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Firm News

Culpeper drivers: “Safety and Patience” needed now that school is back
Posted on 8/29/2010
MD man leads Culpeper police on high-speed Rt. 3 chase, crashes car
Posted on 8/25/2010
Fauquier County reckless driving wreck lands four in hospital
Posted on 7/29/2010
Will the I-66 speed limit be raised?
Posted on 7/27/2010
Prince William County police cruiser involved in serious wreck
Posted on 6/30/2010
Hit and run car accident injures Culpeper man
Posted on 6/29/2010
Three taken to hospital after two serious vehicle wrecks in Culpeper
Posted on 6/29/2010
Four injured in single-vehicle Culpeper car crash
Posted on 5/29/2010
No Manslaughter Charges for Defendant in Deadly Rt. 3 Culpeper Crash
Posted on 5/25/2010
VDOT wants Virginia drivers to make work zones NO PHONE ZONES
Posted on 4/27/2010

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Culpeper Accident Victims: Three Things NOT to do After a Crash

If you’ve been injured in a car, truck or motorcycle wreck in Culpeper, you are probably online looking for advice and information. Is your case worth anything? Should you try to settle with the insurance company or hire a lawyer? What happens if the insurance won’t give you enough money to repair your car?

Those are all important questions, but right now we want you to stop and read these three very important tips – things you do NOT want to do after a crash in Culpeper.

Culpeper Crash Victims – DO NOT:

Give the insurance company a recorded statement. Why not, you might think – the accident was not my fault and I have nothing to hide! Slow down there – remember, the insurance company is in the business of making money. They want that recorded statement in the hopes you’ll say something that can be used against you later. Trust us – we’ve seen it happen plenty of times to innocent accident victims.
Accept a quick settlement after a serious wreck. While you may be ready to move on with your life after a terrible crash, you need to think of your future. If your injuries are severe and require long-term care or rehabilitation, or if they limit your ability to work, you may have trouble paying your bills and making ends meet. The insurance company knows that most accident victims focus on what they need RIGHT NOW (medical bills paid, car repaired) and not what they may need years from now (rehabilitation costs, job retraining, lost wages). They dangle a small, quick settlement in front of you hoping you’ll take it and not fight for what you really deserve.
Sign any documents from the insurance company without first talking to an attorney. After an accident some victims are flooded with paperwork that the insurance company wants them to sign. They may even tell you that they won’t pay for the accident unless you sign everything. Don’t believe them. Take those papers to an experienced Culpeper auto accident attorney and get some free, no obligation advice before you do anything.

As you can see, our top three tips deal with handing the insurance company. Many accident victims are surprised to find out that the insurance company is not on their side – quite the opposite, in fact. If you ever have any questions about a car wreck in the Culpeper, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

DULANEY, LAUER & THOMAS, LLP

Warrenton Office

98 Alexandria Pike, Suite 11

Warrenton, VA 20186

Toll Free: 888.907.2631

Local: 540.349.2631

Culpeper Office

209 N. West Street

Culpeper, VA 22701

Toll Free: 800.741.1012

Local: 540.825.6046