When you’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone else, the pain you feel from your injuries is likely compounded by frustration that the accident could have been avoided had the other party been more careful. You could pursue compensation through an insurance claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. If that isn’t successful, you might have to file a lawsuit to get the money you deserve. How long you have to file your case depends on whether you file a claim or a lawsuit.
How Soon Must I File My Insurance Claim?
Although there is no universal rule for how quickly you should file an insurance claim when you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, doing it quickly is your best option. Get a personal injury lawyer to help you. They can obtain a copy of the at-fault party’s insurance policy and determine whether there is a timeline. Most policies require filing within 30 to 180 days, or “as soon as possible.” If there is no written timeline or you can’t get the insurance policy, file your claim right away to put the insurer on notice of your injuries.
What if I Can’t Settle My Case with the Insurance Company?
If you are unable to reach an appropriate settlement with the insurance company, you should file a lawsuit to recover the compensation you need. Virginia’s statute of limitations allows two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Virginia. There are exceptions to this period of time that your attorney can discuss with you. They’ll know how long they have to file a lawsuit in your case.
Common injuries that may lead to personal injury lawsuits include physical injury, wrongful death, and emotional distress. Our team of skilled personal injury attorneys at The Johnson Injury Firm will work closely with you to pursue the civil judgment you deserve.
What Compensation Can I Get?
The Johnson Injury Firm is a personal injury law firm. Those are the only kinds of cases we take. We represent our clients to pursue the compensation they need for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost future wages/earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement
- Property damage
How Can a Lawyer Help Me?
The personal injury attorneys of The Johnson Injury Firm can take over your entire case and lift the burden of pursuing compensation from your shoulders. When you hire us, we can:
- Investigate the accident
- Determine who was at fault
- Obtain any available evidence to prove your claim
- Track down any witnesses and get their statements
- Handle all communications with the insurance company
- Negotiate for a full settlement
- File a lawsuit, if a settlement cannot be reached
Whether your injury arose from someone else’s negligence, a defective product, hazardous conditions, or bad business policy, The Johnson Injury Firm knows how best to argue personal injury cases on behalf of victims in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Contact The Johnson Injury Firm Today
Our clients enjoy unparalleled strategic planning and case advice from our dedicated team of legal professionals. We have 90 years of collective experience, and we want to use that experience for you. We offer a comfortable, respectful space to explore and discuss your pressing legal options while always maintaining your right to make final decisions regarding your claim.
We operate on a “no win, no fee” basis, meaning that our service is free of charge unless we recover money for you. We believe everyone deserves high-quality legal representation, so you won’t have to pay us anything upfront.
We are ready to take on even the most complex personal injury claims and will always strive to demand accountability from those who have harmed you. Contact us today at (804) 262-9000 for a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer to learn how The Johnson Injury Firm can help you obtain the money you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury case in Virginia?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Virginia. Missing this deadline can permanently prevent you from recovering compensation.
When does the statute of limitations start in Virginia?
The clock typically starts on the date the injury or accident occurred, not when you discover the injury.
Are there exceptions to the two-year filing deadline?
Yes, exceptions may apply in certain situations, such as:
- When the injured person is a minor
- If the injury was not immediately discoverable
- If the defendant actively prevented filing the claim
What happens if I miss the filing deadline?
If you fail to file within the statute of limitations, your case will likely be dismissed by the court, and you may lose your right to compensation entirely.
