A car accident can change your life in an instant. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a serious collision, the moments after an accident can be confusing and stressful. You might be dealing with injuries, damage to your vehicle, and insurance companies asking questions you’re not sure how to answer.
At the Parrish Law Firm, we know how overwhelming this process can be. That’s why we’re here to make things easier for you. Our Virginia car accident lawyers will help you navigate the legal process with confidence, reduce your stress, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly what to do after a car accident so you can protect your health, your rights, and your financial recovery.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Virginia?
The first few moments after a car accident are crucial. Taking the right steps can protect you physically and legally. Here’s what you should do:
1. Check for Injuries
Your health and safety should be your top priority. First, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately and request medical assistance. Even if the injuries seem minor, it’s essential to get them checked out by a medical professional.
2. Move to a Safe Location (If Possible)
If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid further collisions. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If the vehicles can’t be moved, stay inside your car with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives.
3. Call 911
In Virginia, you are required to report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage. When the police arrive, they will create an official accident report, which will be valuable evidence when filing a claim.
4. Exchange Information
After ensuring everyone is safe, exchange the following information with the other driver(s):
- Full name and contact details
- Driver’s license number
- Vehicle make, model, and registration
- Insurance company and policy number
It’s important to keep the conversation factual. Avoid discussing fault or apologizing, as this could be used against you later. Let the police and insurance companies determine fault based on the evidence.
How Do I Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene?
Strong evidence can make or break your insurance claim or legal case. The more information you gather at the scene, the stronger your case will be.
1. Take Photos and Videos
Use your phone to document the following:
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- The accident scene, including skid marks, traffic signals, road signs, and debris
- Any visible injuries
- Weather and road conditions
2. Get Witness Contact Information
If anyone witnessed the accident, ask for their names and contact details. Witness statements can provide valuable support when determining fault.
3. Request a Copy of the Police Report
When the police arrive, give them an honest account of what happened. Make sure they take down all details accurately. Ask how you can get a copy of the police report—it will be important when filing your claim.
4. Make Notes About the Accident
While the details are still fresh in your mind, write down what happened, including:
- The time and location of the accident
- What you were doing before the crash
- How the accident happened
- Any statements made by the other driver or witnesses
The more detailed your notes, the easier it will be for your attorney to build a strong case.
Should I Speak to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
No. You are not legally required to speak to the other driver’s insurance company, and in most cases, you shouldn’t without legal representation.
Insurance companies are businesses focused on minimizing payouts. When the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, their goal is to reduce or deny your claim. They may:
- Ask leading questions to get you to admit fault
- Downplay your injuries or argue that they were pre-existing
- Pressure you to accept a lowball settlement
If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, politely decline to give a statement and direct them to your attorney. Let your lawyer handle the negotiations to protect your interests.
When Should I Seek Medical Attention?
Even if you feel fine after an accident, you should see a doctor within 24 to 48 hours. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not present symptoms right away but can become serious if left untreated.
Common Injuries That May Not Show Symptoms Immediately:
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Internal bleeding
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal injuries
Seeking medical attention also helps strengthen your legal case. Insurance companies often argue that if you didn’t seek immediate care, your injuries must not have been serious.
Having medical records from a professional evaluation links your injuries to the accident and prevents the insurance company from questioning their severity.
How Do I Report the Accident to My Own Insurance Company?
You are required to notify your insurance company after an accident, but be careful about what you say during the conversation.
1. Stick to the Facts
When speaking to your insurance company, provide the basic facts of the accident without admitting fault or speculating about what happened.
Example:
- “I was driving straight through an intersection when another car ran a red light and hit my car.”
- Not: “I think I might have been going a little fast.”
2. Provide Supporting Documentation
Your insurance company will likely ask for:
- A copy of the police report
- Photos of the accident scene
- Medical records and bills
- Witness statements
3. Don’t Accept a Quick Settlement
Insurance companies may offer you a quick settlement to close the case before you understand the full extent of your injuries and damages. Accepting an early settlement may prevent you from claiming additional compensation later.
Before accepting any settlement, talk to a lawyer to make sure the offer reflects the true value of your claim.
How Can a Lawyer Help After a Car Accident?
Dealing with insurance companies and legal paperwork after an accident is stressful. An experienced car accident lawyer can handle everything for you so you can focus on recovering.
1. Handle the Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters know how to minimize payouts. A lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to make sure you receive fair compensation.
2. Prove Fault and Build a Strong Case
A lawyer will gather evidence, consult with accident reconstruction experts, and present a strong case to prove the other driver was at fault.
3. Maximize Your Compensation
An attorney will make sure you are compensated for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future expenses related to your injuries.
4. Represent You in Court (If Necessary)
Most cases settle out of court, but if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, a lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial.
Contact the Parrish Law Firm for a FREE Car Accident Consultation
At the Parrish Law Firm, we know how stressful life can be after a car accident. That’s why we’re committed to making everything easier for you. From handling the paperwork to negotiating with insurance companies, we take care of the hard part so you can focus on getting better.
Why Choose Us?
- FREE Case Review – We will listen to your story and explain your legal options at no cost to you.
- No Upfront Fees – You don’t pay anything unless we win your case.
- We Handle Everything – From gathering evidence to filing your claim, we take care of the legal work.
Don’t Wait to Get the Help You Need
Virginia law has strict deadlines for filing car accident claims. The sooner you contact us, the better your chances of securing full compensation.
Call the Parrish Law Firm today for a FREE consultation. Your recovery starts with one simple step. Let us help you move forward.
Call or Text 571-229-1800 or Complete a Free Case Evaluation form
