3 Steps: Rear Ended at a Stoplight in Virginia and Injured
Getting rear-ended at a stoplight can be a jarring. And stressful experience, especially if you sustain injuries. As an injured victim in Virginia, it is imperative that you take prompt action. To protect your rights & access the compensation you may be entitled to. This guide outlines three vital steps to take after a rear-end collision at an intersection.
Our team of personal injury attorneys are resourceful, experienced, and knowledgeable regarding your rights. To learn more about how we can help you, call Altizer Law today at 540.345.2000.
1 Ensure Safety & Document the Scene
In the aftermath of the crash, your top priority should be safety. And urgent medical care if required. Once you have assessed your condition and moved to a secure location:
Exchange insurance and contact details with the at-fault driver. Obtain their name, phone number, insurance details as well as vehicle make, model, year, plate number and VIN.
Take ample photographs documenting all vehicles involved, damage sustained, final positions of the cars, any skid marks on the road and the state of the intersection (traffic signals, signs etc). Photograph your injuries as well.
Jot down your recollection of how the accident occurred and preserve text messages, call logs etc related to the incident.
Call the police to officially log the accident. Obtain a copy of the police report which will be pivotal evidence.
Resist signing any document presented by the insurance provider without consulting your attorney. Hold off from admitting fault or making recorded statements as well.
Proper documentation constructs a compelling depiction of the incident, preventing later manipulation of facts by insurance adjusters seeking to diminish or deny your injury claim.
2. Seek Medical Evaluation and Treatment
Even if you deem your injuries minor after a rear-end crash, it is pivotal to get examined by a doctor at the earliest. Why is this vital?
Adrenaline and shock immediately after an accident can temporarily mask symptoms of serious injury. A physician can accurately evaluate affected body areas through diagnostic testing.
Medical records substantiate injuries and treatments, creating a paper trail imperative for insurance claims after a car accident in Virginia and lawsuits. Gaps may jeopardize your case.
Follow-up appointments indicate the car accident injuries caused chronic issues needing active management or rehabilitation.
In particular, consult a specialist if you experience persistent headaches, neck, back or shoulder pain. Therapies like physical therapy or chiropractic care may also be warranted to fully heal crash-related damage.
3. Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
An adept Virginia personal injury attorney will counsel you, and this counsel is invaluable following a rear-end accident to optimize the financial recovery you deserve. Specifically, your lawyer will:
Liaise with insurers on your behalf as an assertive advocate negotiating optimal settlement amounts.
Determine all viable grounds to hold the negligent motorist accountable, including through litigation if reasonable settlement offers are not made.
Calculate both economic and non-economic damages - from vehicle repair bills and medical costs to lost income and pain/suffering.
Explain legal intricacies around proving liability, comparative negligence, contacting you years post-accident and other relevant laws.
Early attorney intervention marshals the evidence, medical opinion and legal framework necessary for the best chance of fair restitution.
Beyond Taking Action: Healing and Preventing Rear-End Collisions
The period following a jarring rear-end accident is filled with physical pain, emotional turmoil, financial uncertainty and tremendous inconvenience compensating for crash-induced disruptions.
Once safety protocols are implemented and the documentation, medical and legal realms secured per above guidelines, the long road to recovery begins. Healing both body and mind is vital before resuming regular routines or driving confidence can be restored. Some recommendations:
Commit to physician-recommended therapies, medications, orthopedic devices and rehabilitation programs. Partner with counselors or support groups to process psychological trauma if warranted.
Leaning on family and friends can uplift spirits amid the stress. Let loved ones assume tasks you are unable to perform during recovery.
Maintain records of all treatment expenses, lost income due to missed work and costs stemming from the accident. This collectively indicates the accident's financial toll.
Focus energies on recovering well instead of feeling defeated at having your rights infringed by a negligent driver. With committed legal guidance, justice can prevail.
Once health is regained, channel energies into promoting awareness of rear-end accident prevention best practices - both among authorities responsible for road safety and everyday commuters who can institute prudent driving habits:
Authorities
Improving sight lines, signage markings and traffic light timing at high risk intersections
Severe enforcement and penalties against red-light running, tailgating, distracted and impaired driving
Everyday Drivers
No texting, eating or phone use when operating a vehicle
Maintaining reasonable distances between cars
Reducing speeds and exercising extra caution near intersections
Buckling up seat belts to minimize crash injuries
By learning from this incident and championing road safety improvements, maybe the next Virginia driver can avoid dire harm when a vehicle approaches their rear.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are my rights if I get rear-ended at a stoplight in Virginia?
As an injury victim, you have the legal right to pursue financial compensation from the at-fault driver and their insurance provider. This includes reimbursement for medical bills, vehicle repair costs, income loss etc as well as non-economic damages like pain and emotional distress.
2. How can a personal injury lawyer assist with my car accident case in Virginia?
An experienced Virginia accident attorney can substantially improve your claim's prospects by managing legal complexities, obtaining evidence, determining liability, negotiating optimal settlement amounts and taking the case to court if fair restitution remains elusive through routine insurance channels.
3. How long do I have to file a claim after being injured in a car crash in Virginia?
Per Virginia statute, you typically have two years from the date of injury in a vehicle accident to file a personal injury claim before it expires outside the statute of limitations. Special provisions for minors and extraordinary circumstances can provide exceptions.
4. Is it necessary to seek medical attention even if I feel fine after being rear ended?
Absolutely. You must get checked out by a licensed medical professional since critical injury symptoms are often masked by adrenaline immediately following a collision. Down the line, absence of medical records can tremendously dent your claim.
5. Can I handle my car accident claim on my own without a lawyer in VA?
While legally admissible, accident injury lawsuits entail intricate procedures, dense jargon and ruthless negotiators. Securing experienced legal representation levels the playing field, transforming prospects of fair compensation.
6. What common long term injuries result specifically from rear end collisions?
Whiplash, concussion, spinal injury (like herniated discs), shoulder injury (rotator cuff tear) and PTSD or anxiety disorders make up some of the frequently occuring long term harm sustained in rear crashes where abrupt deceleration impacts vulnerable head and neck areas.
7. Can pre-existing health conditions affect injury claims following Virginia traffic accidents?
Yes, pre-crash medical history is scrutinized to determine if collision-attributed trauma aggravated dormant conditions or caused brand new damage. Experienced car accident lawyers help establish that the accident itself directly sparked injury activity despite prior vulnerabilities.
8. Is there a chance the insurance provider declares my vehicle a total loss after a Virginia rear end accident?
Very much so. If vehicle repair estimates approach or exceed 75-80% of your car's pre-crash value, the insurer deems it a total loss. Get written inventory of all damaged parts and functionalities through extensive collision shop evaluations if possible before the insurer makes determinations.
9. What common mistakes should I avoid making when filing a Virginia rear-end collision claim?
Delaying medical care, failing to report, accepting initial settlement offers, missing claim deadlines and declining legal help are some miscues that can tremendously dent claim outcomes. Act promptly to secure evidence, treat all symptoms and hire a personal injury lawyer to carefully build your claim.
10. What prevention lessons can commuters learn to avoid catastrophic harm from Virginia rear-end crashes themselves?
Avoid tailgating, distraction and impaired driving
Maintain safe braking distances
Signal properly before turning or switching lanes
Adjust driving to conditions like rain or fog
Address vision obstructions due to age or medical reasons
Selecting a Car Accident Attorney in Virginia
Our team of personal injury attorneys are resourceful, experienced, and knowledgeable regarding your rights. To learn more about how we can help you, call Altizer Law today at 540.345.2000.
Comments