What Damages Can You Recover After a Car Accident in Virginia?

 Posted on April 08, 2025 in Personal Injury

Car accidents are the most common form of personal injury claims. In Virginia, victims of careless drivers have the right to demand financial compensation for their losses, including the mental and emotional suffering they endured as a result of their injuries. An experienced Fairfax, VA car accident attorney will investigate the circumstances of your accident, identify the damages you can recover, and fight for your right to compensation. 

What Are Compensatory Damages?

Compensatory damages refer to the economic and noneconomic losses you can recover from a valid personal injury claim. The economic damages refer to financial losses and commonly include:

• Past medical expenses incurred from treating your injuries

• Future medical expenses for ongoing treatments

• Wages lost as the result of missed work or loss of earning capacity

• Costs associated with repairing or replacing any damaged property

• Other expenses related to your losses, such as transportation to and from medical appointments

Non-economic damages cover intangible losses. This can include pain and suffering associated with injuries, emotional distress, and mental anguish. These are more challenging to identify, but an experienced attorney knows where to look for noneconomic losses and how to accurately assign monetary value to them. 

When Are Punitive Damages Appropriate?

Punitive damages do not compensate for losses. In cases where the at-fault driver acted with malice or showed willful and wanton disregard for the safety of others, the court may require them to pay punitive damages in addition to the compensatory damages. The purpose is to punish the defendant and provide an example to deter similar wrongdoing. Punitive damages are not available for every case, and they are often substantial.

What if You Are Partially Liable for the Accident?

Unlike most states, Virginia applies the rule of contributory negligence to personal injury cases involving shared fault. According to this law, you are not eligible to recover damages from a car accident case if the court determines that you played any part in causing the accident.

The rule is binding in court and guides insurance claims. Adjusters may make decisions about your claim and often challenge it if the court finds you partially responsible for the accident. If you have questions about your role in the crash, an experienced attorney can help you understand the legal options available.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Fairfax, VA Car Accident Lawyer

In the aftermath of a severe car accident, the victims of negligent drivers often face significant physical, financial, and emotional losses. If you suffered an injury or lost a loved one in a car accident, a Virginia auto accident attorney can help you understand the laws that apply to your case and the recoverable damages available to you. You deserve a fast and fair track to compensation, allowing you to rebuild your life. At Robinson Law, PLLC, we are available 24/7 to answer any questions you have. Call 703-844-3746 to schedule your free consultation today.