Most Important Steps to Take After a Hit and Run in Virginia
Hit and run car accidents are frustrating and much more than an inconvenience. But, if you were injured in a hit and run, the aftermath can be devastating. If you’ve been injured in a hit and run accident, the most important things to remember are:
- Contact the police immediately and make a required report to a law enforcement officer. If the owner of the property is not present, a written report may be necessary.
- Record important information from the accident scene
- Take photos and any possible videos for evidence
Virginia law requires a required report to be made to a law enforcement officer after an accident involving injury, death, or property damage. These requirements apply to any accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage.
These simple, but helpful, tips could make the difference in winning or losing any future injury case. As part of the report pursuant to Virginia law, drivers must provide their name, address, driver’s license, and driver’s license number forthwith to law enforcement or the other party. If the owner of the damaged property cannot be located, the address driver’s license number and driver’s license number are specifically required in the written report, and a such note must be left at the scene. Rendering reasonable assistance includes providing or arranging medical treatment for any such injured person, which is a legal obligation.
These obligations apply to any vehicle involved in such accident. If a driver fails to provide the required information or assistance, they may face criminal charges, including suspension or revocation of their driver’s license. Let’s explore them in more detail.
Hit and Run in Virginia: Understanding the Situation
Being involved in a hit and run accident in Virginia is a very serious matter, and understanding your legal responsibilities is crucial. Under Virginia law, any driver who leaves the scene of an accident without providing their driver’s license number, vehicle registration number, and other required information can be charged with a serious criminal offense. This is known as a Virginia hit and run, and it carries very serious penalties. Accident results, such as injury, death, or property damage, determine the legal classification and penalties for the offense.
If you are in an accident involving damage to an attended vehicle or other attended property—such as another vehicle with someone inside or property attended by its owner—or to an unattended vehicle or other unattended property, like a parked car or fence, you are required to make a reasonable effort to find the owner or such owner. You must provide your name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number to the other driver, such person, or such owner if present. If the owner or custodian cannot be located, Virginia law requires you to leave a note in a visible place with your driver identification and vehicle registration number, so the owner can contact you about the other damaged property or such property. You also have a duty to report damage to other attended property and other unattended property, and failure to do so can result in criminal penalties. Additionally, you must make reasonable efforts to locate the owner or custodian of such damaged vehicle after an accident.
In cases of an accident involving injury or death, the law is even more strict. You must immediately stop at the scene of an accident, taking care not to obstructing traffic, and render reasonable assistance to any person struck or injured. This could include calling for medical help or providing aid until emergency services arrive. You are also required to report the accident to the Virginia State Police or your local law enforcement agency and provide your driver’s license number and vehicle registration number to such person, the authorities, or the other driver if present. When a vehicle collided with occupied property, you must also comply with these legal obligations.
Failing to follow these steps can result in a hit and run charge, which may be classified as a misdemeanor hit or felony depending on the circumstances. A person convicted of a Virginia hit and run faces criminal charges, jail time, driver’s license suspension, and other very serious penalties. The consequences are even more severe if the accident resulted in injury or death.
It’s important to remember that a hit and run is not just leaving the scene—it’s failing to provide the required information and assistance after a car accident. Whether the accident involves attended vehicle, unattended vehicle, other attended property, other unattended property, such property, or results in personal injury to a person struck, you must comply with the foregoing provisions of the Virginia code. If you are unsure of your obligations or are facing a hit and run charge, consulting a defense attorney can help you navigate the complexities of Virginia hit and run law and protect your rights.
Understanding these requirements and acting quickly can make a significant difference in the outcome of a hit and run accident. Always make a reasonable effort to do the right thing, and contact your local law enforcement agency or the Virginia State Police as soon as possible after any accident involving damage, injury, or death.
Contact Local Law Enforcement Agency Immediately
Hit and run accidents often happen very quickly. Before you are able to get a license plate number, the at-fault person has sped off.
Regardless whether you are able to get identifying information, your very first thought should be to make sure all of the passengers in your car are safe. When that’s done, it’s very important to call the police and ask for an officer to be sent to the scene.
Having a police record of the hit and run accident will be very helpful to getting a recovery for any injuries you or your passengers suffered. The police accident report may sometimes be helpful to strengthen your hit and run case. The police officer will document details about the scene and may gather other important evidence. The officer will also prepare a report pursuant to Virginia law, which includes the driver’s description of the accident and any property damage, as well as required identifying details such as license number and vehicle information.
Record Other Important Information
In addition to the police officer’s notes, you will also want to have your own written record about the accident. Sometimes, small details make all the difference in a case that goes to court.
Be sure to record specifics about the location, street names, and nearby landmarks. Any descriptions you can remember about the fleeing vehicle are also important.
If there were any witnesses or bystanders, this is a good time to get their contact information, including name, phone number, and email address. If a person appears able to communicate and is aware of their surroundings, you should obtain their statement or information for the report.
Take Photos and/or Videos
With all of the chaos that occurs during a collision, many people forget to take photos of the scene and vehicle damage. Photos and videos are often important pieces of evidence for both settling out of court as well, as if your case goes to trial. Be sure to document all property damage and the condition of the damaged vehicle, as this information is essential for legal and insurance purposes.
In addition to photos of vehicle damage and the scene, pictures of your injuries are also helpful to document your injuries. Documenting the injuries sustained can be crucial for your case. Taking photos of bruises, seat belt burns, etc., help to strengthen your case.
Virginia Hit and Run Lawyers Get You Justice
Dealing with a hit and run accident can be a traumatic experience. Going to doctors appointments and waiting for your injuries to heal can be expensive and frustrating.
At the Ritchie Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping our clients make the best decisions for their cases. When your health and family are on the line, we go into BATTLE for you!
Our proven strategies have helped thousands of clients like you, and we look forward to working with you too! Don’t go another day without getting the legal help you need.
At the Ritchie Law Firm, we have decades of experience winning car accident claims Give us a call TODAY! We don’t get paid unless we win for you!
