What should I do after a car accident in Virginia?

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Virginia is one of only   four U.S. jurisdictions   that still applies   pure contributory negligence  , making fault determinations decisive.    1. Immediate Steps at the Scene   - Stop and exchange information (Va. Code § 46.2-894). Felony hit-and-run if injury or death. - Render reasonable assistance. - Call   911   for any injury.    2. Mandatory Reporting   -   Police  : Required for injury, death, or damage exceeding   $1,500   (Va. Code § 46.2-373). -   Form FR-300P  : Investigating officer files; drivers must complete an SR-1 if requested by DMV. -   Insurer  : Notify under cooperation clause.    3. Minimum Liability Insurance     30/60/20   through 2024;   50/100/25   effective   January 1, 2025   under HB 2167 (Va. Code § 46.2-472). Virginia previously allowed an "uninsured motor vehicle fee" in lieu of insurance, but that option was   eliminated effective July 1, 2024  .    4. Pure Contributory Negligence — 1% Bars Recovery   Under longstanding Virginia common law ( Baskett v. Banks , 186 Va. 1022 (1947);  Smith v. Va. Elec. & Power Co. , 204 Va. 128 (1963)), a plaintiff who is   even slightly at fault   is   completely barred   from recovery.    Exceptions/Doctrines:   -   Last clear chance   — defendant who had final opportunity to avoid the harm remains liable ( Greear v. Noland Co. , 197 Va. 233 (1955)). -   Gross/willful/wanton negligence   of defendant — contributory negligence is no defense ( Booth v. Robertson , 236 Va. 269 (1988)).    5. Statute of Limitations   - Personal injury:   2 years   (Va. Code § 8.01-243(A)). - Property damage:   5 years   (Va. Code § 8.01-243(B)). - Wrongful death:   2 years   (Va. Code § 8.01-244). - Claims against the Commonwealth:   Notice within 1 year  , suit within 18 months under the Virginia Tort Claims Act (Va. Code § 8.01-195.6).  This is legal information, not legal advice.