Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC

Former Insurance Defense Attorney—Now Fighting for You

Before founding her own firm, Jennifer Porter spent over eight years representing insurance companies in personal injury cases. She saw firsthand how adjusters evaluate claims and what strategies insurers use to delay or deny compensation. Now, she brings that valuable experience to your side, using her insider understanding to anticipate their next move and outmaneuver their tactics. At Jennifer Porter Law, that knowledge translates into a strategic edge for our clients—one that can make all the difference in reaching a fair resolution.

We believe in being proactive—taking thoughtful steps today to protect your tomorrow. Every client we work with receives personalized guidance, clear legal advice, and the assurance that they’re not facing this alone.

Experience That Lights the Way

With over 25 years of legal experience, Jennifer Porter Law has helped countless individuals navigate some of the most difficult times in their lives. Her ability to break down complex legal processes into manageable steps allows clients to move forward with confidence. Whether it’s a personal injury matter or another legal concern, she makes sure clients know what to expect, what their options are, and how to make decisions that serve their best interests.

A lot of people think you only need a personal injury lawyer if you’re ready to go to court—but that’s not the case. The sooner you speak with an attorney after an accident, the better your chances of protecting your rights and avoiding insurance pitfalls. Early legal help often means stronger evidence, fewer headaches, and a better outcome.

Estate Planning, Made Personal

Stephanie Himel-Nelson brings over 22 years of experience in estate law and a truly client-focused approach. She knows that talking about the future—especially when it involves your family and assets—can be emotional and overwhelming. Stephanie takes the time to listen, explain your options, and help you make decisions with confidence and peace of mind. With her by your side, you can rest easy knowing your loved ones will be protected, and your wishes will be honored.

Talk to the People Handling Your Case—Not Just Their Staff

One of the biggest differences at Jennifer Porter Law is access. We’re not a large firm where your questions go through assistants and paralegals. When you work with us, you get direct access to the attorneys—Jennifer and Stephanie—who are personally invested in your success. We answer your calls, we meet with you, and we stand beside you every step of the way.

Legal Support for Military Families, From People Who Understand

Both Jennifer and Stephanie are military spouses, which gives them firsthand understanding of the challenges military families face. Whether you’re dealing with a PCS, managing Tricare or Humana benefits, or preparing an estate plan for a deployment, our team is uniquely equipped to help. We offer thoughtful legal services tailored to your lifestyle and needs—because we’ve lived them, too.

A Unique Perspective From a Female-Led Team

Our firm is proudly female-led, and that perspective influences everything we do. We blend strength with empathy, logic with compassion, and strategy with personal attention. Jennifer and Stephanie are more than just attorneys—they’re partners in helping you take control of your legal future. We listen carefully, communicate openly, and treat each client as a valued individual—not a case number.

Northern Virginia Personal Injury Lawyers You Can Trust

Virginia’s personal injury laws are complex, and navigating them without the right legal help can leave you vulnerable. Accidents often have long-lasting impacts—physically, emotionally, and financially. That’s why our team is committed to guiding you through the process with honesty, transparency, and relentless advocacy. We help you pursue compensation that reflects your real needs—not just what the insurance company offers.

At Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC, we bring deep legal knowledge and a passion for client service to every case we handle. Whether you need help recovering from an injury or planning for your family’s future, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

If you’ve been in an accident or need help with estate planning, we’re ready to listen. Call Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC at (571) 532-9070 for a complimentary consultation. We’ll walk through your concerns together and create a plan tailored just for you—step by step, with care and clarity.

Virginia Personal Injury Law: Protecting Your Rights After an Accident

In Virginia, personal injury law plays a vital role in protecting individuals harmed by another’s carelessness. Whether the injury stems from a car crash, slip and fall, or another negligent act, victims are entitled to seek compensation. However, Virginia’s laws are not forgiving. The state uses a doctrine called “contributory negligence,” meaning if the injured party is even slightly responsible for the accident, they may be ineligible to recover damages. This high standard demands a meticulous and informed legal approach from the start.

To navigate this system successfully, it’s crucial to be both proactive and cautious. Every detail matters—from witness statements to accident reports—and one misstep can ruin an otherwise valid claim. In such a legal environment, having a skilled personal injury attorney is indispensable.

Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC offers the experience and tenacity required to succeed in Virginia’s challenging legal environment. Our firm is dedicated to helping injured clients make sense of the legal process, ensuring that no important details are overlooked, and that every client’s rights are protected at every step.

Why Choose Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC? Jennifer Porter Law brings something rare to the table—real experience from both sides of the legal fence. As former house counsel for Progressive Insurance and defense counsel for several insurance companies, she understands how insurance providers think, act, and strategize. This allows her to anticipate their moves and protect clients from being taken advantage of.

With over 24 years of experience handling personal injury claims, Jennifer has built a reputation for thorough preparation, compelling advocacy, and successful outcomes. Her firm has handled hundreds of cases, offering clients the benefit of a time-tested approach that adapts to their individual needs.

More Than Legal Advice—Support for Your Recovery Jennifer Porter Law understands that being involved in an accident is life-altering. Physical pain, emotional distress, and financial uncertainty can take a significant toll. That’s why we treat each client with compassion and attentiveness. Our firm provides not just legal solutions, but also guidance that supports your healing and recovery beyond the courtroom.

Every Case is Personal Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC believes that personalized service yields better results. Clients work directly with an attorney who is invested in their case. We ensure that legal strategies are tailored, communication is open, and every decision is made with the client’s best interest at heart.

We don’t just handle cases—we advocate for people. If you’ve been injured in Virginia, trust a law firm that understands both the legal landscape and the human impact of personal injury.

Contact Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC at (571) 532-9070 for a confidential consultation.

How Virginia’s At-Fault Insurance System Works

Virginia operates under what is known as an at-fault insurance system. In this framework, the individual who is found to have caused an accident is responsible for the financial consequences that result. These consequences include a range of damages, such as bodily injuries sustained by others and damage to any involved vehicles or property.

For victims of accidents, there are multiple ways to pursue compensation:

One option is to file a claim with their own insurance provider. In turn, the insurance company may use a process called subrogation to recover those funds from the at-fault driver’s insurer. This route is particularly common in cases involving vehicle repairs or when the at-fault party is uninsured.

Another option is to submit a claim directly to the responsible driver’s insurance company, a strategy more frequently used in personal injury cases where medical expenses and other losses are involved.

If neither approach results in a satisfactory settlement, victims also have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue damages through the court system.

Since this insurance model centers on identifying the party responsible for the accident, accurately establishing fault becomes critically important. Insurers will factor in the at-fault determination when calculating future premiums, often raising rates for drivers found liable.

Jennifer Porter Explains Virginia’s Harsh Contributory Negligence Rule

Virginia’s legal landscape becomes even more complex due to its adherence to the doctrine of pure contributory negligence. This rule states that if an injured person is found to bear even 1% of the responsibility for the accident, they are completely barred from recovering any damages—no matter how overwhelmingly negligent the other party may have been.

For example, take a situation in which a pedestrian is struck by a speeding driver while jaywalking. Even though the driver was violating speed limits, the pedestrian’s act of jaywalking could be deemed a contributing factor. Under Virginia’s contributory negligence rule, the pedestrian would be unable to collect any compensation for their injuries.

This legal principle stands in stark contrast to comparative negligence systems in other states, where plaintiffs can still recover damages, although those damages may be reduced in proportion to their share of fault.

In light of this, it is imperative for personal injury plaintiffs in Virginia to collect detailed documentation of the incident and to ensure their actions cannot be interpreted as contributing to the accident. Legal representation by Jennifer Porter Law becomes not just helpful, but essential, in proving absolute non-fault and safeguarding the right to recover damages.

Challenges for Plaintiffs and Why Legal Help is Critical

Virginia’s strict application of contributory negligence means plaintiffs must be especially careful in how they present their case. The burden is on them to prove that they were completely free of fault. Failing to do so could result in the total loss of any chance for financial compensation.

This requires:

Diligent collection of evidence such as photos, videos, and witness accounts.

A well-documented timeline of the accident.

Strategic communication that avoids any implication of personal fault.

At Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC, we help personal injury victims navigate this high-stakes environment. Our team meticulously prepares each case to ensure that all relevant details are preserved and presented with clarity, leaving no room for defendants or insurers to shift blame.

Contact Jennifer Porter Law at (571) 532-9070 for a consultation and to learn how we can help protect your claim.

Strategic Legal Approaches for Virginia Injury Claims

When it comes to recovering compensation under Virginia’s legal standards, a well-thought-out legal strategy can make all the difference.

Investigating the Accident Scene

A detailed accident investigation lays the foundation for a successful legal claim. Essential steps include gathering photographic evidence, interviewing witnesses, retrieving security camera footage if available, and obtaining the official police report. Together, these elements help establish a factual record of the incident and determine the sequence of events.

Plaintiff Best Practices to Protect a Claim

To guard against contributory negligence defenses, plaintiffs should:

Be mindful of their words: Casual comments made to insurance adjusters or others can be taken out of context and used to suggest partial blame.

Adhere to laws and safety guidelines: Whether it’s a car accident or a slip and fall, complying with traffic signals, warning signs, and pedestrian rules can help establish a claim of non-fault.

Engage legal counsel immediately: Consulting a lawyer as soon as possible ensures that important steps are taken early and critical mistakes are avoided.

Presenting Effective Evidence in Personal Injury Cases

The success of a personal injury claim depends heavily on the quality of evidence presented. This includes:

Detailed medical records outlining the extent and impact of the injuries.

Expert testimony to validate both the cause of the injury and its effects on the victim’s life.

Physical evidence from the scene of the accident.

At Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC, our attorneys understand the nuances of what evidence matters most in Virginia courts and how to present it persuasively in both settlement negotiations and courtroom trials.

Schedule a consultation today at (571) 532-9070 and let us help you build a winning case.

Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC

Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC

8001 Braddock Rd Suite 102, Springfield, VA 22151, United States

(571) 532-9070