A Thanksgiving car accident in Virginia is more likely than many families realize. Last Thanksgiving set a record. AAA projected 81.8 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles from home, with about 73 million of them driving (AAA). In Virginia, state troopers responded to 1,147 crashes over the five day holiday period, 123 of them involving injuries, and six people lost their lives. Troopers also made 63 DUI arrests and wrote more than 4,200 speeding tickets (Virginia State Police via WVVA).
With Thanksgiving 2026 just over two weeks away, Northern Virginia drivers can expect the same crowded roads on I-95, I-66, I-495 and Route 29. A little planning can help you avoid the worst traffic, and knowing what to do after a Thanksgiving car accident in Virginia can protect your family if something does go wrong.
Key Takeaways
- The day before Thanksgiving is usually one of the busiest. AAA’s 2025 forecast flagged Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and evenings as the worst times to drive.
- Speed and impairment drive holiday crashes. Virginia State Police made 63 DUI arrests and issued more than 4,200 speeding tickets last Thanksgiving.
- Out of state drivers are common. If you are hit by a driver from another state, Virginia law generally still governs a crash that happens here.
- Your own coverage matters. Underinsured motorist coverage can make a major difference when the at fault driver’s limits are too low.
Thanksgiving Driving Tips for Northern Virginia
Leave early
Travel in the morning when you can. Afternoon and evening hours before the holiday tend to be the most congested.
Plan a sober ride
Thanksgiving Eve is known for celebrations. Use a rideshare or designated driver if you will be drinking.
Buckle every passenger
Troopers wrote hundreds of seat belt and child restraint tickets last year. Make sure kids are in the right car seat.
- Check traffic and Express Lanes conditions before you leave, and give yourself extra time.
- Take breaks every two hours on long drives to avoid drowsy driving, especially after a big meal.
- Put your phone away or set it to driving mode. Virginia law prohibits holding a handheld phone while driving.
- Move over for stopped emergency and roadside vehicles, as Virginia law requires.
What to Do After a Thanksgiving Car Accident in Virginia
- Call 911 and get medical help for anyone who is hurt.
- Get the police report number, especially if the other driver is from out of town.
- Photograph the vehicles, the scene and any injuries.
- Exchange insurance information and take a photo of the other driver’s license and insurance card.
- Get checked by a doctor even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can hide injuries.
- Notify your own insurer and avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer before speaking with a lawyer.
Why Virginia Crash Claims Need Extra Care
Virginia follows contributory negligence, which means an insurer can try to deny your entire claim if it can show you were even slightly at fault. In holiday traffic, with sudden stops, lane changes and congestion, fault is often disputed. Evidence gathered early, including dash camera video, witness information and photos, can make the difference. Our Fairfax car accident lawyers move quickly to preserve it.
If a drunk driver caused the crash, Virginia law may allow additional damages beyond your medical bills and lost wages. Learn more about drunk driving accident claims.
Thanksgiving Travel FAQ
When is the worst time to drive for Thanksgiving?
In its 2025 forecast, AAA identified Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and evenings before Thanksgiving, and Sunday afternoon after the holiday, as the most congested times. Traveling in the morning generally helps.
What if I am hit by an out of state driver in Virginia?
A crash that happens in Virginia is generally governed by Virginia law, and the other driver’s insurance still applies. Get the police report and insurance information, and speak with a lawyer if the claim becomes complicated.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Virginia?
Most car accident injury claims in Virginia must be filed within two years of the crash.
What if the driver who hit me has too little insurance?
Your own underinsured motorist coverage may pay the difference. Since July 2023, Virginia UIM coverage generally is not reduced by the at fault driver’s liability limits unless you opted out in writing.
Injured in a Holiday Crash?
Hilton & Somer, LLC has represented injured drivers and passengers across Northern Virginia, Washington, DC and Maryland since 1965. Free consultation, and no attorney fees unless we recover for you.
Also worth a read: what to do after hitting a deer in Virginia and Virginia’s hands free driving law.
References
- AAA Newsroom. “AAA Thanksgiving Travel Forecast 2025.” November 2025. newsroom.aaa.com
- WVVA. “Six dead in six crashes over Thanksgiving holiday, VA state police report.” December 2, 2025. wvva.com
