Can I Obtain a Police Report After an Accident in PA?

Yes, If you were directly involved in an accident in Pennsylvania as a driver, passenger, or property owner, you are generally entitled to receive a copy of the report. Legal representatives, insurance companies, and certain other stakeholders can also obtain these reports.

How do I obtain a police report?

Here are the general steps to follow to obtain a Pennsylvania Driver’s Accident Report:

1. Identify the reporting agency: Determine which police department responded to the accident. This could be the local police, state police, or another law enforcement agency.
2. Request the report: Visit the police department in person or check their website for instructions on requesting accident reports. Some departments allow you to request reports online, by mail, or in person.
3. Provide required information: You will likely need to provide specific details about the accident, such as the date, time, location, and names of the involved parties. You might also need to provide the incident number if you have it.
4. Pay the fee: A copy of the police report usually costs money, but this fee can vary by department.

The time it takes to receive the report can vary. It’s generally available within a few days to a few weeks after the accident, depending on the agency’s policies and the specifics of the incident.

Are police reports public?

In Pennsylvania, police reports are generally considered public records, but access to them can be restricted based on specific circumstances. Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law governs the accessibility of public records, including police reports. However, certain restrictions on the release of information could depend on the nature of the investigation or privacy concerns for the individuals involved.

For example, personal information such as addresses, phone numbers, and personal identifiers might be redacted to protect privacy. Certain reports, particularly those involving juveniles or that contain sensitive criminal investigation information, might be exempt from public release.

What information can be found on a police report?

A police report typically contains a detailed account of an incident, as recorded by the responding officer. Here’s what you can generally expect to find in a police report:

• Incident information: Date, time, and location of the incident.
• Parties involved: Names, addresses, and contact information of all parties involved, including witnesses. Personal information might be redacted depending on who is requesting the report and for what purpose.
• Vehicles involved: License plate numbers and insurance information for each vehicle.
• Narrative description: A detailed description of the incident observed by the officer or reported by witnesses. This might include a description of the conditions and sequence of events leading to the accident, what the officer saw upon arrival, and statements from witnesses and involved parties.
• Damage description: Specific details about any damage to vehicles, property, or injuries sustained by individuals involved in the incident.
• Diagram: For traffic accidents, a pictorial diagram may be included to show the positions and movements of vehicles and other relevant details about the scene.
• Violation codes: Any legal violations or citations issued due to the incident.
• Officer information: The name, badge number, and possibly the signature of the responding officer(s).
• Traffic control devices: Information about traffic lights and potential lane closures at the scene.
• Investigative findings: Preliminary findings or observations from the officer regarding the cause of the incident or factors involved, including whether any of the parties involved might have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Witness statements: Statements from anyone who may have witnessed the accident.
• Action taken: Any actions taken by law enforcement at the scene, such as arrests made, aid rendered, vehicles towed, or follow-up actions required.

These elements provide a comprehensive view of the incident that can be used for legal, insurance, or personal purposes. Each report may vary slightly depending on the police department’s specific procedures and the nature of the incident.

How can a police report affect my personal injury case?

A police report can significantly influence a personal injury case in several ways, such as:

• Evidence of facts: The police report provides a third-party account of the incident, which can be seen as more objective than the statements of those directly involved. It serves as crucial evidence regarding the facts of the case, such as the time, location, and circumstances of the accident.
• Determination of fault: The report might include the responding officer’s observations and conclusions about who was at fault based on the evidence and statements collected at the scene. Although not definitive, this can significantly influence how insurance companies and courts determine liability.
• Credibility with insurers: Insurance companies often rely on police reports to assess claims, and a report that assigns fault to a particular party can be instrumental in negotiating settlement agreements.
• Legal proceedings: If the case goes to court, the police report can be a critical piece of evidence to establish key facts, support witness testimony, or contradict the other party’s version of events.
• Support for damages: Details in the report describing damages and injuries can help substantiate claims for compensation and support claims for damages related to medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
• Reliable witness statements: The report often contains witness statements taken immediately after the incident, which can be more reliable than later recollections and pivotal in negotiations and trials.

While a police report can be highly influential, it is not the final word in a legal proceeding. Other evidence, such as additional witness testimonies, expert opinions, and further investigation, can also significantly impact the outcome of a personal injury case. If you have difficulty obtaining a police report, consult an experienced legal professional who understands the proper procedure to access the report.

The Pittsburgh car accident lawyers at Carmody and Ging, Injury & Accident Lawyers have a combined 60 years of experience fighting for personal injury victims. We work with investigators, the police, accident reconstruction professionals, and other experts to build a strong case and ensure you obtain fair compensation for your losses. Call us or fill out our contact form to schedule your free initial consultation today.