What is Personal Injury (PI)?

Personal Injury means you were hurt because someone else was careless. In a car crash case, PI can include:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and inconvenience
  • Future care needs

You first ask the at-fault driver’s insurance to pay. If they do not treat you fairly, you can file a lawsuit.

What To Do Right After a Crash

  1. Call 911. Ask for police and medical help. The police report helps your claim.
  2. Get safe and exchange info. Names, phone numbers, insurance, license plates, and driver’s license.
  3. Take photos and video. Cars, plates, the scene, signs, skid marks, road conditions, and your injuries.
  4. Find witnesses. Get names and contact info.
  5. See a doctor the same day if possible. ER, urgent care, or your doctor. Follow instructions. Keep all papers.
  6. Tell your own insurer. Report the crash. Ask if you have Medical Payments coverage (MedPay).
  7. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer. Say you will speak after you get advice.
  8. Save proof. Bills, prescriptions, mileage, repair estimates, time-off notes, and a simple pain diary.

How to avoid being “vulturized” by insurance companies

  • Do not sign any broad medical release or settlement paper without advice.
  • Do not accept quick cash before you know the full injury.
  • Do not guess about fault or your symptoms on a recorded call.
  • Do track all costs and appointments.
  • Do get legal advice early, especially in Virginia where small mistakes can ruin a claim.

Fast Virginia Basics (verified)

  • Deadline to file. Injury lawsuits must be filed within 2 years from the crash date. Property-damage-only cases have 5 years.
  • Fault rule. Virginia uses contributory negligence. If your own negligence helped cause the crash, even a small amount, your recovery can be completely barred.
  • Insurance now required. The old $500 “uninsured motor vehicle fee” ended on July 1, 2024. All registered vehicles must carry active liability insurance that meets Virginia limits.  
  • Higher minimum limits.
    Policies effective Jan 1, 2022 through Dec 31, 2024: $30,000 per person, $60,000 per crash, $20,000 property damage.
    Policies effective on or after Jan 1, 2025: $50,000 / $100,000 / $25,000.  
  • Underinsured motorist (UIM) improvement. For policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2023, UIM must be paid without credit for the at-fault driver’s liability limits unless a named insured signs a written election to reduce it.
  • MedPay. Optional “Medical Payments” coverage can reimburse necessary medical expenses within three years of the crash up to at least $2,000 per person unless you pick a different limit.

Tip: Bring your Declarations Page so we can check UM/UIM, MedPay, and any umbrella coverage.

DOs and DON’Ts after a crash

DO

  • See a doctor quickly and follow the plan.
  • Photograph everything and keep a simple folder of bills and receipts.
  • Use MedPay if you have it.
  • Tell your employer about time off and save the notes.
  • Call a lawyer early to handle insurers and protect your rights in a contributory-negligence state.

DON’T

  • Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer without advice.
  • Do not post crash details or injury updates on social media.
  • Do not wait weeks to get medical care.
  • Do not sign anything you do not understand.

FAQs

Q: What if I might be a little at fault?
A: In Virginia, contributory negligence can bar recovery. Still speak with a lawyer. Evidence, traffic rules, and witness statements can change fault decisions.

Q: The other insurer offered me quick cash. Should I take it?
A: Be careful. Early offers often ignore future care, wage loss, or pain and suffering. After you sign a release, the claim is usually over.

Q: What if the at-fault driver has low insurance?
A: Your UIM may add on top of the at-fault limits for policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2023, unless you signed a written election to reduce it. Check your declarations page.

Q: Do I have to carry insurance in Virginia now?
A: Yes. Since July 1, 2024, paying the $500 fee is not allowed. You must have an active policy that meets the minimum limits.

Q: What are the current minimum liability limits?
A: For policies effective on or after Jan 1, 2025, at least $50,000 / $100,000 / $25,000. For older policies in 2022–2024, $30,000 / $60,000 / $20,000.

Q: What is MedPay and should I use it?
A: MedPay is optional coverage that pays medical bills regardless of fault. The statute’s minimum is $2,000 per person unless you choose a different limit. It can help keep bills out of collections.

Q: How long do I have to file?
A: In most cases, 2 years for injury and 5 years for property damage, counted from the crash date. Do not miss these deadlines.

When to call a lawyer

  • You have ongoing pain or serious injuries
  • You missed work or need future care
  • The insurer is blaming you or delaying
  • A commercial vehicle or multiple cars were involved
  • The other driver is uninsured or underinsured

If you were hurt in a Virginia crash, we can step in, deal with the insurers, gather the proof, and fight for a fair result so you can focus on healing.