If you are injured in a car accident, the first question you may ask is who is going to pay your medical bills? But the amount of your personal injury claim might be nothing if you are even one percent at fault.
At Right Path Law, we provide dedicated representation for individuals who have been injured in auto accidents throughout Virginia. Our lawyers have successfully fought for car accident victims to receive the compensation they need and deserve. If you have been injured in a car accident, contact our office at 703-637-9999 to book a free consultation.
At-Fault vs. No-Fault Systems for Accidents
States can either use a fault-based system or a no-fault system when it comes to determining financial responsibility after an auto accident. An at-fault system allows an injured party to pursue compensation from a negligent driver or a liable third party. The injured party can file a claim for damages through the negligent party’s insurance company or may have to file a personal injury lawsuit.
In no-fault insurance states, injured parties are required to file a claim with their own insurer to cover the damages. A person may sue—if they file in a suit state—for damages above and beyond those covered by their insurance policy, but this is limited to serious injuries.
What Fault Standard Does Virginia Follow?
If you are injured in a car accident in Virginia, you may file a claim for damages against the party who caused the accident. To get a license plate or decals in the Commonwealth, an owner must prove that their vehicle has mandatory minimum liability insurance coverage. This type of insurance covers other people who are injured or killed due to an accident that you cause, as well as the property damage of others. If you are involved in a car accident that was caused by another person, you should consider filing a claim against their car insurance policy.
Contributory Negligence in Virginia
Virginia follows a pure contributory negligence doctrine, meaning that if you are found to be even partially at fault for your accident, you will not receive compensation for the damages. In the case of a car or other type of accident, insurance companies may use the comparative negligence doctrine to deny claims. It can be hard to fight this harsh doctrine; therefore, only a skilled lawyer should help you with your case.
Why You Need an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Virginia
To recover damages for your losses, a personal injury lawyer can help you expose any discrepancies between the insurance company’s finding of your negligence and the findings of an independent investigation conducted by an attorney who specializes in these kinds of cases. Without the help of a lawyer, you may end up settling your case for less than it is worth, or worse yet, having your claim denied altogether.
Hurt in a Virginia Car Accident? Call Right Path Law Today
If you were hurt in a car accident, do not wait; contact our office to discuss your case directly with an attorney. Call 703-637-9999 for a free, no-obligation consultation or visit our website https://rightpathlaw.com/.
Most car wrecks are caused by negligence or wrongdoing, but if you have even the slightest bit of fault, in Virginia your claim for compensation can be denied. So don’t waste more time and get started now.
Pierre Prialé
Over the course of his career, Prialé has handled approximately 2,000 criminal defense and traffic cases, including DUI, reckless driving, weapons charges, and personal injury cases. His dedication to helping clients in difficult and desperate situations has earned him a reputation for being a committed and knowledgeable attorney.
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