What Should I Do After an Auto Accident?

If you’ve been involved in any type of auto accident in Virginia, there are several steps you can take for your own safety, to obey the law, and to protect your right to fair compensation.

What Is Uninsured/Underinsured Auto Insurance?

Uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) insurance coverage is usually sold as an optional clause to add to a standard auto insurance policy. If you have UM/UIM insurance, then it can provide additional coverage if the person who hit you does not have enough insurance coverage to pay for all of your damages, whether they have no insurance or just a limited policy. To use UM/UIM insurance, you must file against your auto insurance provider, which can complicate matters and pit you against the insurance companies that are supposed to be helping you.

Can You Sue an Automaker for a Crash?

Did you get into a crash that you don’t think was caused by another driver but instead by a defect with your motor vehicle? It is possible that a vehicle defect is what made you lose control of your car and get into an accident. If this can be proven by our Virginia car accident attorneys, then you might be able to file a claim against the car manufacturer for selling a vehicle with an unsafe part.

Is Virginia a no-fault state for car accidents?

Virginia is an “at-fault” state for car accidents, which means you can hold another driver financially liable for your damages if they caused the crash. However, Virginia is also a “pure contributory negligence” state, which means you must be 0% liable for your damages to retain the right to file against someone else for them. Even if you are 1% liable and the other driver is 99% liable for the accident, you will lose the legal ability to demand compensation from them. Working with a car accident attorney is arguably more important in Virginia than in most other states for this reason because a lawyer knows more about how to argue down liability.

Should I hire a Virginia Attorney?

Yes, you should look into hiring a car accident attorney shortly after your crash occurs. Generally, a lawyer will have an easier time finding useful evidence of liability if they can begin working on the case sooner than later. If you do not know if you should have a lawyer working on your case, then you can at least speak with one during a no-cost consultation. Our firm proudly offers free case consultations for inquiring clients, so you can learn more about your options without needing to pay anything upfront.

Can a car owner be sued if someone crashes while driving their car?

Whether or not you can be sued for a crash that someone else caused while driving your car depends on the insurance policies involved and the car’s title. If you have an insurance policy that covers anyone who drives your car, then it should be used to cover damages and you should be, for the most part, protected from a claim filed directly against you. Or if the driver who crashed your car has an insurance policy that covers them in any vehicle, then their policy should be used instead, and you should be safe from any liability.

Virginia Car Accident Lawyer | Personal Injury Attorneys

CAR ACCIDENTS

Fighting for Car Accident Victims in Virginia Since 1973

Get A Free Consultation

Call us

About Us

For over five decades, Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law has been a steadfast advocate for car accident victims across Virginia. Our team of experienced Virginia car accident lawyers has secured millions of dollars in compensation for our clients and is prepared to help you get your life back on track after an injury or the death of a loved one.

We understand the difficulties you are going through and are committed to providing you with compassionate representation that makes you feel cared for throughout the entire legal process. We proudly serve communities throughout Virginia, including:

How Huffman & Huffman Can Help You After a Car Accident in Virginia

Suffering from a car accident that wasn’t your fault shouldn’t jeopardize your financial future, yet insurance companies rarely pay victims what they’re owed. They may attempt to downplay your injuries in order to justify a low payout or offer you a quick settlement in the hope that you’ll accept without realizing the true value of your claim.

Our car accident lawyers will help you fight back by:

Thoroughly Investigating the Accident: We collect and analyze accident reports, traffic camera footage, and other types of evidence to establish liability.
Accurately Assessing Damages: We compile an exhaustive list of your damages to determine the full amount of compensation you are eligible to recover.
Aggressively Negotiating On Your Behalf: We handle all discussions with insurance companies, fighting to secure the settlement you deserve.
Facilitating Medical Care: We work to ensure you receive appropriate treatment for your injuries and that this treatment is well-documented to support your claim.
Providing Court Representation: We aim to settle your case quickly and fairly without the need for a trial, however, we are ready to represent you in court if it means securing the best settlement for you.

Types of Car Accident Compensation We Fight For

Calculating compensation after an accident is a more complex task than many victims realize. It can be easy to miscalculate or even overlook certain damages, especially those that may not have a clear cost associated with them, like pain and suffering.

Our attorneys will help you avoid undervaluing your claim and pursue the maximum compensation you are entitled to, which may include:

Medical Expenses: Coverage for current and future medical treatments, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medications.
Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the accident and any reduction in future earning capacity.
Property Damage: Costs related to repairing or replacing your vehicle.
Pain and Suffering: Monetary acknowledgment of physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
Loss of Companionship: Compensation for the loss experienced by families who have lost a loved one.
Loss of Consortium: Addressing how injuries have affected spousal and familial relationships.

If, like many of our clients, you’re wondering, “How much is my car accident case worth?” the answer is, “It depends.” Compensation in a car accident case will vary based on different factors, such as the severity of injuries and the amount of insurance coverage the at-fault party has. Our car accident lawyers will work closely with you to help you understand the value of your unique case.

Types of Cases Our Virginia Car Accident Lawyers Handle

At Huffman & Huffman, our attorneys have experience representing clients in all types of motor vehicle accident cases. Some of the most common cases we handle include:

Drunk Driving Accidents: Crashes caused by intoxicated drivers are often severe and entirely preventable.
Distracted Driving Accidents: Eating, adjusting controls, and other distractions cause devastating collisions.
Texting Accidents: Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous distractions, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. We fight for victims of these reckless behaviors.
Rear-End Collisions: Distracted driving or tailgating is often the cause of rear-end collisions, which often cause injuries like whiplash.
T-Bone Accidents: Typically occurring at intersections, these side-impact collisions can cause significant harm.
Head-On Collisions: These are severe and often deadly accidents, due to the impact severity.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Accidents involving multiple vehicles are often complicated and require detailed investigation to determine liability.
Hit-and-Run Incidents: We strive to identify drivers who flee accident scenes and hold them accountable for their actions.
Speeding and Reckless Driving: Accidents resulting from excessive speed or aggressive driving behaviors are among the most common we see in Virginia.
Weather-Related Accidents: Crashes occurring due to hazardous weather conditions, where drivers may still be held responsible.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accidents: We handle cases where the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage.
Vehicle Defects: When accidents are caused by faulty car parts, victims may be able to file a product liability claim.

Common Injuries in Car Accident Cases

Our firm represents car accident victims who have suffered all types of serious injuries. Here are some of the most common injuries we see when working with clients.

infographic of common car accident injuries

What to Do After a Car Accident in Virginia

If you’ve been involved in any type of auto accident in Virginia, there are several steps you can take to protect your safety and your right to fair compensation.

Stay at the scene (unless you are in need of emergency medical care and are taken from the scene in an ambulance). It is against the law to leave the scene of an auto accident that has caused property damage or personal injury.
Call 911 if someone is injured or the car accident is blocking traffic.
Exchange information with the other driver or drivers that are involved. The exchange of driver and insurance information is also required by Virginia law, and it will help you file a claim.
Try to gather as much information as you can. Take pictures with your phone, take notes, and get the contact information of any witnesses at the scene. This can guide and support your claim later on.
Do not admit fault. Do not apologize or say anything that may be interpreted as an admission of fault. Only a complete investigation will reveal what caused the collision.

Do not accept a settlement or check without consulting a car accident attorney. The insurance company may offer you a settlement, but it is important that you do not sign anything or accept payment until you have talked to your car accident lawyer. You need to be certain that the settlement is fair and actually covers all losses, injuries, and expenses you are facing.

Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Crash in Virginia

There are a few common mistakes that people make right after an accident and it’s important to be aware so that you don’t fall victim to these same errors.

Not seeking medical attention. Go see the doctor as soon as possible, don’t underestimate your injuries, and never say you are okay. If there is an ambulance tell the EMS about all of your symptoms and schedule a medical checkup. Not only is this the best advice for your health, but it could also help strengthen your future case.
Failing to call the police. Always call the police so that they can fully document and report the incident. Doing this can prevent the other driver from making false claims and ensures important details aren’t missed in the post-accident confusion.
Admitting fault or guilt. Never do this. It is not up to you to determine fault, that will be up to the police report. You do not want to open yourself up to liability when you don’t need to.
Not gathering evidence. It is always important to gather evidence after the accident. Gather the names and numbers of any witnesses and the names, license plate numbers, addresses, and insurance information of the other individuals involved. Try and take photos of the damages, and the scene of the accident, and take note of road conditions. This evidence will help you defend yourself, protect you from false claims, make the case to your insurance company, and even assist you if you have a case that goes to trial.

Be safe out there on the roads and take into consideration the list above if you ever find yourself the victim of an accident.

Virginia Car Accident Lawyer: FAQs

When should you hire an attorney after a car accident in Virginia?

If you were involved in a minor car accident with no injuries, it may not be necessary to work with an attorney. However, if you are injured, there are disputes over who was at fault, or the insurance company is refusing to offer a fair settlement, consider speaking with an attorney as soon as possible.

How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer in Virginia?

At Huffman & Huffman, we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that you won’t pay us until we win your case.

How long do you have to file a car accident claim in Virginia?

Virginia’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the accident date. You may lose your right to seek compensation if you do not file within this time frame. However, there are exceptions in some cases, so it’s best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

Can you file a car accident claim if you were partially at fault?

In Virginia, the contributory negligence rule is strictly followed, which means that if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation.

Can you file a claim if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

Yes. You may still be able to file a claim under uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Virginia law requires insurance companies to offer UM/UIM coverage, so you may have protection even if the other driver is not adequately insured.

How long does a car accident case take?

The timeframe of a car accident case varies depending on several factors: the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the insurance company to settle, and whether a lawsuit is required. Some cases settle in a few months, while others take longer, especially if they go to trial.

Will I need to go to court for my car accident case?

Most car accident claims are settled outside of court through negotiations with insurance companies. However, if the insurer refuses a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Virginia Car Accident Lawyer at Huffman & Huffman

A car accident can turn your life upside down, but you don’t have to go through it alone. The experienced attorneys at Huffman & Huffman have spent over 50 years fighting for accident victims across Virginia, securing the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. We offer free consultations, and there are no fees until we win your case. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.

Call Now For A Free Consultation