If you were in a car accident in Pennsylvania, you may be unsure of your next steps. At Freeburn Law, our attorneys will walk you through the requirements for reporting an accident, who needs to be notified, and the laws surrounding Pennsylvania crashes.
Whether you’re trying to make sense of police reports, PennDOT forms, or insurance claims, our car accident attorneys provide practical guidance to help you avoid common mistakes. Contact Freeburn Law today with any questions regarding car accident reporting in Pennsylvania.
Do You Have to Report Every Car Accident in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, you are generally required to report a car accident to law enforcement if the collision results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. When these conditions are met, drivers must notify the police and, in many cases, file a formal report with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) within five days of the accident.
What Pennsylvania Law Requires
Pennsylvania law requires drivers involved in reportable accidents to:
- Notify law enforcement immediately if anyone is injured or killed, or if property damage exceeds $1,000.
- Submit a written report (Form AA-600) to PennDOT within five days if police did not file a report at the scene.
- Provide accurate information about all parties involved, including names, addresses, insurance details, and vehicle information.
- Document the accident scene with photos, witness statements, and any relevant details to support your claim.
- Keep personal copies of all reports and correspondence for insurance and legal purposes.
Following these steps not only ensures compliance with state law but also helps protect your right to seek compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses resulting from the accident. Even in minor accidents without injuries, filing a police report is strongly recommended to document the incident. Doing so will strengthen any future legal claims if you choose to seek additional compensation for your injuries.
How and Where to Report a Car Accident in PA
In Pennsylvania, the way you report a car accident depends on the severity of the crash. If police officers respond to the scene, they will usually file an official accident report. But if no report is made, you are required to submit a written report to PennDOT within five days.
Reporting to Police vs. PennDOT
Since police reports are required at the scene of accidents involving injury, death, or property damage, their documentation will provide an official record that can support insurance claims and other personal injury claims.
If the police do not file a report, submitting a PennDOT report yourself ensures the accident is officially documented. Filing the correct report with the appropriate offices creates a reliable and verifiable record of your accident.
What Information You’ll Need to Provide
When reporting a car accident in Pennsylvania, be ready to provide the following information:
- Names, addresses, and contact details of all drivers involved
- Insurance company names and policy numbers for each driver
- Names and contact information of any witnesses
- Descriptions of all vehicles involved, including make, model, color, and license plate numbers
- The exact location and time of the accident
- A summary of how the accident occurred
- Photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any relevant road conditions
- Details of any injuries or medical treatment required
- Police report number or officer’s name, if law enforcement responded
Gathering this information and documenting the scene thoroughly helps ensure your report is accurate and supports your ability to pursue compensation.
What Happens If You Don’t Report an Accident?
Failing to report a car accident in Pennsylvania can lead to fines or penalties for violating state law. Unreported accidents can create complications with insurance claims, potentially limiting your ability to recover damages for vehicle repairs, medical expenses, or other losses.
Legal Penalties in Pennsylvania and Insurance Consequences if You Don’t Report an Accident
Failing to report a car accident in Pennsylvania can result in both legal and financial repercussions. Key consequences include:
- Fines and citations: Drivers who fail to report required accidents may face monetary penalties under state law. Failing to report an accident can leave you with minimum fines at $1,000, a drivers license suspension, and/or a minimum 90 prison sentence depending on the severity of the accident.
- Criminal charges: In cases involving injury or death, failing to report can lead to criminal charges ranging from a third degree misdemeanor, to a third degree felony depending on the severity of the accident.
- Insurance claim denial: Your insurance company may refuse to cover damages if the accident was not reported in accordance with state requirements.
- Increased premiums: Late or missing reports can trigger higher insurance rates due to perceived risk or noncompliance.
- Difficulty proving damages: Without an official report, establishing fault or recovering compensation for injuries and property damage can be more challenging.
- Legal disputes: Unreported accidents may lead to complications if the other party files a claim or contesting liability arises.
What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Report It?
If the other driver fails to report the accident, it can complicate investigations and delay the processing of your claim. Without an official report from both parties, establishing fault and securing fair compensation may become more difficult.
Reporting the accident promptly and accurately on your part ensures compliance with Pennsylvania law and protects your legal and financial interests. Creating your own personal record can protect you if the other driver tries to avoid responsibility or disputes your version of events.
When You Should Contact an Attorney After an Accident
Even if the accident seems minor, there are several major reasons to seek guidance from a dedicated car accident attorney. You may qualify for a personal injury lawsuit if your accident includes any of the following signs.
Signs That Legal Representation May Be Needed
Key reasons to seek legal representation include:
- Injuries requiring medical attention
- Disputes over fault with the other driver
- Significant property damage
- Confusion or delays in properly reporting the accident
- Insurance companies disputing coverage or denying claims
- The other driver failing to report the accident
- Potential legal penalties for missed reporting deadlines
How Freeburn Law Can Protect Your Rights and Maximize Compensation
Freeburn Law helps Pennsylvania drivers secure the full compensation they deserve. Our attorneys:
- Carefully document your injuries, damages, and losses
- Gather and preserve supporting evidence
- Handle all communications with insurance companies
- Identify all possible sources of compensation
- Aggressively advocate to maximize your settlement or award
- Protect your legal rights throughout the claims process
By involving Freeburn Law early on in the process, you significantly improve your chances of securing the compensation needed for your injuries.
Freeburn Law Helps Injured Drivers Across Pennsylvania
With 12 convenient locations throughout Pennsylvania, Freeburn Law understands the state-wide requirements for reporting car accidents and filing personal injury claims. We are available around the clock to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have regarding car accident reporting in Pennsylvania.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your car accident and potential legal claims.
