How long does an accident stay on your record in Virginia? In Virginia, a car accident may stay on your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) record for three years from the day of the incident.
A Richmond car accident lawyer can give you insights into how long a car crash may stay on your record in Virginia and other topics that relate to your situation.
Your Car Insurance Company Could Keep Your Accident on Your Record Longer Than the DMV
When it comes to how long an accident can stay on your record in Virginia, the DMV can retain a report of the incident for up to three years from the day it took place. If you received traffic violation points, these typically drop off after two years. However, your auto insurance company may account for your accident for three years or longer.
Your car insurance company won’t necessarily rely on the DMV to determine how long your accident will stay on your record in Virginia. Insurance companies may use their own underwriting and rating guidelines when they evaluate accidents. Depending on your insurer and the circumstances of your accident, the incident could stay on your record for several years.
The Pendleton Law Team has served thousands of clients, including those involved in auto crashes. If you’ve been harmed in a car accident that may have been caused by someone else, our Richmond personal injury lawyer may be able to help. We can discuss how long an accident may stay on your record and, if necessary, help you sue for damages. Contact us to learn more.
Your Auto Insurer May Not Be Able to Raise Your Premiums If an Accident Stays on Your Record and You’re Not at Fault
The Code of Virginia § 38.2-1905 limits an auto insurance company’s ability to surcharge a driver for certain accidents in which the insured was not at fault. Due to this, your auto insurer may not be able to raise your premiums if you’re involved in an auto accident and someone else is responsible for the incident.
If you get into a car crash in which someone else may be liable and are worried about how long this accident may stay on your record in Virginia, it may be beneficial to ask for legal help. Your car accident attorney can investigate your crash. On top of this, they may help you file a claim through your car insurance.
Your accident can stay on your record, regardless of whether you are at fault. If you are found to be partially or fully responsible for your auto accident, your insurance premiums could increase as well. In terms of how much your insurance could go up after an at-fault accident, the amount can vary based on the insurer, driving history, claim severity, and other factors.
How to Get an Accident Off Your Record in Virginia
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to get an accident removed from your record in Virginia unless it was reported by mistake. Generally, if your accident was reported due to a clerical or administrative error, it may be removed from your record. There are things that you can do to minimize the accident’s impact on your record, such as:
- Dispute an inaccurate accident report. If the police or DMV list you as at-fault for an accident in which someone else may be liable, you can write to the DMV to request an amendment or to include supplemental evidence. This may allow you to correct information included in your report.
- Eliminate associated traffic convictions. If you were given a traffic citation related to your accident and believe that your conviction was entered in error, you may want to explore possible post-conviction remedies with an attorney.
- Enroll in a Driver Improvement Clinic. You could earn up to five safe driving points if you complete a Driver Improvement Clinic. This may require an eight-hour classroom or online course every two years and can help you balance your record.
- Review your car insurance options. You can shop around for insurance and search for insurers that offer accident forgiveness, which may help you lower your premiums. Outside of this, you may be eligible for insurance rate discounts if you voluntarily take a safe driving course.
You may want to call your insurance company after a minor accident, even if another party may be at fault. Let your insurance company perform an investigation. In addition, work with an attorney, as they may help you get money for your accident losses and look for ways to prevent the incident from affecting your long-term driving record.
What to Expect After an Accident Comes Off Your Driving Record in Virginia
Once sufficient time has passed since your accident, your insurer may stop considering it when calculating your policy’s premiums. As a result, your insurance rates could decrease, but this may depend on your insurer’s underwriting practices and other procedures.
If your driver’s license was suspended following an accident or related violations, reinstatement may depend on satisfying all applicable DMV and court requirements. Furthermore, once demerit points associated with past violations are not counted toward your record, they may not contribute to future point-based penalties or suspension thresholds.
As you think about how long a car accident can stay on your driving record in Virginia, remember, legal help is available. Auto accident attorneys may advise you to pursue compensation from anyone who may be at fault for your car crash. Additionally, they can gather evidence to help prove that you should be compensated for your losses.
Get the Heavy Hitters® on Your Side as You Try to Figure Out How Long Your Accident Will Stay on Your Virginia Driving Record
The Pendleton Law Team can answer any questions that you may have about how long an auto accident can stay on your record in Virginia.
Meanwhile, if you want to file an auto crash claim or lawsuit against anyone who may be at fault for your car collision, we’re here to help. For more information, request a free case consultation.
