{"id":376913,"date":"2017-10-06T13:46:26","date_gmt":"2017-10-06T18:46:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/virginia-law\/virginia-car-accident-report-basics.html"},"modified":"2024-05-06T21:55:26","modified_gmt":"2024-05-07T02:55:26","slug":"virginia-car-accident-report-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/virginia-law\/virginia-car-accident-report-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"Virginia Car Accident Report Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Virginia Car Accident Report Basics<\/h1>\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Did you get into a car accident while driving on the roads of the Old Dominion? If so, you may be wondering whether you must file an accident report. In Virginia, you are not required to file a report with the state Department of Motor Vehicles<\/a> (DMV).<\/p>\r\n

However, suppose the accident results in injury, death, or any property damage. In that case, you must report your name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number to the state police or local law enforcement agency, any person who was struck or injured, any driver or occupant of another vehicle that was struck, and the owner or custodian of the damaged property.<\/p>\r\n

Furthermore, local police officers must file a report on an accident<\/a> if it results in injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage. Police officers investigating the accident also have the right to ask you and any other drivers involved for proof of valid insurance coverage.<\/p>\r\n

Virginia Car Accident Report Overview<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

The table below covers information about Virginia car accident report basics, including how to file a car crash report.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

State Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Virginia Codes (Motor Vehicles) \u00a7 46.2-894<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

When To Report:<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

You must report an automobile accident to the State Police or local law enforcement agency if the accident results in any of the below:<\/p>\r\n

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  • Bodily injury<\/li>\r\n
  • Death<\/li>\r\n
  • Any property damage<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

How To File a Car Crash Report in Virginia:<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

If you are involved in an accident meeting the above conditions, you must file a report with the State Police or local law enforcement agency. Your accident report must include the following information:<\/p>\r\n