Why Do I Need A Pennsylvania Accident Report?
Why Do I Need An Accident Report?
Have you been involved in an automobile accident in the state of Pennsylvania? Did you suffer bodily injuries which require medical treatment or property damages which require repair? Do you plan to claim insurance benefits or file a lawsuit? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then the best place to start is by accessing a copy of your official Pennsylvania accident report.
This report is a document which includes all of the pertinent information surrounding your accident, including the drivers’ information, the injuries and property damages suffered, and a written narrative of the events of the crash. This document can be very valuable to you, as it is often one of the first things an insurance adjuster or automobile accident attorney will request.
Requirements for Obtaining a Pennsylvania Traffic Crash Report
Not only is it a good idea to access your accident report so that you can better navigate the claims process, but it is also required by state law in some cases. Under Pa.C.S.A. Vehicles § 3747 and Pa.C.S.A. Vehicles § 3746, you are required to report any car accident which:
- Was not reported to local law enforcement
- Resulted in severe damage to any vehicle
- Resulted in severe injury or death of anyone involved
Common Questions About the Pennsylvania Traffic Crash Report
Although you can begin the claims process without an official crash report, you won’t get very far without one. Most attorneys and insurance adjusters will request a copy of your report so that they can best determine what kind of settlement you are owed.
If you’re able, it’s best to call a law enforcement officer to the scene, regardless of how severe or mild an accident may appear. If no officer is called, there will be no one to file an official record of the accident.
You are able to file your own accident report, but accident reports filed by law enforcement officers tend to hold more weight with insurance providers and attorneys, as they are clearer and give a less biased account of the details of the accident.
You can submit a request for a copy of your official Pennsylvania accident report 15 days after the date of the crash.
Through the Pennsylvania State Police, a copy of your official crash report will cost $22.00. With us, you can access your report from the comfort of your own home at absolutely no cost to you! Click HERE to get started!
Your Pennsylvania Accident Report and the Insurance Company
If you plan to claim insurance benefits after being involved in a car accident, the insurance adjuster will likely request a copy of your official Pennsylvania accident report. They will use the information in this report to establish fault and causation of the accident so that they can provide you with as fair a settlement as possible.
It is far more difficult to receive a fair settlement if you are unable to provide your adjuster with a copy of your official report. In some cases, it can lead to higher monthly rates. It is important that you secure a copy of your official report so that you can receive the insurance you deserve.
