Uninsured Motorist Claim Lawyer New Kent County, VA
You were driving east on I-64 through New Kent County when another driver ran a red light and struck your vehicle. You suffered injuries, missed work, and now face mounting medical bills. The at-fault driver, however, has no insurance. What happens next? In Virginia, your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may step in to pay your damages, but the process is rarely straightforward. The insurance company that holds your UM policy may look for reasons to reduce or deny your claim—and under Virginia’s contributory negligence doctrine, even a small suggestion that you were partly at fault can wipe out your right to recover. A single misstatement to an adjuster or a gap in evidence can cost you everything. Getting experienced legal help early is critical. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and his Of Counsel team represent injured drivers in New Kent County in uninsured motorist claims. To discuss your situation, call (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Uninsured Motorist Claims Mean in New Kent County
An uninsured motorist claim allows you to seek compensation from your own insurance company when the driver who caused the accident has no liability coverage. In Virginia, insurers are required to offer UM coverage as part of every auto policy, unless the policyholder specifically rejects it in writing. When you are injured by an uninsured driver, you can file a claim under your UM policy to cover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages that the at-fault driver would have been liable for.
Because the claim is made against your own insurer, many people mistakenly believe the process will be cooperative. In practice, insurance adjusters are trained to protect the company’s financial interests—and if they can point to any evidence suggesting you shared fault for the accident, they will. Virginia follows the rule of pure contributory negligence: if you are found even 1% at fault, you may be barred from recovering anything at all. This makes thorough investigation and careful evidence presentation essential from the very first day after a crash. UM claims arising in New Kent County are filed in the appropriate court based on the amount in controversy—in either the New Kent County General District Court or the New Kent County Circuit Court (Va. Code § 16.1‑77(1)). The statute of limitations for a personal‑injury claim, including a UM claim, is two years from the date of the accident (Va. Code § 8.01‑243(A)).
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Uninsured Motorist Claim Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by gathering every piece of available evidence: police reports from the New Kent County Sheriff’s Office, photographs of the accident scene along I‑64 or local roads like Route 33, witness statements, and medical records documenting the full scope of your injuries. They work to establish that the uninsured driver was entirely at fault and that none of your actions contributed to the collision. This often means working with accident reconstruction attorneys to strengthen the factual record before any statement is given to the UM insurance carrier.
Once the evidence is assembled, the team prepares a detailed demand package that outlines liability, the value of your damages, and the policy limits of your UM coverage. They handle all communication with the insurer so that you are not pressured into recorded statements or early settlement offers that fail to account for long‑term medical needs. If the insurance company does not make a fair offer, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are prepared to litigate the claim in the New Kent County Circuit Court, where they will present the case to a judge or jury. Throughout the process, the focus remains on building a complete, defensible record that protects your right to full compensation.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997, serving clients in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, he brings an in‑depth understanding of how opposing parties build cases—knowledge that proves especially valuable when an insurance company disputes liability or damages. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Mr. Sris works with a team of Of Counsel attorneys who collectively contribute extensive combined legal experience. The firm’s Richmond Location—at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225—serves injured clients throughout New Kent County, including New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. Consultation is by appointment; you can reach the firm during business hours at (888) 437‑7747. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented case results since 1997. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in New Kent County, Virginia?
Personal injury claims in Virginia, including uninsured motorist claims, must be filed within two years from the date of the accident under Va. Code § 8.01‑243(A). This deadline is strict. If the two‑year period passes, the court will almost certainly dismiss the case, regardless of the strength of the evidence. Because building a thorough UM claim takes time—gathering medical records, dealing with insurance adjusters, and potentially preparing a lawsuit—it is important to speak with an attorney well before the deadline approaches.
What is contributory negligence, and how does it affect my uninsured motorist claim?
Virginia applies pure contributory negligence, meaning that if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you can be completely barred from recovering any compensation. This makes Virginia one of the most challenging jurisdictions in the country for injury claimants. In a UM claim, your own insurance company may argue that you were partly to blame—perhaps by arguing you were speeding, not paying attention, or failed to take evasive action—so that it can avoid paying your damages. Skilled investigation and evidence preservation are critical to counter these arguments from the outset.
Do I need a lawyer to handle my uninsured motorist claim in New Kent County?
You are not legally required to have a lawyer, but Virginia’s contributory negligence rule and the adversarial nature of UM claims make experienced representation a practical necessity. An insurer that issues a UM policy has a financial stake in minimizing the payout. An attorney who understands how to document liability, evaluate the full extent of your damages, and negotiate from a position of strength can improve the likelihood of a fair recovery. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747.
What damages can I recover through uninsured motorist coverage?
If the uninsured driver is fully at fault, your UM coverage may pay for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage—up to the limits of your policy. The exact amount available depends on the UM limits you selected when you bought your auto policy. Virginia requires insurers to offer UM limits equal to your liability limits unless you rejected higher UM coverage in writing. It is important to review your policy declarations page to understand what coverage you have; an attorney can help you interpret the policy and determine the total value of your claim.
What should I do if the insurance company denies my UM claim?
If your UM carrier denies the claim or offers an unreasonably low amount, you may need to file a lawsuit in the New Kent County Circuit Court or General District Court to enforce your rights under the policy. A denial is not the final word. Often, an insurer will deny a claim based on a preliminary assessment that does not account for all the evidence. An attorney can obtain a complete copy of the insurer’s claim file, identify any bad‑faith conduct, and present additional proof of liability and damages. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
How do I start an uninsured motorist claim in New Kent County?
The process typically begins with notifying your own insurance company of the accident and that the at‑fault driver is uninsured, then submitting documentation of your injuries and medical treatment. Many policies require prompt notice, so you should not delay. From there, an adjuster will investigate the claim. Having an attorney involved from the beginning helps ensure that the notification is properly made, all required documentation is submitted, and the adjuster is presented with a complete picture of liability and damages before any settlement discussions begin.
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Virginia primary sources: Virginia Code Title 8.01 – Civil Remedies and Procedure | New Kent County Circuit Court
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.