One of the questions that our experienced Virginia personal injury attorneys at Kalfus & Nachman often receive from clients or potential clients is what exactly they should do if they have been involved in a motor vehicle accident. Other than remaining at the scene of the accident and sharing their contact information, very few people have any idea what they are actually supposed to do if this happens to them. Although you do have certain obligations under Virginia law if you have been involved in an accident, even if someone else’s negligence caused the crash, there are also some other things that you need to consider doing and keep in mind at the accident scene that can help to ensure that you will not compromise the value of your personal injury claim if you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence in a motor vehicle accident.
Virginia Law Regarding the Obligation to Remain at the Scene of an Accident
Virginia law specifically requires that any driver, regardless of whether he or she was at fault in causing a motor vehicle accident, remain at the scene of a crash that resulted in property damage or injuries. The driver is required not only to stop and remain at the scene, but to provide their personal contact and vehicle information to both police and to the other drivers involved in the collision. In addition, if able, a motorist is also required to help anyone who was injured as a result of the accident by administering or helping to get medical attention for the injured person.
What Are Some Tips if I Have Been Involved in an Accident to Avoid Hurting the Value of My Personal Injury Claim?
Although you are required to provide the other driver with your contact and vehicle information, the less you say to the other driver, the better. The law requires only that you share your contact information, cooperate with law enforcement, and render assistance to anyone who may be injured. An accident can be an incredibly stressful experience, but even at such an early time you should do everything you can to maximize the value of your personal injury claim. This includes avoiding saying anything like “I did not even see you coming!” or commenting that the light was yellow but you thought that you could make it. You simply have no idea whether the other driver is recording you on his or her phone secretly. In addition, gathering all the evidence that you can at the time also will considerably assist your attorneys in building your case later on. This includes taking all the pictures that you can of the vehicles involved in the crash and the accident scene as well as obtaining the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
Contact the Experienced Virginia Personal Injury Attorneys at Kalfus & Nachman if You or Someone You Love Has Been Injured in Virginia
Given the importance of ensuring that you maximize the compensation you receive if you have been injured by someone else’s negligence, it is particularly important to follow the tips set forth above if you are injured as a result of another person’s negligence in a Virginia motor vehicle accident. Our experienced Virginia personal injury attorneys have recovered millions in compensation for our clients who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence and we know how to build the case for our clients that will result in the best total recovery for them.
If you live in the Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach or Roanoke, Virginia, areas and have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, then please contact Kalfus & Nachman PC by phone today at (855) 880-8163 or through the form on this page to schedule a free consultation regarding your particular situation.
