Why hire a lawyer? Can't I just resolve this matter with the insurance company on my own?

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Firm News

Toyota issues more recalls, braking systems & drive shafts affected
Posted on 2/16/2010
Studies show that handheld cell phone bans don’t work
Posted on 1/30/2010
New details emerge in deadly Stevensburg Route 3 collision
Posted on 1/29/2010
Court asked to pay for traffic accident expert in fatal car crash case
Posted on 1/29/2010
Culpeper Sherriff Not Harmed in Car Crash
Posted on 1/28/2010
Two hospitalized, Route 1 closed after Woodbridge car crash
Posted on 12/29/2009
Bus collision in Lake Ridge sends two people to the hospital
Posted on 12/29/2009
Toyota officially announces largest ever recall in history for “sudden acceleration” problem
Posted on 11/30/2009
Mitsubishi Lancer airbag sensor recall affects Virginia vehicles
Posted on 11/21/2009
NHTSA announces that traffic fatalities are down so far this year
Posted on 10/31/2009

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Car Accidents & Injuries

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Q: Why hire a lawyer? Can't I just resolve this matter with the insurance company on my own?

A: You don't always need an attorney. We routinely consult (free of charge) with injured people who are simply questioning if they need help in the first place. If we believe that the case does not require attorney involvement, we'll say so. Often, that is the best advice we can give. These types of cases tend to involve minor injuries and straightforward facts. Every case is fact specific. Generally, we believe that an attorney can help in the following cases: (1) serious injury or death; (2) liability disputes: if in insurance company raises a question of liability on the part of a wrongdoer (ie: whether a driver who causes a collision is legally responsible); (3) insurance coverage issues: where the opposing insurance company denies coverage for any reason, if the opposing driver is uninsured, or if there is any coverage dispute between 2 or more insurance companies; (4) drunk driving cases; (5) trucking cases; (6) any case in which the injured person feels that the insurance company is not acting in good faith, or is delaying the settlement process, or is making inconsistent statements. Keep in mind as well that a personal injury case is an adversarial process. An insurance company is well funded and sophisticated. They have access to excellent defense attorneys. In most cases, they have no legal obligation to cooperate and settle with an injured party. Instead, they have the luxury of waiting to see what an injured victim will do to help herself. In the right case, this is where an attorney can help. In short, you don't always need an attorney. In the right case, an attorney will make the difference. In any event, you should feel free to schedule a consultation (free of charge) to discuss your options.