An automobile collision can leave you shaken and unsure what to do next. The steps you take right after a crash can affect your health and your injury claim. A Virginia Beach auto accident lawyer can help protect your rights, but there are also important things you can do at the scene and in the days that follow.
Many people make simple mistakes after a wreck because they feel overwhelmed. They may say too much. They may leave without getting important information. They may wait to see a doctor because they hope the pain will go away. These choices can create problems later, especially in Virginia, where fault questions can have serious consequences.
Should You Stop and Check for Injuries?
Yes. After any collision, stop as close to the scene as you safely can. Move out of traffic if the vehicles can be moved, it is safe to do so, and no one was injured or killed. Turn on your hazard lights and take a moment to check yourself for pain, bleeding, or confusion.
You should also check on other people involved in the crash. If anyone appears hurt, call 911. Do not try to move an injured person unless there is an immediate danger, such as fire or oncoming traffic. Let emergency medical workers handle serious injuries.
Even if the crash looks minor, stay calm and do not leave before you exchange the required information. Leaving the scene can create legal problems and may also hurt your injury claim.
When Should You Call the Police?
You should call the police if anyone is injured or killed. You should also call if a vehicle cannot be driven safely, if a driver appears impaired, or if the other driver leaves the scene.
A police officer can document basic facts about the crash. The report may include driver information, insurance details, and a description of the scene. That report is not the only evidence in your case, but it can be an important starting point.
If officers do not come to the scene, write down the date and location yourself. Get the other driver’s full name and insurance information. Take photos of the vehicles before anything is repaired.
What Information Should You Collect?
Start with the other driver’s name and contact information. Get the name of their insurance company and their policy number. Take a photo of their driver’s license if they allow it. Take a photo of the license plate and the damage to each vehicle.
Look around for witnesses. If someone saw the crash, ask for their name and phone number. A neutral witness can be very helpful if the other driver later changes the story.
You should also photograph the road and the area around the crash. Include traffic signals, skid marks, debris, and anything else that may help show what happened. These details can disappear quickly after the scene is cleared.
What Should You Avoid Saying at the Scene?
Be polite, but be careful. Do not argue with the other driver. Do not guess about what caused the crash. Do not say the accident was your fault just because you feel nervous or sorry that someone was hurt.
This matters because Virginia follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If your own negligence helped cause the crash, you may be barred from recovering compensation. Insurance companies know this. They may use small statements against you later.
It is fine to ask if someone needs help. It is fine to give your required information. It is not a good idea to make statements such as “I should have seen you” or “I was probably going too fast” when you do not yet know all the facts.
Why Should You Get Medical Care?
You should get medical care as soon as you can after a crash. Some injuries are obvious right away. Others become more painful after the shock wears off. Neck injuries and concussions can get worse over the next day or two.
Seeing a doctor protects your health. It also creates a medical record that connects your injuries to the collision. If you wait too long, the insurance company may argue that you were not really hurt or that something else caused your pain.
Follow your doctor’s instructions. Go to follow-up visits. Fill prescriptions when needed. If you cannot attend an appointment, call ahead and reschedule. Gaps in treatment can make a valid claim harder to prove.
When Should You Notify Your Insurance Company?
You should notify your own auto insurance company soon after the crash. Your policy may require prompt notice. Your insurer may also need to know whether you have medical payment benefits or uninsured motorist coverage.
When you report the crash, stick to the basic facts. Give the date, location, and vehicles involved. Do not give a recorded statement to another driver’s insurance company before you understand your rights. The other insurer is not there to protect you.
If an adjuster calls quickly and offers money, be cautious. A fast settlement may not include future treatment, lost income, or long-term pain. Once you sign a release, you may be giving up the right to ask for more money later.
How Long Do You Have to Act?
In many Virginia personal injury cases, the deadline to file a lawsuit is two years from the date the injury claim accrues. Missing the deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation, even if the other driver was clearly at fault.
That does not mean you should wait two years. Evidence can disappear much sooner. Cameras may record over footage. Witnesses may forget details. Vehicles may be repaired or destroyed. The sooner you begin protecting the claim, the better.
A Virginia Beach auto accident lawyer can help gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and track deadlines while you focus on healing.
How Can a Lawyer Help After a Collision?
A lawyer can investigate the crash, review the police report, and look for evidence that shows how the collision happened. This may include photos, medical records, and witness statements. In serious cases, it may also involve crash reconstruction.
A lawyer can also help calculate the full value of your damages. That may include medical bills and lost wages. It may also include pain or permanent injury. Insurance companies often focus on paying less. Your lawyer’s job is to build the strongest case the facts allow.
Legal help is especially important if the insurer blames you, if your injuries are serious, or if the available insurance coverage is unclear.
What Should You Do Next?
After an automobile collision, focus first on safety and medical care. Then protect the evidence. Save every bill, letter, and photo connected to the crash. Keep a simple journal about pain and missed work. Do not rush into a settlement before you know the full effect of your injuries.
Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp represents people injured in serious car accidents throughout Virginia. In one recent case, we obtained a $1 million settlement for a client who suffered lifelong injuries after being struck by a negligent driver. If you have questions after a crash, contact a Virginia Beach auto accident lawyer at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp today. Call (833) 997-1774 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. To better serve our clients, our offices are located in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Hampton.