Need a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer? Contact Hilton & Somer, LLC. Today!
Getting injured in a car accident is all too common and some people get so comfortable behind the wheel that they forget just how dangerous the roadways are in their area. There are a number of different reasons why vehicular accidents happen. Distracted and reckless driving are some of the most common ones and the injuries you suffer in a motor vehicle accident can be quite substantial. In some instances, they may prohibit you from working and could result in loss of income for long periods of time. If you are out of work and overwhelmed by medical bills and other expenses after an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you need to contact Hilton & Somer, LLC. today!
Virginia Auto Accident Claims at a Glance
- Two-year deadline in Virginia. Most Virginia auto accident injury claims must be filed within two years (Va. Code § 8.01-243). Maryland and DC generally allow three years.
- Higher insurance minimums since 2025. For policies effective on or after January 1, 2025, Virginia requires at least $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident and $25,000 in property damage liability coverage (Va. Code § 46.2-472).
- Contributory negligence applies. Virginia, Maryland and DC can bar recovery if you are found even slightly at fault, which is why insurers work hard to shift blame.
- Drunk drivers can face punitive damages. Virginia allows punitive damages against drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 or higher in certain circumstances (Va. Code § 8.01-44.5).
Since 1965, our law firm has been helping accident victims. We work tirelessly to get the compensation our clients need for lost wages, medical bills as well as pain and suffering. Our law firm has been regularly recognized by various publications for our achievements in the area of personal injury law and in 2004, co-founding partner Robert M. Somer was chosen as the top personal injury lawyer in the D.C. Metropolitan area. The primary goal of every member of our dedicated team is defending the injured and seeking justice on their behalf.
We Handle a Variety of Vehicular Accidents
When choosing our law firm, you will be getting representation from professionals experienced in a number of different types of motor vehicle accident cases, such as:- Car accidents
- Accidents involving tractor trailers
- Trucking accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Accidents involving mass transit
- Bicycle and pedestrian accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Airplane/aircraft accidents
- Accidents involving uninsured drivers
- Watercraft accident
Why You Need a Car Accident Attorney on Your Side
When retaining our law firm, you will be able to take advantage and benefit from:- Our Thorough Understanding of Car Accident Law- There are laws and statutes in place that dictate what a car accident victim is entitled to. Without extensive knowledge of this law, it will be hard to get the right amount of compensation. Our team of experienced lawyers will work tirelessly to ensure you get what you are entitled to.
- Help with the Insurance Claim Process- Filing a liability claim is no easy task. In some cases, the insurance company may deny the claim based on what they claim to be contributory negligence. Our state certified trial attorneys know how to deal with insurance or adjusting companies and should they deem that a claim was wrongfully denied, they will fight for justice on your behalf. We have well over 30 years of experience and have litigated hundreds of cases in State and Federal courts in Virginia, Maryland and in the District of Columbia.
- The Art of Negotiation- Most insurance companies try to settle liability claims out of court. If you do not have legal representation you will find it hard to get a fair settlement offer. The dedicated team at Hilton & Somer, LLC will negotiate on your behalf and will put their extensive experience to work for you. Insurance companies prefer individuals to negotiate on their own behalf because it is easier for them to undercompensate them. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
- We Can Help Build Your Case- Proving the other party involved in a vehicular collision acted negligently is not always clear cut. We have several decades of experience when it comes to building cases against negligent drivers. Our main goal is to create an iron clad case and get you the money you are owed to cover your economic damages, lost wages and pain and suffering. We won’t let up until you get what you are entitled to.
We Are Here To Help!
One of the biggest misconceptions people have regarding hiring a lawyer to help with a liability accident case is that they will have to pay money up front. The attorneys at Hilton & Somer, LLC work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that our attorney fees are contingent on any monetary recovery we obtain on your behalf. This means you do not have to worry about any upfront fees. If you have questions regarding what we can do for you call us now at 703-560-0700 to schedule a free consultation during which you will be able to ask any questions you may have regarding our experience and how we will handle your case for you.What to Do After a Car Accident in Fairfax, VA
The first hours after a crash shape your entire claim. If you can, take these steps:
- Call 911. Get medical help and make sure Fairfax County Police, Virginia State Police or the local department responds and writes a report.
- Get checked by a doctor the same day. Concussions, whiplash and internal injuries often do not show symptoms right away, and insurers look for gaps in treatment.
- Photograph everything. Vehicle damage, the road, traffic signals, skid marks, your injuries and the other driver’s license plate and insurance card.
- Get witness names and numbers. Independent witnesses are often the deciding factor in a contributory negligence fight.
- Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company before you speak with a lawyer.
- Call a Fairfax car accident lawyer. Evidence like traffic camera footage and vehicle data can disappear within days.
Why Car Accident Claims Are Harder in Virginia
Virginia is one of the few places in the country that still follows pure contributory negligence. If an insurance company can show you were even slightly at fault, it can try to deny your claim entirely. That is why insurers often call injured people quickly and ask questions designed to shift blame. Our car accident lawyers in Fairfax build the evidence early so the focus stays on the driver who caused the crash.
Key Virginia Car Accident Deadlines and Insurance Rules
- Two years to file a lawsuit. Most personal injury claims in Virginia must be filed within two years of the crash (Va. Code § 8.01-243(A)).
- Short notice deadlines for government vehicles. If a county, city or state vehicle was involved, written notice may be required within six months to one year, well before the two year deadline.
- Higher minimum coverage. For policies effective on or after January 1, 2025, Virginia drivers must carry at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage, plus $25,000 in property damage coverage.
- Underinsured motorist coverage now stacks on top. Since July 1, 2023, your own underinsured motorist coverage is generally no longer reduced by the at-fault driver’s liability limits unless you opted out in writing. This can significantly increase what is available in a serious injury case.
Where Crashes Happen Most in Northern Virginia
Our Fairfax office handles collisions across the region’s busiest corridors, including I-66, the Capital Beltway (I-495), I-95, Route 50 (Arlington Boulevard), Route 29 (Lee Highway), Route 1 (Richmond Highway), the Fairfax County Parkway, Route 28 and Route 7 through Tysons. Rear-end crashes in stop and go traffic, left turn collisions at busy intersections, distracted driving and speeding in express lane merge areas are among the most common cases we see.
Compensation You May Recover
- Medical bills, both past and future, including surgery, therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering and inconvenience
- Scarring, disfigurement and permanent injury
- Property damage and rental car costs
- Punitive damages in certain drunk driving cases
If a crash took the life of someone you love, our wrongful death lawyers can explain your family’s rights. We also handle truck accidents, motorcycle accidents and pedestrian and bicycle accidents.
Talk to a Fairfax Car Accident Lawyer Today
Hilton & Somer has represented injured people in Northern Virginia since 1965. Consultations are free, and you pay no attorney fee unless we recover money for you. Call (703) 560-0700 or contact us online.
Areas We Serve
Hilton & Somer is based in Fairfax, Virginia and represents injured clients throughout Northern Virginia, Washington, DC and Maryland, including:
- Northern Virginia: Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Springfield, Manassas, Annandale, McLean, Falls Church, Centreville, Leesburg, Fredericksburg and Charlottesville, plus Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Fauquier and Culpeper Counties
- District of Columbia: Washington, DC
- Maryland: Bethesda, Silver Spring, Oxon Hill and College Park, plus Montgomery, Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Howard, Frederick and Washington Counties
Auto Accident FAQ
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Virginia?
Most car accident injury claims in Virginia must be filed within two years of the crash. In Maryland and Washington, DC, the general deadline is three years.
What if the other driver has no insurance or not enough?
Your own uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may pay for your injuries. Virginia auto policies include this coverage unless it was reduced in writing.
Can I recover if I was partly at fault?
Virginia, Maryland and DC follow contributory negligence, which can bar recovery if you are found even slightly at fault. DC has an exception for pedestrians and cyclists.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
You should report the crash to your own insurer, but it is wise to speak with a lawyer before giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer, since those statements are often used to argue fault.
Who pays my medical bills after a car accident in Virginia?
Virginia is an at-fault state, so the at-fault driver’s liability insurance is generally responsible for your damages. In the meantime, your own medical payments coverage or health insurance may cover treatment, and those amounts can be addressed in your claim.
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
Hilton & Somer handles auto accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you, and the first consultation is free.
