What to Do After a Car Accident in Martinsville, Virginia

Getting into a car accident is one of the most disorienting experiences a person can go through. In the moments after a crash, it can be hard to know what steps to take — and the decisions you make in those first hours can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation.

At Charles M. Aaron, PLC, Attorneys at Law, we have been helping injury victims in Martinsville and across Virginia navigate the legal aftermath of serious accidents since 1980. Here is what you need to know.

Stay at the Scene and Check for Injuries

Virginia law requires all drivers involved in an accident to remain at the scene. Before anything else, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to move anyone who may have a neck or spinal injury unless there is an immediate danger such as fire.

Call the Police

Even if the accident seems minor, you should always request a police report. Officers will document the scene, gather statements, and create an official record of the crash. This report is often critical evidence in a personal injury claim. In Martinsville, you can expect officers from the Martinsville Police Department or Virginia State Police to respond depending on where the accident occurred.

Document Everything at the Scene

If you are physically able, use your phone to photograph and video the following before vehicles are moved.

Take photos of all vehicles involved and the damage to each one. Capture the position of the vehicles in the roadway, any skid marks or debris, traffic signs and signals in the area, your visible injuries, and the other driver's license plate, insurance card, and driver's license.

Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Their accounts can be powerful evidence if the other driver disputes what happened.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

This is one of the most important steps you can take — both for your health and your case. Many serious injuries, including whiplash, internal bleeding, and traumatic brain injuries, do not produce obvious symptoms right away. If you wait days to see a doctor, the insurance company may argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident.

Go to the emergency room, urgent care, or your primary care physician as soon as possible after the crash. Follow all treatment recommendations and keep records of every appointment, prescription, and medical bill.

Be Careful What You Say

Do not apologize at the scene, even if you feel it is the polite thing to do. Anything you say can be used against you. Stick to factual statements when speaking with police. When the other driver's insurance company calls, do not give a recorded statement before speaking with an attorney.

Notify Your Insurance Company

You are generally required to report the accident to your own insurance carrier, but keep your description brief and factual. Virginia operates under a contributory negligence standard, which means if you are found even slightly at fault, you could be barred from recovering any compensation. This makes it especially important not to make admissions before understanding the full picture.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better. Evidence disappears, witnesses become harder to reach, and Virginia's statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. An experienced attorney can help preserve evidence, deal with insurance adjusters on your behalf, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

At Charles M. Aaron, PLC, our team has decades of experience representing injured drivers and passengers throughout Martinsville and surrounding areas of Virginia and North Carolina. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Virginia's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation entirely. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

What if the other driver does not have insurance?

Virginia allows uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, which can help cover your damages when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage. Our firm can help you understand what policies may apply to your situation.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Virginia follows a contributory negligence rule, which is one of the strictest in the country. If you are found to be even one percent at fault, you may be barred from recovering compensation. This is why having an experienced attorney on your side matters.

What damages can I recover after a car accident?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, future medical treatment, pain and suffering, and property damage. The specific damages available depend on the facts of your case.

How much does it cost to hire a car accident attorney?

Charles M. Aaron, PLC handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. That means there are no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we win your case.