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Reporting an Accident in Pennsylvania
Requirements for Filing a Police Report in Pennsylvania
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. In PA, accidents involving injury, death, or damage to a vehicle that causes it to be towed are required to be reported immediately to the police department. While filing a report is free, obtaining a copy typically costs a fee. Even when a police report isn’t required, having one can strengthen insurance claims and help avoid disputes. If you were injured and a report wasn’t filed, a Pennsylvania accident lawyer can help ensure the report is completed accurately.
PennDOT Accident Notification Requirement
Section 3747 of Title 75 in the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code says that if the police do not investigate an accident and someone died, was injured, or if a vehicle must be towed, you’re required to mail a Driver’s Accident Report (Form AA-600) to PennDOT within five days. The mailing address for Form AA-600 is: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Highway Safety and Traffic Engineering, P.O. Box 2047, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2047. If the police did investigate the accident, they will communicate with PennDOT for you. If you’re involved in a serious car accident in Pennsylvania, ensuring a police officer investigates the scene or filing your own Driver’s Accident Report (Form AA-600) are important steps that protect your rights and support insurance or legal claims.
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.
Here’s How to File a PA Police Accident Report
If your accident meets the threshold for mandatory reporting (injury, death, or towing), you must call 911 or the local police dispatcher immediately so an officer can respond to the scene. However, if your accident was minor (a non-reportable crash) and you simply want to file a report for your insurance company, each police department has a different process. For minor crashes, some departments offer the ability to file a ‘desk report’ online, by mail, or in person.
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
Do I Need to File a Police Report After an Accident in Pennsylvania?
According to 75 Pa.C.S. § 3746, accidents involving “injury to or death of any person” or “damage to any vehicle involved to the extent that it cannot be driven under its own power in its customary manner without further damage or hazard to the vehicle, other traffic elements, or the roadway, and therefore requires towing” must be reported “immediately by the quickest means of communication” by giving “notice to the nearest office of a duly authorized police department”.
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. 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 damage to a vehicle that causes it to need to be towed must be communicated to law enforcement “immediately by the quickest means of communication” from the scene. If the police do not respond to the scene to investigate, you then have 5 days to officially file a Driver’s Accident Report (Form AA-600) with PennDOT. Prompt reporting ensures accurate documentation, helps prevent complications with insurance providers, and provides a timely record 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 the police or PennDOT. 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?
Under Pennsylvania state law, a police report is not legally required to file a car insurance claim for a minor accident. However, your specific auto insurance policy may require you to have one (especially for hit-and-run claims, uninsured motorist claims, or severe property damage). Even if not strictly required by your insurer, having an official police report greatly strengthens 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.
