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Underinsured Motorist Claim Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA
You were driving east on I-264 toward the Virginia Beach Oceanfront when another driver ran a red light at the Town Center exit and T-boned your car. The paramedics arrived quickly, but the at-fault driver’s insurance policy is too small to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and the time you lost from your business on Shore Drive. Now you’re looking at an underinsured motorist claim against your own policy. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents injured people in Virginia Beach in exactly this situation. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your options. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
Strategy Options for Underinsured Motorist Claims in Virginia Beach
When the at-fault driver’s liability coverage is exhausted, your own underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage steps in. An experienced personal injury attorney gathers the police report from the Virginia Beach Police Department, obtains your medical records from Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital or other providers, and reviews your own auto policy’s UIM limits. Often, multiple insurance policies may apply — your personal auto policy, a family member’s policy, or even a business auto policy. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel identify every source of coverage and build a demand package that accounts for future medical needs and any permanent impairment. The goal is to make the UIM carrier honor its obligation without unnecessary delay.
What to Expect When You Pursue an Underinsured Motorist Claim
First, the underlying liability claim against the at-fault driver must be resolved. Once that policy limit is tendered, the UIM claim is opened with your own insurer. Your attorney will present a settlement demand backed by your medical records, wage-loss statements, and a narrative of how the injury affects your daily life in Virginia Beach. If the UIM carrier does not offer a fair amount, the case may proceed to litigation in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court or General District Court, depending on the value. Mediation is often encouraged to avoid trial.
Personal injury claims in Virginia must be filed within two years of the date of injury.
Source: Virginia Legislative Information System. Va. Code § 8.01-243
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.
Potential Compensation in Underinsured Motorist Claims
Because Virginia follows the pure contributory negligence rule, you must be completely free of fault to recover. If the other driver was entirely to blame, the UIM claim may include compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage. Virginia does not cap compensatory damages in most personal injury cases. Every dollar of recovery matters, and an attorney experienced in Virginia Beach courts can help you avoid the insurance company’s traps that try to pin even one percent of fault on you. Results may vary. Past outcomes do not guarantee a similar result.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York since 1997. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since 1997. The firm’s Richmond Location, serving Virginia Beach, is at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225. Call (804) 201-9009 or toll-free (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions About Underinsured Motorist Claims in Virginia Beach
What is an underinsured motorist claim?
An underinsured motorist claim is a request to your own auto insurance company to pay for injuries caused by an at-fault driver whose liability coverage is too low to cover your damages. In Virginia Beach, this often happens when the at-fault driver carries only the state minimum coverage. Your UIM coverage is designed to fill the gap. Speak with an attorney about your specific situation.
Do I need a lawyer for a UIM claim in Virginia Beach?
You are not required to have a lawyer, but Virginia’s contributory negligence rule makes representation critical. The insurance company only needs to prove you were one percent at fault to deny your claim entirely. An experienced attorney preserves evidence, identifies all insurance coverages, and deals with the UIM carrier to protect your right to full compensation. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
How long does it take to resolve an underinsured motorist claim?
The timeline depends on the complexity of the medical issues, the cooperation of the at-fault driver’s insurer, and whether litigation is necessary. A straightforward claim may resolve in a matter of months after the underlying liability case is settled; a case that goes to trial can take longer. You need to act promptly because the two-year statute of limitations applies to the underlying personal injury claim.
Will my insurance rates go up if I use my UIM coverage?
Using your own underinsured motorist coverage after you were not at fault should not cause a premium increase, but the outcome depends on your specific policy and insurer’s practices. Review your policy with an attorney to understand what to expect. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss the details of your matter.
What should I bring to a consultation about my Virginia Beach UIM claim?
Bring the police accident report, any photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage, your auto insurance declaration page, medical records and bills, and documentation of lost wages. The more information you can provide, the better we can evaluate your claim. To schedule a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.