What Should Virginia Patients Do Immediately After a Car Accident? A 2025 Checklist

The reality of Virginia roadways is that collisions are an unfortunately common occurrence. According to the state report by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), a traffic crash occurred every 4.1 minutes on average in 2023, totaling 127,597 crashes statewide.

The societal and economic impact of these incidents is staggering, with the DMV estimating the financial costs of all crashes in the state at $11.7 billion for the same year. This significant cost underscores the profound and far-reaching effects of car accidents, which extend beyond property damage to include physical, emotional, and financial burdens on individuals and their families. This profound impact highlights the importance of being prepared for the unfortunate event of a crash.

The actions taken in the moments, days, and weeks following a collision are critical. A structured plan is essential for two primary reasons: it protects an individual’s health by ensuring timely medical care and safeguards their legal rights, which are paramount for a fair financial recovery.

The On-Scene Checklist: Steps to Take in the First 60 Minutes

The minutes following a collision are often chaotic and disorienting. However, a clear checklist can help individuals stay in control and gather essential information. Adrenaline can mask pain and cloud judgment, making a structured approach invaluable. These steps are vital for any subsequent medical, insurance, and legal claims arising from the incident.

1. Assess for Injuries and Call 911: The priority is health. Individuals should check themselves and their passengers for any injuries. It is imperative to call 911 immediately to request both medical assistance and a police presence. A police officer will create an official accident report, a critical piece of evidence. Many serious injuries, such as head injuries, concussions, or internal organ damage, are not immediately apparent and may only become symptomatic hours or days later.
   
2. Move to a Safe Location: If a vehicle is drivable and the individual is not seriously injured, it should be moved to the side of the road or a nearby safe area. This helps prevent further collisions and avoids blocking traffic, which is especially critical on high-speed corridors like I-95 or I-66.
   
3. Exchange Essential Information: Calmly exchange the following details with the other driver(s) involved: full name, address, phone number, email address or addresses, insurance company and individual policy number, driver’s license number, and license plate number. Avoid discussing details like who was at fault or apologizing for the incident; stick to exchanging factual information.
   
4. Document Everything: Use a smartphone to take extensive photos and videos of the scene. Capture damage to all vehicles from multiple angles, skid marks, the final locations and resting positions of the cars, traffic signals, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This visual evidence is invaluable for any subsequent claim.
   
5. Identify and Speak with Witnesses: If there are witnesses, politely ask for their complete names and contact information. An objective account from a third party can be critical if there are disputes about how the accident occurred or who was at fault.
   
6. Do Not Admit Fault: Individuals must avoid statements interpreted as an admission of guilt. When speaking with the other driver and the police, it is best to stick to the objective facts. Liability can be complex, and what seems clear now may not be the whole picture.

Protecting Your Health: Medical Protocols After a Crash

An immediate medical evaluation is crucial because the adrenaline suddenly coursing through the body can mask pain and hide the symptoms of serious injuries. Conditions like whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding may not present noticeable symptoms for hours or even days. Seeking an immediate and thorough medical evaluation from an emergency room or a qualified primary care physician creates a baseline medical record of an individual’s condition, which is vital for establishing a direct link between the car crash and any injuries later diagnosed.

An individual’s health and legal claim depend on their commitment to follow through with medical care. It is important to follow the prescribed treatment plan from a healthcare provider. This includes attending all follow-up appointments and completing recommended physical therapy or specialist consultations. Consistent medical care not only aids in physical recovery but also demonstrates the severity and legitimacy of injuries to insurance companies.

Medical records are the cornerstone of a personal injury claim. Every doctor’s note, diagnostic test result, prescription, and medical bill serves as official documentation of injuries, the cost of treatment, and the projected path of recovery. This paperwork provides the primary evidence insurance companies and legal representatives use to calculate a claim’s value. Without comprehensive medical records, it becomes tough to prove the extent of damages and secure fair compensation.

Protecting Your Rights: Insurance and Legal Timelines in Virginia

Individuals should report the accident to their insurance company as soon as possible. It is best to stick to the basic facts when making the report. It is highly advisable to avoid giving a recorded statement to the other involved driver’s insurance adjuster without first seeking legal counsel. An attorney can handle these communications to protect a victim’s interests.

Time is of the essence when it comes to legal action in Virginia. A person generally has only two years from the accident date to formally file a personal injury lawsuit, a deadline known as the statute of limitations. Missing this deadline could mean losing the right to recover compensation for injuries.

Consulting with an experienced attorney ensures that a person’s rights are protected. For victims in the Hampton Roads area, the trusted legal team at Montagna Law offers a crucial first step toward securing justice. Among the leading firms that can help you find a seasoned Norfolk auto accident attorney, their office provides the deep expertise to handle even the most complex cases and fight for the compensation individuals deserve. The firm operates on a standard no-win, no-fee basis, which removes any financial barrier for accident victims seeking help. A free consultation lets individuals understand their legal options and potential claim value without any upfront cost.

A Patient’s Path to Recovery

The most critical takeaways for Virginia patients after a car accident are clear and actionable. First, prioritize health above all else by seeking immediate medical evaluation. Second, meticulously document every detail at the scene of the crash and continue to keep detailed records throughout your recovery. Finally, understand that you have specific legal rights and timelines that must be protected, often requiring professional guidance. These steps form the foundation for a healthy recovery and a just outcome.

Ultimately, being proactive is the most effective strategy after a car accident. Taking these structured steps can significantly influence the outcome of one’s physical recovery and ability to secure fair compensation for medical bills, lost salaries or wages, and other damages.