What Is a Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA)? A Guide for Victims
From defining an MVA to the immediate steps you must take after a crash, this guide covers everything you need to know to protect your rights.
A Motor Vehicle Accident, commonly referred to as an MVA, is a crash involving a vehicle such as a car, truck, motorcycle, or bus. These incidents can range from minor fender benders to catastrophic collisions resulting in life-altering injuries.
Regardless of the severity, understanding what happens immediately after an MVA is critical to protecting your physical health and your legal rights.
Common Causes of MVAs
While every accident is unique, several common factors often contribute to collisions:
- Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or using in-car entertainment systems.
- Impaired Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Traffic Violations: Speeding, running red lights, or failing to yield.
- Environmental Conditions: Poor weather, slick roads, or low visibility.
Regardless of the cause, the impact on your life—physical, emotional, and financial—can be significant.
Immediate Steps to Take After an Accident
If you are involved in an MVA, remaining calm is the first challenge. Follow these steps to ensure you are protected:
1. Prioritize Safety and Medical Care
Check yourself and others for injuries. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask pain. Seek medical attention immediately; a medical record is vital for any future insurance or legal claims.
2. Document the Scene
If it is safe to do so, take photos of the vehicles, the road conditions, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s), but do not admit fault at the scene.
3. Contact Law Enforcement
For any accident involving injury or significant damage, a police report is essential. This official document will be a cornerstone of your insurance claim.
4. Notify Your Insurance
Report the accident to your provider as soon as possible. They will begin the process of determining fault. If the other driver is responsible, their insurance should cover your damages, but this process can take time.
The Financial Reality of MVAs
Here is the hard truth: Settlements take time, but bills do not.
If you have been injured and are unable to work, the financial pressure can build quickly. Medical expenses, car repairs, and regular monthly bills (like rent and utilities) can pile up while you wait for the insurance companies to negotiate.
This is where Flash Legal Funding steps in. If you need an immediate cash advance to cover your bills while your attorney fights for a fair settlement, we offer a straightforward solution.
Our application process is fast, we contact your lawyer directly to confirm case details, and we can often transfer funds within 24 hours. Don't let financial stress force you into a low settlement—let us help you bridge the gap.