Skip to content
edith-master-removebg

How Long Do You Have to File a Police Report After an Incident in Pennsylvania?

Request Free Consultation.
Tell Us Your Situation.

HOW WE TIP THE SCALES IN YOUR FAVOR

  • Exceptionally Smart Representation: Edith Pearce, MENSA member
  • Proven Results: Lifetime member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • No Fee unless we recover for you. Free Consultations
  • Peer Recognized Excellence: Super Lawyers; Philadelphia’s Best Lawyers; Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum; and AV Preeminent Rated® by Martindale-Hubbell-less than 5% of lawyers in U.S. receive this rating
  • National Reputation: Featured in Newsweek, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Magazine, FOX, Comcast, ABC
  • Inside knowledge to obtain top settlements: Decades of prior experience working for insurance companies means we know how to fight them for you!
  • Personal Attention with Aggressive Representation: Unlike many large law firms, the founding lawyer of our firm, Edith Pearce is involved in every case
  • Better Business Bureau A+ Rating –VIEW OUR BBB RATING

Injured in a car accident in Pennsylvania and need to file an accident report? Contact our car accident lawyers:

Call Us 24/7 – (215) 557-8686 or Email Us Here

call pearce law firm 215-557-8686

Filing a Police Report in Pennsylvania After an Accident

Getting a police report in Pennsylvania after a crash is important for both legal and insurance purposes. PA crash reports serve as an official record detailing the circumstances surrounding the accident, including date, time, location, and the involved parties. Police reports document the sequence of events, statements from witnesses or involved individuals, and any citations or violations issued. Information included in a police report also aids in determining fault and liability, and can significantly impact insurance claims and legal proceedings. Collaborating with law enforcement to create a thorough and precise report can strengthen your car accident case and assist in navigating the aftermath of an accident.

Want Free Help Filing a PA Police Report?

If you were injured in an accident in Pennsylvania that wasn’t your fault and a police report wasn’t filed, remember that this document is crucial to get correct because it will be used for insurance matters and potential legal issues. It can be difficult to know what information to include and how to phrase things. If we take you on as a client, we’ll guide you through the process for free. Tell us about your situation.

Disclaimer: The only way you can create an attorney-client relationship with The Pearce Law Firm is by signing a written agreement. Visiting this website, completing a contact form, or sending an email do not establish an attorney-client relationship. We reserve the right to decline a request.

How Long Do You Have to File a Police Report After an Accident in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, it’s advisable to report a car accident to the police as soon as possible. However, for most accidents, if immediate reporting is not feasible, you have a grace period of up to five days following the accident to file the police report.

In Pennsylvania, there isn’t a specific time frame mandated for filing a police report after a car accident, unless the accident involves injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. In these cases, Pennsylvania law requires reporting accidents to the nearest police department or the Pennsylvania State Police within five (5) days. Reporting the accident within this five-day window helps ensure that the incident is properly documented, assists in determining fault, and facilitates the handling of insurance claims and legal matters associated with the accident.

While the law doesn’t specify an exact deadline for reporting accidents that do not meet the above criteria, delaying the report beyond the five-day timeframe could potentially impact the accuracy of the information recorded and might complicate insurance claims or legal proceedings related to the accident. We recommend reporting accidents to law enforcement as soon as possible after a wreck to ensure details are accurate and complete.

See how to get free legal help filing a Pennsylvania police report.

Can You File a Police Report After an Accident in PA?

Yes, you can file a police report after an accident if police aren’t called to the scene at the time of an accident. In fact, it’s recommended to report accidents to law enforcement, especially if there are injuries, property damage, or if the accident results in a hit-and-run. Contact our car accident lawyer in Pennsylvania today.

Do I Have to File an Accident Report in Pennsylvania?

Image of Pennsylvania police crash report to be filed within 5 days of the car accident.

Pennsylvania law requires reporting accidents that involve injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to the nearest police department or to the PA State Police within five days. Typically, if any of the above circumstances occur, police will be called to the scene of the accident and a report will be created as part of the investigation. If this is the case, you can contact the police department for a copy of your Pennsylvania car accident report a few days after the accident. If you were injured in a crash in Montgomery County, we can also help you get a copy of your Norristown police accident report.

What Happens if You Don’t File a Police Report After an Accident in PA?

If the accident results in injury, death, or there is property damage exceeding $1,000, you are required by law to report the accident to law enforcement. If you are in an accident that does not meet the above criteria, you are not required to file a report. However, we still recommend reporting the accident to ensure future coverage if injuries are discovered that weren’t obvious immediately after the crash. Accidents are stressful and confusing, and some injuries can take weeks or even months to become apparent.

If the failure to report is seen as an attempt to avoid responsibility or conceal information related to the accident, there may be legal consequences. Additionally, not reporting a wreck can also impact insurance claims and settlements and legal cases, potentially complicating the resolution process and affecting both coverage and compensation. Read more about filing a police report in Pennsylvania.

Contact our office for a free consultation and if needed and retained, we will help you file the report.

The Pearce Law Firm Contact Us

How Long After an Accident Can You File a Police Report in PA?

In Pennsylvania, there isn’t a specific statute of limitations that dictates the time limit for reporting a car accident to law enforcement for the purposes of documentation. However, there are time frames related to legal actions arising from car accidents.

There is a two-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit resulting from a car accident in Pennsylvania. This means that if someone wishes to bring a lawsuit for injuries sustained in a car accident, they generally have two years from the date of the accident to file the lawsuit.

It’s important to differentiate between reporting an accident to law enforcement for documentation purposes and the time limits for legal actions related to injuries or property damage resulting from the accident. While there might not be a strict deadline for reporting the accident to the police, there are limitations on when legal actions stemming from the accident can be pursued in the courts.

If we take on your case, we’ll provide free legal help to file the Pennsylvania police report. So, why not tell us your story?

Depending on where the car accident occurred, you might be wondering:

Car Accident Lawyer in Montgomery County, PA Near MeWhat Happens if You Don’t Report a Car Accident to Police in Pennsylvania?

Penalties for failing to report an accident in Pennsylvania that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to police can range from fines to misdemeanor charges in more severe cases, especially if the failure to report is deemed an attempt to evade responsibility or conceal information related to the accident. Failing to report an accident can have serious legal consequences, including:

  • Fines: The specific fines or penalties for failing to report an accident in Pennsylvania can depend on various factors, including whether the failure to report was intentional, the extent of the damage or injuries involved, and the discretion of law enforcement or the courts handling the case.
  • Legal Charges: If someone fails to report an accident as required by Pennsylvania law and it’s determined that the failure was deliberate or intentional, it could potentially lead to misdemeanor charges. Misdemeanor charges in Pennsylvania are categorized as first, second, or third-degree misdemeanors, each carrying different levels of penalties ranging from fines to jail time.
  • How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident to Your Insurance in PA?

Just like notifying the police after an accident, we recommend informing your insurance company after a car accident. Although state regulations might not set a strict deadline, most insurance policies encourage reporting accidents promptly. It’s crucial to differentiate between reporting the incident to your insurer and officially filing a claim.

Insurers often prefer immediate or timely reporting due to various reasons:

  • Policy Requirements: Auto insurance policies frequently include clauses mandating prompt accident reporting. Delaying reporting might impact your coverage or complicate the claims process.
  • Swift Investigation: Reporting the accident helps the insurance company investigate, determine fault, and evaluate damages more accurately, and makes the claims procedure more efficient.
  • Legal Safeguards: Timely reporting ensures compliance with insurance policy terms, offering legal protection and averting potential coverage denials resulting from delayed reporting.

Although a specific legal time frame might not exist, reporting the accident sooner enhances the claims initiation process and ensures adherence to your insurance policy obligations. Understanding your insurance policy’s specific requirements regarding accident reporting can further guarantee compliance with their guidelines.

Do I Need a Lawyer After a Pennsylvania Car Accident?

Whether you need a lawyer after a car accident in Pennsylvania can depend on a variety of factors. For minor accidents where there are no injuries and the property damage is minimal, you might not need a lawyer. In fact, insurance companies often recommend you handle these claims directly with them. Unfortunately, this is not always in your best interest. There are situations where involving a lawyer can be beneficial, including:

  • Serious Injuries: If you or anyone involved sustained severe injuries, a lawyer will help navigate complex legal and insurance matters to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
  • Disputed Liability: When fault for the accident is contested or unclear, a lawyer can gather evidence, assess the situation, and advocate on your behalf to ensure your rights are protected.
  • Complexities in the Case: Accidents involving multiple parties, uninsured motorists, or when the insurance company tries to dispute your claim can benefit from legal representation.
  • Dealing with Insurance Companies: An injury lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you’re not taken advantage of in settlement offers so you can focus on recovery.
  • I was Injured in a Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident (click the link for more info)
  • I was Injured in a Pennsylvania Truck Accident (click the link for more info)

 

The Pearce Law Firm Contact Us

 

Ultimately, consulting with a Pennsylvania car accident lawyer near you will help provide clarity on your legal options and help determine whether legal representation is necessary based on the specifics of your case. The experts at Pearce Law Firm are here to answer all of your questions. We provide free consultations to assess your case and are always happy to assist you in determining if you have a case. Email us today or call our office at (215) 557-8686!

Steps to Take After a Pennsylvania Car Accident

Car accidents are scary and overwhelming. No matter where you’ve been in an accident, it’s always a good idea to have an experienced advocate in your corner. Accident lawyer Edith Pearce explains what you need to do after being injured in a car accident.

More Police Report Resource Posts

How To Get a Washington Township Police Report Online in Gloucester County, NJ
How to Get a Pennsauken Police Report Online in NJ
How to Get a Northampton Police Accident Report in Pennsylvania
How To Get a Winslow Township Police Accident Report Online in New Jersey
How To File a Police Accident Report in Philadelphia
How Long Do You Have to File a Police Report After an Accident in Philadelphia?
How To Get a Princeton Police Accident Report Online in New Jersey
How To File a Police Accident Report in NJ
How to Get a Mount Laurel Township Police Accident Report in New Jersey
How to Get a Haverford Township Police Accident Report in Pennsylvania
How to Get a Medford Township Police Accident Report in New Jersey
How To Get an Upper Dublin Township Police Accident Report Online in Pennsylvania
How to Get a Coatesville Police Accident Report in Pennsylvania
How To Get an Upper Merion Township Police Accident Report in Pennsylvania
How to Get a Phoenixville Police Accident Report in Pennsylvania
How to File a Police Report in PA
How to Get an Ocean City Police Accident Report in New Jersey
How to Get a Gloucester Township Police Accident Report in New Jersey
How To Get an NJ State Police Accident Report Online
How To Get a Cheltenham Township Police Accident Report Online in Pennsylvania
How To Get Radnor Police Accident Reports Online in Pennsylvania
How To Get an Oxford Borough Police Accident Report Online in Pennsylvania
How To Get an Abington Township Police Accident Report Online in Pennsylvania
How To Get a Reading PA Police Accident Report Online
How To Get a Bensalem Police Accident Report Online in Pennsylvania
How Long Do You Have to File a Police Report in New Jersey?
How Long Do You Have to File a Police Report After an Incident in Pennsylvania?
Cherry Hill Accident Reports
How to Get Chester Police Accident Reports in Pennsylvania (Chester, PA)
How To Get Camden County Police Accident Reports in NJ
Bristol Township Accident Reports in PA
Springfield Police Accident Reports in PA
Falls Township Accident Reports
Trenton Police Accident Reports in NJ (Trenton Police Department Records)
Middletown Township Police Accident Reports in Bucks County
Levittown Accident Reports
Upper Darby Accident Reports
How To Get Pennsylvania Accident Report Online from PA State Police Crash Database
How Do I Get a Philadelphia Police Accident Report Online?
Back To Top
Call Now Button