Can you explain how to read a Virginia accident report ?

A: Yes.

Read the report and make sure that the accurate information is present. A traffic accident report will contain your full name, the make and model of your car along with your license plate number and your driver's license number. The report should also contain these details for the other driver, if necessary.

Inspect the sections on the accident report, such as the traffic control details. This section refers to stop lights and stop signs in the area that are used to prevent or minimize traffic accidents. The report will indicate whether there was a traffic device and whether it was working. If the device wasn't working, for example, the insurance company may find the city at fault rather than the driver or drivers.

Read the weather section to determine what the Virginia policeman determined the weather was like at the time of the accident. Weather often plays a contributing factor in traffic accidents, and the report should indicate if weather played a factor in this particular circumstance. Other factors that might contribute to an accident include the surface condition of the road and whether there were bumps or holes in the road. The time of day could affect the determination of the report because if it was a darkened street with limited or no light, this could be a factor that contributed to the accident.

Determine how the police reported on the individual's driving actions. Many actions are available to choose from in this section, as it is one of the most important factors in determine the cause of the accident. Excessive speed, improper driving and inattention are all factors that contribute to the cause of the accident, and the insurance company and lawyers typically look closely at this section.

Go to the type of collision. The collision type is important because it is a report that can be backed up by physical evidence. When a traffic accident occurs, the way a vehicle is impacted is a clear indication of who was at fault. The condition of the vehicle will also help the insurance company determine how much to compensate you for if your vehicle was written off or needs extensive repairs.

Go to the Virginia State Department of Motor Vehicles Virginia Highway Safety Office to see how the traffic accident report information is compiled (see "Resources"). You can select on reports for any year to see what factors most contributed to accidents. The way your traffic accident report is filed is used to help the Virginia Highway Safety Office in determining future revisions and regulations that should be imposed to increase safety. It also highlights driving trends amongst those involved in accidents, such as alcohol related injuries, crashes, deaths and deaths on major holidays.

Contact the Virgina State police department to obtain a copy of a traffic accident report. Some police departments, such as the West Virginia State Police Department, charge a fee for a reconstruction of a traffic accident report or a certified report (see "Resources"). If available, you may also be able to request video tapes or photos.

Report your name, address, drivers license number, vehicle registration and any other details requested by the police if you are involved in an accident. In Virginia, those involved in an accident are required to stop as close to the scene of the accident as possible.

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