Strengthening Your Claim After a Car Accident in Virginia

 Posted on May 28, 2025 in Motor Vehicle Accidents

Virginia uses a fault-based system to govern the recovery of damages after a car accident, holding the negligent party liable for your losses. However, when you make an insurance claim or file a lawsuit for damages, you are responsible for proving the other party’s negligence and establishing the connection between your losses and their actions. An experienced Gainesville, VA car accident lawyer can walk you through the legal process and help you take steps to protect your claim.

What Can You Do Right After a Car Accident to Protect Your Claim in Virginia?

In the immediate aftermath, while you are still on the scene, there are a few critical steps you can take to start building your case if it is safe to do so:

• Gather photographic evidence: If you or someone with you is physically able, take photographs of the scene, including damage to the vehicles and shots of the surrounding area.

• Collect information: Ask the other party for their contact and insurance information, but refrain from talking to them about the accident. If anyone witnessed the accident, ask for their information as well.

• Call the police: Even if the damage to your vehicle is mild and the other party asks you not to call the police, you should still call. A police report could be used later to establish fault.

According to Virginia law, you are legally obligated to contact law enforcement if an accident results in injury or death. Failure to report under those circumstances could result in a Class 4 misdemeanor criminal charge. 

Should You Go to a Doctor After a Car Accident Even if Your Injuries Are Minor?

Seeking medical attention immediately after a car accident is always advisable. Even minor collisions can result in internal injuries. For example, whiplash, a neck injury caused by the forceful back-and-forth motion of the head and characterized by micro-tears in the neck’s soft tissue, can result from a rear-end crash even at slow speeds. Seeing a doctor protects your health and establishes a medical record tracing any injuries to the auto accident. Sometimes, doctors may find internal injuries that can cause severe damage if left untreated for even a short period.

If you suffered severe injuries and required emergency medical services, you may need continued care. Maintain doctor’s orders and go to all your follow-up visits. In a car accident case, you can request compensation for the cost of future medical expenses and lost wages.

How Can a Virginia Personal Injury Attorney Help With a Car Accident Case?

Several factors can complicate a car accident claim. When you work with an experienced attorney, they handle all the required paperwork and communications with the insurance company, including negotiations for a fair settlement. In the rare event that your case has to go to trial, your attorney will represent you in court, handling evidence gathering, depositions, expert witnesses, and more so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

Contact a Prince William County, VA Car Accident Attorney Today

If you were injured in a car accident in Virginia, contact an experienced Winchester, VA car accident lawyer at Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC as soon as possible. With more than 120 years of combined experience helping victims of personal injury, we know exactly what to do to protect your claim to compensation and will fight aggressively to ensure no one violates your rights. If we take your case, you can be sure that we are willing to go all the way to trial to ensure you receive fair compensation. Call 540-662-4222 to schedule your free consultation today.