Auto Accident Attorney

Q: What should I do if I am in a car or truck accident?

Answer: Each year, more than 3 million people are injured in car accidents, resulting in billions of dollars in damages. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported that 1,014 people died in Virginia car accidents in 2007.

If you’re involved in an automobile accident, here’s what you should do:

Keep your auto insurance information in the glove compartment, including a pre-printed form allowing you to provide the particulars of any accident, including a sketch of the scene. (Even better, keep a disposable camera in your car.)

Stay at the scene of the accident until police arrive.  Make sure you have the name of the officer and that they have your version of what happened. Do not assume a police report will “let you off the hook” or even that one will be generated in the event of a minor accident (“minor” may mean no one is injured even though your car suffers a direct hit).

Exchange names, addresses, driver’s license and insurance information with the driver of the other car.  Also get information from any witnesses to the accident.

Go to a doctor even if you think you might not be injured.  Accident victims should be thoroughly examined by a doctor, since seemingly minor injuries often develop into major health problems. Even if you do not have obvious injuries — broken bones, cuts, lacerations or bruises – you may have sustained a soft-tissue or brain injury that could cause major health problems in the long term.  Sometimes shock can mask injury symptoms.

Review your policy to make sure of your coverage. Make a list of questions and related information you want to know.

Report the accident promptly to your insurance company. This may not seem wise or necessary to you. The accident may be minor or you may not want to risk seeing your rates rise. But state laws generally protect you from higher rates unless an accident was your fault. The point is, your insurer carrier should be notified.

If you were injured by another person’s carelessness or recklessness, you may be entitled to recover damages that include medical costs, property loss, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
 

 

 

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