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Car Accident FAQs

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Settlement process

What Is the Car Accident Settlement Process in Virginia?

A fair settlement is the goal of any Virginia car accident claim. When your case settles, you and the other party agree on a specific amount of money to compensate you for your losses without going to court. Getting to that point isn’t always easy, but knowing what to expect can make the car accident settlement process smoother.



Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers can guide you through each step of the process and improve your odds of achieving a favorable result. Contact us online or call (757) 333-3333 to address your car accident questions in a free, no-obligation consultation.

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Rear-end car accident

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

As of July 1, 2024, all Virginia motorists are required to carry legally mandated minimum amounts of liability auto insurance. Drivers are no longer able to opt out of purchasing car insurance by paying the commonwealth’s uninsured motorist vehicle fee. The new law aims to reduce the number of uninsured or underinsured drivers on the road. However, in cases where drivers don’t adhere to the new law, uninsured motorist coverage can still help.

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lane change in traffic

Does My Insurance Go Up After an Uninsured Motorist Claim in Virginia?

If you’ve been involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault in Virginia, you have the right to file a claim for damages. Who you file that claim with, however, depends on the accident. If the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your losses, you can file an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim with your own insurer.

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Police lights

What Happens If You Leave the Scene of an Accident in Virginia?

Getting into a motor vehicle accident is always stressful. If a driver does not stay at the accident scene, matters only worsen. As Hampton Roads personal injury lawyers, we have seen many accident cases made more complicated by an at-fault party’s decision to flee. Leaving the scene of an accident that caused injury, death, or property damage in Virginia is not only reprehensible —it is a serious crime.

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Car value claim after accident

What Are Diminished Value Claims in Virginia?

After a collision, you are justifiably worried about recovering compensation for injuries and vehicle repairs. Both types of damages are critical to your finances and future, but there is another you may not think about: a diminished value claim. While it is not worth pursuing a diminished value claim in all circumstances, some vehicle owners may find it to be an essential part of their case, especially if they have a high-value vehicle and substantial damage.

If your vehicle was damaged in a crash, our Virginia car accident attorneys can help. Call (757) 333-3333 or reach out online to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

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Jim Hurley at Desk

Understanding Punitive Damages in Virginia

Punitive damages, sometimes known as exemplary damages, are awarded by courts to punish defendants for egregious behavior. They are difficult to obtain since you must prove the wrongdoer’s conduct was so deliberate or reckless that it reflected a conscious disregard for the safety of others. Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers can evaluate your case and help you build a strong case for both punitive and compensatory damages.

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moving cars in traffic

Do You Need Car Insurance in Virginia?

Key Takeaways As of July 1, 2024, car insurance is required in Virginia. Until that date, drivers can still pay a $500 uninsured motorist fee instead of carrying insurance. Auto insurance coverage minimums will increase in January 2025. The state has expensive penalties for failure to

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moving cars in traffic

Is Virginia a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

Is Virginia a no-fault state for car accidents? The answer is no. Virginia is an at-fault insurance state, meaning you can sue the person responsible for your accident to collect damages. Proving fault is especially important because Virginia also has strict contributory negligence rules, meaning you could lose the right to recover if you were partially at fault. Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers will protect your rights after a crash in Hampton Roads.

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speaking with lawyer

Who Can I Sue After a Car Accident in Virginia?

In Virginia, a lawsuit is always brought against the at-fault driver and not against the insurance company directly. This rule is different than some other states which under certain circumstances allow you to name the insurance company for the at-fault driver as a party defendant. If you are hurt in a Virginia car wreck the insurance details will not be obvious in a case.

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Steps to take after car accident

What to Do After a Virginia Beach Car Accident?

There are few things in life quite as unsettling as a car accident. In a matter of seconds, your life can be changed by a serious injury. Even if you don’t seem to be seriously hurt at the scene of an accident, a minor injury can become a major injury if it is overlooked, and in many significant conditions – such as brain injury or spinal injury – symptoms may not appear until later. Our Virginia car accident team at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers has helped clients like you throughout Virginia and beyond to get the compensation you deserve. With all of this in mind, it is important to take a few key steps to protect your rights and your health in the immediate aftermath of an auto accident.

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vehicle intersections

What Are the Right-Of-Way Laws in Virginia?

All vehicles must follow Virginia’s right-of-way rules to safely cross intersections. Right-of-way helps you decide who goes first at an intersection. Right-of-way rules, together with courtesy and common sense, help to promote traffic safety.

Vehicles often come into conflict with other vehicles and pedestrians because their intended courses of travel intersect, and thus interfere with each other’s routes. The general principle that establishes who has the right to go first is called “right of way.”

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