After a serious car accident, you may be unsure of how to proceed or fear making a costly error that hurts your accident case. It’s true that taking certain steps after a car accident in Virginia could help protect your claim, but if you have never been involved in a car accident before, you might not know where to begin.
Working with a car accident lawyer can help you approach your case with a greater understanding of the steps involved.
Call the Police and Request an Officer To Come to the Scene
Calling 911 promptly is an important step after a Virginia car accident to protect the safety of all those involved. It can also help support an eventual insurance claim or lawsuit.
When you contact the police, one or more officers may come to the scene, help direct traffic around the damaged vehicles, and write up an accident report with key details about the crash. This report may prove valuable in your compensation case.
Take Photos and Videos of the Accident Scene Before Moving Your Vehicle
Gathering evidence is key in Virginia car accident claims. The state is one of the few across the U.S. that follows a strict pure contributory negligence rule, which means that if a driver is found to be even 1% responsible for their own accident, they are barred from seeking any compensation. Therefore, proving that the other driver was 100% responsible for the accident should be a high priority, and evidence can help in this process.
If you can, take photos and videos of the accident scene before you leave or move your vehicle. This is known as “preserving evidence” and can enable you to prove key elements of the accident after the scene is no longer intact.
If you did not have a chance to take photos of the scene, you can see whether the police report contains any images that may prove helpful.
Seek Medical Attention Promptly, Even if You Feel Okay
Receiving medical treatment is another crucial step to take after a car accident in Virginia. You might assume that you are only shaken up and did not sustain any serious injuries. But some injuries may not become noticeable until a few days or even weeks after the accident, and seeking prompt medical attention can help you address them before they worsen.
Medical treatment also provides you with documentation that can serve as proof of your injuries and tie them directly to the accident. This can help support your claim for injury compensation.
Notify Your Insurance Company of the Accident
Virginia is an at-fault state, which means that the driver responsible for causing the accident is financially responsible. However, it might still be helpful to notify your own insurance company after the accident, especially if you do not have the contact information for the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Your insurer can help you understand how to file a claim with the appropriate insurance provider and track down that information, if necessary.
Consult a Car Accident Lawyer After a Car Accident in Virginia
Even a minor fault on your part can bar recovery under Virginia’s contributory negligence doctrine. Working with experienced legal representation can help you avoid errors and take steps to protect your interests.
Holcomb Law, P.C., provides legal representation for accident victims across the greater Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach and Newport News, VA, areas. Schedule a consultation with our attorneys at 757-LAWYERS to learn more about the steps to take after a car accident in Virginia and how we can assist.
