Your Car Accident Questions Answered: A Virginia Driver’s Guide
When you’re involved in a car accident, questions often outnumber answers. At Albiston Brannon & Gilbert, PLLC, our family-led team of attorneys is here to provide clarity and support. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about automobile accidents in Virginia.
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
First, ensure your safety and the safety of others involved. Call 911 to report the accident and seek medical attention if needed. Document the scene by taking photos and gathering contact information from witnesses. Importantly, avoid admitting fault or discussing the accident details with anyone except the police and your attorney.
What are some frequent causes of car accidents?
Many car accidents happen because of a minor action taken at the wrong time. However, some vehicle collisions occur because a driver was intentionally breaking traffic laws. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Weather
- Running lights and signs
- Drowsy driving
- Poor road conditions
Every car accident is unique. This makes it essential for victims to understand how the car accident unfolded to determine who is liable for damages.
What steps should I take if injured in a car accident?
If you have been injured after a car accident, you should seek immediate medical attention. A medical practitioner can examine your injuries and prescribe you medicines, and other treatments. Recovering from your injuries can take time, and medical attention can be expensive. As a result, you may lose wages during your recovery and take on medical debt, often leading to financial strain.
You should be aware of your right to recover compensation after your car accident for your medical bills and other expenses. This can be done by filing a personal injury case against the liable parties. If the case is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and losses.
To learn more about how you can recover compensation after a car accident, you should consider speaking to an attorney. Our attorneys at Albiston Brannon & Gilbert, PLLC, can educate you on your rights and help you recover damages.
How does Virginia calculate pain and suffering in a car accident claim?
You may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering after a car accident, including mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of companionship, depression and other nonmonetary losses. However, recovering damages for nonmonetary losses is often difficult. It is not easy to put a price on intangible harm, unlike bills and lost wages.
There are several considerations to make when calculating pain and suffering damages. To start, intangible losses may be compensated by multiplying economic damages based on the severity of the injuries and losses. Other cases may be used as a reference to calculate intangible losses. It can help to speak to our attorneys about how you have suffered after a car accident. We will listen to your story, review your case and calculate compensation for your losses.
What types of compensation can I recover after a car accident?
Compensation may include:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
An experienced lawyer can help you pursue fair compensation for your specific situation.
How is fault determined in a car accident?
Fault in Virginia is determined based on evidence such as:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Physical evidence from the accident scene
- Traffic camera footage (if available)
- Expert testimony
Virginia follows a strict contributory negligence rule, meaning if you’re found even slightly at fault, you may be barred from recovering compensation.
How long do I have to file a claim after an automobile accident?
In Virginia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including car accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, it’s advisable to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.
Get The Support You Need: Call Now
From surviving a collision to recovering from your injuries, the entire car accident experience can be harrowing – but you don’t have to face it all alone. Our family-led firm is committed to guiding you through this challenging time. For a free consultation with our experienced automobile accident attorneys, call Albiston Brannon & Gilbert, PLLC, today at 757-346-1427 or fill out our online form. Let our family help yours pursue the compensation you deserve.