{"id":376914,"date":"2016-11-18T13:29:58","date_gmt":"2016-11-18T18:29:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/virginia-law\/virginia-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html"},"modified":"2025-02-26T18:55:19","modified_gmt":"2025-02-26T23:55:19","slug":"virginia-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/virginia-law\/virginia-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html","title":{"rendered":"Virginia Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Virginia Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline<\/h1>\n
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\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/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

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\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

Virginia is for lovers. Its beautiful parks, beaches, and majestic mountains are ample reasons to take to the state’s highways. It isn’t all beauty and romance, though: Auto accidents<\/a> happen. If you have been in a car crash in Virginia, you’ll have questions about your rights and responsibilities.<\/p>\r\n

The following article outlines the Virginia car accident settlement process<\/a> and the timeline for significant events.<\/p>\r\n

Do I Need to Report a Car Accident in Virginia?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

When an accident results in a person’s injury or death, you must immediately call the police under Virginia Code, Section 46.2-371<\/a>. Unlike other states, Virginia law doesn’t require you to submit a written report for serious accidents. But, Virginia Code, Section 46.2-372<\/a> allows a written report.<\/p>\r\n

Instead, other authorities, including police officers, medical examiners, and even auto repair shops, may have to report evidence of accidents that they encounter. Filing a written report<\/a> may still help, despite the lack of obligation, to rebut someone else’s statements about the same incident.<\/p>\r\n

Virginia Car Insurance Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Virginia requires that drivers maintain evidence of their financial ability to respond to a judgment arising from a car accident. You can meet this rule by buying an insurance policy, according to Virginia Code, Section 46.2-368<\/a>. You can also apply for a certificate of self-insurance.<\/p>\r\n

Those unable to get a motor vehicle liability policy can apply to the State Corporation Commission<\/a>. They can have their risk assigned to an insurance carrier under Virginia Code, Section 46.2-464<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Adequate insurance coverage, as described in Virginia Code Section 46.2-472<\/a>, covers at a minimum:<\/p>\r\n