Car Accident Laws in Virginia: What You Need to Know
Virginia law mandates that all car accidents resulting in injury, death, or property damage must be reported to state police or local law enforcement. Failing to report an accident can lead to significant fines or, in severe cases, jail time depending on the circumstances of the crash.
Virginia’s Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Lawsuits:
In Virginia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit following a motor vehicle collision (MVC) is two years. This means you have 24 months from the date of the accident to initiate legal proceedings. Missing this deadline will result in the loss of your right to claim damages.
Understanding Contributory Negligence in Virginia:
Virginia is one of the few states that adheres to the pure contributory negligence rule. Under this rule, if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you are barred from recovering any damages. This strict liability can make it crucial to establish the other party’s fault in an accident.
Virginia Insurance Requirements:
Virginia state laws require all drivers to have the following minimum amounts of liability insurance:
- $20,000 for property damage per accident
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in an accident
- $50,000 for total bodily injury or death in an accident (covering all individuals involved)
Understanding these insurance requirements is essential for compliance and to ensure financial protection in case of an accident.
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