[Amended 11-13-1990]
The reports of accidents as required by this
Article are in addition to and not in lieu of any reports as required
by Code of Virginia, §§ 46.2-894 and 46.2-371 et seq.
The driver of any vehicle involved in any accident resulting in injury to or the death of any person, or some person acting for him, shall immediately, by the quickest means of communication, give notice of the accident to the Police Department. A willful failure to make the report required in this section shall be punishable as provided in §
148-24.
Every police officer who in the course of duty
investigates a motor vehicle accident of which a report must be made,
either at the time of and at the scene of the accident or thereafter
and elsewhere, by interviewing participants or witnesses, shall, within
24 hours after completing the investigation, forward a written report
of the accident to the Police Department.
Whenever the driver of a vehicle is physically incapable of making an immediate or a written report of an accident of which a report is required, each other occupant of the vehicle at the time of the accident, if any, who is capable of so doing must make the report required by this Article to be made primarily by the driver. A willful failure to file the report required by this section shall be punishable under §
148-24.
The City shall supply to the police or other
officials, garages and other suitable agencies forms for accident
reports and other reports required hereunder to be made to the Police
Department, appropriate with respect to the persons required to make
such reports and the purpose to be served.
The person in charge of any garage or repair
shop to which is brought any motor vehicle that shows evidence of
having been involved in a serious motor vehicle accident or with evidence
of blood stains shall report to the Police Department within 24 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. Reports required by this section shall be made upon forms
furnished by the City.
All accident reports made by persons involved
in accidents or by garages shall be without prejudice to the individual
so reporting and shall be for the confidential use of the Police Department
or other City or state agencies having use for the records for accident
prevention purposes, except that the Police Department may disclose
the identity of a person involved in an accident when his identity
is not otherwise known or when he denies his presence at the accident.