What to Do Immediately After a Virginia Hit-and-Run Accident

Key Takeaways

• A hit-and-run occurs when a driver leaves without stopping, exchanging information, or reporting the crash.
• Virginia law requires drivers to stop and provide ID and insurance details — failing to do so is a crime.
• After a hit-and-run, call 911, document the scene, gather witness info, and note details about the fleeing vehicle.
• Report parked-car hit-and-runs immediately, take photos, look for witnesses or cameras, and notify your insurer.
• Report the incident within 24 hours; injury claims have a two-year deadline and property claims five years.
• A Virginia hit-and-run lawyer can help investigate and pursue compensation through all available insurance options.

A hit-and-run crash in Virginia occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information, render aid, or report the incident to authorities. Hit-and-run accidents often leave injured victims feeling helpless and unsure about their next steps.

Taking immediate action protects both your safety and your legal rights if you have been involved in a crash with a hit-and-run driver in Virginia. Documenting the scene, reporting the accident to the police, and preserving evidence could make the difference between a successful claim and a dead end.

Contact us now or call 24/7 at (703) 762-2142 to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Virginia hit-and-run accident lawyer at D. Michael Mullori, Jr., Attorney at Law. We are ready to review the specifics of your hit-and-run case and outline your best options for pursuing maximum compensation from every available source.

Our office is conveniently located at 2500 Hunter Place, Suite 102, Woodbridge, VA. Visit us, we can help!

Understanding Hit-and-Run Crashes in Virginia

Virginia law imposes clear legal obligations on all drivers involved in accidents. Under VA Code §46.2-894, any driver involved in a crash resulting in injury, death, or property damage must immediately stop as close to the scene as possible without obstructing traffic.

The driver must also provide you and law enforcement with their:

• Name
• Address
• Driver’s license number
• Vehicle registration and license plate number
• Insurance policy information

Failure to stop and provide information constitutes a criminal offense, with penalties ranging from Class 1 misdemeanors to Class 5 felonies depending on the severity of injuries.

VA Code §46.2-896 addresses the specific duty drivers have when striking unattended vehicles or property. When a driver hits a parked car or other property and cannot locate the owner, they must leave a written note with their contact information in a conspicuous place and report the accident to the police. Violating the Virginia statute on hit-and-run collisions can result in criminal charges and civil liability.

What to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run Collision

Knowing what to do in a hit-and-run is vital to ensuring everyone’s safety, while also protecting your legal rights to pursue compensation.

After calling 911 for emergency services, relocate to a secure area and wait for local law enforcement to file a report. Once urgent safety needs are handled, concentrate on collecting essential information while the events are still clear in your mind:

• Check yourself and passengers for injuries.
• Note the fleeing vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate number.
• Look for witnesses and obtain their contact information.
• Take photos of damage, skid marks, and the surrounding area.
• Write down everything you remember about the incident.
• Contact an experienced hit-and-run lawyer in Virginia at D. Michael Mullori, Jr., Attorney at Law.

Quick action helps protect crucial evidence that could easily be lost. Witnesses may leave, surveillance video can be erased, and physical clues can fade due to time and weather. The more carefully you record the scene and details of the crash, the stronger your case will be when pursuing compensation through insurance or the legal process.

What to Do If Your Parked Car Was Hit and the Driver Left

Discovering damage to your parked vehicle can be frustrating if you did not see the crash. Still, a hit-and-run with a parked car in Virginia requires prompt reporting and evidence collection to protect your rights.

Even without witnessing the accident, you can take steps to identify the responsible party and recover damages:

• Contact law enforcement immediately. File a police report as soon as you discover the damage. Provide the location, the time you parked, and the time you discovered the damage. Officers may locate nearby security cameras or witnesses you did not know existed.
• Document everything thoroughly. Take multiple photos from various angles that show all damage to your vehicle, the parking space, and the surrounding area. Note the exact location, date, and time you discovered the damage.
• Search for notes or witnesses. Check your windshield and the surrounding area for a note left by the driver, and ask nearby businesses or residents if they saw anything. Security footage from adjacent buildings may have captured the incident.
• Notify your insurance company. Contact your insurer within the timeframe specified in your policy and inquire about uninsured motorist (UM) property damage coverage. Many Virginia drivers carry this coverage specifically for hit-and-run situations.

Your UM coverage, collision coverage, or comprehensive coverage might pay for repairs when the at-fault driver cannot be identified. Virginia law does not require this coverage, but many policies include it as an option.

Why Do Drivers Flee Accident Scenes?

Common motivations for fleeing an accident scene provide valuable clues about where to focus investigative efforts.

Some common reasons motorists fail to stop at accident scenes include:

• Driving without insurance or a valid license
• Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Driving a stolen vehicle
• Outstanding warrants or previous criminal convictions
• Panic or poor judgment in the moment
• Believing the damage was minor or unnoticed

You can assist investigators by providing detailed descriptions and any evidence that might connect the vehicle to a specific location or owner.

How Long Do I Have to Report a Hit-and-Run in Virginia?

You should report a hit-and-run to the police as soon as possible, and in any event, within 24 hours of the collision.

Prompt reporting increases the likelihood of identifying the responsible driver and strengthens your insurance claim. Insurance policies typically require notification within 24-72 hours, and delays can jeopardize your coverage.

Virginia’s statute of limitations provides hit-and-run accident victims with two years from the date of the accident to file a claim or civil lawsuit. Property damage claims carry a five-year deadline. Missing these deadlines typically bars you from pursuing compensation through the courts, regardless of how strong your case might be.

How D. Michael Mullori, Jr., Attorney at Law, Can Help After a Hit-and-Run

We understand the frustration and uncertainty that follows a hit-and-run accident. Our law firm is ready to investigate your accident thoroughly, work with law enforcement to identify responsible parties, and pursue maximum compensation from every available source of insurance coverage. Whether the at-fault driver is eventually found or you need to file an uninsured motorist claim, we can guide you through every step of the process.

Do not face the aftermath of a Virginia hit-and-run accident alone. For nearly 25 years, accident victims have counted on Prince William County lawyer Mike Mullori to seek compensation for their injuries, with millions recovered for individuals who put their trust in our firm’s services.

Schedule your free consultation with an experienced Virginia hit-and-run accident lawyer at D. Michael Mullori, Jr., Attorney at Law, today to discuss your case and learn about your options for recovery.