One of the questions that Kevin Mottley sees asked most often is, "What do I do if I've been in an accident at the scene of the accident?" Here are the essential steps you should take immediately following a car accident in Richmond, Virginia, or anywhere else.
First Priority: Get Medical Attention
Your Health Comes First
If you've been hurt, your primary concern should be getting medical attention. Don't delay seeking medical care if you're experiencing pain or feel that something isn't right with your body.
Accept Emergency Transport
If you've been hurt, get to the hospital. If emergency responders ask you if you need transport via ambulance, accept it. Don't say you're okay if you have any question about your condition, if you're feeling pain, or if you know you're not okay.
Second Priority: Get to Safety
Get to a safe place immediately. Move out of the way so that you're not standing in the middle of traffic, and take care of yourself. Your safety is paramount—don't risk further injury by remaining in a dangerous location.
Document Everything You Can
Take Photographs
Document what you see at the accident scene. Take photographs of:
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- Skid marks on the roadway
- The surrounding area where the cars are positioned
- Street signs, traffic signals, and road conditions
- Your injuries (if visible)
- License plates of all vehicles involved
Gather Witness Information
Get the names of witnesses—people who may have seen what happened or have seen the aftermath of the accident. Collect their contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses. Witness testimony can be crucial to your case later.
Notify the Police
Contact the police and let them know what has happened so that they can come to the scene and create a proper accident report. A police report provides an official record of the incident and can be valuable evidence for your personal injury claim.
Protect Yourself Legally
Don't Admit Fault
No matter what anybody says at the scene, do not allow yourself to be talked into saying that you were at fault in causing this incident—if, in fact, you were not. Virginia follows contributory negligence rules, which means admitting fault can severely damage your case.
Stick to the Facts
Tell it like it is. Provide factual information about what happened, but avoid speculation or admitting responsibility. Be honest about what you observed, but don't make statements about who was at fault.
Additional Important Steps
Exchange Information
Collect the following information from all parties involved:
- Full names and contact information
- Insurance company names and policy numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Vehicle registration information
- Make, model, year, and color of all vehicles
Note Environmental Conditions
Pay attention to and document:
- Weather conditions
- Road conditions (wet, dry, construction, etc.)
- Time of day and lighting conditions
- Traffic signals and signage
What NOT to Do
- Don't leave the scene before police arrive (if required by law)
- Don't sign any documents other than a police report or your own insurance forms
- Don't discuss fault or accept blame
- Don't refuse medical attention if you're injured
- Don't give recorded statements to the other party's insurance company at the scene
After Leaving the Scene
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don't think you're seriously injured, consider seeing a doctor. Some injuries, particularly soft tissue injuries and brain injuries, may not manifest symptoms immediately.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, but be careful about giving detailed recorded statements until you've spoken with an attorney.
Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
If you've been injured in an accident in Richmond, Virginia, consider consulting with Kevin Mottley at The Mottley Law Firm. Having experienced personal injury legal counsel can help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Remember Your Priorities
Again, your primary concern should be your injuries, if any, and getting the help you need. Everything else is secondary to your health and safety. Following these steps can help protect both your physical well-being and your legal rights after an accident.
If you've been injured in an accident in the Richmond, Virginia area, The Mottley Law Firm is here to help you navigate the complex legal process that follows. Contact Kevin Mottley and his experienced team to discuss your case and learn about your options for compensation.
