What should you do after a crash in the Roanoke Valley?
You're safe. Here's what to do next: get checked by a doctor, make sure police were told, take photos, and tell your own insurer. Then get the crash report and check your claim deadline. Virginia's rules are strict, so write things down early.
Enter your crash date to see when Virginia’s filing deadline runs, and the notice dates for a claim against a city, county or the state. It takes about a minute.
You are not alone, and you do not have to do everything today. This page is a gentle map. Take one step, then the next.
A deadline is the last day to file. Miss it and a court may refuse to hear your case. Virginia sets different deadlines for injury, property damage and wrongful death claims, and shorter notice windows when a government body is involved. The free deadline checker shows your dates in a few seconds.
Why does the first week matter so much?
Because a lot of Virginia's rules turn on early details. Photos fade, memories blur and records get harder to find. A short note, a saved receipt or a name written down today can save you hours later. You do not need to be perfect. You only need a folder and a little time each day.
What kind of crash was it?
Some crashes come with extra rules. Pick the one closest to yours.
Make sure the police were told. Virginia law says a driver must stop, give their name, address, driver's license number and vehicle registration number, and help anyone who is hurt (§ 46.2-894 (opens in a new tab)).
Take photos of the cars, the road and any injuries.
Tell your own insurance company.
Start a folder for bills, notes and names.
Write down what happened tonight, while you remember it.
Be careful what you say about fault. Virginia has a strict fault rule, explained on our contributory negligence page.
Common questions
Do I have to call the police after a crash in Virginia?
If anyone is hurt or killed, or the damage is $3,000 or more, Virginia requires a written crash report. Officers file it when they investigate, so call 911 at the scene. If you cannot stay, the law says to report to State Police or local police as soon as reasonably possible.
How long do I have to make a claim?
For a car-crash injury lawsuit, Virginia's general limit is two years from the crash. Property damage is five years. Claims against a city, county or the state have much shorter notice windows. Use the free checker on this site to see your dates, then confirm them with a lawyer.
Should I see a doctor if I feel fine?
It is a good idea. Some injuries show up hours or days later, and a medical record made soon after the crash helps show what happened and when. This is a practical suggestion, not medical advice. If you are unsure how you feel, a quick check-up is a calm, low-risk choice.
Who do I call for a crash report?
Call the police agency that investigated. Roanoke City has an online Traffic Accident Report Request Form. Roanoke County Police Records is (540) 777-8605. Salem Police Records is (540) 375-3083. If a state trooper responded, request it from the Virginia DMV.
Last reviewed · Reviewed by the roanokecrashhelp editorial team
Who can help with a claim?
You can handle many of these steps yourself. If your injuries are serious, a government body may be involved, or an insurer is pressing you, a local lawyer can look at your situation. Below are Roanoke-area firms to consider. Ask each one how it charges before you decide.
Our picks for you. Firms that handle these cases, chosen by our editors. These are not rankings, and they are not promises about results.
1
Fishwick & Associates PLC
4.8 / 5 on Google Reviews
John P. Fishwick Jr.
Handles personal injury cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death throughout Virginia.
Founder of Fishwick & Associates PLC, a Roanoke, Virginia law firm
Served as United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia from 2015 to 2017
Practice areas: Car accident · Truck accident · Motorcycle accident · Bicycle accident · Brain injury · Personal injury · and more on the firm’s site
30 Franklin Rd SW Ste 700, Roanoke, VA 24011Directionsfishwickandassociates.com
Call (540) 345-5890Fees: no attorney fee unless the firm recovers compensation on your behalf
Pick 2
Marks & Harrison
Car accidents · Commercial truck accidents · Uber, Lyft, and ridesharing accidents · Motorcycle accidents · Bicycle accidents · Pedestrian accidents · and more on the firm’s site. Spanish spoken.
Personal Injury · Car Accident Attorneys · Truck Accidents · Pedestrian-Car Accident Lawyer · Motorcycle Accidents · Bike Accident · and more on the firm’s site
