A car accident can be a confusing and stressful event. But it is important to stay calm and know what steps to take to protect yourself and the others involved.
If you were recently injured in a car accident and need to speak to an attorney, choose Frogale Law. No one will work harder for you and our commitment is to you.
Seek Medical Care
Your health is priority number one. If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, call 911 immediately. An ambulance will take you to the hospital where you will receive emergency care.
Even if you do not think you were seriously injured, it is always a good idea to seek medical care immediately after a motor vehicle accident.
Sometimes serious injuries are not obvious, so get medical care immediately. You will likely need follow-up care as well.
Make an appointment with your doctor.
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as a physical therapist or orthopedic specialist. Be sure to follow through on all your medical care.
Contact the Police
After you call 911, the police will usually be dispatched together with other first responders.
The police enforce Virginia traffic laws. Ideally, the police will make a report of what occurred and issue an appropriate citation to the at-fault driver.
If the at-fault driver pleads guilty or no contest to the traffic citation, that will be admissible in the later civil case.
In addition, the police will record the at-fault driver’s insurance information, so you know where to file a claim.
Identify Witnesses
The police should record witnesses’ information, but they don’t always.
So, if there were any witnesses to the accident, be sure to write down their name, phone number, and address.
These individuals could provide vital information in the future.
Take Pictures
If you are able, take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and injuries to your body.
Pictures of serious damage to your vehicle and injuries to your body are powerful evidence, which will help you and your attorney tell your story in a compelling way.
Don’t Give a Recorded Statement Without Talking to an Experienced Attorney
The at-fault driver’s insurance company may be calling and pressuring you to give a recorded statement. You have no obligation to give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
However, your own insurance company may be calling you and asking for a recorded statement as well.
You have a contractual obligation to cooperate with your own insurance company and refusal to give a statement may be a violation of the insurance contract.
Your insurance company could use this to deny coverage to you under the UM/UIM provisions of your insurance policy.
Sometimes the same insurance company insures both drivers, so it can be very confusing. Always be sure you know who is calling.
Do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company without talking to an experienced attorney.
Call an experienced attorney and get some help
Motor vehicle accidents are extremely stressful and can even be life-changing.
Medical bills may be piling up. An insurance company might keep calling. It can be overwhelming.
You need an experienced attorney by your side, so you can focus on your health.
Call Frogale Law today for your free consultation.
James Frogale is the owner of Frogale Law. He opened the Firm to help ordinary people have a trusted advocate against the Multi-Billion Dollar insurance industry.
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