How Do I Make a Personal Injury Claim for a Car Accident?

Car accidents can be financially overwhelming, leaving victims with costly vehicle repairs, medical expenses, and lost income due to injuries. Seeking compensation is crucial to cover these unexpected burdens. Understanding the process of filing a personal injury claim can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Our Virginia car accident lawyer explains the essential steps in this article.

What You’ll Need to Start a Claim

Gathering the right information at the accident scene is vital for a successful personal injury claim. You should collect the following details:

  • Date, time, and exact location of the accident.
  • Contact information for all drivers involved, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance policy details.
  • Photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
  • A copy of the police report or the report number to obtain it later.

Having this information strengthens your claim and helps establish liability. Missing key details can make it more difficult to secure compensation.

Reporting the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Virginia law requires motorists to carry liability insurance. To initiate a claim, you must notify your insurance company and provide them with the collected details. Once you report the accident, your insurer will typically contact the insurance providers of the other parties involved.

An insurance claims adjuster will be assigned to investigate the accident. Their role includes:

  • Reviewing the police report and speaking to witnesses.
  • Examining photographs and damage reports.
  • Determining liability for the crash.

Disputes over liability are common. Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts, so they may attempt to shift blame or downplay the severity of your injuries.

Why Hiring a Car Accident Attorney is Essential

If you suffered injuries, it’s in your best interest to hire an experienced car accident attorney. You have the right to legal representation to negotiate a fair personal injury settlement. An attorney can:

  • Conduct an independent investigation into the accident.
  • Gather additional evidence, including medical records and expert opinions.
  • Negotiate aggressively with the at-fault driver’s insurance company for full compensation.

Relying solely on your insurance company is risky. Their primary focus is determining whether you share liability—not maximizing your settlement. Additionally, insurance companies handle thousands of claims at once, meaning your case may not receive the attention it deserves.

Car accident attorneys in Virginia work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. They only collect fees if they secure compensation on your behalf. This arrangement makes legal representation accessible while ensuring your lawyer is fully invested in achieving the best possible outcome for you.

Call The Jackson Law Group Today

Our firm has successfully handled hundreds of car accident cases, fighting for maximum compensation for our clients’ pain, suffering, and financial losses. Don’t navigate the claims process alone—let us advocate for your rights. Contact The Jackson Law Group today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.