From Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC -What to Do in a Hit and Run explores how victims in Virginia can protect their rights, take decisive action, and navigate legal channels after being struck by a fleeing driver. Drawing on data from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, which reported over 129,000 accidents in 2024—more than 5,500 of them hit-and-runs—this episode delivers crucial information for residents of Fairfax and surrounding Northern Virginia communities. Whether you’re wondering how to react in the heat of the moment or what steps are necessary for pursuing a claim, this episode serves as a vital legal primer.

We break down exactly what constitutes a hit-and-run in Virginia, including obligations under Virginia law and the steep consequences for fleeing drivers. You'll hear about the difference between misdemeanors and felonies when it comes to leaving an accident scene, and how the presence of injuries or significant property damage affects criminal classification. Through these insights, we illuminate the challenges that victims face and how they can hold offenders accountable, particularly when the offending driver remains unidentified.

The episode also provides a step-by-step guide to protecting yourself legally and medically after a hit and run, from securing the scene, gathering photographic evidence, and obtaining witness statements to understanding your insurance rights. Listeners will learn how Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage plays a vital role under Virginia’s 2025 insurance reforms, and why swift reporting to both police and insurers is critical in preserving your rights. Our attorneys stress the importance of accurate documentation and strategic communication, especially when dealing with insurance adjusters.

Finally, we spotlight how the auto accident attorneys at Jennifer Porter Law PLLC support clients through the complexities of hit-and-run claims. Whether advocating for victims during insurance negotiations or filing personal injury lawsuits before the two-year statute of limitations, the firm’s legal team offers compassionate and thorough representation. If you or a loved one has been affected by a hit and run in Northern Virginia, this episode emphasizes why prompt action and experienced legal help make all the difference in achieving justice and compensation.

Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC

8001 Braddock Rd #102, Springfield, VA 22151, United States

(571) 532-9070

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