What Should I Do After an Auto Accident?

If you’ve been involved in any type of auto accident in Virginia, there are several steps you can take for your own safety, to obey the law, and to protect your right to fair compensation.

What Is Uninsured/Underinsured Auto Insurance?

Uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) insurance coverage is usually sold as an optional clause to add to a standard auto insurance policy. If you have UM/UIM insurance, then it can provide additional coverage if the person who hit you does not have enough insurance coverage to pay for all of your damages, whether they have no insurance or just a limited policy. To use UM/UIM insurance, you must file against your auto insurance provider, which can complicate matters and pit you against the insurance companies that are supposed to be helping you.

Can You Sue an Automaker for a Crash?

Did you get into a crash that you don’t think was caused by another driver but instead by a defect with your motor vehicle? It is possible that a vehicle defect is what made you lose control of your car and get into an accident. If this can be proven by our Virginia car accident attorneys, then you might be able to file a claim against the car manufacturer for selling a vehicle with an unsafe part.

Is Virginia a no-fault state for car accidents?

Virginia is an “at-fault” state for car accidents, which means you can hold another driver financially liable for your damages if they caused the crash. However, Virginia is also a “pure contributory negligence” state, which means you must be 0% liable for your damages to retain the right to file against someone else for them. Even if you are 1% liable and the other driver is 99% liable for the accident, you will lose the legal ability to demand compensation from them. Working with a car accident attorney is arguably more important in Virginia than in most other states for this reason because a lawyer knows more about how to argue down liability.

Should I hire a Virginia Attorney?

Yes, you should look into hiring a car accident attorney shortly after your crash occurs. Generally, a lawyer will have an easier time finding useful evidence of liability if they can begin working on the case sooner than later. If you do not know if you should have a lawyer working on your case, then you can at least speak with one during a no-cost consultation. Our firm proudly offers free case consultations for inquiring clients, so you can learn more about your options without needing to pay anything upfront.

Can a car owner be sued if someone crashes while driving their car?

Whether or not you can be sued for a crash that someone else caused while driving your car depends on the insurance policies involved and the car’s title. If you have an insurance policy that covers anyone who drives your car, then it should be used to cover damages and you should be, for the most part, protected from a claim filed directly against you. Or if the driver who crashed your car has an insurance policy that covers them in any vehicle, then their policy should be used instead, and you should be safe from any liability.

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About Us

For over five decades, Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law has been a steadfast advocate for car crash victims across Virginia. Our team of experienced Virginia car accident lawyers has secured millions of dollars in compensation for our clients and is prepared to help you get your life back on track after an injury or the death of a loved one.

We understand the difficulties you are going through and are committed to providing you with compassionate representation that makes you feel cared for throughout the entire legal process. We proudly serve communities throughout Virginia, including:

How Our Car Accident Lawyers in Virginia Can Help You After a Crash

Suffering from a motor vehicle accident that wasn’t your fault shouldn’t jeopardize your financial future, yet insurance companies rarely pay victims what they’re owed. They may attempt to downplay your injuries in order to justify a low payout or offer you a quick settlement in the hope that you’ll accept without realizing the true value of your auto accident claim.

Our auto accident lawyers in Virginia will help you fight back by:

Thoroughly Investigating the Accident: We collect and analyze accident reports, traffic camera footage, and other types of evidence to establish liability.
Accurately Assessing Damages: We compile an exhaustive list of your damages to determine the full amount of compensation you are eligible to recover.
Aggressively Negotiating On Your Behalf: We handle all discussions with insurance companies, fighting to secure the settlement you deserve.
Facilitating Medical Care: We work to ensure you receive appropriate treatment for your injuries and that this treatment is well-documented to support your claim.
Providing Court Representation: We aim to settle your case quickly and fairly without the need for a trial, however, we are ready to represent you in court if it means securing the best settlement for you.

Types of Car Accident Compensation We Fight For

Calculating compensation after a traffic collision is a more complex task than many victims realize. It can be easy to miscalculate or even overlook certain damages, especially those that may not have a clear cost associated with them, like pain and suffering.

Our Virginia car crash lawyers will help you avoid undervaluing your claim and pursue the maximum compensation you are entitled to, which may include:

Medical Expenses: Coverage for current and future medical treatments, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medications.
Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the accident and any reduction in future earning capacity.
Property Damage: Costs related to repairing or replacing your vehicle.
Pain and Suffering: Monetary acknowledgment of physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
Loss of Companionship: Compensation for the loss experienced by families who have lost a loved one.
Loss of Consortium: Addressing how injuries have affected spousal and familial relationships.

If, like many of our clients, you’re wondering, “How much is my car accident case worth?” the answer is, “It depends.” Compensation in Virginia car accident cases will vary based on different factors, such as the severity of injuries and the amount of insurance coverage the at-fault party has. Our car accident injury lawyers will work closely with you to help you understand the value of your unique case.

Types of Cases Our Virginia Car Accident Lawyers Handle

At Huffman & Huffman, our attorneys have experience representing clients in all types of car accident cases in Virginia. Some of the most common cases we handle include:

Drunk Driving Accidents: Car collisions caused by intoxicated drivers are often severe and entirely preventable.
Distracted Driving Accidents: Eating, adjusting controls, and other distractions cause devastating traffic accidents.
Texting Accidents: Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous distractions, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. We fight for victims of these reckless behaviors.
Rear-End Collisions: Distracted driving or tailgating is often the cause of rear-end collisions, which often cause injuries like whiplash.
T-Bone Accidents: Typically occurring at intersections, these side-impact collisions can cause significant harm.
Head-On Collisions: These are severe and often deadly accidents, due to the impact severity.
Multivehicle Accidents: Accidents involving multiple vehicles are often complicated and require detailed investigation to determine liability.
Hit-and-Run Accidents: We strive to identify drivers who flee accident scenes and hold them accountable for their actions.
Speeding and Reckless Driving: Accidents resulting from excessive speed or aggressive driving behaviors are among the most common we see in Virginia.
Weather Accidents: Car wrecks occurring due to hazardous weather conditions, where drivers may still be held responsible.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accidents: We handle cases where the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage.
Vehicle Defects: When accidents are caused by faulty car parts, victims may be able to file a product liability claim.

Why Choose Huffman & Huffman for Your Virginia Auto Accident Case?

Since 1973, Huffman & Huffman has been a family-run firm built on trust, experience, and a deep understanding of Virginia’s car accident laws. We focus on giving every client clear guidance and strong representation, so you know where you stand and what to expect as your case moves forward.

Here’s what makes us the best choice for your car accident claim:

Family-Owned Since 1973: We treat clients with the same care and respect we’d want for our own family.
150+ Years of Combined Experience: Skilled in Virginia’s laws and the insurance tactics that can affect your claim.
Millions Secured for Clients: We work hard to win settlements and verdicts that truly reflect your losses.
Accessible Support: Conveniently located offices in Newport News and Virginia Beach, ready to assist you in person.
No Fees Unless We Win: You won’t pay anything upfront or out of pocket unless we recover money for you.

Choosing Huffman & Huffman means having a dedicated legal team that guides you through the process and fights for the best possible outcome.

Common Injuries in Virginia Car Accident Cases

Our firm represents traffic accident victims who have suffered all types of serious injuries. Here are some of the most common car accident injuries we see when working with clients.

infographic of common car accident injuries listing issues like head & neck, upper body, back & spine, lower body and internal injuries

What to Do After a Car Crash in Virginia

If you’ve been involved in any type of auto accident in Virginia, there are several steps you can take to protect your safety and your right to fair compensation.

Stay at the scene (unless you are in need of emergency medical care and are taken from the scene in an ambulance). It is against the law to leave the scene of an auto accident that has caused property damage or personal injury.
Call 911 to report the accident to the police and request an ambulance if someone is injured.
Exchange information with the other driver or drivers that are involved. The exchange of driver and insurance information is also required by Virginia law, and it will help you file a claim.
Try to gather as much information as you can. Take pictures with your phone, take notes, and get the contact information of any witnesses at the scene. This can guide and support your claim later on.
Do not admit fault. Do not apologize or say anything that may be interpreted as an admission of fault. Only a complete investigation will reveal what caused the collision.
Contact a Virginia auto accident lawyer. Speaking with an attorney experienced in motor vehicle accident cases can help you understand whether you may be able to pursue a car crash claim.

Do not accept a settlement or check without consulting a car accident attorney. The insurance company may offer you a settlement, but it is important that you do not sign anything or accept payment until you have talked to your car accident lawyer. You need to be certain that the settlement is fair and actually covers all losses, injuries, and expenses you are facing.

What is the Contributory Negligence Rule in Virginia and How Does it Affect an Auto Accident Claim?

Many states follow a “comparative negligence” model, where you can still recover reduced compensation if you were partially at fault. However, Virginia follows a contributory negligence rule, one of the strictest liability standards in the country. Under this rule, if you’re found even 1% at fault for causing your own car accident, you can be barred from recovering any compensation for your injuries or property damage.

Because of this, insurance companies often lean on contributory negligence as a tool to deny claims altogether. This makes it especially important to be cautious when speaking to insurers. A small comment in a recorded statement can be twisted to suggest partial fault, which is all it takes to derail your case. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, even if you think you might be partially responsible, talk to a personal injury lawyer before giving a statement or signing anything.

Virginia Car Accident Statistics

Car accidents are an unfortunate but frequent part of life on Virginia’s roads. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, the Commonwealth has around six million licensed drivers and sees more than 120,000 crashes each year on average. It is estimated that a crash occurs every 4.1 minutes, with 175 people injured daily and more than two lives lost every single day.

In 2024 alone, 129,244 motor vehicle accidents were reported across Virginia. Of those, 868 crashes were fatal, while another 39,716 resulted in injuries. The remaining 88,660 caused property damage only.

A staggering 81.9% of crashes took place on interstate highways, and nearly 71% involved multiple vehicles. But it’s not just the location that matters, it’s the behaviors behind the wheel.

Top Causes of Traffic Collisions in Virginia: By the Numbers

There’s no single reason crashes happen, but a few dangerous habits show up again and again. These include:

Speeding: One of the most persistent issues on Virginia roads is speeding. In 2024, 25,705 crashes, nearly 20% of all accidents, were speed-related, leading to 410 deaths and over 16,000 injuries. These speeding statistics are a clear reminder that even a few extra miles per hour can lead to devastating consequences.

Distracted Driving: Distracted driving continues to be another major concern. Whether it’s texting, adjusting the radio, or simply not paying attention to the road, these behaviors contributed to 20,758 crashes in 2024, or roughly 16% of all accidents. These distracted driving statistics include 90 fatalities and 12,502 injuries. The most common distractions were drivers not looking at the road, using cell phones, or reacting to incidents on the roadside.

Driving Under the Influence: Drug- and alcohol-impaired driving remains another deadly factor. Virginia saw 6,767 DUI-related crashes in 2024, accounting for 5.2% of all reported accidents. These DUI statistics paint a grim picture: 318 people lost their lives in drunk driving incidents, and over 5,200 more were injured.

Virginia Car Accident Lawyer: FAQs

When should you hire an attorney after a car accident in Virginia?

If you were involved in a minor car accident with no injuries, it may not be necessary to work with an attorney. However, if you are injured, there are disputes over who was at fault, or the insurance company is refusing to offer a fair settlement, consider speaking with an attorney as soon as possible.

How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer in Virginia?

At Huffman & Huffman, we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that you won’t pay us until we win your case.

How long do you have to file a car accident claim in Virginia?

Virginia’s statute of limitations for car accident injury claims is two years from the accident date. You may lose your right to seek compensation if you do not file within this time frame. However, there are exceptions in some cases, so it’s best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

Can you file a claim if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

Yes. You may still be able to file a claim under uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Virginia law requires insurance companies to offer UM/UIM coverage, so you may have protection even if the other driver is not adequately insured.

How long does a car accident case take?

The timeframe of an auto accident case varies depending on several factors: the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the insurance company to settle, and whether a lawsuit is required. Some cases settle in a few months, while others take longer, especially if they go to trial.

Will I need to go to court for my car accident case?

Most car accident claims are settled outside of court through negotiations with insurance companies. However, if the insurer refuses a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Virginia Car Accident Lawyer at Huffman & Huffman

A car wreck can turn your life upside down, but you don’t have to go through it alone. The experienced attorneys at Huffman & Huffman have spent over 50 years fighting for accident victims across Virginia, securing the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. We offer free consultations, and there are no fees until we win your case. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.

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