When you drive in Central Virginia during winter, you face more than cold air and bad coffee. Slick roads, ice, snow, and unexpected conditions turn a routine commute into a serious hazard.
The Virginia State Police reported 951 crashes statewide between midnight Feb. 11 and 4 p.m. Feb. 12, 2025, 95 with reported injuries.
On another occasion, a winter weather event resulted in 539 crashes across Virginia, including 69 in the Central Virginia region.
The Virginia Department of Transportation’s winter driving guidance notes that “approximately 70% of snow-related deaths occur in automobiles.”
Those statistics show you should assume a higher risk, especially when you live or work in or around Richmond or other Central Virginia localities.
How these accidents can lead to a personal injury claim
If you’re injured in a winter weather accident, you may wonder whether you have a claim. Here are key legal considerations:
- Establishing fault
Virginia is a fault-state for auto accidents (i.e., the at-fault driver’s insurance pays). If the other driver was negligent (for example, speeding on black ice or failing to clear snow from their windshield), you may have a claim.
Keep in mind: weather conditions may shift the standard of care. If all drivers were aware of icy roads, doing less than expected might still be negligent.
- Your own conduct matters
If you knew the roads were icy and you proceeded recklessly (speeding, tailgating, ignoring warnings), your claim may be weakened. Virginia’s contributory negligence rule* means that if you were at all at fault, you may be barred from recovery.
*Note: Virginia uses a contributory negligence standard, which is stricter than many other states. If you bear any fault for your injury, you may be prevented from recovering. Always consult a Virginia-licensed attorney.
- Documenting the accident
After a winter weather crash in Central Virginia:
- Take photos of road conditions (ice, snow, plow marks) and of any damage to your vehicle.
- Collect witness information, the other driver’s insurance, and contact info.
- Notify your insurance company (but avoid admitting fault).
- Seek prompt medical attention and keep records of your injuries.
- Preserve any lodging, vehicle rental, or other out-of-pocket expenses tied to the crash.
- Statute of limitations
In Virginia, you generally have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss that deadline, you may lose your right to go to court. Always consult with a lawyer before time runs out.
Specific legal traps in winter driving accidents
Here are scenarios where winter weather raises special legal issues:
- Plaintiff was driving slowly but still got hit — is the other driver automatically liable?
Not automatically. Even if you were driving cautiously, you must still show that the other driver was negligent. Example: a driver failing to clear snow from their windshield or failing to slow for icy conditions.
- Multi-vehicle pile-ups on icy highways
These happen frequently in Virginia during snow/ice events. Liability can be complex if many vehicles are involved. You’ll need to trace which driver breached a duty of care (speeding, following too closely, etc.).
What you should do immediately after a winter crash in Central Virginia
- Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible.
- Call 911 and report the accident (especially if injuries or major damage).
- Document the scene: take photos of the road surface, weather conditions, damage, skid marks, and signage.
- Exchange driver information and insurance details.
- Seek medical attention even if you feel okay (some injuries show up later).
- Contact an experienced Richmond-area personal injury attorney to protect your rights.
- Do not sign any settlement or accept an insurer’s early offer without legal review—winter accident claims may involve delayed injuries or hidden damage.
Why working with a local Virginia personal injury attorney matters
- They know Virginia’s contributory negligence rule and how it applies in weather-related cases.
- They understand local conditions (Central Virginia roadways, winter weather patterns, typical crashes).
Final thoughts
If you were injured in a winter weather accident in Central Virginia, you have legal rights. But you must act carefully:
- Recognize that bad weather doesn’t automatically shift fault.
- Document everything early.
- Get prompt medical care.
- Talk with a Virginia-licensed personal injury attorney before engaging insurers or signing anything.
You don’t have to navigate a complex personal injury claim alone. If you want help evaluating your case or understanding your options, contact the Halperin Law Center for a free consultation.
