What should you do in the first 72 hours after a crash?
In the first 72 hours: get to safety and call 911, exchange information, take photos, see a doctor, tell your own insurer, and start a folder for bills and notes. Don't guess about fault, and don't sign anything from the other driver's insurer yet.
You're safe now, or you're getting there. Take it one step at a time. This page follows the first 72 hours in order, and each part stands on its own.
What do you do at the scene?
Go through this list when you can. If you are hurt, skip to the first item and call for help.
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt or the road is blocked.
- Stay at or near the scene. Virginia law says a driver in a crash with injury, death or attended property damage must stop immediately, as close to the scene as possible, without obstructing traffic (§ 46.2-894 (opens in a new tab)).
- Help anyone who is hurt. The same section calls for reasonable help, including taking a person to a hospital when treatment is apparent or requested.
- Give your name, address, driver's license number and vehicle registration number to the other driver and to police.
- Take photos: all the vehicles, the plates, the road, any signs or signals, and your injuries.
- Write down names and phone numbers of witnesses.
- Say what happened, not who was to blame.
If your injuries keep you from doing these things, the law says to report to State Police or local law enforcement as soon as reasonably possible.
Do you have to report the crash?
Virginia law requires a written crash report when there is an injury or death, or when total property damage looks to be $3,000 or more (§ 46.2-373 (opens in a new tab)). The investigating officer sends the report to the DMV within 24 hours after finishing the investigation.
If only unattended property was damaged, such as a parked car, you must make a reasonable effort to find the owner. If you cannot, leave a note with your identification and contact information, and make a written report to State Police or local law enforcement within 24 hours (§ 46.2-896 (opens in a new tab)).
The simplest path is to call police at the scene. Then you can get your crash report later.
Can you move your car?
Maybe. Section 46.2-888 (opens in a new tab) lays out these steps after a crash or breakdown:
- Turn on your emergency flashers, if they work.
- If you can do it safely and no one was injured or killed, move the vehicle out of the travel lanes.
- Tell the nearest law-enforcement officer where the vehicle is, as soon as practicable.
- A vehicle that creates a hazard can be removed at the owner's expense.
If anyone was hurt, leave the cars where they are unless police tell you otherwise, and take your photos first if it is safe.
What should you do that evening?
You can slow down now. A few small tasks will help later.
- Write down what happened while it is fresh: time, place, weather, who said what.
- Back up your photos in a second place.
- Note any pain, even small. Aches can grow over a few days.
- See a doctor or urgent care. This is a practical suggestion, not medical advice. A visit soon after the crash also creates a record.
- Start a folder, paper or digital, for bills, receipts, letters and notes.
What should you do in the days right after?
- Tell your own insurer about the crash. Stick to basic facts.
- Ask the police agency how to get your report. Our crash report guide lists the agencies and phone numbers.
- Keep all medical records and bills together. See who pays medical bills.
- If an adjuster calls, use the tips in what to say to the insurance adjuster.
- Enter your crash date in the deadline checker so you know your dates early.
A simple timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| At the scene | Get safe, call 911, exchange information, take photos |
| Within a few hours | Get checked by a doctor; write down what happened |
| That evening | Back up photos; start your folder |
| Day 1 to 2 | Tell your insurer; ask police about your report |
| Day 2 to 3 | Gather bills; check your claim deadline |
What should you avoid?
- Do not guess about fault, at the scene or later. Virginia has a strict rule on shared blame; see contributory negligence.
- Do not sign a release or accept a quick payment from the other driver's insurer until you understand it.
- Do not post about the crash on social media.
- Do not skip follow-up care.
- Do not throw away photos, bills or letters.
Common questions
Should I call the police for a minor crash?
Yes, it is wise to call. Virginia requires a written crash report when someone is hurt or killed, or when property damage reaches $3,000. It can be hard to judge damage at the scene, and a police report gives you an official record. If anyone seems hurt, call 911 first.
What information do I exchange?
Virginia law says to give your name, address, driver's license number and vehicle registration number to police or to the other people involved. As a practical extra, ask for their insurance company and policy number, and write down the plate numbers. Take photos of the documents if the other driver agrees.
Do I have to report to the DMV?
The law's focus is on the investigating officer, who forwards a written report to the DMV within 24 hours of finishing the investigation when there is an injury, a death or damage of $3,000 or more. For any other DMV duties, check dmv.virginia.gov or ask a lawyer.
When should I call my insurance company?
Soon, and in your own words, with the basic facts only. Tell your insurer early rather than late, and note the date you called. Your policy may set its own rules, so read it or ask your agent. Keep calls short and write down who you spoke with.
Last reviewed · Reviewed by the roanokecrashhelp editorial team