Va. Code Ann. §46.2-376 provides, “The person in charge of any garage or repair shop to which is brought a motor vehicle (i) that shows evidence of having been involved in a serious motor auto accident or (ii) with evidence of bloodstains shall report to the nearest police station or to the State Police within twenty-four hours after the motor vehicle is received, giving the engine number, registration number and the name and address of the owner or operator of the vehicle if known.”
Hence perpetrators and victims of motor vehicle accidents in Virginia alike should expect garage men and other repairmen to report serious motor vehicle damage to law-enforcement authorities promptly. Such third party reporting obviously can expose vehicle drivers to criminal liability under §46.2-371 for not reporting a vehicle accident resulting in injury or death to a law-enforcement officer first.
