2024 What to Do After a Truck Accident in Virginia

 Posted on June 10, 2024 in Truck Accidents

Any car accident can be traumatic, but truck accidents are much more likely to cause serious injury and other damages, making them even more stressful. The size and weight of commercial vehicles, like 18-wheelers, can cause catastrophic injuries, and accidents involving these trucks tend to involve more vehicles in a crash. It’s important to know what to do after a truck accident in Virginia.

If you are able to move around and take action without worsening your injuries, there are several steps you should take. These can help you protect your physical health and your future financial interests. These steps include:

Report the Accident

Under state law, drivers are required to report any accident that causes the injury or death of a person. Truck accidents are much more likely to result in injury and death than other types of car accidents. If you are able, you should get out of your vehicle and move yourself and others to a safe location unless it is more dangerous to do so. Take note of your own injuries and the injuries of others so you can report them when you call emergency services.

When law enforcement arrives on the scene, you should report the facts of the accident to the police officer. Tell the truth, but do not admit any level of fault. This police report is crucial evidence in a future insurance claim, as it will contain key details about the vehicles, their speed, and if anyone was under the influence.

Get Medical Care

When emergency medical personnel arrive on the scene, you should receive medical care. Even if you do not think that you are injured, get looked at by a professional. Injuries like whiplash or traumatic brain injuries are not immediately apparent to you, but a professional may be able to diagnose them.

After you are done at the scene of the accident, you should get additional medical care from your own medical provider. There may be injuries that an emergency medical provider will miss due to a lack of equipment or other information. Prompt medical attention, both at the accident and after, is important for your own well-being and your claim.

Exchange Information With Other Drivers

While at the scene, such as while waiting for emergency responders to arrive, exchange personal contact information and insurance information with the other drivers, including the truck driver. This includes their name, address, and driver’s license information.

In a truck accident, you want to gather additional information, like the name of the driver’s employer, trucking company, and/or shipping company. This includes the company’s U.S. Department of Transportation number. Some of this information will be on the police report, but it is helpful to collect it separately.

Document the Scene

This is also a good time to document the accident, including taking photos and videos of the crash, your injuries, and any property damage. Take note of any CCTV from traffic cams or business security footage that may have caught the accident. You also want to gather information from eyewitnesses to the accident and collect their contact information.

Call Your Insurance Provider

After any car accident, you should call your insurance provider to inform them of the accident. If you fail to do this, you may be unable to make a claim for damages.

Contact a Truck Accident Attorney

As soon as you are able to, contact a truck accident attorney with experience in collisions involving commercial trucks. These claims are complex, with many potential at-fault parties. To have a successful claim that recovers your damages, you need strong legal support.

FAQs

Q: Should I Call the Police After a Motor Vehicle Accident in Virginia?

A: You should call the police after a motor vehicle accident in Virginia. While a police report is only required when there is an injury or death of another person, it’s better to be safe. If you are unsure whether someone is injured or not, be safe and call the police to report the accident. This is also beneficial for any car insurance claim that you may make in the future. You must call the police if anyone is injured to secure emergency medical care for them.

Q: How Long Do You Have to Report an Accident in Virginia?

A: You should report an accident in Virginia as soon as possible. Police reports should be filed soon, typically at the scene of the collision when law enforcement and emergency responders arrive. The time limit you have to report an accident to your insurance provider will vary based on the provider’s specific policies, but it usually is as soon as you are able to. Reporting the accident to your insurance provider is especially important if you will have to file a claim with them.

Q: How Much Time Does a Truck Accident Claim Take in Virginia?

A: How long it takes to settle a truck accident claim in Virginia varies from case to case. If another driver is clearly at fault, and there is significant evidence to support that they are at fault and you were not, the settlement process will likely be faster. Settlements where you do not have significant damages may also be faster to resolve. Having legal support from a car accident attorney also helps speed up the process of a settlement. An attorney can also investigate for essential evidence that supports your case.

Q: What Is the Average Settlement for a Truck Accident in Virginia?

A: The average settlement for a truck accident in Virginia varies, but it will not help an injured party understand the value of their own claim. This is because every accident will result in different injuries and other damages, and these damages are what largely influence the value of a settlement. A settlement is mostly dependent on damages like:

• Property damage
• Medical expenses
• Long-term care and rehabilitation needs
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering

It is also dependent on the skill of your legal support.

Finding the Right Legal Representation After a Virginia Truck Accident

An attorney can investigate a truck accident, determine the party or parties at fault, and hold them liable for your injuries. An attorney can also protect your rights during the process of filing and negotiating an insurance claim. This is especially helpful in truck accident claims, which are often filed against the provider of the trucking company. At Whitlock Law, LLC, we can provide you with the resources and skills you need after an overwhelming accident. Contact us today.