If you’ve been in a car accident in Pennsylvania, one of the first documents you might hear about is the police accident report. Car accident reports are often used to figure out who was at fault, what happened at the scene, and how serious the crash was. 

Insurance companies, lawyers, and even the courts may rely on the report when making decisions. That’s why it’s important to understand what goes into PA crash reporting and how to interpret a report. In this article, our personal injury attorneys in Bethlehem are here to walk you through a standard car accident report.

What Makes a Crash Reportable in PA?

Not every fender bender leads to a police report, but certain crashes must be officially documented under Pennsylvania law. In general, a crash becomes reportable when it results in injury or death or if any vehicle involved needs to be towed due to damage. 

This report provides a detailed snapshot of what happened. It should list things like vehicle damage, road conditions, potential traffic violations, and who may have caused the accident. 

What Happens if You Don’t Report an Accident Within 24 Hours in PA?

Even if the police don’t respond to the crash scene, Pennsylvania drivers are expected to report most serious accidents as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. All drivers involved in a reportable accident must submit a written report within five days at the latest. PA crash reporting failure could result in fines or even suspension of your driver’s license.

Can You File an Insurance Claim Without a Police Report in PA?

Yes, you can file an insurance claim in Pennsylvania without a police report, but it’s not always easy. Insurance companies often prefer to see an official accident report before processing a claim, especially if someone was injured or if there’s a dispute about who was at fault.

Without a police report, you’ll likely need to provide more documentation on your own, including photos from the scene, statements from witnesses, and a detailed explanation of what happened. If the other driver gives a different version of events, it can quickly become a case of one person’s word against another’s.

How Do I Find an Accident Report in PA?

If a police officer responded to your crash, you can usually request a copy of the report 15 days after the accident. In Pennsylvania, there are two main ways to get a copy.

First, you can visit the PSP Crash Report Search site and enter basic details about your crash (like the incident number, date, and location). You’ll need to pay a small fee to download the report. You may also log in directly through the PennDOT Crash Reporting System.

You can also submit a written request to the Pennsylvania State Police using their standard PA crash reporting form. This method may take a little longer but can be a good option if you don’t have internet access or if you prefer paper records.

For accidents that occur in larger cities, like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, the local police department may handle requests instead of the state. In those cases, visit the department’s website or call their records division to ask for the next steps.

How To Read a Pennsylvania Car Accident Report

Once you’ve gotten a copy of your Pennsylvania crash report, you might feel overwhelmed looking at all the boxes, numbers, and codes. However, crash reports usually follow a standard AA500 format, which makes them a little easier to navigate. 

Keep reading for details on how to approach each section.

Step 1: Identify the Report Number and Crash Date

At the top of the form, you’ll find the crash report number, which is a unique ID for your accident. This number is important when talking to insurance companies or requesting additional information. You’ll also see the date and time of the crash, which helps confirm the timeline of events.

Make sure this information is correct. When it comes to PA crash reporting, even a small mistake can cause confusion later on, especially when you’re dealing with insurance claims or legal issues.

Step 2: Review the Driver and Vehicle Information

Next, you’ll see details about each driver and vehicle involved in the crash. This includes driver names and addresses, vehicle make, model, year, and license plate, as well as insurance information for both drivers if available. This is where you’ll be able to see whether the other driver was licensed or not.

Check this section carefully. If the other driver’s insurance details are missing or wrong, it may mean there’s a problem, such as a lapsed insurance policy or an uncooperative driver.

Step 3: Look at the Crash Diagram and Narrative

The crash diagram is a drawing created by the officer showing how the crash happened. You’ll see the position of vehicles, the direction they were traveling, and road features like intersections or traffic lights.

Beneath the diagram, the officer usually includes a written narrative describing the events. This part is key. It often reflects who the officer believes caused the crash based on what they saw and what the drivers or witnesses told them.

If you disagree with what’s written in the narrative or if you’re confused about other aspects, it may be a good idea to speak with a personal injury attorney who knows about PA crash reporting.

Step 4: Understand the Blocks

Many parts of the form use blocks and number codes. These help spell out the basics of what happened in the accident and possible instigating factors. This needs to be filled out carefully. For example, the Principal Road is listed in Block 3, and Block 5 is where the officer writes down the Intersecting Road. 

For instance, on page five, AA 500 4, some numbers used to describe a crash include:

• 0: Non-collision
• 1: Rear-end
• 2: Head-on
• 3: Rear to rear (backing)
• 4: Angle
• 5: Sideswipe (same direction)
• 6: Sideswipe (opposite direction)
• And so on

If you’re not sure what a code means, don’t guess — reach out to someone who can help, like our team of car accident lawyers at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo.

Step 5: Check for Injuries and Towing Info

The report should show whether anyone was injured, what kind of injuries they had (minor, serious, fatal), and where they were seated in the vehicle. This section also includes whether any cars had to be towed from the scene.

PA crash reporting information is often used to support injury claims. If you were hurt in the crash and it’s not listed in the report, that could cause problems with your case, so it’s important to follow up and get it corrected if needed.

Step 6: Talk to a Lawyer if You See Errors or Need Help

If anything in the PA State Police crash report is unclear, missing, or incorrect, it may hurt your chances of getting fair compensation. This is especially true in more nuanced cases — for instance, if multiple cars were involved, the other driver was uninsured, or there’s a dispute about who was at fault.

An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you review the report, gather additional evidence, and deal with the insurance company. They can also explain your insurance coverage, especially if you have limited tort or if you are unsure about your rights.

If you’re unsure whether the crash involved a stolen car, an uninsured driver, or a lapse in coverage, a lawyer can guide you through the next steps and help you strengthen your claim.

Is PA a No-Fault Accident State?

Pennsylvania is a no-fault state with a choice between no limitation to sue and a prohibition on suing for pain and suffering, which means drivers choose between full tort and limited tort coverage, respectively, when they buy insurance. If you have limited tort, your right to sue for pain and suffering after a crash may be restricted unless your injuries meet certain thresholds.

Accident Victims & PA Crash Reporting: Legal Support

Understanding your Pennsylvania car accident report is a great first step toward protecting yourself. For instance, it can tell you the meaning of police report vehicle 1 and vehicle 2, what the insurance company might consider when handling your claim, and whether you might need to take legal action. However, it’s not always the full picture — and it’s not always correct.

That’s where a personal injury lawyer can make a big difference. Whether the report contains mistakes, leaves out key facts, or just doesn’t reflect what really happened, a lawyer can help you set the record straight. Contact our team today to get started.