A car accident in Harrisonburg raises complex legal questions about assumption of risk, a defense that can significantly impact personal injury claims. Under Virginia law, assumption of risk occurs when someone voluntarily accepts a known danger and understands the potential consequences of their actions. In car accident cases, this doctrine might apply when a passenger knowingly rides with an impaired driver or when someone drives despite hazardous weather conditions. Understanding how assumption of risk affects your legal rights is crucial, as Virginia follows the strict contributory negligence rule, which can completely bar recovery if the plaintiff is found even partially at fault. This defense often intersects with other legal concepts like comparative negligence, contributory negligence, and duty of care, making it essential to understand how these principles work together in personal injury claims arising from Harrisonburg automobile accidents.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Virginia Code § 8.01-243 establishes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from car accidents. The state's pure contributory negligence system means that if a plaintiff is found even 1% at fault, they may be barred from recovering damages. Virginia requires minimum liability insurance coverage of $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident for bodily injury and $20,000 for property damage. Compensation may include economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages, property damage) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress). The doctrine of assumption of risk must be proven by the defendant, who must demonstrate that the plaintiff had actual knowledge of the specific risk and voluntarily chose to encounter it. An experienced Harrisonburg car crash lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Click the links below to get information on legal claims from attorneys with experience in your type of collision including:

• Harrisonburg DUI accident lawyer;
• Harrisonburg distracted driving accident law firm;
• Harrisonburg rear-end crash law office;
• Harrisonburg T-bone accident lawyer;
• Harrisonburg aggressive driving accident law firm;
• Harrisonburg rollover accident lawyer;

Related Resources

Local Courts:

• Rockingham County Circuit Court
• Harrisonburg General District Court
• Virginia's 26th Judicial Circuit

Support Services:

• Virginia Victim/Witness Program
• Brain Injury Association of Virginia
• Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services

Legal and Safety Resources:

• Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
• Virginia Code Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles)
• Virginia State Police Crash Investigation Teams

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