{"id":375959,"date":"2017-09-29T14:54:59","date_gmt":"2017-09-29T19:54:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/pennsylvania-car-accident-report-basics.html"},"modified":"2024-06-01T22:38:44","modified_gmt":"2024-06-02T03:38:44","slug":"pennsylvania-car-accident-report-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/pennsylvania-car-accident-report-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"Pennsylvania Car Accident Report Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Pennsylvania Car Accident Report Basics<\/h1>\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

A car accident is over in a matter of seconds, but the paperwork and phone calls with your insurance company can take weeks or even months. It all starts with you filing your car accident report.<\/p>\r\n

Even though Pennsylvania is a no-fault insurance state, you usually have to file a crash report with the police, the DMV, and your insurance company. Here, we\u2019ll review Pennsylvania car accident report requirements and discuss how to file your motor vehicle accident report.<\/p>\r\n

Knowing the basics about the Keystone State\u2019s crash reporting laws can help save you time and money if you get into a car crash.<\/p>\r\n

How To File a Car Crash Report in Pennsylvania<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

The chart below summarizes Pennsylvania law and procedures for filing a car crash report.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

State Accident Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

When To File a Crash Report<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Motorists in Pennsylvania must file a report within five days of the crash when:<\/p>\r\n

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  • A police officer did not investigate the collision<\/li>\r\n
  • The accident resulted in death, injury, or severe property damage to one of the vehicles<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

How To File a Crash Report:<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n

Obtain specific information from the other driver(s)<\/p>\r\n