Helping You Find Your Way Back From A Car Accident

The personal injuries and financial losses caused by a serious car accident can alter the course of your life. One moment you are thinking about plans with friends and family; the next you’re making an accident report or being treated in an emergency room.

If you have suffered a loss due to a car accident, it’s important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney. At Spicer, Olin & Associates, P.C., we have been helping injury victims in Blacksburg and the surrounding communities get the compensation they deserve for over 40 years. You can count on us when you need experienced, knowledgeable and assertive legal representation.

Automobile Accident Negligence In Virginia

Virginia is an “at-fault” insurance state when it comes to car accident liability. That means the person who caused the accident – and their insurance company – is responsible for paying for expenses such as medical bills, property damage, lost wages and other losses you may have incurred as a result of being injured.

In the majority of incidents, the other driver will have insurance that we can file a claim against on your behalf. Virginia requires drivers to have liability insurance that covers bodily injury, fatalities and property damage. Minimum coverage includes (as of January 1, 2025):

• $50,000 for bodily injury or fatality (one person)
• $100,000 for bodily injury or death (two or more people)
• $25,000 for property damage

While requiring insurance is a good first step toward ensuring injured drivers get compensation, there are two significant problems. If you consider these coverage limits against the high cost of medical treatment or new cars, it’s easy to imagine that the insurance would be quickly exhausted. Further, many motorists just sign up for minimum coverage to satisfy the requirements. That means you may need a lawyer to help you recover your losses by filing a civil lawsuit. Fortunately, our lawyers navigate the civil court system every day.

When The Other Driver Has No Insurance Or Flees The Scene

In some accidents, the person responsible either doesn’t have enough insurance or any insurance at all. These uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claims can be especially frustrating, particularly when you’re already dealing with medical bills, missed work and physical recovery.

Virginia law requires every auto policy sold in the state to include uninsured motorist coverage, unless waived in writing. This coverage is meant to protect you in cases where:

• The at-fault driver lacks insurance entirely
• The at-fault driver’s coverage isn’t enough to cover your losses
• A hit-and-run driver leaves the scene and cannot be identified

While this coverage is essential, many drivers don’t realize how limited their own policies are until after a crash. Filing a UM or UIM claim often means dealing with your own insurance company. Unfortunately, even that process can involve delays, underpayment or denial.

We help our clients stand up to insurance companies that try to avoid paying what they owe. Our firm will represent you in uninsured or underinsured claims and ensure every available source of recovery is explored.

If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run or by a driver with inadequate insurance, we’re here to help you pursue a full and fair recovery.

Statute Of Limitations For Filing Car Accident Claims

After receiving medical attention for your injuries, you must consult with a car accident attorney who can help you gather proof of the crash and file your personal injury claim. Under Virginia law, you have a two-year statute of limitations for filing a claim for your accident. The clock starts on your injury date, with some exceptions.

For instance, if you are a minor, your statute of limitations pauses until you turn 18 years old. This means you can file your claim before you turn 20 years old. However, this rule may not apply if you are legally emancipated.

Car Accident Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash is a common yet often misunderstood injury that can occur during a car accident. When a vehicle is struck, especially from behind, the sudden force can cause the head and neck to snap forward and backward rapidly. This violent motion strains the cervical spine and surrounding soft tissues, leading to what medical professionals identify as whiplash-associated disorders.

The symptoms of whiplash can vary widely in severity and may not appear immediately. Some individuals experience only mild discomfort, while others develop debilitating complications. Understanding the range of symptoms associated with whiplash can help you recognize when to seek additional medical attention after a car accident.

• Pain and stiffness in the neck
• Tenderness around the shoulders or upper back
• Headaches that begin at the base of the skull
• Muscle spasms or difficulty turning the head
• Radiating pain into the arms or upper back
• Numbness, tingling or burning sensations
• Dizziness, vertigo or blurred vision
• Hoarseness or voice changes and difficulty swallowing
• Weakness in the arms or shoulders

Even mild symptoms can progress over time. What begins as a sore neck may develop into chronic pain or neurological issues if left untreated. That is why it is critical to visit a doctor as soon as possible following a collision. A prompt medical evaluation can identify the extent of the injury and initiate appropriate treatment before symptoms worsen.

Seeking medical care also plays a vital role in protecting your legal rights. When whiplash is diagnosed and documented by a healthcare provider, it creates a clear record of your injuries. This documentation can strengthen your case against a negligent driver and potentially increase the value of your claim. Insurance companies often dispute soft tissue injuries, so having professional medical evidence can make a significant difference.

If you have been involved in a car accident and are experiencing neck pain or other symptoms of whiplash, do not delay. Contact a qualified medical professional and speak with an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your health and your rights.

Work With A Trusted Car Accident Attorney

Injured motorists also run into claim rejections by insurance carriers. Keep in mind that “big insurance” is in business to turn a profit and paying out claims impacts their bottom line. Another tactic insurance giants use is to underpay your claim. They attempt to give you enough money to pay a portion of your losses so you won’t hire a lawyer.

At the end of the day, insurers are trying to make money and your claim is just a red mark in their ledger. Our law firm is fully aware of these attempts to deny you just compensation and knows how to push back and make them pay.

If you have been injured in an automobile accident, it’s important that you have a lawyer who will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact Spicer, Olin & Associates, P.C., at our Blacksburg, Virginia, office by calling 540-315-8799 or sending us an email.