Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers

A serious car accident can disrupt every aspect of your life in a matter of seconds. Injuries, medical treatment, missed work, financial pressure, and uncertainty about the future often follow close behind. At Montagna Law, our Norfolk car accident lawyers understand how overwhelming this experience can be, and we are committed to helping injured people regain control, stability, and confidence after a crash.

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of serious injury in Norfolk and throughout Hampton Roads. Heavy traffic, congested interstates, distracted drivers, and aggressive driving behaviors all contribute to collisions that leave victims facing long recoveries and lasting consequences. While some crashes are relatively minor, others result in permanent injuries that affect a person’s ability to work, care for their family, or enjoy daily life.

Our firm provides focused, results-driven representation for people injured in car accidents. From the first conversation, you have direct access to your lawyer, clear guidance about your options, and a legal strategy designed around your needs and goals. Whether your case resolves through settlement or requires litigation, we are prepared to advocate for the full compensation you deserve.

A Client-Centered Approach to Car Accident Representation in Norfolk

At Montagna Law, we believe injured clients should never feel ignored, rushed, or left in the dark. When you hire our firm, you work directly with your attorney. You can call anytime with questions, receive updates about your case, and choose how you want to communicate, whether in person, by phone, or by video.

This personal approach matters because no two car accident cases are the same. Injuries vary, recovery timelines differ, and insurance companies treat claims differently depending on the circumstances. By staying closely connected with our clients, we are able to tailor legal strategies that reflect the true impact of the crash and pursue outcomes that support long-term recovery.

Car Accidents in Norfolk and the Risks Drivers Face

Norfolk’s roadways present unique challenges. Interstates like I-64 and I-264, busy surface streets, bridge-tunnel traffic, and commuter congestion all increase the likelihood of collisions. Many accidents involve sudden stops, unsafe lane changes, speeding, or drivers who fail to pay attention in high-traffic areas.

Even low-speed crashes can result in serious injuries, including back and neck injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and soft tissue damage that worsens over time. High-speed collisions and multi-vehicle crashes often lead to catastrophic injuries requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation.

Our Norfolk car accident lawyers handle a wide range of claims and work to identify all responsible parties, document the full extent of injuries, and build cases that accurately reflect the long-term consequences of the crash.

Virginia Auto Insurance Requirements

Virginia requires drivers to carry auto liability insurance, and the minimum coverage limits have increased in recent years in recognition of the high costs associated with serious accidents and injuries. As of 2025, the required minimum liability limits are $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. These limits were raised from $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in 2022, and before that stood at $25,000 and $50,000.

While these increases reflect an acknowledgment that crashes can be financially devastating, even the new minimum limits are often woefully insufficient in serious injury cases. A single emergency room visit, surgery, or extended rehabilitation can quickly exceed policy limits. When long-term medical care, lost earning ability, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life are considered, minimum coverage frequently falls far short of what an injured person truly needs.

This reality makes skilled legal representation essential. An experienced car accident lawyer can identify additional sources of compensation, evaluate underinsured motorist coverage, and pursue claims aggressively to maximize recovery.

Proving a Car Accident Claim in Virginia

To recover compensation after a car accident in Virginia, the injured person must prove that another driver was negligent and that the negligence caused the injuries. This includes showing how the accident occurred, who was responsible, and how the injuries have affected the victim’s life.

Virginia’s contributory negligence rule makes these cases especially challenging. If an injured person is found even minimally at fault along with the other driver, they can be kept from recovering any compensation. Insurance companies know this and often attempt to shift blame to deny otherwise valid claims.

At Montagna Law, we understand how to build car accident cases with contributory negligence in mind. We gather evidence early, analyze accident reports, consult with experts when necessary, and develop clear narratives that demonstrate fault and causation. Our goal is to protect our clients from unfair blame and present the strongest possible case.

Insurance Company Tactics After Norfolk Car Accidents

After a crash, insurance companies move quickly to protect their interests. Common tactics include disputing how the accident happened, questioning who had the right-of-way, minimizing the severity of injuries, or suggesting that injuries were pre-existing or unrelated to the crash.

Delays are another common strategy. By dragging out the claims process, insurers hope injured people will become frustrated or financially strained enough to accept a low settlement. Early settlement offers are often made before the full extent of injuries is known and rarely reflect the true value of the claim.

Montagna Law knows how to deal with these tactics effectively. We handle all communications with insurers, push back against unfair arguments, and ensure that any settlement discussions are based on complete and accurate information. When insurers refuse to act reasonably, we are prepared to escalate the case and pursue litigation.

Focused Advocacy for Long-Term Recovery

A serious car accident can affect your health, finances, and future opportunities. Our role is not just to resolve a claim, but to help position you for the best possible life after the crash. That means pursuing compensation that accounts for long-term medical needs, reduced earning capacity, ongoing pain, and the ways your injuries have changed your daily life.

With Montagna Law, you are not going through this process alone. You have a dedicated advocate who understands both the legal and personal dimensions of your case and is committed to achieving results that matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has the right-of-way if traffic signals are out?

When traffic signals are not functioning, Virginia law generally treats the intersection as a four-way stop. Drivers must come to a complete stop and proceed in the order they arrived. If arriving at the same time, the driver to the right generally has the right-of-way, but all drivers should proceed cautiously. Failure to follow these rules can result in liability if an accident occurs.

Is the rear driver automatically liable in a rear-end crash?

Not always. While rear drivers are often presumed to be at fault, liability depends on the specific circumstances. Sudden stops, mechanical failures, or unsafe actions by the lead driver can affect fault determinations. Each case requires a careful review of the facts.

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Virginia?

In most cases, Virginia’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can bar recovery, making early legal guidance important.

Should I talk to the insurance company after a crash?

Insurance adjusters may appear helpful, but their goal is to limit payouts. Speaking with a lawyer before giving statements or accepting offers can help protect your rights and your claim.

What if the at-fault driver has minimal insurance?

Even when the at-fault driver carries only minimum coverage, there may be other options for recovery, including underinsured motorist coverage or claims against additional responsible parties.

Speak With a Norfolk Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you were injured in a car accident in Norfolk, you deserve legal representation that combines personal attention with determined advocacy. Montagna Law is committed to being accessible, responsive, and relentlessly focused on results. Contact us today to speak directly with a Norfolk car accident lawyer and learn how we can help you move forward after a serious crash.