Depending on the severity of the crash you may be legally required to call the police after being involved in a car accident in Pennsylvania. Reach out to a York County, PA car accident attorney for more information and skilled legal representation.
Do I Have to Call the Police to Report a Car Accident in PA?
Pennsylvania law recognizes two types of car accidents, reportable and nonreportable. While drivers can call the police any time they get into a fender bender, only reportable accidents are required to be reported by law.
According to Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, a reportable car accident is one where:
- Someone is injured or killed
- A hit-and-run occurs
- One or more vehicles cannot move and must be towed
If any of the above conditions are met then the drivers involved are required to call the police and report the accident.
Should I Call the Police for a Nonreportable Accident?
Drivers are within their rights to call the police after a minor or nonreportable accident. Although they do not legally have to report the accident it can be beneficial in a few ways.
Having an official police or accident report can be helpful in any legal matter that may follow the accident. For example, if one driver wants to file a claim or lawsuit against another for property damage, evidence will be required proving that the accident was caused by the other party and that the damage was a direct result of the collision. The police report will contain information like the names and contact information of all parties involved, insurance providers, a description of the accident, how fast the vehicles were traveling, how they collided, the officer’s perspective on liability, and more.
It can also be beneficial if any injuries present themselves. Although you may not believe that you are hurt at the time of the accident, trauma can sometimes disguise itself behind adrenaline and shock. Your injuries may be hidden and symptoms could start appearing several hours or days after the accident. By having an official record of the accident you can ensure a link between the collision and your injuries. Without it, you leave yourself vulnerable to insurance providers or the other driver claiming that your injuries occurred due to another event or are not serious enough to warrant compensation.
Although it may not be legally necessary, it can prove beneficial to err on the side of caution and report the accident even if it is minor.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?
If your accident does result in injuries you can pursue legal action against the liable party via a lawsuit or insurance claim. Under Pennsylvania law, the statute of limitations to pursue legal action for a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the injury. If you fail to initiate legal action before then you forfeit your right to compensation. Speak to a lawyer today to ensure your rights are protected and you do not lose your opportunity to pursue legal action for your injury.
