Privacy Policy
The short version. We only collect what you give us on our contact and application forms. We use it to help you, contact you, and coordinate services. We do not sell it. We do not use it for advertising. We keep it for as long as we're helping you, plus a reasonable period for our records. You can ask us to delete it at any time.
1. Who we are
Accident Victim Assistance is a nonprofit organization. Our mailing address is 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037. You can reach us 24 hours a day at (888) 996-8814 or (202) 440-5214, or by email at help@avahelp.org.
2. What we collect
When you use our website or submit an application, we may collect:
- Information you provide: your name, phone number, email, mailing address, relationship to the accident victim, incident date, description of your situation, and any additional details you choose to share.
- Consent record: whether you checked the authorization box, plus the time and page where you did so.
- Automatically-collected technical information: your IP address, browser type, referring page, and a submission ID we generate to track your request internally.
- Analytics data: anonymous or pseudonymous page-view and interaction data through Google Analytics 4. This is aggregated and not tied to your personal information.
3. How we use it
We use what you give us to:
- Respond to your request and coordinate the help you asked for (legal consultation, funeral assistance, living-expense grants, or general outreach)
- Refer you, with your permission, to an approved independent attorney, funeral home, mental-health provider, or other resource
- Contact you by phone, text, or email about your case
- Keep records of grants and services provided so we can report accurately to donors and regulators
- Improve our website and services (in aggregate form only)
4. When we share it
We share your information only in these narrow circumstances:
- With approved independent attorneys and service providers that you have consented to be referred to. You can decline a referral at any time.
- With operational service providers that help us run the organization: our email delivery provider (Resend), our web hosting provider (Vercel), and our productivity tools (Google Workspace). These providers process data on our behalf under confidentiality obligations.
- When required by law: a valid subpoena, court order, or lawful government request.
- To protect safety: if we believe there is an imminent risk of harm to you or another person.
We do not sell your information. We do not share it with advertisers. We do not use it to build marketing profiles.
5. How long we keep it
We keep your information for as long as it is needed to help you and to meet our record-keeping obligations. Application data for closed cases is generally kept for seven years, then deleted. You can ask us to delete your information at any time by writing to help@avahelp.org — we will comply within 30 days unless a legal obligation requires longer retention.
6. Your rights
You have the right to:
- Ask what information we have about you
- Ask us to correct anything that is wrong
- Ask us to delete your information
- Withdraw your consent to be contacted or referred
- Opt out of any non-essential communication
To exercise any of these rights, email help@avahelp.org with your submission ID (or the name and phone number you used) and the request. We reply within 5 business days and complete valid requests within 30 days.
7. California and Texas residents
Residents of California (under CCPA/CPRA) and Texas (under the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act) have additional rights, including the right to know what categories of information we have collected and to appeal a denied deletion request. To exercise these rights, email help@avahelp.org. We do not sell personal information as those terms are defined in either statute.
8. Security
Our site runs on Vercel's edge network over HTTPS with strict transport security. Application data is transmitted encrypted, and access is limited to staff and volunteers who need it. No system is perfectly secure — if you believe your information has been compromised, contact us at help@avahelp.org immediately.
9. Children
Our services are for adults. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13. If a parent or guardian believes we have done so, contact us and we will delete it.
10. Cookies and tracking
Our website uses Google Analytics to understand how visitors use the site, in aggregate. We do not use cookies for advertising or cross-site tracking. You can block Google Analytics using standard browser controls or the official opt-out add-on.
11. Changes to this policy
If we materially change how we handle information, we will update this page and change the "Effective" date at the top. For significant changes, we will also post a notice on the homepage.
12. Contact us
Questions about this policy? Write to help@avahelp.org or call (888) 996-8814 or (202) 440-5214, 24 hours a day.