Auto Accident Attorneys

What to Do After a Car Accident

A car accident can be a horrifying ordeal. If you have been involved in a car accident, your adrenalin is pumping and you are wondering if you are OK.

At the Virginia law firm of Kalfus & Nachman, our talented and compassionate auto accident lawyers understand how hard it is to deal with a car accident. Our experienced attorneys will fight to get you the money you deserve for your injuries, so you can concentrate on recovering.

What to Do Following a Motor Vehicle Crash

If someone is injured, your first step is to call 9-1-1 for emergency medical assistance. If there are no injuries, here are some things you should do:

• Stay calm. Remain at the scene of the accident until the police have come and gone. Make sure you write down the name of the officer who took your report. Also write down your version of what happened while it is fresh in your mind. Never admit fault to anyone; not the other party and not the police.
• If the car accident is minor and there are no injuries, the police may not arrive on the scene. If this is the case, it is your responsibility to document the scene. Take photographs with a camera or cell phone and write a detailed recollection of how the accident occurred. Be sure to photograph any pertinent obstructions, weather conditions, debris or landscape that may have impacted your accident.
• Gather the names, addresses, driver's license and insurance information with every other driver. Also write down the names and contact information of any witnesses and passengers involved.
• Review your insurance policy to see what it covers. Carefully review the “declarations” page, which lists the types and dollar limits of your coverage. Pay close attention to any discounts or special provisions that you have purchased, and make a list of questions for a car accident lawyer.

Emergency Kit to Keep in Your Vehicle

It is a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your vehicle in case of an accident. Your kit should contain:

• A pen and paper for taking notes
• A disposable camera to take photos of the vehicles at the scene
• A card with information about medical allergies or conditions that may require special attention if there are serious injuries
• A list of contact numbers for law enforcement agencies
• A flashlight to assess damage at night
• A set of cones, warning triangles or flares to warn other drivers if you cannot move your vehicle quickly off the road

If you have been involved in a car accident, please contact the Virginia auto accident attorneys at Kalfus & Nachman today to schedule your free initial consultation. Our firm serves clients in the Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Portsmouth, Roanoke, and Virginia Beach, Virginia areas.