A car accident is a traumatic experience. You shouldn’t have to worry about gathering police reports, talking to adjusters, or getting a car rental while you are recovering for your injuries. That is why we put together this sheet of resources for Virginia car accident victims.
A car accident is a traumatic experience. You shouldn’t have to worry about gathering police reports, talking to adjusters, or getting a car rental while you are recovering for your injuries. That is why we put together this sheet of resources for Virginia car accident victims.What to Do After A Car Accident in Virginia
Most people don’t hire an attorney immediately after a car accident. In fact, if someone calls us from the scene of an accident, we tell them to focus on their health first. You have two years after an accident to file a personal injury claim, so there is no rush to file a lawsuit.
While you are treating your injuries, the insurance adjusters may begin calling to request a recorded statement. A recorded statement is used to evaluate your claim, so it is best to prepare beforehand. Though most car accident cases can be settled without an attorney, it is still a good idea to contact an attorney for a free consultation before speaking to the other driver’s insurance company.
Virginia State Resources for Car Accident Victims
Below is a list of useful websites and directories where you can find more information about car accidents, traffic patterns, and Virginia driver resources.
Before You Get into Your Car:
- Insurance Requirements in Virginia
To purchase license plates or decals, you must certify that the vehicle is covered by the minimum insurance requirements or pay the Uninsured Motor Vehicle Fee. - Virginia Traffic Crash Facts – 2019
The Virginia Traffic Crash Facts publication provides a comprehensive statistical overview of traffic crashes occurring in Virginia. - Child Safety Seats Regulations
Details about child safety seat laws in Virginia. Virginia's child passenger safety laws require all children under 8 to be properly secured in a child safety seat or booster seat, regardless of weight or height. - Live Road Reports from 511Virginia.org
Get information on traffic, incidents, lane closures, highway cameras, maps, commuting options, safety rest areas, welcome centers and interstate highways. - Buying Car Insurance: Protecting Your Family from Irresponsible Drivers in Virginia
Personal injury attorney Ben Glass' exclusive guide to buying car insurance in Virginia. - Details About Truck Driving Regulations in Virginia
Virginia has various requirements regarding vehicle size (length, width, and height), weight, as well as equipment and safety devices (e.g. tires, lights etc.) for travel on the commonwealth's highways.
After a Virginia Car Accident:
- Reporting a Crash to DMV
A driver, vehicle owner or a representative may report an accident to DMV by submitting an accident report. - Requesting a Police Crash Report from DMV
The Department of Motor Vehicles maintains the official record of all reportable crashes occurring within the Commonwealth. The DMV will release a complete crash report to persons involved in the crash or to their authorized representatives. - Five Deadly Sins that can Wreck Your Injury Claim
Find out what everyone should know before talking to the adjuster, hiring an attorney or signing any forms - Virginia Bureau of Insurance- Insurance Company Lookup
Search the Virginia Bureau of Insurance’s Search Engine for information about insurance companies, producers (agents/agencies), and navigators. This site will allow you to search agent, agency, navigator and insurance company information. - Medical Fitness for Safe Driving
Safe driving requires knowledge, skills and keen physical and mental abilities. DMV reviews individuals who may have health or medical conditions that impair or hinder their safe driving. - Paying Your Medical Bills After a Car Accident
If you were in an accident that resulted in injuries, you probably have medical bills arriving in your mailbox. However, you are still working on your case, so you need to know who will pay the medical bills before the case is settled.
Injury Support Resources and Groups
- Request Roadside Memorial Signs
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will install a roadside memorial sign along a state-maintained highway, normally for a period of two years. - Mothers Against Drunk Driving
MADD offers information and support for families recovering from traumatic car accidents involving drunk driving. - Trauma Survivors Network
The Trauma Survivors Network is a community of patients and survivors looking to connect with one another and rebuild their lives after a serious injury. - Virginia Spinal Cord Injury Support Groups in Virginia
Learning to cope with a spinal cord injury may be the biggest challenge ever faced by an spinal cord injury patient and his or her family. It is good to know that you are not alone in such a difficult situation. - Brain Injury Association of Virginia
The Brain Injury Association of Virginia is the primary source of information and personal support for thousands of individuals, families, and professionals living in Virginia whose lives have been touched by a life‐altering, often devastating brain injury.
