Richmond, VA Car Accident Attorney

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Helping Car Accident Victims Get Back On Their Feet

Epperly & Follis, P.C. ensures victims of vehicle accidents receive fair compensation, whether their injuries are minor, serious, or permanent.

We handle cases for:

  • Drivers of vehicles involved in accidents in which another driver was at fault. Don’t make the decision on fault yourself. You should always consult with an attorney if you question who was at fault
  • Passengers whose driver was to blame
  • Passengers in a vehicle accident in which the driver of another vehicle is at fault
  • Hit and Run accidents
  • Accidents involving uninsured motorists
  • Pedestrians hit by vehicles
  • Cyclists hit by motorists

What to Do After a Car Accident

two cars on side of road, one behind another, 2nd car rear ended first carCar accidents can be a traumatic and stressful time. Unfortunately, these moments after the accident are also the most crucial. That is why it’s important to know what to do immediately after a car accident to protect your well-being and your potential case in court.

Here are some important but simple steps to take after you’ve been involved in a car accident:

  • Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone at the scene of the accident is hurt, be sure to call 911 ASAP.
  • Try to get your vehicles off the road and into safety, especially if the crash occurred at an intersection or on a highway.
  • Even if no one is injured, call 911. Virginia requires drivers to call the police when they’re involved in an accident. This is important so the police officer can create documentation of the accident.
  • Exchange information with the other driver. No matter who is at fault, you should exchange personal and insurance information with every driver involved in the accident. This is also required by Virginia law, and it makes it easier to contact each party after the accident.
  • Once everyone is safe, make sure to take photos and try to talk to witnesses nearby. This could help you if you take your case to court. Get the contact information of all witnesses.
  • Notify your insurance provider once everything is taken care of. If possible, try to call while at the scene of the accident to make sure you get all of the necessary information.
  • Set up an appointment with a physician. While you may not feel any injuries, car accidents can lead to injuries down the road. It is always a good idea to get checked out by your doctor.
  • The most important step is to stay calm, don’t accuse anyone of anything and don’t admit fault at the scene.   If anyone at the scene decides to make a claim against you, they can use this against you in court, even if someone else is at fault for the accident.

After you’ve followed these steps, it’s time to call a trusted car accident attorney and discuss your case. The best time to meet with a lawyer is soon after the accident, while the events are fresh in your mind and you can still contact everyone involved.

Why You Need a Richmond Attorney for Car Accidents

The Commonwealth of Virginia is a “tort” state, meaning that vehicle operators are liable for any damage or injury they cause in a vehicle accident. In general, it is best to consult an attorney and seek damages against the driver of a motor vehicle who causes injuries.

If you are eligible for damages, your compensation may include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. We recommend that you contact a physician and an attorney following an accident because seemingly minor car accidents can cause prolonged pain and medical costs.

The Cold Truth of Insurance Companies

While insurance is designed to address your economic needs, insurance is first and foremost a business. What is best for you is not necessarily in the insurance company’s best interest. Insurance companies have a team of adjusters, investigators and attorneys whose goal is to minimize the amount of money that they pay to accident victims.

While you are recovering from the initial shock of the accident, those at fault may have already notified their insurance company, which will immediately try to minimize their payout. Simultaneously, your insurance company is also trying to limit their exposure.

We Understand You Need Time to Recover

If you are injured in an automobile accident, your physical trauma can be compounded by the uncertainties of your financial future. How will you pay medical bills and make up for lost income?

Epperly & Follis understands that accident victims are often overwhelmed with recovering from their injuries – emotional, physical, and financial. Thinking about your rights and responsibilities during this critical time is low on your list of priorities.

We know that by focusing our skills and expertise on the practical and legal aspects of an auto accident claim, we are protecting the injured and their families from being taken advantage of and are helping them focus on their recovery.

Our firm does not approach its cases as mere jobs, but as causes in which larger issues are at stake – causes in which our firm’s lawyers invest personal dedication to see that justice is done.

What We Bring to the Bench

woman in bad car accident out of her car calling her personal injury attorneyEpperly & Follis, P.C. lawyers understand the unique provisions of motor vehicle accident laws and our experience has taught us to recognize the hidden complexities in many claims.

Our skilled legal team will gather, prepare and present the evidence that is critical to winning your claim. Epperly & Follis P.C. will act as your representative to the insurance companies and others involved in the compensation process. Proving negligence takes an investment of time, experience and resources. Epperly & Follis will work through this process with you. Epperly & Follis, P.C. lawyers know the law, the legal process and victims’ rights.

If You Have Suffered Injury or Loss

Please call us to have your case evaluated. It is important that you do not communicate with the other party’s insurance representatives until you have consulted an attorney. Do not settle for less than fair compensation.

We can help you make informed decisions, so please call the Richmond car accident law firm of Epperly & Follis, P.C. in Richmond, Virginia today at 1-888-703-0109 or (804) 648-6480, or contact us via our online Contact Form.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I did not feel hurt at the scene but experienced pain afterwards?

You should immediately consult your medical provider regarding any pain, discomfort or possible injuries from a car accident, even if you think they may be only minor injuries. Even if you did not complain of injuries at the scene of the car accident, if you were injured in the accident from someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to payment of your medical bills, compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of earnings capacity, and emotional distress. You should consult an attorney at Epperly & Follis, P.C. to discuss whether you need representation on your claim.

Am I at fault if I rear-end another vehicle?

Almost always, yes. The law states that you must maintain a safe distance to be able to stop safely if a car stops in front of you.

My doctor notified me that I have a permanent injury as a result of my auto accident. What does this mean?

A permanent injury is one that is going to either be with you for the rest of your life or for some period beyond the settlement of the claim. In most cases, the injured party is entitled to compensation from the at-fault party or their insurance company for all medical bills incurred to date and into the future for all injuries caused by the accident.

How long does a personal injury claim take to resolve?

Personal injury claims can be resolved in a matter of a few weeks or months. However, they make take up to several years depending on the complexity of the case. It is best to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney about your specific case.

How will pay my medical bills?

If you have been injured, you will likely have medical bills from physicians, hospitals, physical therapists, and other health care providers. Those bills will be in your name and will usually be sent to your address. You are primarily responsible for paying your bills, regardless of the cause of your injuries. The at-fault person’s liability insurance carrier is responsible for paying you reasonable compensation for damages incurred, which includes medical bills, but the insurance carrier is not responsible for paying your doctors, hospitals, and other providers directly or immediately. Sometimes the amount the insurance company is willing to pay is far less than the actual amount you owe. You need an attorney who will fight for your rights with the insurance companies to ensure that you are fully compensated. Contact Epperly & Follis, P.C. today to discuss your case.

What issues will I face in making a claim for my injuries sustained in an auto accident?

A claim for injuries is usually based upon carelessness or negligence. In worst case scenarios, it is based on an intentional or reckless act. The three categories of issues that typically arise in a tort claim after an automobile accident are:

  • Liability – who is at fault and to what degree.
  • Damages – injuries or losses that were caused by accident.
  • Insurance Coverage – what the insurance company will pay for after an accident
My insurance company is offering me a nice settlement. Should I take it?

No. Tell the insurance company that you will get back to them. In the meantime, contact an attorney at Epperly & Follis, P.C. immediately. Oftentimes an insurance company will offer a minimal amount of money in return for your signature stating that you will not sue them. Never take an insurance check without first consulting an attorney.

I receieved a personal injury as a reult of hitting a pothole with my car. Who is responsible?

Damage caused by improper maintenance or repair of roads and highways may be the cause of damage to your vehicle. Generally, responsibility lies with the government agency responsible for this maintenance. If it was a pothole in a city street, the city would be responsible. However, evidence must show that the city knew or should have known of the hazard.

Who pays if I incur an injury due to an auto accident or my car is damaged?

If you are to blame for an accident, your liability insurance will pay the other driver for property damage and personal injuries up to your policy’s limits. If you are not at fault, the other driver’s liability insurance should pay for your car damage and personal injuries.

What should I do if I am involved in a car accident?

First, you should seek proper medical attention. If you are able, collect all pertinent information from the other drivers (i.e. driver’s license numbers, address, phone number, insurance card information, etc.). Keep a daily journal beginning with the date of the accident to document all physical and mental injuries, as well as document your view of the accident. Finally, contact Epperly & Follis, P.C. who will be your advocate. Epperly & Follis will assist you in making your claim against the other driver.

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Justice Scale

“I had the attorney David Epperly. He was an amazing attorney and put forth more than enough effort with my car accident settlement. He was very honest and sympathetic when it came to my case. His secretary Ms. Tiffany is super sweet and amazing… I would recommend this attorney for any legal issues. David Epperly didn’t mind putting in the time and effort on my case without any hesitation. This was a lovely experience working with the two. If you ever need an attorney I world highly recommend this attorney.”

Criscilla Roy

Chesterfield, VA

Justice Scale

“Craig Follis is the best lawyer in town if you have been injured in a car accident. He is very professional and knowledgeable and you will be satisfied with the outcome of your case. Thank you Craig for handling my case and I will definitely recommend you to anyone I know seeking a good top of the line lawyer. When you need a lawyer:call Craig Follis, you will not be disappointed.”

Cynthia Cooper

Richmond, VA

Justice Scale

“I loved working with Craig. He was awesome. Answered any concerns or questions I had and was always available to return my phone calls in a timely manner.”

Brentley Boswell

Free Consultation

We know the law, we know victims’ rights, and we want to help you make informed decisions about your personal injury case. Please contact Epperly & Follis, P.C today for a free legal consultation.

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