How Important Is Filing a Police Report After an Accident?

Filing a Police Report After an Accident in Pennsylvania Is More Important Than You Might Think

After a traffic accident, it may be tempting to simply skip the police report, trade contact and insurance information and move on. However, in failing to obtain a police report, you deny yourself of a key piece of documentation — documentation that could be instrumental for collecting compensation for the injuries you have suffered.

A police report is a key piece of information because it comes from a trusted neutral party. When writing a police report, the responding officer provides a detailed account of the basic facts surrounding the crash as well as statements from both parties. This report can make the claims process go more smoothly and provide useful information for those pursuing a personal injury claim.

If you have been injured in an accident, our law firm can help you gather the information you need to pursue a successful claim. At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C., our attorneys have decades of experience handling car accident cases. We will guide you through the entire process, from the initial fact-finding through the settlement negotiations or trial.

Why File a Police Report for a Minor Accident?

After a minor fender bender, it may seem pointless to file a police report — after all, there were no lasting injuries, were there? Unfortunately, in many cases, victims of minor accidents may suffer injuries that are not immediately apparent. This is particularly common in rear-end collisions, where one driver may suffer whiplash injuries that do not present symptoms for several days.

It is impossible to foresee how an accident may affect your life in the days to come. If you have been involved in a collision, take the time to file a detailed police report. Give a clear, honest and detailed statement to the police officer, but do not address issues of guilt or assign blame. Record the name and badge number of the responding officer, and ask when the police report will be ready. Collect a copy of the report as soon as possible.

How Long After a Car Accident Can You File a Police Report?

Filing a police report is one of the most important steps a person will take following a car accident. The police report is a crucial piece of evidence that will be used by your car accident lawyer to build a strong personal injury claim. However, some car accident victims suffer serious injuries and are unable to file a police report immediately following the crash. Luckily, there is a certain amount of time allotted to car accident victims to file this report.

In the state of Pennsylvania, car accident victims have up to five days from the date the accident occurred to report the accident to law enforcement. For accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000, car accident victims are required to file a police report within five days. While you do have five days to file this report, it is advisable to complete this report as soon as possible. This is because accident reports include a detailed description of the chain of events from the perspective of the parties involved, any witnesses, and the attending law enforcement officer. If you wait too long, it may be difficult to get an accurate recollection and the important details that will be crucial to your claim.

Can You Recover Damages After a Pennsylvania Car Accident?

After being harmed in a car accident in Pennsylvania, you may have incurred costly expenses as a result of your injuries. For this reason, it is crucial you file a personal injury claim with the help of a skilled car accident lawyer who can help you pursue the fair compensation you may be owed for the injuries and losses you have suffered as a result of the negligence of the at-fault party. 

The damages you may be eligible to recover include the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost earning potential
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

When filing your personal injury claim, insurance adjusters will often try to get you to accept a lowball offer. However, with the help of a Pennsylvania lawyer, they can negotiate for the fair compensation you deserve. 

Injured in a Pennsylvania Car Accident? Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you have suffered an injury due to another driver’s negligence, get legal help. Contact Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. online or call us. We offer free initial consultations to all clients. We collect no fees unless we win compensation on your behalf. We have offices located in both Colmar, PA and Newtown, PA, and can even meet with you in your home or hospital during extenuating circumstances. Call now at (215) 822-7575 or complete our contact form.gence, get legal help. Contact Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. online or call us. We offer free initial consultations to all clients. We collect no fees unless we win compensation on your behalf. We have offices located in both Colmar, PA and Newtown, PA, and can even meet with you in your home or hospital during extenuating circumstances. Call now.