“I’ve Never Been in an Accident Before — What Should I Do?”

If you’ve just been hurt in an accident and you’re thinking, “I’ve never been in an accident before — I don’t even know what to do,” you’re not alone. Most people who contact The Thomson Law Firm in Roanoke, Virginia, are calling a lawyer for the very first time.

What to Do Right After the Accident

Even if you’re not sure you want to file a claim, taking these steps early on can protect your health and your rights:

• Get medical care immediately. Get checked out. Some injuries — especially concussions, whiplash, and internal damage take hours to appear.
• Document everything. Take photos of your injuries, the accident scene, and any property damage. If you are not able to do this yourself, ask a friend or a family member to do it for you.
• Report the accident. Whether it’s a car crash, slip and fall, a dog bite, or workplace injury, make sure there’s an official report.
• Keep all records. Save hospital bills, repair estimates, and any letters from insurance companies.
• Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters until you’ve talked with a lawyer.

At this stage, you don’t have to know exactly what your claim is worth — just focus on documenting and getting help.

When Should You Call a Lawyer?

Many people wait because they think, “I’m not the suing type,” or “I don’t even know if I have a case.” That’s completely normal.

But the truth is, you don’t have to decide anything before calling a lawyer. A quick, free consultation can help you understand your options and avoid costly mistakes.

When you call The Thomson Law Firm, you’ll speak with a real person who will:

• Listen to what happened
• Ask a few basic questions about your injuries and treatment
• Explain how Virginia’s personal injury laws apply to your situation
• Tell you whether you might have a claim worth pursuing
• Describe how contingency fees work (you don’t pay unless we recover money for you)

There’s no obligation and no pressure — just honest advice from an experienced Roanoke accident attorney who’s handled hundreds of injury cases.

What Happens After You Hire a Lawyer

If you decide to move forward, my legal team and I will handle almost everything:

• Gathering medical records and accident reports
• Speaking to insurance companies on your behalf
• Consulting with experts (accident reconstruction, medical specialists, etc.)
• Negotiating for a fair settlement
• Filing a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to pay fairly

Your lawyer keeps you informed at every step — but you don’t have to handle the paperwork, phone calls, or stress.

How Compensation Works

Every case is different, but here’s what may be included in a personal injury settlement:

• Medical expenses (hospital stays, therapy, medication, future care)
• Lost wages and future income
• Pain and suffering

In certain severe cases, punitive damages may apply if the at-fault party acted with reckless disregard for your safety — such as drunk driving.

Why Timing Matters in Virginia

Virginia law limits the amount of time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline — called the statute of limitations — is usually two years from the date of the injury, but there are exceptions.

If you wait too long, your right to compensation may be lost forever. That’s why it’s smart to get legal advice as soon as possible, even if you’re still recovering.

Choosing the Right Personal Injury Lawyer

Here’s what to look for when choosing someone to represent you:

1. Experience handling your type of injury case
2. Local knowledge of Virginia courts, judges, and insurers
3. Strong client reviews and testimonials
4. Clear communication
5. Proven results in settlements and verdicts

At The Thomson Law Firm, we’ve helped injury victims across Roanoke and Southwest Virginia recover compensation for car accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice, and wrongful death claims. Our goal is simple: to make the process as easy as possible for people who’ve never been through this before.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Know Everything — That’s Why We’re Here

If you’ve never called a lawyer before, that’s okay. You don’t have to know what to ask or how the process works — that’s our job.

When you call The Thomson Law Firm, we’ll take the time to listen, explain your rights, and guide you step by step. You’ll never be rushed or pressured — just supported and informed.

Call (540) 777-4900 today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
You’ve been through enough already — let us handle the rest.

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