In the event of an accident where there are no injuries, is it necessary to contact the police?

In Virginia, it is not always necessary to contact the police in the event of an accident where there are no injuries. While it is advisable to report accidents to maintain a record for insurance purposes, there are situations where contacting the police might not be legally required if the damages are minimal and both parties are able to exchange information.

The law generally mandates that if there are injuries or significant property damage, a police report may be necessary. In cases where no injuries occur and both drivers agree on the circumstances and damages, they may choose to handle the situation privately without involving law enforcement. However, it is still recommended to document the scene and take pictures, as well as to gather relevant information from all parties involved for insurance claims.

By understanding this, drivers can make informed decisions about when to involve law enforcement, appreciate the importance of reporting to insurance companies, and avoid potential complications later on.