Do I Have to Report a Car Accident in Pennsylvania?

Do you have to report a car accident in Pennsylvania? Yes, in most cases, you are required to report a car accident in Pennsylvania. However, the specifics of when and how to report depend on the severity of the accident and the parties involved. 

At Morelli Law Firm, our Pennsylvania car accident lawyers know the consequences of not reporting a car accident to the authorities. It will make your case much more challenging and could get you into legal trouble.

This guide will help you understand your reporting responsibilities and the steps you should take following a car accident in Pennsylvania.

When Must You Report a Car Accident in Pennsylvania?

You must immediately report a car accident to the police in Pennsylvania if:

• The accident resulted in injury or death to any person involved
• The vehicles involved cannot be safely driven from the scene

In these cases, you should call 911 or the local police department immediately. Failure to report such accidents is a serious offense and can result in legal consequences.

If the police do not investigate, you must file a written report with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) within five days of the accident if:

• The accident resulted in injury or death to any person
• The accident damaged any vehicle involved to the extent that it could not be driven under its own power in its customary manner without further damage or hazard to the vehicle, other traffic elements, or the roadway.

This report is known as the Driver’s Accident Report (Form AA-600), and it can be crucial for proving your insurance claim. Without an official report, an insurer may think you’re making up a story about your accident.

Accidents That Don’t Require Reporting

Not all accidents require official reporting. You generally don’t need to report an accident if:

1. There were no injuries.
2. All vehicles can be safely driven from the scene.
3. The total property damage is less than $1,000.

However, even in these cases, documenting the incident and exchanging information with the other parties involved is often wise. Furthermore, it’s not illegal to call the police to make a report when it’s not required.

How to Report a Car Accident in Pennsylvania

If you need to report an accident to the police, call 911 or the local police department at the crash scene. Remain there until the police arrive. If you leave early, you could be charged with leaving the scene of an accident, especially in cases of injury, death, or significant property damage.

Give the police accurate information and request a copy of the report for your records. If the police do not investigate your accident, fill out Form AA-600 and submit it to PennDOT within five days of the accident.

Failing to report a car accident in Pennsylvania when required can result in the suspension of your driving privileges.

Why Reporting a Car Accident Is Crucial to Your Case

Reporting a car accident as the law requires more than just following rules. It’s about protecting your legal rights and interests. A proper report:

• Creates an official record of the incident.
• Can help establish fault in insurance claims.
• May be crucial evidence in potential legal proceedings.

Many insurance policies require prompt reporting of accidents. Failing to report an accident could jeopardize your coverage even if you’re not at fault. A proper accident report can:

• Support your insurance claim.
• Help establish the timeline of events.
• Provide crucial details to your lawyer and the insurers that you might forget later.

Also, some injuries from car accidents may not be immediately apparent. By reporting the accident:

• You create an accident report that could link future medical issues to the accident.
• You preserve your right to seek compensation for injuries that may manifest later.
• You protect yourself from potential false claims by other parties.

What if You Failed to Report an Accident?

If you fail to report an accident as required, you may face legal penalties, including fines and license suspension. Your insurance claim might take much longer to resolve or be denied altogether. Finally, you could become vulnerable to legal action from other parties involved.

The specific consequences depend on the circumstances of the accident and your actions afterward. If you realize you should have reported an accident:

• Contact a qualified personal injury attorney immediately, like the team at Morelli Law Firm.
• File the necessary reports as soon as possible, explaining the reason for the delay.
• Be prepared to provide a detailed account of the accident.

While late reporting can complicate matters, an experienced attorney can help you with any issues that arise and protect your interests.

Protect Your Rights by Reporting Accidents Properly

Understanding and fulfilling your obligation to report car accidents in Pennsylvania is crucial for protecting your rights and interests. You create an official record, support potential insurance claims, and safeguard your legal position by reporting accidents as required.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Pennsylvania, contact Morelli Law Firm today. We’re here to champion your rights, guide you through the legal process, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.