Car accidents are stressful and overwhelming. In the moments following a crash, it’s easy to feel unsure of what to do next. However, your actions immediately after an accident can significantly impact your health, safety, and ability to recover compensation for your damages.
At The Johnson Injury Law Firm, we understand how challenging this time can be. We are here to guide you through the process and ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, here’s a comprehensive guide to what you should do next. These steps can help protect your physical well-being and strengthen your compensation claim.
Ensure Your Safety and Health
Your safety is the priority after an accident. If your vehicle is drivable, move it to a safe location, such as the side of the road, to avoid further collisions. If you cannot move your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Check yourself and others for injuries. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal damage, may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time.
Virginia law requires drivers involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to remain at the scene (Va. Code § 46.2-894). Leaving the scene of an accident could result in serious criminal charges. If someone is injured, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance.
Call the Police
In Virginia, drivers are legally required to report car accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,500 (Va. Code § 46.2-371). When the police arrive, provide them with a factual account of what happened. Avoid admitting fault or making speculative statements, as these can be used against you later.
The police will create an accident report, which can serve as critical evidence for your claim. Be sure to request a copy of this report for your records.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
While waiting for the police to arrive, gather as much evidence as possible if it is safe. Document the scene by taking photos or videos of the following:
- Vehicle damage
- Skid marks
- Traffic signals or signs
- Road conditions
- Visible injuries
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact details. Their accounts may strengthen your case.
As experienced Richmond car accident lawyers, we know preserving evidence is essential for building a strong claim. The more information you collect, the better positioned you’ll be to pursue compensation.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Virginia law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage (Va. Code § 46.2-472). After an accident, you must report the incident to your insurance company promptly. Provide accurate details but refrain from admitting fault or speculating about the cause of the accident.
Dealing with insurance adjusters can be challenging. Remember, their goal is to minimize payouts. Before providing a recorded statement or signing any documents, consult a car accident attorney in Richmond. We can help ensure you don’t inadvertently jeopardize your claim.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you believe your injuries are minor, seeking medical evaluation as soon as possible is crucial. Prompt treatment not only safeguards your health but also creates medical records that can be used to support your claim. Insurance companies may argue that delays in seeking treatment indicate that your injuries were not serious.
Common car accident injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
As your trusted car accident lawyer near you, we can connect you with medical professionals who specialize in treating accident-related injuries.
Understand Virginia’s Contributory Negligence Rule
Virginia follows a contributory negligence rule, one of the strictest in the country. Under this rule, if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation (Va. Code § 8.01-58). This is why it’s essential to have a top-rated accident attorney in Richmond advocating for your interests.
Insurance companies often use this rule to deny claims. Our legal team is experienced in countering these tactics and proving the other party’s liability.
File a Personal Injury Claim
If you were injured in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. To file a claim, you’ll need to establish the following:
- The other driver owed you a duty of care.
- They breached that duty through negligent actions.
- Their negligence directly caused your injuries.
- You suffered damages as a result.
Our Richmond car accident lawyers are skilled in gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing clients in court if necessary. We are committed to securing the maximum compensation you deserve.
Be Aware of Virginia’s Statute of Limitations
Virginia law imposes a strict statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit. You generally have two years from the accident date to file a claim (Va. Code § 8.01-243). Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation.
The earlier you contact a car accident attorney in Richmond, the better. This allows us to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case on your behalf.
Avoid Common Mistakes After an Accident
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Admitting fault: Even a simple apology can be construed as admitting liability.
- Delaying medical treatment: Insurance companies may argue that your injuries are unrelated to the accident.
- Accepting a low settlement offer: Initial offers from insurance companies are often far below what you deserve.
- Posting on social media: Anything you share online can be used to undermine your claim.
We can help you avoid these pitfalls and guide you toward a favorable outcome.
How We Can Help
At The Johnson Injury Law Firm, we are a trusted resource for accident victims. You’ll receive personalized attention and aggressive advocacy when you work with us. We handle all aspects of your case so you can focus on your recovery.
Our team has extensive experience representing clients in car accident cases. From investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies, we are dedicated to achieving justice for you.
Contact Us Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. The Johnson Injury Law Firm is here to help. As top-rated accident attorneys in Richmond, we are committed to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us be the ally you need during this challenging time. Together, we can help you move forward and rebuild your life.
