{"id":377184,"date":"2016-11-16T13:54:32","date_gmt":"2016-11-16T18:54:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/west-virginia-law\/west-virginia-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html"},"modified":"2025-02-26T16:41:05","modified_gmt":"2025-02-26T21:41:05","slug":"west-virginia-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/west-virginia-law\/west-virginia-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html","title":{"rendered":"West Virginia Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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West 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

From the tree-covered Appalachian Mountains to Harpers Ferry and the Potomac River, West Virginia has some of the most scenic roadways in the country. But your picturesque Sunday drive can turn into a fender-bender nightmare if you aren’t careful. Even if you are a careful, defensive driver, sometimes auto accidents are inevitable due to the other driver’s negligence<\/a> or criminal actions<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Knowing more about the West Virginia car accident settlement<\/a> process and general timelines can help you better manage the situation. Below is key information about car crash reporting requirements, car insurance laws, and settlements.<\/p>\r\n

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

In most cases, you must report a vehicle accident in West Virginia. Specifically, there are two scenarios where a car accident must get reported to law enforcement:<\/p>\r\n

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  1. Accidents involving personal injury or death<\/b> must get reported immediately to the local police department. If it happens in a municipality, call the local police, or call the local sheriff or West Virginia State Police Department<\/a> if it happens in the country. This ensures that accident victims get prompt medical attention and that car accident injuries are documented.<\/li>\r\n
  2. Accidents involving over $500 worth of property damage<\/b> must also get reported to the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles<\/a>. The amount of time you have to file a report can be crucial. Having detailed police reports helps in the assessment of the incident and supports any later insurance claims or legal actions.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

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

    As in most states, drivers in West Virginia must carry a minimum amount of insurance on their vehicle<\/a>. The minimum amount is:<\/p>\r\n