Auto Accidents

In 2025, preliminary state data shows roughly 825 people were killed in vehicular accidents in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and tens of thousands more were injured — a large number of these caused by factors such as driving under the influence, speeding, and failing to obey posted signs and traffic signals.

Due to the overwhelming accident figures in Virginia, insurance rates remain high for drivers. Insurance is designed to cover physical and property damages incurred during an auto accident. However, the insurance company is in the business of saving money, and therefore oftentimes will deny your claim or refuse to compensate you for the full extent of your damages. When insurance is not able or willing to fully compensate you for your injuries, you must seek legal recourse. The best way to pursue your just compensation is to file a civil personal injury claim. If you proceed to trial, your lawyer will need to prove that the other party was at fault and that you suffered injuries. Your lawyer will also need to prove the extent of your injuries.

The period of time following an auto accident can be extremely stressful and painful. Our accomplished attorney at The Stellute Law Firm can help take weight off your shoulders by aggressively pursuing your car accident claims for you. As law firm focused on core family values and personalized representation, we have been focused on providing exemplary client service for the past 60 years for thousands of clients.

If you are interested in pursuing an auto accident claim, call us today at (757) 722-2815 to schedule a free consultation at the Hampton Roads office.

Virginia Laws That Affect Your Car Accident Claim

Every driver is expected to use caution on the road: to obey the speed limit, stop at red lights, follow traffic signs, and show respect for the vehicles around them. Unfortunately, not everyone lives up to that responsibility. When another driver is careless, even for a second, your entire life can be changed in a blink of an eye. Car Accidents are one of the leading causes of accidental death in the state of Virginia. and the laws of the Commonwealth play a large role in whether an injured person is compensated and for how much. It is imperative that you understand these rules early, because a mistake in the days after a crash can cost you your claim. 

A personal injury claim can help you hold the other driver responsible for their negligence. Our experienced car accident attorney can help you investigate your case, draft legal arguments, and advocate for your side in court.

Virginia Is an At-Fault State

Virginia is not a no-fault insurance state. The driver whose negligence caused the crash is responsible for the injuries and damages that follow. Depending on the facts of your case, a personal injury claim may be brought against:

• The at-fault driver
• The owner of the vehicle, in certain circumstances
• The driver’s employer, if the driver was working at the time of the crash
• A vehicle or parts manufacturer, if a defect contributed to the accident
• A contractor or other party responsible for unsafe road conditions

Contributory Negligence Can Bar Your Recovery

Virginia is one of only a handful of states that still follows the doctrine of pure contributory negligence. Under this rule, if you are found even slightly at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation at all. The insurance company knows this, and it will look for any reason to place a portion of the blame on you. For that reason, you should never guess about fault, apologize at the scene, or discuss the accident with the other driver’s insurance adjuster before speaking with an attorney.

Minimum Insurance Requirements in Virginia

For policies effective on or after January 1, 2025, Virginia requires drivers to carry at least:

• $50,000 for bodily injury or death of one person
• $100,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people
• $25,000 for property damage

These are minimums, and a serious injury can quickly exceed them. When the at-fault driver’s coverage is not enough, our attorneys look for every other source of recovery, including your own uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Hampton Roads

Every driver is expected to use caution on the road: to obey the speed limit, stop at red lights, follow traffic signs, and show respect for the vehicles around them. Unfortunately, not everyone lives up to that responsibility. When another driver is careless, even for a second, your entire life can be changed in the blink of an eye. The most common causes of the crashes we handle include:

• Speeding and reckless driving
• Distracted driving, including texting and cell phone use, which was involved in more than 17,000 Virginia crashes in 2025
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Following too closely
• Running red lights and stop signs
• Failing to yield when turning
• Drowsy driving
• Unsafe road conditions and inadequate signage

Where Car Accidents Happen in Hampton Roads

Car accidents can happen anywhere, but certain roads in Hampton Roads see more than their share. Heavy traffic at the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel and the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel leads to sudden stops and rear-end collisions, and Interstate 64 carries commuters, military personnel, and commercial vehicles through the heart of the region every day. Busy corridors such as Mercury Boulevard in Hampton and Jefferson Avenue and Warwick Boulevard in Newport News are lined with shopping centers, intersections, and turning traffic. In 2025, the City of Hampton alone recorded more than 3,300 crashes and more than 3,700 injuries.

Injuries Suffered in Car Accidents

Depending on the severity of the crash, auto accident victims may suffer from:

• Cuts, bruises, and burns
• Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries
• Sprained or torn ligaments, muscles, and tendons
• Broken bones
• Herniated discs and back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions
• Injuries resulting in wrongful death

Some of these injuries, particularly those to the head, neck, and back, may not fully present for days after the accident. See a doctor right away, even if you feel fine.

Compensation Available After a Car Accident

If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, medication, and physical therapy
• Future medical care and rehabilitation
• Lost wages from missed work
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Scarring, disfigurement, and permanent impairment
• Repair or replacement of your vehicle
• Punitive damages, up to Virginia’s $350,000 cap, when the other driver’s conduct was willful or wanton, such as in some drunk driving cases

Auto Accident Lawyers Prepared to Fight Insurance Companies for Compensation

Insurance companies with their infinite resources and bevy of lawyers may seem intimidating, but the talented lawyers at The Stellute Law Firm have a proven record of success fighting insurance companies in auto accident cases.

To find out why The Stellute Law Firm is “The One to Know,” call us to schedule a free consultation at 757-722-2815.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Two years from the date of the crash under Virginia Code § 8.01-243(A).

What if I was partly at fault?

Virginia’s contributory negligence rule can bar recovery entirely if you’re found even minimally at fault, so it’s important to let an attorney manage communication with insurers.

What if the other driver didn’t have insurance?

Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may apply. See our Uninsured Motorist page for details.

Do I need a lawyer for a minor accident?

Some injuries, particularly to the neck, back, and head, don’t fully present right away. An attorney can help make sure you don’t settle before you know the full extent of your injuries.

How much does hiring an auto accident attorney cost?

Nothing upfront. The Stellute Law Firm handles these cases on contingency — no fee unless we recover compensation for you.

To find out why The Stellute Law Firm is “The One to Know,” call The Stellute Law Firm today at (757) 722-2815, or contact us online.