Most people who get into a car accident never need a lawyer. They exchange information with the other driver and submit an insurance claim. Their claim is paid within a week or two. They can afford to get their car fixed and get treated for their injuries. For some people, things don’t go as well. Unfortunately, there are car accidents that are very serious. You may even need to be taken to the hospital in an ambulance. At some point, you have to consider whether you’re going to need call a car accident lawyer in Virginia Beach.
There are a few things you need to do immediately after a car accident. First, you need to call the police. You’re going to need the police report. You’re also going to want the cops to do a thorough investigation of the crash scene.
Second, you need to go to the hospital. You really shouldn’t drive yourself to the hospital even if you think you’re okay. The cops will arrange for an ambulance to take you to the emergency room. They’ll make sure you’re treated for your injuries. This will also ensure that you have documentation of your injuries.
Finally, you need to call a car accident lawyer. The question is – when will you know whether you need a lawyer or not?
Always Call the Cops After a Car Crash in Virginia Beach
If you get into a car crash, you have to call the police. There’s really no reason not to. The other driver may ask you not to call the cops. They’ll offer to pay for any damage to your car. They promise to give you their insurance information.
There are lots of reasons why someone would try to convince you not to call the cops after a motor vehicle accident. Some of these reasons include:
- They don’t have a valid driver’s license
- They don’t have insurance
- They’re driving a stolen car
- The other driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- They have active warrants
- They know they broke the law and they don’t want a ticket
When the police come, they’ll review the scene. They’ll also talk to witnesses and try to find out what happened. They will check to see if either of the drivers were under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They’ll complete a police report that contains all of this information.
Some of the information contained in the police report is going to be very valuable for your car accident lawyer in Virginia. This information includes, but isn’t limited to:
- Description of the accident scene and road conditions
- Names and contact information for any witnesses
- Pictures of the victims, the cars and the scene
- Statements made by the drivers involved
- License and insurance information for all parties involved
- Notes about any tickets or citations issues
Your lawyer will rely on this report to help prepare your lawsuit.
You Need to Go to the Hospital
Whether you like it or not, you’ll need to go to the hospital immediately after your accident. The doctors in the emergency room will make sure you’re okay. They’ll check to make sure you don’t have internal injuries.
The other things the doctors do is make notes of your injuries in your medical records. These records will serve as proof of your injuries. When you appeal your insurance claim, you’ll need these records.
Your attorney may also need to introduce your medical records in court. They’ll help prove that the defendant was responsible for your injuries.
How Early Should You Call a Lawyer?
It’s never really too early to call a car accident lawyer in Virginia Beach. You have no idea if the insurance company is going to pay your claim. If they deny it, you’re going to want a car accident attorney to help you file an appeal.
You also won’t know how long it’ll take to recover from your injuries. You may need a lawyer to handle the insurance claim from day one. You’ll need to focus on getting better. An experienced auto attorney can handle the legal side of things.
There are some things that can trigger your needing a lawyer. These things are:
- Your claim is denied
- The other driver fled the scene
- You have life threatening injuries
- The insurance company offers you a settlement and asks you to sign a release
- You get notification that you’re being sued for the accident
If any of these things happen, you need to contact a car accident lawyer at Virginia Injury Law. Call today and schedule your free initial consultation.
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