Casey is a founding partner at River Run Law Group. Casey has tried numerous cases across the Commonwealth in both General District Court and Circuit Court. He has earned millions of dollars for his clients through trials, mediations, and settlements.
You’re in a car crash for the first time, and now, you have to figure out what to do. Before this, you might’ve heard about the general process.
You tell the police and your insurance company, right? Yes. You have to report the accident to the authorities. Then, it’s usually best to let your insurer know.
Reporting the accident might seem like an unnecessary, bureaucratic step. But it’s more than that. It’s the start of building a claim for compensation. That’s important when you’re hurt and have medical bills due.
If you have questions about how to report a car accident, contact the experienced team at River Run Law online or call (804) 889-0500. We offer free consultations.
Key Points: How to Report a Car Accident in Virginia
- In Virginia, you typically report a car accident by calling the police at the scene so an officer can investigate and file an official crash report.
- If police do not respond, you may need to report the crash to the Virginia DMV, especially when there are injuries, deaths, uninsured drivers, or significant property damage.
- You should notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as reasonably possible, even if you are unsure whether you will file a claim.
- A detailed, timely accident report protects your rights, documents what happened, and strengthens any injury claim you may bring after a Virginia car accident.
A Brief Overview on Reporting a Car Accident in Virginia
Here are the essential facts you need to know:
- How do I report an accident? Call the police. The officer who comes to the scene will investigate and file a police crash report.
- What if the police don’t come to the scene? You can report accidents to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Read on for more questions and answers.
You Are Not Expected to Know These Rules by Heart
After a crash, most people in Virginia are scared, sore, and unsure what to do first. You might be asking yourself whether you are supposed to call the police, notify the DMV, or tell your insurance company right away. You did not go to law school or work in insurance, and you should not be judged for needing guidance. At River Run Law, we walk you step by step through how to report a car accident in Virginia so you do not have to guess or worry about missing something important.
100% Free ConsultationWhat Are the Virginia Accident Reporting Requirements?
Virginia accident reporting requirements require motorists to report most accidents.
To start with, you’re required to stop after a collision. Under Virginia Code Section 46.2-894, any driver involved in an accident that causes injury, death, or property damage has to stop close to the scene.
You have to help anyone who needs it and exchange information. It also says to report your name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number to local or state police.
Failing to stop at an accident (hit-and-run) leads to Class 1 misdemeanor or Class 5 felony charges.
What if you know about a hit-and-run? If you are at least 16 years old and were in the car when someone didn’t stop after an accident, you have to report the crash to the police, based on Section 46.2-895.
Take a look at Section 46.2-371 too. It says a driver of any vehicle involved in an accident that causes injury or death must immediately tell a law enforcement officer. Practically speaking, that means calling 911 right after the crash.
Failing to report an accident to the police is a Class 4 misdemeanor.
Section 46.2-372 says anyone involved in an accident involving injury, death, property damage, or an uninsured driver has to make a written report.
You can see there are several laws about reporting accidents to the police. If you were part of a crash, assume you need to report it.
Do I Need to Report Minor Accidents to the Police?
There’s a lot of confusion about whether to report minor accidents only involving property damage. In these situations, Virginia law doesn’t require a report.
You typically don’t need to report an accident that doesn’t involve injury or death and that caused property damage worth less than $1,500. You also don’t have to report accidents that took place on private property.
We recommend you make a report anyway. You can call the police’s non-emergency number and ask for an officer to come to the scene and make a report.
Recent Car Accident Settlement
The Case: Our client was rear-ended in two separate motor vehicle accidents within about 10 months of each other. He ended up having neck surgery that was partially attributed to both collisions. Both matters were settled for a combined amount of $475,000.
Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that testimonials or reviews do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter, as the facts and circumstances of each case differ.
Do I Make the Report Myself or Do the Police Do It?
You’re probably wondering whether you have to make a report after being in an accident, calling 911, and talking with the police at the crash. The answer is no. The police officer does it.
Under Section 46.2-373, any officer who investigates a crash involving injury, death, or property damage worth at least $1,500 has to complete a written report within 24 hours.
You’ll have to make a report if the police don’t respond to the crash. This can happen for minor accidents on private property. The police might decline to come out even if you call.
Report the crash to the DMV by submitting an accident report (FR200) an information request form (CRD-93), and $8.00.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Police Report?
You should report the car accident as soon as possible. Don’t wait weeks unless you’re dealing with catastrophic injuries.
Our best advice is to inform the police within 24 hours if they didn’t come to the crash scene. See a doctor and get home safely first. Then make your report.
How Do I Get a Copy of a Police Report for a Car Accident?
Looking to get a copy of a police report for a car accident in Virginia? You can complete an information request form and pay $8.00 for a copy. You can request a copy from the DMV by mail, fax, or in person.
Why Is a Police Report Important?
First, it’s important because the law requires it. If you don’t report an accident when you’re supposed to, you might face criminal charges.
Second, an accident report is often an important piece of evidence during an insurance claim, workers’ compensation claim, or personal injury lawsuit.
Once you report an accident to the police, an officer investigates. The officer gets each driver’s story and might talk with witnesses and take photos. They might give one or both drivers a ticket.
After the initial investigation, the officer completes the police crash report and files it with the DMV.
The crash report sets out the basics of what happened, which can protect you from the other driver trying to lie or say the crash was your fault. It becomes a key piece of evidence in proving the other driver was negligent.
You Just Want to Do This the Right Way
If you are like most people we help, you are not looking for drama after your Virginia car accident. You simply want to report the crash correctly, protect yourself with proper documentation, and avoid problems with the police or insurance company later on. We listen to what happened, explain which reporting rules apply in your situation, and help you take the right steps in the right order. That way, you can focus on your health while we focus on the details.
Speak With Our Team TodayDo I Have to Report a Crash to My Auto Insurance Company?
Reporting an accident to your insurer depends on a few factors. If it was a minor fender bender with no injuries, you might choose to keep it to yourself.
It might be cheaper to pay to repair your car yourself instead of paying your deductible and possibly experiencing higher premiums in the future.
But for anything more serious, we highly recommend you tell your insurer. It doesn’t matter who was at fault for the crash.
Even if you expect to get compensation from the other driver’s insurer, tell yours about the accident. Your insurer can contact the at-fault driver’s insurance company directly.
Another benefit is using your insurance. You might have coverage that will help you pay some bills right away. Maybe you have rental car coverage.
Maybe your insurer will get your vehicle repaired or send a check for a replacement ASAP. You might even have a policy that will pay for some medical bills.
There are even more potential benefits. When the other driver is at fault, your insurance might provide an attorney to defend you.
When Should I Tell My Insurance About a Car Accident?
Notify your insurance company right away. Most policies require notification of an accident within a reasonable time frame. The longer you wait, the more likely an insurer will try to deny your claim.
What Should I Tell My Insurer About A Car Accident?
Notifying an insurance company of a crash and talking about the accident are two different things. We recommend you provide notice. All that includes is the basic facts: who, what, when, and where.
We don’t recommend you discuss who was at fault or your injuries. Don’t give a statement or answer too many questions. Don’t ever take responsibility for the accident.
If the insurance adjuster starts to ask questions that you aren’t sure how to answer or whether you should answer, say, “I’m not comfortable answering questions at the moment.” Or you can say, “I’m going to speak with a lawyer before giving a statement.”
You have every right to politely decline to answer questions before you know more and have consulted a personal injury attorney.
Do I Have to Report the Crash to the Other Driver’s Insurer?
No, it’s usually better to tell your insurance company or call a lawyer. Let us contact the other driver’s insurance company.
Here’s why you don’t want to reach out to the other driver’s insurance company: They’ll want you to make a statement and answer questions.
If you do tell the other insurance company, don’t say anything more than the basic facts. Politely refuse to give a statement.
Unsure How to Report Your Virginia Car Accident? We Can Help.
Right now, you might be replaying the crash in your mind and wondering if you did everything you were supposed to do. Did you call the right people? Do you need to file anything with the DMV? Will the insurance company hold it against you if you waited to report the accident? Those are normal questions, and you should not have to answer them alone while you are recovering from an injury.
At River Run Law, we help people across Virginia understand exactly how to report a car accident, what deadlines matter, and how to protect their rights with strong documentation. We review what has already been done, help you fill in any gaps, and step in to deal with the insurance companies so you can focus on getting better. You do not have to commit to anything today to get answers; a free consultation is simply a conversation about your options and next steps.
Schedule Your 100% Free ConsultationHave Questions About Reporting A Car Accident In VA? Contact Our Virginia Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you were hurt in an auto accident, you need help with the claims process. You need someone looking out for your best interests. Our team at River Run Law has years of experience helping car accident victims.
Call our office at (804) 889-0500 or use our online form to schedule a free consultation.
Virginia Car Accident Reporting FAQs
If you are wondering how to report a car accident in Virginia, you are not alone. Most people only go through this process a few times in their lives, and the rules can be confusing when you are shaken up after a crash. These FAQs walk through when to call the police, when a report to the Virginia DMV or your insurance company is needed, and how reporting protects your rights.
The most common way to report a car accident in Virginia is to call 911 or the local police from the scene. An officer will respond, check for injuries, and create an official crash report that records who was involved, where the collision happened, and what conditions were like. This report becomes a key piece of evidence for any insurance or injury claim.
If officers do not respond for any reason, you may still have the option or obligation to submit information to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), especially when there are injuries, deaths, or significant damage. When in doubt, call law enforcement from the scene and ask what the next step should be.
Virginia law generally expects drivers to report crashes that involve injuries, death, or meaningful property damage. For very minor fender benders with no visible injuries and low damage, you might not be required to file a police report. However, it is often still a good idea to make a report or at least call the non-emergency number to ask for guidance.
Even in what seems like a “small” accident, injuries can appear later and stories can change. Reporting the accident promptly helps document what happened and can protect you if the other driver later denies fault or downplays the crash.
If the police do not come to the scene, ask the dispatcher what they recommend and whether you should file a report later. In some cases, you may be directed to file a report through the Virginia DMV, especially when there are injuries, serious damage, or an uninsured driver involved.
You should still exchange information with the other driver, take photos, gather witness details, and keep your own notes. Then, contact a Virginia car accident lawyer to make sure any follow-up reporting is handled correctly and on time.
The safest approach is to report a car accident to the police as soon as possible, ideally from the scene or within 24 hours if you needed emergency care first. The longer you wait, the harder it may be to prove what happened, and delays can raise questions from both law enforcement and insurance companies.
Some written reports or DMV forms also have time expectations attached. If you are unsure whether you still have time to report, talk with a Virginia car accident attorney who can review your situation and explain your options.
You can usually request a copy of a Virginia accident report through the Virginia DMV by completing the appropriate request form and paying a small fee. Many people do this by mail or online, and some crash reports may also be available directly from the law enforcement agency that responded.
If you hire River Run Law, our team can obtain the report for you, review it for accuracy, and use it as a starting point to investigate your claim and build your case for compensation.
Most auto insurance policies require you to notify your insurer of an accident within a reasonable time, even if you believe the other driver is clearly at fault. Reporting the crash allows your insurance company to open a claim file, investigate, and step in if the other driver’s insurer drags its feet or denies responsibility.
Telling your insurer that a crash happened is not the same as giving a detailed recorded statement about fault or injuries. It is usually best to provide basic facts only, then talk with a Virginia car accident lawyer before giving additional information.
You should notify your insurance company promptly after a Virginia car accident, often within a few days. Delays can give the company a reason to argue that you violated the policy’s notice requirements, which could complicate your ability to use coverage like medical payments, collision, or uninsured/underinsured motorist benefits.
A lawyer can help you understand what notice is required under your specific policy and, if you wish, can communicate with the adjuster on your behalf so you do not feel pressured or confused.
When you first report a car accident to an insurance company, stick to basic facts: when and where the crash happened, who was involved, and whether there were any obvious injuries or property damage. You do not have to guess about fault, speculate about how badly you are hurt, or agree to a recorded statement on the spot.
Before you discuss details, it is wise to talk with a Virginia car accident attorney who can prepare you for what the insurer may ask and ensure your answers do not unintentionally hurt your claim.
You are not required to personally handle all conversations with the other driver’s insurance company. In fact, speaking directly with the other driver’s adjuster can feel intimidating and can lead to questions designed to minimize your injuries or shift blame onto you.
Many people choose to let a Virginia car accident lawyer open the claim, provide documentation, and negotiate with the other insurer. That way, you have someone on your side who knows the process and is focused on protecting your best interests, not the insurance company’s bottom line.
A Virginia car accident lawyer can guide you through every step of reporting your crash: calling the police, documenting the scene, requesting the accident report, and notifying the right insurance companies. They help you avoid common mistakes, such as making offhand comments that an insurer later uses against you.
At River Run Law, we also investigate what really happened, gather medical records and witness statements, and build a claim that reflects the full impact the accident has had on your life. You get clear answers and a plan, instead of trying to piece everything together on your own.
Unsure how to report a car accident in Virginia or worried you may have missed a step? Our team can walk you through what to do next.
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