Virginia Car Accident Guide
STATE RESOURCE GUIDE · SOURCES CHECKED OCTOBER 23, 2026
Use this guide to find your Virginia crash report and organize questions about insurance and lawsuit deadlines.
Get the official crash report
Virginia DMV provides police crash reports through a written request or its Information Request Form. Identify your involvement, the crash date and location, and the driver information requested by DMV. The agency lists mail, fax, and in-person submission options.
Virginia DMV report instructions ↗
Before you submit a request
On DMV’s form, select Police Crash Report and the appropriate requester category, then sign the certification. Requesting a report is different from reporting a crash yourself. Avoid sending identity documents or driver-license details through Accident Advisory; provide required information directly to DMV.
General lawsuit filing periods
Personal injury: generally 2 years. Property damage: generally 5 years.
Virginia Code §8.01-243 is the starting source for these general periods. These are not calculated filing dates. Claim type, accrual, government defendants, minors, and other circumstances can change what must be filed and when. Wrongful-death and insurance claims may follow different rules.
Read Virginia Code §8.01-243 ↗
Ask a licensed attorney to confirm your specific deadlines promptly. Waiting for a crash report or negotiating with an insurer does not necessarily stop a filing clock.
Keep separate records for separate questions
- Crash records: investigating agency, report number, request confirmation, photographs, and witness contact details.
- Vehicle loss: repair estimates, valuation report, comparable vehicles, loan payoff, and towing or rental receipts.
- Insurance: claim numbers, adjuster details, written coverage decisions, and notice requirements.
- Legal consultation: collision timeline, parties involved, and questions about evidence preservation and filing dates.
Continue with a practical resource
Accident checklist · Expense tracker · Review a vehicle valuation · Prepare for a consultation
Educational information, not legal advice. No attorney review is represented. Official agencies control eligibility, forms, fees, and access requirements. Sources checked October 23, 2026.