Auto Accident Victim

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN
YOU ARE INJURED IN AN
AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT

Richard L. Downey, Esq.
Law Offices of Richard L. Downey & Associates
4126 Leonard Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030

WARNING:
Auto Accident Victim

If you have recently been injured in an auto accident because of someone else’s fault, you are probably confused or worried about what steps to take next:

• Will I be paid for the time I’m losing from work?
  
• Will my medical bills be paid?
  
• What do I do if the person who hit my car doesn’t have auto insurance?
  
• Will my car be repaired?
  
• What if I don’t make a full recovery and cannot return to my former work?
  
• What will the insurance company offer me for my personal injuries?
  
• How will I know that the insurance settlement is fair for my injuries?

If you or someone you care about has any of these concerns, then please keep reading this Special Report. My name is Richard L. Downey; I have been helping injured people as a trial lawyer in Virginia for more than 21 years. I am a Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate, certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, an accredited organization of the American Bar Association. (There are currently only eight of us in all of Northern Virginia). Virginia does not currently have any procedure for approving certifying organizations. I am also listed in, "Who's Who in American Law". I have obtained millions of dollars in insurance company settlements, court and jury awards during that time.

Unfortunately, I see people who are misinformed about their rights after being injured. I have seen honest, hard working, unsuspecting people who have not protected themselves after an accident. That is why I have taken the time to write this Special Report and offer it FREE. I am aware of cases where an injured person, entitled to receive compensation for injuries, did not take any action to submit a claim to obtain compensation. These days, doing nothing at all is one of the worst things you can do. It’s difficult enough to make ends meet these days. Getting injured shouldn’t have to make matters worse.

If you have been injured in an auto collision there are some facts the big insurance companies do not want you to know.

WARNING:
DON’T LET ANY INSURANCE COMPANY TRY TO PRESSURE YOU
INTO DOING ANYTHING UNTIL YOU SPEAK WITH AN
EXPERIENCED TRIAL LAWYER

In representing the injured, I investigate their claim, hire necessary expert witnesses, interview the witnesses and doctors, examine the medical records, document and verify the damage claims. I apply the law and follow the proper procedures. With more than two decades of experience in personal injury law, I am able to analyze my client's situation, recommend the best course of action and obtain a just and fair settlement for them.

ARE YOU COUNTING ON THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH?

The harsh reality is that insurance companies try to pay as little compensation to an injured party as they can. The truth of the matter is that insurance companies are in business to make money and the less they pay you, the more profit they can put into their pockets.

Please do not let this come as a surprise to you, but there is a strong possibility that the insurance company you have been or will be dealing with will try to get you to accept a lesser amount than you should. Many of these cases happen each year with people recovering with far less compensation than they should.

Please, don’t let this happen to you! Protect yourself by learning what you must do if you are in an automobile accident.

Any automobile accident is a traumatic experience. This report was designed with helpful guidelines for you to follow in the event of an accident. Many problems can be avoided or lessened if you know the correct steps to take, and what insurance coverage exists to compensate you for your damages.

When you are involved in an accident:

You need to know what insurance coverage is available to help you.

Bodily Injury Liability coverage exists to protect you if you cause injury to someone else – a passenger in your vehicle, a pedestrian, or a person in another vehicle. Conversely another driver’s bodily injury liability coverage may be available to compensate you for your bodily injuries.

Uninsured Motorist coverage protects you, members of your household, or occupants of your vehicle if injured by an uninsured motorist or in a hit and run accident.

Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you if your damages are higher that the amount of liability coverage the negligent motorist has enforced.

Property Damage Liability coverage pays if your vehicle causes damage to another person’s property, a building, a car, a guardrail or telephone pole and the like.

Collision coverage pays when your vehicle is damaged by colliding with another vehicle or object. It covers repairs, less your deductible, up to the vehicle’s actual fair market value.

Car accidents can cause injuries that insurance companies may dismiss as minor or irrelevant and not want to compensate you for them. You need an experienced lawyer who will fight for your best interest. Do not sign any documents until you have consulted with an experienced trial lawyer, you could be signing away your legal rights to a fair and just settlement if you do.