{"id":376912,"date":"2016-10-12T16:43:51","date_gmt":"2016-10-12T21:43:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/virginia-law\/virginia-car-accident-compensation-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-07-01T18:38:17","modified_gmt":"2024-07-01T23:38:17","slug":"virginia-car-accident-compensation-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/virginia-law\/virginia-car-accident-compensation-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Virginia Car Accident Compensation Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Virginia Car Accident Compensation Laws<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/christie-nicholson-j-d\/\">Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/katrina-wilson-esq\/\">Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last reviewed\n        <time>\n                            July 01, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>Auto accidents are very common in Virginia. Whether you&#8217;re the at-fault driver or an innocent victim, you must know how the Virginia car accident compensation laws work. Otherwise, you may file your insurance claim improperly or miss Virginia&#8217;s statute of limitations.<\/p>\r\n<p>This article discusses what you need to know about Virginia car accidents, including what to do after an accident and how to get appropriate compensation for your injuries and losses. If you still have questions about your car accident case, contact an experienced <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-accidents-plaintiff\/virginia\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Virginia car accident lawyer<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>What Should You Do After an Accident in Virginia?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>You must take specific steps to preserve your car accident claim. You must follow Virginia law and preserve the evidence your personal injury attorney will need to prove your case.<\/p>\r\n<p>Here is a list of what to do immediately after your motor vehicle accident:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>Don&#8217;t leave the scene.<\/b> Leaving the scene of the accident, even if it&#8217;s minor, could be an illegal hit-and-run. You may find yourself facing criminal charges, fines, and jail time.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Move your vehicle off the road.<\/b> Do your best to get your car and its occupants out of the way of traffic. Check to see if anyone suffered injuries and needs medical treatment. If possible, provide first aid to any car accident victims.&nbsp;<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Call the police.<\/b> Call 911 or the State Highway Patrol immediately. The dispatcher will send an officer to the accident scene and arrange an ambulance to transport accident victims to the nearest hospital. The police will thoroughly investigate the car crash and put their findings in a written report. Your Virginia car accident attorney will need a copy of the accident report to help prove your case.&nbsp;<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Exchange contact information <\/b>and car insurance information with the other driver.&nbsp;<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Take pictures of the scene<\/b> and get contact information for any witnesses. Ask nearby businesses or homeowners for a copy of their security camera footage.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Call your insurance adjuster<\/b> and notify them of a possible car accident claim.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Get checked by a doctor<\/b> and keep records of any medical expenses.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>You may jeopardize your chances of recovering damages if you don&#8217;t follow this advice. The information in the police report is crucial to your personal injury case. Your attorney may be unable to access it once law enforcement clears the accident scene.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Virginia Car Accident Compensation Laws: At a Glance<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Check the table below for more information on Virginia car accident compensation laws.<\/p>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Statute of limitations<\/th>\r\n<td><ul>\r\n<li>Two years for most personal injuries (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/va\/title-8-01-civil-remedies-and-procedure\/va-code-sect-8-01-243.html\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Va. Code \u00a7 8.01-243(A)<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>Five years for personal property injuries and personal injuries to an infant (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/va\/title-8-01-civil-remedies-and-procedure\/va-code-sect-8-01-243.html\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Va. Code \u00a7 8.01-243(B<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Limits on damages<\/th>\r\n<td><ul>\r\n<li>$350,000 in punitive damages (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/va\/title-8-01-civil-remedies-and-procedure\/va-code-sect-8-01-38-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Va. Code \u00a7 8.01-38.1<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>$100,000 on claims against the government (<a href=\"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacodefull\/title8.01\/chapter3\/article18.1\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Va. Code \u00a7\u00a7 8.01-195.1 et seq.<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>There is no limit on damages for&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/virginia-law\/pain-and-suffering-damages-in-virginia.html\">pain and suffering<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Other limits<\/th>\r\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/contributory-and-comparative-negligence.html\">Pure contributory negligence (Va. Code \u00a7 8.01-34)<\/a>. You recover nothing if you were even 1% at fault for the car crash.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n<p><i>Note:&nbsp;State laws are subject to change through new legislation, higher court rulings, ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information, consult a Virginia car accident lawyer or conduct legal research to verify your state laws.<\/i><\/p>\r\n<p>Recovering damages for car accident injuries that happened in Virginia is harder than it is in most states. First, you must prove that the other driver was &quot;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/car-accident-liability-proving-fault-in-a-car-crash.html\">at fault<\/a>&quot; or negligent. Second, you must prove that the driver responsible was 100% at fault.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Virginia employs the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/contributory-and-comparative-negligence.html\">pure contributory negligence<\/a> rule. This rule dictates that you can only get damages if the court finds you were not responsible for the car accident. This rule is much stricter than the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/comparative-negligence.html\">comparative negligence<\/a> rule that exists in most states.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Damage Types Allowed in Virginia<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>In estimating your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/worksheet-damage-estimate.html\">total damages<\/a>, the court will include your economic and non-economic damages. Economic recovery includes out-of-pocket expenses such as car repairs, medical bills, and lost wages. Non-economic damages are harder to calculate, but pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are all potentially recoverable.<\/p>\r\n<p>Damages from a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/what-kinds-of-damages-may-i-claim-for-car-accident-injuries.html\">car accident<\/a> might include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Car repairs<\/li>\r\n<li>Medication co-pays<\/li>\r\n<li>Doctor visits<\/li>\r\n<li>Lost wages<\/li>\r\n<li>Disability<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>In rare cases,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/injured\/2014\/10\/when-can-you-sue-for-punitive-damages.html\">punitive damages<\/a> may be available. The courts award punitive damages to punish the defendant for wrongdoing, such as&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/dui\/laws-resources\/virginia-dui-laws.html\">drunken driving<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Damage Caps in Virginia<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Every state has laws that limit how long you can wait before filing a legal claim. The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/virginia-law\/virginia-civil-statute-of-limitations-laws.html\">statute of limitations<\/a> in Virginia is&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/va\/title-8-01-civil-remedies-and-procedure\/va-code-sect-8-01-243.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">two years<\/a> for most personal injury claims. You have&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/va\/title-8-01-civil-remedies-and-procedure\/va-code-sect-8-01-243.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">five years<\/a> to file a claim for personal injuries to an infant and for property damage claims.<\/p>\r\n<p>Virginia has instituted several <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/what-is-a-damages-cap.html\">damages caps<\/a> that limit how much you can recover in your case. These caps are as follows:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Cap on punitive damages of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/va\/title-8-01-civil-remedies-and-procedure\/va-code-sect-8-01-38-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">$350,000<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Cap of $100,000 (or the state&#8217;s liability insurance policy coverage) if the defendant is a Commonwealth employee<\/li>\r\n<li>Various caps on damages in a medical malpractice case<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><b>Learn More About Virginia Car Accident Compensation Laws from a Lawyer<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Car accidents may be common, but that doesn&#8217;t make them any less stressful. You should speak to a skilled&nbsp;car accident attorney&nbsp;in Virginia to determine if you can recover damages for your injuries.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Your Virginia auto accident attorney can review your case and let you know if it has merit. They&#8217;ll also help you protect your legal rights. Many <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-accidents-plaintiff\/virginia\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">personal injury lawyers<\/a> offer new clients a free initial consultation. and can help you better understand your legal rights.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" 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11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                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was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n     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                              class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer can help seek fair compensation on your behalf\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Car accident claims are complex and insurance carriers have lawyers on their side\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions about your accident. 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