Virginia uses a contributory negligence rule when determining fault and liability in crashes. It means that drivers who are involved in crashes are only eligible for compensation if they’re determined to be 100% innocent of causing them.
Because of Virginia’s strict law when it comes to auto accident claims, it’s even more important to get an experienced Virginia car accident lawyer than it is in other states. That’s because insurance companies know they can get away with denying your claim if there’s any doubt concerning who was at fault and whether all the blame falls on the other driver or just a percentage of it—even if it’s 99%!
In addition to calling a lawyer right away, it’s also important to do two things after a crash to protect yourself:
- Never admit fault to the police or the other driver—If the responding police officer notes that you admitted fault, it may be game over for your claim. In addition, evidence may later reveal that you had nothing to do with the crash. It’s best way to let the facts show what happened.
- Avoid discussing your crash—When you report the crash to your insurance company, stick to the facts. In addition to not admitting fault, don’t volunteer information. Also, don’t talk about the crash on social media. Your statements may be twisted and used against you.
Even if fault is established at the scene by a police officer, that doesn’t mean that it can’t be revised or changed as more information is gathered and analyzed. Get Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers on your side today after a crash. Contact us now for a free consultation.
