If you were recently injured in a car accident in Richmond, you are not alone, and you are not without options. Every year, thousands of people in Virginia experience the chaos and confusion that follows a crash.
At The Johnson Injury Firm, we understand how overwhelming those first few hours and days can be. You might be dealing with physical pain, a wrecked vehicle, and a flurry of calls from insurance adjusters. But the steps you take now can significantly impact your future.
We have helped countless Richmond residents recover compensation after car crashes, and we know how crucial it is to act strategically, not emotionally. Below, we walk you through the key steps to protect your health, preserve your rights, and strengthen your personal injury claim.
Prioritize Your Health: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine after a car accident in Richmond, VA, do not assume you are uninjured. Some conditions, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away. Emergency responders at the scene might offer an initial evaluation, but we recommend that every car accident victim get a complete medical checkup as soon as possible.
Documentation from your hospital or urgent care visit will be foundational to your personal injury case. It links your injuries to the crash and helps your Richmond accident lawyer build a claim based on objective evidence. Remember, the insurance company’s first goal is to minimize what they pay you. If you delay care, they may argue your injuries were not serious or were not caused by the accident at all.
Call 911 and Get a Police Report—Even for “Minor” Accidents
Virginia law requires drivers to report accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage. Always call the police, even if the other driver tries to talk you out of it. A police report creates an official record of what happened. It will include essential information like:
- The time, date, and location of the crash
- Names and statements from all parties involved
- Officer opinions about fault
- Any traffic violations or citations
As a car wreck law firm in Richmond, we have seen cases derailed by a lack of formal documentation. A police report helps your legal team start the investigation with clarity and strength.
Gather Evidence at the Scene—If You’re Able
Collect as much evidence as possible while still at the scene if you are physically able. This includes:
- Photos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, and any injuries
- Contact information for the other driver(s)
- Names and phone numbers of any witnesses
- Street signs, traffic signals, or skid marks
You do not need to confront the other driver or speculate who caused the crash. Just focus on recording what you see. In many cases, we also access surveillance footage from nearby businesses to support your version of events. But this footage is often deleted within days, so act fast.
Avoid Discussing Fault at the Scene—or on Social Media
One of the most common mistakes we see is when accident victims apologize or admit fault at the scene, even out of politeness. Insurance companies can later twist these words to deny your claim. Keep your communication factual and minimal. When in doubt, say nothing.
Also, do not post about the accident or your injuries on social media. Insurance adjusters are known to scan Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts for anything they can use to challenge your credibility.
Report the Crash to Your Insurance Company Promptly
You should notify your insurer of the accident soon after it occurs, but keep your initial report brief and factual. Do not agree to a recorded statement or estimate your injuries. Tell them:
- That an accident occurred
- When and where it happened
- That you will be seeking medical care
- That you have retained or plan to retain an attorney
You can direct all future communication through your lawyer if you already have an auto accident attorney in Richmond.
Do Not Accept a Quick Settlement Offer
Insurance companies know you are vulnerable after an accident. They may offer you a fast payout in exchange for signing away your right to sue. These early offers rarely account for:
- Future medical expenses
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Long-term disability or impairment
Once you accept a settlement, you cannot ask for more. As a trusted Richmond accident lawyer, we help clients calculate the actual cost of their injuries and fight for what they deserve, not what the insurer is willing to offer on day one.
Document Every Expense and Symptom
Start a file or digital folder that includes:
- All medical bills and prescriptions
- Therapy, rehab, and follow-up visit records
- Transportation costs (towing, Uber, gas to doctors)
- Missed workdays and wage statements
- A daily pain journal noting your symptoms and recovery
The more thorough your records, the stronger your case becomes. This documentation allows our legal team to demonstrate the full scope of your economic and personal losses.
Common Injuries We See After Richmond Car Accidents
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage – Often underestimated, these can cause chronic pain and mobility issues.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – Even mild concussions can impact memory, cognition, and mood.
- Spinal cord injuries – Back injuries can lead to lifelong disability, especially when surgery or ongoing therapy is required.
- Broken bones and fractures – Prevalent in high-speed crashes or rollovers.
- Emotional distress and PTSD – Many clients suffer anxiety, panic attacks, or nightmares following the accident.
The value of your claim is often tied directly to the type and severity of your injuries. Our job as your car wreck law firm in Richmond is to ensure the insurance company does not minimize the actual impact of what you have endured. We collaborate with top medical professionals to document your condition and provide expert testimony when needed.
Understand the Role of Comparative Fault in Virginia
Virginia follows a strict rule of “pure contributory negligence.” You may be barred from recovering compensation if you are even 1% at fault for the accident. This is one of the most unforgiving liability systems in the country.
Because of this, it is critical to work with a skilled car wreck law firm in Richmond that can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and counter false allegations of fault. We fight aggressively to ensure your claim is not unfairly denied based on a misinterpretation of the facts.
Why You Should Work with a Local Richmond Accident Lawyer
Choosing a local attorney makes a big difference in your case. We know the Richmond area’s courts, judges, and insurance adjusters. We also know regional driving patterns, dangerous intersections, and traffic laws unique to Virginia.
At The Johnson Injury Firm, we represent people, not case numbers. Our personalized, strategic approach is always rooted in what is best for you. We do not charge upfront fees. You pay us only if we win.
Top 5 Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Richmond
- I-95 and Broad Street interchange: Heavy traffic and merging lanes make this one of the city’s top crash zones.
- Jefferson Davis Highway (Route 1) – High speeds and limited visibility increase accident risk.
- Hull Street Road near Chippenham Parkway: A common site for rear-end collisions and T-bone crashes.
- Belvidere and Franklin intersection: Pedestrian-heavy with complex traffic patterns.
- Patterson Avenue during rush hour: Narrow lanes, high density, and distracted driving contribute to frequent wrecks.
Knowing where these hotspots are can help you stay alert. Still, if you were hurt in one of these areas, it is vital to document the location carefully and contact a Richmond accident lawyer immediately.
What Our Legal Process Looks Like
- Free consultation: You tell us what happened. We advise you of your rights.
- Investigation: We gather evidence, request reports, and consult experts.
- Claim filing: We handle negotiations with the insurance company.
- Negotiation or litigation: We push for a fair settlement or take your case to court if needed.
- Resolution: You get the compensation you deserve, and we handle the paperwork.
We work to make this process smooth and stress-free while maximizing your recovery.
FAQs: Car Accident Injuries in Richmond
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Virginia?
You generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit under Virginia Code § 8.01-243. If you miss this deadline, your claim may be dismissed.
What if the other driver does not have insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you can file a claim under your UM/UIM coverage. We can review your policy and pursue all available avenues for compensation.
How much is my car accident case worth?
That depends on the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and other damages. We work with economists, doctors, and life care planners to estimate your claim’s value accurately.
Can I still recover damages if I was not wearing a seatbelt?
Yes, but it may complicate your case. Virginia law prohibits using a lack of a seatbelt as direct evidence of negligence, but insurance companies might still try to argue it contributed to your injuries. We can push back on that.
What if the insurance company denies my claim?
Do not panic. Many valid claims are initially denied. As experienced auto accident attorneys in Richmond, we know how to appeal and litigate when necessary.
Injured in a Car Accident in Richmond? We’re Here to Help.
The hours after a crash are chaotic, but you do not have to figure this out alone. The Johnson Injury Firm is here to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us handle the legal burden while you focus on healing.
