There’s no denying that car accidents happen all the time and can happen to anyone. If you ever get injured in such an unfortunate accident, you can seek compensation for your losses and suffering. However, laws are a little different in Virginia compared to many other states. No matter whether you are, your immediate step after a car accident should be about calling 911. Wait until the police arrive at the scene, and yes, consider calling one of the best car accident attorneys Virginia, to know other details and your rights. Here is an important overview of car accident laws in the state.
Reporting a car accident in Virginia
Drivers must report a car accident in Virginia, if there were injuries, death, and vehicle damage. If you were involved in the accident, you need to report all the details, along with your name, license number, vehicle registration number to a local law-enforcement agency. You must also share these details with other drivers, occupants, and if an unattended/attended car was damaged, to the owner/custodian of the same.
The statute of limitations
Like other states, Virginia also has a statute of limitations, which allows two years, from the date of the accident, to file a personal injury lawsuit against the party at fault. If the accident resulted in death of a loved one, you have two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The counting will start from the date of death, which may not be the same as the accident date. Note that statute of limitations doesn’t apply to insurance claims.
Contributory negligence rule
Virginia follows the ‘contributory negligence rule’ and this is different from the standard comparative negligence rule followed by many other states. Under the contributory negligence rule, if you were even partly at fault for an accident, you cannot file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver. This is quite a tough rule, considering that auto accidents are rarely that simple. However, don’t assume that you cannot take any action. When it comes to auto accident settlements, talk to an attorney.
Meeting an auto accident attorney
There are many law firms in Virginia that take up auto accident lawsuits on a regular basis. Meet an attorney in person, to know the best course of action and what they can do for your case. Typically, attorneys take up such cases on a contingency basis, but do ask in advance, including other costs related to the case.