An accident can dramatically change your life. Beyond coping with physical injuries, accidents caused by the careless actions of another can lead to significant emotional and financial issues, complicating a victim’s life long-term. Recovering from an accident takes time, patience, and money.
What Are Some Injuries That Are Common in Personal Injury Accidents?
Surviving an accident can be a life-altering experience, mentally and physically. Many accidents cause significant injuries that can impact a person’s quality of life and ability to remain employed. Some of the injuries commonly associated with personal injury accidents in Roanoke include the following:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Amputation
- Paralysis
- Other neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries/paralysis
- Facial injuries
- Dental injuries
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Dislocations
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Soft tissue injuries
- Abrasions
- Lacerations
- Contusions
Severe physical injuries can also lead to invisible injuries and mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, and, in some cases, the development of post-traumatic stress disorder.
What Sort of Evidence Is Necessary to Prove Who Was At Fault for My Accident?
The key to successfully recovering compensation in a personal injury case is compelling evidence that proves liability. Some of the best evidence that can help you prove the at-fault party is responsible for causing the accident and that you suffered injuries because of their conduct can include a combination of:
- Police or accident report
- Witness statements
- Photographs and videos of the accident scene
- Surveillance video
- Cellular phone records
- Medical records
- Black box data
- Safety reports/inspections
- Employment records
- Wage records
- Expert witness testimony or reconstruction expert testimony
The variety and availability of evidence needed to prove fault for an accident depend on the type of accident an individual is involved in. Sometimes, information can be nearly impossible to recover without immediate and aggressive legal representation, so getting an attorney on your side as soon as possible is best. A personal injury lawyer in Roanoke, VA, has the resources and skills to collect and preserve crucial evidence before it can be lost or destroyed.
What Compensation Might Be Available for Roanoke Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Compensation for a personal injury case varies depending on the case, the cause of the accident, and the severity of a person’s injuries. Establishing the value of an accident claim is case-specific because every accident is unique. Before you accept any money from an insurer or another party, consult an attorney who can review your situation and give you a fair estimate of the value of your case so you don’t settle for less than what you deserve.
In many cases, accident victims can pursue money for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
Injured people may find themselves financially vulnerable following an accident. Discuss your situation with an attorney to find the best path forward, and do not fall for the intimidation tactics used by insurers to pressure you into a subpar settlement.
Does Virginia Have a Time Limit for Filing a Personal Injury Claim?
Accident victims in Roanoke have a small window of time to file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue compensation for their injuries. Virginia law gives individuals two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit against the party that harmed them. Wait too long to file, and the court can dismiss your case without hearing it. You lose your chance to have your day in court and any leverage at the negotiating table with an insurance company.
You may not feel ready to file a lawsuit, but having an attorney on your side from the start protects all your options for pursuing compensation. An attorney understands how to navigate a personal injury claim and manage strict legal deadlines if a lawsuit becomes your best option for getting the money you need.
