Traffic accidents in Virginia often lead to serious, life-altering consequences. Even when the accident is minor, the aftermath can affect every aspect of a victim’s life. Fortunately, compensation is available for many victims. But nothing can turn back the hands of time and erase the past.
Health Consequences
Traffic accidents in Virginia can cause negative health consequences. The forces that explode in a traffic accident are enormous. When vehicles strike a human body, all types of injuries may occur, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Back and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Injuries to the face
- Eye and mouth injuries
- Amputations
- Burns and scrapes
- Cuts and wounds
- Broken and crushed bones
- Internal injuries
In many cases, traffic accidents in Virginia lead to death but not always at the scene. Many victims of traffic accidents pass away after arriving at the hospital. Those who survive must often contend with serious injuries that affect their entire lives.
To pay for the treatment of these injuries, accident victims typically bring claims against insurance companies. Without insurance, most accident victims would not be capable of paying for their care.
Work Consequences
Traffic accidents routinely lead to time off of work for victims. The more serious the accident, the more likely it is that the injured party must forgo work to heal. Sadly, financial pressures do not cease to exist after an accident. And with no money coming in and lots of medical bills, victims face difficult futures without payment for their losses.
Fortunately, victims of traffic accidents in Virginia can pursue compensation for lost income. The payout is meant to cover not only current lost wages but lost future wages and earning capacity.
Emotional Consequences
The emotional consequences of accidents are just as negative as the health consequences. Trauma and injuries can turn an emotional powerhouse into an insecure and frightened person.
An accident can also cause a person to experience serious physical and emotional pain. In turn, this pain can lead to episodes of depression, anxiety, and other similar conditions.
When seeking justice for traffic accidents in Virginia, victims are permitted to seek damages based on these emotional consequences, such as pain and suffering, scarring, and mental anguish.
Relationship Consequences
The relationship consequences of traffic accidents in Virginia can be dire. After a crash, a victim might find it difficult to engage in or maintain relationships. The victim might also be affected to the point that they isolate themselves from others. They might also allow their current relationships to sour.
Additionally, a victim’s relationship with their community might suffer as well after a traffic accident. A once active community member might end up completely ceasing all involvement in their normal activities temporarily or permanently.
The damages available for victims suffering from relationship issues include:
- Loss of society
- The loss of companionship
- Loss of comfort and guidance
However, there is no separate category of damages for loss of consortium in Virginia as there is in many other states.
Dealing with the Consequences of Traffic Accidents in Virginia
The destructive nature of traffic accidents alters the course of thousands of Virginians’ lives each year. For those victims who are not at fault, there are certain steps to take to get maximum compensation to address their losses.
Consider Seeking Medical Treatment
If you want compensation for injuries from a traffic accident, you will need a record of your injuries. A visit to a qualified healthcare professional shortly after your accident will provide you with this record. However, if you wait too long, your injuries could get worse. Additionally, the insurance company could question your injuries if you sought treatment long after the crash.
File an Accident Report
An accident report is mandatory when injuries or death occur in a traffic accident. According to the law, you must also file one if there is $1,500 or more in property damage. You will also need this report to accompany your claim for compensation.
Take Photos and Video Footage
Evidence will be crucial for your insurance claim. And the best thing is always to collect evidence as quickly after an accident as possible. So, if possible, take photos and video footage of the accident scene. Get shots from many different angles. Also, don’t forget to get images of the damage to the cars and the injuries that people have suffered.
If traffic cameras are in operation, take note of their location. Later, you will likely need their footage for your case.
Gather Witness Statements and Contact Info
If there are witnesses at your crash site, speak with them if possible. Get their contact information, including their name, phone number, and email address. If they are willing to make a statement at that time, take it down or record it with your phone. Remember that witness testimony can be unreliable once time marches on. As a result of recording statements at the scene, you preserve testimony for the future.
Find an Experienced Traffic Accident Attorney
No one will help you better deal with the consequences of a traffic accident than an experienced traffic accident lawyer. Although many victims of traffic accidents proceed without representation, those that do hire lawyers typically get more money. Accordingly, it is always better to speak with a lawyer when making a claim against an insurance company.
Speak with a Virginia Traffic Accident Lawyer Today
Are you dealing with the aftermath of a car accident and are not sure what to do next? Reach out to the team at the Joel Bieber Firm to learn how you can access valuable compensation to deal with your losses. We have helped thousands recover millions of dollars. We can potentially help you, too. Call for a free case review today.
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