Welcome to the final part of our series on how to strengthen your Virginia beach injury case. In this part, you’ll learn the top 5 things to do after an accident to make sure you have the strongest case possible in court. If you’re eager to learn how to have the best Virginia beach car accident case:
Good news: You’re in the right place!
Bad news: You’re way behind the 8 ball if you wait.
Every year, over 31 million Americans end up getting hurt in a way that needs medical care. That’s a lot of folks… and here’s the real problem:
What you do in the next 60 minutes, 24 hours, and first few weeks after an accident determines whether your case is strong or weak.
Many accident victims get ripped off over and over again because they didn’t know this one secret…
…and it’s this:
The mistakes they make in those first few minutes can almost always be prevented if you just know what to do.
Do you want to know the exact 5 things you need to do after an accident to make sure you have a strong case? Then let’s get started…
You’ll learn:
- The First 24 Hours Are Make-or-Break
- Essential Evidence You Must Collect
- When to Get Legal Help
- The Biggest Mistakes That Kill Cases
- How to Maximize Your Settlement Value
The First 24 Hours Are Make-or-Break
You’re sitting at a stoplight when a drunk driver slams into the back of your car. Your head smacks into the steering wheel and your left arm starts to swell up. You slowly get out of the car and exchange insurance information with the other driver.
You’ll never forget the events of that day…
…but after your adrenaline clears and your shoulder stops throbbing, what you do next will determine whether you have a strong or weak case.
The truth? Only 4% of personal injury cases ever reach trial. The rest settle out of court… and insurance companies know this.
That’s why, as soon as you file a claim, they’re already figuring out how to pay you as little as possible. They’re looking for any excuse to deny your claim or lower your settlement.
That’s exactly why you need to act quickly and with a clear head.
With car accident injury cases, having a Virginia beach accident attorney on your side from the beginning is crucial.
The difference between you and insurance companies having someone with legal experience on your side means the difference between getting ripped off and getting a fair settlement.
Think about it…
Insurance adjusters work on hundreds of cases each month. They know every trick in the book to get you to take as little as possible. But when you have the right legal representation from day one, suddenly the playing field is leveled.
Essential Evidence You Must Collect
Here’s the secret to having an airtight case:
Documentation.
At the Scene Evidence
- Photos: All of it. Vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, injuries, etc.
- Witness info: Names and contact information of all drivers, passengers, and witnesses
- Police report number: Get this from the responding officer
- Insurance details: From all drivers involved
- Weather conditions: Was it raining, snowing, foggy, etc. ?
Medical Documentation
Here’s where many folks make a big mistake…
They think they’re “fine” so they don’t see a doctor. This is a major no-no.
Remember, some injuries, like whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away.
Get checked by a medical professional within 24 hours, even if you feel okay.
Why? Insurance companies love to claim your injuries aren’t related to the accident if you don’t seek treatment right away.
When to Get Legal Help
Did you know…
95% of personal injury cases settle before trial.
But cases with legal representation have consistently higher settlement averages.
You need an injury lawyer if:
- You suffered serious injuries that required hospitalization
- The other party’s insurance is disputing fault
- Multiple vehicles were involved in the accident
- You’re dealing with a commercial vehicle or company
- The insurance company is making a quick settlement offer (a red flag)
- Your medical bills are over $10,000
Here’s the thing most people don’t know…
Timing matters. The sooner you get legal help, the stronger your case becomes. Why? Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget details. Security footage gets deleted.
A good injury lawyer will immediately start preserving evidence and building your case while you focus on healing.
The Biggest Mistakes That Kill Cases
Too many great cases get destroyed by simple mistakes. Avoid these at all costs:
Mistake #1: Talking Too Much
NEVER, EVER give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company without a lawyer present. They’re not on your side. They’re trained to get you to say something that will hurt your case.
Mistake #2: Posting on Social Media
That picture of you smiling at your aunt’s birthday party? Insurance companies will use it to claim you’re not really injured.
Don’t post anything on social media until your case is settled.
Mistake #3: Accepting the First Offer
Insurance companies always lowball their first offer.
Personal injury settlements can range from $24,000 to $55,100 on average but this varies a lot based on injury severity and legal representation quality.
Mistake #4: Waiting Too Long
Every state has a statute of limitations on personal injury cases. In most states, you have 2-3 years, but why wait?
The longer you wait, the weaker your case becomes.
How to Maximize Your Settlement Value
You’ll never get every penny you deserve if you don’t follow this battle-tested strategy:
Keep Detailed Records
Document everything:
- Medical appointments and treatments
- Lost wages and missed work days
- Pain levels and daily life impacts
- Medication and therapy costs
- Property damage and repair estimates
Don’t Rush Your Recovery
Don’t settle until you reach “maximum medical improvement.”
Why? Once you settle, you can’t go back and ask for more money later if complications arise.
Calculate All Your Damages
People only think about medical bills, but you’re entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Past and future
- Lost wages: Current and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional distress
- Property damage: Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Loss of consortium: Impact on relationships
Get Expert Legal Help
Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize your payout. Shouldn’t you have someone fighting just as hard for you?
The right attorney will handle all the paperwork, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you get maximum compensation while you focus on healing.
Wrapping It Up
Building a strong accident case isn’t rocket science, but it does take a plan of attack and immediate action. The steps you take in the next 24 hours can mean the difference between a fair settlement and financial hardship.
Remember:
- Document everything at the scene
- Get medical attention immediately
- Avoid the common mistakes that hurt your case
- Never accept the first settlement offer
- Get experienced legal help as early as possible
The moment your accident happens, the clock starts ticking.
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you during one of the most stressful times of your life. Take action now to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Your future self will thank you for making the right moves today.
