What to Do After a Car Accident

What you do after a car accident will affect the success of your case. Being involved in a collision can be a traumatic experience, so you might not know how to protect your right to seek compensation. Once you are safe, evaluate the accident scene carefully.

There are a few simple steps you can take to increase the chances of a successful outcome for your car accident claim:

• Contact the police
• Call your insurance provider
• Exchange important information with others
• Document the evidence at the accident scene
• See a doctor
• Collaborate with a local car accident lawyer

To protect the value of your claim, consult an experienced Norfolk car accident lawyer. Your attorney will guide you through each stage of the legal process with compassion. Don’t face the insurance company or the at-fault party without support from a legal professional.

Report the Collision to the Police

If you’re involved in a severe car accident that causes injury or death, report it to the police. This allows authorities to respond quickly and investigate the incident. In states like Virginia, this is outlined in state laws, such as the Code of Virginia § 46.2-371. Not reporting such accidents is a Class 4 misdemeanor.

The officer responding at the scene will investigate and talk to the other parties involved. They will also interview witnesses. In Virginia, the law outlines the police officer’s responsibilities in this scenario. If the accident caused injury, death, or property damage over $1,500, the officer must send in the report within 24 hours.

Information contained in the police report includes:

• Each driver’s insurance carrier
• The speed of each vehicle before the crash
• The types of cars involved
• The incident’s date and location

If you lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, as a surviving family member, you may get compensation. A wrongful death lawyer will guide you through the legal process and help you hold the liable party accountable.

Report the Crash to the Insurance Company

Insurance policies usually specify how much time you have to report a car accident to your provider. Missing this deadline may give the insurance company grounds to deny paying you.

When notifying insurance adjusters, be very cautious about what you tell them. Share the essential details only, like the date, time, and location, but avoid speculating about the cause. Adjusters will use your words against you.

Insurance companies prioritize their financial interests and train claims adjusters to minimize and deny claims. They may debate your role in the accident and question the severity of your injuries.

As an experienced personal injury lawyer in Virginia, I recognize insurance companies’ tactics and know how to counter them. By handling communication with adjusters, I aim to ease my clients’ burdens and negotiate fair compensation on their behalf.

Exchange Important Information With the Others

Drivers have certain responsibilities while on the road, which are usually outlined in each state’s laws. In Virginia, these responsibilities are mentioned in the Code of Virginia § 46.2-894. When a collision results in property damage, injury, or death, motorists must stop as soon as possible.

The information that should be shared by all the parties involved in a traffic accident includes:

• Name
• Address
• Insurance information
• Contact phone number
• Driver’s license number
• Vehicle registration number

Investigate the Car Accident Scene

If you were not severely hurt, document the accident scene as soon as possible. Over time, important evidence can be lost or damaged, and witnesses may forget what they saw. Documenting this information is crucial for insurance claims and lawsuits.

To document the fresh evidence at the car accident site, do the following:

• Take photos of vehicle damage
• Photograph damage to surrounding property
• Write down license plate numbers
• Note road conditions and traffic signals
• Document your injuries
• Take videos of the accident scene and the surrounding area
• Collect contact information from witnesses

The more evidence you have to support your account, the stronger your claim becomes. Also, this gives you an edge during negotiations with the insurance company, and you are more likely to receive a fair settlement. Your lawyer will also gather supporting evidence and strategically use this information to get you more money.

Get Medical Care

Car accident victims can suffer catastrophic injuries that forever change their lives. For example, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can have severe and lasting effects. These injuries occur when the brain suffers trauma due to sudden impact or acceleration-deceleration forces, leading to cognitive, physical, and emotional problems.

Seeking immediate medical care after an accident is crucial. A doctor can address your injuries and prevent further complications. Early treatment can reduce your recovery time. It’s important not to ignore any symptoms, even if they seem minor.

Even if you feel fine after a collision, you should still see a medic. Some injuries, like whiplash, might not show up right away. A detailed medical record is important for insurance claims or lawsuits later on. Delaying medical attention could worsen injuries and make your claims less credible.

Work With a Virginia Car Accident Lawyer

Filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit can be very stressful. You might feel discouraged to take legal action when you are already struggling financially and fighting to heal from your injuries. That is why you should let a car accident attorney handle your claim.

A car accident attorney will help your case by:

• Investigating the accident
• Gathering evidence
• Determining fault
• Estimate how much your personal injury case is worth
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Representing you in court
• Giving legal advice

It’s best to work with a local car accident lawyer because they have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations specific to your area. They are familiar with local courts, judges, and legal procedures, which can give your case an advantage.

Additionally, local lawyers often have established relationships with insurance companies and other legal professionals in the area. This can lead to smoother negotiations.

Atkinson Law Offers Free Legal Consultations

If you are unsure what to do after a car accident, let me worry about that. Just give me a call, and I will walk you through the next steps. As your car accident attorney, I will tell you everything you need to know so you can make important decisions in your case.

You have nothing to lose by contacting me. I offer a free initial consultation and work on a contingency fee basis. This means that I only get paid if I win your case. You will not be charged any upfront fees for my services; instead, I will get a percentage of your compensation or settlement amount. Contact me today to learn more about what to do after a car accident.