical bills, prescription costs, therapy sessions, travel expenses for medical appointments, lost wages, emotional distress, and any out-of-pocket costs you incur. By documenting these costs and the potential cost of additional future treatment, you provide your personal injury lawyers with crucial evidence that can strengthen your claim with the insurance company.
Keeping organized records of these expenses not only helps demonstrate the financial impact of the accident but also ensures that nothing is overlooked when seeking compensation. Whether you use a notebook, spreadsheet, or even an app to track your costs, the more thorough and accurate your documentation, the better equipped your lawyer will be to advocate for the full compensation you deserve.
How your personal injury attorney works with you
During the initial consultation with a lawyer, they will talk with you about all the details specific to your case and determine if you have a claim. They will explain how their firm handles the attorney-client relationship, how they will communicate with you, and how things like legal fees are handled. Most personal injury law firms offer a free consultation.
When you decide to hire a personal injury lawyer, they work closely with you to build a strong claim, starting with a thorough investigation of the accident and gathering all necessary evidence. They may collect evidence by visiting the accident scene, talking to witnesses, reviewing medical records and police reports, and identifying the at-fault party.
Negotiating a settlement offer with the insurance carrier
Your lawyer will handle communications with the insurance company, negotiating on your behalf to seek a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer may advise filing a lawsuit and taking your case to court. Personal injury lawsuits involve additional steps but are necessary to secure maximum compensation if the insurance adjusters try to get away with a lowball offer.
Throughout the process, your lawyer will keep you informed and guide you through each step, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome.
File on time to guard your legal rights
In addition to negotiating with the insurance company and potentially taking your case to court, your attorney also keeps a close eye on all important deadlines, including the statute of limitations. In Virginia, accident victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to pursue compensation. Your lawyer ensures that all necessary paperwork is filed on time, allowing you to focus on your recovery while they handle the legal details.
Keep your attorney informed throughout the process
Keeping your attorney informed throughout the process is crucial to maximizing the value of your personal injury case. While your lawyer handles the legal aspects, your role is to provide timely updates about any changes in your situation.
For instance, if your doctor recommends seeking a second opinion, seeing a specialist, or starting a new treatment, let your attorney know right away. These updates can impact the strategy your lawyer uses and may even influence the timeline or value of your case.
Additionally, if you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) or make significant progress in your recovery, it’s essential to inform your lawyer. Understanding your medical condition at every stage allows your attorney to accurately assess your damages and negotiate with the insurance company from a position of strength. Even seemingly small changes, like changes in your ability to work or new symptoms, should be communicated.
Non-medical updates
Some non-medical changes or updates can significantly impact a personal injury case as well, and it’s important to keep your lawyer informed of these.
- Changes in Employment or Income: If your job situation changes—whether you lose your job, are unable to work, or even return to work—your lawyer needs to know. These changes affect the calculation of lost wages and future earning capacity, which are critical components of your claim.
- New Evidence or Witnesses: If you discover new evidence related to the accident, such as photos, videos, or documents, or if a new witness comes forward, share this information with your lawyer immediately. This evidence could strengthen your case.
- Contact from Insurance Companies: If you receive any communication from insurance companies, including settlement offers or requests for information, inform your attorney right away. They will advise you on how to respond and ensure your rights are protected.
- Changes in Personal Life: Major life changes, such as moving to a new address, a change in marital status, or any significant financial decisions, can also impact your case. These changes may affect the legal proceedings or how your case is evaluated.
- Legal Matters: If you become involved in any other legal issues, such as being involved in another accident or facing a legal dispute, it’s important to inform your lawyer. These issues could complicate your personal injury claim or influence the legal strategy.
At Allen & Allen, we’re here for you
As your personal injury lawyer, I’m on your team and here to advocate for you every step of the way. By keeping an open line of communication and working closely together, we can ensure that your case is as strong as possible and that you receive the full compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Contact Allen & Allen today to get the help you need without worrying about the cost of legal representation. Our fee structure operates on a contingency basis, so you won’t pay any upfront costs. Let us be your advocate during this challenging time.
Call Allen & Allen at 866-388-1307 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation. We’re here for you.
About the Speaker: Chris Toepp is a personal injury lawyer dedicated to helping people who have been injured by the negligence of others. He is experienced in handling personal injury cases involving car crashes. Chris works in the Fredericksburg, Virginia office of Allen & Allen and serves clients across Northern and Central Virginia.
