If you’re involved in any sort of car accident in Virginia Beach, there are certain things you need to do to protect your rights. If the other driver is responsible for your crash, they should be held accountable. You shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for your injuries or other expenses. The person who caused the accident needs to be liable for your damages.
An experienced car accident lawyer in Virginia Beach knows how to get accident victims compensation for their injuries. It takes a certain amount of knowledge and expertise to do this. But, in order to get you the money you deserve, your lawyer needs you to do certain things.
If you take the right steps after your car accident, you shouldn’t have trouble winning your claim. However, if you make just one or two small mistakes, you could end up holding the bag. This is why you need to follow the steps outlined her after any car accident – even a minor one.
If you find out that your insurance claim has been denied, you’re going to need a lawyer. Call and schedule your free initial consultation with a skilled injury lawyer in Virginia Beach right away.
Always Call 911
Some people think they don’t need to call the police after a minor accident. The problem is, one person’s definition of minor is different from other people’s definitions of minor. Legally, you’re supposed to report any accident with a certain amount of property damage. You’re also required to report any accident that results in injury to any person.
You have no idea in the seconds after an accident as to property damage or injuries. Some people don’t even realize they’re injured until hours or days after the crash. You’re better off calling the police no matter what.
Not only will the police ensure your accident is reported, they’ll also conduct a thorough accident investigation. They’ll prepare a police report that contains the following information:
- A description of the accident scene
- Pictures of the vehicles and the crash scene
- Description of the road conditions
- Witness statements
- Contact information for both drivers and any witnesses
- License and insurance information for the drivers involved
- Information regarding any citations issued at the scene
- Confirmation if the other driver was drunk or high at the time of the crash
Your Virginia Beach accident attorney may need some or all of this information when preparing your car accident lawsuit.
Go to the Hospital
No matter how minor the accident, you need to get checked out at the hospital. You have no idea if you’ve been injured or not. You could have internal injuries or a traumatic brain injury. The only way to know for sure is to have a doctor examine you.
At the hospital, they’ll do the necessary tests to make sure you’re okay. Some of these tests include:
- MRI
- CT scan
- X-Rays
- Ultrasounds
- Neurological exams
- Physical examination
The doctors who examine you will create a medical record documenting your injuries. Your Virginia car accident lawyer will need these records to prove you were injured. If you wait too long to go to the hospital, it will hurt your case. The other driver’s lawyer will argue that something other than the car accident caused your injuries.
Document Everything
If your insurance claim is denied, you’ll have to file a personal injury lawsuit. The whole point of doing this is to get money for your injuries. This means your attorney will have to submit proof of your damages.
Some of the damages your attorney may demand include:
- Medical bills and future medical bills
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Any other out of pocket expenses
This means it’s important that you document everything. Keep all receipts and proof of all doctor appointments. Take pictures of your car before and after the mechanic fixes it. Get copies of estimates. Make sure you have copies of all bills you pay related to the accident.
Contact an Experienced Attorney After a Car Accident in Virginia Beach
If you or your loved one have been injured in a car crash, you need an experienced car accident lawyer in Virginia Beach. Your attorney can review your case and let you know what it may be worth. They can also let you know if you have a case at all.
Call Virginia Injury Law today and schedule your free initial consultation. It is absolutely free and you pay nothing until you settle your case.
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