Author: sgray

The short answer is yes. While having a police report is incredibly helpful for your car accident claim, you can still pursue compensation for a minor car accident even if you didn’t call the police at the time. However, there are many reasons why obtaining a police report can help your car accident attorney build a solid case.

At RVA Trial Lawyers, our attorneys understand the importance of police reports and what they can do for your accident claim in Virginia. Continue reading to learn the ins and outs of car accident reports, including what they are, what’s in them, and how your attorney can help you seek maximum compensation for any injuries you’ve suffered at the hands of a negligent driver. 

If you have suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, we are here to help. Sharif Gray has won millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. Call us at (804) 915-1611 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We will get justice for you. 

What Information Does a Virginia Police Accident Report Include?

A police report from a car accident typically includes crucial details that strengthen your claim:

• Date, time, and location of the accident
• Names and contact information of all parties involved
• Property damage and details of the injuries sustained 
• Third party witness statements
• The assessment of fault provided by the on-scene police officer
• Notes on weather conditions, traffic cameras, skid marks, etc.

Obtaining a report from a police department is one of the first steps you should take after the accident occurs. Otherwise, it can make it challenging (but not impossible) to seek compensation for any injuries you’ve sustained. 

Is It Required to Obtain a Police Report For All Accidents?

Technically, you don’t need a police report for all minor crashes. However, Virginia law requires drivers to report car accidents to the police if they result in:

• Injuries
• Death
• Property damages exceeding $1500

Getting an accident report as soon as possible is essential because even a minor auto accident can escalate, with injuries appearing later or disagreements arising with the other driver. Further, it can be incredibly helpful in terms of building a solid insurance claim and seeking fair compensation for your injuries. 

What’s The Best Way to Get a Police Report?

Generally, the most efficient way to get a police report is at the scene of the accident. That way, the details are still fresh when the report is made. However, if the police were not called to the accident scene, you can usually file a report later at the local police station or request it online. 

Though, it’s important to note that time is not your friend – As some reports are only available for a limited period of time. 

How Can a Police Report Help Me Win My Case?

If you’re thinking about pursuing a car accident case against fault parties, most car accident attorneys would recommend you call the police while you’re still on the scene and obtain a report, even if you were only involved in a minor crash. 

Generally, this report can help with: 

• Proving Liability: Police reports provide an official account of the accident, often including the officer’s opinion on who was at fault. This can be crucial in negotiations with the other driver’s insurance.
• Insurance Claims: Most insurance claims require documentation like a police report to process your claim smoothly.
• Evidence: Even without assigning clear fault, the report’s details about the accident scene and property damages can bolster your case in conjunction with photos you took.

Should I Still File a Claim Without a Police Report?

Absolutely yes, especially if you have injuries, significant property damage, or anticipate disputes with the other party.  Here’s why:

• Injuries can appear later: Don’t dismiss a seemingly minor accident. Injuries like whiplash can manifest hours or days later.
• Disagreements happen: The other driver could tell their insurance company different versions of events.
• Collecting Evidence: The sooner you act, the easier it is to gather your own evidence (photos, video recording, medical records, witness statements) to build a strong personal injury claim.

While you don’t “need” to file a police report to prove liability, it can certainly help to convince the insurance provider about your injuries as well as the other driver’s fault (depending on what’s in the report). 

Contact An Experienced Attorney Today

While a police report is always ideal after car accidents, don’t let the absence of one deter you from fighting for compensation. If you’ve been injured in an accident, our Virginia car accident lawyers are here to help you every step of the way, including: 

• No-obligation, 100% free consultation 
• Assessment of your case
• Evidence collection 
• Witness interviews
• Negotiations with insurance companies
• Representation in court 

Give us a call today to discuss the details of your crash with a car accident attorney you can trust. 

“We Get Justice For Injured People, and We Love What We Do”

We are not settlement lawyers. Sharif Gray has proven that he can and will get results in court, and the insurance companies know that. If you have suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, we can help.

Sharif is committed to trying cases well. Because of that, he does not handle hundreds of cases at a time. He is selective in the cases he takes so he can get justice for the people he represents. In every case, he has three goals:

1. Hold the responsible corporation or individual fully accountable.
2. Make the community safer, so others are not also harmed.
3. Compensation that recognizes the full and fair value of what was taken from your health and quality of life.

We love what we do, and we are proud of the positive impact we have had and will continue to have on the people we represent and the community we live in.

If we can be of help to you, please do not hesitate to call us at (804) 915-1611 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We will get justice for you.

Unfortunately, car accidents are the second leading cause of injury and death for children in the U.S. The good news is, there are ways you can significantly reduce your child’s risk of injury. The first step is using a car seat that’s correctly installed. 

Virginia has specific car seat laws that all parents and caregivers need to understand for the safety of their little passengers. Continue reading to get caught up on a few of the most important VA child and booster seat laws in 2024. 

If you have suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, we are here to help. Sharif Gray has won millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. Call us at (804) 915-1611 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We will get justice for you. 

Child Restraint Device Law in Virginia

According to the updated child seat safety laws issued by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), all motor vehicle drivers with children under 8 must adhere to the following:

• Children under eight years of age must be in an age/weight appropriate harnessed seat. 
• All children under 2 need to stay in a rear-facing seat unless they’ve reached the minimum weight limit for forward-facing seats. 
• The kind of child safety seat you use should reflect your child’s height, weight and age.  
• Car seats should be in the rear seat when possible. However, if your child is in the front seat, you must turn the passenger airbag off. 
• There are exemptions to VA’s car seat laws for buses, farm vehicles and limos. Though, it’s still encouraged to use lap belts when possible. 

It’s important to note that Virginia law requires children to remain in the correct seat until the child reaches the appropriate age and weight. For Virginia, this is a primary enforcement initiative. As such, violating these laws can lead to citations as well as fines between $50 (for the first offense) and up to $500 for subsequent offenses. 

Virginia’s Child Safety Seat Requirements

Choosing the right type of car seat is absolutely crucial for protecting your child. As such – Virginia law outlines specific requirements for all children under eight that are based on:

• Your child’s age and size
• Covering rear-facing car seats
• Forward-facing safety seats
• Booster seats (including a backless booster seat)

Similar to vehicle seat belt studies, it’s a fact that not only do child restraint devices greatly reduce the risk of serious injuries in car accidents, but also decreases the likelihood of a fatality. 

With that in mind, understanding the state car seat laws and following child passenger safety recommendations can make a world of difference.

Choosing the Right Child Safety Seats & Addressing Safety Concerns

From rear-facing safety seats to those in a forward-facing position to everything in between, choosing the right child restraint device can be absolutely overwhelming. 

However, if you want to maximize the protection of your child if they’re involved in a moderate or severe crash, it’s best to go with an approved seat that meets all state transportation standards. That means, you’ll need to consider: 

• Your child’s age, weight, and height, as well as any specific car seat features that suits your needs
• Updates about defective child car seats 
• Ensuring it’s an appropriate fit for your child 

If you believe your child has been injured due to a defective product, we can help. Contact us today to speak with a Virginia attorney for defective product claims today. 

Ensuring Proper Fit

If your child is still in a rear-facing seat, be sure to check that the harness straps are at or below their shoulders. If they have a forward-facing car seat, the harness straps should be at or above their shoulders with the harness retainer clip at armpit level. 

When they’ve graduated to booster seats, double check to ensure the seat belt fits properly. That includes placing the shoulder belt across the middle of the chest and the lap belt low across the child’s upper thighs. 

How to Know If They’re Ready For a Booster Seat: Generally, if your child’s knees bends comfortably at the edge of the vehicle seat, they are most likely tall enough for the booster seat. However, be sure to check manufacturer guidelines and adhere to child passenger safety laws when making the transition. 

Car Seat Safety Best Practices

While Virginia car seat laws set the minimum standards, following some additional best practices can maximize the protection your child’s car seat provides. Proper car seat installation is essential, so always refer to the car seat manual and your vehicle owner’s manual.

Remember, some convertible car seats can adjust to be a rear-facing safety seat or a forward-facing safety seat. If you have any concerns about a potentially defective child car seat or questions about harness straps, a child passenger safety technician can help. 

In some cases, low-income families may even have options for assistance with approved seats or car seat installation.

• Follow the manuals: Always follow the instructions in your car seat manual and your vehicle owner’s manual for proper installation and use. Incorrect installation compromises car seat safety significantly.
• Back seat is safest: The back seat of a vehicle is the safest place for children under 13 years old. Only put a child in the front passenger seat if the passenger side airbag can be deactivated.
• Don’t rush transitions: Ensure your child maximizes the protection of each car seat or booster seat stage before transitioning to the next.

Resources for Help

• Virginia Child Restraint Law
• NHTSA Car Seat Guidelines
• Free Checks For Child Passenger Safety Technicians

Contact RVA Trial Lawyers 

Aside from choosing between a booster seat, rear-facing car seat, and forward-facing car seats, understanding Virginia car seat laws and best practices is essential for keeping your child safe on the road. 

By prioritizing car seat safety, you greatly reduce the risk of serious injury and give your child the best chance of staying safe in the event of a car accident.

However, sometimes car accidents and injuries happen even when you’ve followed all of the car safety laws. With that in mind, if you or your child has suffered serious injuries due to the recklessness of another driver, you deserve maximum compensation. 

Contact us today to speak with a Virginia car accident attorney you can trust. 

“We Get Justice For Injured People, and We Love What We Do”

We are not settlement lawyers. Sharif Gray has proven that he can and will get results in court, and the insurance companies know that. If you have suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, we can help.

Sharif is committed to trying cases well. Because of that, he does not handle hundreds of cases at a time. He is selective in the cases he takes so he can get justice for the people he represents. In every case, he has three goals:

1. Hold the responsible corporation or individual fully accountable.
2. Make the community safer, so others are not also harmed.
3. Compensation that recognizes the full and fair value of what was taken from your health and quality of life.

We love what we do, and we are proud of the positive impact we have had and will continue to have on the people we represent and the community we live in.

If we can be of help to you, please do not hesitate to call us at (804) 915-1611 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We will get justice for you.

Staying on top of the latest driving laws in VA isn’t always easy. However, if you don’t, it could result in costly tickets, license suspension, or even impoundment of your vehicle. In this post, we dive into some of the new laws taking effect in 2024 as well discuss a few important driving laws in Virginia that you should keep at the top of your mind. 

If you have suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, we are here to help. Sharif Gray has won millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. Call us at (804) 915-1611 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We will get justice for you.

Newest Laws For Drivers in Virginia

There are plenty of subtle changes to Virginia traffic laws, that if you’re not careful, you can easily miss. Staying updated about these changes can save you a lot of money, time, and headaches. 

Uninsured Motorist Regulatory Updates

Currently, Virginia Code §46.2-708 mandates that if an uninsured vehicle gets into an accident resulting in wrongful death, injury, or property damages, and the owner hasn’t paid the uninsured motor vehicle fee, their license and registration will be suspended. After, the owner must pay $600 for a noncompliance fee and provide proof of future financial responsibility. 

Starting on July 1, 2024, the owner of said vehicle will have an opportunity to participate in an administrative hearing where they can contest the suspension and fee. However, they have to request the hearing within 180 days of the commission’s decision. 

Virginia’s Non Compliance Fee Payment Changes

Beginning July 1, 2024, Virginia’s § 46.2-707.1 rolls out a payment plan for those with uninsured vehicles who are facing license and registration suspension. It will give uninsured drivers up to three years to pay their noncompliance fees. 

Once they pay the $25 administration fee to enroll or reenter the program, their license and registration will be reinstated. However, if they default on their payment plan, their suspension will continue until they can make a full payment as well as furnish their proof of financial responsibility. 

Highway Usage Fees for Alternative and Fuel-Efficient Vehicles

46.2-772  in the Virginia code isn’t a new law, but it’s been recently implemented and continually updated. Essentially, it imposes an annual highway usage fee for alternative fuel vehicles, electric motor vehicles, and fuel-efficient vehicles. 

The registration fee (calculated at 85% of the fuel tax for a standard fuel economy vehicle) will be calculated based on the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. It’s important to note that this law doesn’t apply to: 

• Motorcycles and mopeds 
• Vehicles weighing over 10,000 pounds
• Government-owned vehicles
• Vehicles registered under the International Registration Plan 
• Mileage-based user fee program vehicles

Virginia’s Proof of Insurance Regulations

46.2-902.1 currently mandates that motorists involved in an accident present proof of insurance or evidence of payment of the uninsured vehicle registration fee within a thirty-day window of their accident. 

However, starting July 1, 2024, this law requires that drivers only provide proof of insurance and eliminates the option to show payment of the uninsured vehicle registration. It’s important to note that this change does not state that Virginia is abolishing the uninsured vehicle registration fee altogether. 

Important VA Driving Laws to Consider

Understanding important driving laws in Virginia can protect your health, finances, and ability to seek damages after a car accident. Generally, here are a few key traffic laws to keep in mind the next time you are in a car. 

Driving Too Slowly

We all know the dangers of speeding. However, what’s not always as apparent is how dangerous driving too slowly can be. With that in mind, driving under the speed limit, particularly in a passing lane, can result in a ticket and demerit points on your license. Further, if someone violates this law and gets into an accident, they could be liable for all damages that occur. 

Hands-Free Driving Regulations

Distracted driving injures thousands of people every year – Which is why Virginia doesn’t allow the use of a handheld device (i.e., cell phone, tablet, etc.) while operating a motor vehicle. Not only can this kind of distraction lead to a ticket, but it could also result in a collision. 

Tailgating Laws

Driving too closely in Virginia is illegal and dangerous. That’s because tailgating put’s vehicles at much higher risk of colliding. As such, an individual could face both traffic and civil penalties (i.e., a personal injury lawsuit) if they follow too closely and cause an accident. 

Contact RVA Trial Lawyers Today

Staying updated about important Virginia driving laws can keep your insurance premiums down and ensure you do everything in your power to avoid a collision. However, some accidents are unavoidable. 

If you or a loved one has been involved in a collision due to the negligence of another driver, it’s in your best interest to consult an attorney as soon as possible. Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to speak with an experienced Virginia car accident attorney you can trust.

“We Get Justice For Injured People, and We Love What We Do”

We are not settlement lawyers. Sharif Gray has proven that he can and will get results in court, and the insurance companies know that. If you have suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, we can help.

Sharif is committed to trying cases well. Because of that, he does not handle hundreds of cases at a time. He is selective in the cases he takes so he can get justice for the people he represents. In every case, he has three goals:

1. Hold the responsible corporation or individual fully accountable.
2. Make the community safer, so others are not also harmed.
3. Compensation that recognizes the full and fair value of what was taken from your health and quality of life.

We love what we do, and we are proud of the positive impact we have had and will continue to have on the people we represent and the community we live in.

If we can be of help to you, please do not hesitate to call us at (804) 915-1611 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We will get justice for you.