(235+)Car accidents are an unfortunate reality on Philadelphia’s busy streets and highways. In the aftermath of a crash, your mind may be racing with questions about what to do next as you deal with injuries, vehicle damage, insurance claims, and legal issues. One of the most important steps is obtaining a copy of the official police report documenting the accident.
At Gibbons & Crichton, our experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyers help car accident victims in Philadelphia understand their rights and take the necessary actions to protect their interests. In this blog post, we will explain how to get an accident police report in Philadelphia and why this document is so critical.
The Importance of a Police Report After a Car Accident
Whenever a car accident occurs in Philadelphia that results in injury, death, or significant property damage, the law requires it to be reported to the police. An officer will be dispatched to the scene to investigate, gather information, and generate an official police report, also known as an incident report or crash report.
This police report serves as a key piece of evidence that insurance companies and attorneys will rely on when determining fault and liability for the accident. It provides an objective, third-party account of what occurred based on the officer’s professional assessment.
The report will typically include important details such as:
- The date, time, and exact location of the accident
- Contact and insurance information for all involved drivers
- Witness names and statements
- An initial assessment of the fault
- A diagram of the accident scene
- Weather, road, and lighting conditions
- Extent of vehicle damage
- Any traffic violations or citations issued
As you can imagine, the information contained in the police report will play a major role in the insurance claims process. Your ability to obtain proper compensation from the at-fault party’s insurer may hinge on the strength of the evidence in this report. If the other driver is disputing fault, or you need to file a personal injury lawsuit, your Philadelphia car accident attorney will also heavily rely on the police report to build your case.
For all of these reasons, it is critical to obtain your copy of the police report as soon as possible after your accident. Taking this step will ensure you have the official record of the crash to protect your rights and interests down the line.
How To Get an Accident Police Report in Philadelphia
So, how exactly do you go about getting an accident police report in Philadelphia? There are a few options available:
Request a Copy Online
The easiest and most convenient way to get your report is by requesting it online through the Philadelphia Police Department’s “Crash Reports Online” system. As long as you have the following information, you can search for and download an electronic copy of your report for a small fee:
- The date of the accident
- The location of the accident (street number & name)
- Your last name
Enter the required information and follow the prompts to locate your report. If a report is found, you will be able to immediately download a copy after paying the fee. Reports are typically available 2-3 business days after the accident, but it can take up to 15 days in some cases.
Visit the Police District Headquarters In-Person
If your report is not yet available online, or you would prefer an in-person request, you can visit the police district headquarters where your accident occurred. Bring proper identification and be prepared to provide the accident date, location, and personal information. You may need to pay a fee for them to print a copy of the report.
Ask Your Insurance Company for a Copy
In some cases, your insurance company may be able to help you obtain a copy of the police report more quickly than going through the Philadelphia Police Department directly. If you reported your accident to your insurer, they will likely request the police report themselves as part of the claims investigation. They may be willing to send you a copy. However, you should still try to obtain an official copy to ensure you have one on hand.
What To Do If There is an Error on Your Accident Report
While police officers do their best to accurately document accident scenes, mistakes can sometimes make their way into the official report. Maybe the officer got a witness statement wrong, or you disagree with the initial finding of fault. It is very important to review your police report closely for any factual errors or discrepancies.
If you find a mistake in the report, contact the Philadelphia Police Department to file an amendment as soon as possible. You will need to submit a written statement explaining the error and provide any evidence you have to support the change, such as photos, videos, or GPS data from your phone. An updated version of the report may then be issued.
Keep in mind that while you can request to have factual errors in the report corrected, you likely will not be able to change the officer’s opinions in the report, such as who was at fault. However, you can provide your version of events in your insurance claim and allow adjusters to consider any mitigating factors.
It is also a good idea to contact an experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer if you believe the police report does not accurately reflect what happened. Establishing fault is often complex, and the police report is just one piece of the larger factual puzzle that will determine liability. An attorney can conduct an independent investigation, gather additional evidence, interview witnesses, and build the strongest case possible on your behalf.
We Are Here for You
Getting an accident police report is one of the most important actions to take after a car crash in Philadelphia. This official record serves as vital evidence to support an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
At Gibbons & Crichton, we are here to guide you through every step of the post-accident process, from obtaining your police report to negotiating with insurers to taking your case to trial. If you have any questions about your rights and legal options after a crash, please do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. We are ready to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
