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A car accident can happen in the blink of an eye, leaving individuals shaken, injured, and uncertain about what to do next. The moments immediately following a collision can be overwhelming, but understanding the crucial steps to take after a car accident in Pennsylvania can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety, protecting your rights, and obtaining the necessary support for recovery. We’ll explain everything you need to know from what to do at the scene of the accident, to getting medical care, to getting a copy of your PA crash report when seeking compensation for your injuries and everything in between.
Pennsylvania, like every state, has specific laws and procedures in place for handling accidents, which can often be complex and challenging to navigate. Whether you're a resident or a visitor to the Keystone State, being prepared and knowledgeable about what to do after a car accident is essential to ensure you receive proper care and coverage while recovering from your accident.
After a car accident, it's crucial to remain calm and take several immediate steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. Here are the first things you should do:
Check for Injuries - First and foremost, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance. Even if injuries seem minor, it's essential to get medical attention as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Move to a Safe Location - If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic to prevent further accidents and hazards. Turn on your hazard lights to signal other drivers.
Call the Police - Regardless of the accident's severity, it's advisable to call the police and report the accident. They will create an official PA accident report, which can be valuable for insurance claims and legal purposes later on.
Exchange Information - Exchange information with the other driver(s) involved, including names, phone numbers, addresses, driver's license numbers, and insurance information. Also, note the make, model, and license plate numbers of all vehicles involved.
Gather Evidence - If it's safe to do so, take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This visual evidence can be essential when dealing with insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Witness Information - If there are any witnesses to the accident, collect their contact information. Their statements may be valuable in determining fault.
Do Not Admit Fault - Avoid admitting fault or discussing the details of the accident with the other driver(s). Leave fault determination to the authorities and insurance companies.
Contact Your Insurance Company - Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible, even if you believe you were not at fault. Be honest and provide accurate information.
Seek Medical Attention - Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries are not visible or immediately obvious, so it's important to get checked by a medical professional.
Document Everything - Keep a detailed record of all interactions, expenses, and communications related to the accident. This includes medical bills, repair estimates, and conversations with insurance adjusters or the other party involved.
File an Accident Report - In Pennsylvania, you must file an accident report (Form AA-600) with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) within five days if there were injuries, fatalities, or damage exceeding $1,000.
Retain Legal Counsel - If the accident resulted in injuries, disputes over fault, or other complex issues, you may want to consult with an attorney who specializes in personal injury or car accident cases. There is no cost to you to explore your options, and an injury lawyer can focus on your case so you can focus on recovery.
Remember that every accident is unique, and the specific steps you need to take may vary depending on the circumstances of your accident. Following these initial steps can help you navigate the aftermath of a car accident more effectively and help ensure your rights are protected.
Pennsylvania state police incident reports online through the Online Crash Report Requests website or request a copy by mailing the required documents and payment to the Crash Reports Unit in Harrisburg, PA by following these steps:
Visit the Online Crash Report Requests website.
Perform a PA police report search. If you have a copy of your Police Crash Report you can search by your incident number.
If you don’t, you can search by your name and date.
Add the crash report to your cart. The fee for a copy of a PA crash report is $22.
The report will then be emailed to you.
Fill out the form SP7-0015, “Application to Obtain Copy of Police Crash Report”. You will need the date, time, and location of the accident, incident number, and other requested information.
Include payment using a certified check or money order made payable to the “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania”. The fee for PA state police crash reports is $22.
Mail the application and processing fee to:
Attention: Crash Reports Unit, 1800 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
Your report will then be mailed to you.
According to Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Section 3751(b), people who may obtain car accident reports filed by Pennsylvania State Police include:
Individuals involved in the accident.
Automobile insurance companies.
Attorneys representing clients involved in the accident.
Other government agencies.
Obtaining a copy of your Pennsylvania State Accident Report (Form AA-600) is important for several reasons:
Documentation of the Incident -The accident report is an official document that provides a detailed account of the accident, including the date, time, location, and a description of what happened. Having this report serves as crucial documentation of the incident.
Insurance Claims - When you file a claim with your insurance company or the other driver's insurance company, having a copy of the accident report can help facilitate the claims process. It provides insurers with an official account of the accident, which can aid in determining fault and assessing the extent of damages.
Legal Purposes - If you need to pursue legal action, such as a personal injury lawsuit, the accident report can be a valuable piece of evidence. It can support your case by providing an official record of the accident and may help establish liability.
Disputes Over Who is At Fault - In some cases, there may be disputes over who was at fault in the accident. The accident report can be used as an objective account of the incident, which can help resolve disagreements about fault.
Statute of Limitations - As with most states, Pennsylvania has a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing personal injury claims. Having a copy of the accident report ensures that you have the necessary documentation in case you need to file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires.
Accuracy Verification - Reviewing the accident report allows you to ensure its accuracy. Mistakes or inaccuracies in the report, such as incorrect details about the accident or your injuries, can be corrected by working with the police department that filed the report.
Insurance Rate Impact - If the accident was not your fault, providing a copy of the accident report to your insurance company can help prevent an increase in your insurance rates. It helps establish that you were not responsible for the accident.
Peace of Mind - Having a copy of the accident report can provide peace of mind. It serves as a comprehensive record of the accident, which can be valuable for your own records and future reference.
Keep in mind that there is a small fee associated with obtaining a copy of your PA crash report, and the process for requesting it can vary by the jurisdiction the accident occurred within. However, the benefits of having this official documentation far outweigh any associated costs or effort. If you choose to retain a Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer, they will take care of getting the accident report and any other necessary documentation for you.
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