AFTER A HAMPTON ROADS
CAR ACCIDENT
In the days after a crash, the calls start — from adjusters who sound helpful but work for the other side. What you say early can shape what your claim is worth. A car accident lawyer steps between you and the insurers, gathers the evidence while it’s still fresh, and builds the case for the full cost of your injuries: medical bills, lost wages, and the pain the crash put you through.
Virginia makes that guidance especially important. The Commonwealth is one of only a handful of states that still follows pure contributory negligence — meaning if the insurance company can pin even the smallest share of fault on you, it can try to deny your claim entirely. And you generally have just two years from the date of the crash to file suit. Those two rules alone are why going it alone in Virginia is risky, and why experienced local counsel matters.
WHY INJURED DRIVERS CHOOSE DECKER
CRASHES ARE PART OF LIFE HERE — YOUR RECOVERY SHOULDN’T BE A FIGHT
-
60,000+
people injured on Virginia roads each year
-
60+
years Decker Law has fought for the injured in Hampton Roads
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125,000+
traffic crashes across Virginia each year
CAR ACCIDENT QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
What should I do right after a car accident?
Get to safety and call 911. Document the scene, get names and insurance details, and seek medical care even if you feel okay — some injuries surface later. Avoid giving the other driver’s insurer a recorded statement before you speak with a lawyer.
How long do I have to file a claim in Virginia?
Generally two years from the date of the crash (Va. Code § 8.01-243). Miss that window and your claim is usually barred, so it’s best not to wait.
The crash was partly my fault. Can I still recover?
Virginia follows pure contributory negligence: if you’re found even slightly at fault, the insurer may try to deny your claim entirely. That’s exactly why how fault gets framed matters — and where a lawyer helps most.
What if the other driver had no insurance?
Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may cover your injuries. We help you pursue it, including when your own insurer resists paying.
Do I have to talk to the insurance company?
You must notify your own insurer, but you are not required to give the other side a recorded statement. It’s usually best to let your lawyer handle those conversations.
CONTACT DECKER’S CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS
If you’ve been hurt in a crash anywhere in Hampton Roads, the sooner we start, the more we can do — evidence is fresher and the deadline isn’t looming. Reach us by text, chat, phone, or email — or call right now at 757-622-3317.