If you’ve been hurt in a car crash in Virginia, you may be facing a long recovery, time away from work, and mounting medical expenses. Getting full and fair compensation for these losses isn’t always easy, especially in a state where even slight fault can prevent you from recovering anything.
With over 120 years of combined experience and a history of groundbreaking results for our clients, you want The Car Crash Experts at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers on your side after a wreck. We build every claim with comprehensive car accident evidence, gathering medical records, accident reports, expert testimony, and other evidence to prove how the crash happened and its impact on your life.
Why Evidence Matters in Virginia Car Accident Claims
To recover compensation after a car accident, you must show that another party breached a duty of care and caused your injuries. Virginia’s contributory negligence law also requires you to prove that you didn’t contribute to the crash. If you’re even 1% at fault, you cannot recover damages.
Strong evidence is key to a successful claim. Thorough documentation helps our Virginia car accident lawyers demonstrate that the other driver was entirely at fault and calculate the full value of your damages.
Gathering Critical Evidence at the Crash Scene
Some of the strongest evidence comes from the accident scene, including:
- Photos and videos: Images of vehicle damage and positions, visible injuries, skid marks, and road hazards provide a visual record that can help us reconstruct how the crash occurred.
- Traffic camera footage: These recordings can provide objective documentation of the moments immediately before or during the collision.
- Vehicle data recorders: In commercial vehicle accidents, “black box” data can reveal speed, braking, and other factors that might have contributed to the crash.
- Bodycam footage: Body-worn cameras worn by police officers arriving at the scene may capture the immediate statements and behavior of the drivers involved in the crash.
- Witness statements: Individuals who witnessed the accident can provide additional perspectives that support your version of events.
How Our Attorneys Investigate and Preserve the Accident Scene
A serious injury can prevent you from gathering this evidence while it’s fresh. You may have had to leave the scene to get emergency medical care, but we can step in and collect the evidence you need.
Our legal team includes dedicated accident investigators who can visit the crash site immediately on your behalf. We can take photos and videos, locate and interview witnesses, and request official recordings before they’re overridden.
Additional Evidence Can Further Support Your Case
Our car accident investigations often continue beyond the initial scene. In the days, weeks, and months following the crash, we may collect additional evidence to further strengthen your claim.
Medical Evidence
Medical records detail what injuries you suffered, the treatment you received, and your expected recovery outlook. They’re crucial for proving that the accident caused your injuries and for calculating your damages. Key medical records include diagnostic test results, doctor’s notes, hospital records, surgical reports, physical therapy records, and medical bills.
Expert testimony from treating physicians or independent specialists can also explain how your injuries impact your ability to work and live your life as you did before the accident.
Police Report
A police report typically includes the responding officer’s observations, diagrams of the crash scene, statements from drivers and witnesses, and any traffic citations issued. It provides an official account of the event from a third-party perspective, which can be beneficial when proving liability in a car accident.
Expert Testimony
Expert witnesses such as accident reconstructionists, economic experts, and vocational specialists can testify about how the crash occurred and its impact on your financial future. Reconstructionists can analyze physical evidence to recreate the collision, while economists can project the long-term costs of your lost income and medical care.
How Our Team Acquired Evidence for a $5 Million Car Accident Case
A collision on a narrow Gloucester County road left a 41-year-old Hampton woman with life-altering injuries. A construction truck had veered into her lane and struck her with such force that the engine was pushed into her lap. She suffered multiple fractures, internal organ damage, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a mild traumatic brain injury.
Our Virginia personal injury lawyers filed a lawsuit against the truck driver and his employer. Witness testimony was key to our success in this case—an eyewitness confirmed the truck crossed into our client’s lane, and we quickly preserved his statement. Physical evidence and the driver’s cell phone records further supported her case.
We also relied heavily on medical documentation. Our team worked with the victim’s surgeon and orthopedic specialists to detail her prognosis, which included a 58% permanent impairment and lifelong mobility challenges. Ultimately, we secured a $5 million settlement just 15 months after the crash, allowing our client to meet her ongoing needs.
Start Moving Forward With Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers
Building a strong case requires swift action and a detailed investigation, and we’re ready to do exactly that. In Virginia, you typically have just two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim, so it’s important to act quickly.
Our attorneys can collect strong car accident evidence and consult with third-party experts to prove that you’re entitled to maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact us online or call 757-333-3333 to get your questions answered and start pursuing the results you deserve. There’s no risk in reaching out—your consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.
