WHAT STEPS SHOULD I TAKE IF I’M INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT DURING MY VACATION?

Many families in Virginia are planning last-minute vacations to celebrate the end of summer. Amusement parks, beaches, historical sites – no matter your preference, you’re likely going to be driving at some point. But what happens if you’re out of town and a negligent driver rear-ends your vehicle?

An out-of-state accident can be stressful for several reasons:

• You could be in unfamiliar territory.
• You don’t know who to call for help.
• You may be driving a rental car.
• You could sustain injuries that prevent you from going home.

Legally, you need to comply with the car insurance requirements of the state where the accident occurred, not your home state. Fortunately, insurance companies and experienced car accident attorneys are familiar with this process and can guide you through each step. While it’s great to know that you aren’t alone in the aftermath of a car accident, you’re probably wondering what steps you can take in the heat of the moment to protect your right to damages.

The car accident lawyers at Huffman & Huffman, Brothers-in-Law, PLLC specialize in personal injury law and are familiar with the personal, legal, and financial hurdles that accompany motor vehicle collisions. For this reason, we’ve compiled a list of 20 tips to guide you through the aftermath of an out-of-state collision:

1. If possible, turn on your hazard lights and pull your vehicle over.
2. Call 911 immediate and ask for emergency assistance.
3. If you’re a rideshare passenger, take a screenshot of your receipt that shows the time of the collision.
4. Check that all parties – passengers, drivers, bystanders – are safe and unharmed.
5. Take pictures of your injuries, any vehicles involved, nearby structures, and the entirety of the accident scene.
6. Don’t apologize or imply fault for the accident.
7. Exchange insurance and license information with the other driver(s).
8. Help law enforcement officials complete their accident report.
9. Do not leave the accident scene until the officers give you express permission.
10. Write down the named and badge number of the responding officers.
11. Talk to nearby witnesses and write down their contact information.
12. Locate and visit a nearby hospital or medical care facility, even if you don’t think you’re injured.
13. Ask the doctor to note that your injuries are due to an auto accident in your medical record.
14. Request copies of your updated medical record and the accident report before heading home.
15. Notify the rental car company about the accident and follow their instructions regarding the vehicle.
16. Contact your insurance company and a qualified car accident attorney as soon as possible.
17. Keep an ongoing record of your accident-related financial losses (receipts, bills, lost wages, etc.).
18. Don’t accept calls from the defendant’s claims adjuster; direct them to your lawyer.
19. Avoid posting about the collision on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.).
20. Takes notes about how your injuries have affected your personal life, physical capabilities, and career.

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION WITH OUR EXPERIENCED & RESULTS-DRIVEN ATTORNEYS

After the accident, you need to contact a qualified attorney who is licensed to practice in the state where the accident occurred. At Huffman & Huffman, Brothers-in-Law, PLLC, our experienced legal team has a comprehensive understanding of Virginia’s traffic laws and the various circumstances and contingencies that could influence the outcome of your case. We can investigate your case, calculate the value of your claim, and protect you from accepting a settlement that doesn’t cover your accident-related expenses.

If you require legal guidance or representation, contact the trial-tested attorneys at Huffman & Huffman, Brothers-in-Law, PLLC by calling (757) 599-6050.