The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm | September 25, 2025 | Car Accidents
If you’ve been in a car accident in Manassas, Virginia, you may be wondering if you can handle your car accident claim on your own without hiring a lawyer. The short answer is yes, you can try to get a settlement without a lawyer. But the real question is whether you should.
Car accident claims can be tricky, especially when insurance companies get involved. This article explains what it takes to get a settlement by yourself, what risks you may face, and when it might be better to speak with a car accident attorney in Manassas.
Understanding How Car Accident Settlements Work
A settlement is an agreement between you and the insurance company (or the other driver) to pay for damages after an accident.
This usually includes payment for things like:
- Medical bills
- Car repairs
- Lost wages if you missed work
- Pain and suffering
After a car accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may contact you with a settlement offer. At first, this may seem helpful. But it’s important to remember that the insurance company is trying to pay as little as possible. Their goal is to protect their profits, not necessarily ensure you get fair compensation.
Can You Legally Settle a Claim Without a Lawyer?
Yes, in Virginia, you are allowed to handle your own car accident claim. You can talk to the insurance adjuster, collect evidence, and negotiate your own settlement.
Many people may choose this route if:
- The accident was minor.
- There were no injuries or only very minor ones.
- The damage was limited to the vehicle.
- Liability is clear (meaning the other driver was clearly at fault).
In simple cases like this, getting a fair settlement without a lawyer might be possible. But even in these situations, it’s still important to be cautious.
Challenges of Handling a Car Accident Claim Alone
Even though you can handle your claim alone, that doesn’t mean it’s always a good idea. The insurance company has teams of professionals who do this every day. They know how to use the law and their own policies to pay you less. You, on the other hand, may be doing this for the first time.
Here are some of the common challenges people face when settling without legal help:
Understanding the True Value of Your Claim
It can be hard to know how much your claim is really worth. Many people only think about their car damage or medical bills. But a good settlement should also cover lost wages, long-term care, emotional stress, and future medical costs if needed.
Dealing with Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but they’re trained to protect their company. They may try to pressure you into settling quickly before you fully understand your injuries or the long-term impact of the accident.
Proving Fault and Liability
Under Virginia’s contributory fault rule, if you are even 1% at fault for the accident, you may not be able to recover anything. Insurance companies may try to blame you to avoid paying your claim. A lawyer knows how to fight back against these tactics.
Handling Paperwork and Deadlines
Accident claims involve a lot of paperwork, deadlines, and legal rules. Missing a deadline or saying the wrong thing to an adjuster can hurt your case. Without legal training, it’s easy to make a mistake that costs you money.
Contact Our Manassas Car Accident Lawyers at The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm for a Free Consultation
Trying to handle a car accident settlement alone might save you money upfront, but it can cost you more in the long run. Insurance companies know how to take advantage of people who are not represented. While you can legally settle without a lawyer in Manassas, it’s important to understand your rights and the full value of your claim.
For more information, please contact our experienced car accident attorneys at The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm to schedule a free consultation today. We have two convenient locations in Manassas, VA and Fairfax, VA.
The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm Manassas
9208 Lee Ave, First Floor, Manassas, VA, 20110
(571) 229-1800
Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Manassas
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 38.7523907,-77.5566859
The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm Fairfax
4000 Legato Rd #1100, Fairfax, VA, 22033
(571) 200-5424
Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Fairfax
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 38.8657713,-77.3652474