Pennsylvania Car Accident Reports

The department will not accept requests for accident reports until fifteen days after the date of the collision. After you have made your collision investigation report request, you must wait for five to seven business days before your auto accident report is available.

The purchaser of accident reports must provide the following information:

• Date, time, location of the accident
• Your full name
• License plate number or VIN

Pennsylvania accident reports will cost $22.00.For Pennsylvania crash reports, money orders or checks must be made payable to the Pennsylvania State Police Crash Reports Unit.

The responding police officer will include the following information:

• A crash narrative that details the events that led up to the accident and the events after, in addition to who the police officer believes is liable for the accident.
• Description of any physical injuries sustained by the drivers and/or passengers
• Witness statements
• Type of vehicle/body style
• Automobile insurance company information for all drivers involved and insurance policy information
• Vehicle license plate numbers/vehicle identification number
• Description of substantial property damage
• Motor vehicle damage noted for all vehicles involved/extent of vehicle damage
• Actions of police officers

• All parties involved in the auto accident
• Police agencies
• Vehicle owner
• Insurance company
• Personal injury attorney

When a police officer responds to the scene of a traffic accident, they will speak with both drivers, any passengers, and witnesses. They will also write up any necessary citations and provide emergency assistance. After this, the police officer will fill out a Pennsylvania accident report, which details their observations and who they believe is responsible for the accident.

Filing an Insurance Claim 

A collision report can be useful for any party involved who wants to pursue compensation for injuries and other damages in a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Reports can be given to an accident lawyer or an insurance agent during the claim review process and may help to prove legal liability.While an accident report isn’t a deciding factor for fault, this report can be a great source of information concerning the responding police officer’s opinion of who they believe was at fault for the collision, what witnesses observed, and what each party involved said happened.If you were involved in an auto accident in Pennsylvania, you must obtain a copy of your crash report if you want to pursue compensation. Unfortunately, most law enforcement agencies do not offer many options regarding how accident victims can obtain their crash reports.

In some cases, you can file an insurance claim on your own, without the assistance of an attorney. But if you were involved in a serious auto accident, an experienced automobile accident attorney can help you recover the compensation you’re owed. They will advocate on your behalf and prevent the insurance company from taking advantage of you.Hiring a personal injury attorney is not required by law, but working with one can increase your chances of obtaining a fair settlement after an auto accident.

You Are Hurt or Suffered a Serious Injury or Permanent Disability

>Catastrophic personal injuries can leave you out of work with a totaled vehicle, struggling financially to keep up with the mounting medical bills.  A personal injury attorney can help you recover compensation for past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.

You Aren’t Sure Who is At Fault

Motor vehicle accidents can be complex and it’s not always clear which driver was at-fault and should be held legally liable for your auto accident. A personal injury attorney can investigate the collision and identify the liable party.

There Are Multiple Parties Involved

In some cases, more than one party may be held liable after a motor vehicle collision. For example, in the event of a semi-truck accident, the semi-truck driver, truck company, truck manufacturer, and company that was responsible for loading the semi-truck’s cargo, can all be held liable for an accident. A personal injury attorney will investigate the collision to identify all liable parties and explore every avenue of compensation.

The Insurance Company Denied or is Delaying Your Claim

An insurance company will look for any excuse to minimize payout or deny a claim. A personal injury lawyer will ensure the insurance company does not take advantage of you and pays you the settlement you deserve.