On March 18, 2021, Governor Northam signed into law bills SB1108 and SB 1182. These two bills will directly affect general district court practice. SB1108 raised the jurisdictional limit in general district court for cases involving personal injury claims from $25,000 to $50,000. The increase in jurisdictional limits takes effect on July 1, 2021. SB1182 raised automobile liability insurance policy minimum bodily injury limits from $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000.00 for property damage to $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident, and $20,000 for property damage. The increased limits go into effect on policies issued after January 1, 2022. After January 1, 2025, Virginians can expect another minimum policy limits increase, this time to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
General district courts have generally been considered the faster and less expensive process by which an injured party can seek recovery. This is attributable to the fact that there is no formal discovery and no jury. Parties are limited to subpoenas to the opposing party, and to third parties for records or appearances at trial. A case filed in January could be concluded by April if the parties are aggressive and motivated to get their case set for trial. While testimony of medical providers at trial is permissible, parties usually forgo in-person testimony of physicians for medical records attested to by affidavit of the treating provider, which is permitted by statute. A trial for injuries arising from a motor vehicle accident could be tried from start to finish in less than an hour.
