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A Guide to What to Do After a Car Accident in Virginia

Every day, Virginia residents become injured in car accidents. It only takes a few seconds for a car accident victim’s life to change forever. Car accidents can be shocking and traumatic, making it difficult for the victim to know what steps to take after the accident. Taking some time to consider what to do after a car accident can help you navigate the aftermath. After receiving medical treatment, one of the most important things you can do is discuss your case with an attorney. One of the experienced car accident attorneys at Straw Law Firm will help you navigate the process of obtaining compensation while protecting your rights and negotiating for you.

Stop Your Car and Pull Over

Depending on where the car accident occurred and how injured you are, moving your car out of the roadway may be impossible. One of the most important things you should do is stop your vehicle. Do not leave the scene of the accident because doing so may be illegal. It is essential that you stay where you are. Turn on your hazard lights and turn off your engine. If you are stuck in the middle of traffic, try to pull your vehicle off the road to a safe place outside of oncoming traffic. Doing so will reduce the risk of additional crashes. If you cannot move your car, make sure you put on your hazard lights.

Call 911 and Request a Police Officer

You should call 911 and ask the police to come to the accident scene to document it. Police officers will prepare an accident report that can be helpful for you when you seek compensation through the insurance company or a personal injury lawsuit. If anyone has been injured, request that the dispatcher send an ambulance with a police officer. You may not feel like you are injured, but the shock of the accident can cover up the true extent of your injuries.

Stick to the Facts When Talking to the Police

You will need to talk to the police officer about what happened. Accidents are traumatic, and it can be easy to guess the cause of the accident without knowing what happened. Make sure you tell the truth to the officer, but do not offer your own opinions, gas, or speculate about the cause of the accident. Stick to the facts that you know.

Document the Accident and Keep a File

Write down everything you remember about the accident when it is still fresh in your mind. You may not remember all the details as time goes on. Try to create a timeline of the events leading up to the car accident and write down anything unusual you notice about the other driver, the street, or your surroundings. If you can do so safely, take photos of the accident scene with your cell phone. Exchange insurance and contact information with all the other drivers involved in any witnesses at the scene.

We recommend getting an expandable binder for all of your reports, rental car receipts, medical reports, repair estimates, medications, and any bills you incur due to your car accident. This will make it easier for you to place a value on your damages when working with your attorney. You should also write down all of the days you missed at work and all of the employment benefits you missed out on because of your injuries. Anytime you have to miss an activity because of your injury or pain from your injury, write it down.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Most insurance policies require the insured to report a car accident immediately and provide full cooperation with them. The insurance company of the other driver will probably reach out and try to speak with you. You are not obligated to speak with them. If you do speak with them, remember that they are not on your side. It is a better idea to discuss your case with an attorney before discussing it with the driver’s insurance company.

Seek Medical Attention

We recommend seeking medical attention immediately at the emergency room or by booking an appointment with your physician. Even a minor car accident can cause serious injury, especially to the neck and back. After an accident, the shock of the accident causes adrenaline to search through the body. This adrenaline can make it difficult to accurately and immediately assess the extent of your injuries. Symptoms from traumatic brain injuries and concussions may not be a parent and won’t manifest for several days or even several weeks. Write down all the symptoms you are experiencing, no matter how minor they may seem.

Understand and Protect Your Rights

According to Virginia law, victims of car accidents have a right to pursue compensation for their injuries from the asphalt driver who caused the accident. You will need to prove that the actual driver’s negligence or recklessness caused the accident that resulted in your injuries. As the victim of a car accident, it is crucial that you understand your rights so you can protect your right to pursue compensation. You will need to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations to avoid losing your ability to bring a lawsuit. One of the best ways to protect your legal rights is to discuss your case with an attorney.

Contact a Virginia Car Accident Attorney Today

Have you or your loved one been involved in a car accident in Lynchburg? If so, the attorneys at Straw Law Firm are here to help. We have a proven track record of success when it comes to obtaining compensation for car accident victims. One of our experienced attorneys will carefully review your case and offer you excellent legal representation. Contact Straw Law Firm today to schedule your free initial consultation to learn more about how we can fight for your rights.

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