The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm | October 9, 2025 | Car Accidents
After a car accident in Virginia, you may be left with medical bills, missed wages, and questions about what to do next. Many people ask: Should I hire a lawyer in Virginia or let the insurance company handle my car accident claim? While insurers often encourage you to work directly with them, it is important to understand how the process works and what you may risk by going it alone.
How Insurance Companies Handle Car Accident Claims
Insurance companies exist to make a profit. That means their claims adjusters are trained to protect the company’s bottom line, not to maximize your recovery.
Common tactics used by insurers include:
- Offering quick settlements before injuries are fully diagnosed
- Delaying responses in hopes you will give up or accept less
- Arguing that medical treatment was unnecessary or unrelated
- Suggesting you share fault under Virginia’s strict contributory negligence rule
These strategies can reduce or even eliminate the compensation you receive. Understanding them is the first step in deciding whether you need legal help.
Virginia’s Contributory Negligence Law
Virginia follows a contributory negligence standard, one of the toughest rules in the country. You may be barred from recovering compensation if you are found even one percent at fault for the crash.
For example, if the other driver ran a red light but you were speeding, the insurance company may argue you contributed to the accident. Even a small degree of fault could prevent you from receiving any payout. This harsh rule gives insurers powerful leverage against unrepresented claimants.
Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer in Virginia
Hiring a lawyer after a car accident ensures you have someone focused on your best interests.
An attorney can:
- Calculate the full value of your damages, including future medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering
- Gather and preserve evidence to counter contributory negligence claims
- Manage communications with the insurer so you do not make statements that hurt your case
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
- File a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable offer
These steps can be critical in leveling the playing field against powerful insurance companies. Studies consistently show that represented claimants recover more on average than those who handle claims alone.
When You Might Handle a Claim Without a Lawyer
Not every case requires legal representation. If the accident only caused minor property damage, there were no injuries, and liability is clear, you may be able to work directly with the insurance company.
In such cases, handling the claim yourself can save money and resolve the matter quickly. However, once injuries, disputes, or significant expenses are involved, the risks of underpayment grow dramatically.
What seems like a small injury can worsen over time, and by the time you realize the costs, it may be too late to pursue additional compensation if you accepted a settlement.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Virginia
Whether or not you hire a lawyer, taking the right steps immediately after a crash can protect your claim.
These steps include:
- Reporting the accident to law enforcement
- Seeking prompt medical attention and following your doctor’s advice
- Documenting the scene with photos, notes, and witness contact information
- Notifying your insurance company quickly but carefully
- Keeping copies of all bills, receipts, and correspondence
Following these steps ensures that evidence is preserved and strengthens your case, regardless of whether you later choose to hire an attorney.
Contact the Fairfax Car Accident Attorneys at The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm for Help Today
So, whether you should hire a lawyer in Virginia or let the insurance company handle your car accident claim depends on your situation. If you suffered injuries, face disputes over fault, or are dealing with significant financial losses, hiring an attorney is the safer choice.
Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts, while a lawyer works to maximize your recovery. By understanding Virginia’s laws and the strategies insurers use, you can make an informed decision that protects your future.
If you’ve been injured in Fairfax, VA, The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Fairfax car accident lawyer.
The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm Manassas
9208 Lee Ave, First Floor, Manassas, VA, 20110
(571) 229-1800
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Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Manassas.
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.