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.
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.
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 car accident report is essential for legal compliance, insurance purposes, and documentation of the incident. In Pennsylvania, as in many other jurisdictions, it’s a legal requirement to report accidents meeting certain criteria. This official crash documentation helps facilitate insurance claims, tracks evidence for investigations, and assists in improving public safety by enabling authorities to analyze traffic patterns and identify potential hazards.
How Long Do I Have to File a Police Report in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, the law requires you to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to law enforcement within 5 days. However, it is a good idea to report a car accident as soon as possible after it occurs to ensure timely documentation and resolution. Prompt reporting can help prevent complications with insurance claims and legal proceedings.
How Much Does it Cost to File a PA Crash Report?
There is no cost to file a report. Generally, the cost for a copy of a crash report in Pennsylvania is $22 if requested online through the Pennsylvania State Police’s website. However, the cost may differ depending upon the department and how the report is requested.
What is a Non-Reportable Accident in PA?
In Pennsylvania, a non-reportable accident typically refers to a minor collision that does not meet the criteria for mandatory reporting to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). According to Pennsylvania law, certain accidents are considered non-reportable if they involve only property damage and the total estimated damage is less than $1,000. In such cases, drivers involved in the accident are not required to file an accident report. They are still encouraged to exchange information with the other parties involved, including driver’s license and insurance information, to facilitate any potential insurance claims. While these accidents may not require official reporting, it’s important for drivers to document the incident and communicate with their insurance providers accordingly.
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 Car 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.