After an accident in Norfolk, time is not on your side. Virginia law imposes strict deadlines for filing injury claims — and missing them means losing your right to compensation forever.
The Two-Year Rule
Under Virginia Code § 8.01-243(A), you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This applies to car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall injuries, dog bites, and general negligence claims.
Why Waiting Hurts Your Case
- Evidence disappears: Surveillance footage may be overwritten. Witnesses move or forget details.
- Physical evidence degrades: Vehicle damage is repaired. Accident scenes change.
- Insurance companies build their case: They use the delay to gather evidence against you.
If you have been injured in Norfolk, do not wait to find out which deadline applies to your case. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the stronger your position.
Sources: Virginia Code § 8.01-243; Halperin Law Center (March 2026).
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