Auto Accident Injury in Virginia

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Virginia? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in VA that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Virginia

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles reports that the state had a total of 128,172 auto accidents in 2019. These accidents resulted in 827 deaths and 65,708 injuries.

Alcohol-related crashes accounted for 7,048 accidents, 264 deaths and 4,402 injuries. Speed was another top cause, resulting in 24,739 accidents with 349 deaths and 13,289 injuries. Distracted drivers led to 23,246 accidents. There were 1,960 motorcycle accidents this year as well, and 4,922 accidents involving commercial vehicles.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

File a Police Report

Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police report. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

According to Virginia Law, drivers must report all accidents causing $1,500 or more in property damage or in any accident where there is injury or death. Not reporting accidents and remaining on the scene could result in a hit and run criminal charge.

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:

• Full name, address, phone number and email address
• Driver’s license state and number
• Auto insurance company name, policy number and phone number

Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it.

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:

• Burn injuries
• Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
• Brain and head injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries

The total cost for auto accidents in 2017, which is the most recent year with cost estimates according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, was around $4 million. Fatal accidents cost about $1.4 million, and injury accidents led to costs of almost $2.2 million.

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws in Virginia

Liability Laws for VA

When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.

Virginia is a tort state. The driver who is at fault for the accident holds the responsibility to pay for all damages. The state does allow for the sharing of fault, which means each party may have liability to cover a certain portion of the damages. Courts do require proving fault to claim any damages for an auto accident, which means each party also must defend themselves to prove they were not at fault.

Statute of Limitations in VA

Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years. The statute of limitations for auto accident claims in Virginia is two years. The time limit begins on the date of the accident. It includes any claims for injuries, death or property damage arising from the crash.

This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer In Virginia

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in VA!

Virginia law goes well beyond auto accident injury. But, if you have everything that you need for your particular case, then proceed to our home page to get matched with an attorney near you!