When someone else causes a serious crash, you deserve an advocate who understands both your injuries and the legal system. A Richmond car accident lawyer from Allen & Allen can guide you through the claim process, protect your rights, and work to hold the at-fault driver and their insurer accountable.
Our firm offers free consultations to help you learn more about your options and next steps. Contact us today to speak with an attorney at no cost and learn how we can help.
Key takeaways: car accidents in Richmond, VA
- You have only two years from the date of your car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Virginia
- Virginia requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering are all compensable damages in Virginia car accident claims
- Insurance companies often make initial settlement offers that don’t reflect the full value of your claim
Richmond car accident guide
- Common causes of car accidents in Richmond
- What should I do after a car accident in Richmond?
- Virginia’s car insurance requirements
- What damages can I recover in a Richmond car accident case?
- How is fault determined in Virginia car accidents?
- Dealing with insurance companies after an accident
- How our attorneys can help
- Why choose Allen & Allen?
- Frequently asked questions about Richmond car accident claims
- Contact our car accident lawyers in Richmond now
Common causes of car accidents in Richmond
Car crashes happen every day in Richmond, from I-95 to Broad Street and beyond. Heavy traffic, distracted drivers, and speeding often lead to serious collisions. Understanding what contributes to these accidents helps injured victims identify who’s responsible.
Distracted driving
Drivers who take their eyes off the road for even a few seconds can cause devastating wrecks. Texting, talking on the phone, adjusting navigation, or eating while driving all reduce reaction time. Richmond police frequently cite distracted driving as one of the top causes of urban accidents.
Speeding and reckless driving
Speed limits exist for a reason. Drivers who race through downtown Richmond or along Midlothian Turnpike often lose control or fail to stop in time. Speed increases the force of impact, leading to more severe injuries and property damage.
Driving under the influence
Alcohol or drugs impair a driver’s judgment and coordination. Drunk driving accidents remain a serious problem throughout Central Virginia. Victims of impaired drivers often face extensive injuries and long-term recovery periods.
Weather-related accidents
Rain, fog, or icy conditions make it harder for drivers to stop or maintain control. Wet roads on routes like Hull Street Road or Chippenham Parkway contribute to rear-end crashes and multi-vehicle collisions.
Intersection collisions
Busy intersections like Broad and Belvidere or Chamberlayne Avenue and Leigh Street are frequent sites of side-impact crashes. These wrecks often happen when drivers run red lights or fail to yield the right of way.
What should I do after a car accident in Richmond?
What you do immediately after a collision can affect your safety, your health, and your legal claim. Taking the right steps helps preserve evidence and supports your case later.
Seek medical attention immediately
Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, don’t show symptoms right away. Medical records create documentation linking your injuries to the crash.
Call the police and file a report
Virginia law requires drivers to report accidents involving injury or property damage. A police report provides key details like driver information, statements, and officer observations that can help establish fault.
Document the accident scene
Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses. This evidence may become valuable during settlement negotiations or in court.
Exchange information with other drivers
Gather the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance details. Avoid discussing the cause of the accident or apologizing, which insurers might use against you later.
Notify your insurance company
Report the accident to your insurer promptly and cooperate with their requests. However, don’t give recorded statements or accept a quick settlement before speaking with an attorney.
Avoid admitting fault
Even a brief comment like “I didn’t see you” can be misinterpreted. Stick to the facts and allow the investigation to determine who caused the crash.
Virginia’s car insurance requirements
Drivers must carry at least $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 for property damage. Unfortunately, these minimums often don’t cover the full cost of serious injuries.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
Virginia requires insurers to offer coverage for accidents caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers. This protection helps if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.
What damages can I recover in a Richmond car accident case?
The losses from a car crash often extend far beyond the initial hospital bill. Virginia law allows victims to pursue compensation for both financial and personal harms.
Economic damages
These include measurable financial losses such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, property damage, and future medical care. Keeping receipts and bills helps establish the full value of these losses.
Non-economic damages
Not all losses show up on a balance sheet. Pain, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of life can also form part of your claim. Lawyers often work with doctors and mental health professionals to help document these effects.
Potential for punitive damages
In rare cases involving extreme negligence, such as drunk driving or intentional misconduct, Virginia courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
How is fault determined in Virginia car accidents?
Determining fault involves piecing together evidence from multiple sources. The goal is to show clearly who caused the crash and how.
Police reports and accident investigations
Police officers document important facts about the scene, including vehicle positions, weather conditions, and witness accounts. Their report often provides the starting point for determining liability.
Witness statements
People who saw the crash can provide unbiased perspectives. Their accounts may confirm that the other driver ran a light, followed too closely, or ignored traffic signs.
Physical evidence and accident reconstruction
Skid marks, debris patterns, and vehicle damage help reconstruction experts analyze how the crash happened. This scientific approach strengthens your claim when insurers dispute liability.
Traffic camera footage
Many Richmond intersections have cameras that capture collisions in real time. Video evidence can be powerful proof of what actually occurred.
Virginia traffic laws and violations
Citations issued to the other driver, such as for reckless driving or failure to yield, support your claim and demonstrate negligence.
Dealing with insurance companies after an accident
Insurance companies play a major role in every Richmond car accident claim, but their interests rarely align with yours. Their goal is to minimize payouts, even when their insured driver clearly caused the crash. Understanding how insurers operate helps you protect your rights and avoid costly mistakes.
Initial contact with insurance adjusters
After a collision, an adjuster may call within days to gather details about what happened. Their questions often sound casual, but their real purpose is to collect statements they can later use to limit or deny your claim. You don’t have to discuss your injuries or provide a recorded statement. Instead, direct all communication to your attorney, who can respond on your behalf and prevent missteps that could weaken your case.
Common insurance company tactics
Adjusters often rely on predictable strategies to reduce what they pay. Some question the severity of your injuries or suggest you waited too long to seek treatment. Others claim the damage wasn’t as bad as you say or that you contributed to the crash. Delays, lowball offers, and requests for unnecessary documentation are all designed to wear you down. Recognizing these tactics makes it easier to stand firm and insist on fair treatment.
Why you shouldn’t accept the first settlement offer
Early offers often don’t reflect the true costs of your injuries or long-term care needs. Once you accept, you usually can’t request additional payment later.
How insurance companies calculate settlement offers
Adjusters review medical bills, lost wages, and repair costs, but they often use formulas that undervalue pain and future losses. An attorney can help gather evidence that more accurately reflects your damages.
How our attorneys can help
Allen & Allen has represented injured Virginians for over a century. Our Richmond car accident lawyers know the tactics insurers use and the laws that apply to your case. We handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on recovery.
Thorough investigation of your accident
Our legal team reviews police reports, photos, medical records, and witness statements. We may consult accident reconstruction experts to build a strong foundation for your case.
Gathering evidence to prove liability
Evidence must clearly show that another driver’s negligence caused your injuries. Our attorneys collect and organize proof to support your version of events.
Calculating the full value of your claim
Your losses include more than hospital bills. Our lawyers work to document every impact of the crash, from missed work to long-term rehabilitation costs.
Negotiating with insurance companies
Our attorneys handle all communications with insurers. We push for fair settlements and hold insurance companies accountable when they undervalue claims.
Representing you in court if necessary
Sometimes, insurers refuse to act responsibly. When that happens, your attorney can present your case before a judge or jury and seek a verdict in your favor.
Protecting you from unfair blame
Insurers often try to shift partial blame to avoid paying. Your lawyer counters those tactics with evidence and testimony that reinforce the other driver’s responsibility.
Contingency fee representation
Allen & Allen works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay upfront legal fees. The firm receives payment only when your case reaches a successful resolution through settlement or verdict.
Why choose Allen & Allen?
Allen & Allen has served Virginia families since 1910, guided by the values of integrity, respect, compassion, and trust. Our firm’s attorneys and staff understand that every client faces unique challenges after an accident. Our mission extends beyond handling paperwork or negotiating with insurers.
We commit to more than simply providing you with legal representation. We commit to making your fight our fight, ensuring you are treated fairly by the insurance companies, and obtaining justice on your behalf.
For generations, these words have shaped our firm’s reputation throughout the Commonwealth. That’s what we mean when we say, “I am an Allen.”
Frequently asked questions about Richmond car accident claims
How long does it take to resolve a car accident claim?
The timeline for resolving a car accident claim varies significantly based on factors such as the complexity of the accident, the severity of injuries, and the willingness of insurance companies to negotiate fairly. Some cases resolve quickly through settlement, while others require litigation and may take longer.
Your attorney can provide a more specific estimate after reviewing the details of your case.
How much is my car accident case worth?
The value of a case depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and the long-term effects on your daily life. No two cases are identical, so your attorney will review the details to provide a realistic estimate.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?
Even accidents that seem minor can lead to injuries that worsen over time. Consulting with a lawyer helps you understand your rights before agreeing to a settlement that might not cover your full losses.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If the at-fault driver lacks insurance or has too little coverage, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist policy may apply. Your attorney can review your policy and help pursue compensation through those benefits.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Virginia’s contributory negligence rule prevents recovery if you share any fault. Because insurance companies often try to shift blame, having legal representation can help protect your right to pursue your claim.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Virginia?
You generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline means losing your chance to pursue compensation through the courts.
Contact our car accident lawyers in Richmond now
Time matters after a car crash. Evidence fades, memories change, and Virginia’s two-year deadline to file a lawsuit can pass quickly. The sooner you reach out to Allen & Allen, the sooner your legal team can begin protecting your interests and building your case.
Our firm has helped Richmond residents through difficult times for more than a century. Guided by compassion and commitment, our attorneys stand ready to fight for fairness and accountability. Call 866-388-1307 today for your free consultation with an experienced Richmond personal injury lawyer and learn how we can help you move forward with confidence.
Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen – Richmond Office
1809 Staples Mill Rd
Richmond, VA 23230
Ph: (804) 353-1200