Who should I call after a truck accident in Virginia? After a truck accident in Virginia, your first call should be to the police and medical first responders to request help at the scene. Always prioritize your health and that of others before taking any other step.
You should then go to the hospital or call your doctor to report any injuries you sustained. Then, contact a Richmond truck accident lawyer from The Pendleton Law Team for help documenting losses, proving fault, and seeking compensation. There are several key reasons to take these steps.
Who Should I Call After a Truck Accident Immediately After the Accident?
Right after an accident occurs, move to a safe place if you can. Then, call 911 for immediate help. Do not leave the scene of the accident. If it is safe to do so, check on the others involved in the crash.
After you call police, take the following steps as outlined by The Pendleton Law Team:
- Take photos and video of the accident scene to document what occurred and where
- Ask any witnesses for their name and contact information
- Tell police responding to the accident what you remember from before or during the accident, keeping it to facts only
- Provide your contact information, driver’s license, and insurance information to the others involved and gather their information for your own records
- Go to the hospital for immediate care
Avoid going anywhere else before going to the hospital. This creates a clear link between the injuries doctors find and the accident itself. Follow all of your doctor’s care instructions, keep all follow-up appointments, and create a journal to log how you feel until you heal.
Who Should I Call After a Truck Accident? When to Notify Police of the Truck Accident
In a minor fender-bender, you may not need to wait at the scene for police to arrive. However, under Virginia laws governing driver safety, you must notify law enforcement when any of the following occurs:
- There are injuries
- Someone died in the accident
- The vehicles cannot be moved without professional help
- The damage to vehicles is likely to exceed $3,000
- The other driver or passengers seem to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- One of the drivers flees the scene of the accident
- One of the drivers does not have insurance
Provide the details of the accident and the other party’s known information to the police. Avoid speculation about what you believe you saw or experienced.
Provide only the facts to minimize complications later. Speak with a Richmond personal injury lawyer from The Pendleton Law Team today.
The Importance of Calling an Attorney
As you focus on healing, call a truck accident lawyer in Virginia to help you with the next steps in the process. Insurance companies may tell you not to call a lawyer or may offer a settlement quickly.
Avoid speaking to the insurer. Instead, talk to a local truck accident lawyer. They can help you in several ways:
- Gather all evidence available and preserve it
- Seek additional evidence from resources you may not have, such as commercial truck logs, hours of service records, and maintenance reports
- Clarify who is at fault, including determining if more than one party is at fault for your injuries and losses
- Determine the extent of your injuries and the impact they have on your future
- Document all types of losses you have, including physical, emotional, and financial implications with accurate, evidence-based clarification of value
- Negotiate with the insurance company for fair compensation
- Go to court if there is a need to do so to prove the value of your case
Your truck accident lawyer in Virginia handles the entire claims process for you. This allows you to focus on healing and recovery.
Your attorney may recommend taking a settlement offered to you by the insurer, or may inform you that you can file a lawsuit instead. The guidance from The Pendleton Law Team makes a big difference in knowing your legal rights and obligations.
How the Federal Government Learns of Accidents
There are times when trucks violate federal law, and local authorities may seek help from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to investigate. Some accidents require the carrier to act immediately.
Under federal law 49 CFR § 382.303, trucking companies must provide a drug and alcohol screening for all truck drivers immediately after some crashes, including those such as:
- Someone died in the accident
- There are injuries that required medical care away from the scene of the accident and the truck driver receives a citation
- Vehicle damage was significant enough to warrant towing the vehicle, and the truck driver received a citation
Keep in mind that you, as the accident victim, do not have to report anything to the federal government. Federal regulations generally require covered motor carriers to maintain an accident register for three years after each qualifying accident.
If you believe some violations warrant additional attention, such as repeated or highly reckless behavior, contact your attorney. Allow The Pendleton Law Team to provide additional insight into the legal options available to you.
Act Within the Statute of Limitations
Do not wait to contact a local truck accident attorney for immediate help in processing your case and claim. The statute of limitations in Virginia (§ 8.01-243) is two years from the date of the injury. If you wait beyond that timeframe to take action, you lose the opportunity.
Always prioritize contacting an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your right to fair compensation. Learn more about truck accidents in our frequently asked questions.
Speak to a Truck Accident Lawyer for Immediate Help
Victims of a truck accident deserve to recover critical damages they incurred, including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, protecting your rights against a large trucking company is challenging. Prioritize hiring an experienced, trusted truck accident lawyer to guide you through the entire process.
Contact The Pendleton Law Team for a free consultation to discuss your truck accident case and review your rights. Your attorney can help you immediately, even if you are still in the hospital recovering from your injuries.
