July 9, 2026
Your First Consultation With a Harrisonburg Car Accident Lawyer: What to Expect
By Bethany Rishell Attorney | Cravens & Noll, P.C.
Many car accidents occur in Harrisonburg and the surrounding area, with a large number happening on I-81. If you’ve recently been in a car accident, the idea of sitting down with a lawyer might feel intimidating. But here’s the good news: Cravens and Noll offers free initial consultations. That first meeting is your chance to understand your rights, talk through your situation, and decide if the lawyer is a good fit for you. Think of it less like a test and more like a conversation. This blog will walk you through what to expect and how you can prepare so you feel confident heading into your first consultation.
Initial Case Review
The consultation usually starts with your story. Your lawyer will ask you to explain what happened, from the accident itself to what’s been going on since, including medical care, car repairs, lost work, and anything else that’s affected your life. Don’t worry about making it perfect; just give an honest account. This part is less about legal jargon and more about painting a clear picture of what you’ve gone through.
The attorney’s job at this stage is to figure out whether you have a case worth pursuing. They’ll listen carefully, ask follow-up questions, and get a feel for the details. Think of it as the groundwork for everything that comes next.
Sharing Key Documents & Evidence
The more information you bring, the better. This can include police reports, medical records, photos of the accident scene, insurance correspondence, and even notes you’ve kept about your recovery. If you don’t have everything gathered yet, that’s okay. Bring what you can, and your lawyer will help you understand what else will be useful down the road.
Many people are surprised to learn that even small details, such as a receipt from a rental car or texts from an insurance adjuster, can become important evidence. The consultation is a great time to organize and hand off anything you think might matter.
Explanation of Your Legal Rights
Laws around car accidents can feel complicated, but your lawyer will break them down for you in plain English. They’ll explain your rights when it comes to insurance claims, medical bills, and compensation for things like lost wages or pain and suffering.
This is one of the most valuable parts of the consultation: understanding where you stand legally. Even if you’ve read up on Virginia car accident laws online, hearing it directly from a professional who deals with these cases every day gives you clarity and peace of mind.
Case Strategy & Options
Once your lawyer has the facts, they’ll outline possible strategies for moving forward. That could mean negotiating directly with the insurance company, filing a lawsuit, or waiting to see how your recovery progresses before taking big steps.
Don’t expect every answer to be final in this first meeting. What you should expect is a roadmap, an overview of how the case could unfold and what paths are open to you. This is also when you can get a sense of your lawyer’s style. Do they seem aggressive in negotiation? Do they take a more measured approach? Finding a lawyer whose strategy matches your comfort level is just as important as the legal advice itself.
Fee Structure & Costs
Money is often one of the first concerns accident victims have, and it’s something your lawyer will address openly during the consultation. Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay anything up front, and the lawyer only gets paid if they win your case.
You’ll want to ask what percentage they take, whether there are additional costs (like filing fees or expert witnesses), and how those expenses are handled.
Q&A Session
The consultation is not just for the lawyer to evaluate your case. It is also your chance to ask questions. Here are a few good ones to consider:
- How many car accident cases have you handled that are similar to mine?
- How long do cases like this usually take?
- What challenges do you see in my case?
- How do you prefer to communicate: phone, email, or in-person meetings?
The answers can help you feel confident in your decision and make sure you’re comfortable with the lawyer’s communication style and approach.
Next Steps After the Consultation
By the end of the meeting, you should have a clear idea of what comes next. Sometimes that means the lawyer will begin investigating right away, requesting records, or contacting insurance companies. Other times, they might advise you to focus on medical treatment first before moving forward with legal action.
Either way, you’ll leave the consultation knowing what you need to do on your end and what your lawyer will handle for you. That clarity can feel like a weight lifted off your shoulders after the chaos of a car accident.
Call Cravens & Noll Today
Meeting with a lawyer for the first time doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When you know what to expect, including reviewing your case, sharing documents, learning your rights, discussing strategy, and asking questions, you’ll walk into the consultation prepared and confident.
At Cravens & Noll PC, we’re here to help you through the entire process, starting with that very first conversation. We proudly serve clients in Harrisonburg, Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico, and Colonial Heights. If you’ve been in a car accident and need trusted guidance, reach out today to schedule your free consultation.
At Cravens & Noll, an experienced Virginia law firm, we are Your Lawyers For Life and have protected and served the rights of over 30,000 people just like you throughout Virginia across 4 Decades in Business. This is why we have been voted one of The Best Law Firms and The Best Attorney in Richmond by the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
We know that every legal case is always…personal. No matter what you are facing right now our attorneys will provide the solutions you need, at a reasonable price. Whether divorce, personal injury, criminal charges, or bankruptcy. We work hard to be your lawyers for life. That means giving your individual case the one-on-one attention and care it deserves.
Our team of trusted and local lawyers will never give false expectations about the potential outcome of your case. You can count on a realistic assessment of your case, in order for you to make a sound decision.
With offices in Richmond and Harrisonburg, we will assist you with dedicated and professional legal advice. In times like this, you need answers, stability, and confidence. Our calculated approach quickly evaluates and stabilizes your situation immediately to prepare you for the legal matters ahead. Our goal as your attorney is that you feel immediate relief from the moment you contact us. We can meet with you face-to-face, by video, by telephone, or together in our office.
Contact our Virginia attorneys today for a consultation. At your appointment, we will ease the burden on your shoulders and provide you with options on how to proceed. Before taking a case, Cravens and Noll lawyers provide an initial consultation for clients.
July 1, 2026
Why State Minimum Auto Insurance Is a Financial Risk (And How to Protect Your Assets)
By David Noll, Managing Partner | Cravens & Noll, P.C.
We see it frequently. After a serious motor vehicle accident, individuals often assume that simply carrying a valid auto policy means their personal finances are fully protected. Many drivers choose the lowest legal limit available simply to satisfy state registration requirements, unaware that a low-limit policy can be a dangerous financial gamble.
To explore what a “state minimum” policy actually means, and the potential legal exposure it creates when a severe collision occurs, we sat down with Elle Bunn Lappan from Bunn Insurance to look at both the insurance and legal realities of coverage.
What Does “Cheap Insurance” Really Mean?
When shopping for budget auto insurance, it is common to focus entirely on the monthly premium. However, as Elle points out, true “cheap” insurance is rarely about what you pay; it is about what your policy actually covers.
“What we mean by cheap insurance is that a policyholder may be under-insuring themselves, their vehicles, and their personal property. It’s not necessarily about the premium they’re paying, but the actual dollar amount of coverage they are carrying in their policy.” — Elle Bunn Lappan, Bunn Insurance President
By selecting state minimum limits, a driver chooses a minimal safety net that can quickly prove insufficient in a severe crisis.
The Legal Reality: Virginia’s Limits vs. Modern Medical Expenses
Virginia auto insurance laws require mandatory minimum liability limits of $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Additionally, the Commonwealth requires uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to match these liability thresholds.
While these requirements establish a standard baseline, a single overnight hospital stay, emergency surgery, or multi-vehicle collision can exhaust these limits within hours.
Here is how a low-limit policy can impact you legally after a serious crash:
Scenario A: You Are Alleged to Be At Fault
If you are found liable for a severe accident and the injured parties incur medical bills exceeding $100,000, your insurance company’s obligation to pay is generally capped at your policy limit (e.g., $50,000). You could be held personally responsible for the remaining balance. If you have personal assets, such as a home, savings accounts, or future wages, the injured party may seek to target those assets through a personal lawsuit to satisfy a judgment.
Scenario B: You Are Not At Fault (The Underinsured Driver Problem)
If another driver causes a collision that injures you, but they carry only the bare minimum coverage, your own Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage becomes critical. Under Virginia law, you can stack your UIM limits to secure additional recovery. However, if you carry only the state minimum limits, your recovery from your own insurer may be capped at that low amount. If your medical expenses reach six figures, an inadequate policy can leave you with significant uncompensated losses.
The Property Damage Gap: A Common Hidden Vulnerability
Property damage minimums present another significant risk. If a policy only covers up to $25,000 in property damage, a driver may face personal exposure if they cause an accident involving a modern vehicle, an SUV, or a multi-car wreck.
As Elle frames the scenario. Imagine your own vehicle is valued at $10,000. But, if you cause an accident that totals a $75,000 modern SUV or luxury vehicle, your at-fault driver’s policy may leave a massive shortfall.
Without higher liability boundaries, the vehicle owner or their insurer could pursue you personally for the outstanding repair or replacement costs.
Real-Life Consequences: A Cravens & Noll Case Study
Virginia State Bar Required Notice: Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case.
To understand how quickly minimal insurance thresholds can dissolve, look at a case evaluated by the legal team at Cravens & Noll several years back.
While traveling on a narrow road, a vehicle crossed the center line and struck our client’s vehicle head-on. Due to the severity of the impact, our client required an emergency med-flight to VCU Medical Center, spending multiple days in intensive care. Her total medical expenses rapidly climbed past $250,000.
- The Problem: The at-fault driver was operating completely uninsured.
- The Shortfall: While our client carried a $100,000 policy—which was higher than the bare minimum standard at the time—it still fell significantly short of her actual $250,000 medical liability.
- The Legal Process: Because she received care at a state-supported medical institution without sufficient coverage to balance the debt, a statutory medical lien was placed against her legal claim. Our legal team aggressively negotiated with the medical providers to reduce the outstanding liens, allowing her to ultimately retain a portion of her recovery to assist in rebuilding her life.
Had a higher UIM threshold or an umbrella policy been in place, her medical liabilities could have been fully satisfied by the insurance carriers, minimizing her financial distress during her physical recovery.
Shocking Truth: Higher Protection Often Costs Pennies
A major misconception among drivers is that doubling or tripling policy limits will double or triple their insurance premiums. In reality, restructuring deductibles and adjusting liability maximums to safer levels typically adds only a nominal amount to a monthly premium.
- Allocating just a few extra dollars a month can frequently secure an additional $50,000 to $100,000 in bodily injury liability protection.
- A minor monthly adjustment can safeguard a household against personal asset exposure in the event of an unforeseen litigation process.
Protect Your Household: Request a Professional Evaluation
Relying solely on automated internet algorithms to select your coverage can leave critical gaps in your financial safety net. Evaluating your specific insurance needs requires a comprehensive look at your personal assets, your driving habits, and what you need to protect.
Recommended Steps to Take Today:
- Request a Comprehensive Insurance Audit: Reach out to an independent professional like Elle Bunn Lappan at Bunn Insurance for a comprehensive evaluation of your current policy thresholds.
- Review Asset Alignment: Speak with an experienced broker who can cross-shop coverage across multiple carriers to secure robust protection limits that align with your family’s financial needs.
- Understand Your Legal Options: If you or a family member has been injured in a collision and you are concerned about medical expenses outpacing available policy limits, contact the personal injury team at Cravens & Noll for a professional consultation.
David is a partner with Cravens & Noll and has been representing Virginians for over two decades, and is proud to have been awarded The Best Attorney in Richmond by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. His practice includes all matters regarding civil litigation including all family law matters, personal injury, and business law matters. Additionally, he represents individuals and families in the area of consumer bankruptcy.
David’s primary focus is working directly with his clients in order to strongly advocate the best possible result. He ensures that all attorneys at the firm follow the mission to be easily accessible to clients.
David and his family reside in Henrico County. When not working with his clients, David enjoys spending time with his family, running and training for half and full marathons, and as much time at the beach surfing with his children.
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June 29, 2026
Navigating Truck Accident Litigation in Harrisonburg: A Complete Guide
By Bethany Rishell Attorney | Cravens & Noll, P.C.
Truck accidents in Harrisonburg aren’t like typical fender benders. Especially when they occur on highway I-81. These crashes usually involve serious injuries, multiple parties who might share blame, and insurance companies that don’t back down easily. For someone already dealing with recovery, navigating the legal process can feel overwhelming. This guide walks through the steps of truck accident litigation in Harrisonburg so you know what to expect and how to protect your rights.
Why Truck Accidents Are More Complicated
When an accident involves an 18-wheeler or commercial truck, the stakes are higher. Trucks weigh tons more than passenger cars, which means injuries are often more severe. But beyond that, these cases are legally complex because responsibility doesn’t always fall on just one person. Unlike a regular car crash, where liability is usually pinned to a single driver, truck cases may involve the driver, the trucking company, the vehicle’s manufacturer, or even the cargo loaders. Each party has its own insurance carrier and legal team, which makes the process far more challenging.
Key Causes of Truck Accidents in Harrisonburg
Some of the most common reasons for truck crashes in the area include:
- Driver fatigue – Long hours on the road make exhaustion a constant risk.
- Improper maintenance – Skipping inspections or repairs can lead to brake failure or tire blowouts.
- Overloaded cargo – Unbalanced or overweight loads cause trucks to jackknife or tip.
- Distracted driving – Texting, eating, or adjusting navigation systems can all contribute.
- Hazardous road conditions – Sharp curves, construction zones, or poor weather can quickly turn dangerous when a truck is involved.
Understanding the cause is essential because it points to who may ultimately be responsible.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Truck Accident Litigation?
Liability in a truck accident isn’t always straightforward. Possible parties include:
- The truck driver, if they were negligent, speeding, or driving under the influence.
- The trucking company encourages unsafe schedules, skipped maintenance, and the hiring of unqualified drivers.
- The cargo company is investigating whether loading errors led to the crash.
- The manufacturer of a defective part, like brakes or tires, contributed to the wreck.
Since multiple defendants may be involved, determining liability is one of the first and most important steps in litigation.
Evidence in Truck Accident Litigation
Strong evidence is what sets apart a successful claim from a denied one. In truck accident cases, evidence may include:
- The truck’s black box data shows speed, braking, and hours driven.
- Maintenance logs and inspection records.
- Driver logs tracking hours on the road.
- Eyewitness testimony and police reports.
- Accident scene photos and video footage, if available.
Securing this evidence early is critical because companies may move quickly to protect themselves.
The Litigation Process in Harrisonburg
Here’s a simplified breakdown of how a truck accident lawsuit generally unfolds:
- Investigation – Collecting evidence and identifying liable parties.
- Filing the claim – Starting the official lawsuit.
- Discovery – Both sides exchange documents, evidence, and witness testimony.
- Negotiations – Many cases settle before trial, but negotiations can take time.
- Trial – If a fair settlement isn’t reached, the case may go before a jury.
Each stage takes patience, but knowing the process helps you stay prepared.
Types of Compensation Available
Victims of truck accidents on the highway I-81 in Harrisonburg may be entitled to several forms of compensation, such as:
- Medical expenses – Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
- Lost wages – Income lost during recovery, as well as future earning potential.
- Pain and suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property damage – Repairs or replacement of your vehicle and belongings.
The severity of injuries and the details of the accident often dictate how much compensation may be pursued.
Why Local Legal Representation Matters
Truck accident litigation isn’t something you want to take on alone. Local attorneys who know the Harrisonburg courts, judges, and insurance defense tactics can make a big difference. They understand the regional nuances, know how to gather the right evidence quickly, and can anticipate the strategies of opposing counsel. Having that hometown advantage ensures you’re not fighting an uphill battle in unfamiliar territory.
Contact Cravens & Noll for Expert Assistance
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Harrisonburg, you don’t have to figure out the legal system by yourself. The attorneys at Cravens & Noll PC are here to guide you through every step, from investigation to settlement or trial. With offices in Harrisonburg, Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico, and Colonial Heights, they’re ready to help protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Cravens & Noll, an experienced Virginia law firm, we are Your Lawyers For Life and have protected and served the rights of over 30,000 people just like you throughout Virginia across 4 Decades in Business. This is why we have been voted one of The Best Law Firms and The Best Attorney in Richmond by the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
We know that every legal case is always…personal. No matter what you are facing right now our attorneys will provide the solutions you need, at a reasonable price. Whether divorce, personal injury, criminal charges, or bankruptcy. We work hard to be your lawyers for life. That means giving your individual case the one-on-one attention and care it deserves.
Our team of trusted and local lawyers will never give false expectations about the potential outcome of your case. You can count on a realistic assessment of your case, in order for you to make a sound decision.
With offices in Richmond and Harrisonburg, we will assist you with dedicated and professional legal advice. In times like this, you need answers, stability, and confidence. Our calculated approach quickly evaluates and stabilizes your situation immediately to prepare you for the legal matters ahead. Our goal as your attorney is that you feel immediate relief from the moment you contact us. We can meet with you face-to-face, by video, by telephone, or together in our office.
Contact our Virginia attorneys today for a consultation. At your appointment, we will ease the burden on your shoulders and provide you with options on how to proceed. Before taking a case, Cravens and Noll lawyers provide an initial consultation for clients.
June 18, 2026
Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Virginia: Who is Liable When a Delivery Truck Hits You
By David Noll, Managing Attorney | Cravens & Noll, P.C. | Richmond and Harrisonburg, Virginia
Every day across Virginia, commercial vehicles travel busy roads delivering packages, transporting goods, and supporting businesses. From major highways near Midlothian and Henrico to local roads in Colonial Heights and Harrisonburg, delivery trucks have become a common sight. While these vehicles play an important role in commerce, they can also pose significant dangers when accidents occur.
If you have been injured in a collision involving a delivery truck, one of the first questions you may have is: Who is liable for my injuries and damages? Determining responsibility in a commercial vehicle accident is often more complicated than in a typical car accident. Understanding how liability works can help protect your rights and ensure you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Why are Commercial Vehicle Accidents Different?
Unlike accidents involving two private drivers, commercial vehicle crashes often involve multiple parties. Delivery trucks are typically owned, operated, maintained, and insured by companies with substantial resources and legal teams dedicated to protecting their interests.
When a commercial vehicle causes an accident, victims may face severe injuries due to the truck’s larger size and weight. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, and long-term disabilities. Medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma can quickly become overwhelming.
An experienced injury lawyer can investigate the accident and identify all potentially liable parties.
Who is Potentially Liable in a Delivery Truck Accident?
The Truck Driver
In many delivery truck accidents, the driver’s insurance coverage may be a primary source of compensation for injured parties. When a collision occurs, an investigation will determine whether the driver’s actions contributed to the crash and whether their insurance policy applies to the resulting damages.
Depending on the circumstances, coverage may be available for losses arising from issues such as traffic violations, driver error, inattention, fatigue, or other factors that played a role in the accident. If the driver is found legally responsible, their insurance policy may help cover medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and other related losses.
The Delivery Company
The company that employs or contracts with the driver may also bear responsibility. Under Virginia law, employers can often be held liable for the actions of employees who are acting within the scope of their employment.
Additionally, a delivery company may be directly liable if it:
- Failed to properly train drivers
- Hired an unqualified driver
- Encouraged unsafe driving practices
- Failed to enforce safety regulations
- Neglected vehicle maintenance
Large corporations and delivery companies may attempt to minimize their liability after an accident. Working with a knowledgeable personal injury law firm can help ensure critical evidence is preserved and investigated.
Vehicle Owners and Maintenance Providers
Sometimes the truck involved in the accident is owned by a third party or leased from another company. If poor maintenance contributed to the crash, the vehicle owner or maintenance provider could share responsibility.
Examples include:
- Brake failures
- Tire blowouts
- Steering malfunctions
- Defective lights or signals
A thorough investigation may uncover maintenance records and inspection reports that reveal negligence.
Manufacturers of Defective Parts
In some cases, the accident may result from a defective vehicle component. If a faulty brake system, tire, steering mechanism, or other part contributed to the collision, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability laws.
Identifying defective equipment often requires expert analysis and accident reconstruction.
What Can Help Establish Liability?
Commercial vehicle accident cases often involve extensive evidence beyond what is available in a typical car accident claim. Important evidence may include:
- Driver logs and schedules
- Electronic tracking data
- GPS records
- Vehicle maintenance records
- Company safety policies
- Dash camera footage
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Black box data
The sooner an accident lawyer becomes involved, the better the chances of preserving this valuable evidence before it disappears.
Virginia’s Contributory Negligence Rule
Virginia follows a strict legal doctrine known as contributory negligence. Under this rule, if an injured person is found even partially at fault for an accident, they may be barred from recovering compensation.
Insurance companies frequently attempt to use this rule to deny valid claims. They may argue that the injured victim contributed to the accident in some way, even when the commercial driver was primarily responsible.
Because of this challenging legal standard, it is essential to consult with a skilled car accident lawyer as soon as possible after a commercial vehicle collision.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Victims of delivery truck accidents may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Every case is unique, and the value of a claim depends on factors such as injury severity, liability, and long-term impacts on the victim’s life.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Commercial trucking companies and their insurers often begin investigating accidents immediately. Their goal is frequently to limit financial exposure rather than fully compensate injured victims.
An experienced local injury lawyer can level the playing field by:
- Conducting an independent investigation
- Gathering and preserving evidence
- Consulting with experts
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Pursuing litigation when necessary
Having strong legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Contact Cravens & Noll After a Commercial Vehicle Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a delivery truck accident in Midlothian, Henrico, Colonial Heights, Harrisonburg, or anywhere throughout Virginia, it is important to understand your rights and legal options.
The attorneys at Cravens & Noll have extensive experience helping accident victims navigate complex personal injury claims involving commercial vehicles. Whether the accident was caused by a negligent driver, delivery company, maintenance provider, or vehicle manufacturer, our team is committed to pursuing the compensation our clients deserve.
When facing serious injuries and mounting expenses, you should not have to take on large corporations and insurance companies alone. Contact Cravens & Noll today to speak with an experienced injury lawyer and learn how our personal injury law firm can help protect your future after a commercial vehicle accident.
At Cravens & Noll, we will be your lawyers for life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Delivery Truck Accidents in Virginia
1. What should I do immediately after a delivery truck accident in Virginia?
After a delivery truck accident, your first priority should be seeking medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Call law enforcement and document the scene with photos and video. If possible, do not move your vehicle until after photo and video are taken. Gather contact information from witnesses and avoid discussing fault with insurance representatives. Contacting an experienced personal injury attorney early can help preserve important evidence and protect your legal rights.
2. Can I sue a delivery company if one of its drivers caused my accident?
Potentially, yes. In many cases, a delivery company may be held liable for accidents caused by drivers who were acting within the scope of their employment. Depending on the circumstances, the company may also be responsible for negligent hiring, inadequate training, poor vehicle maintenance, or other safety failures that contributed to the crash.
3. How long do I have to file a delivery truck accident claim in Virginia?
Virginia generally imposes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from motor vehicle accidents. However, certain circumstances can affect filing deadlines. Because waiting too long can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation, it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.
4. What if the insurance company says I was partially at fault for the accident?
Virginia follows a strict contributory negligence rule. This means that if you are found even slightly responsible for the accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation. Insurance companies often raise this defense to reduce or deny claims, making it especially important to have an attorney investigate the accident and advocate on your behalf.
5. How much is a commercial vehicle accident case worth in Virginia?
The value of a commercial vehicle accident claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, lost wages, future care needs, pain and suffering, and the impact the injuries have on your daily life. Because every case is unique, an attorney can evaluate your specific circumstances and help determine the compensation you may be entitled to pursue.
David is a partner with Cravens & Noll and has been representing Virginians for over two decades, and is proud to have been awarded The Best Attorney in Richmond by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. His practice includes all matters regarding civil litigation including all family law matters, personal injury, and business law matters. Additionally, he represents individuals and families in the area of consumer bankruptcy.
David’s primary focus is working directly with his clients in order to strongly advocate the best possible result. He ensures that all attorneys at the firm follow the mission to be easily accessible to clients.
David and his family reside in Henrico County. When not working with his clients, David enjoys spending time with his family, running and training for half and full marathons, and as much time at the beach surfing with his children.
May 14, 2026
Injured in a Truck or Car Accident on I-81 Near Harrisonburg? Here Is What You Need to Know
By Bethany Rishell Attorney | Cravens & Noll, P.C.
If you live in or around Harrisonburg, you already know that Interstate 81 is not just a highway. It is part of your daily life. Whether you are commuting to work, heading to campus at JMU, or running errands in Rockingham County, chances are you are merging onto I-81 on a regular basis.
But I-81 isn’t like most highways. It carries an unusually heavy volume of tractor-trailers, far more than many other roads in Virginia, and that constant mix of passenger vehicles and freight traffic changes how it feels to drive. Add in the hills, curves, and congestion, and it’s no surprise that crashes, especially involving large trucks, are something many local drivers have seen firsthand. As a personal injury attorney in Harrisonburg who has handled accident cases across the Shenandoah Valley for years, I want to share a few things I wish more people understood before they ever call a lawyer.
Why I-81 Accidents Are Different
Here is something that surprises a lot of people: roughly 41% of all trucking traffic in Virginia travels on I-81 according to VDOT. That is more than I-95 through Northern Virginia and more than I-66. The highway was designed in the 1950s for far less traffic, and the rolling terrain of the Shenandoah Valley makes it even harder for semi-trucks to maintain consistent speeds on the hills between Staunton and Harrisonburg.
The result is a fatal accident rate on I-81 that is nearly double that of other Virginia interstates. We see multi-vehicle pileups, rear-end collisions at exit ramps, and jackknife trucks in bad weather far too often. When a fully loaded tractor-trailer hits a passenger vehicle, the injuries are almost always severe.
If you or a family member has been hurt in a truck accident or car accident near Harrisonburg, the legal situation is more complicated than a typical fender bender. Trucking companies have their own lawyers and insurance teams working the moment a wreck happens. You should have someone in your corner just as quickly.
The Insurance Company Is Not Looking Out for You
I cannot tell you how many times a new client has come into our Harrisonburg office after already receiving a settlement offer in the mail. Usually, it arrives within days of the accident, before the person even knows the full extent of their injuries. It looks like help. It feels like a relief. But it is almost always the bare minimum the insurance company thinks they can get away with.
Insurance adjusters are trained to sound sympathetic, but remember, their job is to close your file quickly and cheaply. Once you accept that check, it is final. Even if new injuries surface weeks later, your physical therapy stretches on longer than expected, or you find out you cannot return to work at all. That signed agreement does not reopen.
Our approach at Cravens & Noll is simple. We help our clients slow down, get the full picture, and make sure nothing is left on the table. We look beyond the accident report. We dig into what this injury means for your life, your ability to work, your family, and your long-term health. And we handle communication with the insurance company so you are not pressured into a decision before you are ready.
What to Do After an Accident on I-81
If you are involved in a crash on I-81 or anywhere in the Harrisonburg area, here are the steps that matter most in the days that follow.
- Get medical care right away, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask pain for hours or even days. Some of the most serious injuries from vehicle accidents, including soft tissue damage, concussions, and internal bleeding, do not show symptoms immediately. A medical record from that first visit also becomes important evidence later.
- Document everything. Photos of vehicles, the road, your injuries. Names of witnesses. Notes on how you feel each day. These details fade fast, and they matter when building a personal injury claim.
- Be careful with insurance statements. You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. Anything you say can and will be used to reduce your compensation. Talk to an accident attorney in Harrisonburg before you talk to them.
And remember, Virginia’s statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years. That may sound like a long time, but building a strong case takes time, and waiting too long can cost you.
Why a Local Personal Injury Law Firm Matters in Harrisonburg
Truck accident litigation in Harrisonburg is not the same as handling a case in Richmond or Northern Virginia. The courts are different. The judges are different. The roads are different. I-81 through the Shenandoah Valley has specific hazards, from steep grades near Staunton to congested merges around Route 33 and Exit 247, that someone unfamiliar with this area simply will not understand the way a local attorney does.
At Cravens & Noll, we have been part of the Harrisonburg community for years. Our firm was founded in 1995, and we have been serving the people of the Shenandoah Valley for years. We know the local courts. We know the roads. And we know what it takes to stand up to large trucking companies and their insurance teams on behalf of Valley families.
If you have been hurt in a vehicle accident on I-81 or anywhere in the Harrisonburg area, we are here to help.
Questions? Schedule Your Consultation with Bethany Rishell, Today! Phone: 540-246-0684
At Cravens & Noll, an experienced Virginia law firm, we are Your Lawyers For Life and have protected and served the rights of over 30,000 people just like you throughout Virginia across 4 Decades in Business. This is why we have been voted one of The Best Law Firms and The Best Attorney in Richmond by the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
We know that every legal case is always…personal. No matter what you are facing right now our attorneys will provide the solutions you need, at a reasonable price. Whether divorce, personal injury, criminal charges, or bankruptcy. We work hard to be your lawyers for life. That means giving your individual case the one-on-one attention and care it deserves.
Our team of trusted and local lawyers will never give false expectations about the potential outcome of your case. You can count on a realistic assessment of your case, in order for you to make a sound decision.
With offices in Richmond and Harrisonburg, we will assist you with dedicated and professional legal advice. In times like this, you need answers, stability, and confidence. Our calculated approach quickly evaluates and stabilizes your situation immediately to prepare you for the legal matters ahead. Our goal as your attorney is that you feel immediate relief from the moment you contact us. We can meet with you face-to-face, by video, by telephone, or together in our office.
Contact our Virginia attorneys today for a consultation. At your appointment, we will ease the burden on your shoulders and provide you with options on how to proceed. Before taking a case, Cravens and Noll lawyers provide an initial consultation for clients.
April 27, 2026
What Types of Insurance Coverage Are Available for Your Personal Injury Claim in Virginia?
By David Noll, Managing Attorney, Cravens & Noll, P.C.
After a car accident in Virginia, most people assume the insurance process is straightforward. You file a claim, the insurance company reviews it, and you get paid what you deserve.
If only it worked that way.
The truth is, understanding what coverage is actually available to you is one of the most important things you can do before you sign anything or accept a single dollar. Virginia’s insurance laws have changed significantly in recent years, and the rules are not always in your favor.
Our team at Cravens & Noll has handled thousands of personal injury cases across Richmond, the Tri-Cities, and the Shenandoah Valley, and we have seen firsthand what happens when injured people navigate this process alone.
Here is what you need to know about the types of insurance coverage available for personal injury claims in Virginia, and why having an experienced accident attorney in your corner matters more than ever.
Virginia Now Requires Every Driver to Carry Insurance
For years, Virginia had a unique and frankly frustrating loophole: drivers could pay a $500 fee to the DMV and legally operate an uninsured vehicle. That option is gone. As of July 1, 2024, Virginia joined almost every other state in the country by requiring all registered vehicle owners to carry auto liability insurance. If you are caught driving without it, you face a $600 noncompliance fine, potential license suspension, and a requirement to carry an SR-22 certificate for three years.
This change is good news for accident victims, but it does not mean every driver on the road carries enough coverage to fully compensate you after a serious crash. That is where understanding the layers of available coverage becomes critical.
Required Coverage in Virginia: Updated 2025 Minimums
Virginia raised its minimum liability coverage requirements effective January 1, 2025. These are now the legal minimums every insured driver must carry:
- Bodily Injury (BI): $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident. This coverage, carried by the at-fault driver, pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages up to the policy limit. The old minimum was $25,000 per person, which is woefully inadequate for serious injuries. The new limits are a step in the right direction, but they still may not cover everything after a catastrophic crash.
- Property Damage (PD): $25,000 per accident. This covers damage to your vehicle and other property caused by the at-fault driver.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UM/UIMBI): Minimum limits of $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident, matching your BI limits. This coverage activates when the at-fault driver either has no insurance or does not have enough to cover your losses. Importantly, Virginia law changed the way UIM is calculated: it now pays in addition to the at-fault driver’s coverage rather than being reduced by it. That means more money available to seriously injured victims.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Property Damage (UM/UIMPD): Minimum limit of $25,000 per accident. This is the property damage equivalent of your UM/UIMBI coverage.
Keep in mind: these are floors, not ceilings. Many drivers still carry only the bare minimum, and medical bills from a serious accident in Virginia can easily exceed these numbers. The stronger your own uninsured/underinsured coverage, the better protected you are.
FR-44 Policies: Higher Requirements After a DUI Conviction
Drivers convicted of a DUI in Virginia are required to carry an FR-44 policy for a minimum of three years. These policies require double the standard minimum limits: $100,000 per person and $200,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $50,000 for property damage. If you were injured by a drunk driver, it is possible the at-fault driver carries higher limits than you might expect, which can affect how much compensation is ultimately available.
Optional Coverage That Can Make a Real Difference
Virginia law does not require drivers to carry every type of coverage. But the optional coverages below can be the difference between full recovery and a financial crisis after a serious accident:
- Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay): This pays your medical expenses regardless of fault, which means it applies even if you caused the accident. Limits typically range from $500 to $10,000. It can also cover funeral expenses in the event of a fatality. If you have MedPay on your own policy, you should access it, but do not let a hospital redirect the billing to your auto insurance in a way that drains these funds prematurely. Our team can help you protect these benefits.
- Comprehensive and Collision Coverage: These cover damage to your own vehicle, whether from a crash, theft, or another event. Both come with deductibles. If the at-fault driver’s property damage coverage is insufficient to cover your vehicle loss, your own collision coverage can step in after you pay your deductible.
What the Insurance Company Is Not Telling You
Here is something that does not appear in any insurance brochure: the adjuster calling to take your statement is not working for you. Their goal is to settle your claim quickly, at the lowest possible number, before you know the full cost of your injuries.
That check they offer early in the process looks appealing when bills are piling up. But once you sign a release, that is final, even if your condition worsens, even if you need surgery six months from now, even if you cannot return to work. The insurance company knows this. They are counting on you not knowing it.
Our job at Cravens & Noll is to slow that process down, get the complete picture, and make sure nothing is left behind. We calculate the real cost of your accident: not just the emergency room bill, but follow-up care, physical therapy, lost income, and the long-term impact on your life. Then we fight for that number, and the insurance companies know we are ready to take it to trial if negotiations fall short.
Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney in Richmond Before You Sign Anything
You do not have to figure out which coverage applies, which adjuster to call, or whether an offer is fair, all on your own. That is exactly what our team at Cravens & Noll is here for. We have spent decades in Virginia personal injury law, we know how these claims work, and we know when an insurance company is not being straight with you.
If you have been injured in an accident on I-95, in the Tri-Cities area, or anywhere in Central Virginia, contact our team for a free consultation. You will speak directly with an attorney, no intake coordinators, no runaround. There is no fee unless we recover compensation for you.
At Cravens & Noll, we will be your lawyers for life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the minimum auto insurance requirements in Virginia in 2025?
As of January 1, 2025, Virginia requires all drivers to carry at least $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage must match those limits. Virginia also eliminated the option to drive uninsured by paying a DMV fee, effective July 1, 2024.
What does uninsured motorist coverage pay for in Virginia?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages when the at-fault driver has no insurance. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance but not enough to cover the full cost of your injuries. Under Virginia’s updated law, UIM now pays in addition to whatever the at-fault driver’s policy covers.
Should I use MedPay or my health insurance after a car accident?
If you are hospitalized after a car accident, always use your health insurance first. Medical providers may ask you to assign your auto insurance benefits to them, but doing so can reduce the funds available for your overall personal injury recovery. Your MedPay benefits should remain accessible to you directly. Talk to an attorney before filling out any assignment of benefits forms at the hospital.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Virginia?
Virginia’s statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline generally means losing your right to sue. It is important to contact an accident attorney well before that deadline, because building a strong case takes time.
Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company already made me an offer?
Yes, especially if you have significant injuries. An early settlement offer from an insurance company is almost always the minimum they believe they can settle for, not the full value of your claim. Once you accept and sign, the case is closed. A personal injury attorney can evaluate whether the offer is fair based on the true cost of your injuries, and negotiate for full compensation before anything is signed.
At Cravens & Noll, an experienced Virginia law firm, we are Your Lawyers For Life and have protected and served the rights of over 30,000 people just like you throughout Virginia across 4 Decades in Business. This is why we have been voted one of The Best Law Firms and The Best Attorney in Richmond by the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
We know that every legal case is always…personal. No matter what you are facing right now our attorneys will provide the solutions you need, at a reasonable price. Whether divorce, personal injury, criminal charges, or bankruptcy. We work hard to be your lawyers for life. That means giving your individual case the one-on-one attention and care it deserves.
Our team of trusted and local lawyers will never give false expectations about the potential outcome of your case. You can count on a realistic assessment of your case, in order for you to make a sound decision.
With offices in Richmond and Harrisonburg, we will assist you with dedicated and professional legal advice. In times like this, you need answers, stability, and confidence. Our calculated approach quickly evaluates and stabilizes your situation immediately to prepare you for the legal matters ahead. Our goal as your attorney is that you feel immediate relief from the moment you contact us. We can meet with you face-to-face, by video, by telephone, or together in our office.
Contact our Virginia attorneys today for a consultation. At your appointment, we will ease the burden on your shoulders and provide you with options on how to proceed. Before taking a case, Cravens and Noll lawyers provide an initial consultation for clients.
November 21, 2024
Fighting For Justice: Cravens & Noll P.C. Demands Settlement for Desmond Johnson – Altria Theater Graduation Day Shooting Victim
Fighting For Justice: Cravens & Noll P.C. Demands Settlement for Desmond Johnson – Altria Theater Graduation Day Shooting Victim
In a press conference held on Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 Cravens & Noll, PC, representing client Desmond Johnson, updated the media on the traumatic shooting incident that occurred during the Huguenot High School graduation on June 6, 2023, and called for accountability from the City of Richmond.
Legal Demands and Allegations
Lead counsel and partners at Cravens & Noll, P.C., Tameka Robinson and David Noll, delivered a powerful statement, asserting that the City of Richmond bears direct responsibility for the incident. The key allegations include:
- Gross negligence in allowing an at-risk student to attend the event
- Failure to follow established safety protocols
- Systemic breakdown in school safety management
Our legal team made it clear that their settlement demand extends beyond the school system, targeting the entire City of Richmond. The message was unequivocal: either reach a fair settlement or we will move forward in court to allow a jury to determine fair compensation.
Recordings and media coverage from the press conference are linked below:
- https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/i-was-just-waiting-to-take-my-last-breath-huguenot-high-school-graduation-shooting-victim-takes-legal-action-against-city-of-richmond/
- https://www.12onyourside.com/2024/11/20/graduation-shooting-survivor-asks-city-compensation/
- https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/graduation-day-survivor-lawsuit-nov-19-2024
What’s Next
Cravens & Noll has made their position clear: we are committed to fighting for justice for Desmond Johnson and his family while holding the City of Richmond accountable for what they describe as preventable circumstances.
For more information on this case please contact our legal team at Cravens & Noll, P.C.
Phone: 804-330-9220 or click here.
At Cravens & Noll, an experienced Virginia law firm, we are Your Lawyers For Life and have protected and served the rights of over 30,000 people just like you throughout Virginia across 4 Decades in Business. This is why we have been voted one of The Best Law Firms and The Best Attorney in Richmond by the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
We know that every legal case is always…personal. No matter what you are facing right now our attorneys will provide the solutions you need, at a reasonable price. Whether divorce, personal injury, criminal charges, or bankruptcy. We work hard to be your lawyers for life. That means giving your individual case the one-on-one attention and care it deserves.
Our team of trusted and local lawyers will never give false expectations about the potential outcome of your case. You can count on a realistic assessment of your case, in order for you to make a sound decision.
With offices in Richmond and Harrisonburg, we will assist you with dedicated and professional legal advice. In times like this, you need answers, stability, and confidence. Our calculated approach quickly evaluates and stabilizes your situation immediately to prepare you for the legal matters ahead. Our goal as your attorney is that you feel immediate relief from the moment you contact us. We can meet with you face-to-face, by video, by telephone, or together in our office.
Contact our Virginia attorneys today for a consultation. At your appointment, we will ease the burden on your shoulders and provide you with options on how to proceed. Before taking a case, Cravens and Noll lawyers provide an initial consultation for clients.
December 16, 2020
Who Is Liable in a Nursing Home Injury or Abuse Case in Virginia
Deciding how to best care for your elderly loved ones is not an easy choice. You want to make sure you can find a nursing home or assisted living facility you can trust to take care of an important member of your family.
You expect the nurses and employees to treat your elderly family with respect and the utmost of care. They also need to maintain their health by giving them their proper medication and responding to medical emergencies. The most common issues with patients who are improperly cared for are bed sores, cuts or bruises, dehydration, urinary tract infections and weight loss.
When a staff member of the facility fails to do their job, your loved one could be injured, or worse, lose their life. In this case, you will want to hold the assisted living facility accountable. But, it can be daunting to know everything you need to build a strong case.
In this blog post, we’ll go over how to determine who is liable in a nursing home abuse case in the state of Virginia.
What Counts as Negligence or Abuse?
When you and your loved ones sign up to join a nursing home, that facility is contractually agreeing to offer proper care and medical attention. These services are their “duty of care” and include:
- Food & Water
- Shelter
- Hygiene
- Medical care
- Therapy
- Physical activity
- Repositioning movement for the bedridden
Our elderly are entitled to reasonable care from nursing home facilities and caretakers. If these basic needs are not met, or a patient is directly abused, then the facility and staff needs to be held accountable.
The difficulty comes from determining specifically what is “reasonable care,” as it changes from case to case. Every patient has different needs that need to be established and clearly defined. Therefore, each case involves defining reasonable care for the victim, and then determining who is responsible for that lack of care.
While you may have to define your specific case’s version of “reasonable care,” there are some common examples of neglect or abuse within nursing homes.
- Poorly training staff
- Failure to perform proper staff background checks
- Inadequate security
- Failure to provide basic necessities, like food, water, clean living facilities
- Failure to properly administer medication
- Failure to protect from health and safety hazards
- Intentional abuse or neglect from staff
- Failure to properly change diapers and bedding
- Falure to properly document, follow and treat ulcers or bed sores.
How to Determine Liability
If evidence or proof exists that your elderly loved one has suffered an injury or death due to negligence, it’s important to know who caused it. This is to say, you need to determine if the problem is with the facility, an individual at the facility, or a third party.
The nursing home would be responsible if the abuse was caused by their negligence, like in the examples given above. These stem from systemic issues, making the facility at fault.
Even if an individual employee is perpetuating the abuse, the fault still generally rests on the facility. The nursing home should be training their employees and keeping tabs on them to keep horrible accidents and intentional harm from happening to their patients
Sometimes, the abuse can come from third parties outside of the facility’s control. Let’s say a patient suffers an injury from falling off a wheelchair. While someone’s first assumption might be to blame the nursing home, the issue could be with the wheelchair manufacturer. The fault could also be put on a contractor who improperly built the walkway.
It’s important to understand who could be at fault for the neglect and abuse your loved ones may suffer. By knowing who or what is responsible, you can make a stronger case in court.
What Are the Next Steps?
If you suspect in any way that your elderly loved ones have suffered abuse at an assisted living facility, you should first call your local Adult Protective Services office. These social workers help to protect elderly adults by conducting investigations and finding evidence for the suspected abuse. Call the Richmond office at (804) 646-7405 to report elder abuse or neglect.
After you’ve spoken with APS, it’s important to call a lawyer ASAP. The experienced attorneys at Cravens and Noll understand how heartbreaking it is to see your elderly loved ones mistreated. That’s why we will work with you during every step of the case, from the APS investigation to creating your case, all the way to defending your family in court. We have 35 years of experience and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients and their victimized family members. If you want to even the playing field, call Cravens & Noll.
Contact us to hold negligent nursing homes accountable and get your family the compensation they deserve.
At Cravens & Noll, an experienced Virginia law firm, we are Your Lawyers For Life and have protected and served the rights of over 30,000 people just like you throughout Virginia across 4 Decades in Business. This is why we have been voted one of The Best Law Firms and The Best Attorney in Richmond by the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
We know that every legal case is always…personal. No matter what you are facing right now our attorneys will provide the solutions you need, at a reasonable price. Whether divorce, personal injury, criminal charges, or bankruptcy. We work hard to be your lawyers for life. That means giving your individual case the one-on-one attention and care it deserves.
Our team of trusted and local lawyers will never give false expectations about the potential outcome of your case. You can count on a realistic assessment of your case, in order for you to make a sound decision.
With offices in Richmond and Harrisonburg, we will assist you with dedicated and professional legal advice. In times like this, you need answers, stability, and confidence. Our calculated approach quickly evaluates and stabilizes your situation immediately to prepare you for the legal matters ahead. Our goal as your attorney is that you feel immediate relief from the moment you contact us. We can meet with you face-to-face, by video, by telephone, or together in our office.
Contact our Virginia attorneys today for a consultation. At your appointment, we will ease the burden on your shoulders and provide you with options on how to proceed. Before taking a case, Cravens and Noll lawyers provide an initial consultation for clients.
September 25, 2020
What To Know About Spinal Cord Injuries in Virginia
Spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating of accident injuries. A spinal injury happens when an injury occurs in the spinal cord, such that the nerves can no longer effectively communicate between the brain and the body.
Physicians spend years studying the anatomy of injuries associated with the spinal cord. The spine is incredibly complex and can cause hundreds of physical ailments. Even minor injuries to the spinal cord can leave life-long consequences, from numbness or pain to paralysis.
If you or a loved one is dealing with a spinal injury caused by the negligence of another person, business, or other entity, connect with a Richmond personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Victims of major spinal injuries often feel isolated. Few people understand their struggle. Fortunately, there are many medical facilities and spinal cord injury attorneys who have experience in these cases. They can help with the struggles you may be facing now, and help you get the money you need to pay for the expensive and specialized care you require.
Top Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
The causes of spinal cord injuries (SCI) can come in nearly any form and it’s important to recognize the potential causes of these injuries.
Statistics compiled by the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center show 38.4% of spinal injuries are caused by vehicle and pedestrian accidents. Another 30.5% of all cases are caused by slip and falls. Acts of violence, primarily from gunshot wounds, cause 13.5% of spinal injuries. Sports account for 8.9% of these injuries. However your spine was injured, the consequences can seem overwhelming and life-altering. For many, their life and that of their families will never be the same.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Note that no two injuries are the same. The location of the injury and the severity of the damage determines your diagnosis and your prognosis for recovery.
It’s important to remain hopeful. With a proper diagnosis, there are patients who beat the odds and have greater recoveries than doctors expected. For others, even with the best care in the world, the injuries are unrecoverable and paralysis permanent.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) categorizes the degree of severity of spinal injuries into two categories:
Incomplete injury
- Some sensation and movement are possible below the injury
Complete injury
- Motor control and sensation are almost completely lost
Additionally, the NIH places spinal cord injuries into the categories of tetraplegia or paraplegia.
Tetraplegia
- Tetraplegia used to be known as “quadriplegia”.
- It is defined as any person who has a spinal injury from the T1 in the upper back up to the C1 vertebra in the neck.
- Individuals who have suffered these injuries lose function, sensation, or movement in the legs, pelvis, upper chest, hands, arms, shoulders, neck and/or head area.
Paraplegia
- Paraplegia is defined as an individual who has suffered a loss of sensation, movement, or function in the lower part of the body.
- This can be in the chest, stomach, hips, legs, and/or feet.
- The injury occurs between the T2 and S5 vertebrae.
Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries
There are many physical symptoms of minor spinal cord injuries that should not be ignored.
Not all injuries develop immediately after impact and diagnosing these injuries can be complicated.
Previous damage to the tissue surrounding the spinal structure will slowly apply pressure to the spinal cord.
As a result, spinal structure tears might not show up on the first day and often take some time to develop.
Physicians advise any individual who has had a significant injury to the back to see a doctor as soon as possible. An experienced physician can review your symptoms, run tests, and ask questions to diagnose the specific condition.
Here are some symptoms of spinal cord injuries:
- Difficulty breathing
- Bowel control difficulty
- Partial or complete loss of bladder control
- Twisted back or neck
- Excessive back pain
- Extreme pressure in the head, neck or back
- Trouble walking
- Balance issues
- Numbness or strange sensations in the feet or toes
- Numbness or unusual sensations in the hands or fingers
Compensation in SCI Cases in Virginia
When another party is found negligent for your injuries in an accident in Virginia, you could receive a substantial monetary award. Recovery time for these injuries is often measured in years, not days or weeks.
Unfortunately, many of these injuries carry life-altering, permanent disabilities.
Your injury compensation may include payment for rehabilitation, assistive devices like motorized wheelchairs, ongoing medical care, and even home modifications for stairlifts or access ramps.
This is but one of the reasons to speak with an experienced attorney who has dealt with multiple spinal structure injuries, and the range of treatments and providers this care requires.
The goal of the legal system is to restore your life to a pre-accident condition through monetary compensation as much as possible. A judgment award can’t make you walk again, but can help you pay for the ongoing care and treatment you will require throughout your life.
Get Help For Your Injury
If you or your loved one has been injured, it is always important to see a physician as soon as possible. This is especially true for spinal cord injury scenarios.
If the insurance company investigates your case and sees you were not treated by a physician soon after the incident occurred, they may try to argue your injuries are not that serious, or were caused after the accident and are unrelated to the crash.
When choosing your personal injury lawyer, it is important to work with a team of attorneys who have many years of knowledge and experience working with spinal cord injury victims.
The Virginia law firm of Cravens & Noll, P.C. has successfully represented victims of spinal injuries for 34 years and are ready to confidently help you get the justice you deserve, and the medical care you need.
Get in touch today to schedule a consultation to discuss your legal options and how we can help you.
At Cravens & Noll, an experienced Virginia law firm, we are Your Lawyers For Life and have protected and served the rights of over 30,000 people just like you throughout Virginia across 4 Decades in Business. This is why we have been voted one of The Best Law Firms and The Best Attorney in Richmond by the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
We know that every legal case is always…personal. No matter what you are facing right now our attorneys will provide the solutions you need, at a reasonable price. Whether divorce, personal injury, criminal charges, or bankruptcy. We work hard to be your lawyers for life. That means giving your individual case the one-on-one attention and care it deserves.
Our team of trusted and local lawyers will never give false expectations about the potential outcome of your case. You can count on a realistic assessment of your case, in order for you to make a sound decision.
With offices in Richmond and Harrisonburg, we will assist you with dedicated and professional legal advice. In times like this, you need answers, stability, and confidence. Our calculated approach quickly evaluates and stabilizes your situation immediately to prepare you for the legal matters ahead. Our goal as your attorney is that you feel immediate relief from the moment you contact us. We can meet with you face-to-face, by video, by telephone, or together in our office.
Contact our Virginia attorneys today for a consultation. At your appointment, we will ease the burden on your shoulders and provide you with options on how to proceed. Before taking a case, Cravens and Noll lawyers provide an initial consultation for clients.
September 8, 2020
Limitations In Filing Personal Injury Claims Against the Government
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a person or business’s negligence, then you have the option to sue for damages. The same holds true if your injury involves the government.
While the rules are strict, the federal government, most states, and most local governments allow citizens to sue them for various enumerated reasons. There are restrictions involved, and not every government body follows the same rules. Cravens & Noll can aide you in working through the rules to achieve maximum compensation.
In this post, we’ll list some of the common rules and procedures for filing personal injury claims against the government.
Everywhere is Different
Federal and state governments in the United States are technically unable to be sued thanks to Sovereign Immunity. This doctrine states that a government body cannot be sued unless they give consent.
Luckily, the federal government provided this consent by passing the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) in 1946. Most states, including Virginia, have also passed their own versions of the Tort Claims Act to allow private parties to sue the government.
Cities and counties within a state are afforded even less immunity and are not included in the state Tort Claims Act. These smaller government bodies have to pass their own legislation in order to be sued. Most cities and towns in the United States may be successfully sued.
What Does The FTCA Do?
The FTCA dictates that the federal government can be held accountable for personal injuries sustained on government property or caused by employees of the government.
For example, a postal service van runs into your car, or you sustain an injury from a slip and fall at an unemployment office. In these cases, you might have reasonable cause to sue the federal government for damages due to negligence.
The FTCA also dictates how much a claimant may recover from a personal injury case. The FTCA regulations do not apply to the Virginia Tort Claims Act (VTCA), since it has its own set of limitations.
Regulations For Suing the Government
Federal Government
The FTCA lists many limitations and exceptions for bringing a claim against the government. Since there are so many, it’s impossible to list them all in this article. For now, there are a few common rules we can list:
- The FTCA allows federal employees to be sued; however, often private contractors hired by the federal government enjoy the same immunity of the government.
- The negligence must have occurred within the scope of the defendant’s job.
- Only negligence claims are covered by the FTCA, while intentional misconduct claims only apply to certain federal law enforcement officers.
- The claim must be based on and allowed by the state law where the accident happened.
Steps to File a Claim Per the FTCA
Once you believe that your personal injury case is compensable by the FTCA, there are a few steps and procedures you must follow.
- You must file a claim with the federal agency that caused your accident.
- You must file your claim within two years of the exact day of the accident.
- You must include specific claims for money damages and the essential and qualifying facts about the accident for the federal agency to conduct an investigation
Once filed, the federal agency has six months to respond to your claim. They can either deny your claim, which can lead to a court case, or admit your claim, therefore admitting fault. In the latter case, the agency will usually make an exception to pay your damages. You may decide to accept or reject that offer.
If the agency denies your claim, you then have six months to file a lawsuit against them. It’s best to file this as soon as possible.
It’s important to note that you don’t have to file a lawsuit until the federal agency responds to your initial claim. You have the option to file the lawsuit before their response so long as it is six months after you have provided proper and adequate notice of your claim.
Virginia State Government
Under the VTCA, there are similar rules to the FTCA, but the limitations are different.
- You have one year to file your claim against a specific state agency.
- These claims must also include specific information about the monetary damages and details of the accident.
- If your claim is against the state of Virginia, you must file your claim with the Director of the Division of Risk Management or the Attorney General.
- If you have a claim against one of the nine transportation districts in Virginia, you must file the claim with the chairman of the commission of the transportation district where your accident and injury took place.
The VTCA also specifies that a plaintiff can only receive damages up to $100,000, while the FTCA’s limit is much higher at $1 million.
Personal Injury Lawyers On Your Side
Deciding to sue a government body can be complicated and stressful. Just like a normal personal injury case, you are entitled to damages due to someone else’s negligence. That fact doesn’t change just because a government agency is involved.
Before filing your claim, speak with our lawyers at Cravens and Noll. Our experienced team of personal injury attorneys will help you navigate through the FTCA and VTCA to ensure your case is legitimate from the get-go. If the case goes to court, we’ll be more than ready to defend your rights and get you the damages payout you need to be made whole. If you have been seriously injured, you need Cravens & Noll. We successfully sue the government frequently. Our experience and our passion will guide you to success!
At Cravens & Noll, an experienced Virginia law firm, we are Your Lawyers For Life and have protected and served the rights of over 30,000 people just like you throughout Virginia across 4 Decades in Business. This is why we have been voted one of The Best Law Firms and The Best Attorney in Richmond by the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
We know that every legal case is always…personal. No matter what you are facing right now our attorneys will provide the solutions you need, at a reasonable price. Whether divorce, personal injury, criminal charges, or bankruptcy. We work hard to be your lawyers for life. That means giving your individual case the one-on-one attention and care it deserves.
Our team of trusted and local lawyers will never give false expectations about the potential outcome of your case. You can count on a realistic assessment of your case, in order for you to make a sound decision.
With offices in Richmond and Harrisonburg, we will assist you with dedicated and professional legal advice. In times like this, you need answers, stability, and confidence. Our calculated approach quickly evaluates and stabilizes your situation immediately to prepare you for the legal matters ahead. Our goal as your attorney is that you feel immediate relief from the moment you contact us. We can meet with you face-to-face, by video, by telephone, or together in our office.
Contact our Virginia attorneys today for a consultation. At your appointment, we will ease the burden on your shoulders and provide you with options on how to proceed. Before taking a case, Cravens and Noll lawyers provide an initial consultation for clients.