Virginia law imposes a strict two-year deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits after a car accident, and missing that window by even one day can permanently eliminate the right to seek compensation. Gloucester County car accident attorney Ken Gibson of GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys (https://www.gibsonsingleton.com/blog/virginia-car-accident-statute-of-limitations/) is providing guidance on the statute of limitations, key exceptions, and how these deadlines affect accident victims throughout the Middle Peninsula.
According to Gloucester County car accident attorney Ken Gibson, Virginia Code § 8.01-243 requires that all personal injury lawsuits stemming from car accidents be filed within two years of the date the accident occurred. The clock begins on the day of the collision, not when an injured person discovers the full extent of their injuries. "Many people assume they have more time once they realize how serious their injuries are, but Virginia law is clear that the deadline runs from the accident date," explains Gibson.
Gloucester County car accident attorney Ken Gibson notes that property damage claims operate under a separate five-year statute of limitations, giving accident victims additional time to address vehicle damage and other property losses. However, the two-year personal injury deadline remains firm, and courts in Virginia will dismiss cases filed even one day late regardless of the strength of the evidence or severity of the injuries involved.
Attorney Gibson highlights that Virginia law does recognize several narrow exceptions that may toll or extend the filing deadline. If a minor is injured in a car accident, the statute of limitations is generally tolled during the period of minority, meaning the injured person typically has two years after turning 18 to file a lawsuit. Similarly, individuals who are legally incapacitated as defined under Virginia law may have the limitations period paused during the incapacity. "These exceptions are narrow and apply only in specific circumstances, so accident victims should never assume an extension will apply to their situation," advises Gibson.
Claims against government entities carry even shorter deadlines that can catch accident victims off guard. Individuals seeking compensation from a city, town, or county in Virginia must file a written notice of claim within six months of the accident. Claims against the Commonwealth of Virginia generally require written notice within one year to the Director of the Division of Risk Management or the Attorney General. These notice requirements are separate from and must be completed in addition to the standard two-year lawsuit filing deadline.
Gibson and fellow attorney John Singleton also emphasize how the statute of limitations directly impacts settlement negotiations. As the two-year deadline approaches, insurance companies gain significant leverage, often delaying discussions or presenting lowball offers in anticipation that claimants will accept less rather than risk losing their rights entirely. Filing a lawsuit before the deadline expires signals that a claimant is prepared to proceed to trial, which frequently prompts more reasonable settlement offers from insurers.
"Virginia's contributory negligence rule makes early action even more important," notes Attorney Singleton. "If an insurance company can argue that the injured person shares even a small percentage of fault, they may deny the claim entirely. Building a strong case that establishes the other driver's full responsibility takes time and thorough investigation."
The team at GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys handles car accident cases involving collisions on Route 17, the Coleman Bridge, and roadways throughout Gloucester County and the Hampton Roads region. Both Gibson and Singleton are former U.S. Marines and experienced trial attorneys who bring disciplined preparation to every case. For individuals injured in a car accident in Virginia, consulting with a personal injury attorney promptly may help protect the right to pursue fair compensation before critical deadlines pass.
About GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys:
GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys is a Hayes, Virginia-based law firm dedicated to personal injury representation, with a focus on car accident cases throughout Gloucester County and the Middle Peninsula. Led by attorneys Ken Gibson and John Singleton, the firm serves families across the Hampton Roads region. For consultations, call (804) 413-6777.
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