How Much is Your Claim Worth?
How Much is Your Claim Worth?
Nobody plans on getting into a car crash, but unfortunately, it happens every day. And while you may feel overwhelmed by the consequences of a collision, understanding Virginia’s laws can help you know what to do next.
In this article, we’ll discuss your legal duties as a driver in Virginia following an accident. If you are looking for more details, you can also read Chapter 8 of the Virginia Motor Vehicle Accident Code.
In Virginia, the law requires you to exchange information with the other parties involved in a car accident. This includes providing your name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number. You must also give these details to the police.
The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident in which a person is killed or injured or an attended vehicle or other attended property is damaged shall immediately stop as close to the scene of the accident as possible without obstructing traffic, and report his name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number.
Under Virginia law, if you get into a car crash, you have a duty to render aid to anyone who is injured. This includes taking them to a hospital if it is obvious that they need medical treatment or they ask for such help.
The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident shall render reasonable assistance to any person injured, including taking such injured person to a physician, surgeon, or hospital if it is apparent that medical treatment is necessary or is requested by the injured person.
If you are involved in a car crash that hurts or kills someone or damages property, you must immediately report it to the local police. Further, if a driver fails to notify the police, every passenger who is at least 16 years old becomes legally obligated to ensure a report is made within 24 hours.
The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident in which a person is killed or injured or in which an attended vehicle or other attended property is damaged shall immediately stop and report his name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number forthwith to the State Police or local law-enforcement agency.
If the driver fails to stop and make the report required by § 46.2-894, every person sixteen years of age or older in the vehicle with the driver at the time of the accident, who has knowledge of the accident, shall have a duty to ensure that a report is made within twenty-four hours from the time of the accident to the State Police or to the local law-enforcement agency.
Failing to report an accident you caused in Virginia can have serious consequences. Depending on the extent of injury or property damage the crash caused, you may be facing a Class 5 felony or a Class 1 misdemeanor charge. In addition, your driver’s license can be suspended or revoked.
Any person convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of a Class 5 felony if the accident results in injury to or the death of any person, or if the accident results in more than $1000 of damage to property or a Class 1 misdemeanor if the accident results in damage of $1000 or less to property.
Any person convicted of violating the provisions of §§ 46.2-894 through 46.2-897 may be punished, in addition to the penalties provided, if such accident resulted only in damage to property and such damage exceeded $500, by suspension of his license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle on the highways of the Commonwealth for a period not to exceed six months by the court.
This section shall in no case be construed to limit the authority or duty of the Commissioner with respect to revocation of licenses for violation of §§ 46.2-894 through 46.2-897.
According to Virginia law, if you get into an accident that damages a vehicle or other property, you must immediately stop, even if there are no injuries. You then must provide your name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number to the owner of the damaged property and any police officers.
The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident in which an attended vehicle or other attended property is damaged shall immediately stop as close to the scene of the accident as possible without obstructing traffic, and report his name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number.
When you hit a parked car in Virginia and damage it, you must make a reasonable effort to locate the owner of the damaged vehicle and provide them with your information. If you cannot locate the vehicle’s owner, you must leave your information in a note and report the accident to the police within 24 hours.
The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident in which an unattended vehicle is damaged, shall make a reasonable effort to find the owner and shall report the information which the driver is required to report pursuant to § 46.2-894 if such owner or custodian is found.
If the owner or custodian of such damaged vehicle or property cannot be found, the driver shall leave a note or other sufficient information including driver identification and contact information in a conspicuous place at the scene of the accident and shall report the accident in writing within 24 hours to the State Police or the local law-enforcement agency.
If you get into a car crash in Virginia, it’s important to be aware of your legal duties. That’s why it’s essential that drivers know and understand the law before they get behind the wheel. Make sure you keep these car accident laws in mind the next time you hit the road in Virginia.
(Your submission is secure and is kept strictly confidential.)
