5 Things to Do If You Are Involved in an Auto Accident
No one gets in the car with the expectation of being involved in an auto accident, yet more traffic collisions happen in Virginia than you might think. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, there were 827 fatalities in 2019 crashes alone, and approximately 180 people, on average, were injured each day of the year in a motor vehicle crash. If you are involved in a traffic collision in Fairfax, Manassas, or elsewhere in Virginia, it is critical to know what steps you will need to take in order to be eligible for financial compensation. The following are five things you need to do if you are involved in a car accident in Virginia.
- Do Everything You Can to Document the Scene of the Collision
Evidence from the scene of the crash will be an essential element of your auto insurance claim or car accident lawsuit. Accordingly, you need to do everything you can to document the scene of the collision. You should use your smartphone to take multiple photographs at the scene, including pictures that show the larger area where the crash occurred, as well as close-up photos that provide detailed information concerning injuries and property damage. Depending upon the facts of your case, an accident reconstruction expert may be able to rely on some of the documentation you gather to recreate the scene of the crash.
- Avoid Admitting Fault At All Costs
If you admit fault at any point—whether you apologize to the other driver at the scene of the crash or tell an insurance agent that you could be partially to blame—you can be barred from recovery. Virginia follows what is known as a pure contributory negligence rule, and it says that an injured plaintiff will be barred from recovering any damages if she is even 1 percent at fault for the accident or for the seriousness of her injuries.
- See a Healthcare Provider As Soon As Possible for a Medical Evaluation
You will need to have your injuries assessed and treated by a healthcare provider as soon as possible. If you wait too long and your injuries worsen because of your delay, you could end up being barred from recovery due to Virginia’s contributory negligence rule. You could also end up suffering a debilitating or even life-threatening injury that could have been treated had you seen your doctor sooner.
It is important to remember that there are many types of car accident injuries that do not show up immediately. For some injuries, it could be hours or even days before symptoms appear, but a healthcare provider can run tests for these injuries before you even know you have sustained them. Your healthcare provider’s medical assessment can also serve as important evidence in your case.
- Know the Statute of Limitations and File Your Claim On Time
Under Virginia law, most auto accident claims must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. If more than two years pass, your claim can become time-barred.
- Seek Advice from a Car Accident Lawyer
Car accident claims are complicated—whether you are filing an auto insurance claim or moving forward with a personal injury lawsuit. You should have an experienced attorney on your side to negotiate a reasonable settlement on your behalf and to prove that you are entitled to compensation for your losses.
Contact a Fairfax Auto Accident Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love got hurt in a traffic collision in Virginia, you can seek financial compensation for your losses. One of our experienced Fairfax auto accident lawyers can speak with you today about your case. Contact Leary Law to learn more about the personal injury services we provide throughout Northern Virginia.
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