After A Crash
W. Va. Code § 17C-4-3 — stop, exchange information and insurance, render aid, and call it in
Stop and stay. A driver in a crash with injury or death stops at once at the scene or as close as possible, and remains until the information duties are met, leaving only as needed to help someone injured.
The driver gives the other driver or person struck a name, a valid telephone number, the vehicle's year, make, model and last four digits of its identification number, and the insurance information, or gives it to an officer at the scene.
Where someone is injured, the driver renders reasonable assistance, including arranging transport to a doctor or hospital if it is apparent treatment is needed or the person asks.
A crash with injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more is reported at once to the local police, the sheriff or the State Police. Within 24 hours the investigating officer gives each party the others' insurance information on request.
Leaving after an injury crash is a misdemeanor, and a felony where it caused serious injury or death. Fault and insurance are separate questions for a licensed West Virginia attorney.
Sources for this section (5)
- W. Va. Code § 17C-4-1 — Crashes involving death or personal injuries
- W. Va. Code § 17C-4-2 — Crashes involving damage to vehicle
- W. Va. Code § 17C-4-3 — Duty to give information and render aid
- W. Va. Code § 17C-4-6 — Immediate notification of crashes
- W. Va. Code § 17C-4-7 — Reports of crashes
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed West Virginia attorney.