6 Things to Do After a Truck Accident in Virginia

What you do after a truck accident will impact the value of your claim. Your priority should be your safety, and once you are out of harm’s way, focus on strengthening your claim for damages.

Take the following steps after a truck accident in Virginia:

• Call the police to report the crash
• Notify your insurance company of the incident
• Document the accident scene
• Exchange contact information with the other people involved
• Get immediate medical care
• Hire a truck accident attorney

As an experienced truck accident lawyer in Virginia, I know how to protect your rights and help you recover maximum compensation. I, Ed Atkinson, have been working as a lawyer for over 15 years and have helped many injured victims rebuild their lives. Call me today for a free initial consultation.

1. Report the Truck Accident to the Police

Under the Code of Virginia § 46.2-371, you must immediately report a car accident to the police if the incident caused injury or death. This reporting requirement allows authorities to respond quickly to emergencies and start the necessary investigative processes. Failing to report these collisions is classified as a Class 4 misdemeanor.

The law-enforcement officer responding at the scene will investigate the incident and interview those who were involved and any witnesses present. If the crash resulted in injury, death, or property damage of an apparent cost of $1,500, the written report must be submitted within 24 hours of the collision, according to the Code of Virginia § 46.2-373.

The police report will contain details about the truck crash, including:

• The name of the insurance agent or carrier of the liability policy for each of the vehicles
• Each vehicle’s speed
• The type of vehicles involved
• If the trucks involved in the crash were uncovered or covered
• Whether the truck driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident

If the truck driver was drinking, you may be awarded punitive damages. As a practiced drunk driving accident lawyer in Virginia, I can advise you on how to move forward with your case.

If the truck accident resulted in death, the victim’s surviving family members could seek compensation for their losses. As an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Virginia, I can help you hold the at-fault party accountable.

2. Notify Your Insurance Company of the Crash

Call your insurance company to report that you were involved in a truck accident. This is a contractual obligation outlined in most insurance policies. Failing to report an accident promptly may jeopardize your ability to file a valid claim for damages.

When you talk to claim adjusters, keep in mind that anything you say can and will be used against you. Clearly communicate the details of the accident, including the date, time, location, and a brief description of what happened. Avoid making assumptions or speculations.

Insurance companies operate as profit-driven businesses, so their priority is to protect their interests, not yours. Adjusters will try to diminish the value of your claim or deny it. They are trained to use a wide range of tactics, including questioning the extent of your injuries and your involvement in the crash.

As an experienced Virginia personal injury lawyer, I am familiar with the strategies used by insurance companies, and I know how to combat these. I can take over communication with adjusters and negotiate for maximum settlement. If they refuse to agree to a fair amount, I will take your case to court.

3. Document the Truck Accident Scene

As soon as it is safe to do so, document the accident scene while the evidence is still fresh. In time, evidence can get damaged or lost, and witnesses can forget important details. Gathering this information can be invaluable for both your insurance claim and any potential lawsuits.

Take the following steps to document the truck accident scene:

• Photograph the vehicles involved and the surrounding area
• Take pictures of any visible vehicle and property damages
• Note road conditions, traffic signals, and relevant signage
• Make written notes about weather conditions, date, and time
• Document any visible injuries
• Note the truck’s company name and information
• Record the truck’s license plate number

Detailed documentation helps reconstruct the events leading to the accident. As your attorney, I will rely on the available evidence to determine who is liable. Also, an evidence-based case will increase the chances of securing a high settlement amount.

4. Exchange Contact Information

The Code of Virginia § 46.2-894. outlines drivers’ duties after a traffic accident. If the collision resulted in injury, death, or property damage, you must stop as close as possible to the accident scene.

Those involved in a truck accident must share the following information:

• Name
• Address
• Driver’s license number
• Vehicle registration number

5. Seek Medical Attention

You should get immediate medical care after a truck accident, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like whiplash, may take several hours or even days to manifest. Seeking prompt medical attention is not only crucial for your well-being but also plays a significant role in supporting compensation claims.

Common injuries suffered after a truck accident include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones or fractures
• Internal organ injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
• Burns and abrasions

Injuries sustained in a truck accident may not always show immediate symptoms, and the adrenaline rush during the incident can mask pain or discomfort. Medical professionals can assess your condition, identify hidden injuries, and offer necessary treatment.

Additionally, timely medical documentation creates a clear link between the truck accident and your injuries. By strengthening your case this way, you could receive more than the average settlement amount for a truck accident in Virginia.

6. Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Virginia

Truck accident cases are usually more complex than passenger vehicle collisions. These incidents require investigations into potential violations of federal and state trucking regulations.

The size and weight of commercial trucks amplify the severity of damages and injuries, leaving victims in a particularly vulnerable state. Trucking companies, insurance providers, and multiple other parties may be involved, adding layers of complexity to the legal proceedings.

As an experienced Virginia truck accident attorney, I am not afraid to stand up against insurance companies or trucking companies. I am committed to pursuing justice for those injured in truck accidents and holding negligent parties accountable for their actions.

I work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to pay anything upfront. This means that my legal fees are contingent on the successful outcome of your case. You only pay if I secure a settlement or win a favorable judgment for you.

Call Atkinson Law for a Free, No-Obligation Consultation

Taking legal action after a truck accident can be intimidating, especially since it often means going up against the trucking company. As your attorney, I want to empower you to fight for your rights. Working with an experienced Norfolk truck accident lawyer like me will simplify the process and increase the chances of a successful outcome.

At Atkinson Law, you can expect personalized attention and compassionate legal guidance. I approach every case with a focus on building strong client relationships. Contact me today to share the details of your truck accident.