Uninsured Motorist Claim Lawyer Manassas, VA

You were driving along Route 28 in Manassas when another vehicle ran a stop sign and struck your driver’s-side door. The police report confirms the other driver was at fault, but when you try to file a claim you learn the at‑fault driver has no insurance. You are injured, your car is damaged, and you are unsure how to move forward. An uninsured motorist claim may be the answer. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent clients in Manassas, Manassas Park, and throughout Prince William County who are seeking compensation after an accident with an uninsured driver. Reach our Fairfax Location at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your options. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

On This Page

Strategy Options for Uninsured Motorist Claims After an Accident

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is part of every auto policy sold in Virginia unless the policyholder specifically rejects it in writing. If you are hurt by an uninsured driver, your own UM coverage steps in to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering — up to the limits you purchased. The claim is filed directly with your insurer, but the insurance company does not automatically pay what you deserve. Insurance adjusters investigate fault, review medical records, and look for ways to reduce or deny the claim, particularly under Virginia’s contributory negligence doctrine.

Because Virginia is one of the few states that still applies pure contributory negligence, any degree of fault on your part — even one percent — can bar you from recovering anything. When an uninsured driver caused the accident but your own actions are questioned, having experienced counsel matters. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine the facts, preserve evidence, and structure the UM claim so that the insurer cannot shift blame unfairly onto you. The strategy often includes gathering witness statements, accident reconstruction data, and complete medical documentation before a demand is submitted.

What to Expect When Pursuing an Uninsured Motorist Claim in Virginia

After you contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we begin by identifying all available coverage. In addition to your own UM policy, other sources — such as a family member’s policy or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage — may apply. The team then builds a demand package that shows liability, damages, and the full value of your claim. The insurer has a duty to handle the claim in good faith, but disputes over fault or the value of your injuries are common. Negotiation is the first step; if a fair resolution is not reached, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are prepared to pursue your claim in court.

Personal injury claims arising in Manassas may be filed in the General District Court for claims within its jurisdiction, or in the Circuit Court for claims above that amount (Va. Code § 16.1‑77(1)). The two‑year statute of limitations under Va. Code § 8.01‑243(A) applies, so delay can permanently bar your claim. Most uninsured motorist cases are handled on a contingency basis — the firm receives a fee only if you recover.

Penalty‑Free but High‑Stakes: Virginia’s Contributory Negligence Rule

There is no “penalty” in the criminal sense for an uninsured motorist claim — it is a civil matter. However, Virginia’s contributory negligence rule acts like a penalty for any claimant who is even slightly at fault. In most states, a claimant who is less than 50 percent at fault can still recover, but Virginia bars recovery entirely if the plaintiff contributed to the accident in any way. Insurance companies know this and will look for any reason to argue you were partially responsible — perhaps you were going a few miles over the limit, or you took your eyes off the road for a second. In an uninsured motorist claim, the stakes are especially high because your own insurance carrier is the one evaluating fault, and the adjuster’s decision can end your claim.

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel understand how Virginia’s contributory negligence rule is applied in the Thirty‑first Judicial District, which includes the Manassas General District Court and the Manassas Park General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, Manassas, VA 20110. The team builds the evidentiary record from day one so that the insurer has less room to shift blame. While no outcome can be predicted, a thorough factual presentation often resolves the claim favorably.

Attorney Credentials: Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has been practicing since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His experience in criminal and civil courtrooms provides a framework for evaluating evidence and negotiating with insurance carriers. Alongside his Of Counsel — a team of seasoned litigators engaged through Excella — Mr. Sris brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to uninsured motorist claims. Results may vary. Together they have documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since 1997.

Verify admissions: Virginia State Bar · Maryland Judiciary · DC Bar · NJ Courts · NY OCA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an uninsured motorist claim in Virginia?

An uninsured motorist claim is a personal injury demand made against your own auto insurance policy when the at‑fault driver has no liability insurance. Under Virginia law, every auto policy must include uninsured motorist coverage unless the policyholder rejects it in writing. If you are injured by an uninsured driver, you turn to your own UM coverage to pay for your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages — up to the policy limits. The claim process mirrors a liability claim, but your insurer steps into the shoes of the absent at‑fault driver. Because Virginia applies contributory negligence, any fault on your part can eliminate your recovery, so preserving evidence is essential.

How does contributory negligence affect an uninsured motorist claim in Manassas?

Contributory negligence can completely bar your uninsured motorist claim if you are found even one percent at fault for the accident. Virginia is one of only four states, plus Washington D.C., that follows this strict rule. Insurance adjusters handling your UM claim are trained to look for any argument that you contributed to the crash — for example, by speeding slightly or not seeing the other car soon enough. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel analyze the accident scene, witness statements, and police reports to build a record that supports your version of events and minimizes the risk of a contributory negligence defense.

Do I need a lawyer to file an uninsured motorist claim in Virginia?

You are not legally required to hire an attorney, but Virginia’s contributory negligence rule and the complexity of insurance contracts make experienced representation important. Your own insurance company is not automatically on your side in a UM claim; the adjuster evaluates fault and damages with an eye toward minimizing the payout. An attorney who understands the local courts, like the Manassas General District Court, can present your claim in the trusted light and negotiate with the carrier. Most personal injury lawyers handle UM claims on a contingency basis, so you pay no fee unless there is a recovery.

What kinds of damages can I recover in an uninsured motorist claim?

You may recover economic damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, as well as non‑economic damages for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. The total recovery cannot exceed the UM coverage limits you purchased. In Virginia, there is no statutory cap on compensatory damages for ordinary personal injury claims (medical malpractice has a separate cap). If the insurer unreasonably denies or delays your claim, additional bad‑faith damages may become available, but that analysis is case‑specific. Our firm evaluates every potential source of recovery in your case.

How long do I have to file an uninsured motorist claim in Manassas?

Under Virginia law, a personal injury lawsuit — including one arising from an uninsured motorist claim — must be filed within two years from the date of the injury (Va. Code § 8.01‑243(A)). This deadline is strict, and missing it means you lose the right to pursue compensation in court. While you will typically start by filing a claim with your insurer, not a lawsuit, the two‑year clock still runs. If negotiations stall and a lawsuit becomes necessary, you must act before the statute of limitations expires. Contact our firm as soon as possible after an accident to protect your rights.

Where are uninsured motorist cases heard in Manassas?

Uninsured motorist cases in Manassas may be filed in the Manassas General District Court for claims within its jurisdiction, or in the Manassas Circuit Court for larger claims. Both courts operate out of 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110. The General District Court has no jury; cases are heard by a judge. Circuit Court allows for a jury trial. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are familiar with the procedures in the Thirty‑first Judicial District and routinely appear in the Manassas and Manassas Park courts.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Virginia legal resources:
Virginia Code Title 8.01 ·
Virginia Judicial System

For a full statutory breakdown, see our comprehensive analysis at srislawyer.com.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Results may vary.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.