Nobody wants to get into a car accident, and the aftermath of a crash can be confusing. After a crash occurs, there are various things you need to take care of. Securing the police report is vitally important for the outcome of a car accident settlement. The police report is one of the most useful records for an attorney helping to secure the compensation you deserve.
When Does Police Need to Be Notified About a Crash?
Pennsylvania law requires that police be called to the scene of a crash if any of the following occurs:
- Any injury, including non-life-threatening injuries
- Death of any party involved in the incident
- Vehicle damage that prevents any party from driving away from the scene
If the police do not respond to the scene to make a report, then each driver needs to file a report with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation within five days of the incident.
The police report will often contain valuable information for your car accident case, including an assessment by the police officer of which party was at fault for the incident. This report will be helpful for insurance carriers when determining their settlement.
Obtaining a Police Report
For those involved in an accident within the city limits of Philadelphia, individuals can obtain accident reports in the following ways:
- In-person. Copies of reports can be obtained in the Records Department, Room 170 at City Hall, Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 2 PM.
- By mail. Requests for copies of accident reports can be mailed to: Records Department, Roo, 170, Philadelphia PA 19107 ATTN: Accident Reports.
Each report costs $25.00 to receive. If you request the report in person, bring a stamped, self-addressed envelope so your report can be mailed to you. You may have to wait 10 to 12 weeks to receive the report. If you are requesting copies of the photographs from the car accident (if there are any), they will cost an additional $27.00 for one set of photographs.
If your accident did not happen in the city limits of Philadelphia, you will need to obtain a copy of the crash report from the Pennsylvania State Police. You can purchase the report online or mail a request form to: Crash Reports Unit 1800 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110. There is a charge of $22.00 to obtain a copy of the report, and the state police request that you wait at least 15 days after the accident before requesting a copy of the report.
Contact the Ciccarelli Law Offices today
If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident that was caused by the careless or negligent actions of another person, contact an attorney as soon as possible. At the Ciccarelli Law Offices, our Philly car accident lawyers will investigate all aspects of the crash and work to secure the compensation you deserve. This can include:
- Coverage of your medical bills
- Lost income and benefits
- Pain and suffering damages
- Property damage compensation
Your attorney will be able to handle your entire case for you, including the process of obtaining the police report. Our Philadelphia car accident attorneys are ready to help. You can call us for a free consultation of your case.