Chesapeake car accident? When you’re dealing with the fallout of a car accident in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, or anywhere in Hampton Roads—pain, bills, and car repairs—the last thing you need is a “friendly” voice from an insurance company trying to steer the conversation. Make no mistake: the insurance adjuster is not your friend. Their job is to protect the company’s bottom line, not your recovery.
If you’ve been in a Chesapeake car accident, here’s what you need to know before you answer that call.
Insurance Adjusters Are Trained to Minimize Payouts
Adjusters know Virginia law. They know contributory negligence means if they can pin even 1% of the blame on you, they may owe you nothing. That’s not a bug—it’s the business model. Every time they get a recorded statement, every time they ask you how you’re feeling or if you “might’ve been going a little fast,” they’re looking for ways to twist your words into a denial.
They’ll act helpful. They may even suggest you don’t need a lawyer. That’s your cue to hang up and call one.
Common Tactics Used by Insurance Companies
- Lowball Settlement Offers
- They’ll offer a fast payout before you know the full extent of your injuries. It’s bait. Take it, and you’ve waived your rights to more compensation—even if you need surgery down the road.
- Delaying the Claim
- They’ll drag their feet hoping you’ll get desperate. Bills pile up, and they count on you cracking under financial pressure.
- Requesting a Recorded Statement
- This is a trap. You’re not legally required to give one to the other driver’s insurer. They’ll use anything you say to limit their liability or deny your claim outright.
- Blaming You for the Crash
- Virginia’s strict contributory negligence rule makes this tactic deadly. Even if you were only 1% at fault, they’ll use it to block your claim entirely.
You Need Someone on Your Side Who Knows the Game
At Bordegaray Injury Law, we’ve dealt with every insurance trick in the book. We know how to shut down bad faith tactics, protect your rights, and fight for full compensation. Whether you were hit in Chesapeake on I-64, Greenbrier Parkway, or anywhere else in Hampton Roads, we bring local knowledge and relentless advocacy to every case.
We’ll handle the calls, the paperwork, the negotiations—so you can focus on getting better.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Chesapeake
- Don’t talk to the other driver’s insurance company
- Don’t accept any settlement without legal advice
- Call 911 and get a police report
- Get medical care—even if you feel okay
- Contact a car accident attorney immediately
Don’t Let an Insurance Company Play You
Insurance adjusters are paid to protect profits—not people. If you’ve been in a Chesapeake car accident, get someone who works for you. At Bordegaray Injury Law, we fight for victims—not insurers.
Call 757-505-HURT (4878) to schedule your free consultation. We’ll meet in person, by phone, or over video—whatever works best for your recovery.
About Nathan Bordegaray
Chesapeake auto accident injury lawyer, Nathan Bordegaray, is a trial attorney with more than 12 years of extensive courtroom experience, whose practice focuses on personal injury law.
Initially, Nathan dedicated eight years to defending insurance companies and personal injury defendants, gaining deep insights into the strategies employed by defense teams.
Starting his legal career in insurance defense, including roles at a commercial litigation firm and as a staff attorney for Geico, Nathan has since shifted his focus to advocating for those injured due to others’ negligence.
This unique background provides him with a strategic advantage in representing injured clients, as he deftly anticipates and counters defense tactics, ensuring the best outcomes for his clients.
Before founding Bordegaray Injury Law PLLC, Nathan honed his skills at a leading regional personal injury firm in Virginia, where he successfully represented numerous clients.
His profound understanding of insurance operations is augmented by his Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation, further enhancing his ability to secure maximum compensation for his clients.
Nathan serves Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and all of Hampton Roads.
