Mini van rams parked police cruiser with emergency lights flashing

BACKGROUND:
My husband is a police officer in Virginia, and was involved in an accident while on duty. He was parked in the left travel lane of a 3-4 lane roadway, assisting a disabled motorist parked in a "barely there" shoulder. My husband had the roof-top light bar, strobe lights, etc. on. It was 8 PM, dark and clear - hence he was very visible. While he was in the cruiser, a mini van rammed the back of his patrol car at approximately 60 mph, did not apply the brakes at all (according to witnesses), and the driver was found at fault (negligent). My husband sustained injuries that put him on disability leave for over 2 1/2 months, he had to withdraw from school, and there are lingering pain issues.

QUESTION:
Do we pursue the personal injury case on our own, with an attorney, involve the police department (workmans comp was paid)... What is our first step? What should we expect in this process?

I don't know the full answer but I will try to help. When ever a patrol car is involved in a collision, there is a big investigation. If your husband was not found at fault, meaning he did every thing correctly then you have a case here. I also work the highway and know how dangerous the roads are. My co-worker was rear ended while on a stop on the right shoulder. He also took time off and got paid by L & I. To this day his back is still not right. He did his own paper work, did not hire a lawyer (not suggesting you do that) and was going to take the person that hit him insurance company to court. The insurance company settled for a hefty sum. My friend still works the road and he still goes to therapy every now and then. I hope your husband is doing ok, even if he is now that does not mean he will be in the future. Get a free consult with a lawyer. My friend would gladly give the money back if it would change his situation.