Minor car accidents can still come as a surprise, and it’s important to know what to do after a minor car accident in Virginia, which includes ensuring your safety, exchanging information with the other driver, reporting the accident and collecting evidence, and notifying your insurance company.
If you have suffered some injuries, a Richmond car accident lawyer can help you with your claim.
Find a Safe Location and Seek Medical Attention
One of the most important steps you can take after a minor car accident in Virginia is to ensure you are out of harm’s way. This means that for a minor collision, you can move your car out of the way of traffic to ensure you’re not risking further injury as you communicate with the other driver involved. Use your hazards so that other drivers are alerted to your presence and don’t cause an additional accident.
While it may not seem necessary to see a doctor after a minor collision, it is still essential for two reasons. First, it’s important to know how soon after a car accident to see a doctor. You should receive a medical examination the same day or within 72 hours of the accident. Delayed or hidden injuries can take longer to appear and may require medical testing in order to establish your full condition.
The other reason medical attention is so important is that it ensures your condition is documented. If you experience pain or conditions develop after an accident, there is a record. Insurance companies look closely at when you received medical attention and the contents of your medical condition. If you don’t receive timely medical attention, they could refuse to pay for medical care you may need.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver Involved in the Accident
Drivers are required by law (Virginia Code § 46.2-894) to stop after car accidents in Virginia, even minor ones. Once stopped, they are required to see if the other driver is hurt and provide aid if needed. Drivers are also required to exchange information with the other party. This is also important if you plan to file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company to recover compensation for losses they caused you.
When you exchange information, you must provide your name and address, along with your driver’s license number and vehicle registration number. You should also exchange insurance information for use in filing a claim. The law also states that if you were to sustain injuries that prevented you from taking this step, you should provide this information in a report as soon as possible.
Report the Car Accident
When considering what to do after a minor car accident, it’s also important to file a report with the police at the scene of the accident, or online soon after the accident. A report can document important information about the collision. This can protect you if you choose to file a claim. It provides details that insurance adjusters need when reviewing your claim, and insulates you from absorbing undue fault.
Once the police report has been completed and filed, you should request a copy for your records. You can generally submit a request online or in person to the agency that created the report. You may be required to pay a fee to access the report. Police reports are important forms of evidence, so be sure to get one for your records so you can show what happened if you file a claim.
In addition to reporting a minor accident, you should also take photographs after a car crash. This is beneficial for providing valuable information about the crash and what losses were suffered. It can also make it harder to argue with a claim. Gather other forms of evidence as well, such as witness information. The more evidence you can collect, the stronger any potential claim may be.
Let Your Insurance Company Know You Were in an Accident
Even if you’re involved in a minor accident, you should still notify your insurance company about the collision. Many policies require you to notify the insurance company right away. They generally outline a specific timeline for contacting them, so be sure to review your policy right away after an accident so you can take the necessary steps to comply with the requirement.
While this is required by your policy, it also has several benefits. Your insurance company can help streamline claims you file against the at-fault driver’s insurance company by communicating with them as needed. If, for some reason, you do need to file a claim with your own insurance, then it also ensures that you can take such action.
Insurance companies may push back on covering a claim if you do not notify them of the accident. For example, if you didn’t contact your insurance company and then discovered that your injuries or other damages are more extensive than they first appeared, potential rights to action could be limited. An insurance company could refuse to pay or claim pre-existing injuries.
Consult a Lawyer if You’ve Suffered Injuries or Damages
If you suffered injuries or damage to your vehicle, hiring a lawyer can be beneficial. They can help ensure that your losses are valued correctly so you don’t lose valuable compensation.
A lawyer can also communicate with the insurance company to protect your claim and negotiate back and forth until a fair settlement is reached. They protect you from bad faith tactics from the insurance company, as well.
The Pendleton Law Team Can Help You if You File a Claim
The Pendleton Law Team can help you determine how to proceed after a minor car accident. If you suffered injuries or property damage, we can help you file a claim and ensure that you receive a settlement that fairly covers your losses.
Schedule a free case evaluation with our team so that you know your rights and do not have to pay for your losses out of your own pocket.
