If you’ve ever been involved in a car crash, you already know how jarring and traumatic they can be. Even if you are not seriously injured, you’re probably wondering what steps you should take next while also worrying about how you will get your car repaired, if you will be found at fault for the accident, and what you will do if you can’t work due to lack of transportation or your injuries. If you believe the accident was the fault of another person’s negligence, the added worry comes in of how you will get the compensation you deserve for your losses. Fortunately, you don’t have to handle these worries on your own. When you work with a personal injury lawyer like those at Commonwealth Law Group, you’ll have an expert giving you advice every step of the way.
Here is what to do after a car accident according to a personal injury attorney in VA.
Get Medical Attention if Seriously Injured
If you’ve been badly injured in the accident, your personal injury attorney in VA from Commonwealth Law Group will always recommend that you get immediate medical attention. Either call an ambulance or have someone drive you to the nearest emergency room so you can have your injuries attended to.
If Not, Start Gathering Evidence
If your injuries are not serious enough to warrant immediate medical attention, it will be helpful to your personal injury attorney in VA to gather as much evidence as you can while it’s fresh. This may include photos and video of the scene and contact information from any eyewitnesses. Your attorney will use this along with other evidence they gather such as eyewitness testimonials, police reports, medical records, and any evidence of past negligent behavior by the at-fault party to bolster your case.
Make a Police Report
You should call the police even if you believe the accident was minor. Depending on the situation, the police may or may not come to the scene of the accident, but it’s important that a report exists for insurance purposes and so your attorney can use the information to help negotiate a settlement.
Call an Attorney
After informing any loved ones about your accident and assuring them of your safety and notifying the police, your next call should be to a personal injury attorney in VA. The sooner you call and secure the services of a lawyer, the sooner he or she can begin investigating your case and pursuing compensation for your losses.
Get Non Urgent Medical Attention
Even if you don’t believe your injuries are serious, your personal injury attorney in VA will still want you to get medical attention. Some injuries may take hours, days, or even weeks to fully manifest and your attorney will need the medical records to help show your full losses due to the accident.
Working with a Personal Injury Attorney in VA
When you work with an experienced personal injury attorney in VA, you will know you have an expert by your side who will give you advice every step of the way. Knowing what to do immediately after a car crash will help preserve evidence and give your attorney all the necessary advantages to get you the compensation you deserve.