Under Vehicle Code 46.2-373, when must an accident investigation report be submitted?

• A. Within 24 hours of injury or death occurred or if damages exceed $1500
• B. Within 7 days of the accident
• C. Immediately after the incident occurs
• D. Within 30 days of the incident

Answer: (A)

In Virginia, a crash must be reported to law enforcement within 24 hours if there are injuries or deaths, or if property damage exceeds a specific amount. The threshold is $1,500, so when damages go over that amount, or when anyone is injured or killed, the accident investigation report must be filed with the police within 24 hours. This rule exists to ensure prompt documentation, investigation, and proper sharing of information for enforcement, insurance, and DMV records. The other timeframes—7 days, immediately, or 30 days—do not align with this statutory requirement, and the immediate-on-scene idea isn’t the formal deadline the law sets.