After an accident, your focus should be on healing—but the decisions you make in the hours and days that follow can determine whether you receive compensation or walk away with nothing.
In Virginia, where contributory negligence laws already make recovery harder for injury victims, even small missteps can ruin your case. At Alex Taylor Law, we’ve seen it all—and we’re here to help you avoid the most common (and costly) errors.
1. Talking to the Insurance Company Without Legal Advice
The other party’s insurance company may call you quickly, asking for a recorded statement. They may seem helpful—but they’re not on your side.
What they’re really doing is looking for anything they can use to reduce or deny your claim.
Don’t give a statement until you’ve spoken to an attorney.
2. Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you don’t get checked out by a doctor, the insurance company will argue your injuries weren’t serious—or weren’t caused by the accident at all.
Even if you feel “fine,” your body may be masking symptoms. Protect your health and your claim by seeking treatment immediately and following all recommended care.
3. Admitting Fault (Even Casually)
Saying “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see them coming” may feel polite, but it could be interpreted as an admission of fault. In Virginia, being even 1% at fault can eliminate your right to compensation.
Let the facts speak for themselves. Your job is to document and stay quiet—our job is to defend you.
4. Not Preserving Evidence
Photos fade. Memories shift. Without strong documentation, your case weakens over time.
Take photos of the scene, your injuries, any property damage, and collect names and numbers of witnesses. Keep all medical records, receipts, and communication logs.
5. Waiting Too Long to Take Legal Action
In Virginia, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years. But the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather evidence and build a strong case.
Early legal representation can protect you from missteps and strengthen your claim from the start.
Protect Your Claim. Protect Your Future.
At Alex Taylor Law, we handle the legal pressure so you can focus on recovery. Whether you’ve already made one of these mistakes or just want to avoid them, we’re here to guide you through the process.
Call Alex Taylor Law, your soldier in a suit.
804-500-5000
Serving Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, and all of Virginia.
