What to Do if You’re Hurt in a Virginia Multi-Vehicle Crash

Aug 24, 2023 | Auto Accidents, Blog

car accident

Any car accident has the potential to cause catastrophic injuries and property damage, and multi-vehicle accidents can dramatically increase those risks. 

Multiple-vehicle accidents involve three or more vehicles, which also complicates determining fault and collecting compensation for damages. Here are the basic steps to take after a multi-vehicle accident in Virginia and how an attorney can help you recover. 

Determining Car Accident Liability in Multi-Vehicle Accidents 

No matter how carefully you drive, there are infinite factors that can cause an accident. According to The Legal Examiner, the majority of car accidents in Virginia are multi-vehicle accidents.

Whether it’s drunk driving, distracted driving, or poor weather conditions, an accident can happen virtually any time. For an innocent driver to prove that another party (or parties) is at fault for the accident, they must also prove that they share 0% of the blame for the incident. This rule comes from Virginia’s contributory negligence standard, which bars an accident victim from receiving compensation even if they were only 1% at fault for the crash.

The Virginia contributory negligence law is recognized as relatively harsh, and Virginia is one of only a handful of states that follows this standard. The majority of states use a comparative negligence standard that allows accident victims to recover if they share less than 50% of the blame.

Because of the high stakes involved under a contributory negligence standard, it can be helpful to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side to advocate for your rights and negotiate on your behalf. 

The role of a personal injury attorney includes the following: 

  • Investigate the accident to determine fault
  • Negotiate with insurance companies
  • Arrange for medical care that can be paid for from your settlement
  • File paperwork and other documents
  • Initiate a lawsuit and represent you in court if settlement talks fail 

What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Accident in Virginia

Whether your car crash involved two cars for ten, the steps to protect your health and your personal injury claim are the same. 

We’ve outlined the appropriate steps below: 

  1. Call the police. In any accident with an injury or property damage, the police should be contacted to take a report. This documentation can be used as evidence in your case
  2. Gather evidence. Take pictures of the vehicles involved, skid marks, weather conditions, signage, and anything else related to the circumstances of the accident. Use your smartphone to take pictures and videos
  3. Exchange contact information. While you’ve got your smartphone available, take pictures of the other car’s license plates, drivers’ licenses, and insurance information cards
  4. Identify witnesses. If anyone saw what happened, be sure to ask for their contact information as well. The police will likely interview them, and your insurance company and attorney may want to follow up
  5. Never admit fault. Do not apologize for the accident or admit blame in any way. This type of admission can be used against you
  6. Get medical attention. Even if you don’t think you have a serious injury, it is prudent to be examined by a doctor. A physical examination may detect an injury before other symptoms arrive, which can preserve your health and your case. Insurance companies will often attempt to argue that your injuries weren’t serious if you delayed seeking medical attention
  7. Contact a personal injury attorney. Car accidents can get complicated, especially when the crash involves multiple vehicles. An attorney will go head-to-head against the insurance company and be your advocate. 

Contact an Experienced Virginia Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney 

At Geoff McDonald & Associates, we have more than 25 years of experience representing car accident victims in Virginia. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact us at (804) 635-3508.

Geoff McDonald and Associates: 804-888-8888.

FREE CONSULTATION

No Fees Unless We Win







    Are you Responsible for a Virginia Brake-Check Accident?

    Have you ever found yourself in a situation where another driver is tailgating you, and you decide to tap on your brakes to teach them a lesson? While this may seem like a reasonable response, it’s important to understand the legal implications of such actions....

    How Do I Deal with the Trucking Company or the Insurance Company?

    Being involved in a trucking accident can be a traumatic experience, especially if you sustain physical injuries. In such cases, it can be helpful to understand how to navigate the legal process and deal with the trucking company and their insurance company. Here are...

    Who Can Be Held Responsible for Medical Malpractice?

    Medical malpractice is a serious issue that affects thousands of individuals each year. According to data provided by doctors themselves, approximately 250,000 people lose their lives annually due to medical malpractice, with many more suffering injuries as a result....

    Is There a Cap on Damages in Virginia Truck Accident Cases?

    The impact of a truck accident lasts long after you leave the scene. If your car collided with a truck, you likely suffered life-altering injuries. These injuries may impact your ability to work and live as you once did. Similarly, if you lost a loved one to an...

    How Can You Prove Driver Fatigue in a Virginia Truck Accident?

    When tragedies like an accident involving a commercial truck happen, you want answers. While there is a long list of reasons truck accidents occur, one common cause is driver fatigue.  Truck drivers may not realize they are too tired to drive until it’s too late. As...

    Our Case Results

    $4,700,000
    Industrial Plant Accident

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Jeffrey A. Breit and Justin M. Sheldon Our client was killed in an industrial accident when an unauthorized worker was operating an overhead crane and pinned our client between…

    $1,750,000
    Rear-End Crash

    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury, facial trauma, a dislocated hip and severe abdominal trauma when she was rear-ended at a traffic light by a tractor trailer. Suit was commenced shortly after…

    $1,250,000
    Assault of Log Truck Driver

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Geoffrey R. McDonald, Frank H. Hupfl, Justin M. Sheldon.
    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury after being assaulted and knocked to the ground while fueling his logging…

    $860,000
    Drunk Driving Crash

    Our client suffered neck/head trauma and a broken wrist after his vehicle was struck by a drunk driver while he was stopped at a traffic light. Upon rejection of a settlement offer of $325,000, our litigation…

    $700,000
    Rear-End Collision

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Justin M. Sheldon and Geoff R. McDonald, Richmond
    GMA’s client was injured as a result of a rear-end collision in the greater Richmond area. The crash occurred a little after…

    Client Reviews

    Cheryl and Rich were wonderful and patient with me throughout the case. All of my questions were answered. They really helped me through this tough time and made sure to let me know what was going on. I really thank Geoff…

    Troy Saxby

    My experience with GMA staff was first rate. They always represented in a professional way and made sure I had everything as far as paperwork. Kara and Theo made sure to answer all my questions, was always available and so…

    Shirley Brown

    Geoff McDonald & Associates is the team that you want on the field if you’re in need of top notch legal defense! Mr. Taj Henley demonstrated true customer service skills and his expertise made me feel comfortable throughout the…

    Julian Reeves

    Geoff McDonald & Associates: Thank you Taj Henley for all of your hard work and dedication! Very expeditious in my case and I was very satisfied with my settlement. Will recommend to all my friends and family!

    Shareema Williams

    Geoff is number one in my book and I especially appreciate the support of Mr Henley

    Ebony Conwell

    I was so pleased with the knowledge and support from Mr. Taj Henley

    Kideem Frierson

    Thank you Geoff McDonald &Associates. A special thank you to Mr. Taj Henley

    Denise Conwell

    Mr. Taj Henley displays exceptional professionalism for Geoff McDonald & Associates, along with commendable communication skills and customer service. By his work ethic and commitment to the people he serves his value to any…

    Justin Fitzgerald