Hurt in a Virginia Auto Accident? Injury Attorneys Share Important Next Steps

Being in a car accident is an event that can cause significant physical and mental shock. And should you suffer an auto accident injury, you may experience a range of pain, anger, and sadness. Be that as it may, you must gather yourself relatively quickly and approach your next steps with care.

The law places a heavy burden on crash victims to take the proper steps after an automobile collision. The wrong actions could delay or even restrict a victim’s ability to recover full and fair injury compensation.

With that in mind, here are some steps that local auto accident injury attorneys suggest you follow after being in an auto accident in Virginia:

1. Prioritize Safety and Health

The first step after a crash is to secure the scene to prevent additional injuries or deaths. You must stop at the accident scene, even if you did not cause the crash. Failing to do so could result in criminal charges for committing a hit-and-run.

Stop in a safe place as close as possible to the accident scene. You and the other drivers should try to move your vehicles off the road into the emergency lane or onto the shoulder so you do not block traffic or cause another crash. Similarly, vehicle occupants should stay out of traffic lanes to avoid a pedestrian accident.

From there, you should call 911 to send paramedics to the scene in order to treat anyone with severe injuries. If your injuries have disabled you, ask another driver or a bystander to call for you.

2. Contact Law Enforcement to File a Report

All drivers must report every car accident in Virginia involving death, injury, or property damage to the State Police or a local law enforcement agency “forthwith.” In other words, at least one of the drivers must call the police to report the accident. Passengers must contact the police when the drivers cannot or will not report it.

The responding officers will manage the accident scene and investigate the crash. After securing everyone’s safety, they will talk to the drivers and eyewitnesses. They may also take pictures of the scene and measure any skid marks.

Beyond that, the officers will produce an accident report that includes each driver’s identifying information and insurance policy numbers. It may also include a narrative explaining the officer’s investigative conclusions along with a diagram of the crash.

Always answer the responding officers’ questions truthfully. Their accident report can provide valuable information for an injury claim, so you’ll want it to include your side of the story.

3. Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene

If your injuries have not disabled you, try to gather evidence at the accident scene, such as:

• The names and insurance policy numbers of other drivers
• Photos of the damage done to all vehicles
• Names and phone numbers of eyewitnesses

Virginia uses a fault-based insurance system. After an accident, injured motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists file claims against the at-fault driver’s liability policy. When you file an insurance claim, you will include the evidence you’ve gathered to prove the other driver caused the crash.

4. Seek Appropriate Medical Attention

Seek medical attention that is suitable for your injuries. For example, an incapacitating injury that prevents you from leaving the accident scene without assistance will likely require you to go to the emergency room. Conversely, you can seek care for a non-incapacitating injury by visiting your doctor or an urgent care clinic.

Seeking medical attention promptly after your crash allows a doctor to do the following

• Diagnose any hidden injuries, such as a concussion or torn cartilage
• Provide restrictions on your activities to prevent further injury
• Prescribe a plan with the future medical treatment and therapy you will need
• Document the timing and extent of your injuries

These medical services will help you obtain the best health outcome possible. They also create records of your injuries and their physical and financial costs.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company

Most insurance policies require insured drivers to inform the company of all accidents, including those the driver did not cause. Depending on your coverage, you may also get benefits to help you pay medical bills, towing, or other reimbursable costs.

The Role of an Injury Attorney

Auto accident injury lawyers represent crash victims against at-fault drivers and their insurers, which have a financial incentive to pay as little as possible in claims. When you file a claim, a claims adjuster might deny your claim on procedural or substantive grounds.

A lawyer will prepare your claim to give you the best possible chance of settling. If and when an adjuster accepts your claim, your lawyer will either negotiate with them to get a fair offer or file a lawsuit if those negotiations fall through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Accident Injury Claims

Do I Need to Call the Police After a Crash in Virginia?

Yes.  You must report an accident that causes death, injury, or property damage.

Should I Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?

You should only consider talking to the other driver’s insurer if your lawyer is present. The lawyer can make sure you do not make any inadvertent admissions that can harm your case. In many situations, auto accident injury attorneys advise against talking to the other driver’s insurer at all.

Should I See a Doctor if I Feel Fine?

Seeing a doctor may be worthwhile, even if you feel fine. You might have undiagnosed injuries that can worsen without treatment. Additionally, you will also need documentation of your injuries to avoid accusations that you exaggerated your injuries.

Talk to a Virginia Car Accident Lawyer About Your Injuries

An auto accident injury can disable you from earning a living or even caring for your needs. Contact Commonwealth Law Group for a free case evaluation with a Virginia car accident lawyer.