Many people hesitate to contact law enforcement after getting into car crashes, but there are compelling reasons to do so. Virginia laws demand it in certain cases; in other situations, police reports serve as valuable evidence. Even if you do not think there are significant property damages or injuries, we strongly recommend it and are glad to share the steps for filing a police report.
Do I Have to Report a Car Accident in Virginia?
Motor vehicle crashes in Virginia must be reported to the police in these if:
- The accident caused property damage of $1,500 or more.
- The accident caused an injury.
- The accident caused a fatality.
Even if the damages or injuries seem inconsequential, it is difficult to know the extent of either. Vehicle repair costs have skyrocketed over the past years, so you would need an estimate for accuracy. As for injuries, many do not present symptoms until hours, days, or weeks after an accident. You could face complications, longer recovery times, and difficulties pursuing compensation without an immediate medical evaluation.
What Happens When the Police Arrive?
When 911 is called, the operator will likely ask if an ambulance is needed. If not, the police will still arrive; the arrival time varies depending on other calls, traffic, etc.
Once law enforcement arrives at the scene, they will conduct a short investigation to determine the cause of the accident. They may note traffic law violations like illegal turns and running red lights. In addition, they will write down the date and time of the crash, if it was dark or foggy out, and other details that might reveal what happened.
The officers also record names, addresses, contact information, and insurance information for those involved. They might also get witness contact information and statements and mention any injuries observed.
During this time, you can take photos of the scene and look for skid marks, traffic cameras, and vehicle damage. You can briefly explain what happened to the officers but do not go into detail or admit fault. Remember, anything you say might jeopardize a future claim. Be sure to ask about obtaining a copy of the police report; that can take a few days or weeks.
What if Police Do Not Arrive at the Scene?
Police do not arrive at accident scenes for different reasons; this is not unusual in busy areas like Virginia Beach. If they do not come to yours, it is wise to file one with the local police department as soon as possible. Sometimes, other drivers accept responsibility for what happened and change their minds later.
To file a police report, gather the same information described above. Take an excess of photos; you can review them later for evidence. You can also use your phone to record witness statements. Should the other driver admit fault, ask if you can record their comments or request a signed statement before leaving the scene. Once you have everything you need, call the local police department.
Once your police report is processed, you can access it online. Virginia Beach uses ePro (Electronic Police Reports Online), a public-access, interactive web application. You should be able to find your information in two weeks after the crash.
Virginia Beach Car Accident Lawyers at Anchor Legal Group, PLLC Can Help You Today
Police reports are one type of car accident evidence that helps establish liability. Our skilled Virginia Beach car accident lawyers at Anchor Legal Group, PLLC help clients build solid cases. Call our Virginia Beach office at 757-LAW-0000 or contact us online for a free consultation. We serve clients throughout Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, and Eastern Shore, Virginia.