West Virginia · Reporting a crash · Updated Oct 2026
Reporting a car accident in West Virginia: police, state report and crash report copies
When to call the police or file your own report, and how to get the crash report.
Short answer
If anyone is hurt or killed, or the total damage looks like $1,000 or more, you must tell the police right away by the fastest way you can (call 911 or the local number). No separate driver report is required by state law.
- Damage that requires a report
- $1,000
- Law
- W. Va. Code § 17C-4-6
When to call the police in West Virginia
Always stop and help anyone who is hurt. Leaving the scene of a crash is a crime in every state.
- When to call the police
- If anyone is hurt or killed, or the total damage looks like $1,000 or more, you must tell the police right away by the fastest way you can (call 911 or the local number). Inside a city, call the city police. Outside a city, call the county sheriff or the nearest West Virginia State Police office.
- Damage amount
- $1,000
- Law
- W. Va. Code § 17C-4-6; § 17C-4-7
- Official text
- Read the official text
Your own report to the state in West Virginia
- Your own report
- No separate driver report is required by state law. The officer who investigates files the crash report with the Division of Highways within 24 hours after finishing the investigation.
How to get a copy of the crash report in West Virginia
- Ask the agency that came to the crash (city police, county sheriff or West Virginia State Police) for a copy of the report.
- By law, within 24 hours of the crash the investigating officer must give you, on request and free of charge, the owner, driver and insurance information for every other party, even if the report isn't finished yet (W. Va. Code § 17C-4-7(b)).
Our data shows no confirmed online way to order crash reports in West Virginia, so you can ask the agency by mail with our free request letter.
More facts for West Virginia
- Within 24 hours of a crash, the officer must give each driver the other drivers' owner and insurance details for free if asked (W. Va. Code § 17C-4-7(b)).
Step by step after a crash in West Virginia
- Stop, help anyone who is hurt and call 911 if needed. Leaving the scene of a crash is a crime.
- Call the police when West Virginia law requires it. If anyone is hurt or killed, or the total damage looks like $1,000 or more, you must tell the police right away by the fastest way you can (call 911 or the local number).
- File your own report if the rule applies to you. No separate driver report is required by state law.
- Exchange names, licenses, plates and insurance details, and take photos.
- Get a copy of the crash report. Ask the agency that came to the crash (city police, county sheriff or West Virginia State Police) for a copy of the report.
- Tell your insurer and keep the report or case number.
Free help in West Virginia
Questions about reporting a crash in West Virginia
When do you have to call the police after a car accident in West Virginia?
If anyone is hurt or killed, or the total damage looks like $1,000 or more, you must tell the police right away by the fastest way you can (call 911 or the local number). Inside a city, call the city police. Outside a city, call the county sheriff or the nearest West Virginia State Police office.
How much damage has to be reported in West Virginia?
If anyone is hurt or killed, or the total damage looks like $1,000 or more, you must tell the police right away by the fastest way you can (call 911 or the local number).
Do I have to file my own accident report in West Virginia?
No separate driver report is required by state law. The officer who investigates files the crash report with the Division of Highways within 24 hours after finishing the investigation.
How do I get a copy of a crash report in West Virginia?
Ask the agency that came to the crash (city police, county sheriff or West Virginia State Police) for a copy of the report. By law, within 24 hours of the crash the investigating officer must give you, on request and free of charge, the owner, driver and insurance information for every other party, even if the report isn't finished yet (W. Va. Code § 17C-4-7(b)).
More for West Virginia drivers
- All car accident rules in West Virginia
- Comparative fault
- Uninsured driver
- Accident reporting requirements in every state
- What to do after a car accident
- Fault and payout explainer
- Deadline calculator
- Insurance claim letter
- Police report request letter
Nearby states
- W. Va. Code § 17C-4-6; § 17C-4-7
- W. Va. Code § 17C-4-7 (crash reports)
- W. Va. Code § 55-7-13a (modified comparative fault)
- W. Va. Code § 55-7-13c (fault allocation)
- W. Va. Code § 55-2-12 (2-year limits)
- W. Va. Code § 17D-4-2 (25/50/25)
- W. Va. Code § 17D-2A-3 (required security)
- W. Va. Code § 17D-2A-7 (penalties for no insurance)
- W. Va. Code § 33-6-31 (uninsured motorist coverage)
- W. Va. Code § 33-11-4 (unfair claim settlement practices)
- WV Offices of the Insurance Commissioner: Consumer Services
Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.