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…or read on for instructions on getting your own Pennsylvania accident report online |
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While filing a police accident report is not difficult, you may not be aware of the process if you haven’t been in an accident or other involvement with law enforcement. Knowing the proper steps to take to file a police report can expedite the process, eliminate frustration, and help ensure your rights are protected after an accident in Pennsylvania.
Want Free Help Filing a Pennsylvania 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.
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Reporting an Accident in Pennsylvania
Reporting an accident to the authorities is an essential step in the aftermath of a crash. In Pennsylvania, the process of reporting an accident involves specific steps that must be followed to ensure legal compliance and help facilitate insurance claims. Understanding the steps involved in reporting a car accident in Pennsylvania helps to make the entire process easier. From gathering information at the scene to filing a report with the appropriate authorities, knowing what to do when reporting an accident in Pennsylvania can make a significant difference in the outcome of a car accident case.
Here’s How to File a PA Police Accident Report Online
The Pennsylvania State Police currently does not offer an online option for filing accident reports. Instead, you can file a police report in Pennsylvania in person, via phone, or by mail. While this may seem less convenient in our digital age, adhering to these traditional reporting methods ensures compliance with state regulations and facilitates the accurate documentation of accidents.
How to File a Pennsylvania Police Accident Report by Mail
Download, print, and fill out the Pennsylvania Driver’s Accident Report, form AA-600. Include any relevant documents or evidence that support your account of the accident, such as photographs of the scene, witness statements, and insurance information for all parties involved. Mail the form and supporting documents to the address listed at the top of the form.
How to File a Pennsylvania Police Accident Report by Phone
Accident reports can be filed via phone by contacting The Pennsylvania State Police non-emergency number at 717-783-5599. Phone reports can be filed during business hours from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m every day.
How to File a PA Police Accident Report in Person
Visit your local Pennsylvania State Police station to report an accident in person. When visiting the police station, be sure to bring any relevant documents related to the accident, such as your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance information. If you have witness statements or photographs of the accident scene, bring those as well.
Pennsylvania State Police Contact Information
Pennsylvania State Police
Crash Reports Unit
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-783-3380
RA-pspcrashreports@pa.gov
Hours of Operation: Monday–Friday: 8:00 A.M. — 4:00 P.M
Requesting a Copy of Your PA Accident Report
If you’ve already got a case number for your accident, you can request a copy of your PA accident report directly from the department that responded to the scene of your accident.
Pennsylvania Accident Reports — FAQ
Why Do I Need to File an Accident Report in PA?
Filing a police accident report in Pennsylvania is important for several reasons, including legal compliance, insurance claims, and accurate documentation of the incident. State law requires reporting accidents that meet specific criteria, such as injury, death, or significant property damage. Beyond legal obligations, submitting an official report creates a secure record that can be used to verify facts, track evidence during investigations, and support future claims. These reports also help authorities analyze traffic patterns, identify hazards, and improve public safety across Pennsylvania’s roadways.
How Long Do I Have to File a Police Report in Pennsylvania?
Under Pennsylvania law, any accident involving injury, death, or property damage of more than $1,000 must be reported to law enforcement within 5 days. While the law sets this deadline, filing a police report as soon as possible is highly recommended. Prompt reporting ensures accurate documentation, helps prevent complications with insurance providers, and provides law enforcement with timely information for investigation. Filing quickly also gives you an official case number that may be needed for follow-ups with insurance companies or legal representatives.
How Much Does it Cost to File a PA Crash Report?
Filing an accident or police report itself does not cost anything in Pennsylvania. However, obtaining a copy of the crash report usually comes with a fee. The Pennsylvania State Police currently charge $22 for an online request through their official system, though costs may vary by department and method of request. Having a copy of the report is often necessary for insurance claims, legal proceedings, or personal documentation.
What is a Non-Reportable Accident in PA?
A non-reportable accident in Pennsylvania generally refers to a minor crash that does not meet the legal threshold for mandatory reporting to PennDOT. Typically, this applies when only property damage is involved and the total cost of damage is less than $1,000. In these cases, drivers are not legally required to file an accident report with the state. However, it remains important to exchange information with all parties involved, including driver’s license numbers, insurance details, and vehicle registration. Even when an accident is non-reportable, documenting the incident can protect drivers in the event of disputed insurance claims and ensures proper communication with insurance providers.
Do I Need a Police Report to File an Insurance Claim in PA?
In Pennsylvania, you typically don’t need a police report in order to file a car insurance claim. However, having a police report can strengthen your claim by providing an official record of the accident. The official report from the accident may also help expedite the claims process and facilitate communication with your insurance company. If law enforcement responds to the scene of the accident, they will often create a report detailing their observations, statements from involved parties, and other relevant information. If they do not, you can file a report after the accident following the steps outlined on this page.
Why You Need a Pennsylvania Accident Lawyer Near You
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Pennsylvania, contact us to speak to a car accident lawyer for a free consultation. The Pearce Law Firm Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers P.C. is dedicated to helping car accident victims, and our attorneys will offer you and your family personal attention and compassion, unlike many other law firms.
Learn more about How To Get a Pennsylvania State Police Accident Report.
