If you were injured in a car accident in Virginia due to someone else’s negligence, one of the most important pieces of evidence you need to obtain is the police accident report. Without a police report, you may have difficulty recovering any compensation for your injuries, leaving you in dire straits after an accident. Here we will discuss what is in a Virginia car accident report and how to obtain this critical piece of information.
Why Do You Need a Police Accident Report?
You need a police accident report after a car crash in Virginia to prove that the collision happened and to show why you should be compensated for your injuries. Without a police report, an insurance company might argue that you have no record the accident even occurred, which would likely bar you from recovering any compensation. Furthermore, a police report can help you establish how the other driver caused the accident, which is critical if you want to claim any money for your injuries.
Another key reason to request your police accident report is to make sure its information is accurate. If any inaccuracies need to be corrected, you can file a request to have the report amended. A factually accurate report is crucial if the other driver in an accident disputes your account of how the crash occurred.
Who Can Obtain an Accident Report?
Only specific individuals are permitted to request an accident report. They are:
- The driver or passenger of the vehicles involved in the crash
- Any person injured in the accident
- The attorney of anyone involved in the crash
- Anyone who owns the vehicles involved in the wreck
- The personal representative of any involved person
- The parent or legal guardian of a minor, if they were injured or died in the crash
- An authorized representative from an insurance company
What is in a Virginia Police Accident Report?
The information found in a police accident report in Virginia includes:
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- A list of the vehicles involved and the damage they suffered
- The names and other information of the drivers and any passengers involved in the accident
- The weather and road conditions at the time of the accident
- Any landmarks near the scene of the accident
- The speed limit in the area where the accident occurred
- Any traffic control devices near the scene of the accident (traffic lights, stops signs, etc.)
- Any factors that might have contributed to the accident (for example, if one of the drivers was distracted or impaired)
- Pictures of the accident scene
- A basic diagram of how the accident happened
- A list of any eyewitnesses to the accident
How to Request a Virginia Police Accident Report
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles has some tips on obtaining a police accident report. First of all, you must submit a written request or fill out Form CRD 93, along with the following information:
- Your involvement in the crash (driver, injured passenger, owner of the vehicle, etc.)
- The date and time of the crash
- The location of the crash, including the nearest street address or intersection and the name of the city, town, or county where it occurred
- Your name or the name of the person driving the car
- Your driver’s license number if you were involved in the crash
Once you have filled out the necessary information, you have a few ways to submit the request. You can mail it to the DMV directly at Customer Records Work Center, Room 514, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, Post Office Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269. You can also fax your request to (804) 367-0390 or take it directly to a DMV customer service center.
Your request must also include a mandatory $8 fee. If you submit your request by mail, you must include a check or money order. Requests submitted by fax must include a specific payment authorization form.
Finally, you can pay using cash, a check or money order, or a credit card if you submit your request at a customer service center.
Contact a Virginia Car Accident Lawyer Today
Virginia car accident attorney Mike Deering can help you request your car accident report and assist you with any other aspect of your particular case. With over a decade of experience, Mike is the committed and compassionate attorney you want on your side. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
