Virginia Car Accident Attorney

We Go Above and Beyond for Car Accident Victims

If a negligent driver hurts you or someone you love, we will not sit back and watch you lose money while the liable party or the insurance company gets away scot-free. The Goldwater Law Firm will help you find a Virginia personal injury lawyer who will go above and beyond to help you seek justice.

We know that clients feel scared, stressed, and angry after an accident, and getting fair compensation can be challenging. We can relieve your legal burden by matching you with a Virginia car accident attorney who can:

• Investigate the crash – Our law firm partners can investigate the traffic accident and collect evidence to support your case. Evidence may include crash debris, photos and videos from the accident scene, surveillance or cell phone video of the collision, eyewitness statements, police reports, medical records, and testimony from relevant case experts.
• Identify liable parties – A lawyer can use the gathered evidence to identify all the responsible parties and prove that their negligence caused the collision (or that they are otherwise liable for your damages).
• Identify and aggressively pursue your losses – Your legal team will use bills, estimates, invoices, pay stubs, and more to prove your losses and establish your right to recover damages. An attorney can aggressively pursue maximum compensation during negotiations, protecting you from bad-faith tactics and undue pressure to settle for less. They can prepare your case for court and advocate for you at trial if necessary.
• Manage case details – Our co-counsels do the work so you can focus on your health. They will handle case-related emails, phone calls, and meetings, track and follow deadlines, draft and file paperwork, and deal with any other “red tape.” They will keep you informed at every stage with frequent and timely updates.

Our Law Firm Partners Handle All Types of Motor Vehicle Accident Claims

The Goldwater Law Firm has strategic partnerships with some of the nation’s largest and most successful firms. We help people in all 50 states, and our co-counsels assist with various motor vehicle accident claims. We can help you connect with car accident lawyers, truck accident attorneys, and motorcycle accident attorneys in Virginia.

A Virginia Car Accident Lawyer Can Fight for Maximum Compensation

Virginia is an at-fault state, meaning negligent drivers are financially liable for accidents they cause. A Virginia auto accident lawyer can fight for full and fair awards from the negligent party who caused your crash so you do not pay for someone else’s mistakes out of pocket.

In general, compensation may include:

• Medical treatment – You can recover the cost of current and ongoing medical care, including emergency services, medical procedures, doctor and hospital fees, physical therapy, rehabilitation, medical devices and equipment, and long-term nursing care.
• Lost wages, employment benefits, and future earnings – If you missed work due to injury, you can seek your lost wages and benefits. If you sustained an injury that prevents you from returning to your job, you may qualify for compensation for your lost future earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering – These damages compensate for the physical, mental, and emotional effects of your injury. You can seek awards for permanent and disabling injuries, chronic and severe pain, mental anguish, emotional suffering, and diminished quality of life.
• Miscellaneous expenses – You can pursue various accident-related losses, including vehicle damage, medically necessary home or vehicle modifications, household services, and medical travel expenses. An injury lawyer can help you identify these costs so you do not leave money on the table.
• Wrongful death – A Virginia wrongful death lawyer can help qualifying survivors seek damages related to a loved one’s fatal injury. Compensation may include the loss of your family member’s financial support, services, care, and guidance, survivors’ sorrow and mental anguish, and medical, funeral, and burial costs.

Contact The Goldwater Law Firm to learn how a Virginia car accident attorney can help you pursue personal injury damages. Fill out our online form or call today for a free consultation.

Recent Changes to Virginia’s Car Insurance Requirements

Virginia drivers must carry auto liability insurance. Recently, the required minimums have changed.

According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), if an auto insurance policy was effective before Dec. 31, 2024, it must provide at least $30,000/$60,000 in bodily injury liability per person/collision and $20,000 in property damage coverage. If a policy was issued on or after Jan. 1, 2025, the minimum coverage includes $50,000/$100,000 in bodily injury liability per person/accident and $25,000 in property damage liability.

A car accident attorney can seek a settlement up to the at-fault driver’s policy limit. An attorney can also pursue compensation from multiple at-fault parties or take legal action when needed.

Common Causes of Virginia Auto Accidents

The 2023 Virginia Traffic Crash Facts reports over 127,500 traffic crashes in the Commonwealth that year, resulting in nearly 64,000 injuries and 907 fatalities. According to the data, some of the most common causes of these accidents included:

• Drinking and driving – Five and a half percent of collisions were alcohol-related. Drunk driving accidents caused or contributed to 15 percent of all crash injuries and nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities.
• Distracted driving – Driver inattention caused or contributed to 17 percent of accidents, including 7 percent of crash fatalities and 18 percent of crash injuries.
• Speeding – Nearly 20 percent of vehicle accidents involved speeding, including 21 percent of injury crashes and around half of all collision fatalities.

These examples of negligence can all contribute to other dangerous driving behaviors, including:

• Failing to yield the right of way
• Failing to obey traffic signs and signals
• Making improper turns
• Passing illegally
• Failing to maintain lane position
• Driving recklessly or aggressively

Potentially Liable Parties

In most cases, liability for a car accident will rest with a negligent driver. However, other parties could have caused or contributed to your crash. They may also owe you damages. Depending on the circumstances of a collision, others at fault may include:

• The driver’s employer
• A negligent mechanic
• A negligent vehicle or auto parts manufacturer
• A public or private roadway owner

A Virginia Car Accident Attorney Can Build Your Case Before Time Runs Out

You do not have unlimited time to seek car accident compensation. You should file insurance claims immediately to avoid missing policy deadlines. Acting quickly will also give your Virginia car accident lawyer the best chance to collect evidence and the longest possible window to negotiate a settlement.

If legal action is necessary to get a full and fair award, your lawyer must file your case within Virginia’s statutes of limitations. According to Va. Code § 8.01-243, you have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. You also have two years to sue for the wrongful death of a loved one under Va. Code § 8.01-244.

What to Do After a Car Accident

A car accident can leave victims wondering what to do next and where to turn for help. These tips can guide you:

• See a doctor if you have not already done so. Getting treatment safeguards your health and creates a medical record vital to your claim. Follow your doctor’s orders, and do not miss future appointments.
• Report the accident. Va. Code § 46.2-894 mandates reporting of any accident involving injuries or death. If a law enforcement officer was not called to the accident scene, you should notify your local authorities about the crash immediately.
• Maintain records. Keep track of your medical bills and records, vehicle repair costs, days missed from work, and any other case-related documents or proof of your losses.
• Watch what you say to other involved parties. If an insurance agent or opposing attorney contacts you, do not admit fault for the accident, agree to give a recorded statement, or accept their initial offer. Ask them to direct future communications through your legal representative. In general, you should avoid discussing the details of your case with anyone other than your lawyer. You should also avoid posting about your accident or injury on social media.
• Consider your legal options. Speak with an experienced attorney about pursuing a car accident claim.