In the blink of an eye, your entire life can be flipped upside down, leaving you with serious injuries and property damage. Even if your injuries are minor, the shock and emotional trauma of suffering a vehicle wreck is overwhelming. Whether you were hit by a drunk driver on Commerce Road or you were T-boned at an intersection in The Fan District, knowing what to do after a car accident in Richmond, VA, is essential to protecting your right to compensation.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Richmond, Virginia
In a single year, Richmond sees around 5,477 traffic accidents and a fatality rate of 0.12 per 1,000 residents. In the haze that follows a car accident, it can feel overwhelming to even think of what steps should be taken. However, if certain steps are ignored or forgotten, your car accident claim could become all the more complicated and expensive.
While it is impossible to plan for every possibility in life, there are certain steps you can take if you find yourself in the aftermath of a Richmond car accident. These steps can help you successfully navigate a future claim and protect your health. These steps include:
- Move to safety. It is important that you move yourself and your vehicle, if possible, off the roadway and to a place of safety. If you can, turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights to alert oncoming drivers to the situation. If you or a passenger is severely injured, however, it is important that you do not try to move in a way that can cause further injury or damage.
- Call 911. Then, if possible, you need to call 911. Not only can this help medical teams respond to the scene, but it can also make the police aware of the accident. When the police arrive, they can create a written report of the accident scene, which can act as a vital piece of evidence in a future injury claim.
- Seek medical care. Even if you do not feel physically injured, it is wise to be examined by a medical professional. They have the knowledge necessary to diagnose any kind of invisible injury, and having a written record of your medical condition following the accident can add an extra layer of legitimacy to your claim.
- Gather evidence if you are physically able to, and document everything at the scene of the accident. This can include using your phone to take photos and videos of any visible injuries, your vehicle, the current roadway conditions, and any related skid marks, traffic signs or signals, or debris in the roadway.
- Exchange information. Under law, you and the other drivers involved are required to provide your name, address, driver’s license number, and insurance information to one another. However, at this time, it is crucial that you do not admit to any kind of fault. Even saying a simple “I’m sorry” can be used against you later on if you decide to pursue a claim.
- Notify your insurance. You should report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. However, when you are speaking with an insurance adjuster, you should only share the basic facts of the case, refrain from discussing fault, and avoid giving any kind of recorded statement.
- Contact an attorney. Lastly, it is essential that you consult a personal injury attorney. Your car accident lawyer can guide you through every step of your claim, negotiate with the at-fault party, and bring your case to court if necessary. However, most personal injury claims end in a pre-trial settlement.
About Brooks & Baez
Since our firm was established in 2016, the experienced bilingual team at Brooks & Baez has been helping injured individuals and their loved ones get on the path to recovery following serious personal injury accidents. While it is true that past results do not guarantee future outcomes, we have recovered millions of dollars for previous clients and can strive to do the same for you. In a car accident case, we are here to help our neighbors, and that means you.
FAQs
What Can Cause a Car Accident in Richmond?
In Richmond, car accidents can have several causes. In a single year, the United States can experience over 11,000 deaths due to speeding alone. Other causes include drunk or drugged drivers, distracted driving, traffic law violations, poor roadway conditions, poor roadway maintenance, tailgating, and other similar forms of reckless or negligent driving.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
The costs involved in hiring a car accident lawyer can vary depending on the unique factors of your case. While every attorney structures their fees differently, these fees are commonly based on the case complexity, the duration of your case, and the skill level and experience of your lawyer.
What Injuries Are Common in a Car Accident?
In a car accident, there are several common injuries a victim can sustain. These injuries include broken bones and fractures, traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions or more severe forms of brain damage, spinal cord injuries that could result in partial or complete paralysis, internal bleeding, internal organ damage, internal nerve damage, cuts, bruises, and lacerations, soft tissue injuries, whiplash, and death.
How Long After an Accident Can You File a Claim in Virginia?
In the Commonwealth of Virginia, you have two years to file a claim following a car accident if you want to recover any form of compensation. This is known as a “statute of limitations,” and if it passes before you file a claim, you will likely lose out on your chances of securing compensation. For this reason, among others, hiring an attorney as soon as possible is essential.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer Serving Richmond Residents Today
If you have been injured or received property damage in Richmond due to the negligence of another driver, you need to hire a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Brooks & Baez, we are here to review your case, help preserve evidence, identify the liable parties, and ultimately negotiate for your right to full and fair compensation. When you feel as though all hope is lost, we’re here to let the light back in. Call us today to schedule your initial consultation.
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