How Long Do You Have To Report An Accident In Virginia Fairfax?
In Fairfax County, Virginia, you must report a car accident to the DMV within 24 hours if it involves injury, death, or property damage over $1,500, as required by Va. Code § 46.2-894. Failure to report can lead to a Class 5 felony charge. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Accident Reporting Laws
Virginia law sets strict deadlines for reporting motor vehicle accidents. The primary statute, Va. Code § 46.2-894, mandates that the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage must immediately stop and provide information. If the accident results in injury, death, or property damage to an apparent extent of $1,500 or more, the driver must also make a written report to the DMV within 24 hours.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands the immediate legal obligations following a crash. A delayed report can be used against you in any subsequent civil dispute or insurance claim.
Official Reporting Resources
For the official Virginia accident report form (Form CRD-93) and submission instructions, visit the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles website. For Fairfax County-specific procedures, you can reference the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Accident Reporting Procedures
In Fairfax County, the 24-hour DMV reporting rule is strictly enforced. Law enforcement responding to the scene will typically file their own report, but this does not relieve you of your separate duty to report to the DMV. The local procedural fact is that Fairfax County police may issue a summons for “Failure to Report” (Va. Code § 46.2-896) if they believe the damage threshold is met and you have not complied.
- Secure the Scene & Check for Injuries: Immediately stop your vehicle. Render reasonable assistance to anyone injured and call 911.
- Exchange Information & Wait for Police: Exchange names, addresses, vehicle registration numbers, and insurance information with other drivers. If police are called, obtain the officer’s name and the eventual crash report number.
- Assess the Damage Threshold: If there is any injury, death, or if property damage appears to be $1,500 or more, you must report it. When in doubt, report.
- File the DMV Report: Complete and submit the DMV accident report (Form CRD-93) within 24 hours of the crash. This is separate from any police report.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurer promptly, as most policies require immediate notification.
- Consult an Attorney: Contact a lawyer to protect your rights, especially before giving detailed statements or signing documents from other parties.
Penalties for Failing to Report an Accident
In Fairfax County, failing to report a qualifying accident is a Class 5 felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to Report (Injury/Death >$1,500 Damage) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory revocation | Criminal record; used against you in civil court |
| Failure to Report (Damage <$1,500) | Class 4 Misdemeanor | N/A | Up to $250 | Possible DMV points | Can affect insurance |
| Failure to Stop (Hit & Run) | Class 5 Felony (if injury/death) or Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months (misd.) or 1-10 years (felony) | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory revocation | Severe criminal and civil liability |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Fairfax County Accident Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. We have a documented record of favorable outcomes in traffic and accident-related cases. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who understands how the state builds its cases. This background is critical when a failure to report allegation arises, as we can anticipate the prosecution’s strategy.
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes. In complex cases that may lead to civil litigation, having a strong defense from the start is essential. A seasoned civil litigation attorney can handle both the criminal traffic charges and the potential civil lawsuit that may follow.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts. We provide representation for individuals involved in accidents throughout Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 for 24/7 phone consultations. Meetings are by appointment only.
FAQs: Reporting Accidents in Fairfax County, VA
Do I have to report a minor accident to the DMV in Virginia?
Yes, if the total property damage is $1,500 or more. Virginia law (Va. Code § 46.2-894) requires a written report to the DMV within 24 hours for accidents involving injury, death, or property damage of $1,500+. It is often safer to report any accident.
What happens if I don’t report an accident in Virginia?
You could be charged with a Class 5 felony if the accident involved injury, death, or over $1,500 in damage, carrying up to 10 years in prison. This failure can also severely harm your position in the ensuing civil dispute with other drivers and insurance companies.
Should I call the police for every accident in Fairfax County?
It depends. Virginia law requires you to call police if there is injury, death, or property damage over $1,500. Even for smaller accidents, a police report provides an official record that is valuable for insurance and any potential civil court lawyer proceedings.
Can I be sued if I report an accident late?
Yes. A late or missing report can be used as evidence of negligence in a civil lawsuit. The other party’s civil litigation attorney may argue that your failure to comply with the law shows disregard for safety and procedure, strengthening their case for damages.
How does a criminal charge for not reporting affect a civil case?
A conviction for failure to report can be introduced in a civil trial as evidence of negligence per se (violation of a statute). This makes it much harder to defend against a claim for damages and can significantly increase potential liability.
For more information on related legal issues, see our pages on Virginia Personal Injury Lawyers, Fairfax City Personal Injury Lawyers, and Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.