Brooke graduated from the University of Richmond School of Law after receiving her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Brooke worked for five years in private practice with a law firm specializing in insurance defense litigation before becoming the trial litigator for Allstate Insurance Company in the metro Richmond area.
The world goes silent. One moment, you’re cruising down the highway; the next, a sickening thud rattles your car. With adrenaline surging, it’s easy to feel disoriented as you assess whether you have any injuries. Grappling with this immediate chaos can cloud your judgment.
However, taking the proper steps in the crucial moments following the collision is vital to protecting your legal rights and ensuring you receive fair compensation for your losses.
In those moments, you may ask yourself, “What information do you need to exchange in a car accident?” Read on to learn more about the essential information exchanged after a Virginia car accident and additional steps to safeguard your claim.
Exchanging Information and Taking Action: The Essential Steps
Following a car accident in Virginia, drivers must exchange specific information, regardless of the collision’s severity. However, this exchange is just the first step in safeguarding your rights. Here’s a breakdown of info to exchange in a car accident:
- Driver and vehicle information. Obtain the full names, driver’s license numbers, and addresses of all drivers involved. Note the make, model, and license plate numbers of all vehicles in the accident. Take pictures of the driver’s licenses and license plates with your phone.
- Insurance details. Exchange insurance information with all involved drivers. Record each policyholder’s insurance company name, policy number, and contact details.
- Police report. In Virginia, calling the police is mandatory if the accident results in injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Cooperate fully with the responding officers and request a copy of the police report for your records. This report will be a vital document for your potential claim and aid your Richmond car accident attorney in establishing liability.
- Witness information. Were there bystanders who witnessed the accident? If so, obtain their names and contact details. Witness testimonies are incredibly valuable in establishing fault and the sequence of events.
- Document the scene. While maintaining safety as a priority, take photos and videos of the accident scene from various angles. Capture the damage to all vehicles involved and any visible injuries, skid marks, debris, and traffic signals. This visual documentation will be crucial evidence. It would help if you also took photographs of your injuries.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you feel okay initially, adrenaline often masks injuries. A thorough medical evaluation documents any injuries sustained in the accident and links them directly to the collision. Keep all medical records and bills for future reference and provide them to your Richmond car accident attorney.
- Avoid discussing fault. Don’t admit fault at the scene, even if you feel apologetic. Stick to the facts – describe what happened without assigning blame. Let the police conduct their investigation and determine fault.
Some victims of car collisions must be rushed to the hospital immediately after a collision and are physically unable to complete these steps. If you weren’t able to gather all this information, your attorney can help.
What You Can Recover After a Virginia Car Accident
Following an accident, the impact extends far beyond vehicle damage. In Virginia, victims of car accidents recover compensation for various damages resulting from the collision, categorized by economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages represent direct financial losses stemming from the car accident and are identified by the following:
- Medical expenses. Medical expenses cover all incurred due to the accident, including hospitalization, doctor’s visits, physical therapy, medications, and any necessary medical equipment.
- Lost wages. If your injuries prevent you from working or limit your earning capacity, you can recover compensation for lost income during your recovery period. This may include lost wages, vacation time, or sick leave used.
- Property damage. The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle is included here. Additionally, any other personal belongings damaged in the accident can be factored into this category.
Non-economic damages include subjective losses related to the pain and suffering due to the accident. Common examples of non-economic damages include the following:
- Pain and suffering. This covers the physical and emotional pain you endured due to the accident. The severity of your injuries and the duration of your pain will influence the compensation amount.
- Emotional distress. The psychological impact of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and insomnia. Evidence from therapists or mental health professionals helps your attorney strengthen your claim.
- Loss of consortium. If the accident significantly affects your marital relationship, such as loss of companionship or intimacy, your spouse may be eligible for compensation.
- Wrongful death. If the car accident tragically results in a fatality, surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation for their loss. This may include funeral expenses, lost income of the deceased, and loss of companionship.
- Disfigurement. Permanent scarring or physical alterations caused by the accident. The disfigurement’s severity, location, and visibility will be considered when determining compensation.
The specific damages you may recover depend on the unique circumstances of your car accident. Consult with a qualified Richmond car accident attorney, ensuring you receive fair compensation for all your damages.
After an Accident, Consult a Richmond Car Accident Lawyer
Suffering a serious injury can devastate your life. It’s vital to seek comprehensive medical care and the necessary resources to keep going until you get back on your feet. At River Run Law, we aggressively pursue justice and fair financial compensation for the wrongfully injured.
We assist you or a loved one with their personal injury claim while protecting your legal rights and holding the right person responsible for their actions. At River Run Law, you deserve to have a passionate advocate. We have built our practice on trust, compassion, and responsive communication.
We help ensure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. We offer no-cost, no-obligation consultations. You have nothing to lose. We never charge for your personal injury case and only collect legal fees when we win a judgment or settlement on your behalf. Contact us now to learn more and to speak with one of the experienced attorneys at River Run Law.
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