How Does the Legal System Handle Personal Injury Claims Involving Uninsured Motorists?

What Are Virginia’s Requirements for Auto Insurance?

Virginia is unique. It is currently one of only two states that does not require motorists to have auto insurance. However, this is all about to change. As of July 1, 2024, Virginia is ending its uninsured motorist program and requiring all motorists to carry motor vehicle insurance.

The fundamental changes are:

• As of July 1, 2024, all Virginia drivers must have liability insurance coverage. The $500 uninsured vehicle registration fee will no longer be accepted.
• Minimum liability coverage limits will increase on January 1, 2025 to $50,000 for injury/death of one person (up from $30,000), $100,000 for injury/death of two or more people (up from $60,000), and $35,000 for property damage (up from $20,000).
• Drivers who fail to provide proof of insurance within 30 days will have their license suspended.
• New Hampshire will become the only remaining state that does not require vehicle insurance.

The change aims to protect insured drivers from bearing costs when involved in accidents with uninsured motorists. Around 12.1% of Virginia drivers were estimated to be uninsured in 2022, below the national 14% average. Drivers with minimum coverage may see rate increases due to the higher mandated limits.

If an uninsured motorist has injured you or a loved one, your job is to heal. Dealing with the hassle of the uninsured motorist and the insurance companies is further trauma you needn’t be subjected to. Allow the dedicated and professional team of personal injury lawyers at Jurach, Tacey, and Quitiquit to take the worry off your shoulders. Call 804-728-2274 for a free consultation.

What Happens if A Virginia Driver is Caught Without Insurance?

If a Virginia driver is caught without insurance after July 1, 2024, they will face the following penalties:

• A $600 noncompliance fee charged by the DMV.
• Suspension of their driver’s license, vehicle registration, and license plates.
• Potential conviction of a Class 3 misdemeanor offense.
• Obtaining an SR-22 certificate from an insurance company for three years is required. This certifies the company has minimum liability coverage, which can significantly increase insurance rates.
• After providing proof of insurance, a $145 reinstatement fee is required to regain their license.

The minimum liability limits are also increasing on January 1, 2025 to $50,000 for injury/death of one person (up from $30,000), $100,000 for injury/death of two or more people (up from $60,000), and $35,000 for property damage (up from $20,000).

If I Am in an Accident, What Should I Do?

If you have suffered an injury or gone through the unspeakable pain of losing a loved one after a multi-vehicle car accident, you need to focus on healing. This is impossible to achieve if you have lost your income because you are unable to work due to your injuries or because your loved one was your sole source of support for your family. You need representation from a law firm determined to get you the result and peace of mind you and your family deserve. Contact Jurach, Tacey & Quitiquit, PLC, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.

If you are involved in a car accident in Virginia, there are several steps you should take to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.

• Stop your vehicle and remain at the scene. Don’t leave. It’s illegal to leave the scene of an accident in Virginia.
• Call the police to report the accident. This is especially important if there are injuries or significant damages. Virginia law requires that any accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage over $1500 be reported.
• Obtain the other driver’s information. This includes their name, contact details, driver’s license number, vehicle plate number, and insurance information. If they are uninsured, make sure to get that information as well.
• Take as many photos or videos of the accident scene and vehicle damage as possible. If you or your passengers are injured, take as many photographs of your injuries as possible both before and after treatment. This documentation will help prove the fault later.
• Call for medical attention immediately if you or your passengers are injured. Do not wait, even if you believe the injuries are minor.
• Obtain a copy of the police report containing important details and help establish fault.
• Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Virginia is an at-fault state, meaning the driver found responsible for the accident is liable, so you must take care of this immediately.
• Obtain legal counsel, particularly if you or your passengers are injured, or the other party is an uninsured motorist.

When Should I Call a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Car accidents are terrifying no matter the circumstances surrounding them. Events happen so quickly that there is rarely the opportunity to react. You need the guidance of a professional and empathetic team to take the burden of dealing with the insurance company, doctors’ offices, and other officials off your shoulders, especially if you are dealing with an underinsured or uninsured motorist. Our mission at Jurach, Tacey & Quitiquit, PLC is to care for you. We treat you like family.

As your personal injury lawyers, we can:

• Investigate the accident
• Handle Insurance Companies
• Negotiate Settlements
• Represent You in Court
• Meet Deadlines
• Provide Legal Guidance.

You need a dedicated firm fighting to get you the compensation you deserve. At Jurach, Tacey & Quitiquit, PLC, you will find a firm dedicated to fighting for you. Call 804-531-5524 for a free consultation.