The attorneys at River Run Law recently settled a 7 figure case that went up to the cusp of trial. The case was mediated and settled for $1,025,000 and involved a client who was a passerby at an apartment complex when a roofing shingle flew off of the roof. After a complex investigation it was discovered that the apartment complex was having the roof repaired and it was alleged that the roofer failed to properly secure the shingles as they worked. The client's injuries included head injury, shoulder injury and a neck injury, all requiring extensive treatment. The client also suffered over a year of wage loss.
Suffering a serious injury can devastate your life. You need comprehensive medical care and the resources to keep you going until you can get back on your feet—and back to work. If someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions caused your accident, you deserve justice.
At River Run Law, we aggressively pursue justice and fair financial compensation for the wrongfully injured. We can assist you or a loved one with your personal injury claim, protecting your legal rights and holding the responsible party accountable for their actions.
You deserve to have a passionate advocate on your side. We service clients in Richmond, Virginia, and throughout the surrounding communities. When you don’t know where to turn for help, trust our experienced attorneys to get the job done for you.
Our boutique law practice leverages cutting-edge technology to provide a highly personalized level of service. We have built our practice on a foundation of trust, compassion, and responsive communication. With an extensive network of resources and a wealth of knowledge and experience behind us, we help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and other damages.
We offer a no-cost, no-obligation consultation for Richmond injury victims. When you trust us to handle your injury accident case, you never owe any legal fees until and unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Contact us now to learn more or to speak with one of our experienced Richmond, VA personal injury lawyers.
Frequently Asked Questions for Richmond Personal Injury Attorneys
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney?
A personal injury lawyer in Richmond can offer many advantages in your case, including:
Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf;
Protecting injury victims from settling for less than the claim is worth;
Preparing evidence that bolsters your claim;
Investigating the circumstances of your case; and
Communicating with the opposing party.
We will keep you informed about the progress of your case every step of the way. Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Richmond, VA, gives you the best chance of securing the level of compensation that you deserve.
How Do I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Richmond?
Many personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations. Use this time to feel out the attorney and determine if you can work with them. During the initial consultation, you can discuss the facts of your case and determine whether you qualify to bring a lawsuit. After the consultation, you do not have to hire the attorney you met with. You can schedule more consultations with additional lawyers and make a decision later. Make sure you know who will be handling your case – an attorney or a paralegal.
How Much Should a Personal Injury Attorney in Richmond Charge?
At River Run Law, we do not collect a fee unless and until we secure a judgment or settlement in your favor. That means if you do not receive compensation, neither do we. We will do everything in our power to ensure you receive the maximum settlement possible.
If you are thinking about hiring a personal injury lawyer, schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with one of our Richmond personal injury attorneys at River Run Law.
Can I File a Personal Injury Claim Without a Lawyer?
Technically, you can file a personal injury claim without an attorney. However, that does not mean that you should. Our personal injury attorneys are experienced in their field and have knowledge about these types of cases. Let us handle the complexities of the lawsuit while you focus on spending time with your family.
How Do I Select a Personal Injury Lawyer in Richmond, Virginia?
If you have started your search for a personal injury attorney in Richmond, VA, you have likely realized there are thousands of them. So how can you separate all the personal injury attorneys in Richmond? One way is through initial consultations, described above. Another way you can learn more about a personal injury lawyer is through their client testimonials. Client testimonials include reviews from former clients that hired the same attorney to represent them.
What our clients are saying about us
We knew our case was in good hands
"I was in a car accident that totaled my car and left me with significant medical bills. I wanted to file a lawsuit against the other driver. Casey came well recommended, and he took control of the whole process. He was very responsive and we were very happy with the settlement he obtained. He was attentive, easy to reach, and we knew our case was in good hands."
- J.T. | Car Accident, May 2021
Professionalism, Responsiveness
"I worked with Brooke Alexander who resolved my case with tremendous results. She took charge of my case and put me completely at ease. A great, friendly, professional attorney. I strongly recommend her services."
- Jessica | Slip and Fall, Jan. 2021
Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
"The River Run Law Firm team is truly professional, and a pleasure to work with! Casey is full of knowledge, very responsive, and brings a sense of ease to an intimidating circumstance. He is a trustful guide, whom you can rely on through the entire process. I cannot imagine going through this experience without him, and I would highly recommend to all!"
- Robin | Workers Compensation, Dec. 2020
Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
"I was working with another law firm prior to Brooke taking over my case. Brooke made me comfortable through out the whole process. Brooke did not know deep down inside I was a little worried with me not knowing too much about her. I’m going to be the first to say. Sometime you have to leap in on faith like I did. Brooke performed Outstanding work, she made me feel very comfortable and most of all she didn’t leave me feeling uncertain about any decision made. You guys are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! If I can give more than 5 stars I would have done it with NO hesitation."
- Christine | Car Accident, Dec. 2020
Professionalism, Responsiveness
"Casey, and the team at River Run Law handled my case with the upmost professionalism. From start to finish they kept me up to date with where we were and what the next steps would be. I was never blindsided by anything. Couldn’t recommend them more highly!"
- Rodes | General Practice, Dec. 2020
Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
"I wish it were more words to describe River Run Law & Attorney Casey Ariail ! Hands down ABSOLUTELY the best ! You feel like you’ve known him your whole life & he’s very easy to speak with . It wasn’t a time I felt in the dark about my case & any questions at any time I could call & actually get a response most of the time I call & if Mr. Casey Ariail didn’t answer the first time I always receive a return call within 15 to 30 minutes . I haven’t had a better experience with a Law Firm ! I’ll DEFINITELY be working with them for the years to come !"
- Chelse | Car Accident, Nov. 2020
River Run Law Blog
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5 Reasons Why You Should Invest in a Dash Camera
Mar 19, 2025 | By Brooke Alexander | Read Time: 4minutes
If you are wondering, What is a dash cam used for? And should I get one? Is a dash cam worth it? What are the benefits of dash cam? You have come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss five reasons you should invest in a dash cam for your vehicle. However, before understanding why dashcams are a good idea, let the Richmond car accident lawyers at River Run Law address some basics. If you have questions, please contact us online. You don’t plan for accidents—but you can plan to protect yourself if one happens. A dash cam doesn’t just record—it gives you peace of mind, proof, and legal power when you need it most. At River Run Law, we’ve seen firsthand how dash cam footage has helped our clients prove fault, protect their rights, and win the compensation they deserve. Call us today. What Is a Dash Cam? A dashboard camera, or dash cam as it is called for short, is a device that is mounted in your vehicle to allow you to record everything that occurs while you drive. Where Do You Mount a Dash Cam? As the name implies, a dash cam is typically mounted on the vehicle’s dashboard. However, it can be attached to almost anywhere in the interior or exterior of your car. Usually, the camera is mounted to the inside of your windshield or dashboard with a suction cup. How Does a Dash Cam Work? Dash cams work similarly to any camera or video recording device. Dashcams typically start recording once you start your car and will record on a loop. They are designed to continuously record, for the simple reason you generally do not have advanced warning of when something may occur and when to turn the camera on. Dash Cam Footage Saves Client THE CASE: Car Accident Settled Out of Court THE FACTS: Our client was in the right straight through lane of a major intersection. Her light was a green ball, as she continued out into the middle of the intersection, a van came from her right at a high rate of speed and t-boned her car. The other driver claimed she had the green light. This case would have spent months in litigation but not for a kind person who happened to have a Go-Pro/Dash Cam in his vehicle. He was stopped at the light when the other driver flew past him, ignored the red light and hit my client. He stayed at the scene and provided a copy of the video footage to the police and to my client. Despite being ticketed, the other driver continued to fight the charge and maintained to her insurance company she had the light. CASE RESULT: We may have even lost with the jury. But because there was actual video footage of the other driver, her red light and the crash, my client was able to resolve the matter out of court. Why Should I Get a Dash Cam? You might be wondering, I don’t drive for a living (e.g., I’m not an Uber driver, etc.), so why get a dash cam? Is it necessary? Here are five reasons you should invest in a dash camera. A dash cam is a silent witness to events that may unfold while driving. Because of its ability to capture what is happening in real-time, there are several benefits to investing in one. 1. Provide Evidence in the Event of a Car Accident Dashcams offer solid non-biased evidence of what occurred in real time before, during, and after an accident. Dashcams help eliminate accusatory points of view. The recordings can be used as evidence of injuries and damage during a wreck. 2. Protect Against Insurance Fraud Unfortunately, insurance fraud is prevalent in the United States and costs consumers over $300 billion annually. Sometimes it is as simple as an at-fault driver trying to shift blame to the victim to avoid liability. Other times, criminals engage in insurance fraud schemes intending to defraud. Dash cam footage can quickly quash their plan. 3. Prevent Theft or Vandalism of Your Car Many dash cams begin recording motion. A dash cam can catch thieves and vandals on camera should they approach your unattended vehicle. The mere sight of a camera may even deter them altogether. 4. Avoid Traffic Tickets Dashcams can do more than record what they see. Some are also equipped with night vision, speedometers, and GPS tracking. The information can be helpful if you are pulled over and believe the police officer may have made a mistake. Using dash cam footage can help your defense in traffic court. 5. Supervise Your Younger Driver Although this reason may not apply to everyone, if you are a parent to a new or young driver, a dash cam can allow you to see how your child is doing behind the wheel and give you peace of mind. Injured in an Accident And Have A Dash Cam To Prove Negligence? Contact a Richmond Personal Injury Lawyer Today If you were recently in an accident, contact River Run Law to schedule a consultation to review your dash cam footage. We offer no-cost, no-obligation consultations. Where to find our Richmond office:
What Are Economic Damages in a Personal Injury Case?
Oct 24, 2025 | By Casey Ariail | Read Time: 4minutes
An accident can lead to immediate expenses, such as hospital visits, medications, vehicle or property repair bills, and lost work time. You may hear the term economic damages in conversations about your situation, but it isn’t always explained. So, what are economic damages? In Virginia, they represent the money you can claim for costs tied directly to your injuries. In this blog post, we’ll break down how they are defined, calculated, and applied in personal injury claims. Examples of Economic Damages in Virginia Personal Injury Claims Economic damages are losses that can be measured in specific amounts. The examples below illustrate the types of monetary damages in a personal injury claim that can be substantiated through bills, receipts, and other records. Medical Expenses If you’ve suffered injuries in an accident, medical bills are often the first thing you face. It might start with an ambulance ride or an ER visit, followed by hospital care, doctor appointments, or physical therapy. You may need medication, tests like X-rays or MRIs, or equipment like crutches or a brace. In some cases, care continues at home. These costs add up quickly, and they don’t always stop when you leave the hospital. That’s why medical expenses are often a significant part of a personal injury claim. Every bill, receipt, and record helps show what the injury has already cost and what future care might still be needed. Future Medical Costs Initial treatment is only part of recovery. Depending on the injury, you may need care that continues after your claim is filed. That could include additional surgeries, long-term medication, physical therapy, or follow-up appointments spaced over months or years. If your medical team expects this kind of care to continue, these projected costs can be included in the claim. Lost Wages and Income An injury can force you to take time off work, whether for a few days or several months. In that time, you may miss paychecks, overtime, bonuses, or other income you rely on. You may also use sick leave or vacation days that you didn’t plan to take. These losses can be counted as part of your economic damages. Reduced Earning Capacity An injury can change what you’re able to do for work and how much you can make. You may need to leave your field entirely, settle for reduced hours, or accept a job that pays less than you earned previously. Even if you’re still working, your future income may no longer reflect your skills or experience. Take a physical laborer who suffers a spinal injury. Returning to the same kind of work may no longer be possible, and a desk job might not come close to replacing that income. This part of a claim often illustrates how profoundly an injury can impact long-term opportunities and overall quality of life. Property Damage Accidents can result in damage to personal property, including vehicles, electronics, tools, or other belongings. Your claim may list the cost to repair or replace damaged property, or its market value if you cannot recover it. If a damaged vehicle is unavailable during repairs, rental costs may also be recoverable. Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses Injury-related costs can extend beyond treatment and lost income. These may include transportation to medical appointments, paid support for household or childcare duties, or modifications to the home required during recovery. Even relatively small recurring costs can show how an injury changes daily routines and adds to the overall burden of recovery. How to Calculate Economic Damages in a Personal Injury Claim Economic damages in a personal injury claim are calculated by reviewing the evidence of financial loss and assigning a dollar value to each category. The total includes both past expenses and reasonable estimates of future costs. For medical expenses, bills, receipts, and similar records show what treatment has already cost. Doctors or financial specialists may estimate future care needs based on the person’s condition and expected recovery time. For lost income or reduced earning capacity, pay records show the amount of income missed during recovery. If an injury affects future work, experts may project long-term loss by comparing likely earnings before and after the injury. Property damage is based on repair estimates, replacement costs, or the market value of items that cannot be repaired. Once the total economic loss is calculated, it represents the amount a person may recover through their claim. In Virginia, there is generally no limit on economic damages, meaning you can seek full reimbursement for documented financial losses. The main exception applies to medical malpractice cases, where state law places a combined cap on total damages. For injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2025, that limit is $2.70 million, increasing by $50,000 each year until it reaches $3 million in 2031. Proving Economic Damages Under Virginia’s Negligence Rules Understanding what economic damages are in a Virginia personal injury case and calculating them is only one step. In Virginia, you must also prove them under pure contributory negligence, a rule that prevents recovery if you are found even slightly at fault for the accident. That standard leaves little room for error. An attorney can help you show how the accident happened, connect your financial losses to the injury, gather expert testimony, organize documentation, and respond if the other side tries to place blame on you. With strong legal support, your claim remains focused on the evidence that demonstrates the true cost of the injury. Injured in Virginia? Call River Run Law If you’re unsure how to document your financial losses or present them under Virginia’s contributory negligence rule, River Run Law can help. Our attorneys focus on building clear, well-supported claims for clients across the state. Best Law Firms® has ranked us among the top 4 percent of law firms nationwide in its 15th edition. Reach out to River Run Law for a free consultation. We can review your situation, explain what evidence will matter most, and help you move forward with a claim that accurately reflects your losses.
Oct 23, 2025 | By Brooke Alexander | Read Time: 4minutes
If a vehicle hit you while you were walking, you may be facing injuries, medical bills, and questions about who is responsible for covering them. Can a pedestrian be considered partly at fault? Will the driver’s insurer try to shift blame onto you? All of these questions fall under pedestrian accident liability. In Virginia, the rules are stricter than in most states. Here’s how liability is determined when a pedestrian and a vehicle collide and what that means for your case. Duties of Drivers and Pedestrians in Virginia On Virginia roads, safety depends on both drivers and pedestrians following the rules of the road. Each side has responsibilities, and ignoring them puts everyone at risk. Drivers must: Pedestrians must: When drivers and pedestrians fail to follow these rules, crashes can lead to tough questions about who should be held accountable. The next step is understanding how Virginia decides fault when a pedestrian and a driver are both involved. How Fault Works in a Pedestrian–Vehicle Accident So, who is liable in a pedestrian accident in Virginia? The answer depends on two things: the state’s at-fault system and its contributory negligence rule. Virginia is an at-fault state, which means the person who caused the crash is responsible for covering the damages. That responsibility can fall on the driver, the pedestrian, or, in rare cases, both. The tougher part is Virginia’s doctrine of pure contributory negligence. Under this rule: This is far stricter than in most states. Mistakes, such as glancing at a phone or stepping off the curb against a signal, can be used to deny a claim. That’s why it’s helpful to examine common scenarios where pedestrians may share fault. Examples of Pedestrian Fault in Virginia Crashes Insurance companies almost always seek ways to argue that the pedestrian shares some blame. If they find any misstep, contributory negligence gives them a way to bar your compensation. Examples include: These scenarios of what happens if a pedestrian caused an accident are not meant to discourage you. They aim to show the types of arguments insurers rely on and why documenting the circumstances of the crash is crucial. What This Means for Recovering Damages in a Pedestrian vs. Vehicle Crash To recover compensation in Virginia, an injured pedestrian must prove two things: If even a small share of fault is assigned to the pedestrian, the claim can be barred completely. “Last Clear Chance” and Contributory Negligence There is one narrow exception to this policy called the “last clear chance.” This common law doctrine applies when the pedestrian may have acted carelessly, but the driver still had a clear opportunity to avoid the crash. For instance, imagine a pedestrian trips and falls in a crosswalk. If the driver sees them in time to stop but does not brake, the driver can still be held liable. Or, consider a situation when a pedestrian is distracted and steps into the road, but the driver has plenty of space to avoid hitting them. If the driver continues without reacting, the pedestrian may still be able to recover compensation. Courts use this doctrine sparingly. It does not excuse pedestrian negligence, but it recognizes that a driver who has the final chance to prevent harm should take it. Evidence Is Critical for Compensation Because contributory negligence is so strict, the strength of the evidence often decides these cases. Police reports, witness accounts, video footage, and medical records can all provide evidence of what happened and whether the driver had the opportunity to avoid the collision. However, gathering and presenting that evidence is difficult to do alone. This is where a lawyer can step in to protect your claim and fight for fair compensation. Injured in a Pedestrian–Vehicle Accident? Call River Run Law. Being hit by a car is traumatic enough. Dealing with Virginia’s contributory negligence rule adds another layer of stress. At River Run Law, we understand how pedestrian accident liability works because we’ve handled these cases for people across Virginia. Our firm was recognized among the top 4% of law firms nationwide in the 15th edition of Best Law Firms®. We see that recognition as a reflection of how we treat our clients: with attention, persistence, and support during a difficult time. If you’re asking yourself whether you can recover after being struck as a pedestrian, or worrying the insurance company will try to blame you, talk with an attorney who knows Virginia law. Contact River Run Law or reach out to us online today to schedule a free consultation.
Oct 23, 2025 | By Casey Ariail | Read Time: 4minutes
After a car crash, most people want answers about medical bills, car repairs, and who will cover the costs. Virginia follows an “at-fault” system, which means the driver who caused the collision is responsible for paying the damages. That raises the bigger question many injured drivers face: How do adjusters determine who is at fault? The answer is critical in Virginia because of the state’s pure contributory negligence rule. If you are found even one percent responsible, you may not be able to receive any compensation. Knowing how adjusters make these decisions helps you see what’s at stake. This blog post will break down how insurance adjusters assess fault, what evidence they review, and how those findings affect your claim. What Evidence Adjusters Review After a Crash When an adjuster investigates, they rely on a mix of reports, records, and statements to piece together what happened. Police Reports The report from the responding officer is usually where adjusters start. It lists contact information for everyone involved, driver and witness statements, a diagram of the scene, and any citations for traffic violations. Adjusters treat it as an objective account, even though it may not record every detail of the incident. Photographs and Video Pictures and video clips document the scene as it was. Photos can show the position of vehicles, skid marks, traffic signs, and weather conditions. Videos from dashcams, nearby businesses, or traffic cameras can reveal how the collision unfolded. Witness Statements Neutral witnesses tend to be persuasive. Adjusters may dismiss passengers as biased, but they tend to trust bystanders with no connection to either driver. This step is part of how insurance adjusters determine fault, particularly when drivers provide conflicting accounts of events. Event Data Recorder (EDR) Information Most newer cars have a “black box” that records speed, braking, and steering inputs in the seconds before a collision. This data can either confirm or contradict drivers’ claims. If one driver insists they braked, but the EDR shows no braking, adjusters are likely to trust the data. Accident Reconstruction Reports In more serious cases, insurers bring in experts to analyze the crash. Using physics, engineering, and the available evidence, they create a timeline of events. Adjusters then rely on this analysis when deciding liability. Adjusters may also request your version of the events. These conversations may seem routine, but the questions are designed to elicit specific details. A simple answer like, “Maybe I could have slowed down sooner,” can be turned into an argument that you share fault under Virginia’s contributory negligence law. How Adjusters Use This Information to Decide Fault and Damages Once an adjuster reviews the reports, photos, statements, and other records, they start forming conclusions about who bears legal responsibility for the crash. In Virginia, this isn’t just about assigning blame; it also determines whether an injured person can recover compensation at all. Virginia’s pure contributory negligence rule makes these evaluations unforgiving. Unlike most states, which use comparative negligence (allowing partial recovery), Virginia’s pure contributory negligence rule bars recovery entirely if you share any blame. This means: This all-or-nothing rule pushes adjusters to search for any detail that could suggest you contributed to the collision. Checking your phone at a light, easing into an intersection early, or forgetting a signal could all be used to argue partial fault. In addition to deciding fault, adjusters also calculate the value of your claim. To do this, they examine: How do adjusters determine damage in practice? They rely heavily on medical records, repair invoices, and sometimes expert evaluations to put dollar figures on your losses. Since they work for the insurance company, their goal is typically to pay as little as possible, so any uncertainty about fault or the extent of your damages usually works against you. How Do Adjusters Determine Who Is at Fault: Common Tactics Adjusters don’t stop at reviewing reports and records. They also reach out directly, and those conversations can also affect how fault is determined in a car accident. Here’s how: Being cautious in what you say and getting advice from an experienced car accident attorney before giving a statement helps protect your claim from being undermined. If the Adjuster Blames You If an adjuster decides you share fault, Virginia’s contributory negligence rule leaves no room for recovery. Even one percent of blame is enough for the insurer to deny compensation. However, while adjusters decide how their company will handle the claim, their conclusions aren’t legally binding. Fault determinations can also be decided by a court or negotiated with the help of a car accident lawyer. An attorney can: That advocacy helps you contest the insurer’s conclusions and press for fair compensation. Injured in a Car Accident? Call River Run Law River Run Law has helped crash victims across Virginia challenge fault findings and pursue the recovery they need. Our firm was recognized among the top 4% of law firms nationwide in the 15th edition of Best Law Firms®. If you’ve been wondering, “How do insurance companies determine fault?” take the next step and speak with an attorney who knows Virginia law. Call River Run Law or Contact us online today for a free consultation.
