Gloucester County Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney Ken Gibson Explains Legal Options for Virginia Accident Victims The aftermath of an accident involving a fleeing driver often leaves victims with severe injuries and significant financial burdens. Gloucester County hit-and-run accident attorney Ken Gibson of GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys explains the legal avenues available to individuals when an at-fault motorist flees the scene. According to Gibson, Virginia law treats leaving the scene of an injury crash as a Class 5 felony under Virginia Code Section 46.2-894. While this statute imposes strict criminal penalties on the fleeing driver, the criminal proceedings alone do not automatically compensate victims for their physical and financial losses. Gibson emphasizes that victims can still pursue civil recovery through their own uninsured motorist coverage. "A hit-and-run collision leaves victims dealing with physical injuries, property damage, and unanswered questions, but it is important to remember that legal avenues remain available even if the responsible driver is never found," he explains. Virginia law mandates that uninsured motorist policies cover both economic damages, such as emergency room treatment and lost wages, and non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, up to the established policy limits. Victims have a two-year statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim. To secure compensation, victims must sometimes initiate a "John Doe" lawsuit, which requires the insurance company to defend the case and cover the damages caused by the unidentified motorist. Gibson notes that physical contact between vehicles is not strictly required to file an uninsured motorist claim.#ken_gibson #virginia #gibbonsingleton_virginia_injury_attorneys #hit_and_run_accident #uninsured_motorist_coverage
