Car Accident Attorneys in Richmond, Virginia

January 1, 2026 / Comments Off

1. Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen, P.C.

Practice Focus: Car accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, impaired driving accidents, wrongful death from auto accidents, catastrophic injury cases

Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, multi-vehicle pileups, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, bus accidents, boating accidents

Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, workers’ compensation coordination

Background: Founded in 1910, the firm has over 40 attorneys with more than 700 years of combined experience. Nine attorneys recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers in America. Attorney Derrick Walker elected Parliamentarian of the American Association for Justice. Attorney Bridget Long elected Chair of the Women Trial Lawyers Caucus for AAJ. Multiple attorneys hold Super Lawyers designations. The firm has secured record-setting results including a $47.5 million single-plaintiff settlement (largest in Virginia history), a $42 million workplace explosion settlement, and a $24 million wrongful death recovery.

Location: 1809 Staples Mill Road, Richmond, VA 23230

Contact: (866) 388-1307 | https://www.allenandallen.com/

Consultation: Free case evaluation, contingency fee arrangement (no fee unless recovery is obtained), available at office locations or client’s home/hospital

2. Marks & Harrison

Practice Focus: Car accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, drunk driving accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries

Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, multi-vehicle pileups, distracted driving accidents, commercial truck accidents, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, dog bites, nursing home negligence

Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical lien resolution, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability benefits

Background: Established in 1911 with over 100 years of continuous operation. The firm employs 32 personal injury attorneys and over 130 support personnel including former insurance claims adjusters, law enforcement investigators, and research attorneys. U.S. News & World Report has named Marks & Harrison a Tier 1 firm in personal injury litigation for over 10 years. Multiple attorneys listed in Best Lawyers in America. Richmond Times-Dispatch readers voted the firm “Best Law Firm in Richmond” for eight consecutive years. Notable results include $12 million truck accident recovery and $11 million truck accident settlement.

Location: 1500 Forest Avenue, Room 100, Richmond, VA 23229

Contact: (804) 282-0999 | (800) 283-2202 | https://www.marksandharrison.com/

Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee arrangement, 24/7 availability, available at 14 office locations throughout Virginia or at client’s home/hospital

3. Emroch & Kilduff

Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, aviation accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries

Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, third-party liability claims

Background: Founded in 1970 with over 50 years serving Virginia clients. The firm maintains a headquarters in Richmond and has developed extensive experience in complex personal injury matters. Attorneys have represented clients in federal and state courts throughout Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C.

Location: 7301 Forest Avenue, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23226

Contact: (804) 358-1568 | (888) 358-1568 | https://emrochandkilduff.com/

Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee arrangement, available by appointment

4. Latham & Martin, P.C.

Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall injuries, dog bites, nursing home neglect, wrongful death

Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, defective product injuries, premises liability, catastrophic injuries

Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical record gathering, evidence preservation, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims

Background: Attorney Wiley J. Latham IV is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. He has successfully argued cases before the Virginia Supreme Court. In 2016, Virginia Super Lawyers recognized Mr. Latham as a Rising Star (awarded to no more than 2.5% of licensed attorneys in Virginia). Attorney Kelly Martin is also a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, achieving the ninth-largest jury verdict in 2014.

Location: Richmond, VA (contact for specific address)

Contact: (804) 821-0090 | https://www.richmondinjurylawfirm.com/

Consultation: Free no-obligation consultation, contingency fee arrangement

5. Blank & Marcus, LLC

Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, defective products

Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, drunk driving accidents, hit-and-run accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, paralysis cases

Background: The firm has been serving Virginians since 1951. Attorney Keith Marcus and partners have recovered over $100 million for clients across Virginia. The firm prepares every case for trial rather than just settlement, which insurance companies recognize during negotiations. The firm handles serious injury cases throughout Virginia and is known for accepting cases that other firms decline.

Location: Richmond, VA (contact for specific address)

Contact: (804) contact via website | https://www.blankmarcus.com/

Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee arrangement

Car Accident Laws and Regulations in Virginia

Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Virginia imposes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from car accidents under Virginia Code Section 8.01-243. The deadline begins on the date of the accident. Missing this deadline typically results in the court barring the claim regardless of the strength of the evidence.

Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Property damage claims have a five-year statute of limitations in Virginia, providing more time to pursue compensation for vehicle repairs, replacement costs, or damage to other property.

Fault vs. No-Fault Insurance Status: Virginia is a fault-based (tort) state, not a no-fault state. This means the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages to injured parties. Victims can file claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance company or pursue a lawsuit directly in court.

Comparative Negligence Rules: Virginia follows the strict contributory negligence rule, one of only a few states to do so. Under this doctrine, if an injured person is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, they are completely barred from recovering any compensation. This makes proving fault critically important in Virginia car accident cases.

Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: As of January 1, 2025, Virginia requires the following minimum liability coverage: $30,000 per person for bodily injury or death, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury or death of two or more people, and $20,000 for property damage per accident. Virginia is unique in allowing vehicle owners to pay an Uninsured Motor Vehicle Fee ($500) to the DMV instead of carrying insurance, though this does not provide any coverage for damages.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Virginia requires insurance companies to offer uninsured motorist (UM) coverage that matches liability coverage minimums. If a hit-and-run driver causes damage, Virginia law requires the victim to pay a $200 deductible before UM coverage applies.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Virginia does not require PIP coverage as it is a fault-based state.

Damage Caps: Virginia places caps on damages in medical malpractice cases that are periodically adjusted by state law. There are no statutory caps on compensatory damages in standard car accident cases. Punitive damages are capped in Virginia.

Dram Shop Liability: Virginia has limited dram shop liability laws. Generally, establishments that serve alcohol may be held liable only in specific circumstances involving service to visibly intoxicated patrons or minors.

Vicarious Liability Rules: Vehicle owners may be held vicariously liable for accidents caused by someone they permitted to drive their vehicle under certain circumstances.

Rideshare Accident Liability: Rideshare drivers for services like Uber or Lyft must meet specific insurance requirements. When the app is on but no passenger is present, coverage minimums are $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. When a ride is accepted or a passenger is on board, $1,000,000 in liability coverage applies.

Accident Reporting Requirements: Virginia law requires drivers to report motor vehicle accidents immediately if they involve personal injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,500.

Wrongful Death: Wrongful death claims in Virginia must be filed within two years from the date of death. Only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate may file the claim, and damages are distributed according to Virginia’s intestacy laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit in Virginia?

A: Virginia law provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits arising from car accidents under Virginia Code Section 8.01-243. This means you must file your lawsuit in court within two years from the date of the accident. This deadline applies to filing a lawsuit, not to settling with an insurance company. However, if you are negotiating with insurers and the two-year deadline approaches, you should file a lawsuit to preserve your legal rights. Missing this deadline typically results in permanent loss of your right to pursue compensation, regardless of the severity of your injuries or the clarity of the other driver’s fault.

Q: How does Virginia’s contributory negligence rule affect my ability to recover compensation?

A: Virginia follows the strict contributory negligence doctrine, which means that if you are found to be even partially at fault for the accident (even 1%), you are completely barred from recovering any compensation from the other driver or their insurance company. This rule applies in both settlement negotiations and court proceedings. Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys frequently attempt to prove the injured party shares some blame to avoid paying claims entirely. Because of this strict standard, documenting the accident thoroughly and working with an experienced attorney who can counter these arguments is particularly important in Virginia.

Q: What should I do if the at-fault driver in my accident does not have insurance?

A: Approximately 20% of drivers in Alabama are uninsured. If you are hit by an uninsured driver in Virginia, you may seek compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if you have it. Virginia requires insurance companies to offer UM coverage, and it is strongly recommended that Virginia drivers carry this protection. If you have UM coverage, you file a claim with your own insurance company, which then compensates you for damages. Note that Virginia law requires a $200 deductible for UM claims arising from hit-and-run accidents before coverage applies. If you do not have UM coverage and the at-fault driver has no assets, recovery options become significantly limited.

Q: What types of compensation can I recover in a Virginia car accident case?

A: In Virginia car accident cases where you are not at fault, you may recover economic damages including medical expenses (current and future), lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and out-of-pocket expenses. You may also recover non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In rare cases involving particularly reckless conduct (such as drunk driving), punitive damages may be available to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior. The total compensation depends on the severity of injuries, the clarity of liability, the available insurance coverage, and whether the case settles or proceeds to trial.

Q: Do I need to hire an attorney for my Virginia car accident claim?

A: While you are not legally required to hire an attorney, Virginia’s contributory negligence rule makes legal representation particularly valuable. Insurance companies aggressively look for ways to attribute even minimal fault to injured parties to avoid paying claims entirely. An experienced Virginia car accident attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence to establish the other driver’s complete fault, calculate the full value of your claim including future damages, negotiate with insurance companies who use delay tactics and lowball offers, and file a lawsuit if necessary before the two-year deadline expires. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless compensation is recovered on your behalf.