The Smith Law Center

09/03/2026

AFTER THE CRASH: WHAT EVIDENCE SHOULD YOU SAVE?
After a crash, your first priority is your health and safety.

But once you're safe, start preserving evidence. You may need it later, and some evidence can disappear surprisingly fast.

TAKE PHOTOS & VIDEO
Don't just photograph the damage to your vehicle. If it's safe, document:
• Damage to all vehicles involved
• The accident scene and roadway
• Skid marks, debris, and vehicle positions
• Traffic lights, signs, and road conditions
• Weather or visibility conditions
• Any visible injuries

If you have dashcam footage, surveillance footage, or other video that may have captured the crash, preserve it as soon as possible. Some video systems automatically record over older footage.

SAVE YOUR PHONE RECORDS
Keep photos, videos, texts, emails, and other communications related to the crash. Don't delete anything, even if you think it's unimportant.

GET WITNESS INFORMATION
If someone saw what happened, get their name and contact information. Witnesses can be difficult to locate later.

KEEP YOUR DOCUMENTS
Save copies of:
• The police/crash report
• Insurance information
• Medical records and bills
• Prescriptions
• Repair estimates and invoices
• Receipts for crash-related expenses

DOCUMENT YOUR INJURIES
Keep track of your symptoms and how they're affecting your daily life. A simple journal can help you remember when symptoms started, how they change, and what activities you can no longer do.

Bottom line: Don't assume something isn't important. Save it. You can always decide later that you don't need it.

09/02/2026

AFTER THE CRASH: WHAT SHOULD YOU NOT SAY TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY?

After a crash, you may get a call from an insurance adjuster asking what happened. You want to be helpful. But be careful what you say. Something you say casually could later be used to challenge your claim.

AVOID SAYING:

“I’m fine.”
You may be trying to be polite—but you don't necessarily know the full extent of your injuries yet.

“I’m not hurt.”
Some injuries don't become apparent until hours or days after a crash.

“I’m sorry.”
Don't apologize or accept blame before all the facts are known.

“I wasn't paying attention.”
Don't speculate about what caused the crash or make statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault.

“It was my fault.”
Determining responsibility is more complicated than a conversation at the scene or over the phone.

“I think I was going about ___ mph.”
If you're not certain, don't guess. You don't have to speculate.

“I don't need medical treatment.”
You aren't qualified to make that determination immediately after a crash. Let a medical professional evaluate you.

What should you do instead?

Be truthful. Stick to the facts you know. Don't guess, speculate, minimize your injuries, or give more information than you're certain about.

And remember: the insurance adjuster works for the insurance company, NOT FOR YOU.

If you're seriously injured or your claim is becoming complicated, consider speaking with an attorney before giving a recorded statement or making decisions about your claim.

09/01/2026

AFTER THE CRASH: WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR?
You walk away from a crash thinking, “I feel fine.” But here's the problem: not every injury shows up immediately.

The adrenaline following a collision can temporarily mask pain and other symptoms. Some injuries may not become apparent until hours, or even days, later.

You should consider seeing a doctor if you experience:
• Headaches or dizziness
• Neck or back pain
• Numbness or tingling
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
• Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
• Nausea or unusual fatigue
• Joint or muscle pain
• Sleep problems
• Any pain that gets worse instead of better
• Any symptom that concerns you after the crash

And don't wait for symptoms if you were involved in a significant collision. A medical professional can evaluate you and determine whether further treatment or testing is necessary.

Your health comes first. But medical records can also document your injuries, symptoms, and treatment following the crash. That's important if you later need to make an insurance claim.

08/31/2026

This week, we’re going to be focusing on what you should do after the crash. A crash can leave you shaken, confused, and unsure of what to do next. Here are the first steps that matter:

GET TO A SAFE LOCATION.
If you can safely move your vehicle out of traffic, do so. Turn on your hazard lights.

CHECK FOR INJURIES.
Check yourself and your passengers. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately.

CALL THE POLICE.
Even if the crash seems minor, having an official crash report can be important later.

EXCHANGE INFORMATION.
Get the other driver's name, phone number, driver's license information, insurance information, and license plate number.

TAKE PICTURES.
Photograph the vehicles, damage, roadway, traffic signs, skid marks, and anything else that may help document what happened.

GET WITNESS INFORMATION.
If someone saw what happened, ask for their name and contact information.

DON'T ARGUE ABOUT FAULT.
Stick to the facts when speaking with the other driver, witnesses, and police. You don't need to decide who was responsible at the scene.

PAY ATTENTION TO HOW YOU FEEL.
Adrenaline can mask pain and other symptoms immediately after a crash. If you begin experiencing pain, dizziness, headaches, confusion, or other symptoms, seek medical attention.

Save this post. You may never need it—but if you do, you'll be glad you have it.

Tomorrow: When should you see a doctor after a crash?

08/30/2026

Great Night in Downtown Hampton!

08/30/2026

The Smith Law Center was proud to be the Title Sponsor of Party at the Park last night, presented by the City of Hampton!

Country Western Night brought great music, great people, and a whole lot of fun to downtown Hampton. A special shoutout to Buckshot for keeping the crowd entertained all night long!

Our attorneys and team had a great time meeting members of the community, handing out Smith Law Center merchandise, and enjoying another great night in the city we’re proud to call home.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello!

Smith Law Center — Proud to Support Our Community.

08/24/2026

The Smith Law Center recently secured a $400,000 settlement for a client who was injured after being rear-ended by a school bus in Chesapeake, Virginia.

The crash resulted in serious injuries, including a traumatic brain injury (TBI). While the terms of the settlement are confidential, we are proud to have helped our client obtain a meaningful recovery.

A traumatic brain injury can change a life in an instant. If you or someone you love has suffered a brain injury because of someone else’s negligence, you deserve answers and experienced legal representation.

When you've been hurt, WE HIT BACK.

27 W Queens Way
Hampton, VA 23669
757.244.7000

08/19/2026

Today was about more than backpacks; it was about investing in our community and the kids who will shape its future.

The Smith Law Center was proud to provide 400 backpacks to elementary school students at Alfred Forrest Elementary School in Hampton, Virginia.

Every child deserves the opportunity to start the school year feeling prepared, confident, and excited to learn. We’re honored to play a small part in making that happen.

Because giving back isn’t just something we do. It’s part of who we are.

08/14/2026

Join us for live music in Downtown Hampton every Saturday throughout the summer!

08/13/2026

At the Smith Law Center, we believe being part of our community means more than just being a business—it means showing up for the people who call Hampton home.

This year, we’re proud to provide 400 backpacks filled with school supplies to students at Forrest Elementary School in Hampton as they get ready for a new school year.

We love helping our community, supporting local families, and giving kids the tools they need to start the school year with confidence.

Here’s to a great school year, Forrest Elementary!