Victims of a serious car accident in Virginia and their loved ones might be forgiven for being confused and overwhelmed. If people were injured, then nothing matters more than the state of the victims and medical intervention.
At the scene of a Virginia car crash, it may be very difficult to grasp the importance of preserving your rights and protecting your case. It is, therefore, critical that you are well prepared to avoid the mistakes that are so common when acting emotionally.
Your Virginia accident attorney has personally seen claims defeated or weakened because victims of car accidents made errors right after the crash.
What should you do after a motor vehicle accident?
- Make sure you or someone you trust comes to the scene to take pictures, collect contact information and reports from witnesses, and makes arrangements to receive a police officer’s report.
- Make a note of the insurance details, license plate, type, and model of the other vehicle involved in the crash, and get the address, phone number, and driver’s license of its driver.
- Write down all declarations made by any person involved in the accident regarding their injuries or the circumstances of the collision.
- Save all the receipts and bills related to the accident, from emergency services, medical, and hospital bills to car repair costs.
- Read your insurance policy in detail, and call your insurance agent to make a declaration of your Virginia car wreck. Be honest, but do not add more than the known facts of the accident. Check all other insurance contracts you have that may cover material damage or bodily injury.
- If anyone has been hurt, contact your Virginia car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
What should you not do?
- Do not make any declaration or sign any paper at the scene. You do not have any obligation to admit any kind of liability. The opposing party will take care of that, and your role is to gather information and stick to the obvious facts.
- Do not fail to declare your accident to the insurance company within the stated time limits.
- Do not bend to the insurance agent’s pressure to settle early, unless you know for certain that all your present and future expenses and losses are compensated.
- Do not sign any form that includes text you do not understand. If in doubt, ask for advice before signing.
- Do not believe that the insurance agent acts in your best interests.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Virginia car, truck, or motorcycle accident, please contact our Warrenton or Culpeper attorneys today for a free discussion of your accident case. You will have a clear view if - and how - our lawyers can help protecting your rights.
