Injured in a car accident in Philadelphia and need to file an accident report? Contact our Philadelphia car accident lawyers:Call Us 24/7 – (215) 557-8686 or Email Us Here…or read on for instructions on filing your own Philadelphia accident report online |
 |
Filing a police report is an important process for various reasons, serving both financial and legal purposes. Many insurance companies require their clients to file a police report in Philadelphia in order to start the claims. Providing an official account of an accident recorded by the police ensures that the details are accurately documented, which is what insurance companies require to process claims. Filing a police report in Philadelphia after being in a car accident is also a legal requirement. Pennsylvania law mandates that a police report must be filed with the nearest police department or the Pennsylvania State Police after accidents involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 within five days. Failure to report an accident could result in legal penalties. Typically, when these types of car accidents occur, law enforcement is called to the scene, initiating an investigation and creating an official police report. This report not only assists in determining fault and assessing damages but also ensures compliance with Pennsylvania law.
Want Free Help Filing a Philadelphia Police Report?
If you were injured in an accident in or near Philadelphia or South Jersey 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.
We understand that life can get hectic, and in minor accidents, those involved tend to exchange information and go on with their day, whether it be heading to work or running errands. However, when it comes to filing an insurance claim, filing a police report in Philadelphia is a common requirement. This step ensures that the details of the accident are officially recorded, making the insurance claim credible.
Understanding how to file a police report in Philadelphia is important after being involved in a car accident, no matter how small it is. At The Pearce Law Firm, we are not only committed to advocating for our clients’ rights but also to educating them about crucial aspects of Philadelphia car accidents, like filing police reports. We aim to provide our community with accurate and truthful information to assist individuals with the insurance and legal processes confidently and effectively.
We also have information on how long you have to file a police report in Philadelphia, how to file a police report in PA, how long do you have to report an accident in Pennsylvania, how you can get a Philadelphia car accident report, West Chester police report, and how to get Pennsylvania car accident reports.
If you’re at the scene of a serious accident, involving injuries, aggressive individuals, and/or serious property damage, call 911 immediately so that emergency personnel and law enforcement can respond to the scene immediately. It is imperative that you call 911 in emergency situations so that injured persons can get the medical attention they need immediately.
How to File a Philadelphia Police Accident Report Online
Unfortunately, the Philadelphia Police Department website only provides information on how to obtain a copy of a police accident report in Philadelphia, not how to file an accident report. However, individuals can still submit a Philadelphia police accident report online through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website, ONLY if the accident involved a fatality. If no fatalities occurred as a result of the accident, then there is no way to file a police report online in Philadelphia. The process to do so is as follows:
- Go to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website.
- Find the section labeled “POPULAR ON PENNDOT.PA.GOV” and click on “Online Services.“
- This will take you to a new page with a list of links to online services, click on the 6th one labeled “CRASH System.“
- You will then be redirected to a new page with information about filing a police report online, and needing administration access before being able to do so. However, administration access is no required to file a police accident report that involves fatalities. In the top left corner, look for three blue boxes and click on the one labeled “Fast FARS.”
- This will take you to a new tab that has the Fast FARS form. Fill out the form provided with the necessary details of the accident. Make sure to be as thorough and accurate as possible
- Once completed, click “Submit by Email” at the bottom of the page. This will send submit the police report via your email address.
Following these steps allows individuals to file a police report online in Philadelphia if it involves fatalities, and is only available through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s CRASH System.
How to File a Philadelphia Police Accident Report by Mail
In order to file a police report in Philadelphia by mail following a car crash, drivers will need to fill out and complete an AA-600 form and submit it to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation within five days of the accident, per Pennsylvania law. This is the same form that law enforcement fills out for the state if they are dispatched to the scene of an accident. However, if law enforcement is not called to the scene, drivers involved in the crash will need to fill it out and mail it in. Filling out this form accurately and honestly is important for documenting the incident and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Do not add any false information, as this would be considered filing a false police report and can have harsh legal repercussions.
Before filling out the form, drivers will need to download the AA-600 form on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The AA-600 form requires essential details such as:
- Date, time, and location of the accident.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of all vehicles involved in the crash
- Names and contact information of all drivers, passengers, and witnesses involved.
- Where the vehicle was hit when the crash occurred.
- Types of injuries sustained in the crash on all individuals involved
- Detailed description of the accident and how it occurred.
- Driver’s License information of all involved parties.
- Insurance information for each vehicle involved.
The form should be mailed to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation at:
PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
BUREAU OF OPERATIONS
P.O. Box 2047
HARRISBURG, PA 17105-2047
How to File a Philadelphia Police Accident Report by Phone
Those involved in car accidents cannot file a police accident report in Philadelphia over the phone. In cases of serious accidents, especially those involving serious injuries, it’s crucial to dial 911 immediately. Taking prompt action ensures that those requiring medical attention receive it swiftly, as their life could be at risk. It will also dispatch Philadelphia police to the scene to handle aggressive individuals and start the process of creating a crash report.
For minor accidents like fender benders, calling Philadelphia dispatch, otherwise known as the non-emergency line, is the next appropriate step to take. The dispatch line will gather information from you and may dispatch a police officer to the scene for further investigation if they determine it to be necessary. Otherwise, they will direct you to file a police report in Philadelphia and send it in to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
How to File a Philadelphia Police Accident Report in Person
To file a police accident report in Philadelphia in person, individuals should visit the nearest Philadelphia police district office to where the accident occurred. It’s important to bring a valid Driver’s License and provide all other relevant information pertaining to the accident, including the VINs of all vehicles involved as well as the contact information of the drivers. Upon arriving, they will be required to fill out an AA-600 accident report form that details the specifics of the crash. This includes providing details such as:
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- Information about the vehicles involved
- Any injuries sustained
Filing the accident report in person should only include accurate information so that the accident can be documented honestly and allows for any additional assistance or guidance from the police department.
Need Help Filing A Police Accident Report In Philadelphia?
If you require further information or legal guidance regarding how to file a police report in Philadelphia, know that our team of experienced car accident lawyers at The Pearce Law Firm is always here to assist you. Contact us. We understand that there may be confusion involved when filing a police report in the aftermath of a car accident and can provide the support and legal advice needed to ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. Whether you’re unsure about the necessary steps to take, need assistance with filling out the required AA-600 form, or have questions pertaining to your right to compensation, our dedicated team is ready to provide personalized legal guidance tailored to your specific situation. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions as we can provide you with peace of mind during this challenging time.
When Will Philadelphia Police Respond to a Car Crash?
You should know that according to Directive 9.6, Philadelphia Police will not be dispatched/respond to the scene of vehicle crashes that only result in property damage. There are a few exceptions to that policy where the Philadelphia Police will be dispatched to the scene of a car accident, including accidents involving personal injury, if the driver’s suspected of a DUI, and some others mentioned in Directive 9.6.
What Options Do You Have to File a Police Report in Philadelphia if Police Didn’t Respond to the Scene?
According to Directive 9.6, If Police Radio has determined that the accident satisfies the criteria of a Property Damage Only Accident, the caller shall be informed that they have two (2) options:
1. The caller may go to the Police District of Occurrence or the nearest Police District and report the incident in person.
a. If a caller elects to go to a Police District, the call taker shall assist them by supplying the name, location and telephone number of the district of occurrence or the district closest to the caller. This incident shall be designated “ACINFO” (Accident Information Request) in the CAD system.
2. The caller may contact the District of Occurrence directly by telephone and report the details of the accident over the phone.
a. If the caller wishes to report the accident by telephone, the caller shall be provided with the appropriate Police District’s phone number and the incident shall be designated “ACINFO” (Accident Information Request) in the CAD system.
b. The reporting District shall contact the Administrative line at Police Radio and request “Walk-In” District Control Numbers (DC#s) be generated for the Event Type – “PDACC” (Property Damage Only Auto Accident).
Directive 9.6 has several definitions that may be helpful to know:
- TraCS System – Traffic and Criminal Software System. This is a software program that allows for the electronic creation of Crash Reports (both reportable and nonreportable), as well as traffic citations. The TraCS system communicates data between PPD servers, Municipal Traffic Court, and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
- Crash Report – The vehicle crash report that is generated through the TraCS system. The crash report replaces the previously used “AA-500” and “75-48C” forms.
What’s a Reportable Car Accident in Philadelphia?
According to Directive 9.6, a Reportable Accident – (75 Pa. C.S. § 3746) vehicle crashes requiring an investigation by a police officer which involves: (PLEAC 4.1.1 a) 1. Injury to or death of any person; or 2. Damage to any vehicle involved to the extent that it cannot be driven under its own power in its customary manner and therefore requires towing (excluding flat tires).
What’s a Non-Reportable Accident in Philadelphia?
According to Directive 9.6, a Non-Reportable Accident is all other vehicle crashes in which death, injury, or towing does not occur.
Contact Us For Help
What to do in the aftermath of an accident can be confusing. Contact our experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyers for a free consultation.