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If you’ve been hurt in an accident in Virginia — whether by a negligent driver, a careless doctor, an unsafe property, or a defective product — one of the most important things you need to understand is the Virginia statute of limitations for personal injury. This legal deadline determines how long you have to file a lawsuit, and missing it can prevent you from recovering compensation, no matter how severe your injuries or how clear the other party’s fault may be.
The Virginia personal injury statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of your injury. That means you have a two-year window to take legal action. If you wait too long and miss this deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case—even if your evidence is strong and the harm you suffered is significant.
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At Regan Zambri Long PLLC, we’ve dedicated our careers to helping injury victims across Virginia meet these legal deadlines and secure the compensation they deserve. With over $650 million recovered for our clients, we know how to fight and win against negligent parties and powerful insurance companies. Whether you’re in Arlington, Fairfax, Richmond, Roanoke, or anywhere else in Virginia, we’re ready to stand by your side.
Understanding the Virginia statute of limitations is critical because every day counts. Filing your claim within the required timeframe preserves your legal rights and strengthens your case. We’re here to help you act quickly and effectively, so you don’t risk losing the compensation you need to move forward.
The statute of limitations sets the legal time frame in which you must file your lawsuit. If you miss it, your case will likely be dismissed. Here’s what you need to know about Virginia’s deadlines:
General Personal Injury Claims: You have two years from the date of the accident or injury to file a lawsuit.
Wrongful Death Cases: If you lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence, you also have two years, but the clock starts ticking on the date of their death—not the date of the original injury.
Medical Malpractice Claims: Generally, you have two years to file, but in some cases where the injury was not immediately known (like a surgical instrument left inside a patient or a delayed diagnosis), the clock may start when the harm is discovered. This is known as the “discovery rule.”
Claims Involving Minors: If the injured person is under 18, the statute of limitations is extended. For many claims, the minor has until their 20th birthday to file, depending on the specific circumstances.
Cases Involving Fraud or Concealment: If the person who caused the harm tried to hide what they did or left the state to avoid responsibility, the time limit may be paused (this legal concept is called “tolling”).
While two years might feel like a long time, in reality, the clock can run out faster than you expect. Here’s why taking quick action is critical:
Evidence Can Disappear: Security footage may be automatically deleted, physical evidence might be lost or destroyed, and accident scenes can change.
Witness Memories Fade: People may forget important details or become harder to locate as time passes.
Insurance Companies May Stall: Some insurers deliberately slow down the claims process, hoping you’ll run out the clock and lose your right to sue.
At Regan Zambri Long, we move swiftly to investigate your case, gather evidence, consult experts, and protect your rights. The sooner you reach out, the stronger your case can be.
Our firm has extensive experience across a wide range of personal injury claims. Here are some of the most common cases we handle for Virginians:
Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
Pedestrian injuries
Medical malpractice
Nursing home abuse and neglect
Slip and fall accidents and unsafe property claims
Product liability cases (defective drugs, tools, or equipment)
Construction and workplace injuries
Train and metro accidents
We represent both individual plaintiffs and larger groups in class action or mass tort litigation. No matter the size of your case, we bring the same dedication and expertise.
At Regan Zambri Long, our results speak for themselves. We’ve secured some of the largest verdicts and settlements in the region, including:
$77 million settlement in a wrongful death case
$20 million verdict for a brain injury caused by medical malpractice
$19.5 million verdict in a wrongful death matter
$16 million recovery for a premises liability injury
$15.2 million settlement in another wrongful death case
$15 million settlement for a medical malpractice claim
$14 million personal injury settlement
$14 million settlement following a major auto accident
These outcomes reflect our relentless commitment to securing justice and financial security for our clients. We don’t just aim to win — we aim to maximize what you deserve.
Personal injuries are unfortunately common across Virginia. Some key statistics highlight the importance of understanding your legal rights and deadlines:
In 2022, Virginia reported over 118,000 motor vehicle crashes, leading to 58,786 injuries and 1,005 fatalities.
Falls remain one of the top causes of emergency room visits, especially among adults aged 65 and older.
Medical malpractice continues to be a significant source of injury-related lawsuits nationwide.
With thousands of people injured every year, knowing how long you have to take legal action can be the difference between recovery and disappointment.
If you’ve never worked with a personal injury attorney, you might wonder what the process looks like. Here’s a step-by-step overview of what happens when you call Regan Zambri Long:
Step 1: Free Consultation
You tell us what happened. We ask questions, listen closely, and explain your legal options. There’s no pressure and no fee for this consultation.
Step 2: Investigation
We gather medical records, police reports, photos, witness statements, and expert opinions. We work hard to get the facts right and build a solid foundation for your claim.
Step 3: Demand Letter
Once we have the evidence, we send a detailed demand letter to the insurance company or opposing party, laying out the facts, showing your damages, and requesting fair compensation.
Step 4: Negotiation
Many cases settle out of court. We negotiate firmly on your behalf, always aiming for the best possible outcome.
Step 5: Resolution
If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial. Either way, you don’t pay us unless we win.
When you’ve been injured, dealing with insurance companies can be one of the most frustrating parts of the recovery process. Insurance adjusters may appear friendly and helpful, but their primary goal is to protect the company’s bottom line — not to pay the full compensation you’re entitled to.
They may ask for recorded statements, pressure you into accepting a quick settlement, or challenge the extent of your injuries to reduce what they have to pay. One common strategy is to ask for a recorded statement early in the process. While this might seem routine, anything you say can be used to undermine your claim.
Similarly, quick settlement offers may seem appealing but often fail to cover long-term medical costs or lost wages. It’s important not to accept any offers or provide detailed statements without consulting a legal professional.
At Regan Zambri Long PLLC, we understand these tactics and know how to counter them effectively. Our experienced attorneys handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation. We meticulously document your injuries, gather necessary evidence, and negotiate assertively to secure the settlement you deserve.
By entrusting us with your case, you can focus on your recovery while we manage the complexities of dealing with insurance companies. Our goal is to alleviate your stress and maximize your compensation, providing you with peace of mind during a difficult time.
There are many personal injury firms out there, but here’s what sets us apart:
Award-Winning Attorneys: Recognized by Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and U.S. News & World Report for excellence.
Top Verdicts: We’ve achieved some of the largest verdicts and settlements in Virginia and the surrounding region.
Local Knowledge: We know Virginia law inside and out, and we understand how local courts operate.
Client-Focused: We treat every client with dignity, compassion, and personalized attention. You’re never just a case number.
Board-Certified Trial Attorneys: We’re not afraid to go to trial. If that’s what it takes to win, we’re ready.
What happens if I miss the two-year deadline?
In most cases, you lose the right to sue. Courts are strict about statutes of limitations. However, there are some exceptions, so contact a lawyer immediately to see if any apply.
Can I still file if I didn’t discover my injury right away?
In certain cases, like medical malpractice, the “discovery rule” may extend the deadline if the injury was hidden and not reasonably discoverable earlier.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay anything upfront, and we only get paid if we recover money for you.
Will my case have to go to trial?
Most personal injury cases settle before trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court.
What kinds of damages can I recover?
Depending on your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Future medical care
Emotional distress
Wrongful death benefits (if applicable)
How long will my case take?
Every case is unique. Some resolve within a few months, while others take a year or more, especially if they go to trial. We keep you updated every step of the way.
If you were hurt because of someone else’s negligence—whether it happened on the road, in a hospital, at a business, or anywhere else — you don’t have to face it alone. At Regan Zambri Long, we’re ready to fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you need to move forward.
Call us today at (202) 960-4596 or schedule your free consultation online. Time matters — don’t let the statute of limitations close the door on your case.
Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.