In Virginia, the driver responsible for a car accident will take financial responsibility for the victim’s medical bills. For most drivers, this means having their liability insurance cover the bills. However, things can get complicated when the insurance company refuses to pay the medical bills. If you have been injured in a car accident and have difficulty pursuing compensation from the insurance provider of the at-fault driver, you must contact a car accident attorney to help you get the compensation you are entitled to.
Car Accident Liability
Drivers who injure other road users including pedestrians, bicyclists, and passengers are liable for the injured party’s damages. If you are the injured party, your attorney can help you file a claim with the insurance company of the at-fault driver.
Car accidents may lead to several damages including economic damages. Because of your accident, you may have to miss work or enter into a rehab facility. You may need to visit several doctors, as well as undergo surgeries, tests, and treatments while incurring significant medical costs. If you sustained a serious injury, you may require life-long care and needs compensation for this.
Proving Fault
Negligence is the basis of most car accident claims. A negligent driver is someone who take reckless or careless action that directly resulted in somebody getting sustaining injuries. Negligence can come in many forms including illegal actions such as speeding and driving while intoxicated. Because of this, you must collect evidence to prove the at-fault driver’s negligence. Your attorney can help you secure additional forensic, documentary, and testimonial evidence of the driver’s negligence. This includes photos from the accident scene, surveillance camera footage, eyewitness statements, and expert witness testimony.
The Contributory Negligence Standard in Virginia
In Virginia, you cannot be compensated for your injuries and losses if you are found to be even 1 percent at fault for the crash. This makes it important to have solid legal representation as you navigate through the claims process. Your attorney can fight allegations of contributory negligence that the other party or their insurer may make against you.
It is important to work with a car accident attorney who has extensive experience in handling car accident cases. This way, you can be sure they are familiar with your case’s medical and legal side. For instance, your case requires that some experts give testimony in court for you. Because your lawyer has tried this kind of case many times in the past, they know the right expert witnesses to work with.