What to Do After a Car Accident in Virginia

What you do after a car accident in Virginia can impact the outcome of your claim. However, the aftermath is confusing, and you may not know what are the right steps to take. Your priority should always be to make sure you are safe, and once you are out of harm’s way, assess the incident.

After a car accident in Virginia, take the following steps:

• Call the police
• Notify your insurance company of the collision
• Exchange information
• Document the accident scene
• Get medical care
• Hire a local car accident attorney
• Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company

I, Ed Atkinson, am a Virginia car accident lawyer with over 15 years of experience. As your attorney, I will protect your rights and fight for maximum compensation. Throughout my career, I’ve helped many injured victims throughout Virginia reclaim their lives. Call me now for a free legal consultation, and let’s discuss your case.

Report the Car Crash to the Police

If you were involved in a car accident resulting in injury or death, you must immediately report it to the police, according to the Code of Virginia § 46.2-371. This ensures that the authorities can respond to the incident quickly and investigate the scene while it’s still fresh. Not reporting collisions that caused injury or death is considered a Class 4 misdemeanor.

The responding officer will investigate the accident scene and talk to those involved in the crash and anyone who witnessed the incident. Under the Code of Virginia § 46.2-373, the officer must submit a written report within 24 hours of the accident if it resulted in injury, death, or property damage of an estimated value of $1,500.

The police report contains important information about the car accident, such as:

• The insurance carrier for each driver
• The speed each car was traveling before the collision
• What types of vehicles were involved
• If any trucks were involved in the crash, were these covered or uncovered

In the tragic event of a fatal car accident, surviving family members may receive financial compensation. As an experienced Virginia wrongful death lawyer, I offer compassionate legal support for the deceased victim’s family during this difficult period. I will help you protect the memory of your loved one and fight for justice.

Call Your Insurance Company

Most insurance policies outline the contractual obligation to report the car accident to your insurance provider within a given time frame. Failure to comply with these timelines may give the insurance company grounds to deny your claim.

While it is important to notify insurance adjusters of what happened, be careful about what you say. Share the important details of the crash, such as the date, time, and location, but don’t speculate about what caused the incident. The adjusters will not hesitate to use what you say against you.

As profit-driven enterprises, insurance companies prioritize protecting their financial interests rather than focusing on yours. Claims adjusters, acting on behalf of the company, are trained to employ various strategies to minimize the value of your claim or even deny it altogether. These tactics may involve questioning the severity of your injuries and scrutinizing your role in the accident.

Drawing upon my extensive experience as a personal injury lawyer in Virginia, I easily recognize the tactics employed by insurance companies. I am well-versed in countering these strategies effectively. By taking over communication with adjusters, I want to ease the burden on my clients. I will represent your interests and negotiate a fair compensation.

Exchange Information

The Code of Virginia § 46.2-894 mentions the responsibilities of drivers after a traffic accident. When the collision leads to injury, death, or property damage, drivers are required to stop their vehicles as close to the accident scene as possible.

After a car crash, all the parties involved must share the following information:

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

Document the Car Accident Scene

Once it is safe, document the accident scene while the evidence is fresh. Over time, crucial evidence may become damaged or lost, and witnesses may begin to forget vital details. Collecting this information is important for both your insurance claim and any potential lawsuits.

You can document the car accident scene by:

• Taking photos of any vehicle damage
• Photographing any damage to the surrounding property
• Writing down license plates, road conditions, and traffic signals
• Documenting your injuries
• Taking videos that offer a complete view of the accident scene and surrounding area

Having a detailed record of the accident scene adds accuracy and credibility to your account. This proactive approach strengthens your position during negotiations for compensation. Your attorney will use this evidence and collect other records to increase the value of your claim.

Seek Medical Attention

Being involved in a car accident can lead to life-changing injuries. Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is a severe traumatic brain injury that can occur as a result of sudden deceleration or rotational forces in a crash. The condition involves widespread damage to the brain’s axons, the long nerve fibers responsible for transmitting signals between neurons.

By seeking immediate medical care after an accident, a doctor can address your injuries and prevent any further complications. A correct diagnosis and an early treatment plan can greatly decrease your recovery period.

You should see a medic even if you feel fine after a collision. Certain injuries, including whiplash, may not be visible right away. A detailed medical record serves as important documentation for any insurance claims or lawsuits that may follow. Delaying medical attention could worsen injuries and also diminish the credibility of your claims.

Work With a Virginia Car Accident Lawyer

Taking legal action after a car accident can feel intimidating when you are already facing piling medical bills and a long recovery process. A car accident lawyer in Norfolk, Virginia will handle all the legal aspects of your claim so you can focus on healing.

As your car accident lawyer, I will:

• Calculate damages
• Determine fault
• Collect necessary evidence
• Handle paperwork and documentation
• Negotiate with insurance adjusters
• Represent you in court if necessary
• Keep you informed about the case progress

I built my own personal injury law firm so I can offer the type of legal representation I believe in. By establishing my practice, I’ve created a platform to prioritize client-centric values and personalized attention. This independence allows me to tailor my approach to each case, ensuring that I can advocate effectively for your unique needs.

Atkinson Law Offers Free Consultations

I understand that you may feel confused after a car accident and unsure about what to do next. As your car accident attorney, I will give you all the information you need to know to make informed decisions about your case.

I work on a contingency fee basis, so you have nothing to lose by contacting me. This means that you won’t be charged any upfront fees for my legal services. Instead, my fees depend on the successful outcome of your case. If I don’t secure a favorable settlement or win in court, you won’t need to pay attorney fees.