Virginia roads are basically a lottery some days. You wake up, check the weather, and hope the mixing bowl in Springfield isn't a parking lot. But today? It's rough out there. If you're looking for info on a car crash Virginia today, you’re likely sitting in a mile-long backup on I-95 or wondering why sirens have been wailing near Richmond for the last twenty minutes.
Traffic sucks. We all know it.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has been scrambling since the early hours. Between the morning fog rolling off the Blue Ridge and the aggressive lane-switching that seems to be a local pastime, the state police have had their hands full. It isn't just one fender bender; we're seeing a pattern of high-speed collisions that suggest people are just driving way too fast for the current conditions. Honestly, the statistics from the Virginia Highway Safety Office don't lie—speeding remains the number one culprit in our state's rising fatality rate.
The current hotspots for crashes across the Commonwealth
If you're heading north toward D.C., you’ve probably already hit the wall. The "Mixing Bowl" where I-95, I-395, and I-495 converge is notorious for a reason. Today, a multi-vehicle wreck near the Lorton exit has shut down two northbound lanes. It’s a mess. State troopers are on the scene, but the ripple effect is pushing delays back toward Dumfries. You’re looking at an extra 45 minutes of commute time minimum.
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Then there's I-81.
People call it the "Trucker's Alley" for a reason. When a car crash Virginia today involves a tractor-trailer on 81, the whole valley stops. Near Roanoke, a jackknifed rig has blocked the southbound lanes. Because I-81 is mostly two lanes in many stretches, there’s nowhere for that traffic to go. It just sits. Local news outlets are reporting that emergency crews are working on a fuel spill cleanup, which always takes longer than anyone wants.
Down in the 757? The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel is doing its usual thing. A stalled vehicle—not even a major crash, just a breakdown—has caused a four-mile tailback. It’s frustrating because the infrastructure there just isn't built to handle the sheer volume of cars we have in 2026.
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Why Virginia’s "Move Over" law is actually a big deal
Look, I get it. You’re late. You’re annoyed. But when you see those flashing lights on the shoulder, you have to move over. It’s the law. Virginia Code § 46.2-861.1 isn't just a suggestion; it’s a Class 1 misdemeanor if you cause injury while failing to move over for an emergency vehicle.
State troopers like Sergeant Brenton have frequently gone on record about how terrifying it is to stand on the side of I-95 while cars whiz by at 80 mph. Last year, the Commonwealth saw a spike in "secondary crashes." That’s when people are rubbernecking at the first accident and end up slamming into the car in front of them. Don't be that person. Focus on the road, move to the left lane if possible, and give the first responders room to work.
Dealing with the aftermath: What to do if you're involved
If you were part of a car crash Virginia today, your brain is probably in a fog. Adrenaline is a hell of a drug. It masks pain and makes you think you're fine when you might actually have a concussion or internal bruising.
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- Check for injuries first. Don't hop out of the car immediately if you're in the middle of a highway. That’s how people get killed.
- If the cars are drivable, move them to the shoulder. Virginia law actually requires you to move vehicles from the travel lanes if nobody is seriously hurt and the car is functional. It’s called "Steer It, Clear It."
- Call 911 or #77. The #77 number connects you directly to the Virginia State Police. It’s faster than going through a local dispatcher sometimes.
- Take photos of everything. Not just the cars. Take photos of the road conditions, the skid marks, and any obscured signs.
- Swap info, but don't apologize. It sounds mean, but saying "I'm so sorry" can be used as an admission of fault later by insurance adjusters who are looking for any reason to deny your claim.
The insurance nightmare in the Commonwealth
Virginia is one of the few places that still deals with "contributory negligence." This is a legal dinosaur, but it matters. Basically, if you are even 1% at fault for the accident, you might be barred from recovering any damages from the other driver. It’s harsh.
Most states use "comparative negligence," where they split the fault. Not here. This makes the police report for any car crash Virginia today incredibly important. If the officer notes that you were speeding or failed to signal, the other guy's insurance company is going to jump on that to avoid paying for your bumper.
Also, as of mid-2024 and heading into 2025/2026, Virginia has been phasing out the option to pay a fee to drive uninsured. You really need to make sure your policy is active. If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, you’ll be relying on your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, which is mandatory in VA but often set at the state minimum of $30,000 for injury. In a major wreck, $30,000 is gone before you even leave the ER.
Actionable Next Steps for Drivers
If you are currently stuck in traffic or dealing with the fallout of a collision, here is exactly what you need to do to protect your sanity and your legal rights:
- Download the 511Virginia App: Stop relying solely on Google Maps. The VDOT 511 system has access to the highway cameras. You can literally see the wreck before you decide to take a backroad detour.
- Check the "Towed Vehicle" Database: If your car was hauled away from a crash site today and you don't know where it went, contact the local police precinct for the "Authorized Tow" list. Most Virginia jurisdictions use a rotation system.
- Request the FR300 Form: This is the official police crash report. You’ll need this for your insurance claim. You can usually request it online through the Virginia DMV portal after a few days, but ask the officer on-site for the report number immediately.
- Seek Medical Care within 72 Hours: Insurance companies love to argue that if you didn't go to the doctor right away, you weren't actually hurt. Even a quick visit to a Virginia Urgent Care can document your state of health.
- Review Your Dashcam Footage: If you have one, pull the SD card now. Overwriting happens fast, and that footage is the only way to beat a contributory negligence claim in Virginia courts.
The roads aren't getting any emptier. Between the expansion of the I-95 Express Lanes and the constant construction on I-64 near Richmond, the landscape is always shifting. Stay alert, put the phone down, and honestly, just give yourself an extra twenty minutes. It beats the alternative.