Auto Accident Injury in Virginia Beach, VA
Understanding your rights under Virginia law is crucial. The state follows a pure contributory negligence rule—one of the strictest in the country. That means if you’re found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any damages at all.
We’ll walk you through the critical steps to take after a car accident in Virginia Beach, explain how Virginia’s laws affect your compensation, and connect you with legal help.
Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Virginia Beach, Virginia
In 2023, Virginia Beach experienced 5,194 motor vehicle crashes, resulting in 2,578 injuries and 36 fatalities, according to data from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. This represents a slight decrease in total crashes and injuries compared to 2022, which saw 5,317 crashes and 2,647 injuries.
Despite the overall decline in crashes and injuries, fatalities increased by 24% from 29 in 2022 to 36 in 2023. Virginia Beach had the highest number of motor vehicle crashes and fatalities among cities in the Hampton Roads region in 2023.
What to Do After an Auto Accident
The immediate aftermath of a car accident can feel disorienting, but the steps you take in those first moments can have a major impact on your safety, your recovery, and any claim you may later file. Whether your crash occurred on I-264, Virginia Beach Boulevard, or a busy side street, taking the right actions will help protect your health and your legal rights.
Receive Immediate Medical Attention
Following a car accident in Virginia Beach, one of the most critical steps you can take is to seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. The body’s stress response can mask pain, and symptoms from common crash-related injuries like concussions, whiplash, or internal bleeding may take hours or even days to appear. Delaying care could endanger your health and damage your legal claim.
File a Police Report
Filing a police report after a car accident in Virginia Beach is not just a smart precaution—it may be legally required. According to Virginia Code § 46.2-894, any driver involved in an accident that results in injury, death, or property damage of $1,500 or more must immediately stop and report the crash to law enforcement. This applies whether the accident occurs on a highway, a city street, or even a private road.
Gather the Appropriate Documentation
If you’re physically able and it’s safe to do so, begin gathering information immediately:
- Contact and Insurance Information
- Full names, phone numbers, and addresses of all involved drivers
- Driver’s license numbers and issuing states
- Vehicle makes, models, license plate numbers, and VINs
- Insurance providers and policy numbers
- Photographs and Video
- Vehicle damage from multiple angles
- The accident scene, including traffic signals, intersections, and signage
- Skid marks, debris, and any road hazards
- Weather conditions and lighting at the time of the crash
- Any visible injuries
- Witness Information
- Names and contact information of any bystanders who saw the crash
- A brief summary of their observations, if they’re willing to share
Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury
If another driver caused your crash, you may be able to pursue compensation for a wide range of losses, including:
- Medical expenses: Ambulance services, ER visits, surgery, physical therapy, medications, and ongoing care
- Lost wages: Time missed from work and future loss of earning capacity
- Property damage: Vehicle repairs or total loss, plus damage to personal items
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Out-of-pocket costs: Travel to medical appointments, rental cars, and in-home assistance
Virginia does not cap most personal injury damages, meaning there is no legal limit on how much you can recover in a car accident claim, provided you can prove your case.
Auto Accident Laws in Virginia
Liability Laws for Virginia Beach
Virginia follows a pure contributory negligence standard, which is among the most unforgiving in the U.S. If you are found to be even 1% at fault, you are barred from recovering any damages from the other party. This rule applies to insurance claims as well as lawsuits, and it makes solid documentation and legal strategy especially important in any injury case.
Statute of Limitations in Virginia Beach
Under Virginia Code § 8.01-243, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from motor vehicle accidents is two years from the date of the accident.
Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Virginia Beach, VA
Whether your accident happened on I-264, Independence Boulevard, or near the Oceanfront, legal guidance can make all the difference.
After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in Virginia!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
