Getting into a car accident in Herndon, VA is scary and stressful. Knowing what to do after a car accident in Herndon can help you stay calm, protect yourself legally, and get the help you need. This guide walks you through every step, from the moment of impact to getting your vehicle towed safely. Fairfax County Towing provides 24-hour accident towing in Herndon and we are just one call away.
Step 1: Stay at the Scene and Check for Injuries
Virginia law requires you to stop at the scene of any accident. For more information, see the Insurance Information Institute. Do not leave, even if the damage seems minor. Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense that can result in criminal charges.
Check yourself and your passengers for injuries first. Then check on the occupants of the other vehicle if you can do so safely. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. The closest emergency room to most Herndon locations is Reston Hospital Center.
If the accident is minor and all vehicles are drivable, Virginia law suggests moving them to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot to avoid blocking traffic. This is especially important on busy roads like Route 28 or the Dulles Toll Road (VA-267) where stopped vehicles create dangerous secondary crash risks.
Step 2: Call 911 and Report the Accident
Even for minor accidents, it is a good idea to call the police and get an official report. In Herndon, the Herndon Police Department handles accidents within town limits. Their station is at 397 Herndon Parkway, and their non-emergency number is 703-435-6846. For accidents on Route 28 or VA-267, Virginia State Police may respond instead.
When you call, give the dispatcher your location as precisely as possible. On Elden Street, reference the nearest cross street or business. On Route 28, use the direction of travel and nearest exit or mile marker.
A police report serves as valuable documentation for your insurance claim. Officers will document the scene, take statements from both drivers, and record witness information.
Step 3: Exchange Information
While waiting for police, exchange the following information with the other driver:
- Full name and contact information
- Driver’s license number and state
- Insurance company and policy number
- Vehicle year, make, model, and color
- License plate number
Be polite but do not admit fault or apologize. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you later in an insurance claim. Stick to exchanging facts.
Step 4: Document the Scene
Your smartphone is your best tool right now. Take photos and videos of everything.
Photograph the damage to all vehicles from multiple angles. Capture the overall scene showing the position of vehicles, traffic signs, road conditions, and any skid marks. Take close-up shots of license plates, damage details, and any visible injuries.
If there are witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers. Witness statements can be crucial if there is a dispute about what happened.
Note the time of the accident, weather conditions, and lighting. Was the road wet? Was it dark? Were there construction zones? All of these details matter.
Step 5: Call for a Tow Truck
If your vehicle is not safe to drive, you will need a tow. This is where Fairfax County Towing comes in. Call us at (703) 844-2871 and we will dispatch a truck to your location in Herndon right away.
Our drivers are experienced with accident scenes and know how to work alongside law enforcement. We will not move your vehicle until the police give clearance, and we will transport it wherever you need it to go, whether that is a body shop, your home, or a storage facility.
For accidents on Route 28 or the Dulles Toll Road, quick tow truck response is critical for safety. Disabled vehicles on these high-speed roads create dangerous situations for other motorists. We prioritize highway accident calls to help clear the scene as fast as possible.
Step 6: Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. Most insurers have 24-hour claims lines. Provide them with the police report number, the other driver’s information, and your photos.
Virginia is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for damages. However, Virginia also follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If you are found to be even slightly at fault, you may not be able to recover damages from the other driver. This makes documentation and police reports even more important.
Step 7: Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine after the accident, consider seeing a doctor within the next day or two. Some injuries, like whiplash and concussions, do not show symptoms right away. Having a medical record that links your injuries to the accident date strengthens any potential claim.
Reston Hospital Center is the closest emergency room to Herndon. For non-emergency care, there are several urgent care facilities along Elden Street and in nearby Reston.
Common Accident Locations in Herndon
Certain areas in Herndon see more accidents than others. Being aware of these spots can help you drive more carefully.
Route 28 and Herndon Parkway Interchange
The merge points and exit ramps between Route 28 and Herndon Parkway are frequent accident spots. Heavy traffic volumes and lane changes contribute to rear-end collisions and sideswipes.
Elden Street Intersections
Elden Street is the main commercial strip through Herndon. Frequent traffic light stops, turning vehicles, and distracted drivers create conditions for fender benders and T-bone collisions at intersections.
Dulles Toll Road (VA-267)
High-speed commuter traffic on the toll road leads to serious accidents, particularly during morning and evening rush hours. Rear-end crashes from sudden stops in congestion are the most common type.
Centreville Road and Sterling Road
These roads carry significant traffic through residential and commercial areas. Accidents at intersections and in parking lot entrances are common.
Virginia Accident Laws You Should Know
Understanding Virginia’s accident laws helps you protect your rights after a crash in Herndon.
Virginia requires you to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,500 to the DMV within 10 days. Use the Virginia FR300 form, which is available online.
You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Virginia. For property damage claims, the statute of limitations is five years.
Virginia does not require drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, but it is strongly recommended. If the at-fault driver has no insurance, your own uninsured motorist policy will cover your damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I call the police for a minor fender bender in Herndon?
Yes. Even for minor accidents, a police report creates an official record that helps with insurance claims. Herndon Police can respond to accidents within town limits.
How long does it take for a tow truck to arrive after an accident in Herndon?
Fairfax County Towing typically arrives within 20 to 30 minutes for accident calls in Herndon. We prioritize accident calls on busy roads like Route 28 and VA-267.
Can I choose which tow company takes my car after an accident?
Yes. In Virginia, you have the right to choose your own tow company. Do not feel pressured by anyone at the scene to use a specific service. Call Fairfax County Towing at (703) 844-2871.
What if the other driver does not have insurance?
Virginia allows drivers to pay a $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee instead of carrying insurance. If the at-fault driver is uninsured, your own uninsured motorist coverage (if you have it) will cover your damages.
Where will my car be towed after an accident?
You decide. We can tow your vehicle to any body shop, dealership, mechanic, or storage facility you choose. If you are unsure, we can take it to our secure storage lot until you decide.
Get Help After a Herndon Car Accident
Being in a car accident is never easy, but having a plan makes it manageable. Save the number for Fairfax County Towing so you are prepared if the worst happens. We provide fast, professional accident towing in Herndon, VA around the clock.
Call (703) 844-2871 for immediate accident towing assistance in Herndon.