I am beyond happy with my experience working with Rutter Mills. Rutter Mills was responsive throughout the entire journey and worked diligently on my behalf, making the process worry and stress free. I cannot recommend this company enough.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Multi-Vehicle Accident in Virginia Beach
Being involved in a multi-vehicle accident can be overwhelming—especially in a busy area like Virginia Beach, where traffic congestion and tourism can complicate matters. These types of crashes involve multiple drivers, conflicting accounts, and complex questions of liability. Knowing what steps to take immediately after the collision can protect your health, legal rights, and ability to seek fair compensation.
If this has happened to you, having a local and experienced legal team by your side during these challenging times can make all the difference. Rutter Mills has been serving the community for decades, earning a reputation for our dedication, compassion, and exceptional legal expertise locally and across the country. Our experienced car accident lawyers in Virginia Beach are the go-to choice for people seeking justice and compensation for their cases. Schedule a free consultation today.
Immediate Steps After the Accident
Clear thinking and immediate action are essential in the aftermath of a multi-vehicle accident. Your priority must always be safety—both your own and others involved. Once you’ve checked for injuries, take the following steps to protect your rights and strengthen any potential legal claim:
- Move Out of Traffic Lanes—If Possible. If your car is operational and it’s safe to do so, carefully move it out of traffic to prevent further collisions. If your car cannot be moved, remain inside with your seatbelt fastened, activate your hazard lights, and wait for emergency responders.
- Stay Clear of On-coming Traffic. Too many accident victims come to us when they are impacted by another car in or near their disabled vehicle. On high traffic roads like interstate 264 or even secondary roads like Virginia Beach Blvd., it’s critical you stay clear of oncoming traffic.
- Call 911 Immediately. Notify law enforcement and request medical assistance, even if injuries seem minor. A police report is a critical document for insurance and legal claims, and timely medical documentation is essential to link injuries to the crash.
- Document the Scene Thoroughly. Use your phone to take comprehensive photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, license plates, witnesses, skid marks, traffic signals, and road conditions only if it is safe to do so. Video footage can be especially valuable, offering broader context and capturing details you may miss.
Gather Critical Information
Accurate information can be pivotal in a multi-vehicle accident case. For example, witness statements often serve as crucial evidence, particularly when dashcam footage or surveillance video is unavailable. Securing this and other types of information at the scene can significantly strengthen your position in any insurance claim or legal action:
- Exchange Information with All Drivers Involved. Obtain names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details from every driver at the scene.
- Collect Witness Contact Details and Statements. Identify any bystanders who saw the crash and ask for their names and contact information. If they’re willing, record a brief statement on your phone while their memory is fresh.
- Note Weather and Road Conditions. Record the time of day, visibility, road surface (wet, icy, or dry), and any environmental factors—these details can be critical in determining liability.
- Document Vehicle Positions and Damage. Take wide-angle and close-up photos showing the positions of all vehicles post-collision, as well as visible damage, debris, and relevant landmarks or traffic signs.
At Rutter Mills, we work to build a strong case for you that shields you from insurance companies trying to cast blame or find fault with you. We take on the burden of proving liability, negotiating with insurance companies, and fiercely representing you in court if it comes to that.
Legal Considerations in Virginia
Being involved in a multi-vehicle accident in Virginia raises several important legal considerations. First and foremost, Virginia follows a strict contributory negligence rule, meaning that if you are found even slightly at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation.
Additionally, there are firm deadlines for pursuing legal action. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim, as outlined in Virginia’s statute of limitations.
Finally, in chain-reaction or multi-vehicle collisions, determining fault is often complex and may involve multiple parties, insurance investigators, and accident reconstruction experts. Because statements made at the scene can be misinterpreted or used against you later, it’s critical not to admit fault, even informally. Instead, focus on documenting the scene and seeking legal guidance. If you do speak with a car accident attorney, make sure they have the experience and resources to handle a thorough investigation. Not every firm can or will take your case to court because of those expenses and the insurance companies know it.
Working with Insurance Companies
Navigating insurance claims after a multi-vehicle accident can be intimidating, especially when multiple parties and policies are involved. Understanding how to effectively communicate with insurers can protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
How to work with insurance companies:
- Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly. Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible. Provide basic facts, but avoid giving recorded statements or speculating about fault until you’ve consulted with car accident lawyer.
- Be Cautious in Your Communication. Insurance adjusters—especially those from other involved drivers—may contact you quickly. Their goal is often to minimize payouts, so it’s essential to be careful with your words and avoid accepting blame.
- Understand the Role of Each Insurance Provider. In multi-vehicle accidents, multiple insurers are involved, each with competing interests. Your own insurer may coordinate benefits like medical payments, while at-fault drivers’ insurers handle liability—creating a complex claims environment.
- Don’t Settle Too Quickly. Early settlement offers may not reflect the full extent of your injuries or property damage.
- Keep Detailed Records. Maintain all accident-related documentation, including repair estimates, medical bills, correspondence with insurers, and a log of symptoms or treatment. These records support your claim and can protect you if disputes arise.
Consult a lawyer before signing anything. Insurance companies may ask you to sign waivers or releases that could limit your right to additional compensation.
Next Steps and Recovery
Recovering from a multi-vehicle accident takes time. Here are some essential steps you can take to protect your health and your legal interests:
- Following Up with Medical Treatment. Even if you received emergency care, follow up with your primary doctor or a specialist to monitor your recovery. Delayed symptoms are common in car accidents, and ongoing treatment creates a medical record that supports your injury claim.
- Documenting Expenses and Lost Wages. Keep detailed records of medical bills, prescriptions, transportation to appointments, and lost income due to missed work. Accurate documentation strengthens your case for compensation.
- Handling Vehicle Repairs. Coordinate with your insurance company or the at-fault drivers’ insurance companies to assess damage and schedule repairs. Be sure to keep all repair estimates, receipts, and photos of the damage before and after the work is done.
Remember, some injuries, such as concussions, spinal issues, or PTSD, may have long-term effects. Consult with Rutter Mills to evaluate the full scope of your damages before finalizing any agreement.
Contact Rutter Mills for a Free Consultation: Trust Legal Guidance
In a perfect world, the at-fault drivers in a multi-vehicle accident would have sufficient insurance coverage, and you would only need to file a claim with the insurance company, which would reimburse you for all of your costs. However, the claims process is usually very complicated, and having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can significantly impact the amount of compensation you receive and the speed of your case’s resolution.
Contact Rutter Mills today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re ready to help you pursue the compensation you need for your losses and damages.
Legacy
0
+
Years Helping Injury Victims
Locations
0
Convenient Locations in Hampton Roads
Strength
0
+
Team Members Ready to Help
What Matters Most
Enjoy this 60 second look at "What Matters Most"
ACTUAL GOOGLE REVIEWS
See what our clients say about their experience at Rutter Mills.
Workers Compensation
If you’ve been injured on the job, workers’ compensation insurance may entitle you to critical assistance like medical treatment, lost wages, and more. But insurance companies will put up an aggressive fight to resist paying you the compensation you need and deserve. Rutter Mills can help get you the money you deserve.
