Personal Injury Settlement in Fairfax: What Victims Need to Know Before Signing
If you have been injured in an accident and are considering a personal injury settlement in Fairfax, Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., or Maryland, do not sign anything until you understand your rights. Insurance companies move fast, and while a settlement offer might seem like a lifeline when medical bills are piling up, signing too quickly could cost you thousands of dollars you rightfully deserve.
Why Insurance Companies Rush Personal Injury Settlements in Fairfax
Insurance adjusters are trained to resolve claims for the lowest possible amount. When they contact you shortly after an accident expressing concern for your wellbeing, their goal is not to help you. It is to close your case before you fully understand the extent of your injuries or the long-term costs of your recovery.
Once you sign a settlement agreement, it becomes a legally binding contract. In most cases, you waive your right to pursue any additional compensation, even if your condition worsens, you need surgery, or complications arise months later.
Virginia Laws That Affect Your Personal Injury Settlement
Virginia follows a contributory negligence rule, one of the strictest in the country. If the insurance company can prove you were even 1% at fault for your accident, you could be barred from recovering any compensation. Insurance adjusters know this and may use it against you during negotiations.
Additionally, Virginia law gives injury victims two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit under Virginia Code § 8.01-243. While that may seem like plenty of time, building a strong case, completing medical treatment, and negotiating a fair settlement takes longer than most people expect.
Wait for Maximum Medical Improvement Before Accepting Any Settlement
One of the biggest mistakes injury victims make is accepting a settlement before reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). MMI is the point when your doctors determine your condition has stabilized and no significant improvement is expected. Until you reach MMI, you cannot accurately calculate your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or long-term care needs.
Settling before MMI often means leaving money on the table that you will need for future treatment.
How a Fairfax Personal Injury Settlement Attorney Can Help
Before you sign anything, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who understands Virginia law and insurance company tactics. A lawyer can evaluate whether the settlement offer reflects the true value of your claim, identify future expenses you may not have considered, and negotiate aggressively on your behalf.
At Hilton & Somer, LLC, our Fairfax car accident lawyers have been protecting injury victims throughout Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland since 1965. We know how insurance companies operate, and we fight to ensure our clients receive full and fair compensation.
Do not sign a settlement until you know your rights. Contact Hilton & Somer today at (703) 560-0700 for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
References
- Virginia General Assembly. Virginia Code § 8.01-243: Personal Action for Injury to Person or Property Generally. Retrieved from https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/8.01-243/
- Virginia General Assembly. Virginia Code § 8.01-425.1: Release of Liability; Right of Rescission. Retrieved from https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/8.01-425.1/
