How Long Do You Have to Report an Accident in Virginia?

Whether it’s a major collision or a minor fender bender, reporting a car accident is a legal necessity. Failing to report can put you at risk of penalties and also hurt your chances of securing an insurance settlement. In this post, we’ll break down the key steps to take after an accident, including when, how, and to whom you need to report, to keep yourself protected and in compliance with the law.

When Do You Need to Report a Car Accident in Virginia?

Not every accident will need to be reported, but most will. Every state has its own specific requirements for car accident reporting. In Virginia, all car accidents that result in injuries or fatalities need to be reported to the police. Even if there are no injured or deceased parties, you’ll still need to consider the severity of property damage. If the damage appears to exceed $1,500, you are also required to report the accident. Since assessing the value of property damage can be difficult, it’s best to play it safe and always report, even when it appears to be a minor car accident.

How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident?

If you find that the accident needs to be reported to the police, you have a maximum of 24 hours to do so. You will also likely need to notify your insurer about the accident. Note that when reporting an accident to your insurer, the amount of time you have may vary depending on your specific carrier or policy, ranging from 24 hours to a week. In any event, the best practice is to report the accident to both the authorities and your insurer as soon as possible.

How to Report a Car Accident in Virginia

Car accidents should ideally be reported by calling 911 while still on the scene of the accident. When local law enforcement arrives, they will interview the drivers involved, as well as any witnesses, and assess any damage resulting from the accident in order to generate a police report. This report is relayed to the DMV and becomes available to the drivers involved, their lawyers, and their insurance providers.

If emergency services were not called to the scene, you will need to report the accident to the Virginia DMV by completing an accident report (FR200) and Information Request Form (CRD-93) and submitting them by mail, fax, or at a customer service center.

What Happens When You Don’t Report a Car Accident in Virginia?

If you are required to report the accident to the authorities and fail to do so within 24 hours, you may face fines and other penalties. You may be charged with a hit-and-run, an offense that can lead to a fine of up to $2,500 and up to 10 years in prison, depending on the severity of the accident. The crime will also be listed on your criminal record, and you may also lose your driver’s license.

Beyond the legal consequences of a hit-and-run, failing to report an accident can also result in significant increases to your insurance rates or the loss of your policy altogether. Furthermore, even a slight delay in reporting the accident can give the insurance company enough reason to deny your claim.

How Reporting a Car Accident Benefits You

Reporting an accident does more than satisfy Virginia’s legal requirements. A police report creates an official record of the crash, including details about the parties involved, vehicle damage, witness statements, and the circumstances surrounding the accident. Insurance companies often review these reports when evaluating claims and determining fault.

That said, a police report is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to a claim. It’s essential to take several other steps beyond simply reporting the accident, including seeking medical attention and gathering photo and video evidence at the crash scene.

Key Steps to Take After a Virginia Car Accident

Even minor accidents can be difficult to navigate, especially if you’ve never been involved in an accident before. Here are a few basic steps to take regardless of the severity of your accident:

1. Check for injuries and move to a safe location. Make sure that you, your passengers, and anyone else involved in the accident do not require immediate medical attention. If it is safe to do so, move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic and onto the shoulder or another safe location.
2. Call 911 and report the accident. Request law enforcement assistance and, if anyone is injured, ask for emergency medical services as well. Even when an accident appears minor, reporting it can help ensure compliance with Virginia law and create an official record of the incident.
3. Exchange information with the other drivers involved. Obtain the names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information of all drivers involved in the accident. If there are witnesses, try to collect their names and contact information as well.
4. Document the scene. If it is safe to do so, take photos and videos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, weather conditions, and any visible injuries. You should also note the date, time, and location of the accident. The more information you gather, the easier it may be to support an insurance claim later.
5. Seek medical attention if necessary. Even if you do not believe you were seriously injured, consider being evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries may not become apparent until hours or days after the accident.
6. Obtain the responding officer’s information. If law enforcement responds to the scene, ask for the officer’s name, badge number, and, if available, the accident report number. This can make it easier to obtain a copy of the police report later.
7. Notify your insurance company. Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible. Depending on the circumstances, you may also wish to consult an attorney before providing detailed statements or accepting a settlement offer.

Throughout the process, it’s essential to be mindful of what you say, especially to law enforcement and your insurance company. Answer any questions truthfully, but do not offer more information than is requested of you, and never admit fault.

If You’ve Been Injured, Get Help From the Virginia Car Accident Lawyers at Huffman & Huffman

Regardless of the severity of a crash or how it may have occurred, many car accident victims find that when they try to secure a settlement for their injuries, the insurance company will try to fight them. As a personal injury firm that has served Virginians for over 50 years, Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law has the knowledge and experience to fight back.

If you need help filing a car accident claim or appealing an unfair settlement by an insurance company after an accident that wasn’t your fault, contact our firm for a free consultation. Our Virginia car accident attorneys are resourceful and efficient negotiators and have secured millions on behalf of our clients in car accident cases.