Car accidents can be harrowing ordeals. Adrenaline starts pumping, and with emotional distress and possible physical pain at such a high, it can be easy to forget the legal steps you need to take before you leave the scene. How to get a car accident police report may be the last thing on your mind.
When the police arrive on the scene of an accident, the responding officer must investigate the accident thoroughly and fill out a report. Later, you may wonder where and how to get your hands on that report. Here are the steps you need to take to get a Pennsylvania accident report and why it is critical to do so as soon as possible after a crash.
Steps to Obtain Your Car Accident Police Report in Pennsylvania
You have two options if you have recently been involved in a collision and you or your Williamsport car accident lawyer needs to obtain a report. The one you should use depends on the agency that investigated the car accident. Sometimes it is more efficient for you to get your own report. The attorney will let you know which is the best approach.
Accidents Investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police
If the accident occurred on a state road or highway, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) is likely the investigating agency. You can request a copy of a PSP vehicle crash report on Pennsylvania’s state government services website by taking the following steps:
- Complete a crash report online search using a case number given to you by the responding officer or your last name and the date of the accident.
- Locate your specific crash report on the next page.
- Fill out the web form and indicate a reason for your request.
- Wait for a confirmation email that your request has been received.
- Wait for an approval or denial message.
- Pay for your vehicle crash report using the link in the approval email.
- Receive your crash report in a separate email.
You may also use the state-issued crash report application for mail requests. Any person involved in the crash, their attorney or insurer, or a government agency may request a report. Currently, a $22 fee is required to receive the report.
Accidents Investigated by a Local Agency
Accidents on local roads or within municipalities tend to be investigated by a local agency instead of the PSP. Remember that each agency will have its own official process and timeline for requesting records.
For example, the Williamsport Bureau of Police aims to provide reasonable disclosure of information in compliance with the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (RTKL). You may file an RTKL request through the Office of Open Records (OOR) in person or online, as well as through email, fax, or mail using the OOR’s standard request form. You can also contact the Williamsport Bureau of Police Records Department by email or phone.
Do you need assistance with obtaining a police report after your car crash? Call our team at Rieders, Travis, Dohrmann, Mowrey, Humphrey & Waters at (570) 323-8711 for a free telephone consultation today.
Filing Your Own Police Report After a Car Accident
Section 3746 of the Pennsylvania Statutes requires drivers — or passengers if the driver is disabled or incapacitated — to call the police if an accident results in injury, death, or property damage so severe that the car cannot be driven safely and must be towed away. However, there may be incidents where police cannot respond to the accident. This can be particularly true for accidents where injuries are not deemed severe.
If an agency cannot get a police officer to the scene, you must still report the accident to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation within five days if injury, death, or significant property damage occurred. Filing a report is prudent even if you do not believe anyone was injured or your car sustained only minor damage.
Reports may be required for your insurance claim, which may be your primary source of damage recovery if you have chosen no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage. Additionally, physical injuries and property damage may not be immediately noticeable, and your crash report may eventually become a crucial element in your case, should you take the matter to court or go to the negotiating table with an insurer.
What Information Does a Car Accident Police Report Contain?
A police report generally contains the personal details of everyone involved and critical information on what led to and happened during the accident as the police officer understands it. These details may include:
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- The names, addresses, and insurance information for each driver
- A description of the scene, including weather, traffic levels, and lighting, as well as traffic signals, speed limit signs, and road conditions
- A description of the damage to personal property and the surrounding area
- A description of injuries and details about where parties were taken for medical treatment
- Any statements or descriptions of the incident from the drivers, passengers, or witnesses
- A list of citations issued or arrests made, if any
- A diagram of the incident that includes the position of each vehicle and the direction in which they were traveling.
Police reports may include additional visual elements, such as pictures or videos. However, the availability of these visual resources depends on the specific protocol of the responding police department.
Car accident reports are often not enough on their own for a lawyer to decide whether a claim is viable. Often, more information is requires. It is important to consult with an experienced attorney who will guide you.
Let a Personal Injury Attorney Review Your Car Accident Report
According to Pennsylvania’s Department of Transportation, about 13 car crashes —and eight resulting injuries — happen every hour. If you have been hurt in one, you are not alone. To hold the at-fault party responsible, obtaining a police report is critical for investigating and building your case. An experienced personal injury attorney can review the report to ensure it is well-written and accurate.
Additionally, the report can provide essential facts that serve as a foundation for determining fault and pursuing and obtaining a good settlement. Ultimately, an accurate police report in the hands of the right attorney can give you the best chance of obtaining a favorable outcome in your case.
If you or your loved one has been injured in a car crash, we can help you navigate the complex legal process afterward. Call Rieders, Travis, Dohrmann, Mowrey, Humphrey & Waters at (570) 323-8711 for a free telephone consultation today.
