Proving legal liability in a car accident case can be challenging, and car insurance companies only make it harder by working to minimize their losses and not pay the injured party what they deserve. Virginia auto accident attorney Stuart L. Plotnick is dedicated to helping victims of car accidents recover the compensation they need.
The party “at-fault” in the accident is generally the party who will be obligated to pay for the property damages and medical bills of the other party. If that person was obviously negligent, for example, if they were speeding or ran a stop sign, then proving your case is much easier. If other factors contributed to your accident, such as road or weather conditions, it can be more difficult to determine who is liable because this gives the other a driver an excuse. Further, in states such as Virginia the rule of contributory negligence can be a real challenge. The rule holds that even if the defendant or responsible driver was ninety-nine (99%) at fault, but the injured party was only one (1%) percent to blame, the injured party loses and cannot make any recovery at all. Totally unfair, but true!
It’s important after any car accident to seek medical treatment if necessary and gather as much information at the scene. Your health and recovery are always the priority; however, if you are able yourself, or with the assistance of a friend or family member, get photographs of the scene, your injuries and damage to both cars, get contact and insurance information for the other driver, contact for witnesses, the police officer and any other key information, as possible. The more evidence you have about the circumstances of the accident and the sooner you get it, the more likely it is to be preserved, and the better our investigation can be of your case.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in an accident, please call 301-251-1286 today or contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC for your consultation with an experienced Virginia auto accident attorney.