Virginia’s boat accident regulations require that any operator involved in a boating accident is required to: Show
Accident ReportingA written accident report form must be filed with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) when:
To inform law enforcement about an accident, operators can call their county or city law enforcement group, their County Sheriff’s Office, Conservation Police Officers, or Department dispatcher. When a person dies or disappears as a result of an accident, the operator is required by law to notify the VDGIF in Richmond, Virginia, or the most immediately available Department Conservation Police Officer, by the quickest means possible, without delay. Filing a Boat Accident ReportA written accident report must be filed within 48 hours if:
A written accident report must be filed within 10 days if:
Where to get a Boat Accident Report Form Accident report forms can be obtained from:
Vessel operators must report accidents immediately and file a written report of the accident.
As the operator of a vessel, you are required by law to file a formal, written report of your boating accident with DWR under certain circumstances. When a Report is RequiredA formal, written report must be filed with DWR when there is:
To inform Law Enforcement about an accident that has just occurred, please call your county or city law enforcement group, sheriff’s office, Conservation Police Officer, or Department dispatcher (800-237-5712) or 911. When a person dies or disappears as a result of an occurrence that involves a vessel or its equipment, the operator is required by law to notify DWR in Richmond, Virginia, or the most immediately available Department Conservation Police Officer without delay and by the quickest means possible. Time Frame for ReportingWritten reports must be filed within the following time frames from the boating accident:
How to File a Written Accident ReportBoating Accident Report forms can also be obtained from local law enforcement authorities, Department Conservation Police Officers, this website, and all Department offices. You may submit the completed forms in person or send them to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Boating Accident, 7870 Villa Park Dr., Suite 400, P.O. Box 90778, Henrico, VA 23228. The boat operator or owner usually completes the form unless she/he is physically unable to do so. Duty to Stop and Render AssistanceIt is the duty of every operator involved in a collision to stop and offer assistance. Operators involved in a collision, who knowingly fail to comply with this law when the collision or accident results in serious bodily injury to, or the death of, any person, shall be guilty of a Class 6 Felony. When a collision or accident results in only property damage, the operator who does not comply with this law shall be guilty of a Class 1 Misdemeanor. |